NCAA Tournament Projections, February 15: Wisconsin Surges Ahead of Several Teams, LSU Right on the Edge

Here are the NCAA Tournament bracket projections for the week of February 15th. Kansas’ big win on Saturday boosts the Jayhawks–with two wins over Oklahoma–into the top overall seed. Oklahoma barely holds on to a #1 seed because of the overall strength of resumé, but the distance between the top 10 teams (the teams on the top two lines plus Maryland and West Virginia) is razor thin.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the bracket, Wisconsin not only got a huge win over Maryland, but they did so in impressive fashion on the road. They needed it after missing early opportunities against the top teams in January at home. That kind of win will simply separate them from others that are going to be on the bubble. In fact, they shot around ten teams into a 9 seed this week for me, and can continue to rise.

LSU split their two game stretch of playing at South Carolina and Texas A&M. That has them just in the field right now. Currently tied for the lead in the SEC at 9-3, I think a 3-3 close against a stretch that includes games against Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky (and a not-easy road game at Arkansas) will have them firmly in bubble talk entering the SEC tourney. Better than that and I think they get in before they get there.

[image via USA Today Sports Images]