Connecticut’s 72-40 blowout of St. John’s in Wednesday’s key Big East tilt puts the Huskies back atop the conference standings and onto the No. 1 line in our latest bracketology update.
On some nights, UConn looks like the best team in the country. That was the case on Wednesday, when its defense held the Red Storm to just 19.6% shooting from the field. St. John’s was outscored 31-14 in the second half and missed its final 24 attempts.
The win avenges one of UConn’s three losses, which includes Arizona and Creighton. Arizona, Michigan and Duke are also on the No. 1 line.
The Huskies’ bump knocks Iowa State down a peg to a No. 2 seed. The Cyclones lost to Brigham Young last weekend but rebounded with a road win against Utah, which is tied for last place in the Big 12.
STARTING FIVE: College basketball weekend loaded with big-time matchups
Alabama moves to a No. 4 on the back of a seven-game SEC winning streak highlighted by defeats of Auburn and Arkansas. Since the double-overtime loss in Tuscaloosa, the Razorbacks have topped Missouri and Texas A&M to climb to a No. 5.
There are 11 SEC teams in the field, led by defending national champion Florida on the No. 2 line. The conference sent a record 14 teams to last year’s tournament.
March Madness bracketology: NCAA Tournament projection
March Madness last four in
Indiana, Ohio State, Missouri, Santa Clara.
March Madness first four out
Southern California, California, Virginia Commonwealth, San Diego State.
NCAA tournament bids conference breakdown
Multi-bid leagues: SEC (11), Big Ten (10), ACC (8) Big 12 (8), Big East (3), West Coast (3).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness predictions: Bracketology forecast for NCAA Tournament
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