Editor’s note: This article is part of the Bracket Central series, an inside look at the run-up to the men’s & women’s NCAA Tournaments, along with analysis and picks during the tournaments.
We’re down to one undefeated team in Division I basketball as the final month of conference play nears. While a handful of teams have run the top of the game this year, many teams have been on their heels, nipping and chasing for an opportunity to climb into that upper echelon.
UCLA, South Carolina, Notre Dame and USC currently hold those spots in this week’s bracket (as they have most of the season). I expect those teams to hold steady, as they’ve been the best four teams in the country. However, as we saw last season, conference tournament runs or early exits can create changes at the top.
Halfway through regular-season play, who still has a chance to take a No. 1 seed before the year is done?
| Last four in | First four out | Next four out | Last four byes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Tech |
Washington |
George Mason |
Minnesota |
|
Iowa State |
Arizona |
Texas A&M |
Louisville |
|
Princeton |
St. Joseph’s |
Seton Hall |
South Dakota State |
|
Colorado |
South Florida |
Belmont |
Indiana |
| Conference | Bids |
|---|---|
|
Big Ten |
11 |
|
SEC |
10 |
|
ACC |
9 |
|
Big 12 |
7 |
|
Ivy |
3 |
|
Big East |
2 |
What Makes a No. 1 Seed?
One of the most important factors…
