Kansas State Basketball: Little Love From Bracket Experts
By Stan Unruh
Kansas State basketball’s 16th win of the season was one of the biggest road victories in program history. Despite the win they are getting little love from NCAA bracket experts.
With last Saturday’s upset victory at Baylor, Bruce Weber’s Wildcats may have secured their place in the NCAA tournament field, or have they?
The loss to rival Kansas on Tuesday didn’t hurt the team’s opportunity for a trip to the NCAA tournament.
However, their overall season resume hasn’t convinced all the bracket prognosticators.
They’ve won 16 games and considering the schedule, should get to the 20-win mark.
After Saturday’s game, the Wildcats won’t face another top 25 team to finish the regular season.
They need to finish strong or face missing the big dance.
In the most recent bracket predictions, CBS has Kansas State as a bubble team sitting as a number 10 seed in the west regional.
Bruce Weber’s guys would open against Northwestern, according to CBS. If they advance, they would face former Wildcat coach Dana Altman’s Oregon Ducks.
ESPN’s Bracket guru Joe Lunardi thinks seven Big 12 teams will earn a trip to the tournament. He also has the ‘Cats as a #10 seed this week but in the Midwest Regional at Indianapolis.
He believes they’d play SMU in their opening game. He has the Wildcats facing Louisville if both advance.
Fox Sports isn’t sold on the Wildcats as a tournament team. They currently expect only 6 teams from the Big 12 in the tournament and Kansas State is listed as among the first 4 out along with Wichita State.
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The Wildcats have seven regular season games remaining including their third straight top 15 opponent on Saturday at West Virginia.
They need to make the most of every opportunity and may need a strong Big 12 tournament showing to get in the tournament.