Updated Bracket Prediction

Hey folks. Have you gotten tired of hearing about who Joe Lunardi has in and out of the NCAA Tournament? Well, here’s another perspective on the matter. (At least, a quick update on one).

I did some compiling of data from teams that received At Large bids since 2006. Here are some interesting findings:

• No mid-majors with an RPI over 50 have received an At Large Bid
• What it means: Richmond (RPI 58) still has work to do
• No team with an RPI over 70 received an At Large Bid
• What it means: Alabama (RPI 80) still has work to do
• All but 1 major conference team with a Top 40 RPI have received At Large Bids
• What it means: Georgia (RPI 40) barely hanging on
• For Major conference teams with an RPI in the 40s:
• All but 1 team with a winning record in conference play received an At Large Bid
• Only 1 team with a losing record in conference play received an At Large Bid
• All but 3 Top 30 RPI teams have received At Large Bids
• What it means: UAB slipped outside the Top 30 after losing to East Carolina and their hopes of making the Big Dance might be in trouble

So without further ado, here’s my latest bracket prediction…feel free to agree or disagree in the comments!

I can’t wait for Selection Sunday to see how I stack up against Joe Lunardi and company. In the mean time, here are two reads worth your time:

In the Tournament, There’s No Place Like (Close To) Home
Bracket Science: Guide to every matchup in the NCAA Tournament