When the brackets were announced on Sunday, I was happy and slightly surprised that UC got a 6 seed. I think they deserve a 6, but thought the committee would give them a 7. What I am not happy with is their matchup.
Missouri is no 11 seed. Their RPI isn't far behind the Bearcats and they went 0.500 in a major conference. They are more like an 8 or 9 in my opinion. The other 6 seeds are St. Johns, Georgetown, & Xavier, and they are matched up against Gonzaga, the USC/VCU play-in winner, & Marquette, repectively. One could argue that Xavier's draw is as tought as UC's, but I think Cincinnati's is just a little tougher, while Georgetown got the easiest of the bunch.
If the Bearcats can get past the Tigers, UConn potentially awaits. UConn beat UC this season at Fifth Third Arena and are red-hot and full of confidence coming off their Big East Tournament Championship. Hopefully they will be out of gas as well.
It's a tough draw to be sure, but one that UC can win if they come out with intensity and play smart basketball. In their first trip back to the dance since 2005, it sure would be nice to play two (or more).
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