Author: John Paulsen (Page 896 of 937)

With the release of the new USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll, it appears that, unless Duke loses its third consecutive game, three of the #1 seeds are set. UConn, Duke and Villanova have been rotating through the top four spots in the poll for the last few weeks. If Duke wins a conference tourney game or two, they should lock up the #1 seed in the South (or possibly the East if UConn and ‘Nova falter early.) The Big East team that goes the farthest in that tournament will likely be awarded the #1 seed in the East, with the other team likely getting the #1 seed in the Midwest.

However, the fourth #1 seed is up for grabs. Memphis was first in line, but their loss last week to UAB has pushed them down to the #5 ranking, and Gonzaga took their place. If the Bulldogs go on to win their conference tournament, they have a good shot at being the #1 seed in the West. However, there are several other teams that could lay claims to the final #1 seed. Memphis, George Washington, Ohio State, Texas and, to a lesser extent, Illinois and North Carolina, could each make a strong argument with terrific play in their respective conference tournaments.

North Carolina took control of the game in the second half, and survived a furious run by Duke to leave Durham victorious, 83-76. J.J. Redick had an awful night shooting the ball. After hitting his first three shots, he finished 5 of 21 from the field.

Despite losing his top seven scorers from the National Championship team a year ago, Roy Williams has North Carolina peaking at the right time. Duke on the other hand has lost its last two games and heads into the ACC tournament on a down note. Hopefully, the two teams will face each other in the finals next Sunday for the rubber match (Duke won the first meeting in Chapel Hill).