The Bracket
***Results of games played after Saturday, Feb. 27. are not accounted for***
Italics denote a First Four matchup. The bracket is assembled in accordance with the official 2015-16 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship principles and procedures for establishing the bracket. You can compare these projections with those of other bracketologists nationwide at the Bracket Matrix.
It has become evident to me that the formula hates Pitt with a passion, and the only explanation I can think of is the Panthers’ lack of top 50 wins. They have just one, a road win in early January against Notre Dame. Sunday’s upset of Duke should give them a boost.
The idea of a Pitt-Butler rematch brings back memories of one of my favorite college basketball endings of all time. Flashback to 2011, when the 8-seed Bulldogs were trying to get back to the Final Four for the second straight year. Standing in their path in the round of 32 were the Panthers, a 1-seed. It proved to be an instant classic. Sloppy, but a classic nonetheless.
On a separate note, you may have noticed that I redesigned the bracket. I figured it would be easier to see than the previous full-bracket format. Please let me know which one you prefer in the poll below.
Which format do you prefer?
Old Format (Full bracket)
New Format (modular)
Next: The Breakdown