The Arizona Wildcats just keep on winning and are starting to see their name mentioned among the teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. March Madness is just about a month away and there is very little room for error if the UA hopes to reach postseason play after their run to the Elite Eight last season.
According to the latest bracket projections from Chris Dobbertean of SB Nation, Arizona would have to play in the first round play-in game. Keep reading for all the details...
In that version of the bracket, Arizona would be a No. 12 seed and would face North Carolina St. in the first round on Tuesday night. Should they win, the team would next play Temple, who claimed a No. 5 seed for their strong play in recent weeks. If Arizona knocked off Temple, they would then play the winner of the Wisconsin-Davidson matchup in the round of 32.
My biggest concern would be having to play three games in about five days. This current Arizona team is basically working with seven players right now and there is no telling if or when Jordin Mayes will be able to return from his foot injury and play at a high level. Sean Miller will obviously take any bid his program can get, but it would be very beneficial to their chances of a tournament run to not have to play yet another game in the opening round.
These are all just fun projections but it is good to see Arizona back in the tournament picture once again.
Next up for the Wildcats will be the Washington schools, with the Washington St. Cougars up first. Tipoff will come Thursday night at 7 p.m. (Tucson time) from Pullman.
For more on the team, head on over to Arizona Desert Swarm.