Bracketology: Oregon Falling Fast, Now a 9 Seed in LA facing Altman’s Former Team in First Round

In the Latest edition of Joe Lunardi’s  Bracketology, the ESPN Guru when it comes to the NCAA Tournament picks, Oregon(23-8, 12-6 Pac 12) is also fading quickly. After a losing road trip and losses to Colorado and an even more upsetting loss to Utah, which cost Oregon the Pac 12 Title, the Ducks now sit at a 9 seed playing in the West Bracket in Los Angeles. First Round against a once familiar team for Ducks head coach Dana Altman in Creighton(he was their coach from 1994-2010 before coming to Oregon) and the potential 2nd round matchup against 16 seed Florida International or #1 Seed Gonzaga.

March 7, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Members of the Oregon Ducks react from the bench late in the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 76-53. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon is among five Pac 12 teams that are predicted to be in the Tournament this week including Arizona, the 5 seed in the East(Washington, DC) playing first round games in Salt Lake City. Round 1 vs 12 Seed Bucknell. In the second round, the Wildcats could face 12 Seed Akron or 4 Seed Marquette. Staying in the East, Colorado comes in as the 10 Seed facing 7 Seed Notre Dame in the First Round in Dayton, Ohio. Second round could see the Buffs going against 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast or 2 seed Ohio State.

In the South Region(North Texas) 6 seed UCLA is rising and could face either Kentucky or LaSalle in the First Round in Auburn Hills. The second rould for the Bruins could be 14 Seed Harvard or 3 Seed Michigan State.

Finally in the Midwest(Indianapolis), Cal makes an appearance as 9 seed and takes on 8 seeded Missouri in Round 1. Possible 2nd round matchup for the Bears, 14 Seed Liberty/LUI Brooklyn or 1 seed Indiana.

Jerry Palm’s Bracketology from CBS Sports(their Bracket guru) has 8 seeded Oregon playing in Philadelphia in the first round against 9 seed Memphis. In Round 2, Oregon would face a play in game winner, Norfolk State/Liberty or #1 Seed Duke.

Of course, none of this is set in stone and is very fluid. It is just something to consider as we head towards Selection Sunday, which is this upcoming weekend.

Oregon needs to have a strong finish being as low as a ‘predicted’ 9  seed. Of course, tournaments across the country will likely have some upsets. The Ducks need a strong finish for themselves to build some confidence, and maybe for the NCAA Tournament Committee to show that they belong.

The Ducks did get some good news from the Pac 12, on Monday Head Coach Dana Altman was named Pac 12 Coach of the Year.

Oregon Ducks This Week: 

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