ESPN

Joe Lunardi

  (3:00 PM)

Greetings, all. Let's get started.

Ricky (Greensboro, NC)

What do you think that UNC has to do better on in the ACC tournament to ready themselves for the Big Dance and prevent upsetting early exits that have occured for the Tar Heels in the years since the '05 championship?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:02 PM)

It sounds simple, Ricky, but North Carolina is borderline unbeatable when they commit at the defensive end. Then again, I'm tall when I stand on a stool.

Providence

Will providence make it to the tournament?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:02 PM)

Hard to be optimistic after the big loss at Villanova. Looks like an NIT team to me.

Joe, Minneapolis,MN

Yes fellow Joe, I;m very upset with the resent bracket of you having Penn State in over Minnesota, if you compare the resumes its very clear who is the better team. Minnesota's RPI is Mid 30's, Penn States is mid 60's. Minnesota's Strength of schedule 50, Penn State 110. They split, but Minnesota won by 20 and Penn State won by 5. PEnn State has no good out of conference wins, and Minnesota beat Louisville by 6, on a Nuetral court. Minnesota also swept Wisconsin, split illinois, ohio state. They can beat teams. I don;t mean to be rude but i feel strongly the opposite way the you do.Get your facts straight.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:03 PM)

You're not being rude, Joe, just a little behind. Both Penn State and Minnesota are in today's bracket.

Jon (New Brunswick, NJ)

Joey B,Talk to me about the kings of mediocrity in recent years...my beloved Terrapins. I'd really like to play in the post-season tournament where you don't have Home games this year. Is a win at Virginia and a 1st round tourney win enough or do we need that second tourney win? As a bonus, is this Gary's farewell tour?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:04 PM)

I'll leave the Gary Williams speculation to others. Regarding the NCAAs, any road wins (including Virginia) are important for the Terps. I like their chances with two more wins.

Nick : andalusia, al [via mobile]

What r auburn s chances of making the ncaa tourney if they beat lsu on saturday?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:05 PM)

As an at-large, still very slim. Auburn has a weak resume overall and playing the SEC West doesn't help.

Stew (RI)

URI is a very hot team right now, do you think that they will get in?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:05 PM)

Definitely in the hunt, but not there yet.

Danny (Peoria, IL)

After their loss at Penn St. last night, does Illinois have to win the Big Ten Tournament to get a top 4 seed in the NCAA tournament?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:07 PM)

Not necessarily. Illinois can make a strong run short of the Big Ten title.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:07 PM)

Not necessarily. Illinois can make a strong run short of the Big Ten title.

Brett (DC)

Assuming American wins the Patriot League is 14 (where you currently have them) the highest you could see them going, or is it possible they climb a bit higher based on their improvement from last year's team?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:08 PM)

A No. 14 is probably their high side, barring lots of upset of favorites in the smaller conferences.

Marc (St. Pete, FL)

Hi Joe-- what do you make of FSU's chances to move up to a 3-seed if they beat VT this weekend and make a strong run in the ACC tourney?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:09 PM)

That's probably optimistic, Marc. The overall record for FSU isn't good enough.

Nicole (Gilroy, NY)

Joe, I see you have Nova at the Philly site, what are the chances they can stay at the Wachovia Center?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:11 PM)

Looking better all the time, Nicole. The two wins this week were extremely helpful for the 'Cats.

andy riemersma from carmel Indiana [via mobile]

Do you think that purdue could make a good run in the big ten tourney and the big dance?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:11 PM)

If healthy....

Oscar, Buffalo Lick, KY

Joe, I love my Cats but how in the heck can you still have us just barly out of the March Madness after losing to a horrible Ga team?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:12 PM)

Look at the teams below them, Oscar. UK is better than most, if not all, and certainly has better wins.

Shawn (Sparks,NV)

how can you still have utah state in the tourny when nevada crushed them at lawlor and just crushed san jose state and the tourny is at lawlor which means we will beat them again with our crowd

Joe Lunardi

  (3:13 PM)

Each league still gets an auto bid, Shawn, and Utah State won the WAC by multiple games. The spot is theirs at least for now.

Michael: (KC MO)

Joe, You still have Oklahoma as a one seed in your latest bracketology. This must be a typo considering they have lost 3 of their last 4. They can no longer use the no Blake Griffin excuse, and they are currently third in their own conference.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:14 PM)

If you say so, Michael.

John (Chicago)

Is Northwestern worth being looked at as a bubble team after their win at Purdue.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:14 PM)

On the fringe, John.

John, Little Rock

Mizzou a #3 seed??? Are they that good?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:15 PM)

Mizzou can win and lose equally big. I like them to at least the Sweet 16.

Josh (NY)

Does the fact that Butler starts 3 freshmen with no seniors improve their seed? Also, if they do not win their Horizon league tournament, where would you place them?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:17 PM)

Not a factor, Josh. Roster composition is irrelevant. Winning with that roster is the name of the game. Butler should be no worse than an 8-9 seed.

Johvern (St. Paul, MN)

Which 4-5 seeds in your latest projection have the ability to challenge the #1 seeds if they advance, and which ones look to get upset early?

Greg, Nantucket, MA

Joe, How do you justify 8 teams from the Big 10?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:18 PM)

Teams, not conferences, are what matter. Conference affiliation is not judged by the committee nor are bids awarded on that basis.

Steve - Cuse

Is Cuse still in if they lose to Marquette tomorrow and then lose in their first BE Tourney game?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:20 PM)

Yes, Syracuse is solid.

Derek (College Station)

why is texas aandm getting no love, they have a better resume than oklahoma state; more top 50 wins: 4-5 vs. 4-8 , more top 25 wins 2 vs .0, more wins 22 vs. 20, and the aggies have actually showed up in their games against top competition; why is oklahoma state getting so much more dap?

Alan (Indianapolis)

Do you think Purdue will end up in the Indianapolis Regional? or would that be too unfair to top 3-4 seeds from that section of the bracket?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:22 PM)

It would only matter if Purdue was playing a 1-5 seed in the first round. Those are the only teams protected from a home crowd disadvantage, and only in the first round.

Mike (pitt) [via mobile]

What would it take to knock pitt out of being a one seed?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:22 PM)

Might already be impossible, Mike. And a win over UConn seals the deal for sure.

Bubba (Cornjuice, IN)

Joe,If Indiana wins the Big 10 tourney would they get a 16 seed? I think they can run the table and pull it out!

Joe Lunardi

  (3:24 PM)

This is a great question. Can you imagine IU in the opening round game? What would happen is that Indiana's wins would be too good at that point to be seeded so low.

Terrence (Memphis, TN)

What do the Tigers have to do to get a 1 seed? OU has been slipping and I don't see them winning the Big 12 Tourney--will the 4th #1 go to Louisville (if PITT beats UCONN to give the cards the big east regular season title)? no way the committee gives the big east FOUR #1 seeds.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:26 PM)

There seems to be a wide range of opinion on Memphis being on the top line. My own view is that they are No. 6 overall and close enough to be in the hunt.

john, ohio

did you just close your eyes and point to a MAC team or have you actually watched a game this year?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:27 PM)

You have to take the regular-season leader for the automatic qualifier. That is Miami today from a four-team tie in the East Division.

Mike (NYC)

Joe, You have Wake ahead of Nova on the S-curve, but have Villanova playing in Philly. With Wake geographically closer to Philly (and ahead on the s-curve), why are they not in that pod?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:28 PM)

Because the Villanova people kill me whenever I don't slot them in Philly. Seriously? The committee is talking about keeping even more teams closer to home when possible. In this case, Wake has to fly either way (Philly or Miami), so why not be convenient for another team when you can?

Jeff (Syracuse, NY)

Joe if penn state looses to iowa how many wins in the big ten tournament would they need.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:29 PM)

Depends on who they play, Jeff. Probably two wins.

James (Allentown, PA

I saw you have Maryland in Philadelphia for the first round. Since I will be seeing these game and am a terp fan, what are the chances that they stay in the Philly region?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:30 PM)

Let's not get greedy about site, James. Maryland will be fortunate to stayin the field.

Ced (Charm City)

Joe, big up on being the fastest typer of all the ESPN personalities on SportsNation. Just wanted to say big up for that.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:30 PM)

Thanksssssssssss!!!!

Jeff, Philly

Joe - Justify to us how South Carolina could be in the bracket without a single Top 50 RPI victory. That means they haven't beaten anybody. Isn't a team with 2,3 or 4 Top 50 RPI wins against a bunch of Top 50 RPI losses a better profile?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:31 PM)

The Gamecocks have already dropped from a No. 9 seed to "Last Four In." We know all about their weakening profile.

Petey(ny)

What are the chances that all 7 BE teams get a 6 seed or better?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:32 PM)

If WVU beats Louisville tomorrow, it'll probably happen.

Michael , Los Angeles

Does Michigan even have to beat Minnesota on Sat. considering the recent stumbles of Kentucky, Arizona, South Carolina and all the Acc bubbles?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:33 PM)

Hard to say until we see all of those teams in their next games, also. Michigan is fortunate to be where they are heading into the weekend.

Chris, Phoenix

If Arizona beats Stanford, will they get in the tournament?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:34 PM)

Last night was a killer, and Stanford isn't a good enough win (at least for a team with a 2-9 road record).

EAST COAST BIAS

How do you not have St. Mary's in the tourny? Patty Mills is back no and they were 16-1 with him in the lineup and pounding Gonzaga on the road when he got hurt. Above .500 with him out of the lineup. They are basically a top 20 team but you have them out. With all the big conference teams playing like crap, hard to explain Joe.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:34 PM)

From a procedural standpoint, Mills is not yet back (because he hasn't played in a game). The committee will wait to see him and evaluate accordingly, and so do I.

Sparty (East Lansing)

If MSU wins out, do you think they can snag a 1 seed?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:35 PM)

Possible, not probable.

Brian from Boston

Uconn and pitt are locks for #1. If Louisville wins the BE tourney, does the BE get 3 #1 seeds? Has this ever happened before?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:36 PM)

It has not, Brian, and it's not going to. Louisville could supplant UConn or Pitt, but I not seeing the committee placing three teams from any conference on the top line.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:36 PM)

I have just a few more minutes before another TV hit, so let's go rapid fire....

Anthony, Philadelphia

Joe, assuming that BC beats GTech tomorrow, are they in or do you think they need to win a game or two in the ACC tourney?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:37 PM)

In.

Matt (St. Paul)

Do you think the gophers are a lock now or do they need a win against Michigan tomorrow.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:37 PM)

Probably in. Tomorrow clinches in.

Greg (Salt Lake City)

It's great to see 4 Mountain West teams in your bracket, but an 8 seed is the highest for any of them (BYU and Utah). Given the strength of the conference, don't they deserve a little better?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:38 PM)

Most think the first part of your questions (4 bids) makes me nuts.

Fo Sheezy, Pittsburgh

Joe, I feel like this is a legitimate question regarding Memphis. If the best team they have beaten all season is Gonzaga or Tennessee, and you have Gonzaga and Tennessee as somewhere in the 6-10 range, and Memphis has lost to the Cuse (6 seed) and Gtown (NIT-bound), why exactly are they possibly a 1 seed? I just want cold hard facts and results that proves they are one of the top 5-10 teams in the country. I don't want to hear about how your eyes can tell you, like ELITIST JAY BILAS SAYS, I want to know what Memphis has done THIS YEAR to warrant a 1 seed????

Joe Lunardi

  (3:38 PM)

I don't often agree with Jay, but this is a case where you truly have to watch the team.

Patrick(Hoboken)

Do you realize Duquesne was only a few close losses away from being the A-10 rep? Do they have a shot at the NIT? C'mon, have you ever answered a question about Duquesne...you can do it!

Joe Lunardi

  (3:39 PM)

I've seen the Dukes three times. Great story and dangerous team.

Joe (Raleigh)

I saw Memphis with my own eyes get run out of their own gym by Syracuse.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:40 PM)

Not lately....

Nate (LA)

Joe,DIdn't you go against your "conference affiliation doesn't matter" mantra when talking about the top line? If three fo teh four "best" teams are from the big east, why not?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:40 PM)

That's not the reason. These teams have to play one another and someone has to lose.

Patrick (Tulsa, OK)

Joe--No love for the Golden Hurricanes? At second place in Conference USA does Tulsa even get into the discussion?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:41 PM)

On the fringe of consideration.

Marc (Westwood, CA)

Understand the Mountain West has had some quality OOC wins, but do the bottom half of the conference is dreadful - do they deserve four bids?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:41 PM)

Even the best leagues have dreadful teams at the bottom. DePaul, anyone?

Kevin, Tempe

I'm really surprised to see the Zags at a 6 seed. They've performed decently all year and have played without a backup 7 foot bruiser most of the year. Don't you think you're being a little too harsh? At least give them a 4 seed as #14 overall! Right ...? And East Coast Bias: Saint Mary's "pounding" Gonzaga? Only up 4 my man, with Mills having the game of his LIFE.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:42 PM)

I could see the Zags moving up between now and next week. The 4-5 range is their upside, however.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:43 PM)

Off to TV. Same time, next week. Thanks for so many questions!