ESPN

Joe Lunardi

  (3:02 PM)

OK, gang. It's crunch time. Let's get to as many questions as we can between now and 3:45 p.m. EDT.

mike bonneylake wa [via mobile]

Does the washington huskies have a chance to get a 2 seed in the tournament since oklahoma uconn and pitt losing or can they get a 1 seed if they win the pac 10 tournament

Joe Lunardi

  (3:02 PM)

I think Washington (currently a No. 3) is as high as it is going to go. Too many teams to pass to move up at this point.

aaron crisp hastings mn [via mobile]

will penn state minnesota and michigan make the tournament

Joe Lunardi

  (3:03 PM)

Yes, Aaron, I believe so.

jeremy compton(berkeley springs, WV) [via mobile]

With the obvious dominance of the big east teams (we 'could' have 3 #1 seeds but that won't happen) why not let Providence in? yes, they looked terrible against L'ville (oh that is right L'ville could easily walk away with a national title and may be the #1 team in the country) but I think they dominate or at least handle a Mich, Md, Kan.....should I go on? time to give props and the big east is IT in college basketball! If I am duke and given a #2 seed because I 'use' to be good. I am praying to any basketball god that will listen "PLEASE don't let WVU, SYC, Nova be in my bracket". because we are not good enough to beat them.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:04 PM)

Providence has had plenty of chances to earn an at-large bid. With one or two exceptions it has not gone their way. Doesn't have anything to do with being in the "it" conference.

Nick (Los Angeles) [via mobile]

If UCLA wins the Pac 10 tourney, what seed and region will they get?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:05 PM)

Probably Washington's current slot (No. 3 or No. 4, West).

Joe (NYC)

Did UCONN cost itself a number 1 seed?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:05 PM)

Not yet.

Scott Woodbury, NY

what do you think are michigans chance of making the tournament and if they do how far do you think they could possibly go?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:06 PM)

The Wolverines are going to make it. Hard to handicap anything else without seeing the actual pairings.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:06 PM)

It ain't over yet for the Orange. Be patient.

Shawn (oak)

Hey Joe,I'm curious why the Committee always seeds Gonzaga so they are matched up against a Pac 10 team in the second round. It happens every year. Is this just an attempt to eliminate West Coast teams from the later rounds?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:07 PM)

I love groundless conspiracy theories. This has more to do with trying to keep teams closer to home. In the West, that means a greater chance of playing Pac-10 teams than any other.

David (Maryland)

If Maryland wins tonight, will that secure them the seventh bid from the ACC with VT losing today? Even with the bad losses of UVA and Morgan, that would give MD wins over Wake (assuming they win tonight), UNC, Mich St. and Michigan.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:08 PM)

I would like Maryland's chances in that scenario, not because of where the Terps rate in the ACC but because of how they would then stack up with other bubble teams around the country.

JC (trenton, mi)

Does Mich St. get a 1 seed if they win the Big 10 tournament.Who gets knocked out if they do?With a lot of the big boys losing this week, is there anybody else that has a chance of moving into a 1 seed at this point?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:09 PM)

Quite possibly, JC, in place of UConn or Louisville (if the Cardinals don't win the Big East tourney). I think Memphis and Duke are also in the hunt for the top line.

JB (Detroit)

Joe,I'll be in Vegas for the first round of the tourney. Name a better place to follow the tourney? You can't, can you?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:10 PM)

The college basketball "war room" in Bristol ain't bad.

sacramento ca [via mobile]

will pitt still be a number1 seed

Joe Lunardi

  (3:10 PM)

Yes.

joeylcb nebraska [via mobile]

will chriehton ever get in to the NCAA tournoment, even if the other bubble teams lose?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:10 PM)

I have the Blue Jays in right now, Joey.

Zman from Winchester, kentucky [via mobile]

Do you think louisvile deserves a number one seed in NCAA tourney?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:11 PM)

Ask me when the Big East tournament is over.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:12 PM)

Non-DI victories are excluded from all team records for selection and seeding purposes.

Chris, Pittsburgh

Joe, Pitt is 28-4, not 27-4 as listed on bracketology. Just an FYI.

James (Austin, TX)

Say a surprise team like Baylor or TxTech win the BigXII Tournament...whose OUT that would've previously been IN?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:13 PM)

Not just Baylor or Texas Tech, James, but Tulsa/UAB or any number of SEC teams could steal a bid and shrink the at-large pool. Remember Georgia last year? Hopefully no tornadoes this weekend.

tojo St. Paul,MN

How confident are you w/Minnesota going in? I think its going to boil down to Minnesota and Ohio State. I dont think the Big 10 is going 8 teams. If Ohio State loses today does this almost assure the Gophers in??

Joe Lunardi

  (3:14 PM)

It's not an either/or. Minnesota is in regardless in my view.

Bob (Long Island, NY)

If Syracuse wins the Big East will they get a 4 seed?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:14 PM)

At least, Bob.

Jeff (Dallas, TX)

Will Missouri play in Kansas City in the first round and do they have a shot at a 2 seed?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:16 PM)

Mizzou has a shot at K.C. if they win the Big 12 tourney, but I don't know how likely it is. Memphis will lead one pod in Kansas City and, ore likely, KU or Oklahoma the other.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)

With a Big East tourny victory what seed does Nova get?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:16 PM)

Probably stay where they are (No. 3), as they cannot go through Pitt or UConn at this point.

John (Hamden, CT)

Over the past couple weeks, we've seen the top ACC/Big East teams take some losses and the "other" teams stepping it up somewhat... would you still take the ACC/Big East over the field for the national champion?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:17 PM)

Absolutely.

Cameron, Houston, Tx

So why is Baylor not even in the Bubble conversation. With wins over Providence, Arizona St, Oklamhoma St., and now Kansas. Our RPI is 58. Is they beat Texas today and loose in the finals do we have a chance for an at large?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:18 PM)

The Bears were 5-11 in their league, Cameron.

Jon (arlington, VA)

The Cuse hasn't moved or changed seeds in a long time. Do you really view them as a 6 seed or did this get adjusted per tournament rules. Most other bracketologist have them as a 4 or 5 based on their signature win last night.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:19 PM)

I have Syracuse as the highest No. 6 seed based in large part on the regular-season Big East standings. A few teams ahead of them are vulnerable, so moving up would not surprise me. By the same token, one game -- no matter how long! -- does not a season make.

Tommy (ATL)

If Temple beats Xavier, but loses to Dayton in the A10 Finals, do you think they get an at large bid?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:20 PM)

The Owls will be very much in the conversation with a win tonight. They do have some bad losses, however, so we need to keep that in mind.

JB (Detroit)

Would you rather be a 1 seed in a region far away from your home, or a two seed close to home? I am thinking about Michigan State as a 1 out west or a 2 in the mid west. I'd rather be the 2. Is that crazy?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:21 PM)

Not at all, JB. Sometimes the difference between a No. 1 and No. 2 is nothing more than uniform color in the regional finals.

Saki (Jamestown, ND)

Can Duke steal a number 1 seed away if they beat Wake, Unc, and the conference tourney with all the top dogs losing?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:21 PM)

Possible, but unlikely.

Ben (Tempe, AZ)

What is the highest seed Arizona St can get if they win the Pac 10 tournament? Is Wisconsin in even if they lose today?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:22 PM)

The high side for the Sun Devils is probably a No. 4 seed. Wisconsin should be in the field.

Josh [via mobile]

Where is Syracuse if they win tonight

Joe Lunardi

  (3:22 PM)

Central New York, same as last night.

Mark (Lexington, KY)

Please post this for other cuse fans:I'm so sure that you're wrong about syracuse being a #6 seed that I'll name my son (my wife and I are expecting) Joe Lunardi if you're right!Can you really think there are 20+ teams with better resumes than the orange?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:23 PM)

Please don't do that to the poor kid, Mark. One of us is bad enough!

nathan, paola ks [via mobile]

what seeding do you see kansas getting, and where do you see them playing thier first round game

Joe Lunardi

  (3:23 PM)

A No. 2 or No. 3 in Kansas City.

Jennifer (St. Petersburg)

What do the Gators need to do to get in? DO they have to win the SEC tournament?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:24 PM)

Let's start by beating Auburn tonight, Jennifer. Another win after that would probably do it.

David (Centreville, VA)

Will the Hokies get a bid or will they again be left out even though they have scared UNC more than anyone else the last two years.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:25 PM)

We've seen this movie before, David, and it doesn't end well for the Hokies. Last time I checked, "scaring UNC" was not a criteria for NCAA selection or seeding.

Michael (Evansville, IN)

Joe,Isn't the injury rule that if you have a player injured the NCAA WILL NOT just take your word for it that said player is going to be healthy for the NCAA tourney a la Patty Mills. The Gaels couldn't just keep him out until the tourney and just assure the selection committee that he would be available come tourney time (Mills had to prove that he's ready). How in the world is the North Carolina situation any different????? Doesn't the committee have to presume that Ty Lawson won't be available unless he proves to them otherwise?????

Joe Lunardi

  (3:27 PM)

The committee uses any and all information available. As for this specific comparison, the difference is that Carolina is still a tournament team even if Ty Lawson was abducted by aliens. We can't say the same for the Gaels in their unfortunate circumstances.

Brandon - Orlando [via mobile]

Michigan has seemed to play up to it's competition this year, as well as down, but do you think they can make a sweet 16 run...or further?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:27 PM)

One win at most, I think, for Michigan.

heath

I don't see anyone knocking off UNC for the #1 overall with with Pitt and Uconn losing. Do you think it is still possible for them to lose the #1 seed overall?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:28 PM)

Probably not (unless there is worsening injury news for Ty Lawson).

Eric, Orlando

When placing the #5 team on the "S-curve", does the Committee place the team in the bracket with #4 team on the "S-curve" (barring bracket constraints) or is the team placed in its most logical geographic region (barring bracket constraints)?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:29 PM)

More often the latter, Eric, although a region "loaded" with high ones and twos might then get weaker threes and fours for balance. Make sense?

cody (columbia, mo) [via mobile]

I'm so sick of syracuse fans complaining about being a 6 in your bracket. If they had won a coose game in regulation (but not on that 3 that was too late) then this would be a non-issue. But, since it was a crazy 6-OT game (and it was amazing) now everyone is ready to annoint the 'Cuse champs. It's ridiculous.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:29 PM)

The thought has crossed my mind....

Brian from Boston

Michigan State loses in the Big 10 tourney and louisville wins the Big East. Who gets the 4th 1 slot? Is it more likely after all these losses that the Big East gets 3 teams on the top line?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:30 PM)

I would go Michigan State (or Memphis) at that point.

Les Louisville, ky [via mobile]

This may have been asked but is uk in or out?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:30 PM)

WAY out.

Eric Philadelphia, PA

What seed will nova get? And where do you see them playing in the first round?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:31 PM)

No. 3 in Philly, Eric. See you there next week!

matt, new york [via mobile]

how far did butlers seed drop with their loss to cleveland st

Joe Lunardi

  (3:31 PM)

Maybe one line, Matt, although I hve thought the Bulldogs a tad overvalued al year long.

pat (cedar run,nj)

is oklahoma going be a one seed? and what seed wiil kansas gwt

Joe Lunardi

  (3:32 PM)

That horse is out of the barn, Pat.

Nick (Boston)

Is BC's falling from a 9 to a 10 in your latest bracketology a result of everyone else playing really well? Or is it insignificant? Also, is BC now a 100% lock?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:33 PM)

BC dropped today for procedural reasons (the Eagles cannot play in the East Region, which was the only vacant No. 9 spot at the time). They're in.

Chris - Marysville, Ohio

Does Ohio State get in without a win today?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:33 PM)

Probably.

clayton, north carolina [via mobile]

have you ever goten your bracket perfectly correct

Joe Lunardi

  (3:33 PM)

Never gonna' happen, Clayton.

Jimmy (Chesapeake, VA)

Who is the best team who is going to miss out of the NCAA tournament and probably going to the NIT? Rhode Island, Davidson, Temple, or Providence?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:35 PM)

None of these, Eric, and certainly not Rhode Island or Providence. How about Arizona? Or Florida? Or UNLV? Or a potentially healthy Saint Mary's? Or Creighton?

Booky (NV)

If the NCAA decided to hold the Final Four in the same city from here on out, where should they put it? Or in other words, which venue do you like best?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:35 PM)

Bring it to the Palestra in Philly and I'm all in!

Jeffery (Knoxville, TN)

How does the committee factor in wins against teams that in turn suffer significant injuries or also teams that lose games while playing without injured players? Ex. Tennessee playing without JP Prince and getting beat by Temple and then beating a Marquette team that then has James go down for the season

Joe Lunardi

  (3:36 PM)

Great question, Jeffery. It's typically more who YOU have available than who might be missing from your opponent. However, the committee has all such information available.

Michael (Evansville ,IN)

Joe,Could you list an actual crteria that the selection committee relies on that would favor South Carolina's inclusion. Their 1 Top 50 RPI win just doesn't seem to stack up well to any of the other direct comparators.

Joe Lunardi

  (3:37 PM)

They won something (SEC East), which automatically grants at-alrge consideration. Same for New Mexico as co-champion of the Mountain West.

Wade (Atlanta, GA)

Does Auburn just need to get past Florida tonight to be in the tournament, or will they need to get the SEC championship game, or further?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:38 PM)

Tonight and probably one more for Auburn.

John (Charlotte, NC)

Does BYU finally get past the first round this year?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:38 PM)

Not if the second round is a Sunday....

Joe Lunardi

  (3:38 PM)

Two road wins, Joel.

John (Hamden, CT)

What's your doomsday scenario for the Committee (if there is one)?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:39 PM)

They put me in charge....

J-MO Smith (lafayette hill, Pa)

Hey Joe, long time fan of yours. I wanted to know if Villanova can make a run at the final four in your oppinion?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:39 PM)

Not quite that far, but next year is the real deal for the 'Cats.

Matt (Los Angeles, CA)

Jay Blias thinks Arizona should be in. Is he crazy?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:40 PM)

Not at all. I could make their case (and may do so between now and Sunday).

Luke (Seattle, Wa)

Why so much love for Kansas? Havn't they lost 3 out of their last 4 games? Why shouldn't the Huskies be in Kansas's #2 spot if UW wins the Pac-10 tourny?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:40 PM)

Because Kansas is better (and has WAY better wins).

Matt, albany [via mobile]

What are Siena's chances for getting an 8 or 9?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:41 PM)

One chance in three, I'd say.

Joshua - College Station, TX

Hey Joe, Are the the Ags a for sure lock, even after that second half meltdown to TTU?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:41 PM)

I think so.

Zac Ahrens [via mobile]

Who is your favorite team to win it all

Joe Lunardi

  (3:42 PM)

Pitt.

JB (Detroit)

Name a surprise team that you feel could march to the final 4?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:42 PM)

West Virginia and Gonzaga come to mind.

MSUPharaoh

Could Michigan State Lose in the semi-finals yet still take a number one seed? And will the big 10 be able to hold its own in the big dance?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:43 PM)

No and yes.

Angry Guy (San Francisco, CA)

Schlabach seems to think that Illinois State will get some consideration thanks to their recent success against Creighton. Any chance they get a look is the weak OOC schedule too much to overcome?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:43 PM)

The latter.

Al (San Diego)

Could the MWC possibly be a 2-bid league after having as many as 5 teams in your projections at one point?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:44 PM)

Yes.

bill denver [via mobile]

do u see kentucky being a 1 seed in the next couple of years

Joe Lunardi

  (3:45 PM)

This year's NIT, perhaps.

Tony (Reno, NV)

If Nevada wins the WAC tournament what seed do you thin they earn? And if Utah State makes the final do they get an at-large berth?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:45 PM)

I wouldn't be too optimistic for Utah State as an at-large. Nevada would be in the 12-13 range.

Chris (Providence)

Any chance Providence gets in like Air Force did a few years ago?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:46 PM)

Always a chance, but this committee is smarter than that. Plus, Providence is way more qualified than Air Force in 2006.

Andrew (NY)

As an A10 guy, should the conference tourney be kept in Atlantic City?

Joe Lunardi

  (3:46 PM)

I hope so....

WILSON NC [via mobile]

MY NUMBER ONE SEEDS ARE UNC LOUISVILLE MEMPHIS PITT. DO YOU AGREE JASON

Joe Lunardi

  (3:47 PM)

Wouldn't surprise me a bit, Jason. And, with that, I'm off to TV. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!