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Shannon Ryan’s top 4 seeds, last 4 in, first 4 out for NCAA tournament

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Predicted top four seeds in NCAA tournament

1. Kentucky: Not that this deserves an explanation, but the undefeated Wildcats own the nation’s top RPI. Not only have the Wildcats gone 33-0, they have won convincingly against 10 top-50 RPI teams.

2. Villanova: After being a No. 2 seed last season, the Big East champions should have an easier road to the Sweet 16 or beyond. Villanova ranks No. 3 RPI and went 12-1 against the top 50.

3. Duke: A No. 5 RPI, No. 12 strength of schedule, 11 top-50 victories, along with head-to-head victories against Virginia and Wisconsin keep the Blue Devils on the top line, despite a loss to Notre Dame in the ACC semifinal.

4. Wisconsin: The Badgers need to win the Big Ten championship to stay a top seed. With a 30-3 record (one loss coming without conference MOP Frank Kaminsky) along with a No. 4 RPI, they deserve it.

No. 2 seeds: 1. Virginia; 2. Gonzaga; 3. Arizona; 4. Kansas.

Predicted last four in NCAA tournament

1. Colorado State: The Rams have one of the better overall records at 27-6, but their No. 121 strength of schedule hurts them. Victories against San Diego State (No. 23 RPI) and Boise State (42) will save them.

2. Indiana: The Hoosiers’ four top-50 victories, including one against No. 9 Maryland, are what will keep them in the tournament. They have just one bad loss at Northwestern, but that’s fewer than other bubble teams.

3. Temple: Losing to a strong team like SMU in the American semifinals isn’t going to ruin Temple’s tournament hopes. The Owls have quality victories against Kansas and Cincinnati, with two losses to team outside the top 100.

4. Ole Miss: The Rebels just make the cut with four bad losses all at home. Three victories against the top 50 teams and some plain awful resumes by fellow bubble contenders is what will take Ole Miss dancing.

First four out: 1. Miami; 2. UCLA; 3. Texas A&M; 4. Tulsa.

Big Ten teams in: Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Iowa, Indiana.