As the NCAA Tournament approaches, Miami's prospects are looking increasingly promising. In Joe Lunardi's latest bracket update, the Hurricanes have climbed to a No. 8 seed in the East Region.
This seeding sets up an intriguing first-round matchup against No. 9 Texas, with the potential for a showdown with No. 1 seed Duke in the Round of 32, assuming the Blue Devils advance past their opener.
Miami's Rise to No. 8
The Hurricanes boast a strong 21-5 overall record, with a 10-3 mark in ACC play, positioning them third in the conference standings. Riding a four-game winning streak, Miami's recent performances have been impressive.
They hold a 4-3 record in Quad 1 games, highlighted by significant victories over No. 11 North Carolina at home and a road win against NC State.
Looking ahead, Miami faces three more Quad 1 challenges before the regular season wraps up: a trip to No. 14 Virginia on February 21, a visit to SMU on March 4, and a home clash with Louisville on March 7.
ACC's Strong Presence
Lunardi's projections indicate a robust showing for the ACC, with eight teams making the field. Duke leads the way as a No. 1 seed, followed by Virginia at No.
- Louisville and North Carolina are slotted as No. 6 seeds, NC State at No. 7, and both Miami and Clemson as No. 8 seeds, while SMU rounds out the group as a No. 9 seed.
Bubble Watch
The tournament bubble is as tense as ever. The last four teams to avoid the First Four are UCF, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Ohio State.
Meanwhile, the last four teams to make the field include Santa Clara, Missouri, UCLA, and USC. Just missing the cut are TCU, San Diego State, New Mexico, and VCU, while California, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, and West Virginia are next in line.
As the regular season draws to a close, Miami's journey is one to watch. Their seeding and potential matchups promise excitement, and their continued performance could make them a formidable force in the tournament.