On Friday, the state of Virginia had an opportunity to send six teams to the NCAA tournament. By Saturday afternoon, that number was cut in half. We now know that the only two teams locked for the tournament are UVA and Radford. Virginia Tech is nearly a lock but should Davidson beat Rhode Island today, things get a bit shaky for the Hokies. The selection show doesn't start until 6PM but let these predictions hold you over.
UVA: #1 Overall Seed
Even if UVA hadn't won the ACC, they still would have been a #1 seed and a strong candidate for the overall #1. The Hoos' took an early lead against UNC and never looked back. Now, a #1 overall seed sounds great but Cav's fans should pay very close attention to who the committee puts in this region. In 2014 and 2015, the Cav's title hopes were dashed by Michigan State. In 2017 and 2012, they were destroyed by Florida by 26 points in each contest. In 2016, Butler game them fits and UVA needed a 26-12 run to win by merely 8. There is great potential for UVA to see any of these three teams on their side of the bracket come this evening.
Virginia Tech: #9 Seed
Let me be clear, I don't believe there is any real chance that the Hokies are left out of the tournament. Yes, should Davidson upset Rhode Island, an at-large spot will be taken away from a bubble team and it could send VT a spot lower in seeding. However, even if that upset happens, the Hokies seem like a lock for the tourney.
Buzz Williams has done absolute wonders with this program. Looking at their resume, the Hokies only have one bad loss: St. Louis. Additionally, Virginia Tech boasts wins over UNC, UVA, Clemson and Duke. So, while the second-half meltdown in the ACC tournament seemed very discouraging, this has been an incredibly successful campaign. If the committee values quality wins this year, a 9 seed seems like the floor for the Hokies.
There is a scenario I foresee that could elevate VT's seeding. We know the committee likes to create entertaining second-half matchups. If Tennessee wins today, the committee could slide them in at a #2 seed. Then place the Hokies in at a #7 seed against a team like Providence in the first round. That would leave a second round matchup likely between Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
Radford: #16 Seed
Highlander fans certainly have to be ecstatic after their win in the Big South Championship against in-state rival, Liberty, last week. Despite what has been a great year for for head coach, Mike Jones, Radford is almost guaranteed to be a 16 seed. The question though is will they be placed in the play-in game? If UVA would have lost last night, I would have said no. The problem though is that the committee has a product to sell and that means entertaining matchups. A UVA-Radford matchup is very enticing and would be a great regional draw. So, there is a great chance that Radford will face NCCU or Harvard at the first-four, with the winner getting #1 overall seed, Virginia.
With all of that said, the Highlanders have won 7 in a row and held 6 of those opponents to under 60 points. Mike Jones has Radford playing some of the best defense in the country. So, if they are a 16 seed, they will be one of the strongest to ever play in the tourney.
