Storrs:
1. Connecticut (AAC)
16. Montana (Big Sky)
8. North Carolina State
9. South Dakota State (Summit)
You want a team with serious potential to move up next week? Look no further than the Wolfpack. NC State has won five in a row after a rough three-game skid earlier in the month. Sure, you could say that except for the game against Syracuse, no win was particularly impressive. But the last three games all came on the road, and there’s something to be said for that. Beat Florida State on Thursday and things will get real interesting.
Ann Arbor:
4. Michigan
13. Drake (MVC)
5. Duke
12. Quinnipiac (MAAC)
/stands up, begins singing Hail to the Victors
The Wolverines are on the rise, friends. Six straight wins, including three against teams in the tournament field, is enough to push you all the way up to protected seed status. A 74-48 blowout win over Michigan State was a statement in itself. And here’s a fun streak to keep track of: Katelynn Flaherty has scored at least 20 points in 13 consecutive games.