Yes - that’s pretty much the entire point of the “pod” system.
Also, the #1 overall seed (Gonzaga) gets its choice of which region to be put into, then the #2 and #3 overall seeds are placed in their closest regions, and the #4 seed gets what’s left. There was a time when the NCAA predetermined the Final Four regional matchups (e.g. West vs. East, and Midwest vs. South, was known before the bracket was even announced), so the #4 team would be put into the region that would play the #1 team in the semi-finals even if it received a geographic advantage over the #2 and #3 teams as a result. They get around that now by assigning the top four teams to regions and then announcing which regions will meet each other; it is always #1 vs. #4, and #2 vs. #3.
Woo Pig Sooie! Arkansas is playing in the Elite Eight.
Gonzaga played well and I was fully prepared for the Razorbacks season to end. I’m Thrilled for these kids.
They struggled at the beginning of the season. Musselman had a rotor cuff injury in Dec and surgery in Jan. He had to coach through the injury. Tough season. The team started playing well mid season.
I was just about to post about this. Pretty stunning outcome given that Gonzaga was the overall one seed in the tournament. Mark Few has done incredible things there and a lot of folks thought this would be the year he brought them to the promised land, but alas. . .
Congrats to Duke.
It’s fun seeing Coach K get so excited at 75.
Arkansas will have its hands full playing Duke Sat. Should be a very competitive battle. Two young teams that are gaining momentum and confidence at the right time.
I completely agree. Texas Tech brought it 100%. Great effort. Either team could have won.
Kansas is the only number 1 seed left. My bracket was a bad joke this year. Lot of surprises in the Elite 8.
Should be a entertaining weekend of basketball. I’m looking forward to Arkansas v Duke and St Peters v North Carolina.
