Bracket Prediction Has WVU in a Rematch in Round of 64

(Photo by Richard Carlson - Inertia)

Andy Katz, a college basketball analyst for the Big Ten Network, recently released his updated “Bracketology” for the 2021 NCAA Tournament. As expected, West Virginia is featured in the bracket, and is placed in an interesting region.

 

As the fourth seed, Katz has the Mountaineers taking on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, the 13th-seed. This would be a rematch of a contest from the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic, a season-opening tournament that WVU would end up winning.

 

The Hilltoppers and Mountaineers met for the championship game on November 27th, and West Virginia used a second-half comeback to take home the trophy in a win, 70-64. Solid games from both Miles McBride (14 points, 3 assists) and Derek Culver (15 points, 2 assists) would help the Gold and Blue avoid the early season upset.

 

West Virginia’s region could also put them on course for a rematch with one of the best teams in the nation. Gonzaga is featured as the top-seed in WVU’s region, and should stars align, the two could go up against each other once again. The Bulldogs used the help of poor officiating to knock off the Mountaineers, 87-82, on December 2nd.