Graphics by Chris Dobbertean using logos from either SportsLogos.net, Wikimedia Commons, or the institutions’ websites.
Fresh off a dominant Sunday home win over Michigan State, Purdue remains the No. 1 overall seed in the final bracket projection of January. Tennessee jumps up to the second spot overall—from the 3 line—following an impressive 82-71 home victory over future SEC rival Texas. That was the Vols’ fourth consecutive win by double digits. Houston and Alabama hang on to the third and fourth top seeds, even though the Cougars struggled mightily against Cincinnati at home and the Crimson Tide were run out of the Lloyd Noble Center in their matchup with future league rival Oklahoma, 93-69.