The newest NCAA Bracketology came out earlier today, and Alabama is currently projected as a 4-seed in the East Region with a possible rematch against St John's in the Round of 32 and a rematch of last year's Elite Eight matchup against Duke in the Sweet 16.
On paper, out of the possible one seeds, Duke may be the most favorable matchup compared to Michigan, UConn, or Arizona if these projections came to fruition. However, the best option for this team would be to end the regular season on a heater and make it to Championship Sunday in the SEC Tournament to have a chance at a 3-seed.
The 3-seed would allow Nate Oats' squad to not have to face a possible one seed until the Elite Eight, and even though there is not much difference in the level of difficulty between the current projected one and two seeds, it is always ideal to stay away from a team on the one line as long as possible.
Six straight wins and signs of improved defense have me feeling much better going into the month of March compared to how things looked after that Florida loss. It is imperative that we don't overlook a down but always dangerous Mississippi State team with Josh Hubbard before Saturday's clash against Tennessee in Knoxville.
A strong end of the regular season not only helps us with any chance of possibly moving up to the three-line on Selection Sunday, but also helps Alabama stay as a two seed in the SEC Tournament.
The double bye is a huge advantage with not having to play in Nashville until Friday, but also defers a possible rematch against Florida until Sunday. The Gators are the one team that, for whatever reason, Coach Oats struggles to game plan against, so to possibly stay away from them as long as possible, barring upsets, is exactly what is needed.