ESPN: NC State a projected 12 seed in latest Bracketology

Looks like beating the #6 team in the nation by 22 points does hold a little weight, at least with Joe Lunardi and the Brackeology crew.

NC State was left out of last week’s edition, but now (even after a loss to FSU on Saturday) finds themselves squarely on the bubble, just squeaking in with a 12-seed play-in game against Oklahoma.

So how does this play out? Here is our prediction.

NC State goes to UNC, plays Pitt at home, plays at Duke and then finishes at home against Wake. If they win 3 of those 4 games, they are in. If they lose 2 of those 4 they are likely out.

With UNC in last place, Wake only a game better and Pitt only a spot higher in the rankings than Wake, NC State is about to face three very winnable teams. They have got to win those. However, if they end up beating Duke (at Duke) and drop one of the other 3, we believe it still will be enough to get them in. But if they lose to Duke, without a doubt they have to win the other 3. At that point we think they’ll be one of the last 4 teams in, but they’d also have a chance to build on their resume with a nice run in the ACC Tournament.

The good news is, the season is still alive, and as usual, with the season winding down, we’re going to have a lot of exciting basketball to watch.