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One of the debates going on in college basketball is whether Wichita State will become a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. If you think they can, then why not San Diego State?
The Aztecs have a road win over Kansas - the best team in the Big 12. They have a neutral court win over Creighton - the best team in the Big East. They have a neutral site victory over Marquette - preseason favorite to win the Big East. They have a home win over Pac-12 foe Washington. This is certainly a better resume than Wichita State, who has a road win over St. Louis - the best of the Atlantic 10 - plus a win over Tennessee, which is middle of the pack in the SEC.
While there is credit due for an unblemished record, does Wichita State have what it takes to beat No. 1 Arizona? If not, then how are they better than San Diego State, whose only loss was to Arizona?
Let's examine the scenarios that would help pave the way for San Diego State to get a No. 1 tournament seed.
1. Arizona falls from grace and loses two to three times in the regular season and does not win their conference tournament. If that happens, the No. 1 seed out West is up for grabs. No one else in the Pac-12 appears up to the challenge, so the Aztecs would be in position to take that seed.
2. Wichita State loses once or twice in the regular season. Even one loss by Wichita State opens up the floodgates nationwide with respect to weekly rankings and tournament seedings.
3. San Diego State runs the table and goes unbeaten in conference and wins the Mountain West tournament. Would a 32-1 Aztecs team be denied a No. 1 seed?
While there are still many games to be played before March Madness and the NCAA Tournament, even an unlikely candidate can make a run for the top.
Where do you see San Diego State at the end of the season?
