Led by an elite starting unit that associate head coach David Cox has playfully dubbed the "Crab Five," No. 20 Maryland men's basketball has won seven of its past eight games, including a blowout of Iowa its last time out. "Bracketologists" across the country have noticed.
Latest NCAA Tournament projections from ESPN, CBS and USA Today have the Terps surging up the seed lines. Maryland isn't the only red-hot team in the state either, as Towson owns the nation's second-longest winning streak at 12 games. Both the Terps and Tigers (via the Coastal Athletic Association autobid) are projected, as of Wednesday, to earn spots in the field.
Here's a closer look at the projections.
Maryland hasn't earned a top-four seed in an NCAA Tournament since 2015, but the Terps are knocking down the door to secure one of the better seeds in March Madness. The NCAA selection committee revealed its top 16 teams Saturday, giving an indication of where things stood with about a month left in the season. While Maryland wasn't in the top 16, Big Ten opponents Purdue (No. 7), Wisconsin (No. 11) and Michigan (No. 14) all appeared in the ranking.
The Terps face Michigan on the road March 5, which presents an opportunity for a Quadrant 1 victory, according to the NET rankings the committee considers in selection. A home game against Michigan State next week also qualifies. Maryland ranks 12th in the latest NET rankings, boasting a 6-5 record in Quad 1 games. The Terps are 14-1 across Quads 2, 3 and 4. Adding victories in Quad 1 would boost the team's already solid resume.
ESPN's latest bracket projection gives them a No. 5 seed in the South Regional, and they'd play the winner of Arkansas vs. Wake Forest in the opening round. Michigan and Michigan State both hold No. 4 seeds in the projection, so a win over either or both teams in the coming weeks could flip the seeding in Maryland's favor.
CBS' latest projection is surprisingly low on the Terps, giving them a No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with San Diego State. Michigan has a No. 3 seed, while Michigan State has a No. 4 seed in that bracket prediction.
USA Today more closely aligns with ESPN, handing Maryland a No. 5 seed and an opening matchup with Drake.
Winners of 12 straight games entering Thursday, Towson men's basketball currently sits atop the CAA standings with a 13-1 conference record. If the Tigers can win the conference tournament next month, they'll punch their NCAA Tournament ticket for the first time since 1991.
ESPN projects Towson as a No. 14 seed in its latest bracket, putting the Tigers against Wisconsin in the opening round. CBS has Towson as a No. 15 seed opening against Tennessee, and USA Today gives the Tigers a No. 14 seed and an opening round date against Purdue.
The CAA Tournament begins March 7 and ends March 11 at CareFirst Arena in Washington.