Fans Were Stunned By Villanova's Place In Joe Lunardi's Latest Bracketology

10/03/2024 01:33

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 6: Head coach Kyle Neptune of the Villanova Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on March 6, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. Seton Hall defeated Villanova 66-56. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

The Villanova Wildcats just saw their 2023-24 regular season with a loss to No. 10 Creighton to finish 17-14 overall. But despite being near the bottom of the Big East totem pole heading into the conference tournament, ESPN's Bracketologist Joe Lunardi had a very surprising spot for them in his projection.

In his most recent Bracketology, Lunardi projects that the Wildcats will be one of the Last Four In, alongside New Mexico, St. John's and Virginia. College hoops fans were immediately baffled by the decision.

Villanova stick out like a sore thumb in that group of four teams. Colorado are 21-9 and third-place in the Pac-12; Drake are 26-6 and opened up the MVC Tournament with a win; Virginia are 21-9 and third in the ACC.

"There is no rationale for Villanova in the tournament over Drake and Colorado," one user replied.

"Joe ur setting Nova up, just take us out until we win one in BE tourney," a Villanova fan asked.

"Sorry, Joe Villanova does not deserve to be in by any measure," a third wrote.

"LMFAO at Small School Joey. Shamelessly in the tank for Villanova. What a (expletive) joke. And Providence sits at a 61 in NET," a fourth wrote.

At one point in the season the Wildcats were the No. 18 team in the nation. But a three-game losing streak in their non-conference play along with a five-game losing streak in the Big East has dumped them out of top 25 contention and into bubble territory.

Kyle Neptune will need to have an incredible March to save this season.