Projected to Play in the First Four? It's Not Necessarily a Bad Thing for West Virginia

West Virginia is a candidate to play in the First Four, according to CBS Sports.

Feb 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jonathan Powell (11) reacts to the crowd in the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

While West Virginia's loss to Colorado in the second round of the NCAA Tournament may not be enough to knock them out of the 68-team field, it may have put them in a position to have to play their way into the round of 64.

That may not be a bad idea though, believe it or not. Since the tournament expanded to 68, 18 teams have played their way into a No. 11 seed. Nine of those teams won, taking down a No. 6 seed to advance to the round of 32. Four have made it to the Sweet Sixteen, two have reached the Elite Eight on their way to the Final Four - VCU (2010-11) and UCLA (2020-21).

As of today, CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm has West Virginia projected to play Boise State in the First Four. The winner would move on to the Round of 64 to play No. 6 Memphis. The First Four games are played in Dayton, which would be an easy bus trip over for the team and a quick drive for Mountaineer fans.

Palm's Midwest Region projection

West Virginia University guard KJ Tenner | Christopher Hall - West Virginia on SI

1. Houston vs. 16. SIU Edwardsville

8. Illinois vs. 9. Georgia

5. Michigan vs. 12. Liberty

4. Texas A&M vs. 13. Yale

6. Memphis vs. 11. West Virginia/Boise State

3. Wisconsin vs. 14. Troy

7. Saint Mary's vs. 10. Arkansas

2. Tennessee vs. 15. Omaha

Palm's Midwest Region projection

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