Here's a look at how a few college basketball bracket experts saw things for the Gophers entering Thursday:
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has the Gophers seeded No. 5 in the South Region and opening the tournament against No. 12 UNC Wilmington. No. 4 Florida and No. 13 Akron round out the field in Orlando.
USA Today has the No. 5 Gophers facing the winner of a play-in game between USC and Wichita State for the No. 12 seed in the East Region. No. 4 Virginia and No. 13 Monmouth complete the field headed for Buffalo, N.Y.
College Sports Madness has the Gophers seeded the lowest at No. 7 in the East Region. They're paired against No. 10 Arkansas, but the possible Round of 32 matchup is very intriguing. No. 2 Louisville, coached by Rick Pitino, the father of Gophers coach Richard Pitino, and No. 15 UT-Arlington complete the field headed for Indianapolis. It would set up an exciting father-son showdown if both win.
Jason Gonzalez
