Mike DeCourcy's 3 questions

1 Is North Carolina a No. 1 seed? All the bracket guys have been writing that the Tar Heels should receive a top tournament seed. But after their loss at Duke, the Heels were 10th in the Ratings Percentage Index standings and 6-2 against top 50 opponents. Kansas, Illinois, Wake Forest and Boston College all have more victories in that category. But if the Heels can tear through consecutive road games against N.C. State and Maryland, there might be no debate.

2 How good is Kansas, really? Maybe it's time to ignore how the Jayhawks struggle in so many games and start focusing on results. After all, when Boston College stretches its talent to the limit and wins tight games, it's hard not to admire its achievements. The Jayhawks have better individual talent than most of their opponents but continue to work toward a championship by playing as a team. They are mentally tough.

3 What's up with Louisville's Francisco Garcia? Garcia entered the week in a 10-for-39 funk from 3-point range. You don't shoot yourself out of a slump by firing while fading away with a hand in your face, no matter how much defensive attention you draw. Garcia needs to keep opponents honest by taking better shots and making better use of his exceptional playmaking ability.

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