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The official NCAA tournament bracket was released tonight, and the Hoos earned the #5 seed in the East bracket. First up, Virginia will have to travel to Orlando to play UNC-Wilmington. Florida and East Tennessee complete their region. Virginia’s first game will be Thursday, with the tip-time to be announced.
LET'S DANCE!
— Virginia Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) March 12, 2017
Hoos play UNC Wilmington Thursday in Orlando in NCAA First Round! pic.twitter.com/EBLbVe41os
EAST REGION
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 12, 2017
5-Virginia vs 12-UNCW
4-Florida vs 13-ETSU#selectionsunday pic.twitter.com/9ugv0Fp8nI
4 STRAIGHT NCAA TOURNAMENTS!
— Virginia Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) March 12, 2017
Get all the details as we prep to head to Orlando to play UNC Wilmington: https://t.co/j5Bz6ohFpX pic.twitter.com/mvNDzcbZf5
A few reactions indicated not a lot of confidence in Virginia’s chances. Clark Kellogg on the CBS broadcast already predicted Virginia to lose, and the UVA-UNCW matchup will be a very popular 12/5 upset to pick.
Poor Tony Bennett that's the 12 upset you expect with UNCW
— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) March 12, 2017
UNC-Wilmington will be a popular 12-5 upset pick.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 12, 2017
I'm actually more scared about the Virginia-UNC Wilmington than VIrginia-Florida.
— Will Ojanen (@WillsWorldMN) March 12, 2017
Luckily, our own Matt Trogdon brought another thing to consider to the discussion.
UNCW deserves respect. But before people freak out, remember that Clemson beat em by 14. #UVa #marchmadness
— Matt Trogdon (@Matt_Trogdon) March 12, 2017
Virginia vs UNC-W should be fun, but the path for the Hoos certainly won’t be easy. It does offer up a lot of chances for good matchups (or rematches) as Duke, Virginia Tech, and Villanova are all in the East with the Hoos.
we're gonna be standing in the middle of the arena yelling "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!" when we beat them all, tho. https://t.co/hrTF3gqe7c
— George? (@realwords) March 12, 2017
Average KenPom ranking of first five seeds in each region:
— Michael Zanchelli (@zanchema) March 12, 2017
East: 9
South: 17
Midwest: 14
West: 13#selectionsunday
Theoretically... and I'll repeat theoretically.. Virginia and Virginia Tech could meet in the Sweet 16.
— Jeff Fischel (@JeffFischel) March 12, 2017
I don't even need to see the other regions. The East Region is the Region of Death. My God.
— Jeff (BPredict) (@BPredict) March 12, 2017
Virginia’s path to the Final Four won’t be easy, but There is some good news, though...
Good news Hoos, Michigan State is on the other side of the bracket!
— Kevin Rankin (@KORankin) March 12, 2017
Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome are ready, though.
LET'S DANCE !!!!!!
— King Wavy (@kylejguy5) March 12, 2017
If you’re looking to get tickets:
Welcome to Orlando @UVAMensHoops! Tickets for Thursday’s game can be purchased at https://t.co/3OsIhsbzkq. #SelectionSunday #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/v1IyXqboJD
— Amway Center (@AmwayCenter) March 12, 2017
It’s time to roll.
Stay tuned to Streaking the Lawn for more coverage on the NCAA Tournament!