12up Logo

3 NCAA Basketball Teams That Benefit Most From San Diego State's Loss to Utah State

By Jackson Thompson

San Diego State basketball head coach Brian Dutcher during Mountain West Conference Basketball Tournament game against Utah State
San Diego State basketball head coach Brian Dutcher during Mountain West Conference Basketball Tournament game against Utah State / Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images

No. 5 San Diego State failed to get the job done in the Mountain West Tournament final on Saturday, falling to Utah State 59-56. As a projected No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Aztecs' conference tournament loss will surely hurt them come Selection Sunday. That opens the door for three other teams to come up and take a top seed for themselves ahead of the big dance.

3. Kentucky

Kentucky head coach John Calipari talking to Johnny Juzang in game against Tennessee
Kentucky head coach John Calipari talking to Johnny Juzang in game against Tennessee / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats just barely escaped Florida on Saturday with a 71-70 win. That win combined with San Diego State's conference final loss keeps the Wildcats in contention for a number one seed, pending their performance in the upcoming SEC Tournament. A run through the conference tourney for John Calipari and Co. would all but cement their status as a No. 1 seed, especially with the Aztecs out of the picture.

2. FSU

Florida State guard Trent Forrest against Notre Dame
Florida State guard Trent Forrest against Notre Dame / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

San Diego State's loss amid a down year for the ACC might just be the perfect storm for the No. 7 FSU Seminoles to steal a No. 1 seed. FSU secured the top seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament, and if they can capitalize in what is, traditionally, the nation's toughest conference tournament, they have to be a favorite for the top seed that San Diego State essentially just forfeited.

1. Duke

Duke guard Tre Jones against UNC
Duke guard Tre Jones against UNC / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The No. 12 Duke Blue Devils might be the one team that can deny FSU the now-available number one seed. Duke secured the fourth seed in the ACC with a win on Sunday against UNC, and if they can go on a run to reclaim the ACC conference championship, then they should be all-but a lock to take a top seed for the NCAA Tournament. It will be a tough road for the Blue Devils, but history has shown that the leadership of coach Mike Krzyzewski means Duke has a good a chance as anyone to be number one.