Bracket Projection: Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bearcats win ugly with defense and make no apologies for it. Their fate lies in this simple question: Can they generate enough offense to advance?

ESPN Insider has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of Bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams, in order to help you make smart picks in your bracket. Plus, as Lunardi fills out his bracket, he'll give you his prediction on how each team will fare.

Lunardi's Logic

Stating it plainly, Cincinnati hasn't been very good of late. The Bearcats are still as tough as nails on the defensive end, but they have really struggled to score. That's not a good formula against Creighton, which is as efficient and versatile offensively as any team in the country. The Bearcats may be able to stop the Bluejays from some of what they like, but not enough to prevail in Philly.

TOURNEY PROFILE

Best wins: Marquette, at Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Iowa State

Worst losses: St. John's, at Providence, Notre Dame

To read the complete tournament guide preview for the Cincinnati Bearcats, and to gain access to all of ESPN Insider's NCAA tournament coverage, sign up today.

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