Six schools are riding a wave of momentum

Connecticut

No. 7 seed: The Huskies ( 15- 7) played themselves off the bubble. That’s largely due to the return of leading scorer James Bouknight ( 20.2 points), who missed eight games with an elbow injury. This team only lost twice in the regular season with Bouknight in the lineup and that’s what makes Connecticut so dangerous since its seeding would’ve been much higher if Bouknight didn’t have to sit out.

Wichita State

No. 11 seed: The Shockers ( 16- 5) captured a share of the regular- season American Athletic Conference title. Tyson Etienne ( 17.1 points) paces a balanced offense that sees six players average more than 7.0 points a game. The Shockers do a lot of things well, but it all starts on defense, where Wichita State ranks in the top 25 nationally in field- goal percentage defense.

Oklahoma State

No. 4 seed: The Cowboys ( 20- 8) proved just how good they are as a whole, beating West Virginia in the Big 12 regular- season finale without national playerof- the- year candidate Cade Cunningham ( 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists). The 6- 8 guard, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, is as clutch as he is explosive.

Southern California

No. 6 seed: The Trojans ( 22- 7) won the Pac- 12 regular season title and coach Andy Enfield has one of his strongest teams since he took over in 2013. Freshman 7- footer Evan Mobley ( 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 blocked shots) is a dynamic big man who gives this team a chance to win against just about any opponent, while senior guard Tahj Eaddy brings veteran consistency and leadership.

Georgia Tech

No. 9 seed: The Yellow Jackets ( 17- 8) won their last six regular- season games, then upset Florida State for the Atlantic Coast tournament title. Their team identity is shaped around ACC player of the year Moses Wright ( 17.4 points, 8.0 rebounds), a 6- foot- 9 forward. Coach Josh Pastner has a pesky defensive team that ranks in the top 10 nationally in steals and turnover margin.

Purdue

No. 4 seed: The Boilermakers ( 18- 9) came on strong, winning their last five regular- season games and beating Ohio State twice before falling to the Buckeyes in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals. Coach Matt Painter always has his teams leading with defense, and this group is no different. Trevion Williams ( 15.2 points, 8.8 rebounds) helps the Boilermakers rank in the top 30 nationally in rebounding.