Oregon could throw a wrench into your bracket after Boucher's injury
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Heading into the Pac-12 championship game, Oregon might have been a trendy pick to win the NCAA tournament, but things have drastically changed.
The Ducks lost center Chris Boucher to a torn ACL on Saturday, yet still remain as a No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region.
Boucher's loss undoubtedly hurts, as the Canadian was averaging nearly 12 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season, to go along with 2.5 blocks. That being said, Oregon is deep with five players averaging double figures and Dillon Brooks emerging as one of the best players in the country.
The question is, how far can the Ducks go without Boucher?
Well, if you're looking to the Pac-12 title game against Arizona for answers, it remains unclear. Boucher was certainly missed in the defeat, but Oregon only lost by three points. If the Ducks kept it that close against a top team like the Wildcats, there's no reason to believe they can't win at least a few rounds in March.
Oregon should still be able to beat Iona in the opening round and then be favored against either Creighton or Rhode Island in the second. Beating either of those two minus Boucher won't be easy, but it's still very likely given the talent remaining on Dana Altman's roster.
A potential Sweet 16 matchup with Louisville will be a different story, though.
The Cardinals boast four players that are 6-foot-10 or bigger, including forwards Mangok Mathiang and Ray Spalding. Boucher's 6-foot-10 frame will be greatly missed against Louisville and the Ducks don't have anyone with that type of size and skill to eat up his minutes.
Don't expect Oregon to still be in the conversation for a national title with the Boucher injury, but don't write them off completely either.