West Virginia Is A Three Seed In The 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket, Will Face Stephen F. Austin First

After coming away from the Big 12 Tournament short of the goal as champions, the Mountaineers found out their NCAA Tournament fate this evening when it was announced that WVU is a 3 seed in the East region. WVU will open up play on Friday in Brooklyn, NY, against Stephen F. Austin. Tip time is reported to be approximately 7:10 pm ET. The Lumberjacks finished season (27-5, 18-0) in the Southland Conference.

WVU earns a No. 3 seed in the East Region and will face Stephen F. Austin in Brooklyn! #LETSDANCE pic.twitter.com/5T2N1gGBwH

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) March 13, 2016

This is clearly the best WVU team since the 2010 Final Four team and a Sweet Sixteen run is almost expected. How far they actually go remains to be seen, especially with a very tough draw.

Potential opponents in the second round are (6) Notre Dame, (11) Michigan and Tulsa. The big possibility is the possible, yet unlikely, Backyard Brawl in the Sweet Sixteen. WVU could also potentially face (7) Wisconsin, (2) Xavier or (15) Weber State in the second weekend of the tournament. Also of note: Yes, Kentucky is in our region, though that would be for a spot in the Final Four.

Number one seeds for this year's tournament are Kansas, North Carolina, Virginia & Oregon.

Number twos are Oklahoma, Xavier, Villanova & Michigan State.

Joining the Mountaineers on the #3 line are Texas A&M, Miami and Utah.

Full printable bracket HERE

Last season WVU made it to the Sweet Sixteen as a 5 seed before bowing out to Kentucky.