SEC Bubble Watch Update: Determining the Fate of Bubble Teams
With conference tournaments underway and Selection Sunday quickly approaching, the race for NCAA Tournament bids is heating up. The SEC Bubble Watch is here to provide you with the latest updates and analysis on the bubble teams vying for a spot in the Big Dance.
Important Developments in the ACC
In the ACC, Virginia’s overtime loss to NC State has put their at-large bid in question. With only two Quadrant 1 wins on their resume, it will be tough for the committee to justify including them in the tournament. Pitt, on the other hand, is likely on the wrong side of the cut line after their loss to North Carolina. Despite an impressive end to the season, their weak nonconference schedule could be their downfall. Wake Forest is also in trouble, as their loss to Pitt has pushed them below the cut line in bracket predictions.
Big Ten Battle for At-Large Bids
Michigan State’s loss to Purdue has put them on the bubble, but they are still projected to make the tournament. Ohio State, however, is likely on the outside looking in after their loss to Illinois. Despite a strong surge in recent games, their resume may not be enough to secure an at-large bid.
Bubble Drama in the Big East
The Big East is home to several bubble teams fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Villanova’s loss to Marquette has burst their bubble, but their strong strength of schedule and predictive metrics may give them a glimmer of hope. Seton Hall is also feeling the pressure after a loss to St. John’s, while Providence’s fate depends on what the committee values most. St. John’s may have played themselves into the field with a win over Seton Hall, but it’s not quite enough to lift them above the waiting game category.
Pac-12 and SEC Bubble Battles
Colorado’s win over Washington State has solidified their spot in the tournament, but the Pac-12 title game could remove all doubts. Oregon’s win over Arizona puts them in the title game, and bubble teams will be rooting against them in hopes of securing an at-large bid. In the SEC, Mississippi State’s win over Tennessee has locked them into the tournament. Texas A&M’s win over Kentucky has boosted their resume, but they are still on the bubble and need other results to go their way.
Mountain West and Other Bubble Teams
New Mexico’s back-to-back wins have projected them to be in the tournament, but their fate is not yet sealed. The Mountain West title game will determine their final standing. FAU remains projected to be in, but a matchup with Temple could change their fate. Indiana State’s loss to Drake in the MVC title game has put their at-large hopes in jeopardy. The Atlantic 10 bid thief, Duquesne, has eliminated Dayton from the conference tournament, leaving fewer spots up for grabs. Princeton remains on the bubble as the top seed in the Ivy League tournament.
The race for at-large bids is intensifying, and every game matters for these bubble teams. As conference tournaments continue and Selection Sunday looms, the fate of these teams hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach the NCAA Tournament.