The annual debate surrounding the NCAA men’s basketball tournament bubble is underway as March arrives and Selection Sunday nears. While many teams are competing to get into the 68-team field, others already in are trying to improve their bracket position.
Teams Gaining Momentum
Some teams are peaking at the right time of year. The Florida Gators, after a 5-4 start, have gone 18-2. Their backcourt, featuring Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland, is improving, complementing a strong frontcourt. Florida looks like the favourite in the SEC and might contend for a No. 1 seed alongside Duke, Michigan and Arizona.
UConn are also in contention for a No. 1 seed. They are 5-2 in their past seven games after starting the season 22-1. Their recent 72-40 victory against St. John’s helped solidify their standing.
The Crimson Tide were 14-7 one month ago, but have since won eight consecutive games. Saint Mary’s Gaels are coming off a 70-59 victory against Gonzaga and have won their final eight games of the season.
Bubble Teams Fighting For a Spot
March brings a pair of clashes with major implications for the NCAA Tournament bubble. Ohio State and Indiana face critical Big Ten games.
- Ohio State are in pursuit of a statement victory.
- Indiana have dropped three straight and need to add some meat to their resume.
Ohio State’s game against Purdue is a Quad 1 game. Indiana’s game against Michigan State is also a Quad 1 game.
The Buckeyes got John Mobley Jr. back from injury, but lost to Iowa. Hosting Purdue is Ohio State’s last guaranteed opportunity to make any sort of statement.
Teams Under Pressure
Indiana has just four victories across Quad 1 and Quad 2. The Hoosiers have wins over Purdue, UCLA and Wisconsin. It is paramount that they add some meat to their resume before they turn in their body of work to the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
- Indiana suffered a home loss to Northwestern.
- Auburn had a Quad 3 home loss to Ole Miss.
- Cal suffered a Quad 3 home loss to Pitt.
Teams will be jockeying for position on the bracket during the final weeks of the regular season.