Bubble Watch: Eight teams fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives as regular season ends
The madness of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament doesn’t officially start until Tuesday, March 14 but there’s plenty of chaos waiting the last weekend of the regular season, including four matchups between ranked teams. Conference tournaments should also provide some fun (or heartbreak, depending on who you’re rooting for).Â
But as usual this time of year, most of the talk is about who’s barely in and who’s narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament. Bubble teams are always worth a conversation and this weekend, many of them have an opportunity to let their play do some serious talking.Â
As you watch games the next few days also keep an eye on teams’ NET ranking and how they move up or down. At this point in the season the committee will examine every small piece of a team’s resume, and going up or down in the NET, even just a couple spots, could be a difference maker.Â
Selection Sunday is March 12. How much madness happens before then?Â
Arizona State
Follow every game: Latest NCAA Men’s College Basketball Scores and Schedules
A second half collapse late Thursday at UCLA doesn’t look great on the surface — the Sun Devils (20-10, 11-8 Pac-12) were trailing by four at the break but got outscored 43-29 in the second period. But on the flip side, it reinforces that the Bruins are the class of the Pac-12, so it’s not that bad of a loss. Arizona State’s buzzer-beating upset of Arizona is still the game that will make the biggest impression (and likely help the committee overlook a NET ranking in the low 60s). That being said, a win at Southern California on Saturday will help, too — as well as a win in the Pac-12 tournament next week in Las Vegas. Status: Last four in.Â
North Carolina still out, Arizona State joins field
STARTING FIVE:Big 12, Pac-12 clashes lead weekend’s five best games
Oklahoma State
The Cowboys (16-14, 7-10 Big 12) probably can’t wait to get done with the Big 12 — and who can blame them? That conference is brutally tough and teams that will do damage in the NCAA Tournament spend most of their conference season scratching and clawing, just trying to survive. OSU’s 47 NET ranking is far from great, but the committee is likely to give them a pass for being in the best conference. Playing No. 8 Baylor so close on Monday — the Cowboys lost 74-68 — will also help them pass the eye test. A win Saturday at Texas Tech and a couple victories in the conference tournament will help bolster their case. Status: First four out.