As the NCAA Tournament approaches in six weeks, several teams are keenly focused on securing key victories that could propel them off the bubble and enhance their prospects for Selection Sunday on March 16.
One notable triumph came from Iowa, who achieved an impressive win against the then-No. 4 ranked USC on Sunday, a significant addition to their tournament resume. Additionally, Illinois achieved a commendable road victory over then-No. 14 Maryland, showcasing their potential.
Both Arizona and Colorado find themselves in need of a couple more quality wins to solidify their positions for the 68-team field. The upcoming matches are critical, as victories could significantly impact their standings.
Looking ahead to this week, one pivotal matchup features Seton Hall facing Creighton on Wednesday. The Big East Conference has had a challenging season, with only UConn and Creighton appearing to be secure for the tournament, while the Pirates aim to enhance their tournament chances. Notably, Seton Hall has avoided any glaring losses against tough opponents this season, including Princeton, LSU, USC, Creighton, and UConn. A victory against Creighton could be a game-changer for their prospects.
The Arizona vs. Colorado game on the same day will also be crucial, with the Buffaloes holding a NET rating of 59 and Arizona slightly ahead at 57. Both teams remain on the bubble and have several opportunities left in the Big 12, but a win in this matchup could significantly improve their chances of making the tournament.
In a closer look at some key ratings, Belmont currently stands at 54 in the NET ratings but has struggled against tougher opponents, holding an 0-6 record against quad-one teams. The Bruins lead the Missouri Valley Conference but must continue to perform well to maintain their position.
Meanwhile, the Ivy League features three teams that are making notable strides in terms of tournament readiness: Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard. After receiving just their second at-large bid in the conference’s history last season, all three teams are positioned within the top 45 in NET ratings. They will face off against each other soon but need to secure wins against lower-ranked teams this weekend, as any missteps could impact their standings significantly.
