Several teams from mid-major conferences are poised to challenge power conference programs when Selection Sunday arrives. These teams could create headaches if they fail to secure automatic NCAA Tournament berths by winning their respective league tournaments.
New Mexico and Utah State from the Mountain West appear nearly certain to join the NCAA Tournament. However, San Diego State, Boise State, and Colorado State must continue their strong performances to keep their hopes alive. The Aztecs have a crucial game against New Mexico on Tuesday, while the Broncos square off against Utah State on Wednesday, and Colorado State has upcoming matchups with both Utah State and Boise State.
As of Monday, Boise State was ranked 46th in the NET rankings, with San Diego State at 49 and Colorado State at 61.
In the Atlantic 10 Conference, VCU and George Mason could also find their way into the NCAA tournament, even if they falter in the conference tournament. VCU recently handed George Mason their first loss in 11 games, marking the Rams’ sixth consecutive victory. Analytical tools such as KenPom, Bart Torvik, and Evan Miyakawa currently favor VCU if the two teams compete for an at-large bid.
Meanwhile, the Big West has a shot at sending two teams to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1993. If UC San Diego, with an impressive 24-4 record and a win over Utah State, doesn’t win their league tournament, they might still make the cut, potentially taking a bid from another school.
**Bubble Watch:**
– Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Texas A&M, Wednesday: The Commodores, ranked No. 43 in the NET with an 18-9 record (6-8 SEC), have two crucial opportunities this week, including a Saturday game against No. 14 Missouri, to boost their at-large bid chances.
– Oklahoma vs. No. 17 Kentucky, Wednesday: Following a crucial victory over No. 24 Mississippi State that broke a five-game losing streak, the Sooners (17-10, 4-10 SEC, No. 51 NET) aim for consecutive wins over ranked opponents.
– West Virginia at No. 25 BYU, Saturday: The Mountaineers (16-11, 7-9 Big 12, No. 48 NET) need to first defeat TCU on Tuesday before facing the formidable Cougars, in a game that could influence their at-large standing.
**Conference Watch:**
Selection Sunday will reveal the NCAA Tournament committee’s views on the ACC. Duke, Clemson, and Louisville are assured spots. However, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and SMU remain on the bubble, having performed poorly against Quad 1 opponents, with a combined record of 3-21.
**Key Ratings:**
– Georgia: With a NET ranking of No. 41, the Bulldogs have dropped four straight and are 2-11 against Quad 1 opponents. Beating third-ranked Florida could revive their NCAA hopes.
– Drake: At No. 58 in the NET rankings, Drake has clinched 13 victories in their last 14 games. Wins over Evansville and Missouri State in the regular season could secure their tournament spot without needing to win the Missouri Valley tournament.
– Yale: Standing No. 68 in the NET, the Ivy League leaders have an impressive 11-0 conference record and the nation’s longest winning streak at 12 games. But losses to UIC, Delaware, and Rhode Island may have dashed their at-large hopes.
