Here’s a comprehensive look at the current NCAA Tournament bubble scenario following Wednesday’s games:
**Tough Times for Ohio:**
In the nascent stages of major conference tournaments, teams on the bubble focused more on preventing damaging losses rather than clinching pivotal victories. Unfortunately for Ohio State, the coming days are likely to be nerve-racking after the Buckeyes fell short with a 77-70 defeat against Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament.
Ohio State isn’t alone in feeling the pressure. Xavier also finds itself teetering on the bubble, while Cincinnati’s already slim chances of making it to the field have likely vanished following their 76-56 loss to Iowa State.
Meanwhile, North Carolina handled Notre Dame smoothly with a 76-56 win, a result that could benefit the Tar Heels as they aim to secure their spot and prevent missing out on the tournament.
**SEC’s Ambitious Goals:**
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) could potentially have a significant representation in the NCAA Tournament this year. Of the 16-member league, only South Carolina and LSU are entirely out of the running for a tournament bid. There’s a genuine possibility of securing 13 spots, with an outside chance at 14, thanks to Texas’ 79-72 victory over Vanderbilt in their conference tournament.
Despite a challenging regular season where the Longhorns lost seven of their last nine games, the SEC Tournament provided them an opportunity to capture crucial wins, a prospect they capitalized on against the Commodores.
Wednesday was particularly advantageous for the SEC from a bid perspective. Arkansas edged South Carolina with a close 72-68 win, bringing them closer to a tournament berth in John Calipari’s debut season as coach. Later, Oklahoma carved out a significant 81-75 triumph over Georgia.
**Bracketology Insights:**
As the day concluded, ESPN’s bracket analysis shifted North Carolina into the tournament picture, pushing Ohio State out.
**Key Matchups Ahead:**
Thursday presents critical opportunities for bubble teams. Xavier has a chance to enhance its resume significantly if it manages to defeat No. 25 Marquette in the Big East quarterfinals. Concurrently, Indiana faces a similar challenge against No. 23 Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament.
In the Mountain West quarterfinals, attention is warranted as New Mexico, Utah State, San Diego State, Boise State, and Colorado State are battling for bubble positions, although only one can claim the league’s automatic bid.
Up next for Texas is an intense rivalry game against No. 14 Texas A&M.
**Secured Automatic Bids:**
Here’s a rundown of teams that have already secured automatic bids: SIU Edwardsville (Ohio Valley), Omaha (Summit), Lipscomb (Atlantic Sun), High Point (Big South), Drake (Missouri Valley), Wofford (Southern), Troy (Sun Belt), Robert Morris (Horizon), UNC-Wilmington (Coastal Athletic), St. Francis, Pa. (Northeast), Gonzaga (WCC), McNeese (Southland), American (Patriot), Montana (Big Sky).
No automatic bids are currently at stake on Thursday.
