ATR: Nervous times for bubble teams …

Friday the 13th provided all sorts of bad – and potentially worse – news for teams on the 2009 NCAA Tournament bubble.  As of early Saturday morning, theses are nervous times for bubble teams here at Around the Rim (ATR).   Our next projected bracket (March 14) will be out today.  As a quick note … the Conference Tourney page and Schedule page are updated through Friday’s games. 

Who should be nervous?  Several teams from the Big 10 and ACC, Creighton, Arizona, any SEC team not named LSU or Tennessee, Dayton, St. Mary’s, Texas A&M, New Mexico, and Utah State if the Aggies don’t win the Big West.  Following is a quick take on the updated bubble picture …

ATR: Tech, Irish and updates …

Mike Singletary of  Texas Tech scored 29 straight points in the second half to help Texas Tech rally and upset Texas A&M in the Big 12’s opening round late last night.  How does the loss affect A&M?  Right now, the Aggies’ non-conference wins over LSU and Arizona, combined with league wins over Missouri and Oklahoma State (split with OSU) are helping – as is an RPI of 34.  However, losing so early (when not a lock) could prove costly.  The picture will be more clear after quarterfinals today in the Big East, Mountain West, and Pac-10, and opening rounds in the Big Ten and ACC.  Several other potential bubble teams play.  If they all keep winning, resume comparisons change.

Also of note last night … Portland State (Big Sky) and Robert Morris (NEC) punched dance cards.

Several key games ahead today … please check Schedule to see the list.

Notre Dame officially says goodbye to the NCAAs and hello to the NIT.  The Irish had to beat West Virginia.  The Big 10 will be especially noteworthy today.  Northwestern, Minnesota, Michigan, and Penn State (all bubble teams) play opening round games.  Northwestern and Penn State are most at risk.  Minnesota will be sweating, too, if they lose to Northwestern in the 8-9 game.  In the Mountain West, the UNLV-San Diego State game is likely an elimination.  The game is on the Rebels’ home floor.

The latest bracket projection will be updated today (later) – as will Bubble Banter.  Thanks, and as always – Send a Rebound:  Dave the Bracketguy.

ATR: Updates, Big Beast opens play

Four more teams punched dance tickets on Monday night: Virginia Commonwealth (Colonial), Siena (MAAC), Chattanooga (Southern) and Gonzaga (West Coast).  The only surprise was Chattanooga, which upset College of Charleston in the final after Charleston took out Davidson.

With Davidson falling short of the final, it’s hard to see the Wildcats in the NCAAs.  Meanwhile, St. Mary’s provided little resistance to Gonzaga, falling by almost 30 points.  While it’s not fair to evaluate a whole season based on one game, losing badly with Patty Mills back in the lineup hurts the Gaels’ chances.  St. Mary’s has a borderline resume and now must wait to see what happens elsewhere.  Siena’s victory helps potential bubble teams.  The Saints reserved a spot by knocking out Niagara in a very entertaining game.

Bubble Banter: Hoyas now in real trouble

The Georgetown Hoyas have lost 7 of 8 games, their lone win at home over Rutgers.  A valient comeback at Syracuse fell short in overtime and could loom very large as the Hoyas (4-8 in the Big East) are now in real trouble.   Of Georgetown’s six remaining games, three are on the road, and the Hoyas haven’t won a road game since opening the Big East season with a victory at Connecticut.  Up next is a trip to South Florida, followed by home dates with Marquette and Louisville.  Earn a sweep and a late run could push the Hoyas back into the conversation.  That’s the plus side to playing in the Big East.  But this team appears to have lost its confidence.

Bubble Banter is now updated through games on Sunday, February 15.  Have thoughts?  Send me a rebound – Dave the Bracketguy.