ATR: Reshaping the bubble picture …

Five days into March and the Madness is well underway. Early returns have certainly impacted the bubble picture. Here’s our latest take on how the bubble has been reshaped this week (through games on Wednesday, March 4) …

Let’s start in the SEC: Major drops by Kentucky and Florida. Kentucky lost at home to Georgia (RPI No. 184). No excuses given the circumstances. Kentucky has lost three straight and four of five to see its RPI drop to 78. Even with a win at Florida (big if) it may take an SEC tournament title. Meanwhile, Florida lost at Mississippi State. The Gators haven’t won an SEC road game since January 14 (Auburn) and have also lost three straight and 5 of 7. Florida accomplished less out-of-conference than Kentucky. The Gators’ non-league SOS is 245. Better plan on a long stay in Tampa.

Around the Rim: NCAA Seeding and Bubble notes …

Time to get our Around the Rim column back in gear. It certainly has been an interesting and meaningful week so far. Below are some quick-hitting insights, notes, and thoughts as we prepare for our next bracket update …

Wake Forest has seen any hopes for a No. 1 seed evaporate during a stretch where the Deacons have lost three of four and four of six. Two of those are road losses at ACC bottom dwellers Georgia Tech and NC State. Wake is young and could be hitting a bit of a wall. Fortunately, the next two are at home. A solid finish should keep the Deacons in a 3-4 range come Selection Sunday.

Fans of Michigan State shouldn’t rule out a No. 1 seed. Given that injuries and illness have played roles in all four losses, if MSU wins both the Big 10 regular season and conference tournament titles, they’ll be in the mix. Let’s not forget that the Big 10 is the No. 2 RPI conference – and that matters.

Around the Hoop: MEAC and IVY shock ACC

Let’s look ahead, shall we.  How many ACC teams are going to schedule mid-week, out-of-conference games against November-ish opponents next season?  Perhaps Boston College and Maryland thought their games against Harvard and Morgan State were merely organized scrimmages. 

How else do you explain BC coming home after upsetting “unbeatable” Carolina in Chapel Hill and losing to Ivy afterthought Harvard in Chestnut Hill?  Or Maryland giving up a lead on its home floor to MEAC’s Morgan State?