Bracketology: Interesting twists on the Bubble

We’ll save the No. 1-seed ordering debate for another day.  Right now, some interesting twists have developed along the bubble heading into the final week of the regular season.

Bracketology

Once buried, both Michigan and Texas Tech have climbed enough rungs to find themselves among the Next Four Out this morning.  The Wolverines posted a road win at Rutgers Thursday night to add a little more punch.  If it feels like we’ve seen this before, it’s probably because we have some deja vu when it comes to the Maize and Blue.  Late-season charges seem to be a mantra.  While Texas Tech’s non-conference schedule remains a significant hurdle, additional Quad 1 opportunities await in the Big 12.  Climbing or fading are both yet possible.

Bracketology: Bubble continues to percolate

Expect bubble teams to continue percolating over the next two weeks.  Fresh off a second victory over UCLA, the Oregon Ducks return to the Field of 68, heading into another busy and important weekend.  Three Atlantic 10 teams are closing in on the projected field, and while all three are not likely to make it through, the odds are increasing that at least two A10 teams will hear their names called on Selection Sunday.

Bracketology

Gonzaga and Arizona continue to headline the bracket – and both appear in prime position to be 1-2 on the final seed list.  Auburn and Kansas remain on the top line – with a trio of potential teams in pursuit: Baylor, Kentucky and Purdue.

QT: Rough night for early bubble teams

Wednesday was a rather rough night for early bubble teams.  Let’s start with Florida.  There’s nothing wrong with losing at Tennessee, especially with Colin Castleton out of the lineup.  It’s the collective toll on the Gators’ resume that is concerning.  They have lost five of eight games, with the only notable win in that span a victory against Mississippi State.  Maybe the next stretch will serve as a turning point.  Florida gets Oklahoma State at home this weekend, followed by games against Missouri, Ole Miss and Georgia.  We’ll see if that slate is beneficial or detrimental.

Bracket Bits: Trouble brewing for Texas Tech?

As March arrives, so does a question about the at-large status of Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders lost at home to Texas on Saturday, leaving them with some potentially risky profile numbers.  These include a 3-8 record against Quadrant 1, a 7-11 mark against Quads 1/2, and a sub-.500 total against Quads 1-3 (10-11). TTU’s remaining eight wins are against Quad 4, with seven of those coming at home against teams ranked 235 or worse in the NET.

And … the next week is no picnic.  Texas Tech travels to Baylor before ending the season at home against Kansas.  What if the Red Raiders lose both and head to the Big 12 tournament at 18-13?  Solid NET number(s) or not, that’s tricky business.

The good news: TTU’s final two games are also a blessing in disguise.  Winning could undo much, if not all, of the angst heading to Kansas City.

Quick Takes: Rutgers’ road woes continue

Away from The RAC, it’s been tough season for Rutgers. After rallying from a 21-point deficit Wednesday night, the Scarlet Knights saw another elusive road win disappear in the waning seconds at Penn State, leaving them 1-8 in road games and 1-10 in games played away from home.

After hosting Maryland next Tuesday, Rutgers travels to Purdue to close the regular season; one last chance for the Scarlet Knights to win a road game before heading to the Big Tourney (neutral court) in Indianapolis.

How might the Committee handle a Rutgers’ team with potentially 10 Big Ten wins – if they beat Maryland at home – but who might also finish 1-12 away from home if the Scarlet Knights lose at Purdue followed by an opening-round B10 tourney game?

It’s a question we don’t have to answer right now, but it looms large over the next two weeks. Historically, that type of futility away from home has given past Committee’s a reason to leave a team out.