Bracketology: Bubble extends deep into today’s bracket

Think of this is a quick State of the Bracket address:

Based upon the stature of resumes under consideration, the current Bubble extends deep into today’s bracket.  It’s worth noting because the comparative margin between today’s final seven seed and today’s final at-large team is much less than it might appear within the confines of the bracket or on the corresponding seed list.  There simply isn’t much difference between an eight and 10 seed; or between a 10 seed and the First Four.

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We can apply the same vernacular to those who reside just outside the Field.

With that context in place, it’s worth mentioning these reminders:

Quick Takes: Carolina keeps rolling

North Carolina has won 11 of its past 12 games.  Victories in that stretch include Virginia Tech, Louisville, Duke, Florida State, and Syracuse.  The Tar Heels’ lone loss? Virginia.  If you look at the ACC standings this morning, you’ll find Carolina a half-game up on Virginia; tied in the loss column.  UNC is not only in contention for an ACC regular-season title, the Heels are also in contention for a No. 1 seed.

Kentucky need a little Hero Ball from Tyler Herro, whose 29 points allowed the Wildcats to avoid a home stumble against Arkansas.  The victory will keep UK on the one-line when the next bracket arrives on Thursday.

Quick Takes: Arizona St holds serve, weekend bubble action

It took overtime, but Arizona State held off rival Arizona in Tempe on Thursday night, ending a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats.  The victory served as a Quad/Group 2 win and keeps ASU above the fray otherwise known as the Pac-12.  We’ll see how much it affects their NET rating when updates arrive today (Friday).

Elsewhere, Purdue avoided a bad loss at Penn State and Houston rallied past Temple. Then there’s Gonzaga, who put a 30-point pounding on BYU – on the road!  That’s impressive regardless of it being a down year for the Cougars.

Bracketology: So many bubble questions

So many bubble questions.  Where do we start?

Long waits are underway for teams like Louisville, Syracuse, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Baylor, and Notre Dame.  So too, now, for Middle Tennessee which exited the Conference USA tournament after an overtime loss to Southern Miss in the quarterfinals.  Thus, the Blue Raiders add themselves to what was already an intriguing group of quality at-large candidates.

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Depending on what happens today in the SEC and Pac-12 tourneys, in particular, we have about 12 teams in play for four spots.  That it’s the first year for the NCAA’s new Quadrant system only adds seasoning to the pot.  Will the Committee reward the overall excellence of Middle Tennessee who has multiple Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 wins – even if those wins aren’t power conference names?  How will the Committee handle the RPI situation of a team like Oklahoma State?  And will that same RPI effect benefit a team like Louisville?  Depending on your take, you can make legitimate cases for and/or against any of the 12.

As with the Committee, it’s time to dig beneath the surface of the bubble contenders during the next 48 hours. Come Sunday, our vantage point may change.

Bracketology: Big day for Bubble teams

It’s a big day for bubble teams.  Consider these questions: Can Louisville beat Virginia?  Can Marquette beat Villanova?  Can Oklahoma State beat Kansas (for a third time)?  Can Notre Dame beat Duke?  Can Texas beat Texas Tech?  Can Alabama beat Texas AM?  Can Kansas State beat TCU?  These are just a few of the many games to ponder on what could end up being the most crucial day between now and selection weekend. We didn’t even mention Butler and Providence, both of whom could benefit from an opening-round Big East tournament win.

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How will the Selection Committee handle a resume like Oklahoma State’s?  The answer could well depend on the age-old RPI question.  And what about a team like Arizona State – or Oklahoma for that matter – who started out like a whirlwind and finished with very little much air in their sails?

The cutline will likely change, perhaps multiple times, between now and Saturday.  Nothing is locked in place.  Another busy (and likely short) night ahead.