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Keeler’s Saturday 5 Minute Preview
Feb 5th
Before you sit down and party on Super Bowl Sunday, check out this appetizer of games on Saturday.
Wake Forest-Virginia – The Cavaliers got a big win in Chapel Hill last Sunday, but in order for Tony Bennett’s club to get in the Big Dance, they will need to make up for bad losses OOC. What a great win it would be against a Demon Deacon team that is playing well right now in the ACC.
Xavier-Dayton – The Flyers are looking for revenge after a loss to Xavier in a close game up in Cincinnati in January. Chris Roberts’ team has struggled of late in the competitive Atlantic 10 and in this rivalry, anything can happen. Expect Dayton to come out fighting early and get the win.
Villanova-Georgetown – By far, the best game of the day. Villanova begins a huge month of tough games on the road including this game, @ WVU, and @ Syracuse to name a few. The Hoyas are coming off of a tough loss to South Florida at home. Georgetown really needs to go back to playing with physicality. If they can get the ball to Greg Monroe and keep him out of foul trouble, that allows Georgetown to win inside and outside. Reynolds will have a bounce back game, but Villanova will need contributions from the front court. Right now, I like the Hoyas in a close game.
Mississippi State-Florida – The Gators are coming off of a close win @ Alabama and feeling high in the SEC East, but they shouldn’t sleep past Mississippi St. Jarvis Vanardo has the ability to change a game with his defensive and shot blocking ability. Florida has the ability to come through late, but the Bulldogs did play well @ Vanderbilt earlier in the week. Don’t expect Florida to breeze through this one.
Oklahoma State-Texas Tech – In order for the Red Raiders to get a signature win, they will have to contain James Anderson. It’s easier said than done as Anderson had 24 points in the 1st half against Texas, but the question is whether or not the Red Raiders have the defensive ability to contain Anderson and force Travis Ford to call on other options to win in Lubbock?
Temple-Richmond – This is going to be a tough test for the Owls, who have had a great season. The Spiders have some great wins OOC and are beginning to peak at the right time in the Atlantic 10. This one is going to be physical, but get to see if Temple can pick up a huge win on the road.
Gonzaga-Memphis – The Zags really impressed me last night against Portland, but I have to wonder if the Bulldogs will have a let down. Memphis got a huge home win over UAB on Wednesday and as always it’s tough to win games in the FedEx Forum. I expect the Bulldogs to win, but this has the potential to be an ugly game if Elias Harris, Matt Boldin, and Stephen Gray don’t start off strong.
Clemson-Virginia Tech – The Hokies are coming off of a home win over fellow bubble team North Carolina. This game has the potential to be ugly for Clemson. The Tigers are not a great road team at all and Malcolm Delaney can light up the scoreboard.
Texas-Oklahoma – Texas had a nice bounce back win over Oklahoma State on Monday, but are they looking ahead to Kansas? Oklahoma has underachieved this year and it’s always tough to win in Norman. I still like Texas to have a big win because of their athleticism and their ability to contain Willie Warren.
Baylor-Texas A&M - This is a rematch of a 5 OT game a year ago up in College Station. The Aggies are flying high right now after winning @ Missouri and snapping a 30+ home win streak for the Tigers. However, this Baylor team is maturing before our eyes under Scott Drew, especially after their big win @ Texas a week ago and a close loss @ Kansas.
South Carolina-Tennessee - The Vols did not play well against LSU last night and to win this one they will need to use Wayne Chism and their frontcourt against the Gamecocks. Just look at how Kentucky failed against SC. They did not use Patrick Patterson at all, which cost them that game. Devon Downey will get his points, but if the Vols keep it physical in the frontcourt, they should win this game in Knoxville.
San Diego State-New Mexico – With the Mountain West having 3 teams who are in the NCAA Tournament as of today, the Aztecs will need to get a big win and where better to get one than @ the Pit. It will not be easy though as Steve Alford’s team has only lost one home game all year in that building and the Lobos are playing great right now, including a win over BYU.
Vanderbilt-Georgia – The Commodores were able to shake off a loss to Kentucky with a final minute win over Mississippi State, but don’t sleep on Georgia. This team has battled all year in the SEC against all the top teams including a win over the 14th ranked Volunteers.
Tulsa-UTEP – If the C-USA is going to get 2 bids into the field of 65, it could be one of these two teams. The Golden Hurricane have a good chance in this game, but I like UTEP because of Derrick Caracter, the Louisville transfer.
Michigan State-Illinois - College Gameday will be up in Champaign for this one and hopefully, Tom Izzo will have his star point guard Kalin Lucas. Lucas suffered an ankle injury against Wisconsin and without him, the Spartans will need a ton out of Roe, Morgan, and Draymond Green. Can Illinois get the big win on their resume? If Lucas is out, they most likely can.
Marquette @ Providence – The Golden Eagles are going to have to win the games that they should win in order to make the Big Dance, but the Dunkin Donuts Center is a tough place to play for any team. The Friars have a tough schedule and can get some huge wins with some quality opponents coming to their house. However, Lazar Hayward is one of the top game changers in the Big East, which gives the edge to Marquette.
Seton Hall @ Pittsburgh – The Panthers need to get this win badly after being on a tough losing streak over the past few games. It is bad timing to go up against a Seton Hall team that beat the Panthers earlier in the year. No matter what they better not leave Jeremy Hazell open at the perimeter.
Small Erving Walker Continues to Come Up Big
Feb 4th
Last week I saw UAB overcome a late run by Tulsa thanks in part to a thunderous dunk by Blazers star Elijah Millsap, but that game has nothing on what I saw tonight.
In jam-packed Tuscaloosa, I watched Florida survived Alabama 66-65 in a game that was vital to the Gators NCAA Tournament hopes. Erving Walker was the main reason Florida had lost the lead. The Gators were up four late before two Walker turnovers allowed Alabama to take a one point lead with only seconds remaining on the clock.
I stood in the crowd, surrounded by thousands of Alabama fans that were making more noise than they had all night long, wondering how Billy Donovan was going to get Walker the ball for the potential game winner. The answer came seconds later when Florida set a double screen, allowing Walker ran into the backcourt and catch the ball.
The smallest man on the court then outran his man and somehow contorted his body into a position where he could make the game winning basket with 3.5 seconds left. On his way up it looked like Walker had lost the ball, but that thought was erased from my mind as soon as I saw the ball go up and gently rattle around the rim before falling though it.
That’s when I decided that my next statement (which may sound farfetched to some) is possibly true: Erving Walker is one of the best 25 players in the country.
I mean it. I know he’s small, but somehow he always makes the big plays for the Gators. While Chandler Parsons gets the headlines (and on this night boos from every Bama fan in the student second at Coleman Coliseum), it’s Walker that leads the Gators.
In eight of his last nine games, Walker has scored 12 points or more with an average of 17 PPG on twelve shots. Throw in that he’s also dishing out 6 APG while only turning it over only 2.67 times per game and you’ve got a true star in the making.
Florida may not make the NCAA Tournament without some big wins the rest of the year, but if the Gators do get in the field I believe Walker is one of the last players that a top seed wants to see in the second round of the tournament. He can take over games and make plays from everywhere on the floor. Walker can spread the floor by knocking down extremely deep threes, which allows the other Florida shooters (Boynton, Parsons, Tyus) to make jumpers and drive down the lane.
Another thing Billy Donovan has started doing lately is putting Chandler Parsons, a much improved dribbler (and a guy playing with tons of confidence) at point guard while spreading the floor with Walker and Boynton coming off screens. This gives his best two scorers a chance to score by moving without the basketball, something they can’t do while running the point.
Florida has survived numerous opponents this year, while also losing some close games (South Alabama, Tennessee). The one thing all the late game rallies/big shots have shown is that the Gators have a lot of mental toughness. In the NCAA Tournament, even for a bubble team that barely makes it in, that could be the difference in a quick exit and a decent run through the field.
Remember, this Gators squad has wins over Michigan State and Florida State out of conference. Those two wins could be huge when Selection Sunday rolls around.
Erving Walker, the smallest guy on the court for the Gators, continues to be the biggest reason Florida is still in the running for the large bid that they are desperately clawing for.
Nightly Breakdown: Thursday at a Glance
Feb 3rd
Each major college basketball day, one of OSF’s experts will break down the matchups that have NCAA Tournament implications. Here’s Thursday, February 4.
Georgia Tech @ Duke- This is a big game for both teams. With Georgetown and Michigan State slipping up in the last two days, the two seedline is wide open. Duke could use a convincing win to help solidify a position as a two seed. A win here would advance the Yellow Jackets to lock status, as well as improve their chances of winning the ACC.
Alabama @ Florida- Alabama will most likely not make the Tournament, but they could help ruin Florida’s March Madness dreams. The Gators look to be on the right side of the bubble as of now, but a home loss to the Tide would be inexcusable, and would not allow them to remain in the current field. It would be an uphill battle for Billy Donovan’s squad with a loss here.
Maryland @ Florida State- The Terrapins need a win here to keep pace with Duke and Virginia, but Florida State won’t make it easy. The ‘Noles are in a group hovering around the top 25, and a win here severely dashes Maryland’s Tourney chances as well as helps separate themselves from that middle pack.
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech- The Heels are in free fall mode, and they need a win here to stop the bleeding. At some point Roy Williams has to wonder just how much those wins over Michigan State and Ohio State really mean. The Hokies have an abominable RPI, but a win over a vaunted opponent would no doubt change the perception of them, as well as help boost their pitiful computer numbers.
Cincinnati @ Notre Dame- The Irish have a reputation for being really good at home and horrible on the road. They may not even have to be really good, as the Bearcats are just 1-5 away from home all year. Cincinnati appears to be in the Dance right now, which can’t be said for Notre Dame. If the Irish want in, a win here would be a good place to start.
Arizona State @ Washington State- The crazy Pac-10 is wide open, and either of these teams could end up winning it. Washington State’s Klay Thompson was horrible in round one of this series, and the Sun Devils won by 25. If he has another bad performance, it will end all hope of the Cougars getting an at-large bid, which even still are very, very slim.
Arizona @ Washington- Another Pac-10 matchup with Tournament hopes on the line. Because the conference is a muddled mess, basically every game will mean something. Arizona is the current conference leader, and if they go into a hostile environment and win, that would be a huge boost. Unfortunately, Washington has been excellent in defending their home court.
Portland @ Gonzaga- It seems like years ago that everyone was crowning Portland as the next, well, Gonzaga. Now the Zags have claimed their rightful place atop the WCC and are looking down on the Pilots from up top. However, if Portland wins, they’ll bump Gonzaga over and make room for themselves at the pinnacle of one of college basketball’s premier mid-major leagues.
A Star Being born in South Florida
Feb 3rd
There maybe something else brewing in South Florida other than the Super Bowl. The South Florida Bulls went from perennial doormat to a possible NCAA Tournament bid with an upset over # 8 Georgetown in the Verizon Center. If USF makes the big dance come Selection Sunday, maybe it will finally put USF guard Dominique Jones on the national map. Jones is one of the top players in the Big East Conference. He averages 22 points , 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, and brings great leadership to a young team that is without Augustus Gilchrist, their second leading scorer coming into the season.
Jones did not have a great 1st half, only scoring 7 points. and South Florida saw the Hoyas shoot 60 percent from the field and take a 9 point lead into the locker room. But, that would not stop Stan Heath’s team from fighting and persevering. Jones had 22 of his 29 points in the second half as the Bulls outscored the Hoyas 46-29. They were able to get Greg Monroe into foul trouble and force the Hoyas to shoot shots they were not comfortable with. It should be noted that the Hoyas did not help their own cause by shooting 11 of 22 from the free throw line.
So, what does this win mean for South Florida’s basketball program? Stan Heath has coached the first South Florida team to ever win 4 straight games in the Big East conference with wins over Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, and now Georgetown. Also, the national spotlight might finally shine on a deserving player in Jones, who has put himself in the Big East POY race with names such as Scottie Reynolds, Wesley Johnson, and Da’Sean Butler. Over the last four games, Jones has averaged 35 points per game. It’s time to recognize this man’s achievements at a doormat program even if USF does not make the NCAA Tournament.
Narrowing It Down
Feb 3rd
At this time of year, it becomes clear that some teams just aren’t going to make the NCAA Tournament. Sorry Marist, Tennessee-Martin and Alcorn State. Unless one of these teams snags an auto-bid, they just won’t be dancing. So what teams do have a shot at the field of 65? For these intents and purposes, the “major” conferences will include the Atlantic 10 and Mountain West. Their teams will not be included among mid-majors.
ACC Locks: Duke
ACC Game or Two Away: Wake Forest, Florida State, Georgia Tech
ACC Bubble: Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia Tech
ACC Long Shots: Miami, North Carolina State, Virginia, Boston College
The ACC is still a strong conference, but there just aren’t many teams who can be assured of a bid. The Deacs, ‘Noles and Yellow Jackets are all very close. If Wake can put away Virginia on the road this weekend, they’ll move into “lock” status.
Atlantic 10 Locks: Temple
Atlantic 10 Game or Two Away: Rhode Island
Atlantic 10 Bubble: Charlotte, Dayton, Xavier
As of right now, all the A-10 bubble teams are in the Tournament. Charlotte and Xavier are close to becoming locked in. Rhode Island’s strong RPI probably guarantees them a spot, but because their best win is over Oklahoma State, winning a few more may be in their best interest.
Big 12 Locks: Kansas, Texas, Kansas State
Big 12 Game or Two Away: Baylor
Big 12 Bubble: Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M
Big 12 Long Shots: Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Iowa State
Baylor is playing like the team many thought they would be a year ago, when they were ranked so highly. Oklahoma State was in a position similar to this last year and wound up with an 8. Missouri’s garbage SOS leaves much to be desired, but they’d have to be in as of right now, as would the Aggies. Texas Tech’s computer numbers look great for a long shot, but consider they don’t have a win against a team currently in the field (best win: Washington), and they’re out.
Big Ten Locks: Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State
Big Ten Game or Two Away: None
Big Ten Bubble: Minnesota, Northwestern, Illinois
Big Ten Long Shots: Michigan
Ohio State is 13-3 with Evan Turner, the Committee will recognize that fact. Minnesota and Northwestern have good shots at making it in, but I have zero confidence in Illinois. They got close to being swept by Penn State and Indiana, and the meat of the Big Ten schedule remains. Michigan remains a long shot at 10-11 because they have the talent to win out. They could lose out, too, which wouldn’t surprise anyone.
Big East Locks: Syracuse, Villanova, West Virginia, Georgetown
Big East Game or Two Away: Pittsburgh
Big East Bubble: Cincinnati, South Florida, Connecticut, Marquette, Louisville, Seton Hall, Notre Dame, Saint John’s
Big East Long Shots: Providence
Pittsburgh is slipping, they’re a game or two away from joining half the conference on the bubble. The middle of the Big East is a mess, any of the bubble teams could emerge and end up with a 5 seed, any might end up missing the NIT. Deciding who finishes where is anyone’s guess.
Mountain West Locks: New Mexico, BYU
Mountain West Game or Two Away: UNLV
Mountain West Bubble: San Diego State
New Mexico is the toast of the conference, with a better RPI and SOS than the Cougars. UNLV’s Louisville win isn’t looking nearly impressive as it once did, but the win at the Pit over New Mexico is an underrated one. San Diego State has a resume similar to what they had last year. They were snubbed, and sent to the NIT.
Pac-10 Locks: None
Pac-10 Game or Two Away: None
Pac-10 Bubble: California, Arizona, Washington, Arizona State
Pac-10 Long Shots: Washington State
Conceivably, any team from this conference sans USC could go to the Big Dance, since all they’d have to do is win the conference tournament, but this is assuming there is no auto-bid. Cal’s powerful RPI and SOS would net them a high seed, but Coach Montgomery’s squad will probably have to go no worse than 14-4 in conference to feel safe.
SEC Locks: Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Tennessee
SEC Game or Two Away: None
SEC Bubble: Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi State
SEC Long Shots: Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas
Mississippi is falling fast. The Rebels have dropped two straight, and if they lose to Alabama this weekend, I doubt they stay in the field. Florida is playing well, and the win over Michigan State still looks good. They’re the best bubble bet from the SEC. Georgia and Arkansas have bad records, but good schedules and have proven to be dangerous. They’re in the same boat as Michigan.
Mid-Major Locks: Northern Iowa, Butler, UAB, Gonzaga
Mid-Major Win or Two Away: Saint Mary’s, Siena, Cornell
Mid-Major Bubble: Old Dominion, George Mason, Northeastern, William & Mary, Wichita State, Virginia Commonwealth
Mid-Major Long Shots: Tulsa, Portland, Louisiana Tech, Utah State, Nevada, UTEP, Memphis, Marshall, Murray State, Harvard
Obviously, a few of these teams will win at-larges. But the CAA is shaping up to have one of the best conference tournaments in recent memory. Five really good teams with really good resumes, and only two will likely go dancing. That’s a set up for a crazy finish. Of the longs shots, Murray State is in good shape. They are dominating the Ohio Valley Conference with impressive win after impressive win.
There are 91 teams in this list. 17 conferences are represented, which takes away 17 at-large bids. That means there are 74 teams competing for 34 of the auto bids. Assuming one of the “locks” takes the at-large, 11 remaining teams are “locks” that didn’t win the conference, leaving 23 remaining places for auto bids. 8 are in the “game or two away” category. 15 spots remain for 34 bubble teams, assuming none of the long shots sneaks in and snags a spot. Which 15 on the bubble deserve a spot?
Previewing Wednesday Night’s Games
Feb 2nd
Games with NCAA Tournament Implications on Wednesday:
South Florida (Bubble) at 
Georgetown (2 seed): If South Florida can win its fourth consecutive Big East game, the Bulls will probably move into my bracketology field and become one of the stories of this wacky college basketball season. Georgetown continues to stay in the fight for a #1 seed, although the Hoyas will need a lot of help to get on the top line.
William & Mary (Bubble) at 
Old Dominion (Bubble): It really doesn’t get much better than this one from the CAA on Wednesday night. The winner greatly improves its at large chances while the loser will have to rebound quickly to stay in the running. William & Mary probably needs it more right now. A win by ODU would make it very hard to leave them out as an at large.
Pittsburgh (4 seed) at 
West Virginia (2 seed): The Panthers are quietly falling towards the bubble and could really use a big win to get headed back in the right direction. West Virginia, like Georgetown, has an outside chance at a top seed for the tournament.
Mississippi State (11 seed) at 
Vanderbilt (4 seed): All I’ve heard all week is how the Bulldogs are lacking the type of signature win that separates bubble in teams from bubble out teams. A win at Memorial Gym would change that in a hurry. Vanderbilt wants a win to stay in the race for the SEC East and a bye in the SEC Tournament.
UAB (6 seed) at 
Memphis (cusp of bubble): It doesn’t get any better than this rivalry in Conference USA, at FedEx Forum. The Blazers need to rebound after falling to UTEP at home on Saturday, while Memphis is trying to show the world its still a force in a conference it has dominated the last few years.
Wichita State (Bubble) at 
Northern Iowa (5 seed): In round one of this matchup, Wichita State handed Northern Iowa its second loss of the year. Now the Shockers are in need of yet another big win, while the Panthers are starting to dream of a really high seed come tournament time.
Texas A&M (8 seed) at 
Missouri (7 seed): This has “bubble” written all over it. You won’t see a credible bracketology that doesn’t list the Aggies or Tigers right now, but both teams are still in the bubble danger zone. The winner here would have to feel a lot better about their NCAA Tournament chances.
Projecting the Field: Groundhog Day
Feb 2nd
As Daniel Evans will tell you, updating bracketology on a daily basis is borderline impossible when you’re a student. Sure, reseeding doesn’t seem like a big deal, but working out the endless kinks in the bracket is. That’s why, until March, I’ll be updating a Projecting the Field on a semi-nightly basis, a few days a week. It’s much easier, and is essentially my ever-changing S-Curve Rankings plugged into seedlines. There won’t be matchups, there won’t even be a bracket. This is just the most convenient way to provide insight into the 65 teams who will be dancing until March, when it becomes essential to give a more all-encompassing view.
1: Kansas, Syracuse, Villanova, Kentucky
2: Michigan State, Georgetown, West Virginia, Texas
3: Purdue, Duke, Kansas State, Wisconsin
4: Vanderbilt, New Mexico, Temple, Pittsburgh
5: Ohio State, Tennessee, Gonzaga, Wake Forest
6: BYU, Georgia Tech, Baylor, Butler
7: Northern Iowa, Cornell, Rhode Island, UAB
8: Florida State, Clemson, Oklahoma State, Missouri
9: Texas A&M, Xavier, Saint Mary’s, UNLV
10: California, Charlotte, Old Dominion, Mississippi
11: Maryland, Cincinnati, Siena, Richmond
12: Dayton, North Carolina, Connecticut, Florida
13: Louisiana Tech, Murray State, Charleston, South Florida
14: Middle Tennessee State, Pacific, Oakland, Sam Houston State
15: Stony Brook, Coastal Carolina, Weber State, Akron
16: Morgan State, Robert Morris, Jacksonville, Lehigh, Jackson State
LAST FOUR IN: South Florida, Connecticut, North Carolina, Dayton
LAST FOUR OUT: Louisville, San Diego State, Seton Hall, Arizona
Update of the Day:
South Florida in, Louisville out? Check the resumes…South Florida has a marginally higher RPI and SOS, but the Bulls have something that Rick Pitino’s squad does not: a win over a highly ranked team (Pittsburgh). Louisville’s best win? It’s either Cincinnati or Connecticut, both after thoughts in the top 25.
Is North Carolina In? Should they be?
Feb 1st
BRACKETOLOGY: Is UNC IN or OUT? | BUBBLE WATCH | STREAKIN THE COURT GAME: LOUISVILLE OR UCONN?
After tonight’s loss by North Carolina, I’m sure the main topic in bracketology is going to be about the Tar Heels and whether they should be in the field right now. Due to that, I decided to make an entire blog post motivated to the Tar Heels.
So, here’s some common questions I expect to be asked:
1) Is North Carolina in the field right now?
North Carolina continues to keep losing. Tonight’s loss to Virginia marked the fifth loss in seven games for the Tar Heels. That left me with a tough decision when trying to make my field. First off, would the selection committee really leave out North Carolina?
When I got past that, this is a North Carolina team with wins over Ohio State and Michigan State, two locks for the NCAA Tournament. The losses, outside tonight’s to the Cavaliers, are all to teams that are in my field. Their RPI has now entered danger zone range at 76, but the wins gainst OHST and MSU save them for now.
2) What does UNC need to do to make the field?
Well first off, they are North Carolina. A victory against Duke (meaning winning one of the two) would be huge, but the main thing UNC needs to do is avoid awful losses like the ones to Virginia and Charleston. Virginia Tech and Maryland, two ACC bubble teams, are up next for the Tar Heels. Wins over both would really solidify UNC’s shorterm status and help raise their RPI numbers.
3) Do you think the Tar Heels will get in the field?
I do. The wins against Michigan State and Ohio State will be tough to ignore and games against Virginia Tech, Maryland, N. C. State, Boston College, and Miami FL provide the Tar Heels with a great chance to get to seven ACC wins. Games against Duke (twice), Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Wake Forest can be looked at as chances for the Tar Heels to boost their resume with a win. If UNC gets to eight ACC wins then it’s going to be hard to leave them out, although a lot depends on what else happens around the country between now and then,
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And for those wanting to see it……..here’s North Carolina’s remaining schedule:
North Carolina’s Remaining Schedule:
Feb 4 at Virginia Tech 16-4 (3-3)
Feb 7 at Maryland 13-6 (4-2)
Feb 10 Duke 17-4 (5-2)
Feb 13 N.C. St. 14-8 (2-5)
Feb 16 at Georgia Tech 15-5 (4-3)
Feb 20 at Boston College 12-10 (3-5)
Feb 24 Florida St. 16-5 (4-3)
Feb 27 at Wake Forest 14-5 (4-3)
March 2 Miami (FL) 15-5 (2-5)
March 6 at Duke 17-4 (5-2)
How to pick among Big East bubble teams?
Jan 31st
The Big East NCAA Tournament picture keeps getting blurrier and blurrier. Let’s make this as simple as possible though. We do know that Syracuse and Villanova, two teams that could make the Final Four, will make the Big Dance and will likely go far.
| Team | Overall Record | Conf. Record | RPI | SOS |
| Pittsburgh | 16-5 | 6-3 | 22 | 15 |
| Connecticut | 13-8 | 3-5 | 44 | 2 |
| Louisville | 13-8 | 4-4 | 47 | 5 |
| Cincinnati | 14-7 | 5-4 | 48 | 31 |
| South Florida | 14-7 | 4-5 | 54 | 37 |
| Marquette | 13-8 | 4-5 | 57 | 22 |
| Seton Hall | 12-5 | 3-5 | 58 | 16 |
| Notre Dame | 15-7 | 4-5 | 72 | 69 |
| St. John’s | 12-8 | 2-6 | 73 | 28 |
| Providence | 12-9 | 4-5 | 97 | 77 |
Georgetown and West Virginia will also be in the NCAA Tournament. Neither team is flashy like the Orange and Wildcats but they are very efficient on both sides of the basketball and have the computer numbers needed for high seeds in the tournament.
But after that it gets wild.
Pittsburgh looks to be in based on its computer numbers but they have lost three of their last four games. Another couple of losses could leave Pittsburgh in the mid 40s in the RPI and deep into the muddled bubble picture below. Therefore, just to be safe, I’m including them on the bubble for now.
All of the bubble teams I’ve listed in the table have between 12 and 16 wins, and the majority are one game under or one game over .500 in conference play. The first seven are all in the top 60 of the RPI and in the top 40 in the SOS rankings.
So how do you decide between them?
I do it in my bracketology. My question for you guys is simple, who would you put in and why?
Blind Resume 4.0: Who deserves the bid?
Jan 28th
It’s time for our fourth Blind Resume vote. Which of these teams would you give a spot to if there was only one spot remaining to give out and these were the five teams remaining?
| TEAM A | TEAM B |
TEAM C | TEAM D | TEAM E | |
| Overall Record | 14-6 | 15-5 | 14-3 | 15-5 | 12-8 |
| Conference Record | 3-3 | 5-1 | 2-0 | 3-2 | 3-3 |
| Road Record | 3-3 | 5-4 | 8-2 | 1-4 | 1-5 |
| Record in Last 12 | 8-4 | 8-4 | 11-1 | 10-2 | 6-6 |
| RPI | 45 | 42 | 36 | 49 | 69 |
| SOS | 47 | 107 | 146 | 95 | 24 |
| Non Conf SOS | 33 | 228 | 132 | 237 | 85 |
| Record vs. RPI Top 25 | 0-5 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 1-2 | 1-1 |
| Record vs. RPI Top 50 | 2-5 | 3-5 | 0-2 | 3-3 | 2-4 |
| Record vs. RPI Top 100 | 2-5 | 3-5 | 2-3 | 5-4 | 3-7 |
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