Men's NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch: Who's Sweating Out Selection Sunday Eve?
As the number of bubble teams dwindles, the tension rises. On Friday, only five teams were in action, with two battling it out in the late-night Mountain West showdown between San Diego State and New Mexico. The winner secured a crucial victory, potentially securing their place in the NCAA Tournament, while the loser faced a likely NIT fate. All bubble teams now eagerly await the outcome of the Utah State title game.
In the high-major ranks, Seton Hall and Oklahoma fell short in their bids for an at-large bid. The Pirates' 0-7 record against UConn, St. John's, and Villanova this season will likely be their downfall. Oklahoma, despite its strong performance, faces a similar fate due to its slow start to the year. The SEC tournament, however, holds a sneaky huge bubble storyline, with Ole Miss dreaming of a 'five wins in five days' miracle run to the SEC's auto-bid.
The ACC, Big 12, Big East, and Big Ten conferences also feature bubble teams in the mix. California, NC State, SMU, and Virginia Tech are among those vying for a spot, while Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Indiana, and Texas are on the fringe. The SEC's Texas A&M, Auburn, Missouri, and Oklahoma are in the mix, with Texas A&M and VCU in the running for an at-large bid.
The rest of the bubble teams, including New Mexico, San Diego State, and Santa Clara, are also in the running, with varying levels of confidence. The tension and excitement build as the tournament approaches, leaving teams and fans alike on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting Selection Sunday.
