Must keep going on. So far behind. I don’t know which bubble teams have the most critical games. I don’t know if there will be any games. I just don’t know. 🙂
The truth is Thursday is a great day of basketball. This is the 1st round / quarterfinals of most major conference’s tournaments. So, everyone on the bubble is playing with one more chance to prove they belong in the tournament. Or maybe even run the weekend and earn their conference’s championship. I could name 20-30 games, but I will try to be selective…… You won’t go wrong with any of the games.
The elephant in the room – watch the news. I have seen an article in USA Today about how the NCAA should cancel the tournament. And there is this twitter tweet from Rod Gilmore of ESPN – ‘No way the NCAA can go forward with March Madness. How can “amateurs” play when the NBA pros have shut down? Can you imagine if a college player gets sick?’ The NCAA certainly doesn’t make its decisions based on one media member’s opinion. But the pressure is going to ramp up – we will see where it goes.
Noon – Creighton vs. St. John’s. Obviously Creighton is safely in the tournament as one of the Big East co-champs. But their second leading scorer Marcus Zegarowski injured his knee. While Creighton is hoping he will be back in time for the tournament, this is a chance to see how Creighton plays without him.
Noon – Michigan vs Rutgers. 8/9 game in the Big 10. Both teams on the bubble but both teams likely in. Should be a fun game.
Noon – VCU vs UMass. Local Richmond bias – have to support the local schools.
12:30 pm – Texas Tech vs Texas. This Big 12 match is really a true bubble game. Texas probably needs the game a little more, but Texas Tech has been on a losing streak – not the best way to impress the committee. These teams will likely both be playing as their season is on the line – because it is…..
2:30 pm – Duke vs NC State – chance to see one of the top 10 teams in the country (according to the polls). But more importantly, it is a chance to see if the ACC will find a 5th team to break out and make a charge for the tournament. NC State might have the best chance of the three 10-10 ACC teams on the bubble. And the last time they played Duke, they kept it interesting for the first half before Duke went on a run. Big game for the Wolfpack.
2:30 pm – Butler vs Providence – I might just leave the TV on the Big East tournament. Such great matchups….. Providence has roared its way onto the bubble. They might be safely in, but can they get one more top 25 win on their resume against Butler.
5:30 pm – Arizona vs USC – This should be a really good game in the Pac 12. Arizona has an incredible NET ranking but has been stumbling down the stretch. USC is one of the many Pac 12 bubble teams, but has the talent to make a run in the Pac 12 championship. Should be a really good game out west.
6:30 pm – Ohio State vs. Purdue. Lunatic bias here. I will be watching my Boilers. But to be honest, this should be a great game. Purdue is a great defensive team – and has the knack to keep every game close. Ohio State is the 19th ranked team according to AP, and is an extremely talented team. Should be a great game.
7 pm – Virginia vs Notre Dame. A lot of RVA folks will be rooting for the Cavaliers. Notre Dame looking to make a case for a bid. And Virginia’s strength is defense – which sometimes leads to close games……
8:55 pm – Indiana vs Penn State. The Hoosiers really need this game to boost their resume. Penn State should be safely in, but lost over the weekend to Northwestern (I think they had suspended one of their starters). Not sure what the situation for them is today if they are at full strength. Obviously also interesting since with the game being in Indianapolis, the Hoosiers would have had a little bit of a home court advantage – if there were any fans allowed in the stadium
9 pm – Syracuse vs. Louisville. The last of the three ACC bubble teams vs a team many believe might still be able to make a Final Four type run. Should be a really good game with a lot on the line for Syracuse.
9 pm – West Virginia vs Oklahoma. I suspect both of these teams are in. West Virginia is ranked – so they are playing for seed (and to win a league championship). Oklahoma is on the bubble. I suspect they have done enough, but it would be great to get another victory against WV to boost their case for a ticket to the dance.
9 pm – Arkansas vs South Carolina. True bubble matchup in the SEC. Both teams might need a win to make their case into the tournament. Not sure if either team is safe, but because of Arkansas’ losing streak when their second leading scorer was out, the Razorbacks probably need this game a little more….
9:30 pm – Marquette vs Seton Hall. Did I mention just leave the TV on the Big East tournament. I suspect both teams are in, but Marquette would love to have another top 25 victory. Seton Hall will be trying to defend their co-championship in the regular season.
11:30 pm – Arizona State vs. Washington State. This one makes it on the list in case you are up this late…… Arizona State is probably in but would like to not leave any questions in the committee’s mind…..
Enjoy the games!!!