Happy March, everyone! We’ve reached the point in the season where every game matters, with Selection Sunday just over a week away. By next week, we’ll officially be able to update our “lock” category for some of these mid-major basketball conferences.
Each Wednesday leading up to Selection Sunday, I’ll update the Mid-Major Basketball Bubble Watch. While this could be a lean year for teams meeting the criteria, here’s where things currently stand in the mid-major basketball ranks.
(NET rankings are based on Tuesday’s standings.)
American
Locks: Memphis
Should be In: None
Work to Do: None
Atlantic 10
Locks: None
Should be In: None
Work to Do: VCU
On Saturday, George Mason suffered a devastating loss to Duquesne, effectively ending its time on the bubble. It was a valiant effort, but at this point, VCU, which is in the top 30 of the NET, has the best chance of earning an at-large bid.
Missouri Valley
Locks: None
Should be In: None
Work to Do: Drake
Drake concluded its regular season with back-to-back wins against Evansville and Missouri State to lock up the No. 1 seed in the MVC Tournament. Its next task: win three straight games in St. Louis to avoid sweating it out on Selection Sunday.
Mountain West
Locks: Utah State, New Mexico
Should be In: None
Work to Do: San Diego State, Boise State
Another week, another busy stretch of games in the Mountain West. Last week, we added Utah State to lock status, and the Aggies proceeded to drop consecutive games to Boise State and Colorado State, with the Rams punishing them by 27 points.
Speaking of Boise State, the Broncos — one of the hottest teams in the country — are peaking at the right time, riding a five-game winning streak that includes victories over New Mexico and Utah State.
As for Richard Pitino’s bunch, it’s time to welcome the Lobos to lock status after two bounce-back wins helped them regain confidence following losses to Boise State and San Diego State.
The Aztecs, firmly on the bubble, beat Wyoming before falling to UNLV in a tough road contest.
Stay tuned for a wild ride in the Mountain West, much like in years past.
West Coast
Locks: Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s
Should be In: None
Work to Do: San Francisco, Santa Clara
All eyes are on San Francisco and Santa Clara as they seek to make the WCC a three-bid conference. The Dons saw a prime opportunity to beat Gonzaga at home slip away, while the Broncos ended their regular season with a dominant 31-point road win over Pacific.
Both teams will set their focus on Sunday as they begin their run for a WCC Championship, which will require them to go through the Gaels and Zags.
Other Conferences
Locks: None
Should be In: None
Work to Do: UC San Diego
UC San Diego keeps winning — now up to 11 straight victories — most recently demolishing Cal State Fullerton 100-55 at home. The Tritons continue to look the part of an NCAA Tournament team, boasting a NET ranking in the top 40 and road wins over UC Irvine and Utah State.
Now, they must keep winning and secure the Big West Conference championship to avoid sweating out Selection Sunday. With potential bid stealers looming, the last thing this squad wants to do is have the committee decide their fate.
