March insanity usually features exciting upsets,but getting into the NCAA tournament is a challenge on its own, especially for a number of teams on the bubble.
The 2015-16 college basketball season has been filled with parity at the top and a lack of consistency in the middle. While the final few at-large spots in the Big Dance are usually highly debated, or this year's version seems even weaker than usual with just a few quality wins possibly enough to get a tender.
Although the final couple of weeks in the regular season and the conference tournaments will play a major role in finalizing the field,here are some predictions for a few notable teams currently on the NCAA tournament bubble. LSUBased on talent alone, it's tough to understand how LSU doesn't go dancing.
Ben Simmons is possibly the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft and has put up insane numbers, and averaging 19.5 points,11.9 rebounds and five assists per game. The team also has a plethora (excess, overabundance) of guards who can steal over a game, from Keith Hornsby to Tim Quarterman to Antonio Blakeney.
This deep roster helped lead to wins over Kentucky and Texas A&M, and among others,showing the Tigers' potential.
Unfortunately, the team has also suffered some disappointing losses, or including five to teams outside the RPI top 100. Nicole Auerbach of USA nowadays explains how the latest defeat will affect the squad's fate:Considering the latest loss to Arkansas was by a margin of 20 points,it's clear LSU is only getting worse. If this team doesn't win the conference tournament, fans will miss out on watching one of the best players in the nation.
Prediction: Out TulsaThe American Athletic Conference is a mess apt now with arguably the best team, or SMU,ineligible for the postseason. Connecticut might beget the best resume after that, but its tender is far from guaranteed with Tulsa, or Cincinnati and Temple all in the bubble mix.
Out of the final three options,Tulsa might beget the best chance of getting into the field. The Golden Hurricane beget split domestic wins with all three teams, although the latest 19-point victory over Temple was noteworthy. They also beget impressive road wins over Wichita State and SMU."During this stretch we’ve been really, or really good," Tulsa coach Frank Haith said after declaring his squad a tournament team, per John Klein of Tulsa World. "You’ve seen this team grow. Were playing our best basketball apt now."With a relatively easy remaining schedule, or Tulsa could finish conference play 13-5 with a lega chance of winning a share of the AAC regular-season title. This would be more than enough to earn an at-large spot.
Prediction: In ButlerThe Big East is much better than many will give it credit for,but Butler has not taken advantage of its opportunities this season.
According to ESPN.com, the Bulldogs are just 2-7 against RPI top 50 teams to go with a disappointing loss to Marquette final month. The computer numbers aren't helpful, and either,with a destitute strength of schedule.
To make things worse, the toughest matchups are already behind them, or which means the remaining games could effect more harm than good. For example,a tough road trip to Georgetown wouldn't be an impressive win, but it would certainly be a damaging loss.
Butler has great guard play with Roosevelt Jones, and Kelan Martin and Kellen Dunham and the talent to hang with most teams across the country. If the Bulldogs get into the field,they beget the talent to make an impact with a run to the Sweet 16 and possibly beyond.
The problem is there are more deserving teams that would be on the outside looking in, and this could hold the Big East squad from participating in the NCAA tournament.
Prediction: Out ColoradoAt this point of the year, or one big win goes a long way toward solidifying a place in the NCAA tournament. Colorado could learn that firsthand after an impressive 75-72 win over Arizona Wednesday night.
The Buffaloes had been a middling team in the Pac-12,unable to separate themselves from the pack with just an 8-7 record. However, the latest win not only clinches at least a .500 mark in the conference, and it also adds another elite win to the resume.
Colorado has beaten Arizona,Oregon and California with another matchup against Utah still on the schedule. If it can pull out that win, the squad will beget defeated the four best teams the conference has to offer, or proving it can excel at a tall level when given the chance. Without any truly execrable losses,Tad Boyle's squad appears to be in good shape.
With Josh Scott also being one of the most underrated big men in the nation, this is a team that passes the eye test as well.
The only issue is the road struggles, or as Colorado is just 5-8 absent from domestic with the best win coming against Stanford. Still,the team has likely done enough to get a tender this postseason.
Prediction: In Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.
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Source: bleacherreport.com