This weekend is gigantic for many bubble teams, as they match up head to head with either fellow bubble competition or have chances for marquee wins. Stetson had a near miss at Florida State, falling 79-77 and ruining my Upset Alert pick from the season preview. VCU-Rhode Island and Old Dominion-UAB will be deathmatches, and could catapult either CAA team into the national bubble discussion. The Puerto Rico Shootout holds great rewards for either Xavier or Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech and Xavier square off in Puerto Rico, and the Hokies will be well advised to win and set up a no pressure final against a higher ranked team with a solid W in their column. The consolation game will be a tough out for the loser, either against USC or Memphis. I for one am delighted to see Tech take on Xavier, whose primary offensive set is to have four guys stand around the perimeter watching a fifth drive wildly into the lane to draw a foul. If Play #1 doesn't work, Play #2 is to have the driving player kick it out for an awkward, off-balance three pointer by a teammate unprepared to catch the ball. Play #1 worked to perfection yesterday, as Xavier took 41 free throws to beat Missouri. Without quick whistles on their sides, Xavier could be toast tomorrow.
