Teams Who Helped Themselves
Xavier – The Musketeers won the Puerto Rico Tip-Off by beating three good teams: Missouri, Virginia Tech and a marquee win over Memphis. We won’t really be discussing the win over Tech (still getting over it), as we also won’t be discussing Xavier’s at-large chances on this site – they are not a bubble team. Barring a league play collapse, they are in the tournament.
Seton Hall – The Pirates had an excellent trip to Puerto Rico, finishing third and grabbing two good wins over USC and Virginia Tech. Those two wins should get them in the bubble conversation heading into Big East play.
Rhode Island – The Rams won the bubble showdown against VCU to take some of the sting out of their close loss at Duke. Games against Providence and Oklahoma State are opportunities for good wins heading into tough A-10 play.
Teams Who Hurt Themselves
Virginia Tech – Ouch. After the kick-in-the-balls loss to Xavier at the buzzer, the Hokies dropped a close one to Seton Hall. They have plenty of work to do to get back in the bubble conversation, and one could argue they have to run the rest of non-conference table to have a decent profile before ACC play. The Wisconsin game is now a must-win for the Hokies.
Boston College – My Upset Alert rang true as the Eagles fell to Saint Louis 53-50. The win over St. John’s isn’t enough to offset this one, but the Eagles have a huge opportunity this week against Purdue.
George Mason – Once again, a CAA heavyweight goes down in Hampton as the Patriots fell 50-44. Chalk this one up as a “Bad Loss” that will haunt any chance Mason has for at-large consideration. VCU’s loss to Hampton last year had a similar effect.
