Bubble Teams Have Shot to Shine

With Championship Week well and truly under way, Al Dannity looks at the teams on the bubble with the best chance of making a case for a place in March Madness.

There is one flat-out play-in game tonight and it features a team best known as a Cinderella on the gridiron. The Boise State Broncos will all but lock up a ticket to the NCAA Tournament if they can knock off the San Diego State Aztecs tonight. The teams share identical records, 21-9 and 9-7 in Mountain West Conference play. In theory both could still make it to March Madness but the loser is more likely headed to the NIT. The big concern for Boise State is the lack of marquee wins on their non-conference slate, although the lone standout victory they have is a big one. The Broncos crushed Creighton back in November and a win tonight would probably be enough along with conference wins over UNLV, Colorado State, and the Aztecs.

Despite having a win over UCLA on their docket, the Aztecs aren’t exactly a whole lot healthier in the eyes of the selection committee and will surely regret a narrow loss at Arizona on Christmas Day. Wins over Colorado State and New Mexico, along with a home win over Boise State, means they remain a viable contender. When looking for a dark horse in March Madness betting next week, you could do worse than taking the winner of this game. Right now, I think the hot and cold Aztecs blow hot tonight and get the W.

A single auto-bid is up for grabs tonight as Lafayette take on Bucknell in the Patriot League final. Neither team holds a non-conference win of note but Bucknell has looked stronger against elite opposition. I like them to win tonight.

Back to the bubble and Villanova has the chance to put any doubts about its candidacy for March Madness to bed tonight. A win over St John’s and the Wildcats are in. Anything else and I pity the committee trying to work out what to do with them. In a rare moment of sanity for their season, I like Villanova to win tonight and lock up a bid.

Finally in the Pac-12, Colorado could do with a win today over Oregon State. The Buffaloes are clearly talented but they have a record that’s just questionable enough to cause doubts. Win or lose, Colorado’s name should get called on Sunday. Victory would end the debate. I like the Buffs to win.

Speaking of Selection Sunday, print out your March Madness bracket now!