If you are a supporter of a specific college basketball squad and are concerned about their chances of making it into the NCAA tournament, there are two important things you should be aware of by this point:
Being in this situation is not a metaphor. The stress is tangible.
Fans of programs such as Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and Oregon State are eagerly anticipating the presence of their team in the bubble. Therefore, not everything is negative.
Living on the edge can be a difficult experience, but at least your team is still in the game. While your weekend may not be as successful as those competing for league championships or NCAA rankings, it will certainly be eventful.
Best Saturday bubble game:
8 a.m. ESPN – Texas A&M vs. Tennessee
When these two groups faced each other recently at College Station, the Aggies made it clear that they believed they deserved a spot somewhere in the middle of the NCAA rankings. At the very least. And since then, they have made it known that they would prefer not to be the main attraction in March Madness.
You have been removed from twelve of the 106 expected divisions on BracketMatrix.com and have the opportunity to be ranked as high as a consensus number 10.
Following the embarrassment they endured in their initial match, the University of Tennessee volunteers may find great satisfaction in aiding Texas A&M in securing an early offseason.
Other people to watch (bubble team in bold):
The Duke game against Wake Forest will be broadcasted on ESPN at 2 p.m.
Illinois vs. Iowa at 2:15 a.m. on Big Ten Network
Cincinnati vs. TCU, 3:00 PM, ESPN+
Ole Miss vs. South Carolina, 3:30 a.m., SEC Network
California vs. Oregon at 7:00 AM on the Pac-12 Networks.
LSU vs. Mississippi State, 8:30 a.m., broadcasted on SEC network.
Best Sunday bubble game:
CBS will broadcast the Creighton vs. St. John’s game at noon.
Rick Pitino has faced criticism for his handling of the press conference following his team’s loss to rival Seton Hall in a bubble match.
He has been strict with his players and staff, leading to him having to do a personal interview with the New York Post and admit that he bears some responsibility for the disappointing decline of this season.
Pitino is known for his calculated actions, and the Red Storm showed a heightened sense of urgency in their easy victory against Georgetown. It seems that this upcoming game against a top team in the Big East is a do-or-die opportunity for St. John’s.