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Bracketology: Bubble Watch and a mailbag full of questions

By Lukas Harkins

Dec 22, 2016; Wichita, KS, USA; The Wichita State Shockers bench reacts after a score against South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half at Charles Koch Arena. Wichita State won 89-67. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Wichita, KS, USA; The Wichita State Shockers bench reacts after a score against South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half at Charles Koch Arena. Wichita State won 89-67. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 8, 2016; Moraga, CA, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34), forward Calvin Hermanson (24, center) and guard Emmett Naar (3) react during the second half against the UT Arlington Mavericks at McKeon Pavilion. The Mavericks defeated the Gaels 65-51. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 8, 2016; Moraga, CA, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels center Jock Landale (34), forward Calvin Hermanson (24, center) and guard Emmett Naar (3) react during the second half against the UT Arlington Mavericks at McKeon Pavilion. The Mavericks defeated the Gaels 65-51. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Others

Lead-Pipe Lock: Gonzaga

Some Perspiration: Saint Mary’s

Better Double-Up on the Deodorant: Middle Tennessee, UNC-Wilmington, Wichita State

Saint Mary’s Gaels, 17-2 (7-1 WCC): For the rest of the season, it seems unlikely than anybody will challenge the Gaels outside of Gonzaga. With a win over the Zags in their next meeting, Saint Mary’s would move into a much more comfortable position, but for now, their SOS is hurting their resume. They do have two wins over potential tournament teams, which is something most mid-majors don’t have.

Quality wins: vs. Nevada, @ Dayton

Bad losses: None.

Missed opportunities: vs. UT-Arlington, @ Gonzaga

Up next: vs. San Francisco (1/26), @ Santa Clara (1/28)

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 17-3 (7-0 USA): Despite the two really bad losses, the win over UNC-Wilmington is a huge one. Both of those teams are sitting on the bubble (if they do not win their conference tournament) and good enough resumes to think about grabbing an at-large bid. Middle Tennessee probably cannot afford more than one more bad loss.

Quality wins: vs. UNC-Wilmington, @ Ole Miss

Bad losses: vs. Georgia State, vs. Tennessee State

Missed opportunities: @ VCU

Up next: vs. Southern Mississippi (1/26), vs. Louisiana Tech (1/28)

UNC-Wilmington Seahawks, 19-2 (8-0 CAA): In the same boat as Middle Tennessee, UNC-Wilmington is undefeated in their conference, and cannot afford many more bad losses. The defeat they took at the hands of Middle Tennessee is one that could prove to be a huge mistake as we get closer to Selection Sunday, but right now, the Seahawks just need to take care of business in the games they have now and let the rest play out as it may.

Quality wins: None.

Bad losses: None.

Missed opportunities: vs. Middle Tennessee, @ Clemson

Up next: @ James Madison (1/26), @ William & Mary (1/28)

Wichita State Shockers, 18-4 (8-1 MVC): Illinois State is a very good and an underrated team, and WSU cannot feel too bad about losing to them. Yet, the Shockers are without a good win and even though they are a bigger name than most mid-majors, will need some help to get in the tournament. They are one of the last teams in my projected bracket right now, and they need to put the pedal down and finish the season strong.

Quality wins: None.

Bad losses: vs. Oklahoma State

Missed opportunities: vs. Louisville, vs. Michigan State, @ Illinois State

Up next: @ Bradley (1/29), @ Drake (2/1)

Next: Conference battles shake up the top 25

And that wraps up the Bubble Watch for how we stand a few games in conference play. For comments and questions regarding our bubble or Bracketology, tweet @BustingBrackets or @hardwiredsports (that’s me!). 

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