Busting Brackets
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Bracketology: Updated Bubble Watch and the sudden rise of Tennessee

By Lukas Harkins

Jan 28, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers bench reacts after a three pointer against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 70 to 58. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers bench reacts after a three pointer against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 70 to 58. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) blocks California Golden Bears guard Grant Mullins (3) in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) blocks California Golden Bears guard Grant Mullins (3) in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Pac-12

Lead-Pipe Lock: Arizona, Oregon, UCLA

Some Perspiration: USC

Better Double-Up on the Deodorant: California, Utah

USC Trojans, 18-4 (5-4): After going undefeated in non-conference play, things have not been so easy in the Pac-12 for USC. They have been solid, with their losses only coming against tournament teams, but they lack volume in terms of quality wins. Sitting at an eight seed in Bracketology is rather secure, but a sweep of the Washington teams upcoming would push their resume to a higher level with two more road wins.

Quality wins: vs. SMU, vs. UCLA

Bad losses: None.

Missed opportunities: vs. Arizona, @ Oregon, vs. California, @ Utah

Up next: @ Washington (2/1), @ Washington State (2/4)

California Golden Bears, 15-6 (6-3): With their hot start in conference play, California has put themselves right on the bracket bubble — they were the second-to-last team in the bracket as of Monday. Unlike other bubble teams, California is missing the quality wins. They have played a decent schedule, but need to capitalize on more than just the one game against USC. The Golden Bears still have to play Utah twice, Arizona on the road, and Oregon at home in their closing stretch.

Quality wins: @ USC

Bad losses: @ San Diego State

Missed opportunities: vs. Arizona, @ Oregon, vs. Virginia, @ UCLA, vs. Seton Hall

Up next: vs. Utah (2/2), vs. Colorado (2/5)

Utah Utes, 15-6 (6-3): Although the eighth team out of the tournament at the moment, Utah also has several opportunities remaining, including their two games against California. The Utes have an OK resume, but they will need some help from the teams around them to make their move into the tournament.

Quality wins: vs. USC

Bad losses: vs. San Francisco

Missed opportunities: vs. Butler, @ Xavier, @ Arizona, vs. Oregon, vs. UCLA

Up next: @ California (2/2), @ Stanford (2/4)

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