Bracketology: Updated Bubble Watch and the Mailbag

Feb 14, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Matt Galloway (33) and guard Ahmed Hill (13) celebrate while leaving the court after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers 66-63 at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

8 of 10

Jan 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard De’Anthony Melton (22) celebrates after a 3-point basket against the UCLA Bruins during a NCAA basketball game at Galen Center. USC defeated UCLA 84-76. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Pac-12

Lead-Pipe Lock: Arizona, Oregon, UCLA

Some Perspiration: USC

Better Double-Up on the Deodorant: California, Utah

USC Trojans, 21-5 (8-5): USC has a great record, but very few high-quality wins, which is what is keeping them on the bubble. The Trojans are a solid eight seed for the time being, but they have a daunting schedule in the next couple games. Coming off a loss to Oregon, road games with UCLA and Arizona are just as difficult and could drive USC to a three-game losing streak. After that, however, they do finish with three very winnable games.

Quality wins: vs. SMU, vs. UCLA

Bad losses: None.

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

Up next: @ UCLA (2/18), @ Arizona (2/23)

California Golden Bears, 18-7 (9-4): The Golden Bears played Arizona very tough on the road in their last game, and their resume looks fairly solid, although they sit right on the bubble. Cal remains in my last eight teams in the bracket, and their closing schedule isn’t too bad. Despite playing three of their final five on the road, only one of those is against a potential tournament team in Utah.

Quality wins: @ USC, vs. Utah

Bad losses: @ San Diego State

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

Up next: @ Stanford (2/17), vs. Oregon (2/22)

Utah Utes, 17-8 (8-5): The problem with Utah lies in their quality wins, as the only one comes against fellow bubble team USC. Playing on the road against Oregon is a very difficult game, but at this point in the year, it could be a must-win for the Utes. Utah is not in the eight teams closest to the cutline from the outside right now, but they are being given consideration, even if a win over Oregon would make their position a lot of solid.

Quality wins: vs. USC

Bad losses: vs. San Francisco, @ Stanford

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

Up next: @ Oregon (2/16), @ Oregon State (2/19)

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