Bracketology: The projected field headed into conference tournament season

Feb 16, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Luke Kornet (3) and teammate Commodores guard Riley LaChance (13) react after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt won 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 18, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bruce Weber talks with guard Kamau Stoke (3) during the game against the University of Texas Longhorns at Frank Erwin Center. Kansas State won 64-61. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

Quick look at the bubble

Next Four In: Seton Hall, USC, Illinois State, Providence

Last Four In: Vanderbilt, Marquette, California, Rhode Island

First Four Out: TCU, Syracuse, Georgia, Kansas State

Next Four Out: Wake Forest, Illinois, Houston, Georgia Tech

The most surprising newcomer to the bubble this week is definitely USC, and that is not a good thing. Over the past couple weeks, the Trojans have dropped four straight games. And even though each of those games came against top-10 opponents, the team is now 2-5 against the top-50 and just 5-7 against the top-100. Due to this, USC has consistently fallen in recent weeks and are now staring at a potential double-digit seed.

In addition to several other changes to the bubble, Vanderbilt can be welcomed to the projected tournament field. Along with their top-5 SOS (#1 NCSOS), the Commodores are 4-6 against the top-50. They are now on a four-game win streak which has made them a part of the “Last Four In.” The strength of schedule was an awesome asset to getting them on the bubble, but this win streak has made their record look respectable at 16-13.

The problem for Vanderbilt for the rest of the season is how difficult their season ends. First, they travel to Rupp Arena to face Kentucky then they go back home for a game with Florida. Going 0-2 would not necessarily kill their chances at the tournament, but it would hurt. If, however, they could steal one of those two games, they could shoot up the seed list and into a much safer situation.

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