March Madness: Upset win by Providence will have a big impact on Selection Sunday
Unless you’re a bubble team named Providence or Alabama, chances are you’ll be sweating it out until Selection Sunday. Big wins for both the Friars and Tide likely punched their tickets into the Big Dance.
Just when bubble teams thought that it couldn’t guess any worse.
Not only did Middle Tennessee State likely steal an at-large bid by losing in their conference tournament, but Alabama and Providence all but sealed their fate by beating the number one seeds in their respective conference tournaments.
Middle Tennessee State is one of the first four out in our Bracketology but their three quadrants one wins match that of both Louisville and UCLA. However, the Blue Raiders boast a higher RPI than either of those squads.
Providence, who was a 10-seed in our most recent Bracketology sealed a spot in the field of 68 tonight with their second win of the season over the Musketeers.
The Crimson Tide also rolled into the tournament with a convincing win over top-seeded Auburn in today’s early action.
Which leaves teams such as Louisville, Texas, Saint Mary’s, and UCLA lobbying for the few slots left, with only UCLA still alive to improve their resume.
What Does the Loss Mean for the Musketeers?
In short, Xavier will likely move off of the one line.
This year’s tournament bubble which days ago was one of the biggest we’ve seen in recent memory just became a little more clear.
While we still have another day before the conference tournaments are complete, tonight’s results made the job of the committee far easier.
If Duke is able to beat North Carolina in their ACC tournament matchup, they will replace the Musketeers as a top seed.
One must also believe if the Tar Heels can go on to win the ACC tournament they’ll also have a legitimate argument to be a one seed.
Expect the biggest committee dilemma to now be seeding.