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Bracketology Winners: Florida, Dayton trending up on the bubble

By Lukas Harkins

DAYTON, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Trey Landers #3 of the Dayton Flyers reacts in the second half of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. The Bulldogs won 65-58. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Trey Landers #3 of the Dayton Flyers reacts in the second half of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. The Bulldogs won 65-58. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – DECEMBER 8: Coach McDermott of Creighton. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – DECEMBER 8: Coach McDermott of Creighton. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Dayton Flyers

Dayton has quietly moved up the bracketology rankings as of late. After starting the year at just 5-5 in non-conference play, the Flyers have seriously stepped up their game since then. Head coach Anthony Grant’s team has now won 13 of its last 17 games and sits at 18-9 (10-4 A10) on the year. With freshman sensation Obi Toppin leading the way, this team has plenty of talent and it is reasonable to think they can make a serious run at an at-large bid.

During this past week alone, the Flyers not only went on the road and took down conference favorite Davidson but defended their home court against Saint Louis as well. These were arguably two of the best wins that any Atlantic 10 team can secure this season and therefore this was a superb week. Dayton might still have a fairly long way left to go in order to make the Big Dance but they definitely belong in the conversation at this point in time.

Creighton Bluejays

Creighton is arguably the biggest longshot to make the NCAA Tournament on this list of winners. Following four straight losses a couple of weeks ago, the Bluejays responded in a big way during this past week and that has them back in the at-large conversation. Over the past few days, Creighton went on the road and took down DePaul before following that up with a home win over Georgetown. This put the team back over .500 on the year at 15-13 (6-9 Big East).

Sure, it might be difficult for head coach Greg McDermott’s team to reach the NCAA Tournament but their closing schedule is fairly favorable. Winning on the road at Marquette during this coming week might be mandatory prior to home meetings with Providence and DePaul but it is not out of the question. These performances by the Bluejays during the past few weeks have set them up with an opportunity to firmly return to the Big Dance conversation.

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