Busting Brackets
Fansided

Bracketology 2019: Most likely bid thieves heading into March Madness

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate their overtime win over the Providence Friars during the championship game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate their overtime win over the Providence Friars during the championship game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
RENO, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 02: Jordan Caroline #24 of the Nevada Wolf Pack raises a hand after dunking the ball during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Lawlor Events Center on February 02, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 02: Jordan Caroline #24 of the Nevada Wolf Pack raises a hand after dunking the ball during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Lawlor Events Center on February 02, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

5. Mountain West

Safe at-large team: Nevada

Likely at-large team: Utah State

Most likely bid thieves: San Diego State and Fresno State

While it’s clear what the path for the WCC and SoCon to go from one to two bids, the Mountain West has now become much more complicated after this past Saturday. Utah State got a massive home win against Nevada, moving them on the right side of the bubble. It also ascended them to the top spot of the conference for now and could give them the No. 1 seed for the tournament.

The Wolf Pack are certainly still fine as an at-large team but are much more vulnerable compared to both Gonzaga and Wofford. They have three conference losses and face very tough competition going forward. There’s a real possibility of a rematch with San Diego State, who seems to have Nevada’s number in recent seasons.  Fresno State is another clear threat to be worried about, with a 20-8 overall record and 11 Mountain West wins, including one over Utah State.

When it comes to the Aggies, making the semifinals should be good enough to warrant an at-large bid. Utah State won’t “steal” a bid if they get the auto but will play a big part in Mountain West Bracketology. Depending on how things go, this could be a 1,2, or 3-bid league.

Home/Bracketology