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NCAA Basketball: UNC’s title hopes, to-do list for bubble teams and more weekly takeaways

By Brian Rauf

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 14: Romeo Langford #0 of the Indiana Hoosiers walks down the court after a turnover in the 66-51 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 14: Romeo Langford #0 of the Indiana Hoosiers walks down the court after a turnover in the 66-51 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2) What prominent bubble teams must do to make the NCAA Tournament

This coming week is more about teams on the bubble trying to make the tournament than the teams at the top, so let’s dive into what each of the notable bubble teams has to do to secure a bid, shall we?

Let’s start with Indiana, everyone’s favorite bubble team! No matter what you think of their long losing skid, they have six Quadrant 1 wins. That really differentiates them in the bubble conversation. As long as they beat Rutgers on Sunday and win a game in the Big Ten Tournament, they’re in.

Things are more murky in the Big 12, where TCU and Texas are both on the bubble. TCU will need to beat Oklahoma State and then Kansas State to completely lock up a bid. The Longhorns only have to win their first game (Kansas) to secure their place in the tournament.

The only two bubble teams in the ACC, Clemson and NC State, face each other in the ACC Tournament. Whoever loses that game is probably out and whoever wins is in. Simple enough, right?

In the SEC, Florida is probably on the right side of the bubble with Alabama falling to the wrong side with their loss to Arkansas on Saturday. Beating Ole Miss in their first game will likely put the Crimson Tide in but, to be sure, they would need to beat Kentucky in their next game. I think the Gators will secure their place by simply winning their first game over Arkansas.

Everyone in the Big East outside of Marquette and Villanova is seemingly on the bubble, so how about this – while St. John’s and Seton Hall are most likely in, whoever makes the Big East Championship Game is in with the exception of DePaul and Providence (and probably Butler).

Sound good? Good.

Accomplishing these tasks are much easier said than done but, for those able to do it, they’ll be dancing.

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