Bracketology Bubble Watch: Xavier, Tulsa surging into consideration

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: The reflection of the stadium can be seen in a bubble ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The London Stadium on January 25, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 27: Toolson of the Cougars lays. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Lead-Pipe Locks: Gonzaga.

Safely in the field: None.

Some perspiration: BYU, Saint Mary’s

Double the deodorant: None.

BYU Cougars (17-7, 6-3 WCC)

NET: 26 | KPI: 45 | SOR: 39 | BPI: 26 | KP: 18 | Sag: 30

Q1: 1-4 | Q2: 4-3 | Q3: 5-0 | Q4: 6-0

BYU defended its home court for a big-time win over Saint Mary’s to propel itself into safe territory. The Cougars, in my opinion, are in great shape to make the NCAA Tournament. They are currently placed as a No. 10 seed in my most recent bracketology update but this was in order to allow them to avoid a Friday-Sunday pod (BYU does not play on Sundays). BYU’s resume does not bring a ton of high-quality wins to the table but its efficiency metrics are off the charts for a bubble team. As long as they avoid dropping a couple more non-Zaga WCC games, the Cougars should dance. Current Bracketology Status: No. 10 seed

Saint Mary’s Gaels (19-5, 6-3 WCC)

NET: 33 | KPI: 31 | SOR: 38 | BPI: 32 | KP: 27 | Sag: 35

Q1: 2-2 | Q2: 4-1 | Q3: 5-2 | Q4: 7-0

Saint Mary’s is also similarly safe despite its loss to BYU this past week. The Gaels have suffered only five losses all season long and can boast a solid 6-3 record in Q1+2 games this season. This team should roll through its five remaining non-Gonzaga games and losses to the conference powerhouse would not hurt their resume at all. SMC is in good shape to dance. Current Bracketology Status: No. 10 seed

Lots of work to do: None.

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