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Bracketology Bubble Watch: Providence rising, Rutgers in trouble

By Lukas Harkins

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: A reflection of the stadium can be seen in the bubble as it bursts ahead 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)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: A reflection of the stadium can be seen in the bubble as it bursts ahead 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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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 19: Coaches greet. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 19: Coaches greet. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Lead-Pipe Locks: Seton Hall, Creighton, Villanova, Butler, Marquette.

Safely in the field: None.

Some perspiration: Xavier.

Double the deodorant: Providence, Georgetown

Xavier Musketeers (18-10, NET: 42)

Xavier has done itself a lot of favors over the past few weeks. While the majority of the bubble has collapsed, the Musketeers have been steadily rising while winning five of their last seven games. The team looks to be in good shape considering its play as of late but it cannot afford major slip-ups down the stretch. Xavier finishes with Georgetown (away), Providence (away), and Butler (home). All of those games could be deemed 50/50 toss-ups. Winning two of those could solidify Xavier’s placement considering how weak the bubble is behind it. Current Bracketology Placement: No. 10 seed.

Providence Friars (16-12, NET: 48)

Providence has somehow overcome its awful non-conference resume to emerge on the right side of the projected cutline at this moment. While four “bad losses” are still holding the Friars back, they have also secured seven Q1 wins to prove that they belong in the field. Providence is hovering right around the cutline at this moment but has also won three in a row (and five of seven). This is a bubble team trending in the right direction. Head coach Ed Cooley once called his squad “the most desperate team in the country” and they are playing like it. Current Bracketology Placement: No. 12 seed.

Georgetown Hoyas (15-12, NET: 59)

Georgetown is still in the bubble conversation but barely. The Hoyas have lost 12 games already this season and they don’t have the overwhelming metrics that Purdue or Minnesota have. They have also lost their last two games so it appears as though they are trending in the wrong direction. With that said, though, the Big East provides so many opportunities for quality wins that Georgetown still has a shot at an at-large. Head coach Patrick Ewing’s men will finish with matchups against Marquette (away), Xavier (home), Creighton (away), and Villanova (home). If they can find a way to go 3-1…their resume gets much more interesting. Current Bracketology Placement: OUT.

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