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Bracketology Bubble Watch: UCLA, Texas trending upward

By Lukas Harkins

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 6: Soap bubbles are seen in front of St. Peter's Basilica at sunset on February 6, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 6: Soap bubbles are seen in front of St. Peter's Basilica at sunset on February 6, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images) /
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WICHITA, KS – FEBRUARY 06: Williams of the Bearcats celebrates. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – FEBRUARY 06: Williams of the Bearcats celebrates. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Lead-Pipe Locks: Houston.

Safely in the field: None.

Some perspiration: Wichita State

Double the deodorant: Cincinnati, Memphis

Wichita State Shockers (22-7, NET: 43)

Bracketology Average: IN (134/136 brackets) – 10.57 seed.

Wichita State handled its business with back-to-back wins during this past week to stay in the “some perspiration” category at this moment. While neither victory was especially impressive, taking down teams such as Temple (home) and SMU (away) is mandatory to make the NCAA Tournament. Wichita State’s resume is centered around its superb record for the season as the team’s metrics are not tremendous nor does it boast many quality wins. The Shockers finish with games against Memphis (away) and Tulsa (home). Winning both would make it difficult for the committee to leave them out on Selection Sunday.

Cincinnati Bearcats (19-10, NET: 51)

Bracketology Average: IN (71/136 brackets) – 11.28 seed.

Cincinnati missed a big opportunity over this past weekend as it was unable to knock off Houston on the road. Thankfully, though, the team responded with a much-needed road win over South Florida in the following game even though star player Jarron Cumberland did not play. The Bearcats only have one regular-season game remaining (vs. Temple) and it will take more than just one more win to dance. This team will need to make at least a decent run in the AAC Tournament in order to dance, in my opinion. Cincinnati does not boast eye-opening metrics, is just 2-6 in Q1, and already has four Q3 losses. A 7-0 record in Q2 is great, but Cincy’s resume needs more.

Memphis Tigers (20-9, NET: 63)

Bracketology Average: OUT (1/136 brackets).

Memphis is in trouble. Although its record is fairly strong, its resume is a step below most on the bubble. The Tigers have work to do for an at-large bid but two huge games still loom to end the regular season. If this team is able to knock off both Wichita State (home) and Houston (away) before the AAC Tournament, its resume will look quite interesting again. Would be right near the cutline.

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