2022 Bracketology: Breaking down bubble teams after weekend’s results

Who’s on the rise?

Virginia Tech Hokies (16-10)

They’re not quite on the bubble yet, but the Virginia Tech Hokies are a team to watch in ACC basketball following their sixth-straight win on Monday night with a 62-53 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers. The Hokies are 0-6 against Q1 teams but 4-3 against Q2 teams and 6-2 over Q3 teams following their victory over the Cavaliers. They’re a potential bubble squad to keep an eye on as they continue to improve their NCAA Tournament resume.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-9)

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights is another squad that isn’t on the bubble just yet, but they’ve made some noise with their last few victories. They’ve got victories over Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, all Q1 victories with Illinois (Feb. 16) and Purdue (Feb. 20) on the schedule this week. If they can pull off those upsets, they’ll be in a solid position to earn an at-large bid on the bubble. They’re currently 5-3 against Q1 teams.

Miami Hurricanes (18-7)

Miami improved their resume in the NCAA Tournament following a victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons this past Saturday. They improved their Q2 record to 4-4 while also improving their position away from the bubble in the process over a talented Wake Forest squad. With Louisville (Feb. 16) and Virginia (Feb. 19) on the slate this week, they’ve got room to continue their rise.

Chattanooga Mocs (20-5)

The Mocs have been mentioned already as a potential Cinderella squad in this year’s NCAA Tournament field. They sullied Furman’s NCAA Tournament resume this past Saturday with a 64-58 victory and could be smooth sailing into an automatic bid should they fall in their conference tournament.