Bracketology 2023: 10 teams that MUST win on Thursday to avoid NIT

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels high fives teammates against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on February 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Providence Friars forward Ed Croswell Ncaa Basketball Ini Butler Basketball Vs Providence Providence Friars At Butler Bulldogs /

Arizona State Sun Devils – vs USC

The Sun Devils got a close win last night against Oregon State, a game where a loss would’ve sent them to the NIT. They now take on USC, a team that lost less than a week ago. ASU benefits from taking on the only team not named Arizona or UCLA that would still represent a Quad 1 victory and a big win for their resume.

A loss may be too much for the Sun Devils to overcome. Their metrics are in the 60s and have a Quad 4 loss to Texas Southern. And being in the Pac-12 isn’t going to help them either. It’s just about a “must-win” game as possible for Arizona State, as a loss likely has them on the wrong side of the bubble.

Providence Friars – vs UConn

The good news for the Friars is that even with its late-season slide, they got a first-round bye in the Big East Tournament. The bad news is that they’re against the Huskies, a team playing at a high level at the moment and is a Final Four contender.

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A loss to UConn wouldn’t hurt Providence at all but do they need a win to be clearly in the field? Their metrics have tanked recently, with a 6-9 record against Quad 1/2 opponents and with a NET ranking in the 50s. If they go to Selection Sunday with 4 losses in 5 games, that could potentially slide them to the NIT. Meanwhile, a win would have them safely in.

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