Bracketology 2023: Ranking all 18 teams on the bubble in terms of safety

By Joey Loose | Mar 10, 2023

Feb 26, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) defends as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) dribbles the ball during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Rutgers defeated Penn State 59-56. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Memphis’ Kendric Davis Houston’s Tramon Mark Bracketology /

Boise State: 24-8 (13-5 in MWC) NET: 27

Buoyed by three Quad 1 wins, including most recently against San Diego State near the end of the regular season, the Broncos are in very good shape to make the NCAA Tournament, though their spot isn’t quite secured just yet. No team with a NET of 27 has been left out of the Big Dance since the NET went into effect, but that’s not their final tally yet either, with Boise State still alive in the Mountain West Tournament.

The Broncos can avenge a recent loss to Utah State in the semifinals of their conference tournament and that alone might secure their place in the Big Dance. Clearly, Boise State would like to win the MWC Tournament and take the drama out of it, but this resume does look pretty great all things considered. They have a strong win over Texas A&M and their two Quad 3 losses came in the opening weeks of the season. This team is playing great ball at the right time and is a threat to cause damage in the Tournament.

Memphis: 23-8 (13-5 in AAC) NET: 34

While the AAC is particularly weak outside Houston, who unfortunately swept the Tigers in the regular season, Memphis’s resume actually looks strong based on what they did before conference play began. They got a pair of Quad 1 wins over SEC foes back in December and scored a total of six nonconference wins over current Top 100 schools, including on the road against fellow bubble team Vanderbilt.

Memphis came up just short of monster wins against both Houston and Alabama and would be completely safe in the field with one of those wins. They also have a sweep by Tulane and losses to Saint Louis and UCF weighing down their resume, though that NET figure is in pretty good shape as it is. Additionally, they have yet to play in the AAC Tournament and will seek their quarterfinals win over UCF on Friday, with the hopes of a third shot at Houston in the title game. If they reach that game, Memphis will be in the NCAA Tournament without any doubt.

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