It’s the regular season finale for many teams and the last opportunity for those looking to improve their resume. For those on the bubble, these would be considered “must-win.” Friday night offered a couple of matchups that had significant ramifications for those involved, especially the underdogs.
In the Atlantic 10, the VCU Rams looked to be in the field. They have a top-30 NET ranking and have looked like an NCAA Tournament team throughout league play. They faced a Dayton squad they had already beaten at their place. The Flyers, who were once safely in the field had suffered multiple Quad 3 losses in league play and on the outside.
Extremely worried about VCU's at large chances after tonight's loss. Almost certainly need to win A10 Tournament.
— JBR Bracketology (@JBRBracketology) March 8, 2025
Dayton remains a dark horse at-large candidate as I hinted at earlier in the week. I'll be very curious to see updated resume metrics... (No Flyers fans, that…
That may have changed with the Flyers getting a 79-76 road win, easily a Quad 1 victory to their resume. Javon Bennett had 22 points to give Dayton a signature resume win, joining Marquette and UConn as victories they can rely on. For the Rams, their elite metrics can somewhat afford a Quad 2 home loss, but they only have two Quad 1 wins overall, while that Quad 4 setback loss to Seton Hall is killing their resume.
Unfortunately for VCU, an at-large is now unlikely.
— Graham Doeren Bracketology (@GrahamDoeren) March 8, 2025
The Rams really needed to beat Dayton. https://t.co/yymYDrCxKY
A similar matchup occurred later in the Mountain West, with Boise State hosting Colorado State. The Broncos, projected to be in the field barely, suffered a home loss of its own, falling 83-73. The Rams are now 16-4 in league play, getting 36 points from Nique Clifford to get their first Quad 1 win. They had a poor non-con performance, including losses to UC Riverside, Washington, and Colorado. Those are holding them back, but this strong run has at least put them in the bubble conversation.
Very difficult to imagine a path into the field for Boise State after dropping a tough one at home to Colorado State on senior night at Extra Mile Arena.
— Made For March (@madeformarch) March 8, 2025
Feels like the Broncos now need to make the MWC Final for any remote shot at an at-large bid, but at that point it may very…
For the rest of the bubble, this was a mixed bag. On the one hand, VCU and Boise State losing help open spots at the cutline for others to take advantage of in the next 10 days. However, Dayton and Colorado State have now been added to an even larger bubble. It’s also an indication that both the A-10 and Mountain West could be leagues to watch when it comes to bid thieves.
Colorado State's resume was missing a Q1 victory, and it got one tonight at Boise State. There's a good chance this victory puts the Rams in the field while Boise is out.
— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) March 8, 2025
Once 5-5 on the season, CSU just finished 16-4 in the Mountain West. Incredible job by Niko Medved & Co.
We’ll see which bubble teams prevail on Saturday to take advantage of Friday’s chaos.