Bracketology 2024: Bubble Watch Updates for each conference in early March
By Joey Loose
Big East
Locks: Connecticut, Creighton, Marquette
The three best teams in the Big East are not a surprise this season, though it’s certainly a surprise to see just how dominant the Huskies have looked coming off last season’s national title. Marquette is dealing with injury issues at the moment, but hope to be fully healthy by the Big East Tournament and certainly for the Big Dance. Creighton has recently beaten both of these teams at home and are playing some of their best ball in recent weeks.
Should Be In: None
Bubble: Providence, Seton Hall, St. John’s, Villanova
Selection Sunday is going to be a stressful time for several programs in the Big East. Villanova has a NET of 31 but some awful nonconference losses. Seton Hall seems far worse off in the metrics but have five Quad 1 wins. St. John’s looked dead a few weeks ago but have played inspired ball recently to get back into the field. Providence has nice wins on the resume but sit squarely on the bubble with a NET of 61.
Work to Do: Butler, Xavier
Things looked much brighter for these programs earlier during conference play, but both Butler and Xavier have played themselves out of major consideration. Butler is in slightly better position, having just beaten the Musketeers to finish with 18 wins, though just a 3-11 mark in Quad 1 games. Those Musketeers are at .500 and likely need to beat Marquette and then make a major impression at Madison Square Garden for any kind of at-large consideration.