Bracketology 2024: Bubble Watch Updates for each conference in early March
By Joey Loose
Pac-12
Locks: Arizona, Washington State
The Pac-12 is splitting apart after this season and these teams haven’t exactly put their best foot forward. In a year where several teams have underachieved, Washington State has been the big surprise, including a sweep over Arizona. The Cougars are securely in the field while Arizona, despite a few upsets, should get a Top 2 seed after another impressive regular season and league title.
Should Be In: None
Bubble: Colorado, Utah
It’s possible that only two teams from the Pac-12 get into the NCAA Tournament, though Colorado’s position has been looking much more secure recently. They’re on a five-game winning streak where they won big against Utah and defeated Oregon on the road, getting their NET up to 29. Utah has 4 Quad 1 wins and looked like a sure thing for the Big Dance earlier in the season, but have struggled mightily down the stretch, including Thursday’s loss to Oregon State.
Work to Do: Oregon, Washington
Oregon’s resume has come undone down the stretch, with their NET down to 68 and just a pair of Quad 1 wins. They haven’t taken advantage of opportunities, including against Arizona and Colorado in the last seven days. Washington just fired Mike Hopkins, but also just won at Washington State and their resume is actually in a similar position to Oregon’s. Neither teams has a real chance without magic at the Pac-12 Tournament.