Bracketology 2024: Latest Bubble Watch of key teams in late February

Washington State (20-6) (NET: 31)
4-3 (Q1), 4-2 (Q2), 5-1 (Q3), 7-0 (Q4)

The Cougars have found opportunities and taken advantage of most of them this season, starting against Boise State back in late December. During league play, the Cougars have added to that total with Quad 1 wins over Arizona, Washington and Oregon, with that performance against the Wildcats clearly the most notable of the bunch.

Losing to Santa Clara in the middle of December wasn’t great and as such is a Quad 3 loss. The Cougars’ record in these quadrants isn’t bad at all, neither are Quad 2 losses to Oregon and California, though they were favorites in both of those games (and already avenged both losses).

Regardless of any shortcomings, Washington State boasts four Quad 1 wins and has won seven straight games, asserting themselves as the second best team in a Pac-12 that continues to struggle. The Cougars have been excellent for more than a month but will be really tested in their rematch with Arizona in Tucson on Thursday.

Xavier (13-12) (NET: 54)
2-9 (Q1), 5-1 (Q2), 2-2 (Q3), 4-0 (Q4)

Beating Saint Mary’s by 17 points in the middle of November is a result that’s keeping Xavier in the chase for an at-large bid. Despite several chances, their lone Quad 1 win during league play came at Providence more than a month ago, though they do also own a very nice win over rival Cincinnati.

Quad 3 home losses to Oakland and Delaware have really sunk this resume. All of their league losses have been Quad 1, though it’s still upsetting to lose by 43 to UConn and 18 to Seton Hall. The Quad 2 loss came to Washington in Las Vegas, but that was more than three months ago.

They’ve won some decent games, though most have come at home and remain Quad 2 victories, notably Villanova, Butler, and Seton Hall. The Musketeers are trying to outperform their fellow bubble teams in the Big East and will have additional chances, facing Providence and Marquette later this week.

Less than four weeks remain until March Madness officially begins. Which of these teams will be playing in the NCAA Tournament? Who will slide late in the season and fall out of contention? Only time will tell.