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

Boise State (15-8) (NET: 43)
5-5 (Q1), 2-2 (Q2), 3-1 (Q3), 5-0 (Q4)

While they’d still like to improve that NET figure, the Broncos boast five Quad 1 wins, including earlier victories against Saint Mary’s and San Diego State, who are both currently ranked. The Broncos also knocked off Colorado State and won true road games at Nevada and New Mexico, neither of which were an easy task.

The Quad 3 loss was a home defeat against UNLV back in January, but that was really their only misstep during that entire month. Every other loss is against a team currently in contention for the NCAA Tournament, including two recent stingers against Utah State.

The Broncos aren’t a guarantee yet for the Big Dance, but look in great shape with those notable wins. If they continue avoiding upset in the final weeks, then they’ll reach the NCAA Tournament again. Notably, their next three games are against bottom feeders in the MWC before the real opportunities begin again.

Butler (15-10) (NET: 57)
4-9 (Q1), 3-1 (Q2), 2-0 (Q3), 6-0 (Q4)

While the overall record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, Butler’s four Quad 1 wins have them still in the hunt for an at-large bid. They got two big ones in November against Boise State and Texas Tech, both that have aged well, and have impressive Quad 1 road wins at Marquette and Creighton.

The only non-Quad 1 loss was a tough performance against Seton Hall over a month ago. What stings now for the Bulldogs was last week’s losses at home to those same Marquette and Creighton squads that they beat on the road.

It’s clear that the Bulldogs need a strong finish to the regular season to put themselves into position. Those games we mentioned are fantastic but won’t get them dancing alone, especially if Butler has a misstep in the final weeks. That task includes finding a way to beat Villanova or Seton Hall on the road this week.