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

Providence (17-9) (NET: 59)
4-6 (Q1), 3-3 (Q2), 0-0 (Q3), 10-0 (Q4)

The four Quad 1 wins are very good, starting way back in November with a big one against Wisconsin. The Friars since added to that total with a win at Seton Hall and great performances at home against Marquette and Creighton in Big East play.

None of their losses really sting, though the Friars no doubt wish they hadn’t racked up three Quad 2 losses, including Kansas State in the Bahamas and both Seton Hall and Xavier at home. Still, they’ve avoided the resume anchor and that’s certainly something.

Their NET could use some work even if they have those nice wins keeping their at-large hopes afloat. This past week’s win over St. John’s, a fellow bubble team, was important and they’ll need a few more of those. Tough opportunities at Xavier and Marquette loom in the coming weeks as well as a real tough season-ender against UConn.

Seton Hall (17-9) (NET: 63)
5-5 (Q1), 2-2 (Q2), 2-2 (Q3), 8-0 (Q4)

All five of Seton Hall’s Quad 1 wins have come in Big East play, so you can’t say the Pirates aren’t taking advantage of their opportunities. They might have the bubble team win of the season with a 15-point victory over UConn, while other impressive wins include Marquette and most recently at St. John’s.

On the flip side, it’s not great to have a pair of Quad 3 losses. The Pirates lost to USC during their holiday tournament and fell at home to Rutgers, though those games were more than two months ago. Their only Quad 2 loss in league play was at home to Providence, a team they beat on the road earlier.

Things were looking a little dire for the Pirates, but they beat both Xavier and St. John’s last week and are trending in a great direction again. That win over the Huskies continues to look extraordinary and might get them into the Big Dance over fellow bubble teams. Can they continue this hot streak against Butler this weekend?