Bracketology 2024: Latest Bubble Watch of key teams in mid-February
By Joey Loose
Memphis (18-6) (NET: 75)
3-2 (Q1), 2-2 (Q2), 7-1 (Q3), 6-1 (Q4)
Things might finally be going the Tigers’ away again, as their success in the nonconference has now produced 3 Quad 1 victories, with wins over VCU, Texas A&M, and Clemson, while a Quad 2 win against Virginia was also fantastic. Unfortunately, the Tigers haven’t played a Quad 1 game yet in AAC play.
What sunk Memphis’ resume wasn’t those earlier opponents, but their own play at the end of January. A terrible four-game losing streak saw home losses to South Florida (Quad 3) and Rice (Quad 4) that really stink on the resume. It’s the kind of stretch that usually keeps a team out of the Big Dance.
Simply put, Memphis has to continue winning the games on their schedule. They’ve looked better on their current three-game winning streak, but it has to continue through the end of the regular season. They get two shots at Florida Atlantic and they need to make them count if they want to reach the Tournament for a third straight year.
Mississippi (18-6) (NET: 59)
2-5 (Q1), 3-1 (Q2), 6-0 (Q3), 7-0 (Q4)
The Rebels got off to a 13-0 start this season, though the only Quad 1 victory was a road win at UCF. In SEC play they’ve had additional opportunities, getting another nice win at Texas A&M just a few weeks ago while also boasting home wins over Florida and Mississippi State.
There have been chances for this team, but they haven’t been able to take advantage. The lone Quad 2 loss was a rough performance at LSU. The Rebels have lost their last three games, wasting three Quad 1 opportunities against some of the best teams in the SEC, though at least these kinds of losses don’t hurt too much.
The key for the Rebels is clearly to take advantage of their opportunities in the coming weeks. That 2-5 mark against Quad 1 teams might not be enough, especially with their NET not in the best shape. They still have a few of those opportunities, with upcoming Wednesday matchups at Mississippi State and against Alabama at home.