Bracketology 2024: South Carolina, Richmond and TCU among week's biggest winners

Maryland Terrapins

The Terps have had either good or bad weeks for the past month, either winning or losing both games. This past week was a good one for them, beating both Iowa on the road and Nebraska at home. Neither necessarily moved the needle on the national radar but at least the Hawkeyes victory was in the Quad 1 range. 

With a NET ranking above 80 and as many Quad 3 losses as Quad 1 wins (2), Maryland has a ton of work to do before truly being in the bubble mix. But as long as Jahmir Young continues to score at an All-American rate, this team still has a glimmer of hope. A big road win at Michigan State this weekend could be what finally moves the needle for them.

Northwestern

Compared to the other “bubble” teams is in much better shape, thanks to signature wins in the Big Ten. They got the big home win against Purdue earlier and last week, followed it up with a 96-91 overtime win over Illinois, led by 29 points and seven assists from Boo Buie. It’s the best win they had available left at home in Big Ten play.

The Wildcats now have a 6-4 record against Quad 1/2 opponents and only that home loss to Chicago State is holding them down. They have the chance to clinch their spot in the NCAA Tournament effectively this weekend on the road at top-ranked Purdue in a season-sweep.