Bracketology 2024: Virginia Tech, New Mexico, and Utah among week's biggest losers

Florida Atlantic Owls

I’ve talked before about Memphis' recent struggles to the wrong side of the bubble. FAU hasn’t been that bad and they’ve avoided the bad losses. Still, they haven’t looked nearly as impressive and aren’t even in first place in the AAC standings.

On Thursday, the Owls went on the road and led UAB by seven points at the half. Unfortunately, the offense scored just 28 points total in the second half and ultimately lost in overtime, 76-73. Star guard Alijah Martin had 17 points but was 5/21 from the field in the defeat.

For now, it’s a Quad 2 loss for the Owls but it could slide down if the Blazers can’t continue winning. With a Quad 3 and a Quad 4 loss on the resume, this team is relying on the previous non-con wins over Arizona, Texas A&M, Butler, and Virginia Tech to remain in the at-large field. 

After surviving another upset bid on Sunday against Wichita State in OT, FAU has a must-win home battle against Temple, before taking on first-place South Florida on the road. The Bulls are in the Quad 2 range so it’ll be helpful for the resume, while also being for first place in the standings.