NCAA Tournament bubble games to watch: Big Ten, SEC teams fight to make March Madness
The last week of the regular season in men's college basketball is upon us, and that means it's the last impression teams on the bubble can make to the NCAA men's tournament selection committee before conference tournaments commence.
After a weekend with some resounding wins and head scratching losses from those still fighting for their March Madness lives, the fringe of the bracket has altered dramatically, as evident in the newest version of Paste BN Sports Bracketology. Those with questionable defeats now face an even bigger uphill battle toward qualifying for the tournament.
With the regular season in its final week, Tuesday represents a big day on the bubble ahead of the season finales on the weekend. Several teams in the last four in or first five out territory will be on the court in what are turning into must-win games.
Here are the bubble games to watch for the week:
Texas at Mississippi State
Time/TV: Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network
After badly losing the bubble game of the weekend against Georgia, Texas has now dropped three consecutive games and now finds itself on the outside of the projected field. Tuesday night's game in Starkville in almost a must-win for Rodney Terry's team as its the final Quad 1 opportunity of the regular season. It won't be an easy test against a Mississippi State team that is still playing to get a first-round bye in the SEC tournament.
Indiana at Oregon
Time/TV: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET, FS1
Another stern test awaits Indiana with the second half of the West Coast trip coming against Oregon. Winners of three in a row, Indiana has thrusted itself into the projected field. The game against Oregon is the last Quad 1 opportunity for the Hoosiers, who 4-11 in that category. However, Indiana is catching the Ducks at a difficult time. Oregon is currently on a five-game win streak and has more victories (73) of any Division I program in March since coach Dana Altman began his tenure at the school in the 2010-11 season.
Nebraska at Ohio State
Time/TV: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET, Peacock
The bubble game of the midweek will take place in Columbus between two teams desperately in need of wins. Nebraska rolls in on a three-game losing skid, the most recent outcome a heartbreaking home loss to Minnesota for the second Quad 3 loss of the season. On the other side, Ohio State finally ended its own losing streak by defeating Southern California. With the Buckeyes in the last four in and the Cornhuskers among the first teams out, this contest could easily decide if the teams stay in their spots or possibly flip. They each sit at 5-9 in the Quad 1 category. Offense has been an issue for both sides recently, and it'll be a matter of who can break out of the slump.
Arkansas at Vanderbilt
Time/TV: Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET, SEC Network
The Hogs will have good reason to stay up late on Tuesday with a difficult trip to Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks' loss to South Carolina didn't push them out of the projected field, but moved them back to the No. 11 seed and in danger of falling out of the field. Now needing a strong finish, Arkansas must get the best the Commodores, which have impressed recently with three consecutive ranked wins to get them in contention for a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Vanderbilt's offense has been clicking, and Arkansas can't have another dreadful start to a game if it wants a chance.
Missouri at Oklahoma
Time/TV: Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Sooners had a win slip from their fingers against Mississippi and it resulted in them being pushed out of the field. Now with seven losses in the last eight outings, Oklahoma unfortunately can't afford losing this week to stay in the conversation for a tournament spot. It will Missouri coming into town with a bad taste in its mouth after blowing a late lead against Vanderbilt on Saturday. The Tigers are among the best scoring teams in the country, and Oklahoma found this out in a 24-point loss at Missouri last month. The Sooners will have to find a way to return the favor.