Bubble Wrap 3/08/06

A few bubble teams take the court today with half of the power conferences starting their tournaments. Two automatic bids will be decided by the days end.

Syracuse: The Orangemen pull off a tremendous win against fellow bubble team Cincinnati. The win does not push the Orangemen back into the tournament as an at-large bid, but it does give Syracuse the chance to win their way in against top seed and 1 seed Connecticut. Should Syracuse somehow defeat the #1 Huskies, then their position on the bubble will be reevaluated.

Cincinnati: A tough loss for the Bearcats. This loss hurt Cincinnati more than it helped Syracuse. Cincinnati lost two of their three games against Syracuse, and three of their last four games. Cincinnati is just 4-8 vs the top 50 RPI (a respectable 10-10 vs the top100 RPI) and 5-7 on the road. Yet, the Bearcats have a solid RPI, 18 Division 1 wins, an 8-8 record in the Big East and a strength of schedule that is fourth in the NCAA. The NCAA Selection Committee has always rewarded teams with strong SOS; but somehow it feels like the verdict on whether the Bearcats deserve a bid will depend on the results from games being played elsewhere.

Seton Hall: What is it about being on the bubble in the Big East that leads teams to play uninspired games in their conference tournament when an at-large bid is on the line ? The Pirates lost to Rutgers placing an NCAA Tournament bid in question. Seton hall has left the fate of their tournament chances in the hands of the other bubble teams playing this weekend. The Pirates still have a solid resume, but will that be enough come Selection Sunday ?

Monmouth: The Hawks pulled off a stunning upset of the top seeded Fairleigh Dickinson Knights on their home floor to advance to their fourth NCAA Tournament.

Montana: The Grizzlies win their second straight Big Sky Tournament, this time on the home court of their opponent. Montana dominated Northern Arizona and is looking at either a 14 or 15 seed in the Big Dance.