Bubble Wrap 3/10/06

This is one of the most active days for bubble teams. We will continue to update results for every bubble team from every conference tournament as the day progresses. Be sure to check Bubbleteams.com for updated scores, conference tournament brackets and NCAA Tournament bracket projections.

Texas A&M: The Aggies solidify an at-large berth with a trashing of fellow bubble team and conference member Colorado. Texas A&M wins their first ever Big 12 Tournament game and put their stamp on a certain bid.

Colorado: The Buffaloes had their chance in what amounted to an elimination game for the fourth bid from the Big 12 Conference. Colorado built a small early lead only to be stormed in the late first half and early second half by a Texas A&M squad that showed how much they wanted and deserved an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky: The Wildcats punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky won a hard fought game against Alabama to make their way to the SEC semifinals. There is no feasible way that Kentucky would miss an at-large bid.

Alabama: There will be rumblings whether Alabama is on the bubble with their second straight loss and their 12th loss of the year. Pay those no heed, because the Tide will be dancing, regardless of this setback. The only thing this loss effects is Alabama's seeding.

Bucknell: The Bison save more than a few bubble teams another sleepless night with their championship win against Holy Cross. While it debatable whether Bucknell would have gotten in as an at-large team, that now becomes a moot point.

UAB: This is another team that we can end the argument about. UAB has done about all it can do to this point. The Blazers have made their way to the title game in what amounts to a two-team league. Good enough for an at-large bid.

Maryland: ..... and THIS IS THE TEAM EVERYONE HAS BEEN CLAMORING TO GET INTO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT ?? Maryland and head coach Gary Williams laid a HUGE EGG against Boston College by coming out flat and getting behind 17-2 in the first five minutes. The Terrapins have NO BUSINESS in the NCAA Tournament and should be pleased to get an NIT berth. This is why teams like Maryland do not deserve an NCAA at-large bid. Hmm, second year in a row for Maryland to miss the NCAA Tournament.... I can already hear the subtle rumblings from here.

California: The Bears may have only beaten Oregon and USC to get to the Pac Ten title game, but it is enough to quell the uncertainty that California is worthy of an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Bears are now 20-9 with a 12-6 record in the Pac Ten and a conference tournament championship appearance. Regardless of their spotty RPI, California can consider themselves dancing tomorrow, win or lose.