We’re getting down to nut cutting time in college basketball which means it’s time for me to overinflate Wyoming’s tremendous run they’re on and bash those the Cesspool of Sin University and the pricks from Provo. After their overtime win over the sheep Tuesday, Wyoming is firmly entrenched in my bracket, and other “experts” are finally taking notice too.
I guess there are other schools too, so let’s take a look at the bubble.
Last 4 in
Florida
I’m still not buying the Gators are a tournament team, and if they don’t win 1 of the 3 remaining games against Kentucky and Auburn, or if they get bounced early in the SEC tourney, they’re D-U-N done in my eyes. Much more deserving teams, such as Belmont or Moorehead State, who should be in this field.
Colorado State
After a double digit loss to an up and coming UNLV team and taking another bubble team, Wyoming, to overtime on the road, this is a bit of an overreaction. For Wyoming’s resume, hopefully the sheep can turn this thing around and give the Pokes another feather in their cap when they meet again in Moby Arena in three weeks.
Oregon
Similar to Florida, Oregon needs to prove itself to get in. This includes winning the games they’re supposed to and another quad 1 win. They have a pretty good opportunity during a three game gauntlet against 7th ranked Arizona, 3 UCLA and 19 USC February 19-26. I do think this team is much more talented than Florida and has an easier road to their conference championship.
Drake
The Missouri Valley is loaded, and I would love to see 2 teams get in. Loyola Chicago has a strong enough resume to get in by themselves, and teams like Drake, Northern Iowa and Missouri State have the ability to win the conference. I would not be shocked if this conference gets two bids.
First 4 out
Saint Louis Billikens
This pick might not be based off resume, but expected future results. The Billikens are hot, winning 5 of their last 6, and still have matchups against Dayton, Saint Bonaventure (twice), Davidson and VCU. If they can go 5-1 in that stretch, they’ll be at 20 wins with plenty of Quad 1 and 2 wins. With wins against Boise State and Iona already on the resume, Saint Louis is in great shape to make a run at the tourney.
SMU Mustangs
Similar to Saint Louis, the Mustangs are riding high after winning 13 of their last 14 with dates against Houston (twice), Wichita State (twice), and a rematch against Cincy. If they can avoid a few trap games (I’m looking at you Tulane and Tulsa), they’ve got a tremendous opportunity to make the tournament.
San Francisco Dons
I’m being a bit hard on the Dons for kicking them out of my bracket after losing to BYU, Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s, but two of those games were at home (BYU and Saint Mary’s) and a win against one of those teams would’ve really helped the resume. They still have rematches against all three of the aforementioned squads, but with road trips against BYU and Saint Mary’s and a home game against the Zags, it’ll be tough sledding.
Morehead State Eagles
I’m not just adding this team because of the obvious fellatio innuendo, but this team is legit. It’s a damn shame there will only be one bid from the Ohio Valley Conference; there are 3 capable teams between Belmont, Morehead and Murray state. Give me Morehead or give me death!
Hopefully some of these mid-majors get an opportunity, until then enjoy the witching hour of the college basketball season as we near conference championships. Love you, bye.
The Morning Flush 