4 groups battling the bubble getting into February

[ad_1] The school basketball common season has reached the house stretch. Because the NCAA Event creeps nearer, some groups are clinging to a bid, whereas others are nonetheless hoping to slip into the sphere of 68.

So, what can these squads do to safe a spot within the dance?

Indiana Hoosiers (15-7, 6-5) Present Stance: In

Indiana’s soccer group isn’t the one program seeing success in Bloomington.

After 4 straight losses, the Hoosiers have received three straight video games, together with a victory over rival No. 12 Purdue. Regardless of seven losses, Indiana has a powerful case to be within the subject, particularly since 4 of these setbacks got here in opposition to top-12 opponents.

The Hoosiers problem fellow bubble group USC on Tuesday, an ideal probability to maneuver up within the seeding. Nevertheless, powerful matchups in opposition to No. 9 Illinois, No. 12 Purdue once more, No. 7 Michigan State and Ohio State await.

Indiana’s season might simply get off monitor by the top, making it vital for the Hoosiers to notch not less than one upset to keep up a powerful argument.

Texas Longhorns (13-9, 4-5) Present Stance: Out

Texas has been one of many harder groups to trace this season.

The Longhorns suffered losses in opposition to Arizona State and Mississippi State but additionally personal wins over No. 23 NC State, No. 13 Alabama and No. 10 Vanderbilt. That inconsistency has left them on the mistaken aspect of the bubble, although a path to the match stays.

Texas simply knocked off Oklahoma, and its subsequent 4 video games characteristic South Carolina, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU, all winnable contests. If the Longhorns string alongside 4 extra victories, they’d be 17-9 getting into the ultimate few weeks, with alternatives in opposition to No. 19 Florida, Texas A&M and No. 15 Arkansas more likely to be the deciding issue.

Texas’ odds could also be low, and it’ll be hoping zero mid-major packages steal a bid by convention tournaments, however the path is there.

New Mexico Lobos (18-4, 9-2) Present Stance: In

The Mountain West has separated itself from different mid-major conferences by placing a number of packages within the match not too long ago. New Mexico goals to be a type of groups for the third consecutive 12 months, even with first-year HC Eric Olen.

The Lobos possess a powerful 18-4 file and solely have one unhealthy loss at New Mexico State. Nevertheless, this convention can develop into unpredictable by March, and New Mexico nonetheless has dates with Grand Canyon, San Diego State and Utah State twice.

If the Lobos don’t handle to win not less than one or two of these 4 contests, they might rapidly discover themselves on the surface trying in, determined for a run within the MWC Event.

Seton Corridor Pirates (16-6, 6-5) Present Stance: Out

For some time, Seton Corridor was comfortably within the dance because the Pirates have been 14-2 firstly of January.

Since then, they’ve misplaced 4 of their final six video games, together with shut ones to No. 2 UConn and St. John’s. Exterior of defeating NC State in November, Seton Corridor lacks signature wins.

The Pirates defeated Marquette on Saturday, and their recipe for getting within the match is straightforward: win the video games they’re able to successful. Getting swept by the Huskies and Pink Storm is manageable, however Seton Corridor can’t afford being outplayed once more by groups corresponding to Butler and DePaul.