With conference tournaments looming on the horizon, a multitude of bubble teams in college basketball find themselves on the edge, striving to bolster their resumes and secure coveted spots in the NCAA Tournament. While the Big 12 and SEC stand out as dominant forces this season, even they aren’t immune to the drama of Selection Sunday, with some of their teams teetering on the brink of exclusion.
In the ACC, the likes of Duke and North Carolina are clear frontrunners, but several other contenders are vying for consideration, eager to make a compelling case for inclusion come Selection Sunday. Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference is enjoying a banner season, with seven teams poised to battle it out in Las Vegas, each seeking to enhance their postseason credentials.
As the stakes continue to rise over the next week, entire seasons will be defined by the outcomes of conference tournaments, with teams either punching their tickets to the Big Dance or facing the disappointment of missing out. The presence of mid-major schools like James Madison, Drake, and Richmond further complicates matters, adding another layer of uncertainty to the selection process.
For those looking to add an extra element of excitement to the NCAA Tournament, some betting sites are offering odds on bubble teams’ fates, allowing fans to wager on whether these squads will clinch spots in the field or be left to settle for invitations to the NIT.
Here’s a breakdown of the odds for select bubble teams:
- Wake Forest (+150 YES, -195 NO): Despite recent setbacks, the Demon Deacons still have a chance to secure an NCAA Tournament berth with a strong showing in the ACC tournament. Their resilience and potential make them an intriguing bet.
- Virginia (+172 YES, -235 NO): The Cavaliers face an uphill battle to secure an at-large bid, with their offensive struggles casting doubt on their postseason prospects. A deep run in the ACC tournament is crucial for their chances.
- Pittsburgh (+120 YES, -155 NO): With notable wins over Duke and Virginia, the Panthers have shown flashes of brilliance but need to bolster their resume further. A strong finish in the ACC tournament could tip the scales in their favor.
- Villanova (-220 YES, +170 NO): Despite their pedigree, recent losses have raised questions about Villanova’s NCAA Tournament hopes. A decisive victory over Creighton could help solidify their position, but their path remains uncertain.
- Providence (+295 YES, -390 NO): The Friars face an uphill battle after a challenging season, but a potential upset over UConn could provide a much-needed boost. However, their odds reflect the tough road ahead.
- Iowa (+180 YES, -235 NO): Led by Caitlin Clark, Iowa has the talent to make a postseason push. A pivotal matchup against Illinois offers a chance to bolster their resume and secure a tournament berth.
- New Mexico (-150 YES, +120 NO): Despite some setbacks, the Lobos have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive Mountain West Conference. A strong showing in the conference tournament could solidify their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the madness of March unfolds, these bubble teams will vie for their place in college basketball’s most prestigious event, with their fate hanging in the balance until the final buzzer sounds.