Who Will Secure Their Place? A Crucial Moment Approaches
With just hours remaining until the NCAA tournament bracket is unveiled, several programs find themselves in precarious positions. The next two days will be filled with anticipation as these squads hope for a favorable decision from the selection committee.
UNC's Narrow Miss: Can the Tar Heels Still Make It?
The University of North Carolina came agonizingly close to an upset victory against Duke during Friday night’s ACC tournament action. Despite trailing by 21 points at halftime, the Tar Heels mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring Duke by 18 in the second half. Unfortunately, a narrow 74-71 defeat left them short of securing an automatic berth.
Without key contributors Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown, UNC faced significant challenges. Ranked 33rd according to KenPom’s metrics and 36th in the NET rankings, the Tar Heels boast a modest 1-12 record in Quad 1 games. While their performance was commendable, questions remain about whether it will suffice to earn them a spot in the tournament field.
Texas' Uncertain Fate: Longhorns Eyeing Dayton
In the SEC tournament quarterfinals, Texas suffered a setback against Tennessee, finishing with a 19-15 overall record. Ranked slightly below North Carolina—46th in KenPom’s data and 39th in the NET rankings—the Longhorns demonstrated resilience through their 7-10 record in Quad 1 games. However, they struggled in Quad 2 matchups, managing only three wins out of eight attempts.
A Thursday triumph over Texas A&M initially appeared promising, yet lingering doubts persist regarding their inclusion. Should Texas receive an invitation, there remains a strong possibility that they could participate in the First Four games scheduled for Dayton on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Mountain West Showdown: Dual Opportunities Await
Saturday's Mountain West championship promises intrigue as either Boise State or Colorado State vies for the conference's automatic bid. Both teams currently hold 24-9 records, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season. Notably, Boise State advanced past top-seeded New Mexico in a thrilling 72-69 contest, while Colorado State defeated third-seeded Utah State convincingly, 83-72.
Should neither team prevail in Saturday's showdown, both may still find themselves included in the tournament lineup. San Diego State and New Mexico also remain contenders, potentially expanding the Mountain West's representation to four participants within the broader competition framework.
West Virginia's Uneasy Position: Mountaineers Face Doubt
Despite concluding the regular season strongly, winning three of their last four games, West Virginia endured disappointment in the Big 12 tournament. As the eighth seed, they succumbed to Colorado, losing 67-60 in their opening match. This early exit has cast doubt upon their prospects.
Ranked 53rd per KenPom's evaluations and 51st via NET rankings, West Virginia exhibits a 6-9 record in Quad 1 encounters. Although possessing one of the nation's top defenses, ranked fourteenth, this inconsistency raises concerns among analysts monitoring the selection process closely.
Xavier's Momentum: Musketeers Cling to Hope
Xavier concluded the regular season impressively, achieving seven consecutive victories. Nonetheless, scrutiny reveals six of these successes came against bottom-tier Big East opponents. Currently positioned 42nd in KenPom's hierarchy and 45th in NET standings, Xavier owns a challenging 1-9 record in Quad 1 contests but excels in Quad 2 matches with an 8-2 ledger.
This blend of achievements and shortcomings leaves observers divided. Some argue their late-season surge merits consideration, while others emphasize the need for stronger performances against higher-caliber adversaries. Regardless, all eyes turn toward Selection Sunday as the Musketeers await judgment alongside other hopefuls nationwide.
