Big Wins Boost Bubble Teams' NCAA Hopes

0:00On March 4th, TCU, UCLA, and Texas A&M picked up huge number one quadrant wins on Tuesday, boosting their chances for at-large bids and next year's NCAA tournament. TCU beat number 10 Texas Tech 73-65 on the road, while Texas A&M topped Kentucky 96-85 and UCLA crushed. Nebraska's 72-52. These victories have them sitting comfortably on the right side of the bubble in the latest bracket models. Texas A&M climbed from a number 11C to number 10, and UCLA strengthened its spot around the number 9 line. TCU remains in the last four in-group, ranked number 36 and wins above bubble, giving them some breathing room despite a recent slip. Bubble teams face real pressure with few games left, as any stumbles could let bid these still spots. Teams like SMU and California are sliding backward, needing strong finishes to join the ACC's expected bigger hall of bids, potentially up to 9.

1:02Wednesday brings key match-ups, with Indiana facing Minnesota at 6.30 p.m., California at Georgia Tech at 7 p.m., and SMU hosting number. 22 Miami at 7 p.m. Others like Texas at number 20 Arkansas, Ohio State at Penn State and USC at Washington will also tip the scales on their fates. As these results roll in, the selection committee will have plenty to chew on heading into conference tournaments, keeping the at-large picture wide. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open Open. Open. Open. Open Open. Open. Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open