NCAA Tournament bubble watch entering conference championship week

As the college basketball world begins conference championships, multiple teams are on the bubble this week for a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Key wins and losses this week could be the difference between qualifying for the tournament, as well as determining seeding for middle-of-the-pack schools.

Teams on bubble watch for the NCAA Tournament

As “Champ Week” has begun, ESPN’s John Gasaway has updated his picks for teams that have something left to prove before Selection Sunday. The field of 68 teams will feature 22 teams from one-bid conferences, and by Gasaway’s estimation there are 32 teams that are a “lock” already for the tournament bracket. That leaves 14 spots that could be decided by this week’s games, adding another layer to already competitive basketball games.

ACC bubble watch

Duke and North Carolina appear to have already punched their tickets to the tournament, but Gasaway isn’t sure the same could be said for Notre Dame. The ACC Tournament could see them face Virginia Tech in bracket, and a loss could throw their tournament chances in doubt. Also on bubble watch in the bracket are Miami and Wake Forest. Both schools are projected to be in the tournament, but losing their potential matchup in bracket could result in uncertainty going into Selection Sunday.

Big Ten bubble watch

While several teams in the Big Ten have already handled their business and appear destined for the tournament, big questions remain for Rutgers, Michigan and Indiana. Michigan and Indiana are scheduled to play each other on Thursday, and the loser might have a lot to be nervous about before Sunday. Rutgers is in a similar situation, with a potential quarterfinal game against Iowa. A loss could mean slipping as other teams rise.

Big East bubble watch

Most of the drama surrounding Big East bubble teams is around their potential seeding, while Marquette and Creighton will likely be in the tournament regardless of this week. However, Gasaway believes that Xavier doesn’t have that luxury. The Muskateers are scheduled to play Butler in the first round of the Big East Tournament, and a loss might mean missing the field of 68.

Pac-12 and Big 12 bubble watch

By Gasaway’s estimates, both the Pac-12 and Big 12 conferences are basically locked up at this point of the season. The only two question marks at this point are beside TCU and Oklahoma, with Oklahoma currently sitting on the outside. TCU’s struggles down the stretch of the season have given reason to doubt their seeding in the NCAA Tournament, but their resume should allow them to make it even if they lose early this week. Oklahoma finished the season incredibly strong, and a strong showing in the Big 12 Tournament could put their name in discussions for a bracket spot.

SEC bubble watch

After an incredible year for the conference, six SEC teams are already positioned to play in the tournament. However, the SEC Tournament could give two teams a second chance to prove they should be joining them, as the conference’s overall strength would mean quality wins each time this week. Florida is close, according to Gasaway, but late losses at home this year against Arkansas and Kentucky might keep them out. A few wins in this bracket could be the bump they need. Similarly, Texas A&M appeared to be well out of the field after a stretch of losses this year. But a strong finish and an impressive SEC Tournament run could add their name to brackets on Sunday.