Understanding the NCAA Tournament Bubble: Key Teams and Their Final Attempts
As the NCAA regular season approaches its end, all focus shifts to critical matches that could decide which teams make it to the tournament. Jerry Palm offers insights into the weekend's action.
Last Chance for NCAA Tournament Bids
This weekend features pivotal bubble games. Teams like Indiana and Ohio State are vying for a spot in the tournament, making their matchups crucial for their hopes.
Saturday’s ‘double-bubble’ games:
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Ohio State at Indiana
3:45 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, Paramount+ (Try It Free)
Both teams are looking for a victory to strengthen their tournament résumés. Indiana seeks its final home win of the regular season, while Ohio State desperately needs a win. -
Oklahoma at Texas
8 p.m. | SEC Network, fubo (Try for free)
Another critical ‘double bubble’ game, with both teams aiming for quality wins.
Other bubble teams in action:
- Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, Noon | ESPNU, fubo (Try for free)
- Arkansas vs. Mississippi State, Noon | SEC Network, fubo (Try for free)
- North Carolina vs. Duke, 6:30 p.m. | ESPN, fubo (Try for free)
NCAA Tournament Locks
Locks based on résumé: 28 | At-large bids in play: 9
- ACC (3): Duke, Clemson, Louisville
- Big East (2): Marquette, St. John’s
- Big 12 (5): Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech
- Big Ten (8): Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, Purdue, UCLA, Wisconsin, Illinois
- SEC (9): Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M
- WCC (1): Saint Mary’s
A win over Houston could provide the final assurance needed for a tournament bid.
