With over 300 NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs, there are games on every day. Top 25 rankings help determine marquee matchups and nationally televised matchups. Postseason play is so inclusive that every game counts and every team is chasing success in March. This article will discuss the opportunities for teams to boost or hurt their resumes as March Madness nears.
MUST WIN GAMES
These teams already have a fine resume and risk tacking a bad loss on their resume or are a bad loss from falling out of at-large contention.
Teams that Should Win
Boise State (vs Fresno State)
San Diego State (@ Air Force)
Teams that Need a Win but Could Lose
Siena (vs Saint Peter’s)
These two teams are very rarely going to be mentioned in this article. The Siena Saints deserve a quick shout-out because they are one of the last undefeated teams. They haven’t played anyone tough and have only won by double digits twice in six games. Any undefeated team deserves some praise because when it comes down to seeding the tournament, even the weakest among them will get a boost on account of record. As long as the Saints can continue to win they can move off of the worst seed lines. For those tuning in to ESPNU for the game, keep an eye out for Manny Camper. The 6’7″ forward leads the MAAC in rebounds per game (10.2), assists per game (4.5), and is Top 10 in points per game (12.5).
WINNER GETS A BOOST
These matchups have two mid-level contenders facing off for bubble separation. Games with two fringe teams are crucial in determining who gets a higher seed or qualifies for the NCAA tournament.
No Games to Report.
UPSET ALERT
Games in this section are expected to go the favorite’s way but realistically could be very competitive. If the underdog pulls off a win it is a huge boost for their resume. Whoever loses doesn’t add a bad loss to their resume.
Michigan @ Purdue
The Wolverines undefeated campaign ended recently but they quickly gathered for a resounding win over Maryland. They still sit atop the Big Ten conference standings with an 11-1 record. On the season, Michigan is one of 19 teams to shoot over 50% from the floor. In the loss to Minnesota, the Wolverines made fewer than 40% of their shots. Purdue is at home after winning four straight including road wins over ranked Michigan State and Ohio State. The Boilermakers are 6-3 in conference and just starting to get AP votes (one vote as of the most recent poll). Purdue is a standard underdog that gets a national spotlight on a pretty dry Friday.
Featured Image courtesy of sienasaints.com
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Jack!
“From Our Haus to Yours“