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
No Games to Report.
Teams that Need a Win but Could Lose
Maryland (@ Penn State)
Boise State (@ Nevada)
This may be the driest college basketball slate of the season. Two games all day crack this list as being “tournament relevant.” In the only power conference game of the day, Maryland and Penn State square off in a game that many see as two bubble teams. With the Nittany Lions below .500, Maryland seems to have a clearer path to the Big Dance. Being in the top conference means tougher games on the horizon for both Penn State and Maryland. If the Terps can grab a road win, they enter the March Madness scene. Penn State still has three ranked opponents on the schedule which spells both opportunity and difficulty. This could be one of their last lives of the season.
For Boise State, the in-group of the Mountain West is still holding strong. Along with Colorado State, San Diego State, and Utah State, the Broncos have a legitimate case for an at-large spot. They split games with Colorado State and still have four games against the Aggies and Aztecs. Boise State has a Top 25 scoring defense among non-power conference schools. Before their two-game set against the Rams, they also had five consecutive wins of 10+ points. A win here helps the conference overall by showing greater strength in the top tier of teams. This should be Boise State’s game to lose.
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.
For High Tournament Seeding
Matchups between Top 25 teams won’t typically help resolve the bubble. For viewing interest, these matchups are more marquee while the others are for teams with high hopes and less security.
No Games to Report.
For Low Tournament Seeding and Tournament Qualification
Unlike the “Teams that Need a Win but Could Lose” above, a loss here isn’t quite as damning. These results will most fall into NET rankings Q1 or Q2 wins and losses benefitting the winner in a meaningful way.
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.
No Games to Report.
Featured Image courtesy of broncosports.com
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