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.
* – indicates second game in back-to-back series already covered in previous day.
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
Drake (@ Valparaiso)
Loyola Chicago (vs Evansville)*
Villanova (vs Georgetown)
Teams that Need a Win but Could Lose
Boise State (@ Nevada)*
Stanford (vs California)*
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.
Iowa @ Indiana
Super Bowl Sunday is pretty thing on the college basketball slate. Most games are scheduled to play in the late morning or early afternoon to not conflict with the Big Game. The one centerstage matchup is between a Big Ten heavyweight and a light bubble contender. Iowa has looked more vulnerable lately losing three of their last four and dipping in the polls. Their worst loss of the season is a home defeat to Indiana 81-69. Now the Hoosiers are vying for an at-large spot and a season sweep of the Hawkeyes would go a long way. Strong scoring defense saved Indiana in the first meeting as they put up fewer shots than Iowa and was outrebounded 46-32. It was rare to see Iowa struggle to make more than a couple baskets over the last 12 minutes of the game. Now the game is in Assembly Hall where Indiana should put up a decent fight even if they can’t beat Iowa again.
Featured Image courtesy of Brian Ray / hawkeyesports.com
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