Bubble Watch: Ohio State's loss is
North Carolina's gain, plus a good day for the SEC
[March 13, 2025]
By NOAH TRISTER
A look at the NCAA Tournament bubble picture after Wednesday's
games:
O-H ... N-O
It's still fairly early in the major conference tournaments, so for
bubble teams, Wednesday was more about avoiding bad losses than
earning significant wins. For Ohio State, the next few days should
be stressful after the Buckeyes lost 77-70 to Iowa in the Big Ten
Tournament.
Ohio State has plenty of company in its own state, with Xavier on
the bubble as well. And Cincinnati’s slim hopes of making the field
are likely over after a 76-56 loss to Iowa State.
Elsewhere, North Carolina took care of Notre Dame 76-56, and Ohio
State's loss can only help the Tar Heels as they try to avoid
missing the tournament.
Can the SEC max out?
Of the 16 teams in the Southeastern Conference, only South Carolina
and LSU are completely out of contention for an NCAA Tournament
spot. Thirteen bids is a realistic expectation, and even 14 might be
possible after Texas beat Vanderbilt 79-72 in the conference
tournament.
The Longhorns lost seven of their last nine games in the regular
season, but the SEC Tournament gave them a chance to post more
significant victories, and they took advantage against the
Commodores.
In fact, Wednesday worked out nicely for the SEC from a bid
maximization standpoint. Arkansas moved a step closer to making the
tournament in John Calipari’s first season at the helm, edging South
Carolina 72-68. Later, Oklahoma picked up a big 81-75 win over
Georgia.
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Arkansas guard Johnell Davis (1) speaks with Arkansas head coach
John Calipari after a win over South Carolina during an NCAA college
basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament,
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George
Walker IV)
The experts say ...
By the end of the day, ESPN’s bracket projection had moved North
Carolina into the field, replacing Ohio State.
Up next
Xavier can give its resume a big boost Thursday if it can beat No.
25 Marquette in the Big East quarterfinals, and Indiana has a
similar opportunity against No. 23 Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Mountain West quarterfinals are also worth watching. New Mexico,
Utah State, San Diego State, Boise State and Colorado State are all
on or near the bubble, but only one can take the league's automatic
bid.
Next up for Texas? A rivalry game with No. 14 Texas A&M.
Automatic bids so far
SIU Edwardsville (Ohio Valley), Omaha (Summit), Lipscomb (Atlantic
Sun), High Point (Big South), Drake (Missouri Valley), Wofford
(Southern), Troy (Sun Belt), Robert Morris (Horizon), UNC-Wilmington
(Coastal Athletic), St. Francis, Pa. (Northeast), Gonzaga (WCC),
McNeese (Southland), American (Patriot), Montana (Big Sky).
Automatic bids at stake Thursday: None.
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