At MarchManiacs, we say it is never too early to talk bubble. Furthermore, there are more than a few games that have major bubble implications.
Here is a quick guide to a few of the best:
2pm - Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M - It doesn't get any more "bubble" than this one. Both teams are squarely on it, and it is unlikely both will get tourney bids with Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas looking like locks, and Baylor and Missouri ahead of them. There is no way the Big 12 gets seven bids. The winner here has a valuable chip in their pocket for Selection Sunday.
3pm - South Carolina @ Kentucky - After Jodie Meeks' night at Tennessee the nation seemed willing to crown Kentucky the class of the SEC (I like the Cats, but would give the nod to Florida). South Carolina is an intersting team with some firepower and are 4-2 in SEC play, 15-4 overall. A win today puts the Gamecocks in the tourney mix (and comfortably ahead of Tennessee).
5pm - Baylor at Missouri - Same story as Ok St and A&M, only these two teams are positioned a little better. Baylor has the edge of being more highly regarded entering the season. Missouri has been overlooked all year; perhaps deservedly so after the stinkbomb they put up against Kansas State this week. This game probably means more to Missouri's tourney chances, especially since the game is in Colombia.
8pm - Two great ACC buble games; Virginia Tech travels to Boston College and Miami goes to Maryland. All four teams are still in the at-large mix (Va Tech being in good shape, Maryland teetering, the other two textbook "bubble" teams). The ACC has four clear locks, and VA Tech and FSU look to be #5 & #6. These two games go a long way to seeing which other teams will join the mix. Maryland is all but done with another loss or two, so will be scrappy tonight defending their homecourt.
8pm - Wisconsin @ Northwestern - If the Wildcats are going to end the longest tourney-less streak in the land (it is infinity and counting...) tonight's game HAS to be a win. If you were bracketing today, the Big Ten would get six, maybe seven. These two teams would be 8 & 9 respectively. An absolute must win for Northwestern.
10pm - California @ USC - Both teams enter 5-3 in Pac-10 play and solidly on the bubble. The Pac-10 looks to be one of the more up-for-grabs conferences in the nation, but only UCLA and Arizona State have garnered any national buzz. Washington surged out the conference lead with an upset win over UCLA, but appears to be coming back to the pack. Tonight's Cal/SC winner gets a valuable chip when it comes time to decide which four or five teams get to dance.
One More Shot...
The Maniac's record picking games has been rather subpar of late. We admit that pretty freely. However, we subscribe to the Reggie Miller school of thought that you can't score if you don't shoot.
That said, here are a few more shots (accompanied by the pervasive "logic" that derived such picks...)
SATURDAY'S PICKS
Georgia Tech has a nice recruiting class coming to Atlanta. Unfortunatly, the Deacons arrive before the reinforcements. Don't expect them to let their guard down after a thrilling win over #1 Duke. Dino will have his team well aware that win becomes tainted with a no-show Saturday.
MANIAC'S PICK: Wake -8
Louisville has become the team du jour of late, with everyone and their mother proclaiming them Detroit-bound. For the record, we were two weeks ahead of the curve, but just because the bandwagon is getting crowded doesn't mean we're jumping off. West Virginia doesn't have the firepower to score enough points to beat the Cards in their gym.
MANIAC'S PICK: L'Ville -7
Notre Dame brings a four game losing streak to Pittsburgh where the Panthers are smarting from an upset loss at Villanova. Not a good situation for the Irish. Everything points to loss #5... but the Maniac loves talented teams with their backs to the wall. Notre Dame fits that bill perfectly. I am not sure they get a win, but feel good tucking away a dozen points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Notre Dame +12
Arizona is fresh off a season saving win against Pac-10 leader Washington, while Wazzou is fresh off their upset of #14 Arizona State. This game is a beautiful contrast in styles; Arizona scored 106 points last time out, State leads the Pac-10 in defense (points allowed). Something's gotta give. Hopefully someone stomped on Chase Buddinger's face on the way to the game, it seems to do wonders for this team...
MANIAC'S PICK: Arizona -4
Georgetown went from "Final Four?" after their UConn win to "bubble???" after consecutive losses to Seton Hall and Cincinnati to fall to 3-5 in the BEast. Marquette is up to 8th in the country witha 7-0 BEast record. Going back to my "backs against the wall" theory, I should like Georgetown getting a big season saving win against the Eagles... but I just don't see Georgetown's defense doing much to slow down the nation's top 3-man backcourt.
MANIAC'S PICK: Marquette -6
Davidson wins every league game by 20 or more. So why are they only giving 14 at Samford? No clue. Gimme the Steph Curry road show laying the points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Davidson -14
UCF is quietly building a solid NIT resume as they blow through an improved Conference USA. They are laying 4 at a Tulane team they are much better than.
MANIAC'S PICK: UCF -4
We'll be back for our 6pm and later picks.
That said, here are a few more shots (accompanied by the pervasive "logic" that derived such picks...)
SATURDAY'S PICKS
Georgia Tech has a nice recruiting class coming to Atlanta. Unfortunatly, the Deacons arrive before the reinforcements. Don't expect them to let their guard down after a thrilling win over #1 Duke. Dino will have his team well aware that win becomes tainted with a no-show Saturday.
MANIAC'S PICK: Wake -8
Louisville has become the team du jour of late, with everyone and their mother proclaiming them Detroit-bound. For the record, we were two weeks ahead of the curve, but just because the bandwagon is getting crowded doesn't mean we're jumping off. West Virginia doesn't have the firepower to score enough points to beat the Cards in their gym.
MANIAC'S PICK: L'Ville -7
Notre Dame brings a four game losing streak to Pittsburgh where the Panthers are smarting from an upset loss at Villanova. Not a good situation for the Irish. Everything points to loss #5... but the Maniac loves talented teams with their backs to the wall. Notre Dame fits that bill perfectly. I am not sure they get a win, but feel good tucking away a dozen points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Notre Dame +12
Arizona is fresh off a season saving win against Pac-10 leader Washington, while Wazzou is fresh off their upset of #14 Arizona State. This game is a beautiful contrast in styles; Arizona scored 106 points last time out, State leads the Pac-10 in defense (points allowed). Something's gotta give. Hopefully someone stomped on Chase Buddinger's face on the way to the game, it seems to do wonders for this team...
MANIAC'S PICK: Arizona -4
Georgetown went from "Final Four?" after their UConn win to "bubble???" after consecutive losses to Seton Hall and Cincinnati to fall to 3-5 in the BEast. Marquette is up to 8th in the country witha 7-0 BEast record. Going back to my "backs against the wall" theory, I should like Georgetown getting a big season saving win against the Eagles... but I just don't see Georgetown's defense doing much to slow down the nation's top 3-man backcourt.
MANIAC'S PICK: Marquette -6
Davidson wins every league game by 20 or more. So why are they only giving 14 at Samford? No clue. Gimme the Steph Curry road show laying the points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Davidson -14
UCF is quietly building a solid NIT resume as they blow through an improved Conference USA. They are laying 4 at a Tulane team they are much better than.
MANIAC'S PICK: UCF -4
We'll be back for our 6pm and later picks.
Many Roads...
Arizona put up 104 point in their dire straits win of Washington. Minnesota got a huge Big 10 win holding Illinois to 36 points. The difference? 68 points.
The result? One team keeps their season alive, the other is getting close to locking up their first tourney bid in several years.
- I am sure I am not the only one TiVoing the Zags/Gaels game tonight. Should be a great one. I'll take Gonzaga flexing their WCC muscle tonight, but keep an eye on Patty Mills. Had a chance to see him live in December; heckuva ballplayer.
The result? One team keeps their season alive, the other is getting close to locking up their first tourney bid in several years.
- I am sure I am not the only one TiVoing the Zags/Gaels game tonight. Should be a great one. I'll take Gonzaga flexing their WCC muscle tonight, but keep an eye on Patty Mills. Had a chance to see him live in December; heckuva ballplayer.
Quick Picks
Quick Picks for January 29th.
Someone tell me why everyone is still on Clemson's jock? To me, the 17-0 start was instantly invalidated when they went in Chapel Hill and showed the same ole' same ole'. It is a good team, but not sure they are a road favorite at Tech.
Come to think of it, seriously, how are a 1-point favorite at Virginia Tech? Seems like a gimme to me.
MANIACS PICK: VIRGINIA TECH +1 (LOCK)
Iowa has played a few real tough games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this year. I don't think tonight will be one of them when the Spartans come to town.
MANIACS PICK: MICHIGAN STATE -6
Already wrote about Arizona here: It seems like Vegas agrees that something might be brewin' in Tuscon as the Washington Huskies are only 2 point favorites. Gimme Chase and crew with the two.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona +2
Illinois has been far better than expectations this year. In fact, so much better that Vegas has them as a road favorite traveling up to Minnesota tonight. I like Tubby and the Gophers protecting their cavernous home gym with a HUGE win in the Big Ten.
MANIACS PICK: Minnesota +1.5
Someone has to win tonight when Alabama visits Arkansas. Both team have enough talent to win games, yet seem to find ways to lose them. Arkansas has been on a four-game skid since their wins over Oklahoma and Texas. Alabama fits the profile of a team that gives the Hogs fits; a losing record and in conference. I'll roll with the tide and the points.
MANIACS PICK: Alabama +4.5
The best game of the night that no one will see when Nevada travels to Utah State in an attempt to derail the Aggies unblemished WAC start. Utah St. is 19-1, with their lone loss at BYU by 5, but has ZERO quality wins. Tonight is the best shot they have to get one. I think they will, but Nevada will keep it interesting.
MANIACS PICK: Nevada +10
Have something to say?? Leave a comment or email us at MarchManiacs@yahoo.com!
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Someone tell me why everyone is still on Clemson's jock? To me, the 17-0 start was instantly invalidated when they went in Chapel Hill and showed the same ole' same ole'. It is a good team, but not sure they are a road favorite at Tech.
Come to think of it, seriously, how are a 1-point favorite at Virginia Tech? Seems like a gimme to me.
MANIACS PICK: VIRGINIA TECH +1 (LOCK)
Iowa has played a few real tough games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this year. I don't think tonight will be one of them when the Spartans come to town.
MANIACS PICK: MICHIGAN STATE -6
Already wrote about Arizona here: It seems like Vegas agrees that something might be brewin' in Tuscon as the Washington Huskies are only 2 point favorites. Gimme Chase and crew with the two.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona +2
Illinois has been far better than expectations this year. In fact, so much better that Vegas has them as a road favorite traveling up to Minnesota tonight. I like Tubby and the Gophers protecting their cavernous home gym with a HUGE win in the Big Ten.
MANIACS PICK: Minnesota +1.5
Someone has to win tonight when Alabama visits Arkansas. Both team have enough talent to win games, yet seem to find ways to lose them. Arkansas has been on a four-game skid since their wins over Oklahoma and Texas. Alabama fits the profile of a team that gives the Hogs fits; a losing record and in conference. I'll roll with the tide and the points.
MANIACS PICK: Alabama +4.5
The best game of the night that no one will see when Nevada travels to Utah State in an attempt to derail the Aggies unblemished WAC start. Utah St. is 19-1, with their lone loss at BYU by 5, but has ZERO quality wins. Tonight is the best shot they have to get one. I think they will, but Nevada will keep it interesting.
MANIACS PICK: Nevada +10
Have something to say?? Leave a comment or email us at MarchManiacs@yahoo.com!
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Stomp to the Heart
None of their current players have ever been alive in a year in which Arizona was NOT a participant in the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, all that could change in a most unpleasant way for their roster if things don't turn around in a hurry. The Maniac thinks they just might.
I am sure you have all seen the Chase Budinger face-stomp recipient "highlight" by now. It has been played roughly four hundred thousand times on ESPN. What has been less discussed is the furious rally Arizona put together to improbably force overtime, then allow just two points in the OT defeating a pretty good Houston team.
Tonight the Wildcats (12-8, 2-5) host Pac-10 leader Washington in what amount to a last stand for Arizona. Drop this, and it is most likely curtains on the Wildcats season. But win, and things get interesting. After tonight their next three games are: hosting Washington State, then traveling to both Oregon schools. All three are very winnable games. That would leave Arizona at 16-8 and 6-5 in conference and RIGHT in the at-large bid mix.
Of course, it all starts with a win tonight. Can they play with the passion and fury they mustered when their star was stomped on? Can they harness that same desperation for a moment when it is truly warranted?
I like the 'Cats and their two NBA-first rounders salvaging a disappointing season with an upset win over the Huskies tonight.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona 74 - Washington 67
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Of course, all that could change in a most unpleasant way for their roster if things don't turn around in a hurry. The Maniac thinks they just might.
I am sure you have all seen the Chase Budinger face-stomp recipient "highlight" by now. It has been played roughly four hundred thousand times on ESPN. What has been less discussed is the furious rally Arizona put together to improbably force overtime, then allow just two points in the OT defeating a pretty good Houston team.
Tonight the Wildcats (12-8, 2-5) host Pac-10 leader Washington in what amount to a last stand for Arizona. Drop this, and it is most likely curtains on the Wildcats season. But win, and things get interesting. After tonight their next three games are: hosting Washington State, then traveling to both Oregon schools. All three are very winnable games. That would leave Arizona at 16-8 and 6-5 in conference and RIGHT in the at-large bid mix.
Of course, it all starts with a win tonight. Can they play with the passion and fury they mustered when their star was stomped on? Can they harness that same desperation for a moment when it is truly warranted?
I like the 'Cats and their two NBA-first rounders salvaging a disappointing season with an upset win over the Huskies tonight.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona 74 - Washington 67
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