Bracketology 3/13/19

Data uses games played through Mar. 12

St. Mary’s became the first official bid thief of 2019 when they knocked off Gonzaga in the WCC Championship. Credit to the Gaels – Gonzaga entered that game ranked #1 in the country and scoring over 90 points per game. Last night, they managed just 47.

The Gaels were a tournament bubble team, but make no mistake – they needed that win to make the field. I had them as my fifth team out of the field, and especially considering the bubble shrinks by one available spot with each bid thief, there was next to no way the committee would’ve put St. Mary’s in the field. Now, there will be no debate.

That, of course, means someone has to fall out of the field, and that unlucky team is Clemson. The Tigers’ fate is a giant unknown, but if they can kick off their ACC Tournament with a win over NC State, things will quickly shift more in their favor.

Next update: Fri, 3/15

For additional data and previous brackets.