Bracketology 3/8/19

Data uses games played through Mar. 7

While the 68-team field remains the same as it was a few days ago, there has been a considerable shift in status for some of the bubble teams. After taking down Kansas and ending the Jayhawks’ 14-year Big 12 Championship streak, Oklahoma is now officially a lock. Same goes for Utah State, who needed overtime to beat Colorado State on the road, but ended their regular season on a seven-game win streak.

Also moving into a safe position is Minnesota after their defeat of Purdue. I’m not willing to throw a lock on the Gophers, but a lot would have to happen for them to miss the field. Finally, by dropping their third-straight game, Marquette gave Seton Hall a big hand. Entering that game, the Pirates were my last team in. Now, they’re ahead of TCU, Alabama, and Clemson. One more win (either against Villanova tomorrow or in the Big East tournament) should give Kevin Willard’s team a pretty good chance at their fourth-straight NCAA Tourney appearance.

On the flip side, Alabama missed out on a huge opportunity against Auburn after building up a strong early lead, and devastating losses have sent Ohio State and NC State tumbling down. Their work isn’t done yet.

By next update, the regular season will be officially complete, and four teams will have earned automatic bids to the tourney. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.

Next update: Mon, 3/11

For additional data and previous brackets.