Syracuse Basketball: Orange Bubble Watch- 2/20
By Josh Peelman
Record vs. RPI Top 50: 3-7
Bad Losses: Iowa State
Road W-L: 2-7
Analysis: Welcome Baylor to the Bubble everybody! They have been lurking outside of it for awhile like Texas, but now are firmly in the conversation after beating a top 15 Texas Tech squad. Yes, it was at home, but its a huge Quadrant 1 win that the Bears needed to impress the committee and add to their resume. The Bears road record still sucks, and they’re mediocre in conference and against top competition, but at least they pass the eye test. We’ll wait and see, but for now they seem in.
In According to Bracket Matrix (Y/N): Yes, they’re among the last four in.
Are they in currently? (my opinion): No, but they are among the first four out and just need one more quality win to feel more confident about getting in. A road win (or two) would also help a lot.
Record vs. RPI Top 50: 5-5
Bad Losses: Northern Iowa, UNC Greensboro
Road W-L: 4-4
Analysis: NC State is still on the bubble, but they are moving their way of of it and into lock position with every win. The Syracuse win was huge on the road and gave them another Quadrant 1 win to add to their resume. In addition it was a good head-to-head matchup that showed the selection committee that they are better than another bubble team. Those types of wins are huge come March. I think the Wolfpack are in, and will be barring a dumb loss to Boston College or Georgia Tech down the stretch. It’s the ACC though, so anything can happen. That’s why I can’t lock these guys up quite yet.
In According to Bracket Matrix (Y/N): Yes, they’re in as an 11 seed.
Next: Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History
Are they in currently? (my opinion): Yes, and like St. Bonaventure they moved up a tier in my book to a 10 seed with another win this weekend following the Syracuse win earlier in the week.