With the NCAA Tournament only weeks away, The Gaming Juice’s resident Bracket Big Board steward will occasionally break down teams living in Bubbleville, discussing their standing and what’s needed to escape the sweat on Selection Sunday.
TCU Horned Frogs
| Record | 16-9 |
| NET | 45 |
| SOS | 35 |
| Quad 1 | 5-6 |
| Big Board | No. 11 seed |
GREAT HORNY TOADS! Yes, Yosemite Sam, TCU is a rootin’ tootin’ team with a strong at-large argument. Only rascally “varmin” would disagree.
Jamie Dixon’s club has largely been on the outside looking in the past few weeks. However, notching numerous Quad 1 triumphs -- the latest at Oklahoma State -- it boasts an underappreciated NCAA Tournament profile. The bracketology community needs to wake up and munch on the metrics. Keep in mind, TCU has the same number of Quad 1a wins (2) as projected high seeds Houston, Florida, Michigan State and Saint John’s.
Equally influential, its top-35 strength of schedule will only climb playing in the rough and tumble Big 12. Upcoming tilts at UCF and at Texas Tech present additional marquee win opportunities. The Big 12 rep is a rock solid value at +150 to make the NCAA Tournament on DraftKings.
Overpower the meek and earn another Quad 1 win and the Horned Frogs won’t be denied. Their No. 315 standing in eFG% D over the last month, however, implies that’s easier said than done.
Next three games: at UCF, vs. West Virginia, vs. Arizona State
Missouri Tigers
| Record | 17-8 |
| NET | 68 |
| SOS | 67 |
| Quad 1 | 3-4 |
| Big Board | No. 11 seed |
Despite its tofu bland NET standing, the Tigers have accomplished enough to deserve serious at-large consideration. Owning a pair of wins against Quad 1a competition and 6-8 overall in Quad 1 and Quad 2 contests, their profile is relatively healthy. Missouri's blowout loss at home to Texas over the weekend, however, did raise doubts about its NCAAT longevity.
Due to its top-to-bottom depth, the SEC continues to set the pace on several analytics sites in overall conference power rating. The computer-friendly measurement certainly enhances the Tigers’ dancing chances. Torvik, though, only gives Mizzou a 31.6% chance of having its name called on Selection Sunday. Yep, not the greatest odds.
At No. 66 in overall efficiency in their last eight games, Dennis Gates’ group must splash the cylinder more effectively (No. 290 in eFG% offense). Do precisely that and their at-large possibilities will sharply increase. With matchups against Vanderbilt, Arkansas (twice) and Tennessee upcoming, they have to gain late-season momentum. Point blank, a 3-3 minimum regular season finish is required. Fail in that endeavor and they will displace a certain bodily area at 70 MPH slamming into a gate in the downhill.
Next three games: vs. Vanderbilt, at Arkansas, vs. Tennessee
Santa Clara Broncos
| Record | 21-6 |
| NET | 42 |
| SOS | 91 |
| Quad 1 | 1-4 |
| BBB Seed | First four OUT |
Steve Nash U fumbled the rock inside the five late Saturday against WCC frontrunner Gonzaga. The resulting spoiled opportunity has Herb Sendek’s squad in a very precarious position. Yes, the Broncos’ record is lopsided and their individual NET standing is appreciable, but an unattractive Quad 1 record combined with a horrific Quad 4 stain (L vs. Loyola Chicago) means it must win out to realistically have a seat at the at-large table.
According to the Bracket Matrix, the majority of bracketologists have Santa Clara in the field. Those who steadfastly believe the Committee will reward Allen Graves and friends with a shoutout on Selection Sunday are a few clowns short of a circus.
At No. 28 overall on BartTorvik in games played the last 30 days, the Broncos could whinny down the homestretch. Saint Mary’s presents a much needed Quad 1 opportunity. Take that matchup, achieve victory against the Dons and Beavers and make it to the semi-finals of the WCC conference tournament and it’s possible Clara nets a nod. It's 61.8% chance to make the Dance on Torvik feels about right.
Next three games: at San Francisco, vs. Saint Mary’s, at Oregon State