Tuesday is a huge day in college basketball as plenty of bubble teams can pick up resume-changing wins.
Monday in college basketball didn’t see much change on the bubble, with UNC blowing out Syracuse (despite a late run) and crushing the Orange’s tournament hopes in the process.
But Tuesday is a much deeper schedule with numerous bubble teams taking on NCAA Tournament locks. Don’t be surprised if the bubble shifts heading into the middle of the week.
#23 Miami-Ohio (22-0, 10-0) at Buffalo (14-8, 4-6) – 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+
Miami (OH) looks to go for a 23rd straight win to start the season, but against a pesky Buffalo Bulls team that nearly took them down a few weeks back. The Bulls really had the game won, but some late threes from the RedHawks in regulation and overtime helped them survive, 105-102.
The metrics still aren’t in Miami’s favor, but the more wins they can rack up, that will go out the window at some point.
Akron (18-4, 9-1) at Eastern Michigan (9-13, 3-7) – 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+
The metrics are in Akron’s favor, as the Zips come into Tuesday at 50th in the NET. So at this moment in time, they are a serious contender for an at-large bid. But a loss at Eastern Michigan? That would drop them out quicker than Joe Lunardi could even update his bracketology. Yeah, this is not a loss they can afford.
Ole Miss (11-10, 3-5) at #25 Tennessee (15-6, 5-3) – 7 p.m. on ESPN2
Ole Miss is practically out of the conversation for an at-large bid, but a strong finish to the season could help them be in discussion come Selection Sunday. Of course, they’ll get a lot of opportunities down the stretch here in the SEC, starting on Tuesday night at Tennessee, a great Quad 1 chance.
VCU (16-6, 7-2) at Fordham (12-10, 3-6) – 7 p.m. on ESPN+
Like Akron, VCU is in a position to make a case for an at-large bid, but a loss to Fordham would be destructive to its chances. Fordham’s defense is something to look out for, even against a strong VCU offense. And no matter what, I’ll bet the Rams win! (Get it?)
South Carolina (11-11, 2-7) at Texas (13-9, 4-5) – 7 p.m. on SEC Network
This is not a win that can help South Carolina in any way. In fact, the only hope for the Gamecocks is to go on a run and win the SEC Tournament.
But for Texas? A loss here would be crushing, and a win here keeps them afloat. It’s almost a lose-lose situation, unless they go out there and win by 20+.
#19 Saint Louis (21-1, 9-0) at Davidson (13-8, 5-4) – 9 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
We’re almost at the point where Saint Louis could be considered a March Madness lock, but still, games like this are trap games. The Wildcats have won four of their five road games in A-10 play this season, and there were rumors that Robbie Avila came down with an illness and is a game-time decision.
Drake (12-11, 6-6) at Belmont (20-3, 10-2) – 9 p.m. on ESPN+
It feels strange knowing Drake is not the team to beat in the MVC, but it’s also fun seeing Belmont, a program with some history, putting together a historic season even for their standards. The Bruins haven’t lost since Jan. 4 and are trending toward being a serious contender for an at-large bid. We’ve got some great mid-major teams this year!
Nevada (16-6, 8-3) at Boise State (13-9, 5-6) – 9 p.m.
Talk about a critical game for Nevada. On the road against one of the trickiest teams to figure out in college basketball. Boise State has both lost to a non-Division I team and defeated Saint Mary’s, New Mexico, and Butler. Lately, the Broncos haven’t looked like a team that could win this game, and already lost to Nevada earlier in the season.
If you’re Nevada, the record is good, but they barely have any quality wins. So a bad loss could make an at-large bid nearly impossible.
NC State (16-6, 7-2) at SMU (15-6, 4-4) – 9 p.m. on ESPN2
Here’s your game of the day, college basketball fans! NC State comes in 26th in the NET while SMU is 34th. Both teams are safely in the big dance as of Feb. 3, but we know there’s a long way to go. The winner ought to be feeling that much better about being close to a lock. Plus, the guard play of Quadir Copeland and Boopie Miller is going to be appointment television.
Indiana (15-7, 6-5) at USC (16-6, 5-6) – 10 p.m. on Peacock
We’ve really got some great late-night action this Tuesday, especially if you’re on the East Coast. Indiana and USC meet in probably the biggest bubble matchup of the night. The Hoosiers are 30th in the NET, but 3-7 in Quad 1/2. Meanwhile, USC is 48th in the NET, but a bit better in Quad 1/2 at 7-6. USC arguably needs this game more, but the Hoosiers can really improve their stock with a road win here. If you don’t have Peacock, you’d better sign up now!
Wyoming (13-9, 4-7) at San Diego State (15-6, 9-2) – 11 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
If you stay up for the final of IU and USC, why not finish off the night with Wyoming and SDSU? That is, if the Aztecs are in trouble at home against a Cowboys team that has won two of its last three games.
I’d be shocked if San Diego State doesn’t come to play after last falling in a big bubble game at Utah State. The Aztecs have been shaky at times this year, and they really can’t afford a loss at home here.