Here is today's updated Lockbox. The Bubble looks to be down to about seven today.
A host of teams have locked up bids this week, as the Lockbox attests. The Bubble seems much smaller at this point, although conference tourneys always throw a wrench into things.
The ACC has six LOCKS already. That may seem crazy, but none of the 10-win ACC teams will miss, and Duke and Maryland have finished so well that even losing their last three would not keep them out.
I moved Syracuse IN and Drexel OUT after the Orange topped Georgetown last night.
There are lots more updates in the One Stop Shop as well. Enjoy the start of conference tourney season tonight!
The Bubble by the Numbers
--31 Automatic Bids. That number will not change this season.
--34 At-Large Bids. That also is a static number.
--32 teams are either LOCKED (all caps BLACK font) or look to be on track barring an apocalyptic event. They are listed as "virtual locks" in lower case black font in the Lockbox. Ten of them are conference leaders. That means that 22 At-Large bids are virtual locks at this point. It is hard to imagine any of these teams missing at this juncture. This could change, but most if not all of these teams are not going anywhere.
--Six other teams look pretty safe, but are not certain. Those teams are listed in blue. One is a conference leader, so that accounts for five more AL slots. That accounts for 27 At-Large bids that are not "bubble slots." Hence, seven slots are up for grabs.
--The Bubble Boys who made it in are in green and those left out are in red in the Lockbox.
Last Night's GOI
--at Syracuse 72, Georgetown 58. This huge win puts The Cuse on the good side of the Bubble.
--Kansas 67, at Oklahoma 65. Jayhawks survive and put pressure on Texas A&M to win at Texas on Wed.
Tonight's GOI
--BYU at Air Force. AFA must win to stay alive for Mt West crown.
--Michigan State at Michigan. In-state rivalry alert! Sparty is starting to roll, and Wolverines have to start a miraculous run right now to have any hopes.
--Kansas State at Oklahoma State. Both are likely OUT right now, but very much Bubble Boys.
--Iowa at Penn State. Hawkeyes razor-thin chances cannot afford this kind of setback.
--West Virginia at Pittsburgh. 'Eers are going to need a strong finish to get IN. A win here would go miles and miles.
--Florida at Tennessee. Gators have look lax of late. Vols are 15-0 at home.
See the OSS for these tourney game matchups and times:
--Big South first round.
--Horizon first round.
--Ohio Valley first round.
