CBB: Sun Devils on right side of bubble
Arizona State Sun Devils (17-8, 8-4): The Sun Devils are in the NCAA Tournament for now but they don’t have that much room for error in their final six regular season games. They begin that slate versus #14 Oregon before facing Oregon State, UCLA, USC, Washington, and Washington State. The Sun Devils need to win at least three of those to secure a spot in the tournament. Bobby Hurley's team looks like they'll be back for the third year in a row as they projected as a #9 seed right now.
NC State Wolfpack (17-9, 8-7): The Wolfpack earned a much-needed victory over #6 Duke on Wednesday night and for now, that puts them in position to make the tournament. With that said, though, NC State needs to win at least two of their final five games to feel comfortable. They get #8 Florida State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, #6 Duke, and Wake Forest. I think the Wolfpack will get wins over the Tar Heels and Panthers. Right now, they're likely a #10 seed in the NCAA Tournament but a couple of losses would quickly put them on the other side.
Indiana Hoosiers (17-9, 7-8): The Hoosiers desperately need wins at this point in the year and luckily for them, they were able to do so on the road against Minnesota, 68-56, behind Trayce Jackson-Davis’ game-high 27 points. Indiana also has five games remaining on their schedule versus the likes of #9 Penn State, Purdue, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. I think they’re safe for now but any more than two more losses would put them in trouble. They're probably a #11 seed for now but in the Big Ten, nothing is predictable so who knows what will happen to the Hoosiers.
Texas Longhorns (17-11, 7-8): The Longhorns have won three consecutive games versus TCU (70-56), Kansas State (70-59), and #20 West Virginia (67-57). Andrew Jones scored 22 points, three assists, and three rebounds in Texas' win over the Mountaineers. Shaka Smart's team, who might be headed for another NIT appearance, will face #22 Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State to end the year. The Longhorns will need to win at least two games to secure a spot as right now they're not in.
Tennessee Volunteers (15-11, 7-6): The Volunteers won their most recent game on Tuesday night, 65-61 over Vanderbilt as Jordan Bowden had 17 points and five assists. But that’s not going to move the needle very much. Instead, Tennessee needs to go 4-1 in their last five games to have a realistic shot as they take on #13 Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, #10 Kentucky, and #13 Auburn at home. It's not looking good but the Vols should be able to handle a few. For now, they're on the wrong side of the bubble.
Photo Credit: House of Sparky.
