March Madness Approaches
As the calendar approaches March, college basketball gears up for an intense period known as “March Madness,” with many men’s teams teetering on the edge of tournament eligibility. The upcoming fortnight will prove crucial for numerous programs; their performance against rivals could solidify or shatter hopes of participating in the coveted NCAA Tournament.
Auburn Tigers’ Struggles
One team feeling this pressure particularly acutely is Auburn, who finds themselves on uncertain ground after faltering in the regular season. The Auburn Tigers, fresh off their impressive appearance in the Final Four the previous season, have largely struggled since the unexpected resignation of respected head coach Bruce Pearl, who passed the coaching torch to his son, Steven Pearl.
Despite a solid group of returning players, including guard Tahaad Pettiford, the team entered the weekend of February 28 with an unremarkable 15-13 record and had encountered a rough patch, with six losses in their last seven outings. Notably alarming is their recent defeat to a floundering Mississippi State team and an Oklahoma squad likely facing its own coaching change after the season.
However, Auburn’s resume boasts some strengths that may aid its status as they close out the season. Ranked 35th in the NCAA’s NET rankings, and with a notable strength of schedule that ranks first on KenPom, they hold five victories against top-tier opponents despite their overall troubles. Their plight swells anxiety as they approach a challenging three-game stretch against teams like LSU and Ole Miss, pivotal for their hopes to remain in the postseason hunt.
Other NCAA Tournament Bubble Teams
Within the landscape of NCAA Tournament bubble teams, Auburn’s struggles can be paralleled with those of other teams’ week’s winners and losers. The UCLA Bruins, initially positioned as a preseason powerhouse, have seen a revival of form, claiming a 7-3 record in their last ten games, highlighted by key victories over notable foes such as Purdue and Illinois. This resurgence has reignited their tournament aspirations.
Missouri is also looking up, having turned around its performance drastically in February, now boasting a 5-5 record against Quad 1 opponents and securing key wins that could propel them back into the tournament for the first time in over a decade. TCU, initially considered a candidate for the NIT, has regained momentum with a series of wins following a rough patch, including an important victory against Iowa State.
On the other hand, not every team has been fortunate in their recent matchups. USC has stumbled after a strong start, dropping four consecutive games and struggling to maintain their position in the tournament discussion. Indiana has also faced setbacks, losing crucial games, including a disappointing loss to a team with a losing record, further complicating their selection hopes. West Virginia is similarly floundering with a series of three straight losses, which sets a challenging stage for the team as they strive to maintain tournament viability.
Teams like Santa Clara and Ohio State are also in precarious positions. While Santa Clara possesses solid metrics, recent back-to-back losses against top-tier teams have further constrained their chances for an at-large bid. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s abysmal performance in critical games has left them with scant room for recovery as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Conclusion
As the frenzy of March approaches, the path ahead for teams like Auburn and their competitors is rife with tension and uncertainty, where every game carries the weight of their NCAA Tournament hopes.
