Best Week Ever: February 18-25
Selection Sunday is approaching. Let's get to it. As usual, all data is through Sunday's games.
Up
Miami - (was #10 seed; now #7 seed)
Despite a good but not great non-conference start (13-1 and #36 non-conf RPI), most did not even have the 'Canes on the bubble a few weeks ago with their 2-6 record in the ACC. Four strong wins (including a roller coaster over Duke) later, they are solidly in the field. I wouldn't say they are a lock, but they are almost on equal footing with Clemson. With a win this week in Littlejohn, they could certainly claim to have passed the Tigers.
Kent State - (was #12 seed; now #9)
The Bracket Busters have won six in a row and came from nine down to take down a good St. Mary's team in California. With their impressive seven RPI Top 100 wins and 13-3 record against RPI Top 200 opponents, the Golden Flashes may be in without winning the MAC tournament. With that #47 Sagarin ranking, they may want to just to be safe.
Villanova - (was out; now #11 seed)
After losing five straight and 6 of 7 and dropping out of the CTD field before the Super Bowl, the Wildcats have played their way back. They shouldn't get too comfortable yet with two rough games coming. A win in one of those or a showing in the Big East semis may be enough, but with 9 Big East teams currently in the CTD bracket, that's easier said than done.
Down
Texas A&M - (was #7 seed; now #9)
Three straight bad losses (close home losses to non-tourney Nebraska and Oklahoma State and a bad road loss to an impressive Texas team) have the Aggies continuing their drop. Certainly no more gimmes in the remaining schedule, so they better right the ship or it won't be seeding they should worry about.
Maryland - (was #12 seed; now out)
Who's fearing the turtle? After reaching 6-3 and a solid 3rd place in the ACC, the Terps have dropped 3 or 4 and dropped off the CTD bubble. Three tough games (two on the road) await; taking two of three, therefore putting the Terps above .500 in the ACC, would make them breath a bit easier. Still, they may need an additional win or two in the ACC tourney to completely come out of their shell.
Rhode Island - (was #9 seed; now out)
Apparently trying to one-up the Aggies, the Rams have lost five of six. All remaining games are against (essentially) sub-100 RPI teams, so an automatic bid may be their only hope.