Men’s hoops: Bubble Watch
By Scott Wright
Today, we’re officially into the second half of February, so I think it’s fair to start talking NCAA Tournament bubble. And that’s convenient, since OU’s right on top of it now.
I still think it will take a 9-7 record in Big 12 play to get them in. An 8-8 mark might do it if they can win a couple Big 12 Tourney games. And the Sooners need to avoid bad losses. For instance, losing at Nebraska (Feb. 27) or at home to Missouri (March 8 ) will be damaging.
But the Sooners can afford to lose Saturday at Texas Tech, or to Texas A&M (March 1) or Baylor (next Tuesday) in Norman. But they’ve got to win two of those three. At Oklahoma State (March 5) is a toss-up, because of the rivalry aspect.
Here are some numbers that will help the Sooners if they can stay on the bubble through the final seven games.
RPI: Currently 42, but if OU gets the wins it needs to be considered for the Tournament, that will rise into the upper 30s.
Strentgth of schedule: OU’s currently ranks 23rd toughest in the nation, and with four road games left, including one at Texas, that could rise as well.
Opponents’ winning percentage: More proof that the Sooners have played a tough slate, their OWP currently sits at 20th best in the country (.595).
And the fact that Longar Longar was out for the Colorado and Texas losses will be taken into account by the committee, since the senior has now returned to the lineup.
What will hurt the Sooners’ bubble prospects? Losses to Stephen F. Austin and Colorado.
The SFA loss would have been forgivable if the Sooners hadn’t laid an egg in Boulder. Now, committee members will be less likely to give them a pass against the Lumberjacks, who have an RPI of 63.
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