Feb. 24-March 1, 2020
Just 1 feature game on the schedule this week, a battle in the American Conference.
2/29/20-
ECU (Al Hutt) @
Tulsa (Will Brown) -- Despite the fact that Tulsa committed 17 turnovers in the game, they shot 60% and held ECU to 33.3% shooting. All that led to a very easy victory.
Final Score: Tulsa- 94, ECU- 59
Now to the rest of the weekly recap:
Hartford (David Ginsberg) -- 20-8, 12-4 1st America East.
2/26/20 at New Hampshire (W 69-67).
Just 1 game for the Hawks this week, but it was a win that clinched the regular season title for them. They'll be the #1 seed in the America East Tourney and assure themselves at the very least a berth in the NIT. They'll take on (8) Vermont in the America East Quarterfinals, but before that, a non-conference game.
ECU (Al Hutt) -- 7-20, 1-15 11th (last) American.
2/26/20 at #9 UConn (L 94-85).
2/29/20 at Tulsa- feature game, highlighted above.
The Pirates lose 2 this week, and actually played better against a top 10 UConn team than they did against Tulsa. No matter what happens next week, they are assured a berth in the cellar again this season.
Tulsa (Will Brown) -- 17-11, 9-7 T-4th American.
2/26/20 vs. Memphis (L 64-56).
2/29/20 vs. ECU- feature game, highlighted above.
The Golden Hurricane split again this week, with the win over ECU snapping a 3 game losing streak. All they need to do is win 1 game next week to assure themselves of a finish no worse than 5th. Regardless, they can do no better than 3rd in the conference.
Davidson (Randolph Childress) -- 17-11, 12-4 T-2nd Atlantic 10.
2/26/20 vs. #15 Dayton (L 65-56).
2/29/20 at Mississippi State (W 66-40).
A split for the Wildcats this week, who are in the midst of a 3 way tie for 2nd place. They can still win the Atlantic 10 outright, but they must win both games next week and get some help. No matter what happens, they can finish no worse than 5th.
Clemson (Charles Johnson) -- 8-20, 3-13 14th ACC.
2/26/20 vs. Georgia Tech (W 70-51).
2/29/20 at #2 North Carolina (L 88-63).
The Tigers split this week and hold the advantage when it comes to staying out of the cellar. If they can somehow win a game next week, they'll avoid the cellar.
Duke (Dean Hoo) -- 15-14, 5-11 T-11th ACC.
2/26/20 at #20 Florida State (L 78-53).
2/29/20 vs. Georgia Tech (W 80-78).
A split for the Blue Devils who are still in the midst of one of their worst seasons ever. Regardless of what happens next week, they are going to finish in the bottom half of the conference.
Kansas (Dave Johnson) -- 16-12, 8-8 4th Big 12.
2/24/20 vs. West Virginia (W 75-50).
2/29/20 vs. Texas (L 82-78).
What seems to be a theme for our FOFC teams this week is a split, and that's what the Jayhawks did. Fortunately, the conference is so bad this season (only 4 of the 10 teams in the Big 12 have a .500 or better conference record) that they can still finish 3rd or 4th in the conference with a win or 2 next week. However, 2 losses could drop them to the Play-in round.
TCU (Bee Mighty) -- 17-12, 9-8 3rd Big 12.
2/24/20 vs. #7 Iowa State (L 86-54).
2/29/20 vs. Oklahoma State (L 76-74).
The Horned Frogs ran into a buzzsaw in an Iowa State team whose only conference loss is to undefeated (in conference) Baylor. They almost beat Oklahoma State though. Still an incredible season, but winning their final conference game next week would all but clinch 3rd place in the conference. If they lose, they will still finish no worse than 4th.
Michigan (Cillian Tribble) -- 11-17, 7-9 T-7th Big Ten.
2/26/20 at #11 Wisconsin (L 94-74).
2/29/20 at Nebraska (W 76-61).
A split for the Wolverines, who would have loved a better effort against Wisconsin. The Big Ten is a logjam in the middle, as Michigan is one of 6 teams with a 7-9 record, so it's impossible to figure anything out yet.
Michigan State (Al Mighty) -- 20-8, 12-4 1st Big Ten.
2/26/20 at #23 Minnesota (W 82-80, OT).
2/29/20 at #24 Indiana (W 74-49).
2 big wins for the Spartans, who have won 5 of their last 6. They control their own destiny in the Big Ten race. All they have to do is win 1 of their final 2 games to clinch at least a share of the Big Ten regular season title. Win both, and they finish the regular season with a perfect home record and the title.
Northwestern (Ess Vee) -- 14-14, 7-9 T-7th Big Ten.
2/26/20 at Rutgers (W 73-69).
2/29/20 at #11 Wisconsin (L 75-58).
The Wildcats split this week and are another one of those 6 teams with a 7-9 conference record, and are fighting for at least an NIT berth. They need to find a way to win at least 1 game next week to keep pace.
Hawaii (B.B. Gunn) -- 13-15, 6-9 6th Big West.
2/27/20 at Cal State Northridge (L 88-64).
2/29/20 at Cal State Fullerton (W 72-64).
The Warriors split this week, with the win over Fullerton breaking a 4 game losing streak. With 1 conference game to go, they will finish somewhere between 5th and 8th depending on the result.
Charlotte (Timmy Tribble) -- 11-16, 9-7 T-5th Conference USA.
2/27/20 at UTEP (L 88-77).
2/29/20 at Middle Tennessee (L 66-65).
2 losses for the 49ers this week, and they lose a lot of ground for a bye in the C-USA Tournament. They can still finish in the top 4, but they'll have to win both games next week and get help.
Rice (Charlie Shocker) -- 12-16, 7-9 T-8th Conference USA.
2/27/20 vs. North Texas (L 78-62).
2/29/20 vs. Louisiana Tech (L 89-85, OT).
2 losses for the Owls, who fought hard against LA Tech and need 2 wins next week just to finish even in the conference.
Monmouth (Thomas Carrano) -- 16-14, 13-7 T-3rd MAAC.
2/28/20 vs. Fairfield (W 59-57).
The Hawks win their only game of the week, finishing the regular season on a 4 game winning streak. They win the 3rd place tiebreaker with Quinnipiac even though the teams split their 2 meetings, and get a bye into the Quarterfinals of the MAAC Tournament where they'll take on either (11) Siena or (6) Rider. Even with the great finish in the conference, I think they need at least another win or 2 to feel good about playing on in March.
Norfolk State (Payten Carrano) -- 9-19, 6-9 T-9th MEAC.
2/24/20 at North Carolina Central (L 82-59).
2/29/20 vs. Howard (L 63-51).
2 more losses this week for the Spartans. 1 more conference game to go, and they can finish anywhere between 7th and 11th based on the result of that game.
Colorado (Rob Nielsen) -- 9-19, 6-10 9th Pac 12.
2/27/20 at Oregon (L 76-56).
2/29/20 at Oregon State (L 76-64).
The trip through Oregon wasn't pleasant for the Buffaloes, as they lose both games. They won't be able to finish .500 now, and games against Washington State and Utah next week will decide if they finish 9th, 10th, or 11th, as those are the 2 teams directly behind them in the standings.
Stanford (Benito Sanchez) -- 15-12, 9-7 T-4th Pac 12.
2/27/20 at #3 Arizona (L 70-53).
2/29/20 vs. California (W 54-44).
A split for the Cardinal, who had to go through conference leading Arizona and failed just as every Pac 12 team has done this season. Still a wide range of possibility for them, as they can finish anywhere between 2nd and 8th based on their results next week.
UCLA (Tim Shepard) -- 19-9, 8-8 T-6th Pac 12.
2/27/20 vs. Utah (W 63-43).
2/29/20 at USC (W 68-59).
The Bruins step it up this week against the weaker teams in the Pac 12. Next week is much tougher, but with 2 wins and a ton of help, they can still finish 2nd in the conference. They are looking at anywhere between a 2nd and 9th place finish.
Washington State (DeShawn St. John) -- 13-15, 5-11 10th Pac 12.
2/27/20 vs. Washington (W 70-67).
2/29/20 vs. Utah (W 71-67).
Another big win for the Cougars this week as they beat a good Washington team. All they need to do is win 1 game next week to accomplish their season goal of staying out of the cellar. Losing both, however, could put them there.
Alabama (Roy Rogers) -- 20-7, 11-5 T-3rd SEC.
2/26/20 at #12 Arkansas (W 89-58).
2/29/20 at South Carolina (W 56-43).
The Crimson Tide get a big win this week over Arkansas, and I do mean big. They can still win the SEC regular season title, but it'll take 2 wins next week and some help. They close out the season with Kentucky, and that game could very well decide who wins the SEC title.
Florida (Noah Oppenheimer) -- 16-12, 9-7 T-6th SEC.
2/26/20 vs. Auburn (W 70-62).
2/29/20 vs. Georgia (W 78-67).
The Gators have won 5 of their last 6 after 2 good wins this week, and stay in the hunt for a postseason berth. They can still finish 3rd in the conference, but no better. They'll finish anywhere between 3rd and 8th.
#8 Kentucky (Patrick Hutt) -- 24-4, 13-3 T-1st SEC.
2/26/20 vs. VCU (W 89-69).
2/29/20 vs. Tennessee (W 68-54).
The Wildcats have won 3 straight after a minor 2 game setback. If not for those 2 losses by a combined 3 points, the Cats would have already clinched the SEC regular season title. As it stands, 2 wins next week would clinch at least a share, but neither game will be easy.. at least it shouldn't be.
Troy (Brett Hawkins) -- 13-14, 6-12 10th Sun Belt.
2/27/20 at Arkansas State (L 92-75).
2/29/20 at Arkansas Little Rock (L 74-65).
The might Trojans have fallen! What might have been a historical season at one point is now a fight to stay out of the cellar. On January 25th, the Trojans were feeling pretty good about themselves, as they were 12-6 overall, 6-4 in the Sun Belt. Since then, they've lost 8 of their last 9 games, including 8 straight conference losses. They need to win at least 1 game next week to avoid the cellar. Losing both will probably put them there.
Here's a look at the national top 25 heading into next week:
Code:
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
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1. Baylor (72) 28-1 1800 1 Big 12 Conference
2. Arizona 25-3 1709 3 Pacific-12 Conference
3. North Carolina 25-3 1675 2 Atlantic Coast Conference
4. Vanderbilt 23-5 1552 4 Southeastern Conference
5. Maryland 23-5 1507 6 Big Ten Conference
6. Syracuse 23-5 1414 5 Atlantic Coast Conference
7. Iowa State 23-4 1365 7 Big 12 Conference
8. Kentucky 24-4 1289 8 Southeastern Conference
9. Connecticut 24-5 1268 9 American Athletic Conference
10. New Mexico 25-4 1041 10 Mountain West Conference
11. Wisconsin 21-8 1038 11 Big Ten Conference
12. Louisville 21-7 989 13 Atlantic Coast Conference
13. Dayton 24-4 923 15 Atlantic 10 Conference
14. Wichita State 23-4 922 14 Missouri Valley Conference
15. Arkansas 22-7 787 12 Southeastern Conference
16. Florida State 22-7 665 20 Atlantic Coast Conference
17. Boise State 22-6 652 16 Mountain West Conference
18. Gonzaga 24-6 534 25 West Coast Conference
19. Virginia 19-9 499 21 Atlantic Coast Conference
20. Illinois 20-8 405 17 Big Ten Conference
21. UC Santa Barbara 23-5 397 NR Big West Conference
22. Michigan State 20-8 269 NR Big Ten Conference
23. Providence 21-6 261 19 Big East Conference
24. Alabama 20-7 146 NR Southeastern Conference
25. Texas A&M 19-9 104 18 Southeastern Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
Minnesota 19-9 96 Big Ten Conference
Louisiana Tech 22-7 45 Conference USA
Yale 22-6 19 Ivy League
Harvard 22-6 14 Ivy League
Oakland 22-6 7 Horizon League
Washington 20-8 4 Pacific-12 Conference
South Florida 21-7 3 American Athletic Conference
North Carolina Central 22-6 1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
So Kentucky stays at #8 after 2 wins this week, and welcome back Michigan State and Alabama to the national top 25 after good weeks.
Now for the mid-major top 25 going into next week:
Code:
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
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1. Connecticut (70) 24-5 1796 1 American Athletic Conference
2. New Mexico 25-4 1706 2 Mountain West Conference
3. Dayton (2) 24-4 1636 4 Atlantic 10 Conference
4. Wichita State 23-4 1605 3 Missouri Valley Conference
5. Boise State 22-6 1508 5 Mountain West Conference
6. Gonzaga 24-6 1435 6 West Coast Conference
7. UC Santa Barbara 23-5 1337 8 Big West Conference
8. Louisiana Tech 22-7 1318 9 Conference USA
9. South Florida 21-7 1184 11 American Athletic Conference
10. UTEP 21-7 1157 7 Conference USA
11. Yale 22-6 1028 12 Ivy League
12. Harvard 22-6 1008 10 Ivy League
13. UAB 20-7 914 18 Conference USA
14. Oakland 22-6 872 15 Horizon League
15. North Carolina Central 22-6 795 16 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
16. Indiana State 21-9 741 13 Missouri Valley Conference
17. Mercer 21-7 646 14 Southern Conference
18. Niagara 23-7 445 19 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
19. San Diego State 17-11 420 21 Mountain West Conference
20. Memphis 17-9 407 NR American Athletic Conference
21. Western Michigan 20-8 351 25 Mid-American Conference
22. North Dakota State 20-8 253 NR Summit League
23. SMU 18-10 251 20 American Athletic Conference
24. Northeastern 20-8 175 NR Colonial Athletic Association
25. Saint Louis 19-9 96 17 Atlantic 10 Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
Samford 21-9 72 Southern Conference
Richmond 17-9 68 Atlantic 10 Conference
UT Arlington 19-8 39 Sun Belt Conference
Grand Canyon 19-8 30 Western Athletic Conference
Hartford 20-8 30 America East Conference
Northern Arizona 19-9 21 Big Sky Conference
Lehigh 21-9 19 Patriot League
Eastern Michigan 20-9 13 Mid-American Conference
Davidson 17-11 12 Atlantic 10 Conference
USC Upstate 21-9 10 Atlantic Sun Conference
Buffalo 17-12 1 Mid-American Conference
Drake 19-10 1 Missouri Valley Conference
So Hartford loses some votes even after winning the America East regular season title this week. Davidson keeps a few votes, while Tulsa loses all theirs.
Now for this weeks edition of the Bubble Watch. We have 3 FOFC teams in the Overall Bubble Watch this week.
Code:
Team Record RPI vs. 1-50 vs. 51-100 vs. 101-200 vs. 200+ SOS Projected
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Samford 21-9 .552 (60) 1-1 2-1 5-3 13-4 153 In
Seton Hall 17-11 .553 (59) 2-3 3-6 5-1 7-1 82 In
San Diego State 17-11 .563 (47) 1-4 1-2 5-4 10-1 51 In
North Texas 18-10 .548 (66) 2-3 1-3 8-3 7-1 99 In
Northern Kentucky 16-10 .569 (39) 0-3 1-2 6-3 9-2 58 In
Virginia Tech 17-10 .542 (69) 1-4 4-3 6-0 6-3 101 In
UCLA 19-9 .541 (71) 3-2 4-3 7-3 5-1 162 In
Virginia 19-9 .540 (76) 2-5 6-1 5-1 6-2 143 In
TCU 17-12 .600 (17) 4-8 4-4 5-0 4-0 7 Out
Penn State 16-11 .571 (38) 4-8 3-1 3-2 6-0 32 Out
Tulsa 17-11 .539 (79) 2-7 0-1 6-2 9-1 100 Out
UC Irvine 17-11 .540 (75) 2-2 2-1 7-5 6-3 97 Out
Saint Louis 19-9 .529 (99) 3-2 4-3 1-3 11-1 218 Out
Richmond 17-9 .533 (92) 0-0 3-7 1-2 13-0 199 Out
Western Michigan 20-8 .506 (152) 0-1 0-2 7-4 13-1 332 Out
Most power conference teams that are 19-9, with the history of UCLA, wouldn't be on the bubble watch, but that RPI of 71 and the SOS of 162 has the Bruins sweating it out. A better effort in Pac 12 play and they'd be safely in. They are still projected as one of the Last Four In.
TCU is projected out this week. I thought it was a little extreme to have them as a lock last week. They are much improved, yes, and their SOS (17) and RPI (7) are both outstanding, but they are just 8-12 against top 100 teams.
Tulsa is projected out because they have lost 5 of their last 7. Not to mention they are just 2-8 against teams in the RPI top 100. That is just not going to cut it.
Now for the rest of the FOFC teams.
Locks:
Michigan State,
Kentucky,
Alabama
In:
Hartford
The only changes this week from last week involve 2 of our 3 FOFC teams in the Overall Bubble Watch.
Tulsa was on the bubble and projected in last week, this week they are still on the bubble but projected out.
TCU was projected as a lock last week, this week not only are they on the bubble, but they are projected out.