The NCAA Tournament bubble watch is heating up as teams fight for a spot in the marquee event. With Selection Sunday just around the corner, here’s an updated look at the field.
Automatic Bids:
Sixty-eight teams will be revealed on Sunday, with several already securing spots through conference tournaments. The Big East and ACC are setting records, while the SEC is poised to send nine teams to the dance.
NCAA Tournament Locks:
Nine Big Ten teams, eight from the SEC, and one from the Big 12 have solidified their spots in the field. Duke and St. John’s, as expected, are locks for the tournament.
Likely In:
The trio of Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma from the SEC has notched enough wins to feel confident about their NCAA Tournament chances. West Virginia, despite a shaky postseason outlook, is likely to make the field. VCU can remove any doubt with a win in the Atlantic 10 title game.
Bubble Teams:
North Carolina’s loss to Duke has left its tournament fate uncertain. Indiana and Ohio State are struggling to secure a spot, while Xavier needs marquee victories. Texas has revived its at-large candidacy, but San Diego State’s recent slump puts it on the bubble.
When Does March Madness Begin?
The men’s NCAA Tournament starts on Tuesday, March 18 with the First Four, featuring four games in Dayton, Ohio. The full schedule is below.
First Four: March 18-19
First Round: March 20-21
Second Round: March 22-23
Sweet 16: March 27-28
Elite Eight: March 29-30
Final Four: April 5
National Championship: April 7
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2025/03/16/ncaa-bubble-watch-2025-march-madness-bracket/82453202007