NCAA Tournament bubble watch reveals that Arkansas, alongside teams like Indiana, is in a critical phase where strong finishes are essential. Just when it seemed that John Calipari’s first season at Arkansas might end in disappointment, the Razorbacks have found renewed energy following back-to-back Quad 1 road victories against Kentucky and Texas.
The recent triumph over the Wildcats marked a memorable moment for Calipari during his return to Rupp Arena. Adou Thiero shone with an impressive 21 points, while the dynamic backcourt duo of D.J. Wagner and Johnell Davis contributed significantly, combining for 35 points and 14 assists with only two turnovers. Hitting 13 three-pointers throughout the game showcased the Razorbacks’ best performance of the season in Lexington, a feat that appears to have sparked a much-needed boost in team confidence.
A critical factor in Arkansas’s recent success is the rising performance of Johnell Davis. The FAU transfer, whose scoring had dramatically decreased earlier in the season, has now reached at least 18 points in three straight games. In Wednesday’s 78-70 victory over Texas, he recorded 24 points, shooting 7-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
The upcoming game against LSU is a must-win for the Razorbacks. If they can secure this victory along with two more wins, Arkansas could position itself favorably in the tournament discussion. With nine games remaining before the SEC Tournament, and a manageable home stretch ahead, there is a genuine chance for the Razorbacks to hear their name called on Selection Sunday—a notion that seemed unlikely just weeks ago. They entered the week as Mike Decourcy’s fifth team out of his projected tournament field.
Now, let’s shift focus to nine other teams that are also in contention on the road to March Madness:
North Carolina (Currently in Mike DeCourcy’s First Four Out)
Hubert Davis’ North Carolina Tar Heels are on track to miss the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. If this occurs, the pressure on Davis will intensify rapidly. North Carolina’s legacy is not merely about making the tournament; it’s about vying for national championships. The team struggled in the transfer portal, failing to adequately replace Armando Bacot. Currently, they stand at 1-9 in Quadrant 1 competition, which is not sufficient for NCAA Tournament consideration. A Quad 3 loss to Stanford at home further complicates their situation. To revive their hopes, North Carolina must defeat Pitt at home on Saturday and then aim for an upset against Clemson on Monday.
Indiana (Currently in Decourcy’s Next Four Out)
Georgia (Currently in Decourcy’s Last Four In)
Xavier (Currently in Decourcy’s First Four Out)
Vanderbilt (Currently in Decourcy’s Last Four In)
Mark Byington’s hiring has sparked optimism for Vanderbilt, with hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. Notable victories over Tennessee and Kentucky highlight their potential. However, recent struggles, including three losses in four games, have raised concerns. A crucial home game against Texas awaits, followed by challenging matchups against Auburn, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Wake Forest (Currently in Decourcy’s Last Four In)
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons kicked off their West Coast trip with a significant road win over Stanford, which could be a Quad 1 victory. Cameron Hildreth led the team with 22 points, while Hunter Sallis added 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Steve Forbes has assembled a talented squad capable of making the tournament, but they need another quality win to solidify their resume. Currently, Wake is 1-6 against Quad 1 teams, but they remain undefeated in lower quadrants. Upcoming games against Cal and Florida State are critical for their chances.
BYU (Currently in Decourcy’s Last Four In)
Following a missed opportunity against Arizona, BYU finds itself on the tournament’s cut line. Under first-year head coach Kevin Young, the team is looking to build momentum with a tournament bid. Recent wins over Baylor and UCF have improved their profile, but they face challenges ahead, including a trip to Cincinnati and a matchup against West Virginia.
SMU (Currently in Decourcy’s First Four Out)
The SMU Mustangs are at a pivotal moment in their season. With three of their next four games at home against tournament or bubble teams, they have a chance to make a significant impact. However, they currently lack a Quadrant 1 win, which is essential for their tournament aspirations.
Pitt (Currently in Decourcy’s First Four Out)
The Pitt Panthers are facing a challenging path to the NCAA Tournament after a disappointing home loss to Virginia. With a crucial game against North Carolina looming, the Panthers must secure a victory to salvage their season.
FOLLOW
Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
College Basketball
