{"id":622410,"date":"2026-02-24T18:29:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T18:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/622410\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T18:29:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T18:29:12","slug":"ncaa-tournament-bracketology-boom-or-bust-bubble-breakdown-big-ten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/622410\/","title":{"rendered":"NCAA Tournament Bracketology: Boom or Bust? Bubble Breakdown, Big Ten"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov2 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1 _16w9vovb\">An alliterative attempt to assuage anxieties at approaching athletic arbitrations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It is, I am told, almost March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That season is, to many degenerates\u2014including many of you here!\u2014zero hour. Hither comes bracket season. Yon goeth the bottom feeders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u2026or the NCAA Tournament. Whatever.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">We\u2019ve got bracketology updates\u2014not because, as a Northwestern fan, I\u2019m super jazzed about college basketball at the moment, but because I\u2019m contractually obligated to do something here and I\u2019m fairly sure other contractually obligated writers have \u201clost\u201d my number. (Just remember, guys: when the postman cometh, they cometh for thee.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">NIT more your speed? We always endorse the work over at The Barking Crow. Get prepped for 2026 silly season with their <a href=\"https:\/\/thebarkingcrow.com\/26-thoughts-on-the-26-nit\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26 thoughts on the \u201926 NIT<\/a>. And, to quote them on The Crown\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1\">The Crown is down to eight teams: Two apiece from the Big East, Big 12, and Big Ten, and two wildcards. It sucks that it still exists, but after a year of near-zero attendance and terrible ratings (they put Nebraska on network television on a Sunday afternoon and couldn\u2019t even get a million people to watch), the writing\u2019s on the wall. America doesn\u2019t like crowns, guys.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be a great time, Ohio State and USC.<\/p>\n<p>Big Ten Bracketology Roundup<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Some really cool new work there from a guy calling himself The Glass Jaw, feel free to check out that seed list and link for some good bracketology discussion as well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Bear in mind that I still don\u2019t know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.offtackleempire.com\/sb-nation-nba-wnba\/49545\/big-ten-basketball-news-hannes-steinbach-wilhelm-breidenbach-year-of-conversations\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the difference between Wilhelm Breidenbach and Hannes Steinbach<\/a>, so your mileage may vary here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Will they BOOM or BUST in March? THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS WE ANSWER.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Or, I guess, this is the question\u2014singular\u2014we answer. Whatever.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As in I hope they explode, mostly. But also since, a loss to Duke notwithstanding, the Wolverines have looked all but invincible, I\u2019d still feel pretty good about them come March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Does Underwood have the rotation to go the distance in March? I HAVE DOUBTS, given that this team can\u2019t even hang onto double-digits at UCLA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I mean, as long as \u201cElite 8\u201d counts as a BOOM in your book. I will not be bothering to learn anything additional about Purdue, who I assume still has a giraffe at center\u2014because there\u2019s nothing in the rulebook against it\u2014and a frustratingly-white (yes, that hyphen is in the right spot) point guard whose feet going FLYING out from under him on every three-point attempt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Also, I\u2019d give Merrimack an upset sniff\u2014Warriors take the air outta the ball, just need a hot shooting day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">YES I\u2019M GATEKEEPING\u2014WIN A GAME IN THE TOURNAMENT AND WE CAN TALK, ROOKIES<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">(but seriously Nebraska looks good, Sweet 16 or bust)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I dunno. This was a mistake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I do not want a wisconsin-Miami (OH) matchup in the first round. Are the RedHawks likely mid-major frauds? PROBABLY! But do I wish to see fucking wisconsin be the team to end that dream? HELL NO. Stack the badgers in some 7-10 or 8-9 hellscape and leave them to get one little win to make Greg Gard feel better. Thank you for your attention to this matter! \u2014MNW<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Mick Cronin has apologized for his self-ejection of Steven Jamerson II.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">JOHN WOODEN WOULDN\u2019T HAVE APOLOGIZED; FIRE MICK. FIRST-ROUND EXIT INCOMING.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As long as Iowa fans are intellectually honest with themselves that they are hypocrites if they bitched about teams like wisconsin playing slow, ugly basketball and have turned around to celebrate this sham season? Fine. Enjoy it. You\u2019ll probably make the Sweet 16 and we\u2019ll laaaaaugh and laugh about the McCaffery years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Buckeyes close with @Iowa, vs Purdue, @Penn State, vs Indiana. They\u2019re firmly on the bubble as it is, meaning they need to beat Indiana and Penn State to stay in the conversation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I don\u2019t think they do it. Enjoy The Crown, suckers!<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Three straight home games for the Hoosiers down the stretch? CONFERENCE IS RIGGED, MAN.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Northwestern, Michigan State, and Minnesota come to Bloomington before the candystripes head to Columbus for a closing date with Brutus. Torvik\u2019s got this one right\u2014the Hoosiers are better than the Buckeyes, and while they don\u2019t have any marquee non-con wins (it\u2019s not their fault Marquette and K-State turned into total ass), the home win over Purdue vaults them into the conversation. BOOM into Dayton, Buffalobros!<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">@UCLA, vs Nebraska, @Washington, vs UCLA\u2014you\u2019ve gotta win three there, and I won\u2019t trust a team that just lost to Oregon, took a 100-burger from Illinois, barely beat Rutgers and Penn State, and lost to Northwestern at home. THE CROWN IT IS.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">You tell me: BOOM or BUST for those teams? Who makes the deep run in March? Or April, I don\u2019t know how long these things go anymore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Washington Huskies at Rutgers Scarlet Knights<br \/>5:30pm | BTN | UW -4.5 | O\/U 140.5<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Gross. If you watch this, seek help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers<br \/>6pm | FS1 | Indiana -8.5 | O\/U 145.5<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I\u2026I don\u2019t hate the matchup? Indiana shouldn\u2019t be able to pound Northwestern\u2019s relative lack of depth the way other teams do, but they\u2019re able to move the ball and set up shots in a way that will trouble the Wildcats\u2019 green defenders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Minnesota Golden Gophers at #3 Michigan Wolverines<br \/>7:30pm | BTN | Mich -22.5 | O\/U 145<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Sorry, Minnesota, but they\u2019re angry. And also I\u2019m pretty sure you have about five players left who can play in a Big Ten basketball game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins<br \/>10pm | FS1 | UCLA -7.5 | O\/U 150.5<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This is a Big Ten basketball game!<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">(It\u2019s also one with stakes. And possibly competing colors? Do they do that in hoops, too? Anyway, should be fun for night owls with a free 12-pack of Summit Schwarzbier sitting in their basement. Y\u2019know, allegedly.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Maryland Terrapins at #12 Nebraska Cornhuskers<br \/>6pm | BTN<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes<br \/>8pm | BTN<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">wisconsin badgers at Oregon Ducks<br \/>10pm | BTN<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">#13 Michigan State Spartans at #8 Purdue Boilermakers<br \/>7pm | Le Coq<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">If that\u2019s your kink, I guess.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Here\u2019s a hoops thread for the week. Do with it what you will.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"An alliterative attempt to assuage anxieties at approaching athletic arbitrations. It is, I am told, almost March. That&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":622411,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3723],"tags":[7,217,70641,231,772,1544,70642],"class_list":{"0":"post-622410","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-basketball","8":"tag-basketball","9":"tag-college-basketball","10":"tag-daily-basketball-previews-recaps","11":"tag-ncaa","12":"tag-ncaa-basketball","13":"tag-ncaab","14":"tag-open-game-threads"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116127030512034444","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/622410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=622410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/622410\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/622411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=622410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=622410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=622410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}