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Day 13 - March 17th
We have finally reached the final day of Championship Week(s) here on day 13, as the final automatic bids will all be handed out today. The women’s NCAA Tournament selection show will be at 6pm CT tomorrow on ESPN, so TCU fans will likely be sweating it out until then. ESPN currently projects the Frogs as the first team out of the bracket while many other projected brackets feature the Frogs in the field. The good news is that the three games TCU fans needed to follow yesterday all went the Frogs’ way as Drake, Southern, and Rice were all victorious.
Atlantic Sun
Championship: (3) Liberty @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 2pm, ESPN+
No particular rooting interests here for TCU fans as the Frogs did not face either of these teams and only the winner will be going dancing.
Big South
Championship: (6) Campbell @ (1) Radford, 1pm, ESPN+
As with the Atlantic Sun and most of the conferences in action today, this will not have much of an impact on TCU since it is a one-bid league.
Ivy League
Championship: (2) Pennsylvania vs. (1) Princeton, 3pm, ESPNU
Both teams sit in position to be in the at-large conversation, but a loss today might drop whichever team loses low enough in RPI to take them off the bubble. Ideally, Princeton, who is currently above Penn, will be the one to secure the automatic bid.
Missouri Valley
Championship: (2) Missouri State vs. (1) Drake, 2pm, ESPN+
The most important game for TCU’s chances comes here in the Missouri Valley championship, where Frog fans will need Drake to win. Missouri State, who is not in the conversation for an at-large, would be stealing a bid if they secure the automatic bid over Drake, a lock for the field of 64 regardless of whether they win or lose.
Northeast
Championship: (4) St. Francis (PA) @ (1) Robert Morris, 1pm, ESPNU
The Northeast will be a one-bid league no matter what and since the Frogs did not play either team, no particular rooting interest in this one.
Patriot League
Championship: (2) American @ (1) Bucknell, 11am, CBSSN
The second important game for Frog fans to follow is the Patriot League championship game as Bucknell could be in the conversation for an at-large spot if they lose. TCU fans will want to root hard for Bucknell to win this one.
Southland
Championship: (6) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. (4) Abilene Christian, 1pm, CBSSN
The Frogs did not face either of these two teams and this will only be a one-bid league, so no impact on TCU’s bubble position in this one.
——
It has been fun following along with all of these tournaments this year with TCU’s women’s team on the bubble. Here’s hoping we see them pop up on ESPN tomorrow when the bracket is revealed so that they will be dancing for the first time since 2010. Still a few games to follow today though as Frog fans need to root for (in order of importance): Drake, Bucknell, and Princeton.
Day 12 - March 16th
With only a couple days remaining until Selection Monday, most of the conferences still in action will be handing out their automatic bids today and crowning champions. For most conferences, there will be no impact on TCU since the Frogs do not have a non-conference opponent in play and because no bubble teams are in play. There still will be a few key games for the Frogs and their fans to watch today though.
Big West
Championship: (2) Hawaii vs. (1) UC Davis, 5:30pm, ESPN3
The Big West is one of the conferences that will not have an impact on the Frogs since it is a one-bid league and TCU did not face either of these teams.
Colonial
Championship: (4) Towson vs. (2) Drexel, 12pm, College Sports Live
Once James Madison was eliminated and moved into the at-large pool, it didn’t really matter for TCU who wins this tournament, since the damage was already done.
Conference USA
Championship: (3) Middle Tennessee vs. (1) Rice, 4:30pm, CBSSN
This is one of the important games for TCU fans to follow as the Frogs need Rice to win. A win for Rice makes this a one-bid league, but if they lose, they will likely receive an at-large bid and this will become a two-bid league, shrinking the bubble by a spot.
Ivy League
Semifinal #1: (4) Cornell vs. (1) Princeton, 5pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Harvard vs. (2) Pennsylvania, 7:30pm, ESPN3
This is another conference that should not impact TCU and be a one-bid league, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Princeton joined the at-large conversation if they lost, so the best-case for the Frogs is most likely Princeton winning this tournament.
Mid-American
Championship: (4) Buffalo vs. (2) Ohio, 10am, CBSSN
Yesterday, I was hoping both of these teams would lose since they were both in the last four in category and they might have fallen below TCU with a loss. There is good news and bad news though today. The bad news is that one of these teams will win and receive an automatic bid, making the MAC at least a two-bid league with Central Michigan likely receiving an at-large. The good news is that one of these schools will lose and therefore might drop below TCU after all. According to ESPN, Ohio is the team that is closer to the bubble and thus might have a better chance of falling below the Frogs with a loss, so go Buffalo.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
Championship: (4) Norfolk State vs. (3) Bethune-Cookman, 3pm, ESPN3
Neither of these teams faced TCU and the MEAC will be a one-bid league, so no particular rooting interests in this game.
Missouri Valley
Semifinal #1: (4) Illinois State vs. (1) Drake, 1:30pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Northern Iowa vs. (2) Missouri State, 4pm, ESPN+
Frog fans will want to continue to pull hard for Drake to win this tournament. They are the only Missouri Valley with a chance at an at-large, and they are likely safely in even with a loss, so TCU and every bubble team will want them to secure the automatic bid. If they win it, this conference is a one-bid league, but if they lose, it will become a two-bid league and the bubble will shrink by a spot.
Southland
Semifinal #1: (4) Abilene Christian vs. (1) Lamar, 1pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (6) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. (2) Stephen F. Austin, 3:30pm, ESPN+
TCU did not face any of these Southland schools and it will be a one-bid league, so it won’t matter for the Frogs who wins.
Southwestern Athletic
Championship: (3) Jackson State vs. (1) Southern, 1:30pm, ESPN3
This will be a one-bid league, but I think it should matter in the committee’s eyes if teams have multiple opponents that make the NCAA Tournament, win or lose. The Frogs beat Southern earlier this season and they can join BYU as TCU non-conference opponents that will be dancing.
Sun Belt
Championship: (7) South Alabama vs. (1) Little Rock, 11am, ESPN3
This game might not matter much when it comes to TCU’s situation, but I must give props to South Alabama, who is on the verge of winning their 5th game in 6 days to secure an NCAA Tournament automatic bid. They have already upset the No. 6, 3, and 2 seeds en route to this point and now have a chance at the No. 1 seed.
Western Athletic
Championship: (2) UT Rio Grande Valley vs. (1) New Mexico State, 4pm, ESPN3
No particular rooting interests in this one as it too will be a one-bid league and neither of these teams faced TCU.
——
A handful of games today, but the key teams for Frogs to root for will be Rice, Drake, and Southern.
Day 11 - March 15th
The march towards Selection Monday seems to become more and more nerve wracking every single day, and yesterday was no exception. There is a small handful of schools remaining that could enter the at-large conversation if they are eliminated and fail to secure their automatic bid. While almost all of them won yesterday, James Madison, who was the No. 1 seed in the Colonial tournament, was upset by the No. 9 seed Hofstra and thus placed in the at-large pool officially. ESPN’s Bracketology doesn’t have them in the projected field anymore, but with their RPI at No. 35 and TCU at No. 59, might the Colonial have stolen the Frogs’ bid? We will see.
America East
Championship: (2) Hartford @ (1) Maine, 4pm, ESPNU
TCU did not face either of these teams and it will be a one-bid league regardless of who wins, so no particular team to pull for here.
Big Sky
Championship: (6) Eastern Washington vs. (4) Portland State, 2pm, WatchBigSky.com
Like the America East, the Frogs didn’t play either of these teams in non-conference and only the winner will go dancing, so it doesn’t matter to TCU who wins.
Big South
Semifinal #1: (4) UNC Asheville @ (1) Radford, 5pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (7) Charleston Southern vs. (6) Campbell, 7pm, ESPN+
As is the theme with most of the remaining conferences, no one in particular that TCU needs to win since this too will be a one-bid league.
Big West
Semifinal #1: (5) UC Irvine vs. (1) UC Davis, 2pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) UC Riverside vs. (2) Hawaii, 4:30pm, ESPN3
Like all of the ones above, the Frogs did not play anyone in this conference and it is a one-bid league as well.
Colonial
Semifinal #1: (9) Hofstra vs. (4) Towson, 12pm, CAA.tv
Semifinal #2: (6) Northeastern vs. (2) Drexel, 3pm, CAA.tv
James Madison was the only team that mattered here since it would have been much better for TCU if they secured the automatic bid rather than being in the at-large pool. At this point, it doesn’t matter who from the remaining teams wins the tournament.
Conference USA
Semifinal #1: (4) Western Kentucky vs. (1) Rice, 5:30pm, Stadium
Semifinal #2: (3) Middle Tennessee vs. (2) UAB, 8pm, Stadium
Rice is in that handful of teams that featured James Madison and Rice has arguably the best chance to get in as an at-large should they be eliminated. Frog fans will want them to win to avoid being in the at-large pool as well.
Mid-American
Semifinal #1: (4) Buffalo vs. (1) Central Michigan, 10am, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Miami (OH) vs. (2) Ohio, 12:30pm, ESPN+
The MAC is by far the most important tournament of the day for TCU fans to follow. Central Michigan seems to be a safe bet to make the field even if they fell into the at-large pool, so the Frogs will want them to secure the automatic bid. More importantly though, TCU needs either Buffalo or Ohio to lose, if not both. While the Frogs sit currently as the first team out according to ESPN’s Bracketology, both Buffalo and Ohio are in the last four in category. A loss by one of them could drop them below TCU and move the Frogs back into the projected field.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
Semifinal #1: (4) Norfolk State vs. (1) North Carolina A&T, 11am, FloHoops
Semifinal #2: (3) Bethune-Cookman vs. (2) Maryland Eastern Shore, 1pm, FloHoops
This is another one-bid league with no TCU non-conference opponents, so it doesn’t really matter for the Frogs who wins.
Missouri Valley
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Valparaiso vs. (1) Drake, 12pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Bradley vs. (4) Illinois State, 2:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Loyola (IL) vs. (2) Missouri State, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Southern Illinois vs. (3) Northern Iowa, 8:30pm, ESPN+
Drake joins Rice as one of the teams that we need to win in order for them to secure the automatic bid rather than being in the at-large conversation. They are likely a lock to make the field and bump out a bubble team, should they be eliminated from the Missouri Valley tournament.
Southland
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Central Arkansas vs. (4) Abilene Christian, 11am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. (3) Nicholls, 1:30pm, ESPN+
The Frogs’ only non-conference opponent in the Southland, Sam Houston State, was eliminated yesterday, so TCU fans don’t have any particular rooting interests for this should be one-bid league.
Southwestern Athletic
Semifinal #1: (4) Grambling State vs. (1) Southern, 12pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Jackson State vs. (2) Prairie View A&M, 6pm, ESPN3
This might be a one-bid league, but TCU fans will want to pull for Southern to win it since the Frogs defeated them. It would be nice if Southern could join BYU as NCAA Tournament teams that TCU faced in non-conference play.
Sun Belt
Semifinal #1: (5) Appalachian State vs. (1) Little Rock, 11:30am, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (7) South Alabama vs. (2) UT Arlington, 2pm, ESPN+
This conference should also be a one-bid league and TCU did not face any Sun Belt opponents, so it doesn’t matter for the Frogs who wins.
Western Athletic
Semifinal #1: (4) UMKC vs. (1) New Mexico State, 2pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Cal State Bakersfield vs. (2) UT Rio Grande Valley, 4:30pm, ESPN+
Last, but not least, the WAC is another league that should only be sending one team to the Big Dance and the Frogs don’t have any non-conference opponents here, so no particular team to pull for.
——
Not too much action overall today, but some pivotal games do still remain for the at-large bubble picture. TCU fans have five teams today that they should be rooting for to win: Rice, Central Michigan, Miami (OH), Drake, and Southern.
Day 10 - March 14th
Boise State secured the Mountain West automatic bid yesterday, preventing Wyoming from stealing a bid, but it was not a great day on the bubble as the MAC teams in action that we were rooting against all found ways to win. Championship Week(s) seem to be winding down on the women’s side as most of the smaller conferences are beginning to wrap up and the field of 64 is beginning to take shape.
Big South
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Presbyterian @ (1) Radford, 5pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Gardner-Webb vs. (4) UNC Asheville, 7pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Charleston Southern @ (2) High Point, 5pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Campbell vs. (3) Hampton, 7pm, ESPN3
The Big South is going to be a one-bid league and does not feature any of TCU’s non-conference opponents, so it doesn’t matter much to the Frogs who wins here.
Colonial
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Hofstra vs. (1) James Madison, 11am, CAA.tv
Quarterfinal #2: (4) Towson @ (5) Delaware, 1:30pm, CAA.tv
Quarterfinal #3: (7) William & Mary vs. (2) Drexel, 4pm, CAA.tv
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Northeastern vs. (3) UNC Wilmington, 6:30pm, CAA.tv
For fans of the Frogs, as well as all bubble teams, we should be rooting for James Madison to win this tournament. Like with Quinnipiac last week, they would likely be in the at-large conversation and have a strong resume if they lose and someone else steals the bid.
Conference USA
Quarterfinal #1: (9) North Texas vs. (1) Rice, 11am, Stadium
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Old Dominion vs. (4) Western Kentucky, 11:30am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Charlotte vs. (2) UAB, 1:30pm, Stadium
Quarterfinal #4: (11) UTEP vs. (3) Middle Tennessee, 2pm, ESPN+
Conference USA is exactly the same as the Colonial, since Rice too would likely receive an at-large bid if they were to be eliminated from the conference tournament. TCU fans will want to root (or hoot?) hard for the Owls to win here.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
Quarterfinal #3: (11) Coppin State vs. (3) Bethune-Cookman, 11am, FloHoops
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Howard vs. (4) Norfolk State, 1pm, FloHoops
The MEAC will be a one-bid league and since the Frogs didn’t play any teams from this conference, no particular rooting interests here for TCU fans.
Missouri Valley
First Round Game #1: (9) Valparaiso vs. (8) Indiana State, 4pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (10) Evansville vs. (7) Loyola (IL), 7pm, ESPN+
The Missouri Valley will be similar to the Colonial and Conference USA once Drake enters play, but nothing of note for TCU fans today.
Northeast
Semifinal #1: (6) Mount St. Mary’s @ (1) Robert Morris, 6pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (4) St. Francis (PA) @ (2) Sacred Heart, 5pm, ESPN3
The Northeast will also likely be a one-bid league this year and the Frogs did not play any teams in this conference, so it won’t have any impact on TCU.
Patriot League
Semifinal #1: (5) Holy Cross @ (1) Bucknell, 5pm, Patriot League Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Lehigh @ (2) American, 6pm, Patriot League Network
Bucknell is yet another team that could be in the at-large conversation if they were to be eliminated from their conference tournament. TCU fans need them to win today like James Madison and Rice in order to keep them out of the at-large pool.
Southland
First Round Game #1: (8) Central Arkansas vs. (5) Sam Houston State, 11am, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (7) New Orleans vs. (6) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 1:30pm, ESPN+
TCU fans will likely want Lamar to win the Southland as they too could be in the conversation for an at-large bid, but today, Frog fans will want to root for Sam Houston State to provide any resume boost they can, since TCU beat them back in December.
Sun Belt
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Appalachian State vs. (4) Georgia State, 11:30am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (7) South Alabama vs. (3) Troy, 2pm, ESPN+
The Sun Belt should be a one-bid league and since the Frogs did not play any of this conference’s teams, it will not have much of an impact on TCU’s chances.
——
Not much to watch today, but it is pivotal for TCU’s chances that James Madison, Rice, and Bucknell win today and march towards their automatic bids rather than joining the at-large conversation.
Day 9 - March 13th
In yesterday’s action, TCU received a bit of a boost from Southern and BYU winning their games as the Frogs faced both in non-conference play. The Frogs only non-conference loss came against BYU, who ended up winning the West Coast championship over Gonzaga. Montana State and San Diego State both were eliminated from action yesterday and now only a few bubble teams remain in play, mainly from the MAC or teams that are favorites for their automatic bids but potential at-large teams if they lose.
Atlantic Sun
Semifinal #1: (7) Kennesaw State @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 6pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (5) North Florida @ (3) Liberty, 6pm, ESPN+
Florida Gulf Coast might be in the at-large conversation, but likely not if they lose. Therefore this is essentially a one-bid league so it doesn’t matter for TCU who wins.
Big Sky
Semifinal #1: (4) Portland State vs. (1) Idaho, 6:30pm, WatchBigSky.com
Semifinal #2: (6) Eastern Washington vs. (2) Northern Colorado, 9pm, WatchBigSky.com
The Frogs’ non-conference opponent Montana State was eliminated yesterday and since this is a one-bid league, it has no importance for TCU who wins.
Big West
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Long Beach State vs. (3) UC Riverside, 8pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) UC Irvine vs. (4) Cal State Northridge, 10:30pm, ESPN3
The Big West is yet another one-bid league, and since none of TCU’s non-conference opponents are here, it doesn’t really matter for TCU who wins.
Colonial
First Round Game #1: (9) Hofstra vs. (8) Elon, 11am, CAA.tv
First Round Game #2: (10) Charleston vs. (7) William & Mary, 1:30pm, CAA.tv
None of today’s tournament games matter for TCU, but this conference is one that will matter as James Madison would likely have a strong chance of getting in as an at-large if they fail to secure the automatic bid. Everyone else in the conference is a potential bid thief.
Conference USA
First Round Game #1: (9) North Texas vs. (8) Southern Miss, 11am, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (12) Florida Atlantic vs. (5) Old Dominion, 11:30am, ESPN+
First Round Game #3: (10) Louisiana Tech vs. (7) Charlotte, 1:30pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #4: (11) UTEP vs. (6) Marshall, 2pm, ESPN+
Similar to the Colonial tournament, Conference USA favorite Rice would be a strong candidate for an at-large bid if they lose, so Frog fans will want to root for them once they enter play. Nothing to watch for today though.
Mid-American
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Central Michigan, 11am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Kent State vs. (4) Buffalo, 1:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Northern Illinois vs. (2) Ohio, 4pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Toledo vs. (3) Miami (OH), 6:30pm, ESPN+
Central Michigan is likely safely in the field at this point, but Buffalo, Ohio, and Miami (OH) all could be in the at-large conversation. According to ESPN currently, Buffalo and Ohio are both in the last four in, while TCU sits as the first team out, meaning losses by them could bump the Frogs up into the projected field. TCU fans will want to pull for upsets of everyone except Central Michigan in this tournament today.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (9) North Carolina Central vs. (1) North Carolina A&T, 11am, FloHoops
Quarterfinal #2: (7) South Carolina State vs. (2) Maryland Eastern Shore, 1pm, FloHoops
The MEAC will be a one-bid league this year, and since TCU did not play anyone in this conference, it doesn’t matter to the Frogs who wins.
Mountain West
Championship: (3) Wyoming vs. (1) Boise State, 9pm, CBSSN
Boise State does not have the resume of teams mentioned above like James Madison and Rice, but they could be in the conversation for an at-large bid if they lose. Ideally, that conversation won’t happen and they will secure the automatic bid over Wyoming.
Sun Belt
Second Round Game #1: (8) Coastal Carolina vs. (5) Appalachian State, 11:30am, ESPN+
Second Round Game #2: (7) South Alabama vs. (6) Texas State, 2pm, ESPN+
The Sun Belt will also likely be a one-bid league this year and there are no former Frog opponents here, so no rooting interests in this tournament.
Western Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Chicago State vs. (1) New Mexico State, 2pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Utah Valley vs. (4) UMKC, 4:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Seattle vs. (2) UT Rio Grande Valley, 8pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Grand Canyon vs. (3) Cal State Bakersfield, 10:30pm, ESPN+
Another one-bid league in action with no TCU non-conference opponents this season, so nothing really to see here with regards to the Frog’ chances.
——
Not much to watch as most of the tournaments in action are one-bid leagues, but Frog fans will definitely want to pay attention to the Mountain West championship game and all of the MACtion.
Day 8 - March 12th
Frog fans couldn’t ask for a much better day than they received yesterday. In the Big East and Summit League tournaments, all remaining potential bid thieves were eliminated. In the Mountain West and West Coast, we saw bubble teams New Mexico and Saint Mary’s get knocked out. New Mexico’s loss came at the hands of San Diego State, who the Frogs beat earlier this season, so that might also provide a boost to the TCU resume. Potential bubble team Quinnipiac secured the MAAC automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and Bucknell, another potential bubble team, advanced in the Patriot League tournament. The action continues today as we move closer and closer to Selection Monday.
Big East
Championship: (2) DePaul vs. (1) Marquette, 7pm, FS1
DePaul and Marquette both took care of business yesterday to eliminate a pair of bid thieves, and since both are locks for the NCAA Tournament, it doesn’t matter for TCU who wins.
Big Sky
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Northern Arizona vs. (1) Idaho, 1pm, WatchBigSky.com
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Montana State vs. (4) Portland State, 3:30pm, WatchBigSky.com
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Southern Utah vs. (2) Northern Colorado, 6:30pm, WatchBigSky.com
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Eastern Washington vs. (3) Idaho State, 9pm, WatchBigSky.com
The Big Sky should be a one-bid league so it doesn’t really matter who wins, but the Frogs defeated Montana State in December, so any late wins they can get to help TCU’s resume are welcome.
Big South
First Round Game #1: (9) Presbyterian @ (8) Winthrop, 6pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (10) USC Upstate @ (7) Charleston Southern, 6pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (11) Longwood @ (6) Campbell, 6pm, ESPN3
The Big South should also be a one-bid league, and since the Frogs did not play anyone here, TCU fans do not have any particular rooting interests here.
Big West
First Round Game #1: (8) UC Santa Barbara vs. (5) UC Irvine, 8pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (7) Long Beach State vs. (6) Cal State Fullerton, 10:30pm, ESPN3
This conference is another one-bid league that does not feature any of TCU’s non-conference opponents, so nothing of note here for Frog fans.
Horizon League
Championship: (2) Green Bay vs. (1) Wright State, 11am, ESPNU
Both teams sit in the 70s in the RPI rankings, but neither will likely be in the conversation for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. It should be an exciting game to watch, but it does not have much importance for TCU.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
First Round Game #3: (9) North Carolina Central vs. (8) Delaware State, 12pm, FloHoops
First Round Game #4: (10) Savannah State vs. (7) South Carolina State, 2:30pm, FloHoops
The MEAC is another one-bid league that does not have any of the Frogs’ non-conference opponents, so no particular rooting interests here.
Mountain West
Semifinal #1: (4) Fresno State vs. (1) Boise State, 8pm, Mountain West Network
Semifinal #2: (7) San Diego State vs. (3) Wyoming, 10:30pm, Mountain West Network
San Diego State knocked off bubble team New Mexico in the quarterfinals yesterday and boosted TCU’s resume in the process, since the Frogs defeated them earlier this season. Boise State is also on the bubble, but ideally we want them to win in order to increase the chances of this being a one-bid league. The other teams would all be bid thieves if Boise State makes it as an at-large. Best case-scenario: Boise State and San Diego State win today, Boise State wins tournament.
Southwestern Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Mississippi Valley State @ (1) Southern, 7pm, Southern Athletics YouTube
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Texas Southern @ (4) Grambling State, 5:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Alabama A&M @ (2) Prairie View A&M, 5:30pm, PVAMU Sports Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Alabama State @ (3) Jackson State, 6pm
This will be a one-bid league and TCU has faced both Mississippi Valley State and Southern, so Frog fans will want to root for whoever wins their game today to win the tournament.
Summit
Championship: (2) South Dakota vs. (1) South Dakota State, 1pm, ESPNU
Nothing to see here other than a really good rivalry game played in South Dakota. Both teams are pretty much locks to make the NCAA Tournament and they both took care of business yesterday to knock out any bid thieves.
West Coast
Championship: (2) Brigham Young vs. (1) Gonzaga, 3pm, ESPNU
BYU has essentially played their way into lock status with an RPI in the 30s, and Gonzaga was a lock before the tournament started. Brigham Young winning would be a better scenario for TCU though since they are the Frogs’ only non-conference loss and would make TCU’s resume look a little better.
——
Not much of real concern for TCU fans today, but hopefully the Frogs can receive a boost from some non-conference opponents picking up some more wins today, such as Montana State, San Diego State, Southern, and BYU.
Day 7 - March 11th
Yesterday went about as ideally as it could for TCU’s bubble chances and the Frogs need all the help they can get. Bracketologists don’t seem to be able to find a consensus on this year’s bubble as TCU has popped up everywhere from the last eight or so in to the first eight or so out. It helped yesterday that bubble teams Butler and Villanova were eliminated from the Big East tournament and both Quinnipiac and Mississippi State won their games. Quinnipiac will play for an automatic bid today to hopefully stay out of the at-large conversation. There are still plenty of bid thieves and bubble teams to watch as we enter the second half of Championship Week(s).
American
Championship: (2) Central Florida vs. (1) UConn, 6pm, ESPN2
Much like the Frogs, there doesn’t seem to be much of a consensus on Central Florida either, so if they really are on the bubble, hopefully UConn handles business and takes the automatic bid.
Big 12
Championship: (2) Iowa State vs. (1) Baylor, 8pm, FS1
It might help TCU a bit if the Cyclones win since the Frogs split with them this season, but I don’t think it makes much of a difference since we’ve played both twice.
Big East
Semifinal #1: (4) Georgetown vs. (1) Marquette, 3pm, FS1
Semifinal #2: (6) Creighton vs. (2) DePaul, 5:30pm, FS1
This tournament went very well for the Frogs yesterday as Villanova and Butler were eliminated, but now we are left with two potential bid thieves. TCU fans will want to pull for Marquette and DePaul today because we need either of them to win this tournament.
Big Sky
First Round Game #1: (9) Sacramento State vs. (8) Northern Arizona, 3:30pm, WatchBigSky.com
First Round Game #2: (10) Southern Utah vs. (7) Montana, 6:30pm, WatchBigSky.com
First Round Game #3: (11) Weber State vs. (6) Eastern Washington, 9pm, WatchBigSky.com
Nothing of importance today as the Big Sky will be a one-bid league and none of these teams can help TCU’s resume. Once Montana State enters play, we will be pulling for them since the Frogs beat them in non-conference play.
Horizon League
Semifinal #1: (4) IUPUI vs. (1) Wright State, 12pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Youngstown State vs. (2) Green Bay, 2:30pm, ESPN+
The Horizon League should also end up being a one-bid league, and since TCU didn’t play anyone from this conference, it doesn’t really matter to us who wins.
Metro Atlantic
Championship: (3) Marist vs. (1) Quinnipiac, 1:30pm, ESPNU
Quinnipiac could get into the NCAA Tournament as an at-large which makes Marist a potential bid thief. TCU fans, and all fans of bubble teams, will be pulling for Quinnipiac to secure this automatic bid.
Mid-American
First Round Game #1: (9) Eastern Michigan @ (8) Akron, 4pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (12) Bowling Green @ (5) Kent State, 6pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #3: (10) Western Michigan @ (7) Northern Illinois, 5:30pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #4: (11) Ball State @ (6) Toledo, 6pm, ESPN+
MACtion gets underway today but there is nothing important to watch for here today. This conference does feature four potential bubble teams though that we will keep an eye on in the coming days.
Mid-Eastern Athletic
First Round Game #1: (12) Florida A&M vs. (5) Howard, 12pm, FloHoops
First Round Game #2: (11) Coppin State vs. (6) Morgan State, 2:30pm, FloHoops
The MEAC is a one-bid league and TCU didn’t play any teams from here this season, so it won’t matter for the Frogs who wins this tournament.
Mountain West
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Nevada vs. (1) Boise State, 2pm, Mountain West Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) UNLV vs. (4) Fresno State, 4:30pm, Mountain West Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) San Diego State vs. (2) New Mexico, 8pm, Mountain West Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Utah State vs. (3) Wyoming, 10:30pm, Mountain West Network
Both Boise State and New Mexico are likely to be in the bubble conversation unless they secure the automatic bid. Anyone else from this conference represents a potential bid thief. Ideally though, San Diego State, who TCU beat earlier in the season, would make a run and lose in the championship game to Boise State.
Northeast
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Fairleigh Dickinson @ (1) Robert Morris, 6pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Bryant @ (4) St. Francis (PA), 6pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Wagner @ (2) Sacred Heart, 5pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Mount St. Mary’s @ (3) St. Francis (NY), 6pm, NEC Front Row
This is yet another one-bid league that does not feature any of TCU’s non-conference opponents, so not much for us to watch here.
Patriot League
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Loyola (MD) @ (1) Bucknell, 5pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Holy Cross @ (4) Boston University, 6pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Lafayette @ (2) American, 6pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Colgate @ (3) Lehigh, 5pm, Patriot League Network
The Patriot League is likely another one-bid league so long as Bucknell wins it. They are similar to Quinnipiac in that they would likely get an at-large bid if they don’t secure the automatic bid. Therefore, TCU fans will want to pull hard for them to win today and the tournament.
Summit
Semifinal #1: (4) Oral Roberts vs. (1) South Dakota State, 12pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (6) North Dakota vs. (2) South Dakota, 2:30pm, ESPN+
Both South Dakota schools are likely in the NCAA Tournament, so like Marquette and DePaul in the Big East, we need them to eliminate the two potential bid thieves today.
Sun Belt
First Round Game #1: (9) Arkansas State @ (8) Coastal Carolina, 6pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (10) Louisiana @ (7) South Alabama, 7pm, ESPN+
TCU does not have any Sun Belt opponents on their resume, and the Sun Belt should be a one-bid league, so it doesn’t matter for the Frogs who wins.
West Coast
Semifinal #1: (4) Saint Mary’s vs. (1) Gonzaga, 2pm, TheW.tv
Semifinal #2: (3) Pepperdine vs. (2) Brigham Young, 4pm, TheW.tv
BYU and Saint Mary’s both sit on the bubble with TCU while Gonzaga appears to be a lock for the Big Dance, so Frog fans will be pulling for Gonzaga and Pepperdine to win today and for Gonzaga to win the whole tournament.
——
Plenty of action to follow today! The main things to watch for are Quinnipiac and Bucknell working to secure automatic bids instead of being in the at-large conversation, the elimination of bid thieves in the Big East and Summit, and the elimination of bubble teams from the West Coast Conference.
Day 6 - March 10th
The Frogs, who entered yesterday as the last team in in the projected field of ESPN’s Bracketology lost an absolute nail-biter in Oklahoma City in the opening round to Texas. In a game that was close for the full forty minutes, TCU could not find a way to win late. A win likely would have secured the Frogs’ spot in the NCAA Tournament, but now they will have to patiently wait until Selection Monday to hear their postseason destination.
America East
Semifinal #1: (4) Albany @ (1) Maine, 12pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Stony Brook @ (2) Hartford, 1pm, ESPN+
This tournament is irrelevant to TCU’s postseason chances since only the tournament’s winner will be heading to the Big Dance.
American
Semifinal #1: (5) South Florida vs. (1) UConn, 3pm, ESPN2
Semifinal #2: (3) Cincinnati vs. (2) Central Florida, 5:30pm, ESPNU
Frog fans will be rooting for UConn and Central Florida today because we will need one of them to win this conference tournament. Both should be safely in the NCAA Tournament field at this point, but Cincinnati and South Florida will be looking to steal a bid.
Atlantic 10
Championship: (2) Fordham vs. (1) VCU, 11am, ESPNU
The automatic bid will be handed out here today, but it does not matter to TCU who wins this game - this will be a one-bid league.
ACC
Championship: (2) Louisville vs. (1) Notre Dame, 11am, ESPN2
Both of these teams will likely be No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, so not much impact on the Frogs’ chances here.
Big 12
Semifinal #1: (5) Kansas State vs. (1) Baylor, 2pm, FS1
Semifinal #2: (3) Texas vs. (2) Iowa State, 4:30pm, FS1
I would root for the teams that TCU has beaten here (Kansas State and Iowa State), so that it makes the Frogs’ wins look even better.
Big East
Quarterfinal #1: (9) St. John’s vs. (1) Marquette, 12pm, FS2
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Villanova vs. (4) Georgetown, 2:30pm, FS2
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Providence vs. (2) DePaul, 6pm, FS2
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Creighton vs. (3) Butler, 8:30pm, FS2
Butler sits squarely on the bubble and DePaul and Marquette are probably safely in the field. Ideally for TCU, either Marquette or DePaul wins this tournament and Butler makes an early exit today.
Big Ten
Championship: (2) Iowa vs. (1) Maryland, 5pm, ESPN2
Like the ACC Championship, both of these teams are locks for the NCAA Tournament, so it doesn’t matter to TCU who wins here.
Metro Atlantic
Semifinal #1: (4) Monmouth vs. (1) Quinnipiac, 10am, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Marist vs. (2) Rider, 12:30pm, ESPN3
Quinnipiac has a chance at being an at-large selection for the NCAA Tournament and they would be on the table with TCU if they are knocked out of their tournament. Hopefully they can win today and then secure the automatic bid so we won’t have to worry about that.
Mountain West
First Round Game #1: (9) San Jose State vs. (8) Nevada, 4pm, Mountain West Network
First Round Game #2: (10) Air Force vs. (7) San Diego State, 6:30pm, Mountain West Network
First Round Game #3: (11) Colorado State vs. (6) Utah State, 9pm, Mountain West Network
In this conference, New Mexico and Boise State are both in the conversation for an at-large spot, but both currently are projected behind TCU. It may favor the Frogs more if both make early exits from the tournament and the conference becomes a one-bid league. TCU fans will also want to pull for San Diego State, who the Frogs beat earlier this season, to win a couple and provide a little extra boost to the TCU resume.
Pac-12
Championship: (2) Stanford vs. (1) Oregon, 7pm, ESPN2
As with most of the power conferences wrapping up today, both of these teams will be dancing, so it doesn’t matter for the Frogs who wins.
SEC
Championship: (10) Arkansas vs. (1) Mississippi State, 1pm, ESPN2
The exception to the power conferences today, every bubble team in the nation, TCU included, needs to root for Mississippi State to take down Arkansas. If Arkansas wins, they will be stealing the automatic bid and bumping the NCAA-worthy SEC teams all into at-large spots, meaning an at-large spot for a team like TCU will no longer be there. GO BULLDOGS!
Southern
Championship: (2) Furman vs. (1) Mercer, 11am, ESPN+
The Southern Conference will be a one-bid league regardless of who wins, so not much for TCU fans to see here.
Summit
Quarterfinal #3: (5) Western Illinois vs. (4) Oral Roberts, 12pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) North Dakota vs. (3) Denver, 2:30pm, ESPN+
Both schools from South Dakota, who are both safely in the projected field, won yesterday. As long as one of them secures the title and prevents any bid thieves, TCU will be okay here. Neither of the games today matter for the Frogs.
——
A lot of action on the women’s side again today with a handful of automatic bids to the Big Dance being handed out today. For the Frogs, the two most important teams to root for today will be Mississippi State and Quinnipiac. TCU NEEDS those two to win their respective conference tournaments.
Day 5 - March 9th
Conference tournament action continues to be in full swing today as TCU enters the action in the Big 12 Tournament. The prevailing thought among bracketologists is that today’s game with Texas is a must win for the Frogs, who are currently the last team in the field according to ESPN. Around the rest of the tournaments, things have gone extremely well for TCU as other bubble teams have had issues and most bid thieves have been knocked out. They will need that to continue today.
American
Quarterfinal #1: (5) South Florida vs. (4) Houston, 11am, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (8) East Carolina vs. (1) UConn, 1pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Tulsa vs. (2) Central Florida, 5pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Memphis vs. (3) Cincinnati, 7pm, ESPN3
For Frog fans, this needs to be another dominant weekend from UConn to prevent any potential bid thieves from heading to the Big Dance. Central Florida is currently in the projected field as an at-large, but as a projected No. 10 seed, they could be nervous on Selection Monday if they have an early exit today.
Atlantic 10
Semifinal #1: (4) Dayton vs. (1) VCU, 10am, CBSSN
Semifinal #2: (3) Duquesne vs. (2) Fordham, 12:30pm, CBSSN
Since this is a one-bid league and there is no impact on the WNIT, TCU fans should continue to pull for Duquesne, the Frogs’ best non-conference victory, to keep winning and improving TCU’s resume.
ACC
Semifinal #1: (5) Syracuse vs. (1) Notre Dame, 11am, ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (3) NC State vs. (2) Louisville, 1:30pm, ESPNU
This tournament does not have any more importance for TCU fans as all of the remaining teams are locks for the NCAA Tournament.
Big 12
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Kansas State vs. (4) West Virginia, 11am, FSN
Quarterfinal #2: (9) Texas Tech vs. (1) Baylor, 1:30pm, FSN
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Kansas vs. (2) Iowa State, 6pm, FSN
Quarterfinal #4: (6) TCU vs. (3) Texas, 8:30pm, FSN
Root for TCU. Duh. But also, Kansas State since they and West Virginia are both on the bubble, but Kansas State is much more safe than West Virginia. Also wouldn’t hurt to have the potential bid thieves Texas Tech and Kansas knocked out.
Big East
First Round Game #1: (9) St. John’s vs. (8) Seton Hall, 2pm, Big East Digital Network
First Round Game #2: (10) Xavier vs. (7) Providence, 4:30pm, Big East Digital Network
The Big East should be a two-bid league with Marquette and DePaul safely in the field, but Butler is right there on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. This tournament will be one to watch, but not today.
Big Ten
Semifinal #1: (4) Michigan vs. (1) Maryland, 4pm, Big Ten Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Rutgers vs. (2) Iowa, 6:30pm, Big Ten Network
The Big Ten tournament has gone about as well as we could have hoped for, so not much else to follow here - all four of these teams will be heading to the NCAA Tournament.
Metro Atlantic
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Manhattan vs. (3) Marist, 11am, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Canisius vs. (4) Monmouth, 1:30pm, ESPN3
No. 1 seed Quinnipiac, who is a potential at-large selection, won and advanced yesterday, which was ideal for TCU. Today’s games are not very important - the only thing that matters is Quinnipiac finding a way to win this tournament.
Ohio Valley
Championship: (3) UT Martin vs. (1) Belmont, 2pm, ESPN+
Belmont has a chance to be an at-large selection if they fail to win the automatic bid today and for TCU, we don’t want them to be in that conversation, so go Belmont.
Pac-12
Semifinal #1: (4) UCLA vs. (1) Oregon, 8pm, Pac-12 Network
Semifinal #2: (11) Washington vs. (2) Stanford, 10:30pm, Pac-12 Network
The only thing left to root for here is for Stanford to eliminate potential bid thief Washington. I thank the Huskies for defeating bubble team Utah in the first round, but now it is time for them to go.
Patriot League
First Round Game #1: (10) Lafayette @ (7) Army West Point, 12pm, Patriot League Network
First Round Game #2: (9) Navy @ (8) Loyola (MD), 1pm, Patriot League Network
TCU beat Army earlier this season, so we should be rooting for them to win as much as they can in this tournament to provide a boost to the TCU resume; however, we will need Bucknell to win the tournament because they are similar to Belmont and have an even stronger case for an at-large.
SEC
Semifinal #1: (5) Missouri vs. (1) Mississippi State, 4pm, ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (10) Arkansas vs. (3) Texas A&M, 6:30pm, ESPNU
Like the Pac-12, Arkansas represents a potential bid thief, so we should be rooting for the Aggies to end their run (I can’t believe I had to say that).
Summit
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Purdue Fort Wayne vs. (1) South Dakota State, 12pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (7) North Dakota State vs. (2) South Dakota, 2:30pm, ESPN+
These two teams from South Dakota are GOOD - NCAA Tournament good. They will both be safely in the Big Dance, so as long as it is one of them winning this tournament, all will be good for TCU.
West Coast
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Loyola Marymount vs. (4) Saint Mary’s, 3pm, TheW.tv
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Pacific vs. (3) Pepperdine, 5pm, TheW.tv
Still not much to see here as Gonzaga and BYU don’t enter play until Monday.
——
A handful of bid thieves needing to be defeated today, but most importantly, we need to be watching our Frogs as they take on Texas in Oklahoma City.
Day 4 - March 8th
What a day for the bubble yesterday as things went almost as well as they could for the Frogs in the ACC and Pac-12 conference tournaments. A few bubble teams survived in the Big Ten and in the SEC tournaments, but overall, it was a fantastic day for TCU’s at-large hopes. Today and tomorrow though might seal the Frogs’ fate though, especially if TCU can pull off a victory over Texas in the Big 12 Tournament tomorrow. Things are currently looking up for the Frogs!
American
First Round Game #1: (12) Tulane vs. (5) South Florida, 11am, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (9) SMU vs. (8) East Carolina, 1pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (10) Wichita State vs. (7) Tulsa, 5pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #4: (11) Memphis vs. (6) Temple, 7pm, ESPN3
The American Conference is likely to be a two-bid league - UConn and Central Florida, but UCF is not a lock at this point and a bad loss in their first game might move them closer to the bubble. None of the teams playing today are in the bubble conversation, but the Frogs do have a non-conference win over SMU, so hopefully they can win and provide a little bit of a boost to the TCU resume today.
Atlantic 10
Quarterfinal #1: (8) St. Joseph’s vs. (1) VCU, 10am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Davidson vs. (4) Dayton, 1pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Massachusetts vs. (2) Fordham, 3:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Saint Louis vs. (3) Duquesne, 6pm, ESPN+
The Atlantic 10 appears to be a one-bid league, so it doesn’t necessarily matter who wins the tournament, but TCU fans should be pulling for No. 3 seed Duquesne, who the Frogs beat in the season opener and have emerged as TCU’s best non-conference win. Hopefully they will continue to provide a resume boost in this conference tournament.
ACC
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Syracuse vs. (4) Miami (FL), 10am, ACC Network
Quarterfinal #2: (8) North Carolina vs. (1) Notre Dame, 1pm, ACC Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Clemson vs. (2) Louisville, 5pm, ACC Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Florida State vs. (3) NC State, 7pm, ACC Network
Yesterday, I mentioned that the top eight seeds for this conference tournament all seemed pretty safe and that we wanted all of the favorites to win yesterday so that any bid thieves and bubble teams would be eliminated. That is exactly what happened. At this point, the ACC Tournament doesn’t have much relevance to the Frogs.
Atlantic Sun
Quarterfinal #1: (8) NJIT @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) North Florida @ (4) North Alabama, 6:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Jacksonville @ (3) Liberty, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (7) Kennesaw State @ (2) Stetson, 6pm, ESPN+
The Atlantic Sun will be a one-bid league for the NCAA Tournament this season, and since the Frogs have not played anyone from this conference, there isn’t much for TCU fans to pay attention to here.
Big 12
First Round Game #1: (9) Texas Tech vs. (8) Oklahoma, 6pm, FCS
First Round Game #2: (10) Kansas vs. (7) Oklahoma State, 8:30pm, FCS
The Frogs’ own tournament gets underway tonight with two first round games tonight; however, neither means much for TCU now as the Frogs will be playing Texas in the quarterfinals tomorrow.
Big Ten
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Michigan State vs. (1) Maryland, 11am, Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #2: (13) Wisconsin vs. (4) Michigan, 1:30pm, Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Indiana vs. (2) Iowa, 5:30pm, Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Purdue vs. (3) Rutgers, 8pm, Big Ten Network
A complete opposite of the ACC yesterday, all of the Big Ten underdogs pulled off upsets to advance to the quarterfinals today. Michigan State has probably secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament, but Indiana is not a lock yet. Also, a miracle run by Wisconsin or Purdue to win the tournament would steal a bid from a more-worthy at-large team on the bubble. Therefore, Frog fans should be rooting for the favorites in all of today’s games, especially Michigan, Iowa, and Rutgers.
Metro Atlantic
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Fairfield vs. (1) Quinnipiac, 12pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (10) Iona vs. (2) Rider, 2:30pm, ESPN3
TCU fans should be all-in on Quinnipiac to win this tournament and take the automatic bid as they are the only team in this conference that might be considered for an at-large berth.
Ohio Valley
Semifinal #1: (4) Tennessee Tech vs. (1) Belmont, 1pm, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) UT Martin vs. (2) Morehead State, 3pm, ESPN+
No Ohio Valley teams are really in the conversation for an at-large spot in the NCAA Tournament, so whoever wins the conference tournament will likely be the only team. TCU has nothing to gain or lose when it comes to this tournament.
Pac-12
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Arizona State vs. (4) UCLA, 1:30pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #2: (8) Arizona vs. (1) Oregon, 4pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) California vs. (2) Stanford, 8pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Washington vs. (3) Oregon State, 10:30pm, Pac-12 Network
Like the ACC, the Pac-12 played out as ideally as it could for TCU yesterday as bubble teams USC and Utah both were eliminated and likely now will be out of the NCAA Tournament field. The only teams left that concern the Frogs are potential bid thieves Arizona and Washington, so TCU fans should be rooting for Oregon and Oregon State to take care of business today.
SEC
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Tennessee vs. (1) Mississippi State, 11am, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Missouri vs. (4) Kentucky, 1:30pm, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Arkansas vs. (2) South Carolina, 5pm, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Auburn vs. (3) Texas A&M, 7:30pm, SEC Network
Of the teams playing today, Frog fans should be most concerned about Tennessee and Arkansas. Tennessee still is around the bubble, likely in the field, and a win over Mississippi State would almost certainly make them a lock. The Razorbacks represent a potential bid thief and will need to win the tournament to get in. The other six teams playing are all going to be in the NCAA Tournament, so the only teams TCU fans need to be rooting for are Mississippi State and South Carolina.
Southern
Semifinal #1: (5) Wofford vs. (1) Mercer, 10am, ESPN+
Semifinal #2: (3) Chattanooga vs. (2) Furman, 12:15pm, ESPN+
No non-conference opponents for the Frogs and no impact on the bubble means you can really root for anyone here.
West Coast
Second Round Game #1: (9) San Francisco vs. (5) Loyola Marymount, 2pm, TheW.tv
Second Round Game #2: (7) Santa Clara vs. (6) Pacific, 4pm, TheW.tv
This conference tournament will become more important on Monday when Gonzaga and BYU enter the conversation. They will need to prevent any potential bid thieves from winning the automatic bid.
——
Conference tournament action really ramps up today with a fair amount of bid thieves and bubble teams needing to be knocked out by NCAA Tournament locks, especially in the power conferences. Frog fans can also pull for some of their non-conference opponents in SMU and Duquesne.
Day 3 - March 7th
Things did not go as planned for the Frogs yesterday - Ole Miss lost to Florida and Virginia Tech won their game with Wake Forest. Today is a new day though and there is plenty of important action on the bubble as eight conference tournaments are in action!
ACC
Second Round Game #1: (12) Virginia vs. (5) Syracuse, 10am, ACC Network
Second Round Game #2: (9) Georgia Tech vs. (8) North Carolina, 1pm, ACC Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Virginia Tech vs. (7) Clemson, 5pm, ACC Network
Second Round Game #4: (11) Duke vs. (6) Florida State, 7pm, ACC Network
At this point, the top eight seeds in the ACC seem to be safely into the NCAA Tournament field, but Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech are sitting right on the bubble looking to move in as well. Frog fans should be rooting for all of the favorites in today’s games to win and move forward to eliminate the conference’s bubble teams and potential bid thieves.
Big Ten
Second Round Game #1: (9) Michigan State vs. (8) Northwestern, 11am, Big Ten Network
Second Round Game #2: (13) Wisconsin vs. (5) Ohio State, 1:30pm, Big Ten Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Indiana vs. (7) Minnesota, 5:30pm, Big Ten Network
Second Round Game #4: (11) Purdue vs. (6) Nebraska, 8pm, Big Ten Network
Surprisingly, given the conference seeding, Michigan State and Indiana appear to be the two teams in action here today with a shot of making the tournament, thanks to their decent RPI rankings. Indiana is in a much more precarious position on the bubble, so they need a win much more. If both lose today and then one of the top four seeds wins the tournament, that would be the ideal scenario for TCU.
Metro Atlantic
First Round Game #1: (9) Fairfield vs. (8) Niagara, 8:30am, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (10) Iona vs. (7) Siena, 10:30am, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (11) St. Peter’s vs. (6) Manhattan, 12:30pm, ESPN3
Nothing of importance for the Frogs here today, but once No. 1 seed Quinnipiac enters play, TCU fans should pull hard for them as they might be in the at-large conversation if they get bounced.
Ohio Valley
Quarterfinal #3: (5) Austin Peay vs. (4) Tennessee Tech, 1pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Murray State vs. (3) UT Martin, 3pm, ESPN+
There does not seem to be any team in the Ohio Valley that would merit an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, so this conference tournament does not mean much in terms of TCU’s chances.
Pac-12
First Round Game #1: (12) Colorado vs. (5) Arizona State, 1:30pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #2: (9) USC vs. (8) Arizona, 4pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #3: (10) Washington State vs. (7) California, 8pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #4: (11) Washington vs. (6) Utah, 10:30pm, Pac-12 Network
Of the eight teams in action today, Arizona State and California are likely in the field for the NCAA Tournament, but Utah and USC are sitting on the bubble, mostly on the outside looking in. TCU fans should be pulling for the favorites - except for Utah - to win today and then for one of the top four seeds to win the tournament.
SEC
Second Round Game #1: (9) LSU vs. (8) Tennessee, 11am, SEC Network
Second Round Game #2: (13) Florida vs. (5) Missouri, 1:30pm, SEC Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Arkansas vs. (7) Georgia, 5pm, SEC Network
Second Round Game #4: (11) Alabama vs. (6) Auburn, 7:30pm, SEC Network
The first match is the most important one, as both teams sit squarely on the bubble, with Tennessee viewed as more safely in than LSU. Therefore, since LSU’s position is more tenuous, Frog fans should be pulling for Tennessee to knock them out today, rather than letting LSU play their way in. Once again, one of the top four seeds winning this tournament would be ideal for the Frogs.
Southern
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Western Carolina vs. (1) Mercer, 10am, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Wofford vs. (4) East Tennessee State, 12:15pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Samford vs. (2) Furman, 2:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (6) UNC Greensboro vs. (3) Chattanooga, 4:45pm, ESPN+
The Frogs don’t stand to gain anything or lose anything here - the Southern Conference is a one-bid league and none of TCU’s non-conference opponents are here.
West Coast
First Round Game #1: (9) San Francisco vs. (8) Portland, 2pm, TheW.tv
First Round Game #2: (10) San Diego vs. (7) Santa Clara, 4pm, TheW.tv
The West Coast Conference should likely be a two-bid league with top-2 seeds Gonzaga and BYU heading to the Big Dance. However, nothing to see here for the next few days until those teams enter play on Monday.
——
The action significantly picks up today and Frogs fans should be keeping their eyes on all four of the power conferences that are playing today. There are important games across the board today when it comes to bubble teams.
Day 2 - March 6th
In what was the most important game for TCU last night, the Frogs fell at home against Texas in their regular season finale. The game was close throughout, but Texas was able to slowly pull away in the final quarter. TCU will get a chance at revenge on Saturday though as the Frogs and Longhorns are set to meet in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament.
Outside of TCU’s own game, the Frogs were looking for Duquesne to roll in the opening round of their tournament and they did just that, thrashing Rhode Island 106-69. It might not make a huge difference, but if every team that TCU has played can slightly improve their own resumes, it will help the Frogs.
Six more conference tournaments will be in action today, including the opening rounds of the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC tournaments.
America East
Quarterfinal #1: (8) New Hampshire @ (1) Maine, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Binghamton @ (4) Albany, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Vermont @ (3) Stony Brook, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (7) UMBC @ (2) Hartford, 6pm, ESPN+
Like many of the other smaller conference tournaments, not much to watch here for Frog fans as this is a one-bid league and doesn’t feature any of TCU’s non-conference opponents.
ACC
First Round Game #1: (13) Boston College vs. (12) Virginia, 12pm, ACC Network
First Round Game #2: (15) Wake Forest vs. (10) Virginia Tech, 2:30pm, ACC Network
First Round Game #3: (14) Pittsburgh vs. (11) Duke, 5:30pm, ACC Network
Despite being 6-10 in conference play and finishing 10th in their conference, Virginia Tech was situated in the next four out category of ESPN’s latest Bracketology. Therefore, Frog fans should be rooting for Wake Forest to eliminate any chance of a special run that boosts the Hokies’ resume. After today, TCU fans will be looking toward the top teams in the conference to roll and prevent any bid thieves.
Big Ten
First Round Game #1: (13) Wisconsin vs. (12) Penn State, 12:30pm, Big Ten Network
First Round Game #2: (14) Illinois vs. (11) Purdue, 3pm, Big Ten Network
None of the teams in action here are in the bubble conversation, nor do any of the teams have an impact on TCU’s resume. However, like the ACC teams playing today, these teams will represent potential bid thieves in the coming days.
Horizon League
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Milwaukee @ (3) Youngstown State, 6pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #4: (7) Cleveland State @ (2) Green Bay, 7pm, ESPN+
The Horizon League will be a one-bid league and none of the teams in the conference have much of an impact on the Frogs’ resume.
Ohio Valley
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Southeast Missouri State vs. (1) Belmont, 1pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Jacksonville State vs. (2) Morehead State, 3pm, ESPN+
Belmont, who finished 16-2 in their conference action, is the heavy favorite in this tournament and has a decent RPI which can help their seeding if they make it, but they do not appear to be in the bubble conversation if they lose in their tournament. The Ohio Valley Conference appears to be a one-bid league no matter who emerges and the Frogs did not face anyone from this conference.
SEC
First Round Game #1: (13) Florida vs. (12) Ole Miss, 10am, SEC Network
First Round Game #2: (14) Vanderbilt vs. (11) Alabama, 12pm, SEC Network
The Big 12/SEC Challenge is always supposed to provide a boost to a team’s non-conference resume; however, TCU was paired with Ole Miss this season and when the Frogs won a close one in Mississippi, it appeared that might be a decent win for TCU. Ole Miss though struggled through conference play and finished the season at 9-21 overall, 3-13 in SEC play, and ranked No. 221 in the RPI. Although they might not have provided the resume boost we hoped for, they can still provide one last push for TCU - so long as they don’t go on a miracle run and steal a bid. It all starts with beating the Gators.
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Not too much action today, but Frog fans should keep an eye on the results from the Virginia Tech and Ole Miss games. Starting tomorrow, we should see a fair amount of bubble teams in action across some of the power conference tournaments. Check back tomorrow so we can keep you posted!
Day 1 - March 5th
Championship Week(s) has arrived and the TCU Horned Frogs women’s basketball team is on the cusp of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010. The Frogs are currently sitting at 20-8 overall and 10-7 in Big 12 play, which has them sitting in 6th in the conference with one game remaining in the regular season. In the latest version from ESPN, women’s basketball bracketologist Charlie Creme has the Frogs as one of the last four in. In this spot, TCU’s performance in this final week and results from across the country in conference tournaments will be crucial to the Frogs’ chances of going dancing.
TCU’s situation on the bubble is interesting because they obviously have shown they can compete in one of the tougher conferences in the nation, but their non-conference strength of schedule is low, despite their 10-1 record in non-conference play. Their lone loss came to BYU, who are 23-6 overall and ranked No. 34 in RPI (thru games 3/3), so it is not a bad loss. Their best victory outside of Big 12 play came in the season opener against Duquesne, who currently sits at No. 136 in the RPI. However, bringing up their resume from conference is wins over Iowa State (No. 11) and Kansas State (No. 35), which is why they have earned the right to be on the bubble and in the conversation. They still have a game at home tonight with No. 30 Texas as well as the Big 12 Tournament this coming weekend.
Conference tournaments get underway today on the women’s side, and unlike the men’s side, many of the power conferences, where numerous bubble teams reside, will be hosting their tournaments this week and into this weekend. We will be keeping you updated on all of these here in the coming weeks.
It is also important to note that the WNIT has different criteria for their automatic bids than the men’s NIT. The WNIT features 64 teams instead of 32 and every conference has an automatic bid which goes to the highest-finishing team that does not make the NCAA field. We will not be considering this in the rooting guide as TCU is pretty much a lock to make the WNIT if they do not make the NCAA Tournament.
All times given will be Central.
Atlantic 10
First Round Game #1: (9) George Washington @ (8) St. Joseph’s, 2pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #2: (13) La Salle @ (4) Dayton, 6pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #3: (12) St. Bonaventure @ (5) Davidson, 6pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #4: (10) Massachusetts @ (7) George Mason, 11am, ESPN+
First Round Game #5: (14) Rhode Island @ (3) Duquesne, 6pm, ESPN+
First Round Game #6: (11) Richmond @ (6) St. Louis, 7pm, ESPN+
The Atlantic 10 seems destined to be a one-bid league this year, but as was mentioned, Duquesne is currently TCU’s best non-conference win, and any extra improvement they can bring to the Frogs’ resume over the course of this tournament would be greatly appreciated, so TCU fans should be pulling for them here.
Horizon League
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Oakland @ (1) Wright State, 4:30pm, ESPN+
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Northern Kentucky @ (4) IUPUI, 6pm, ESPN+
If either of the tournament favorites, No. 1 Wright State or No. 2 Green Bay, win the tournament, then they will likely be looking at a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament, such as a No. 13 or No. 14 seed; however, the Horizon League should also be a one-bid league for the Dance and TCU has not faced any Horizon League opponents, which means this tournament is mostly inconsequential to the Frogs.
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There you have it - Championship Week(s) is upon us on the women’s side and TCU is in the thick of the bubble conversation for the NCAA Tournament. In today’s action, Frog fans should be rooting for Duquesne to take down Rhode Island, but that is the only game of importance to TCU’s chances today. Make sure to check back tomorrow as six conferences will be in action, including the opening days for the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC, which combined feature numerous teams around the bubble.