March Madness Bubble Teams: Predictions on Last Four Teams In the NCAA Tournament

2012 March Madness Bubble Teams Forecast – Expert Picks and Predictions on Last Four Teams in the NCAA Tournament Bracket: Since expanding the NCAA tournament to 68 teams, one of the hottest topics leading up to Selection Sunday is determining the last four teams that will make the field. After all, every team that makes the tournament gets to hit the reset button and has a chance to make a run. No team wants to be on the bubble with just a couple of weeks remaining before March Madness begins, but it is better to be on the bubble than out of the discussion. Nothing is set in stone with the bubble teams, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few that are in better shape than most and have positioned themselves to make the tournament.

2012 March Madness Bubble Teams Forecast and Predictions: Last Four Teams in the NCAA Tournament

1. Xavier Musketeers (18-10)

After being ranked in the top 10 early in the year, it is hard to believe Xavier has slipped onto the bubble. The Musketeers can blame their inconsistent play, especially during conference games, but they should still sneak into the tournament field. Xavier ranks 54th in the RPI and has the 52nd-best schedule to go along with some solid out-of-conference victories. Georgia, Vanderbilt, Purdue and Cincinnati are among the Musketeers’ victims. It hasn’t always been pretty, but Xavier should be able to secure a tournament bid with at least one win to close the regular season and solid showing in the Atlantic 10 tournament.

2. Texas Longhorns (18-11)

The Longhorns don’t really have a standout victory this season, but they don’t have many bad losses either. Texas has managed to stay at the .500 mark in Big 12 play, and by ranking 55th in the RPI and owning the 26th-toughest schedule, the Longhorns’ mediocrity should end in a tournament appearance. A victory against fourth-ranked Kansas to close the year would seal the deal, but since Texas hasn’t been beating top teams all year, the Longhorns will likely stay on the bubble until Selection Sunday. Luckily for them, staying at .500 in a tough Big 12 conference will be enough.

3. Northwestern Wildcats (17-11)

Making history is never easy, and the Wildcats are finding that out as they try to put their program in the NCAA tournament for the first time ever. Northwestern’s 7-9 record in the Big Ten is a big deterrent, but otherwise, the Wildcats looked strong on paper. In addition to ranking 43rd in the RPI, Northwestern has the 12th-toughest schedule in the country. Out-of-conference victories against LSU, Seton Hall and Georgia Tech help the Wildcats’ cause, as well. Despite the sub-.500 conference record, Northwestern should finally go dancing this March as long as they don’t lose out.

4. South Florida Bulls (18-11)

Yes, the Bulls have been miserable against ranked opponent this year, but an 11-5 record in the Big East is respectable no matter how it is achieved. South Florida is also helped by ranking 46th in the RPI and having the 26th-toughest schedule. The lack of a signature win is far from ideal, but as long as the Bulls stay in the top half of the country’s deepest conference, they shouldn’t be too worried come Selection Sunday. It would take an ugly finish to keep South Florida from being a part of March Madness.

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