:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29130121/gyi0064686104.0.jpg)
Well, Oklahoma State beat the brakes off of TCU (as anticipated), meaning there was little bubble-related news from yesterday's games. Today will almost certainly be a different story, with a number of bubble teams in action, including your Xavier Musketeers.
These are the times that try, if not men's souls, then at least their willingness to cheer for or against certain teams. Set aside your pre-existing biases; here's who you want to lose for the day. (Bubble teams are in bold)
7:00 PM Xavier at St. John's
This one you're probably familiar with. Joe Lunardi has Xavier as one of the last four teams skipping Dayton and heading right into the tournament; St. John's is currently one of the last four in and has been playing incredible basketball lately. The Johnnies have won 9 of their last 11, with the only two losses being @Creighton and @Nova. Xavier needs a win here or they risk falling to the wrong side of the bubble. For more information, see Brad's preview linked at the bottom of the page.
7:00 PM (20) Iowa at Minnesota
Minnesota is in Joe Lunardi's first four out despite sitting at 17-11 and 6-9 in Big Ten play. Their last three games at Iowa, @Michigan, and Penn State. There are chances for big wins there. A loss to the Hawkeyes isn't a black mark on Minnesota's record, but a win over them would be a huge boost. Pull for Iowa to mop the floor with the Golden Gophers.
7:00 PM Dayton at Saint Joseph's
Saint Joseph's is one of the last four teams avoiding a bye; UD is one of the first four out. Picking up a road win against Saint Joe's would be huge for Dayton's resume, while a loss to the Flyers at home would drop the Hawks into bubble limbo. In this battle of bubble teams, follow your heart and cheer for Dayton to lose.
7:00 PM Clemson at Wake Forest
Clemson is lurking with teams like Marquette and West Virginia just down the s-curve. They need some help to get on the right side of the bubble, but they also have work of their own to do. A loss to Wake Forest is a damaging blow indeed at this point in the season, and it's one we have to hope Clemson suffers.
9:00 PM Missouri at Georgia
Missouri, like Xavier, is one of the last four teams avoiding the First Four right now. They take on Georgia, who is wallowing well off the pace in the rankings that matter. A loss here for Missouri casts their resume in doubt and makes Xavier shine by comparison. Plus, my mother-in-law is a die hard Missouri fan. Do the right thing here.
There is a lot going on here, and we'll get into the comments section and keep you posted on these games as they develop. This is a huge night for bubble action, and Xavier could really solidify their position if they can pull off a win and get the right set of results in the other games. I love and hate this time of year.
