Xavier fan’s bubble cheering guide: March 4th

Xavier is slowly playing themselves into the bubble conversation. While only one place on the wide digital expanse of the internet actually has the Musketeers in the field, plenty have them hanging just outside it. This is obviously a huge improvement from where X was just a month ago, when no one even thought there was a chance this team could sneak in. The Musketeers still need some help, so you’ll be cheering for the teams in italics here to lose.

Virginia @ Syracuse, 7PM, ESPN

Syracuse is probably in no matter what, but you should always cheer against them on principle alone. The Orange could still slip out if they lose out, they can lock their bid with a win tonight.

Kennesaw St. v. Lipscomb, Atlantic Sun Quarterfinal, 8PM, ESPN+

Yes, that is a conference tournament game. The ASUN is likely a one bid league, but Lipscomb could conceivably sneak in if they make the final and lose. Either cheer for them to win it and seal auto bid, or hope they lose early. Liberty, the only other decent team in the ASUN, isn’t in without the auto bid.

Texas @ Texas Tech, 9PM, ESPN

The Longhorns are hanging about as far above the cut line as Xavier is below it. A huge road win against Texas Tech would go a long way to solidifying their bid. If they lose, they land a lot closer to the Musketeers.

Kansas State @ TCU, 9PM, ESPN2

TCU is 6-10 in the Big 12 right now. With games against K-State and a huge bubble tilt against Texas coming up, they could end at 6-12. However, their computer numbers are strong, and they swept Iowa State. Drop these two and lose early in the Big 12 tournament, though, and they could be in trouble.