The Selection Sunday Show, broadcast exclusively by CBS Sports at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, is just hours away. In the meantime, there’s a lot of housekeeping to take care of as a college basketball fan.
If you’re the fan of a bubble team, I hope your plans for this Sunday morning included going to church and saying a few Hail Mary’s. The quality of the bubble teams’ play down the stretch has left something to be desired. North Carolina couldn’t come up with a quality win. Boise State got crushed by Colorado State in its championship game. And, it’s felt like an eternity since we saw Wake Forest, Xavier and Ohio State play basketball.
Colorado State sophomore Rashaan Mbemba rises up over a defender for a hook shot.
Here are some sites to keep your eyes on before the 2025 March Madness bracket is revealed.
Best Underdogs Odds to Win a Title before 2025 March Madness Bracket Reveal
Another piece of housekeeping before the bracket is revealed includes jumping on some crazy odds before they dry up. For example, Yale was still spotted at 1,000-to-1 to win it all. Sure, this is a crazy bet, but if they (or a similar underdog) make the Sweet 16, you’d look like a genius with a lot of leverage in your pocket.
March Madness is almost here, and every college basketball fan wants an edge. Whether you’re tracking injuries, scouting underdogs, or looking for fun destinations to experience the madness firsthand, CollegeBasketballeyetest.com has you covered. Our latest Elite 8 Articles connect you with the most important topics leading up to the tournament.
📲 Your One-Stop Shop for College Hoops
We dive deep into the latest trends, hidden betting opportunities, and must-watch storylines. These articles guide you through every aspect of the tournament:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch – Key players battling injuries could make or break their team’s chances. Stay informed before placing any bets.
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars – Meet the next generation of basketball royalty making waves in college hoops.
🐶 Top 5 Underrated Underdogs – Every year, a few lower-seeded teams make a deep run. These are the squads to keep an eye on.
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions – From historic buzzer-beaters to iconic pep bands, relive the best traditions of the tournament.
📊 Season ATS Standings – Betting against the spread? Check which teams have been the most (and least) profitable all season.
💰 This Week’s Best Picks – Get expert insights on the best value plays leading up to Selection Sunday.
🕵️♂️ Fun Matchups the Committee Could Conspire – Which potential tournament matchups could stir up the most drama? We break down the possibilities.
✈️ Four Fun Destinations to Travel for March Madness – Want to experience the madness in person? Here are four great cities to catch the action live.
With these deep dives, our site connects college basketball fans to the info they crave. Click through to any article and stay ahead of the game this March! 🚀
When I say “the committee,” what do you think of? If you envision the power players who sit together on Selection Sunday to reveal the most unrivaled postseason format in U.S. Sports History, you would be correct. The committee is just days (or maybe hours depending on when you’re reading this) away from unveiling the Division 1 Men’s College Basketball Tournament bracket. With so many superior teams at the top of the rankings, there are sure to be some intriguing matchups with the middle of the pack. As much attention and sometimes scorn that this group gets, the tournament committee routinely fixes matchups that offer awesome storylines.
(This is one of 6 fixed traditions that I expect each year from the bracket – click here to see those).
And while you anxiously await the bracket, here are 5 fun matchups to hope for.
Border War Between Missouri and Kansas Could Re-ignite
The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri dates back much further than the Jayhawks and the Tigers. It dates back to the conflicts that preceded the American Civil War. Therefore, this basketball matchup was always a highly intense event. Kansas and Missouri spent years battling it out on the hardwood as they were Big 12 (or Big 8) conference rivals. In recent years, Missouri joined the SEC but had the good sense to still respect this history and schedule a non-conference matchup against each other. Although this has led to plenty of hotly contested games, nothing would stir the pot more dramatically than head-to-head combat in the NCAA Tournament.
The author of this blog is also a YouTube producer who created a horror stories series featuring many ghost stories dating back to Bleeding Kansas Era. Click here to watch some.
With KU struggling to finish its season strong, it could be dropping to a 6 or 7 seed. This could put them in position to play a 2 or 3 seeded Missouri Tigers team in the field of 32.
The violent confrontations between Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War era are commonly referred to as “Bleeding Kansas” or the “Border War.” These terms describe the series of violent civil confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in the Kansas Territory and western Missouri between 1854 and 1859. The conflict was characterized by electoral fraud, raids, assaults, and murders carried out by pro-slavery “border ruffians” and retaliatory raids by anti-slavery “free-staters.” This period of violence significantly shaped American politics and contributed to the onset of the Civil War.
Pitinos Pitted Against Each Other?
When it comes to teams he previously coached, legend Rick Pitino has plenty of exes. There’s Iona, Louisville, Kentucky — all of which could make this year’s tourney. And if the NCAA Tournament bracket falls into place just right, college basketball fans could witness a rare and emotionally charged showdown between a father and son on the sidelines. St. John’s is having a storybook season where Pitino has resurrected the program to already clinch a Big East regular season title as March begins.
With Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad projected as a potential No. 2 or 3 seed, and his son Richard Pitino’s New Mexico team positioned as a dangerous 10 or 11 seed, the path to an unforgettable coaching clash is on the table. Should the Lobos pull off a first-round victory, the second-round matchup could pit the legendary Hall of Fame coach against his own son, turning the family dynamic into a high-stakes chess match on college basketball’s biggest stage. It would be a moment filled with pride, strategy, and inevitable heartbreak—one Pitino would move on, the other would go home.
Chucky’s Revenge
Now that the transfer portal has become a mainstay of how college basketball rosters are filled out, there will be no shortage of opportunities for awkward reunions. Players who thought they were tranfersring to greener pastures will undoubtedly face a program that has done fine without them, also qualifying for the tourney. Among those intriguing storylines brewing—one that could pit Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn against his former Wisconsin team in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home battle. With both programs eyeing a spot in the field of 68, a potential reunion on the court wouldn’t just be compelling—it would be personal.
Hepburn, who spent three seasons as Wisconsin’s floor general before transferring to Louisville, has quickly become an integral piece for the Cardinals. His defensive tenacity and poise under pressure once made him a beloved figure in Madison, but now, those same traits could spell trouble for the Badgers should they meet in the tournament. Depending on how the bracket shakes out, Louisville could enter as a lower-seeded team looking to pull off an upset, while Wisconsin’s steadier season might earn them a more favorable placement. That kind of disparity would only heighten the drama if the two programs are matched up in the early rounds.
If the selection committee delivers this potential clash, fans would be treated to a rare and emotionally charged battle where Hepburn’s deep knowledge of Wisconsin’s system could work in Louisville’s favor. Would his familiarity with Greg Gard’s schemes give the Cardinals an edge? Or would the Badgers’ defense, one he helped define during his tenure in Madison, have the perfect blueprint to shut him down?
Fingerprints of Former Florida Atlantic Stars All Over Tourney Bracket
Speaking of the transfer portal, the Cinderella story of the 2023 NCAA Tournament will have its fingerprints all over this college basketball bracket. Four former Owls—Johnell Davis (Arkansas), Alijah Martin (Florida), Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), and Nick Boyd (San Diego State) are all key contributors on their new teams. With each of their squads in the mix for a March Madness berth, the tournament could deliver an emotional reunion—this time as opponents.
Davis, the explosive guard who helped lead FAU’s magical run, has brought his scoring prowess to Arkansas, while Martin is making his presence felt at Florida. Goldin, a dominant force in the paint, provides Michigan with size and rim protection, and Boyd’s veteran leadership has been crucial for a normally mature San Diego State program.
Even the 2023 FAU’s head coach Dusty May could resurface in this storyline. He cashed in the 2023 run for a head coaching position at Michigan and took Vladislav Goldin with him.
Even Brenen Lorient, a role player at best on that FAU Final 4 team, could pop onto the radar screen. His North Texas Mean Green team wouldn’t be a big surprise to win the American Athletic Conference tournament because they’re currently slated as a 2 seed there. They’d likely have to knock off AP Top 25 team Memphis in the process.
March is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of college basketball’s most crucial stretch. With conference tournaments looming and Selection Sunday approaching, every game carries weight. Let’s break down today’s key matchups and make some predictions.
Clemson has been one of the most impressive underdogs throughout the season, showing strong performances against top-tier teams. Their size and experience give them a major advantage against a Virginia squad that has struggled to find consistency. Look for Clemson to control the game on both ends and cover the 7.5-point spread.
Maryland is coming off a tough loss to Michigan State, but this matchup against an inconsistent Penn State team presents a great opportunity for the Terrapins to bounce back. With a stronger defensive presence and the ability to capitalize on Penn State’s lapses, Maryland should be able to win and cover the spread.
Rivalry games are always tricky to predict. This matchup between Providence and UConn is no exception. UConn has been dominant in stretches but has shown some vulnerability. Providence, on the other hand, always plays tough in these contests. Six and a half points might be too much to lay in a rivalry battle, so this one could go either way.
Prediction: Providence covers (+6.5)
Butler at Villanova (-7.5)
Villanova looked like a tournament team just a few weeks ago, but their recent form has been shaky. The 6.5-point spread is a bit too generous for a Villanova team that hasn’t been at its best lately. Butler is fighting to finish as a .500 team this season, but just showed some feisty play against a top 10 St. John’s team. Give me the Bulldogs!
Prediction: Butler covers (+7.5)
Miami at North Carolina (-17.5)
North Carolina might be making the ultimate correction to their season in a last ditch effort to compete for an ACC (tournament) championship. However, 17.5 points is a massive spread in any conference game. While Miami has been blown out several times this season, they might be able to keep this one within reach. Still, UNC is the better team by far, and Miami’s defensive issues could make this an uphill battle for them. I am honestly staying away from this game altogether. If you need to pick this game, go with Miami!
(Of course, you should never feel like you need to make a sports betting pick. If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, help is available. For support, call 1-800-Gambler or visit this site).
Prediction: North Carolina wins, but Miami covers (+17.5)
Auburn at Kentucky (+5.5)
Auburn has been playing well, but they are due for an outright loss. Kentucky, playing at home, will have the crowd behind them and the talent to pull off the upset. Given Auburn’s recent trends and Kentucky’s potential for a big win, this could be the game where Auburn stumbles.
Prediction: Kentucky wins outright (+5.5)
March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!
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Coach John Calipari has the experience to guide Arkansas through a tough road test at South Carolina. With a tight spread, this game could come down to the wire, but Arkansas should have just enough to cover.
Prediction: Arkansas covers (+1)
Alabama (+3.5) at Tennessee
Alabama is hitting its stride at the right time, scoring at an elite level. While Tennessee is formidable at home, Alabama has a real shot to not only cover but also win outright.
Prediction: Alabama covers (+3.5) and could win outright
Oregon (-7.5) vs. USC
Oregon is coming off an inspirational comeback win against Wisconsin, and that momentum should carry over into this matchup. USC has been inconsistent, and Oregon’s depth and confidence should be enough to secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Oregon covers (-7.5)
Houston (-13.5) vs. Cincinnati
Houston has the talent to dominate this matchup, but Cincinnati might keep it closer in the first half before the Cougars pull away late.
Prediction: Houston covers (-13.5), but not on the first-half line
Missouri (-2.5) at Vanderbilt
Missouri should be able to handle Vanderbilt on the road and still cover the 2.5-point spread. Their ability to close out games should help them secure the win.
Prediction: Missouri covers (-2.5)
Arizona State (+7.5) at Utah
Arizona State is getting too many points against a Utah team that just lost its head coach. This is the pick of the day, as Arizona State should keep this game close, if not win outright.
Prediction: Arizona State covers (+7.5) – Pick of the Day
Georgia (+4.5) at Texas
Texas tends to play close games, and Georgia is a live underdog in this spot. Expect Georgia to keep this one tight and potentially steal a win.
Prediction: Georgia covers (+4.5)
March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!
BYU (-10.5) vs. West Virginia
BYU has the home-court advantage and the firepower to handle West Virginia. The Mountaineers have struggled to find consistency this season, making this a prime spot for BYU to cover the double-digit spread.
Prediction: BYU covers (-10.5)
Texas A&M (+9.5) at Florida
Texas A&M plays its best basketball as an underdog, and after a surprising home loss to Vanderbilt, the Aggies will be looking for a strong response. Florida has been solid but not dominant, making this a great opportunity for Texas A&M to keep the game close and cover the spread.
Prediction: Texas A&M covers (+9.5)
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Matty D here from CollegeBasketballItest.com, and I’m back again with another round of early college basketball picks. This approach worked well for me last week, and I’m looking to keep the momentum going. Let’s dive into some suspect spreads and intriguing matchups from today’s slate.
Tennessee vs. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is favored by 1.5 points in this matchup against Tennessee. This might come as a surprise considering I’ve been high on Texas A&M as a potential championship contender at 40 or 50 to 1 odds. However, despite my faith in the Aggies, I think Tennessee is the better team. The Vols haven’t played to their full potential over the last month, but I see this as a good spot for them. I’m taking Tennessee and the 1.5 points here.
Oregon vs. Wisconsin
Oregon is an 8.5-point underdog against Wisconsin. The Badgers have been playing strong basketball recently, but Oregon is fighting for a tournament spot, and 8.5 points is a lot to be giving up. I like Oregon to cover in this one.
Florida State vs. Louisville
Louisville is favored by 13.5 points against Florida State. The Seminoles have struggled lately, and with Louisville’s up-tempo style of play under head coach Pat Kelsey, I think they have the potential to cover the spread. They’re a top-25 team, and with their current momentum, they could handle this one convincingly.
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia
West Virginia is laying 11.5 points against Texas Tech. This is a tough game to call, especially with West Virginia missing one of its key players, Tucker DeVries, whose father, Darian DeVries, is the team’s head coach. If I had to pick, I’d lean toward West Virginia, but this might be a game to avoid altogether.
Iowa State vs. Houston
One of the marquee matchups of the day features Iowa State taking on Houston. Both teams are elite defensively and could make deep tournament runs. Surprisingly, Iowa State is getting 11.5 points. In what should be a low-scoring defensive battle, that’s a big number to be receiving. I like Iowa State to cover, especially since they might be looking for a bounce-back performance after a disappointing showing recently.
Georgia vs. Auburn
Auburn is a 16.5-point favorite against Georgia. The Bulldogs have been a tough out for some SEC teams this season, making this a tricky game. I’m staying away from this one because I don’t want to be sweating in the final moments to see if Auburn covers or not.
Clemson vs. SMU
SMU put on an offensive clinic against Notre Dame recently, so I’m surprised to see them as an underdog at home against Clemson. With SMU getting 1.5 points, I’m taking them in this spot.
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas
Kansas is giving 14.5 points to Oklahoma State, and I don’t think they should be laying that many points to anyone right now. The Jayhawks have been inconsistent, especially during their trip out west against Utah and BYU. I’ll probably stay away from this game entirely, but if I had to pick, I’d take Oklahoma State with the points.
Florida vs. LSU
Florida is favored by 10.5 points against LSU. The Tigers are one of the few SEC teams unlikely to make the tournament, while Florida is in contention for a No. 1 seed. I believe Florida can cover the spread here, as they have much more at stake.
Kentucky vs. Alabama
This game was an instant classic when these two teams faced off in Lexington on MLK weekend. Now, Kentucky is a 10.5-point underdog as they travel to Alabama. That spread seems a bit high, but I’ll be holding off on making a final call until I see more developments.
St. Mary’s Visits Gonzaga as a 6 Point Favorite
St. Mary’s and Gonzaga battled things out about a month ago with St. Mary’s hosting as a slight underdog. In a bizarre display of many missed free throws, the Gaels survived an ugly contest. I just think Gonzaga is overdue for a good showing here at home and a quality win to solidify a tournament berth as a lower seed than we’re used to seeing the Bulldogs. My guess is that they’ll finish the season as a 9 or 10 seed.
College Basketball Against the Spread Picks – Closing Thought
That wraps up my early thoughts as I roll out of bed, checking for suspect spreads. Be sure to check out my website, CollegeBasketballItest.com, as well as my YouTube and Twitter for more picks and insights. Let me know what you’re seeing today, and enjoy the action!
We are spotting a bunch of Suspect Spreads on this Saturday, but also a handful of 2 or 3 point favorites where we don’t want to flirt with the points.
The headline game for the day is the Florida Gators getting 9 1/2 points visiting the number 1 overall ranked team in America, Auburn. Gator point guard Watler Clayton Jr. is not listed on an injury report, so I’m rolling with the Gators to compete for a 1 seed in the tournament here.
Here are the picks for today:
My picks are listed as the first team mentioned in each row.
2025 Handicapping Recap for College Basketball Eye Test to Date:
Overall ATS Record: 17-10, 9-1 on teasers
First Picks of 2025 was only dipping my toe in the water with this teaser card that went 9-1 overall:
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As the 2025 NCAA Tournament draws closer, Wake Forest has emerged as an intriguing team to watch. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Forbes, the Demon Deacons have showcased a dynamic style of play, a testament to Forbes’ ability to mold his roster into a cohesive and competitive unit. Combining a versatile scoring attack, improved three-point shooting, and strategic adjustments, Wake Forest is poised to make noise in March.
[ Looking for this year’s roster for sons of NBA players in NCAA Basketball? Click here.]
How Head Coach Steve Forbes Is Performing in Fifth Year at Wake Forest
Steve Forbes has quickly become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball. At Wichita State, Forbes helped coach the Shockers to two of the most successful seasons in program history. Wichita State went 30-5 on the season and recorded its third consecutive season of 30 wins or more. He then went on to become a head man at East Tennessee State, where he miraculously led that program to a 30-4 record in his final season there.
Known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to maximize his players’ strengths, Forbes has revitalized a Wake Forest program that was searching for consistency. His strategic brilliance lies in adapting his systems to suit his players’ evolving skills, which has been on full display this season. One of Forbes’ greatest strengths is his ability to foster player development. He has cultivated a culture of accountability and growth, helping athletes like Hunter Sallis and Elfrid Reid III take their games to new heights. His impact goes beyond the court, instilling confidence and leadership qualities that resonate throughout the team.
How Gonzaga transfer Hunter Sallis is the Key to Wake Forest Final 4 Hopes
A key piece of Wake Forest’s success this season is Hunter Sallis, whose scoring versatility has made him one of the most dynamic players in the ACC. Sallis has shown significant improvement in his shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. During the 2024 portion of the season, Sallis struggled from three-point range, shooting just 31.6% (30 made out of 95 attempts). However, in 2025, he has turned a corner, boosting his three-point shooting percentage to an impressive 42.9% (9 made out of 21 attempts).
Sallis’ improvement as a long-range shooter complements his ability to attack the basket and create scoring opportunities off the dribble. With his expanded offensive arsenal, he has become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His recent performances, including a 30-point outing against Stanford, highlight his ability to carry the scoring load for Wake Forest when needed.
Rare 4-Year Program Player Puts Legitimacy to Demon Deacon’s Tourney Hopes
Adding a rare quality to Wake Forest’s lineup is Cameron Hildreth, a four-year player who has remained loyal to the program throughout his college career. The Englishman, hailing from Worthing, England, brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team. Hildreth’s consistency and adaptability have made him a stabilizing presence on the court, whether he’s facilitating the offense, knocking down shots, or defending the opposition’s best perimeter player. His journey with Wake Forest embodies the type of commitment and growth that defines the program’s culture under Steve Forbes.
Wake Forest only had one quad 1/quad 2 win heading into its road win mid-January against Virginia Tech. Still, it’s hard to argue with an ACC record of 7-1 and cliimbing.
You Can’t Teach Size
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Demon Deacons’ offense is the emergence of Elfrid Reid III as a legitimate perimeter threat. Previously known for his work in the post and mid-range, Reid has developed a reliable three-point shot, forcing opponents to rethink their defensive strategies. This is not a volume play. However, his ability to step out and hit from beyond the arc has opened up the floor for Wake Forest, creating driving lanes for Sallis and opportunities for other players to thrive. He may only live in the 20-25 percent range for 3pt efficiency, but it’s enough of a threat to keep the defense honest.
Why Wake Forest Basketball is a team to Watch
The combination of Forbes’ strategic acumen, Sallis’ scoring prowess, and Reid’s floor-spacing abilities has turned Wake Forest into one of the most balanced and unpredictable teams in the country. They’ve shown they can win in various ways, whether it’s a high-scoring shootout or a gritty defensive battle.
As the postseason approaches, the Demon Deacons will look to build on their momentum and prove they belong in the conversation among the nation’s elite. With their ability to adapt and evolve, Wake Forest could be a dark horse to watch when March Madness begins.
The national conversation about whether the Men’s College Basketball Tournament should expand beyond 68 teams is getting weak support from the teams around the bubble. For example, Rick Pitino just publicly blasted his team for being un-athletic and “the most un-enjoyable experience I’ve had as a coach.” As we enter March, Pitino’s team is the poster child for making the tournament as the bubble team.
Here are some other teams not helping their cause when it comes to expanding the tournament, or expanding their own 2023-24 season.
Last 4 in: Seton Hall, Wake Forest, TCU, Virginia Last 4 out: Villanova, New Mexico, Utah, Mississippi State Way out: St. John’s, Memphis, Colorado St., Utah
Alarms Sounding for Snoozing Wake Forest and its tournament chances
Wake Forest is the poster child for the type of bubble team the 2023-2024 Men’s College Basketball season is producing. They’re hit-or-miss. Right after its dramatic win against Duke where court-storming became the story, the headline for Demon Deacon fans was their qualification for the tournament. Surely, a win over top ranked Duke would put them over the edge. However, that February 24th victory was followed by three really bad back-to-back losses to Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech respectively. Even winning two of those three games would have likely kept a 20-10 team on the inside looking out. Instead, now they face a tough Clemson team in a must-win regular season finale where 19-12 still might make the cut.
Note: On March 9th, Damari Monsanto popped up again on injury reports after returning in February from a serious knee injury. Click here for a full list of player injuries you should monitor before filling out your March Madness bracket!
Wake will ultimately be judged by their conference tournament performance. And that list goes on…
Texas A&M Men’s Basketball Season on the Brink of Extinction
Like most bubble teams across America, Texas A&M can’t get out of its own way. Whenever they score what seams like a tournament-berth-ensuring win, they follow it up with a head-scratching loss. And this is the trend nationwide. The Aggies beat 6th ranked Tennessee on February 10th and were on the inside of the bubble looking out. Then, they lost at Vanderbilt, giving the Commodores only their second win on the season. The Aggies then spiraled and are currently in a 5 game losing streak. By themselves, each of those losses can be justified, except perhaps for the Vandy one. However, now the Aggies aren’t even in the bubble conversation.
After UCONN, Marquette, and Creighton, the Big East is a hot mess of bubble teams. You could argue that all of these teams had their opportunities and squandered them. There is seemingly a wide gap between the upper crust of this conference and the middle tier. Villanova can’t break through a glass ceiling in its own conference. The Wildcats got beat by 22 points to UCONN to finish out February. They got beat by Marquette. The Wildcats won against Creighton, but struggled within its own state in out-of-conference resume opportunities. Villanova’s non-conference resume is riddled with losses against Pennsylvania, Drexel, and St. Joseph’s. Those losses don’t bode well for Villanova’s tournament hopes. Yet, still the Wildcats are always listed on the bubble graphics.
One look at Villanova or St. John’s on the court shows a tier below tournament quality.
Conversely, Seton Hall is a certified tournament team in my opinion. By the way, this is author Matt DeSarle, just your average college basketball fanatic who also owns a small business that does media production.
The Seton Hall Pirates are 18-10 on the season, but context matters. The two losses were while star wing Kadary Richmond was out with an undisclosed injury.
The Pirates lost to Creighton in trouble overtime while Richmond was out. They also lost to Providence in a consecutive game there. Having split with Creighton and struggled against the upper crust of UCONN and Marquette, Seton Halls is looking like the most quintessential 10 or 11 seed in the tournament.
Mediocre Mountain West Moves Mob Towards March
If you follow CBBEyeTest on Twitter, you know that I don’t believe in the Mountain West. Are you already thinking about San Diego State? Sure, they were the runner up to the national championship last year. However, all the other Mountain West teams haven’t won ONE tournament game in the past several years. The Aztecs seem to carry a subgroup of mediocre teams and their NET rankings, puling their conference peers NET closer to the teens.
Update: Boise State beat San Diego State on their floor on Friday night, March 8th. That will continue to solidify the gravitational pull for this conference around the Net 18-40th range with multiple Mountain West planets spinning in that orbit.
But look at the sub-500 records among many of these teams in the middle of the pack. New Mexico and Colorado State both have losing records in Quad 1 games. The also lose Quad 2 games. Teams shouldn’t be rewarded for just playing well at home, dominating Quad 3/4 games, and occasionally beating San Diego State. I’m looking at you, Colorado State, Boise State, and Utah State! Nevada is actually the lone wolf in this conference that I’m starting to believe in. They just went into Colorado State and won without their leading scorer, Kenan Blackshear.
If you are exploring the futures market or already filling out your bracket, you need to do a status check on these men’s college basketball player injuries first!
🏀🏀Selection Sunday Edition last updated March 15, 2025 🏀🏀
Will Cooper Flagg Play Injured During March Madness for the Duke Blue Devils?
Just as news was announced that Duke superstar freshman would miss the ACC Championship game, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated were reporting that Flagg would be playing in the NCAA Tournament.
For Duke, it’s not only Cooper Flagg whose injury is stressing out fans. Fellow projected NBA pick and forward Maliq Brown has also been spotted on the sidelines wearing an arm wrap after dislocating his shoulder.
Texas Tech Twin Injuries that Could Ruin a Deep-Run for Red Raiders
Chance McMillian and Darrian Williams each missed Texas Tech’s last game in the Big 12 Tournament, which was also a lop-sided loss to Arizona.
Alabama snagged a 2-seed in the tournament, but wasn’t sure the tournament availability of its big man, Grant Nelson. On conference championship weekend, Alabama.com was reporting that the injury wasn’t structural.
Grant Nelson stretches the floor for a high scoring Alabama attack
Memphis Basketball Injury Status for Star Guard Tyrese Hunter
During the American Conference semifinal, Tyrese Hunter landed awkwardly on another players toes. He found himself on the sidelines in a walking boot for the rest of that contest against Tulane.
Tyrese Hunter gets a foot boot in the semifinal of his conference tournament.
Arkansas Hogs Hope for Big Bonus if their Bubble Berth Gets Buttoned-Up
Once expected to miss the entire season, Arkansas’s guard Boogie Fland could add a major boost to the Razorback’s roster if he rebounds from a hand injury. The setback happened in January, but reports started to surface around Selection Sunday that Fland is returning to practice.
Iowa State lists Nagging Injuries during Championship Week
The Cyclones are another team limping to the finish line of the regular season. Covers.com had both key rotation players Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey listed on the injury report as they both missed the Cyclone’s last game which was a rematch against BYU in the Big 12 Tournament. Lipsey and Gilbert had both played the prior game the day beforehand to Cincinnati, so one would assume they were being treated with care to avoid games on consecutive days.
Gilbert himself tweeted more information late Sunday, answering to speculation:
“Love/appreciate all of your support! i want yall to kno that there is nothing more to the situation. Im battling an injury that just can’t seem to get better while playing on it. But enough about me! We a 3 seed in Milwaukee .. Ik the guys are going to make you all proud!”-KG2Times on Twitter
Tender Wrist for St. John’s Hands-On Defense
Simeon Wilcher of St. John’s injured his hand in the semifinal game in the Big East Tournament, but played in the championship game the following day against Creighton.
Other Injuries from the Archives Only for the 2024-2025 College Basketball Season
<The headlines below are archival references preceding >
Kansas KJ Adams Misses Time, Jayhawks Take Opportunity to Develop Depth
KJ Adams missed some time for the Kansas Jayhawks in late January. The one major loss suffered during that period was an embarrassing late collapse at Allen Fieldhouse against the Houston Cougars. However, this could ultimately be a good thing. This allowed the Jayhawks to develop the depth of their roster. Freshman forward Flory Bidunga flourished despite losing to Houston. He got some rare playing time and showed flashes of greatness in the post. Add him to a front line that includes Hunter Dickinson, who is having a healthy season for the chalky Jayhawks, and KU is suddenly looking like a dangerous blood blood that somehow snuck under the radar.
It is impossible to replace the production that Hunter Dickinson brings to KU Hoops. After a 2023-2024 season that saw him miss some time, Dickinson has played every game for the Jayhawks in November, December and January. His game log (and our eye test) shows consistent rebounding numbers between 8 and 14 per game. Dickinson can also get hot as a scorer, with a high ceiling in the high 20s.
Xavier NBA Prospect Plays after Limping Off Court Against St. John’s Mid-January
Xavier Sophomore Dailyn Swain was averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds when his squad was riding a 3 game winning streak and battling St. John’s in a Big East showdown at MSG. Swain was injured late and limped off the court as Xavier was in the middle of squandering a health lead.
Still, Swain returned right to the lineup in the next game. Instead, Xavier basketball has three other injuries listed on the Covers.com site.
College Basketball Eye Test 