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Bracket Brad isn’t without random thoughts and opinions. Whether discussing team trends or other perspectives, he’ll occasionally spout his bracketology-related reactions on The Gaming Juice.
The pick — Kansas State to make the NCAA Tournament (+198, FanDuel)
Less than two weeks ago, Kansas State’s odds of making this year’s NCAA Tournament were equivalent to the apocalyptic 130-to-300-foot asteroid scientists recently suggested could impact Earth in December 2032.
With an overall record below .500 and only a couple of noteworthy wins, the Tang Gang’s at-large chances weren’t insignificant, but they weren’t substantial either.
Now, the Wildcats have every bracketologist on high alert.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
K-State has emerged on the right side in six straight contests, including Quadrant 1 triumphs at Iowa State and at home against Kansas and Arizona. With a strong finish, its once infinitesimal at-large odds could swell.
That, my fellow March-minded friends, is some drama on par with the climax in “Armageddon.”
Here’s to you, Harry Stamper.
In another weak bubble year, Coleman Hawkins and company own an increasingly bright resume.
The Wildcats play in the Big 12, widely considered the third-toughest conference in the land, and they sport a 4-5 record against Quadrant 1 opponents, totaling more key victories than fellow Bubbleville residents BYU, Wake Forest, Georgia, SMU and Arkansas. Also, they’ve played a rigorous slate, ranking No. 20 in overall strength of schedule.
Yes, a pair of Quad 3 losses are unavoidable black eyes, and the 11 losses are hard to ignore. However, all teams teetering IN or OUT of the NCAA Tournament field exhibit a noticeable flaw or two this time of year. K-State’s sterling SOS and quality victories are differentiators. Period.
Sweat glands are bound to be overactive in Manhattan on Selection Sunday. The Wildcats have a fairly clear path of quelling nerves, though.
As it currently stands, Kansas State has at least four Quadrant 1 opponents remaining — at BYU, at UCF, at Cincinnati and home against Iowa State. If the Wildcats win three of those four matchups — and don’t wrench an ankle in their other winnable games and advance two rounds in the Big 12 tourney — they will experience elation on March 16.
What was unthinkable not long ago, K-State can finish on the right side of the bubble. Keep in mind: Eleven teams in the NCAA Tournament expansion era (since 1985) have earned at-large berths with 14 defeats. In other words, precedence gives the Wildcats some wiggle room.
They still have work to do. Their No. 69 NET standing isn’t the nicest, but with a stirring finish, the long odds of having their name called on Selection Sunday isn’t some Hollywood fantasy.
Speaking as an investor at +198, “K-S-U long, long may thy colors fly."