With just over a month remaining in the regular season, the Atlantic 10 and Mountain West conferences are shaping up to be two of the best mid-major leagues. Both conferences have strong opportunities to send more than one team into the NCAA Tournament. Below is a breakdown of the four teams from each league with the best chance to see their name on Selection Sunday.
Atlantic 10
Saint Louis: Current Seed – 9
The Billikens started off non-conference play strong with a win over LSU, but have faced a long pause in their season due to COVID-19 and find themselves without a marquee win at this point. Saint Louis will have good opportunities ahead against Richmond and VCU to build up its resume and improve its already strong metrics.
St. Bonaventure: Current Seed – 11-12 range (current A-10 auto-bid)
Despite starting off the year with minimal non-conference games, the Bonnies have already picked up two good conference wins against Richmond and VCU. Without any of the top A-10 teams remaining on its current schedule, the key for St. Bonaventure will be winning as many games as possible down the stretch.
VCU: Current Seed – Next 4 Out
The Rams began the season with good non-conference wins over Utah State and Memphis, but have dropped a few early opportunities to pick up good wins in conference. With games coming up against Richmond, Saint Louis and Davidson, VCU will have multiple chances to strengthen its resume.
Richmond: Current Seed – Next 4 Out
When Richmond defeated Kentucky in Lexington back in November, it looked like the sky was the limit for the Spiders. But after dealing with pauses and missed opportunities, Richmond's momentum has slowed. It's win over Loyola Chicago will continue to carry weight for its resume, but its two games coming up against Saint Louis and two against VCU will be key.
Mountain West
Boise State: Current Seed – 9-10 range
Up until its loss to Colorado State on Wednesday, Boise State had been taking care of business, having only lost to Houston in its first game of the season. The Broncos still have above-average metrics and a chance to avenge their loss against the Rams later this week. Boise State will also have two games against Utah State and two against San Diego State to help solidify its at-large case.
Colorado State: Current Seed – Last 4 In
The Rams have taken advantage of the MW back-to-back series, having already split games against San Diego State and Utah State. Despite entering league play without an impactful non-conference win, Colorado State will have a chance to go for the sweep of Boise State on Friday and keep its tournament hopes alive.
San Diego State: Current Seed – Last 4 In
The Aztecs began their season with an impressive win over UCLA and had just one loss to a good BYU team heading into conference play. But due to injuries and some dropped opportunities, San Diego State has found itself on the bubble. The Aztecs will have a very winnable remaining schedule leading into their final series against Boise State in late February.
Utah State: Current Seed – just outside of Next 4 Out
After a sweep of San Diego State and a series split against Colorado State, Utah State was strongly in the bubble discussion. But a loss to UNLV earlier this week dropped the Aggies down the bubble. Heading down the stretch, Utah State still has a trip to Boise State to continue to keep its resume afloat.
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