Fansided

College Basketball Bubble Watch: Week 16

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange fans celebrate on the court following the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange fans celebrate on the court following the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 22, 2017; Omaha, NE, USA; Providence Friars guard Maliek White (4) and forward Kalif Young (13) react to a basket against the Creighton Bluejays at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Providence defeated Creighton 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Omaha, NE, USA; Providence Friars guard Maliek White (4) and forward Kalif Young (13) react to a basket against the Creighton Bluejays at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Providence defeated Creighton 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Providence Friars 

Three straight wins over good teams suddenly has Providence right on the bubble after its NCAA Tournament hopes looked to be dashed just two weeks ago.

The Friars recovered from a Feb. 8 overtime loss to Seton Hall with back-to-back home wins over Butler and Xavier. On Wednesday night, Providence earned its best road win of the year with a 68-66 triumph at Creighton on a late, game-winning three by Kyron Cartwright.

While Providence may need to finish above .500 in conference play, its at least in the discussion with a 17-11 overall record and 7-8 mark in the Big East, including those three straight wins over top 50 teams. Non-conference victories over Vermont and Rhode Island boost the profile at least a bit, and the recent win against Butler looks even better after the Bulldogs took down mighty Villanova on Wednesday night.

The Friars are in decent shape in the RPI at No. 52. which is well ahead of fellow Big East bubble team Marquette. Ed Cooley’s team owns the No. 39 adjusted defense in the nation per KenPom behind the strength of star forward Randy Bullock on the interior.

Completing the season sweep of Marquette at home on Saturday would provide a big boost while also potentially moving the Friars ahead of the Golden Eagles on the seed line. Providence will also need to avoid a disastrous loss against DePaul at home three days later.