Michigan basketball: Bracketology update ahead of Selection Sunday

It will come down to the wire if the Michigan basketball team makes the NCAA Tournament.

Michigan basketball fans have to feel very anxious heading into Selection Sunday this year.

Entering Selection Sunday, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi had Juwan Howard’s Wolverines as one of the last four teams in along with Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Wyoming. However, the first two of four conference championship games played on Sunday will have a huge impact on these four squads and several others who are firmly on the bubble. How worried should Michigan be?

There is a chance the Richmond Spiders could prevent the Wolverines from dancing after winning the A-10 Championship over the heavily favored Davidson Wildcats. Texas A&M probably still gets in, despite getting blown out by the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Championship Game down in Tampa. No doubt about it, the Richmond win over Davidson will be bursting a handful of bubbles.

Look for this to be an absolutely agonizing last few hours for the Michigan faithful.

Michigan basketball: Selection Sunday bracketology update for the Wolverines

Removing Wyoming from the equation, it really feels like either Michigan or Notre Dame will be getting in, but not both. Again, the A-10 championship propelling Richmond into the big dance will negatively impact teams like Michigan or Notre Dame who are very much on the bubble. Texas A&M could be hurt as well, but the Aggies getting to the SEC Championship really helps them out.

Ultimately, not playing for a conference championship in the Big Ten hurts Michigan considerably. The same principle applies to Notre Dame not playing for one in the ACC. Though both schools may benefit from playing in a Power Six league, having to venture into the wonderful world of at-large bids could be their undoing this year. At this time, it is a flip of the coin if either team gets in.

Richmond winning the A-10 could be the kiss of death spider bite for Michigan’s tourney dreams.

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