The signature win is something every college basketball team residing within the confines of the bubble needs. It is the win that moves you ahead of the mediocre team in another power conference. It is the win that gets you ahead of the mid-major who just couldn’t finish the fight in the conference tournament. Today’s Bubble Watch belongs to last night’s team who did the deed.
Miami Hurricanes (17-7, 5-6)
RPI: 28
SOS: 33
vs. Top 25 RPI: 2-2
vs. Top 50 RPI: 3-2
Quality Wins: Duke, Clemson, @ Mississippi State
Bad Losses: Winthrop
This is a team that’s finally spun out of it’s skid. Outside of what could be classified as an upset win over Clemson (based on it being the lone win in a seven game stretch) Miami went from being ranked to being on the outside looking in real quick. But conference road wins at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech only served to be an appetizer for the shocking win over #3 in your RPI and media rankings Duke.
Remaining Games: Maryland, @Clemson, Virginia, Boston College, @ Florida State
Raise your hand if you said Maryland plays down to the level of its competition? While it is a pat on the back for yours truly, it could very well give the game in Tallahassee some added importance. Because while the first meeting in Clemson could be considered an upset in theory, for the Canes to go up to Littlejohn (YEAY!) Coliseum and take down the W would be a true upset.
Final Judgements
Record: 21-10 (9-9) Out in Round 2 of the conference tournament.
Last 12 Games: 7-5
Are they In? Signs point to yes. So long as they don’t lose the majority of their home games, they’re fine, everybody loves the ACC.
