Bubble Watch: UMass Minutemen

In the 1990’s, the Atlantic 10 was what the Missouri Valley Conference is today. The chic mid-major conference. And who was at the forefront? The UMass Minutemen. Led by John Calipari and the immortal Marcus Camby, they were the dominant force in mid-major entertainment.

Now a decade later, how are they? Let’s find out.

 

UMass Minutemen (18-9, 7-6)
RPI: 37
SOS: 43
vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Top 50: 2-4
Quality Wins: @ Syracuse, Rhode Island (2), @ Dayton
Bad Losses: @ St. Louis, @ Northern Iowa, Fordham

Another mid-major of inconsistent play. They can go into the Carrier Dome and take out the Orangemen, and yet the Fordham Rams can take them down at home. Only now have they righted themselves and are seeming to go on a little bit of a run.

Remaining Games: @ Richmond, LaSalle, @ George Washington

And there’s the rub. All three are more than winnable, but they have been fallen by seemingly inferior road teams. Hold serve and they end up at 21-9, 10-6. But if they lose one, it could be a deathblow.

 

Final Judgements
Record: 21-11, 10-8, Out in the 2nd round
Last 10 Games: 7-5

Are they In? If they want an at-large berth, they better not lose to George Washington or Richmond. They’ve done enough, if they hold serve.