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Based on CollegeHoops.net's most recent Bracketology projection, here is how the NCAA Tournament Bubble currently stands. CHN will publish Bubble Watch on Tuesday's following the Bracketology update.

A review of the week that was in college basketball focusing on the best (and worst) performances. Check in every Monday morning for our weekly awards.

 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

To say that there were some complaints about the "quality" of Saturday's schedule would be an understatement as many felt that the college basketball slate wouldn't provide much intrigue. But once again college basketball didn't disappoint the fans, with the big result being Iowa State's 72-64 win over #5 Kansas. The Cyclones won despite turning the ball over 19 times by getting to the foul line and controlling the boards. ISU attempted 34 free throws (making 25) to just sixteen for the Jayhawks (who made ten) in handing the visitors their first Big 12 loss.

It looks as if the schedule-makers in the Mountain West wanted to spark some serious national conversation about the conference from the beginning of league play because the first full week of play will feature all three expected contenders facing each other. Wednesday's slate features #16 San Diego State (15-2, 1-0), fresh off of their two-point win over UNLV, visiting The Pit to take on a New Mexico (15-2, 1-0) squad that's quietly won thirteen in a row.

Dayton

Saint Louis

Temple

Xavier

Other (Charlotte, Duquesne, Fordham, GW, La Salle, Richmond, SBU, SJU, UMASS, URI)

Dayton

UMASS

Rhode Island

Richmond

St Bonaventure

St Louis

Temple

Xavier

1

2

3

4

5

6+

Betting odds are a great guide to college basketball entertainment. Unlike fans, who often ride the wave of media predictions, betting lines tend to be a bit more focused and can give you an objective picture of how teams matchup (though lines too can get caught up in the wave of human emotion).

 

It's a light Monday on the schedule but there are some intriguing matchups to be seen. At the top of the list is Massachusetts heading to New Jersey to take on an undefeated yet relaitvely untested Seton Hall squad. The Pirates' best win came at Cornell and all they've done since then is quietly take care of business against inferior competition. Bobby Gonzalez's team is going to play fast and the importance of the addition of Herb Pope can't be overstated. He's added another interior presence to the team and the New Mexico State transfer is currently averaging a double-double.

Dayton and Xavier have legitimate Top 25 hopes, while usual standard-bearers like St. Joseph's and Temple may have to make way for up-and-coming programs like Duquesne, La Salle, and Richmond.