Being on the bubble is one of the most exciting times a team can experience. Every game is a must win. Because of this, being on the bubble is one of the most stressful things a team can experience.
The Cougars were victorious last night and ended the USC win streak at four. That means that Wsahington State is now, officially, on a win streak. They have beaten Washington and now USC and have put together as good a stretch as they have all season.
But is it too little too late? Can The Cougars grab the attention of the selection committee and break into the field of 68 by getting an at-large bid?
With the schedule they have left, Washington State can do what it takes, but it won't be easy.
ESPN's Doug Gottleib was quoted as saying on Sunday night after the Washington/Washington State game that if Washington State were to win their next three games, USC, UCLA and at least one game in the Pac-10 tournament in LA, they would more than likely find their way into, not only Joe Lunardi's bracetology projection, but into the actual field.
One down, three to go.
This Saturday, UCLA makes their way into Friel Court at Beasley Colosseum in what now becomes the biggest game of the year for both teams. A UCLA win, coupled with an Arizona loss to Oregon, and UCLA cliches a share of yet another Pac-10 title. A WSU win, keeps their dreams alive for another day.
The game should be a good one. It will be broadcast nationally on FSN and anything less than a back-and-forth barn burner will be unacceptable.
These two teams are more even than it may appear at first look. Ken Pomeroy of Kenpom.com predicts that Washington State, the 48th team in the nation, will beat, 41st team in the nation, by a score of 68-65 with 63% confidence.
When it comes to predictions, 63% is practically nothing. With everything riding on the line for both teams, it will be one hell of a game. If the Cougars can continue their roll, they can still make it to the spot all teams want when they start the season: The NCAA tournament.