BUBBLE WATCH

Here’s a look at some winners and losers on the NCAA Tournament bubble from conference tournament action:

Winners

Syracuse: Despite losing to top-seeded Virginia on a buzzer-beater Thursday, the Orange (16-9, 9-7 ACC) are squeezing into the projected field as one of the “last four in.” They have done enough by beating North Carolina State in the second round of the ACC Tournament — their third win in a row. Still, without another game to play, it’s going to be close for coach Jim Boeheim’s team, which has just one Quadrant 1 win. Wichita State: The Shockers (16-5, 11-2 AAC) fell 60-59 to Cincinnati in the conference semifinals Saturday. Even though Wichita State was the regular-season champion, its profile isn’t so safe. It now likely will be among the “last four in.” The Shockers’ NET score in the 60s is troublesome, as are just two Quadrant 1 wins. But there’s enough there, including a top-15 nonconference strength of schedule.

Losers

Boise State: The Broncos (18-8, 14-6 Mountain West) fell to Nevada in the conference quarterfinals. That setback — the third consecutive loss to the Wolf Pack — could be costly. Boise State’s résumé features the second-best nonconference strength of schedule in the country and a NET score in the low 40s. But it also has just two Quadrant 1 wins and a damaging loss to Fresno State.

Memphis: The Tigers (16-8, 11-4 AAC) hung tight with Houston before falling 76-74 in the conference tournament semifinals. That game against a marquee team was likely the difference between inclusion and omission. Coach Penny Hardaway’s team has a NET score in the 50s, but what’s really missing are some Quadrant 1 victories. Memphis has none. That missed opportunity against Houston was a big blow.