Here we are again folks. The calendar is ready to turn to March and Syracuse is sitting firmly on the bubble of the NCAA tournament field with just a handful of opportunities remaining to make a final impression. On days when the Orange dont have a game, Syracuse’s case can be helped by other teams hurting their own case. Here are the teams you might want to root for and against Saturday night.
#16 Tennessee vs Mississippi State 
This SEC showdown could prove to be a big one. With 11 conference wins, the Vols are pretty much locked into an at-large bid in the SEC and the Bulldogs are firmly on the bubble at 9-7. A loss to Tennessee on its face is not a bad loss, but the Bulldogs are at the point in their season, much like Syracuse is, where they just can’t afford to lose.
#14 Auburn vs Arkansas 
Yes, this is a game that could matter. The Tigers are firmly in, as made clear by the fact that they’ve been a top 25 for most of 2018. The Razorbacks on the other hand sit at 9-7 in the SEC and are probably on the good side of the bubble, but are capable of slipping out with losses to Auburn and Missouri. War Eagle!
Oklahoma vs Baylor
This is a really weird one. Three weeks ago, Oklahoma was the talk of the town and was threatening Kansas for the Big 12 crown and now, following a six game losing streak, they are in danger of missing the tournament. However, given what they have done early in the season and that they have seemed to stop the bleeding, Syracuse fans should root for the Sooners over the Bubbly Baylor bears, who are 9-7 in the Big 12 and listed among the Last Four In on ESPN. Boomer Sooner.
Davidson vs St. Bonaventure 
This is a really weird one. Both teams come in at 12-4 in the A-10 but Davidson is only 17-10 overall, while the Bonnies are 22-6. Also, there is the added element of the fact that the Bonnies beat Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. With all of that taken into account, Syracuse fans should still be pulling for Davidson because a Davidson win would be a massive blow to the Bonnies and would still leave Davidson with significant work to do to make the tournament, due to their poor non-conference record. A Davidson win could remove an at-large bid from the A-10.
