The Area Bubble

By Jared Trexler

From now until Selection Sunday, Jared Trexler will update you once a week on the tournament resumes of Villanova and Drexel -- the two city schools with hopes of an at-large bid.

Villanova Wildcats
Record: 17-8
Conf: 6-6
RPI: 18
SOS: 6

Trexler's Take: The computer numbers can't be ignored, nor can a non-conference victory over Kevin Durant and Texas without Curtis Sumpter. However, the Wildcats had a chance to lock up a tourney spot on Saturday, but failed in a Wachovia Center loss to Georgetown. Now, they need some victories. The only other marquee win on the resume is a road W at Georgetown. Villanova needs to finish at least .500 in league play and hope the computer numbers hold up. Monday night's game with Marquette is HUGE two fold. One, it adds another quality win to the resume, and two it gives the Wildcats breathing room toward the .500 conference goal.
As of Today: IN TOURNAMENT

Drexel Dragons
Record: 19-7
Conf: 11-5
RPI: 52
SOS: 103

Trexler's Take: One too many loses in conference play. That could be the committee's reasoning in leaving the Dragons out of the Big Dance. Bruiser Flint's club is an interesting at-large study, a paradox on the hardwood full of eye-opening wins AND losses.

Positives: Wins at Villanova, at Syracuse, versus St. Joe's and a MASSIVE BracketBusters victory at Creighton (a mid-major likely receiving an at-large bid). Drexel's 12 road victories tie for most in the nation, and a 6-6 record versus the RPI 100 is nothing to be ashamed of.

Negatives: Fourth place in the CAA as of this release. Yes, the league earned two berths last season and one (George Mason) made the Final Four, but fourth is not the strongest place for candidacy. The loss at Rider and a 19-point defeat at Pennsylvania don't help either. Drexel MUST run the table in league play and AT LEAST make the CAA semifinals to warrant at-large consideration.
As of Today: ONE OF LAST FOUR OUT.