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Three weeks from today, the first games of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship will tip off. In these next three weeks, there's still plenty of madness to sort out before we even begin the big dance. Here are the biggest headlines you may have missed, as well as the biggest bubble games you should check out.
Juwan Howard suspended for 5 games
If you're reading this article, I'm sure that you're aware of why Michigan Head Coach Juwan Howard was suspended for the last five games of the regular season. Currently floating around the Last Four In, and with three out of those five games against ranked opponents, it's going to be tough for Michigan to hang on to that last bid in a very competitive Big 10 (that is, of course, unless St. Joe's legend and current Michigan Assistant Phil Martelli can work some of his magic). Along with Howard's suspension, both Terrence Williams II and Moussa Diabate were suspended for one game for participating in the larger brawl that spawned from Howard's face swipe. They'll miss a game against Rutgers, who while not ranked, have been a major in-conference giant killer these past two seasons. Howard will be back for the Big 10 tournament, but at this point, it looks like his Wolverines will be entering that event with their backs pressed firmly against the wall.
Do the Johnnies still have time to sneak in?
After dropping some tough losses to Nova and UConn at home, St. John's has pulled off a nice little 2-game win streak against Xavier and Butler, with Julian Champagnie dropping at least 25 points in both games. St. John's has been a pretty up and down team this season, and honestly, has been for most of Mike Anderson's tenure; a team with clear talent, but just not the key wins to show it. Luckily for them, the Big East is poised to be a 7-bid league this season, and with four games left against Xavier, Marquette, Creighton, and DePaul, the Johnnies may just have enough wiggle room to have their name called on Selection Sunday.
Bubble games to watch this week (bubble team in bold)
Tuesday
7:00-URI at St. Bonaventure
9:00-San Diego State at Boise State
Wednesday
7:00-UMass at Dayton
8:00-Tulsa at SMU
Thursday
9:30-UCLA at Oregon