4 Weeks Till Madness: Hokie Time

Image: Virginia Tech Athletics

Welcome back to 4 Weeks Till Madness! We're just four Tuesdays away from the greatest annual sporting event of the year, and as usual, nothing is set in stone, and what we previously thought was, has been completely erased. Here's what I think you should be checking out this week in the world of college basketball bracketology, as well as my picks for the best bubble games of the week.

Should The Hokies be a bit higher?

Yes, I understand that their conference record right now is only 8-7, but at what point does this win streak move Tech out of the bubble and into the proper tourney conversation? Considering their recent schedule, I guess six is not enough, even though they've taken down potential tournament teams such as Florida State, Notre Dame, and Virginia along the way. Currently 35th in the NCAA Net Ranking, a single Quad 1 win for the Hokies could be how they punch their ticket after going 0-5 against Quad 1 teams so far this season.

In terms of what's made this team so great recently, I would look towards Keve Aluma. Aluma has been on a tear, with 3 20 point performances in this recent win streak. While Aluma's scoring ability is no doubt the flashiest aspect of his game, his defensive prowess has been a huge factor in keeping these top ACC teams at bay. It should also be noted that the Hokies home court of Cassell Colisseum has been one of the loudest home courts in the country. With a win against the Tar Heels on Saturday, the Hokies may solidify their shot at a postseason appearance.

Bubble Games to Watch This Week

Tuesday

7:00-Wake Forest at 9 Duke

7:00-Memphis at Cincinnati

Wednesday

7:00-Illinois at Rutgers

8:00 Pitt at UNC

Thursday

9:00-Oregon at Arizona State

10:00 Creighton at DePaul