3 teams that could benefit from Louisville and SMU's tournament bans

Thanks to widespread mediocrity and postseason bans on Louisville and SMU, two programs will make it to the NCAA tournament this year that normally wouldn't.

Here's a look at three bubble teams that saw their chances of making it to March increase after the Cardinals announced their ban:

1. Wisconsin (14-9)

It'll be tight, but Wisconsin now has some - not much, but some - wiggle room down the stretch. The Badgers still have stiff challenges ahead with games on the road at Maryland and Michigan State, and at home versus Iowa, but they're on a five-game winning streak and might be able to squeak in with a 5-2 regular-season finish and strong showing in the Big Ten tournament.

2. LSU (14-8)

LSU isn't short on talent, but it's been short on wins thus far. Regardless, if Ben Simmons can carry his team to wins over beatable opponents in Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri, and one of South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Kentucky, that might be enough for the probable future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft to book his squad a spot on the March Madness bracket.

3. Clemson (14-8)

Clemson has emerged as a dark horse in the ACC, but it still has eight ominous losses on its record. Fortunately, impressive wins over Syracuse, Louisville, Duke, and Miami should help cancel out some of those defeats. The Tigers should feel good about their chances as long as Jaron Blossomgame can keep his game blossoming through the rest of Clemson's relatively easy late-season schedule.