Bubble watch: 6 games the committee will be following closely on Saturday
Saturday represents the final regular-season game for almost every team in the country, and the last chance to impress the NCAA selection committee before the conference tournaments.
While some teams will be looking to improve their seeding for the eventual field of 68, there's a number of teams clawing just to be included in college basketball's biggest showcase.
Here are the biggest games for teams on the bubble during a packed Saturday of action.
*All seeding is according to brackets by ESPN's Joe Lunardi
Clemson at Syracuse
Syracuse: Currently first four out
Clemson: Currently No. 5 seed
No need to worry about Clemson as the Tigers are firmly in the field, currently listed as a 5-seed by Lunardi. The same can't be said for Syracuse, which probably needs the home win on Saturday to keep its tourney hopes alive. The Orange has lost three straight games, including a double-digit setback to Boston College on Wednesday, and sits 7-10 in ACC play heading into this one. Expect a raucous crowd at the Carrier Dome to do its best to help get the home team a much-needed win.
Notre Dame at Virginia
Notre Dame: Currently next four out
Virginia: Currently No. 1 seed
Virginia somehow escaped upset against Louisville on Thursday in one of the craziest finishes you'll ever see, and the Cavaliers will be on upset watch again against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish looked great with star Bonzie Colson back in the fold against Pitt, and a win on the road at the No. 1 team in the country would certainly sway the selection committee in their favor.
West Virginia at Texas
Texas: Currently last four in
West Virginia: Currently No. 4 seed
West Virginia can make the trip to Texas feeling very good about its NCAA tournament standing, but the Longhorns know they likely have to beat the Mountaineers to keep their chances alive. Texas has been extremely shorthanded due to injuries and the decision to keep Eric Davis out of the lineup due to his name appearing in a report about being paid during recruitment. With the home crowd behind them, expect an inspired effort from the remaining Longhorns.
St John's at Providence
Providence: Currently last four in
Despite the fact St John's has won five of its last seven games, including stunners over Duke and Villanova, the Red Storm can only play spoiler on Saturday against Providence. St John's would need to win the Big East tournament to be included in the field of 68, but Providence is firmly on the bubble heading into this one. The Friars are currently one of Lunardi's final four teams in the tournament but have lost three of their last four contests going into Saturday's matchup.
Louisville at NC State
Louisville: Currently last four in
NC State: Currently No. 9 seed
Louisville blew a golden opportunity to clinch a tournament spot on Thursday when it somehow lost a four-point lead with 0.9 seconds to play against Virginia. That wasn't crippling to its NCAA hopes, but a win at NC State is crucial to keeping it on the committee's good side. The Wolfpack also missed a chance to make a good impression this week with a road loss to lowly Georgia Tech. NC State is currently a 10-seed, but can probably improve that standing with a comfortable home win.
UCLA at USC
UCLA: Currently first four out
USC: Currently last four in
The battle of Los Angeles usually doesn't need any added importance, but with both UCLA and USC fighting for their tournament lives, Saturday's game will be heated. The Bruins limp into this one after two straight road losses, while the Trojans are rolling with four consecutive wins. Expect a high-scoring affair as both teams rank in Ken Pomeroy's top-25 offenses in the country. UCLA won the earlier matchup at home this season by three points, so expect a charged-up Trojans squad looking for revenge.
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