We're getting down to the nitty gritty. The bubble picture is becoming clearer, the race for the #1's is essentially over, and the committee is deep into the seeding process. So much to get to on this Championship Saturday.
In case you missed it earlier, I posted an updated seed list HERE. I also posted an updated bubble metric spreadsheet, based on the current bracket matrix, HERE.
I will post a preview of the remaining Championship Tournament games in the morning and give you an early preview of the day. I will also be posting my final seed list immediately after the last game of the afternoon, and before the Selection Sunday show begins. Be sure to check back for that.
So, let's get to the Championship Saturday Recap.
Champions Crowned
ACC- The Virginia Cavaliers finished their amazingly good season with a win over UNC. The game was close throughout, but the Hoos were able to pull away from the Tar Heels late with superb defense and timely shooting, locking up their place as the overall #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Big East- Villanova topped Providence in an old-school Big East Tournament classic at Madison Square Garden. It was a back and forth affair that went to overtime, where eventually Jay Wright's Wildcats pulled out the victory and a cut and dry claim to a #1 seed.
Big 12- Who do you think won? Yep. Kansas is king in the Big 12 once again and is in line for the third #1 seed after topping Bob Huggins and West Virginia.
PAC-12- Arizona dispatched of USC for the 2018 tourney title. Arizona looks strong heading into the tournament and Deandre Ayton looks like a man among boys.
America East- UMBC beat Vermont in an upset in the AE. Vermont, contrary to some crazy radio rumors, has no chance at an at-large bid.
MEAC- North Carolina Central upset favored Hampton to win it's way into, likely, Dayton and a 16 vs. 16 play-in game.
SWAC- Texas Southern defeats Arkansas Pine-Bluff, in a battle of two under .500 teams. At 12-6 in conference play, but only 15-19 overall, TS will be dancing.
Mountain West- San Diego State kept it's underdog hot streak alive to win the MW. The Aztecs showed no signs of a hangover after beating heavy favorite Nevada on Friday.
Big Sky- Montana wins the Big Sky and we will all anxiously await the selection show to see if Seth Davis decides to pick them to win in upset fashion.
C-USA- Marshall is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987.
Southland- The Lumber Jacks of Stephen F. Austin are heading back to the tournament. SFA took last year off from the tourney after a 3 year run from '14-'16.
MAC- Buffalo wins the visitmyrtlebeach.com sponsored MAC tourney with a win over a pretty decent Toledo team. The MAC, from top to bottom, looked better this year.
WAC- New Mexico State wins the WAC tournament and could be seeded as high as a 12 on Sunday.
Big West- Cal-State Fullerton dispatches of UC Irvine to receive and NCAA birth.
Bubble Watch
The bubble picture seems to be clearing out and slimming down. The at-large potential teams from today's action are all relatively safe.
Alabama suffered a 15th loss in the SEC tournament to Kentucky, but their quality wins should keep them from being snubbed on Sunday.
The USC-Arizona game is still going on as I type this, but even with a loss, I see USC as pretty safe at this point, and a loss to a team like Arizona won't hurt their resume.
There is a potential bid stealer still remaining as Davidson prepares to make a run at Rhode Island for the A-10 Tournament Championship.
Look Ahead
Tomorrow, the remaining conference tournament championship games take place followed by....SELECTION SUNDAY! The big day is only hours away, and I will be here in the morning to give you a full schedule of the days games and, of course, a full updated and final seed list before the beginning of the selection show. Be sure to stop by in the morning and before the show to get some insight into what you might see from the committee.
Thanks for stopping by. Comment below with your thoughts, and follow me on Twitter @Tcw8848
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