Saturday Preview

Maryland at Virginia Tech: A huge bubble game in the ACC. The winner gets to 8-8 in the conference, which looks exceptional on a resume. If Virginia Tech loses, they are done; if Maryland loses, 2 wins in the ACC tourney are essential. Prediction: Virginia Tech by 4

Syracuse at Connecticut: A share of the Big East title is on the line. UConn is playing better basketball than anyone outside of Champaign currently, while Syracuse is still a threat to make a Final Four run. Prediction: Connecticut by 6

Pitt at Notre Dame: Notre Dame would be a lock with a win, while Pitt could use a road win against a Tournament team to enhance their seeding profile. Prediction: Pitt by 2

Texas at Oklahoma State: Texas needs a win here to get a bid; if they lose, the Longhorns need to do a lot of work in the Big 12 tourney. Oklahoma State is still in the run for a #1 seed. Prediction: Oklahoma State by 9

Oklahoma at Texas Tech: Oklahoma is playing well once again after a sluggish 5-game period in February. Texas Tech could use a win to get back to playing solid basketball and gain some confidence. Prediction: Oklahoma by 3

Louisville at DePaul: Louisville is back in the run for a #2 seed after their thrashing of Charlotte, while DePaul needs one win somewhere along the line to solidify their spot in the Tournament. Prediction: DePaul by 1

Cincinnati at Memphis: Any chance of a bid for Memphis would start with a win here. If they lose, good luck in the NIT. Cincinnati is looking better and better with each game; look out for them in tournament. Prediction: Cincinnati by 4

UAB at Houston: A bubble elimination game in Conference USA. UAB has won three in a row to get back in the discussion, while Houston is coming off a tough blowout loss to Marquette. Prediction: UAB by 2

Washington at Stanford: Stanford needs this win after their loss to Washington State. Washington is still fighting for a Pac-10 championship. Prediction: Washington by 6
Vanderbilt at LSU: Vanderbilt could definitely use a road win against a quality team, while LSU could still win the SEC West title with a victory here. They are playing some of the best basketball in the country. Prediction: LSU by 13

Alabama at Mississippi State: Mississippi State is a lock, but need a win over a good team to gain some confidence after struggling throughout the season. Alabama is still a darkhorse Final Four team if given the right draw; they are fighting for an SEC West title. Prediction: Alabama by 7

UNC-Greensboro at UT-Chattanooga: A bid for the NCAA Tournament is on the line in the Southern Conference Championship game. Greensboro upset the previously undefeated Davidson in the semi-finals but Chattanooga is the more balanced team overall and are home. Prediction: UT-Chattanooga by 4

Charleston Southern at Winthrop: The Big South Championship game is going to be a mismatch. Winthrop is one of the best Big South teams of all time, and are going to be a tough out in the NCAA Tournament. Charleston Southern does not have many weapons on offense. Prediction: Winthrop by 17

Central Florida vs. Gardner-Webb: The top two seeds meet for the Atlantic Sun Championship game. Central Florida is playing great ball lately, and can really shoot the three-ball well. Gardner-Webb is loaded in the paint. Prediction: Gardner-Webb by 2

Austin Peay vs. Eastern Kentucky: Austin Peay pulled off an upset over top-seeded Tennesee Tech to get to the Atlantic Sun Championship game, but may be overmatched by Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels have the best starting five in the conference. Prediction: Eastern Kentucky by 5

Akron at Buffalo: A bubble burster. The winner of this enhances their profile, while the loser is essentially gone from bubble discussion. Buffalo needs a quality win to look better, while Akron can gain a share of the MAC title with a win. Prediction: Buffalo by 3

Southeastern Louisiana at Sam Houston State: The Southland regular season title is on the line. SE Louisiana has owned first place from start to finish, while Sam Houston State has made a run lately. Prediction: SE Louisiana by 5