Day 13 - Selection Sunday!
Updated for March 15:
Happy Selection Sunday! We've finally made it to the last day of Championship Week! Five more championship games highlight a big day of college basketball. Following the end of today's games, the nation's collective attention will turn to the NCAA Tournament Selection Show. Not long after, the NIT field will be revealed, and will all become bracket experts.
NCAA Selection Show: 5:00pm on CBS
NIT Selection Show: 7:30pm on ESPN
TCU's postseason hopes will potentially be revealed during the NIT Selection Show. The Frogs have an outside shot of entering the NIT field. Should the Frogs not get in, the College Basketball Invitational is another potential destination. The CBI field will be revealed after the NIT bracket is announced.
Don't forget to keep tabs on our Bid Tracker as teams earn automatic bids today!
American Athletic Conference
Championship: (6) Connecticut vs. (1) SMU, 2:15pm on ESPN
The UConn Huskies have made another improbable postseason run, entering the Championship Game of the American Tournament. If the Huskies win, they'll be dancing once again, knocking an NCAA at-large team into the NIT field. But if SMU can end UConn's run, the Huskies will likely be going to the NIT themselves.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Championship: (5) VCU vs. (2) Dayton, 12:00pm on CBS
With the #1 seed Davidson Wildcats likely going to the NCAA Tournament even with yesterday's loss, the Championship Game doesn't mean all that much as far as the NIT field is concerned. A lot like in the American, if VCU wins, they'll go to the Big Dance. But Dayton takes care of business, VCU could be NIT-bound.
Big Ten Conference
Championship: (3) Michigan State vs. (1) Wisconsin, 2:30pm on CBS
The Big Ten Championship Game will not impact the NIT. Both teams are heading to the Big Dance.
Southeastern Conference
Championship: (2) Arkansas vs. (1) Kentucky, 12:00pm on ESPN
Just like in the Big Ten, the SEC Final won't impact the NIT.
Sun Belt Conference
Championship: (2) Georgia Southern vs. (1) Georgia State, 12:00pm on ESPN2
The Sun Belt is the last conference that TCU needs to worry about. If Georgia State wins it, they'll take the automatic NCAA bid. But if Georgia Southern can pull the upset, they will go to the Bid Dance and knock Georgia State into the NIT.
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That's it for the final day of Championship Week. Thanks for following throughout this two week journey. Stay tuned for much more coverage of TCU's postseason fate this evening!
Go Frogs!
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Day 12
Updated for March 14:
It is Day 12 of Championship Week, the eve of Selection Sunday, and by far the biggest day of the week for TCU's NIT chances. There are 25 total games today, including 14 championship games, with 12 potentially impacting the NCAA Tournament and six potentially impacting the NIT. Let's get right down to it!
As a reminder, keep checking our Bid Tracker throughout the day for an up-to-the-minute look at the NCAA and NIT bid situation.
America East Conference
Championship: (3) Stony Brook vs. (1) Albany, 10:00am on ESPN2
The first game of the day gets started bright and early! If Albany can take care of Stony Brook today, they will be heading to the NCAA Tournament. But if Stony Brook is able to pull the upset, they'll be heading to the Big Dance and Albany will be going to the NIT. TCU should be pulling hard for Albany this morning.
American Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Temple vs. (1) SMU, 2:00pm on ESPN2
Semifinal #2: (6) Connecticut vs. (2) Tulsa, 4:00pm on ESPN2
SMU is heading to the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens today and tomorrow. Tulsa is solidly on the bubble, while Temple and Connecticut would likely need to win out to go. Unless one of these two win the league, they are likely NIT bound as at-large teams.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) VCU vs. (1) Davidson, 12:30pm on CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Rhode Island vs. (2) Dayton, 3:00pm on CBS Sports Network
The top two seeds are both going to the Big Dance, regardless of what happens from here on out. As long as VCU and Rhode Island don't win out and knock another NCAA at-large team to the NIT field, the remaining A-10 teams shouldn't have too much of an impact.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship: (5) North Carolina vs. (3) Notre Dame, 7:30pm on ESPN
This game has no bearing on the NIT whatsoever. Enjoy what should be a great basketball game.
Big 12 Conference
Championship: (2) Iowa State vs. (1) Kansas, 5:00pm on ESPN
Just like the ACC Championship, the Big 12 Championship will not impact the NIT field.
Big East Conference
Championship: (6) Xavier vs. (1) Villanova, 7:00pm on FOX Sports 1
The Xavier Musketeers are making an impressive run through the Big East Tournament. If they're able to upset Villanova today, they'll be going to the NCAA Tournament, knocking another NCAA at-large team into the NIT field.
Big Sky Conference
Championship: (2) Eastern Washington vs. (1) Montana, 8:00pm on ESPNU
The Big Sky is a league that should scare TCU fans. Montana has been tested in each of their last two games and they face a formidable opponent in Eastern Washington tonight. If Montana hangs on, they'll be heading to the Big Dance. But if EWU pulls the upset on Montana's home floor, they'll be NCAA-bound while Montana will be heading to the NIT.
Big Ten Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Purdue vs. (1) Wisconsin, 12:00pm on CBS
Semifinal #2: (3) Michigan State vs. (2) Maryland, 2:30pm on CBS
The remainder of the Big Ten Tournament will not impact the NIT, as each of the four teams remaining will be going to the NCAA Tournament.
Big West Conference
Championship: (5) Hawaii vs. (3) UC-Irvine, 10:30pm on ESPN2
The top-seed in the Big West, UC-Davis, lost last night and therefore will be heading to the NIT. The winner of tonight's Championship Game will be heading to the Big Dance, but the damage to the NIT field is already done.
Conference-USA
Championship: (6) Middle Tennessee vs. (4) UAB, 2:30pm on FOX Sports 1
The top-seeded Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, who lost yesterday, are likely going to sneak into the NCAA field as an at-large team. The winner today will also advance to the Big Dance, knocking another at-large team into the NIT field.
Ivy League
Playoff: (T1) Harvard vs. (T1) Yale, 3:00pm on ESPN3
The Ivy League is different from each of the other conferences in that it does not hold a postseason tournament. Instead, the winner of the regular season is awarded the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, Harvard and Yale tied atop the standings this year. As a result, the two Ivy League foes will play a one-game playoff today at a neural site in Philadelphia with the winner going to the NCAA Tournament. Since the Ivy League does not hold a postseason tournament, it does not have an automatic bid to the NIT.
Mid-American Conference
Championship: (2) Buffalo vs. (1) Central Michigan, 6:30pm on ESPN2
The MAC is a one-bid league, so TCU really needs Central Michigan to pull this one out tonight. If CMU does it, they'll be dancing, but if Buffalo pulls off the upset, CMU will fall into the NIT field.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Championship: (6) Hampton vs. (5) Delaware State, 12:00pm on ESPN2
With the top seed in the MEAC already heading to the NIT, today's Championship Game won't have any impact on the NIT. However, the winner does earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Mountain West Conference
Championship: (4) Wyoming vs. (2) San Diego State, 5:00pm on CBS
San Diego State has already wrapped up an NCAA bid, but Wyoming can steal another with a win today. A Wyoming win would knock another NCAA at-large team into the NIT field.
Pac-12 Conference
Championship: (2) Oregon vs. (1) Arizona, 10:00pm on ESPN
Like the other power conferences, the Pac-12 will not impact the NIT. Both Arizona and Oregon are going to the Big Dance.
Southeastern Conference
Semifinal #1: (13) Auburn vs. (1) Kentucky, 12:00pm on ESPN
Semifinal #2: (3) Georgia vs. (2) Arkansas, 2:00pm on ESPN
Auburn is making an amazing run through the SEC Tournament. If the Tigers win today, it will not only be one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history, but it would put the #13-seed just one win away from a trip to the Big Dance. As long as Kentucky wins today, the NIT field will not be impacted. Arkansas and Georgia are all but guaranteed to go dancing too.
Southland Conference
Championship: (2) Sam Houston State vs. (1) Stephen F. Austin, 8:30pm on ESPN2
Here's another conference championship game to worry about. As a one-bid league, the only chance it has to get two teams into postseason tournaments is if SHSU knocks off SFA. In that scenario, SHSU would go to the NCAA Tournament and SFA would go to the NIT. The Frogs need SFA to take care of business and come out on top today.
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Championship: (3) Southern vs. (1) Texas Southern, 5:30pm on ESPNU
There is a bit of a bizarre situation going on in the SWAC. Despite advancing to the Championship Game, Southern is ineligible from participating in any NCAA-sanctioned postseason events due to low APR scores. Since both the NCAA Tournament and NIT are sanctioned by the NCAA, Southern cannot participate, meaning that Texas Southern has already earned the automatic bid to the Big Dance. Additionally, the SWAC will not have an automatic bid to the NIT. So today's title game doesn't mean anything as far as the postseason is concerned.
Sun Belt Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Louisiana-Lafayette vs. (1) Georgia State, 1:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Louisiana-Monroe vs. (2) Georgia Southern, 3:30pm on ESPN3
The Sun Belt is another one-bid league, so as long as Georgia State keeps winning, the NIT field will remain unchanged.
Western Athletic Conference
Championship: (3) Seattle vs. (1) New Mexico State, 10:00pm on ESPNU
One last Championship Game to worry about... NMSU is going to the Big Dance with a win, but they'll fall to the NIT with a loss. As long as Seattle doesn't pull the upset, the NIT field will not be impacted by the WAC.
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With lots of games that will impact TCU's NIT hopes, it will be an exciting day of college basketball. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the games! Tomorrow is Selection Sunday!
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Day 11
Updated for March 13:
Welcome to Day 11 of Championship Week! It's another huge day of college basketball with 44 Quarterfinal and Semifinal games across 18 conferences. With TCU's loss in the Big 12 Tournament yesterday, the Frogs finished the season securely on the NIT bubble. Their hope of making the NIT now depends heavily on how many at-large bids are available. Right now, there are 25 possible at-large bids remaining. Check out our Bid Tracker for more information.
Although there are no Championship Games today, there are some very important games concerning the NIT field. There are 12 more one-bid leagues yet to determine a champion, so the number of potential at-large bids could fall to as many as 13 - a nightmare scenario for TCU. It will be important for each of the top seeds in these small conferences to come out on top this weekend.
American Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) East Carolina vs. (1) SMU, 11:00am on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Memphis vs. (4) Temple, 1:00pm on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Houston vs. (2) Tulsa, 6:00pm on ESPNU
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Connecticut vs. (3) Cincinnati, 8:00pm on ESPNU
Today's American games won't impact the NIT field. SMU is heading to the Big Dance no matter what they do this weekend. Tulsa, Cincinnati, and Temple are all bubble teams that could end up in the Big Dance or the NIT, but as far as automatic bids go, the American doesn't mean very much.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) LaSalle vs. (1) Davidson, 11:00am on NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) VCU vs. (4) Richmond, 1:30pm on NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Saint Bonaventure vs. (2) Dayton, 5:30pm on NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) George Washington vs. (3) Rhode Island, 8:00pm on NBC Sports Network
Much like the American, the Atlantic 10 won't impact the automatic bids to the NIT. #1 Davidson is going to the Big Dance even with a loss this weekend. Dayton will likely join Davidson in the NCAA Tournament. The conference could get two or three at-large NIT bids, but it won't have an automatic bid.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) North Carolina vs. (1) Virginia, 6:00pm on ESPN
Semifinal #2: (3) Notre Dame vs. (2) Duke, 8:00pm on ESPN
The ACC is finished impacting the NIT field. Each of the four semifinalists are locks to go to the NCAA Tournament. All that's left to do in the ACC is sit back and enjoy some great matchups.
Big 12 Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Baylor vs. (1) Kansas, 6:00pm on ESPN2
Semifinal #2: (3) Oklahoma vs. (2) Iowa State, 8:00pm on ESPN2
Just like the ACC, the rest of the Big 12 Tournament will not impact the NIT. These four teams are all heading to the Big Dance.
Big East Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Providence vs. (1) Villanova, 6:00pm on FOX Sports 1
Semifinal #2: (6) Xavier vs. (2) Georgetown, 8:30pm on FOX Sports 1
Xavier is the lone wildcard in the Big East. If they continue to pull upsets and win the league, they'll go to the NCAA Tournament and knock another at-large team into the NIT field. However, if they lose, they are probably heading to the NIT as an at-large team themselves. The Big East won't have an automatic bid to the NIT since Villanova is a lock for the NCAA Tournament.
Big Sky Conference
Semifinal #1: (3) Sacramento State vs. (2) Eastern Washington, 6:30pm
Semifinal #2: (4) Northern Arizona vs. (1) Montana, 9:00pm
Here's a conference tournament to worry about. The #1 seed Montana Grizzlies, who are also hosting the event on their campus, went into overtime with the #8 seed last night. If someone other than Montana wins the Big Sky, the Grizzlies will be heading to the NIT, taking another potential bid away from teams like TCU.
Big Ten Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Michigan vs. (1) Wisconsin, 11:00am on ESPN
Quarterfinal #2: (13) Penn State vs. (4) Purdue, 1:30pm on ESPN
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Indiana vs. (2) Maryland, 5:30pm on Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Ohio State vs. (3) Michigan State, 8:00pm on Big Ten Network
Even though the Big Ten will not have an automatic NIT bid, it would be advantageous if the top seeds could keep winning to prevent a lower seed from winning the league and sending another NCAA at-large team to the NIT.
Big West Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) Hawaii vs. (1) UC-Davis, 8:30pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (2) UC-Santa Barbara vs. (3) UC-Irvine, 11:00pm on ESPNU
The Big West could be another league that steals an NIT bid. Cal-Davis got a scare yesterday but was able to pull away late. The Frogs need the top-seed to continue winning, in this case.
Conference-USA
Semifinal #1: (6) Middle Tennessee vs. (2) UTEP, 3:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (4) UAB vs. (1) Louisiana Tech, 5:30pm on CBS Sports Network
The C-USA is a bit of an interesting conference. Louisiana Tech could to the NCAA Tournament even with a loss today. However, the UTEP and UAB are contenders and could easily take the league's automatic NCAA bid. If not, either of these two teams could be heading to the NIT.
Mid-American Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Toledo vs. (1) Central Michigan, 5:30pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (7) Akron vs. (2) Buffalo, 8:00pm on ESPN3
The MAC is another one-bid league to keep an eye on. As long as Central Michigan wins out, they'll go to the NCAA Tournament and the NIT field will remain unchanged.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) Delaware State vs. (1) North Carolina Central, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (6) Hampton vs. (2) Norfolk State, 7:00pm on ESPN3
North Carolina Central has been a dominant force in the MEAC this season. If they can keep their high level of play going for two more games, they'll be heading to the Big Dance and the NIT won't be impacted.
Mountain West Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Wyoming vs. (1) Boise State, 8:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Colorado State vs. (2) San Diego State, 10:30pm on CBS Sports Network
The Mountain West is a lot like the C-USA in that the regular season champion, Boise State in this case, is likely headed to the NCAA Tournament regardless, but either of the three remaining semifinalists could come out on top this weekend. More likely than not, the MWC will get two of these teams in the NCAA Tournament and two in the NIT.
Pac-12 Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) UCLA vs. (1) Arizona, 8:00pm on Pac-12 Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Utah vs. (2) Oregon, 10:30pm on ESPN
Just like each of the other power conferences, the remainder of the Pac-12 Tournament will not impact the NIT.
Southeastern Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Florida vs. (1) Kentucky, 12:00pm on SEC Network
Quarterfinal #2: (13) Auburn vs. (4) LSU, 2:00pm on SEC Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Tennessee vs. (2) Arkansas, 6:00pm on SEC Network
Quarterfinal #4: (11) South Carolina vs. (3) Georgia, 8:00pm on SEC Network
The SEC is a lot like the Big Ten in that each of the top seeds are going to the Big Dance, but if one of the lower remaining seeds should in out, they'll knock an NCAA at-large team into the NIT field. With several upsets already in the SEC Tournament, we could be in store for more fireworks.
Southland Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Northwestern State vs. (1) Stephen F. Austin, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. (2) Sam Houston State, 7:30pm on ESPN3
The Southland is another league to watch. Likely a one-bid league, the Frogs need SFA to win out and head to the NCAA Tournament. Should another team come out on top this weekend, SFA will be going to the NIT.
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Semifinal #1: (3) Southern vs. (2) Alabama State, 2:30pm
Semifinal #2: (4) Prairie View A&M vs. (1) Texas Southern, 8:30pm
Again, the SWAC is a worrisome league. Texas Southern was the regular season champion, but in a league as weak as the SWAC, anything can happen. As long as TSU wins out and goes to the NCAA Tournament, the NIT field will remain unchanged.
Sun Belt Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Texas State vs. (4) Louisiana-Lafayette, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (6) South Alabama vs. (3) Louisiana-Monroe, 7:30pm on ESPN3
Tonight's Sun Belt game won't impact the NIT field. The top seeds enter the tournament tomorrow in the Semifinals.
Western Athletic Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) CSU-Bakersfield vs. (1) New Mexico State, 8:00pm
Semifinal #2: (3) Seattle vs. (2) Missouri-Kansas City, 10:30pm
Finally, one more conference to worry about. The WAC is just like many of the other small conferences described above. As long as New Mexico State takes home the WAC title and automatic NCAA bid, the NIT field will stay wide open.
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For most conferences, Day 11 of Championship Week is all about jockeying for position in the Championship Game. As far as TCU's NIT future is concerned, root for chalk. As long as the top seeds keep advancing, the Frogs will have a shot.
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Day 10
Updated for March 12:
Rejoice, college basketball fans! There are 60 conference tournament games over a 13 hour span today. It is the busiest day of college basketball until November. For most conferences, including the Big 12, today is Quarterfinal day. The TCU Horned Frogs will take on the Kansas Jayhawks at 1:30pm on ESPN2. Obviously, this is the most important game of the day for Frog fans, but let's take a look at the other conference action and their impact on the NCAA Tournament and NIT. Check out our Bid Tracker for a look at which teams have already earned postseason bids.
American Athletic Conference
First Round #1: (9) Central Florida vs. (8) East Carolina, 2:30pm on ESPNU
First Round #2: (10) Houston vs. (7) Tulane, 5:00pm on ESPNews
First Round #3: (11) South Florida vs. (6) Connecticut, 7:00pm on ESPNews
The American is the last major conference to open their postseason tournament. SMU is the top seed in the league and the Mustangs will enter the event tomorrow against either UCF or ECU. Our friends (?) in Dallas are heading to the NCAA Tournament no matter what, but if another team is able to come out on top, they'll earn the automatic bid and knock another at-large team into the NIT.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Second Round #1: (9) LaSalle vs. (8) Massachusetts, 11:00am on NBC Sports Network
Second Round #2: (12) Fordham vs. (5) VCU, 1:30pm on NBC Sports Network
Second Round #3: (10) Saint Joseph's vs. (7) Saint Bonaventure, 5:30pm on NBC Sports Network
Second Round #4: (11) Duquesne vs. (6) George Washington, 8:00pm on NBC Sports Network
The top seeds in the A-10 enter the fray tomorrow with #1 Davidson and #2 Dayton likely going to the Big Dance. Rhode Island and VCU are potential at-large NIT teams, depending on how things shake out this weekend.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Florida State vs. (1) Virginia, 11:00am on ESPN
Quarterfinal #2: (5) North Carolina vs. (4) Louisville, 1:00pm on ESPN
Quarterfinal #3: (7) North Carolina State vs. (2) Duke, 6:00pm on ESPN
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Miami (FL) vs. (3) Notre Dame, 8:00pm on ESPN
The ACC Tournament likely won't impact the NIT after today. Each of the remaining teams, with the exception of Florida State, are likely heading to the NCAA Tournament.
Big 12 Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (5) West Virginia vs. (4) Baylor, 11:30am on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #2: (9) TCU vs. (1) Kansas, 1:30pm on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Texas vs. (2) Iowa State, 6:00pm on ESPNU
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Oklahoma State vs. (3) Oklahoma, 8:30pm on ESPNU
This goes without saying, but the TCU game is the most important one of the day. If the Frogs can pick up a big upset win, they will likely enter the NIT field. Each of the other Big 12 Quarterfinalists (yes, even Texas) are heading to the Big Dance.
Big East Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Marquette vs. (1) Villanova, 11:00am on FOX Sports 1
Quarterfinal #2: (5) St. John's vs. (4) Providence, 1:30pm on FOX Sports 1
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Creighton vs. (2) Georgetown, 6:00pm on FOX Sports 1
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Xavier vs. (3) Butler, 8:30pm on FOX Sports 1
The top five seeds in the Big East are all likely going to the NCAA Tournament. Unless they keep winning, Xavier will probably take an at-large bid to the NIT. Not much significance in these Big East games today.
Big Sky Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Idaho vs. (2) Eastern Washington, 12:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Portland State vs. (3) Sacramento State, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (5) Northern Colorado vs. (4) Northern Arizona, 6:30pm
Quarterfinal #4: (8) Weber State vs. (1) Montana, 9:00pm
This is one of those small conferences to worry about... Montana didn't win the league until the final week of the regular season. This is definitely a one-bid league, so TCU really needs Montana to keep winning and advance to the NCAA Tournament. Eastern Washington and Sacramento State each held their own this season, so don't be surprised if one of those two teams wins the tournament and sends Montana into the NIT.
Big Ten Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Michigan vs. (8) Illinois, 11:00am on Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #2: (13) Penn State vs. (5) Iowa, 1:30pm on Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Northwestern vs. (7) Indiana, 5:30pm on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Minnesota vs. (6) Ohio State, 8:00pm on ESPN2
A lot like the other power conferences, the Big Ten games today won't have too much of an impact on the NIT. With the top seven seeds all dancing, Indiana and Illinois are the only big threats to jump into the NIT field as at-large teams.
Big West Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) CSU-Northridge vs. (1) UC-Davis, 2:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (4) Long Beach State vs. (5) Hawaii, 4:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (6) UC-Riverside vs. (3) UC-Irvine, 8:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (7) Cal Poly vs. (2)UC-Santa Barbara, 10:30pm
Another one-bid league, the Big West opens tournament play today. The Frogs just need UC-Davis to keep winning and take home the automatic bid. Should another team dethrone the Aggies, they'll take another potential NIT bid away from TCU.
Conference-USA
Quarterfinal #1: (10) Florida International vs. (2) UTEP, 12:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Middle Tennessee vs. (3) Old Dominion, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (5) Western Kentucky vs. (4) UAB, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (9) Rice vs. (1) Louisiana Tech, 8:30pm
The C-USA Tournament is somewhat intriguing, as far as the NIT is concerned. Louisiana Tech is probably going to the NCAA Tournament regardless, but a tourney win by UTEP, Old Dominion, or tournament host UAB could make things interesting.
Mid-American Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (4) Toledo, 6:30pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Akron vs. (3) Kent State, 8:00pm on ESPN3
Neither of these MAC quarterfinals will impact the NIT. Central Michigan, the top dog in the league, will get the winner of Eastern Michigan and Toledo tomorrow.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Hampton vs. (3) Maryland-Eastern Shore, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Delaware State vs. (4) Howard, 7:00pm on ESPN3
The MEAC is another one-bid league. The winner of tonight's Delaware State vs. Howard game will get #1 North Carolina Central tomorrow. NCCU has been dominant throughout league play, running the table with a 16-0 conference record. Two more wins for the Eagles will open up another at-large NIT bid.
Mountain West Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Air Force vs. (1) Boise State, 2:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Utah State vs. (4) Wyoming, 4:30pm on CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) UNLV vs. (2) San Diego State, 8:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Fresno State vs. (3) Colorado State, 10:30pm on CBS Sports Network
As it stands today, it looks like the MWC will have two teams in the Big Dance and two teams in the NIT. Boise State and San Diego State each have impressive resumes that warrant invitations to the NCAA Tournament. Unless Colorado State or Wyoming gets hot this weekend, they'll probably be headed to the NIT.
Pac-12 Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) California vs. (1) Arizona, 2:00pm on Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #2: (12) USC vs. (4) UCLA, 4:30pm on Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Colorado vs. (2) Oregon, 8:00pm on Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Stanford vs. (3) Utah, 10:30pm on ESPN
Arizona, Oregon, and Utah are locks for the NCAA Tournament while UCLA and Stanford could be NIT bound depending on their performances tonight.
Southeastern Conference
Second Round #1: (9) Alabama vs. (8) Florida, 12:00pm on SEC Network
Second Round #2: (13) Auburn vs. (5) Texas A&M, 2:00pm on SEC Network
Second Round #3: (10) Tennessee vs. (7) Vanderbilt, 6:00pm on SEC Network
Second Round #4: (11) South Carolina vs. (6) Mississippi, 8:00pm on SEC Network
The Second Round of the SEC Tournament begins tonight in Nashville. TCU's resume could earn a boost with a couple of Ole Miss victories this week. The Frogs knocked off the Rebels in Oxford earlier this season.
Southland Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (5) McNeese State vs. (4) Northwestern State, 5:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (7) New Orleans vs. (3) Texas A&M - Corpus Christi, 7:30pm
Two more former TCU opponents, McNeese State and New Orleans, continue postseason play tonight in the Southland Tournament. The top two seeds, Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State, enter the action tomorrow. The SLC is likely a one-bid league, so SFA needs to take care of business this weekend.
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Alabama A&M vs. (3) Southern, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Jackson State vs. (4) Prairie View A&M, 8:30pm
The SWAC champion will be the only conference team playing in the postseason. As long as #1 Texas Southern takes care of business in the semifinals tomorrow, the NIT field will remain unchanged.
Sun Belt Conference
First Round #1: (8) Texas State vs. (5) Texas-Arlington, 5:00pm on ESPN3
First Round #2: (7) Arkansas-Little Rock vs. (6) South Alabama, 7:00pm on ESPN3
Like the SWAC, the Sun Belt's only hope at a team in the postseason is through their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Georgia State is the #1 seed in the Sun Belt, and the Frogs will need them to come away with the SBC Championship.
Western Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Utah Valley vs. (4) CSU-Bakersfield, 4:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (7) UT-Pan Am vs. (2) Missouri-Kansas City, 6:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Chicago State vs. (3) Seattle, 9:00pm
The WAC is another conference tournament to worry about. New Mexico State is the top seed and they begin play tomorrow. If someone other than NMSU comes out on top, the Aggies will be heading to the NIT.
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There you have it - enough college basketball to make your head spin. There's a lot to keep track of today, but the most important game is TCU vs. Kansas at 1:30pm on ESPN2. A win for the Frogs would likely put them in the NIT field. Enjoy a great day of college hoops!
★★★
Day 9
Updated for March 11:
Day 9 of Championship Week brings us the busiest day yet with 33 conference tournament games across every major conference in the country. Each of the power five conference tournaments are in action today, including the beginning of the Big 12 Tournament, which features TCU and Kansas State in the opening game.
Last night was another rough night for NIT hopefuls as two more potential at-large bids were taken thanks to top seeds Saint Francis and South Dakota State falling in their conference championship games. As it stands right now, there are 25 possible at-large bids remaining. For a clearer picture, check out our Bid Tracker.
Let's jump right in!
Atlantic 10 Conference
First Round #1: (13) George Mason vs. (12) Fordham, 5:30pm
First Round #2: (14) Saint Louis vs. (11) Duquesne, 8:00pm
The A-10 Tournament is usually pretty exciting, as there are several competitive mid-majors in the conference. Today's first round games don't mean a whole lot as far as the NIT is concerned. The top two seeds, Davidson and Dayton, are likely headed to the NCAA Tournament, while three or four other A-10 schools could end up in the NIT as at-large teams. As a result, the A-10's impact on the NIT might not be all that big.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Second Round #1: (9) Florida State vs. (8) Clemson, 11:00am on ESPN
Second Round #2: (12) Boston College vs. (5) North Carolina, 1:00pm on ESPN
Second Round #3: (10) Pittsburgh vs. (7) North Carolina State, 6:00pm on ESPN2
Second Round #4: (14) Virginia Tech vs. (6) Miami (FL), 8:00pm on ESPN2
The ACC Tournament shouldn't have too much of an impact on the NIT. With the top seven seeds in the ACC all likely to advance to the Big Dance, the ACC might only have one potential NIT at-large team - likely the winner of today's Florida State vs. Clemson game.
Big 12 Conference
First Round #1: (9) TCU vs. (8) Kansas State, 6:00pm on ESPNU
First Round #2: (10) Texas Tech vs. (7) Texas, 8:30pm on ESPNU
Obviously the biggest game of the day for TCU fans is the one featuring... TCU. The Frogs will likely need to win two or three games in Kansas City this weekend to clinch an NIT bid, and that starts tonight against Kansas State. The winner of tonight's TCU-KSU tilt gets #1 Kansas tomorrow afternoon.
Big East
First Round #1: (9) Marquette vs. (8) Seton Hall, 6:00pm on FOX Sports 1
First Round #2: (10) Creighton vs. (7) DePaul, 8:30pm on FOX Sports 1
Again, the Big East likely won't impact the NIT field all too much. The top five teams in the league are probably going to the NCAA Tournament, and Xavier looks like the only team that could end up in the NIT as an at-large team.
Big Ten Conference
First Round #1: (13) Penn State vs. (12) Nebraska, 3:30pm on ESPN2
First Round #2: (14) Rutgers vs. (11) Minnesota, 6:00pm on Big Ten Network
The Big Ten gets things going tonight as well. The loaded conference could get as many as seven or eight teams in to the NCAA Tournament. Tonight's games won't have much of an impact on the postseason.
Conference-USA
First Round #1: (10) Florida International vs. (7) UTSA, 12:00pm
First Round #2: (11) Charlotte vs. (6) Middle Tennessee, 2:30pm
First Round #3: (12) Marshall vs. (5) Western Kentucky, 6:00pm
First Round #4: (9) Rice vs. (8) North Texas, 8:30pm
The C-USA Tournament begins tonight with one of TCU's former opponents kicking things off. Top-seeded Louisiana Tech, who gets the winner of the Rice-UNT game tomorrow, will likely advance to the NCAA Tournament as an automatic or at-large team. Is someone other than LT wins the C-USA, the league could get two bids, otherwise it looks like it could be a one-bid year. #2 UTEP and #3 Old Dominion each have a shot to earn NIT bids contingent on their performance this week.
Mid-American Conference
Second Round #1: (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (5) Bowling Green, 5:30pm on ESPN3
Second Round #2: (7) Arkon vs. (6) Western Michigan, 8:00pm on ESPN3
Tonight's #MACtion is pretty insignificant as far as the NIT is concerned. As a one-bid league, all the Frogs need is for Central Michigan to win the league. The Chippewas enter the fray on Friday.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Coppin State vs. (1) North Carolina Central, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) South Carolina State vs. (2) Norfolk State, 7:00pm on ESPN3
This is another one of those scary small conferences that has a high chance of knocking their regular season champion into the NIT. TCU needs North Carolina Central to take care of business tonight and the rest of this week.
Mountain West Conference
First Round #1: (9) Air Force vs. (8) New Mexico, 2:00pm
First Round #2: (10) Nevada vs. (7) UNLV, 4:30pm
The Mountain West gets things going today out in Las Vegas. The league could get two teams in both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT. Top seeded- Boise State likely needs to win out to get in, while #2 San Diego State should be in the field. Colorado State and Wyoming look like they're heading to the NIT as at-large teams.
Pac-12 Conference
First Round #1: (9) Washington State vs. (8) California, 2:00pm on Pac-12 Network
First Round #2: (12) USC vs. (5) Arizona State, 4:30pm on Pac-12 Network
First Round #3: (10) Colorado vs. (7) Oregon State, 8:00pm on Pac-12 Network
First Round #4: (11) Washington vs. (6) Stanford, 10:30pm on Pac-12 Network
Like each of the other power conferences, the Pac-12 won't have an automatic bid to the NIT since their regular season champion, Arizona, is going to the Big Dance no matter what. Oregon and Utah will likely join the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament while UCLA and Stanford look like they're heading to the NIT.
Patriot League
Championship: (6) American vs. (4) Lafayette, 6:30pm on CBS Sports Network
The only championship game of the day is irrelevant to the NIT. Top-seeded Bucknell has already earned the league's automatic bid to the NIT. The winner of tonight's championship game is heading to the NCAA Tournament while the loser's season will end.
Southeastern Conference
First Round #1: (13) Auburn vs. (12) Mississippi State, 6:00pm on SEC Network
First Round #2: (14) Missouri vs. (11) South Carolina, 8:00pm on SEC Network
The SEC Tournament begins tonight in Nashville. Again, no automatic bid to the NIT for the SEC since the top four teams will likely be going to the Big Dance. Mississippi State, who TCU beat in November, opens things tonight against Auburn.
Southland Conference
First Round #1: (8) Southeastern Louisiana vs. (5) McNeese State, 5:00pm
First Round #2: (7) New Orleans vs. (6) Nicholls State, 7:30pm
Two of TCU's former opponents, McNeese State and New Orleans, kick things off in the Southland Tournament tonight. The SLC is another one-bid league, so the Frogs need top-seeded Stephen F. Austin to come out on top this week.
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Mississippi Valley State vs. (2) Alabama State, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal #2: (8) Alcorn State vs. (1) Texas Southern, 8:30pm
Finally, the SWAC continues tonight with quarterfinal action. The Frogs just need Texas Southern to win out and take the league's automatic NCAA bid to keep the NIT field wide open.
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A busy day in college basketball with a lot of postseason implicating games across the county. The Frogs tipoff at 6:00pm tonight in Kansas City against the Kansas State Wildcats. We will have all angles covered for you, so stay tuned for more coverage of the Big 12 Tournament. Enjoy the games and Go Frogs!
★★★
Day 8
Updated for March 10:
The phrase "Championship Week" is a bit of a misnomer, as it actually spans the length of 13 days. Oh well, more basketball for us. Today is Day 8 of Championship Week! We are just five days away from Selection Sunday. Four more conferences will crown champions tonight with the Horizon League, Northeast Conference, Summit League, and West Coast Conference all wrapping up their postseason tournaments. The first power conference joins the fray this afternoon as the ACC begins first round play.
Yesterday was a bit of a rough day as far as NIT bids are concerned. William & Mary, the top seed in the Colonial Athletic Association, and Iona, the top seed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, both lost their championship games and earned automatic bids to the NIT. As of today, we are down to 27 potential at-large NIT bids. For a more detailed look, check out our Bid Tracker.
Atlantic Coast Conference
First Round #1: (13) Georgia Tech vs. (12) Boston College, 12:00pm on ESPN2
First Round #2: (14) Virginia Tech vs. (11) Wake Forest, 2:00pm on ESPN2
The power conferences are a totally different beast than the small conferences. It is impossible for the ACC to have an automatic bid to the NIT, since the regular season champion, Virginia, will advance to the NCAA Tournament regardless of their performance this week. The damage here can come from teams that aren't going to make the NCAA or NIT getting hot and winning the league. In a conference like the ACC, that is usually highly unlikely since there are so many talented teams at the top of the standings. The top six teams in the ACC - Virginia, Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, UNC, and NC State - are all going to the Big Dance. Miami can likely play their way into the field with a strong performance, otherwise they are NIT bound. The ACC's effect on the NIT will likely be negligible.
Horizon League
Championship: (2) Green Bay vs. (1) Valparaiso, 6:00pm on ESPN
This could be one of the best games of the day. Green Bay and Valpo are two very solid mid-major programs. If Valpo wins it, they will take the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Green Bay will likely be heading to the NIT regardless. The Phoenix are currently 24-7 and have a pretty solid RPI ranking. Of course, if Green Bay wins tonight, they'll be heading to the NCAA Tourney and Valparaiso will earn the Horizon's automatic bid to the NIT.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
First Round #3: (9) Coppin State vs. (8) Bethune-Cookman, 5:00pm on ESPN3
First Round #4: (10) North Carolina A&T vs. (7) South Carolina State, 7:00pm on ESPN3
Today is the second half of the first round in the MEAC. Tonight's games are pretty inconsequential. The winner of the third first round game will get #1 North Carolina Central tomorrow.
Northeast Conference
Championship: (2) Robert Morris vs. (1) Saint Francis - New York, 6:00pm on ESPN2
This is another one of those scary one-bid league championship games. TCU needs Saint Francis to take care of Robert Morris tonight. If RMU wins, they'll go to the NCAAs and send Saint Francis to the NIT, eliminating another potential at-large bid.
Southwestern Athletic Conference
First Round #1: (9) Grambling State vs. (8) Alcorn State, 8:30pm
One of TCU's opponents is in action tonight as Grambling State takes on Alcorn State. The Frogs beat GSU by 41 in December. The winner of tonight's contest gets the top-seeded Texas Southern Tigers tomorrow.
Summit League
Championship: (2) North Dakota State vs. (1) South Dakota State, 8:00pm on ESPN2
Again, this is a scary game for TCU. If SDSU wins it, the NIT field remains unchanged. But if NDSU can come out on top tonight, the Bison will be heading to the Big Dance and SDSU will get bumped to the NIT.
West Coast Conference
Championship: (2) BYU vs. (1) Gonzaga, 8:00pm on ESPN
This game is actually pretty insignificant as far as the NIT is concerned. It is a lose-lose situation for TCU. Gonzaga is in the NCAA field no matter what. BYU is the big question mark. If the Cougars win tonight, the WCC will get two teams in the Big Dance. Even if the Cougars lose, they are likely heading to NCAA Tournament as an at-large team, which knocks another at-large team into the NIT field. So we're going to lose an at-large NIT bid no matter the result of tonight's championship game.
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Of the four championship games tonight, really only two of them will have a legitimate impact on the NIT. If Saint Francis and South Dakota State can take care of business, two more at-large NIT bids will open up, which would be great news for TCU.
★★★
Day 7
Updated for March 9:
Welcome to Day 7 of Championship Week! Yesterday was a pretty good day for TCU's NIT hopes, as #1 seeds combined to go 6-1 in their conference tournaments. North Florida won the Atlantic Sun Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. William & Mary, the top seed in the Colonial Athletic Association, hit a buzzer-beating three pointer in double overtime to avoid an upset. Albany, Iona, and Wofford all advanced to the semifinals of their respective conference tournaments. Bucknell was the lone #1 seed to get upset yesterday, falling to Lafayette in the Semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament.
As it stands right now, there are 29 potential at-large bids to the NIT remaining. Check out our brand new Bid Tracker for a clearer picture.
Tonight is another big night for automatic bids to the NCAA and NIT Tournaments. There are five #1 seeds in action, with three playing in their conference championship games. William & Mary, Wofford, and Iona can all ensure that three more NIT at-large bids remain with victories tonight.
Colonial Athletic Association
Championship: (3) Northeastern vs. (1) William & Mary, 6:00pm on NBC Sports Network
William & Mary can wrap up an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with a win tonight. A Northwestern upset would bump William & Mary to the NIT and steal a potential at-large bid from TCU.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Association
Championship: (3) Manhattan vs. (1) Iona, 8:00pm on ESPN2
Same scenario as above. Frogs needs Iona to take care of Manhattan and advance to the Big Dance.
Mid-American Conference
First Round #1: (10) Northern Illinois vs. (7) Akron, 6:00pm
First Round #2: (12) Ball State vs. (5) Bowling Green, 6:00pm
First Round #3: (9) Miami (OH) vs. (8) Eastern Michigan, 6:30pm
First Round #4: (11) Ohio vs. (6) Western Michigan, 7:00pm
#MACtion begins tonight with the First Round of their conference tournament. These games won't have much relevance to the NIT until the top-seeded Central Michigan Chippewas enter the tourney on Friday.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
First Round #1: (12) Savannah State vs. (5) Delaware State, 5:30pm on ESPN3
First Round #2: (11) Morgan State vs. (6) Hampton, 8:00pm on ESPN3
The MEAC Tournament begins tonight with first round action. The conference divides its first round up into two days, so the top seeds won't begin play until Wednesday and Thursday.
Southern Conference
Championship: (10) Furman vs. (1) Wofford, 6:00pm on ESPN2
We have our first Cinderella story of March. The Furman Paladins, who TCU defeated in December, entered the SoCon Tournament at 8-21 overall, dead last in the conference. After upsetting the #2, #3, and #7 seeds, the Paladins find themselves in the Championship game, just one win away from advancing to the Big Dance. Another Furman upset tonight would be historic, as the Paladins would have one of the worst records of any NCAA Tournament team in the history of the event. As neat as that would be, TCU needs Wofford to come away with a win tonight to keep the NIT field wide open.
Summit League
Semifinal #1: (5) South Dakota vs. (1) South Dakota State, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Oral Roberts vs. (2) North Dakota State, 8:30pm on ESPN3
It's semifinal day in the Summit League and all the Frogs need is for South Dakota State to knock off their in-state rival and advance to the Championship Game.
West Coast Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Pepperdine vs. (1) Gonzaga, 8:00pm on ESPN
Semifinal #2: (6) Portland vs. (2) BYU, 10:30pm on ESPN2
The top-seeds in the WCC enter the fray tonight against a couple of upset-minded semifinalists. While Gonzaga is already locked in to the field, BYU looks to strengthen their NCAA resume with a win. The Cougars are going dancing somewhere, but tonight could decide whether it will be in the Big Dance or the NIT.
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There you have it, 13 more games tonight. We'll continue to update the Bid Tracker as games finish. Stay tuned for more coverage tomorrow as we have four more championship games and the beginning of one power conference tournament!
★★★
Day 6
Updated for March 8:
We have reached Day 6 of Championship Week! Today is perhaps the biggest day yet, with six #1 seeds in action to go along with three Championship Games. The Atlantic Sun, Big South and Missouri Valley will all crown champions and send teams to the NCAA Tournament. In the Ohio Valley Conference Championship Game last night, #3 Belmont upset #1 Murray State. With the Racers now heading to the NIT, we are down to 30 at-large bids remaining.
America East Conference
Semifinal #1: (3) Stony Brook vs. (2) Vermont, 12:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (4) New Hampshire vs. (1) Albany, 1:00pm on ESPN3
The America East Tournament picks back up today. TCU needs the Albany Great Danes to knock off New Hampshire and head to the Championship Game.
Atlantic Sun Conference
Championship: (3) South Carolina - Upstate vs. (1) North Florida, 1:30pm on ESPN2
The North Florida Osprey will have a chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in front of their home fans tomorrow afternoon. A USC-Upstate win would knock the number of at-large bids in the NIT down to 29.
Big South Conference
Championship: (5) Winthrop vs. (3) Coastal Carolina, 11:30am on ESPN2
This game will not impact the NIT. After the #1 seed Charleston-Southern Buccaneers fell on Friday, they earned an automatic bid to the NIT. The winner of today's Championship Game will advance to the NCAA Tournament.
Colonial Athletic Association
Semifinal #1: (5) Hofstra vs. (1) William & Mary, 1:30pm on NBC Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Northeastern vs. (2) North Carolina-Wilmington, 4:00pm on NBC Sports Network
Again, as far as the NIT is concerned, all the Frogs need is for William & Mary to keep taking care of business. Two more wins and they are in the Big Dance.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Monmouth vs. (1) Iona, 3:30pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (7) Saint Peter's vs. (3) Manhattan, 6:00pm on ESPN3
As long as Iona wins their next two games and secures a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the MAAC won't impact the NIT.
Missouri Valley Conference
Championship: (4) Illinois State vs. (2) Northern Iowa, 1:00pm on CBS
Northern Iowa has already locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament. If Illinois State should win today, they will capture the MVC's automatic bid and knock another NCAA at-large team into the NIT field. TCU needs NIU to take care of business and defeat ISU.
Patriot League
Semifinal #1: (4) Lafayette vs. (1) Bucknell, 1:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (6) American vs. (2) Colgate, 3:00pm on CBS Sports Network
Bucknell received quite the scare in the Quarterfinals, rallying to beat Holy Cross. The Bison are back in action today against Lafayette. With two more wins, Bucknell will advance to the NCAA Tournament and keep the number of NIT at-large bids at 30, at least for right now.
Southern Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Western Carolina vs. (1) Wofford, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (10) Furman vs. (3) Mercer, 7:30pm on ESPN3
The Furman Paladins, a team that TCU beat in December, is making a nice little run in the SoCon Tournament. Furman entered the postseason with an 8-21 record and now is in the Semifinals. Let's hope that the Paladins don't continue their hot streak into the NCAA Tournament.
Summit League
Quarterfinal #3: (5) South Dakota vs. (4) IPFW, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) IUPUI vs. (3) Oral Roberts, 8:30pm on ESPN3
The Summit League divides their Quarterfinal round up into two days. Neither of the two games tonight will impact the NIT field.
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With 15 more games today, the NCAA and NIT Tournament fields are becoming a little bit clearer. We are just about to enter the meat of Championship Week as most major conferences have wrapped up their regular season and are about to begin tournament play.
★★★
Day 5
Updated for March 7:
We are rolling right along through Championship Week. Today is a big day for NIT seeding as nine #1 seeds are in action this afternoon, with one playing for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament as the Ohio Valley Conference will crown their champion tonight. There are 27 total conference tournament games, with many of them carrying significant weight. Let's jump right in.
Big South Conference
Semifinal #1: (9) Longwood vs. (5) Winthrop, 11:00am on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (7) Gardner-Webb vs. (3) Coastal Carolina, 1:00pm on ESPN3
Some bad news out of the Big South yesterday... the top seeded Charleston-Southern Buccaneers fell 68-60 to the Longwood Lancers. Therefore, the winner of the Big South Tournament will capture the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament while CSU will be heading to the NIT. Which means as of right now, TCU is fighting for one of just 31 remaining potential at-large bids to the NIT.
Colonial Athletic Association
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Elon vs. (1) William & Mary, 11:00am
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Hofstra vs. (4) James Madison, 1:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Charleston vs. (2) North Carolina-Wilmington, 5:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Delaware vs. (3) Northeastern, 7:30pm
Full day of quarterfinal games in the CAA. TCU needs William & Mary to come out on top to keep as many NIT at-large bids available as possible.
Horizon League
Semifinal #1: (6) Illinois-Chicago vs. (2) Green Bay, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (4) Cleveland State vs. (1) Valparaiso, 8:30pm on ESPNU
The Horizon League could potentially land two teams in the NIT field. Green Bay looks to be a team that steals an at-large bid, regardless of their performance today. Should someone other than Valparaiso win the league, there is a possibility that both Valpo and Green Bay end up in the NIT with the conference champion advancing to the NCAA Tournament. To be safe, I think TCU fans should be rooting for Valparaiso and against Green Bay today.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Siena vs. (1) Iona, 11:00am on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Canisius vs. (4) Monmouth, 1:30pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Saint Peter's vs. (2) Rider, 4:30pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Marist vs. (3) Manhattan, 7:00pm on ESPN3
The MAAC is a one-bid league, so the Frogs definitely want Iona to capture the automatic bid to the Big Dance.
Missouri Valley Conference
Semifinal #1: (4) Illinois State vs. (1) Wichita State, 1:30pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (6) Loyola-Illinois vs. (2) Northern Iowa, 4:00pm on ESPN3
We have some flexibility here. Both Wichita State and Northern Iowa are going to the NCAA Tournament, so as long as one of those two programs also wins the MVC, the NIT field should remain unchanged.
Northeast Conference
Semifinal #1: (3) Bryant vs. (2) Robert Morris, 11:00am on FOX College Sports
Semifinal #2: (5) Saint Francis-Pennsylvania vs. (1) Saint Francis- New York, 1:00pm on FOX College Sports
Saint Francis of New York needs to win just two more games to capture the NEC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and avoid dropping to the NIT.
Ohio Valley Conference
Championship: (3) Belmont vs. (1) Murray State, 6:00pm on ESPN2
The OVC is the first conference to crown a champion and award an automatic bid to the Big Dance. Murray State got quite a scare out of Morehead State last night while Belmont upset Eastern Kentucky. Should Murray State come away victorious tonight, the NIT will gain an at-large bid, which is good news for TCU.
Southern Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (8) North Carolina-Greensboro vs. (1) Wofford, 11:00am on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) East Tennessee State vs. (4) Western Carolina, 1:30pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Furman vs. (2) Chattanooga, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) VMI vs. (3) Mercer, 7:30pm on ESPN3
The top seeded Wofford Terriers enter the SoCon Tournament this morning, looking to take care of business against UNC-Greensboro. The Furman Paladins, who TCU beat in December, pulled a nice upset over The Citadel yesterday. The "root for your opponents" philosophy doesn't really apply here since Furman won't do much to help TCU's resume, but it would be nice to see one of our opponents pull another upset.
Summit League
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Western Illinois vs. (1) South Dakota State, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Denver vs. (2) North Dakota State, 8:30pm on ESPN3
The Summit League begins conference tournament play tonight with the top two seeds in action. Frogs just need South Dakota State to take care of business.
West Coast Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (6) Portland vs. (3) Saint Mary's, 2:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (5) San Diego vs. (4) Pepperdine, 4:00pm
Quarterfinal #3: (8) San Francisco vs. (1) Gonzaga, 8:00pm on ESPN2
Quarterfinal #4: (7) Santa Clara vs. (2) BYU, 10:00pm on ESPN2
It's quarterfinal day in the WCC as both Gonzaga and BYU look to open the postseason with victories. Both the Bulldogs and Cougars look to advance to the NCAA Tournament, so the WCC's effect on the NIT could be minimal, provided that one of those two programs wins the conference tournament.
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There you have it - a loaded day in Championship Week action. Don't forget that the Frogs are in action at 7:30pm this evening at home against Iowa State (ESPNews). Coverage of that game will be up on FOW shortly. In addition, Texas and Kansas State face off at 3:00pm in Austin (ESPN2). The loser of that game will face TCU in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. Enjoy this Saturday full of college hoops!
★★★
Day 4
Updated for March 6:
Welcome to another day of Championship Week! Top seeds have taken care of business so far, posting a 5-0 record through the first three days of action. Three more #1 seeds are in action this afternoon, looking to push that mark to 8-0.
Big South Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Longwood vs. (1) Charleston-Southern, 11:00am on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Winthrop vs. (4) Radford, 1:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Gardner-Webb vs. (2) High Point, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) North Carolina-Asheville vs. (3) Coastal Carolina, 7:00pm on ESPN3
Sensing a pattern yet? Frogs need the #1 seed, Charleston-Southern in this case, to come out on top. It's also not a bad thing to see TCU's non-conference opponents find success in the postseason, so a Radford run in the Big South Tournament could increase TCU's strength of schedule.
Colonial Athletic Association
First Round #1: (9) Towson vs. (8) Elon, 5:00pm
First Round #2: (10) Charleston vs. (7) Drexel, 7:30pm
The #1 seed in the CAA is William & Mary, who enters tournament play tomorrow against the winner of Towson vs. Elon. Today's tourney games in the CAA are pretty inconsequential as far as the NIT is concerned.
Horizon League
Quarterfinal #1: (6) Illinois-Chicago vs. (3) Oakland, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Detroit vs. (4) Cleveland State, 8:30pm on ESPN3
The winner of tonight's Detroit vs. Cleveland State game will get top-seeded Valparaiso tomorrow. The Frogs need Valpo to just win two games in the Horizon Tournament in order to take the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Missouri Valley Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Southern Illinois vs. (1) Wichita State, 12:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Evansville vs. (4) Illinois State, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Bradley vs. (2) Northern Iowa, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Loyola-Illinois vs. (2) Indiana State, 8:30pm
As we discussed yesterday, the MVC is a bit different from the other conferences in that the league is pretty much guaranteed to get both Wichita State and Northern Iowa into the NCAA Tournament, regardless of their performances this week. TCU would need just one of these two teams to win the MVC Tournament to avoid a third team from taking the automatic bid to the NCAA Tourney and knocking another at-large team into the NIT field.
Ohio Valley Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) Morehead State vs. (1) Murray State, 6:30pm on ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (3) Belmont vs. (2) Eastern Kentucky, 8:30pm on ESPNU
The Murray State Racers ran the table in the OVC this season, finishing 16-0 in conference play. They just need to take care of business this weekend to lock up a spot in the Big Dance.
Southern Conference
Second Round #1: (9) Samford vs. (8) North Carolina-Greensboro, 5:00pm on ESPN3
Second Round #2: (10) Furman vs. (7) Citadel, 7:30pm on ESPN3
The top-seeded Wofford Terriers enter the mix tomorrow against the winner of the Samford vs. UNC-Greensboro contest.
West Coast Conference
First Round #1: (9) Pacific vs. (8) San Francisco, 8:00pm
First Round #2: (10) Loyola Marymount vs. (7) Santa Clara, 10:00pm
It will be interesting to watch the West Coast Tournament. #1 seed Gonzaga is a definite lock for the NCAA Tournament, but #2 seed BYU is on the bubble. The Cougars will be playing postseason basketball somewhere, and the WCC Tournament could go a long way toward determining where.
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Charleston Southern and Murray State are the two big teams to watch today, as they will have the most impact on the NIT and a potential bid for TCU.
★★★
Day 3
Updated for March 5:
TCU's NIT hopes took somewhat of a hit last night as the Frogs fell to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. However, Championship Week continues this evening with 13 more conference tournament games. As long as the Frogs have a shot at the NIT, we'll continue to monitor conference tournaments.
Atlantic Sun Conference
Semifinal #1: (5) Lipscomb vs. (1) North Florida, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) South Carolina-Upstate vs. (2) Florida Gulf Coast, 6:00pm on ESPN3
North Florida took care of business on Tuesday in the Quarterfinals, now they need to do the same in the Semifinals. For the Frogs to have a better shot at the NIT, North Florida needs to continue their winning ways and take home the A-Sun Championship.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
First Round #1: (9) Niagara vs. (8) Siena, 4:00pm
First Round #2: (10) Fairfield vs. (7) Saint Peter's, 6:00pm
First Round #3: (11) Marist vs. (6) Quinnipiac, 8:00pm
Tonight's MAAC games are pretty insignificant as far as TCU is concerned. Saturday's games will carry a lot more weight as the #1 seed Iona Gales enter the fray.
Missouri Valley Conference
First Round #1: (9) Southern Illinois vs. (8) Missouri State, 6:00pm
First Round #2: (10) Bradley vs. (7) Drake, 8:30pm
The Missouri Valley Conference will have slightly different implications as far as TCU is concerned. The MVC is all but guaranteed to have two teams in the NCAA Tournament in Wichita State and Northern Iowa. Should a third team win the MVC Tournament, the league would get three bids. This third bid would bump another NCAA at-large team into the NIT. Therefore, TCU would want either Wichita State or Northern Iowa to win the MVC Tournament. Each of those teams begin tournament play tomorrow.
Ohio Valley Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Morehead State vs. (4) Tennessee-Martin, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Eastern Illinois vs. (3) Belmont, 8:00pm
Again, the OVC game tonight don't carry much weight as far as TCU is concerned. The real action begins tomorrow when Murray State enters the tournament after a double-bye. The Racers finished 16-0 in conference play this season and look to capture the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Patriot League
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Boston University vs. (4) Lafayette, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (6) American vs. (3) Lehigh, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #3: (8) Holy Cross vs. (1) Bucknell, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (7) Navy vs. (2) Colgate, 6:00pm
The third quarterfinal game tonight will be the most important for NIT implications. TCU should be rooting for Bucknell to win the conference tournament and secure the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
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Championship Week is slowly gaining some momentum. As more and more conferences finish the regular season in the coming days, the action will really begin to pick up. For today, TCU needs North Florida and Bucknell to come away with victories to keep the NIT field wide open. Enjoy the games!
★★★
Day 2
Updated for March 4:
It’s Day 2 of Championship Week and four more conferences get things going today. The America East, Big South, Northeast, and Ohio Valley Conferences all start their postseason tournaments this afternoon. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s games that will impact TCU’s postseason destination.
America East Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (1) Albany vs. (8) Maine, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (4) New Hampshire vs. (5) Hartford, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #3: (2) Vermont vs. (7) Maryland-Baltimore County, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #4: (3) Stony Brook vs. (6) Binghamton, 6:00pm
For the Frogs, the America East Conference is all about Albany. We want the Great Danes to win out and take the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Big South Conference
First Round #1: (8) Presbyterian vs. (9) Longwood, 11:00am
First Round #2: (7) Gardner-Webb vs. (10) Campbell, 1:00pm
First Round #3: (6) North Carolina-Asheville vs. (11) Liberty, 5:00pm
These three opening round games are pretty insignificant as far as TCU is concerned. Charleston Southern is the #1 seed in the Big South Tournament, and they get things going on the 6th against the winner of the Presbyterian vs. Longwood first round matchup. If anything, I suppose you could cheer against Longwood to avenge last season’s upset loss in Fort Worth.
Northeast Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (1) Saint Francis (NY) vs. (8) Long Island-Brooklyn, 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #2: (4) Mount Saint Mary’s vs. (5) Saint Francis (PA), 6:00pm
Quarterfinal #3: (2) Robert Morris vs. (7) Wagner, 6:00pm, FOX College Sports
Quarterfinal #4: (3) Bryant vs. (6) Sacred Heart, 6:00pm
All the Frogs need here is for the Saint Francis Terriers of New York to take care of business and come out on top. With small, one-bid leagues like this one, it is important for the regular season champion to also win the conference tournament and take the automatic NCAA bid.
Ohio Valley Conference
First Round #1: (5) Morehead State vs. (8) Southeast Missouri State, 6:00pm
First Round #2: (6) Eastern Illinois vs. (7) Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, 8:00pm
These two games don’t mean much as far as the NIT is concerned. The top seed in the Ohio Valley Conference is Murray State, who finished the regular season 16-0 in conference play. The Racers don’t enter the OVC Tournament until Friday.
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That’s all the conference tournament action for today. The Frogs just need the top seeds to keep winning. Don’t forget that TCU is in action tonight as well. The Frogs travel to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State in a game that will have Big 12 Tournament implications.
★★★
Day 1
Updated for March 3:
It's finally here! Championship Week (which actually runs for 13 days) is finally upon us as the first conference tournaments tipoff this evening. The Atlantic Sun Conference, Horizon League, and Patriot League all begin their postseason tournaments at 6:00pm this evening. As I detailed in our first segment of Frogs O' War Bracketology, TCU will be rooting for the top seeds in many of these small conference tournaments in order to improve the Frogs' chances of receiving an at-large bid to the NIT.
Without further ado, here is the first installment of the Frogs O' War Conference Tournament Rooting Guide. Today begins a 13 day journey that will hopefully end with the Frogs receiving an NIT bid. I'll be updating this page each day to keep tabs on the individual conference tournaments in regard to how they impact TCU's postseason chances. Feel free to post any questions or comments below. Time to embrace the Madness!
Atlantic Sun Conference
Quarterfinal #1: (1) North Florida vs. (8) Stetson, 6:30pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (4) Northern Kentucky vs. (5) Lipscomb, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (3) South Carolina-Upstate vs. (6) Kennesaw State, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (2) Florida Gulf Coast vs. (7) Jacksonville, 6:00pm on ESPN3
As will be the case with many of these small conferences, only the top seed matters. It would be most advantageous for TCU if North Florida is able to win the Atlantic Sun Tournament and take the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Horizon League
First Round Game #1: (5) Detroit vs. (8) Youngstown State, 6:00pm on ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (6) Illinois-Chicago vs. (7) Wright State, 6:00pm on ESPN3
Again, only the top seed matters, which in this case is Valparaiso, who doesn't play until Saturday. The #2 seed in the Horizon League is Green Bay, who has a chance of making it to the NIT as an at-large, so the Frogs wouldn't mind to see them get upset, but they don't play until Saturday as well.
Patriot League
First Round Game #1: (8) Holy Cross vs. (9) Loyola-Maryland, 6:00pm
First Round Game #2: (7) Navy vs. (10) Army, 6:00pm
TCU will only need to pay attention to the Patriot League beginning on Thursday when the top-seeded Bucknell Bison take the floor. Today's games are inconsequential as far as TCU is concerned.
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That's it for today's action. Not much is happening as far as TCU is concerned, at least not yet. North Florida is the only team that the Frogs need to take care of business today. The postseason is upon us!