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Day 14 - March 12th
Alas! We have finally reached Day 14 of Championship Week, also known as Selection Sunday. Today, both the NCAA Tournament field of 68 and the NIT field of 32 will be revealed and the TCU Horned Frogs will find out their fate. The Frogs are expected to be chosen for the NIT and should be able to host a game or two at Schollmaier Arena. Six conferences though will still have to crown their champions this morning and afternoon before the bracket comes out, so here are the six remaining games today.
American
Championship: (2) Cincinnati vs. (1) Southern Methodist, 2:15 pm, ESPN
This game doesn’t really have much of an impact on the postseason picture, as both teams will be heading to the NCAA Tournament regardless of the result.
Atlantic 10
Championship: (4) Rhode Island vs. (2) Virginia Commonwealth, 11:30 am, CBS
Of all the games on the docket today, this one will have the biggest impact on either tournament. VCU will be heading to the NCAA Tournament no matter what, but a lot of bubble teams will still be rooting for them to win this game. That’s because Rhode Island is squarely on the bubble and could assure themselves of a spot with a win, but a loss could knock them out.
Big Ten
Championship: (8) Michigan vs. (2) Wisconsin, 2 pm, CBS
It’s incredible that Michigan has managed to find their way to the Big Ten Championship game given how their trip started, but in terms of the postseason picture, this game isn’t really that significant. Regardless of the outcome, both teams will be in the field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament.
Ivy League
Championship: (3) Yale vs. (1) Princeton, 11 am, ESPN2
The Championship game of the first-ever Ivy League conference tournament is the only game that could impact the NIT picture. Princeton is the only remaining top seed that would be headed to the NIT as an automatic bid should they lose, so we’ll be hoping they win.
Southeastern
Championship: (3) Arkansas vs. (1) Kentucky, 12 pm, ESPN
This is another game that is fairly insignificant in terms of the postseason, since both teams will be dancing.
Sun Belt
Championship: (6) Troy vs. (4) Texas State, 1 pm, ESPN2
This game doesn’t have any impact on the NIT since top-seeded UT Arlington was defeated by Texas State yesterday, thus sending them to the NIT. The winner of today’s game will be dancing and the loser will be heading home.
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That’s all for today. If you’ve been following along this journey over the past two weeks, thank you. Make sure to keep an eye out for posts as the tournament fields are announced later tonight.
Day 13 - March 11th
We’re only a day away from Selection Sunday, and after briefly working their way back toward the bubble by defeating #1 Kansas, it appears the Frogs are destined for the NIT after falling to Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament Semifinals. However, there is no set number of at-large spots in the NIT, so we’ll be breaking down today’s games and how they impact the NIT.
We want as many #1 seeds in small conferences to win today because if they lose, they receive an automatic bid to the NIT. Today will be a fun day in college basketball as 14 teams will be punching their tickets to the Big Dance, so let’s get to it.
America East
Championship: (3) Albany @ (1) Vermont, 10 am, ESPN
It’s all about Vermont here for TCU. If they win they’ll be headed to the NCAA Tournament, but if they lose that’ll be one less NIT at-large spot. Vermont is 18-0 this season in games against America East opponents, so let’s hope they can make it 19-0.
American
Semifinal #1: (4) Central Florida vs. (1) Southern Methodist, 2 pm, ESPN2
Semifinal #2: (6) Connecticut vs. (2) Cincinnati, approx. 4:30 pm, ESPN2
SMU and Cincinnati are both NCAA Tournament teams no matter what, so it’ll be best if one of those two wins this tournament. UCF will likely be headed to the NIT if they don’t win the conference tournament, but we don’t want them to win the bid and knock a team from the NCAA at-large pool into the NIT, which would hurt TCU’s seeding. The same can be said for UCONN, expect they wouldn’t even be an at-large for the NIT.
Atlantic 10
Semifinal #1: (9) Davidson vs. (4) Rhode Island, 12 pm, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (3) Richmond vs. (2) Virginia Commonwealth, approx. 2:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
The Atlantic 10’s conference tournament is very similar to that of the American, in that 2 teams will likely be dancing (VCU, Rhode Island), 1 will likely be an NIT at-large (Richmond), and 1 won’t be going to either (Davidson), unless they win it all. Rhode Island is a bubble team but they are still above TCU and a lock for the NIT at the minimum. As long as them or VCU win this tournament, the Frogs will be happy.
Atlantic Coast
Championship: (5) Duke vs. (3) Notre Dame, 8 pm, ESPN
Both of these teams are locks to go to the Big Dance, so this game won’t have any significant impact on TCU’s NIT chances or seeding.
Big 12
Championship: (4) Iowa State vs. (2) West Virginia, 5 pm, ESPN
Just like with the ACC, both of these teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, so this game won’t have a significant impact on the Frogs. However, TCU does have a win over Iowa State, so it would help us a little bit if they got the win.
Big East
Championship: (6) Creighton vs. (1) Villanova, 4:30 pm, FOX
This matchup is another one where both teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, so there isn’t much riding on this game for the Frogs.
Big Sky
Championship: (3) Weber State vs. (1) North Dakota, 7:30 pm, ESPNU
The Big Sky is another one of the small conferences where we need the #1 seed to win. North Dakota has done the job thus far and made it to the final, where they will take on a Weber State team that they swept during the regular season.
Big Ten
Semifinal #1: (8) Michigan vs. (4) Minnesota, 12 pm, CBS
Semifinal #2: (6) Northwestern vs. (2) Wisconsin, approx. 2:30 pm, CBS
All four of these teams will be heading to the NCAA Tournament, so these games as well as the final tomorrow are pretty irrelevant with regards to TCU.
Big West
Championship: (2) UC Davis vs. (1) UC Irvine, 10:30 pm, ESPN2
It hurts to root for UC Irvine after what they did to our baseball team last night, but we need them to win it for our basketball team. UC Irvine and UC Davis split the regular season series, each winning on their home court, but UC Irvine won the most recent matchup by 30.
Conference USA
Championship: (6) Marshall vs. (1) Middle Tennessee, 7:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
Middle Tennessee would likely be an at-large into the NCAA Tournament if they lose, but Marshall stealing the bid would hurt the Frogs seeding in the NIT by knocking a worthy at-large down into the NIT. Middle Tennessee beat Marshall by double-digits in both meetings between the teams this season.
Ivy League
Semifinal #1: (4) Pennsylvania vs. (1) Princeton, 12:30 pm, ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (3) Yale vs. (2) Harvard, approx. 3 pm, ESPNU
This is just neat. For the first time ever, the Ivy League is holding a postseason tournament to give out their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It is a small conference though, so we’ll be pulling for the #1 seed. However, the game is being played at Penn, but Princeton beat them there by 15.
Mid-American
Championship: (6) Kent State vs. (1) Akron, 6:30 pm, ESPN2
The MAC is another conference that is all about the top seed for TCU. The Frogs will be hoping Akron gets it done tomorrow in order to leave open an NIT at-large spot. These teams split the regular season series, each winning on the other team’s court.
Mid-Eastern
Championship: (2) Norfolk State vs. (1) North Carolina Central, 12 pm, ESPN2
Just like the MAC, all eyes here are on the #1 seed, so we’ll be pulling for North Carolina Central to win today. These teams only met once in the regular season and North Carolina Central won that game by 15 at Norfolk State.
Mountain West
Championship: (2) Colorado State vs. (1) Nevada, 5 pm, CBS
This game surprisingly has very little impact on TCU’s chances. If Nevada wins, they go to the Big Dance and Colorado State likely goes to the NIT, seeded below the Frogs. If Colorado State wins, they go to the NCAA Tournament and Nevada heads to the NIT, likely seeded above TCU. Therefore, we want Nevada to win, but neither team can hurt the Frogs’ chances of getting into the NIT.
Pac-12
Championship: (2) Arizona vs. (1) Oregon, 10 pm, ESPN
Both of these teams are heading to the NCAA Tournament, so this game won’t have any significant impact on TCU.
Southeastern
Semifinal #1: (5) Alabama vs. (1) Kentucky, 12 pm, ESPN
Semifinal #2: (7) Vanderbilt vs. (3) Arkansas, approx. 2:30 pm, ESPN
In terms of bid thieves, none of these teams fit the bill. However, Alabama is currently projected below TCU in terms of NIT seeding, so we don’t want them to pull off the big win and possibly take away the ability to host multiple rounds from the Frogs.
Southland
Championship: (2) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. (1) New Orleans, 8:30 pm, ESPN2
It’s all about the top seed New Orleans here for the Frogs. New Orleans won the only meeting between these two schools, but they were at home and it was only a 1-point game.
Southwestern Athletic
Championship: (2) Alcorn State vs. (1) Texas Southern, approx. 5:30 pm, ESPNU
Due to poor APR scores, Alcorn State is ineligible for the NCAA Tournament, so Texas Southern will get the automatic bid win or lose today. However, TCU has a win over them, so we want them to get the win today to help boost the Frogs’ resume, even if it is miniscule.
Sun Belt
Semifinal #1: (4) Texas State vs. (1) UT Arlington, 11:30 am, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (6) Troy vs. (2) Georgia State, approx. 2 pm, ESPN3
It’s all about the #1 seed UT Arlington in the Sun Belt for the Frogs. We’ll be pulling for them to win today and tomorrow in order to leave open another at-large spot in the NIT. They lost their first meeting with Texas State, but beat them by 15 in their most recent matchup.
Western Athletic
Championship: (2) New Mexico State vs. (1) Cal State Bakersfield, 10 pm, ESPNU
The WAC is another small one-bid league, so we’ll be pulling for #1 seed Cal State Bakersfield to come away with the win today. These teams split the regular season series, each winning at home, but Cal State Bakersfield won the most recent meeting by 19.
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A lot of #1 seeds did their jobs and made it to their respective championship games today. However, we need as many of them as possible to finish and win it all today. Selection Sunday is almost here and it’s about to get really exciting with TCU almost certainly playing beyond the Big 12 Tournament.
Day 12 - March 10th
We’ve reached Day 12 of Championship Week, anad apparently something big must have happened yesterday because now TCU has worked their way back to the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. After the Frogs’ win over AP #1 Kansas yesterday, they are now projected in the “Next Four Out” category of ESPN’s Bracketology. Therefore, we will now be paying attention to how games affect the NCAA Tournament bubble, as well as the NIT, although TCU should be a lock for that now. Of course, the Frogs must still win today in order to work their way up and into the field of 68.
American
Quarterfinal #1: (9) East Carolina vs. (1) Southern Methodist, 11 am, ESPN2
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Memphis vs. (4) Central Florida, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN2
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Tulsa vs. (2) Cincinnati, 6 pm, ESPNU
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Connecticut vs. (3) Houston, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPNU
SMU and Cincinnati are locks for the NCAA Tournament, so TCU we’ll be wanting one of them to win the American’s conference tournament. Houston is currently a bubble team projected ahead of the Frogs, so let’s hope for an upset by UCONN.
Atlantic 10
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Davidson vs. (1) Dayton, 11 am, NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) St. Bonaventure vs. (4) Rhode Island, approx. 1:30 pm, NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) George Mason vs. (2) Virginia Commonwealth, 5:30 pm, NBC Sports Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) George Washington vs. (3) Richmond, approx. 8 pm, NBC Sports Network
The Atlantic 10 is very similar to the American conference tournament, as two teams, Dayton and VCU, are locks to make the NCAA Tournament. There is also a bubble team above TCU, Rhode Island, so we’ll be pulling for an upset by St. Bonaventure.
Atlantic Coast
Semifinal #1: (5) Duke vs. (1) North Carolina, 6 pm, ESPN
Semifinal #2: (3) Notre Dame vs. (2) Florida State, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN
All four of these teams are locks for the NCAA Tournament, so neither of these games will have any impact on TCU.
Big 12
Semifinal #1: (8) TCU vs. (4) Iowa State, 6 pm, ESPN2
Semifinal #2: (6) Kansas State vs. (2) West Virginia, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN2
All of the NCAA Tournament bubble talk rests on the assumption that the Frogs can continue their run and get a win tonight. If not, they’ll likely be headed to the NIT. Given how TCU lost those two final games at home in the regular season, I’m sure they’ll want to get a chance at revenge over either of the two in the other Semifinal.
Big East
Semifinal #1: (5) Seton Hall vs. (1) Villanova, 5:30 pm, Fox Sports 1
Semifinal #2: (7) Xavier vs. (6) Creighton, approx. 8 pm, Fox Sports 1
All of these teams are fairly safe in terms of getting into the NCAA Tournament, with Xavier being closest to the bubble. Since that’s the case, these games likely won’t have much impact on TCU, but it can’t hurt to root for Creighton today.
Big Sky
Semifinal #1: (4) Idaho vs. (1) North Dakota, 7:35 pm, EverSport.tv
Semifinal #2: (3) Weber State vs. (2) Eastern Washington, approx. 10:05 pm, EverSport.tv
The Big Sky only matters in terms of the NIT, so we want the #1 seed North Dakota to win the conference tournament and stay out of the NIT. North Dakota won their only game against Idaho by 23 in the regular season.
Big Ten
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Michigan vs. (1) Purdue, 11 am, ESPN
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Michigan State vs. (4) Minnesota, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Indiana vs. (2) Wisconsin, 5:30 pm, Big Ten Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Northwestern vs. (3) Maryland, approx. 8 pm, Big Ten Network
Indiana is the only Big Ten team that isn’t safely in the field, and they are one spot ahead of TCU in the bubble picture, so the Frogs will be pulling for Wisconsin to knock them out today.
Big West
Semifinal #1: (5) Long Beach State vs. (1) UC Irvine, 8:30 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Cal State Fullerton vs. (2) UC Davis, approx. 11 pm, ESPNU
Like with the Big Sky, the Big West is all about the top seed. TCU will be pulling for UC Irvine on the hardwood while facing them on the diamond this weekend. They split the regular season series with Long Beach State with both teams winning on their home floor.
Conference USA
Semifinal #1: (4) UT El Paso vs. (1) Middle Tennessee, 11:30 am, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (6) Marshall vs. (2) Louisiana Tech, approx. 2 pm, CBS Sports Network
This conference tournament has major implications on the NCAA Tournament, as Middle Tennessee would be on the bubble if they fell into the at-large pool. TCU won’t be wanting one of the other three teams to sneak in with an automatic bid. Middle Tennessee lost their only game against UTEP in El Paso.
Mid-American
Semifinal #1: (4) Ball State vs. (1) Akron, 4:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (6) Kent State vs. (2) Ohio, approx. 7 pm, CBS Sports Network
The MAC will have an impact on the NIT more so than the NCAA Tournament, so all that really matters for the Frogs is that top-seeded Akron wins it all. They narrowly won their only matchup with Ball State during the regular season.
Mid-Eastern
Semifinal #1: (5) Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. (1) North Carolina Central, 5 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (11) Howard vs. (2) Norfolk State, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
The MEAC will only have a significant impact on the NIT, should North Carolina Central be knocked out. TCU will be rooting for them to win it all and get into the NCAA Tournament. They won both games against UMES during the regular season.
Mountain West
Semifinal #1: (4) Fresno State vs. (1) Nevada, 9 pm, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (6) San Diego State vs. (2) Colorado State, approx. 11:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
San Diego State probably won’t be heading to any postseason unless they win the conference tournament, but the other three are all likely NIT at-larges. Therefore, TCU will be rooting for any of the other three to win the automatic bid.
Pac-12
Semifinal #1: (5) California vs. (1) Oregon, 8 pm, Pac-12 Network
Semifinal #2: (3) UCLA vs. (2) Arizona, approx. 10:30 pm, ESPN
The big game for TCU fans to watch is the the matchup between Oregon and Cal, since Cal is above the Frogs on the bubble. Therefore we’ll be pulling for the Ducks to knock them out. Both of the other teams are locks to get into the NCAA Tournament with Oregon.
Southeastern
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Georgia vs. (1) Kentucky, 12 pm, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Alabama vs. (4) South Carolina, approx. 2:30 pm, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Vanderbilt vs. (2) Florida, 6 pm, SEC Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Ole Miss vs. (3) Arkansas, approx. 8:30 pm, SEC Network
In the SEC, the top four seeds are all locks to get into the NCAA Tournament, but Georgia and Vanderbilt are both on the bubble. The easiest thing to do here is to root for no upsets today in order to take out any potential bid thieves and bubble teams.
Southland
Semifinal #1: (5) Sam Houston State vs. (1) New Orleans, 5 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Stephen F. Austin vs. (2) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
The Southland is a one-bid league so their impact will come on the NIT if #1 seed New Orleans loses. TCU will be rooting for them to win the conference tournament and to stay out of the NIT. New Orleans lost their only game against Sam Houston State during the regular season.
Southwestern Athletic
Semifinal #1: (5) Grambling State vs. (1) Texas Southern, 2:30 pm
Semifinal #2: (3) Southern vs. (2) Alcorn State, 8:30 pm
TCU would not only benefit from Texas Southern staying out of the NIT by winning their conference tournament, but also by getting a resume boost from the Frogs’ victory over them. We’ll be pulling for them to beat Grambling State today, who they have already beaten twice this season.
Sun Belt
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Coastal Carolina vs. (1) UT Arlington, 11:30 am, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (12) UL Monroe vs. (4) Texas State, approx. 2 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) UL Lafayette vs. (2) Georgia State, 5 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Troy vs. (3) Georgia Southern, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
The Sun Belt is very similar to Conference USA in that UT Arlington is a bubble team if they fall into the at-large pool. Therefore, it would be beneficial for TCU if they can win their conference tournament and keep out any bid thieves. Plus, it’d be nice for them to get revenge on Coastal Carolina for us after Omaha last year.
Western Athletic
Semifinal #1: (4) Utah Valley vs. (1) Cal State Bakersfield, 8 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) UMKC vs. (2) New Mexico State, approx. 10:30 pm, ESPN3
It’s all about Cal State Bakersfield in the WAC for TCU. We’ll be pulling for them to win the conference tournament and stay out of the NIT. Cal State Bakersfield won both games against Utah Valley during the regular season.
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A lot of action to keep an eye on today across the 18 conference tournaments in action, but nothing is more important than TCU’s game against Iowa State. Hopefully the Frogs can continue their run and we can have a chance at an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament in Jamie Dixon’s first year at the helm.
Day 11 - March 9th
There are a lot games to get to today for Championship Week. Yesterday was big for the Frogs’ NIT chances. The most important thing that happened was TCU beating Oklahoma in the Big 12 Tournament, ending their 7-game skid. Now, they must turn around and take on Kansas this afternoon, which will be today’s most important game.
If they win, it would lock up an NIT bid and most likely ensure that they have an opportunity to host the first couple rounds. It would also put them a pair of wins away from the NCAA Tournament, which would be incredible if they won the conference tournament.
Elsewhere, the two top seeds in action yesterday both won. North Carolina Central won their quarterfinal to advance to the MEAC semifinals and Bucknell won the Patriot League championship, ensuring an NIT at-large spot.
American
First Round Game #1: (9) East Carolina vs. (8) Temple, 2:30 pm, ESPNU
First Round Game #2: (10) Tulane vs. (7) Tulsa, approx. 5 pm, ESPNEWS
First Round Game #3: (11) South Florida vs. (6) Connecticut, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPNEWS
In the American, the only teams that have a chance at the NCAA Tournament are SMU, Cincinnati, and Houston, so any of those teams winning the conference tournament will be okay for TCU. All three of those teams start play tomorrow.
Atlantic 10
Second Round Game #1: (9) Davidson vs. (8) La Salle, 11 am, NBC Sports Network
Second Round Game #2: (12) Massachusetts vs. (5) St. Bonaventure, approx. 1:30 pm, NBC Sports Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Fordham vs. (7) George Mason, 5 pm, NBC Sports Network
Second Round Game #4: (11) Saint Louis vs. (6) George Washington, approx. 7:30 pm, NBC Sports Network
The top four seeds in the Atlantic 10 all have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament, so any of them winning the A-10’s tournament would not hurt the Frogs. They all enter the tournament tomorrow against the winners of today’s games.
Atlantic Coast
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Miami vs. (1) North Carolina, 11 am, ESPN
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Duke vs. (4) Louisville, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Virginia Tech vs. (2) Florida State, 6 pm, ESPN
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Virginia vs. (3) Notre Dame, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN
All eight of the remaining teams in the ACC Tournament are locks for the NCAA Tournament, so there won’t be much impact on TCU here. However, if you’re looking for some great basketball in between Big 12 games, check in on these.
Big 12
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Oklahoma State vs. (4) Iowa State, 11:30 am, ESPN2
Quarterfinal #2: (8) TCU vs. (1) Kansas, approx. 2 pm, ESPN2
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Texas vs. (2) West Virginia, 6 pm, ESPNU
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Kansas State vs. (3) Baylor, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPNU
The most important conference tournament for TCU is the Big 12 Tournament. The resume is all about who have you beat, so we’ll be rooting for the teams that the Frogs have beaten, in addition to the Frogs. That means we’ll want to see Iowa State, TCU, Texas, and Kansas State all win today.
Big East
Quarterfinal #1: (8) St. John’s vs. (1) Villanova, 11 am, Fox Sports 1
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Seton Hall vs. (4) Marquette, approx. 1:30 pm, Fox Sports 1
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Xavier vs. (2) Butler, 6 pm, Fox Sports 1
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Creighton vs. (3) Providence, approx. 8:30 pm, Fox Sports 1
Everyone in this tournament, except for St. John’s, will likely be heading to the NCAA Tournament. Therefore, we just need Villanova to eliminate the last potential bid thief from the Big East Tournament.
Big Sky
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Portland State vs. (1) North Dakota, 2:05 pm, EverSport.tv
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Montana vs. (4) Idaho, approx. 4:35 pm, EverSport.tv
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Sacramento State vs. (2) Eastern Washington, 7:35 pm, EverSport.tv
Quarterfinal #4: (11) Southern Utah vs. (3) Weber State, approx. 10:05 pm, EverSport.tv
It’s all about the top seed in the Big Sky, so TCU will be pulling for North Dakota to win here. Beating Portland State won’t be an easy task for them though. While North Dakota won the regular season finale at home against Portland State, they lost by a whopping 37 in the Big Sky opener in Portland.
Big Ten
Second Round Game #1: (9) Illinois vs. (8) Michigan, 11 am, Big Ten Network
Second Round Game #2: (13) Penn State vs. (5) Michigan State, approx. 1:30 pm, Big Ten Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Indiana vs. (7) Iowa, 5:30 pm, ESPN2
Second Round Game #4: (14) Rutgers vs. (6) Northwestern, approx. 8 pm, ESPN2
As long as Penn State and Rutgers are eliminated, then any of the other teams winning will be okay for TCU. All of the other teams in the Big Ten Tournament are at the least going to be NIT at-larges.
Big West
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Cal Poly vs. (2) UC Davis, 2 pm, Fox Sports West
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Cal State Northridge vs. (3) Cal State Fullerton, approx. 4:30 pm. Fox Sports West
Quarterfinal #3: (8) UC Riverside vs. (1) UC Irvine, 8 pm, Fox Sports Prime Ticket (delayed)
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Long Beach State vs. (4) Hawaii, approx. 10:30 pm, Fox Sports Prime Ticket
Although we’ll be rooting for the Frogs on the diamond against UC Irvine this weekend, we’ll be pulling for the Anteaters on the hardwood. We’ll need them to win it all as the top seed. They won both matchups against UC Riverside during the regular season.
Conference USA
Quarterfinal #1: (9) UT San Antonio vs. (1) Middle Tennessee, 11:30 am, ASN
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Rice vs. (4) UT El Paso, approx. 2 pm, ASN
Quarterfinal #3: (7) UAB vs. (2) Louisiana Tech, 5:30 pm, ASN
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Marshall vs. (3) Old Dominion, approx. 8 pm, ASN
Middle Tennessee is the only team in this conference that would be getting into either the Big Dance or the NIT, so the Frogs will be pulling for them to win it all and prevent any potential bid thieves. Middle Tennessee won their only matchup with UT San Antonio during the regular season.
Mid-American
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Akron, 11 am, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Western Michigan vs. (4) Ball State, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Toledo vs. (2) Ohio, 5:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Kent State vs. (3) Buffalo, approx. 8 pm, ESPN3
#MACtion takes the hardwood again today, but the only team TCU needs to pull for is #1 seed Akron. They swept the series with Eastern Michigan during the regular season.
Mid-Eastern
Quarterfinal #3: (11) Howard vs. (3) Morgan State, 5 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. (4) Hampton, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
The top seed North Carolina Central already advanced to the semifinals by winning yesterday and they will face the winner of Maryland-Eastern Shore/Hampton. Other than that, nothing of importance here with regards to TCU.
Mountain West
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Utah State vs. (1) Nevada, 2 pm, CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) New Mexico vs. (4) Fresno State, approx. 4:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #3: (10) Air Force vs. (2) Colorado State, 8 pm, CBS Sports Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) San Diego State vs. (3) Boise State, approx. 10:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
All of the four top seeds can get into the NIT anyways, so as long as one of them wins, it won’t hurt the Frogs.
Pac-12
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Arizona State vs. (1) Oregon, 2 pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) California vs. (4) Utah, approx. 4:30 pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Colorado vs. (2) Arizona, 8 pm, Pac-12 Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Southern California vs. (3) UCLA, approx. 10:30 pm, ESPN
Washington, who TCU beat twice in non-conference play, came just short of upsetting USC and helping the Frogs’ resume, so we can’t pull for them anymore. As long as any team besides Arizona State wins, it’ll be okay for TCU.
Southeastern
Second Round Game #1: (9) Tennessee vs. (8) Georgia, 12 pm, SEC Network
Second Round Game #2: (12) Mississippi State vs. (5) Alabama, approx. 2:30 pm, SEC Network
Second Round Game #3: (10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Vanderbilt, 6 pm, SEC Network
Second Round Game #4: (14) Missouri vs. (6) Ole Miss, approx. 8:30 pm, SEC Network
This is a tournament that will need more attention in the next couple days. For TCU, we want one of the top four seeds to win, because they are all likely heading to the NCAA Tournament. Therefore, we don’t want any of the teams in action today making a run and stealing a bid.
Southland
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Sam Houston State vs. (4) Houston Baptist, 5 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Lamar vs. (3) Stephen F. Austin, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
It’s all about #1 seed New Orleans in the Southland Tournament, so there’s not much to watch for here tonight. New Orleans will take on the winner of the Sam Houston State/Houston Baptist game tomorrow.
Western Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Seattle vs. (4) Utah Valley, 4 pm, WACSports.com
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Chicago State vs. (2) New Mexico State, approx. 6:30 pm, WACSports.com
Quarterfinal #3: (6) UT Rio Grande Valley vs. (3) UMKC, approx. 9 pm, WACSports.com
The WAC is another one-bid league in action today, so it’s all about #1 seed Cal State Bakersfield. They’ll be in action tomorrow against the winner of Seattle/Utah Valley.
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There you have it. Four important top seeds will be in action tonight so we’ll keep an eye on them, but most importantly we’ll be watching TCU take on the #1 team in the country.
Day 10 - March 8th
We’ve reached Day 10 of Championship Week and the action will really begin to ratchet up tonight as all of the major conferences will have games. Yesterday went according to plan as all three #1 seeds that played won their games, including Mount St. Mary’s who won the Northeast Conference tournament, ensuring an open at-large NIT spot.
Tonight, there is not much to keep an eye on in terms of the Frogs’s NIT chances across the conference tournaments. Only two top seeds will be in action, including Bucknell in the Patriot League Championship game. The biggest game tonight though will be TCU’s matchup with Oklahoma. Getting into the NIT is not guaranteed for TCU, so they will need to continue to solidify their resume.
Atlantic 10
First Round Game #1: (13) Saint Joseph’s vs. (12) Massachusetts, 5 pm, ASN
First Round Game #2: (14) Duquesne vs. (11) Saint Louis, approx. 7:30 pm, ASN
Nothing to watch for in terms of TCU here tonight. As long as one of the top four seeds (Dayton, Virginia Commonwealth, Richmond, Rhode Island) wins, then the Frogs won’t be impacted much. Of those, let’s hope it’s not Richmond since they’re below TCU on the NIT bubble.
Atlantic Coast
Second Round Game #1: (9) Miami (FL) vs. (8) Syracuse, 11 am, ESPN
Second Round Game #2: (12) Clemson vs. (5) Duke, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN
Second Round Game #3: (10) Wake Forest vs. (7) Virginia Tech, 6 pm, ESPN2
Second Round Game #4: (14) Pittsburgh vs. (6) Virginia, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN2
The ACC is definitely one of the best conferences in college basketball and these games will be very entertaining, but they won’t have much impact on TCU. So long as Pittsburgh doesn’t run the table, the Frogs should be okay here, as all of the other teams will likely be headed to the NCAA Tournament or NIT.
Big 12
First Round Game #1: (9) Oklahoma vs. (8) TCU, 6 pm, ESPNU
First Round Game #2: (10) Texas vs. (7) Texas Tech, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPNU
Obviously, the most important game today for the Frogs is their own tilt with Oklahoma. TCU needs to win in order to bolster their NIT resume. If the Frogs fall, then it will be a very long wait until the NIT bracket is revealed this coming Sunday.
Big East
First Round Game #1: (9) Georgetown vs. (8) St. John’s, 6 pm, Fox Sports 1
First Round Game #2: (10) DePaul vs. (7) Xavier, approx. 8:30 pm, Fox Sports 1
The Big East’s conference tournament will also be home to some great basketball, but there’s nothing here to pay attention to in terms of TCU. Of these four, Xavier is the only team with a chance of going to either the NCAA Tournament or the NIT, so we just won’t want any of the other three to win it all.
Big Ten
First Round Game #1: (13) Penn State vs. (12) Nebraska, 3:30 pm, ESPN2
First Round Game #2: (14) Rutgers vs. (11) Ohio State, approx. 6 pm, Big Ten Network
Of these teams, none will be heading to the Big Dance and only Ohio State has a chance at the NIT. In terms of the NIT bubble, we should be pulling for Rutgers to take down the Buckeyes to help the Frogs’ positioning.
Conference USA
First Round Game #1: (9) UT San Antonio vs. (8) Western Kentucky, 11:30 am, Campus Insiders
First Round Game #2: (12) Southern Mississippi vs. (5) Rice, approx. 2 pm, Campus Insiders
First Round Game #3: (10) Charlotte vs. (7) UAB, 5:30 pm, Campus Insiders
First Round Game #4: (11) Florida Atlantic vs. (6) Marshall, approx. 8 pm, Campus Insiders
Tonight’s games won’t have much impact on TCU. The only team in this conference tournament that the Frogs will be pulling for is Middle Tennessee, who plays tomorrow against the winner of UT San Antonio/Western Kentucky.
Mid-Eastern
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Bethune-Cookman vs. (1) North Carolina Central, 5 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) South Carolina State vs. (2) Norfolk State, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
North Carolina Central is one of the few #1 seeds in action tonight, so TCU fans will want to be watching their score. They won their only matchup with Bethune-Cookman 78-63, but entered the tournament on a 2-game losing streak.
Mountain West
First Round Game #1: (9) San Jose State vs. (8) Utah State, 1 pm, Mountain West Network
First Round Game #2: (10) Air Force vs. (7) Wyoming, approx. 3:30 pm, Mountain West Network
First Round Game #3: (11) UNLV vs. (6) San Diego State, approx. 6 pm, Mountain West Network
Although the Mountain West typically gets 2 or 3 bids to the NCAA Tournament, Nevada is the only team that can get in as an at-large. However, they would probably head to the NIT if they lost, so we’ll need them to win the tournament. Colorado State, Fresno State, and Boise State are all on the NIT bubble, so we’ll be pulling for some upsets. Tonight, we can root for UNLV to upset the Aztecs, since TCU has a non-conference victory over UNLV.
Pac-12
First Round Game #1: (9) Stanford vs. (8) Arizona State, 2 pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #2: (12) Oregon State vs. (5) California, approx. 4:30 pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #3: (10) Washington State vs. (7) Colorado, 8 pm, Pac-12 Network
First Round Game #4: (11) Washington vs. (6) Southern California, approx. 10:30 pm, Pac-12 Network
TCU managed to pick up two non-conference victories this season over Washington, so it’s disappointing to see them so low in the conference tournament. Hopefully they can make a mini-run in order to help the Frogs’ resume. We’ll monitor this tournament as it gets closer in order to make sure no teams steal an NCAA Tournament bid and knock an at-large down to the NIT.
Patriot League
Championship: (3) Lehigh @ (1) Bucknell, 6:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
Bucknell is one of the only two #1 seeds in action today so TCU will be pulling for them. They host Lehigh with a chance of wrapping up their conference tournament and locking up an NCAA Tournament bid. However, that will be a tough task because Lehigh swept them in the regular season.
Southeastern
First Round Game #1: (13) LSU vs. (12) Mississippi State, 6 pm, SEC Network
First Round Game #2: (14) Missouri vs. (11) Auburn, approx. 8:30 pm, SEC Network
It’ll be interesting to see how Missouri and LSU play given the fact that reports have already surfaced that their head coaches won’t be returning next season. Tonight, TCU fans can pull for Auburn to help give a slight boost to the Frogs’ resume.
Southland
First Round Game #1: (8) Central Arkansas vs. (5) Sam Houston State, 5 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (7) Southeastern Louisiana vs. (6) Lamar, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
Nothing of interest in the Southland’s conference tournament tonight with regards to TCU. The Frogs will be hoping that #1 seed New Orleans wins it all, but they don’t enter the tournament until Friday.
Sun Belt
First Round Game #1: (9) South Alabama vs. (8) Coastal Carolina, 11:30 am, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (12) UL Monroe vs. (5) Arkansas State, approx. 2 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (10) Little Rock vs. (7) UL Lafayette, 5 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #4: (11) Appalachian State vs. (6) Troy, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
The Sun Belt will likely be a one-bid league again this season, so TCU will be pulling for the #1 seed UT Arlington. They enter the tournament tomorrow against the winner of the South Alabama/Coastal Carolina game. Tonight though, the Frogs will be pulling for Arkansas State, who they beat earlier in the season, to give a slight boost to TCU’s resume.
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As you can see there are a lot games going on today, but only a select few to keep an eye on for the Frogs. Let’s hope that TCU, Bucknell, and North Carolina Central all get it done on the hardwood today.
Day 9 - March 7th
Yesterday didn’t go quite as well as the Frogs had hoped as both South Dakota and UNC Greensboro lost and will be headed to the NIT. That brings the total number of available at-large spots to 26 with six days of action still to go until Selection Sunday. There was some good news though as UNC Wilmington won their conference tournament, keeping an at-large spot open for sure.
One of the bigger conferences, the ACC, gets underway today, but there isn’t much for TCU fans to keep an eye on today. There are three #1 seeds in action today, but Gonzaga won’t have an impact on the NIT. However, Mount St. Mary’s and Texas Southern will both be looking for victories tonight and both of those teams would head to the NIT if they were to lose.
Atlantic Coast
First Round Game #1: (13) North Carolina State vs. (12) Clemson, 11 am, ESPN2
First Round Game #2: (15) Boston College vs. (10) Wake Forest, approx 1:30 pm, ESPN2
First Round Game #3: (14) Pittsburgh vs. (11) Georgia Tech, 6 pm, ESPNU
The first major conference tournament gets underway as the ACC Tournament opens today. If the Frogs were still on the NCAA Tournament bubble, then we would need to focus on this tournament a lot, but unfortunately TCU is not. North Carolina State and Boston College are the only ones likely to not make either the NCAA Tournament or NIT, so we just need them to be stopped from making any miracle runs.
Big Sky
First Round Game #1: (9) Northern Arizona vs. (8) Portland State, 4:35 pm, EverSport.tv
First Round Game #2: (10) Idaho State vs. (7) Sacramento State, 7:35 pm, EverSport.tv
First Round Game #3: (11) Southern Utah vs. (6) Montana State, 10:05 pm, EverSport.tv
Top seed North Dakota is the only team that Frog fans really need to pay attention to in the Big Sky. They’ll get in on the action on Thursday against the winner of tonight’s Northern Arizona/Portland State game.
Horizon League
Championship: (10) Milwaukee vs. (4) Northern Kentucky, 6 pm, ESPN
The #1 seed Oakland is already heading to the NIT after falling in the quarterfinals, so this game won’t have any impact on TCU. It will be crazy though if Milwaukee, who is 11-23 and was 4-14 in league play, runs the table as the lowest seed and gets into the NCAA Tournament.
Mid-Eastern
First Round Game #3: (9) Bethune-Cookman vs. (8) Delaware State, 3 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #4: (10) Florida A&M vs. (7) South Carolina State, approx. 5:30 pm, ESPN3
The main focus in the MEAC for TCU is #1 seed North Carolina Central, who enters the action tomorrow against the winner of tonight’s Bethune-Cookman/Delaware State game.
Northeast
Championship: (4) St. Francis (PA) @ (1) Mount St. Mary’s, 6 pm, ESPN2
This is probably the biggest game of the night for Frog fans. We need Mount St. Mary’s to pull it off tonight and get into the Big Dance instead of settling for an automatic bid to the NIT. Mount St. Mary’s swept the season series against St. Francis (PA).
Southwestern Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Mississippi Valley State @ (2) Alcorn State, 6 pm
Quarterfinal #2: (8) Alabama State @ (1) Texas Southern, 7:30 pm
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Jackson State @ (3) Southern, 7:30 pm
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Grambling State @ (4) Prairie View A&M, 8 pm
Texas Southern is the only team that TCU fans need to pay attention to here. Not only are they the #1 seed in their small conference, but the Frogs also have a non-conference victory over them. Texas Southern won both meetings with Alabama State during the season, but they were surprisingly close.
Summit League
Championship: (4) South Dakota State vs. (3) Omaha, 8 pm, ESPN2
South Dakota State knocked off the top seed South Dakota yesterday, meaning they’ll be headed to the NIT. Therefore, this game really won’t have much of an impact on the Frogs, if any.
West Coast
Championship: (2) Saint Mary’s vs. (1) Gonzaga, 8 pm, ESPN
Both of these teams will be heading to the NCAA Tournament, so this game won’t have an effect on TCU’s NIT chances. There is seeding on the line though since Gonzaga will likely drop from being a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament if they lose.
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As you can see, not much to focus on tonight for Horned Frog fans. The only teams to keep an eye on are Mount St. Mary’s and Texas Southern, so let’s hope they get it done.
Day 8 - March 6th
We’ve reached Day 8 of 14 for Championship Week and we are now less than a week away from Selection Sunday. Yesterday, top seeds went 5-2, two of which finished off their conference tournaments, assuring they won’t be heading to the NIT.
One of the losers, Illinois State, is a bubble team so we’ll keep them on the NIT list in case, but they are a deserving team that should get into the NCAA Tournament. Them having an automatic bid to the NIT is just a formality, since there’s no way they’d be left out of the NIT. Monmouth, the other top seed to fall, will be headed to the NIT. Counting those two teams, there are now 4 automatic bids to the NIT, leaving only 28 at-large spots, a number which could keep shrinking.
Today, we have 5 more top seeds in action to pull for, 2 of which will be looking to wrap up their NCAA Tournament bids. One of the #1 seeds, Gonzaga, will be dancing for sure, but we still need them to win to prevent any bid thieves sneaking into the NCAA Tournament and bumping down at-large teams into the NIT.
America East
Semifinal #1: (4) New Hampshire @ (1) Vermont, 6 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Albany @ (2) Stony Brook, 6:30 pm, ESPN3
It’s all about Vermont here for the Frogs. They get to host New Hampshire, who they beat both times during the regular season, and if they win, they’ll host the championship game too.
Colonial Athletic
Championship: (2) Charleston vs. (1) UNC Wilmington, 6 pm, CBS Sports Network
TCU will be pulling for UNC Wilmington to win this game and take the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They would likely be worthy of an NIT at-large, but Charleston would not so we don’t want them taking the NCAA spot. We want as many at-large NIT spots open as possible.
Horizon League
Semifinal #1: (9) Youngstown State vs. (4) Northern Kentucky, 6 pm, ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (10) Milwaukee vs. (6) Illinois-Chicago, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPNU
Top seed Oakland was shocked at the buzzer by Youngstown State so they’ll be taking an automatic bid to the NIT. The rest of the Horizon League won’t have any impact on TCU, but it’s always fun to see some of these underdogs work their way into the Big Dance.
Metro Atlantic
Championship: (4) Siena vs. (3) Iona, 8 pm, ESPN2
Just like with the Horizon League, the #1 seed, Monmouth, was eliminated and will be given an automatic bid to the NIT so this game won’t have any impact on the Frogs’ NIT chances.
Mid-American
First Round Game #1: (9) Northern Illinois @ (8) Eastern Michigan, 6 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (11) Central Michigan @ (6) Kent State, 6 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (12) Miami (OH) @ (5) Western Michigan, 6:30 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #4: (10) Bowling Green @ (7) Toledo, 7 pm, ESPN3
#MACtion gets underway tonight, but none of these games will have any effect on TCU. The only team that the Frogs need to be worried about is #1 seed Akron, who starts play Thursday against the winner of Northern Illinois/Eastern Michigan.
Mid-Eastern
First Round Game #1: (12) North Carolina A&T vs. (5) Maryland-Eastern Shore, 4 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (11) Howard vs. (6) Coppin State, approx. 6:30 pm, ESPN3
In the MEAC tournament, it’s all about top seed North Carolina Central. They’ll be in action on Wednesday against the winner of tomorrow’s Bethune-Cookman/Delaware State game.
Southern
Championship: (3) East Tennessee State vs. (1) UNC Greensboro, 6 pm, ESPN
UNC Greensboro has done their job for TCU up until this point, now we just need them to finish with a win tonight. They swept East Tennessee State during the season, including a 6-point win in the last game before the conference tournament.
Summit League
Semifinal #1: (4) South Dakota State vs. (1) South Dakota, 6 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (7) IUPUI vs. (3) Omaha, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
TCU’s attention will be on South Dakota in the Summit League, since they are the top seed. The Frogs need them to take care of in-state rival South Dakota State tomorrow in order to get to the championship game. These teams split the season series, but both games were decided by 2 points or less.
West Coast
Semifinal #1: (4) Santa Clara vs. (1) Gonzaga, 8 pm, ESPN
Semifinal #2: (3) BYU vs. (2) Saint Mary’s, approx. 10:30 pm, ESPN2
Of the four teams remaining, the only team that could hurt TCU by winning is Santa Clara. Top seed Gonzaga definitely won’t be taking up an NIT bid if eliminated and Saint Mary’s should be safely in the NCAA Tournament field as well. BYU should likely get into the NIT as an at-large, so if they get the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and knock someone else down into the NIT, it doesn’t really impact TCU either. Therefore, all we need is Gonzaga to pull it out tonight.
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A lot of action to keep an eye on yet again today. Let’s hope those 5 top seeds can take care of business!
Day 7 - March 5th
You can’t be too upset with how things turned out yesterday—outside of TCU’s game of course. The Frogs may have missed a chance at cementing their spot in the NIT by losing at Oklahoma, but top seeds in conference tournaments posted a 6-1 record in yesterday’s action. The only #1 seed that didn’t advance was Oakland from the Horizon League, so they’ll be headed to the NIT as an automatic bid, leaving only 30 at-large spots. Also yesterday, Jacksonville State, a team TCU beat, secured the first automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Ohio Valley tournament.
Today is a big day for both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT as three conferences will crown tournament champions and seven top seeds are in action. Three of those seven are in the conference tournament championship games, so hopefully we can lock up three guaranteed at-large spots in the NIT. Let’s get to it!
Atlantic Sun
Championship: (3) North Florida @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 2 pm, ESPN
Florida Gulf Coast, the #1 seed, was able to win their first two games and advance to today’s championship game, which they get to host on their home floor. TCU will be hoping they win the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and leave open an at-large NIT spot.
Big South
Championship: (7) Campbell @ (1) Winthrop, 12 pm, ESPN
Just like with Florida Gulf Coast, Winthrop has advanced to today’s championship and will get to host Campbell. This game should be an exciting game to watch due to both teams having fantastic guards. Campbell is led by Chris Clemons, who is averaging 37 points in three tournament games. On the other side, Winthrop is led by Keon Johnson, who is averaging 31 points in two tournament games. For the Frogs, let’s hope Winthrop pulls it out instead of taking up an NIT spot.
Colonial Athletic
Semifinal #1: (4) William & Mary vs. (1) UNC Wilmington, 1 pm, CSN
Semifinal #2: (3) Towson vs. (2) Charleston, approx. 3:30 pm, CSN
It’s all about UNC Wilmington in this conference tournament for TCU fans. They advanced by beating Delaware 91-82 yesterday, but now must face a William & Mary team that split the regular season series with them.
Horizon League
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Illinois-Chicago vs. (3) Green Bay, 4 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Wright State vs. (4) Northern Kentucky, approx. 6:30 pm, ESPN3
The #1 seed, Oakland, lost their opening game yesterday and will be heading to the NIT so anything that happens from here on out in the Horizon League will not have any impact on the Frogs.
Metro Atlantic
Semifinal #1: (4) Siena vs. (1) Monmouth, 3:30 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) Iona vs. (2) Saint Peter’s, approx. 6 pm, ESPN3
The Frogs will be rooting for #1 seed Monmouth to win here and leave open an NIT at-large spot. Monmouth swept Siena during the regular season and both games were played fairly recently, but their last meeting was only decided by 4.
Missouri Valley
Championship: (2) Wichita State vs. (1) Illinois State, 1 pm, CBS
The Missouri Valley tournament could not have gone any better for TCU. Bradley, a Frogs’ non-conference opponent, was able to pick up a win and the two teams that could get into the NIT or NCAA Tournament as at-larges advanced to the championship. No matter who wins, both teams should end up in the NCAA Tournament and leave open an at-large spot in the NIT. For rooting purposes though, TCU will be rooting for Illinois State due to the Frogs’ non-conference victory over them.
Patriot League
Semifinal #1: (3) Lehigh @ (2) Boston University, 11 am, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (4) Navy @ (1) Bucknell, 1 pm, CBS Sports Network
As with all of these small conferences, it’s all about the #1 seed for TCU. Bucknell hosts Navy, who they swept in the regular season and beat by 22 in the regular season finale. If Bucknell does win, they’ll get to host the championship game on Wednesday.
Southern
Semifinal #1: (5) Wofford vs. (1) UNC Greensboro, 4 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (7) Samford vs. (3) East Tennessee State, approx. 6:30 pm, ESPN3
TCU may have beaten Wofford earlier in the season, but them winning doesn’t provide enough of a boost to the resume to make up for an NIT at-large opening being taken away. Therefore, the Frogs will be pulling for UNC Greensboro to win and advance to tomorrow’s championship game.
Summit League
Quarterfinal #3: (5) Denver vs. (4) South Dakota State, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Fort Wayne vs. (3) Omaha, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
Nothing to pay attention to tonight for Frogs fans in the Summit League. The #1 seed, South Dakota, needed overtime to get past #8 seed Western Illinois yesterday, but it’s all about survive and advance in March. They’ll play the winner of Denver/South Dakota State tomorrow. It should help also that the #2 seed, North Dakota State, was upset yesterday.
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There you have it! There is a lot of action to keep tabs on today for the Frogs. We’ll be hoping the #1 seeds can continue to play well and stay out of the NIT picture.
Day 6 - March 4th
Overall, yesterday went well for TCU, but we did see the first #1 seed fall: Belmont in the Ohio Valley. They’ll be heading to the NIT as an automatic bid, meaning there are now only 31 at-large spots available as of this morning. The Ohio Valley championship game is today though so the first official NCAA Tournament berth will be given out today, which is always fun.
Today is a big day for the NIT picture and the biggest game is obviously TCU at Oklahoma. In terms of the conference tournaments though, there are 7 top seeds in action today to root for. Two of those teams, Illinois State and Mount St. Mary’s, will be playing in their semifinal games and looking to advance to their respective finals. Another pair of #1 seeds, Florida Gulf Coast and Winthrop, have already advanced to their finals, both of which will be played tomorrow.
Colonial Athletic
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Delaware vs. (1) UNC Wilmington, 11 am, CSN
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Elon vs. (4) William & Mary, approx. 1:30 pm, CSN
Quarterfinal #3: (7) James Madison vs. (2) Charleston, 5 pm, CSN
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Northeastern vs. (3) Towson, approx. 7:30 pm, CSN
It’s all about UNC Wilmington here for TCU. They deserve to at least be playing in the NIT, but let’s hope they get the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament and leave open an at-large spot in the NIT. UNC Wilmington swept Delaware in the regular season.
Horizon League
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Youngstown State vs. (1) Oakland, 4:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (10) Milwaukee vs. (2) Valparaiso, approx 7 pm, ESPN3
Just like in the Colonial tournament, the #1 seed is all that matters in this conference. We need Oakland to win the tournament and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament instead of losing and taking an automatic bid to the NIT. Oakland swept Youngstown State during the regular season and if they win today, they’ll have a day off before the semifinals on Monday.
Metro Atlantic
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Rider vs. (3) Iona, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Fairfield vs. (4) Siena, approx. 8:30, ESPN3
Not much going on with regards to the Frogs tonight as the #1 seed Monmouth won their quarterfinal game yesterday by 25. They’ll play the winner of the Fairfield/Siena game tomorrow in the semifinal round.
Missouri Valley
Semifinal #1: (4) Southern Illinois vs. (1) Illinois State, 2:30 pm, CBS Sports Network
Semifinal #2: (6) Missouri State vs. (2) Wichita State, approx. 5 pm, CBS Sports Network
Things went according to plan in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley’s “Arch Madness” as both Illinois State and Wichita State advanced. TCU will be okay with either team winning, since they both will be in either the NCAA Tournament or the NIT. The only thing we don’t want is Southern Illinois or Missouri State to take the NCAA Tournament automatic bid. That would knock down a deserving at-large team into the NIT field, which would hurt the Frogs’ chances. Between Illinois State and Wichita State, it would be better for TCU if Illinois State won since the Frogs have a win over them.
Northeast
Semifinal #1: (4) St. Francis (PA) @ (3) Wagner, 11 am, NEC TV
Semifinal #2: (7) Robert Morris @ (1) Mount St. Mary’s, 1 pm, NEC TV
The Northeast is another small, one-bid conference, so we want the #1 seed, Mount St. Mary’s, to win it all. They swept both games against Robert Morris during the regular season, but only won them by a combined 5 points.
Ohio Valley
Championship: (4) Jacksonville State vs. (2) UT Martin, 7 pm, ESPN2
The Ohio Valley will officially hand out the first automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament today, but it won’t be going to the #1 seed. Belmont was upset by the #4 seed Jacksonville State yesterday in the semifinals, meaning they’ll be taking an automatic bid to the NIT. TCU does have a victory over Jacksonville State and so we’ll root for them to boost the Frogs’ resume, but it would have been better to have an extra NIT at-large spot. It will be nifty though to see Jacksonville State get in though since they were picked to finish dead last in the conference preseason poll.
Southern
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Citadel vs. (1) UNC Greensboro, 11 am, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Wofford vs. (4) Chattanooga, approx. 1:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Samford vs. (2) Furman, 5 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Mercer vs. (3) East Tennessee State, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
As is the story with most of these small conferences, it’s all about the #1 seed here. Therefore, we will be rooting for UNC Greensboro to run the table and win the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, we will also be rooting for Wofford today since TCU has a win over them and it never hurts to get a resume boost.
Summit League
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Western Illinois vs. (1) South Dakota, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) IUPUI vs. (2) North Dakota State, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
It’s all about South Dakota here. They swept Western Illinois during the regular season and are coming in on a 6-game winning streak. Let’s go Coyotes!
West Coast
Quarterfinal #1: (6) Loyola Marymount vs. (3) BYU, 3 pm, TheW.tv
Quarterfinal #2: (5) San Francisco vs. (4) Santa Clara, approx. 5:30 pm, TheW.tv
Quarterfinal #3: (9) Pacific vs. (1) Gonzaga, 9 pm, ESPN2
Quarterfinal #4: (10) Portland vs. (2) Saint Mary’s, approx. 11:30 pm, ESPN2
For the Frogs, all we need is for Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, or BYU to win this tournament, and I like the chances of that happening. Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s should both be going to the Big Dance anyways and BYU is a likely NIT at-large, so them getting into the NCAA Tournament and knocking someone else down to the NIT won’t change anything.
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As you can see there is a lot of action to keep tabs on today. However, the biggest game is still the Frogs’ own game, so be on the lookout for our game preview as well as the gamethread. The Madness is just starting to really begin!
Day 5 - March 3rd
Yesterday was a good day for TCU’s NIT chances as all three #1 seeds in action won their games to advance in their conference tournaments. One of those three teams, Florida Gulf Coast, is officially into the championship game and will be playing for an NCAA Tournament bid next time they step on the court. Today is a big day in terms of the NIT field as four #1 seeds take the floor today. #1 seeds are 6-0 thus far, but let’s hope that improves to 10-0 by the end of the night.
Big South
Semifinal #1: (7) Campbell vs. (6) Radford, 5 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (4) Gardner-Webb @ (1) Winthrop, approx. 7:30 pm, ESPN3
Winthrop won their quarterfinal game yesterday by 14 over the #8 seed Charleston Southern. They have an advantage by hosting the tournament as the #1 seed, but tonight they take on a Gardner-Webb team that won yesterday by 36. On the bright side though, should Winthrop advance to the final, it will continue on their home court and both the top seeds on the other side of the bracket were upset in the quarterfinals.
Colonial Athletic
First Round Game #1: (9) Delaware vs. (8) Hofstra, 5 pm, CAA.tv
First Round Game #2: (10) Drexel vs. (7) James Madison, approx. 7:30 pm, CAA.tv
Not much significance riding on tonight’s games in the Colonial conference tournament, but the winner of Delaware/Hofstra will get to face the #1 seed UNC Wilmington tomorrow. UNC Wilmington would likely be worthy of an NIT at-large spot if eliminated so getting an NIT automatic bid would be deserved, but it’d be better for them to get into the Big Dance and leave open an NIT at-large slot.
Horizon League
First Round Game #1: (10) Milwaukee vs. (7) Detroit, 4:30 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (9) Youngstown State vs. (8) Cleveland State, approx. 7 pm, ESPN3
Nothing to worry about in the Horizon League tonight. The winner of Youngstown State/Cleveland State will face #1 seed Oakland tomorrow and that’s when we’ll need to start paying attention.
Metro Atlantic
Quarterfinal #1: (9) Niagara vs. (1) Monmouth, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Canisius vs. (2) Saint Peter’s, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
A big night tonight in the Metro Atlantic as #1 seed Monmouth enters the fold against Niagara, a team Monmouth swept in the regular season.
Missouri Valley
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Evansville vs. (1) Illinois State, 12 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Loyola (IL) vs. (4) Southern Illinois, approx. 2:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Bradley vs. (2) Wichita State, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Missouri State vs. (3) Northern Iowa, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
The Missouri Valley is interesting for TCU since both Illinois State and Wichita State could get into the NCAA Tournament and for sure will be in at least the NIT, so it’s okay as long as either of those teams win the tournament. For the Frogs though, it might be more beneficial for Illinois State to win to boost TCU’s resume, since the Frogs have a win over Illinois State. Bradley is another team that TCU beat and it was nice to get a small boost from their win the first round, but now it’ll be better to pull for Wichita State to advance.
Ohio Valley
Semifinal #1: (4) Jacksonville State vs. (1) Belmont, 6:30 pm, ESPNU
Semifinal #2: (7) Murray State vs. (2) UT Martin, approx. 9 pm, ESPNU
Like Bradley, TCU has a win over Jacksonville State and it was nice that they were able to come away with a win yesterday, but now it is time to pull for the #1 seed to win it all. The Ohio Valley is a definite one-bid league so let’s hope it goes to Belmont and leaves open an NIT at-large spot.
Southern
First Round Game #1: (9) Citadel vs. (8) Western Carolina, 4 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (10) VMI vs. (7) Samford, approx. 6:30 pm, ESPN3
As is the case with most of the first round games today, not much significance for TCU here. This conference will be of more interest tomorrow when the #1 seed UNC Greensboro takes on the winner of Citadel/Western Carolina. Another team to keep an eye on tomorrow will be the #5 seed Wofford, who TCU beat earlier in the season.
West Coast
First Round Game #1: (9) Pacific vs. (8) Pepperdine, 8 pm, TheW.tv
First Round Game #2: (10) Portland vs. (7) San Diego, approx. 10:30 pm, TheW.tv
Although none of the games tonight carry much significance, the West Coast is very similar to the Missouri Valley, in that there are two likely NCAA Tournament teams that TCU fans can be okay with winning this tournament. Those two, Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s, enter the fray tomorrow night. Gonzaga will play the Pacific/Pepperdine winner while Saint Mary’s will face the Portland/San Diego winner.
Another team to keep an eye on will be the #3 seed BYU. They have a very good shot of getting into the NIT as an at-large with a win on the road at Gonzaga. Therefore, it may not hurt if they win either since them getting into the NCAA Tournament would only bump down a different at-large team to replace them in the NIT.
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As you can see, a lot of action going on tonight in terms of the NIT picture. Let’s pull for those four #1 seeds to get it done and stay out of the NIT.
Day 4 - March 2nd
In the most important game of the night last night, TCU came up just short at home against Kansas State, falling 75-74. While the loss may have ended the Frogs’ NCAA Tournament hopes, their is still a chance for TCU to get into the NIT, meaning these conference tournaments just became a whole lot more important.
For those that haven’t been following, the NIT is a 32-team tournament and automatic bids are given to any conference regular season champion that doesn’t win their conference tournament and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Therefore, the Frogs will be rooting for every #1 seed to win their conference tournament in order to not take up NIT automatic bids, thus leaving as many at-large spots as possible. So far, three #1 seeds have been in action and have gone 3-0, all advancing to their respective semifinals.
Atlantic Sun
Semifinal #1: (5) Kennesaw State @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 6 pm, ESPN3
Semifinal #2: (3) North Florida @ (2) Lipscomb, 7 pm, ESPN3
For TCU, it’s all about Florida Gulf Coast here. We want them to win this conference tournament and take the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, thus leaving open an NIT spot. They won their first game of the tournament 87-57 over the #8 seed Stetson.
Big South
Quarterfinal #1: (7) Campbell vs. (2) UNC Asheville, 12 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (6) Radford vs. (3) Liberty, approx. 2:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (8) Charleston Southern @ (1) Winthrop, 7 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) High Point vs. (4) Gardner-Webb, approx. 9:30 pm, ESPN3
In the Big South, Frog fans will need to keep their eyes on the #1 seed Winthrop. Just like with Florida Gulf Coast, we want Winthrop to take the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in order to leave open an NIT slot. They swept tonight’s opponent, Charleston Southern, in the regular season.
Metro Atlantic
First Round Game #1: (9) Niagara vs. (8) Quinnipiac, 4 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (10) Marist vs. (7) Canisius, approx. 6:30 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #3: (11) Manhattan vs. (6) Rider, approx. 9 pm, ESPN3
As is the case with all of these smaller conferences, it’s all about the #1 seed, and in this case that is Monmouth. They enter the tournament tomorrow night in the quarterfinals against the winner of the Niagara/Quinnipiac matchup. Tonight’s games really don’t have any impact other than that.
Missouri Valley
First Round Game #1: (9) Indiana State vs. (8) Evansville, 6 pm, ESPN3
First Round Game #2: (10) Drake vs. (7) Bradley, approx. 8:30 pm, ESPN3
Unlike some of the smaller conferences, the Missouri Valley has two teams that will definitely be going to either the NCAA Tournament or the NIT: Wichita State and Illinois State. Therefore, we want either of them to win this conference tournament. The last thing we want is another team coming in and stealing the NCAA bid and knocking another at-large down into the NIT.
Both of those teams get in on the action tomorrow in the quarterfinals with Illinois State facing the winner of Indiana State/Evansville and Wichita State playing the winner of Drake/Bradley. Frog fans should pull for Bradley since TCU does have a non-conference win over the Braves. It never hurts to get a little boost to the resume.
Ohio Valley
Quarterfinal #1: (5) Southeast Missouri vs. (4) Jacksonville State, 6:30 pm, OVC Digital Network
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Murray State vs. (3) Morehead State, approx 9 pm, OVC Digital Network
The Ohio Valley is another one of those smaller conferences that will only be sending one team to the NCAA Tournament, meaning it’s all about the #1 seed here. Top-seeded Belmont will get in on the action in the semifinals tomorrow night against the winner of Southeast Missouri/Jacksonville State. For tonight though, TCU fans should pull for Jacksonville State, because like Bradley, the Frogs have a victory over them and could use any resume boost they can get.
Patriot League
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Army @ (1) Bucknell, 6 pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Holy Cross @ (4) Navy, 6 pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #3: (7) Loyola (MD) @ (2) Boston University, 6 pm, Patriot League Network
Quarterfinal #4: (6) Colgate @ (3) Lehigh, 6 pm, Patriot League Network
It’s all about Bucknell in this tournament for TCU. We want them to take the automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament and to leave open an at-large slot in the NIT. During the regular season, Bucknell was 2-0 against Army.
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There you have it. A lot of conference tournament action on the slate for today and five key teams for TCU fans to be rooting for: Florida Gulf Coast, Winthrop, Bradley, Jacksonville State, and Bucknell.
Day 3 - March 1st
Championship Week continues to roll on today with three more conference tournaments getting underway. There will be 10 games across the America East, Northeast, and Ohio Valley tournaments, 2 of which have some significance for TCU.
America East
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Maine @ (1) Vermont, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Binghamton @ (2) Stony Brook, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Hartford @ (3) Albany, 6:30 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (5) UMBC @ (4) New Hampshire, 6:30 pm, ESPN3
In the America East, it’s all about Vermont for TCU. For this conference, only the winner of the tournament will get into the NCAA Tournament, but if Vermont fails to do so, they will take up an automatic bid to the NIT. The Frogs will want as few teams as possible taking up NIT automatic bids, in case they don’t make a run into the NCAA Tournament.
Northeast
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Sacred Heart @ (1) Mount St. Mary’s, 6 pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #2: (7) Robert Morris @ (2) Long Island, 8 pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Fairleigh Dickinson @ (3) Wagner, 6 pm, NEC Front Row
Quarterfinal #4: (5) Bryant @ (4) St. Francis (PA), 6 pm, NEC Front Row
The Northeast is in the exact same situation as the America East, so all the Frogs really need to worry about here is Mount St. Mary’s. Let’s hope they can get another win over Sacred Heart after sweeping them in the regular season.
Ohio Valley
First Round Game #1: (8) Tennessee State vs. (5) Southeast Missouri, 6:30 pm, OVC Digital Network
First Round Game #2: (7) Murray State vs. (6) Tennessee Tech, approx. 9 pm, OVC Digital Network
Neither of tonight’s games in the Ohio Valley will have any impact on the Frogs, but this conference will start to get interesting tomorrow. The #4 seed, Jacksonville State, will enter in the quarterfinals tomorrow and play the winner of tonight’s Tennessee State/Southeast Missouri tilt. TCU has a win over Jacksonville State, so we’ll be pulling for them tomorrow, but ultimately, we’ll want the #1 seed Belmont to win the tournament and take the NCAA Tournament automatic bid instead of an NIT automatic bid.
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That’s it for today. The Frogs will be pulling for both Vermont and Mount St. Mary’s tonight to advance to the next round as #1 seeds. However, this biggest game tonight for TCU is there own game. A win will keep them in the hunt for the NCAA Tournament, whereas a loss will leave them basically playing for an NIT bid.
Day 2 - February 28th
It’s Day 2 of 14 for Championship Week and two more conference tournaments get underway today: the Big South and the Patriot League. Here’s everything you need to know on today’s games and how they will affect where TCU might be headed in the postseason.
Big South
First Round Game #1: (9) Longwood @ (8) Charleston Southern, 6 pm, BigSouthSports.com
First Round Game #2: (10) Presbyterian @ (7) Campbell, 6 pm, BigSouthSports.com
In this conference tournament, things won’t get interesting for TCU until the #1 seed, Winthrop, gets in on the action on March 2nd. They will face the winner of tonight’s Longwood/Charleston Southern game.
Patriot League
First Round Game #1: (9) American @ (8) Army, 6 pm, Patriot League Network
First Round Game #2: (10) Lafayette @ (7) Loyola (MD), 6:30 pm, Patriot League Network
Just like the Big South, the games tonight are insignificant in terms of TCU. The Frogs will be pulling for the #1 seed, Bucknell, once they enter the fold on March 2nd. Bucknell will get to host the winner of tonight’s American/Army game.
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Nothing today of concern for TCU fans in today’s conference tournament games, but these conferences will play a significant impact on the NIT picture in the coming days. If you’re interested in games that have implications on the Frogs’ NCAA hopes today, there is a fair amount of bubble teams to keep an eye on tonight. Bubble teams to watch include Seton Hall, Indiana, Providence, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech.
Day 1 - February 27th
Alas! We have finally made it to day one of the 14 days of Championship Week(s). The Frogs still have a slim chance of making the NCAA Tournament and a good chance of getting into the NIT, so it’ll be important to keep tabs on each and every conference tournament. We will update this page daily over the course of the next couple weeks to keep track of all the happenings around Division 1 and how they affect TCU’s chances.
If you remember two seasons ago when TCU was on the NIT bubble, Andrew Felts did a phenomenal job of keeping tabs on everything up until Selection Sunday. Remember that any conference regular season champion that does not win their conference tournament and get the NCAA automatic bid will be given an automatic bid to the NIT. Therefore, Frog fans will want to pull for the top seeds in all of the one-bid conferences so that the NIT does not become too crowded. With that, let’s get ready for some Madness!
Atlantic Sun
Quarterfinal #1: (8) Stetson @ (1) Florida Gulf Coast, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #2: (5) Kennesaw St. @ (4) USC Upstate, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #3: (6) Jacksonville @ (3) North Florida, 6 pm, ESPN3
Quarterfinal #4: (7) NJIT @ (2) Lipscomb, 7 pm, ESPN3
For most of these small conferences, the only team that matters is the top seed. Florida Gulf Coast is the only team that would receive a bid in the NIT if they don’t get into the NCAA, so it would be best for TCU fans to root for them to go to the NCAA Tournament instead of taking up an NIT bid, in case the Frogs don’t go to the big dance.
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That’s all we have for tonight. The Atlantic Sun is the only conference tournament that starts tonight and Florida Gulf Coast is the only team that really matters. Check back tomorrow as the Big South and the Patriot League get underway and feel free to leave any posts or comments!