There are a lot of bubble teams in action tonight, so let's get right to the preview.
Northwestern @ Purdue (Big Ten, 6:30 EST) - The Wildcats lost a 63-61 decision to the Boilers in Evanston back on January 15. It was just one of many close losses in a year of great improvement, but missed opportunities for NU. Purdue is very much alive for a protected seed. However, given the chance that a 4 seed may share their pod with a Western 5 seed at a Western site, do they really want one?
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7 EST) - Like Northwestern, VPI has suffered a lot of close losses this year and this game provides the Hokies' last chance at a really big win for their resume. UNC can't be caught looking ahead to Sunday's game against Duke, as Memphis is right behind them in the chase for a 1 seed.
Boston College @ NC State (ESPNU, 7 EST) - The Eagles look more and more like they're going to be safe on Selection Sunday. The fact they play the 10th and 12th place teams in the ACC to close the regular season should further pad their win total.
DePaul @ West Virginia (Big East/CST/MASN/FSN Pittsburgh/MSG+/Full Court, 7 EST) - The Mountaineers hope to capture their 10th Big East win, while the Blue Demons are still looking for their first.
Seton Hall @ Louisville (Big East/Full Court, 7 EST) - The Cardinals will find themselves in a tie with UConn at the top of the Big East with a home win over the Pirates. U of L is definitely in the #1 seed conversation, especially with Pitt and UConn meeting on Saturday.
Marquette @ Pittsburgh (ESPN2, 7;30 EST) - The Panthers last two are pretty difficult; however, they get both the Golden Eagles and Huskies at home. Marquette will play their second full game without Dominic James. They need to show they can win without him, otherwise, they're liable to slide down a seed line or two.
Memphis @ Houston (CBS CS, 8 EST) -A visit to the Cougars and a home game against Tulane (who can actually finish at .500 in the league if they beat Memphis) is all that stands between the Tigers and another 16-0 C-USA season.
BYU @ Wyoming (the mtn., 8 EST) - The Cougars were 24-point victors over the Cowboys in Provo on January 31. Add info about Utah-UNM here.
Georgia @ Kentucky (Raycom Regional/FS South/Full Court, 8 EST) - Since this game is at Rupp, Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, and the rest of the Wildcats should avoid a damaging loss, like the one Florida suffered when they faced the Bulldogs in Athens...but you never know.
Florida @ Mississippi State (Raycom Regional/FS Florida/SportSouth/Full Court, 8 EST) - The Gators have one last chance at a road win, but Starkville isn't an easy place to get it. UF lost by 14 in 2005 and the 04s won in 2007, but only by 3.
Wisconsin @ Minnesota (Big Ten, 8:30 EST) - The Big Ten bubble triangular continues. The Badgers beat the Wolverines in Madison on Sunday. Now they head to Minneapolis to face the Gophers, who are lucky enough to face both of their rivals at The Barn.
Texas A&M @ Colorado (ESPNU, 9 EST) - The Aggies must win this game to ensure a .500 finish in the Big 12. Missouri, even in College Station, isn't a team you want to play when in dire straits.
Oklahoma @ Missouri (Big 12/Altitude/MASN/Full Court, 9 EST) - ESPN really needs to kick Kansas-Texas Tech down to regional TV and put this on nationally. This could very well be the game of the night. Both teams need a win to keep their faint conference championship hopes alive.
Kansas @ Texas Tech (ESPN2, 9:30 EST) - If KU wins and Missouri beats Oklahoma, the Jayhawks win the Big 12 regular season crown. Kansas will clinch at least a tie with a victory.
East Tennessee State vs. Stetson (A-Sun Tournament - CSS/Full Court, 9:30 EST) - The second seeded Bucs open up the Atlantic Sun tournament against the seventh seeded Hatters. The two teams split their regular season meetings, each winning on the road.
Air Force @ UNLV (CBS CS, 10 EST) - The Falcons have yet to win an MWC game, while the Rebels really can't afford to lose any more. I'm really not sure a Mountain West team who's three games out of first place can really consider itself safe, even with good non-league wins.
Colorado State @ San Diego State (the mtn., 10 EST) - The Aztecs are a game ahead of UNLV in the standings, but don't have the non-league wins, which is why they're in my "Also Considered" group. However, they could very well face the Rebels in an elimination game at the conference tournament in the desert next week.