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This week there will be jubilation and disappointment as teams will fight, win, and fall in their attempts to join the big dance. While some teams will be fighting for seeding, others know that only by winning their tournament will they be part of the NCAA Tournament.
National Games:
19 Memphis vs 21 Connecticut
Thursday night on ESPNU at 9 pm EST watch as the Tigers and Huskies fight in the AAC quarterfinals. Memphis is only 4-3 in their last seven games and lost both games to the Huskies this year. Connecticut is coming off a big loss to Louisville on Saturday and don't want to lose two in a row. The Huskies have the advantage mentally in this match-up but it is very difficult to beat a team three times in a year so watch for Memphis to squeak out a win in this one.
Winner: Memphis
Kansas State vs 16 Iowa State
In an early game for the Big 12, turn to ESPN2 at 12:30 pm EST and watch the Wildcats take on the Cyclones. Kansas State has lost two in a row and four of their last seven. Iowa Sate has won five of seven but one of their losses was to the Wildcats. The home crowd seemed to be the difference in these game and so the team that has the bigger crowd will have the advantage. The Cyclones are determined to improve their stock for the big dance and have no intention of letting the Wildcats stand in their way, so watch for them to take this game in the second half.
Winner: Iowa State
WCC Games:
Saint Mary's vs Gonzaga
Monday night at 9 pm EST on ESPN watch as the Gaels take on the Bulldogs. The Gaels know that their only opportunity to join the NCAA Tournament is by winning the the WCC Tournament. The Bulldogs are determined to not let that happen and are coming off a last second win on Saturday. Gonzaga beat Saint Mary's both times this year, not allowing the Gaels to match up well. Look for the Bulldogs to take the third and just like the first two, it shouldn't be close.
Winner: Gonzaga
San Francisco vs BYU
Monday night at 11:30 EST on ESPN2 the Dons will take on the Cougars for a chance to advance to the WCC Finals. San Francisco is off the bubble and needs a win in the finals to advance while the Cougars are not wanting to leave anything to chance. Even with the difficulty of winning a third straight game against an opponent, the Cougars are confident in their chances and should have a pro-BYU crowd to back them up. Look for the Cougars to win another squeaker to advance to the game on Tuesday. For a closer look at this game see the pre-game post here.
Winner: BYU
WCC Championship Game
The WCC Championship game will be played on Tuesday at 9 pm EST and will match up the winners of the semi-final games on Monday night. The winner will get the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the league.