Bored after a few slow days? You won’t be tomorrow.
In golf, Saturday is moving day. For NCAA tournament purposes, tomorrow is moving day.
SEE RELATED:
There are relevant games in 10 conferences, some more relevant than others. But for about 13 hours straight, something meaningful will happen.
Here’s a rundown of all that is worth tracking:
* Minnesota vs. Northwestern, noon: A Golden Gophers victory solidifies a team in the field and pretty much KOs the Wildcats. Minnesota becomes a little questionable with a loss.
* Miami vs. Virginia Tech, noon: A classic play-out game. The loser can start selling NIT tickets; the winner still needs a win against North Carolina.
* Xavier vs. Saint Louis, noon: The Musketeers are one of two Atlantic 10 teams that are solidly in the field. It is best for the rest of the bubble if they keep winning.
* Providence vs. Louisville, noon: The Friars gained nothing from beating DePaul. They would gain quite a bit by toppling the Cardinals.
* Baylor vs. Kansas, 12:30: The Bears aren’t much of a factor, but you’d have to pay attention if they can upend Kansas.
* Kentucky vs. Mississippi, 1: The Wildcats are done if they can’t beat another mediocre SEC team.
* Michigan vs. Iowa, 2:30: The Wolverines are much like Minnesota, solidly in the field but with a matchup that could change that. Michigan really can’t lose to the Hawkeyes.
* Kansas State vs. Texas, 3: K-State, with its poor nonconference schedule strength, will be done with a loss to the Longhorns.
* Arizona vs. Arizona State, 3: Arizona might be able to withstand a loss. It can’t withstand looking bad.
* Penn State vs. Indiana, 5: A team that loses to Iowa and Indiana to finish the regular season doesn’t deserve an invite. The Nittany Lions don’t want to be that team.
* Utah State vs. Fresno State, 5:30: The Aggies’ record is gaudy, so they warrant a mention. But given their lack of wins, they don’t warrant a huge mention.
* San Diego State at UNLV, 5:30: Really a fascinating game. The Aztecs swept the regular season series, while the Rebels have some sweet wins. The loser, though, will be in some trouble.
* Maryland vs. N.C. State, 7: The Terps need a victory (and probably two). But they might be able to make a case with just one more win. Might be —- not probably.
* Tulane at Memphis, 7: A Memphis loss costs the at-large field a spot.
* Richmond/St. Bonaventure at Dayton, 9: The Flyers are in much the same position as Xavier —- likely in, and a favorite of midpack power conference teams. Those teams want an all-Ohio A-10 final.
* Southern Cal vs. California, 9: The Trojans are pretty much done with a loss.
* Florida vs. Arkansas, 9:45: And so are the Gators.
* New Mexico vs. Wyoming, 11:30: And so are the Lobos.
—- Patrick Stevens
