Saturday's News, Notes and Observations

This is perhaps one of the busiest final Saturdays of the regular season in recent memory. It's been a challenge keeping with a minimum of 3 relevant games at a time since games tipped today at noon Eastern.

A few observations ...

• If Louisville was not a lock for an at-large bid before their game against Syracuse, they are now. Though only 20-11 (11-7), they have 2 wins against a clear #1 seed. Their resume minds me of Virginia Tech in 2005, who earned a #5 seed largely due a season sweep against #1 seed and eventual champion North Carolina. At a quick glance, Louisville jumps to the 6/7 line.

• Staying in the Big East, Notre Dame pulled a rabbit out of their hat to force overtime and later won at Marquette. Earlier in the week, I said 10-8 would not be good enough to achieve "lock" status. I'm staying with that belief because of what happened to Penn State last year.
  

• As for Marquette, they did themselves no favors, but they should be in given their 11 conference wins. In their 10 losses, they have lost by a grand total of 35 points. Their win against Georgetown and neutral court victory versus Xavier should be enough.

• After fighting their way to 7-8 in conference, UConn disgraced themselves by losing three straight. They will likely need an appearance in the Big East Tournament final to garner significant at-large bid consideration.

• Vanderbilt shot itself in the foot with a home loss to South Carolina, and lost grasp on a #4 seed.

• Virginia Tech earned the #3 seed in the ACC Tournament after their win at Georgia Tech, which gives them a bye. On those bases, the Hokies are in. As for Georgia Tech, 7-9 in conference is a tenuous position to be in (and a horrible road/neutral record) and they have work to do.
  

• Mississippi State and UAB blow golden opportunities to make a statement to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.

• So far, 4 teams have punched their tickets. Cornell (RPI: 49; Pomeroy: 68), Murray State (RPI: 62; Pomeroy: 56), East Tennessee State (RPI: 125; Pomeroy: 139), Winthrop (RPI: 178; Pomeroy: 210).