What’s interesting about the conference tournament is that the phrase “bid thieves” fully comes into play. These are programs that enter Championship Week(s) that have just about no hope of an at-large bid unless they win their respective NCAA Basketball conference tournaments. Still, they’ve shown at various points, to be capable of knocking off good teams and could easily go on a run and completely throw off Bracketology.
Every year, there are a few teams that steal a bid, effectively shrinking the bubble. Here’s a look at the programs most likely to do that in the next 10 days, including both the mid and power conferences.
Teams that can “steal” a bid by winning a few games in the conference tourneys
Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines are in danger after losing to Indiana on the road on Sunday. They’re clearly out of the field but not by too much. If they can win a couple of games in the Big Ten Tournament, they’ll be back in the mix. It’s the same as last year essentially in a conference where just about anyone is beatable.
Arizona State Sun Devils
ASU is truly on the cutline but after back-to-back losses to both USC and UCLA, likely is on the outside in. They’re the 6 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament and could have a rematch with USC in the quarterfinals. A win against them could help get them into the field but beating both them and 2-seed Arizona would clinch their spot without needing the at-large spot.
Clemson Tigers
The Tigers have plenty of ACC wins but also several bad losses, including three in the Quad 4 range. But it’s not hopeless for them just yet, as they can make a case for an NCAA Tournament bid if they can beat both NC State and Virginia/UNC to get to the finals. They may have to get the auto-bid but they’re in a better position than the following 10 programs.