There are going to be a lot of crazy important games on Thursday.   Take your pick of games from the ACC, SEC, Big 12, Big East and Pac 12 tournaments.  There will be lots of great games.

Games that are particularly interesting to me because of their impact on the bubble.

• Louisville vs Virginia (ACC quarters) – we know that Louisville has the ability to play with the Cavs – they almost upset them last week.  But a win tomorrow probably gets Louisville into the dance if they are not already there.
• Alabama vs Texas A&M (SEC quarters) – Alabama went from looking like they were in to losing 5 straight, including a 2 point loss to the Aggies.  They lost to 5 teams likely all in the tournament, but it did send Alabama to 8-10, which as we know is a dangerous place to be.
• Stanford vs UCLA (Pac 12 quarters) – both teams are 11-7 in the conference, and yet neither team looks like they are safely in if you believe the bracketologists.  If they are right, the loser of this game might be looking at the NIT.
• Notre Dame vs Duke (ACC quarters) – I am not sure I am sold that the Bonzie Colson led Irish are a tourney team.  Not sure if they are the team that let Pitt stick around and fell down 21 to Virginia Tech – or if they are the team that came back to beat the Hokies.  If the Irish beat the Blue Devils, I will be sold.
• Oklahoma State vs Kansas (Big 12 quarters) – can Oklahoma State really beat Kansas three time in a season.  I think the Cowboys have to be in if they pull off that feat.

I actually think the Big East might have two of the most fun games of the data as Creighton plays Providence, and Butler plays Seton Hall.  But I think these teams spots in the tournament are probably safer than some of the bubble teams above.  There’s also probably a few games that are still having their matchups set up that will be fun with huge bubble implications.  Not to mention that both Richmond and VCU start their Atlantic 10 conference tournament – so there is the local rooting interest as well.