March Madness 2012: Bubble Teams That Will Make a Run in NCAA Tournament

There is no telling what will happen in the final week before March Madness officially begins, but there are several teams with good resumes that could make a run in the NCAA Tournament if they get in.

The "if" is the biggest part here, but teams that have the chance to make runs in March usually get it done in the conference championship tournaments, which is why the teams below are on the border, if not entirely into the NCAA Tournament.

Xavier

Undisciplined losses to teams that Xavier should have beat, has seemed to be a theme this season for the Musketeers, making them one of Joe Lunardi's Last Four Out heading into the final week of play before the NCAA Tournament.

However, the talent on this team is uncanny, and they have a real chance to claim a first-round upset if their final week goes well.

Tu Holloway is one player the tournament would love. His will and determination has been on display the last couple NCAA Tournaments, and given a chance, he may just rise to the occasion. Expect that this week in the Atlantic-10 conference tournament.

Holloway is backed by Mark Lyons and big man Kenny Frease, who are both built for tournament runs.

West Virginia

If there is one thing learn about March Madness, it is to never doubt a Big East team. They are more talented and play better competition than their opponent more often than not, which is why West Virginia will only need a moderately strong run in this week's Big East tournament.

Saturday's win over South Florida was the fourth top-50 win by the team, which is nothing more than brownie points to the selection committee. They will still need a good performance in their conference tournament.

Kevin Jones is who fuels this team, as does Darryl Bryant, but this is a team built on athleticism. It is something that can help this team claim a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament.

Washington

The loss at UCLA does not help anybody, but if they give a decent effort in their conference tournament, there is no doubt the Huskies get in. The Pac-12 should get two to three bids to the NCAA Tournament this year, depending on how the conference tournament plays out.

Washington is as athletic as any team in the country, which is why this is a lethal team in the NCAA Tournament.

The team is six to seven players deep with talent throughout, but the athleticism is what would scare a team in the first round of March Madness.

They are no guarantee to get in, even though they are atop the conference standings. But given the opportunity, this team can be lethal in March.