March Madness Predictions 2011: Who Did Enough in the Conference Tournaments?

Conference tournaments are most important to the teams still trying to get in.

Don't tell that to the regular-season champs, though.

Other than Pitt and Xavier, the regular-season champs from the top conferences have held serve. Kansas, Duke, Florida, BYU/San Diego State, Ohio State and Arizona were going to the tournament, regardless. But they have managed to put themselves in a position to win the conference tournament as well.

For Kansas and Duke, it represents another crack at a bitter rival, bragging rights and possibly a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Similarly, the others are looking to move up as much as possible before Mar. 13.

Other teams were looking for a win or two to bolster their resumes and be sure that their names are called on Selection Sunday.

Here is a look at some of the teams that appear to have accomplished just that. 

Penn State Nittany Lions

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: Talor Battle #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts towards the Michigan State Spartans bench during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis,

After a 9-9 season in conference that has included some decent wins, Penn State may have earned a ticket to the NCAA tournament with wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament.

Neither of the wins were pretty, but a win is a win and the Nittany Lions will face top-seed Ohio State tomorrow for the Big Ten championship.

This is a very tough call but again, they beat Michigan State and Wisconsin twice each. Their RPI is 42 and climbing, they have five top 50 wins and a SOS of five.

Sold?

Michigan Wolverines

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after he made a 3-point shot in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conse

Season-ending wins at Minnesota and at home to Michigan State, coupled with a first-round Big Ten tournament win over Illinois, may have sealed the deal for the Wolverines.

Michigan fought back from a big halftime deficit to beat a stumbling Illini squad, 60-55.

The win gave the Wolverines 20 wins on the season and six wins over top 50 RPI opponents. This should be enough to get John Beilein back to the Big Dance.

Colorado Buffaloes

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 11: Alec Burks #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes drives with the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during their semifinal game in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 11, 2011 in Kansas City

After defeating a hot Kansas State team for the third time this season, Colorado has reason to be optimistic about getting called on Selection Sunday.

A win over Kansas would have iced it, but they came up a little short. Still, six top 50 RPI wins and 21 wins overall should be enough to get the Big 12 a sixth team into the NCAA tournament.

It is hard to see some of the other bubble teams having an edge on the Buffs.

Michigan State Spartans

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans calls on the fans as he wals off the court after Michigan State won 74-56 against the Purdue Boilermakers during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament

Ho hum.

Another March, another Michigan State run.

After a narrow escape against an improving Iowa team, the Spartans laid waste to No. 9 Purdue in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament and virtually guaranteed their rightful spot in March Madness.

One game doesn't necessarily fill the bandwagon, but another one puts them into the conference tourney final and gives them 20 wins on the year.

Alabama Crimson Tide

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 12: Tony Mitchell #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during their 58 to 72 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in the semifinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kev

Consecutive wins over Georgia, one to end the regular season and one in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament, assure the Tide of one thing.

They'll be picked over Georgia.

Other than that, their situation is still a little tenuous. Early-season losses to Iowa and St. Peter's (although St. Peter's will be attending the party) are dogging them.

Although their overall RPI is not good (77th), they do have a 4-3 record versus top 50 opponents, something they are hoping is looked upon favourably by the selection committee.

Clemson Tigers

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 12: Jerai Grant #45 of the Clemson Tigers reacts by putting his shirt over his face while playing against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the semifinals of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on Marc

In what could have essentially been a NCAA tournament play-in game, the Tigers thrashed Boston College.

What this has accomplished is similar to what Alabama has done.

Clemson has guaranteed themselves consideration over B.C. Neither team has done much against top 50 RPI foes, as the Tigers are 0-5 and the Eagles 1-5.

If Clemson makes it, they will likely be playing Tuesday in Dayton.