March Madness 2011 Predictions: Who Fell Short in the Conference Tournaments?

Bubble teams were put to the test this week in their conference tournaments, a last chance to impress those who will ultimately determine their fate.

With the constantly shifting bubble, it's sometimes difficult to tell who is in and who is out.

But for some teams, it becomes crystal clear.

Here are six squads who did not help their own cause this week. Some went out with a bang, while others simply slipped quietly away.

UAB Blazers

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UAB's first-round loss to East Carolina in the Conference USA tournament ended any chance the Blazers had of making the Big Dance.

They needed, at the very least, to get to the final and beat a Memphis or a Southern Mississippi to enhance what was a relatively weak resume. 

Their record is good (22-8) and their RPI is very good (30th) but they have only one top 50 RPI win.

They do have 10 wins against the top 100, but the lone win against top competition may be their downfall.

Of note, though, is the fact that two other schools projected to be in the tournament (Utah State and St. Mary's) only have one top 50 win each as well.

UTEP Miners

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SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18: Guard Randy Culpepper #3 of the UTEP Miners takes a shot against forward Gordon Hayward #20 of the Butler Bulldogs during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HP Pavilion on March 18, 2010 in San Jose,

After losing a heartbreaking Conference USA final to Memphis, 67-66, the Miners appear to be on the outside looking in.

They do have a decent RPI (48th) and have two top 50 RPI wins, but it likely won't be enough to make a return appearance to the Big Dance.

With the parity, and sometimes inconsistency, of the conference this season, it essentially came down to a one-bid league. I don't entirely agree with this, as UTEP is a very talented team that could give a lot of teams trouble.

I'm hoping to be surprised, but the NIT seems more likely. 

Baylor Bears

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: LaceDarius Dunn #24 of the Baylor Bears controls the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during their game in the first round of the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 9, 2011 in Kansas

As the season slipped away for the Baylor Bears, things went from bad to worse.

Outstanding freshman Perry Jones was suspended just prior to the Big 12 tournament for receiving improper benefits. Won't go into details about that other than to say it was yet another example of the NCAA's hypocrisy.

That said, the Bears were pasted by Oklahoma, a fitting end to what has been a very, very disappointing season.

The NIT may await, but if I were one of the Bears I wouldn't count on it.

Boston College Eagles

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 11: Reggie Jackson #0 of the Boston College Eagles moves the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half in the quarterfinals of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2011 in Gr

The Eagles lost big to the Clemson Tigers on Friday, which could be their death knell in terms of landing an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

The big six conferences get some preference, and BC does have a decent record and strength of schedule, but it is lacking in top 50 RPI wins (one).

Stranger things have happened, but just as Clemson's win puts the Tigers closer to the Dance, Boston College's loss likely moves the Golden Eagles out of consideration.

USC Trojans

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Jio Fontan #2 of the USC Trojans falls to the ground as he is fouled by Jordin Mayes #20 of the Arizona Wildcats in the first half in the semifinals of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center

After a close loss to Arizona yesterday, it appears as though the USC Trojans' late surge to make the NCAA tournament has fallen short.

A win would have given USC 20 for the year, and another quality victory to help offset some early season head-scratchers.

Coach Kevin O'Neill was suspended for the remainder of the Pac-10 tournament after an altercation with an Arizona booster in a hotel. Hard to believe the guy can't stay in one place for too long.

Northwestern Wildcats

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: Aaron Craft #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives for a shot attempt against John Shurna #24 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March

Yesterday's loss to top-seeded (nationally and in the Big Ten tournament) Ohio State was the one that got away.

The Wildcats opened the tournament with a win over Minnesota, and would have at least been in the conversation for an at-large bid with a win over the Buckeyes.

Alas, they fell in overtime, and next season will again search for their first NCAA tournament appearance.