Within a span of less than 48 hours the last two teams undefeated in conference play fell. On Friday night, Rhode Island lost to a super motivated St. Bonaventure team, 77-74. They were motivated because it was it’s best chance left in the regular season to try to impress the selection committee. They’re still on the bubble after the win, but they’re a lot closer now than they were this time last week. On the flip side, not too much changes for Rhode Island, who still remains three games up in the A-10 with four to play.

In American East play, Vermont not only saw there undefeated conference record come to an end, but Hartford also ended their 33-game conference winning streak, and 22 straight wins at home. Despite those lofty numbers, and impressive streaks, Vermont still almost 100 percent had to win the conference championship to make the Big Dance. Now you can safely say that’s what they 100 percent need to do. Vermont is also hopeful that Sophomore Anthony Lamb can return for the American East tournament, which begins March 3rd. If he’s anywhere near 100 percent, it would make Vermont perhaps the odds on favorite to score a first round upset come March Madness.

Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament-Feb 26-March 24, Location – Campus Sites

If you’re reading this, chances are we are approaching one of your favorite times of the year, conference tournament season. The first one to start will be the Atlantic Sun tournament. Florida Gulf Coast appeared to be the odds on favorite to walk away with the auto-bid, the last week has seem them drop their last two games. It could be a bit of a hangover, being they already locked up the regular season championship, but fans of their squad don’t want to see them on a losing streak – especially a home losing streak – going into the tournament that gives them their only chance to make it to the NCAA championships.

Big South Conference Tournament-Feb 27, March 1-4, Location – First Round Campus Sites. Semi and Finals at One Seed.

The Feb 27 date acts as a play in game for the “real” tournament that starts March 1, but we can still take a quick look at the league that’s been one of the hardest to figure out most of the year. Radford was a front runner of the Big South, but fell to two games back after a bumpy start. Winthrop and UNC Ashville share the top spot with 12-4 records. The Big South regular season title – and all important one seed – will be decided when those same two teams meet Thursday. Come tournament time, Radford makes things a lot more interesting, holding wins over both teams. Like FGCU above, it’s not even close to a sure thing – more in the Big South – that the top regular season team will be walking away with the auto-bid.

Northeast Conference Tournament-Feb 28, March 3 and 6, Location – Campus Sites

Wagner has already locked up the one seed by way of winning the Northeast regular season title last week. With a little more confidence, we can say they will be predicted to win the auto-bid of this conference, mostly because they are 14-0 at home this season, where they are assured to play as long as they continue to win. That’s not to say it’s a lock, as they have lost three conference games this year, but it would be considered a bit of an upset if they aren’t hoisting the Northeast conference trophy come March 6.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament – Feb 28, March 1-3, Location – Evansville, Indiana

The first conference tournament starting next week that will be held exclusively in one location. Belmont and Murray State are still tied atop the conference with match 14-2 records. It’s funny to say, but because it’s on a neutral location, winning the regular season title isn’t as important as it is to all the conferences that hold their championships at the higher seeds campus. Still, it’s obviously a great achievement come recruiting time. This will be a one bid conference, with the other team looking like they will be going to the NIT. Murray St. lost to Belmont earlier in the season, but is currently the hottest team in the league, winning nine straight.

Patriot League Conference Tournament – Feb 27, March 1-4, and 7 Location – Campus Sites

Bucknell won the regular season title last week. They’re a team who’s name has begun popping up online as a bracket buster, due to their surprisingly good season, which includes an 86 RPI, 103 better than any other team in their conference. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the Bison. They needed overtime to beat Holy Cross by one on Saturday, an overtime that featured exactly three points. They also needed a last second three pointer a week ago to beat Colgate at home, which is where they will be playing their home games as long as they last in the tournament. Bucknell has a chance to be a 14 seed in the Big Dance should they win the tournament. If any other team wins the conference tournament they will be in play-in game territory. Bucknell has lost at home only once this season, but it came against a conference foe – Boston University – on 1/2.