Bracketology Insights: Friday Conference Tournament Movement, Big Movers

Bubble teams look to solidify NCAA Tournament resumes as top seeds jockey for seeding.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The conference tournament slate is in full swing, with bubble teams looking to secure their NCAA Tournament bids and top teams aiming to improve their seeding. Bracketology insights will explain how Friday's results will impact the latest bracket projections, including key bubble games and matchups between projected top seeds.

Why it matters

As the conference tournaments reach the semifinal and final rounds, the stakes are high for bubble teams trying to play their way into the NCAA Tournament, as well as top teams looking to secure the best possible seeding. The outcomes of these games will have a major impact on the final bracket revealed on Selection Sunday.

The details

Friday's lineup features several key bubble games, including VCU vs. Duquesne in the A-10, Seton Hall vs. St. John's in the Big East, and Oklahoma vs. Arkansas in a must-win scenario for the Sooners. Additionally, there are several matchups between projected top seeds, providing opportunities for teams to improve their seeding. The A-10 and Mountain West remain the most likely conferences to produce bid-stealing bids, with St. Louis and Utah State already in the field.

  • The conference tournament slate is in full swing this week, leading up to Selection Sunday on March 16, 2026.
  • Friday, March 13, 2026 features a slate of key games that will impact the NCAA Tournament bracket.

The players

VCU

A bubble team looking to secure an at-large bid with a win over Duquesne in the A-10 tournament.

Duquesne

VCU's opponent in a must-win game for the Dukes' at-large hopes.

Seton Hall

A bubble team facing a must-win game against St. John's in the Big East tournament.

St. John's

Seton Hall's opponent in a key bubble game in the Big East tournament.

Oklahoma

A bubble team looking to bolster its resume with a win over Arkansas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The conference tournament slate is in full-swing now, as bubble teams look to put the finishing touches on their resume. Meanwhile, the top teams in the bracket are now in action with a chance to improve seeding in the coming days.”

— James Fletcher III, Author

“Bracketology insights aims to explain the various ways that Friday's results will impact Sunday's bracket reveal, and each conversation about the field moving forward.”

— James Fletcher III, Author

What’s next

The conference tournament action will continue through the weekend, with the final bracket revealed on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The final days of the conference tournament season are crucial for bubble teams looking to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament, as well as top teams aiming to improve their seeding. The outcomes of Friday's key games will have a major impact on the final bracket revealed on Selection Sunday.