Selection Sunday just two days away, but there's plenty of college basketball action to keep up with on conference tournament weekend.

As college basketball fans gear up for Selection Sunday, the excitement only intensifies with thrilling matchups in conference tournaments. A notable highlight was the intense clash between top-ranked Duke and North Carolina, where the Blue Devils narrowly edged out the Tar Heels 74-71 despite missing superstar rookie Cooper Flagg due to a sprained ankle. This game not only showcased the resilience of Duke but also underscored the unpredictability of March Madness. Duke's ability to maintain a lead after almost squandering a 24-point advantage is commendable. The game culminated in nail-biting final seconds, highlighted by crucial free throw misses from UNC, which had they converted, could have changed the outcome. It's events like these that fuel the passionate debates among fans and analysts alike, igniting discussions around officiating and momentum shifts in crucial games. Meanwhile, other top seeds like Auburn, Michigan State, Houston, and St. John's advanced successfully in their respective tournaments, all vying for potential No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. The performances from teams like Alabama, which delivered a crushing blow to Kentucky, further illustrate just how competitive the landscape is this season. Their well-rounded scoring, with five players achieving double figures, presents a formidable challenge for any team they face in the postseason. The conclusion of this weekend’s tournament action will ultimately set the stage for Selection Sunday, making every victory more significant. Teams poised on the edge of securing NCAA bids, like Boise State, who survived a tight game against New Mexico, will be keeping a close eye on the outcomes of the remaining conference games. As for Duke, the absence of Flagg raises concerns for their title aspirations. Coach Jon Scheyer’s admission of Flagg’s absence for the final game of the ACC tournament could drastically alter Duke's strategic approach as they face Louisville. This injury could affect not only their performance this weekend but also their title odds moving forward into March Madness. Fans are now questioning the strength of Duke's championship run without their critical playmaker. Flagg's absence is felt not just on the court but also in the betting lines, where a significant shift was noted, indicating that Flagg was valued as a key player worth a substantial amount to the team's probability of success. Overall, as the thrill of the tournament unfolds, this week serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in college basketball, where every game can shake up rankings and seedings in a matter of minutes. The combination of emerging stars and unexpected upsets creates a buzz, capturing the essence of what makes March Madness both unpredictable and exhilarating. This analysis of the current tournament action has been reviewed by artificial intelligence to ensure accuracy and depth in coverage.