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Five power conferences teams that could really use a conference tourney run

Justin Cobbs

California guard Justin Cobbs (1) hits the game-winning shot in the closing seconds of the second half on an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, in Berkeley, Calif. California won 60-58. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP

As we get closer to power conference tournaments tipping off, there are always a handful of teams that could use a couple of wins to gain entry into the field of 68. Here’s a look at five teams -- actually six, we cheated -- that could really use a few wins in their respective conference tournaments to bolster their NCAA Tournament hopes.

California [19-12 (10-8), RPI: 52, KenPom: 70] - The Golden Bears looked like they were in great shape after a February 1st win over then-No. 1 Arizona, but Cal has stumbled to a 4-5 finish and its only win over a NCAA Tournament-caliber opponent came in their finale against Colorado in overtime. Cal has a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament and they’ll likely face Colorado again in the Pac-12 quarterfinals. The Golden Bears should beat the Buffaloes again to feel better about their chances, but another win over No. 1 seed Arizona in the semifinals would make Cal like its chances to make the field of 68.

RELATED: Odds to win every major conference tournament

Florida State [18-12 (9-9), RPI: 58, KenPom: 39] The Seminoles don’t have a particularly strong resume or record, and they could really use a few wins in the ACC Tournament. As a No. 9 seed in the tournament, the Seminoles have to beat Maryland in a dangerous opening game before a matchup with No. 1 seed Virginia. If Florida State can win against the Cavaliers, they’d have to like its chances of getting in.

Georgetown [17-13 (8-10), RPI: 55, KenPom: 50] - The Hoyas could use a Big East Tournament run in the worst way after struggling to 17-13 regular season record. A win over DePaul in the first round is pretty much a given, but the Hoyas will likely need to knock off Creighton in the second round to feel better about their Tournament chances. Georgetown clearly outplayed Creighton on March 4th in a home win and their size and athleticism gave Doug McDermott fits. Would another win over Creighton in March get the Hoyas in?

(MORE: Browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

Minnesota [19-12 (8-10), RPI: 49, KenPom: 52] - Since starting 13-3 on the season, the Golden Gophers are 6-9, as they’ve struggled through the mighty Big Ten. Minnesota has only one win over a ranked opponent since its January 22nd home win over Wisconsin and that came over a reeling Iowa team at home. The Golden Gophers open the Big Ten Tournament with a winnable game against Penn State and then would face No. 2 seed Wisconsin in a game that Minnesota should win if they want to get in.

Providence [20-11 (10-8), RPI: 54, KenPom: 53] and St. John’s [20-11 (10-8), RPI: 57, KenPom: 37] - Okay, we cheated and profiled six teams instead of five but these two teams match up in the first round of the Big East Tournament on Thursday in what could amount to a play-in game for the field of 68. Providence couldn’t close the deal with a road win at Creighton in its final regular season game while St. John’s has played much better after an 0-5 start in the Big East, but they still could use some more quality wins. These teams split in the regular season and a win in the rubber match could vault a team into the field while a loss would surely eliminate them. To feel even safer, these teams should also try to knock off Villanova in the second round.

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