No fewer than ten bubble teams will be in action on Thursday. If any of these teams lose, they’re looking at the NIT, so these are virtual playoff games. Also, don’t forget the NBA doubleheader on TNT — Lakers/Spurs at 8 PM and Cavs/Suns at 10:30 PM.

All times ET.

12 PM: Providence vs. #5 Louisville (ESPN)
The Friars are on the hot seat and really need a win against Louisville to earn a spot in the tourney. A loss probably knocks them out.

12 PM: Northwestern vs. Minnesota (Big Ten Network)
The Gophers are on the bubble and they need a win against the feisty Wildcats. If they lose, they’ll really be squirming on Selection Sunday.

12 PM: Virginia Tech vs. Miami (ESPN 360)
Both teams are on the bubble, and the winner probably needs to beat North Carolina in the next round.

2:30 PM: #21 Marquette vs. #13 Villanova (ESPN)
This game will have an effect on the seeding for the Big Dance.

2:30 PM: Iowa vs. Michigan (ESPN2)
The Wolverines can’t lose to the Hawkeyes and expect to get an NCAA berth.

3 PM: Arizona vs. #23 Arizona St. (FSN)
I think this is the game of the day. The Sun Devils can probably end their arch-rival’s season if they can hang a loss on the Wildcats.

3 PM: Texas vs. Kansas St. (ESPN360)
The Wildcats really need a win against Texas to get back into the conversation.

5 PM: Penn St. vs. Indiana (ESPN)
This is pretty much a must-win game for the Nittany Lions.

7 PM: Maryland vs. N.C. State (ESPN2)
The Terps need to make a run in the ACC tourney to get a look from the committee.

7 PM: West Virginia vs. #2 Pittsburgh (ESPN)
The Mountaineers are safely in, but could improve their seeding with a win over Pitt. Meanwhile, the Panthers need to win to secure a #1 seed.

9 PM: USC vs. Cal (FSN)
The Golden Bears are already in, but they can end the Trojans’ season with a win. USC needs to make a run and a win over Cal would really help.

9:30 PM: #20 Syracuse vs. #4 UConn (ESPN)
If the Huskies want a #1 seed, they’re going to have to beat the Orangemen and (probably) make the Big East Championship final.