The much-anticipated day for college basketball enthusiasts has finally arrived, bringing thrilling matchups that set the stage for March Madness. Prior to Selection Sunday, five conference tournaments concluded, providing fans with a taste of what's to come in the NCAA tournament. Among these was the intense Big Ten championship game where Michigan narrowly triumphed over Wisconsin with a score of 59-53. Meanwhile, Florida showcased dominance in the SEC championship by defeating Tennessee 86-77. Other notable victories include Yale securing an Ivy League spot, VCU winning the Atlantic 10, and Memphis taking home the AAC title.

In the marquee matchup of the Big Ten, Michigan faced off against Wisconsin in a defensive struggle during the first half. The Badgers managed to establish an 11-point lead midway through the second period but were unable to sustain it as Michigan rallied back with crucial runs. Their resilience proved decisive in holding off Wisconsin's late-game efforts. Over in the SEC, Florida demonstrated control throughout their contest against Tennessee, maintaining a commanding presence despite a brief rally from the Volunteers. These outcomes not only determined automatic bids for the NCAA tournament but also influenced potential seeding positions.

The Big Ten showdown featured moments of high tension as both teams exchanged leads multiple times. Michigan relied heavily on balanced scoring contributions from Vladislav Goldin and Tre Donaldson, who each tallied 11 points. On the other side, John Blackwell led Wisconsin with 18 points. A pivotal moment occurred when Blackwell missed a three-pointer with just seconds remaining, allowing Michigan to secure possession and ultimately seal the victory. This win capped off a season where Michigan finished with a record of 25-9 overall and 14-6 within conference play.

Moving southward, Florida's triumph over Tennessee highlighted their superior offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity. Despite Tennessee's attempt to close the gap in the latter stages of the game, Florida remained unfazed, extending their lead comfortably. Leading scorers such as Colin Castleton played instrumental roles in guiding the Gators toward success. Their performance reinforced expectations heading into the NCAA tournament, where they aim to build upon regular-season achievements.

Elsewhere, smaller yet equally significant battles unfolded. Yale's victory over Cornell solidified their place in the Ivy League bracket while VCU edged past George Mason in the Atlantic 10 final. Lastly, Memphis showcased powerhouse basketball under Coach Anfernee Hardaway, defeating UAB 84-72. Standout performances came from PJ Haggerty and Dain Dainja, contributing significantly to the Tigers' cause. With this win, Memphis enters the NCAA tournament boasting an impressive record of 28-5.

As the dust settles on these exhilarating conference finals, all eyes now turn towards Selection Sunday and beyond. Each team's journey through their respective tournaments has provided invaluable experience and momentum heading into March Madness. Whether seeded highly or sneaking in as lower seeds, every participant carries aspirations of making deep runs in pursuit of national glory.