As Selection Sunday approaches, conference tournament action is intensifying across the nation. Top-ranked Duke faces rival North Carolina in the ACC semifinals after losing Cooper Flagg to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Auburn, Michigan State, Houston, and St. John's are among several teams vying for top seeds in the NCAA tournament. Key matchups on Friday include Duke versus UNC, Houston against BYU, Tennessee facing Texas, and Kentucky battling Alabama. These games promise thrilling finishes and crucial implications for March Madness seeding.

In a pivotal ACC matchup, Duke confronts North Carolina without their star player, Cooper Flagg, who sprained his ankle recently. Coach Jon Scheyer remains cautious about Flagg's return as the Blue Devils aim to maintain their dominance. In the SEC, Auburn narrowly defeated Ole Miss with standout performances from Johni Broome, who scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. The Tigers now advance to face either Texas or Tennessee in the next round.

The Big Ten also saw significant action as Michigan State triumphed over Oregon with strong contributions from Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins. Their victory sets them up for a challenging encounter against either Wisconsin or UCLA later in the tournament. Across different conferences, other contenders like Houston, St. John's, and Florida demonstrated their prowess, each aiming to strengthen their case for higher seeds in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Beyond these major matchups, smaller conferences contributed to the excitement. For instance, Memphis squared off against Wichita State in a closely contested AAC game that ended in a tie at halftime. Both teams exhibited resilience and skill, showcasing why they deserve consideration in the larger tournament picture. These games not only determine which teams progress further in their respective tournaments but also influence how selection committees perceive their strength of schedule and overall performance heading into March Madness.

As the weekend progresses, every game carries added significance for teams hoping to secure automatic bids or improve their seeding prospects. Fans can expect high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and stellar individual performances shaping the landscape of college basketball before Selection Sunday finalizes the brackets. The stage is set for an unforgettable few days of competition that will define this year's tournament participants and potential champions.