With the calendar nearing March, the college basketball season is starting to heat up with just two weeks left in the regular season before major conference tournaments begin.
While teams that are securely in the field don't have much to worry about as far as playing in the NCAA tournament, it's make-or-break time for their seeding line. The difference between a No. 4 or No. 5 seed could be the difference in suffering a first-round bracket-buster. And even the difference between No. 1 seeds matters for earning the best pathway to the Final Four.
Baylor entered Saturday as the projected top overall No. 1 seed, and will close the day as the second No. 1 seed as Kansas vaulted ahead thanks to a thrilling 64-61 win in a battle between two national title contenders.
Here's a look at the biggest winners and losers among NCAA tournament-secure teams in Saturday's action:
WINNERS
Dayton: After tailing 38-36 at the half to Duquesne, the Flyers (25-2) turned it up a notch in the second half to pull away for an 80-70 home win. National player of the year candidate Obi Toppin finished with 28 points and Dayton's depth continues to be a major strength. Dayton hasn't lost since December and currently holds a No. 2 seed in USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology. It could be tough for coach Anthony Grant's team to vault to the No. 1 line, but if other teams falter it's certainly a possibility.
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Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (1) talks with head coach Anthony Grant during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at University of Dayton Arena. (Photo: David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports)
Louisville: The Cardinals (23-5) took care of business in dispatching a reeling North Carolina team in dominant form, and it's a good thing because teams like UNC (ones that underachieved and are win-hungry) can be the most dangerous because of their ability to stain profiles. Louisville cruised and remains out front in the ACC standings. This outcome also means coach Chris Mack's team is one step closer to bumping up from the No. 4 seed line to No. 3 in the projected bracket.
Virginia: The Cavaliers aren't completely safe yet from the NCAA tournament bubble, but they've drifted pretty far away from it in February thanks to winning seven of their last eight. Saturday's 59-56 win over Pittsburgh on the road was UVA's fourth win in a row and a sign that the reigning national champs are starting to hit their stride as March rolls around. Remember, there are still carry-overs from last year's title team in Mamadi Diakite and Kihei Clark. Tony Bennett's team, always a lockdown defensive unit, could be dangerous in March.
Auburn: The Tigers (23-4) are currently holding a No. 4 seed and could've slipped to the No. 5 seed line had it lost to Tennessee. But after trailing for portions of the game, Bruce Pearl's group took care of business to pull out a 73-66 victory on its home floor.
LOSERS
Baylor: The Bears are still a national title favorite after Saturday's 64-61 home loss to Kansas. But the setback, which snapped a 23-game winning streak, means the Bears lost their grip on the Big 12 standings (KU is now tied) and also their grip on the top overall NCAA tournament seed. Baylor might need to face the Jayhawks again and defeat them to prove to the committee it's the top team on the bracket.
MORE: Kansas makes its case as tournament's top seed with road win over Baylor
Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11) reacts after the loss to the Kansas Jayhawks at Ferrell Center. (Photo: Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
West Virginia: The Mountaineers (19-8) suffered a setback on the road, losing to TCU 67-60 in overtime, and while they'll still likely hold a No. 4 seed on the projected bracket, Saturday's outcome pushed them further away from the No. 3 line. WVU has now lost four of their last five, and granted two of those losses came against Baylor and Kansas, but the Big 12 slate isn't getting any easier — with two of the last four on the road and a home clash with Baylor on March 7.
Xavier: The Musketeers (17-10) had won four of five to improve to the No. 9 seed line in recent weeks, so Saturday's 64-55 home loss to Villanova won't hurt the team's profile much. But it was a missed opportunity to add a Quadrant 1 victory to the résumé with only three signature wins. Still, Xavier is in good shape being far enough away from the bubble with a top-40 NET score, top-10 strength of schedule and no bad losses.
Colorado: The Buffaloes (21-7) currently hold a No. 5 seed in the latest bracket projection, but might dip closer to the No. 6 line after a 70-63 home loss to non-tourney team UCLA. The loss also pushes Colorado out of first place in the crowded Pac-12 standings. Still, the Buffs have six Quad 1 wins and no bad losses, so they're well positioned to notch a solid seed in the NCAAs.
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Follow college basketball reporter Scott Gleeson on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.
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