Thursday tip-off: Big night for Wildcats

Best Bet: Though it isn't likely with a pair of non-feline teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference in the mix, it's at least conceivable that three of the NCAA tournament regionals could be topped by Wildcats.

The Wildcats from Lexington are a lock for a No. 1 seed, and the group from Villanova stayed in the hunt by avoiding Creighton's upset bid Tuesday. Tonight it's the Wildcats from Tucson taking the stage as No. 6 Arizona opens a weekend homestand against California (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).

These 'Cats have also been on a roll, winning six in a row since dropping a rivalry game a month ago at Arizona State. Their most recent triumph on the road against Utah might have been the most impressive of the bunch, featuring timely plays from G Gabe York and big man Kaleb Tarczewski as well as the usual steady performance from standout freshman Stanley Johnson. The Golden Bears will almost certainly have to pull off several surprises in the upcoming Pac-12 tournament in order to be the Dancing Bears, but G Tyrone Wallace does a little of everything and could make some noise in the postseason.

Number of the day: 7.5. No. 5 Wisconsin would also like to get to the top line of the bracket. Though the Badgers were dealt a loss at Maryland last week, they're still a win away from wrapping up the Big Ten regular-season title. They'll attempt to secure that tonight at Minnesota (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Badgers continue to play their efficient style, committing only 7.5 turnovers a game. That's the best in the country in that category, a figure made all the more remarkable because they've been without PG Traevon Jackson (foot) for most of the conference campaign.

Days until Selection Sunday: 10.

GALLERY: TOP TEN PLAYERS IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL