As the regular season of women's college basketball comes to a close, teams on the bubble are preparing for intense conference tournaments that could make or break their chances of securing an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. With several Power 5 conferences hosting tournaments featuring multiple bubble teams, the stakes are higher than ever.

According to projections using ESPN Analytics' Women's College Basketball Power index (BPI), there are 38 bubble teams vying for only 19 available spots in the NCAA tournament. As the excitement builds, let's take a closer look at some teams that should be in, those with work to do, and the ones to watch during this crucial period.

The NC State Wolfpack, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Virginia Tech Hokies, Syracuse Orange, Louisville Cardinals, and Duke Blue Devils are among the teams that should be in the NCAA tournament based on their strong performances throughout the season. They will be looking to secure their spots and potentially improve their seeding in their respective conference tournaments.

The Florida State Seminoles and North Carolina Tar Heels are also in a good position, but they shouldn't rest easy just yet. Both teams will need to perform well in their conference tournaments to solidify their spots and impress the selection committee.

One team to keep an eye on is the Miami Hurricanes. After a heartbreaker loss to Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes' tournament chances have become precarious. Currently seeded number 9 in the ACC tournament, they face a tough matchup against UNC, with BPI giving them a 33% chance of winning. A strong showing in the tournament is crucial for Miami to secure their NCAA tournament bid.

Another team to watch is the Kansas Jayhawks, who have improved their tournament consideration in recent weeks. With impressive wins over Kansas State and Oklahoma, Kansas has worked their way up the bubble rankings. They open the Big 12 tournament against a BYU team they've already defeated twice, giving them an 80% chance of advancing. A victory over Big 12's number 2 seed, Texas, would solidify their NCAA tournament bid.

In the Big East, two bubble teams, Marquette and Villanova, will face off in the tournament's first round. Whoever comes out on top will have the opportunity to face top-seeded UConn, a challenging task. Both teams need a strong showing to impress the committee and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

In the Big Ten, Maryland and Michigan find themselves on the edge. Maryland, currently seeded eighth, must avoid a loss to Illinois in their opening game to keep their tournament hopes alive. Michigan, on the other hand, will face Rutgers or Minnesota as the sixth seed. A win there would set up a crucial matchup against Indiana, giving them an opportunity to boost their resume.

The Pac-12 conference also features four bubble teams: Washington State, California, Arizona, and Washington. These teams will face off in matchups with high stakes. A win for any of these squads could potentially push them into the NCAA tournament, while an upset could shake up the entire bubble picture.

Lastly, the SEC tournament showcases four teams with work to do: Auburn, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. These teams are projected to have close matchups, and it will be crucial for them to win their opening games to make a strong case for an NCAA tournament bid.

Looking beyond the Power 5 conferences, mid-major teams like Gonzaga, Princeton, and UNLV have already secured their spots in the NCAA tournament. However, the most intriguing situation is in the Ivy League, where Columbia's recent surge has put them in the conversation. With an upset win over Princeton, Columbia is making a strong case for an at-large bid.

As the conference tournaments unfold, teams on the bubble must perform at their best to impress the selection committee. With limited spots available and several bubble teams vying for them, every game becomes critical. Brace yourselves for a weekend of intense matchups, surprises, and countless storylines that will shape the NCAA tournament field for women's college basketball.