We are at the time of the season where every game is vital. Teams are battling to pursue their dream of making it to March Madness and a ticket to the big dance.

There are a number of clubs that helped themselves last weekend. Look at Arizona, getting a big road win at Washington State. That was a major W as the Pac-10 is loaded. Remember, the committee will have to look at the absence of Jerryd Bayless earlier in the campaign and how that affected the Wildcats. Arizona is trying to make its 23rd consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament. The victory over Tony Bennett's team was a major plus as the 'Cats are .500 (7-7) in the tough Pac-10.

Think about the Golden Flashes of Kent State. Jim Christian's club helped themselves with a big win at a ranked opponent, St. Mary's (65-57). That was a perfext example of a team taking advantage in the Bracket Buster format, enhancing its RPI rating. Even if Kent State fell short on the Mid-American championship, it has to be considered for an at-large slot. Christian's team is currently 23-5 overall, and an impressive 11-2 in league play. It is hot at the right time, riding a six-game win streak.

Remember, St. Mary's resume included several quality Ws this season -- including Oregon and Gonzaga.

Kentucky has made some noise after a slow start. Don't cut the Wildcats out and I know a lot of people feel they are not their yet. While that is probably true, Billy Gillispie's team has nine SEC wins right now, including a big one over a solid Arkansas squad over the weekend. There will be more opportunities, including one this weekend down at Tennessee. That is a huge game and the Vols want revenge for a surprise in Lexington. At least Kentucky is in position to challenge -- most would not have considered that possible after earlier losses to Gardner-Webb and San Diego.

Miami-Florida is back to .500 in ACC play (6-6) while sporting a 19-7 overall mark. Frank Haith's squad had a huge win over Maryland for its fourth straight victory. You have to put the 'Canes back in the picture, seeking an invite to the big dance.

There you have some hot teams dreaming of berths to the NCAA tournament. With a few more wins, those dreams could become reality, baby!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.