Over the next two weeks, dozens of conference tournaments will unfold. For the nation’s elite teams, it’s a chance to firm up a top seed in the big dance. For major-conference squads on the bubble, it’s a chance to firm up their résumés. For the best small-conference schools, one loss could spell the end of an otherwise dominant season.

Let’s take a look at two mid-major and two high-major conference tournaments, and how their results could alter the face of the NCAA tourney.

MID-MAJORS

Missouri Valley

When: March 6–9

Spotlight teams: Everyone except Drake

WHAT’S AT STAKE: In Seinfeldian parlance, everyone loves the Drake. The Bulldogs have emerged as the clear class of the Valley this season and currently rate as a lofty no. 5 seed in Joe Lunardi’s “Bracketology” projections at ESPN.com. Their seed could slip a bit if they bow out early in the conference tournament, but they’re in the big dance one way or another. The real intrigue comes after that. Illinois State is the only other Valley team with a realistic chance to get in without winning the conference tourney. The Redbirds’ win Saturday over Southern Illinois clinched a 13–5 record and second place in the Valley’s regular-season standings. With a 36 ratings percentage index and two wins in the Valley tournament, the Redbirds should get in.

Of course, both Drake and Illinois State could easily get knocked out early, clearing the way for an upstart. The Valley’s regular-season champ hasn’t won the postseason tournament since 1998. Could Southern Illinois salvage a disappointing season and make it back to the dance again? What about a talented but inconsistent Creighton team? Or could a true upstart such as Missouri State or Indiana State rise up to punch their ticket? The Valley has been a multi-bid team for the past decade (with four in 2006). A wild conference tournament could net three Valley forgers this season.

Southern Conference

When: March 7–10

Spotlight team: Davidson

WHAT’S AT STAKE: The Wildcats ran the table in the Southern Conference, becoming the first-ever team to go 20–0 in conference play. All-America candidate Stephen Curry ranks no. 5 in the nation in points at 25.3 a game and presents a stiff challenge to wouldbe opponents with his improved all-around game. But here’s the $64,000 question: What if the Cats lose in the first round of the SoCon tourney? Davidson played a tough pre-conference schedule, matching up against the likes of Final Four contenders North Carolina, Duke, and UCLA. Despite some valiant efforts, though, Davidson dropped all of those games. Meanwhile, the Wildcats’ weak SoCon competition has them ranked just no. 141 in overall Strength of Schedule. If Davidson lays an egg in their conference tournament, the Cats could become the first 20–0 in-conference team to miss the big dance too.

HIGH MAJORS

Big East

When: March 12–15

Spotlight teams: West Virginia, Syracuse

WHAT’S AT STAKE: The Mountaineers are 10–7 in Big East play and 20–9 overall, which would seem to make them a lock for the NCAA tourney. But West Virginia has very few exciting wins to their credit, with only one victory over the top half of the Big East and a nondescript, non-conference schedule, other than a tough two-point loss to Tennessee. The Mountaineers are probably in, one way or another, but they could boost their seeding and solidify their reputation by knocking off a Connecticut, Georgetown, Notre Dame, or Louisville in next week’s Big East tournament. The Orangemen have a tougher climb, sitting at 7–9 in conference play with two regular-season games to go. Saturday’s giveaway loss to Pitt could be the straw that breaks their backs. Three or four straight wins look like a must, but that will be a tough task. To close the regular season, they’ll play at Seton Hall, another hungry bubble team with an outside chance at the big dance, and Marquette, a guard-loaded team that’s Sweet 16 material when the Eagles are on their game. Villanova’s also in the mix, though four straight wins are a must, as is favorable consideration for their almost-victories against Georgetown and N.C. State, both losses caused largely by terrible last-second foul calls.

Atlantic Coast Conference

When: March 13–16

Spotlight teams: North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, Virginia Tech

WHAT’S AT STAKE: North Carolina and Duke face off Saturday for the second time this season, with the regular-season ACC title at stake. The scenarios after that game become intriguing. Duke is widely projected to be a no. 2 NCAA tourney seed, with top-ranked Carolina a no. 1. If Duke beats UNC, that would give the Blue Devils a seasons sweep of the rivalry, potentially vaulting them into a no. 1 seed. But if Duke then falters in the ACC tourney, that no. 1 seed could revert back to another team. If Carolina beats Duke Saturday, the Heels’ no. 1 seed in the big dance is a virtual lock. If the Heels lose to Duke, then bow out in the semifinals or earlier of the ACC tournament, the door could squeak open for a team such as Duke or Kansas to join the top line.

Maryland and Virginia Tech are right on the bubble. The Hokies have beaten the Terrapins twice, lead them in the ACC standings and own a higher RPI (57 to 64), according to Jerry Palm’s Web site CollegeRPI.com. Somehow, the Terps still garner more respect in tournament talk, likely thanks to their superior tournament history and their signature win at North Carolina earlier this year. Both teams need strong final week of regular-season play followed by solid showings in the ACC tournament to punch their tickets.

Mr. Keri (jonahkeri@gmail.com) is a writer for ESPN.com’s Page 2.