Tweet
By Tony Mejia
SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Sliding in: Creighton, New Mexico, Buffalo.
Filing out: Maryland, Northern Iowa, Akron.
America East (1)
Conference champ: Vermont.
The Catamounts are the guinea pig for the new RPI formula. Based on the adjustments, Tom Brennan's team already has a place in the field reserved considering its results, but its strength of schedule might be a detractor if it doesn't get past Northeastern in the league tourney final.
ACC (5)
Conference champ: North Carolina.
At-large: Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech, N.C. State
Bubble burst: Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Virginia Tech.
The Terps are out. Losing to Virginia Tech and finishing under .500 in league play overshadows the strong efforts against Duke and gives their resume a hole that's probably too big to spackle over. The Hokies now have life, but have to go to work in the league tournament, needing to win twice.
Atlantic Sun (1)
In: Central Florida.
The Knights barely trailed through the entire tournament and exit for C-USA in style. It will be interesting to see whether the committee takes last year's effort against Pitt into account and bestows a No. 14 seed or higher. The Golden Knights did win the Top of World Classic this year.
A-10 (1)
Conference champ: Saint Joseph's.
Bubble burst: George Washington, Dayton, Temple, Xavier.
Saint Joseph's took control of the league by knocking off George Washington late in the season. As a result, the Hawks will be the top seed in the A-10 Tournament and improved their at-large chances, though those are still likely a longshot. The loss really hurts the Colonials' chances, meaning that the conference tournament winner will likely be the A-10's lone NCAA representative.
Big East (7)
Conference champ: Boston College.
At-large: Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Notre Dame, West Virginia.
Bubble burst: Georgetown.
UConn leap-frogged Syracuse with its resounding home win Saturday, putting itself in position for a top-three seed, if not top-two depending on how things shake out. West Virginia's setback at Seton Hall gives it homework in the Big East Tournament. The Mountaineers have to win once, if not twice, to solidify a bid. Georgetown remains on the outside looking in, especially after losing to Providence Saturday.
Big Sky (1)
Conference champ: Portland State.
The Vikings sealed up the conference title and now play host to the league tournament after a huge OT victory at Montana State. That home-court advantage will be an unexpected gift for the city and the program, considering they've finished third three consecutive years.
Big South (1)
In: Winthrop.
The Eagles locked up the regular-season title, too. They should avoid a No. 16 seed.
Big Ten (4)
Conference champ: Illinois.
At-large: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
Bubble burst: Iowa, Indiana.
Do Iowa and Illinois have a run in them in the conference tournament? That's what it will take to get the Big Ten a fifth bid. The Hoosiers have to win two games, while the Hawkeyes probably need to win the whole thing to avoid the NIT. The four we're currently projecting to get bids are rock-solid.
Big 12 (6)
Conference champ: Kansas.
At-large: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Iowa State.
Bubble burst: Texas A&M, Colorado, Kansas State.
The Cyclones finished the season strong, and with their winning Big 12 record, seem to be in good shape. They've won eight of 10, a string that includes triumphs over tournament teams Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. A bid is there to be had if Wayne Morgan's team handles its business in the first round of the conference tournament, potentially against the same Buffaloes team it just beat in the finale. Texas solidified its inclusion with a gigantic win at OSU.
Big West (1)
Conference champ: Pacific.
Bubble teams throughout the country will be rooting for the Tigers in their conference tournament. At this point, they've got an at-large bid wrapped up.
Colonial (1)
Conference champ: Old Dominion.
The lack of complete quality resumes from some of the nation's bubble teams is boding well for the Monarchs. ODU will have a legitimate shot to earn an at-large bid, and may already have its reservations locked up.
Conference USA (4)
Conference champ: Louisville.
At-large: Charlotte, DePaul, Cincinnati
Bubble burst: UAB, Houston, Marquette, TCU.
Louisville is in certain contention for a potential No. 2 seed if it captures the C-USA Tournament. The league has four solid NCAA teams at the moment, and might be able to pick up a fifth if UAB can win a couple of games in the C-USA Tournament.
Horizon League (1)
Conference champ: Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Detroit put an end to the cheeseheads' dream of seeing UWGB face off against rival UWM in the Horizon final. The Panthers could get back to the dance on the strength of Ed McCants, Joah Tucker and Adrian Tigert, central figures in last season's run.
Ivy League (1)
Conference champ: Pennsylvania.
Quakers fans should probably be scouting prospective No. 3 seeds.
MAAC (1)
Conference champ: Niagara.
Rider showed the type of spurtability necessary to win a tournament in its quarterfinal win over. With Jerry Johnson in the fold and a strong supporting cast around him, the Broncs have to feel good about getting back to the NCAAs for the first time since '94.
MAC (2)
Conference champ: Miami (Ohio).
At-large: Buffalo.
Bubble burst: Akron, Western Michigan, Ohio U., Kent State.
If the RedHawks don't win the conference tournament, we think the selection committee would still hand them a bid., even following the loss to Marshall Saturday. Charlie Coles' team put together the best regular season effort of any league team, and deserves a bid provided they don't flame out in the league tourney. Buffalo blasted Akron in the finale, making their resume more attractive than Akron's, which features a pair of starters from LeBron James' squad at St. Vincent-St. Mary's. The league tourney will decide all matters.
MEAC (1)
Conference champ: Coppin State.
Although Hampton, Delaware State and Norfolk State are sniffing around, we expect the Eagles to hang on and clinch the regular season title.
Mid-Con (1)
Conference champ: Oral Roberts.
What happened to UMKC? After completing a season sweep of preseason favorite Oral Roberts, the 'Roos dropped a couple of winnable games to fumble away control of the conference. Oral Roberts claimed the outright league title by winning at IUPUI on Monday night and has to be considered the tourney favorite.
Missouri Valley (3)
Conference champ: Southern Illinois.
At-large: Wichita State, Creighton.
Bubble burst: Northern Iowa.
The MVC Tournament might have settled everything in this wide open league. We still like three to get in, though SIU is the lone guarantee. Wichita State, Creighton nd Northern Iowa will duke it out for bids, and with such similar resumes, it might end up that the teams that lasted longest get the bids.
Mountain West (2)
Conference champ: Utah.
At-large: New Mexico.
Bubble burst: Air Force, Wyoming.
At this point, the Lobos are the only club other than the Utes with at-large possibilities, but they've got to win out and reach the tournament final. Harsh for a 20-win team with established rep? Not really, considering how far the league has fallen in terms of RPI. Right now, they're the final at-large in our field.
Northeast (1)
Conference champ: Monmouth.
The Hawks avoided the opening-round game last year, but that's where we tentatively have them headed if they claim the league again. Could also be Fairleigh Dickinson, which looks like a good bet to face the Hawks in the final.
Ohio Valley (1)
Conference champ: Eastern Kentucky.
Top seed Tennessee Tech narrowly escaped elimination against Eastern Illinois in round one, but weren't as lucky against Austin Peay, which defeated the Golden Eagles 67-61 in the semis. Their departure puts Travis Ford's EKU Colonels in the driver's seat.
Pac-10 (4)
Conference champ: Arizona.
At-large: Washington, UCLA, Stanford.
Bubble burst: Oregon State, Arizona State.
Stanford's huge home win over Washington sealed up its invitation to the Big Dance. It also provided a huge lift for Arizona when Salim Stoudamire's heroics put away Arizona State. The Wildcats are now in position to challenge for a No. 1 bid if they take the Pac-10 Tournament. It's homecoming time for Hassan Adams, which will hopefully inspire him to take his game up a notch. Lute Olson needs him to perform at an optimum level if his team is to make noise in the postseason.
Patriot League (1)
Conference champ: Holy Cross.
As proud as the Crusaders should be of their accomplishments, their lofty RPI standing points out why the new formula is a little fishy. A Patriot League squad with zero victories against the RPI's Top 50, sitting in a prime at-large position? It doesn't sound right, and it isn't.
SEC (5)
Conference champ: Kentucky.
At-large: Alabama, LSU, Florida, Mississippi State.
Bubble burst: Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Arkansas.
Vanderbilt's loss in Baton Rouge on Saturday makes the SEC Tournament a must-win. The Tigers are now chasing a top-five seed based on their efforts down the stretch. Kentucky remains in line for a top seed if they handle business in the SEC Tournament. There are sharks circling though, so the 'Cats have to approach things very seriously -- not that there's any alternative with the brilliant Tubby Smith at the helm.
Southern (1)
In: Chattanooga.
Bubble burst: Davidson.
There was no repeat of 2001 in this year's final. UNC-Greensboro had no heroics in its bag of tricks and fell just short versus the host Mocs, who are back in the Big Dance for the first time since 1997. Davidson had a 16-0 regular season, but a tough loss in the SoCon semis will have the school NIT bound. A shoddy non-conference performance gives them little hope for an at-large bid.
Southland (1)
Conference champ: Southeastern Louisiana.
Things got a little hairy for the Lions, who lost at McNeese State and slipped into a first-place tie with Northwestern State. Billy Kennedy's team had to share the regular season title, but remains the team to beat in the tournament due to their strong defense.
Sun Belt (1)
Conference champ: Denver.
The Pioneers got help with FIU taking out Little Rock, improving their chances of taking this wide open league tourney.
SWAC (1)
Conference champ: Alabama A&M.
The tourney will be up for grabs since the favorites struggled down the stretch.
WAC (2)
Conference champ: Nevada.
At large: UTEP.
Bubble burst: Fresno State, Rice, Louisiana Tech.
The Miners destroyed Louisiana Tech, getting a school-record 18 assists from point guard Filiberto Rivera. Home victories this week over SMU and Boise should help clinch a bid. Nevada has secured a bid, regardless of what happens the rest of the way.
West Coast (2)
Conference champ: Gonzaga.
At large: Saint Mary's.
Bubble burst: Santa Clara, San Francisco.
The Gaels wrapped up the regular season with 24 victories and only one game behind Gonzaga in a Top-10 conference. That should be enough to earn a bid.
Last four in: West Virginia, Creighton, Buffalo, N.C. State.
Last four out: Maryland, Northern Iowa, Akron, Virginia Tech.
SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Sliding in: Creighton, New Mexico, Buffalo.
Filing out: Maryland, Northern Iowa, Akron.
America East (1)
Conference champ: Vermont.
The Catamounts are the guinea pig for the new RPI formula. Based on the adjustments, Tom Brennan's team already has a place in the field reserved considering its results, but its strength of schedule might be a detractor if it doesn't get past Northeastern in the league tourney final.
ACC (5)
Conference champ: North Carolina.
At-large: Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech, N.C. State
Bubble burst: Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Virginia Tech.
The Terps are out. Losing to Virginia Tech and finishing under .500 in league play overshadows the strong efforts against Duke and gives their resume a hole that's probably too big to spackle over. The Hokies now have life, but have to go to work in the league tournament, needing to win twice.
Atlantic Sun (1)
In: Central Florida.
The Knights barely trailed through the entire tournament and exit for C-USA in style. It will be interesting to see whether the committee takes last year's effort against Pitt into account and bestows a No. 14 seed or higher. The Golden Knights did win the Top of World Classic this year.
A-10 (1)
Conference champ: Saint Joseph's.
Bubble burst: George Washington, Dayton, Temple, Xavier.
Saint Joseph's took control of the league by knocking off George Washington late in the season. As a result, the Hawks will be the top seed in the A-10 Tournament and improved their at-large chances, though those are still likely a longshot. The loss really hurts the Colonials' chances, meaning that the conference tournament winner will likely be the A-10's lone NCAA representative.
Big East (7)
Conference champ: Boston College.
At-large: Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Notre Dame, West Virginia.
Bubble burst: Georgetown.
UConn leap-frogged Syracuse with its resounding home win Saturday, putting itself in position for a top-three seed, if not top-two depending on how things shake out. West Virginia's setback at Seton Hall gives it homework in the Big East Tournament. The Mountaineers have to win once, if not twice, to solidify a bid. Georgetown remains on the outside looking in, especially after losing to Providence Saturday.
Big Sky (1)
Conference champ: Portland State.
The Vikings sealed up the conference title and now play host to the league tournament after a huge OT victory at Montana State. That home-court advantage will be an unexpected gift for the city and the program, considering they've finished third three consecutive years.
Big South (1)
In: Winthrop.
The Eagles locked up the regular-season title, too. They should avoid a No. 16 seed.
Big Ten (4)
Conference champ: Illinois.
At-large: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
Bubble burst: Iowa, Indiana.
Do Iowa and Illinois have a run in them in the conference tournament? That's what it will take to get the Big Ten a fifth bid. The Hoosiers have to win two games, while the Hawkeyes probably need to win the whole thing to avoid the NIT. The four we're currently projecting to get bids are rock-solid.
Big 12 (6)
Conference champ: Kansas.
At-large: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Iowa State.
Bubble burst: Texas A&M, Colorado, Kansas State.
The Cyclones finished the season strong, and with their winning Big 12 record, seem to be in good shape. They've won eight of 10, a string that includes triumphs over tournament teams Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. A bid is there to be had if Wayne Morgan's team handles its business in the first round of the conference tournament, potentially against the same Buffaloes team it just beat in the finale. Texas solidified its inclusion with a gigantic win at OSU.
Big West (1)
Conference champ: Pacific.
Bubble teams throughout the country will be rooting for the Tigers in their conference tournament. At this point, they've got an at-large bid wrapped up.
Colonial (1)
Conference champ: Old Dominion.
The lack of complete quality resumes from some of the nation's bubble teams is boding well for the Monarchs. ODU will have a legitimate shot to earn an at-large bid, and may already have its reservations locked up.
Conference USA (4)
Conference champ: Louisville.
At-large: Charlotte, DePaul, Cincinnati
Bubble burst: UAB, Houston, Marquette, TCU.
Louisville is in certain contention for a potential No. 2 seed if it captures the C-USA Tournament. The league has four solid NCAA teams at the moment, and might be able to pick up a fifth if UAB can win a couple of games in the C-USA Tournament.
Horizon League (1)
Conference champ: Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Detroit put an end to the cheeseheads' dream of seeing UWGB face off against rival UWM in the Horizon final. The Panthers could get back to the dance on the strength of Ed McCants, Joah Tucker and Adrian Tigert, central figures in last season's run.
Ivy League (1)
Conference champ: Pennsylvania.
Quakers fans should probably be scouting prospective No. 3 seeds.
MAAC (1)
Conference champ: Niagara.
Rider showed the type of spurtability necessary to win a tournament in its quarterfinal win over. With Jerry Johnson in the fold and a strong supporting cast around him, the Broncs have to feel good about getting back to the NCAAs for the first time since '94.
MAC (2)
Conference champ: Miami (Ohio).
At-large: Buffalo.
Bubble burst: Akron, Western Michigan, Ohio U., Kent State.
If the RedHawks don't win the conference tournament, we think the selection committee would still hand them a bid., even following the loss to Marshall Saturday. Charlie Coles' team put together the best regular season effort of any league team, and deserves a bid provided they don't flame out in the league tourney. Buffalo blasted Akron in the finale, making their resume more attractive than Akron's, which features a pair of starters from LeBron James' squad at St. Vincent-St. Mary's. The league tourney will decide all matters.
MEAC (1)
Conference champ: Coppin State.
Although Hampton, Delaware State and Norfolk State are sniffing around, we expect the Eagles to hang on and clinch the regular season title.
Mid-Con (1)
Conference champ: Oral Roberts.
What happened to UMKC? After completing a season sweep of preseason favorite Oral Roberts, the 'Roos dropped a couple of winnable games to fumble away control of the conference. Oral Roberts claimed the outright league title by winning at IUPUI on Monday night and has to be considered the tourney favorite.
Missouri Valley (3)
Conference champ: Southern Illinois.
At-large: Wichita State, Creighton.
Bubble burst: Northern Iowa.
The MVC Tournament might have settled everything in this wide open league. We still like three to get in, though SIU is the lone guarantee. Wichita State, Creighton nd Northern Iowa will duke it out for bids, and with such similar resumes, it might end up that the teams that lasted longest get the bids.
Mountain West (2)
Conference champ: Utah.
At-large: New Mexico.
Bubble burst: Air Force, Wyoming.
At this point, the Lobos are the only club other than the Utes with at-large possibilities, but they've got to win out and reach the tournament final. Harsh for a 20-win team with established rep? Not really, considering how far the league has fallen in terms of RPI. Right now, they're the final at-large in our field.
Northeast (1)
Conference champ: Monmouth.
The Hawks avoided the opening-round game last year, but that's where we tentatively have them headed if they claim the league again. Could also be Fairleigh Dickinson, which looks like a good bet to face the Hawks in the final.
Ohio Valley (1)
Conference champ: Eastern Kentucky.
Top seed Tennessee Tech narrowly escaped elimination against Eastern Illinois in round one, but weren't as lucky against Austin Peay, which defeated the Golden Eagles 67-61 in the semis. Their departure puts Travis Ford's EKU Colonels in the driver's seat.
Pac-10 (4)
Conference champ: Arizona.
At-large: Washington, UCLA, Stanford.
Bubble burst: Oregon State, Arizona State.
Stanford's huge home win over Washington sealed up its invitation to the Big Dance. It also provided a huge lift for Arizona when Salim Stoudamire's heroics put away Arizona State. The Wildcats are now in position to challenge for a No. 1 bid if they take the Pac-10 Tournament. It's homecoming time for Hassan Adams, which will hopefully inspire him to take his game up a notch. Lute Olson needs him to perform at an optimum level if his team is to make noise in the postseason.
Patriot League (1)
Conference champ: Holy Cross.
As proud as the Crusaders should be of their accomplishments, their lofty RPI standing points out why the new formula is a little fishy. A Patriot League squad with zero victories against the RPI's Top 50, sitting in a prime at-large position? It doesn't sound right, and it isn't.
SEC (5)
Conference champ: Kentucky.
At-large: Alabama, LSU, Florida, Mississippi State.
Bubble burst: Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Arkansas.
Vanderbilt's loss in Baton Rouge on Saturday makes the SEC Tournament a must-win. The Tigers are now chasing a top-five seed based on their efforts down the stretch. Kentucky remains in line for a top seed if they handle business in the SEC Tournament. There are sharks circling though, so the 'Cats have to approach things very seriously -- not that there's any alternative with the brilliant Tubby Smith at the helm.
Southern (1)
In: Chattanooga.
Bubble burst: Davidson.
There was no repeat of 2001 in this year's final. UNC-Greensboro had no heroics in its bag of tricks and fell just short versus the host Mocs, who are back in the Big Dance for the first time since 1997. Davidson had a 16-0 regular season, but a tough loss in the SoCon semis will have the school NIT bound. A shoddy non-conference performance gives them little hope for an at-large bid.
Southland (1)
Conference champ: Southeastern Louisiana.
Things got a little hairy for the Lions, who lost at McNeese State and slipped into a first-place tie with Northwestern State. Billy Kennedy's team had to share the regular season title, but remains the team to beat in the tournament due to their strong defense.
Sun Belt (1)
Conference champ: Denver.
The Pioneers got help with FIU taking out Little Rock, improving their chances of taking this wide open league tourney.
SWAC (1)
Conference champ: Alabama A&M.
The tourney will be up for grabs since the favorites struggled down the stretch.
WAC (2)
Conference champ: Nevada.
At large: UTEP.
Bubble burst: Fresno State, Rice, Louisiana Tech.
The Miners destroyed Louisiana Tech, getting a school-record 18 assists from point guard Filiberto Rivera. Home victories this week over SMU and Boise should help clinch a bid. Nevada has secured a bid, regardless of what happens the rest of the way.
West Coast (2)
Conference champ: Gonzaga.
At large: Saint Mary's.
Bubble burst: Santa Clara, San Francisco.
The Gaels wrapped up the regular season with 24 victories and only one game behind Gonzaga in a Top-10 conference. That should be enough to earn a bid.
Last four in: West Virginia, Creighton, Buffalo, N.C. State.
Last four out: Maryland, Northern Iowa, Akron, Virginia Tech.