Sit back and wait to know your destiny, it is not an easy task to do. For a number of teams waiting to get into the NCAA Tournament they have no other choice. Their body of work will be examined thoroughly and talked about on Sunday to see if a tournament bid awaits.
While some will feel the devastation of knowing their season is over, these four teams will be dancing.
Kentucky Wildcats: 21-11 (12-6)
John Calipari said “We had an opportunity, it was in our hands…and we didn’t take care of business.” It’s odd to see Kentucky on the bubble, but after a horrific loss to Vanderbilt it is where they belong.
Since losing Nerlens Noel to a knee injury the Wildcats are 4-4 with losses to Georgia and Vanderbilt, but wins over Missouri and Florida.
Key Wins (Top 100): Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Maryland, LSU, Texas A&M
Key Losses: Georgia, Vanderbilt
Why they are in: It’s Kentucky and when you match them up with an Alabama or Iowa the name alone dominates. What’s an NCAA Tournament without Kentucky?
Boise State Broncos: 21-10 (9-7)
This could be a close one, but for Boise State their fate is going to be determined on the play of others right now. As long as there are no surprises Saturday or Sunday they should be safe.
The Mountain West has been one of the best conferences of the year. Ranked No. 1 in RPI for the season, the non-conference record of 87-26 is impressive.
Key Wins (Top-100): Colorado State, UNLV, Creighton, San Diego State, Wyoming, Air Force, LSU
Key Losses: Utah, Nevada
Why they are in: People may want to doubt these teams, but the MWC will have five teams in the tournament. Look for at least two to make the Sweet 16.
Virginia Cavaliers: 21-11 (11-7)
Some may want to say Maryland here, but Virginia will be the team to get the nod.
After an impressive win over Duke, losses to Boston College and Florida State put them right back onto the bubble.
Virginia is a head scratcher, great key wins but some explainable loses.
Sure, injuries have been the cause of a number of their tough losses, but no one is giving Kentucky a break, why should Virginia get one.
Key Wins (Top-100): Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland
Key Losses: Old Dominion, Boston College, Delaware, Georgia Tech, George Mason, Wake Forest, Clemson
Why they are in: They are 18-1 at home this season and are 8-3 against the top 100.
Iowa State Cyclones: 22-11 (11-7)
The Cyclones should be the first team in of the last four selections come Sunday.
While a win against Kansas would have put a lock on it, their impressive home court record and two wins over Oklahoma will put them in.
It was an emotional night for Iowa State against Kansas which included technical fouls, taunting and anger. Iowa State must take that same attitude into the tournament.
Key Wins (Top 100): Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., BYU, Baylor, FGCU
Key Losses: Texas, Texas Tech
Why they are in: The bubble is weak
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