Some teams are as much fixtures of the NCAA tournament as the basketball.
But a few could be in danger of changing the landscape to which we’ve all grown accustomed.
Arizona’s 24-year tournament streak could be ending after falling early in the Pac-10 tournament. So much has changed lately at Arizona — the absence of silvery-haired coach Lute Olson on the bench the most obvious — maybe the Wildcats’ disappearance from the scene makes sense this year.
Of course, nothing seems to make sense at Kentucky this season.
Wildcats fans are blue for reasons other than body-paint. The team better treat the Southeastern Conference tournament as a series of must-win games to extend its tournament streak to 18 years.
Helped their cause
Baylor (19-13, 5-11 Big 12)
Taking down Kansas, the Big 12 regular-season and defending national champ, was a stunning way to keep tournament hopes alive. But Baylor probably must win the conference tournament to get an invite.
Oklahoma State (22-10, 9-7 Big 12)
Winning in the conference tournament quarterfinals was sweet. Beating rival Oklahoma by a point to advance made it even better. The Cowboys shouldn’t be denied now.
Minnesota (22-9, 9-9 Big Ten)
In a matchup of teams clinging to the bubble, the Gophers’ grip lasted against Northwestern in the opening round of the conference tournament. Up next: Michigan State. Yikes.
Kentucky (20-12, 8-8 SEC)
Yes, even with a late-season collapse, Kentucky’s still alive. A win against LSU in Friday’s quarterfinals could be enough.
Hurt their cause
Arizona (19-13, 9-9 Pac-10)
The Wildcats, losers of five of their last six games, will be sweating it out again this Selection Sunday after getting bounced from the conference tourney by Arizona State.
Providence (19-13, 10-8 Big East)
Getting by DePaul wasn’t enough. The Friars needed a head-turning, vote-getting victory against Louisville but fell short in Thursday’s conference quarterfinals.
Kansas State (21-11, 9-7 Big 12)
After losing to Texas 61-58 in Thursday’s conference tournament first round, the Wildcats will find out if their fate is four letters (NCAA) or three (NIT).
Kansas (25-7, 14-2 Big 12)
The Jayhawks are in the tournament, but their seeding just dropped when the three-time defending conference champs fell in their opening game for the first time in the tournament’s 13-year history.
– – –
Already in the NCAA field
East Tennessee St., Atlantic Sun
Cornell, Ivy League
Morehead State, Ohio Valley
Northern Iowa, Missouri Valley
Radford, Big South
VCU, Colonial
Chattanooga, Southern
Siena, MAAC
Gonzaga, West Coast
North Dakota State, Summit
Cleveland State, Horizon
Western Kentucky, Sun Belt
Portland State, Big Sky
Robert Morris, Northeast
