There's always one, two or 10 teams that feel left out after the NCAA tournament bracket is announced. But in reality, it was only a handful of teams that were turned down: programs that had a strong case for an offer in general and were left out for one reason or another.
These teams are likely to accept an NIT offer, and it is still possible to end their season with a win. But the reality is, the Grand Ball is what everyone wants, and they're going to spend the next few weeks wondering what they did wrong.
For years, 20 wins was the magic number. But that's changed since the NCAA Selection Committee started using the NET Ranking, a complicated formula that no one seems to fully understand, but which can be used for or against you at any time.
Oklahoma State
Everyone knows the Big 12 has been the best conference in the country this season, right? We talk about the best as if the worst team in this conference could probably win an NCAA tournament game if given the chance.
Of course, no one expected Oklahoma or Texas Tech, both with 5-13 conference records, to participate. But how did the Cowboys (18-15, 8-10 Big 12) fare?
Keep in mind that NET should be most important to the selection committee, and Oklahoma State, with a NET ranking of 47, was left out. However, participating teams included Arizona State (63), Pitt (55), and Mississippi State (42). That seems odd, especially considering how good the Big 12 have been all season.
Wolski Kala