LOSERS
The Big East - Up until a few days ago, we thought the Big East was a legitimate three-bid league. Conference tournament champion Creighton ended up earning the league’s automatic bid, but for it to end up as a one-bid league—especially taking into account the resumes of UConn and Xavier—is surprising. The two clubs had comparable RPIs at 41 and 39, respectively, along with other favorable metrics. We’ll hit on Xavier a little further down, but UConn shared the regular-season conference title, compiled 38 overall wins, advanced to the conference tournament championship and totaled 12 quad-one and quad-two victories.
Snubs
Xavier - Not making the tournament is one thing. But Xavier not finishing among the first four teams out is another. The Musketeers had a strong case for an at-large bid. They finished the season with a top-40 (39) RPI to go along with the No. 33 strength of schedule, the fourth-best non-conference strength of schedule and 16 quad-one plus quad-two wins. Their 16 Q1+Q2 wins are more than Arizona State (9), Kentucky (12) and Kansas State (13), which all earned at-large bids. As a cherry on top, it’s hard to not wonder what would have happened if Xavier’s early-season midweek matchup against Louisville didn’t get canceled. Playing the hypothetical game is hardly ever productive, but a win in that game most likely would have shot Xavier further up the RPI ladder.