MTSU did not get much consideration for the tournament this year it appears. They'd made the tournament the last two years, winning their opening game two years ago and winning two games last year. They were starting to knock on the door of legitimacy, yet this team (which went 24-7 this season) was kept out.

St. Mary's was top 25 this year at the end of the year. They finished the year 28-5. Before this year, they'd been in the tournament five of the last ten years, and made the NIT every year they didn't make the tournament. They've been quite consistent.

However, Butler and Gonzaga have already invaded the good-ole boys network. The Power 5 have had to give these little kids a seat at the adult table. However, the table is getting full. So the Power 5 (read: Selection Committee) have to make sure that nobody else looks to join the table. If somebody is starting to get too uppity, they need to be knocked down a peg. MTSU and St. Mary's were trying to do that.

So, my prediction is that there won't be another Gonzaga. Sure, to fans they're a feel-good story, but to the NCAA powers that be, they're a threat. When somebody gets too close, change the formula for qualifying. To keep these two teams out just seems to prove this point.

I couldn't agree more.

I agree with ya Finn for the most part. I think you are on to a solid untalked about part of the current NCAA set up. St Mary's bringing the pipeline from Oz was poised to take a step but seemingly took a step back. My buddy in Cali lives 10 mins from there and has only taken in 2 games over the years.

Zags have been there almost 2 decades now but continue to be the pinnacle of their league with not much compulsion to leave. But they have slipped into the air where you expect them to be second weekend regulars.

I am anxious to see if Davidson breaks through with their new conference affiliation. Currently within 4 points of UK in the second half it would not surprise me if they won. Wichita St jumped leagues to get a better bid through the league....looking at a 4 seed ...seems like it worked to their advantage. If anyone is going to be the next Butler, X , zags I think Davidson in the A10 may be the next to make the jump from occasional participant to regular appearances.

I chuckle at one of the NCAA spots that includes "fairness" in its slogan at the end. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AMap/ncaa-opportunity-featuring-j...