As we head down the home stretch of the regular season, there are a number of streaks on the line. That's right, there are some schools sweating it out, trying to return to the big dance once again.
Let's start in Tucson. Arizona has the longest current streak of consecutive invites to the big dance, 23. Well, my friends, that run is on the line. It has been a tough season out in Wildcat Country as Lute Olson took a leave of absence for personal reasons. The squad also missed diaper dandy guard Jerryd Bayless for several games due to injury.
At 17-12 overall and 7-9 in Pac-10 play, Arizona has to finish strong to make it 24 straight trips to the NCAA tournament. Remember, the 'Cats do play in the toughest league in America, and Kevin O'Neill's team played a rugged non-conference schedule. There were close losses to Memphis and Kansas, plus wins over Houston and UNLV to impress the committee.
Arizona needs to beat the Oregon schools on the road this weekend to help its cause. Oregon State has not won a league game this season, though you can't take anyone lightly in college basketball. The game at Mac Court in Eugene is a big one! Arizona probably needs at least one win at the Pac-10 tournament to lock up a bid.
There have been a lot of heartbreakers for Arizona this season. A strong finish could be the difference between an NCAA and NIT berth.
Think about Kentucky. The Wildcats took Tennessee to the wire in Knoxville. The loss of Patrick Patterson for the remainder of the season was a major blow. Even with a 10-4 record in the SEC, Kentucky's streak of 16 straight tourney appearances (big blue last missed the big dance in 2001) is in jeopardy. The Wildcats need wins at South Carolina and home against Florida to boost their chances, plus a big run in the SEC tournament. Earlier losses to Gardner-Webb and San Diego hurt.
Maryland is sitting at 8-7 in the ACC. Gary Williams' squad needs a win at Virginia and a good showing in the conference tournament. Jim Boeheim and Bob Huggins are looking at getting into the big dance. Syracuse will not forget about the loss to Pittsburgh if it falls short of an NCAA bid; that was a tough game to lose.
Teams are trying to put together a resume worthy of that NCAA invitation. The next week will have numerous pivotal contests on tap.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
