How The 'Cats Stacked Up Against The Last Four In

 

Well, the worst-case scenario happened and now tonight’s NIT selection show at 9pm just got a lot more interesting for Kentucky. At this point it’s hard to really gripe about not being included in the Big Dance given the up-and-down nature of this season, but for those who choose to disagree with the committee’s selection, we will at least keep you informed. Here’s how Kentucky’s tournament resume stacks up against the last 4 at-large teams in the Big Dance. 

 

Kentucky (21-11):

RPI: 56

Record vs. RPI top 50: 3-4

Record vs. RPI top 100: 7-9

Strength of schedule: 73

Quality wins: Florida, Missouri, at Ole Miss

Costly losses: at Georgia, Vanderbilt

Record away from home: 5-9

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#13 Boise State (21-10):

RPI: 44

Record vs. RPI top 50: 4-7

Record vs. RPI top 100: 8-8

Strength of schedule: 44

Quality wins: at Creighton, UNLV, Colorado State, San Diego State

Costly losses: at Utah, at Nevada

Record away from home: 7-9

 

 

#13 La Salle (21-9):

RPI: 40

Record vs. RPI Top 50: 2-4

Record vs. RPI Top 100: 5-8

Strength of schedule: 79

Quality wins: Butler, at VCU

Costly losses: Central Connecticut State

Record away from home: 10-7

 

#11 St. Mary’s (27-6):

RPI: 30

Record vs. RPI Top 50: 1-3

Record vs. RPI Top 100: 7-5

Strength of Schedule: 96

Quality Wins: Creighton

Bad Losses: Georgia Tech

Record Away From Home: 11-5

 

#11 Middle Tennessee State (28-5): 

RPI: 29

Record vs. RPI top 50: 1-3

Record vs. RPI top 100: 2-3

Strength of schedule: 134

Quality wins: Ole Miss

Costly losses: Florida International

Record away from home: 13-5

 

What stands out to me as the biggest difference between these teams and Kentucky is that 3 of the 4 teams had winning records away from home while Kentucky struggled to 5-9 away from home, including losing their last 5 games away from Rupp Arena. Boise State had a 7-9 record away from Boise, but also had 4 very quality wins over NCAA Tournament teams. Ultimately, I think the biggest gripe will be that Middle Tennessee only managed 1 win over a tournament team at Ole Miss, who Kentucky also beat on the road.