I'm going to move Cal to the lock category after its Leon Powe-fueled double-OT win over Oregon to get to the Pac-10 finals. Bears finished ahead of Arizona and went farther in the tournament -- that should be enough, especially when you have a player capable of dropping 41 points in a huge spot, like Powe did on the Ducks. The Pac-10 will get four in.I think the bid was already locked up after the USC win, but it's nice to read this. I have a feeling that these endless field projections have a real effect on the selection committee.
P.S. I realize that this is the first year of my blog in which the Bears have been actively involved in discussion of the NCAA tournament. I've written about basketball a good deal, but this month is showing just how fixated I can be. My apologies to all of you who do not share my interest. Actually, screw that. I'm too excited to apologize.