"Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? You kidden' me? PLAYOFFS?"

Yes...playoffs, college basketball playoffs for that.  Why are we back talking about basketball playoffs? Because while we had the open threads and some coverage, we really had no closure of the teams who made the different playoffs.  So thank you to those who reminded me that I needed to finish, this one's for you.



Women's Basketball
In the Women's NIT, four, count them, FOUR Big West teams made the tournament: Pacific, CSU Northridge, Cal Poly and UCD.  Pacific dominated ASU 77-62 in the first round before falling to USD in the second round 83-75 (who beat CSU Northridge barely 60-58).  Cal Poly fell in the first round to Washington 90-71 as did the Aggies 66-48 against Oregon State.   Even though only one team made it to the second round, this is still quite an accomplishment for the Big West to get so many teams in.  It gives credit to the coaching staffs of these teams progressing the conference to a higher standard.

Which brings us to the Women's NCAA Tournament.  If you will recall, UCSB, a No. 6 seed in the Big West tournament, battled their way through to beat UCI in the final to go dancing.  Selection Monday placed them as the very last team to make it in, squaring off against No. 1 ranked and No. 1 seeded Baylor.  A strong double team on Baylor's Brittany Griner shut her down for most of the game, however other players were able to step up for her.  Statistically speaking, it wasn't a good night for the Gauchos, but there are a couple interesting stats to keep note of:
1) UCSB's record finished up at 17-16, 9 of the last 12 games before the tournament.
2) Since the tournament's inaguration in 1982, UCSB has made it to the Big Dance 14 times.

All that being said and done, you have to like the way the Women's Basketball program is going for the Big West.

Men's Basketball
Two teams made it to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, UCSB and CSU Fullerton.  UCSB fell to Idaho in the Cowan Spectrum (or Kibbie Dome) in 86-83, as they fought back from being down 17 to come within one point.  Fullerton on the other hand, could not continue their winning ways, as they lost to LMU 88-79.

It was no surprise that after watching LBSU all season, that they were going to make the NCAA tournament.  It was just a question of what seed.  Losing the season finale to the Titans hurt them a lot in seeding.  However, as a 12 seed, the 49ers were dangerous, but they drew an unfortunate opponent in New Mexico.  The 49ers couldn't hold their slim lead in the second half and eventually fell 75-68 to the Lobos.

Overall, the Big West looks strong for the future, and with the MWC-CUSA alignment coming, Hawaii and SDSU coming into the conference soon and the WAC potentially dissolving.   If the BWC can play it's cards right, we could be seeing a 2, maybe 3 bid conference in the near future.

What do you think? Where can BWC basketball improve? Leave your comments below.