Boston is a pro sports town. I get it, but what about the college sports?
Lost in the Red Sox spring training adventures and the Celtics' troubles are the efforts of the local college basketball teams trying to make the NCAA tournament. Last season, Boston University was the only team to make the men's bracket after dramatically winning the America East tournament. This season, more than one team has a chance to make it. Let's evaluate the local teams' chances from best to worst.
Harvard (23-3, first in Ivy League)- It's possible that the Crimson could get an at-large bid, even if they don't win the Ivy League tournament. Harvard has an RPI of 25 and non-conference wins against Florida State and Vermont. Unless they have another breakdown like they did against Princeton a couple weeks ago, the Crimson should be in easily.
UMass (19-8, third in Atlantic 10)- The Minutemen are three games back of Xavier in the A-10 with three games to go. Joe Lunardi of ESPN.com has UMass just outside of the tournament field, but a strong finish (including a win at Temple next Wednesday) and a strong conference tourney could be the key to a NCAA bid.
Boston University (15-15, third in America East)- Going into the final regular season game against Hartford, BU's chances of making the tourney are non-existent as an at-large. The team would have to win the America East Tournament again, which is possible. The Terriers beat the conference's top team, Stony Brook, earlier this season and came within a point of beating the second-place team, Vermont, in their last meeting.
Northeastern (13-15, seventh in CAA)- Possible, but not likely. The Huskies are 4-6 in their last 10 games, and teams like Drexel, VCU and George Mason will be too strong in the conference tournament.
Boston College (8-19, 10th in ACC)- Not anytime soon. The Eagles have lost 10 of their last 11, with the one win being an upset at home against Florida State. The gauntlet that is the ACC tournament is too big a challenge for Boston College.
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