Collegiate Times

Lunardi discussed a possible scenario that may arise as the committee selects the field.

"Let's say it was the last spot between Tech and Cincinnati," Lunardi said. "Cinci (17-10, 7-7 Big East) doesn't have the one win like (Tech had over No. 1 Wake Forest). Against the better opponents of the league, they've lost big (85-69 vs. Pittsburgh, 71-50 vs. Villanova, 84-50 vs. Marquette). Tech's always right there. In that comparison, maybe it goes to Tech because of the close losses, but you have to have enough wins to get into the conversation before the close losses even make it into the discussion."

That is exactly what the Hokies must do: earn enough wins. Claiming victory in two of their last three regular season games might be enough.

One win in the final three may do it, and a win or two in the ACC tournament would almost make it certain.

But if it weren't for Jan. 21, the Hokies wouldn't be in consideration. Had Tech not shocked No. 1 Wake in Winston-Salem with a 78-71 win, Lunardi believes the Hokies wouldn't be in the conversation for an at-large bid at the moment.

"No, not a legitimate shot," he said.

Now in the home stretch, many teams are fighting to get their noses in front. Lunardi selected the teams he considers just out of contention in his recent update of his Bracketology page on ESPN.com. The teams on that list with the Hokies are St. Mary's, Michigan and Oklahoma State. The teams just ahead, which have earned a spot in his projected field, are Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Temple and UAB.

Lunardi said he envisions the ACC sending seven clubs to the NCAA Tournament.

With Carolina, Duke, Clemson, Florida State and Wake Forest considered locks and with Boston College seeming like a good bet, that makes six teams.

The last three still in contention are Maryland, Tech and Miami, even though the 'Canes are behind North Carolina State in the league standings. But because of some very solid wins and very close losses, Miami is still in contention.

"I think one of those three (Maryland, Tech and Miami) will make it," Lunardi said. "One of those teams is going to somehow win two games and make it to the semifinal of the (ACC) Tournament."

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