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Every year it seems someone pulls off a shocker and wins a conference tourney and automatic bid (followed by a date with a #1 seed if not the #64 vs #65 play-in game).

Any chance the WAC provides that team this year? I'm thinking UTEP, Nevada or possibly Boise will win the tourney, and I don't know if Rice or Hawaii winning would really qualify as a "shocker". A shocker would be La Tech, SMU or Tulsa pulling it off. Don't see that happening.

Best thing for the WAC might be for UTEP and Nevada to meet in the finals and play a great game. Might get the selection committee's attention and the WAC just might get 2 bids for it's co-champs.

Boise, Rice and Hawaii are all deserving of NIT bids, IMO. Would be nice to see 5 WAC schools competing in the post season.

I would think Rice has the best chance to challenge UTEP. They have a real nice balance of inside guys and outside guys. Michael Harris (despite his quiet performance Saturday) can take a game over when he's inspired, and Diene can really change a game with his shot-blocking. And they have guards who can fill it. You're right, it wouldn't be a real shocker, but to me, Rice is a better team than Nevada.