Wichita State is No. 32 in the NCAA’s first release of its RPI ranking. Northern Iowa is No. 41 and Missouri State No. 43. Creighton is No. 108. Three MVC teams rank in the top 50 and four (SIU is No. 87) are in the top 100. Eight of the 10 MVC schools are in the top 150.
A win over No. 59 North Carolina ranks as WSU’s best. Louisville, Oklahoma, Rice and South Carolina are all top 100 teams.
What does that mean as far as an NCAA Tournament resume? I can’t find RPI entering past tournaments, but I can locate final RPI for the past three seasons, which should give us a good idea of where teams were on selection day. WSU appears to be very much in the picture, should it need an at-large spot. The Shockers have a few chances for more good wins, and they can’t afford many more losses.
- In 2008, WSU finished with a No. 19 RPI and Northern Iowa with a No. 48 (after the season). Both received at-large bids. Three MVC teams ranked in the top 50.
- In 2007, WSU finished No. 38. Missouri State (No. 41) and Illinois State (No. 52) also received at-large bids. Five MVC teams finished the season ranked No. 56 or better.
- In 2006, MSU ended the season No. 41 after the tournament. WSU, which did not receive an at-large bid, finished the season ranked No. 52.