College Basketball Week 17: 5 biggest takeaways

By Chris Stone | Mar 6, 2017

Mar 2, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; The Wisconsin Badgers team waits as officials determine a call that finalized a flagrant one foul against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (14) at the Kohl Center. Iowa defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Nolan Cressler (24) celebrates with fans after the game against the Florida Gators Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt won 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC: Can Vanderbilt play its way into the NCAA Tournament?

Vanderbilt has already lost 14 games this season and it will have 15 assuming it doesn’t win the SEC conference tournament this week. Only 11 teams with 14 losses have made the Big Dance since 1985 when the field expanded. The Commodores also have a 20-point loss at Missouri that makes their resume stick out like a sore thumb. And yet, they’re still in the bubble discussion largely due to a win over Iowa State in the Big 12-SEC Challenge and a pair of victories over Florida during conference play.

Vanderbilt will face Texas A&M in the second round before getting a third crack at the Gators in the quarterfinals. A win there would likely assure them a spot in the field of 68.

Whether or not the Commodores could make some noise if they get in is an open question. Obviously, a blowout loss at Missouri doesn’t inspire much confidence. Vanderbilt also has a pair of losses to two teams — Bucknell and Middle Tennessee — who may play their way into the NCAAs via smaller conference tournaments. That might make the Commodores the subject of plenty of upset picks should they be seeded high enough.

Either way, the real challenge for Vanderbilt starts this week at the SEC tournament where it needs a win or two to guarantee its place in the field.