Here's why the UNM women likely won't be playing in a postseason tournament
Mar. 16—When it comes to postseason basketball in 2024, the odds are not in the University of New Mexico women's favor.
Coming off a frustrating quarterfinal loss to San Diego State in this week's Mountain West tournament, the Lobos (21-11) are not expected to land a spot in the 68-team NCAA Tournament. Despite finishing second in the regular-season MWC race, UNM has an unfavorable NET ranking of 152, which rates just sixth best among Mountain West teams.
That number also makes the Lobos long shots to be invited to the NCAA's first-year WBIT, a 32-team tournament largely created to accommodate teams with high NET rankings that do not get NCAA invitations.
Then there's the WNIT, which has been reduced from 64 to 48 teams this season and follows it usual pay-to-play format. UNM would certainly be a candidate, but timing and finances are considerations, athletic director Eddie Nuñez said.
The annual PBR Ty Murray Invitational is set for next weekend (March 22-24), taking the Pit out of consideration as a first-round WBIT or WNIT site. UNM has previously hosted postseason games at Johnson Gym but recent bids to host games there have been unsuccessful.
UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez did not rule out postseason play for the Lobos, but neither did he express strong optimism.
"We're still waiting and hopeful of having an opportunity to play in the WBIT," Nuñez said.
Nuñez said the recent addition of the new NCAA-funded event makes a WNIT bid less desirable than in years past.
"I'm not a fan of paying to play in a tournament," he said, "especially one that's not considered one of the top two tiers. There are exceptions. You always want to consider whether playing benefits your team or your athletic program. Not having the Pit available and knowing we'd probably have to travel weighs into it, too."
UNM coach Mike Bradbury said he does not expect the Lobos to receive a WBIT invitation. NCAA, WBIT and WNIT bids will be announced Sunday.
