NCAA Championship Week is officially upon us, which means Selection Sunday is less than a week away. On Sunday March 13 the NCAA selection committee will unveil the official 2011 NCAA Tournament brackets. The Bay Area has had a bit of an off year with Cal and Stanford both hanging around the middle of the Pac-10. The Pac-10 as a whole has been a bit up and down and is likely looking at no more than three teams in this year's NCAA tournament. Aside from Arizona, UCLA and Washington, it's going to be tough justifying further additions. Of course, this week of conference tournament action could change that.
While Cal and Stanford likely won't be playing in the NCAA tournament, the St. Mary's Gaels are in prime position to make their second consecutive appearance in the Big Dance. The Gaels face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the 2011 WCC Championship Game tonight on ESPN. The winner punches their ticket for the NCAA tournament while the loser will be holding their breath through Sunday's Selection Show. The Gaels have a "marque" win against St. John's and on the road against Gonzaga, but a late season loss to San Diego has diminished their resume.
Whatever the result of tonight's WCC championship game, St. Mary's will be paying close attention to Sunday's Selection Show. They'll either be waiting to see if they've been invited to the Dance, or if they win tonight they'll be waiting to see who will be their first round Dancer partner. Either way, Sunday will be a big day for the Gaels.
Over the course of the coming week we'll provide a look at updated daily NCAA bracketology reports, as well as the impact of conference tournament results. On Sunday we'll be here with all your necessary bracket information and previews heading into the 2011 NCAA Tournament.