By my count, there were five teams who have crept back into the NCAA tournament equation over the past week or so.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes have won four consecutive games and appear in good shape after a home win against Minnesota over the weekend. Thad Matta's team is tied for second place in the Big Ten with a 7-4 league mark.
RPI: 19
California: A few weeks back, Mike Montgomery's squad was one of the nation's hottest teams. However, the Golden Bears lost four of five and looked to be in the NIT equation. Cal has rebounded to win four of its last five after a home sweep of the Washington schools. An 18-6 overall mark and a 7-4 league record have Montgomery & Co. back in the discussion for the Big Dance.
RPI: 29
Cincinnati: The Bearcats are tied for sixth place in the Big East after a win on the road against Georgetown that gave Mick Cronin's team a sweep over the Hoyas this year. Cincinnati has won four of its last five and is now 16-8 overall in league play.
RPI: 50
Arizona: The Wildcats were in major trouble two weeks ago, but Chase Budinger has begun to heat things up and Arizona has reeled off four straight games to get over the .500 mark in the Pac-10. The Wildcats are 16-8 overall and 6-5 in league play after a road sweep tour in Oregon.
RPI: 53
Kansas State: At one point, Frank Martin's team was 0-4 in the Big 12 and wasn't even regarded as an NIT team. But that's all changed as the Wildcats have reeled off five straight, including wins at home against Missouri and on the road against Texas and Texas A&M. Now K-State is 16-7 and 5-4 in the Big 12.
RPI: 69