I'm a WKU alum. I've watched at least 12 of their games in person or on TV this year. I hope like hell they make the NCAA tourney this year. But they're not going to, unless South Alabama gets upset in an early round of the Sun Belt Tournament, on their home floor in Mobile, Ala. In my opinion, if WKU played S. Alabama 10 times this year, on a neutral floor, the Jaguars would win at least 9 of them. Here's why: The Hilltoppers still don't play sound, fundamental defense and haven't since Darrin Horn has been the head coach. I'll admit, they're much better on the defensive end this year. But the one constant for any good team on any given night is defense. The offense and Courtney Lee could go cold. But defensive stops and rebounding can win an ugly game. WKU doesn't have that luxury against good teams.

In their win against the Toppers last week in Bowling Green, S. Alabama rarely got beat off the dribble, provided weak side help when they did, defended the post entry pass with ferocity and good positioning, boxed out on the defensive boards and didn't resort to "junk" defenses that are high risk, high reward. WKU was exactly the opposite, trying to rely on its superior athleticism for the win. But Lee had a cold shooting night and Ty Brazelton was in a little foul trouble so the result was never really in doubt. Good teams can run on offense and still play good defense. It's just my two cents, and I hope I'm horribly wrong, but I don't think WKU will be going to the NCAA tourney until the coaches and players put a premium on fundamental, hard nosed defense.

Mark Hebert