Hey, remember that team we refuse to play because it doesn't help us grow our brand? Well, we would really appreciate it if it won Monday night in the CAA tournament final.
You see, Old Dominion has probably already punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament by doing things like not getting swept by UVa or not losing to consecutive bubble teams by a combined 24 points. So if Virginia Commonwealth, a team most bracketologists consider on the outside looking in, beats the Monarchs, that's one at-large bid less that's available to the Hokies.
Should the Rams earn the CAA's automatic bid with a win over ODU at 7 p.m. EST Monday on ESPN, the conference will likely get three NCAA Tournament bids in VCU, ODU and George Mason, which lost to VCU Sunday in the tournament semifinals.
The CAA automatic bid will be one of many the Hokies will be counting during Championship Week. Tech would also appreciate it if St. Mary's won the West Coast tournament and if Butler won the Horizon League. It's all a part of life on the bubble. Sometimes you have to root for teams you don't particularly like or won't grow your brand to do you a favor and help get you into the tournament.