The numbers tell a bleak story for Temple basketball after an unfortunate loss at East Carolina on Wednesday night.
The Owls (11-8), who had moved from No. 94 to No. 65 in Rankings Percentage Index (RPI) after an 89-80 win over No. 8 SMU on Sunday, slipped back to No. 75 after the loss. RPI is one of many criteria the selection committee has to go on, but it is widely considered right at the top of the process.
That means the margin of error for the Owls getting into the NCAA tournament has evaporated and they will have to win the AAC tournament.