Miami started its climb off the bubble and into the field of 68 in its final game of January, thumping a North Carolina team that could well be a No. 1 seed next month.
As they finish February, the Hurricanes are moving closer toward being a lock themselves.
After beating two ranked opponents last week, No. 25 Miami won't get much of a breather Monday night with a visit to a Virginia Tech team that's trying to work its way off the bubble.
The Hurricanes (20-8, 10-6 ACC) looked like they might be headed for a second NIT appearance in three seasons in late January after losing four of five, but they've won eight of 10 since -- highlighted by a 77-62 rout of the Tar Heels on Jan.