March Madness 2012: Pac-12's Lackluster Showing Is Embarrassing for Conference

Things are not looking good for the Pac-12, as it appears that major conference may only have two teams in representation once March Madness comes about.

According to ESPN's current "bracketology," the expert rankings currently just have Washington Huskies and California Golden Bears heading to the NCAA tournament.

That bodes well for the Huskies, as they have already been eliminated from the Pac-12 tourney, but it remains to be seen if the Golden Bears will even stand in that position once the tournament is all said and done.

Whoever walks away with the title will win earn the automatic bid, but it remains to be seen who wins that—as well as if that will be deciding factor in who gets bids from the Pac-12 into the tourney.

As it stands, the Big East currently leads all conferences with 10 teams, while the Big 12 and Big Ten both follow with six a piece. The SEC is a close behind with five, but it is clear that the Pac-12 stands leagues behind these other conferences.

Teams like the Oregon Ducks, who made a strong push this season, don't stand a chance to make it anymore as they fell out of the tourney way too early.

It is looking the same for the Arizona Wildcats, who, despite having a 22-10, don't appear to stand a chance to outright earn a bid into the tournament.

It will remain to be seen where things line up when it is all said and done, but if teams continue to have positive showings in the other conference tournaments, as well as the occasional surprise auto-bid, who knows where the Pac-12 will stand.

It is clear that the conference still isn't a powerhouse for basketball, but with the expansion this conference needs to start making the moves to be much better represented.

Until then, the Pac-12 will continue to be a foot note on the college basketball scene.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase