Well, NCSU wasn't actually super hot in last 10 but did win the ACCT.Teams that get hot at the end of the season are much bigger contenders than teams that are hot in November in non conference season. The non conference schedule is not nearly as important as the last 10 games of the season.
Ive said it 1000 times, pay attention to the teams and what they do the last 10 games of the season. NC State is on a heater right now.
So what happened to Auburn? UAB? St. Mary's? [Insert team name that won conference tourney but is out now]? I understand what you're saying but can't say it always holds true.