It's about putting your best political foot forward now for a few Western Athletic Conference basketball teams, about offering the best evidence and most persuasive closing arguments.

	“	I think (an NCAA at-large bid) really depends on what happens in the top six power conferences. Those are the type of things we don't have any control over. Obviously, I think it's crucial for us and Hawaii to keep winning. Although I think we're both deserving, that doesn't always pan out. ”
		— John Phillips, Tulsa coach

Hawaii and Tulsa feel they are NCAA Tournament worthy, regardless of what happens at the WAC tournament this week.

It is a risk neither really wants to take, however.

The co-champions of a competitive regular-season race can likely end any debate by advancing to Saturday's final at the Reynolds Center on the campus of Tulsa.

"I think they're both Top 30 teams in the country," said Louisiana Tech coach Keith Richard. "It's beyond me how neither has been able to crack the Top 25. I can't understand it."

Recent history suggests the Rainbows (24-5) and Golden Hurricane (24-5) should leave nothing to chance. Tulsa was denied an NCAA bid last season when Hawaii, having entered the conference tournament 8-8 in league play, won three straight to clinch the automatic bid.

"If someone other than us or Tulsa wins the tournament, you're going to have one of us not make (NCAAs)," said Hawaii coach Riley Wallace.

"I think it really depends on what happens in the top six power conferences," said Tulsa coach John Phillips. "Those are the type of things we don't have any control over. Obviously, I think it's crucial for us and Hawaii to keep winning. Although I think we're both deserving, that doesn't always pan out."

It is a tournament that began on Tuesday and one that features several intriguing storylines beyond guessing how many NCAA berths the league might receive. Take Louisiana Tech, a first-year WAC member that has won 20 games and went 14-4 in conference. Or its first-round opponent, Fresno State, which went from a Final Four contender in November to a No. 6 seed this week and likely playing its final days under coach Jerry Tarkanian.

The field, you see, has legitimate hope. It is motivated by Hawaii's run last season. Suddenly, No. 3 Louisiana Tech, No. 4 SMU and No. 5 Nevada, all of which played well in the season's second half, are contenders to pull off a similar surprise.

And still, in the back of everyone's mind, remains Fresno State.

The Bulldogs are 3-0 against Top 25 teams this season, but it remains unclear whether or not senior point guard Chris Sandy will be ruled eligible to play this week. He has missed six straight games for improper benefits. The talent is still there for FSU, but is the mindset?

"I'd like to think so," said Tarkanian. "They say you learn through adversity. We sure have had a lot of it. Maybe it will pay off (this week)."

And if it doesn't and the seeds play out, Hawaii and Tulsa will likely be smiling come Selection Sunday. But should one or both get upset along the way ...

"That would be tragic (if both don't make the NCAAs)," said SMU coach Mike Dement said. "I think they should take three teams if (Hawaii and Tulsa) don't win the conference tournament. I don't know how it will shake out. I think the league deserves more respect."

Ed Graney of the San Diego Union-Tribune is a regular contributor to ESPN.com. He can be reached at ed.graney@uniontrib.com.