In NCAA basketball, what are the "last four in"?

In NCAA basketball, the term "last four in" specifically refers to the last four teams selected for at-large bids to participate in the NCAA Tournament. These teams are chosen by the selection committee based on their performance during the regular season and conference tournaments, but they did not secure an automatic bid by winning their respective conference championships.

These teams often come from stronger conferences and typically have good records, but they may have faced challenges, such as a tough schedule or a few unfortunate losses, which prevented them from securing an automatic qualification. The selection committee evaluates various criteria, including overall record, strength of schedule, and quality wins, to determine these at-large selections.

Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how the NCAA Tournament field is constructed and recognizing the competitive nature of college basketball, particularly around selection time.