Luke Winn has an interesting post about early season red flags.  He never mentions the hoyas by name, but he does

point out some interesting trends and characteristics that are required for a team to win late in march.

"In the seven years that kenpom.com has charted efficiency data, no team that finished ranked outside the top 30 in

adjusted defensive efficiency has made the Final Four. And only two Elite Eight teams during that span ranked outside

the top 50. "

He goes on to call UConn and Notre Dame frauds,  say Kansas Duke and OSU are elite, and point out that Washington and Louisville might be flying under the radar.  I personally agree on Louisville.

Left unsaid in the article is that one top ranked team is flying just outside the required field.

Hoyas current defensive rank

51

You may say that B.E. play is tougher and slower, and we'll give up fewer point in conference play.  However, KP's ratings are based on points per possession, so a slower game won't necessarily improve your efficiency stats.