Gonzaga had only 4 losses going into the tournament this year and only got a 4 seed. They have of course had higher seeds but they entered those tournaments with zero or 1-2 losses.

The issue is when they have 6-8 losses. Those years they've been stuck on the 8, 10 or 11 line. Much like Wichita St last year, they get punished harshly for being in a conference with some RPI anchors.

How about St. Mary's, how many times have they won 27-28 games and been sent to the Not Invited? Partly due to their lacking OOC schedule, but mostly due to pounding Portland and Pepperdine yearly. Those wins do nothing for the resumes of Gonzaga and St Mary's. That's the main reason for the reduction in conference games and tourney rounds for top seeds.