0.0002

That's what it comes down to, kids.

0.0002 in the RPI.

The Badgers finish tied for 15th with OSU in the PWR, but OSU's RPI is 0.0002 higher than the Badgers. If the Badgers had beaten OSU in the RPI, that comparison would've flipped, and they would've had the 15th spot all to themselves. And since the AHA qualifier actually finished in the top 16, the CHA qualifier (Bemidji) is the only team "stealing" a spot in the top 16. So 15th would've gotten us into the tourney.

I'm a Sad Badger.