Close Contests: NCAA Champion May Be Decided By Who Handles Pressure

Close likely will determine who gets to smoke the victory cigar. Kentucky, after disappointing by losing eight of its first 10 games decided by fewer than six points, turned things around this season and reached the NCAA championship game by winning five playoff games by a total of only 18 points. Kevin Ollie's sterling start as UConn's coach stems from winning 13 of his first 19 games decided by fewer than six points in his first two campaigns. Florida's Billy Donovan, despite prevailing in seven of eight outings decided by fewer than six points this season, probably would already be in the Naismith Hall of Fame if he had a better career record in close contests, winning only 42% of his first 97 games decided by fewer than four points. Wisconsin's Bo Ryan has one of the five best marks among active coaches in tight tilts decided by fewer than six points.

Ask Arizona fans if close doesn't count after the Wildcats lost four regional finals from 2003 through 2014 by a total of seven points. Following is how the 2014 Final Four coaches have fared at the major-college level in games decided by fewer than six points: