What must Alabama do for a postseason berth of any kind?

According to a blog from Ian Rapaport posted just a short time ago, the Alabama Crimson Tide Men's Basketball team would accept a bid to the National Invitation Tournament if one was extended their way.

For what seemed like a wasted season, the Crimson Tide have a legitimate shot to be playing past the SEC Tournament this weekend, and they can thank their efforts over the past two weeks for this chance.

With a double-overtime victory over Mississippi State and road wins against Ole Miss and Tennessee, Alabama has strung together four wins in their final five games and finished 7-9 in the SEC.

The most important victory, based solely on its placement on the calendar, was the Tennessee game.

Heading into the final week, I said Alabama needed a win over Auburn or Tennessee to have a chance at the NIT, and could pretty much secure a spot with a win over both.

After the loss to Auburn, the win over Tennessee kept postseason hopes alive. The Crimson Tide enter their game Thursday night against Vanderbilt in Tampa, FL with the chance to make a statement for postseason contention.

Alabama played Vanderbilt very close in their game this season in Nashville, losing by a slim margin of 79-74. Anthony Brock had 15 points to lead the Tide as Senario Hillman and Alonzo Gee had 11 points each, both below their season averages. For the Commodores, A.J. Ogilvy and Jermaine Beal both had 20 points to lead all scorers.

If the Crimson Tide can get past the "Dores, another game with Tennessee faces this team in a tournament that is wide open for anyone to win.

If Alabama can handle the Vols, not only should it be enough for an NIT bid, but a third game with Auburn is very likely. A win there and a berth in the championship game wil wait for the Tide, along with LSU, who should emerge from the opposide of the bracker. If the Tide can get to this point, it will for sure get an NIT bid, which is quite a reward for this team, and a win in this situation sends Alabama to the Big Dance.

For now, though, the Tide is focused on game number one, and most importantly, keeping their hot streak alive to be able to play come next week.