2012 Bubble Buddies and Bid Thieves

[X-band '01]

Penn winning at Harvard last night is a potentially dangerous development - both teams are now tied for the Ivy League lead. Should they go to a 1-game playoff and Penn wins, we're looking at a rare multi-bid year for the Ivy. Not good for bubble teams at all.

Conference tournaments also start on Tuesday night, notably the Ohio Valley Conference. Everyone's going to be cheering for Murray State in this one as they are a mortal lock to go to the NCAA Tournament this year.

[GoMuskies]

Good news for Murray is that they double-bye into the semis. Only two wins required.

[GoMuskies]

UC losing is always nice, but USF is another bubble team, so I've got some mixed feelings about it.

[xavierj]

You would think Uconn and WVA are going to sweat with those under .500 conference records and not too many wins to hang their hat on.

[THRILLHOUSE]

UC losing is always nice, but USF is another bubble team, so I've got some mixed feelings about it.

I was thinking the same thing, but UC is no lock right now either. They finish vs. Marquette and at Nova. I don't think they will beat Marquette, they should beat Nova as they have lost 7 of their last 8. But Nova gave UC all they could handle at 5th/3rd, if UC drops this one they could be back on the outside looking in. UC is a tough team to call, they have some decent wins but that lousy out of conference schedule could end up biting them in the ass.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Teams to watch that we are competing with on the bubble as of Feb 26:

Texas
Northwestern
Colorado State
NC State
Miami
USF
Oregon
UCF
VCU
Dayton
Colorado

[GoMuskies]

According to Lunardi's latest tweet, USF's win over UC moved St. Joe's from last team in to first team out. Hopefully loses to Louisville and WV await the Bulls.

[danaandvictory]

Miami has announced that their starting center is ineligible - family members accepted illegal benefits from former staff members. He averages 10 and 7. Could be a problem if they stumble down the stretch.

[X-band '01]

UC losing is always nice, but USF is another bubble team, so I've got some mixed feelings about it.

USF is 11-5 in Big East play, but 6 of those wins are sweeps against Big East bottom feeders Villanova, Pitt and Providence. The other wins are @DePaul, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's and now UC. They finish with games at Louisville and at home against West Virginia.

UC, while they're 10-6, have the only win @Georgetown this year and also have wins @UConn, Louisville, Notre Dame and Seton Hall (among NCAA contenders). Their other wins are @Pitt, @St. John's, Villanova, DePaul and Providence. Had they not scheduled a shitty noncon schedule, the Cats would be safely in the field. They get one more shot at a quality win against red-hot Marquette and finish out at Villanova before the Big East Tournament.

Jeff Hathaway did comment during halftime of the Pitt-UofL game that the Selection Committee does look at unbalanced conference schedules. Just between these two teams, UC has more quality wins in their conference. UC has some work to do to get an at-large bid; USF has a LOT of work to do to really get serious consideration.

[BandAid]

Teams to watch that we are competing with on the bubble as of Feb 26:

Texas
Northwestern
Colorado State
NC State
Miami
USF
Oregon
UCF
VCU
Dayton
Colorado

Oi, I know we've been having a rough go of it, but I guess I didn't realize the scope until compared to our "bubble competition".

Let's just win.

Everything.

No more losing.

Problem solved.

[GoMuskies]

Miami beating FSU is a bummer.

[Juice]

Miami beating FSU is a bummer.

The U won, without Reggie Johnson too. FSU has some great wins, but they have some just awful losses. That team makes no sense to me.

[GIMMFD]

Miami may have punched their ticket with that win. I think USF will lose to WVU, and WVU may do something in the Big East tournament and get punched in. UCONN is out, and hopefully Xavier just keeps up winning big games, and we can breathe a little easier on selection sunday.

[rhyno2110]

UCONN is still very much in the picture. I think what tournament they play in depends upon Calhoun's return, because their leadership seems to be lacking and they don't always play well together.

I would say Miami is in. I just can't seet them losing to NC State or BC. Remember, they won without Reggie Johnson. They were 4-5 without him until tonight. I would say the win over FSU negates that record.

USF may have to win out in order to feel safe. Same goes for Northwestern.

If Xavier wins their last 2, there is no way they can be left out.

[GoMuskies]

hopefully Xavier just keeps up winning big games

When did Xavier start winning big games? I think Tuesday would be a good place to start.

[GIMMFD]

When did Xavier start winning big games? I think Tuesday would be a good place to start.

Eh I know most people don't consider them "big" but I find the Cincinnati, Purdue, and Vanderbilt game big for us.

[GoMuskies]

Eh I know most people don't consider them "big" but I find the Cincinnati, Purdue, and Vanderbilt game big for us.

Sure, but those were ages ago.

[Xavier]

Sure, but those were ages ago.

...ok? you asked when they started winning big games and he answered. :confused:

[GoMuskies]

...ok? you asked when they started winning big games and he answered. :confused:

He said we needed to keep winning big games. Keeps seems to imply that we've been doing it regularly. We actually need to start winning big games again, which we've taken a pretty long hiatus from (though Dayton probably qualifies, too).

[X-band '01]

Murray State-Tennessee State is the big one today; Harvard has a chance to clinch at least a share of the Ivy with a win at Cornell today.

And yes Brew, Butler is still alive in the Horizon League Tournament. They will have to go through Valpo on the road just to make it to the title game, though.

Oral Roberts also plays their conference tournament in South Dakota - not too far from SDSU (their only conference loss this year).

As of today, dance cards are ready to be punched.

[xavierj]

Murray State-Tennessee State is the big one today; Harvard has a chance to clinch at least a share of the Ivy with a win at Cornell today.

And yes Brew, Butler is still alive in the Horizon League Tournament. They will have to go through Valpo on the road just to make it to the title game, though.

Oral Roberts also plays their conference tournament in South Dakota - not too far from SDSU (their only conference loss this year).

As of today, dance cards are ready to be punched.

Butler will win the horizon. It's just what they do.

[X-band '01]

First 2 dance cards punched - UNC Asheville and thankfully Murray State.

Illinois State (MVC) and San Francisco (WCC) are some potential troublemakers now.

[GuyFawkes38]

Butler is getting killed and will lose. Wooohoooo. The more I watch college basketball the more convinced I am that it nearly all comes down to players. It's in the players genes. Some can ball. Some, despite the hype, can't.

Butler's success the past 2 years has a lot more to do with Shelvin Mack than Brad Stevens.

[xavierj]

Butler is getting killed and will lose. Wooohoooo. The more I watch college basketball the more convinced I am that it nearly all comes down to players. It's in the players genes. Some can ball. Some, despite the hype, can't.

Butler's success the past 2 years has a lot more to do with Shelvin Mack than Brad Stevens.

Yes that is very true. Players make coaches. Last year tu was the man and he knew he had to win with him being the only option. He was supposed to have more help this year and tried to defer. So far that really has not worked.

[GoMuskies]

Texas losing is good. Keeps them from locking up a bid.

[X-band '01]

Don't have to worry about USF sneaking out of the WCC Tournament with a bid. Illinois State is today's potential troublemaker.

I think the CAA is going to get 2 bids this year, although a Drexel loss today MIGHT open up the door for a 3rd bid out of that league.

FWIW, Long Beach State missed their window last night to run the table in the Big West. I don't see them losing that tournament, although you have to keep in mind they could snatch up an at-large should they stumble in their tournament.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

So today, and correct me if I'm wrong Go Muskies, we are rooting for the following teams:

Creighton - Need them to lock up the automatic bid
Purdue - Big game at IU
Drexel over ODU - Just to be safe
GMU over VCU - Completely burst VCU's bubble just to be safe
VT over NCState - Get NCState completely off the bubble just to be safe
ASU over Arizona - Doubtful thats gonna happen but its a rivalry you never know

[drudy23]

Go Creighton

[X-band '01]

Seems strange not to see Virginia Tech on the bubble this year.

[Juice]

Seems strange not to see Virginia Tech on the bubble this year.

Seems awesome*

Greenberg is the worst.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Someone tell Creighton to stop sucking

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Creighton down Two with 13 to go...

[xsteve1]

This Creighton team is one and done in the NCAA.

[golfitup]

The MVC is odd to me. It seems like every team has the same talent level. All the players seem interchangeable.

[BandAid]

Someone tell Creighton to stop sucking

I'll get on that.


This Creighton team is one and done in the NCAA.

So true.

[Juice]

Iona is losing to Fairfield right now.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

This game is awesome. McDermitt is unreal!

Creighton up 2

[BMoreX]

This game going back and forth in the last minute. Creighton with the ball with 6 seconds left.

EDIT: OT here we come.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Creighton up 5 in OT. 3 min to go

[XUOWNSUC]

Where is this game? Did CBS switch?

[BandAid]

Where is this game? Did CBS switch?

Yup, OSU gets precedence. Even though the MVC game is far more important.

[XUOWNSUC]

CBS sucks. The Creighton game was fun to watch.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Where is this game? Did CBS switch?

Yes, Local12 switched because of Ohio State. Ugh. I hope Sparty crushes them now.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Way to come through Creighton!!

[BMoreX]

Way to come through Creighton!!

Thank god...no way they're going anywhere in my bracket, though.

[bigdiggins]

25-7 #38 RPI Iona goes down in the MAAC. Interesting to see if they will get at-large consideration.

[MarvAlbert]

Arizona down 1 to Arizona State with 11:15 left

[DC Muskie]

25-7 #38 RPI Iona goes down in the MAAC. Interesting to see if they will get at-large consideration.

No way two teams from the MAAC are getting in.

[MarvAlbert]

ASU now up 63-59 on zona with 8:19 left

[GoMuskies]

ASU up 5 with 20 seconds to play.

[GoMuskies]

Ballgame! Arizona is squarely on the bubble.

[DC Muskie]

Sean is more then capable of winning that crappy tournament.

The announcers of this game don't seem to know that Zona is on the bubble. People are just plain stupid.

[Porkopolis]

The Lexus might be in need of a tuneup.

[GoMuskies]

I think it's hard for these Pac-12 people to process just how awful the entire Pac-12 is this year. Should be a two bid league max.

[MarvAlbert]

ASU ends up pulling it out. Arizona should be out now- Their best non-conference win is New Mexico State, only 1 good win (over Cal) in conference, and an RPI of 79.

[Porkopolis]

The Pac-12 is horrible. On the plus side for them, though, Juan Bid isn't lurking in the weeds waiting to pounce this season.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzLtF_PxbYw

http://deathby1000papercuts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Ukrainian-Man-Seinfeld.png

Lance Gose: I can't bring myself to post any links in regards to Xavier for March Madness

GoMuskies: Is it because Creighton built a stronghold on the MVC? Or is it because Murray State has driven teams out of the OVC? And the Pac 12 is teetering on the brink of annihilation

Lance Gose: I'm not beaten yet. I still have the bubble!

GoMuskies(Laughing maniacally): Hahaha. The Bubble! Do you know what the bubble is? The Bubble is weak. It's feeble. I think its time for Xavier to put the hurt on the bubble

Greg Anthony: I know much about the bubble. You not say the bubble weak! Xavier weak!

GoMuskies: Ya well were having a little discussion here pal

Greg Anthony: The Bubble is little to you? How bout I take your little words and SMASH

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Lets go Purdue! Beat IU. A little rpi help cant hurt

[GoMuskies]

Ernie Kent seems to be offended at the thought of Arizona not being in the NCAA Tournament.

Stanford is pounding on Cal right now, by the way.

[Masterofreality]

The Pac 12 is 10th, that's tenth in Conference RPI rank. No one in the top 4 has a total SOS of less than 82. The Racoon's is 112.

If we were realistically talking about the A-10 with these numbers and not the Pac 12, no talking head in the media would ever say that it deserved 3 bids and most would say that Juan Bid is living there.

The Pac 12 and the lexus are horriffic.

[Snipe]

So today, and correct me if I'm wrong Go Muskies, we are rooting for the following teams:

Creighton - Need them to lock up the automatic bid
Purdue - Big game at IU
Drexel over ODU - Just to be safe
GMU over VCU - Completely burst VCU's bubble just to be safe
VT over NCState - Get NCState completely off the bubble just to be safe
ASU over Arizona - Doubtful thats gonna happen but its a rivalry you never know

Creighton Won, good
Purdue is losing big, 56-38 in the second half, bad
NC State leading Va Tech 38-29 second half, bad
Drexel beat ODU, good
VCU beat GMU, bad
ASU over Arizona, good

Life on the bubble sucks.

[X-band '01]

Iona's most notable noncon wins were Saint Joe's, Maryland and Long Island-Brooklyn. They are at least assured of an NIT bid, though.

15-3 in the MAAC and a semifinal loss probably won't be enough for the Gaels.

The CAA Tournament has gone perfectly for the bubble so far; a Drexel win tomorrow would be the best-case scenario. I think VCU can get in even with a loss tomorrow.

[sgarcia]

Iona's most notable noncon wins were Saint Joe's, Maryland and Long Island-Brooklyn. They are at least assured of an NIT bid, though.

15-3 in the MAAC and a semifinal loss probably won't be enough for the Gaels.

The CAA Tournament has gone perfectly for the bubble so far; a Drexel win tomorrow would be the best-case scenario. I think VCU can get in even with a loss tomorrow.

Is Drexel a lock if they lose tomorrrow night? RPI of 62 and a bad SOS. I think they might be in trouble.

[X-band '01]

Drexel doesn't have a notable noncon win (although a loss to Norfolk State is an eyesore for them), but here is what's in their favor:

19-game winning streak
Regular season CAA champs (includes sweeps of VCU, George Mason and Old Dominion)

I also believe the committee will take into consideration that they're playing a de facto road game in Richmond for the CAA championship. With that in mind, I'd have to think twice aboue VCU making the NCAAs with a loss tomorrow (which would mean 3 losses to Drexel).

And if I'm not mistaken, this would be Bruiser Flint's first trip to the NCAAs since the 1997-98 UMass squad should Drexel win tomorrow.

[PM Thor]

25-7 #38 RPI Iona goes down in the MAAC. Interesting to see if they will get at-large consideration.

If they don't get considered heavily, there is no way X does at all.

I HATE dayton.

[Xavier]

Iona has a SOS of 147 with one top 50 RPI win (this according to realtime RPI) over Nevada who has an RPI of 49..Also has 4 losses outside the top 100(2 of which were lower than 200)

Strong consideration?...why?

[GoMuskies]

Middle Tennessee lost. Potential bubble team, but I think they're out.

[X-band '01]

Add Middle Tennessee State to the NIT field with Iona. 1-and-done in the Sun Belt ain't gonna cut it for them.

[DC Muskie]

If they don't get considered heavily, there is no way X does at all.

I HATE dayton.

Why? People are saying their win over Maryland is a good win. It's only a good win, because they didn't lose. Iona's win against the Terps is almost exactly numbers wise to our win over Georgia.

The MAAC is just not going to get two teams in. Not going to happen.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Glockner: "Questions loom with less than a week before Selection Sunday"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/andy_glockner/03/05/Bubble.Watch/index.html?eref=writers

The Bubble teams he has(Our Competition):

ACC: Virginia(Should be in), Miami, NC State
BIG 12: KSU(Should be in), Texas
BIG EAST: Cincy(Should be in), UConn, WVU, Seton Hall, USF
BIG 10: Purdue(Should be in), Northwestern
PAC 12: Cal, Washington, Oregon, Arizona
SEC: Alabama(Should be in), Mississippi, Mississippi State, Tennessee
ATEN: Dayton, St Joes
MWC: Colorado State
CUSA: Southern Miss(Shoudl be in)
WCC: BYU
The OTHERS: Long Beach State, Oral Roberts, VCU, Drexel, Iona, MTSU


These are the teams we are rooting against.

*Interesting Notes*

-Drexel plays VCU tonight. Drexel has a worse SOS & RPI than VCU. So we should probably root for VCU tonight right?
-Harvard is a half game up on Penn right now for first in the Ivy League. Penn plays at Princeton tomorrow night. Should Penn win, there will be a 1 game playoff of Penn vs Harvard for the Auto Bid. We need Penn to lose tomorrow or lose their game vs Harvard. We want Harvard to win the autobid
-MTSU and Iona are already out of their conference tourney's. I think its safe to think they are behind X at the moment on the bubble watch

[X-band '01]

I'd cheer for Drexel. VCU will have a harder case should they lose - they would have 3 losses against Drexel (2 of which were in Richmond).

When you also consider that Drexel has a 19-game winning streak, I think they have an easier case at an at-large right now (especially since they also swept George Mason and Old Dominion in conference play) than VCU does. I think the CAA will get 2 bids, but the chances of Drexel getting the lone bid are better than VCU getting the lone bid.

[DC Muskie]

I'd cheer for Drexel. VCU will have a harder case should they lose - they would have 3 losses against Drexel (2 of which were in Richmond).

When you also consider that Drexel has a 19-game winning streak, I think they have an easier case at an at-large right now (especially since they also swept George Mason and Old Dominion in conference play) than VCU does. I think the CAA will get 2 bids, but the chances of Drexel getting the lone bid are better than VCU getting the lone bid.

I would think the committee would also look at the unbalanced scheduling in the CAA and that Drexel won playing VCU and ODU at home and only once.

But who knows, they won.

[X-band '01]

http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh630/DocStrider/Animals/Facepalm.jpg

I should have looked closer at the schedule - I missed the dates on some of these games.

[DoubleD86]

I'd cheer for Drexel. VCU will have a harder case should they lose - they would have 3 losses against Drexel (2 of which were in Richmond).

When you also consider that Drexel has a 19-game winning streak, I think they have an easier case at an at-large right now (especially since they also swept George Mason and Old Dominion in conference play) than VCU does. I think the CAA will get 2 bids, but the chances of Drexel getting the lone bid are better than VCU getting the lone bid.

VCU --> RPI: 50 SOS: 173 Good wins: USF (45), Akron (62), UNI (73), GMU x 2 (78); Bad Losses: GT (190), GSU (145); Top 25: 0-0, Top 50: 1-1, Top 100: 5-4. With a loss to Drexel would be 5-5 Top 100

Drexel --> RPI: 63 SOS: 225 Good Wins: Princeton (92), VCU (50), GMU (78), CSU (86); Bad Losses: Norfolk St. (131), Delaware (157), GSU (145); Top 25: 0-0, Top 50: 1-1, Top 100: 4-2. With a loss to VCU would be 1-2 vs Top 50 and 3-3 vs Top 100.

Personally, I think VCU has the stronger resume and will be a more likely at-large candidate. Unless the committee puts a lot of weight on Drexel's win streak (16 of the 19 being 100+ RPI teams) I don't think Drexel would get in.

Also, this would only be Drexel's second win against VCU and Drexel won the first one in Philadelphia.

Edit: Changed numbers to CBSSports.com. Looks like realtimerpi was omitting the Cleveland St. Game.

[xubrew]

Drexel is an outright first place finisher. That is huge. They're essentially beginning the process already in, and the committee will have to vote them out. That gives them an advantage over a team that didn't finish in first place and needs to be voted onto the board.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Oral Roberts goes down in their conference semis, they are NIT bound now. VCU held on vs. Drexel. I don't think Drexel should be in, but wouldn't be shocked if they got one of the last bids either.

[X-band '01]

Wow. Oral Roberts would have at least had a case if they had made it to the finals and lost to South Dakota State (who is playing the tournament in Sioux Falls, SD).

Iona, Middle Tennessee State and Oral Roberts will at least be noteworthy NIT participants. Wichita State is an NCAA lock, and Drexel will have to sweat (although they should be on the good side of the bubble for now).

[XULucho27]

Posted this in the bracketology thread, but should have been in this thread instead.

Would Davidson get an at-large bid should they fail to win the Southern Conference? They're 24-7 (16-2 Southern) with a pretty huge win on the road against Kansas.

I ask only because they are currently in a close OT game against W. Carolina. We can't afford teams like W. Carolina stealing bids, should we fail to make noise in AC.

edit: Double OT now.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Great night of hoops. And no, Davidson would not get an at large bid if they lose this game.

[sgarcia]

Great night of hoops. And no, Davidson would not get an at large bid if they lose this game.

ORU and Gonzaga losing hurts us in the RPI department even if those are teams we lost to.

[waggy]

I doubt it. They are 67 rpi, with 160ish SOS. They did play a very tough OOC (top 5 SOS), but only went .500.

[XULucho27]

Agreed as to the great night of hoops. There have been some great games tonight. Thanks for the input. With the margin for error being so thin I'm constantly worrying - as I'm sure we all are - about teams that may be on the bubble taking up our potential spot.

[paulxu]

Davidson won their double OT game.

[THRILLHOUSE]

ORU and Gonzaga losing hurts us in the RPI department even if those are teams we lost to.

I was referring to how fun the games were to watch. But, I really don't think the Gonzaga and ORU results tonight had much effect on our tourney chances.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Games of Interest today 3/6/12:

Depaul vs UConn(12pm) - Rooting for Depaul here. Granted its a longshot but you never know
GW vs Dayton(7pm) - GW would knock UD officially out of the tourney
Providence vs Seton Hall(7pm) - We want Providence
Charlotte at St Joes(7pm) - Charlotte to win. Eliminate St Joes from the tourney bubble
Penn at Princeton(730pm) - We want Princeton so Harvard wins the Ivy Outright

The Portland State Weber State matchup is intriguing. Weber State is 23-5. I don't know anything about them but I haven't heard anything about them being an at large bid. So I think that's probably a 1 bid conference making the matchup meaningless for X

[SM#24]

Drexel is an outright first place finisher. That is huge. They're essentially beginning the process already in, and the committee will have to vote them out. That gives them an advantage over a team that didn't finish in first place and needs to be voted onto the board.

It's a different CAA this year. Good comment on the broadcast last night; last year CAA teams won 20 games against top 50 RPI teams; this year, 5.
Drexel's hanging their hat on a home win against VCU, and a few "OK" wins (Princeton, ODU 2x, Fairfield, Cleve St, GMason). I think their schedule will do them in; last I checked, their SOS was 200+ in both CBS RPI and Sagarin.

[GoMuskies]

Wow, Drexel's non-conference schedule was downright embarrassing.

[PMI]

If the committee is going to practice what it preaches, Drexel is not going to get in. Nice year for them, but such is life when you don't play anyone.

[XULucho27]

If the committee is going to practice what it preaches, Drexel is not going to get in. Nice year for them, but such is life when you don't play anyone.

Well, it looks like this year Bobo and Jeff Hathaway will defend every selection they made immediately after the bracket is announced. So if Drexel makes it in, you'll know exactly why. I'm actually way more interested in watching this than the actual selection show.

For The First Time, The NCAA Selection Committee Reveals How The Brackets Are Built (http://deadspin.com/5890921/for-the-first-time-the-ncaa-selection-committee-reveals-how-the-brackets-are-built)

[LA Muskie]

Well, it looks like this year Bobo and Jeff Hathaway will defend every selection they made immediately after the bracket is announced. So if Drexel makes it in, you'll know exactly why. I'm actually way more interested in watching this than the actual selection show.

For The First Time, The NCAA Selection Committee Reveals How The Brackets Are Built (http://deadspin.com/5890921/for-the-first-time-the-ncaa-selection-committee-reveals-how-the-brackets-are-built)

This was revealed a few months ago at halftime of one of our games. Bobo will play 2nd fiddle to Hathaway this year; it will be his show (as chair of the committee) next year. He seemed really excited about it, and basically said that it's what the fans want, it's what the fans deserve, and it will only add to the drama of the tournament.

[xubrew]

It's a different CAA this year. Good comment on the broadcast last night; last year CAA teams won 20 games against top 50 RPI teams; this year, 5.
Drexel's hanging their hat on a home win against VCU, and a few "OK" wins (Princeton, ODU 2x, Fairfield, Cleve St, GMason). I think their schedule will do them in; last I checked, their SOS was 200+ in both CBS RPI and Sagarin.

I don't disagree. I'm just saying that bubble teams that are first place finishers in their conference have a huge advantage. First place finishers begin the tournament process on the tournament board, and must be voted off.

Now, for a team like Savannah State, who finishes first, but loses in the conference tournament, the vote to remove them is immediate and unanimous. For Drexel, not so much. UAB got in last year for this very reason. If they don't finish in first, I don't think they're seriously considered.

I'm not saying I think Drexel will get in. To be honest, I have no idea if they will or won't. I think they should be in, but I could see it going either way. Finishing in first place definitely helps them out, though.

[Jesuit4Life]

Just re-iterating what we already know...

Championship Week: Xavier fan’s viewer’s guide (http://fanmonster.com/?p=935&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=championship-week-xavier-fans-viewers-guide)

[X-band '01]

Great news so far tonight - Penn is creaming themselves so far up at Princeton - the Tigers are up 25-11 with 3:19 to go in the 1st half.

[BMoreX]

Not necessarily bad news, but not good. Seton Hall blowing out Providence 52-32 with 13 minutes left in the second half.

[waggy]

Well, it looks like this year Bobo and Jeff Hathaway will defend every selection they made immediately after the bracket is announced.

I guess Hathaway will have to make the defensive case for X if it comes to that (and it might), since Bobo would have no influence (officially) on his team being voted in.

[xubball1993]

Bubbles bursting last night as the 15-18 W. Kentucky Hilltoppers win the Sun Belt Tourney!

[X-band '01]

The only bubble that burst because of Western Kentucky was Middle Tennessee State - their opening-round flameout cost them any chance of an at-large.

Here's what we have so far:

NCAA (12 auto bids so far)
Murray State - OVC
Belmont - A-Sun
UNC Asheville - Big South
Creighton - MVC
Wichita State - MVC (at-large - regular season champion)
Loyola MD - MAAC
VCU - Colonial
Saint Mary's - WCC
Davidson - Southern
Harvard - Ivy
Western KY - Sun Belt
Detroit - Horizon
South Dakota State - Summit

NIT (Regular season conference champions)
Drexel - CAA
Valparaiso - Horizon
Iona - MAAC
Oral Roberts - Summit
Middle Tennessee State - Sun Belt

Gonzaga and BYU are other likely NCAA locks as well.

Tonight, the NEC, Patriot and Big Sky all have their championship games.

[SM#24]

"Gonzaga and BYU are other likely NCAA locks as well."

Gonzaga is, I don't know about BYU, though. They should be sweating.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Teams to root for today:

UConn Vs WVU: I would say WVU but they are both squarely on the bubble
Seton Hall Vs Louisville: UL
Nova Vs USF: Nova

[GoMuskies]

Teams to root for today:

UConn Vs WVU: I would say WVU but they are both squarely on the bubble
Seton Hall Vs Louisville: UL
Nova Vs USF: Nova

Add Utah over Colorado just in case. Finish them.

[X-band '01]

Someone should probably alert the Staples Center employees that there are 4 opening round games in the Pac-12 Tournament this year. Does anyone east of the Rockies even care about that tournament this year (other than Cal, Washington or Arizona)?

[xubrew]

Someone should probably alert the Staples Center employees that there are 4 opening round games in the Pac-12 Tournament this year. Does anyone east of the Rockies even care about that tournament this year (other than Cal, Washington or Arizona)?

Does anyone west of the Rockies even care about that tournament this year??

Truth be told, it should be an exciting tournament. None of the teams are that good, but that's just it. It's almost like a winner take all jamboree with a bunch of teams that are all capable of beating each other.

[GIMMFD]

Well WVU with the terrible choke job, blew an 11 point lead and went 0-9 in OT. But, it's been said that both teams are in (UCONN and WVU), we really just need Seton Hall to lose.

[X-band '01]

Georgetown, Louisville and Villanova are the teams to cheer for today.

It'll be tough for USF to beat Nova 3 times (even in a down year for Nova).

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Georgetown, Louisville and Villanova are the teams to cheer for today.

It'll be tough for USF to beat Nova 3 times (even in a down year for Nova).

Nova has 4 McDonalds All Americans on the team. Their record isn't very good but they can put up points. It will be interesting

[xavierj]

Nova has 4 McDonalds All Americans on the team. Their record isn't very good but they can put up points. It will be interesting

Can you imagine if Xavier had 4 McDonalds all-americans and ever had a year like Nova. The Cintas center would get burnt to the ground and Chris Mack would be in line for a public flogging.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Can you imagine if Xavier had 4 McDonalds all-americans and ever had a year like Nova. The Cintas center would get burnt to the ground and Chris Mack would be in line for a public flogging.

It would be absolute chaos on the messageboard. Poor Muskie and AmericanX would be banning 200 people a day

[LA Muskie]

Does anyone west of the Rockies even care about that tournament this year??
Nope. But truth be told, people rarely care much about that tournament regardless.

[Snipe]

Gladdenguy would need some Gynolotrimin for his vaginal discomfort if that happened. Oh wait, I think it already has vaginal issues.

Big pussy.

[Masterofreality]

Anybody catch how West Virginia absolutely blew the game against UCon today?

9 point lead with about 3 to go and lose in OT.

Bad offense, stupid defense, poor shot selection, dumb play and no answers. This from a team coached by an alleged "Hall of Fame" coach, Mr. Beelzebob.

It was reminiscient of the Memphis game only A) Memphis was playing at home. B) Memphis is a better team than UCon.

Next time people think that end of game meltdowns never happen under other coaches, just check this game tape.

BTW. I hate that UCon has won two games- albeit over DePuke and the One who is Evil. They had better not beat Syracuse.

Meanwhile. "Genius Jamie" Dixon's team loses ugly to GTown. They were ranked in the Top 15 preseason. Well done.

[X-band '01]

It'll be the first time in a decade that Pitt misses the NCAA Tournament - no shame in that. They looked shaky even before Travon Woodall had his injury in the middle of noncon play.

It's better that they just laid down today - the last thing we need is some unsung team from the Big East to come out of the tournament and suddenly start stockpiling wins. Come tomorrow, Syracuse will put UConn out of their misery. My one fear is South Florida possibly winning 1 or 2 games if Villanova and even Notre Dame just lay down.

[Porkopolis]

For all that has went wrong this season, at least we are not Pitt.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

For all that has went wrong this season, at least we are not Pitt.

Or Nova

[GoMuskies]

It would be absolute chaos on the messageboard. Poor Muskie and AmericanX would be banning 200 people a day

Xavierhoops is about the tamest active messageboard I've seen with respect to "bashing" the home team and its players and coaches. I think it's funny that some seem to think this is a tough crowd.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Down goes Seton Hall!

Lets go NOVA

[X-band '01]

Add Bucknell to the NIT list.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Teams to root for today:

Boston College over NC State(2pm)
Oregon State over Washington(3pm)
UCLA over Arizona(530pm)
TCU over Colorado State(530pm)
Minnesota over Northwestern(530pm)
UC Davis over Long Beach State(9pm)
Stanford over California(9pm)
Georgia Tech over Miami(9pm)
Iowa State over Texas(930pm)
Georgia over Mississippi State(10pm)
Colorado over Oregon(1130pm)

[X-band '01]

Shouldn't we be cheering for Long Beach State to win their tournament? CS-Fullerton is the only team that beat LBSU in conference play this year, and they wouldn't meet until the championship game Saturday.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Shouldn't we be cheering for Long Beach State to win their tournament? CS-Fullerton is the only team that beat LBSU in conference play this year, and they wouldn't meet until the championship game Saturday.

If Long Beach state loses this game, they are most likely out.
They are also missing one of their best players this game.

If Long Beach State gets to the finals and loses, then this league most likely becomes a two bid league. So if LBSU wins this game, then I will root for them to win the tournament

I don't know if that even really made sense above now reading back on it.

At least thats the opinion I get from the Bracketologists when I read about LBSU

[X-band '01]

We're not going to have another 5-for-5 deal out of the Big East, although UConn should feel safe about an at-large right now.

Meanwhile, what's up with road construction workers dressing up in Baylor uniforms today?

[sgarcia]

We're not going to have another 5-for-5 deal out of the Big East, although UConn should feel safe about an at-large right now.

Meanwhile, what's up with road construction workers dressing up in Baylor uniforms today?

I saw an article on here somewhere the other day that Baylor, Louisville and UC would be wearing new uni's for the rest of the year. Baylor's plan is to blind their opponents. Somebody said Louisville's looked a like it had a lot of poke-a-dots on it. Let us know how sUCks uni's looks. I'm sure they'll be miserable.

[X-band '01]

Yeah, I also saw Louisville's unis last night - for a moment I thought Tennessee was playing. Their unis had an orange hue on my TV.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, I also saw Louisville's unis last night - for a moment I thought Tennessee was playing. Their unis had an orange hue on my TV.

I believe Louisville is wearing theirs for the first time tonight. The Cards would have been in white last night.

EDIT: Looks like Louisville was perhaps wearing the white version last night. Look for the reds to be much, much more obnoxious.

[GoMuskies]

Prairie View wasn't much interested in the conference tournament, apparently. They're losing 56-17 to a lower-seeded Alcorn State team with almost 18 minutes still to play.

[Muskied]

Prairie View wasn't much interested in the conference tournament, apparently. They're losing 56-17 to a lower-seeded Alcorn State team with almost 18 minutes still to play.

Defensive touchdown and an onsides kick and they are right back in it.

[GIMMFD]

Well Cincinnati beats Georgetown.. this helps us, but it really isn't fun watching them win...

[THRILLHOUSE]

Well Cincinnati beats Georgetown.. this helps us, but it really isn't fun watching them win...

Pretty much how I feel. Sims vs Gates was a fun matchup though.

[GoMuskies]

Well Cincinnati beats Georgetown.. this helps us, but it really isn't fun watching them win...

I guess if they win tomorrow it could give us another top 50 win. Geez their RPI blows.

[X-band '01]

Washington's bubble is about to go pop.

[XULucho27]

Minnesota - Northwester tipping off on the Deuce. Go Golden Gophers, right?

[THRILLHOUSE]

Minnesota - Northwester tipping off on the Deuce. Go Golden Gophers, right?

Correct

[Cincypunk.org]

Is New MExico St on the bubble?

[X-band '01]

Goodnight Northwestern.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Thanks Tubby!

[GoMuskies]

It would be nice for Memphis to beat UTEP. Memphis/USM C-USA final is key.

[X-band '01]

An obscure upset - Cal-State Fullerton losing in the Big West means that Long Beach's road to a title got even easier.

[Juice]

It would be nice for Memphis to beat UTEP. Memphis/USM C-USA final is key.

I think Southern Miss is probably already in but it would be nice to see Memphis win

[Xavier]

I think Southern Miss is probably already in but it would be nice to see Memphis win

Both are in- which is why it would be nice to see them see each other in the finals so no one else can steal that bid

[xavierj]

An obscure upset - Cal-State Fullerton losing in the Big West means that Long Beach's road to a title got even easier.

Lbs has to win their tourney. If not they will be in the nit. They are 20-8 and 2 and 7 against the top 100. Their two wins are Pitt and a depleted Xavier team.

[Juice]

Both are in- which is why it would be nice to see them see each other in the finals so no one else can steal that bid

I misread it. My b.

[XUOWNSUC]

JimmyTwoTimes37 -

What's the Bubble Viewing Guide for today? Who are we rooting for?

I'm too lazy to do it myself. I need to rep you for your work.

[sgarcia]

JimmyTwoTimes37 -

What's the Bubble Viewing Guide for today? Who are we rooting for?

I'm too lazy to do it myself. I need to rep you for your work.

After yesterday's upsets I think it's pretty simple................WIN today and we're IN!!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

JimmyTwoTimes37 -

What's the Bubble Viewing Guide for today? Who are we rooting for?

I'm too lazy to do it myself. I need to rep you for your work.

Oh ya! Here we go XUOWNSUC!

Bubble teams to root for 3/9/12:

Virginia over NC State (2pm) - NC State still competing for the bubble
St Bonaventure over St Joes (230pm) - St Joes one of 'Next four out'
Southern Miss over Marshall (4pm) - Want a Southern Miss/Memphis final or 1 of those teams to win CUSA
Memphis over UCF (630pm) - Same as above
Ole Miss over Tennessee (730pm) - Tennessee is 2nd team out. We may have to root for Ole Miss to lose tomorrow if they win today
Florida State over Miami (9pm) - Miami still competing for the bubble
Oregon State over Arizona (9pm) - Arizona still competing for the bubble
SDSU over Colorado State (9pm) - Colorado State could move up with a win over a top 25 team
LBSU over UC Irvine (930pm) - We want LBSU to win their tourney
Missouri over Texas (10pm) - Texas is one of the last 4 in I believe
Colorado over Cal (1130pm) - Cal still competing for the bubble
Nevada over Louisiana Tech (1130pm) - We want Nevada to win their conference tourney

Teams to root for to help bump our RPI:

Cincinnati Over Syracuse (7pm)
Purdue over Ohio State (855pm)
Vanderbilt over Georgia (10pm)



Of course the most important team we need to win is:

Xavier over UD (9pm)

[XUOWNSUC]

After yesterday's upsets I think it's pretty simple................WIN today and we're IN!!

I actually think we stand a good chance of making the tournament without a victory in Atlantic City. Most people assume we won't be in the tournament with a loss to dayton due to our inconsistant and sometimes crappy play. However, if you really look at the teams that were are competing against on the bubble, everybody is playing crappy. I watched a lot of these bubble teams yesterday, and nobody is standing out. If Xavier was one of the last teams in before championship week began, how can they not be one of the last teams in after championship week is over given the fact that none of the bubble teams have done anything to separate themselves. Last time I checked, the selection committee has to select 68 teams no matter how crappy some of them may be. The selection committee is going to throw out the games in which our players were suspended or they are at least not going to put much weight on them. Plus, I think the committtee loves the fact that we challenge ourselves in the non-conference schedule. I actually think the dayton game is for seeding - the difference between playing in dayton in the first round bye in game or playing in the second round and having the bye.

With that said, I really would like a win tonight so that I can sleep better. I also don't want Xavier to get Lamar Odomized by either ud or St. Joe's.

Edit: Nice work JimmyTwoTimes37! Thanks! We need to catch Emp in the "Pick The Score" standings.

[xavierj]

Oh ya! Here we go XUOWNSUC!

Bubble teams to root for 3/9/12:

Virginia over NC State (2pm) - NC State still competing for the bubble
St Bonaventure over St Joes (230pm) - St Joes one of 'Next four out'
Southern Miss over Marshall (4pm) - Want a Southern Miss/Memphis final or 1 of those teams to win CUSA
Memphis over UCF (630pm) - Same as above
Ole Miss over Tennessee (730pm) - Tennessee is 2nd team out. We may have to root for Ole Miss to lose tomorrow if they win today
Florida State over Miami (9pm) - Miami still competing for the bubble
Oregon State over Arizona (9pm) - Arizona still competing for the bubble
SDSU over Colorado State (9pm) - Colorado State could move up with a win over a top 25 team
LBSU over UC Irvine (930pm) - We want LBSU to win their tourney
Missouri over Texas (10pm) - Texas is one of the last 4 in I believe
Colorado over Cal (1130pm) - Cal still competing for the bubble
Nevada over Louisiana Tech (1130pm) - We want Nevada to win their conference tourney

Teams to root for to help bump our RPI:

Cincinnati Over Syracuse (7pm)
Purdue over Ohio State (855pm)
Vanderbilt over Georgia (10pm)



Of course the most important team we need to win is:

Xavier over UD (9pm)

I would say it does not matter what Long Beach does. They have 2 top 100 wins and their best win is against Xavier without Dez Wells and Mark Lyons. If they fail to win their conference tournament, with 9 losses and no great wins, they have no shot.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I would say it does not matter what Long Beach does. They have 2 top 100 wins and their best win is against Xavier without Dez Wells and Mark Lyons. If they fail to win their conference tournament, with 9 losses and no great wins, they have no shot.

You are probably right. I just want to play it safe and have them win the tourney so theres no possibility of any crazy stuff happening

[GoMuskies]

Teams to root for to help bump our RPI:

Cincinnati Over Syracuse (7pm)
Purdue over Ohio State (855pm)
Vanderbilt over Georgia (10pm)



Xavier over UD (9pm)

Vandy/Georgia is a wash. And don't forget Hawaii.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Vandy/Georgia is a wash. And don't forget Hawaii.

How did I forget Hawaii? Lets go Hawaii!

http://famoustourisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hawaiian-hula-girl.jpg

[BandAid]

Shouldn't we pick a horse in the PAC-12 tourney? Cheer for one bubble to burst and the other to win to avoid a bid-thief (I'm looking at you Oregon State and Colorado)? It would seem to me ideal for Arizona to lose today and for Cal to win the championship. THis would increase the chances of Juan Bid showing up.

[BMoreX]

Honestly, with the way Championship Week has gone thus far (i/e. lot of bubble teams losing), it's win and you're in for Xavier. Earlier in the week I believed we would have had to beat SLU, but I'm feeling much more confident now.

[gladdenguy]

If Hawaii wins today they will be locked in as a team in the 100-200 rpi. That would be great news having zero losses 200+. Heck, even with a win and just playing New Mexico St, that might be enough to push them under 200.

[bleedXblue]

If Hawaii wins today they will be locked in as a team in the 100-200 rpi. That would be great news having zero losses 200+. Heck, even with a win and just playing New Mexico St, that might be enough to push them under 200.

GG,

Enough with the positive posts.

I'm used to you being morbidly pessimistic.

[Titanxman04]

How did I forget Hawaii? Lets go Hawaii!

http://famoustourisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hawaiian-hula-girl.jpg

For the sake of seeing this photo again...go Hawaii. Now and forever,

On a side note, JTT needs to get a hold of me so we can organize a viewing for tonight. May heaps obryans or opg would suffice?

Mayhaps my humble abode?

Mayhaps JTT is a worse person than BBC, and won't contact me.

[BBC 08]

For the sake of seeing this photo again...go Hawaii. Now and forever,

On a side note, JTT needs to get a hold of me so we can organize a viewing for tonight. May heaps obryans or opg would suffice?

Mayhaps my humble abode?

Mayhaps JTT is a worse person than BBC, and won't contact me.

You are too kind, sir.

[Titanxman04]

You are too kind, sir.

I love you too, bro...no homo.

[LA Muskie]

I actually think we stand a good chance of making the tournament without a victory in Atlantic City. Most people assume we won't be in the tournament with a loss to dayton due to our inconsistant and sometimes crappy play. However, if you really look at the teams that were are competing against on the bubble, everybody is playing crappy. I watched a lot of these bubble teams yesterday, and nobody is standing out. If Xavier was one of the last teams in before championship week began, how can they not be one of the last teams in after championship week is over given the fact that none of the bubble teams have done anything to separate themselves. Last time I checked, the selection committee has to select 68 teams no matter how crappy some of them may be. The selection committee is going to throw out the games in which our players were suspended or they are at least not going to put much weight on them. Plus, I think the committtee loves the fact that we challenge ourselves in the non-conference schedule. I actually think the dayton game is for seeding - the difference between playing in dayton in the first round bye in game or playing in the second round and having the bye.
I love your optimism, but I think you're wrong. If all the bubble teams choke they will be replaced by other crappy teams that made end of season "runs" and hence don't look as sucky.

[XUOWNSUC]

I love your optimism, but I think you're wrong. If all the bubble teams choke they will be replaced by other crappy teams that made end of season "runs" and hence don't look as sucky.

We'll see. Tell me, which teams would you put in over Xavier if Xavier lost? Which crappy teams made end of the season "runs"? None of them did. Plus, the committee looks at the season as a whole and they have said as much.

[LA Muskie]

We'll see. Tell me, which teams would you put in over Xavier if Xavier lost? Which crappy teams made end of the season "runs"? None of them did. Plus, the committee looks at the season as a whole and they have said as much.

I put "run" in quotes because I didn't mean it in the traditional sense because most of the bubble teams are incapable of one. I basically meant finishing off at least 3-1. I'd have to look to see who that might be, like I said they'd be sucky too.

[JAX 3758]

I actually think we stand a good chance of making the tournament without a victory in Atlantic City. Most people assume we won't be in the tournament with a loss to dayton due to our inconsistant and sometimes crappy play. However, if you really look at the teams that were are competing against on the bubble, everybody is playing crappy. I watched a lot of these bubble teams yesterday, and nobody is standing out. If Xavier was one of the last teams in before championship week began, how can they not be one of the last teams in after championship week is over given the fact that none of the bubble teams have done anything to separate themselves. Last time I checked, the selection committee has to select 68 teams no matter how crappy some of them may be. The selection committee is going to throw out the games in which our players were suspended or they are at least not going to put much weight on them. Plus, I think the committee loves the fact that we challenge ourselves in the non-conference schedule. I actually think the dayton game is for seeding - the difference between playing in dayton in the first round bye in game or playing in the second round and having the bye.

With that said, I really would like a win tonight so that I can sleep better. I also don't want Xavier to get Lamar Odomized by either ud or St. Joe's.

I think its funny how our place on the bubble has changed our perceptions of championship week. How many years have we discussed in this very forum how championship week doesn't mean anything, it only affects your seed a little bit, the committee already has most of their bracket filled in before the weekend anyway, and so on and so on...I think this game tonight might be one of those exception where one game might determine the outcome of our season but I also can see our destiny rooted more in our rentire body of work and the non conference schedule we put together.

I agree XUOWNSUC. I would not be shocked if we still got in after losing to UD. Especially if Temple or SLU wins the tournament. I still think beating UD is the safest bet because I think if we win tonight, we are in. No matter what happens on Saturday.

If you look at all these bubble teams (Northwestern for example) they have this crazy strength of schedule but were beat down by every single one of those opponents. I am not saying you have to beat them all (we all know Xavier didnt) but you are going to need to do better then going 1 out of 10 (which Xavier did). Scheduling up is the easy part. Its beating that competition as often as possible that truly should determine your spot in the tournament.

[Xavier]

I love your optimism, but I think you're wrong. If all the bubble teams choke they will be replaced by other crappy teams that made end of season "runs" and hence don't look as sucky.

I agree- I just don't see Xavier making the tournament with a loss. I don't think X has the numbers to support them at that point. Just win tonight and X will be just fine.

[XUOWNSUC]

I don't think X has the numbers to support them at that point.

Take out the suspension games and they do have the numbers.

Doesn't matter though, Xavier is gonna win tonight.

[LA Muskie]

Take out the suspension games and they do have the numbers.

Doesn't matter though, Xavier is gonna win tonight.

Well sure, take away 3 losses and most teams numbers would look better. There are almost always extenuating circumstances: suspensions, injuries, illnesses, malfunctioning clocks, horrible officials, a slight breeze...

[Xavier]

Take out the suspension games and they do have the numbers.

Doesn't matter though, Xavier is gonna win tonight.

I still don't know. The best win is Vanderbilt, UC, Purdue. Have they beaten any other tournament team?

[XUOWNSUC]

Well sure, take away 3 losses and most teams numbers would look better. There are almost always extenuating circumstances: suspensions, injuries, illnesses, malfunctioning clocks, horrible officials, a slight breeze...

Except in Xavier's case, the committee isn't going to put much weight on those suspension games. Totally different than "clocks, horrible officials, breezes" etc.

[LA Muskie]

Except in Xavier's case, the committee isn't going to put much weight on those suspension games. Totally different than "clocks, horrible officials, breezes" etc.

To us maybe.

[XULucho27]

I still don't know. The best win is Vanderbilt, UC, Purdue. Have they beaten any other tournament team?

Vandy is 21-10 with wins, most notably, over Marquette, Florida, and Alabama.

UC is 23-9 with wins over Marquette, Louisville, Georgetown, and Notre Dame.

Purdue is 21-11 with wins over Michigan and Temple.

I think those are pretty solid wins over tournament teams, with the exception of Purdue who really hasn't beaten anyone other than the two teams listed.

[LA Muskie]

Except in Xavier's case, the committee isn't going to put much weight on those suspension games. Totally different than "clocks, horrible officials, breezes" etc.

Does our win over Vandy get discounted because Ezeli was out? Does our win over Purdue mean less because Hummell was injured down the stretch?

[XUOWNSUC]

Vandy is 21-10 with wins, most notably, over Marquette, Florida, and Alabama.

UC is 23-9 with wins over Marquette, Louisville, Georgetown, and Notre Dame.

Purdue is 21-11 with wins over Michigan and Temple.

I think those are pretty solid wins over tournament teams, with the exception of Purdue who really hasn't beaten anyone other than the two teams listed.

Exactly. Plus, I think people really overlook the fact that we schedule a tough non-conference slate. The committee loves that. Virginia Tech anyone? We didn't go the Presbryterian route, we went TO Vandy, TO Memphis, TO Butler. Not many teams do that.

[LA Muskie]

Exactly. Plus, I think people really overlook the fact that we schedule a tough non-conference slate. The committee loves that. Virginia Tech anyone? We didn't go the Presbryterian route, we went TO Vandy, TO Memphis, TO Butler. Not many teams do that.

Now with this I very much agree.

[XUOWNSUC]

Does our win over Vandy get discounted because Ezeli was out? Does our win over Purdue mean less because Hummell was injured down the stretch?

Yep, the Vandy game gets discounted a bit due to the fact Ezeli was out. But not as much as you think. The committee will love the fact that we had the balls to go down there in the first place.

The Purdue game absolutely counts. Please. Hummell played most of that game and even came back. That's a weak argument.

[LA Muskie]

Yep, the Vandy game gets discounted a bit due to the fact Ezeli was out. But not as much as you think. The committee will love the fact that we had the balls to go down there in the first place.

The Purdue game absolutely counts. Please. Hummell played most of that game and even came back. That's a weak argument.

Well it clearly had an effect on the end of the game.

Oh, and we had Tu and Lyons back for Hawaii. Not sure how much credit we'd get from the committee for missing a frosh and a walkon.

Mostly, though, my point is that I don't think the committee micro-analyzes individual game results because there's just too much of a slippery slope. I think they take general account of long-term situations, but don't place undue weight on them.

[Xavier]

Vandy is 21-10 with wins, most notably, over Marquette, Florida, and Alabama.

UC is 23-9 with wins over Marquette, Louisville, Georgetown, and Notre Dame.

Purdue is 21-11 with wins over Michigan and Temple.

I think those are pretty solid wins over tournament teams, with the exception of Purdue who really hasn't beaten anyone other than the two teams listed.

I meant has Xavier beaten any other tournament teams? It looks like they probably beat a 6 seed, an 8/9 seed and a 9 seed.

[XULucho27]

I meant has Xavier beaten any other tournament teams? It looks like they probably beat a 6 seed, an 8/9 seed and a 9 seed.

Ah my appoligies, I read your original post incorrectly. In that case you're right, no, I don't think we've beaten any other tournament teams.

[DC Muskie]

Way to go Virginia!

Man I hate that Commonwealth.