Championship Week(s)

[xubrew]

The Atlantic Sun, Horizon League and Patriot League tip off tonight.

The most interesting game of the night, at least from an entertainment standpoint, is probably Army at Navy. The PL Tournament is set up so the visiting team gets 1/3rd of the tickets. So, to think that Army and Navy will be going at it in that atmosphere is going to be something. It'll be much more emotional than what you usually see in these opening round games.

NKU, despite being ineligible, is hosting Lipscomb tonight. If they win the ASun Tournament, then the runner up will get the automatic bid.

There are 315 out of 351 teams remaining that can still win it all. No matter how crappy a team's year has been, they get to keep playing until they lose....

http://hoopshd.com/ncaa-tournament-survival-board/

Honestly, as exciting as this is for a lot of people, for me it kinda sucks to watch the season kind of wind down. In two weeks, close to 240 of these teams will be done. It's like being at a big time rock concert and the band plays their big hit at the end of the show. It's great, but you know that it means the show is over. I really do like November better, I think.

[D-West & PO-Z]

When is NKU eligible? I think they will quickly be pretty successful in the A-Sun. They have already had success in the league to this point.

[xubrew]

When is NKU eligible? I think they will quickly be pretty successful in the A-Sun. They have already had success in the league to this point.

They're eligible in 2016-2017. As a transitional program, they're ineligible for four years.

[X-Fan]

Honestly, as exciting as this is for a lot of people, for me it kinda sucks to watch the season kind of wind down. In two weeks, close to 240 of these teams will be done. It's like being at a big time rock concert and the band plays their big hit at the end of the show. It's great, but you know that it means the show is over. I really do like November better, I think.
I'm right there with you. Love the entire season. It really "hits home" when you get past the first weekend of the tourney. After having SO many games to watch Thurs - Sun...then just 15 games over two weeks. Awesome stuff but sad at the same time. It helps a lot that X has SO MUCH coming back next year...would love to see this years team max out their potential though.

[muskiefan82]

I'm right there with you. Love the entire season. It really "hits home" when you get past the first weekend of the tourney. After having SO many games to watch Thurs - Sun...then just 15 games over two weeks. Awesome stuff but sad at the same time. It helps a lot that X has SO MUCH coming back next year...would love to see this years team max out their potential though.

Agreed, but think of it this way...X is 18-12 with a game remaining that, if they win, almost assures them a bid in the NCAA tourney and yet many of us think this year has been awful. X has reached a point where making the tournament is no longer enough. In 1983 when X played in the play-in game against Alcorn St. (Ironically also in Dayton), I remember being ecstatic that X was just in the thing. Then in 1984, X played Nebraska and Ohio St. in the NIT at the Gardens and we were all crazy with excitement. Now look at us. The play-in game is looked down on and the NIT would be a terrible disappointment.

This season hasn't gone the way most of us would have liked, but I will take this as a down year over what down years look like elsewhere.

Go X! Beat Creighton!

[drudy23]

Could care less about the teams that don't make it. Bring on the Madness.

[X-band '01]

Florida Gulf Coast is definitely going to jump on the NKU bandwagon - they've lost twice to North Florida this year.

Also noteworthy is that the Norse are hosting their first ever A-Sun Tournament game in cozy Regents Hall (1,950 capacity) tonight. Any future games would be played in the Bank of Kentucky Center.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Bittersweet, indeed, but you get lots of this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhC5-uIJJWQ

[X-band '01]

Our old friend Brad Redford is doing color commentator duties on ESPN3 for the NKU-Lipscomb broadcast tonight.

[xubrew]

I was wrong about Army v Navy. No one is there.

[xubrew]

We have the opening round of the Big South Tournament today for those of you who need something to do at work....

[paulxu]

The Spartans from USC Upstate are leaving today on an 11 hour bus trip to play FGCU in the second round of the Atlantic Sun tournament, held at the higher seeded teams home court.

A little different than the BE tournament for sure.

[xubrew]

The Spartans from USC Upstate are leaving today on an 11 hour bus trip to play FGCU in the second round of the Atlantic Sun tournament, held at the higher seeded teams home court.

A little different than the BE tournament for sure.

Yup.

I love how the ASun does their tournament. I think leagues like the Big South really screw themselves by not doing anything to protect and reward teams. The way the ASun does it is both more fair, and more exciting, because it adds a story line to the regular season games. At one point half way through the year, there was a seven way tie for first in the Big South. It would have made things a lot more fun if those teams were playing for home court advantage instead of just playing for the right to wear white on someone else's home court.

Now, leagues like the Big East who send multiple teams and don't need to protect their regular season champion, I don't care what they do. It serves them better to do it on a neutral court and to try and recreate the atmosphere of what the NCAA Tournament should be like.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Yup.

I love how the ASun does their tournament. I think leagues like the Big South really screw themselves by not doing anything to protect and reward teams. The way the ASun does it is both more fair, and more exciting, because it adds a story line to the regular season games. At one point half way through the year, there was a seven way tie for first in the Big South. It would have made things a lot more fun if those teams were playing for home court advantage instead of just playing for the right to wear white on someone else's home court.

Now, leagues like the Big East who send multiple teams and don't need to protect their regular season champion, I don't care what they do. It serves them better to do it on a neutral court and to try and recreate the atmosphere of what the NCAA Tournament should be like.

The only "small" conference that should play their conference at a neutral site is the Missouri Valley. Arch Madness is awesome!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only "small" conference that should play their conference at a neutral site is the Missouri Valley. Arch Madness is awesome!

Yeah went that year (think 2005, maybe 2006) that the MVC got like 4-6 teams in the tournament. Fun times.

[GoMuskies]

Should be a fun matchup between WSU and UNI on Sunday.

I hope Murray State can get through the OVC. They only have to win twice.

[X-band '01]

The only "small" conference that should play their conference at a neutral site is the Missouri Valley. Arch Madness is awesome!

Beyond first-round campus games, the MAC has had a permanent home in Cleveland/Quicken Loans Arena for almost 2 decades now. That ain't too shabby.

[xubrew]

Should be a fun matchup between WSU and UNI on Sunday.

I hope Murray State can get through the OVC. They only have to win twice.

Honestly, I don't think they will.

If you're a transitional program, the ASun is the league for you! North Florida, who recently moved up to div1, will host the championship game this Saturday. We all know what FGCU did in just their second year of eligibility. Maybe NKU's day is coming soon.

[GoMuskies]

I was flipping through conference standings when I came to the American. I had forgotten that UConn was going to steal a bid with the conference tournament in Hartford. That blows.

[BandAid]

I'm actually not a fan of conference tournaments. I'd rather have the regular season champs earn the auto-bid like in the Ivy.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

I was flipping through conference standings when I came to the American. I had forgotten that UConn was going to steal a bid with the conference tournament in Hartford. That blows.

UConn has no shooters. They will not win the AAC tournament. Cincinnati and SMU will meet in the final. I can see the future.

[X-band '01]

If the standings tonight hold up, UC would face UConn in the quarterfinals in the AAC. Tough opener, but a draw of Tulsa in the semis and SMU in the championship is more favorable.

[xubrew]

I'm actually not a fan of conference tournaments. I'd rather have the regular season champs earn the auto-bid like in the Ivy.

The thing about the Ivy is that November and December are pretty much meaningless because they don't need to play their way into a position to get an at-large.

[muskienick]

I'm actually not a fan of conference tournaments. I'd rather have the regular season champs earn the auto-bid like in the Ivy.

I am pretty sure that a Conference could elect to send its regular season champ to the NCAA as its automatic selection. However, by doing so, they would greatly devalue their Conference Tourney if they still chose to have one.

[Xville]

this makes me happy for no other reason than the guy is a jackwad

http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/03/05/indiana-tom-crean-buyout-clock

[BandAid]

The thing about the Ivy is that November and December are pretty much meaningless because they don't need to play their way into a position to get an at-large.

Technically, nobody needs to play their way into a position to get an at-large. Most (Ivy excluded) just need to win four(ish) games in a row in March to get to the Tournament.

Almost every conference's regular season is irrelevant. If everyone gets into the conference tourney, and the winner of the tourney is your auto-bid, then what's the point of the regular season conference schedule?

I think we can both agree that regular season college basketball (ooc and conference) don't have nearly the urgency or attention that college football or the NFL does. College football's mantra is "every game matters" and people believe it. College basketball's mantra is "only the tournament matters" which kills the regular season.

Making your regular season conference champ your representative in the tourney would add importance to the regular season.

[LA Muskie]

I think Brew's point was that the Ivy teams know that there's little (if any) likelihood of an at large bid for any of the schools, so not having a tourney allows the overall best team to advance instead of the team that happens to go on a run to win a conference tourney.

I don't think he was saying the Ivy is necessarily uniquely in that position, just that he prefers their emphasis on the regular season in lieu of a conference tourney.

[GoMuskies]

Things are going relatively smoothly for the Shockers in the QFs of Arch Madness. Up 8 at the break.

[xubrew]

Technically, nobody needs to play their way into a position to get an at-large. Most (Ivy excluded) just need to win four(ish) games in a row in March to get to the Tournament.

Almost every conference's regular season is irrelevant. If everyone gets into the conference tourney, and the winner of the tourney is your auto-bid, then what's the point of the regular season conference schedule?

I think we can both agree that regular season college basketball (ooc and conference) don't have nearly the urgency or attention that college football or the NFL does. College football's mantra is "every game matters" and people believe it. College basketball's mantra is "only the tournament matters" which kills the regular season.

Making your regular season conference champ your representative in the tourney would add importance to the regular season.

I don't think you can say college football's season is important when half of the team are eliminated before the season even starts.

Taking the regular season conference champ might add importance to conference play, but it would make out of conference play far less important. Conferences that only get team in via the automatic bid aren't that way just because. If the MAC were to go out and light it up during November and December, they'd put several teams in the tournament. Hence, the importance of the regular season.

In college basketball, you have roughly 350 teams that are trying to play their way into the consensus top forty. 40-out-of-350. I think that makes the regular season extremely meaningful. If a team isn't in the top forty, then they are either on the bubble or their only way in is the automatic bid, which is kind of a crap shoot.

I think conference play meant a lot to a team like Old Dominion, who was strong out of conference, but not so much in league play.

I think out of conference play meant a lot to a team like Purdue, who is really playing well now, but who lost several OOC games and is right on the bubble as a result.

You have to do well all season long.

[GoMuskies]

I see that Belmont is getting 1.5 points tonight vs. Eastern Kentucky. Not only no, but HELL no. Gotta take Belmont there.

[xubrew]

I see that Belmont is getting 1.5 points tonight vs. Eastern Kentucky. Not only no, but HELL no. Gotta take Belmont there.

I think EKU has won seven out of eight since completely blowing it against Murray State. Granted, the one loss was to Belmont, but they've been playing well. I know it's in Nashville, but it'll be a pretty even crowd.

[xubrew]

The Big South bracket always seems to collapse. Granted, there was a ton of parity in the league this year, but Charleston Southern, who was the top seed, lost to Longwood (and was really out of the game from the beginning), and Radford is about to go down to Winthrop.

So, yes, despite being the overall #9 seed, Longwood is still alive. They are the favorite team of 15 year old males everywhere. They just love the name.

[xubrew]

I think Brew's point was that the Ivy teams know that there's little (if any) likelihood of an at large bid for any of the schools, so not having a tourney allows the overall best team to advance instead of the team that happens to go on a run to win a conference tourney.

I don't think he was saying the Ivy is necessarily uniquely in that position, just that he prefers their emphasis on the regular season in lieu of a conference tourney.

It's just two different ways of looking at it. I get both of them.

I think the regular season is highly important because any team that doesn't play their way into the consensus top forty basically has to win their conference tournament to get in.

The other mindset is that the conference tournaments give everyone a chance to make it no matter how crappy they've played, and therefore they completely devalue the regular season.

I understand both mindsets, but I happen to be of the former. The Ivy League conference regular season may have been more important, but in some ways I think it devalues the OOC games because it doesn't force the teams to have to make it to the top forty in order to avoid having to win the tournament. Because...well...there is no tournament.

[GoMuskies]

The Fighting Kelseys got a slight upset in the QFs of the Big South today, 67-66 over Radford, to keep their season alive.

[xubrew]

The Fighting Kelseys got a slight upset in the QFs of the Big South today, 67-66 over Radford, to keep their season alive.

and they're playing Longwood in the semis, whom they've blown out twice.

[LA Muskie]

It's just two different ways of looking at it. I get both of them.

I think the regular season is highly important because any team that doesn't play their way into the consensus top forty basically has to win their conference tournament to get in.

The other mindset is that the conference tournaments give everyone a chance to make it no matter how crappy they've played, and therefore they completely devalue the regular season.

I understand both mindsets, but I happen to be of the former. The Ivy League conference regular season may have been more important, but in some ways I think it devalues the OOC games because it doesn't force the teams to have to make it to the top forty in order to avoid having to win the tournament. Because...well...there is no tournament.
I agree completely. I don't love that it undervalues the entire OOC schedule (and it does), but I think it works for the Ivy because of its rather unique situation.

[xubrew]

Yeah, Harvard v Yale is gonna be fun tonight.

[GoMuskies]

9-23 Bradley only down 2 at the half to Northern Iowa at Arch Madness. I'd just as soon see UNI and Wichita State playing on Sunday to avoid bid stealers...but there's no way in MARCH I can cheer AGAINST a 9-23 team against a team ranked #11 (assuming that team is not Xavier).

Also, I didn't realize Bradley was quite that bad. Geno Ford has to be on his way out there.

[xubrew]

If Xavier wins the next two, no one is stealing their bids, so go Bradley!!

.....Bradley has no chance. You realize that, right?

[GoMuskies]

Looks like Murray State will be taking an NIT bid away from someone.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Longwood, UIC, and Gardner Webb all with pretty decent size upsets in conference tourneys tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Winthrop has a great shot at being Kentucky ' s first opponent at this point.

[xu82]

Winthrop has a great shot at being Kentucky ' s first opponent at this point.

Then Kentucky has a great shot at being Winthrop's last opponent at this point.

[GoMuskies]

Nice comeback for Murray to pull it out.

[xsteve1]

Cam Payne at Murray is really good. He'll play in the league.

[GoMuskies]

And he's only a sophomore.

[xubrew]

If Yale beats Dartmouth tomorrow they're in for the first time since 1962. It's like clockwork. Every 53 years Yale comes through!!

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Cam Payne at Murray is really good. He'll play in the league.

It's just incredible the amount of talent the city of Memphis produces. The city's second and third tier players populate most of the mid-majors in the surrounding area.

[X-band '01]

Looks like Murray State will be taking an NIT bid away from someone.

Charleston Southern was the first team to punch their NIT ticket yesterday.

[Masterofreality]

Your Loyola Chicago Ramblers, where a nice chunk of my college savings went, put an absolute beat down on Indiana State last night at Arch Madness 81-53. They've now won 19 games with a bunch of young kids...and may have won more if their best player Milton Doyle hadn't missed 9 games. he was back last night.

They have to win the Valley Tournament to go Dancing, but the future is finally bright on the Lakeshore.

[GoMuskies]

I'll certainly be cheering for them against UNI. Although a Wichita/Northern Iowa final on CBS would be kind of epic.

[Masterofreality]

I'd like to see us have Loyola on our home schedule next year. They have everybody back and it would be a solid RPI game.

Plus we'd have a family rivalry affair.

[GoMuskies]

The Fighting Kelseys face Coastal Carolina tomorrow for the right to face Kentucky (okay, maybe Virginia or Villanova).

[Xavgrad08]

Heartbreaker for Murray St. They dominated the conference during the regular season and barely lose in the conference tournament. Will be interesting to see where Steve Prohm is coaching at next year. I would guess Alabama, but who knows.

[X-band '01]

Heartbreak for Murray, but an awesome turnaround from last year if you're a Belmont fan.

[X-band '01]

Bigger heartbreak for Yale - one night after they beat Harvard, they lose at Dartmouth on a buzzer-beater. With Harvard's win tonight, there will be a 1-game playoff at the Palestra next Saturday between Harvard and Yale for the Ivy League Championship.

[GoMuskies]

That was a freaking amazing game. Wow. Cannot believe that three went in for Belmont.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga looks like they hit the Strip too hard last night.

[xubrew]

I'd like to see us have Loyola on our home schedule next year. They have everybody back and it would be a solid RPI game.

Plus we'd have a family rivalry affair.

Loyola and Evansville should both actually be pretty good next year. I'm in favor of playing them.

[xubrew]

Heartbreaker for Murray St. They dominated the conference during the regular season and barely lose in the conference tournament. Will be interesting to see where Steve Prohm is coaching at next year. I would guess Alabama, but who knows.

I'm not ENTIRELY convinced the committee won't take Murray State. I honestly don't think they should. I get that their conference is weak, but they knew they were going to have a good team and made no attempt whatsoever to schedule anyone that was even decent, let alone good (besides us).

But, the committee may still take them. I realize SFA was an automatic bid and not an at-large last year, but to see them all the way up on the #12 line despite having an absolute garbage profile is a sign that the committee does use an eye test. Murray's schedule is better than last year's SFA schedule (albeit both are terrible). Murray is in the rankings, whereas SFA was only at #27 at the end of the year. Murray did win at Evansville, at Middle Tennessee and at UT Martin, who aren't great by any means, but all three were pretty good at home, and all are better than anyone SFA beat a year ago.

So, there's a chance.

[GoMuskies]

Valpo is a good team, and Murray scheduled them. They also got drilled, unfortunately.

[xubrew]

Valpo is a good team, and Murray scheduled them. They also got drilled, unfortunately.

I forgot about them. Okay, they scheduled two teams that weren't entirely eye gougingly bad, but I think you get my point. They needed to play better teams and didn't. The committee doesn't seem to like it when teams like Notre Dame and Pitt do that, but those teams can expect opportunities in conference play. Murray can't.

[DC Muskie]

Brew, you sounded like Seth Greenberg.

That's not good.

[xubrew]

Brew, you sounded like Seth Greenberg.

That's not good.

Oh God, you're right!

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Wofford is the mid-major that will get in if they don't win their conference tournament. OOC SOS of 18, marquee OOC win @NC State with another top 50 win over Iona. They are exactly the type of team that gets in the First Four and leaves ESPN and Joe Lunardi stunned (even though he is one of the worst bracket projectors on the internet).

[xubrew]

Wofford is the mid-major that will get in if they don't win their conference tournament. OOC SOS of 18, marquee OOC win @NC State with another top 50 win over Iona. They are exactly the type of team that gets in the First Four and leaves ESPN and Joe Lunardi stunned (even though he is one of the worst bracket projectors on the internet).

I like Wofford a lot more than Murray State, but I'm not on the committee.

I have no idea why they valued SFA as much as they did last year, and Murray looks slightly better this year. Just an observation on my part. I'm not saying I'm expecting them to take Murray. I'm merely saying I don't agree with everyone who is saying they're definitely out.

[Xtemporaneous]

Man I still hate Murray. It's left over from my Austin Peay days.

[X-band '01]

Wofford and SFA have better at-large cases than Murray State does.

[Masterofreality]

Wofford and SFA have better at-large cases than Murray State does.

SFA for sure. The OVC is most probably being visited again by Juan Bidd.

[xubrew]

Wofford and SFA have better at-large cases than Murray State does.

Agree. If Wofford hadn't lost at the Citadel, I think they'd be in no matter what, but MAN that is a garbage loss.

[paulxu]

Wofford's path has cleared a little as the #2 seed in their tournament lost yesterday.

USC Upstate faces #1 North Florida for the Atlantic Sun championship.

Basketball in Spartanburg!!!

[Masterofreality]

The Fighting Kelsey's are tied at the Half with Coastal Carolina.

And, no. Winthrop does NOT hedge the ball screen on defense. Hmmmmm.

PS. Pat Kelsey has a kid who is a very good Freshman player named Xavier (Cooks). Hmmmmm X2

[X-Fan]

The Fighting Kelsey's are tied at the Half with Coastal Carolina.

And, no. Winthrop does NOT hedge the ball screen on defense. Hmmmmm.
Looks like CC needs to act more like Dawgs. Don't need no kitty cats in there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EChnZTJicw

[xubrew]

Well this isn't going well...

Where the hell was Illinois State all year long??

[BandAid]

This Upstate / N Florida game is fun to watch so far. Both teams playing for their first dance. The crowd is going nuts-o.

[BandAid]

This Upstate / N Florida game is fun to watch so far. Both teams playing for their first dance. The crowd is going nuts-o.

And that is an appropriate time to rush the court. Congrats to N Florida

[paulxu]

I just noticed the MAAC plays a 20 game conference schedule. I wonder if that is a sign of things to come.

[xubrew]

I just noticed the MAAC plays a 20 game conference schedule. I wonder if that is a sign of things to come.

I hate that format. The SoCon did that a few years, and the OVC did as well before going to divisions. You just can't get enough OOC games to give yourself a chance at good wins if you happen to be a good team.

[BMoreX]

That William and Mary semifinal was absolutely bonkers.

Go find some highlights if you can.

[xubrew]

That William and Mary semifinal was absolutely bonkers.

Go find some highlights if you can.

It was the best conference tournament of any conferenced so far. It was great!

[BMoreX]

It was the best conference tournament of any conferenced so far. It was great!

Might have to go down to the championship game tomorrow night.

[xubrew]

Might have to go down to the championship game tomorrow night.

You may recall that was one of the more exciting championship games a year ago. William & Mary is, once again, one game away from their first NCAA Tournament.

[xubrew]

I'm not ENTIRELY convinced the committee won't take Murray State. I honestly don't think they should. I get that their conference is weak, but they knew they were going to have a good team and made no attempt whatsoever to schedule anyone that was even decent, let alone good (besides us).

But, the committee may still take them. I realize SFA was an automatic bid and not an at-large last year, but to see them all the way up on the #12 line despite having an absolute garbage profile is a sign that the committee does use an eye test. Murray's schedule is better than last year's SFA schedule (albeit both are terrible). Murray is in the rankings, whereas SFA was only at #27 at the end of the year. Murray did win at Evansville, at Middle Tennessee and at UT Martin, who aren't great by any means, but all three were pretty good at home, and all are better than anyone SFA beat a year ago.

So, there's a chance.

On the second thought, Murray State does not belong in. At all. When you play pretty much nothing other than sub 200 teams and beat them all, all you prove is that you're better than a bunch of teams outside the top 200.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

The MAC Tournament starts tonight. I was not aware that the top two seeds get a TRIPLE bye. I don't think any other conference does more than a double bye.

[xubrew]

The MAC Tournament starts tonight. I was not aware that the top two seeds get a TRIPLE bye. I don't think any other conference does more than a double bye.

There are conferences that use the ladder format, and then there is the MAC, who uses a very steep ladder. What's crazy is that Bowling Green is playing tonight. They lost a game to Central Michigan in the final seconds last week. They were just seconds away from being the team that got the triple buy instead of CMU.

[xubrew]

If Wofford does not win this game, we will have all failed.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

If Wofford does not win this game, we will have all failed.

I'm all in on the Paladins, just to see if the committee would stick to form and reward Wofford with an at-large bid. It would be interesting considering they already have a bad loss to Citadel.

[xubrew]

With two losses as bad as that, probably not.

[xubrew]

Valpo is another team that is better than Murray State, and that absolutely crushed Murray State earlier in the year, and then played in a better conference to finish first. Yet, they're not as valued by the media as Murray State. If they lose tonight against a team that A LOT better than Belmont, no one will be talking about what a shame it would be if the committee doesn't take them.

This is what the Top 25 does. It prevents people from thinking for themselves. Iona is also better than Murray. Iona played in a tougher league, had a logn winning streak, and lost to a Manhattan team that they beat twice and that's better than Belmont, yet no one is crying that they should be in. They shouldn't be in, but neither should Murray.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Valpo is another team that is better than Murray State, and that absolutely crushed Murray State earlier in the year, and then played in a better conference to finish first. Yet, they're not as valued by the media as Murray State. If they lose tonight against a team that A LOT better than Belmont, no one will be talking about what a shame it would be if the committee doesn't take them.

This is what the Top 25 does. It prevents people from thinking for themselves. Iona is also better than Murray. Iona played in a tougher league, had a logn winning streak, and lost to a Manhattan team that they beat twice and that's better than Belmont, yet no one is crying that they should be in. They shouldn't be in, but neither should Murray.

Yeah none of those teams deserve at large bids but if they did just looking at their profiles, it would be Valpo.

[Masterofreality]

You may recall that was one of the more exciting championship games a year ago. William & Mary is, once again, one game away from their first NCAA Tournament.

Aaaaaaand, Bill and Mary fail again. I guess they need more guys who jump off one foot.

[Xavier]

This is what the Top 25 does. It prevents people from thinking for themselves.

I don't know, wasn't SMU ranked in the top 25 last year and missed the tournament?

[X-Fan]

I don't know, wasn't SMU ranked in the top 25 last year and missed the tournament?

Yes they were.

[Xville]

something i have been wondering....how does Brian Gregory still have a job at Georgia Tech?

[xubrew]

I don't know, wasn't SMU ranked in the top 25 last year and missed the tournament?

They were, but that's precisely my point. People were yelling from the rooftops about how SMU got screwed last year, when in reality all their big wins came at home, and they lost to more sub NIT teams on the road than they beat. They shouldn't have been in, yet everyone was saying they should have been.

[xubrew]

something i have been wondering....how does Brian Gregory still have a job at Georgia Tech?

I've been wondering the same thing, especially with a basketball centric AD.

[xubrew]

Apparently they've moved the media members out of the arena at the Saint Francis Brooklyn v Robert Morris game, and made them watch the game on TV in a back room. The reason is because there is literally no room for them because they wanted to let fans in instead.

The media is pissed off. In my opionion, SFBK is now my new favorite team!!! (outside of Xavier_

[xubrew]

This St. Francis BK v Robert Morris game is the most sloppily awesome game I've ever seen

[Masterofreality]

And St. Francis missed their chance- at home.

[Masterofreality]

USTA and FIU right down to it in CUSA. 2 point game. 8 secs to go.

Edit: and what a wild finish. USTA hits a 3 with 2.7 secs to tie, then FIU hits a contested half court banked heave 3 at the buzzer to win!

March Madness in full effect!

[XUFan09]

Apparently they've moved the media members out of the arena at the Saint Francis Brooklyn v Robert Morris game, and made them watch the game on TV in a back room. The reason is because there is literally no room for them because they wanted to let fans in instead.

The media is pissed off. In my opionion, SFBK is now my new favorite team!!! (outside of Xavier_
Were there really a whole lot of fans or is the arena that small? Or both?

[Masterofreality]

Were there really a whole lot of fans or is the arena that small? Or both?

Both. Tiny gym in the middle of Brooklyn and a lot of fans trying to see if St. Francis could finally make an NCAA Tourney.

[xubrew]

USTA and FIU right down to it in CUSA. 2 point game. 8 secs to go.

Edit: and what a wild finish. USTA hits a 3 with 2.7 secs to tie, then FIU hits a contested half court banked heave 3 at the buzzer to win!

March Madness in full effect!

Great finish!!

Having said that, I still think the answer to the over densely populated areas in China and India is to move the Conference USA Tournament to those countries. There would be just open space everywhere with no people in sight.

[Masterofreality]

Great finish!!

Having said that, I still think the answer to the over densely populated areas in China and India is to move the Conference USA Tournament to those countries. There would be just open space everywhere with no people in sight.

True dat!!!

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Great finish!!

Having said that, I still think the answer to the over densely populated areas in China and India is to move the Conference USA Tournament to those countries. There would be just open space everywhere with no people in sight.

If only world leaders would be willing to listen to a puppet...

[xubrew]

Nebraska and UNLV are both in the running for the most disappointing and underachieving season of the year. Both are currently making strong cases, as both are losing to weak teams.

[Masterofreality]

The A10 Tounament television is funny. No wonder that league gets no TV money.

Almost all the ads are from the schools or the league itself. A few public service ads thrown in, and one from Chevy, but that's it.

Nice to see that things haven't changed after a year where they got 6 schools in.

[xubrew]

Paul Hewitt is as bad at coaching as I am at interior decorating.

[Masterofreality]

Paul Hewitt is as bad at coaching as I am at interior decorating.

Yep. Not sure who may have been the worst I've ever seen- Hewitt or Lappas.

[The Coz]

Wait, where do they rank with pat kennedy and kevin o'neil?

[xubrew]

New Orleans wins their first conference tournament game since rejoining div1.

[xubrew]

Wait, where do they rank with pat kennedy and kevin o'neil?

Jim Crews is also on that list.

[Masterofreality]

Yep. Not sure who may have been the worst I've ever seen- Hewitt or Lappas.


Wait, where do they rank with pat kennedy and kevin o'neil?

Oh, yeah. How could I ever forget Kevin O'Nucklehead? Kennedy and Bob Hill too. Quite the rogues gallery.

[xubrew]

I had forgotten about Bob Hill. Now I remember. I wish I didn't. Thanks a lot MOR!

[GIMMFD]

If anyone is bored, the WVU/Baylor game is pretty good right now, the rest of the noonish games are a blow out though..

[Masterofreality]

That juggernaut VCU is losing by 5 with 3:30 to go in the first half....to..............

.Fordham.

[Masterofreality]

Halftime Fordham 30- Carny Show VCU - 30.

The bloom is gone from Havoc, as happens to all other gadget programs. Shaka better take the next big money job offered.

[X-band '01]

Richmond has to be loving Fordham giving VCU a good game so far.

[bobbiemcgee]

Fordham wouldn't storm the court, they'd storm the city. :biggrin:

[paulxu]

There's all sorts of Havoc buses roaming Brooklyn. They could ride on those.

[X-band '01]

Sadly, I think Fordham is starting to run out of gas here. They're worn down VCU just enough to make Richmond happy, but this was a winnable game for Fordham.

[Masterofreality]

Yep, Fordham had 'em for a while then, as per usual, "F"-ed it up.

[Masterofreality]

Plenty of elbow room and to stretch out at the AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC Tournament.

Literally, there may be 100 people there...other than the bands.

By the way, Auburn beating Texas A&M by 5 with 11 to go.

[LA Muskie]

Plenty of elbow room and to stretch out at the AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC Tournament.

Literally, there may be 100 people there...other than the bands.

By the way, Auburn beating Texas A&M by 5 with 11 to go.
Seriously. I've got Houston v. Tulane on right now. They could play this game in our church community center and there would still be seats to spare. It's embarrassing. If I were the AAC I would pay ESPN not to televise it.

[xubrew]

Seriously. I've got Houston v. Tulane on right now. They could play this game in our church community center and there would still be seats to spare. It's embarrassing. If I were the AAC I would pay ESPN not to televise it.

You gotta remember the tournament is in Hartford.

If the tournament were in Houston or New Orleans, the crowd wouldn't be any bigger.

I'm not sure why you should remember that the tournament is in Hartford, but it's probably important for one reason or another, so just keep that in mind.

[Masterofreality]

You gotta remember the tournament is in Hartford.

If the tournament were in Houston or New Orleans, the crowd wouldn't be any bigger.

I'm not sure why you should remember that the tournament is in Hartford, but it's probably important for one reason or another, so just keep that in mind.

The crowds sucked in Memphis last year too. Only reason to remember that it is in Hartford is that UCon could still steal a bid in their backyard.

[xubrew]

The crowds sucked in Memphis last year too. Only reason to remember that it is in Hartford is that UCon could still steal a bid in their backyard.

True. Tulane and Houston are in New Orleans and Houston. I was trying to make a joke that no one cares, even in their home city.

[LA Muskie]

True. Tulane and Houston are in New Orleans and Houston. I was trying to make a joke that no one cares, even in their home city.
Yeah... I figured you were making a joke. But the joke you were trying to make went right over my head.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

The crowds sucked in Memphis last year too. Only reason to remember that it is in Hartford is that UCon could still steal a bid in their backyard.

Cincinnati is going to curb stomp UConn tomorrow night.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Classic Rick Barnes down the stretch of Texas-Iowa State. Texas had about an 8 - 12 point lead for most of the 2nd half, then Barnes inexplicably starts playing drain the clock offense at the under 8 timeout which led to Texas getting 0 FG's the last 7 - 8 minutes of the game. Iowa State comes back and hits a buzzer beater for the win.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Classic Rick Barnes down the stretch of Texas-Iowa State. Texas had about an 8 - 12 point lead for most of the 2nd half, then Barnes inexplicably starts playing drain the clock offense at the under 8 timeout which led to Texas getting 0 FG's the last 7 - 8 minutes of the game. Iowa State comes back and hits a buzzer beater for the win.

He started doing that with like 3 minutes to go in the first half. Classic Rick Barnes indeed.

[THRILLHOUSE]

He started doing that with like 3 minutes to go in the first half. Classic Rick Barnes indeed.

and no Myles Turner the last 10 minutes of the game (and only 9 minutes of PT for Turner tonight). Any other coach I'd be completely confused, but for Barnes it just makes perfect sense.

[Masterofreality]

Classic Rick Barnes down the stretch of Texas-Iowa State. Texas had about an 8 - 12 point lead for most of the 2nd half, then Barnes inexplicably starts playing drain the clock offense at the under 8 timeout which led to Texas getting 0 FG's the last 7 - 8 minutes of the game. Iowa State comes back and hits a buzzer beater for the win.


and no Myles Turner the last 10 minutes of the game (and only 9 minutes of PT for Turner tonight). Any other coach I'd be completely confused, but for Barnes it just makes perfect sense.

That really may knock Texas out. They are down in RPI limbo now.

[XUFan09]

That really may knock Texas out. They are down in RPI limbo now.
They need a number of bubble teams to lose now, when if Morris had missed that shot, they would have been fairly safe.

[X-Fan]

That really may knock Texas out. They are down in RPI limbo now.


They need a number of bubble teams to lose now, when if Morris had missed that shot, they would have been fairly safe.
Wait, but Doug Gottlieb was all about them during the Texas game. Was also trashing the Big East on Twitter. Gonna save that tweet and serve it up to him after next weekend. Hope the Big East teams can make some crazy noise this March.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wait, but Doug Gottlieb was all about them during the Texas game. Was also trashing the Big East on Twitter. Gonna save that tweet and serve it up to him after next weekend. Hope the Big East teams can make some crazy noise this March.

What did he say about BE?

[BMoreX]

@GottliebShow: I'm telling you, the Big East is not as good as their numbers tell you - lower level of athlete in my opinion overall.

[X-Fan]

What did he say about BE?
"@GottliebShow: I'm telling you, the Big East is not as good as their numbers tell you - lower level of athlete in my opinion overall."

DB

[THRILLHOUSE]

@GottliebShow: I'm telling you, the Big East is not as good as their numbers tell you - lower level of athlete in my opinion overall.

Also said something about Texas would be 2nd or 3rd in Big East. As someone who has watched most of Texas games, I can tell you they would have the exact same issues in the BE as they do in B12. Talent isn't their issue, Barnes is. Wouldn't be any different in the Big East. As usual, Smug Gotlieb is full of it.

[Strange Brew]

@GottliebShow: I'm telling you, the Big East is not as good as their numbers tell you - lower level of athlete in my opinion overall.

I can't find my wallet. Someone must have pulled a Gottlieb.

[RoseyMuskie]

Maybe the Big East is overrated this season, but not due to a lack of talent. Dunn/Henton. Harrison/Pointer/Jordan. Gibbs/Whitehead/Delgado. Villanova..

You get the point. I passed that message along to Gottlieb. I personally think it was an easy way to rip the conference.

[Masterofreality]

Well, the a10 isn't overrated. They suck in all respects.

On the Today show this morning they had a free throw shooting contest matching up 4 students from the a10 (including one from udump) and 4 from the Big East (including one from XU). Of course the Big East won handily.

Just a better quality of student athlete.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Big East reminds me of American last year (sans Villanova). I know Georgetown and Butler are good teams, but why exactly were they ranked? ..because neutral court wins over UNC and Indiana in November and December respectively?

[GIMMFD]

Big East reminds me of American last year (sans Villanova). I know Georgetown and Butler are good teams, but why exactly were they ranked? ..because neutral court wins over UNC and Indiana in November and December respectively?

Georgetown was 21-9, beat Florida, only lost by 3 to Wisconsin, 5 to Kansas, beat Nova. They aren't amazing, but I think that alone deserves a rank in my opinion, 23 seems about right for them.

Butler, beat UNC and Indiana, St. John's when they were ranked, Seton Hall when they were ranked, only lost by 3 to Nova. I think at 22-10 they could argue that their 22nd ranking is justified as well. I don't know, maybe I'm biased, I think they deserve some recognition for pretty decent seasons. I would be in shock if either broke the top 20 though.

[Xville]

I think the big east is good, really good, but numbers wise I have no problem with someone saying they are overrated. There is villanova who is a legit final four contender...the rest are good not great teams in my opinion. Are the top 5-6 teams as good as the big 10 or acc? Maybe, maybe not....with that said the league is certainly better than the Pac 12 and the sec. I don't think we should get our butt hurt because someone says the conference is overrated...it possibly could be, the tournament should tell us a lot.

[Retire33]

All that said...what will you all see as a successful tournament for the conference? What would be successful in the media's eyes? What would be considered a failure?

I think getting two of six to sweet 16 is acceptable, 3 being decent, 4 or more very impressive.

I think one to the elite eight is needed too

[MuskiePimp23]

Big East reminds me of American last year (sans Villanova). I know Georgetown and Butler are good teams, but why exactly were they ranked? ..because neutral court wins over UNC and Indiana in November and December respectively?

They also finished #'s 2 and 3 in the conference respectively...That, with their out of conference wins is why they were both ranked.

[chico]

Big East reminds me of American last year (sans Villanova). I know Georgetown and Butler are good teams, but why exactly were they ranked? ..because neutral court wins over UNC and Indiana in November and December respectively?

Who do you propose take their place? I think 20-25 in the country is a good spot for those teams - can't think of teams that are unranked that are any better. Except Xavier, of course.

[goldiewilson]

Butler, beat UNC and Indiana, St. John's when they were ranked, Seton Hall when , only lost by 3 to Nova. I think at 22-10 they could argue that their 22nd ranking is justified as well. I don't know, maybe I'm biased, I think they deserve some recognition for pretty decent seasons. I would be in shock if either broke the top 20 though.

Not to quibble, but facts are facts. IU beat Butler by 9 points in December.

Georgetown, however, did defeat the Hoosiers in non con play.

[Masterofreality]

Not to quibble, but facts are facts. IU beat Butler by 9 points in December.

Georgetown, however, did defeat the Hoosiers in non con play.

Yeah, and NJIT beat Michigan in December too. What's your point?

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Cincinnati is going to curb stomp UConn tomorrow night.

NVM. I'm in tears at the moment.

[BandAid]

NVM. I'm in tears at the moment.

Don't worry bro. There's plenty of room on this bandwagon if you wanna jump aboard.

[LadyMuskie]

Don't worry bro. There's plenty of room on this bandwagon if you wanna jump aboard.

Woah. I mean, maybe he can walk alongside the wagon, but jump aboard? Let's not lose our minds.

[Strange Brew]

Woah. I mean, maybe he can walk alongside the wagon, but jump aboard? Let's not lose our minds.

Agree, he can carry a bucket and a shovel behind the horses but in the wagon. No

[BandAid]

Guys, I made a Lenten promise to convert someone. Don't ruin this for me.

[XUFan09]

Guys, I made a Lenten promise to convert someone. Don't ruin this for me.
I love this lol.

[LadyMuskie]

Guys, I made a Lenten promise to convert someone. Don't ruin this for me.

I'm not gonna lie, some people just can't be saved. Many of those people wear red and black with a weird C-shaped paw print. The rest wear red and blue and proudly proclaim that they have VD. God will understand.

[goldiewilson]

Yeah, and NJIT beat Michigan in December too. What's your point?

My point is someone above stated Butler beat IU, and that is factually incorrect. Pretty sure my original point was clear enough and still sailed right over your head.

[D-West & PO-Z]

ND about to win ACC tourney.

Anyone think Mike Brey will get past the first weekend for once?

[Masterofreality]

ND about to win ACC tourney.

Anyone think Mike Brey will get past the first weekend for once?

No.

[LA Muskie]

ND about to win ACC tourney.

Anyone think Mike Brey will get past the first weekend for once?
My heart wants to say no, but my brain tells me they just won the ACC championship with 3 straight comfortable wins, including over Duke and North Carolina in Greensboro. OK, so even my brain tells me their luck probably just ran out...

[JTG]

ND about to win ACC tourney.

Anyone think Mike Brey will get past the first weekend for once?

I think so, even though ACC Royalty ( Duke & NC) often take their foot off the gas in the ACC tourney ND looked sharp. Not an ND fan but Brey seems like a nice guy, and they have been hot since November

[paulxu]

When you are down 8, and go on a 24-2 run...I'm impressed.

[Masterofreality]

I think so, even though ACC Royalty ( Duke & NC) often take their foot off the gas in the ACC tourney ND looked sharp. Not an ND fan but Brey seems like a nice guy, and they have been hot since November

Which means they're due to have a horrific fail.

[Masterofreality]

Can both VCU and vdump lose today?

[LadyMuskie]

Can both VCU and vdump lose today?

I'd much rather see VD lose.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Mike Brey barely ever gets out of the first round let alone the first weekend. Not sure why but it is the case. I went back I think to 2005 and didnt see them in the sweet 16 and I think only one first round win.

[usfldan]

Mike Brey barely ever gets out of the first round let alone the first weekend. Not sure why but it is the case. I went back I think to 2005 and didnt see them in the sweet 16 and I think only one first round win.

According to the Notre Dame media guide, he made the Sweet 16 in 2003, but that is it as far as getting to the second weekend.

[xsteve1]

One thing you can see with UDump now compared to when Gregory was there is they are much stronger and more physical. Archie may end up better than Sean. Hope Archie gets a big time job soon.

[Masterofreality]

Ed Corbett- Ref in the Big East Conference Championship game.

Wally Rutecki- Ref in the a10 Championship game.

Advantage Big East.

[MADXSTER]

I think so, even though ACC Royalty ( Duke & NC) often take their foot off the gas in the ACC tourney ND looked sharp. Not an ND fan but Brey seems like a nice guy, and they have been hot since November

Hot since November?? Wouldn't that be like the whole season?

[xsteve1]

I really hope SMU can hold on, would hate to see UConn pull shit out of their asses again.

[xsteve1]

While Izzo has made some curious end of game decisions this year (Maryland and Minnesota) he has his team playing really well and they have very average talent.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://nypost.com/2015/03/15/coach-tears-achilles-celebrating-ncaa-tournament-berth/

Georgia State Coach ruptures achilles celebrating win.

I have done that, it is not fun!, Ugh I am cringing thinking about it.

[GoMuskies]

Georgia State's coach. That's Ron Hunter, who also famously ripped a hole in his suit celebrating a conference tournament title at IUPUI. The guy really needs to take it easy when his team wins conference championships!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Georgia State's coach. That's Ron Hunter, who also famously ripped a hole in his suit celebrating a conference tournament title at IUPUI. The guy really needs to take it easy when his team wins conference championships!

Oh yeah, thanks. State. Ha I didnt know about the other one, funny. A lot less painful the first one.

[GoMuskies]

I had forgotten that Kevin Ware was on that team, too. He of the gnarly broken leg against Duke in the Elite a couple years ago.

[GoMuskies]

Wichita State/KU in Omaha?!? That will be epic if it happens.

[waggy]

Wichita State/KU in Omaha?!? That will be epic if it happens.


Helluva a lower bracket. Three Indiana teams.

[RealDeal]

Dayton in dayton?

[xsteve1]

Can see an X zona 2nd round with whats left.

[waggy]

Georgetown got a 4 seed.

[xsteve1]

Nice draw for X.

[X-band '01]

ND about to win ACC tourney.

Anyone think Mike Brey will get past the first weekend for once?

Good draw for Butler if they can get past Texas this weekend. Mike Brey and the Irish have only made the Sweet 16 once during his tenure.

[xubrew]

The selection of UCLA might be the biggest joke of a selection of all time. I don't always agree with everything, but at the very least I can see the thought process that was in play. UCLA doesn't pass any sort of metric test, and they sure as hell don't pass any sort of eye test.

I don't think Murray State belonged in, but at the very least an argument could be made for the "eye test," and that you could speculate that they would have been able to beat some good teams if they had only gotten the chance to play them. That's a piss poor argument but at least it's an argument.

No argument whatsoever can be made for UCLA. None. Whereas Murray State didn't prove they were good, but didn't necessarily prove they were bad, UCLA absolutely proved they were bad. Multiple times. It makes absolutely no sense. Scott Barnes made reference to their "strong finish," which is interesting because for the past several years they've gone out of their way to emphasize that it is the entire "body of work" and not just how a team finishes. Also, what strong finish?? UCLA went 5-4 in their last nine games, and the wins were Washington and Wazzu at home, twice against USC, and once at home against Oregon, who wasn't particularly good no the road.

What a bunch of bullshit! There were reasons to leave the likes of Miami FL, Temple and Colorado State out. But, there were also reasons to take them. There was no reason whatsoever to take UCLA. What a complete joke!

[paulxu]

I agree about UCLA.
Only 4 of the 10 selection committee were P5 members, and the Stanford guy would have to recuse when discussing UCLA.
How they all came up with UCLA is just crazy.

[Masterofreality]

The selection of UCLA might be the biggest joke of a selection of all time. I don't always agree with everything, but at the very least I can see the thought process that was in play. UCLA doesn't pass any sort of metric test, and they sure as hell don't pass any sort of eye test.

I don't think Murray State belonged in, but at the very least an argument could be made for the "eye test," and that you could speculate that they would have been able to beat some good teams if they had only gotten the chance to play them. That's a piss poor argument but at least it's an argument.

No argument whatsoever can be made for UCLA. None. Whereas Murray State didn't prove they were good, but didn't necessarily prove they were bad, UCLA absolutely proved they were bad. Multiple times. It makes absolutely no sense. Scott Barnes made reference to their "strong finish," which is interesting because for the past several years they've gone out of their way to emphasize that it is the entire "body of work" and not just how a team finishes. Also, what strong finish?? UCLA went 5-4 in their last nine games, and the wins were Washington and Wazzu at home, twice against USC, and once at home against Oregon, who wasn't particularly good no the road.

What a bunch of bullshit! There were reasons to leave the likes of Miami FL, Temple and Colorado State out. But, there were also reasons to take them. There was no reason whatsoever to take UCLA. What a complete joke!

Not necessarily disagreeing that Temple and Colorado State didn't deserve to be in, but...

UCLA was 45 in the RPI and 47 in the Sagarins. Indiana was 61 in RPI and 40 in Sagarin. Indians's SOS was weaker than UCLA. Mississippi was 60 in RPI and 51 in Sagarins with a very, very weak SOS.

Just not sure that UCLA was the biggest joke that some say.

[BandAid]

I fully expect UCLA to win a game.

[xubrew]

I fully expect UCLA to win a game.

Their wins away from home include UAB, USC twice, and Stanford. So, this is a much taller order.

[LadyMuskie]

I fully expect UCLA to win a game.

I could see this happening as well if for no other reason than to prove everyone wrong. Disrespect (even if deserved) is a great motivator. I could also see them losing in spectacular fashion because they're not very good.

Honestly, aside from the 1 and 2 seeds, I think many games could go either way. I'm not sure seeding is as big of an indicator of the victor as it has been in the past.

[xubrew]

Even if UCLA ends up winning it all, in my opinion it doesn't justify their inclusion. It's based on what teams have done and not what they might do. They lost more games to teams that missed the NIT than they won against teams that were NIT caliber or better. I just don't understand it.

I'm not even saying this for the sake of being disagreeable. I really don't get this. It's a stupid selection.

[GoMuskies]

Steve Alford vs. Larry Brown. Hmm, tough call (sarcasm font needed).

[Masterofreality]

Even if UCLA ends up winning it all, in my opinion it doesn't justify their inclusion. It's based on what teams have done and not what they might do. They lost more games to teams that missed the NIT than they won against teams that were NIT caliber or better. I just don't understand it.

I'm not even saying this for the sake of being disagreeable. I really don't get this. It's a stupid selection.

I'm not really disagreeing. I think that there are at least 3 verrrrrry questionable picks. What I do know is that somebody, or some bodies on the Committee, really hate the AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC.

[LadyMuskie]

I don't think anyone would have been upset had UCLA not been included. Every year, some school makes it in that has some segment of the public questioning the thought process of the committee. This year, it's UCLA and just about everyone is questioning this particular inclusion - which is nice for the other schools that made it in that probably should not have.

In my mind, the biggest take away is that you can't leave your fate in the hands of the committee. So many were assured of our placement even if we went 0-5 to end the season, and I'm not sure we would have been in at that point. Win games you should, win games you shouldn't, and don't lose to teams who suck if you can't get the automatic bid for your conference.

[X-Fan]

In my mind, the biggest take away is that you can't leave your fate in the hands of the committee. So many were assured of our placement even if we went 0-5 to end the season, and I'm not sure we would have been in at that point. Win games you should, win games you shouldn't, and don't lose to teams who suck if you can't get the automatic bid for your conference.
Absolutely THIS! Public Reps, because the Man is keeping me down.

Mad because you won your Mid-Major conference and got upset in the Conference Tourney? Well, then make sure you win the Tourney, or schedule better, or both. I love the format of the NCAA Tourney because EVERY program has the opportunity to build from a small program in the MCC to a player in the Big East. X did it by continually looking to accomplish more. Scheduling tougher non-conference opponents, moving to tougher leagues, and building a top notch arena. Naturally, it's not easy but there are some factors schools can control to a degree. For YEARS X could not get any schools to play them, then it shifted to 2 for 1 deals, now many schools are eager to go in on a home-away contract. It's process, and if your team continually is sweating the bubble, and you aren't doing anything about it, then shame on you.

[bjf123]

As much as I dislike the UD nut cases, I have to agree with them that if UCLA had to make the tourney, they should be in the play in game instead of UD. But, that's not how the committee saw it, so have fun on Wednesday Dayton.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

As much as I dislike the UD nut cases, I have to agree with them that if UCLA had to make the tourney, they should be in the play in game instead of UD. But, that's not how the committee saw it, so have fun on Wednesday Dayton.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Even if they knocked UCLA down to first four game, the 3 other teams in the first four were in over UD per the seed line.

[xubrew]

Absolutely THIS! Public Reps, because the Man is keeping me down.

Mad because you won your Mid-Major conference and got upset in the Conference Tourney? Well, then make sure you win the Tourney, or schedule better, or both. I love the format of the NCAA Tourney because EVERY program has the opportunity to build from a small program in the MCC to a player in the Big East. X did it by continually looking to accomplish more. Scheduling tougher non-conference opponents, moving to tougher leagues, and building a top notch arena. Naturally, it's not easy but there are some factors schools can control to a degree. For YEARS X could not get any schools to play them, then it shifted to 2 for 1 deals, now many schools are eager to go in on a home-away contract. It's process, and if your team continually is sweating the bubble, and you aren't doing anything about it, then shame on you.

For the most part, I agree. I don't feel bad for any of the mid-majors that were left out. I just think that one of the teams they did take is utterly ridiculous.

I think there are more reasons to select Dayton than to leave them out, and that it's kinda crazy that they almost didn't make. But, at least with them, there are a couple of reasons to leave them out, even if there are more reasons to take them. There are no reasons whatsoever to take UCLA. Temple and Miami got good teams to play them, and actually beat a few of them. UCLA got good teams to play them and beat virtually none of them. They won twenty games, and sixteen of them were at home. Fifteen of them were to teams outside the RPI top 100, and aren't playing in postseason tournaments of any kind (other than UAB, who won the automatic bid, but that doesn't really count).

They had three sub 100 losses vs five top 100 wins. That is a pitifully weak case. On top of that, they don't even look that good. They've made some crazy selections that the vast majority of people have disagreed with in the past, but I was actually fine with just about all of those. At least Iona looked like an NCAA Tournament teams a few years ago. UCLA does not, and has not at any point. I don't necessarily feel sorry for any individual team that was left out, but there were probably about ten teams that were left out that would have made more sense than UCLA. I just find that to be ridiculous.