Jerry Palm Bracketology

[X-man]

Might as well get a thread started on Palm's bracket forecasts at CBS. The first (real) one came out today. Here's the link: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology. Xavier is a 2-seed. The 4 other Big East teams are Providence with a 3-seed, Villanova and Butler with 4-seeds, and Seton Hall playing in with a 12-seed. Four teams seeded in the top 16 teams works for me.

[MuskieXU]

A 2 seed sounds right for us as of now. If we want to stay that high, however, we will need to win the Big East. If we can go 14-4 or even 13-5 in the Big East I think we are looking at a top 4 seed which is what I believe the goal should be.

As a side note my personal opinion is that Providence may be the most overrated team in the country currently. Will be interested to see how they fare once they enter BE play. Regardless, the BE as a whole is in fantastic shape currently.

[XUMIOH12]

as long as we finish off the rest of our non conference well, we can go 12-6 in conference and still get a top 4 seed. I would feel very optimistic about our tourney run with a seed that high. I think if we have no more than 8 losses total than we have a good shot at a top 4 seed.

[GoMuskies]

If we're 12-0 in the non-conference, 12-6 in the Big East would actually kind of be a letdown. Strange as that seems given preseason expectations.

[XUMIOH12]

If we're 12-0 in the non-conference, 12-6 in the Big East would actually kind of be a letdown. Strange as that seems given preseason expectations.

thats true, but then, going in to the big east tournament, we would be 24-6 with more good wins in conference. So, the overall resume would still look great.

[X-man]

After we beat WFU next Tuesday, we will have wins over two 5-seeds (UC and VD), a 7-seed (WFU), and an 8-seed (Alabama), in Palm's first bracket. Plus lots of opportunities within conference play obviously.

[D-West & PO-Z]

as long as we finish off the rest of our non conference well, we can go 12-6 in conference and still get a top 4 seed. I would feel very optimistic about our tourney run with a seed that high. I think if we have no more than 8 losses total than we have a good shot at a top 4 seed.

Yeah I dont think we have to go better than 12-6 in conference to get a top 4 as long as we finish off this non conference strong.

Again we went 9-9 in conference last year and got a 6 seed and that was with a worse non conference resume.

[XUMIOH12]

Yeah I dont think we have to go better than 12-6 in conference to get a top 4 as long as we finish off this non conference strong.

Again we went 9-9 in conference last year and got a 6 seed and that was with a worse non conference resume.

right, at this point we have a decent margin for error in conference.

[GoMuskies]

right, at this point we have a decent margin for error in conference.

That's only true if you're happy with a #4 seed. I'd love to see a #2 seed (or dare to dream on a #1 seed) for a much easier path to Houston. Much less room for error there.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's only true if you're happy with a #4 seed. I'd love to see a #2 seed (or dare to dream on a #1 seed) for a much easier path to Houston. Much less room for error there.

Yes, I'd love to see that.

What do you guys think we'd have to go in conference? I'd say 14-4 would give us top 2 if we finish off the offseason undefeated. That would give us 26-4 record heading into the conference tourney.

[XUMIOH12]

Yes, I'd love to see that.

What do you guys think we'd have to go in conference? I'd say 14-4 would give us top 2 if we finish off the offseason undefeated. That would give us 26-4 record heading into the conference tourney.

i was just referring to what it could take for a top 4 seed. obviously i would rather have a 1 or 2. 4 losses would definitely be at least a 2 seed. 5 or 6 losses we could still get a 2 seed depending on who those wins and losses in conference were against.

[GoMuskies]

Yes, I'd love to see that.

What do you guys think we'd have to go in conference? I'd say 14-4 would give us top 2 if we finish off the offseason undefeated. That would give us 26-4 record heading into the conference tourney.

I think that would have us right in the mix for a #1 with a Big East Tournament championship.

[scoscox]

I'd be pretty disappointed going 12-6 in conference. Who would we lose to? I would think the most we would lose is 4 barring some freak breakdowns in games. I also agree that Providence is the most overrated team right now. Outside of Kris Dunn I don't think they have much. Bentil is too small to compete against better teams. Nova is really the only team that is on par with us.

[Muskied]

The best thing about Palms bracket is the fact that we would be in Chicago with a chance to go to the final 4. I would easily take that over any site...no matter what our seed is.

[xubrew]

Loving the love for Little Rock, Chattanooga, and Monmouth at this point. Teams that get out there and play good teams away from home and beat them should be rewarded. If Monmouth doesn't blow it at Canisius this past week they'd probably be much higher. Same with Chattanooga kind of blowing it last week as well.

Chattanooga has won at Georgia and at Dayton. They've also won at Illinois, but that may not be all that noteworthy. The thing that sucks for them is that their best player is out indefinitely. Chattanooga is a deep team, but they have one guy that's clearly better than everyone else and he's out right now.

Monmouth has won at Georgetown, at UCLA, against Notre Dame on a neutral floor, and against USC on a neutral floor. Going strictly with what's on paper (which I realize may not always be practical at this point) there are teams on the #4 line that don't have as many good wins as that, much less away from home. Monmouth has played just one home game. JUST ONE!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets say we go undefeated at home in conference, that is 9 wins. We would need 5 more to get to 14 wins. So 5-4 on the road. That means we could lose to the top teams on the road (Nova, Butler, Providence, and maybe GT). Then say we sweep one of those teams that leaves a little wiggle room for a home loss to one of them or a road loss to an unexpected team. I think that is doable. There are almost always upsets and let downs but I think we can very reasonably go 14-4 in conference. We really need to take care of business at home.

[birdman71]

i was just referring to what it could take for a top 4 seed. obviously i would rather have a 1 or 2. 4 losses would definitely be at least a 2 seed. 5 or 6 losses we could still get a 2 seed depending on who those wins and losses in conference were against.

And only 4 losses could be a #1 rpi so 2 seed sounds feasible.

[Xville]

The best thing about Palms bracket is the fact that we would be in Chicago with a chance to go to the final 4. I would easily take that over any site...no matter what our seed is.

I'd take the Louisville Region....much closer from Cincy and better weather in March.

[GoMuskies]

I'd take the Louisville Region....much closer from Cincy and better weather in March.

Probably means playing Kentucky in the Commonwealth to get to Houston, though. No thanks. I'd rather face Kansas in Chicago.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Probably means playing Kentucky in the Commonwealth to get to Houston, though. No thanks. I'd rather face Kansas in Chicago.

Not if we are the stronger 1 seed and they get sent somewhere else as a 1!

[XUMIOH12]

Probably means playing Kentucky in the Commonwealth to get to Houston, though. No thanks. I'd rather face Kansas in Chicago.

the stadium would be primarily kentucky fans regadrless of where it is played.

[waggy]

If the BE finishes in the top 3 ratingwise, and X wins the conference, then a 1 seed is on the table.

[Xville]

Probably means playing Kentucky in the Commonwealth to get to Houston, though. No thanks. I'd rather face Kansas in Chicago.

this is the one year that I would not be afraid to play kentucky...even if it would basically be a home game for them. We would destroy Kentucky on the boards, and quite frankly we may have more talent than they do this year even though the recruiting rankings say differently.

[GoMuskies]

Not if we are the stronger 1 seed and they get sent somewhere else as a 1!

We'd better be a MUCH stronger 1. Kentucky is going to Louisville some how, some way unless they tank.

[XUFan09]

If the BE finishes in the top 3 ratingwise, and X wins the conference, then a 1 seed is on the table.

Yup. And a top 4 seed is a minimum expectation. I mean, Georgetown earned a 4 seed last year. The goal this season should be a top 2 seed.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I expect X to lose no more than 4, maybe even just 3 games in conference play.

[Xville]

I don't think we lose at home...I think we lose 4 away though....

Providence, Nova, up the Butler, and either marquette or the hall.

26-4 before the conference tourney....maybe we get a 5th loss. I think that's definitely 2 or 3 seed territory..more important really is which region...midwest or south would help out quite a bit.

[Emp]

I don't think we lose at home...I think we lose 4 away though....

Providence, Nova, up the Butler, and either marquette or the hall.

26-4 before the conference tourney....maybe we get a 5th loss. I think that's definitely 2 or 3 seed territory..more important really is which region...midwest or south would help out quite a bit.

Agree Marquette is not chopped liver, we could lose at the Bradley Center. We're going to lose one game we presume to be a cakewalk. Providence is not overrated IMHO.

Amping up expectations to a specific seed is going to break some hearts. Let's stay healthy, play one at a time, and enjoy This team.

[bleedXblue]

Agree Marquette is not chopped liver, we could lose at the Bradley Center. We're going to lose one game we presume to be a cakewalk. Providence is not overrated IMHO.

Amping up expectations to a specific seed is going to break some hearts. Let's stay healthy, play one at a time, and enjoy This team.

Providence with Dunn and Bentil is pretty darn good. I think they will be a tough out.

[MuskieXU]

I'm not saying Providence is bad or will be an easy win, just that I dont personally believe theyre the 15th best team in the country or will get a 3 seed. Not to go too far down the rabbit hole here but their only impressive win is Arizona, whose only impressive win is Gonzaga, who isnt really looking all that hot right now. If you buy into Kenpom Providence is 48. Do I think theyre the 48th best team in the country? No, definitely not. But dont think theyre top 15 either.

If we end the year with 7 losses (one coming in the conference tourney) I think we get a 4 seed at worst. 5-6 losses and were looking at a 3, and any less and we could get a 2. To get a 1 seed we probably need 3 losses and have to beat Nova at least once.

[xukeith]

According to rpiforecast.com, if X has 4 or 5 losses, X will have a to 6-7 rpi.

So if X wins the biggest game, Wake Forest, X can go 13-3 or 12-4 and get a 2 seed.
The BE may finish at best top 2 conference, worst top 4.

[XUOHTX]

This thread is one big jinx.

[Emp]

Easy Texas. We've never been here before, we're all drinking koolade. We've been dreaming about being in this position. #1 dreaming may be setting some of us up for heartburn........but what's a heaven for?

[XUOHTX]

Ha true.

The media keeps talking about how there isn't that one dominant team this year and it's wide open. What if we're that team?

[mid major]

Easy Texas. We've never been here before, we're all drinking koolade. We've been dreaming about being in this position. #1 dreaming may be setting some of us up for heartburn........but what's a heaven for?

EMP, you might be drinking koolade but I'm drinking some Peruvian Pisco with cranberry juice. If they had this last Sat in the Joseph Club maybe I would have lasted the night.

[UCGRAD4X]

EMP, you might be drinking koolade but I'm drinking some Peruvian Pisco with cranberry juice. If they had this last Sat in the Joseph Club maybe I would have lasted the night.

Peruvian Pisco?

And isn't cranberry juice what a Peruvian might drink to make sure his Pisco flows trouble free?

I think I read that in Cosmo or some other medical journal.

[MuskieXU]

Ha true.

The media keeps talking about how there isn't that one dominant team this year and it's wide open. What if we're that team?

If Jalen starts playing like an All American during conference play we legitimately could be.

[xuwin]

If Jalen starts playing like an All American during conference play we legitimately could be.

One good thing about Jalen's early foul trouble every game is that he's always the freshest man on the floor for the last 10 minutes.

[blobfan]

I don't think we lose at home...I think we lose 4 away though....

Providence, Nova, up the Butler, and either marquette or the hall.

26-4 before the conference tourney....maybe we get a 5th loss. I think that's definitely 2 or 3 seed territory..more important really is which region...midwest or south would help out quite a bit.

On a completely juvenile note: I don't know if your phrasing was intentional but it made me chuckle. I feel like this term has other relevant uses but definitely for a loss to them. Or visits to antiquated facilities where clocks stop spontaneously and fixtures fall off walls. Or fans talk righteously about their high-handed team/school philosophy. ("Get your head out from up the Butler and stop talking about your teams integrity when you lose to teams directional schools at home!)

Just sayin'.

[drudy23]

UC a 5 seed? They're a tourney team but no way they are a 5 seed.

Providence is very good. They're a sleeper to win the Big East.

[xukeith]

On a completely juvenile note: I don't know if your phrasing was intentional but it made me chuckle. I feel like this term has other relevant uses but definitely for a loss to them. Or visits to antiquated facilities where clocks stop spontaneously and fixtures fall off walls. Or fans talk righteously about their high-handed team/school philosophy. ("Get your head out from up the Butler and stop talking about your teams integrity when you lose to teams directional schools at home!)

Just sayin'.

According to realtimerpi.com,
4-5 losses results in a top 8 rpi.

[Snipe]

This thread is one big jinx.

As I am fond of saying : "what could possibly go wrong?"

[MauriceX]

Peruvian Pisco?

I just went to Peru this past spring, and Pisco is all the rage down there. I wasn't overly fond of it, but one of my friends loved it. It's basically wine that gets distilled into a a more alcohol-filled drink. They do lots of Pisco infusions with fruits, so I'm not surprised they had it with cranberry juice.

[XUOHTX]

Perfect Pisco Sour
2 oz of Pisco
1/2 Egg White
2 Tbs of sugar
2 oz of lemon juice

Shake with ice and pour into sugar rimmed glass. Then add a dash of Angostura Bitters.

[UCGRAD4X]

Perfect Pisco Sour
2 oz of Pisco
1/2 Egg White
2 Tbs of sugar
2 oz of lemon juice

Shake with ice and pour into sugar rimmed glass. Then add a dash of Angostura Bitters.

Is that TABLESPOONS of sugar? Ugh?

[Emp]

Is that TABLESPOONS of sugar? Ugh?

Unless you really like lemon juice, uncut 2 oz is really going to pucker you up, and may also ruin you bracketology.

[XUOHTX]

Unless you really like lemon juice, uncut 2 oz is really going to pucker you up, and may also ruin you bracketology.

Way to get us back on topic

[mid major]

I'll have to pre-make and take to the game. Never tried it with egg white before and my wife is from Peru.

[SteveSpivery]

Had an exchange student from Peru this year. He brought a bottle of Pisco. Had it with ginger ale and lemon or lime. It was pretty good.

[X-man]

New Bracketology (12/30) has the Muskies as 1-seed. Other Big East seeds are Providence and Butler with 2-seeds, 'Nova with a 5-seed, and Seton Hall with a 10-seed. VD checks in with a 4-seed, and the Bearcats are OUT. Here's the link:http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology.

[muskiefan82]

New Bracketology (12/30) has the Muskies as 1-seed. Other Big East seed are Providence and Butler with 2-seeds, 'Nova with a 5-seed, and Seton Hall with a 10-seed. VD checks in with a 4-seed, and the Bearcats are OUT. Here's the link:http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology.

I love that when you open this you see the big Xavier X on the right because X is #1 in the RPI.

[drudy23]

Wowsers.

Pinch me.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I can't see VD getting a 4 seed and UC out completely. Is VD that much better?

[drudy23]

UC has nothing going for it. They've put themselves squarely in a corner with ZERO quality wins. They're going to need a long winning streak with wins over teams like SMU being a must.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Cronin is going to find someone to blame, or will he say "it's all my fault".

[STL_XUfan]

New Bracketology (12/30) has the Muskies as 1-seed. Other Big East seed are Providence and Butler with 2-seeds, 'Nova with a 5-seed, and Seton Hall with a 10-seed. VD checks in with a 4-seed, and the Bearcats are OUT. Here's the link:http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology.

I'd be ok with Muskies playing their first few games in STL.

http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2014-10/16/13/enhanced/webdr10/anigif_enhanced-13495-1413479947-1.gif

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah you're only as good as your resume. UC does have 1 good win in GW (who got crushed at DePaul)but they have played 5 top 100 teams and are 1-4 with that GW win being the only one. Their next best win is VCU at 144 in the RPI. Their other 8 wins are all at RPI 172 or above.

[xubrew]

UC has nothing going for it. They've put themselves squarely in a corner with ZERO quality wins. They're going to need a long winning streak with wins over teams like SMU being a must.

I don't see how he can have GW on the #6 line, and UC out completely. UC lost at home to Temple which is bad. GW lost to DePaul, which is worse. Not to mention, UC did beat GW.

I get why Monmouth is in the First Four. I just don't agree with it. They have more wins away from home than anyone else in the field, and a lot of them are against solid teams. I know Army and Canisius aren't great, but it's still harder to win at Army (especially this year) and Canisius than it is to win buy games at home. They have nine wins. Eight were away from home. That's pretty damn good. It's a hell of a lot better than a #11 seed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't see how he can have GW on the #6 line, and UC out completely. UC lost at home to Temple which is bad. GW lost to DePaul, which is worse. Not to mention, UC did beat GW.

I get why Monmouth is in the First Four. I just don't agree with it. They have more wins away from home than anyone else in the field, and a lot of them are against solid teams. I know Army and Canisius aren't great, but it's still harder to win at Army (especially this year) and Canisius than it is to win buy games at home. They have nine wins. Eight were away from home. That's pretty damn good. It's a hell of a lot better than a #11 seed.

GW has 4 top 100 wins, UC has 1 (GW).

GW's SOS is 60, UC's 152

GW went 4-1 vs top 100 teams, UC 1-4.

I'm surprised you of all people brew would consider a road loss to DePaul (RPI 109) worse than a home loss to Temple (RPI 87).

[Masterofreality]

GW has 4 top 100 wins, UC has 1 (GW).

GW's SOS is 60, UC's 152

GW went 4-1 vs top 100 teams, UC 1-4.

I'm surprised you of all people brew would consider a road loss to DePaul (RPI 109) worse than a home loss to Temple (RPI 87).

Yep. This is the year where YTG 's scheduling philosophy comes back to bite him in his candy ass.

Oh, did I mention that it 's 4:15 on December 30, and SucKS still sucks?

[xubrew]

GW has 4 top 100 wins, UC has 1 (GW).

GW's SOS is 60, UC's 152

GW went 4-1 vs top 100 teams, UC 1-4.

I'm surprised you of all people brew would consider a road loss to DePaul (RPI 109) worse than a home loss to Temple (RPI 87).

I think DePaul is terrible. I wasn't saying UC should be ahead of GW. I'm just saying that they should be in if GW is on the #6 line.

UC's win came against GW on a neutral site. UC is also the only team to win at VCU.

Florida's best wins are Saint Joe's on a neutral site and Richmond at home. Neither of those teams are in his field. Florida's only true road win was at Navy. I think UC's paper is better than that. I think UC's team is better than that.

[waggy]

If UC doesn't make the dance I could see Mick getting canned.

[xu82]

If UC doesn't make the dance I could see Mick getting canned.

Maybe he's just not tough enough?

[X-band '01]

If UC doesn't make the dance I could see Mick getting canned.


Maybe he's just not tough enough?

UC might not have enough money to buy out his contract if they can him and/or Tuberville in their football program.

[MuskieXU]

If UC doesn't make the dance I could see Mick getting canned.

I'm not totally sure I agree based on the current state of their athletic department but his seat would definitely be flaming hot. If he did get fired I'm honestly very interested to see who UC could get. At this point I think they'd have to go for an up and comer based solely on their conference and resources. One name thats crossed my mind is Frank Martin, but is UC really a better job than South Carolina now? Pretty sad that thats even a question.

[paulxu]

but is UC really a better job than South Carolina now? Pretty sad that thats even a question.

No. (another edition of simple answers to simple questions)

Plus, why would you leave the SEC to play in the AAC? Tulane!

[xubrew]

Frank Martin is not an up and comer. When you're coaching a power five team and are in the rankings, you've arrived. When you've done it at two different schools, you've certainly arrived. Frank Martin may be crazy, but he's not insane. He won't leave South Carolina for Cincinnati.

I really don't think UC is going to miss the tournament, and even if they do I don't think they're going to consider getting rid of Cronin.

[MuskieXU]

Frank Martin is not an up and comer. When you're coaching a power five team and are in the rankings, you've arrived. When you've done it at two different schools, you've certainly arrived. Frank Martin may be crazy, but he's not insane. He won't leave South Carolina for Cincinnati.

I really don't think UC is going to miss the tournament, and even if they do I don't think they're going to consider getting rid of Cronin.

Didnt mean to imply Martin was an up and comer, I meant to say he was the only big name coach I think they would even have a chance at getting. Frank Martin was an assistant at UC under Huggins which is the only reason I think hed even consider the job, but I agree that USC is a better job right now. I would also say with UC having dreams of the B12 (some may say pipe dreams) they want stability and thats why I think Cronin (and TT) jobs are safe for at least the time being.

I agree that UC wont miss the tourney though. We were 10-4 last year and in a much worse spot than UC. Granted we are also in the BE, but the entire field is down this year and UC is better than a lot of bubble teams.

[xufan2434]

They certainly can't afford many more performances like the one against Temple. They still have 2 games each with UCONN, Memphis, and SMU. So they definitely have quality wins out there to get. I still think come March there will be far worse teams than UC on the bubble

[THRILLHOUSE]

My annual reminder that Palm isn't really that accurate of a "Bracketologist" - http://www.bracketmatrix.com/rankings.html

(Though I do like seeing a 1 next to Xavier.)

[Musketeer15]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology

X is a #2 seed here. Kicker is Providence and Nova are as well. That's three of the four two seeds from the BE!

[drudy23]

Dayton is probably a tournament team, but not a 4.

[GoMuskies]

Dayton is probably a tournament team, but not a 4.

Their RPI is exceptionally high, but no other system rates them in that neighborhood. They look more like a 7 than a 4 to me.

[maketewahXalum]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology

X is a #2 seed here. Kicker is Providence and Nova are as well. That's three of the four two seeds from the BE!

Bids by Conference:

PAC 12: 9 (2 PIG)
ACC: 7
SEC: 6 (1 PIG)
BIG 12: 6
BIG EAST: 5
BIG TEN: 5
A-10: 3 (1 PIG)
WCC: 2
AAC: 1

[nasdadjr]

I'm sorry I don't like saying it but Dayton will be a top 4 seed. They just won't lose much in the A-10. That is the same benefit we got for so many years and it is daytons turn to take advantage. The good thing is it helps out our resume which I'll gladly take along with a Villanova home win and a sweep of butler and providence. Let's go X

[drudy23]

I'm sorry I don't like saying it but Dayton will be a top 4 seed. They just won't lose much in the A-10. That is the same benefit we got for so many years and it is daytons turn to take advantage. The good thing is it helps out our resume which I'll gladly take along with a Villanova home win and a sweep of butler and providence. Let's go X

No they won't...the Committee ain't that dumb.

[OTRMUSKIE]

NASDADJR I like seeing all that green by your name. You had a lot of red there for awhile. I kept giving you positive reps because I hate that red color. However, VD is not a 4 seed and won't be. They are holding on to wins against Monmouth and Wil & Mary. They did lose to Chatanooga at home and havnt beaten anybody in convincing fashion. Their Iowa win will allow them to get in the PIG again but I fully expect a 10 loss season for that crap school.

[XU-PA]

I'm sorry I don't like saying it but Dayton will be a top 4 seed. They just won't lose much in the A-10. That is the same benefit we got for so many years and it is daytons turn to take advantage. The good thing is it helps out our resume which I'll gladly take along with a Villanova home win and a sweep of butler and providence. Let's go X

scanning the rpi etc you would have to assume that Dayton would cruise through their conference schedule. if they do and end up with only 3 or 4 losses it may happen. I suspect they'll have real trouble on the road and end up with more than a half dozen losses and drop down to a 7 or 8 (though OTRMuskine may have the number picked better) depending on where those losses come. they are not a horrible team, they ran into a buzz saw in Orlando, and I think their diminutive Coach became a lost little fawn unable to adjust, much like that Cronin guy did.

[nasdadjr]

NASDADJR I like seeing all that green by your name. You had a lot of red there for awhile. I kept giving you positive reps because I hate that red color. However, VD is not a 4 seed and won't be. They are holding on to wins against Monmouth and Wil & Mary. They did lose to Chatanooga at home and havnt beaten anybody in convincing fashion. Their Iowa win will allow them to get in the PIG again but I fully expect a 10 loss season for that crap school.
Trust me I don't like spewing that garbage from my mouth but I believe it to be true. When Xavier was in the A10 the conference "advised" on how teams should schedule every year. They were masters of numbers and committee manipulation. I just don't see them losing much from this point on. Yes I am aware the committee is better now but even if rpi is viewed as less important to the committee it will be hard to keep a top 15 rpi out of the top 4 lines. Of course I hope I'm wrong and that vd gets that whoopin at the hostile st Bonnie's and Fordham airplane hangars

[xubrew]

Trust me I don't like spewing that garbage from my mouth but I believe it to be true. When Xavier was in the A10 the conference "advised" on how teams should schedule every year. They were masters of numbers and committee manipulation. I just don't see them losing much from this point on. Yes I am aware the committee is better now but even if rpi is viewed as less important to the committee it will be hard to keep a top 15 rpi out of the top 4 lines. Of course I hope I'm wrong and that vd gets that whoopin at the hostile st Bonnie's and Fordham airplane hangars

Xavier earned a top four seed just three times, and won multiple games against top 25 teams away from home each time, and lost just one, two, and four games. It wasn't because of anything the A10 did or advised them to do, unless the advice was to beat ranked teams on the road, which is good but extremely obvious advice. If Dayton loses more than twice, they're not getting a top four seed. If Dayton ONLY loses twice, they still may not get it. They have one win that will probably get them that kind of recognition, and that was against Iowa, but it's only one. When you're sweating out multiple games against teams that are below the NIT (Duquesne, Miami OH, Arkansas, etc) you're not exactly demonstrating that you're a #4 seed.

[nasdadjr]

Xavier earned a top four seed just three times, and won multiple games against top 25 teams away from home each time, and lost just one, two, and four games. It wasn't because of anything the A10 did or advised them to do, unless the advice was to beat ranked teams on the road, which is good but extremely obvious advice. If Dayton loses more than twice, they're not getting a top four seed. If Dayton ONLY loses twice, they still may not get it. They have one win that will probably get them that kind of recognition, and that was against Iowa, but it's only one. When you're sweating out multiple games against teams that are below the NIT (Duquesne, Miami OH, Arkansas, etc) you're not exactly demonstrating that you're a #4 seed.

It is an absolute fact the A-10 commissioner gave each conference member advice on who to schedule in non conference games in order to increase league rpi. I think it was linda Bruno but may be wrong. Regardless of who it was getting perennial 280 rpi Fordham to 210 or a 170 Charlotte to 110 makes a huge difference so those conference games won't hit the top tier teams as hard which helps the conference with multiple bids. Xavier benefited from this when the A-10 had a better rpi than the pac-10 and sec at times. All I'm saying is that has not changed and Dayton will benefit from it. That's my only point

[xubrew]

It is an absolute fact the A-10 commissioner gave each conference member advice on who to schedule in non conference games in order to increase league rpi. I think it was linda Bruno but may be wrong. Regardless of who it was getting perennial 280 rpi Fordham to 210 or a 170 Charlotte to 110 makes a huge difference so those conference games won't hit the top tier teams as hard which helps the conference with multiple bids. Xavier benefited from this when the A-10 had a better rpi than the pac-10 and sec at times. All I'm saying is that has not changed and Dayton will benefit from it. That's my only point

Yes, I know that.

It is also an absolute fact that only THREE TIMES did Xavier ever get a seed of #4 or better, and one of those times was 2003, which was before the conference started giving advice on how to schedule. I can only think of one other example of an A10 getting a #4 seed after they started giving out this advice, and that was Saint Louis in 2013.

I know that they gave advice. I'm merely pointing out that the advice they gave isn't resulting in teams getting seeded #4th or better with any sort of regularity. I don't see Dayton doing it, and I'm being entirely objective when I say that.

[X-man]

Xavier is back to a 1-seed in Palm today, replacing UVa after last night's loss. This also suggests that Xavier was the top 2-seed in Palm's earlier version.

[Xville]

Xavier is back to a 1-seed in Palm today, replacing UVa after last night's loss. This also suggests that Xavier was the top 2-seed in Palm's earlier version.

As long as we aren't sent out to the West Regional, I don't care if we are a 1, 2, or 3 seed.

[MuskieXU]

As long as we aren't sent out to the West Regional, I don't care if we are a 1, 2, or 3 seed.

Seconded. I see being a top 3 seed as the goal, but dont really care which we are. The only team I specially would like to avoid prior to the Final 4 would be MSU, and thats solely because of Izzo.

[GoMuskies]

As long as we aren't sent out to the West Regional, I don't care if we are a 1, 2, or 3 seed.

I'd rather have the #1 seed and the trip out west, myself. It would be kind of fun to beat Arizona in the Regional Final. Check that, it would be TONS of fun to do that!

[nasdadjr]

Yes, I know that.

It is also an absolute fact that only THREE TIMES did Xavier ever get a seed of #4 or better, and one of those times was 2003, which was before the conference started giving advice on how to schedule. I can only think of one other example of an A10 getting a #4 seed after they started giving out this advice, and that was Saint Louis in 2013.

I know that they gave advice. I'm merely pointing out that the advice they gave isn't resulting in teams getting seeded #4th or better with any sort of regularity. I don't see Dayton doing it, and I'm being entirely objective when I say that.

Yes you are correct it didn't equal higher seeding but it got more conference teams in which gave the chance for higher seeds. I do think if Xavier was in the A-10 still had those wins over Monmouth and Iowa we would say at 14-2 in conference we should be considered for a top 4 seed. If we would make that argument for X then VD can make the same one

[Masterofreality]

Funny that YTG's minions are now in the "First Four Out" category in Palm's latest bracketology.

Who exactly is the "little brother" in town?

[X-band '01]

Speaking of Temple, it is awesome that they are now taking their annual wrecking ball to the American like they did for many years in the A-10.

[Masterofreality]

Speaking of Temple, it is awesome that they are now taking their annual wrecking ball to the American like they did for many years in the A-10.

Exactly. Lose all the high profile non-con games then beat the league top dogs thereby ruining the seeds and bids.

Glad Temple's out of our hair.

[xubrew]

Yes you are correct it didn't equal higher seeding but it got more conference teams in which gave the chance for higher seeds. I do think if Xavier was in the A-10 still had those wins over Monmouth and Iowa we would say at 14-2 in conference we should be considered for a top 4 seed. If we would make that argument for X then VD can make the same one

Well, maybe. It's just too early to say for sure, but I seriously doubt it. Definitively saying that Dayton will get a #4 seed is an extremely bold statement. I think they have a better chance of missing the field entirely than they do of getting a #4 seed, and I don't think they're going to miss the field.

I don't think Dayton is going to go 14-2 unless they really pick it up, but even if they do the problem is that they're not getting the caliber wins they need to land on the #4 line. They'll certainly have opportunities at wins that will land them safely in the field. But, to get on the #4 line you need to beat top 25 teams away from home, and they don't play any the rest of the way. The Iowa win is good, but they probably won't get a chance at a win better than that.

Duquesne actually is a good win (at least for now) because Dayton is the only team that's won there, but that's still just an at-large caliber win and not a #4 seed caliber win. They don't go to GW, and won't get as much credit for beating them at home. GW is no #4 seed either. They're probably in the 7-10 range, and beating a #7 seed at home doesn't equal a #4 seed caliber win. Saint Bonaventure, Saint Joe's and Richmond should all have strong home records. If they get all three of those, then maybe, but I seriously doubt they will and even if they do it's still just a maybe. Everyone else is either an NIT level opponent or worse. Davidson will likely finish with a sub .500 road record, so if Dayton beats them in Dayton it's not that good of a win.

[paulxu]

But, to get on the #4 line you need to beat top 25 teams away from home, and they don't play any the rest of the way.

Saint Bonaventure, Saint Joe's and Richmond should all have strong home records.

Thanks to the BE, we have 4 more opportunities at top 25 wins (not all away from home).
My Spiders are busily crapping in their bed.

[xubrew]

Thanks to the BE, we have 4 more opportunities at top 25 wins (not all away from home).
My Spiders are busily crapping in their bed.

That's not counting the conference tournament.

In the grand scheme of things, the A10 is a decent league. It's good enough to get its first place team safely inside the bubble, and 20+ conferences are unable to say that. But, if you want to demonstrate that you're a top sixteen team, then you at least need to win a few games against teams in the top twenty, and the A10 really doesn't have any of those. So, unless you get the wins out of conference, then you're looking at the 6-7 seed range, which is where Xavier often ended up. I don't see Dayton doing any better than that this year (if they even do that good). That's not a dig at UD or the A10. It's just an objective assessment.

[GoMuskies]

There's no reason you can't get a top 4 seed even in this year's A-10. You just can't lose to Chatanooga at home on the way there.

[nasdadjr]

Well, maybe. It's just too early to say for sure, but I seriously doubt it. Definitively saying that Dayton will get a #4 seed is an extremely bold statement. I think they have a better chance of missing the field entirely than they do of getting a #4 seed, and I don't think they're going to miss the field.

I don't think Dayton is going to go 14-2 unless they really pick it up, but even if they do the problem is that they're not getting the caliber wins they need to land on the #4 line. They'll certainly have opportunities at wins that will land them safely in the field. But, to get on the #4 line you need to beat top 25 teams away from home, and they don't play any the rest of the way. The Iowa win is good, but they probably won't get a chance at a win better than that.

Duquesne actually is a good win (at least for now) because Dayton is the only team that's won there, but that's still just an at-large caliber win and not a #4 seed caliber win. They don't go to GW, and won't get as much credit for beating them at home. GW is no #4 seed either. They're probably in the 7-10 range, and beating a #7 seed at home doesn't equal a #4 seed caliber win. Saint Bonaventure, Saint Joe's and Richmond should all have strong home records. If they get all three of those, then maybe, but I seriously doubt they will and even if they do it's still just a maybe. Everyone else is either an NIT level opponent or worse. Davidson will likely finish with a sub .500 road record, so if Dayton beats them in Dayton it's not that good of a win.

I don't think I typed that they would definitely get a 4 but if I did I was probably on the sauce lol. Plus I'm to lazy to go back and check what I wrote so I'll just hope I didn't say they will definitely get a 4 but I do think it's probable they get one with a strong conference record.

[xubrew]

There's no reason you can't get a top 4 seed even in this year's A-10. You just can't lose to Chatanooga at home on the way there.

Agreed. You can get a top four seed no matter what conference you're in. You just need to beat other high caliber teams at some point. If a SWAC team rampaged through their OOC schedule, chances are they'd end up as a #4 seed. But, other than Iowa Dayton hasn't beaten those teams, and as you said, they've lost to Chattanooga. Chattanooga is good, but if you're a #4 seed you need to beat them at home.

[xubrew]

I don't think I typed that they would definitely get a 4 but if I did I was probably on the sauce lol. Plus I'm to lazy to go back and check what I wrote so I'll just hope I didn't say they will definitely get a 4 but I do think it's probable they get one with a strong conference record.

I can't fault anyone for that!

[drudy23]

Funny that YTG's minions are now in the "First Four Out" category in Palm's latest bracketology.

Who exactly is the "little brother" in town?

You're just realizing that now?

We became big brother in this town 10 years ago.