polls today, predictions ? ?

[Roach]

We beat Wake Forest on 12/22.

My mistake. I still don't like losing that highest ranking, and playing in Omaha always makes me nervous. Better bring the A-game tonight.

[ammtd34]

I'd like to do this with every single voter, but I do have a life (to a certain extent, I did the math for this after all). It would be interesting to see if there are certain people that rank us way high or way low on a consistent basis.

I know it's a small sample size and doesn't prove anything definitively in any way (polls aren't the best measurement after all), but it was interesting to see that there are definitely writers that like us more than others. I was surprised Seth Davis was the most favorable to Xavier. Actually, if you take out the first 4 weeks in the season (when polls are basically meaningless) Seth Davis has had us right on, one over, or one under every single week.


http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/team/xu/2015

[scoscox]

Dana O'Neil has been pretty against us this year. She and Seth Greenberg have usually been our biggest "detractors" at ESPN.

[Masterofreality]

Well, we all know that Dana O'Neill knows her stuff ----*"Big East is a Circus"* published Fall 2013.

[D-West & PO-Z]

#5 in ESPN Power rankings

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings

As high as #4 (Farnham, Medcalf)

As low as #9 (Eammon Brennan)

[X-band '01]

#5 in ESPN Power rankings

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings

As high as #4 (Farnham, Medcalf)

As low as #9 (Eammon Brennan)

Not surprised it's Brennan; he's the one who's doing the Bubble Watch for the Mothership.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not surprised it's Brennan; he's the one who's doing the Bubble Watch for the Mothership.

Lunardi and Gasaway have us 8th

[XUFan09]

Not surprised it's Brennan; he's the one who's doing the Bubble Watch for the Mothership.
Brennan has been rating us rather low this season, which is a surprise, coming from him.

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[LA Muskie]

If you happened to be a voter concerned that Xavier is a paper tiger because we haven't beaten a legitimate protected seed (Providence has managed to fall out of that category), then the last week's performance will have validated that concern. I personally disagree, but we all know our conference schedule is back-loaded so we haven't had a ton of opportunities to prove ourselves since the conference tilt started. And we got thrashed in our one big opportunity. So I can't get too worked up about the spread -- all of which is within the Top 10.

[UCGRAD4X]

If you happened to be a voter concerned that X is a paper tiger because we haven't beaten a legitimate protected seed (Providence has managed to fall out of that category), then the last week's performance will have validated that concern. I personally disagree, but we all know our conference schedule is back-loaded so we haven't have a ton of opportunities to prove ourselves since the conference tilt started. And we got thrashed in our one big opportunity. So I can't get too worked up about the spread -- all of which is within the Top 10.

Agreed. I can see a legitimate argument either way. I guess the biggest argument many would make is when you consider who is place ahead of Xavier. What are their 'signature' wins and do their subsequent losses off-set and higher-profile wins? I can see the argument but it is hard to condemn anyone for 8 or 9 - anything outside of that would be just plain STUPID!

[MauriceX]

http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/team/xu/2015

That is the site I used to figure out how those four writers rated us. It's got good info, just not exactly what I'm looking for. I want something that tells you "Graham Couch has been rating Xavier way high all year, and now inexplicably is on the low end." Without having to sift through every single week's polls yourself. It would just take more time than I'm willing to commit to go through every single voter every single week.

[kellernr]

Farr needs to worry Bout aging the damn game and stop throwing tantrums.

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[kellernr]

As long mack needs to make everyone shoot 1000 free throws a week.

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[nasdadjr]

Parrish has dropped X 7 spots down to 11. I told you all last week if Xavier lost they would take a huge hit. Unc can lose twice in a week and drop 6 spots, Oklahoma can lose and drop 2 or even 0 spots but X gets crushed with every loss. Makes almost no sense to me how these other schools can lose and drop 2 or 3 spots while X can lose and go down almost 30 percent in the polls. At this point in the season I'd think overall body of work counts for something but I guess that only counts for some teams and not others

[LA Muskie]

We have looked...shall we say...far from dominant for most of the conference season. We would have dropped if not for squeezing out the wins. I think a 4 pt drop is pretty reasonable under the circumstances. I probably would have us in the 10-11 range myself. After starting our season destroying everything that got in our way, we are trending in the wrong direction--win or lose.


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[nasdadjr]

So Iowa losses to Unranked Indiana and gets dropped 2 spots to 3. Oregon losses badly at cal and get dropped 3 spots to 13. I know it doesn't matter but why does it seem X get punished so much more for one loss than just about any other team in college basketball?

[XU3232]

So Iowa losses to Unranked Indiana and gets dropped 2 spots to 3. Oregon losses badly at cal and get dropped 3 spots to 13. I know it doesn't matter but why does it seem X get punished so much more for one loss than just about any other team in college basketball?

X has always had a problem with getting the respect they deserve.

[UCGRAD4X]

So Iowa losses to Unranked Indiana and gets dropped 2 spots to 3. Oregon losses badly at cal and get dropped 3 spots to 13. I know it doesn't matter but why does it seem X get punished so much more for one loss than just about any other team in college basketball?

Because we haven't been to a FF, much less NC. Until then, the respect will be hard to come by and fleeting when it does.

[GoMuskies]

KenPom still has Iowa at #3 despite the loss last night to #20 KenPom Indiana. Xavier is all the way back at #21, in part because our loss was by a bigger margin to #42 Creighton. I agree with people who think the pollsters are paying more attention to these computer rankings. And I think that's a good thing.

[XUFan09]

If Xavier had been expected to be really good this year, their ranking wouldn't fluctuate as much. Keep in mind on Monday though that Xavier didn't exactly appear to be playing their strongest basketball in the two games prior. Personally, I thought they played pretty well against Marquette but Marquette played a fantastic game; the outside world won't necessarily see it that way, though.

This all doesn't bother me too much, as the Selection Committee is a lot more aware than the poll voters.

[XUFan09]

KenPom still has Iowa at #3 despite the loss last night to #20 KenPom Indiana. Xavier is all the way back at #21, in part because our loss was by a bigger margin to #42 Creighton. I agree with people who think the pollsters are paying more attention to these computer rankings. And I think that's a good thing.

Yeah, Xavier will have to raise their efficiency rankings a bit for the sake of the Selection Committee too. However, that is likely to happen if they do well in the last stretch of games. When you're only favored to win at 43% in three games and at 52% in another, per Kenpom, the rankings will inevitably readjust if you play well.

[nasdadjr]

I predict X drops to double digits while Maryland and Virginia stay in the top 10. Oh and Oklahoma will drop no more than one spot

[GoMuskies]

With today's win, I think Xavier ends up 7 or 8. And there's a great shot at getting two pretty good wins next week.

[bleedXblue]

I predict X drops to double digits while Maryland and Virginia stay in the top 10. Oh and Oklahoma will drop no more than one spot

No way. We probably come in around 7-8 range

[paulxu]

Last weeks rank and weekly activity (0= 1win and 1 loss). Am trying to figure out and ignore wins against DivII teams (like Maryland)

1 Vill +2
2 Mary -1
3 Okl 0
4 Iowa -1 (game later today)
5 Xav 0
6 Kan +2
7 Virg 0
8 MSU -1 (game later today)
9 UNC +1 (game later today)
10 WVA 0

If Iowa and UNC win today, I would think we'd end up 7th; passed by UNC and Kansas.

[X-band '01]

Oklahoma barely beat Texas at home; I think they'll get dinged slightly just because it was a home loss for them. Xavier will lose a couple of spots just because losing at Creighton looks bad from an eye test perspective. Carolina would move up just because of 2 wins, but barely winning at Boston College won't move the needle as much as beating Pitt would. It's a different affair if Pitt somehow winds up winning on the road.

[mohr5150]

Parrish at CBS has us at 10. He still has Oklahoma at 2 and WVU moves up to 5.

[Lloyd Braun]

Parrish at CBS has us at 10. He still has Oklahoma at 2 and WVU moves up to 5.

Link (http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-college-basketball/25483645/kansas-jumps-from-no-5-to-no-1-in-top-25-and-one-after-beating-oklahoma)

His logic is poor. He uses RPI top 50 wins and losses for his basis of rankings. Then proceeds to ignore it with regard to the teams he doesn't like as much, X included. It's pretty funny.

[X-band '01]

Funny thing about that is that one of the excuses for his Poll Attacks two weeks ago involved a pollster from Long Island who had Xavier way down compared to other voters that week.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Parrish at CBS has us at 10. He still has Oklahoma at 2 and WVU moves up to 5.

His rankings were different though than the AP rankings. He did have OK at 1, so he moved them down 1, he had X at 10 last week so they dont move at all, He had WVU at 7 so they move up 2.

[Juice]

Link (http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-college-basketball/25483645/kansas-jumps-from-no-5-to-no-1-in-top-25-and-one-after-beating-oklahoma)

His logic is poor. He uses RPI top 50 wins and losses for his basis of rankings. Then proceeds to ignore it with regard to the teams he doesn't like as much, X included. It's pretty funny.

I think he uses RPI as a grouping or rating scale for top 50 wins but not necessarily to compare two teams head to head based on RPI. It makes sense to me.

[bobbiemcgee]

I'm sick of all the ratings nonsense. I have carefully packed my valise and gassed up the old honda anxiously awaiting my destination on selection sunday. No bubble issues this year and no football today. C'mon MARCH!

[Lloyd Braun]

I think he uses RPI as a grouping or rating scale for top 50 wins but not necessarily to compare two teams head to head based on RPI. It makes sense to me.

yea I wasn't implying that he does head to head. He uses it to validate his rankings by saying "___ has five top 50 RPI wins and only one loss to sub 50 teams.." Look at the top 10 and their comments, then look what he says about X. Any mentions of RPI? Maybe I'm searching for something that's not there but X is pretty strong in RPI, and it would seem odd to that someone who puts stock in the RPI (which is odd as it is) would have X ranked so "low".

[X-band '01]

Now that I think about it, Xavier's been getting the shaft from Lunardi ever since a fateful day in Dayton on March 2004.

#SloppyJoes

[xukeith]

Xavier has work to do competing in polls with the current top 12.
X's SOS is 42. Most of top 12 is in teens. Even after playing remaining BE schedule, SOS goes up to 35.

Need SH to only lose to X and Butler to get a solid top 50 rpi rating (lower 40's)

Need Butler to lose only against Villanova and win out to go 10-8 in conference and be top 50

Need UC to win out
Need Michigan to only lose 2 more games or less.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier has work to do competing in polls with the current top 12.
X's SOS is 42. Most of top 12 is in teens. Even after playing remaining BE schedule, SOS goes up to 35.

Need SH to only lose to X and Butler to get a solid top 50 rpi rating (lower 40's)

Need Butler to lose only against Villanova and win out to go 10-8 in conference and be top 50

Need UC to win out
Need Michigan to only lose 2 more games or less.

Pretty funny since at the end of the non conference schedule our SOS was Top 5 and we were #1 in RPI.
You can't control your conference schedule.

[Lloyd Braun]

And after every selection Sunday the committee chair gets asked why team A got this seed or team B missed the cut and the response almost always centers around non-conference strength of schedule and quality of victories. "Body of work" becomes rightfully overstated since the talking heads tend to get caught up in the moment. We will be in real good shape for a high seed barring meltdown.

[xu82]

Pretty funny since at the end of the non conference schedule our SOS was Top 5 and we were #1 in RPI.
You can't control your conference schedule.

Curious indeed, as we think of the BE as pretty tough overall. Just win, baby. I blame a certain poster who keeps putting up scores indicated our past opponents have lost recent games. Without him (and I won't name DWPZ or anyone else) this would not have come to be. Just sayin'..... :-)

[xu82]

Oh, maybe I just....never mind.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Curious indeed, as we think of the BE as pretty tough overall. Just win, baby. I blame a certain poster who keeps putting up scores indicated our past opponents have lost recent games. Without him (and I won't name DWPZ or anyone else) this would not have come to be. Just sayin'..... :-)

Hey now! Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just here to inform!

[xu82]

Hey now! Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just here to inform!

Damn, was I not cryptic enough? I didn't call you Debbie Downer, or anything.

Seriously, I really appreciate the updates. I'm too lazy to keep track, but knowing how our opponents are doing is great and I wouldn't keep track without your efforts.

[Masterofreality]

Curious indeed, as we think of the BE as pretty tough overall. Just win, baby. I blame a certain poster who keeps putting up scores indicated our past opponents have lost recent games. Without him (and I won't name DWPZ or anyone else) this would not have come to be. Just sayin'..... :-)

I think the league is being hurt more than most years by the lousy in conference play of DePaul and St. John's. Even with those guys, they still both had decent non-conference wins- St. John's vs Syracuse (of course can forget their lousy losses) and DePaul over GW...although GW is an A10 secondary conference school. :laugh:

[waggy]

The OOC (rpi) SOS is now ranked about 55.

The rpi picture isn't nearly complete at the beginning of conference play.

[scoscox]

I would guess that some of our non conference wins stopped performing well. Although DAyton certainly has been helping us that I know of.

[scoscox]

Thank you Waggy. That's what I was going for.

[XMuskieFTW]

Wake went from a top 50 win to below 100. Certainly doesn't help at all.

[waggy]

And I guess worth noting is the full SOS (again rpi) is currently 33.

[X-band '01]

I think the league is being hurt more than most years by the lousy in conference play of DePaul and St. John's. Even with those guys, they still both had decent non-conference wins- St. John's vs Syracuse (of course can forget their lousy losses) and DePaul over GW...although GW is an A10 secondary conference school. :laugh:

This year is a complete aberration for St. John's - at least they'll have more roster stability going into the off-season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Damn, was I not cryptic enough? I didn't call you Debbie Downer, or anything.

Seriously, I really appreciate the updates. I'm too lazy to keep track, but knowing how our opponents are doing is great and I wouldn't keep track without your efforts.

No problem, the news hasnt been great most nights unfortunately.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm looking at ESPN RPI, so I know it isnt the official but it is easy to look at all XU opponents, but there are a couple teams right on the line of moving into a better RPI tier:

Alabama-34
Somewhat close to becoming top 25 win

Michigan-51
UC- 59
Both close to becoming top 50 wins.

Wake-111
Marquette-113
Somewhat close to becoming top 100 wins

[xu82]

And all those people who wanted UC and Dayton to lose. I seriously never got that. I never lived there outside of college years though.

[gladdenguy]

Seth Davis has Xavier 6th
Nova, Kansas, Mich St, Oklahoma, Iowa, Xavier, West Virginia, UNC, Virginia, Maryland

Top Ten
3 Big 12, 3 Big 10, 2 Big East, 2 ACC

[paulxu]

Last weeks rank and weekly activity (0= 1win and 1 loss). Am trying to figure out and ignore wins against DivII teams (like Maryland)

1 Vill +2
2 Mary -1
3 Okl 0
4 Iowa 0
5 Xav 0
6 Kan +2
7 Virg 0
8 MSU 0
9 UNC +2
10 WVA 0

So UNC and Kansas will probably jump us and we slide to 7th.
Our RPI and SOS are a tick above UNC's, but...well, you know,

[X-band '01]

I'm looking at ESPN RPI, so I know it isnt the official but it is easy to look at all XU opponents, but there are a couple teams right on the line of moving into a better RPI tier:

Alabama-34
Somewhat close to becoming top 25 win

Michigan-51
UC- 59
Both close to becoming top 50 wins.

Wake-111
Marquette-113
Somewhat close to becoming top 100 wins

Wake Forest isn't going to be anywhere close to a double-digit RPI at the end of the year. Turns out that blowing big leads against Xavier and Virginia really crippled the Deacons' psyche. Contrast that to Texas Tech - they're alive and getting closer to the good side of the bubble now.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wake Forest isn't going to be anywhere close to a double-digit RPI at the end of the year. Turns out that blowing big leads against Xavier and Virginia really crippled the Deacons' psyche. Contrast that to Texas Tech - they're alive and getting closer to the good side of the bubble now.

Yeah I was surprised they were so close to 100. Maybe they can steal a win from one of the better teams. Probably not likely.

[Muskie1000]

And all those people who wanted UC and Dayton to lose. I seriously never got that. I never lived there outside of college years though.

That's why. In the both the UC and UD fan sector, there are those who will root for Xavier when we aren't playing them - but there aren't a whole lot of them. Think back to when Xavier had to play the first NCAA tourney game in Dayton and how the UD fans flocked there just to boo us - really? And how is that different than Xavier fans actively rooting against them?

[XMuskieFTW]

I've seen 7 individual ballots so far. They have us at 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, and 9. My guess is we come in at 7.

[xukeith]

I've seen 7 individual ballots so far. They have us at 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, and 9. My guess is we come in at 7.

Hope that is true. Hope.
I predict 8-9.

[kyxu]

This has to be the longest stretch we've been in the top 10, right? What a season this has been.

[Muskeagle]

This has to be the longest stretch we've been in the top 10, right? What a season this has been.

It has been quite a good year!

[Masterofreality]

This has to be the longest stretch we've been in the top 10, right? What a season this has been.

For those with short memories, at this exact time last year, Xavier was 16-10, coming off a HOME loss to St. John's and looking at having to go to the Bank at SucKS for a tough road game. We were in bad, bad shape.

As we all know, Dee Davis went goat against the Borecats, probably saved the season temporarily again by a veteran play at Creighton, and we survived an OT game against Butler in the first Big East Tourney game in OT where Dee was tied for leading scorer with Matt and Myles to give us our 20th win and probably, finally clinch a tourney bid.

A lot, LOT different this year. This is more fun, but last year was damn intense right about now.

[Xavier]

I was thinking the same thing, MOR. Last year at this time we were praying to get in. Now we're hoping a loss doesn't knock us out of top 10. It's a really special year when you think about it (duh). Past few years Id be seeing how teams 19-25 did to see if maybe we'd crack the top 25. What an incredible year, yet it feels like being a part of the top 15 will become the norm.

[Cheesehead]

"yet it feels like being a part of the top 15 will become the norm."

This would be excellent. Another step for the program.

[xukeith]

This has to be the longest stretch we've been in the top 10, right? What a season this has been.

X has never been in the top 10 ever this long.

[Masterofreality]

X 7th in USA Today

Nova still 1, Providence still 20

[xumuskies08]

Very surprised the coaches didn't drop X lower. I mean, I'm not going to complain. I just expected either 9th or 10th.

[xukeith]

http://heavy.com/sports/2016/02/ncaa-basketball-rankings-college-hoops-standings-february-15-schedule-top-teams-scores-records-week-fifteen-villanova-maryland-oklahoma/5/

He had X 4th

[XMuskieFTW]

Very surprised the coaches didn't drop X lower. I mean, I'm not going to complain. I just expected either 9th or 10th.

I'm more surprised providence only dropped 3 after losing to Marquette and almost blowing a 20 point lead against Georgetown.

[xukeith]

http://heavy.com/sports/2016/02/ncaa-basketball-rankings-college-hoops-standings-february-15-schedule-top-teams-scores-records-week-fifteen-villanova-maryland-oklahoma/5/

He had X 4th. oops that is a AP vote.

[XUFan09]

Very surprised the coaches didn't drop X lower. I mean, I'm not going to complain. I just expected either 9th or 10th.
That was a pretty thorough beating of a top 50 team. Also, maybe at least some of them heard about the ridiculously bad shooting night against Creighton.

The main thing might just be other teams losing.

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[xukeith]

Very surprised the coaches didn't drop X lower. I mean, I'm not going to complain. I just expected either 9th or 10th.

Curious to see how Iowa, Maryland, and other top 12 are treated with their losses.

[xukeith]

Masterofreality,
what is your source or link?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Masterofreality,
what is your source or link?

We are 7th in Coaches, it is out.

http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/

[Masterofreality]

Masterofreality,
what is your source or link?

http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/

[kyxu]

Xavier checks in at #1 in our hearts, per a source.

[GoMuskies]

I have no idea how Providence managed to stay ranked. I'm not upset about it, as it lets us beat a top 20 team tomorrow night, but they're the most overrated team not named Dayton.

[xavierj]

Very surprised the coaches didn't drop X lower. I mean, I'm not going to complain. I just expected either 9th or 10th.

Xavier is 22-3... 10-2 on the road/neutral, with as good of wins as anyone... They should be ranked higher.

[Masterofreality]

I have no idea how Providence managed to stay ranked. I'm not upset about it, as it lets us beat a top 20 team tomorrow night, but they're the most overrated team not named Dayton.

There are sheetshows all over college basketball this year. Who else is deserving? No one is making moves....except downward.

All those who would be the media darlings keep losing...like Texas A&M, like Gonzaga, like George Washington, like Wichita State, like Pitt, like USC, like.....

BTW Michigan has crept up to 29th in votes.

[xavierj]

I have no idea how Providence managed to stay ranked. I'm not upset about it, as it lets us beat a top 20 team tomorrow night, but they're the most overrated team not named Dayton.

Or Wednesday...

[GoMuskies]

Whenever. I was relying on Madxster, who gave mixed signals with his "Tuesday, February 17th" date for our next game.

[Xavier]

I predict X drops to double digits while Maryland and Virginia stay in the top 10. Oh and Oklahoma will drop no more than one spot

X dropped two spots. I like it.

[GoMuskies]

X dropped two spots. I like it.

Three in the Coaches Poll

[LA Muskie]

Xavier is 22-3... 10-2 on the road/neutral, with as good of wins as anyone... They should be ranked higher.

Everything but "as good of wins as anyone" is accurate. But let's not get carried away on that last point.


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[Xavier]

Yeah I messed that one up. nasdadjr could still be right.

[X Factor]

How is Texas still ranked at 16-9? Duke jumps 9 spots into the Top 20?

[GoMuskies]

Who else is deserving?


Massey Ratings Comparison has Providence 44th (KenPom #59!). That suggests 24 teams are more deserving. Hey, I don't quibble with a spot or two here or there between the polls and the computers, but when the computers have a team barely hanging onto a spot in the top 50 and the human polls have that team I the top 20....it's a pretty good bet that the humans are missing something.

[Xaveriana]

Three in the Coaches Poll

So, is Xavier #7 in both polls?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Everything but "as good of wins as anyone" is accurate. But let's not get carried away on that last point.


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Yeah I was about to say the same, we definitely do not have as good of wins as anyone. But we also have no bad losses. (Even thought it was "bad" to lose to Georgetown at home)

[GoMuskies]

So, is Xavier #7 in both polls?

I don't think AP is out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So, is Xavier #7 in both polls?

AP not out yet.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think 7 is a good bet though in AP. KU and UNC both will jump us. Possible someone else could and we go 8, but I think 7.

[xukeith]

AP comes out around 3, 3:30

[X-band '01]

Not in Eastern Time, Keith:

Xavier and Sparty tied for #8 (http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll)

[X-band '01]

Maryland was docked for losing at home against Wisconsin, but the North Carolina narrative is sickening here. That said, they'll have earned such a ranking if they finish with a flourish: 2 of their final 6 games are against Duke. The others - at Virginia, home to Miami and Syracuse and a trap game at NC State.

The home win at Pitt was nice, but barely winning at Boston College was somehow cause to jump the Tar Holes up 4 spots. Virginia stayed put at #7; you couldn't really punish them for losing a buzzer-beater that shouldn't have counted.

[LA Muskie]

When I look at the rankings I realize that everyone's basically guessing this year. Maybe it's that way every year but it seems more pronounced this year. You could shuffle 2-8T this week, pull them out, and justify just about any order. And there are probably 40 teams "worthy" of 16-25.

PS: I'd be furious if I were a Dayton fan. 21-3 and ranked 15.


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[Masterofreality]

X 8th in the AP

Nova still #1, Providence 23. http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll

[XUFan09]

Massey Ratings Comparison has Providence 44th (KenPom #59!). That suggests 24 teams are more deserving. Hey, I don't quibble with a spot or two here or there between the polls and the computers, but when the computers have a team barely hanging onto a spot in the top 50 and the human polls have that team I the top 20....it's a pretty good bet that the humans are missing something.
I think Providence is one of those teams that efficiency rankings will underrate. They don't have the depth to extend big leads on teams, but their two stars make it so they can win a lot of tighter games. Still, I agree that they shouldn't be ranked. However, if rankings were extended out to 35, I would definitely include them.

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[Masterofreality]

I think Providence is one of those teams that efficiency rankings will underrate. They don't have the depth to extend big leads on teams, but their two stars make it so they can win a lot of tighter games. Still, I agree that they shouldn't be ranked. However, if rankings were extended out to 35, I would definitely include them.

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I don't follow those things, but for example, where do they have Iowa, Indiana, Maryland and say Wichita State and Utah? Some of them are ranked, some are not.

[GoMuskies]

I don't follow those things, but for example, where do they have Iowa, Indiana, Maryland and say Wichita State and Utah? Some of them are ranked, some are not.

KenPom:

Iowa - #4
Indiana - #21
Maryland - #13
Wichita State - #18
Utah - #40

[X-band '01]

PS: I'd be furious if I were a Dayton fan.

No other qualifier is needed after that statement.

[GoMuskies]

Personally, I prefer Massey Ratings Comparison:

Iowa - #8
Indiana - #20
Maryland - #11
Wichita State - #27
Utah - #25

[OTRMUSKIE]

Iowa loses to Indiana and stays ranked at 4 in the AP, Oklahoma loses at home to Kansas and is still ranked #3. VD beats up on awful teams and is ranked 13th in coaches poll. Meanwhile X loses at Creighton and beats Butler on the road and they drop. Now they should drop I understand why they would. However how IN THE HELL DOES IOWA AND OKLAHOMA not drop after losing? Again and again.

[TUclutch]

Iowa loses to Indiana and stays ranked at 4 in the AP, Oklahoma loses at home to Kansas and is still ranked #3. VD beats up on awful teams and is ranked 13th in coaches poll. Meanwhile X loses at Creighton and beats Butler on the road and they drop. Now they should drop I understand why they would. However how IN THE HELL DOES IOWA AND OKLAHOMA not drop after losing? Again and again.

Losing to Kansas is not the same as losing to Creighton. Their win was also vs a ranked team unlike ours vs Butler

[Xavier]

Feel like if Xavier ever finished the regular season #1 but it wasn't unanimous some posters would play disrespect card.

[Emp]

Iowa loses to Indiana and stays ranked at 4 in the AP, Oklahoma loses at home to Kansas and is still ranked #3. VD beats up on awful teams and is ranked 13th in coaches poll. Meanwhile X loses at Creighton and beats Butler on the road and they drop. Now they should drop I understand why they would. However how IN THE HELL DOES IOWA AND OKLAHOMA not drop after losing? Again and again.

Losing by 17 to Creighton isn't as impressive as losing to Indiana by 7, or even more narrowly to Kansas?

[StanleyOwnsYou]

Iowa loses to Indiana and stays ranked at 4 in the AP, Oklahoma loses at home to Kansas and is still ranked #3. VD beats up on awful teams and is ranked 13th in coaches poll. Meanwhile X loses at Creighton and beats Butler on the road and they drop. Now they should drop I understand why they would. However how IN THE HELL DOES IOWA AND OKLAHOMA not drop after losing? Again and again.

I would submit Iowa State jumping up 1 spot, from 14 to 13 after losing @ Texas Tech in the middle of the week is even more egregious.

[MackAttack]

Hey all, been reading the board for a while and thought I'd join up as we head down the home stretch of what has been an incredible season. Anyone else notice how, even though we received the same amount of AP votes as Michigan St, ESPN tweeted out the rankings with us placed behind the Spartans at 9th? Obviously it doesn't matter in the least, but I still found it comical.

[X-band '01]

I move that John Feinstein be the subject of Poll Attacks this week - he has Dayton #8 (no one else has them above #12) and Xavier #10:

John Feinstein's AP Ballot (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/pollster/john-feinstein/2015/week-15)

[OTRMUSKIE]

Losing to,Creighton isn't the same as losing to Indiana you're right. Losing to a Tom Crean Indiana team is embarrassing. Eventually you have to tell Oklahoma and Iowa" listen guys we tried to keep you ranked high but after all these loses we can't keep doing that" Also I promise you VD isn't the 13th best team in the land. They might be the 50th best team. I am very happy that we are still 8th but Iowa? Come on!!!! Drop them a little.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Also that Feinstein guy has 10 extreme picks. The guy has no clue! There is at least one voter who is smart, because somebody didn't rank VD at all. That person does their research. Soren Petro and Graham Couch are the best because they are the two who didn't rank VD. They also,ranked X 6th and 10th.

[Xville]

in about 3 weeks these things are going to mean diddly poo...right now they matter just above diddly poo. Xavier just needs to keep winning.....go at least 4-1 the rest of the way and things will work itself out with a top 3 seed hopefully starting in St. Louis

[nasdadjr]

in about 3 weeks these things are going to mean diddly poo...right now they matter just above diddly poo. Xavier just needs to keep winning.....go at least 4-1 the rest of the way and things will work itself out with a top 3 seed hopefully starting in St. Louis

A 4-1 finish virtually locks a 2 seed up with a better than 50% chance at a 1 seed. 4-1 a three seed isn't even possible only because the quality of competition will be pretty high

[paulxu]

This is what I had last night.
Actual poll shown to the right:



Last weeks rank and weekly activity (0= 1win and 1 loss). Am trying to figure out and ignore wins against DivII teams (like Maryland)

1 Vill +2........1
2 Mary -1......6
3 Okl 0..........3
4 Iowa 0........4
5 Xav 0...............8!
6 Kan +2.......2
7 Virg 0...............7!
8 MSU 0........8
9 UNC +2......5
10 WVA 0......10

So UNC and Kansas will probably jump us and we slide to 7th.
Our RPI and SOS are a tick above UNC's, but...well, you know,

Pretty much makes sense on how the movements occur. If you have 1 W and 1 L, and somebody else had 2 W's, their moving up.
Would have liked to have stayed at 7, and VA was the same as us (1 W and 1L), but they get the benefit of being ACC (I guess).

[GoMuskies]

Well, UVA lost on a last second shot at Duke, and we got creamed at Creighton.

[paulxu]

Well, UVA lost on a last second shot at Duke, and we got creamed at Creighton.

True that. I thought that might be countered by comparing the two teams' wins.
Their win was at home versus Virginia Tech. Ours was on the road at Butler.

[xukeith]

A 4-1 finish virtually locks a 2 seed up with a better than 50% chance at a 1 seed. 4-1 a three seed isn't even possible only because the quality of competition will be pretty high

I don't see how a # 7 rpi team nor a #7 and * AP and Coaches team loses 1 time in six more games and gets a 1 seed.
For the 1 seed, X must top Villanova as the best team in the BE . A close 2nd and 15-3 BE record, means winning the BE tourney is the best X can do to get the 3rd or 4th #1 seed.

[LA Muskie]

The BE could get two #1 seeds this year. It would take a ton of star-aligning but it certainly is possible. Heck, I could see two conferences (Big 12 and Big East) nabbing all 4 #1 seeds. But it would require someone other than Iowa, Maryland or MSU winning the Big 10 and neither UNC nor UVA winning the ACC.


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[zanesxu]

Insofar that these rankings help with getting a good seeding and a favorable path to the final four, I care. Maybe being able to claim that we "achieved our highest ranking in AP history," or "first time getting a 1 seed" can help recruiting, but they don't hold a candle to results in March/April. I'd much rather be the highest 2 with a better path to the FF than a stretch 1. Last time I checked, the banners in Cintas only mention conference titles and Sweet 16 or better; not AP rankings.

[94GRAD]

I don't see how a # 7 rpi team nor a #7 and * AP and Coaches team loses 1 time in six more games and gets a 1 seed.
For the 1 seed, X must top Villanova as the best team in the BE . A close 2nd and 15-3 BE record, means winning the BE tourney is the best X can do to get the 3rd or 4th #1 seed.

If we beat Villanova twice, We will get a #1 seed over them. We will be 2-1 with a neutral court win over them.

* Assuming we lose no more than 1 game

[D-West & PO-Z]

ESPN power rankings:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings

High of 6 by Lunardi. (Which has to be mistake I would think as he had us 8 the previous week)

Low of 12.

[X-man]

ESPN power rankings:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings

High of 6 by Lunardi. (Which has to be mistake I would think as he had us 8 the previous week)

Low of 12.

I'm trying to understand how a 6, a 7, 4 8's, a 9, a 10, and a 12 averages 9. It rounds to 8, but ESPN of course rounds it up to 9.

[X-band '01]

That's because 8 teams had an average score ahead of Xavier.

[X-man]

That's because 8 teams had an average score ahead of Xavier.

Much too logical. I would much rather believe in an anti-Big East conspiracy involving ESPN.

[Xavier]

Didn't know where to put this--mods can move if necessary

Looking at our schedule this year and who we beat, XUBREW has a good case for getting Dayton back on schedule. Until X beats nova next week, Dayton will be the best win of the year numbers wise.

[smileyy]

Didn't know where to put this--mods can move if necessary

Looking at our schedule this year and who we beat, XUBREW has a good case for getting Dayton back on schedule. Until X beats nova next week, Dayton will be the best win of the year numbers wise.

Make the games contingent on Archie Miller coaching at UD. IOW, not playing Dayton next year.

[paulxu]

Mid week recap

1 Nova +1
2 Kan +1
3 Okla -1
4 Iowa -1
5 UNC -1
6 Mary
7 Virg +1
8 Xavier +1
9 MSU
10 WVA -1

[X-band '01]

Gotta beat Georgetown before we can consider the implications of jumping multiple teams next week.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gotta beat Georgetown before we can consider the implications of jumping multiple teams next week.

I'm more excited about how all these losses can help our seeding than our rankings. But yes for either one need to beat Georgetown. Lets get it done Muskies!

[XMuskieFTW]

Win on Saturday and we should be in line for the 4th one seed. That being said I'd rather be the best 2 seed than have to trek out to LA. Most importantly though, win Saturday.

[Xavier]

Meh, I don't see a one seed unless X beats nova. Either next week or in BE tournament. (Even if they lose next week and win BE tournament, has to be over Nova IMO. Just don't have that top win....hopefully, come selection Sunday this is an actual discussion on Xavierhoops).

[Emp]

Meh, I don't see a one seed unless X beats nova. Either next week or in BE tournament. (Even if they lose next week and win BE tournament, has to be over Nova IMO. Just don't have that top win....hopefully, come selection Sunday this is an actual discussion on Xavierhoops).

Correct. We've got tools to win one of those games. And...... I. I believe. I believe that. Etc.

[OTRMUSKIE]

That one seed sets you up for an easy first round game but that 8/9 scares me. I like the 2/3 seed better just because a 10 can beat a 7 and a 11 can beat a 6. Either way after the first game there really aren't any gimmes and sometimes that first game isn't a gimme. One day 16 is going to win.

[XUFan09]

That one seed sets you up for an easy first round game but that 8/9 scares me. I like the 2/3 seed better just because a 10 can beat a 7 and a 11 can beat a 6. Either way after the first game there really aren't any gimmes and sometimes that first game isn't a gimme. One day 16 is going to win.
The 8/9 matchup is overblown, as the 1 seed wins 7 out of 8 times. Historically, 1 seeds actually have a much better record in the Sweet 16 game than 2 seeds have in the second round game.

Now, 1-seed teams are obviously better than 2-seed teams, but that doesn't come close to accounting for the disparity.

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[X-band '01]

Looking at recent history is why OTR has some reason to be concerned: Gonzaga in 2013, Wichita State in 2014 and Villanova in 2015. It's all about matchups.

But until Xavier can exorcise their ghosts of Georgetown and Villanova past, it's premature to really consider them a 1 seed.

[zanesxu]

Success for this team is where it ends in March/April, not where it starts.


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[XUFan09]

Success for this team is where it ends in March/April, not where it starts.


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These are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

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[GoMuskies]

Looking at recent history is why OTR has some reason to be concerned: Gonzaga in 2013, Wichita State in 2014 and Villanova in 2015.


And how many 2 seeds lost in the second round during that stretch. Hell, 2 seeds have a habit of losing in the first round these days. Wanting to avoid a #1 seed for any reason is, well, kinda dumb.

[xubrew]

That one seed sets you up for an easy first round game but that 8/9 scares me. I like the 2/3 seed better just because a 10 can beat a 7 and a 11 can beat a 6. Either way after the first game there really aren't any gimmes and sometimes that first game isn't a gimme. One day 16 is going to win.

Of the four teams that made the Final Four, three were #1 seeds.

Only two #2 seeds made the Sweet Sixteen last year.

Only two #3 seeds even made the Round of 32 last year.

You may want to reassess your opinion on this.

[Muskie1000]

Not to want a #1 seed is just insanity. Pure insanity.

[American X]

Are we seriously discussing being a 2 seed instead of a 1 seed in order to sneak up on people?

[GoMuskies]

Are we seriously discussing being a 2 seed instead of a 1 seed in order to sneak up on people?

Hmm, when you put it that way, mark me down for a #2 seed as well!

[blueblob06]

Found this interesting - Xavier is the only Big East team with a winning record vs ranked teams. And they have one of the best win/loss records against ranked teams:

Based on USA Today Poll:
#1 Nova is 3-3
#2 Kansas is 6-3
#3 Okl is 5-3
#4 UNC is 1-2!
#5 MD is 2-2
#6 Iowa is 5-4
#7 X is 5-1
#8 VA is 4-0!
#9 MSU is 4-2
#10 Miami is 3-1

[xuwin]

Are we seriously discussing being a 2 seed instead of a 1 seed in order to sneak up on people?

Some people can try to rationalize anything.

[XUMIOH12]

as long as we win on Saturday, we should be able to move up a few spots in the polls

[94GRAD]

Win on Saturday and we should be in line for the 4th one seed. That being said I'd rather be the best 2 seed than have to trek out to LA. Most importantly though, win Saturday.

Depending on who the 4th 1 seed is, being the highest 2 seed might get us shipped out to Cali no matter what.

[GoMuskies]

Nevermind

[THRILLHOUSE]

Depending on who the 4th 1 seed is, being the highest 2 seed might get us shipped out to Cali no matter what.

Right. I believe they typically put the highest 2 seed and lowest 1 seed in the same region (as long as they aren't from the same conference).

[bourbonman]

Depending on who the 4th 1 seed is, being the highest 2 seed might get us shipped out to Cali no matter what.

Wouldn't the highest 2 seed be matched wherever the lowest 1 seed goes, regardless of region? And/or would respect be given to the highest 2 to be closer to their base if possible? I might guess if we're a 1 seed we'd be the lowest of that and possibly be sent west.

Regardless, isn't it fun to talk about 1 and 2 seeds.

[XUFan09]

Do they really make an effort to match those? I thought the Committee just used the S-curve to sum the rankings of the top 4 seeds, and then those sums cannot drastically differ between regions. Now, if you had the top overall seed and the top 2 seed in the same region (1+5=6), you'd be very restricted as to how you could balance that out. The lowest possible sum would 28 and the highest would be 40, so presumably all sums would have to fall around 34.

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[xubrew]

Right. I believe they typically put the highest 2 seed and lowest 1 seed in the same region (as long as they aren't from the same conference).


Wouldn't the highest 2 seed be matched wherever the lowest 1 seed goes, regardless of region? And/or would respect be given to the highest 2 to be closer to their base if possible? I might guess if we're a 1 seed we'd be the lowest of that and possibly be sent west.

Regardless, isn't it fun to talk about 1 and 2 seeds.

They've never been concerned about this before. They'll put the highest #2 seed with the highest #1 seed if it makes geographic sense to do so. As long as there was a balance among the top four seeds among all four regions. So, if you had the highest #1, the highest #2, the lowest #3 and the lowest #4, you're balanced when you rank all of that together.

Now, having said that, it has been suggested this year, for the first time ever, that they "if possible, avoid" putting the highest #2 with the highest #1.

I don't even though what that means. Of course it's possible to avoid. Just don't do it.

But, they also wouldn't be suggesting that if it hadn't been regularly happening. Which, when you look at the last several brackets, it looks as though they put the highest #1 and the highest #2 (or #1 overall and #5 overall) together several times.

[bleedXblue]

I predict Duke will jump into the Top 10 with their win over NC........yes, that's 10 full spots.

Hell, they might even jump us even with another W at Gtown.

Yes, that's how stupid the posters are.

[xuwin]

I predict Duke will jump into the Top 10 with their win over NC........yes, that's 10 full spots.

Hell, they might even jump us even with another W at Gtown.

Yes, that's how stupid the posters are.

I watched that game last night and I didn't see a national champion on the floor. UNC is a very poor outside shooting team and Duke has no bench.

[LA Muskie]

If anyone saw us against Nova, GTown or particularly Creighton I don't think they'd think much of us either. You can't really define a team by its performance in losses. Unless they have lost a lot.


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[paulxu]

Do they really make an effort to match those? I thought the Committee just used the S-curve to sum the rankings of the top 4 seeds, and then those sums cannot drastically differ between regions. Now, if you had the top overall seed and the top 2 seed in the same region (1+5=6), you'd be very restricted as to how you could balance that out. The lowest possible sum would 28 and the highest would be 40, so presumably all sums would have to fall around 34.

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I read this 3 times. I still don't have a damn clue what it means.

[xuwin]

If anyone saw us against Nova, GTown or particularly Creighton I don't think they'd think much of us either. You can't really define a team by its performance in losses. Unless they have lost a lot.


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I totally agree. Every team in the country has some ugly losses this year. Xavier has less than most.

[X-band '01]

I read this 3 times. I still don't have a damn clue what it means.

If you add the sum of all the seed list positions for each region (i.e. 33, 34, 35, 35), you can't have a variance of more than 5 between the highest and lowest region. Even under the scenario that XUFan09 listed for the #1 and #5 overall seeds, you almost have to have the lowest possible #3 seed (12 overall) and #4 seed (16 overall). What makes it tricky is that the Big 12, ACC and B1G teams all have to be in separate regions if they all get 4 teams as protected seeds. An exception is made if a conference gets 5 teams in; this is likely to happen for the Big 12 given Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Iowa State and Texas being candidates for Top 4 seeds. ACC is also possible given the teams of Virginia, UNC-Chapel Hill, Miami, Notre Dame and Duke.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah it has never been highest 1 seed matched up with lowest 2 seed, etc.

[xukeith]

100% agree. They did "look" sad and very beatable home against Seton Hall. Hope strong D, and rebounding XU team shows up. I doubt it will be a large crowd as the arena is very far from campus.

[XUFan09]

I read this 3 times. I still don't have a damn clue what it means.
Yeah, I realized I hadn't explained it well but had to head to class lol. I appreciate Band clarifying it for me.

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[nasdadjr]

Don't look now but Maryland just lost to Minnesota. In the last 2 days literally all roadblocks to a 1 seed for X have been removed and they control their own destiny. Win these next 2 games and a 1 is almost a virtual lock

[brownlavender]

with Maryland just getting a really,really bad loss at minnesota #'s 3,4,5,6 all lost this week. time to get some revenge saturday!

[bjf123]

As long as we don't end up ranked #5 again. Didn't we lose the next game each time after being being ranked #5 on a Monday?


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[RoseyMuskie]

As long as we don't end up ranked #5 again. Didn't we lose the next game each time after being being ranked #5 on a Monday?


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Yes. Every time the program has achieved (or tied) its highest ranking, it subsequently lost.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This is a very bad loss for Maryland. They should be dropped majorly in ranking. Minnesota has rpi of around 242.

[paulxu]

More Mid week recap with weekend game to come

1 Nova +1 Butler
2 Kan +1 @Kan St
3 Okla -1 @WVA
4 Iowa -1 Idle
5 UNC -1 Miami
6 Mary -1 Michigan
7 Virg +1 Idle
8 Xavier +1 @Georgetown
9 MSU +1 Idle
10 WVA -1 Okla

[usfldan]

As long as we don't end up ranked #5 again. Didn't we lose the next game each time after being being ranked #5 on a Monday?


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That shouldn't be a problem. Win Saturday and Xavier should be 3 or 4.

[xuwin]

This is a very bad loss for Maryland. They should be dropped majorly in ranking. Minnesota has rpi of around 242.

They will have an excuse with Diamond Stone serving his suspension tonight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

They will have an excuse with Diamond Stone serving his suspension tonight.

Still no excuse at all.

[Xtemporaneous]

There were 666 posts so I had to get that number moving on...

No seriously with Michigan St. MONSTER WIN <sarcasm> over Wisconsin I wonder how many first place votes they'll get. They are so friggin' overrated I can't even stand it. If we win out the weekend we'll probably only move up to six. We'll get passed by "name" teams and if we do I'll have absolutely no faith in CBB writers.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That shouldn't be a problem. Win Saturday and Xavier should be 3 or 4.

There is also an easy scenario in which 5 is as high as we go even with a win. Nova Kansas 1 and 2 assuming no loss. UVA jumping to 3 with win over Miami and voters could vot Mich state (who we are tied with at 8) to #4 and X to 5. We could jump over every team that has lost ahead of us this week and still only get to 5. There is also possibility they dont jump us over each one. Who knows.

[scoscox]

There were 666 posts so I had to get that number moving on...

No seriously with Michigan St. MONSTER WIN <sarcasm> over Wisconsin I wonder how many first place votes they'll get. They are so friggin' overrated I can't even stand it. If we win out the weekend we'll probably only move up to six. We'll get passed by "name" teams and if we do I'll have absolutely no faith in CBB writers.

Michigan State is literally one of the few teams that has deserved their ranking this year imo.

[Xavier]

There is also an easy scenario in which 5 is as high as we go even with a win. Nova Kansas 1 and 2 assuming no loss. UVA jumping to 3 with win over Miami and voters could vot Mich state (who we are tied with at 8) to #4 and X to 5. We could jump over every team that has lost ahead of us this week and still only get to 5. There is also possibility they dont jump us over each one. Who knows.

You really never know, on paper our top 25 win should look better than Mich St win and should be enough to jump Virginia....but it is weird, though the pollsters have kept providence in the top 25 I don't feel a win over them is viewed the same as other top 25 wins. Just win Saturday

[D-West & PO-Z]

No way the voters jump us over UNC now as they are dismantling Miami.

UNC winning though may be better for us anyway as that would have been a huge road win for Miami who is looking to grab a high seed as well.

[LA Muskie]

No way the voters jump us over UNC now as they are dismantling Miami.

UNC winning though may be better for us anyway as that would have been a huge road win for Miami who is looking to grab a high seed as well.
You're probably right. Missed that. My bad.

[GoMuskies]

Oklahoma will stay above us with a win at WV probably. We could be anywhere from 3 to 5, and I'm leaning 5 if Oky wins.

Also, go K State!

[paulxu]

2 teams in the country with 24 wins.

[xubrew]

If Grand Canyon wins tonight they'll have 24. They're a transitional team, though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oklahoma will stay above us with a win at WV probably. We could be anywhere from 3 to 5, and I'm leaning 5 if Oky wins.

Also, go K State!

I dont see how we get to 5 if we dont pass oklahoma. Unless you think we will pass UNC.

I forgot Oklahoma could get a big win on the road.

I think 6 is way more likely than 4 or better.

[LA Muskie]

The voters have a tough job this week. That is, if they bother to care.


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[paulxu]

End week recap (0 = 1 win and 1 loss)

1 Nova +2
2 Kan +2
3 Okla 0
4 Iowa -1
5 UNC 0
6 Mary -1 Michigan (Sunday)
7 Virg +1
8 Xavier +2
9 MSU +1
10 WVA -2

[D-West & PO-Z]

End week recap (0 = 1 win and 1 loss)

1 Nova +2
2 Kan +2
3 Okla 0
4 Iowa -1
5 UNC 0
6 Mary -1 Michigan (Sunday)
7 Virg +1
8 Xavier +2
9 MSU +1
10 WVA -2

MSU is really #8 also.

[paulxu]

I'm giving us the nod since we played and won twice.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm giving us the nod since we played and won twice.

Thanks. We all appreciate your nod. that means a lot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm giving us the nod since we played and won twice.

Make sure you tell the voters!

[paulxu]

The heck with them.

But...I bet we are above MSU on Monday.

[paulxu]

I would not be unhappy if Michigan came back in the second half and beat Maryland.

[X-band '01]

They're up 3 as we speak with 5:30 to play.

[paulxu]

End week recap (0 = 1 win and 1 loss)

1 Nova +2
2 Kan +2
3 Okla 0
4 Iowa -1
5 UNC 0
6 Mary 0
7 Virg +1
8 Xavier +2
9 MSU +1
10 WVA -2

I'd still like to be 5th.

[bjf123]

I'd still like to be 5th.

Not me. The last two times we were ranked 5th, we lost our next game. I don't want that mojo going into the Villanova game. I'll take 6th.


Golf is a relatively simple game, played by reasonably intelligent people, stupidly.
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[Emp]

I have to laugh that we are having this conversation. We're fifth. Not so fast. We're 6th.

What a luxury. I love it.

[OTRMUSKIE]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/rankings/top25

[xukeith]

That poll is a joke. Every top 10 team stays the same??? Come on CBS!

[D-West & PO-Z]

That poll is a joke. Every top 10 team stays the same??? Come on CBS!

Top 7 all stayed the same, 8 and 9 are different.

I think in the AP poll tomorrow 5 is our ceiling but I wouldnt be surprised to see 6. I think seeing 6 is more likely than seeing 4.

[D-West & PO-Z]

And I dont know how they keep Iowa put in that poll.

[Emp]

And I dont know how they keep Iowa put in that poll.

Iowa beat MSU twice?

I-agree Iowa seems over ranked, and that those two wins are being over valued. But are you saying not top 25?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Iowa beat MSU twice?

I-agree Iowa seems over ranked, and that those two wins are being over valued. But are you saying not top 25?

No I mean keeping them put at #5.

[Drew's Crew]

Iowa beat MSU twice?

I-agree Iowa seems over ranked, and that those two wins are being over valued. But are you saying not top 25?

But once was without Valentine and the second time was when Valentine played limited minutes.

[XMuskieFTW]

I've seen two AP ballots so far and we are at 4 in both.

[IM4X]

The two ballots I saw had us at #4 and #6. Good to know there is another #4 ranking for X.

It would be reasonable to see us anywhere from as high as #3 to as low as #6.

I personally think we deserve better than #6... A #4 ranking feels fair.

[xu82]

Again, I'm FAR more concerned with seeding and advancing than any of the ranking stuff. I'd LOVE a high ranking, but my happiness is more tied to a deep, deep run.

[IM4X]

I'm not sure if someone has already posted this piece by Gary Parish (from several weeks ago), but I wanted to include it here just in case it hasn't been shared. Apparently, some AP voters are very biased against certain teams and favor others or at least they simple don't care to give the time and effort needed to make rational decisions.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25469472/poll-attacks-an-ap-voter-dropped-xavier-for-no-reason-whatsoever

[XMuskieFTW]

Again, I'm FAR more concerned with seeding and advancing than any of the ranking stuff. I'd LOVE a high ranking, but my happiness is more tied to a deep, deep run.

Agreed. Much rather be the 1st-3rd best 2 seed to get location than 4th 1 seed to get stuck out west.

[LA Muskie]

I want a 1 seed. But then again I'm out west.


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[D-West & PO-Z]

I want a 1 seed. But then again I'm out west.


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I want a 1 seed as well. I think people severely underestimate the difference between a 1 seed and a 2 seed.

1 seeds have won 100% of their first round games, 2 seeds 94%.

1 seeds beat 8 and 9 seeds 84.8% of the time.

2 seeds beat 7 and 10 seeds 67.6% of the time.

1 seeds beat 4, 5, 12 and 13 seeds (Sweet 16) 78.4% of the time.

2 seeds beat 3, 6, 11, 14 seeds (Sweet 16) 68.8% of the time.

I want a 1 seed because it is our best chance to advance and it would be a big program milestone.

[XUFan09]

Agreed. Much rather be the 1st-3rd best 2 seed to get location than 4th 1 seed to get stuck out west.
Unless the location is Louisville or somewhere very close, the geography doesn't matter that much. Even then, the increased fan presence might still be offset by the stronger opponent.

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[GoMuskies]

Why does anyone care if we get stuck out West?!?

[XUFan09]

I want a 1 seed as well. I think people severely underestimate the difference between a 1 seed and a 2 seed.

1 seeds have won 100% of their first round games, 2 seeds 94%.

1 seeds beat 8 and 9 seeds 84.8% of the time.

2 seeds beat 7 and 10 seeds 67.6% of the time.

1 seeds beat 4, 5, 12 and 13 seeds (Sweet 16) 78.4% of the time.

2 seeds beat 3, 6, 11, 14 seeds (Sweet 16) 68.8% of the time.

I want a 1 seed because it is our best chance to advance and it would be a big program milestone.
Yup. Also, in the Elite Eight, I'd rather face a 2 seed than a 1 seed. Think of it this way: As things now stand, would you rather face Villanova/Kansas in the Elite Eight or one of the also-rans? I'm thinking of teams like Iowa, Maryland, or WVU who are probably going to fall in the 2/3 seed range.

Also, in the Sweet 16, a 1 seed would face a team who was probably never in serious contention for a 1 seed themselves. Those teams tend to be a step below. Just compare the 2008 and 2009 squads. The 2008 team would have probably been a 2 seed in most years and would have been in discussions for a 1 seed, but it was a highly elite year in college basketball. The 2009 team was very good, but they were never serious contenders, and it was a normal year for college basketball (relatively speaking). I'd rather face the 2009 team than the 2008 team.

Plus, if you're a 1 seed, you're more likely to be the beneficiary of an upset. Think of how many 2 and 3 seeds don't make it that far. It's not crazy to think of facing a 6 or 7 seed in the Elite Eight.

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[D-West & PO-Z]

Yup. Also, in the Elite Eight, I'd rather face a 2 seed than a 1 seed. Think of it this way: As things now stand, would you rather face Villanova/Kansas in the Elite Eight or one of the also-rans? I'm thinking of teams like Iowa, Maryland, or WVU who are probably going to fall in the 2/3 seed range.

Also, in the Sweet 16, a 1 seed would face a team who was probably never in serious contention for a 1 seed themselves. Those teams tend to be a step below. Just compare the 2008 and 2009 squads. The 2008 team would have probably been a 2 seed in most years and would have been in discussions for a 1 seed, but it was a highly elite year in college basketball. The 2009 team was very good, but they were never serious contenders, and it was a normal year for college basketball (relatively speaking). I'd rather face the 2009 team than the 2008 team.

Plus, if you're a 1 seed, you're more likely to be the beneficiary of an upset. Think of how many 2 and 3 seeds don't make it that far. It's not crazy to think of facing a 6 or 7 seed in the Elite Eight.

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Yeah and when it comes to 1 vs 2 seeds, 1 seeds win 55% of the time.

Even bigger I think is your point about 2 seeds losing more before the Elite 8 so as a 1 seed you have a better chance of not even having to face the 2 seed than you do being a 2 seed not facing the 1.

[XMuskieFTW]

Unless the location is Louisville or somewhere very close, the geography doesn't matter that much. Even then, the increased fan presence might still be offset by the stronger opponent.

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This is true. I guess if we are a 2 in a favorable location, the 1 is going to be in an even more favorable location and that will offset the balance of fans, especially with us being a smaller fan base. Being out west, we'll have a better match up as a 1 and probably playing another team with a geographical disadvantage.

The only way I wouldn't want this situation is if we got stuck playing someone like zona or oregon out there.

If the 1 seed is at a geographical disadvantage will they purposely not give advantages to lower seeds? Like let's say if arizona was a 3, would they purposely not be out west due to us being the 1 seed there? I'm not really sure on all the guidelines regarding these things.

[zanesxu]

I want a 1 seed as well. I think people severely underestimate the difference between a 1 seed and a 2 seed.

1 seeds have won 100% of their first round games, 2 seeds 94%.

1 seeds beat 8 and 9 seeds 84.8% of the time.

2 seeds beat 7 and 10 seeds 67.6% of the time.

1 seeds beat 4, 5, 12 and 13 seeds (Sweet 16) 78.4% of the time.

2 seeds beat 3, 6, 11, 14 seeds (Sweet 16) 68.8% of the time.

I want a 1 seed because it is our best chance to advance and it would be a big program milestone.

Great data here... sways my apathy between 1 vs. 2 / target on the back arguments...

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Based on last week results we should be around 4. However, I have seen about 10-12 ballots and there is one #3, two #4 and the rest are mostly #6 and one #7. So we may climb one or two spots.

[Xville]

I'm guessing a 4/5 in the coaches and 5/6 in the ap. Hoping for a 5 in both just so it can be a top 5 matchup on wednesday but not a huge deal if not.

[XUMIOH12]

im hoping for 4, but guessing we end up at 5.

[MarvAlbert]

Based on last week results we should be around 4. However, I have seen about 10-12 ballots and there is one #3, two #4 and the rest are mostly #6 and one #7. So we may climb one or two spots.

I've seen 11 AP ballots on twitter and here's the breakdown on who voted X where.
#3- Mark Berman
#4- Seth Davis, Doug Haller, Rick Bozich, David Borges, Graham Couch, Tyson Alger
#5- Chris Dachille
#6- Bret Strelow, Jerry Carino
#7- Geoff Grammar

[sgarcia]

I've seen 11 AP ballots on twitter and here's the breakdown on who voted X where.
#3- Mark Berman
#4- Seth Davis, Doug Haller, Rick Bozich, David Borges, Graham Couch, Tyson Alger
#5- Chris Dachille
#6- Bret Strelow, Jerry Carino
#7- Geoff Grammar

As long as we don't get our highest ranking ever this week I'll be happy. We've got our highest ranking ever 3 times this year and lost the 1st game each time after that.

[xudash]

As long as we don't get our highest ranking ever this week I'll be happy. We've got our highest ranking ever 3 times this year and lost the 1st game each time after that.

Small thinking. SMALL THINKING!

Get the highest ranking ever.

Beat Nova.

Win out against the Hall and Creighton.

Win the BET.

Then win the next 6 games.

[MarvAlbert]

As long as we don't get our highest ranking ever this week I'll be happy. We've got our highest ranking ever 3 times this year and lost the 1st game each time after that.

Chris Murray wants us to lose on Wednesday then. He just released his ballot and voted us #3.

[drudy23]

Looks like they put Nova at #2 in the coach's poll.

[drudy23]

Looks like they put Nova at #2 in the coach's poll.

Nevermind...it was a CBS poll I was looking at.

[GIMMFD]

Looks like they put Nova at #2 in the coach's poll.

What is the logic behind that? Gosh polls are so frustrating. They literally make zero sense what so ever.

[drudy23]

Read my nevermind post...I was looking at a different poll.

[GIMMFD]

Read my nevermind post...I was looking at a different poll.

Hell even then though, what was CBS thinking? lol.

[Xville]

http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/

5th in coaches poll. Somehow Virginia moves up 5 spots by beating a terrible NC State while X moves up 2 spots for winning on the road and beating a still ranked team. SMH

Guessing that based on this, we are going to be a 6 in the AP...the poll that actually matters somewhat.

[Lamont Sanford]

The Grad Assistants that are doing the actual voting are idiots. Plain and simple.

I blame George H.W. Bush too.

[GoMuskies]

Did the SIDs/DOBOs forget to watch Kentucky play Saturday night?

[X Factor]

Providence is STILL ranked at #24 in Coaches Poll. And Texas, at 17-10 is still ranked!!!

The Coaches Poll should be done away with.

[xukeith]

http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/

5th in coaches poll. Somehow Virginia moves up 5 spots by beating a terrible NC State while X moves up 2 spots for winning on the road and beating a still ranked team. SMH

Guessing that based on this, we are going to be a 6 in the AP...the poll that actually matters somewhat.

not bad. Oklahoma is solid but in my opinion Kansas "looks" the scariest.

[GoMuskies]

Ha, I missed that Providence is still ranked. They're 47th in the Massey Composite. Their human poll rankings are their two highest rankings out of the 37 that are part of the Massey Composite.

[Xville]

I know Oklahoma is a good team, but they have lost to Kansas State who is garbage and Texas Tech who is a bubble team besides also losing to Kansas in the past 2 plus weeks and have only dropped 2 spots. That's ridiculous.

[MarvAlbert]

Nevermind, I'm an idiot that can't read a poll correctly.

[GoMuskies]

They either need to get rid of this pointless poll or actually release ballots to hold voters accountable.

Here are why this is a complete joke-
1. Xavier was not ranked by someone.
2. One voter actually ranked Villanova #17.
3. Someone voted Maryland #2.

You're reading that wrong. The last column is the highest/lowest a team has been in the poll this year.

[Masterofreality]

USA Today Xavier 5, Villanova 1

Providence stil in at 24. VD lucky to stay in at 22.

[X-band '01]

AP #5:

AP Poll - February 22, 2015 (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/)

#1 Nova, #2 Kansas, #3 Oklahoma, #3 Virginia, #5 Xavier, #6 Michigan State, #7 UNC-Chapel Hill, #8 Iowa, #9 Arizona, #10 Maryland

EDIT: Oklahoma and Virginia tied for #3.

[waggy]

So a top 5 match-up. Nice.

[xubrew]

Maryland is not a top ten team.

I don't understand how anyone that has actually watched Maryland would think of them as being anywhere close to as good as their ranking indicates. They were ranked #2. They lost at home to unranked Wisconsin. They lost on the road to a Minnesota team that is eye-gougingly bad. They barely beat an unranked Michigan team at home that's dealing with injuries.

Yeah. Top ten.

And, it's not just that they had a bad week. There has really not been any point during the season where they looked a whole lot better than that.

[OTRMUSKIE]

You're reading that wrong. The last column is the highest/lowest a team has been in the poll this year.

If it's from the site that I have provided then he is reading it right. They have X as a 12 for the lowest in week 15. They had a problem with this weeks poll so that's why it says NR for X as the lowest. It should be fixed soon. Either way how IN THE HELL IS OKLAHOMA still ranked ahead of X? They have 5 losses and they still are ranked 3rd? WTF!!!!!! http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2015/week-15

[XUMIOH12]

i dont get the love for Virginia in the rankings this week. They only played 1 game against NC St and moved up. I think they have been a bit over rated all season. Maryland seems to be hanging in there based on pre-season expectations

[GoMuskies]

If it's from the site that I have provided then he is reading it right. They have X as a 12 for the lowest in week 15. They had a problem with this weeks poll so that's why it says NR for X as the lowest. It should be fixed soon. Either way how IN THE HELL IS OKLAHOMA still ranked ahead of X? They have 5 losses and they still are ranked 3rd? WTF!!!!!! http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2015/week-15


It's not. He was talking about the Coach's Poll.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Can someone please explain to me how Oklahoma doesn't drop? I don't care who they beat on the road they still have 5 losses and seem to lose once a week,

[blueblob06]

i dont get the love for Virginia in the rankings this week. They only played 1 game against NC St and moved up. I think they have been a bit over rated all season. Maryland seems to be hanging in there based on pre-season expectations

Exactly! Beat NC State at home and move up 5 spots? We beat a ranked team and at Gtown and they jump over us. Odd. Oh well, if we beat Nova, this doesn't matter. And I guess if we don't, it also doesn't matter...but it's nice to get to the rare air that is top 5 poll rankings!

[GoMuskies]

As long as we don't get our highest ranking ever this week I'll be happy. We've got our highest ranking ever 3 times this year and lost the 1st game each time after that.

Well, we dodged that bullet this week, but I certainly hope we have the chance to test out this theory against Creighton on Senior Night!

[Xville]

Can someone please explain to me how Oklahoma doesn't drop? I don't care who they beat on the road they still have 5 losses and seem to lose once a week,

Agreed. Nova and Kansas ranked ahead of us, I'm good with and think they deserve it. Virginia and Oklahoma being ranked above us is stupid. Oklahoma has lost three straight weeks and hasn't even dropped one spot in the AP. Come on.

[xumuskies08]

Pleasantly surprised with #5. Actually thought MSU might jump XU for some stupid reason. Win on Wednesday and a #1 seed is very likely.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Welp, didn't take much effort to find the worst poll of the week - http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll-voter/soren-petro

He has both UC and UConn ranked. Last week he had UK ranked 15th. This week after a loss, he moves them up to 12th.

[GoMuskies]

Welp, didn't take much effort to find the worst poll of the week - http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll-voter/soren-petro

He has both UC and UConn ranked. Last week he had UK ranked 15th. This week after a loss, he moves them up to 12th.

Ha, UC and UConn got their only votes from him.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Ha, UC and UConn got their only votes from him.

He had UC ranked 24th last week, so moved them up a spot after losing to Tulsa!

[sgarcia]

Well, we dodged that bullet this week, but I certainly hope we have the chance to test out this theory against Creighton on Senior Night!

Public reps for this. If we win twice this week it will be tested out on Senior Night.

[X-band '01]

We applaud Jon Wilner for finally realizing Xavier is good, but he's got some explaining to do as to why Providence is #12.

What is bizarre is John Feinstein ranking VCU #10 and Indiana #11.

[THRILLHOUSE]

What is bizarre is John Feinstein ranking VCU #10

He didn't even have VCU ranked at all last week! And he had Wichita State going from Unranked to #18. Yeesh. Yeah, I don't think Feinstein takes this seriously at all.

[RoseyMuskie]

Pleasantly surprised with #5. Actually thought MSU might jump XU for some stupid reason. Win on Wednesday and a #1 seed is very likely.

I actually don't think that. X needs to win Wednesday, and either win the Big East Championship / or lose in the BE Championship, with Nova losing in the quarters or semis.

I don't believe the committee will seed both X and Nova at #1, so X either needs to outlast Nova in the B.E.T. (assuming a win on Wednesday), or beat Nova in the championship.