Bubble watch time

[Juice]

Beat De Paul and we are dancing as a 10 seed. Lose and we are a 11 in PIG. That's is all you need the know. I don't care what anybody thinks x needs to do. I'm telling you what is going to happen.

I'd really like to avoid the play in game. Going to Dayton sucks and so does playing in that game twice. Has anyone else ever played in it more than one time?

[xavbball]

I don't see how a win against DePaul is going to improve our seeding. All we gain from them is avoiding a bad loss. Right now I think this team is an 11 seed. A loss to DePaul and I think we're out.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

Maybe our SOS of 10 will help us out.

[gladdenguy]

Thanks for the info on the 36 teams Brew. I never knew that.

I'm already hating this week.

[Masterofreality]

You know.

I REALLY hate ESPN and their infernal BPI.

What is that, anyway? Body Phat Index?

[Juice]

You know.

I REALLY hate ESPN and their infernal BPI.

What is that, anyway? Body Phat Index?

It's bullshit. And it's horribly misleading to the viewers because the selection committee doesn't use it.

[xubrew]

It's bullshit. And it's horribly misleading to the viewers because the selection committee doesn't use it.

It's a predictive ranking, not a merit based ranking. So, it's misleading if you use it for any other purpose other than for measuring a team's likelihood of winning. I don't know THAT much about it, but it did have Michigan State at #3 last year, who then proceeded to lose in the Round of 64, so.....

[nasdadjr]

I don't see how a win against DePaul is going to improve our seeding. All we gain from them is avoiding a bad loss. Right now I think this team is an 11 seed. A loss to DePaul and I think we're out.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yes!!! Someone else sees the light. Beating a horrible DePaul team does nothing for our resume. We may be out now a loss guarantees that. Beating Butler guarantees we are in ( however this team is incapable of beating them this year). Bringing up a 10 SOS is like bringing up the old Temple argument. Yes schedule was tough but I'm sorry you gotta beat some of those teams and the committee will take into account our quality wins (except Creighton) came with a player that will not play in the tournament. That matters

[XU 87]

I don't see how a win against DePaul is going to improve our seeding. All we gain from them is avoiding a bad loss. Right now I think this team is an 11 seed. A loss to DePaul and I think we're out.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I agree, but if X loses yesterday, then we're out. Winning yesterday keeps us alive. Win on Wednesday and we're probably in. And I also agree- lose to DePaul on Wednesday and we're out. Not so much a resume builder as it is avoiding bad losses and getting 20 wins.

[OTRMUSKIE]

No he is correct, beating DePaul keeps us from a bad loss which is what we wanted. If we lose to DePaul Weds then we probably are out, maybe. I dont think anybody is disagreeing with that.

[GoMuskies]

No he is correct, beating DePaul keeps us from a bad loss which is what we wanted. If we lose to DePaul Weds then we probably are out, maybe. I dont think anybody is disagreeing with that.

Wait, haven't you been saying we're in the play in game with a loss Wednesday? I need you to stay strong so I can keep believing.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yup

[OTRMUSKIE]

I'm losing my faith because of people like nasdjr and Brew.

[xubrew]

I'm losing my faith because of people like nasdjr and Brew.

Why me?? I'm not saying we're not in. In fact my whole position is that I'm not sure. I will be if we beat Butler.

[AviatorX]

Yes!!! Someone else sees the light. Beating a horrible DePaul team does nothing for our resume. We may be out now a loss guarantees that. Beating Butler guarantees we are in ( however this team is incapable of beating them this year). Bringing up a 10 SOS is like bringing up the old Temple argument. Yes schedule was tough but I'm sorry you gotta beat some of those teams and the committee will take into account our quality wins (except Creighton) came with a player that will not play in the tournament. That matters

The committee has actually valued non-conference SOS the last few years. Not saying I love it as a metric, but it's not unheard of for it to matter.

[JAPER]

The committee has actually valued non-conference SOS the last few years. Not saying I love it as a metric, but it's not unheard of for it to matter.

And there is some continuity, personnel-wise from Year 1 to Year 2 in the selection committees. If there was a point of emphasis last year on tough non-conference scheduling and rewarding that, there will be this year to a similar (but not identical) extent.

Put me in the optimistic camp even with an L to Butler on Thursday. However, it wouldn't help to be decidedly beaten.

The 16 teams they put out earlier in the year, clearly had this philosophy in mind.

[X-band '01]

Illinois State did not help themselves with the ass-kicking that Wichita handed to them.

[gladdenguy]

Illinois State did not help themselves with the ass-kicking that Wichita handed to them.

2-5 against top 100
24 wins against sub 100
2 wins vs top 100 were both at home

If they get in over Xavier it would be a travesty

[paulxu]

How do we avoid this stupid PIG?
If we win 2 in NY, would that do it?

[xubrew]

Three years ago they probably would have been in over Xavier. That was the year the A10 got six teams in because road wins were seemingly the only thing that mattered. Illinois State has won 9 true road games, and 7 were against teams with winning records at home who got those winning records without the benefit of playing home buy games. That with a top 30 RPI would have gotten them in.

But, six of the people from that committee are gone now. It just goes back to what are they going to value? And truthfully, I don't think any of us really know the answer to that. We can tell ourselves things to make us feel better or worse, but the reality is that if you're not in on the first ballot, then you're leaving it up to a group of people who may or may not take you based how they decide to look at you.

[xubrew]

How do we avoid this stupid PIG?
If we win 2 in NY, would that do it?

I would think.

[gladdenguy]

Basically, we were 0-4 without Tre if you count the Nova game (to make up 4 of the 6 losses in February)

With Tre and without Sumner, we had
W @ Creighton 1-0
W Seton Hall @home 2-0
Ws @ Depaul and Depaul @home 4-0
Ls Butler and Marquette @home 4-2
L @ Seton Hall (Tre's first game back)
And the other losses were against tourney teams on the road (@Providence, @Marquette)
Will the committee look at that Brew? If I look at it like that February doesn't feel as bad as it was.

[xubrew]

Basically, we were 0-4 without Tre if you count the Nova game (to make up 4 of the 6 losses in February)

With Tre and without Sumner, we had
W @ Creighton 1-0
W Seton Hall @home 2-0
Ws @ Depaul and Depaul @home 4-0
Ls Butler and Marquette @home 4-2
L @ Seton Hall (Tre's first game back)
And the other losses were against tourney teams on the road (@Providence, @Marquette)
Will the committee look at that Brew? If I look at it like that February doesn't feel as bad as it was.

I'm sure they'll look at it. I don't really have any idea how they'll go about weighing it.

[xubrew]

I do think we're going to get in if we beat DePaul. The thing is that arguments could be made either way. I think what ends up happening a lot of the time is that the different committee members come in with different values and different ideas on what should and shouldn't be emphasized. After they get the obvious teams in on the initial ballot, they latch on to teams that meet their preferred points of emphasis, and they're all different. Those who like Xavier will point all of those things out. Those who like someone else will start picking it apart. It's human nature, really.

-Yeah, they won at Creighton, but it came during a stretch when Creighton went just 3-6.

-Yeah they beat Seton Hall at home, but Seton Hall has a losing road record.

-Yeah, they beat DePaul twice, but who the hell can't do that??

They'll do that while making the arguments for the teams they like (be it Illinois State, or whoever) about how they have all those road wins against teams that play well at home, and how they only lost to Wichita State, and how they're a top 30 RPI team that finished first in their conference, and all that. And, those arguments will also be picked apart by pointing out how few top 100 wins they have, and how weak their SOS was.

It's a debate. It's NEVER unanimously agreed on. And, who knows who's gonna win the debate or how they're going to vote?? For that matter, who knows who's going to argue for or against us and for what reasons?? It's really not a whole lot different than a lot of the threads and debates we have here. At the end of each thread if Muskie were to lock it and we were to vote on it, then who knows how it would turn out??

I don't know that much about anyone who's currently on the committee. Truth be told, there have been times where I have, and there will probably be a time when that is again the case. That is not the case this year, though. I have no idea. If I had to guess I'd say we're okay if we win one more, but I really don't know.

[X-band '01]

How do we avoid this stupid PIG?
If we win 2 in NY, would that do it?

They beat Butler and they'll be at least a 10.

[gladdenguy]

I do think we're going to get in if we beat DePaul. The thing is that arguments could be made either way. I think what ends up happening a lot of the time is that the different committee members come in with different values and different ideas on what should and shouldn't be emphasized. After they get the obvious teams in on the initial ballot, they latch on to teams that meet their preferred points of emphasis, and they're all different. Those who like Xavier will point all of those things out. Those who like someone else will start picking it apart. It's human nature, really.

-Yeah, they won at Creighton, but it came during a stretch when Creighton went just 3-6.

-Yeah they beat Seton Hall at home, but Seton Hall has a losing road record.

-Yeah, they beat DePaul twice, but who the hell can't do that??

They'll do that while making the arguments for the teams they like (be it Illinois State, or whoever) about how they have all those road wins against teams that play well at home, and how they only lost to Wichita State, and how they're a top 30 RPI team that finished first in their conference, and all that. And, those arguments will also be picked apart by pointing out how few top 100 wins they have, and how weak their SOS was.

It's a debate. It's NEVER unanimously agreed on. And, who knows who's gonna win the debate or how they're going to vote?? For that matter, who knows who's going to argue for or against us and for what reasons?? It's really not a whole lot different than a lot of the threads and debates we have here. At the end of each thread if Muskie were to lock it and we were to vote on it, then who knows how it would turn out??

I don't know that much about anyone who's currently on the committee. Truth be told, there have been times where I have, and there will probably be a time when that is again the case. That is not the case this year, though. I have no idea. If I had to guess I'd say we're okay if we win one more, but I really don't know.

Thanks for all your knowledge and opinion. Maybe you should join the committee? Brew for NCAA Selection Committee in 17-18!!!

[nasdadjr]

Why me?? I'm not saying we're not in. In fact my whole position is that I'm not sure. I will be if we beat Butler.

I said the same thing. Win 2 a bid is a lock. Lose to DePaul we area lock for the NIT. Beat DePaul and lose to Butler then it's a nail biter. I think we end up on the wrong side of that fence if conference tournaments don't go chalk but I could be wrong

[SemajParlor]

In a strange way this season has reminded me of 2011-12.

[Masterofreality]

We're in if we win Wednesday night. That means that even with injuries we will have 20 wins and still be at or over .500 in the second, or third ranked league in the NCAA depending on what rating system you use. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY TOUGH LEAGUE. We're not playing flotsam and jetsam like in the A10.

If we can somehow beat Butler, which is not an impossibility, we improve to a single digit seed in my mind. I believe we can, but I'm more worried about our fatigue level than I am anything else. Now if Butler makes the shots they made against us in Cintas, we have no chance anyway, but if they play more like they did vs Seton Hall at home, we definitely have a shot.

[drudy23]

I said the same thing. Win 2 a bid is a lock. Lose to DePaul we area lock for the NIT. Beat DePaul and lose to Butler then it's a nail biter.

This.

[xufan2434]

I don't think I'll be able to stomach 3 losses to Butler in a year if it comes to that

[pimpinthebox]

I said the same thing. Win 2 a bid is a lock. Lose to DePaul we area lock for the NIT. Beat DePaul and lose to Butler then it's a nail biter. I think we end up on the wrong side of that fence if conference tournaments don't go chalk but I could be wrong

Pretty cut and dry scenarios all around. The one thing we do know is that "conference tournaments don't go chalk" so let's just win.

[markchal]

They beat Butler and they'll be at least a 10.

I'd be shocked if we were as low as a 10 after beating Butler. I think we'd be locked into that 8-9 game.

[XU 87]

Now if Butler makes the shots they made against us in Cintas, we have no chance anyway, but if they play more like they did vs Seton Hall at home, we definitely have a shot.

I tend to agree with you except that despite Butler making so many tough shots, X was right there at the end and could have won that game except for the stupid turnovers at the end. Granted, that was a home game and this is a neutral court, but still............

[xufan2434]

I tend to agree with you except that despite Butler making so many tough shots, X was right there at the end and could have won that game except for the stupid turnovers at the end. Granted, that was a home game and this is a neutral court, but still............

I don't wanna overlook Depaul, but I'm going to for the sake of conversation. I'm really interested in the coaching matchup for the 3rd Butler game. I've thought for the most part, Mack has won that battle up until this year. And especially the 2nd game, Holtmann has been able to make the better adjustments as the game has gone on. I could sit here and criticize Mack for whatever but one thing that's very evident is that he hates to lose and takes a lot of personal pride in his outcomes. I would expect him to be better this time around if they get there

[gladdenguy]

Only 2 teams separate Xavier from being out in the latest Dance Card

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

[AviatorX]

I don't wanna overlook Depaul, but I'm going to for the sake of conversation. I'm really interested in the coaching matchup for the 3rd Butler game. I've thought for the most part, Mack has won that battle up until this year. And especially the 2nd game, Holtmann has been able to make the better adjustments as the game has gone on. I could sit here and criticize Mack for whatever but one thing that's very evident is that he hates to lose and takes a lot of personal pride in his outcomes. I would expect him to be better this time around if they get there

Holtmann made a big time adjustment not having to guard Sumner in the second game.

[AviatorX]

Only 2 teams separate Xavier from being out in the latest Dance Card

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

Dance Card basically lines current teams up with past at large profiles right? If so, I would imagine the 20 win mark may have inflated importance in their formula. Someone alluded to this earlier, but probably not a lot of teams with 20 wins with RPI's around 30 and top 15 SOS have missed out. Hopefully we find out Thursday morning.

[xufan2434]

Holtmann made a big time adjustment not having to guard Sumner in the second game.

He also switched his defensive coverage on the pick and rolls and flustered X's guards leading to 4 turnovers

[XMuskieFTW]

A win against DePaul and a loss to Butler would put us at an expected rpi of 39 with a sos of 13.

[casualfan]

Keep in mind that dance card does not take into account injuries which is somewhat scary.

[paulxu]

When the committee sits down with, I think these sheets from the NCAA site, do they freeze the experience as of Sunday March 5th...or do they add the results of conference tournaments which would impact the RPI, etc.?

https://extra.ncaa.org/solutions/rpi/Stats%20Library/March%205%20Team%20Sheets.pdf

[nasdadjr]

When the committee sits down with, I think these sheets from the NCAA site, do they freeze the experience as of Sunday March 5th...or do they add the results of conference tournaments which would impact the RPI, etc.?

https://extra.ncaa.org/solutions/rpi/Stats%20Library/March%205%20Team%20Sheets.pdf

The committee the last few years has put very little weight on conference tournaments. You not going to see a team shoot up 3 seed lines cause of how they did in a tournament like Syracuse did back in the day. However this is a majority new committee so who knows what this group will or will not emphasize? They can be as fickle as Cincinnati weather

[bleedXblue]

We need to win Weds and the probability of us getting in is very, very high. Its that simple. Lose and we are squarely on the bubble.

[xubrew]

When the committee sits down with, I think these sheets from the NCAA site, do they freeze the experience as of Sunday March 5th...or do they add the results of conference tournaments which would impact the RPI, etc.?

https://extra.ncaa.org/solutions/rpi/Stats%20Library/March%205%20Team%20Sheets.pdf

They're in electronic format and updated pretty much any time a game goes final.

[casualfan]

We need to win Weds and the probability of us getting in is very, very high. Its that simple. Lose and we are squarely on the bubble.

If we lose Wed we're not going to make it.

[xubrew]

The committee the last few years has put very little weight on conference tournaments. You not going to see a team shoot up 3 seed lines cause of how they did in a tournament like Syracuse did back in the day. However this is a majority new committee so who knows what this group will or will not emphasize? They can be as fickle as Cincinnati weather

Every year, two people leave the committee and two people join. And, yeah, last year they didn't pay hardly any attention to the conference tournaments. How Seton Hall could beat two top ten teams in a neutral floor and end up as a #6 seed was sort of ridiculous.

[XMuskieFTW]

I agree the committee doesn't tend to give conference tournaments a ton of weight, however two years ago we shot up from what people thought was a bubble team to a 6 seed going 2-1 in New York. That one was odd.

[GoMuskies]

How Seton Hall could beat two top ten teams in a neutral floor and end up as a #6 seed was sort of ridiculous.

The Committee probably looked at their whole body of work and realized Seton Hall wasn't actually very good. And then Seton Hall promptly validated that thought by getting run by Gonzaga.

[xubrew]

The Committee probably looked at their whole body of work and realized Seton Hall wasn't actually very good. And then Seton Hall promptly validated that thought by getting run by Gonzaga.

They won 25 games, were third in the Big East, won the Big East Tournament, didn't lose a single game to anyone outside the top 100, and entered the NCAA Tournament after going 12-2 and beating two top ten teams. That seemed pretty damn good.

[GoMuskies]

That seemed pretty damn good.

Apparently seems can be deceiving. I personally was never much impressed with the Hall last year and greatly enjoyed the easy win on Gonzaga moneyline.

[SemajParlor]

I agree the committee doesn't tend to give conference tournaments a ton of weight, however two years ago we shot up from what people thought was a bubble team to a 6 seed going 2-1 in New York. That one was odd.

I've been to every X BE tourney game so far. Man 2015 was a fun 2 days.

[markchal]

If we lose, we don't really belong in the NCAA tournament. Will we get in? Maybe, but we don't belong there.

[GetUp5]

The most likely outcome is a W vs. DePaul and a L vs. Butler.

That puts X squarely on the bubble. Anybody can say we're in or we're out, but if those 2 outcomes become reality, we are going to be biting our nails Sunday night.

[ChicagoX]

The most likely outcome is a W vs. DePaul and a L vs. Butler.

That puts X squarely on the bubble. Anybody can say we're in or we're out, but if those 2 outcomes become reality, we are going to be biting our nails Sunday night.

I have a hard time believing that X is the 7th team in from the Big East if we don't win at least two games at MSG. I see us getting snubbed for another team and the BE only getting in six teams if we lose to Butler.

[nasdadjr]

I have a hard time believing that X is the 7th team in from the Big East if we don't win at least two games at MSG. I see us getting snubbed for another team and the BE only getting in six teams if we lose to Butler.

This has been my stance. As a fan I don't like it but as a realist I accept that as our fate. I thought the back breaking game was the home loss to Marquette. That one hurt bad giving them that edge over us. What needs to happen is for Tre to channel his inner Kemba Walker and somehow get 2 wins to lock it up. Of course he did that vs UC and it still was not enough.

[AviatorX]

They gotta find 68 teams somehow.

X is in Lunardi's (yeah, I know he's a middle of the road Bracketologist) last 4 in. According to him, the teams right behind X are Wake, USC, Illinois St., URI, Kansas State, Illinois, Iowa, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Houston, and California. Not exactly murderer's row. I realize this is dumb because this isn't how it actually works but just for fun:

Wake (I think they are dangerous, wouldn't be surprised to see them win a couple in Brooklyn) USC, URI, and Kansas State could conceivably make runs in their tourneys, so makes sense to root against them early.

Illinois St. is in the clubhouse and got clocked yesterday. Iowa plays IU which won't help and then would have to get through Wisconsin. Illinois just lost to Rutgers and has a hot Michigan team before running into Purdue.

GT, Clemson, Houston, and Cal are real long shots I would say. Clemson probably the most dangerous to make a run here.

Really hard to imagine anyone not already strongly in the field or listed above winning any of the power conference tournaments. Would imagine Gonzaga and St. Mary's can clean up their garbage league. AAC is in Storrs so ya never know, but UC and SMU really dominated the regular season. A10 could be one to watch as noted with URI above. Off the top of my head, MTSU in CUSA is probably the other one worth watching.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe I am being overly optimistic but I think we beat Depaul we are locked in. I dont think we are a last 4 in if we win either.

We win 2 I think we get to the 8/9 game.

We lose I Wednesday I will really be sweating but given things falling right think we could sneak into the PIG.

[XMuskieFTW]

I've been to every X BE tourney game so far. Man 2015 was a fun 2 days.

That's the only one I've been able to make it out to so far. Definitely picked a good year.

[XMuskieFTW]

Maybe I am being overly optimistic but I think we beat Depaul we are locked in. I dont think we are a last 4 in if we win either.

We win 2 I think we get to the 8/9 game.

We lose I Wednesday I will really be sweating but given things falling right think we could sneak into the PIG.

I'm with you on this. Our resume doesn't look nearly as bad as most. Do a blind test with X Marquette SH and providence and honestly it's us and marquette looking best with seton hall and providence behind. Now I know that's not exactly how things go and Sumner will be taken into account, but Bluiett will also be taken into account. I think the 6 games losing streak just makes things look bad lately, but if you take our last 11 games, start with a loss, and go back and forth from loss to win to loss etc does it really look as bad as the sentiment is right now? I'm just hoping the committee thinks more analytically than some eye test garbage.

Anyways, beat Depaul and you're guaranteed a top 40 rpi and top 15 sos. Hard to pass that team up for the tourney.

[JTG]

If we lose, we don't really belong in the NCAA tournament. Will we get in? Maybe, but we don't belong there.

The NCAA has teams every year that don't belong, the BIG gets teams in every year that embarrass themselves. We'll get in, we'll probably be one and done. BUT,we WILL Dance. !

[xavbball]

When the committee sits down with, I think these sheets from the NCAA site, do they freeze the experience as of Sunday March 5th...or do they add the results of conference tournaments which would impact the RPI, etc.?

https://extra.ncaa.org/solutions/rpi/Stats%20Library/March%205%20Team%20Sheets.pdf
Thanks for posting this link. It's interesting to look at Oklahoma State's resume and then ours. Pretty similar yet one team is on the bubble and the other is safely in the tournament (7 according to our favorite bracketologist Joe Lunardi).

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

Thanks for posting this link. It's interesting to look at Oklahoma State's resume and then ours. Pretty similar yet one team is on the bubble and the other is safely in the tournament (7 according to our favorite bracketologist Joe Lunardi).

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

One difference, OSU's 6 game losing streak happened in January and Xavier's in late February.

[Masterofreality]

He also switched his defensive coverage on the pick and rolls and flustered X's guards leading to 4 turnovers

Yes he did. Great observation, Fan. That also led to me being pissed that Mack didn't call a timeout immediately after the first late turnover. All of a sudden, a two point game became an 8 point game in a heart beat with turnovers on 4 out of 5 possessions. That is some on the players, but the staff F-ed up.

[xukeith]

NKU might win tonight and be IN.
Oh to be NKU!

[muskiefan82]

Northwestern might get a bid after decades of trying. NKU might get in on their first try. Crazy. NKU is young, too.

[xavierj]

Happy for NKU. Hope they win tonight. If Chris ever decides to leave maybe that's where Xavier goes for its next coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bubblewatch

[X-band '01]

Northwestern might get a bid after decades of trying. NKU might get in on their first try. Crazy. NKU is young, too.

And Nebraska-Omaha has a shot to advance on their 2nd year of eligibility.

Grand Canyon also has a very good chance of winning the WAC next year when they're fully eligible.

[muskiefan82]

If NKU continues to rise and becomes the Horizon Flagship, this area will really be ridiculous for basketball.

I wonder who the best team playing at BB&T next year will be?

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Im with the group that believe we need to get to the 2nd game and beat Butler. Obviously, it also depends how other bubble teams perform on these days. Now, I wonder what type of consideration the Selection Committee gives to the health of our players. Leaving Myles out of the discussion, we have a starter out, a starter playing anywhere from 60%-90% depending how you want to see it and an important reserve availability at a high degree of uncertainty. Our rotation is seriously compromised as it is and I am not going to get to foul troubles but, the picture sucks big time. Did I say I believe in miracles and that the Xvier tradition should pump our guys.

[GoMuskies]

Clemson wins. Anyone checking how that affected our RPI? Wake is up next!

On the other hand, I guess we're probably better off if Wake loses. Would certainly send them to the NIT.

[AviatorX]

Clemson wins. Anyone checking how that affected our RPI? Wake is up next!

On the other hand, I guess we're probably better off if Wake loses. Would certainly send them to the NIT.

Clemson's RPI was at 67 going into the game and Wake's is at 32. Probably best to just be rooting against those teams because the bump X would receive isn't worth it. Would imagine if Clemson goes down to Duke at Cameron North 2.0 tomorrow theyre NIT bound as well.

Side note -- I'm waiting for Lunardi to add another category for "next next four out" so they have more teams to ask him about at the 350 halftimes coming up over the next few days. Think Georgetown has a shot to play their way onto that list.

[GoMuskies]

Jesus, until looking at Bracketology I didn't even realize Clemson to the NCAA Tournament was still a potential thing. They went 6-12 in the ACC. They should be on the NIT bubble!

[GetUp5]

Jesus, until looking at Bracketology I didn't even realize Clemson to the NCAA Tournament was still a potential thing. They went 6-12 in the ACC. They should be on the NIT bubble!

3 KenPom top 50 wins, 0 losses to anyone ranked higher than 80 (G Tech on the road). They really had a frustrating season. Lost to UNC by 3 (OT), @ ND by 5, Virginia by 4, V Tech by 1, Syracuse by 1, @ Duke by 2, @ Miami by 6, @ V Tech by 1, FSU by 2, Xavier by 6.

That's 10 top 50 games that they lost by 6 points or less.

[GoMuskies]

So they're almost good. That should almost put them in the NCAA discussion. I hope Dook kills off all remaining hope for them tomorrow.

[AviatorX]

If Wake went down today that would be huge. I've watched them a lot this season and think they have a pretty good team. Think they could make a little run with wins over UVA and FSU. So go BC I guess.

Wake in a pretty similar situation to X, honestly. Pretty similar resumes as well.

[AviatorX]

Clemson wins. Anyone checking how that affected our RPI? Wake is up next!

On the other hand, I guess we're probably better off if Wake loses. Would certainly send them to the NIT.

He has Houston in the next four out as well. Houston! They were 12-6 in the AAC and none of their wins were over SMU or UC.

[xudash]

If Wake went down today that would be huge. I've watched them a lot this season and think they have a pretty good team. Think they could make a little run with wins over UVA and FSU. So go BC I guess.

Wake in a pretty similar situation to X, honestly. Pretty similar resumes as well.

Relying on BC to win a game is like relying on Xavier to shoot better than 70% as a team from the FT line.

[94GRAD]

Relying on BC to win a game is like relying on Xavier to shoot better than 70% as a team from the FT line.

So you're saying there's a chance!

[GoMuskies]

4 point game!!!!!!!!!

OK, probably a little early for that. Fun to have the real Championship Week (with apologies to 'brew) get started.

[X-band '01]

If Wake went down today that would be huge. I've watched them a lot this season and think they have a pretty good team. Think they could make a little run with wins over UVA and FSU. So go BC I guess.

Wake in a pretty similar situation to X, honestly. Pretty similar resumes as well.

As long as they don't cream themselves today, Wake should be in the tournament. Lose to Boston College and all bets are off.

They really helped themselves with the win at home against Louisville and at Virginia Tech last week.

[xudash]

So you're saying there's a chance!

My beer glass at Dana's is half FULL. Yes, there's a chance.

Actually, I'm going with the idea that BC sucks, just like we do when it comes to shooting FT's.

[xubrew]

I'll sleep so well on Thursday night if we beat Butler.

[GIMMFD]

I'll sleep so well on Thursday night if we beat Butler.

Let's get by DePaul first and then start worrying about Butler. One game at a time, it's tourney time, anything can happen.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Let's get by DePaul first and then start worrying about Butler. One game at a time, it's tourney time, anything can happen.

Fans get to look ahead with no consequence, its one of the perks of being a fan.

[SM#24]

NKU might win tonight and be IN.
Oh to be NKU!
I know nothing more about the Horizon League than who the teams are and their records.
So, 23-10, 12-6 is playing 11-23, 4-14 on a neutral court and only giving 5.5 points ?
What am I missing ? How good is Milwaukee ?
Was their whole starting 5 injured all year and now just showed up for the tournament ?

[blueblob06]

I know nothing more about the Horizon League than who the teams are and their records.
So, 23-10, 12-6 is playing 11-23, 4-14 on a neutral court and only giving 5.5 points ?
What am I missing ? How good is Milwaukee ?
Was their whole starting 5 injured all year and now just showed up for the tournament ?

Thought the same thing. But Vegas always knows! NKU won by 6. Congrats to NKU, first year eligible and they get in, wow!

[GetUp5]

I know nothing more about the Horizon League than who the teams are and their records.
So, 23-10, 12-6 is playing 11-23, 4-14 on a neutral court and only giving 5.5 points ?
What am I missing ? How good is Milwaukee ?
Was their whole starting 5 injured all year and now just showed up for the tournament ?

They were one of the slowest teams in CBB this year, tempo wise, and they gave NKU fits. NKU lost @ Milwaukee and needed something like a 27-4 run to steal the game from them at BB&T.

[nasdadjr]

I think we can all agree on one thing... no one can be upset if we are not accepted and we will all be elated if we are. Both are justifiable

[birdman71]

I certainly hope we win the BE tournament, but I think we sneak in with a win tonight.

[AviatorX]

One would think Syracuse needs to win today to get in, but personally I'm 100% sure the committee will have them in and above the First Four regardless.

Side note, this Miami team is really impressive to me. If they end up in that 7-10 range I wouldn't want to play them if I were a 1 or 2.

[SemajParlor]

I think we can all agree on one thing... no one can be upset if we are not accepted and we will all be elated if we are. Both are justifiable

I would agree... until you start to look at the teams that would replace us.

[Wheelhouse]

Syracuse just lost to Miami in the 1st round of the ACC Tourney. That probably helps us.

[AviatorX]

Syracuse just lost to Miami in the 1st round of the ACC Tourney. That probably helps us.

I bet they'll be a 9 seed.

Six top 50 wins and a couple of them are very high profile. If they got in last year...

[GoMuskies]

They almost beat Georgetown and St. John's.

Okay, actually they didn't. They couldn't even beat UConn.

[94GRAD]

I bet they'll be a 9 seed.

Six top 50 wins and a couple of them are very high profile. If they got in last year...

They were 2-11 away from the Carrier Dome with losses to St. John's and Georgetown at home

[GoMuskies]

They were 2-11 away from the Carrier Dome with losses to St. John's and Georgetown at home

Don't forget that AWFUL loss to UConn at MSG. I know I mentioned it a post ago, but it cannot be mentioned enough.

[X-band '01]

So they go to Dayton. They'll probably play Xavier if X beats only DePaul this week.

[scoscox]

I would agree... until you start to look at the teams that would replace us.

Exactly. It would honestly still be mind boggling to me if we didnt get in. Our resume compared to comparable bubble teams is not even close.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Syracuse is crazy, they have some very good wins but some equally terrible losses.

Every year seems to be different, what will this committee value more, who you beat or who you lost to?

[casualfan]

Syracuse is crazy, they have some very good wins but some equally terrible losses.

Every year seems to be different, what will this committee value more, who you beat or who you lost to?

Based on the initial 16 it is who you beat.

They have put a heavy emphasis on top 50 wins and seem to value those quite a bit more than they devalue bad losses.

That's one of the reasons I am very curious to see how they handle our situation.

Overall our computer numbers are very strong, but we only won 3 of our 11 games versus top 50 teams.

[scoscox]

It's nice that Nova and Marquette are on the other side of the bracket. I like our chances a little more going against Butler/Providence/Creighton

[IM4X]

While we may all feel we deserve to be ahead of most bubble teams, let's not forget the possibility that several bubble teams (or even teams outside of the bubble) might win their conference tournament. If Pittsburgh (a team outside of the bubble) should go on to win the ACC Tournament and a few other bubble teams win their conf. tournament, it means several less spots will be available for other at-large bubble teams.

All the more reason why X just needs to win today and then hopefully again at least one more time in the tournament (against Butler). X can't play any other way than with the feeling that they need to win to secure their spot.

[AviatorX]

While we may all feel we deserve to be ahead of most bubble teams, let's not forget the possibility that several bubble teams (or even teams outside of the bubble) might win their conference tournament. If Pittsburgh (a team outside of the bubble) should go on to win the ACC Tournament and a few other bubble teams win their conf. tournament, it means several less spots will be available for other at-large bubble teams.

All the more reason why X just needs to win today and then hopefully again at least one more time in the tournament (against Butler). X can't play any other way than with the feeling that they need to win to secure their spot.

The likelihood of this is seriously dwindling. Are there any candidates beyond the A10 and AAC really?

[X-band '01]

Middle Tennessee is another team that might sneak in if they lose in the C-USA title game.

Potentially losing twice to UTEP would be fatal for them. Losing to UT-San Antonio (who beat Western Kentucky) would also be fatal.

[AviatorX]

Middle Tennessee is another team that might sneak in if they lose in the C-USA title game.

Potentially losing twice to UTEP would be fatal for them. Losing to UT-San Antonio (who beat Western Kentucky) would also be fatal.

Yeah, I should have included them and CUSA.

[casualfan]

We all need to become Duke fans for about the next hour.

They are current tied with fellow bubble member Clemson at the half.

I'm not sure if a Clemson win here gets them in, but it definitely gets them a lot closer.

[blueblob06]

I really don't get how Clemson with a RPI of 63 and Syracuse with an RPI of 80 are in the bubble discussion. I know that RPI isn't everything but Xavier, USC, and Wake have WAY better RPIs.
Xavier - 33
Wake - 34
USC - 39

[AviatorX]

I really don't get how Clemson with a RPI of 63 and Syracuse with an RPI of 80 are in the bubble discussion. I know that RPI isn't everything but Xavier, USC, and Wake have WAY better RPIs.
Xavier - 33
Wake - 34
USC - 39

This isn't really how RPI gets used though. In a weird way, your own RPI is less important than the RPI of the teams that make up your "good wins" or "bad losses."

Syracuse at 80 would be pretty low though.

[Juice]

This isn't really how RPI gets used though. In a weird way, your own RPI is less important than the RPI of the teams that make up your "good wins" or "bad losses."

Syracuse at 80 would be pretty low though.

Which is why the selection committee is f*cking insane. But Syracuse has 6 top 50 wins in the RPI.

[casualfan]

I really don't get how Clemson with a RPI of 63 and Syracuse with an RPI of 80 are in the bubble discussion. I know that RPI isn't everything but Xavier, USC, and Wake have WAY better RPIs.
Xavier - 33
Wake - 34
USC - 39

This committee has stated time and time again they value who you can beat above anything else and they look at that in the form of RPI top 50 wins.

Syracuse had 6.
We have 3 (only 1 since Ed's injury)
Wake has 3
USC has 2

I don't necessarily agree with it, but they are trying to avoid a strict reliance on the rpi number where you can end up with a really solid rpi number without having beat anyone of significance.

[paulxu]

If an 80 RPI gets you one of the 36 or so at-large bids, life as we know it will come to an end.

[blueblob06]

I get the value of top-50 RPI wins, but the resumes are:
XU RPI of 33, SOS of 10, Top 50 Wins - 3
Syr RPI of 80, SOS of 54, Top 50 wins - 6

Heck, Syr played SEVEN teams outside of the top 200 RPI (and lost to one of them). We played 3. Unfortunately playing DePaul again will move that to 4 today.

[casualfan]

I get the value of top-50 RPI wins, but the resumes are:
XU RPI of 33, SOS of 10, Top 50 Wins - 3
Syr RPI of 80, SOS of 54, Top 50 wins - 6

Heck, Syr played SEVEN teams outside of the top 200 RPI (and lost to one of them). We played 3. Unfortunately playing DePaul again will move that to 4 today.

I'm just telling you the way this committee values things.

They don't care about top 100 teams versus 200 teams because neither of those teams will be in the tourney.

They don't care about bad losses or average wins.

They want to see that you can beat tournament quality teams (i.e. top 50)

I don't agree with that way of thinking because I think they're straying away from rewarding the most deserving teams, but the next time the committee asks me my position will be the first.

[IM4X]

The likelihood of this is seriously dwindling. Are there any candidates beyond the A10 and AAC really?

As of this moment, there are still plenty of bubble teams (or teams outside of the bubble) who can still win their conf. tournament. The B1G and ACC tournaments still have a number of those kinds of teams who could win if they keep facing opponents they match up well against. It would be great just to see our guys win and avoid having to worry about that kind of senerio.

[muskiefan82]

Look, Clemson is almost not losing again!!

[AviatorX]

As of this moment, there are still plenty of bubble teams (or teams outside of the bubble) who can still win their conf. tournament. The B1G and ACC tournaments still have a number of those kinds of teams who could win if they keep facing opponents they match up well against. It would be great just to see our guys win and avoid having to worry about that kind of senerio.

I honestly just don't see it that way. The BIG and ACC have so many teams already locked in that it's hard to imagine someone else winning.

I guess maybe in the ACC Pitt could win their next 4? Seems unlikely. I think many have Wake slotted in after their strong last week and win yesterday.

Iowa is one to watch in the BIG maybe? They play an IU team they almost lost to at home and then have to go through Wisconsin. Are we still considering Illinois after they lost to Rutgers?

You're right that X should just take care of business and anything could happen like 2008 Georgia, but it seems unlikely.

[SM#24]

If an 80 RPI gets you one of the 36 or so at-large bids, life as we know it will come to an end.

Yes, 36 at-large bids which when you look at it, you need to be in the top 46-47 to make the field. The last 21-22 seeds will be made up of auto qualifiers that otherwise would not have made the tourney.
The committee hasn't used RPI to compare teams to each other. It's used to bucket teams so they can look at top-25, top-50 wins.
The committee won't specifically say it, but they do use the more advanced computer rankings like KenPom and Sagarin where Syr is 46/36 respectively.
I do agree, we've seen a trend of Good Win + Bad Loss = a positive as opposed to an offset or negative; especially good win at neutral or road site.
The last I counted there were probably 20 teams fighting for 10 spots (basically your 10 and 11 seeds). I've looked up the game results of 1/2 the teams so far and I can't make a clear distinction between any of them. I can make arguments for all being in and all being out.

[bleedXblue]

If an 80 RPI gets you one of the 36 or so at-large bids, life as we know it will come to an end.

has an RPI that high ever gotten an auto bid?

[AviatorX]

has an RPI that high ever gotten an auto bid?

Syracuse was in the 70's last year. Could break their own record!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ken Broo just declared XU needs 2 wins or they wont be in. Seems odd to make that declaration presenting it as fact.

[xavbball]

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/on-the-ncaa-bubble-heres-the-number-to-watch/

We have nothing to worry about according to FiveThirtyEight.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[casualfan]

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/on-the-ncaa-bubble-heres-the-number-to-watch/

We have nothing to worry about according to FiveThirtyEight.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The thing about computer models is they dont take injuries into account.

After we win tonight I think were in, but Ed's injury will keep me nervous unless we kick down the door and beat Butler.

[AviatorX]

Ken Broo just declared XU needs 2 wins or they wont be in. Seems odd to make that declaration presenting it as fact.

I know you know this, but consider the source. Guy is trash.

It's impossible to make factual statements like that with how the process works. This isn't like clinching a playoff spot.

[AviatorX]

The thing about computer models is they dont take injuries into account.

After we win tonight I think were in, but Ed's injury will keep me nervous unless we kick down the door and beat Butler.

I think for any pundit who actually goes beyond the surface talking points and looks at the resume, the injury isn't a big thing because quite honestly two of X's best wins came without Ed.

[casualfan]

I think for any pundit who actually goes beyond the surface talking points and looks at the resume, the injury isn't a big thing because quite honestly two of X's best wins came without Ed.

We're 4-6 since he got hurt and 2 of those 4 are against Depaul.

I dont know man. Youre right we got a good win over Creighton and a solid one over SHU without himbut there has been more bad than good since he went down.

Hopefully tbey stick to their rule on injuries.

[xukeith]

The thing about computer models is they dont take injuries into account.

After we win tonight I think were in, but Ed's injury will keep me nervous unless we kick down the door and beat Butler.

I wish someone could scrape together the last 4 teams in last year and in 2015and average their SOS, and top 50 wins.

[casualfan]

I wish someone could scrape together the last 4 teams in last year and in 2015and average their SOS, and top 50 wins.

Well youre posting here so we know your internet isnt broken...

[xukeith]

Oh and Thad Matta is stuck in NIT so that makes us X fans happy. right?

[xavierj]

Oh and Thad Matta is stuck in NIT so that makes us X fans happy. right?

Keith you are one weird dude. I think most Xavier fans got over Thad a long time ago. I mean he was here like 14 years ago.

[HenryMuto]

Syracuse was in the 70's last year. Could break their own record!

The record is New Mexico in 1999 had an RPI of 74. Syracuse had the highest RPI last year since the RPI changed formula which was like 2005.

It be a joke is Syracuse got a bid considering RPI is currently 84. They are 2-11 away from home. They have multiple terrible losses. Lost by 33 at home to Saint John's ? Yes they have 6 top 50 wins all at home.

[HenryMuto]

I wish someone could scrape together the last 4 teams in last year and in 2015and average their SOS, and top 50 wins.

2016 last 4 in were Vanderbilt, Michigan, Wichita State and Tulsa.

Going into Selection Sunday here were what you asked about.

Vanderbilt 2-7 vs top 50, SOS 37 (Non conf SOS 23)
Michigan 4-11 vs top 50, SOS 44 (Non conf SOS 189)
Wichita State 1-2 vs top 50, SOS 105, (Non conf SOS 13)
Tulsa 4-5 vs top 50, SOS 63, (Non conf SOS 104)

11 total top 50 wins (2.75 avg), SOS avg 62

2015 last 4 in BYU, Mississippi, Boise State, Dayton

BYU 1-4 vs top 50, SOS 74 (Non conf SOS 26)
Mississippi 3-5 vs top 50, SOS 51 (Non conf SOS 91)
Boise State 3-3 vs top 50, SOS 118 (Non conf SOS 165)
Dayton 1-3 vs top 50, SOS 93 (Non conf SOS 139)

8 total top 50 wins (2 avg), SOS avg 84

2 year last 4 in totals combined 2.37 top 50 wins avg and SOS avg of 73

Xavier currently is 3-8 vs top 50 and SOS of 10

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lock us in fellas.

[xu82]

Lock us in fellas.

I'll be thrilled with IN.

[GoMuskies]

Lock us in fellas.

Let's just go ahead and win another, okay? I have no interest in even pondering going to Dayton.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Let's just go ahead and win another, okay? I have no interest in even pondering going to Dayton.

Agree. Although I think we are in and not in Dayton. But lets win another and not have to find out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It would be great if we extended Butler's winless streak in the BE tourney too.

[OTRMUSKIE]

With wake and cuse losing and hopefully USC. I say x is a 10/11 but not in the pig. Let's see what dance card says tomorrow

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dont read ESPN bubble watch if you want to feel confident. They seem to like Cuse and Wakes chances better than ours.

[AviatorX]

Dont read ESPN bubble watch if you want to feel confident. They seem to like Cuse and Wakes chances better than ours.

I think all 3 will be in. Maybe all 3 in Dayton though.

[SemajParlor]

Dont read ESPN bubble watch if you want to feel confident. They seem to like Cuse and Wakes chances better than ours.

It's almost as if ESPN has a bias for ACC teams and not FS1 Big East Teams

[nasdadjr]

I still think we are out unless we beat Butler tomorrow night. Although we did get help tonight

[nasdadjr]

Definitely not trying to be a downer but I can't remember any team losing 6 consecutive games and getting an at large. Of course some stat guy on here will gladly prove me wrong if that statement is false and I hope they do. May give me a little more confidence going into Sunday

[xavierj]

Definitely not trying to be a downer but I can't remember any team losing 6 consecutive games and getting an at large. Of course some stat guy on here will gladly prove me wrong if that statement is false and I hope they do. May give me a little more confidence going into Sunday

Oklahoma State did this year and they will make it in comfortably. Xavier still at 34 RPI with a 14 SOS after last night.

[XUBob]

I think X will be in. From Shannon Russell---Since the tourney expanded in 2011, no team with 20 wins, an RPI of 40 or better & a Strength of Schedule of 40 or better has been omitted. Hopefully this criteria holds true.

[XMuskieFTW]

I think X will be in. From Shannon Russell---Since the tourney expanded in 2011, no team with 20 wins, an RPI of 40 or better & a Strength of Schedule of 40 or better has been omitted. Hopefully this criteria holds true.

With a loss tonight, our projected RPI would be 38 and SOS would be 8. It would be extremely unprecedented for us to be left out.

[casualfan]

We're in unless a bunch of crazy bid steals happen.

If we lose to Butler it may be a play in game, but with no bad losses I don't think we'll be left out.

Big East commish being on the committee will not hurt either.

[Xavier]

I obviously want to win tonight, just to be sure we are in. (Though, at this point I would be shocked if we weren't. I think we avoid the play in game also). Even though a win tonight and I think we may be a 9 seed. Not a big deal bc I don't think this is a team that can make an elite 8/final four run. The only concern I have with a loss tonight is if we get blown out. We would still probably be in but play in game is back into play at that point.

[paulxu]

Looking at ESPN's bracket this morning:
Seton Hall, Providence and Marquette all at 10.
Xavier at 11 in the PIG.

Guess it's the top 50 wins or something, because:
Xavier RPI 37 SOS 14
Seton Hall RPI 43 RPI 49
Prov RPI 52 SOS 44
Marquette RPI 55 SOS 45

[JTG]

I actually think a 10 is better than an 8 or 9. At 8 or 9, you have to play a 1. At 10, you have a doable 1st round, and a shot at a 2, or maybe you get real lucky and the 2 gets upset. Anything but a trip to UD, I can almost guarantee that would be an L.

[Xavier]

Well, yeah. I think everyone agrees. If you aren't a 6 seed or better, next best thing is probably an 11. But, I would take an 8/9 if Gonzaga is the 1. I don't know if we can beat them, but I don't want to see our defense against UNC offense. I'd sign up for that in a heartbeat (zags as our 1 seed).

[mistabeecee41]

Looking at ESPN's bracket this morning:
Seton Hall, Providence and Marquette all at 10.
Xavier at 11 in the PIG.

Guess it's the top 50 wins or something, because:
Xavier RPI 37 SOS 14
Seton Hall RPI 43 RPI 49
Prov RPI 52 SOS 44
Marquette RPI 55 SOS 45

and, you know, the awful streak we went on and they didn't. SHU and MU definitely should be seeded above us, Providence would be the only one I would question.

[GIMMFD]

We're in unless a bunch of crazy bid steals happen.

If we lose to Butler it may be a play in game, but with no bad losses I don't think we'll be left out.

Big East commish being on the committee will not hurt either.

Doesn't anybody affiliated with the conference have to be left out of the room when discussing conference members?? I thought that was a thing, but I might be wrong.

[casualfan]

Doesn't anybody affiliated with the conference have to be left out of the room when discussing conference members?? I thought that was a thing, but I might be wrong.

Yes, but it doesn't preclude committee members from doing each other solids.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Did I read 'Cuse being rated over us? All their numbers are worse. Their record, RPI, and SoS are all worse. They just lost in the 1st round of their Tourney.

[Xavier]

I actually would rather the committee focus on who you beat over who you didn't lose to. I know it doesn't help X this year but I think when looking at bubble teams, the ones who have proven to be able to beat good teams should get the nod. Syracuse this year isn't what I am talking about. Too many bad losses.

[STL_XUfan]

Did I read 'Cuse being rated over us? All their numbers are worse. Their record, RPI, and SoS are all worse. They just lost in the 1st round of their Tourney.

3 top 25 wins and 6 total top 50 wins (as compared to our 0 top 25 and 3 total top 50).

There is a thought that the committee will take a team that has shown it can beat the best, even if they have also shown they can lose to the worst. But by that same logic shouldn't the committee punish them for an abysmal OOC SOS (214) as they keep promising to do each year?

[X-band '01]

The big problem for Syracuse is they only have 2 wins away from the Carrier Dome. They have nice wins against Miami, Duke, Virginia Tech and Florida State. However, their only wins away from home were at Clemson and at NC State. It's a 50/50 proposition as to whether or not that offsets putrid losses like UConn, Georgetown, St. John's and Boston College.

My gut instinct tells me they'll be a First Four team unless either: a)Iowa, Illinois or Kansas State helps themselves in their respective tournaments; b)Middle Tennessee loses in the C-USA title game to a respectable team like Louisiana Tech or Old Dominion.

[casualfan]

Fox Sports update:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/bracket-watch-projections-predictions-bracketology-ncaa-tournament-mandel-030917

[DoubleD86]

Dont read ESPN bubble watch if you want to feel confident. They seem to like Cuse and Wakes chances better than ours.

I believe ESPN's Bubble Watch also says X is 0-6 against Non-DePaul opponents since Sumner went down. The committee will surely realize that X beat Seton Hall and won at Creighton after his injury.

[casualfan]

I believe ESPN's Bubble Watch also says X is 0-6 against Non-DePaul opponents since Sumner went down. The committee will surely realize that X beat Seton Hall and won at Creighton after his injury.

It does not say that:

Xavier [20-12 (9-9), RPI: 33, SOS: 20] The Musketeers did not exactly inspire confidence at the Garden Wednesday night. Facing a DePaul team searching for its 10th win of the season -- and its third against conference competition -- Xavier went into halftime down by a point. They turned things around early in the second, building a double digit and maintaining it the rest of the way, but let's be real: This is DePaul we're talking about here. Beating the Blue Demons 75-64 won't get anyone's blood boiling. No one knows this better than Chris Mack's club. On Feb. 4, Xavier won at Creighton. Since then, it has lost to every non-DePaul Big East opponent it has played (which it has played three times), and watched its once-safe at-large stature devolve into a frantic bubble scramble. The moral of the story: Beating DePaul means nothing, other than that you didn't lose to DePaul. Beating Butler -- which Xavier has a chance to do on Thursday -- is a different story altogether. .

[GIMMFD]

You guys are making me feel a lot more paranoid than I was when I woke up this morning. I really hope we take care of business tonight and guarantee we get in. Good lord.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm going with the Fox Sports guy. 10 seed right now win or lose (or at least a non PIG seed if that is 11). Think we get to 9 seed with win tonight.

[IM4X]

I'm going with...

X kicks Butler's ass tonight and shuts up all of those pontificating sons of bitches at ESPN.

[paulxu]

Won't work. They'll just say Butler was resting up for the tournament.

[muskiefan82]

Won't work. They'll just say Butler was resting up for the tournament.

I am okay with that. In fact, it is in the best interest of the Big East if Butler lets this one go so the league can get maximum return from teams in the Tournament.

[Wheelhouse]

Illinois is about to lose. Another helpful loss for us.

[GIMMFD]

I am okay with that. In fact, it is in the best interest of the Big East if Butler lets this one go so the league can get maximum return from teams in the Tournament.

Yeah but what competitive athlete in their right mind would do that you know??

[STL_XUfan]

Yeah but what competitive athlete in their right mind would do that you know??

Well hopefully the message gets to the three guys wearing stripes

[JTG]

Butler has never won a Big East Tournament game. I'm thinking they'll be pretty motivated...just our luck!!!

[bobbiemcgee]

Shannon Russell‏

Since the tourney expanded in 2011, no team with 20 wins, an RPI of 40 or better & a Strength of Schedule of 40 or better has been omitted

[vee4xu]

Told some folks earlier today, Butler is already in and seeding is set. Neither a win, nor a loss will move the needle much, if at all, for Butler's seeding. Xavier on the other hand may be auditioning for their NCAA spot. Sure, X may be in either way based on certain metrics and past practice, but why chance it. So, on one hand, you have a team mostly unaffected, win or lose and another trying to put the final notch in their resume belt. Does that mean Butler doesn't want to win, no. But, they may be playing less inspired basketball, even if subconsciously, due to their resume status. That leaves the door open for X, who hasn't played very inspirational basketball themselves for over one month. Here's hoping they do so tonight, no matter what Butler does.

[nasdadjr]

I think X will be in. From Shannon Russell---Since the tourney expanded in 2011, no team with 20 wins, an RPI of 40 or better & a Strength of Schedule of 40 or better has been omitted. Hopefully this criteria holds true.

Didn't St Bonny last year meet these qualifications?

[muskiefan82]

Didn't St Bonny last year meet these qualifications?

There is no way their SOS was 40 or better. Not in the A-10

[STL_XUfan]

There is no way their SOS was 40 or better. Not in the A-10




30 St. Bonaventure (http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_118_Men.html)
22-8
0.5927 (http://realtimerpi.com/cgi-bin/rpi/rpi_wk.pl?id=118&gender=Men&season=2015-2016)
81
0.5415 (http://realtimerpi.com/cgi-bin/rpi/rpi_wk.pl?id=118&gender=Men&season=2015-2016)
Atl10 (http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_atl10_Men.html)
13-5




They had an SOS of 81

[xudash]

Told some folks earlier today, Butler is already in and seeding is set. Neither a win, nor a loss will move the needle much, if at all, for Butler's seeding. Xavier on the other hand may be auditioning for their NCAA spot. Sure, X may be in either way based on certain metrics and past practice, but why chance it. So, on one hand, you have a team mostly unaffected, win or lose and another trying to put the final notch in their resume belt. Does that mean Butler doesn't want to win, no. But, they may be playing less inspired basketball, even if subconsciously, due to their resume status. That leaves the door open for X, who hasn't played very inspirational basketball themselves for over one month. Here's hoping they do so tonight, no matter what Butler does.

Vee, the flip side to consider is twofold:

1. How badly does Butler value a BE Championship (did I read somewhere that they haven't won a BET game yet?); and

2. How Butler views Xavier as a rival.

Personally, I see Butler as LBv2. And they probably view us in a less than loving manner. Does beating us 3 times in one season mean something to them? Probably.

On that note, let's kick them in the nuts tonight. I really thought their victory at the Cintas Center this year was much about making some shots that perhaps they typically would not have made. That got them to a tight game down within 4 minutes, at which time that version of Xavier promptly turned themselves over and blew it.

[IM4X]

Won't work. They'll just say Butler was resting up for the tournament.

So true. And if X should then win the next game...same thing. If our guys win the BE tournament... same crap... "Villanova (who will most likely be the opponent) was a lock for a one seed and therefore less motivated to win." But then who cares how they spin it at that point- X will have won a BE tournament.

[muskiefan82]

I don't see this group beating Villanova in any circumstance short of Jay Wright resting all of this scholarship players.

[Xavier]

Didn't St Bonny last year meet these qualifications?

Nope

[GIMMFD]

I don't see this group beating Villanova in any circumstance short of Jay Wright resting all of this scholarship players.

Or if Villanova shot 12% for the entire game, which is highly unlikely. And even then we might squeak it out.

[scoscox]

Told some folks earlier today, Butler is already in and seeding is set. Neither a win, nor a loss will move the needle much, if at all, for Butler's seeding. Xavier on the other hand may be auditioning for their NCAA spot. Sure, X may be in either way based on certain metrics and past practice, but why chance it. So, on one hand, you have a team mostly unaffected, win or lose and another trying to put the final notch in their resume belt. Does that mean Butler doesn't want to win, no. But, they may be playing less inspired basketball, even if subconsciously, due to their resume status. That leaves the door open for X, who hasn't played very inspirational basketball themselves for over one month. Here's hoping they do so tonight, no matter what Butler does.

Butler also hates us quite a bit.

[xukeith]

Butler also is simply better in every category. They did beat Villanova twice and X twice plus beat UC.

[HenryMuto]

I think all 3 will be in. Maybe all 3 in Dayton though.

If Syracuse makes it that be a joke. Worst RPI ever to get at large was in 1999 New Mexico at 74. As of right now Syracuse RPI is 88.

No team in the history has got an at large bid with fewer than 3 wins away from home Syracuse is a sparkling 2-11 this year away from home.

Yes they beat some good teams all at home also have 3 really bad losses including a 33 point home lose to Saint John's.

[bobbiemcgee]

Butler also is simply better in every category. They did beat Villanova twice and X twice plus beat UC.

They also lost to SJU, Seton Hall, G'Town, Creighton (2) and Ind. State and went OT with Depaul, so we have to hope they show up with that game.

[HenryMuto]

The good for X is Syracuse, Illinois and Iowa have all lost their 1st conference tournament game.

[casualfan]

Shut this mother down!!!!

[Grizzx12]

Now Lunardi can go suck eggs while he and ESPN find something else to hate on

[X-ceptional]

Hot take: I think we're in.

[HenryMuto]

PUNCH THEIR TICKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No Dayton BS either.

[paulxu]

Impossible not to hear Xavier's name called on Sunday at this point. Three straight wins -- and just beat a potential top-four seed in Butler. Edmond Sumner's injury threw a wrinkle into the Musketeers' resume, but this win seals it.
Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer

[paulxu]

Jeff Borzello‏Verified account @jeffborzello 14m14 minutes ago

Closest five-point game ever.

[bleedXblue]

RPI jumped to 27 and another top 50 RPI win. We are in solidly. At this point were playing for an 8, 9 or 10.

Would much rather stay away from that 8/9

[Juice]

RPI jumped to 27 and another top 50 RPI win. We are in solidly. At this point were playing for an 8, 9 or 10.

Would much rather stay away from that 8/9

Isn't this also a top 25 RPI win?

[Backyard Champ]

Any chance at a 7 if we beat Hall? Not sure their RPI and honestly it could be an absolute no. But a few years ago, again can't remember circumstances, but X got a 6 seed which was unexpected. Feel like that year all the bracketologists were way off on X entering selection Sunday.

Who knows, I'm just overly pumped we won and are a lock. Go X

[bleedXblue]

Any chance at a 7 if we beat Hall? Not sure their RPI and honestly it could be an absolute no. But a few years ago, again can't remember circumstances, but X got a 6 seed which was unexpected. Feel like that year all the bracketologists were way off on X entering selection Sunday.

Who knows, I'm just overly pumped we won and are a lock. Go X

No way for a 7. I think we win the next two and the best we could end up at is 8/9

[drudy23]

Just give us the 10 in Indy.

[Xavier]

No way for a 7. I think we win the next two and the best we could end up at is 8/9

Win Big East and 7 imo....maybe 6 if over nova. I think we are a 9 right now

[mohr5150]

Just give us the 10 in Indy.

I would much rather have nothing to do with an 8/9 spot. We would play, most likely, Kentucky, Gonzaga, or Kansas. Does anyone want a piece of any of those teams? Maybe Gonzaga, but no way to the others.

[94GRAD]

Any chance at a 7 if we beat Hall? Not sure their RPI and honestly it could be an absolute no. But a few years ago, again can't remember circumstances, but X got a 6 seed which was unexpected. Feel like that year all the bracketologists were way off on X entering selection Sunday.

Who knows, I'm just overly pumped we won and are a lock. Go X

We play the winner of Prov v. Creighton

[OTRMUSKIE]

Totally disagree. X wins out they will be 23-12 with a sos of 10 and a RPI of 21. That's not 8/9/10 numbers bois. X will be a 6/7 if they win the whole thing, I promise. If x wins tomorrow they will be a 8/9

[Backyard Champ]

We play the winner of Prov v. Creighton

So I guess we will never know. Oh well..

[bjf123]

Just give us the 10 in Indy.

Works for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xavier]

I would much rather have nothing to do with an 8/9 spot. We would play, most likely, Kentucky, Gonzaga, or Kansas. Does anyone want a piece of any of those teams? Maybe Gonzaga, but no way to the others.

Gonzaga may be our best shot at beating a 1 or 2 seed. I don't think we would but would be our best shot and way it's looking we will be a 8-10 seed.

[STL_XUfan]

I want kansas. (This is not a rational positon, just a Mizzou/Xavier fan wet dream)

[JTG]

Just give us the 10 in Indy.

Works for me, just got my Indy tickets in the mail today.

[xu82]

I have avoided this thread for weeks. I'M BAAAAACK!

[markchal]

We were worried about even making it now people want to shy away from the 8/9 game? I want the best seed we can get, then let the chips fall where they may. Agree with others that we win it all were a 7. Right now a 9 win tomorrow were an 8 IMO.

[JTG]

We were worried about even making it now people want to shy away from the 8/9 game? I want the best seed we can get, then let the chips fall where they may. Agree with others that we win it all were a 7. Right now a 9 win tomorrow were an 8 IMO.

10 is the better seed, with this year's parity, beating a 7 is about the same odds as 8/9, and you might get lucky and the 2 seed gets upset. I actually think the 8/9 spot is a punishment slot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think we are a 9 right now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We are now a play in with Syracuse in Lunardi's bracket. Come one ESPN.

[D-West & PO-Z]

And so the Bubble Watch said: "Quick! Bring Xavier the best Nike warm-up jacket. Place a spoon in the Musketeers' hands and Nike Zoom KD 9s on their feet. Purchase the cinnamon-flavored chili and set it before them!" Providence, Seton Hall and Marquette heard this commotion and grew angry. They told the Watch, "For weeks we've been steadily winning games, and gradually improving our bubble standing, and you never even got us McDonald's. But Xavier beats someone other than DePaul for the first time since Feb. 4, and you serve them a feast of overrated provincial chili?" And the Bubble Watch told them, "We have to celebrate and be glad. This Big East brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found." Welcome back, Xavier. It's good to see you again.

Xavier [21-12 (9-9), RPI: 33, SOS: 20] Xavier's resume has never been bad. The biggest issue facing the Musketeers has been simple: Since Edmond Sumner's injury, they haven't been the same. It didn't help that Trevon Bluiett also missed time due to injury, but even his return did not halt the Musketeers' slide. That's what makes Thursday's 62-57 win over Butler so massive: It proves that Xavier can still beat a good team, that it is not as drastically different now than it was a month or two ago, that the entirety of its season should still carry the most weight in the committee's Sumner-inflected appraisal. After weeks of uninterrupted doom and gloom, Xavier finally heard -- or, rather, created -- some good news.


Has X above the Seton Hall, Providence, and Marquette.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We are now a play in with Syracuse in Lunardi's bracket. Come one ESPN.

Thats what it was this morning. I doubt that he has updated it since the win.

[Wheelhouse]

Mother-in-law in town. Had to go to dinner. DVR'd the game and stayed away from the interwebs for the last 5 hours. Game just ended on DVR. My thoughts:

HDANSKVLNQEKUV EAR.KJNRE;KVA.VB.BV.SMBVC.JnsCK>JNvk.jsnvkjnvjnwd sv.<JVN S>JNJRFNSHBCVRHJBVFDKBVKBFVKH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Snipe]

HDANSKVLNQEKUV EAR.KJNRE;KVA.VB.BV.SMBVC.JnsCK>JNvk.jsnvkjnvjnwd sv.<JVN S>JNJRFNSHBCVRHJBVFDKBVKBFVKH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually visited that town in Iceland. Good people.

[Harryfe]

Latest Lunardi: all Big East teams in except Johnies, GT and DePaul. Interesting.

[MarvAlbert]

I would not be surprised to find out this town in Iceland is real (minus the exclamation points)

[scoscox]

And so the Bubble Watch said: "Quick! Bring Xavier the best Nike warm-up jacket. Place a spoon in the Musketeers' hands and Nike Zoom KD 9s on their feet. Purchase the cinnamon-flavored chili and set it before them!" Providence, Seton Hall and Marquette heard this commotion and grew angry. They told the Watch, "For weeks we've been steadily winning games, and gradually improving our bubble standing, and you never even got us McDonald's. But Xavier beats someone other than DePaul for the first time since Feb. 4, and you serve them a feast of overrated provincial chili?" And the Bubble Watch told them, "We have to celebrate and be glad. This Big East brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found." Welcome back, Xavier. It's good to see you again.

Xavier [21-12 (9-9), RPI: 33, SOS: 20] Xavier's resume has never been bad. The biggest issue facing the Musketeers has been simple: Since Edmond Sumner's injury, they haven't been the same. It didn't help that Trevon Bluiett also missed time due to injury, but even his return did not halt the Musketeers' slide. That's what makes Thursday's 62-57 win over Butler so massive: It proves that Xavier can still beat a good team, that it is not as drastically different now than it was a month or two ago, that the entirety of its season should still carry the most weight in the committee's Sumner-inflected appraisal. After weeks of uninterrupted doom and gloom, Xavier finally heard -- or, rather, created -- some good news.


Has X above the Seton Hall, Providence, and Marquette.

This post bothers me in so many ways

[Snipe]

I would not be surprised to find out this town in Iceland is real (minus the exclamation points)

You should have seen the road signs. It was epic.

[nasdadjr]

We are now a play in with Syracuse in Lunardi's bracket. Come one ESPN.

That is old it has not been updated from the day before

[blueblob06]

That is old it has not been updated from the day before

Updated bracket just now has us as an 11-seed in Salt Lake City vs 6-seed Iowa St. Winner gets 3 Arizona / 14 Fla Gulf Coast.

I'd take that. 11 seed sounds like a much more likely path to a Sweet 16 than an 8/9 seed. But, happy to be in the tourney no matter what!

[GIMMFD]

Updated bracket just now has us as an 11-seed in Salt Lake City vs 6-seed Iowa St. Winner gets 3 Arizona / 14 Fla Gulf Coast.

I'd take that. 11 seed sounds like a much more likely path to a Sweet 16 than an 8/9 seed. But, happy to be in the tourney no matter what!

I'd be okay with an 11, but let's just see what happens tonight and see what we can do to improve the resume a bit more.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Man I just hope we win tonight to make extra sure we are in. Every year several deserving teams are left out and I dont want the Muskies to be one of those left out. Some media "experts" are saying 7 Big East teams are locks. That would be awsome. 70% of the league making more than the 10% of the field. If we all could make a good performance (and three or four make a deep run) that will be a booster for the pedigree of our league and possibly it will extrapolate to recruiting big guns.

[Xavier]

There is zero doubt we are in. I don't see 3-4 teams that can make a run, I think Butler and Nova each can and thats about it.

[blueblob06]

There is zero doubt we are in. I don't see 3-4 teams that can make a run, I think Butler and Nova each can and thats about it.

If a run is considered making the Sweet 16, I think all of the 7 teams are capable. It's all about how the match-ups play out. Sorry I know that'll be said a million times.

[Xavier]

Well, I think we will see 4 teams seeded 8/9 and lower. To get to sweet 16 that would be a lot of upsets. Though I agree, all about match ups

[chico]

I'm liking this bracket. The revenge tour. First Wisconsin for last year then Gonzaga where we will avenge Johnny Wolf.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/03/10/ncaa-tournament-bracketology-college-basketball-march-madness-kentucky/98999638/

[AviatorX]

I really don't see it with Butler. I would be surprised if they made it to the second weekend. They're at their best when Chrabs is imposing his will and it's too easy to take a forward who can't really handle it as well as other "point forwards" away for long stretches.

[Pete Delkus]

7 & 10 - X and UD in Indy.



[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

There is zero doubt we are in. I don't see 3-4 teams that can make a run, I think Butler and Nova each can and thats about it.

Don't get me wrong. I am with you and think we should be in. However, I also think it is still possible to be left out if we get the L tonight, particularly if the loss is by a large margin. Our record is not perfect and we will be competing with several teams for an at large position. Its no secret the selection process is not flawless and every year there are complains about it. There is plenty of evidence about that. It just seems that every year the committee concentrates or give more weight to certain statistic and that's where the ball drops. Take a look at these:

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2017/02/27/ncaa-tournament-bubble-teams

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2016/03/13/ncaa-tournament-bubble-teams-snubbed-selection-sunday-mid-major-monmouth/81736400/

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sdut-sdsu-basketball-ncaa-tournament-analysis-2016mar14-story.html

As to who is going to go further, that's almost a roll of the dice. Upsets are one of the biggest enjoyments of the tournament. Perhaps you can remember some of these games:

http://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/14991087/the-10-biggest-ncaa-tournament-upsets-20-seasons

[Kahns Krazy]

Totally disagree. X wins out they will be 23-12 with a sos of 10 and a RPI of 21. That's not 8/9/10 numbers bois. X will be a 6/7 if they win the whole thing, I promise. If x wins tomorrow they will be a 8/9

Please tell me your spelling of "boys" is a typo. I'd hate to have to put you on ignore. I typically like reading your posts.

[Snipe]

Please tell me your spelling of "boys" is a typo. I'd hate to have to put you on ignore. I typically like reading your posts.

What is the bois vs boys controversy about? Why is that some sort of demarcation point? I am unaware.

[Xuperman]

Current Palm projections have X as an 11 seed playing #6 SMU in the Midwest region. Winner gets FL St. Would love the see that hoisting a cold, green Budweiser!!!

[sgarcia]

I'm hoping that X is not in a play in game and not in Salt Lake City. Don't want to be dealing with the altitude with a short bench.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier [21-13 (9-9), RPI: 32, SOS: 16] Xavier's postseason reclamation project, defined by Thursday's win over Butler, very nearly took it to the Big East title game. Then Creighton guard Marcus Foster buried a well-defended 3 on the wing to break a 72-all tie with 6.9 seconds left; J.P. Macura's deep desperation heave fell short; and that was that. Tough loss? Sure. A problem? We doubt it. This is where the committee's eye test should play a role, combining Thursday's successful result with the human ability to acknowledge the first 39 minutes and 54 seconds of Friday's almost equally impressive performance. Xavier's resume is tournament-worthy and has been for a while. Its main issue is the comparative implications of the post-Edmond Sumner-injury form it displayed in recent weeks and how far that descent would go. On two straight nights, the Musketeers acquitted themselves well. One of those outings just so happened to end with a loss. Oh well.

[AviatorX]

Xavier [21-13 (9-9), RPI: 32, SOS: 16] Xavier's postseason reclamation project, defined by Thursday's win over Butler, very nearly took it to the Big East title game. Then Creighton guard Marcus Foster buried a well-defended 3 on the wing to break a 72-all tie with 6.9 seconds left; J.P. Macura's deep desperation heave fell short; and that was that. Tough loss? Sure. A problem? We doubt it. This is where the committee's eye test should play a role, combining Thursday's successful result with the human ability to acknowledge the first 39 minutes and 54 seconds of Friday's almost equally impressive performance. Xavier's resume is tournament-worthy and has been for a while. Its main issue is the comparative implications of the post-Edmond Sumner-injury form it displayed in recent weeks and how far that descent would go. On two straight nights, the Musketeers acquitted themselves well. One of those outings just so happened to end with a loss. Oh well.

Also, now the teams best 3 wins were without Ed. Obviously a better team with him, but that concern should be absolutely buried for selection purposes.

[xavierj]

Xavier played 34 games, half were games against NCAA tourney teams (of course the conference helps that) but that's more than, North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona and Kentucky

[Xuperman]

AND I hope the commitee takes into consideration that our 2 wins against RANKED opponents were on the road. Here is what I do know that they weigh heavily.....injuries and last 10 games. I think the last 2 games show that losing Ed has been nuetralized by Q but that 3-7 in the last 10 stings.

[Strange Brew]

I'm hoping that X is not in a play in game and not in Salt Lake City. Don't want to be dealing with the altitude with a short bench.

4200 feet shouldn't be an issue.

[muethibp]

Just give us the 10 in Indy.

It's very, very likely that UK and UofL are protected in Indianapolis. If you assume that they both get 2 seeds, then the pods that they lead will also have a 7, 10, and 15 in Indy. So there are two chances for 10 seeds in Indy but you have to deal with UK and UofL (and their fans for tickets) if X gets through the first game.

[xukeith]

It's very, very likely that UK and UofL are protected in Indianapolis. If you assume that they both get 2 seeds, then the pods that they lead will also have a 7, 10, and 15 in Indy. So there are two chances for 10 seeds in Indy but you have to deal with UK and UofL (and their fans for tickets) if X gets through the first game.

Great analysis.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well prices in Indy are really cheap right now. Saw some for as low as $250 for one game. What a joke and I know they will drop closer to game time I hope. Wish they were playing in Lucas oil stadium.

[muethibp]

Well prices in Indy are really cheap right now. Saw some for as low as $250 for one game. What a joke and I know they will drop closer to game time I hope. Wish they were playing in Lucas oil stadium.

The UofL and UK fanbases have known for months that's where they will go. So they thought ahead and bought up all the tickets.

[JTG]

Well prices in Indy are really cheap right now. Saw some for as low as $250 for one game. What a joke and I know they will drop closer to game time I hope. Wish they were playing in Lucas oil stadium.
As of yerterday there were still some tickets at the box office for face value, $66 day session and $76 night session.

[xukeith]

http://bracketmatrix.com/
FWIW
X is an 8 seed.
Marquette is an 8 .
SJU is an 11 seed.
UConn 1 seed.
Creighton out as one of the last last 4

[Xavier]

What will hurt numbers wise is I expect both Creighton and nova to be top 5 in bit east. Both struggled OOC. What happened to creighton? Is the story mainly the big that’s hurt?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

What will hurt numbers wise is I expect both Creighton and nova to be top 5 in bit east. Both struggled OOC. What happened to creighton? Is the story mainly the big that’s hurt?

I've watched Creighton play a couple of times, including last night. Kalkbrenner returned and clearly had a positive impact. But Creighton is talented and deep with a competent back-up in the middle. I cannot see losing one player, even an all-conference one, as the reason they lost so many games. They played a bunch of good teams, out of Omaha and haven't, until last night, shot the ball well. To an extent, I think the media made the losing streak appear to be a bigger deal than it actually is. Creighton remains a very good team, quite capable of going on a tear and winning the Big East.

Creighton, UConn, Nova and Marquette are potential top five teams along with X. The Big East, as usual, is evenly matched this year and we have our work cut out for us.

[xavierj]

What will hurt numbers wise is I expect both Creighton and nova to be top 5 in bit east. Both struggled OOC. What happened to creighton? Is the story mainly the big that’s hurt?

Creighton will end up top 30 in the net I would imagine. They are currently 51, so they won’t be a drain on anyone. Nova will Be middle of the pack Big East and at least top 60 net. They are not the Nova that we are used to.