Bracketology 2018

[GoMuskies]

OK, this one is completely worthless (it is from Palm, and it includes Creighton in the play-in game that if they win would have them face Xavier in the first round....:facepalm:), but it's August 1, and it relates to Xavier basketball.

#5 seed for the Muskies. Hopefully in Wichita!

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/too-early-for-bracketology-dont-be-ridiculous-and-enjoy-end-of-july-madness/

[paulxu]

You remember I drink Makers...right?

[GoMuskies]

You remember I drink Makers...right?

I've been stocking up for just this circumstance.

[muskienick]

You remember I drink Makers...right?

I was ridiculed after I offered a Makers to a friend who intimated that it wasn't "high brow" enough for him. Then he pulled out a bottle of Trader Joe's Bourbon and got the last laugh on me. I thought he was being serious!

[drudy23]

Top 4 seed next year.

[GIMMFD]

We're going undefeated next year, and I'll accept no arguments from any of you.

[xu82]

We're going undefeated next year, and I'll accept no arguments from any of you.

Please don't let the umbrella from the drink poke you in the eye! That can cause problems! :)

[Masterofreality]

OK, this one is completely worthless (it is from Palm, and it includes Creighton in the play-in game that if they win would have them face Xavier in the first round....:facepalm:), but it's August 1, and it relates to Xavier basketball.

#5 seed for the Muskies. Hopefully in Wichita!

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/too-early-for-bracketology-dont-be-ridiculous-and-enjoy-end-of-july-madness/

Shots are required. Hopefully with Crown Royale!!!

[Muskie]

On August 1, I don't have much issue with the 1's and 2's. But at least try to make a bracket that's "legal". As Go or someone pointed out, we can't play Creighton that early.

[GIMMFD]

Please don't let the umbrella from the drink poke you in the eye! That can cause problems! :)

Hey I got $7 to get you one too, drink the kool aid. Join the bandwagon. We'll be trendsetters.

[STL_XUfan]

On August 1, I don't have much issue with the 1's and 2's. But at least try to make a bracket that's "legal". As Go or someone pointed out, we can't play Creighton that early.

I didn't think bracketing principals applied to the play in game winner?

[Muskie]

I didn't think bracketing principals applied to the play in game winner?

That could be the case.

[GoMuskies]

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

Xavier, Louisville and Wichita State all in Dallas, a mere 4.5 hour drive away?!? Yes, please.

[flatspat]

OK, this one is completely worthless (it is from Palm, and it includes Creighton in the play-in game that if they win would have them face Xavier in the first round....:facepalm:), but it's August 1, and it relates to Xavier basketball.

#5 seed for the Muskies. Hopefully in Wichita!

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/too-early-for-bracketology-dont-be-ridiculous-and-enjoy-end-of-july-madness/

If it is Wichita,I am in

[XMuskieFTW]

If it is Wichita,I am in

If it is Wichita, Go is housing the entire board right?

[GoMuskies]

Sure, you can get a 15 bedroom house here for like 50 bucks.

[mid major]

Hey I got $7 to get you one too, drink the kool aid. Join the bandwagon. We'll be trendsetters.

I must be getting old. I mistook "We'll be trendsetters" for "We'll be transgenders". Sorry, I started early. Hey, not all of us can afford Makers. Some of us have to settle for Kentucky Tavern.

[paulxu]

I could be at Go's place, drinking Makers, and he'll introduce me to Mrs. Marshall.

Alrighty then....

[GoMuskies]

I could be at Go's place, drinking Makers, and he'll introduce me to Mrs. Marshall.

Alrighty then....

Well, the Shockers aren't allowed to play in Wichita in the NCAA Tournament, so unfortunately Lynn will be tearing up the bars in another city that weekend. But otherwise, sure. I'll even spring for Woodford.

[X Factor]

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

Xavier 2 seed vs 15 seed NKU in Detroit.

[UCGRAD4X]

Revenge against Duke for the Final Four? BRING.....IT.....ON!

[THRILLHOUSE]

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

Xavier 2 seed vs 15 seed NKU in Detroit.

Not that bracketology means anything, especially in December, but as a X fan/NKU Grad, I do not like this.

[xdude]

Well, hard to complain about a 2 seed...

[GIMMFD]

Well, hard to complain about a 2 seed...

Agreed, we have a pretty good resume right now, just gotta keep the momentum up!

[xu82]

Remember, when they bumps come, and they will....a season is a lifetime. GREAT start, but there will be more adversity. THAT is part of what gets you ready for a march in March!

[Juice]

Not that bracketology means anything, especially in December, but as a X fan/NKU Grad, I do not like this.

Hopefully NKU can keep up their play into the conference schedule. I'd like to see them finish as the #1 seed over Oakland.

[zanesxu]

ASU as a fellow 2... good to see others treating that as a quality loss... UC as a 7 seed... lolz

[WCWIII]

Revenge against Duke for the Final Four? BRING.....IT.....ON!

"Through them and over them," Fr. Hoff.

[Emp]

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

Xavier 2 seed vs 15 seed NKU in Detroit.

....in which case I could host a few and find digs for many more. But scalping tix for the second game would be expensive with Michigan State in the other bracket.

The new Little Ceasars Arena has very good food and beer choices.....whoops, no beer.

I don't think x will be a 2, but I'd be over he moon if they play in Motown,

[letskeepitreal]

I don’t believe there is any beer at tournament games if I recall. Went to a XU Marquette game during the season and there was beer but venue was dry tournament time. Just got to drink heavily pregame!

[bobbiemcgee]

I like that people are worried about where to get drunk in March.

[XMuskieFTW]

Founders just opened a second brewery a few blocks from Little Caesar's arena. We'll be set on beer.

[X Factor]

New bracketology. X still a 2 seed in the South. First two rounds in Detroit.

http://m.espn.com/ncb/bracketology?src=desktop

[UCGRAD4X]

Still opposite Duke for the final four...provided the Blue Devils makes it that far.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Love to meet them for the right!!! At this point ole just for men is just a muse. The talent coaches itself. This is the year X breaks though.

[Xavier]

I’d prefer to avoid Duke as long as possible.

[UCGRAD4X]

I’d prefer to avoid Duke as long as possible.

You would rather meet them in the final four or finals?

Which #1 seed would you rather meet to go to the final four?

(providing, of course, X is a '2' - perhaps a '1' by then - and everything else is chalk)

[XU '11]

You would rather meet them in the final four or finals?

Which #1 seed would you rather meet to go to the final four?

(providing, of course, X is a '2' - perhaps a '1' by then - and everything else is chalk)

Arizona State

[UCGRAD4X]

Arizona State

Is this the 'revenge' factor speaking here or do you think this is the team X has the best chance to beat.

I would think that with the previous showing - if it was truly a 'match-up' issue as has been more-or-less uniformly maintained - this would be one of the last teams we would want to see at the top of our bracket.

...or, perhaps, you expect the match-up issue to be different for some reason....

[slysyl]

The match-up issue could be different. In the first half of the ASU game Kanter came alive down low and we had like a 15 point margin. We fell away from attacking the middle the rest of the game. Now we have three guys that are playing strong in the middle. It has been noted by the experts that ASU is weak in defending the middle; it is there weak spot. Next time we win. Go XAVIER.

[xukeith]

What about if X plays Florida State again? Revenge for them. Or Arizona....

[XU '11]

Is this the 'revenge' factor speaking here or do you think this is the team X has the best chance to beat.

I would think that with the previous showing - if it was truly a 'match-up' issue as has been more-or-less uniformly maintained - this would be one of the last teams we would want to see at the top of our bracket.

...or, perhaps, you expect the match-up issue to be different for some reason....

They are a group that is less experienced and less talented than any other team in contention for a 1-seed. They were voted 6th in the preseason Pac-12 poll. I know we lost last time. This has nothing to do with revenge, just that they are the least talented team.

[stammina0721]

Undoubtedly Arizona State. Not for revenge but because they are the easiest game. First of all they are weak in the middle. Secondly, the shot ungodly in the second half... No way that repeats. Finally and most importantly, noone on their team has major tournament success.

[UCGRAD4X]

Taking the neutral court factor into it as well.

Also depends on where we end up playing / region and all.

The 'also depends' statement applies to the entire speculative nature of the whole conversation, of course.

The easy answer is "Anyone! Anywhere!"

But speculating is much more fun....

[usfldan]

I don't really care how we get there, but beating Notre Dame, Kentucky, and Duke to make our first Final Four would be pretty nice.

PS- No offense, Lipscomb.

[Xavier]

You would rather meet them in the final four or finals?

Which #1 seed would you rather meet to go to the final four?

(providing, of course, X is a '2' - perhaps a '1' by then - and everything else is chalk)

I think Duke is the best team in the country. They are on a tier of their own. MSU is obviously good but they aren’t as scary as Duke (Vegas favorites, already beat MSU also.) IMO. Having said that I want the easiest path to the final four. Simple as that.

To answer your question, I would rather anyone else in the top 10 be the other top seee in our bracket. (If we are a 1/2).

[letskeepitreal]

I thought Duke was tough early on. I’ve seen a couple of Arizona games and if they continue to play well, they’ll be in the hunt. Don’t want to play them but would love to beat Sean. The little brother that could!

[GIMMFD]

I thought Duke was tough early on. I’ve seen a couple of Arizona games and if they continue to play well, they’ll be in the hunt. Don’t want to play them but would love to beat Sean. The little brother that could!

Been there, done that with Zona, Duke is very damn good, and Bagley is an absolute stud, compound that with the fact that they have a true point guard, and they're definitely the best team in the country. I'd love to beat UNC to go to the Final 4 or something like that, because I have a lot of cousins that attended there, and they seem pretty beatable.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Xavier a 2 seed in the south (Detroit).

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

[GoMuskies]

Xavier a 2 seed in the south (Detroit).

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

Bummer. According to this they've apparently canceled the Wichita first and second rounds. Guess I'll throw away my tickets.

[UCGRAD4X]

Xavier a 2 seed in the south (Detroit).

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

Seem hell bent at putting us with Dukies.

[drudy23]

I have a hard time believing we're the 4th 2 seed with our current resume. We should be in MSU or ASU's bracket.

[XUFan09]

I have a hard time believing we're the 4th 2 seed with our current resume. We should be in MSU or ASU's bracket.Can someone (maybe XUBrew) remind me of the rules here? I believe the only rule is that the sum of S-curve ranks for the top four seeds of each region can only differ by so much. You could theoretically have the overall number one seed and the best two seed in the same region, but then the three and four seeds would have to be weaker.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Steve A]

Lunardi posted his S-curve on Twitter yesterday, and had X 6th.

https://twitter.com/ESPNLunardi/status/946106686766501894

[xu95]

Since Nashville and Detroit are almost exactly the same distance from Cinci. I would like them to go to Nashville as their protected seed. 8 hour drive for me from KC vs 11 to Detroit.

[xu82]

Since Nashville and Detroit are almost exactly the same distance from Cinci. I would like them to go to Nashville as their protected seed. 8 hour drive for me from KC vs 11 to Detroit.

I would LOVE Nashville! It’s a great place for that type of event, it’s close to us (3.5 hours), and our son lives there so housing is covered. In Orlando the street sign in front of the hotel had big letters that said “W Colonial Dr”, but the smaller letters below said “MLK Dr”. The Uber drivers wished me luck. But it was affordable....

[X-band '01]

Can someone (maybe XUBrew) remind me of the rules here? I believe the only rule is that the sum of S-curve ranks for the top four seeds of each region can only differ by so much. You could theoretically have the overall number one seed and the best two seed in the same region, but then the three and four seeds would have to be weaker.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Of the top 16 seeds, the biggest variance you're allowed to have between regions is 5.

There's also a recent rule that says that the #1 overall team and the #5 overall team cannot be in the same region. I think it was because of Kentucky and Wisconsin a couple of years ago being in that position.

[bobbiemcgee]

Top seed in West:
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/bracketology-xavier-vaults-to-top-line/

[GoMuskies]

Top seed in West:
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/bracketology-xavier-vaults-to-top-line/

I mean, I GUESS I could live with that.

Looking at it again, it would be more convenient for me if we were placed in the Omaha bracket. TIA Selection Committee

[paulxu]

Since this is some sort of revenge tour year, I'm OK with #2 in the South and meet up with the Dooks in Atlanta.

[waggy]

Since this is some sort of revenge tour year, I'm OK with #2 in the South and meet up with the Dooks in Atlanta.


Wouldn't that be something.

[Xuperman]

Lunardi's latest is one of those "if only" DREAM brackets for X. Has us a 3 in Nashville with a made to order path to the final 4....Beat W&M, Ohio St., U of L, then Kentucky to cut down the nets! Can you just imagine the swag on the recruiting trail....WOW!!

[GoMuskies]

Lunardi's latest is one of those "if only" DREAM brackets for X. Has us a 3 in Nashville with a made to order path to the final 4....Beat W&M, Ohio St., U of L, then Kentucky to cut down the nets! Can you just imagine the swag on the recruiting trail....WOW!!

I just looked at the bracket, and I can't understand what you're seeing. It looks to me like the dream path is W&M, Ohio State, West Virginia and Cincinnati. THAT would be amazing.

[Xuperman]

Ok, dream path for me. I, like many of us, have lots of OSU, UK, and UL friends.....It would be such a glorious off season!!

[paulxu]

And the BE with 7 teams.

[X-band '01]

CBS Sports - Jerry Palm's SemiWeekly Bracket (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/bracketology/)

He also has Xavier as a 3 in a region with Virginia #1, West Virginia #2, Kentucky #4 and Cincinnati #5.

Also a little surprising that he has 7 Big East teams in compared to only 6 for the Big 12. As good as the wins against Kansas and West Virginia were for Texas Tech, I can't imagine them getting a #1 seed right now when their noncon schedule is in the bottom 5th of the country.

[letskeepitreal]

I don't like Palms bracket at all. Too many things can go wrong. I think his Midwest bracket isn't as strong. Auburn as a #2 seed? get real

[THRILLHOUSE]

I don't like Palms bracket at all. Too many things can go wrong. I think his Midwest bracket isn't as strong. Auburn as a #2 seed? get real

Palm isn't very good at Bracket predictions. On Bracket Matrix, out of the 113 people who have done bracket projections for at least 3 years, Palm ranks #82. (Lunardi is #40 for anyone curious.)

[Emp]

Palm isn't very good at Bracket predictions. On Bracket Matrix, out of the 113 people who have done bracket projections for at least 3 years, Palm ranks #82. (Lunardi is #40 for anyone curious.)

Has anyone of ye cognoscenti looked at who does the best by a specific team, say Xavier, on predicting actual seed line? Does The Matrix do that?

[Juice]

Has anyone of ye cognoscenti looked at who does the best by a specific team, say Xavier, on predicting actual seed line? Does The Matrix do that?

http://www.bracketmatrix.com/rankings.html

[GoMuskies]

Lunardi's new bracketology came out today. I like Xavier as a three seed in Nashvegas. I would hate to have the #14 seed be Murray State. That's essentially a home game for Murray, so I can't imagine that will actually happen.

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

[X-band '01]

Or you could just cheer for Belmont to win and get shipped out of Nashville. Xavier could not be placed at a home court disadvantage against the Bruins (hence the term "protected seed" in this instance).

[mid major]

Lunardi's new bracketology came out today. I like Xavier as a three seed in Nashvegas. I would hate to have the #14 seed be Murray State. That's essentially a home game for Murray, so I can't imagine that will actually happen.

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

And Nashvegas would be quite warmer than Detroit or Pittsburgh for that matter.

[X-band '01]

It should be a little warmer, but let's not act like it's T-shirt and shorts weather in March, either.

[bjf123]

FWIW, we’re up to an RPI of 4 with a 7 SOS after the Seton Hall win. Nova is at 3 and 37.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

[QUOTE=X-band '01;607663]It should be a little warmer, but let's not act like it's T-shirt and shorts weather in March, either.

Nashville had 16 days above 70 last March and 3 80 degree days. Detroit had 3 days above 60. Average high is 61 compared to 46. Not Florida but much warmer.

[Steve A]

Lunardi has X back up to 8 on his S-curve, so they'll be a 2 seed in the next bracket.

[mid major]

It should be a little warmer, but let's not act like it's T-shirt and shorts weather in March, either.

I don't want T-shirt and shorts weather either. It'll be really hard to smuggle my booze in. Which leads me to a point about the NCAA. They sell alcohol during the national bowl semi's and finals but they don't sell during the basketball NCAA tournament. What gives?

[Juice]

I don't want T-shirt and shorts weather either. It'll be really hard to smuggle my booze in. Which leads me to a point about the NCAA. They sell alcohol during the national bowl semi's and finals but they don't sell during the basketball NCAA tournament. What gives?

I could be wrong but I don't think the bowls aren't technically run by the NCAA while the tournament is. Regardless, people are adults. Let them buy alcohol if they want. Arrest their asses if they're idiots.

[GoMuskies]

They sell beer at the College World Series. This past year was the first time, I believe.

[paulxu]

If it's possible, I'd like to see X in Atlanta to bust down the FF door.

[OTRMUSKIE]

A little off topic but during the minn/philly game they showed both Xavier and Nova in their advertisement. That’s huge!!!!! Meanwhile I am up here in Dayton because girlfriend is in the Air Force and I think I may have seen an advertisement for Dayton basketball on a telephone pole.

[bleedXblue]

If it's possible, I'd like to see X in Atlanta to bust down the FF door.

Revenge Tour would continue exorcising the loss to Duke in Atlanta with the phantom Anthony Miles foul.

[stammina0721]

Revenge Tour would continue exorcising the loss to Duke in Atlanta with the phantom Anthony Miles foul.

Why??? Why bring up thst call. Of all the moments that one was the worst to me. Myles ate Sheldon Williams lunch all game. That one call is the reason X still has no final four

[paulxu]

Back in Nash/Atl this morning.

[GoMuskies]

Back in Nash/Atl this morning.

Side bonus: if we can stay ahead of UC, we might get them shipped to Boise even as a #3 or #4 seed (like in today's Bracketology).

[Emp]

A date with Huggs in the Sweet 16 in Atlanta would be so great

[Xavier]

What are the top teams you absolutely want to avoid in March? I don’t want Kansas or Duke in our region. I would love to be in Kansas slot in this current bracketology. Purdue/Clemson as 1/3 seed would be nice.

[GoMuskies]

What are the top teams you absolutely want to avoid in March? I don’t want Kansas or Duke in our region. I would love to be in Kansas slot in this current bracketology. Purdue/Clemson as 1/3 seed would be nice.

Kansas isn't very good. I'm okay ending up with them. Duke? Less so. Purdue fucking amazing. Why would you hope for them?

[Xuperman]

If the games were played today, X would be underdogs against all the theams in front of us, but Virginia is the team I would prefer to draw by far.....Me personally, I want nothing to do with ARIZONA. Prediction- they win out in conference and get a 1 seed.

[drudy23]

AZ will not get a 1...we're a better team than AZ.

[Xavier]

Kansas isn't very good. I'm okay ending up with them. Duke? Less so. Purdue fucking amazing. Why would you hope for them?

As for Duke and Kansas, offensive teams scare me more in March than Denfensive teams. Purdue is great, too.

[X-band '01]

Kansas isn't very good. I'm okay ending up with them. Duke? Less so. Purdue fucking amazing. Why would you hope for them?

Kansas is interesting in that they play like a 1 seed away from home and like a bubble team in Allen Field House. Forget that Arizona State and Texas Tech won there, Kansas State and Baylor blew golden opportunities to win there. I cannot explain that for the life of me.

[drudy23]

The only thing that really worries me about this team in March is its inconsistency on defense, especially against elite quickness and scoring guards. It's proven to be a weakness.

[bobbiemcgee]

Pretty simple. Everyone plays like JP did the last game, We win the NC.

[Cheesehead]

Pretty simple. Everyone plays like JP did the last game, We win the NC.

I like this logic.

[Emp]

What are the top teams you absolutely want to avoid in March? I don’t want Kansas or Duke in our region. I would love to be in Kansas slot in this current bracketology. Purdue/Clemson as 1/3 seed would be nice.

Virginia. We can run with about any team that wants to. It's. Nova like defense, a smart controlling opponent that scares me most.

[stammina0721]

I'd love to play Virginia over a team like UNC. X doesnt play well vs blue bloods. Virginia doesnt qualify. Basically ill take matchups vs any non blue blood school. Too much bad history there to expect anything other than disappointment

[AviatorX]

I'd love to play Virginia over a team like UNC. X doesnt play well vs blue bloods. Virginia doesnt qualify. Basically ill take matchups vs any non blue blood school. Too much bad history there to expect anything other than disappointment

Right, like that time Gonzaga obliterated X last year.

[skyking]

And Kansas goes down again.

[paulxu]

Not sure you want to play Virginia after looking at the Clemson score.

[mid major]

Not sure you want to play Virginia after looking at the Clemson score.

They are probably feeling the same way about us. That's the team with the Croatian kid from Minnesota...I want no part of them.

[drudy23]

I find it funny how there are so many teams that alot of fans want "no part of"....well, then forget the Final Four, because you can't get there without beating multiple really good teams.

[bobbiemcgee]

They are probably feeling the same way about us. That's the team with the Croatian kid from Minnesota...I want no part of them.

We would go all Billy Hoyle on them.

[Emp]

I'd love to play Virginia over a team like UNC. X doesnt play well vs blue bloods. Virginia doesnt qualify. Basically ill take matchups vs any non blue blood school. Too much bad history there to expect anything other than disappointment

You want to play/avoid based on pedigrees? It's present day matchups that count, not history. These players don't know enough or care enough to be psyched out by UNC or others pedigree teams they have never seen live. When Virginia takes down Clemson that badly and holds UNC to 49 ON THE ROAD, that gets my attention.

[GetUp5]

Keep me as far the F away from UVA as possible. That defense is insane.

They smoked Clemson because Grantham is out for the year - Clemson's first game without him. They're about to tailspin.

[GetUp5]

Bring anyone on. The only thing that would be tough in the tournament is a team with some sort of quirk. These teams are tough to match up with on short prep...

UVA's packline
WVU's press
Syracuse 2-3
Oklahoma's Trae Young/Steph Curry act
etc etc

[mid major]

Bring anyone on. The only thing that would be tough in the tournament is a team with some sort of quirk. These teams are tough to match up with on short prep...

UVA's packline
WVU's press
Syracuse 2-3
Oklahoma's Trae Young/Steph Curry act
etc etc

I hope Boston College don't make the tournament either. I would hate to play them. They are scary. They beat UNC.

[Lloyd Braun]

Keep me as far the F away from UVA as possible. That defense is insane.

They smoked Clemson because Grantham is out for the year - Clemson's first game without him. They're about to tailspin.

Yea I want no part of UVA. Clemson was up 23-16 with 6:30 to go in the first half. Regardless of who is injured allowing 13 points in 26 minutes is absurd.

[Emp]

I find it funny how there are so many teams that alot of fans want "no part of"....well, then forget the Final Four, because you can't get there without beating multiple really good teams.

Reps . I never thought of that.

[Lamont Sanford]

I hope Boston College don't make the tournament either. I would hate to play them. They are scary. They beat UNC.

BC also beat Puke at home this year.

UNC is not good. They do not have many scoring options outside Joel Berry and Luke Maye.

[X-band '01]

I hope Boston College don't make the tournament either. I would hate to play them. They are scary. They beat UNC.


BC also beat Puke at home this year.

UNC is not good. They do not have many scoring options outside Joel Berry and Luke Maye.

BC's other notable win was Florida State at home, not UNC. They're improved, but they are still a long way out of NCAA contention.

[Lloyd Braun]

I find it funny how there are so many teams that alot of fans want "no part of"....well, then forget the Final Four, because you can't get there without beating multiple really good teams.

You don’t make the final four without a bit of luck unless you are an elite top level team. Matchups are pretty important.

[mid major]

Do we have to play Nova again? I mean PC was up 11 and Nova went on a 22-2 run. Why do we have to play them? How about Colorado? They beat ASU and they spanked us. I’m really terrified about playing them again. If they bested a team like ASU then I want no part of them. We shouldn’t have played Zona last year. We won but I didn’t want no part of them either.

[slysyl]

This is college basketball you prepair, play, and beat the next team on your schedule. You don't back down for anyone.That's the fun in playing to be top dog.

[drudy23]

You don’t make the final four without a bit of luck unless you are an elite top level team. Matchups are pretty important.

We are an elite top level team this year. We have just as good a chance as anyone to be a Final Four team.

[paulxu]

Still in Nash/Atl/San Antonio

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

[AviatorX]

We are an elite top level team this year. We have just as good a chance as anyone to be a Final Four team.

Exactly. Doubt there are many fan bases out there who want to sign up for 40 mins of the Bluiett/Macura show along with X's normal physicality that usually catches a team or two off guard every March.

[bobbiemcgee]

Still in Nash/Atl

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

You mean San Antonio.

[paulxu]

You mean San Antonio.

Txs. Fixed.

[OTRMUSKIE]

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-01-09/march-madness-midseason-report-andy-katz-breaks-down-2018

[UCGRAD4X]

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-01-09/march-madness-midseason-report-andy-katz-breaks-down-2018

Interesting:
Xavier and Seton 3 & 4 ahead of Villanova at 6.
Butler next BE at 26
Cincinnati at 34 just ahead Creighton.
Marquette 43
Providence 46
St. Johns at 57 - Status: NOPE

Then again, this is Andy Katz, so.........

[chico]

Plus the article is from January 9.

[UCGRAD4X]

Plus the article is from January 9.

So you're saying it's worth less than worthless?

[Michigan Muskie]

Up to #6 on the Bracket Matrix S-curve (http://www.bracketmatrix.com/). Two sites put X on the 1 line including Seed Madness who ranks X #1 overall (http://www.seed-madness.com/qri.htm) based on their QRI formula. As of today, I'm a big fan of QRI.

[UCGRAD4X]

Up to #6 on the Bracket Matrix S-curve (http://www.bracketmatrix.com/). Two sites put X on the 1 line including Seed Madness who ranks X #1 overall (http://www.seed-madness.com/qri.htm) based on their QRI formula. As of today, I'm a big fan of QRI.

All Hail QRI!

as of today...

What's QRI?

Doesn't matter.....WE'RE # 1!

[Lloyd Braun]

All Hail QRI!

as of today...

What's QRI?

Doesn't matter.....WE'RE # 1!

QRI believes this is the best X team ever.

[THRILLHOUSE]

All Hail QRI!

as of today...

What's QRI?

Doesn't matter.....WE'RE # 1!

QRI is the best ranking metric, I've often said this.

[GIMMFD]

I'm all for QRI and what not but uhh, an someone explain why?? Lmao.

[stammina0721]

Someone somewhere asked who we don't want to see in the tournament. I have my answer. I want nothing to do with NC State. Good guards who can go off and a decent 7 footer. Sounds like a matchup nightmare with a team who beat UNC and Arizona

[Strange Brew]

Someone somewhere asked who we don't want to see in the tournament. I have my answer. I want nothing to do with NC State. Good guards who can go off and a decent 7 footer. Sounds like a matchup nightmare with a team who beat UNC and Arizona

Duke. Because of their 8 on 5 defense. It’s burned X before.

[xukeith]

All Hail QRI!

as of today...

What's QRI?

Doesn't matter.....WE'RE # 1!

Yes. He does not seem to be a fan of the ACC. No #1 seeds for Duke or Virginia.

[MauriceX]

I'm all for QRI and what not but uhh, an someone explain why?? Lmao.

I'm trying to figure out how this QRI thing works. The basic premise is pretty simple. You get points for wins and lose points for losses. You get more points for beating good teams and fewer points for beating bad teams (0 points for beating sub-200 teams - so UC doesn't get credit for 7 of their wins). Similarly, you lose fewer points for losing to good teams and more points for losing to bad teams. It also takes home/neutral/away into account.

However, I still don't know how exactly it works... you'd need some sort of starting point to determine who is "good" and who is "bad" to start the season. It doesn't explain how it works when everyone is 0-0 and has 0 points.

[American X]

It doesn't explain how it works when everyone is 0-0 and has 0 points.

Hence, the downfall of Communism.

[paulxu]

Here's a guy who's stuff actually gets used by the committee.
He's got us as the 4th #1.

http://www.kpisports.net/d-i_mbb/2018kpi-d1mbb/

[Strange Brew]

Hence, the downfall of Communism.

Sure, and Rocky

[XU 87]

RPI is now at 3.

[xukeith]

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-01-09/march-madness-midseason-report-andy-katz-breaks-down-2018

I love X but Villanova below X and SH??
Huh?

[GIMMFD]

Here's a guy who's stuff actually gets used by the committee.
He's got us as the 4th #1.

http://www.kpisports.net/d-i_mbb/2018kpi-d1mbb/

Boy that'd be the best of times..

[XUFan09]

I love X but Villanova below X and SH??
Huh?Based just off Tier 1 and Tier 1 records, apparently.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

I love X but Villanova below X and SH??
Huh?


Based just off Tier 1 and Tier 1 records, apparently.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

That's a January 9th article with January 7th RPI standings. A lot has changed.

[GoMuskies]

Latest Bracketology has KU with a #1 seed. If that happens, I sure hope we're their 2.

[stammina0721]

We would be as the top 2 seed. No point talking about that though with so much ball to still be played

[Emp]

Lunardi now has us in the West Regional. I'd prefer Altalnta so more fans could actually attend. Even if that means going through Virginia.

[X-band '01]

That may also mean that Xavier is #6 on Lunardi's S-Curve. Duke was placed in the Midwest, so I'm guessing they're #5 right now. The South would be more ideal from a travel perspective, but the Selection Committee isn't going to stack one regional to be much tougher, either.

[SemajParlor]

Latest Bracketology has KU with a #1 seed. If that happens, I sure hope we're their 2.

Please. Can we just fast forward and have that bracket now.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology/_/iteration/216

[Xavier]

I agree. Originally I didn't want to see Kansas but GoMuskies has me convinced. That and I think they end up losing before elite 8 anyway.

[GoMuskies]

[QUOTE=Xavier;609185]I agree. Originally I didn't want to see Kansas but GoMuskies has me convinced. /QUOTE]

I mean, Kansas is pretty good, but would any sane person prefer to face Villanova, UVA or Purdue (or Duke for that matter).

[SemajParlor]

JP Macura and Grayson Allen were put on this earth to play in the NCAA tournament against each other. Please remember this post,

[GoMuskies]

Please. Can we just fast forward and have that bracket now.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology/_/iteration/216

Xavier/Wichita State Elite 8!!!!

[SemajParlor]

Man, an 8 seed for Nevada would be a really tough draw for them. Those Martin twins can play.

[paulxu]

I want the Muskies in Atlanta. Yes, I'm selfish. Might be the only games I can see this year. So, sue me.

[GIMMFD]

JP Macura and Grayson Allen were put on this earth to play in the NCAA tournament against each other. Please remember this post,

I would not want to match up against Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter Jr., that would be frightening, much rather would go with as these guys said and draw Kansas.

[xu82]

I want the Muskies in Atlanta. Yes, I'm selfish. Might be the only games I can see this year. So, sue me.

Atlanta works for me! If they are not here, I’ll be in Nashville to see whatever the action is there. We’ve got a place there at least until next summer, so it’s like a home event. A $6 Uber into the event area is cheaper than parking. I want to make the most of that at least once!

I LOVED the people in Orlando last year who came in huge groups to just check out the games, regardless of where THEIR team was playing. They’d have 30-40 in a group with three generations. But those Wisconsin guys a pitcher and your friends for life!

[muethibp]

Was thinking today about how certain dominant teams have essentially already booked their tickets to certain first round protected venues.

Charlotte: Almost certainly going to get Duke and UVA. Along with them come 8, 9, and 16 seeds, or 7, 10, and 15 if one or both are 2 seeds.

Pittsburgh: Almost certainly going to Villanova. Another 8, 9, and 16 to there.

Detroit: Almost certainly getting MSU and Purdue along with two 8, 9, 16 and/or 7, 10, and 15 groups.

Wichita: Getting Kansas.

For Xavier, the choice is basically (1) play well enough to get the right to be protected and slotted into Nashville or maybe the one open pod leadership group in Pittsburgh or (2) lose some games and end up in the 4-5 area which is almost certainly going to be some combination of Boise, San Diego, and Dallas.

And what's notable is that all of the above applies the exact same to UC.

[XMuskieFTW]

Was thinking today about how certain dominant teams have essentially already booked their tickets to certain first round protected venues.

Charlotte: Almost certainly going to get Duke and UVA. Along with them come 8, 9, and 16 seeds, or 7, 10, and 15 if one or both are 2 seeds.

Pittsburgh: Almost certainly going to Villanova. Another 8, 9, and 16 to there.

Detroit: Almost certainly getting MSU and Purdue along with two 8, 9, 16 and/or 7, 10, and 15 groups.

Wichita: Getting Kansas.

For Xavier, the choice is basically (1) play well enough to get the right to be protected and slotted into Nashville or maybe the one open pod leadership group in Pittsburgh or (2) lose some games and end up in the 4-5 area which is almost certainly going to be some combination of Boise, San Diego, and Dallas.

And what's notable is that all of the above applies the exact same to UC.

I mean, as of right now, Detroit is really a toss up between MSU and X.

[94GRAD]

The way things are playing out, Both X and uc will be the protected seeds in Nashville. That will be an interesting drive there and back(reading license plates and stickers), as well as drinking weekend.

[94GRAD]

I mean, as of right now, Detroit is really a toss up between MSU and X.

Bridgestone Arena is 20 miles closer than Joe Louis so Nashville is X's primary location.

[XMuskieFTW]

Bridgestone Arena is 20 miles closer than Joe Louis so Nashville is X's primary location.

Cintas to Bridgestone is a 278 mile drive. Cintas to Little Caesar's Arena is a 258 mile drive. Detroit is 20 miles and about 20 minutes closer.

[94GRAD]

Cintas to Bridgestone is a 278 mile drive. Cintas to Little Caesar's Arena is a 258 mile drive. Detroit is 20 miles and about 20 minutes closer.

I stand corrected. Someone told me it was the other way around.

[XMuskieFTW]

I'm curious how that would play out if we were higher on the S curve than MSU. Would it only being an extra 20 minutes to Nashville have the NCAA put MSU in Detroit even if we were a better seed?(My guess is yes because $$$$)

I would imagine X would rather be in Detroit with large alumni bases in Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.

[muethibp]

I'm sure the committee considers Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Nashville to all be equal when it comes to protecting Xavier. They are decidedly not equal in terms of how much fun will be had by X fans. That score is something like:

Nashville 8762
Pittsburgh 12
Detroit 1.

[Emp]

I'm curious how that would play out if we were higher on the S curve than MSU. Would it only being an extra 20 minutes to Nashville have the NCAA put MSU in Detroit even if we were a better seed?(My guess is yes because $$$$)

I would imagine X would rather be in Detroit with large alumni bases in Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.

Unless the NCAA is doing value pricing, why would it generate more $ to put MSU in Detroit. LCA is going to sell out with or without Sparty, since Purdue is a near lock for a 1 seed there.

[Emp]

I'm sure the committee considers Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Nashville to all be equal when it comes to protecting Xavier. They are decidedly not equal in terms of how much fun will be had by X fans. That score is something like:

Nashville 8762
Pittsburgh 12
Detroit 1.

You haven't been to Detroit lately, it seems. The area around the new LC arena has plenty of new and vintage bars and restaurants, music, three casinos.

It's a much easier and safer drive than Nashville or Pittsburgh.

[X-band '01]

Pittsburgh (Thu/Sat) - Villanova for sure - West Virginia would also supercede Xavier here if they get their shit together in the next few weeks.
Wichta (Thu/Sat) - Kansas for sure and maybe the last 3 or first 4 seed (North Carolina or Clemson, perhaps?)
Dallas (Thu/Sat) - Oklahoma and Texas Tech seem to be the favorites here.
Boise (Thu/Sat) - Island of Misfit Toys

Detroit (Fri/Sun) - Purdue for sure and more likely than not Sparty
Nashville (Fri/Sun) - Xavier and Auburn seem to be the favorites here, although North Carolina or Clemson could also climb up to this spot. Another fly in the ointment here would be a possible Tennessee placement.
Charlotte (Fri/Sun) - Virginia and Duke. Or Virginia/UNC if the Tar Heels wake up.
San Diego (Fri/Sun) - Arizona and a 4 seed

[muethibp]

I've been to that part of Detroit a number of times and including recently. I think my rankings are right.

[Lloyd Braun]

Pittsburgh (Thu/Sat) - Villanova for sure - West Virginia would also supercede Xavier here if they get their shit together in the next few weeks.
Wichta (Thu/Sat) - Kansas for sure and maybe the last 3 or first 4 seed (North Carolina or Clemson, perhaps?)
Dallas (Thu/Sat) - Oklahoma and Texas Tech seem to be the favorites here.
Boise (Thu/Sat) - Island of Misfit Toys

Detroit (Fri/Sun) - Purdue for sure and more likely than not Sparty
Nashville (Fri/Sun) - Xavier and Auburn seem to be the favorites here, although North Carolina or Clemson could also climb up to this spot. Another fly in the ointment here would be a possible Tennessee placement.
Charlotte (Fri/Sun) - Virginia and Duke. Or Virginia/UNC if the Tar Heels wake up.
San Diego (Fri/Sun) - Arizona and a 4 seed

I prefer Fri/Sun games. Saves a day of vacation.

[webxu]

I go to Detroit once or twice a year.. its not AS bad its reputation, but no contest compared to Nashville, and its honky tonks..

[GoMuskies]

Norman, Oklahoma is pretty much equidistant to Wichita and Dallas. They could go either place as needed.

[GoMuskies]

I go to Detroit once or twice a year.. its not AS bad its reputation, but no contest compared to Nashville, and its honky tonks..

I like Detroit okay, but in mid-March? No contest between it and Nashville.

[Masterofreality]

I'm sure the committee considers Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Nashville to all be equal when it comes to protecting Xavier. They are decidedly not equal in terms of how much fun will be had by X fans. That score is something like:

Nashville 8762
Pittsburgh 12
Detroit 1.


I've been to that part of Detroit a number of times and including recently. I think my rankings are right.

Other than being too low for Nashville :-) , you are exactly right.
Please put us in Music City! I would love that!!

[Nigel Tufnel]

I had a 2 day trial this week that was continued until April 2nd and 3rd. I have to call the Judge on Monday and explain to her as follows: so, yeah...this trial needs to meet your Supreme Court time line...but, yeah, ummm....if X makes the Final 4, I have promised my boys we would go. I've been on this earth for 44 years...during that time, OSU football has won 2 National Championships, the Reds have won a World Series, OSU basketball has made the finals, UC basketball has been to the Final 4....hell, even the Bungs have gone to the Super Bowl twice. If X makes the Final 4, my sons and I are going. I will be in San Antonio during the trial. Now...the odds aren't great that they will make it...but they are ranked 6th in the country. I didn't want to mark my calendar out those days because of the odds. Can we change the trial dates now? Or do you want me to file a continuance a week before the trial if the improbable happens. Should be a fun conversation. But I will make it clear to her that, if X makes its first ever Final 4, I will be in San Antonio.

I called opposing counsel today to discuss it with him...big UC fan and alum. He laughed at me and asked me if he needed to inform the court of the last time XU made the Final 4. He said he was a UC season ticket holder but stopped after 2 years of Cronin. Hates him. He begrudgingly admitted that if UC somehow makes the Final 4, he would be on a plane to San Antonio too. He did tell me if the court makes me file a Motion To Continue based on the possibility I could be out of state for a Xavier Final 4, he would print, copy it and send it to everyone he knows. Haha.

[bobbiemcgee]

David West will buy us all tickets.

[HenryMuto]

Both Kansas and Duke go down the door is wide open for X to get a 1 seed now if they can keep on winning.

[GoMuskies]

There really aren't 4 #1 seeds this year. So why not X?

[X-man]

There really aren't 4 #1 seeds this year. So why not X?

Here's your answer: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/bracketology/.

And this, from the #1 ranked bracketologist: https://bracketville.wordpress.com/bracketology/.

[bourbonman]

Here's your answer: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/bracketology/.

And this, from the #1 ranked bracketologist: https://bracketville.wordpress.com/bracketology/.

Like the respect. Not sure I'm thrilled being shipped west again. Would be fine with a 2 or 3 seed and being closer to home. JMO.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think location matters at all for a team like Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. We're not going to send enough fans most places to get a home court advantage in the NCAA Tournament anyway. I know it's better for some of the fans, but I really just want to win, and the better the seed the better our chance to win.

[GetUp5]

I don't think location matters at all for a team like Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. We're not going to send enough fans most places to get a home court advantage in the NCAA Tournament anyway. I know it's better for some of the fans, but I really just want to win, and the better the seed the better our chance to win.

This is especially true this year since the 4 regions funnel into Boston, Atlanta, LA and Omaha. This would have been a great year to have a region funnel into Indy.

[X-band '01]

If Xavier does get up to the 1-line, you gotta think there's also a chance to overtake Purdue and possibly wind up in Omaha if the Boilers slip up once or twice in the Big 10. Their conference is way down this year.

[X-band '01]

As for Purdue, they host Ohio State and travel to Michigan State this weekend. After that are going to be 4 games against teams that might not even make the NIT.

[bourbonman]

I don't think location matters at all for a team like Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. We're not going to send enough fans most places to get a home court advantage in the NCAA Tournament anyway. I know it's better for some of the fans, but I really just want to win, and the better the seed the better our chance to win.

Understand about the better seed. Fairly agree with the part we won't send that many fans to get home court. Yet, from watching on TV (I wasn't there) drawing against Arizona or UCLA felt like more home court for them than us, definitely not neutral. If it was closer I would hope it wasn't so out of balance. On the flip, I've been to sites closer to us and we quite frankly showed up fairly loud and proud. Anyway, long way to go this season to even think too much about where. Looking forward to the ride.

[GoMuskies]

I think the other big advantage of being a #1 in the West as opposed to a #2 closer to home is avoiding Villanova, Virginia and Purdue in the regional. At this point, that is the clear-cut big 3.

Obviously, as you say, a long way to go, though.

[stammina0721]

I cant agree with one thing. I dont put Purdue in the same category as Nova or Virginia. Getting fat off a bad big 10 is not impressive and will expose Purdue in the tournament. Same goes for Michigan State

[webxu]

Lunardi has X as a 1 seed, but facing Arizona St or Florida in the 2nd round.. 2 teams that can reign from 3.. hate that matchup.. but luckily it probably wont end up that way

[JTG]

I cant agree with one thing. I dont put Purdue in the same category as Nova or Virginia. Getting fat off a bad big 10 is not impressive and will expose Purdue in the tournament. Same goes for Michigan State
Have you seen Purdue? They have 2 7 footers, can shoot 3s, and haven't lost since Tgiving . Yes the BIG sucks, but I want no part of Purdue until FF.

[X-band '01]

Purdue has some decent wins at Marquette and at home against Louisville.

They also beat Arizona in the 7th place Atlantis game back in November when that tournament went schizo.

But to JTG's point, if the Boilers sweep this week, there's no reason to believe that Purdue would have any self-inflicted wounds after that point.

[XMuskieFTW]

Have you seen Purdue? They have 2 7 footers, can shoot 3s, and haven't lost since Tgiving . Yes the BIG sucks, but I want no part of Purdue until FF.

So 2016-2017 Arizona basically?

[JTG]

So 2016-2017 Arizona basically?

And that was no cake walk.

[letskeepitreal]

this years tournament will be nuts. Aside from the top 3 seeds, Nova, UVA and maybe Purdue, I think that there are 10-20 teams who can win it all. A lot depends on the draw. Latest bracketology has us playing Florida/ASU at 2nd round, Oklahome next then Duke? Wow, that's a tough draw but any draw this year will have tough games. You gotta win who you play to advance!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Oklahoma is a one man team. They lost again tonight with young going for 32. Unless X figures out how to play defense I don’t think it really matters who they play. This team is getting very lucky and still hasn’t put it together yet. These next 4 games will tell us if X is a true final
Four team or being upset early.

[Emp]

Oklahoma is a one man team. They lost again tonight with young going for 32. Unless X figures out how to play defense I don’t think it really matters who they play. This team is getting very lucky and still hasn’t put it together yet. These next 4 games will tell us if X is a true final
Four team or being upset early.

I don't see the correlation of the two. Why just a year ago.........

Unlike last season at the his point......... I look at it as three bites left: we can beat Nova; we can win the BE tourney; we can go EE/FF. ANY of those is possible. 1/3 would be great. Hoping for more, but if we don't pull the first one off, I still like our chances.

[stammina0721]

Have you seen Purdue? They have 2 7 footers, can shoot 3s, and haven't lost since Tgiving . Yes the BIG sucks, but I want no part of Purdue until FF.

Yes I've seen them and I can think Xavier is a match up nightmare for them. I'd love to see Purdue before quite a few other teams. I'd be more scared of Tennessee or Duke both of which are matchup nightmares for X

I also want to avoid any PAC-12 school. Historically X just does not care well against that conference

[webxu]

Yes I've seen them and I can think Xavier is a match up nightmare for them. I'd love to see Purdue before quite a few other teams. I'd be more scared of Tennessee or Duke both of which are matchup nightmares for X

I also want to avoid any PAC-12 school. Historically X just does not care well against that conference

73-71!!!! history changed..

and we are 1-1 vs p12 this year

[stammina0721]

73-71!!!! history changed..

and we are 1-1 vs p12 this year

Would you agree that in recent history X has been better vs Big 10 schools rather than Pac-12

[THRILLHOUSE]

I'd be more scared of Tennessee

Tennessee is good, but a Rick Barnes coached team does not scare me.

[stammina0721]

Tennessee is good, but a Rick Barnes coached team does not scare me.

After seeing what happened tonight I have to say I'm 100% wrong. Tennessee does not scare me.

[paulxu]

Paul Sabin ESPN Analytics

Coming into the night BPI viewed Tennessee and Xavier among the three most likely teams to grab that fourth No. 1 seed. Tennessee's schedule gets easier now while Xavier has Creighton and Villanova coming up.

I've been asleep all year. I don't remember anyone saying Tennessee was going to be a 1 seed.

[GoMuskies]

I don't want a #1 seed anymore. I want to be a #2 seed in Tennessee's region.

[STL_XUfan]

I've been asleep all year. I don't remember anyone saying Tennessee was going to be a 1 seed.

We all know how the committee loves to use BPI when evaluating teams....

[American X]

Has Xavier ever projected as a #1 seed? Did that ever happen two seasons ago? Not the most important, but that is another milestone to mark. Not to mention really cool to see.

[chico]

Latest Bracket Matrix has us as a number 1 seed.

http://www.bracketmatrix.com

[Blue Blooded-05]

I don't want a #1 seed anymore. I want to be a #2 seed in Tennessee's region.

As great as a #1 seed would be from a national recognition perspective, we have to remember that Mack coached teams thrive in the role of the disrespected underdog. I truly believe this team would play better as the 5th best team in the field instead of the 4th best team... especially if it’s a 1v2 matchup to go to the Final Four.

[Lloyd Braun]

As great as a #1 seed would be from a national recognition perspective, we have to remember that Mack coached teams thrive in the role of the disrespected underdog. I truly believe this team would play better as the 5th best team in the field instead of the 4th best team... especially if it’s a 1v2 matchup to go to the Final Four.

I’m sure there would be plenty of bulletin material if we got a 1 seed. There would be lots of haters saying they didn’t deserve it. I want the 1 seed... easiest path to FF statistically.

[94GRAD]

As great as a #1 seed would be from a national recognition perspective, we have to remember that Mack coached teams thrive in the role of the disrespected underdog. I truly believe this team would play better as the 5th best team in the field instead of the 4th best team... especially if it’s a 1v2 matchup to go to the Final Four.

As a 1 seed, you play a 16, 8/9, 4or13/5or12, and then probably a 2/3
As a 2 seed, you play a 15, 7/10, 3or14/6or11, and then probably a 1/4

Give me the 1 seed EVERY TIME!!!!! Our program is no longer a disrespected underdog.

[markchal]

As great as a #1 seed would be from a national recognition perspective, we have to remember that Mack coached teams thrive in the role of the disrespected underdog. I truly believe this team would play better as the 5th best team in the field instead of the 4th best team... especially if it’s a 1v2 matchup to go to the Final Four.

We really need to shed this line of thinking. There was someone on this board a few weeks ago that was trying to argue we'd be much better off as a 7 seed. It's ok to be a favorite, it's still not a given, just an easier path.

[GoMuskies]

If we're not a #1 seed, we can sneak up on people!

[94GRAD]

If we're not a #1 seed, we can sneak up on people!

We still could as long as we aren't the #1 1seed

[OTRMUSKIE]

Here is how many wins a team avg based on RPI ranking in the tournament
https://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/images/2018/02/01/ncaat_wins_by_rpi2.png

[GoMuskies]

I'll go ahead and assume that UConn was #14 in the RPI in 2014.

[HenryMuto]

Win on Saturday and I would expect to see Xavier on the 1 seed line on Sunday, Feb 11th show.

[HenryMuto]

Jesus X might still get a #1 seed with a loss at Creighton on Saturday for the Feb 11th show with Nova, Purdue and Auburn all going down.

[stammina0721]

If Nova wins this weekend they won't fall off the top line... not with only 2 loses and a loss this week against a top 70 rpi school

[XUFan09]

So here's how I see today and the next few days. First, today:

- I don't think Nova losing helped X too much in terms of seeding (BE championship is obviously another story). It would take more than that to bring Nova down to X's level. Really, I think this loss gave UVA only a slight edge on the overall #1 seed.
- Purdue losing, though, was really good for X. They are beating up on the Big 10, which has 14 teams but only 4 projected in the field. A home loss doesn't look too good, even if it is a strong OSU team. They slid down into X's territory with that loss.
- Auburn losing was also great. Again, like Purdue, they lost at home, which is even better. X has separated themselves a little from the Tigers after the Butler win and this loss.

Now, about the next few days
- Root hard for Baylor on Saturday. That could help the Xavier win (we want that to be a Tier 2 win), but more importantly, it knocks Kansas down a notch. Also, screw the Jayhawks.
- Root for UNC this Saturday. Duke losing would really help Xavier, and if UNC becomes a risk for X in terms of seeding again, it's X's own fault.
- Purdue plays Michigan State on Friday, and it's tough to figure out who to root for. A Michigan State loss to Iowa would have been great, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Good and bad things happen either way...I would root for Michigan State, because they really don't have that great of a resume and the unbalanced Big 10 scheduling doesn't do them many favors in terms of opportunities. But if they lose, I feel good about X finishing above them in the S-curve.

[XUFan09]

If Nova wins this weekend they won't fall off the top line... not with only 2 loses and a loss this week against a top 70 rpi school

After that crazy win, SJU has a decent chance of being a Quadrant 1 road win...what

[OTRMUSKIE]

Theh have to get at least one top 25 vote

[sirthought]

I'm rooting for Purdue against MSU. They are a likeable team, considering the Big 10. But with either of those two, XU just has to keep winning to get one of those top spots.

[XUGRAD80]

6 more BE regular season games and then the BE tourney to play. LOTS of Baskeball yet to be played by X and everyone else. The proposed brackets right now mean mean NOTHING in the long run. Almost anything is possible.....other than the possibility that UC will actually play anyone of consequence.....and the brackets may very well look completely different in 4 weeks. It’s fun to speculate, but that’s all it is right now, speculation. Can’t worry about who to root for, and who to root against at this point. May mean something at conference tourney time, but if X just keeps on winning we can just let everyone else worry about it.

[markchal]

huh? I don't think anyone here believes the field will be set next week. Like you said, it's fun to speculate on. Obviously anything is possible, but it would be nice for the program to get the publicity of being a 1 seed for awhile and get the program's highest ranking. Let's take care of business Saturday.

[muskiefan82]

If this ends up as the bracket, I would cry tears of joy.2242

[XUFan09]

6 more BE regular season games and then the BE tourney to play. LOTS of Baskeball yet to be played by X and everyone else. The proposed brackets right now mean mean NOTHING in the long run. Almost anything is possible.....other than the possibility that UC will actually play anyone of consequence.....and the brackets may very well look completely different in 4 weeks. It’s fun to speculate, but that’s all it is right now, speculation. Can’t worry about who to root for, and who to root against at this point. May mean something at conference tourney time, but if X just keeps on winning we can just let everyone else worry about it.Actually, the possibilities are starting to become limited. This bracket reveal is a good measure of what the Committee is thinking this year and how top teams compare entering the last lap of the season. Changes between now and Selection Sunday likely won't be just cosmetic, but they probably won't be drastic either

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[GoMuskies]

Changes between now and Selection Sunday likely won't be just cosmetic, but they probably won't be drastic either


I expect drastic action in UC's seeding when they lose three times to Wichita State between February 11 and Selection Sunday.

[XUFan09]

I expect drastic action in UC's seeding when they lose three times to Wichita State between February 11 and Selection Sunday.Lol awesome

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[webxu]

To quote the great Jake Taylor...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hDl6OALv4

[letskeepitreal]

Wow if this was the final bracket, would be pretty sweet. Better than a few days ago

[GetUp5]

6 more BE regular season games and then the BE tourney to play. LOTS of Baskeball yet to be played by X and everyone else. The proposed brackets right now mean mean NOTHING in the long run. Almost anything is possible.....other than the possibility that UC will actually play anyone of consequence.....and the brackets may very well look completely different in 4 weeks. It’s fun to speculate, but that’s all it is right now, speculation. Can’t worry about who to root for, and who to root against at this point. May mean something at conference tourney time, but if X just keeps on winning we can just let everyone else worry about it.

lol none of us play the actual games so we are allowed to look ahead.

[HenryMuto]

Last year 15 of the 16 teams in the NCAA bracket Feb 11th show held onto their top 4 seed.

Nova, Purdue and Auburn sure as heck made it 10x more interesting now though. It was pretty much set in stone the top 3 ranked teams were going to be Nova, Virginia and Purdue. Now we don't know on Purdue especially if they lose Saturday. Yes Nova and Virginia are still 1/2 but now Virginia is all but assured to be #1 overall and Nova #2 overall before it was 50/50 toss up.

Also I was really wondering if Ohio State would get into that top 16 if they lost at Purdue. I don't think they would have but would been close but there would been no way to know if they would been at 17 or 24 or wherever. Now I feel if they win Saturday which they should they will for sure be at least a 4 seed in the top 16.

Cincinnati is another team that has been seeded anywhere from 2-4 from most people and I myself see them as no higher then a 4 seed right now because they have exactly 0 wins vs sure fire NCAA teams. Lots of weak wins despite all those quad 1/2 piled up wins. They beat a couple bubble teams and that is it. So I don't know how they deserve even a 3 seed. To me 4 seed is their current ceiling. Go Wichita State.

[bjf123]

UC can certainly run the table in the AAC regular season and tournament due to the complete lack of any quality competition. If they do that, I don’t see how they don’t get a 2 seed.


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[XUFan09]

I bet UC will be put no worse than a 3 seed. When are the seeds announced on Sunday? Will UC have played SMU? Because if they are announced after that game and UC loses, I take back that bet.

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[HenryMuto]

I bet UC will be put no worse than a 3 seed. When are the seeds announced on Sunday? Will UC have played SMU? Because if they are announced after that game and UC loses, I take back that bet.

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Sunday at 12:30 PM

[XUFan09]

Sunday at 12:30 PMUC game isn't until 4. So, I bet UC is no worse than a 3 seed.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

UC still has to play Wichita in Cincy and Wichita. They won’t run the table but with a 3 game lead they will win the conference.


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[Xavier]

UC will likely end up a 3 seed. If they only have one more loss then a 2 is likely but not guaranteed. They only have 1 win over a bubble team as of now.

[GIMMFD]

Duke losing to UNC might have knocked them out of contention for the 1 unless we really shit the bed and they run the table including the ACC tournament.. if we can take care of business and go 2-1 in the next 3, and have a good showing in the BET, I'd be pretty surprised to not see us as a 1 seed.

[stammina0721]

I'm not afraid to say it... UC has a great squad and is worthy of a top 3 seed. I've been a major X fan and UC hater since age 5. My two buddies came to my house to watch the shootout this year. The first half was amazing but the second half saw UC flexing muscle. I told them if UC scheduled better and X was not their first strong squad I would say UC is even with X. However it was UC seeing talent for the first time on the year and they couldn't withstand the first half run. After they saw what a good team was the adjusted and played even the second half but the game was over. I have zero qualms saying UC is the second best in the city but is top 10 overall.

P.S. I dislike UC very much... However I went to all three Reds games vs the Giants and all Bengal playoff games and have been crushed 100% of the time. I'm to the point where ill put hatred aside and Cheer for anyone in this city who has success. It may be blasphemy but at some point city pride takes precedence over in city hatred. I'm happy if either team makes it to the third weekend cause we will have zero to cheer for until next March

[_LH]

UC is overrated. They have played terrible teams for the most part so far this season. They might be good but it is hard to tell when they have really not beaten anyone good. I fully expect them to get upset early in March.

[PeteXU]

I'm not afraid to say it... UC has a great squad and is worthy of a top 3 seed. I've been a major X fan and UC hater since age 5. My two buddies came to my house to watch the shootout this year. The first half was amazing but the second half saw UC flexing muscle. I told them if UC scheduled better and X was not their first strong squad I would say UC is even with X. However it was UC seeing talent for the first time on the year and they couldn't withstand the first half run. After they saw what a good team was the adjusted and played even the second half but the game was over. I have zero qualms saying UC is the second best in the city but is top 10 overall.

P.S. I dislike UC very much... However I went to all three Reds games vs the Giants and all Bengal playoff games and have been crushed 100% of the time. I'm to the point where ill put hatred aside and Cheer for anyone in this city who has success. It may be blasphemy but at some point city pride takes precedence over in city hatred. I'm happy if either team makes it to the third weekend cause we will have zero to cheer for until next March


UC definitely has a great squad, and they are certainly worthy of a Top 3 seed. But there has been some revisionist history when it comes to the shootout. X kicked the crap out of UC for basically 40 minutes. It's easy to play down 20 than up 20, so it's not hard to see how UC made an absolute blowout a bit more respectable at the end.

And I couldn't disagree more with your second take. The absolute dread that would overcome the opposing fan base if the other went to a F4 is what makes this rivalry so great. There are definitely some UC fans that can make me at least tolerate or respect their program, but there are several others that douse gasoline on my fire of hatred, and I'm sure most UC fans would say the same about our fan base. It's what happens when you have two rivals who are within 3 miles of each other.

[gladdenguy]

And I couldn't disagree more with your second take. The absolute dread that would overcome the opposing fan base if the other went to a F4 is what makes this rivalry so great. There are definitely some UC fans that can make me at least tolerate or respect their program, but there are several others that douse gasoline on my fire of hatred, and I'm sure most UC fans would say the same about our fan base. It's what happens when you have two rivals who are within 3 miles of each other.

I agree, Pete. They are the worst (worse than Ohio St. football and UK basketball fans). They are so jealous of Xavier being a better program after thinking they were the absolute shit for one decade (the 90s). The 90s are over, have been long over, and Xavier has beaten them on the court and crushed them in tourney success.

Add Xavier being in a better conference, selling out Cintas every game, and being ranked in the top 5/10/15 considerably more, and the buttkitten fans are just beside themselves. This one year of a pretty good buttkitten team making a deep run (dare I say final four run) would be intolerable. Literally the only thing they can argue with a Xavier fan is, "where are your final fours?, make a final four, etc). They went to a final four 26 years ago and these kids playing college ball were not even thought of. I guess when you are a Reds/Bengals/sUCks fan you have to resort back to the early 90s for the glory years. Hopefully it stays that way and the leprechaun bounces in the first weekend (like always).

[Xuperman]

It's crazy but UC has the exact 22-2 record this time last year. They couldn't figure out SMU but other than that, they had a better team last year and look where that got them.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

In all fairness, that UCLA draw was tough. That is a good team to draw in the second round.


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[Xavier]

Obvious statement: CBB is all about match ups. Frankly, UC doesn’t match up well with X. I think UC is solid and in the 15-25 range but we would beat them 7/10 games

[D-West & PO-Z]

UC definitely has a great squad, and they are certainly worthy of a Top 3 seed. But there has been some revisionist history when it comes to the shootout. X kicked the crap out of UC for basically 40 minutes. It's easy to play down 20 than up 20, so it's not hard to see how UC made an absolute blowout a bit more respectable at the end.

And I couldn't disagree more with your second take. The absolute dread that would overcome the opposing fan base if the other went to a F4 is what makes this rivalry so great. There are definitely some UC fans that can make me at least tolerate or respect their program, but there are several others that douse gasoline on my fire of hatred, and I'm sure most UC fans would say the same about our fan base. It's what happens when you have two rivals who are within 3 miles of each other.


I agree, Pete. They are the worst (worse than Ohio St. football and UK basketball fans). They are so jealous of Xavier being a better program after thinking they were the absolute shit for one decade (the 90s). The 90s are over, have been long over, and Xavier has beaten them on the court and crushed them in tourney success.

Add Xavier being in a better conference, selling out Cintas every game, and being ranked in the top 5/10/15 considerably more, and the buttkitten fans are just beside themselves. This one year of a pretty good buttkitten team making a deep run (dare I say final four run) would be intolerable. Literally the only thing they can argue with a Xavier fan is, "where are your final fours?, make a final four, etc). They went to a final four 26 years ago and these kids playing college ball were not even thought of. I guess when you are a Reds/Bengals/sUCks fan you have to resort back to the early 90s for the glory years. Hopefully it stays that way and the leprechaun bounces in the first weekend (like always).

Totally agree. No one who hates UC wants to see them do well in the tournament. Seeing UC go on a deep run would be awful for me. I hope they lose in the first round.

I think they have a good team but I am not sure how anyone can know they are a top 10 team given who they have played and are beating. The two best teams they played this year beat them.

[X-band '01]

I think a potential matchup with Michigan (in Detroit) in the 2nd round is enough for me to get on the Nashville bandwagon.

[GetUp5]

The current ESPN bracket would be amazing minus being in the West.

X and UC both in Nashville? That would be a blast.

And our road to the F4 would be tough, but certainly not as intimidating as year's past... FGCU, Nevada, UNC, KU

[xu82]

I think a potential matchup with Michigan (in Detroit) in the 2nd round is enough for me to get on the Nashville bandwagon.

I’m all in on Nashville then Atlanta. That would be a dream come true!

[XUOHTX]

Anyone see this little piece of trivia?

X has only been upset (by seed) twice in the tourney in 12 years. Full article here.

https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/2018/2/9/16995146/ncaa-tournament-number-one-seed-bracket-breakdown

[GoMuskies]

Anyone see this little piece of trivia?

X has only been upset (by seed) twice in the tourney in 12 years. Full article here.

https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/2018/2/9/16995146/ncaa-tournament-number-one-seed-bracket-breakdown

I was there for both. Nothing more miserable in that. Particular the Washington game in '98 since it was my senior year, and we have a fantastic weekend in D.C. planned. When Richmond beat South Carolina in the second game, it just made Xavier's loss all the more painful.

Fuck, I was talking about two EARLIER upsets. Didn't even think about Marquette or Wisky. So we've been upset by seed at least 4 times. Just only twice in the last 12 appearances.

[X-band '01]

The worst loss in terms of seeding was a 12 - that was the NC State play-in game up at the Dump.

It's amazing how much has changed in 4 years.

[Xuperman]

I was there for both. Nothing more miserable in that. Particular the Washington game in '98

Oh yeah, that was brutal. Washington had a big clumsy 7" white guy that blocked TJ Johnson right at the end....ruined my vacation....Go X!!!

[THRILLHOUSE]

So we've been upset by seed at least 4 times. Just only twice in the last 12 appearances.

I saw on Reddit that X has been the higher seed 20 times, and is 15 - 5 in those games. The 5 losses weren't specifically mentioned, but I think off the top of my head it would be these 5:

1990 - S16 vs Texas
1998 - 1st Rd vs Washington
2003 - 2nd Rd vs Maryland
2011 - 1st Rd vs Marquette
2016 - 2nd Rd vs Wisconsin