Bracketology

[GoMuskies]

Lunardi has us out of the field and not one of the first 8 out. Now, we obviously have to see if that actually happens, but if it did, man would there be trouble in paradise...

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

[AviatorX]

Man...he had Xavier as a 9 seed on April 5th. Must have been expecting a lot from Dontarious James and potentially Logan Duncomb in the 2021-22 season.

Steele is really off to a bad start for the 2020-21 season.

[GoMuskies]

Went back to the first page of the 2020 bracketology thread, and Lunardi pretty much nailed us last year (uncharacteristic for him!). He had Xavier as the very last team in. Granted, his first team out was Dayton, so I can't give him TOO much credit.

[Muskie]

Man...he had Xavier as a 9 seed on April 5th. Must have been expecting a lot from Dontarious James and potentially Logan Duncomb in the 2021-22 season.

Steele is really off to a bad start for the 2020-21 season.

Was Naji still projected to be on the team on 4/5? I can't remember anymore.

[AviatorX]

Was Naji still projected to be on the team on 4/5? I can't remember anymore.

I think you could make the argument that for any alleged college basketball analyst, Naji wasn't projected to be on the 20-21 team as of a year ago.

[xudash]

Went back to the first page of the 2020 bracketology thread, and Lunardi pretty much nailed us last year (uncharacteristic for him!). He had Xavier as the very last team in. Granted, his first team out was Dayton, so I can't give him TOO much credit.

Dayton was to be the first team out. Once they would have played the first game of the now defunct NCAAT for 2020, they would have lost it. The pre-season champs always knew how to fail when it mattered. I know you were focusing on early projections, but I couldn't resist.

[chico]

We're in! No more sneaking up on people.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30302581/the-varying-states-ncaa-tournament-bracketology

[muskiefan82]

Beat Oklahoma and there will be more belief in the Muskies nationally.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I guess there is still a lot of "projecting" of what will happen being done. Otherwise how in the hell could UK be a 9 seed with their current resume.

[Backyard Champ]

I thought lunardi does a mix. I don’t think it’s a “if the season ended today” thing.

[GoMuskies]

NC State in the play-in game in Dayton? I've seen that movie before. Do not like.

[paulxu]

NC State in the play-in game in Dayton? I've seen that movie before. Do not like.

Exactly. Although I guess the First Four will be in the Indianapolis bubble.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I thought lunardi does a mix. I don’t think it’s a “if the season ended today” thing.

Yeah not this early I dont think. I know that is what he does later though.

[xukeith]

What was the site with what seemed 78 "expert" bracketology opinions on the seeds and selection ? My memory is fading.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What was the site with what seemed 78 "expert" bracketology opinions on the seeds and selection ? My memory is fading.

I believe you are talking about bracket matrix.

[bobbiemcgee]

9 seed

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

[GoMuskies]

Well isn't that odd. Seems like according to that projection our old friend Juan Bid would be visiting the AAC. Shame.

[JTG]

Granted our schedule hasn't been that tough, but 7-0 should warrant a high 7 seed in my opinion.

[paulxu]

Well isn't that odd. Seems like according to that projection our old friend Juan Bid would be visiting the AAC. Shame.

They would've had 2 with UC. (Connecticut)

[GoMuskies]

ESPN currently has Xavier as the first team out in their bracket. Well, in their 48 team bracket. In the standard 68 team format X is a 9 seed.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30302581/the-varying-states-ncaa-tournament-bracketology

[drudy23]

Has anyone that's worth a damn actually said a 48 team tournament is possible?

[GIMMFD]

ESPN currently has Xavier as the first team out in their bracket. Well, in their 48 team bracket. In the standard 68 team format X is a 9 seed.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30302581/the-varying-states-ncaa-tournament-bracketology

Wtf is a 48 team bracket???

[94GRAD]

Wtf is a 48 team bracket???

A 3x larger bracket than the 16 team bracket he has up as well.

[bobbiemcgee]

6 in

https://bracketville.wordpress.com/bracketology/

[xubrew]

ESPN currently has Xavier as the first team out in their bracket. Well, in their 48 team bracket. In the standard 68 team format X is a 9 seed.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30302581/the-varying-states-ncaa-tournament-bracketology

I don't think they will do it, but there is a rumored contingency plan for a 16 and/or 48 team field. The 48 team field would have all the conference champions. The 16 team field would just be the top 16 teams.

FWIW, they discussed just having a 16 team field last year and doing it all in five days in Atlanta, but it was quickly abandoned. They had decided that it'd be better to do nothing at all than to do that. And, even had they decided to do a 16 team field, they would have had to cancel it anyway.

[paulxu]

Saw a bracket projection in the Athletic.
It has #9 Xavier playing #8 Louisville in the first round.
Fun times.

[noteggs]

I like this path! Oklahoma scares me a bit because they are playing really good basketball right now.

https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/1356653723842453506?s=10

[HenryMuto]

Losses today by Duke, VCU, Boise State, Mississippi, Indiana and Stanford have helped the Xavier bubble cause.

Duke was right on the cut line coming into today. VCU takes a hurtful loss also right on the cutline.

Boise State probably still in but just got beat twice hurts their chances.

Losses by Mississippi, Indiana and Stanford may have knocked them so far out now that they need to make a long run in their conf tournaments to the semi finals at a minimum to have any shot.

[HenryMuto]

More good news both Minnesota and Drake lost just now.

This basically puts Minnesota way out needing a deep run in the Big Ten tournament which is amazing they are the only team with a win over Michigan and have also beat Ohio State and Iowa and yet not likely dancing.

Drake could not really afford a loss especially to a bad team like Bradley. They still might have life as they were right on the cut line before today they were once 18-0 and may not make it. Their only hope is making it to the MVC finals and losing to Loyola Chicago. Even then they still might not make it.

[xuphan]

More good news both Minnesota and Drake lost just now.

This basically puts Minnesota way out needing a deep run in the Big Ten tournament which is amazing they are the only team with a win over Michigan and have also beat Ohio State and Iowa and yet not likely dancing.

Drake could not really afford a loss especially to a bad team like Bradley. They still might have life as they were right on the cut line before today they were once 18-0 and may not make it. Their only hope is making it to the MVC finals and losing to Loyola Chicago. Even then they still might not make it.

Would love to see Duke miss the tournament.

[paulxu]

This is a really strange year. While the majority of the BE has played 17 or 18 conference games, we have played the least so far...11.
I wonder how badly that might hurt us when they use the unknown NET formula in selecting teams for the dance.
Only thing to do is keep winning.

[xukeith]

This is a really strange year. While the majority of the BE has played 17 or 18 conference games, we have played the least so far...11.
I wonder how badly that might hurt us when they use the unknown NET formula in selecting teams for the dance.
Only thing to do is keep winning.

It might be a positive.
No Q3 or Q4 losses.
2-2 Q1
4-3 Q2

[Xuperman]

This feels somewhat like the position we were in last year. X was safely in with a week to play but couldn't manage to get one last win. There are 3 games left counting 1 tournament game. If we can win just 1 of the 3, we finish with a .500 league record. That will be good enough coupled with the 2 marquee wins.

Scruggy is healthy this time and primed to go out with a BANG!!!

[waggy]

If we can win just 1 of the 3, we finish with a .500 league record. That will be good enough coupled with the 2 marquee wins.



I would not bank on this at all.

[Xville]

I think if x wins one more they would be safe, but who knows. It’s be best to just win the next two and lock it up. Most likely first round be matchup is going to be UConn or seton hall, neither of which are great matchups for x.

[Xuperman]

I would not bank on this at all.

You must not think the Big East carries it's usual power cache this year. Yes, the league probably does have a little down perception but not to the point where .500 doesn't punch a ticket, especially when you have an ass whippin' of a top 10 on your resume.

[Xville]

You must not think the Big East carries it's usual power cache this year. Yes, the league probably does have a little down perception but not to the point where .500 doesn't punch a ticket, especially when you have an ass whippin' of a top 10 on your resume.

Be is not as strong as usual, but regardless would be best to just not leave it up to chance.

In regards to the top ten...do you mean Oklahoma? They are going to drop a ton tomorrow after two losses this week. Not saying it wasn’t a great win, just not as shiny as it was last week.

[sgarcia]

You must not think the Big East carries it's usual power cache this year. Yes, the league probably does have a little down perception but not to the point where .500 doesn't punch a ticket, especially when you have an ass whippin' of a top 10 on your resume.

I think that Xavier needs 2 wins out of the next 3 to make the tournament. Oklahoma and Creighton are pretty close to not being a Quad 1 win so we need those teams to stay inside the top 30.

[HenryMuto]

Last year X looked like they would be good to go by just beating DePaul in the 1st round of the tournament but then lost. That I think would have cost them a bid. That was a bad loss. If they can finish in the top 5 they avoid that kind of game. If they finish 6th or 7th then they play 11th or 10th place team and that would become a must win.

Going to be tough to win these next 2 games even though they are against sub par teams it is always hard to win on the road especially for X this year.

Not playing Nova this year was a blessing and a curse. Kept them higher in the standings but 1 win over Nova would have locked them in even if at home.

Not playing Depaul same thing kept them from 2 wins but also kept them from a season crushing loss.

[waggy]

Currently the concensus on Bracket Matrix has X as a 12 seed, which is right in line with the current NET rating. So X is last 4 in right now by those metrics. Losing 2 of 3 would put X squarely on the bubble. Don't want a Seton Hall game in NY to be a must win situation.

[markchal]

kinda surprising, I would've thought we'd be on a little firmer ground after being a top 15 team. I guess I thought we'd be a high-seed, but just out of that last 4 in range.

[HenryMuto]

Losing the home game vs Nova might have been a big miss this year for Xavier considering they are getting smoked at Butler right now. That would been the bid sealing game if X had a shot at a win against Nova.

[HenryMuto]

Currently the concensus on Bracket Matrix has X as a 12 seed, which is right in line with the current NET rating. So X is last 4 in right now by those metrics. Losing 2 of 3 would put X squarely on the bubble. Don't want a Seton Hall game in NY to be a must win situation.

It has not been updated yet today. Those were everyone's bracket from 2/27 which normally is before action is played for that day.

[HenryMuto]

kinda surprising, I would've thought we'd be on a little firmer ground after being a top 15 team. I guess I thought we'd be a high-seed, but just out of that last 4 in range.

Ok I just confirmed it. Not updated yet. If you look specifically at WAG's bracket on the matrix he has X as an 11 seed. If you look at his personal web site bracket he updated this morning he has X as a 10 seed.

[waggy]

It has not been updated yet today. Those were everyone's bracket from 2/27 which normally is before action is played for that day.

Am I wrong or will this be the first year the NET rating is actually utilized for the purpose of selecting the field. I think it's a big unknown how closely the selection committee is going to follow it. It is their pet rating system, so it's going to carry considerable weight. And it appears to me they have made some adjustments to make it better based upon how it compares on Massey's composite.

[JTG]

From what I've heard, I think it gives too much credit for losing to good teams. That's why 10 BIG schools are still considered in. There should be a happy medium between winning and who you played. 10-10 still means you lost half the games you played. And who decided the BIG was great ? They've mostly just played each other. But maybe that's a me problem. I loathe the BIG's arrogance.

[waggy]

From what I've heard, I think it gives too much credit for losing to good teams. That's why 10 BIG schools are still considered in. There should be a happy medium between winning and who you played. 10-10 still means you lost half the games you played. And who decided the BIG was great ? They've mostly just played each other. But maybe that's a me problem. I loathe the BIG's arrogance.

It appears much better this year versus last when compared to all the other rating offerings. So my comfort level is higher, but they still haven't released the formulae... And there is no baseline for how closely the field is going to follow it.

[HenryMuto]

Am I wrong or will this be the first year the NET rating is actually utilized for the purpose of selecting the field. I think it's a big unknown how closely the selection committee is going to follow it. It is their pet rating system, so it's going to carry considerable weight. And it appears to me they have made some adjustments to make it better based upon how it compares on Massey's composite.

No it was used for the 2019 bracket. 2019 was the first year.

[xukeith]

updated within past hour:


http://bracketmatrix.com/

[paulxu]

Colgate is a 13 seed.

And they're #10 in the NET.

[OTRMUSKIE]

It was my understanding that the NET would not be used this year. It’s all eye test. Is that not the case?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think if x wins one more they would be safe, but who knows. It’s be best to just win the next two and lock it up. Most likely first round be matchup is going to be UConn or seton hall, neither of which are great matchups for x.

If we win both we have a decent chance at a 3 seed in BE tourney and could potentially play St. Johns first, which obviously was awful last game but probably the better matchup.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Currently the concensus on Bracket Matrix has X as a 12 seed, which is right in line with the current NET rating. So X is last 4 in right now by those metrics. Losing 2 of 3 would put X squarely on the bubble. Don't want a Seton Hall game in NY to be a must win situation.

It updated today and X is the last 11 seed, 1 spot above the last 4 in.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was my understanding that the NET would not be used this year. It’s all eye test. Is that not the case?

I have not seen that stated.

I saw someone say they thought it was going to be more about who you were able to beat this year than who you lost to. They wanted to see you could beat good teams.

[xavier513]

It's worth noting that there is a lag on bracketmatrix.com. It pulls from 100 websites, but not everyone updates their bracket daily.

Xavier is included in 35 of the 37 brackets that were updated on 02/28 (95%). These include the Creighton win.

Xavier is included in 41 of the 63 brackets that were last updated on 02/26 or 02/27 (65%). These do not include the Creighton win.

It currently shows Xavier as the last bye (5th last team in). Nothing happens in a vacuum, but I think it's safe to assume that Xavier should be a few spots higher than that in reality.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier is included in 35 of the 37 brackets that were updated on 02/28 (95%). These include the Creighton win.
.

Does it give the average seed line for these brackets only?

[HenryMuto]

It was my understanding that the NET would not be used this year. It’s all eye test. Is that not the case?

The NET is their baby it will be used but it won't be as much of a factor as it was the first year because the NET has some screwball numbers because of some teams lack of non conf games and especially like conferences like the Patriot where a team like Colgate has only played 3 different teams all year which is absurd.

Colgate being #10 in the NET is screwing the numbers.

The NET is mainly used not for your own ranking but for the rankings of the teams you beat and lose to.

You want to rack up as many quad 1 and quad 2 win as possible and try and avoid any quad 3/4 losses.

[xavier513]

Does it give the average seed line for these brackets only?

It doesn't show that, but the average seed of those 35 brackets is 10.7 for XU.

[GoMuskies]

Amazingly, Lunardi still has us as a first four out. Could you even imagine us getting the call this Sunday?!?

[UCGRAD4X]

Amazingly, Lunardi still has us as a first four out. Could you even imagine us getting the call this Sunday?!?

Yes. The call to go piss up a rope.

[or, more popularly, fire the coach(es)]

[GoMuskies]

Duke's season is over due to Covid. Maybe they gave it to Louisville, too.

[HenryMuto]

Amazingly, Lunardi still has us as a first four out. Could you even imagine us getting the call this Sunday?!?

With no more games left to play all X can do is just passed up really at this point.

I thought there was a chance if X lost to Creighton that they still might get in if things fell right everywhere else but now I think we are talking less than 1% chance to make it you just couldn't lose to Butler.

It was last year all over again except Butler instead of DePaul.

up 19 you can't lose that game. I would need to watch the replay but I just can't believe that we fouled them 25 feet from the basket with 3 seconds left.

I don't know if the guy I don't even recall who the foul was on but did our player just get flat out beat so bad he froze for a second and reached out both hands which is auto foul call I mean it is sickening to lose a game like that.

Harris would have had to drive they could collapsed and forced an outside shot at the buzzer a good chance that it would have missed.

So frustrating thinking that we would foul like that to end our season.

Butler was terrible all year at FT shooting but hit the 2 big ones but it was Harris a guy who was 1 of their best FT shooters.

[bjf123]

up 19 you can't lose that game. I would need to watch the replay but I just can't believe that we fouled them 25 feet from the basket with 3 seconds left.

I don't know if the guy I don't even recall who the foul was on but did our player just get flat out beat so bad he froze for a second and reached out both hands which is auto foul call I mean it is sickening to lose a game like that.


I think you nailed it. The defender, might have been Odom, got beat and reached, though I think the refs could have let them play, too. It wasn’t a hard foul, but it was right in front of the ref.


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[xavierj]

I think you nailed it. The defender, might have been Odom, got beat and reached, though I think the refs could have let them play, too. It wasn’t a hard foul, but it was right in front of the ref.


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Xavier got a tough whistle last night. Didn’t get in bonus the entire game, maybe in OT and Butler was allowed to hold and bump them all over, yet Xavier touches a guy and the whistle is blown. Case in point. Hodges drives baseline, steps out of bounds and foul called on Paul. Carter mugged going to basket no call. Paul blocks a shot clean and foul on Paul, Colby drives and gets mugged no call. Harris with 3 seconds barely gets touched and foul called to decide the game. Crazy stuff. Not sure if the whistle is a lack of respect for Steele or what but that game was not called well.

[JTG]

Xavier got a tough whistle last night. Didn’t get in bonus the entire game, maybe in OT and Butler was allowed to hold and bump them all over, yet Xavier touches a guy and the whistle is blown. Case in point. Hodges drives baseline, steps out of bounds and foul called on Paul. Carter mugged going to basket no call. Paul blocks a shot clean and foul on Paul, Colby drives and gets mugged no call. Harris with 3 seconds barely gets touched and foul called to decide the game. Crazy stuff. Not sure if the whistle is a lack of respect for Steele or what but that game was not called well.

Butler is very sneaky and dirty. It all started with Brad Stevens. Their 2 FF teams grabbed and bumped and held constantly. And they were world class floppers. Luckily the NCAA changed the flopping rule. It's kind of like in the NFL, they won't call holding on every play, so do as much as you can, because they'll only catch a bit of it. Unfortunately if we have the ball late, we always get the "let the players decide" ref. And if our opponent has the ball we get the " a rule is a rule" ref. Last night was our fault, but I just hate Butler with a passion that the rest of you guys only have for Dayton or UC.

[SkyWalker]

I think you nailed it. The defender, might have been Odom, got beat and reached, though I think the refs could have let them play, too. It wasn’t a hard foul, but it was right in front of the ref.


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I think it was Odom too, but I have a different thought. Near the end of regulation, we only had 5 team fouls and Odom intentionally fouled a Butler player. They took the ball out of bounds. I think he may have been unaware that this foul put Butler in the bonus. Butler taking the ball out of bounds with 3 seconds is favorable to getting a shot in the paint. Therefore two-hand grab. If this is the case, don't blame Odom. Coach is responsible for letting the player know the foul situation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think it was Odom too, but I have a different thought. Near the end of regulation, we only had 5 team fouls and Odom intentionally fouled a Butler player. They took the ball out of bounds. I think he may have been unaware that this foul put Butler in the bonus. Butler taking the ball out of bounds with 3 seconds is favorable to getting a shot in the paint. Therefore two-hand grab. If this is the case, don't blame Odom. Coach is responsible for letting the player know the foul situation.

So Steele wasnt asked that question I guess? I didn't think it was intentional when I first saw it, I just thought it was really bad defense. But I would love to know because if that was intention Steele should be let go today. What bad coaching not to discuss the foul situation.

[AviatorX]

I think it was Odom too, but I have a different thought. Near the end of regulation, we only had 5 team fouls and Odom intentionally fouled a Butler player. They took the ball out of bounds. I think he may have been unaware that this foul put Butler in the bonus. Butler taking the ball out of bounds with 3 seconds is favorable to getting a shot in the paint. Therefore two-hand grab. If this is the case, don't blame Odom. Coach is responsible for letting the player know the foul situation.

I can assure you everyone knew the foul count coming out of the timeout, doubly so because they gave one at the end of regulation to get to 6 (too early, IMO). Odom made a bad play. It happens. He just picked a bad time to do it.

[IM4X]

I think it was Odom too, but I have a different thought. Near the end of regulation, we only had 5 team fouls and Odom intentionally fouled a Butler player. They took the ball out of bounds. I think he may have been unaware that this foul put Butler in the bonus. Butler taking the ball out of bounds with 3 seconds is favorable to getting a shot in the paint. Therefore two-hand grab. If this is the case, don't blame Odom. Coach is responsible for letting the player know the foul situation.

Yes- It was Odom.

I too thought Steel should have been clearer about What the strategy was based on the foul situation and the time left- making it clear to Odom he can’t play aggressive with under 5 seconds on the clock.

[AviatorX]

Yes- It was Odom.

I too thought Steel should have been clearer about What the strategy was based on the foul situation and the time left- making it clear to Odom he can’t play aggressive with under 5 seconds on the clock.

Were you in the huddle? There is no strategy accounting for the foul situation other than don't foul. I don't think Steele is John Wooden, but I would bet my life that was made very very clear to everyone.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Were you in the huddle? There is no strategy accounting for the foul situation other than don't foul. I don't think Steele is John Wooden, but I would bet my life that was made very very clear to everyone.

Are you really comfortable at this point betting your life that Steele made a correct coaching decision??

I'm thinking he probably made it clear but I am sure as hell not betting my life on it.

[AviatorX]

Are you really comfortable at this point betting your life that Steele made a correct coaching decision??

I'm thinking he probably made it clear but I am sure as hell not betting my life on it.

LOL, very fair. But yes, despite the many holes in Steele’s coaching, I am positive multiple people on the bench made the guys aware of that situation.

[paulxu]

I don't even want to make out a bracket this year.

[HenryMuto]

Lots of bubble teams losing it's a shame a win over Butler might have been enough.

Boise State lost
Duke covid
Saint John's lost
Stanford lost

[Xavier]

Its a little crazy how many things are falling Xaviers way right now. Starting to look like just a win over Butler would've been enough.

I see X play close games against these bad teams and just think maybe that team isn't as bad as we think (Like Georgetown- who beat Nova yesterday). Then I see Marquette put up 14 points in a half and Butler lose by 31 that I start to realize they do stink and Xavier is somehow just as bad.

[chico]

Its a little crazy how many things are falling Xaviers way right now. Starting to look like just a win over Butler would've been enough.

I see X play close games against these bad teams and just think maybe that team isn't as bad as we think (Like Georgetown- who beat Nova yesterday). Then I see Marquette put up 14 points in a half and Butler lose by 31 that I start to realize they do stink and Xavier is somehow just as bad.

That's what is so frustrating about the end of the season. If we win one of the last 3 games - all against the lower tier of the conference - we're likely at least in the play-in game. So much optimism after the Creighton game and then to drop 3 in a row to the teams they did in the fashion they did was just a total letdown.

[Xavier]

Virginia is about to find out the harsh reality of why people thought conference tournaments could be risky.

[HenryMuto]

Virginia is about to find out the harsh reality of why people thought conference tournaments could be risky.

NCAA screwed up by starting season 2 weeks late. Should just started on time and then had more time between conf tournaments and the NCAA tournament in case this happened.

In the NFL a team would lose a couple players to covid and play on so I guess in basketball they just can't stay separated enough when they are not on the court because 1 positive test wipes out entire team.

[xavierj]

Virginia is about to find out the harsh reality of why people thought conference tournaments could be risky.

I don’t know. If it’s just one case it doesn’t look like it will be a big deal. Now a couple of more could end the season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don’t know. If it’s just one case it doesn’t look like it will be a big deal. Now a couple of more could end the season.

Didn't 1 case shut us down for two weeks the first time we shut down????

[HenryMuto]

I guess that G'Town loss not all that bad now was it. After today G'Town might crack the top 75 NET which would mean a quad 1 loss that was. They are 81 right now before the Seton Hall win.

So all that crap about how bad losses at G'Town and at Marquette were was hogwash hard to win on the road and their NETs were not that bad.

Now the Butler loss hurt.

[profson]

Didn't 1 case shut us down for two weeks the first time we shut down????

Yes but that is not the rule for the Dance. If I read it correctly all you need are 5 players who do not have a positive test in the relevant 7 day period. To fail that test you would need a massive outbreak. And if it is from a one bid league the substitute is selected by the league. This is why the idea of substitute teams is a big long shot. (Of course a team can voluntarily drop off at a lesser level of infection.)

[HenryMuto]

Too bad couldn't beat Butler maybe would been 1st team out and got a 3 or 4 seed

[HenryMuto]

Yes but that is not the rule for the Dance. If I read it correctly all you need are 5 players who do not have a positive test in the relevant 7 day period. To fail that test you would need a massive outbreak. And if it is from a one bid league the substitute is selected by the league. This is why the idea of substitute teams is a big long shot. (Of course a team can voluntarily drop off at a lesser level of infection.)

It's all about contract tracing though. If your contract traced your going to be out even if you test negative. The key is how they are handling this.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's all about contract tracing though. If your contract traced your going to be out even if you test negative. The key is how they are handling this.

That’s what I would have thought but that’s not the case from what I’m hearing along the lines of what profson said. Unless I’m misunderstanding.

Just FYI it’s contact tracing not contract. As in close contact.

[profson]

This perpetuates the misperception. There is NO contact tracing anymore. If you pass 7 tests you are an eligible player. If you don’t then you are an ineligible player. And you only need 5 players eligible

[XUBison]

I’m watching the PAC 12 tournament right now. I can’t quite describe hearing Bill Walton with a mask on, but it’s making me uncomfortable.

[profson]

This perpetuates the misperception. There is NO contact tracing anymore. If you pass 7 tests you are an eligible player. If you don’t then you are an ineligible player. And you only need 5 players eligible

I’ve read up more on this and the details are murky so I may have been too prescriptive. Here is what I think now

- if someone is positive that person is out for at least 10 days
- you contact trace for the necessary level of contact with the affected player during the prior two days
- the 7 day negative testing rule technically applies only to those captured by the contact tracing
- this may be a distinction without a difference because if the infected person is a player and there has been a game or practice presumably all or most of the players get caught up in the contact tracing
- a person caught up in the tracing and thus testing is ok if there are 7 negatives AND (this is really murky but makes sense) there are no symptoms
- if there are 5 players who are OK then the team is eligible and can send all eligible players to the Indy bubble
- if there is a second positive it appears that contact tracing applies again which means there may not be enough time for the traced players to pass the 7 tests prior to the first game
- this clearly means that having single positive will affect the ability to practice as a full team during the 7 days
- there are rules for sending additional players later when they clear
- there are separate rules for when the team is in the bubble

Anyone with access to the actual protocols can correct me on the above, but my original take that it is a long shot to have ineligible teams still seems true. The NCAA clearly wants to preserve the deserving teams and avoid the embarrassing look of, say, a Xavier replacing a 3 seed and playing a 14 seed. It is also why the substitution window is limited to the release of the bracket through the start of the first game.

[markchal]

so bizarre there is so much uncertainty around it...you'd think the ncaa would've gone out of their way to make it crystal clear what the protocols were

[paulxu]

Why would they break from tradition?

[HenryMuto]

The substitution window is actually only until Tuesday 6 PM. So if a team pulls out Thursday or Friday before their 1st game the other team advances.

That kind of sucks but they need time for the teams to be ready to play so they cut it off at 6 PM Tuesday plus time for other teams to prepare for their opponent.

[paulxu]

Interesting that Paster has Tech playing in ACC final...after ban last year for violations.

[HenryMuto]

G'Town 30 minutes away from dancing up 18 at the half.

[whopper]

G'Town 30 minutes away from dancing up 18 at the half.. We could have a hard time making NIT with Seton Hall now cold out of NCAA- this is quite a year

[Xville]

G'Town 30 minutes away from dancing up 18 at the half.

Nice to see a team with toughness and an inside presence, oh and a coach who made adjustments about five minutes into the game when he saw what wasn’t working. Maybe it’s an issue that The only organized basketball Steele ever played was in kindergarten...kidding, kind of.

[AviatorX]

Nice to see a team with toughness and an inside presence, oh and a coach who made adjustments about five minutes into the game when he saw what wasn’t working. Maybe it’s an issue that The only organized basketball Steele ever played was in kindergarten...kidding, kind of.

Took him until year 4 to get it right apparently so we’re all good.

[HenryMuto]

Creighton was -403 and G'Town +308 on the money line and G'Town up 31

[XUBison]

Took him until year 4 to get it right apparently so we’re all good.

Except Ewing actually DID have extenuating circumstances derailed his early success. So no, not the same.

[profson]

Except Ewing actually DID have extenuating circumstances derailed his early success. So no, not the same.

So losing three key players to transfers is an acceptable extenuating circumstance? I would suggest that you look at the Georgetown boards that cited this as one of the main reasons to fire him. If Freemantle, Odom and KyKy were to transfer I guess you would give Steele a pass because of the “extenuating circumstance”.

[AviatorX]

Except Ewing actually DID have extenuating circumstances derailed his early success. So no, not the same.

Driving his own best players that he recruited off the roster?

[XUBison]

Driving his own best players that he recruited off the roster?

You mean the ones accused of sexual assault and burglary? I’d say good for him, but you do you.

[XUBison]

So losing three key players to transfers is an acceptable extenuating circumstance? I would suggest that you look at the Georgetown boards that cited this as one of the main reasons to fire him. If Freemantle, Odom and KyKy were to transfer I guess you would give Steele a pass because of the “extenuating circumstance”.

Yeah, okay. I think there is plenty of substance to offer in defense of Steele, but it’s not extenuating circumstances. He’s dealt with nothing else in that regard that most other coaches haven’t. The guys that have stayed are very loyal and only have good things to say. FWIW, I am well aware of what the fanbase has to say, as I have a degree from Georgetown and am part of it.

[AviatorX]

You mean the ones accused of sexual assault and burglary? I’d say good for him, but you do you.

I was talking about Akinjo and McClung, not Leblanc, Gardner, etc. Unless I missed something don’t think anything came out about those guys.

[profson]

I was talking about Akinjo and McClung, not Leblanc, Gardner, etc. Unless I missed something don’t think anything came out about those guys.

You are 100% correct. McClung was never accused of anything. And when there were false statements as to Akinjo, the university immediately issued a clarification that there was NO accusations against him. Which is why both were able to transfer without any issues.

[Xavier]

Nice to see a team with toughness and an inside presence, oh and a coach who made adjustments about five minutes into the game when he saw what wasn’t working. Maybe it’s an issue that The only organized basketball Steele ever played was in kindergarten...kidding, kind of.

Do you think Ewing is a good coach? Gtown was 9-12 before big East tournament with fans wondering how they can let go of a legend. Cool story but I’d be pissed if X was the 8 seed next year and managed to win the tournament. At that point it just save Steele.

[Masterofreality]

Do you think Ewing is a good coach? Gtown was 9-12 before big East tournament with fans wondering how they can let go of a legend. Cool story but I’d be pissed if X was the 8 seed next year and managed to win the tournament. At that point it just save Steele.

Obviously Ewing developed his players through the year to this point where they are producing Damn well. Remember early in the year when they showed early in games that they had talent but just gave it away? They learned their lessons and look at them now.
Steele developed no big men. He could never seem to find minutes for Miles or Ramsey because of the Carter sponge soaking up all the minutes. What a waste. Ramsey plays 7 minutes vs Butler and never sees the court again. Miles, I don’t think, even played in a Big East game.

[xavierj]

Obviously Ewing developed his players through the year to this point where they are producing Damn well. Remember early in the year when they showed early in games that they had talent but just gave it away? They learned their lessons and look at them now.
Steele developed no big men. He could never seem to find minutes for Miles or Ramsey because of the Carter sponge soaking up all the minutes. What a waste. Ramsey plays 7 minutes vs Butler and never sees the court again. Miles, I don’t think, even played in a Big East game.

I have a lot of concerns with Travis but Miles and Ramsey are not his issue. First if Miles tells the coaches he is hurt and can’t practice or dress, how can he play him? Throw him out there in street clothes? As for Ramsey I am pretty sure he is communicating he is in pain. His health issues are not the coaches fault. How did they know of his issues and waste a scholarship?

[Xville]

Do you think Ewing is a good coach? Gtown was 9-12 before big East tournament with fans wondering how they can let go of a legend. Cool story but I’d be pissed if X was the 8 seed next year and managed to win the tournament. At that point it just save Steele.

Not sure just yet, I do know that when he took over, he had some issues and challenges to address. Now he has his guys and are heading in the right direction. I have also noticed he is quick to make adjustments based on what he is seeing due to the fact that he knows basketball inside and out (way more than Steele and probably most of the be coaches). Having some past experience on an nba coaching bench absolutely has to help. Anyways, we shall see but what I saw last night and thru the tourney was his team playing d that I haven’t seen at x in about a decade.

[Xavier]

I do think the coaching in NBA should help. I know his first four seasons has three 8th place finishes in the Big East And one 3rd place. . Steele has finished 3/6/7.

I’m not defending steele because I think Ewing stinks as a coach, but if you think he is solid at least know steele has had a slightly better start in his first 3 seasons compared to Ewing

[Xville]

I do think the coaching in NBA should help. I know his first four seasons has three 8th place finishes in the Big East And one 3rd place. . Steele has finished 3/6/7.

I’m not defending steele because I think Ewing stinks as a coach, but if you think he is solid at least know steele has had a slightly better start in his first 3 seasons compared to Ewing

My problem with Steele goes far beyond just results though his results suck. It is combination of things with him that I have serious issues with. Roster construction, lineup management, absolutely stubborn in game strategy, press conferences where he sounds like a broken record or robot, and on down the line.

I saw huge growth in gtown this year, we will see if that continues. I have seen absolutely zero growth in Steele in 3 years, he has seemed to get worse which I didn’t think was possible.

[Xavier]

Agree on all of it. I do think he did a decent job getting the last two teams to buy in on defense, I remember seeing from February on both years were top 10 or so Defenses. He finally got “his” style of players and the team got worse as the season went on.....horrible job all around. Like I said above I just don’t want him sneaking in the tournament next year and saving himself. The program needs to be solid and at least safely in come selection Sunday (8/9 seed) or be completely terrible and we let go of him.

Biggest fear is hanging on to a guy that hovers around sneaking in and making strong NIT runs

[drudy23]

Agree on all of it. I do think he did a decent job getting the last two teams to buy in on defense, I remember seeing from February on both years were top 10 or so Defenses. He finally got “his” style of players and the team got worse as the season went on.....horrible job all around. Like I said above I just don’t want him sneaking in the tournament next year and saving himself. The program needs to be solid and at least safely in come selection Sunday (8/9 seed) or be completely terrible and we let go of him.

Biggest fear is hanging on to a guy that hovers around sneaking in and making strong NIT runs

If he doesn't take a step next year, this honestly could end of being a 7-8 year lull.

If he fails next year, and gets let go, it's basically another 2-3 years process to build it up again, with a new coach likely going through the same growing pains, with hopefully a quicker learning curve.

For the sake of all us, I hope he gets this figured out pronto.

[xavierj]

If he doesn't take a step next year, this honestly could end of being a 7-8 year lull.

If he fails next year, and gets let go, it's basically another 2-3 years process to build it up again, with a new coach likely going through the same growing pains, with hopefully a quicker learning curve.

For the sake of all us, I hope he gets this figured out pronto.

I agree hope he figures it out but at the same time it didn’t take Alabama and Arkansas long to get better. Both are top 10 teams right now. I think this is the 2nd year for both coaches. What they did though was get better talent quickly and of course that helps, but they also obviously know how to coach and win college basketball games.

[drudy23]

I agree hope he figures it out but at the same time it didn’t take Alabama and Arkansas long to get better. Both are top 10 teams right now. I think this is the 2nd year for both coaches. What they did though was get better talent quickly and of course that helps, but they also obviously know how to coach and win college basketball games.

Those schools also have the funds to hire a more established coach with good head coaching chops that doesn't require a steep learning curve.

Who's paying for the $2-3M per year coach on Victory Parkway?

Both Oaks and Musselman are over $2.5M per year

I believe Mack left at $1.6M and that was after years of success and multiple years of figuring out how to get his salary that high. No clue what Steele makes, but I'm guessing less than $1M.

It's why getting the coach right is so important here - we can't pay buyouts or competitive salaries for established winners with head coaching experience.

[Xville]

Those schools also have the funds to hire a more established coach with good head coaching chops that doesn't require a steep learning curve.

Who's paying for the $2-3M per year coach on Victory Parkway?

By all accounts x offered Christie Mack over 3. With that said, they did decide to go cheap w Steele

[drudy23]

By all accounts x offered Christie Mack over 3. With that said, they did decide to go cheap w Steele

And I'm guessing that would have required lesser expense somewhere else in the basketball program, or a fund from boosters to get to that point.

Bama and Arkansas are just cutting the check.

Xavier is probably a better job from a basketball perspective than Bama and Arkansas, but they have football money. Most established coaches almost always follow the money.

[Xville]

And I'm guessing that would have required lesser expense somewhere else in the basketball program, or a fund from boosters to get to that point.

Bama and Arkansas are just cutting the check.

Xavier is probably a better job from a basketball perspective than Bama and Arkansas, but they have football money. Most established coaches almost always follow the money.

Nate oats was far from established. He came from at best a mid major program that had found success. Can certainly get an up and comer like Oates in the 2 neighborhood from the jump. If x can’t afford that, might as well go back to the a10.

[drudy23]

Nate oats was far from established. He came from at best a mid major program that had found success. Can certainly get an up and comer like Oates in the 2 neighborhood from the jump. If x can’t afford that, might as well go back to the a10.

I agree, but he had 4 full years as the head of a program before jumping to Alabama. Regardless of where that's at, that is a huge advantage coming in the door. Coaches coming in from even average mid majors are almost always better candidates than brand new head coaches - but they're more expensive, and that's always a factor. It's even more of a factor at X.

And yes, I agree that X has to be willing to go get a guy like that. But they've never really done that before in the modern era.

Skip one year at Loyola
Matta one year at Butler
Miller first head coaching job
Mack first head coaching job
Steele first head coaching job

I have a good feeling we're likely in the tournament 2 of the last 3 years if we had hired an established coach.

[SM#24]

Pete and Staak were first head coaching job as well. 7 coaches, two years total of head coaching experience.

[drudy23]

Pete and Staak were first head coaching job as well. 7 coaches, two years total of head coaching experience.

So it really makes you wonder:

1) Was X just really, really lucky; or
2) Is Steele doing something so drastically different that isn't working? Or are we at an inflection point where the Xavier administration has to change and double down somewhere to get to the next level? Who is the next visionary to know what that decision is? Maybe it's time to start going after experienced coaches with proven success as conquering the Big East is a much steeper mountain to climb?

I have a hard time discounting the 40 years of continued success as "luck" however.

[Double Down]

Speaking of bracketology, is it harder to win at Winthrop or St. Bonaventure?

[drudy23]

Speaking of bracketology, is it harder to win at Winthrop or St. Bonaventure?

Probably St Bonaventure.

They could win a game or 2 in the tournament. Winthrop probably could too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So it really makes you wonder:

1) Was X just really, really lucky; or
2) Is Steele doing something so drastically different that isn't working? Or are we at an inflection point where the Xavier administration has to change and double down somewhere to get to the next level? Who is the next visionary to know what that decision is? Maybe it's time to start going after experienced coaches with proven success as conquering the Big East is a much steeper mountain to climb?

I have a hard time discounting the 40 years of continued success as "luck" however.

Early on I believe X had to go the route of inexperienced guys and too assistants. Later on they probably had some more options but went with what had worked with top assistant. If it Steele doesn’t get it turned around and we are looking again, I think X in the BE is attractive enough to be able to get a coach with experience. Even one with experience and success from a multi bid conference. Doesn’t have to be just an up and coming on bid conference coach. But could be someone from A10, American, MVC, MW, etc.

I don’t fault X for going the route they went with Steele. He had been here 10 years and was the top assistant for a while and that had a track record of working for X. But if they didn’t go with Steele I’m sure they had some candidates with HC experience/success.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Speaking of bracketology, is it harder to win at Winthrop or St. Bonaventure?

Mark Schmidt has done a hell of a job there. He’s about to take them to their 3rd tourney in his 14 years there, 3rd in the last 10 years, 2nd in the last 4.

That’s may seems bad but the went to 1 tournament in the 29 years before he got there.

I’m assuming he has very little resources to work with there.

[Double Down]

Agree, I believe it’s harder to win at St. Bonaventure than it is at Winthrop. All the pundits on this board always talk about Kelsey coming back but he left here for a reason and the X administration may not want him back. To me, Mark Schmidt would be a better fit if that time would come.

[drudy23]

Did Schmidt interview when Steele was hired?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Did Schmidt interview when Steele was hired?

Not sure but I can guarantee his plan would have gone straight over Christopher’s head.

On the other hand, Steele’s plan of dynamic transfers and practice points drawn in crayon in a coloring book really resonated with him.

[paulxu]

I think his alma mater is BC and they were looking for a coach.

[Xville]

Well creighton will be continuing their one and done dance in March. Gauchos for the win

[chico]

Anyone know why the tournament isn't starting on Thursday?

[Xville]

Well, already see two be teams going one and done...nova against the fighting kelseys

[paulxu]

Have they called the Muskies yet?

[JTG]

Anyone know why the tournament isn't starting on Thursday?

There are only 7 venues, two of which are being used for first four games. And the 7 day Covid free test requirement.

[xuphan]

Have they called the Muskies yet?

Who?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Here is Xavier a region.

[chico]

There are only 7 venues, two of which are being used for first four games. And the 7 day Covid free test requirement.

I see- thanks.

[GoMuskies]

No Louisville, wow.

[Xville]

Whoa no Louisville...I’m actually pretty shocked. Lunardi had them pretty safely in, which goes to show what a weird year this is, but also that once again Lunardi is horrible at his job

[AviatorX]

If Loyola loses to Josh Pastner, I think MOR may have to buy everyone on the board a beer.

[GoMuskies]

Kentucky's AD gets to make Louisville the first team out. That's kind of amusing.

[JTG]

I bought a bottle of Blanton's bourbon on Nov 1, with plans to open it today. Now I have to wait another gd year. I'm depressed.

[OTRMUSKIE]

You suck Mack!!!!! He will be out of job in 3 years. GO TO HELL YOU TRADER :)

[chico]

You can't tell me Michigan State would've finished 8th in the PAC 12.

[GoMuskies]

Tom Izzo vs Mick Cronin in the play in round is a tough call.

[Blue Blooded-05]

You suck Mack!!!!! He will be out of job in 3 years. GO TO HELL YOU TRADER :)

Time to renew that house account at the bunny ranch

[JTG]

You suck Mack!!!!! He will be out of job in 3 years. GO TO HELL YOU TRADER :)

Traitor, not trader.

[stammina0721]

I bought a bottle of Blanton's bourbon on Nov 1, with plans to open it today. Now I have to wait another gd year. I'm depressed.

Drink the Blanton's get a real celebration bottle

[XUOWNSUC]

Time to renew that house account at the bunny ranch

Wut?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Wut?

It’s wh0rehouse... Louisville... I may have thrown my back out reaching for that one...

[whopper]

as surprised as we are how about Seton Hall...Mamu, Rhoden,Moslon,Obiaju, Akin and many other players who looked like world beaters against us and other but lost many close games I recall.. Bet they never thought they would not play post season

[Xville]

as surprised as we are how about Seton Hall...Mamu, Rhoden,Moslon,Obiaju, Akin and many other players who looked like world beaters against us and other but lost many close games I recall.. Bet they never thought they would not play post season

Willard is a mediocre coach with one whole tourney win in 11 years, sad thing is, he ran circles around Steele.

[xudash]

Traitor, not trader.

I noticed that, too, but I let it go, because you could argue that he traded us in for Brothelville.

[JEHARDI]

Willard is a mediocre coach with one whole tourney win in 11 years, sad thing is, he ran circles around Steele.

You really missed your calling, you are a basketball savant... whatever else you are doing, quit immediately and get in the game, you have so much to offer.

[Xville]

You really missed your calling, you are a basketball savant... whatever else you are doing, quit immediately and get in the game, you have so much to offer.

Ms. Steele or Willard?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kentucky's AD gets to make Louisville the first team out. That's kind of amusing.

Kind of hilarious.

Also I know we have our own issues, but a smile did creep on my face after seeing no Louisville.

Hell maybe X can hire Mack back after next year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

And no, MACK isn’t a traitor. THAT bald headed F&&k is a trader. He traded Xavier for Louisville and let me tell you something. You be out of a job soon B&&CH.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Willard is a mediocre coach with one whole tourney win in 11 years, sad thing is, he ran circles around Steele.

Yeah Willard and Cooley are wildly mediocre imo. Seem like nice guys, do well in BE tourney usually, but have had some really good teams who shit the bed in the tourney.

[HenryMuto]

Whoa no Louisville...I’m actually pretty shocked. Lunardi had them pretty safely in, which goes to show what a weird year this is, but also that once again Lunardi is horrible at his job

I am not here to defend Lunardi but pretty much everyone had Louisville in and that was his only miss and his first team out team 69 was Wichita State who made it. So I would not say he was horrible at his job this year.

I also got 67/68 I also had Louisville in they were in my 4th from last team in so not exactly that much different then good ole Joe.

[UCGRAD4X]

You suck Mack!!!!! He will be out of job in 3 years. GO TO HELL YOU TRADER :)

He traded a nice running Buick for a blinged-out pimp-mobile and ran it into a ditch when the wheels came off.

[JTG]

He traded a nice running Buick for a blinged-out pimp-mobile and ran it into a ditch when the wheels came off.

I picture him strolling downtown Louisville, in a red and black ankle length velour coat, trimmed in white cheetah fur.

[paulxu]

Hah! No Teddy.


BREAKING: 6 top referees - including Ted Valentine, John Higgins and Roger Ayers - have been sent home from Indy due to one positive test and contact tracing, sources told @stadium
. They went to dinner after hotel rooms not ready.

[bobbiemcgee]

2 seed?

https://bracketville.wordpress.com/s-curve/

[GIMMFD]

2 seed?

https://bracketville.wordpress.com/s-curve/

Would be pretty happy with the season if we end up a 2 seed come tournament time tbh.

[UCGRAD4X]

Creighton w/ autobid at 35.

[Xavier]

Would be pretty happy with the season if we end up a 2 seed come tournament time tbh.

Ya think? Who wouldn’t be?

This guy is pretty accurate and as of now a 2 seed makes sense. I think he does his as if season ended today and not many teams have as many Q1 wins as X

[GoMuskies]

Lunardi currently has us as a 5. I would go ahead and take that if offered right now.

[bjf123]

Lunardi currently has us as a 5. I would go ahead and take that if offered right now.

After the last 3 years, I just want to make the tourney, seeding be damned.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GIMMFD]

Ya think? Who wouldn’t be?

This guy is pretty accurate and as of now a 2 seed makes sense. I think he does his as if season ended today and not many teams have as many Q1 wins as X

Lmfao honestly, fair. I'm really glad the Iowa State loss now looks like, "hmm well they're actually pretty alright" too. I figured he did it as a if the season ended today type of thing. A 2-seed would just blow pre-season expectations completely out of the water for me, and then I'd be all hopped up on hopium... Looks like it's time to throw a tenner on Xavier National Champs at +7000

[American X]

Lunardi currently has us as a 5. I would go ahead and take that if offered right now.

I would be ecstatic with a 5 seed and a Sweet Sixteen. Can we just do that now and skip playing Villanova?

[Xuperman]

After the last 3 years, I just want to make the tourney, seeding be damned.

Stayed top 20 NET after loss at #18. Not many additional losses can do any serious damage, assuming the losses don't come in bunches, particularly if they come in Feb/March.

Sitting at 11-2 currently with 18 to play (hopefully). Even if we go 9-9, our NET should stay respectable and at 20-11 things would look very good for an at large.

[xukeith]

Stayed top 20 NET after loss at #18. Not many additional losses can do any serious damage, assuming the losses don't come in bunches, particularly if they come in Feb/March.

Sitting at 11-2 currently with 18 to play (hopefully). Even if we go 9-9, our NET should stay respectable and at 20-11 things would look very good for an at large.

this is true.

[UCGRAD4X]

Any BE tournament wins would be a bonus and boost our seeding.

[Xuperman]

Is anyone here buying the shadow hype running rampant for DePaul?

X will pound these guys twice IF we play 2...maybe 3 in the perfect senario. Either way, IMO, X would sweep them with our bench!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lunardi has X as a 4 seed in his latest bracketology released yesterday.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-projecting-2022-march-madness-men-field

[X-band '01]

I'd love to hear why he has Carolina in his field, much less a 9. Their resume is abysmal this season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'd love to hear why he has Carolina in his field, much less a 9. Their resume is abysmal this season.

I didn't look closely at who he had but I saw 5 from the ACC which I thought didn't seem right.

[Xuperman]

Strength of our OOC schedule took a significant hit today. Here's to hoping OSU can finish strong.

[GoMuskies]

Lunardi has us as a 6 seed in today's Bracketology playing my other alma mater in Milwaukee. Now, I'm not sure many of you remember this, but we've been a #6 seed in Milwaukee before under a coach making his NCAA Tournament head coaching debut. Last time it went....well.

[paulxu]

Lunardi has us as an 11 seed in today's Bracketology

Don't scare me like that.

[GoMuskies]

Don't scare me like that.

I don't type gud.

[GIMMFD]

Don't scare me like that.

But we can sneak at 11???

[GoMuskies]

We're a 7 seed in Des Moines!

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-projecting-2023-march-madness-men-field

[paulxu]

When that rolls around the title of this thread will be 2 years old !

[UCGRAD4X]

Playing the National Champion in round 2. Bring it on!

[GoMuskies]

No point in starting a new thread. This is the newest bracketology thread I can find. Anyway, as of 5/2, ESPN has us as a 7 seed in Memphis. They had us as a #7 seed around this time last year, too, and we know how that turned out!

They're picking 6 teams from the Big East to make the Tournament, with UConn and Marquette both #1 seeds, Creighton a #3, Villanova a #7 and Providence a #9. In other words, the Big East is going to be loaded.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2024-march-madness-men-field-predictions

[xubrew]

Bracketology in May is what gives me hope that we as a nation just might make it after all!!

[94GRAD]

Bracketology in May is what gives me hope that we as a nation just might make it after all!!

Or fail miserably

[GoMuskies]

One day in, and the updated Bracketology has us as the last team in!