Horizon League Championship

[waggy]

Horizon League is ranked 12th in the RPI, with Butler the only team that would get an at-large if they don't win the their tourney. Bubble teams like Dayton will be hoping that Butler wins of course.

The tourney actually started on Tuesday with first round games played on the higher seed home court. The top 2 seeds have a big advantage, as they get a double-bye. 2nd round games were played Friday with Cleveland State (#3) and Wright State (#4) advancing over Illinois-Chicago and Milwaukee. Green Bay (#2) gets Cleveland, and Butler (#1) gets Wright State tomorrow on ESPNU in the semis.

It's not inconceivable that Butler could get upset. Pretty sure Cleveland St. took them to the wire just about a week ago. The tourney (other than 1st round) is at Hinkle Fieldhouse however.

[waggy]

It's Cleveland State vs. Butler in the Horizon Championship.

Here is how this tourney is played out, pretty strange:

First round games Tuesday with everyone in action but the two top seeds.

Three days rest follows for second round games yesterday (Friday), but the top seeds having double-byes still aren't in action.

Semi finals today (Saturday) where the top seeds play their first games against the teams that advanced.

Championship game Tuesday.

I'm not sure that the teams receiving byes have all the much advantage having to wait so long to play. Butler having the game on their home floor was a bigger advantage than a double-bye. The other top seed Green Bay, was beat by Cleveland.

[Muskie]

Tipping off at 9:00 on ESPN

[waggy]

I've had the Summit League game on, and N Dakota State is trying to make a game of it in the 2nd half. Playing well. Not worth it's own thread, so I'll just ruin this one. If that's possible.

[golfitup]

Butler beat Cleveland on a last second 3 pointer at Cleveland earlier in the season as well.

[XU05and07]

Go Cleveland State...take up those at large spots that the committee might try to fill with Davidson or Saint Mary's

[waggy]

Go Cleveland State...take up those at large spots that the committee might try to fill with Davidson or Saint Mary's

and Dayton's

[GoMuskies]

Or some awful BCS conference team like Auburn or Minnesota.

[waggy]

N Dakota State down just one, with the ball, and about 2:30 to go.

[powerofX]

I know there are some folks that long for a midwest league with Butler included...but seriously, league championship on your home court and its 3/4 full?

[waggy]

Bison takes the lead on a 3 with about 1:20 to go.

[waggy]

I know there are some folks that long for a midwest league with Butler included...but seriously, league championship on your home court and its 3/4 full?

The crowd will be larger when X visits next year.

But they bring NCAA tourney credits to the table...

[golfitup]

The crowd will be larger when X visits next year.

But they bring NCAA tourney credits to the table...

I will definitely be heading up to Indy for that one.

[waggy]

What a finish in the Summit League championship! Oakland had a big lead in this game. Congrats Bison.

[waggy]

I know there are some folks that long for a midwest league with Butler included...but seriously, league championship on your home court and its 3/4 full?

But it is kind of sad they didn't sell out. I don't know what kind of alum base they have, but their fan support does seem weak.

[jdm2000]

I'm looking forward to going to Hinkle next year to watch X/Butler. Should be fun.

[waggy]

I actually just turned the Horizon game on, and the crowd seems pretty good to me. They might not have sold out, but I wouldn't be able to tell from the shots I've seen so far.

[waggy]

Ball game heating up in the Horizon. Cleveland down two, but Howard to the bench with 3 fouls. Natives pissed at officials.

[X-band '01]

CSU finally takes the lead - 47-45 in the 2nd half with 11:00 left.

[waggy]

This has been an enjoyable game to watch. Franchilla almost always adds to a contest too. Heading to crunch time.

[waggy]

Oh the pressure...

[waggy]

Love it! Cleveland really had to earn it. Someones bubble just went Pop.

[Xman95]

Cleveland State gets the auto bid!

Remember, I said earlier in the season that CSU isn't a joke and next year should NOT be considered a buy game. This is a program that is moving in the right direction.

[X-band '01]

Cleveland State locks their first NCAA bid in 23 years and Butler steals a bid from somebody (hopefully the Big 10 or SEC).

[Xman95]

Love it! Cleveland really had to earn it. Someones bubble just went Pop.

Well, it wasn't UC's...if, no make that IF they had any air at all left in their bubble, they let it out on their own against DePaul. How the heck do you get bounced by DePaul, by 10, with your tourney hopes on the line? They sUCk.

Hey, Mick, would DePaul win the A-10 too? Friggin' ass monkey.

[waggy]

How the heck do you get bounced by DePaul, by 10?

I don't think I've seen them play once this year, but obviously DePaul was not good. To me, the only explanation is the team didn't come to play.

[Juice]

Friggin' ass monkey.

He's white so it isn't racist.

[Xman95]

He's white so it isn't racist.

That's an insult to white people. Friggin' red-haired remnant of midget shit!

[The Artist]

If we win out, could we be looking at a 4/13 matchup vs CSU?

[gladdenguy]

This has been an enjoyable game to watch. Franchilla almost always adds to a contest too. Heading to crunch time.

I agree totally about Fran. He is a great color guy. I enjoyed watching that game last night. Good game as well.

[Masterofreality]

I'm a big fan of Gary Waters. The guy is working his a$$ off to rebuild that program. I sat right in front of him at a high school game in Cleveburgh this year and had a great conversation with him. I've also talked to him at various coaching clinics. The guy is class and actually got a raw deal at Rutgers. He's very happy to be back in NE Ohio.

Great win for CSU. Good addition to our schedule next year too.

[waggy]

I'm a big fan of Gary Waters. The guy is working his a$$ off to rebuild that program.

He coached his a$$ off last night.

[GoMuskies]

So apparently this Waters guy has no ass.

[waggy]

Completely gone. I think someone did a stand up routine along these lines one time.