I just got a message from Comcast about a free preview of MLB Extra Innings from April 5-11. I love having the ability to watch games I wouldn't normally see. ESPN and FOX generally show the same 5 teams every week. (Yanks, Red Sox, Mets, Dodgers and Angels). To purchase the package for the whole season they said it would cost $179. I am thinking about getting it. Sorry to get all Drach, but I was figuring out how much each game would cost. There are 29 teams (they blackout Phillies games) and they play 162 games. Thats 4,698 possible games they can show. Now its $179 for the whole season. I figure its about $.038 per game. Now obvisiously they will lose games to FOX, ESPN and MLB Network so it may raise the price to like 6 or 7 cents a game but thats still a pretty good deal. Something I will think about.
2010 MLB Predictions
AL East: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays
AL Central: Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals
AL West: Mariners, Angels, Rangers, A's
AL Playoffs: Yanks over Twins, Red Sox over Mariners, Red Sox over Yanks
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Marlins, Nationals
NL Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Reds, Brewers, Astros, Pirates
NL West: Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres
NL Playoffs: Phillies over Giants, Cardinals over Rockies, Phillies over Cardinals
World Series: Red Sox over Phillies
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Is there anything better than the NCAA Tournament?
For the past week, i've blogged about who I thought was still alive and what they had to do to quailify for the NCAA tournament. I wrote down the 65 teams I felt would make the tournament. 31 of them were automatic. The rest were pretty easy to figure out also. In the end I predicted 64 of 64 teams correct (98.5%). The only one I got wrong was Virginia Tech instead of Florida. I also have some other thoughts on the selections.
1. How does Florida get in ahead of Mississippi State, who beat them in the SEC tournament on Friday? Florida had 3 quality wins this season (Mich State, Florida State and Tennessee). They also beat Miss State in the regular season. Miss State didn't have much heading into the SEC semi-final match vs Florida. But the Bulldogs beat them. They also beat #22 Vanderbilt to advance to the SEC final vs Kentucky. They were 0.4 seconds from winning the auto bid. But a slim OT loss doomed Miss State to the NIT. I still don't understand how Florida gets in. Even Illinois had a better body of work, beating 5 Top 25 teams.
2. Miss State, Va Tech and Illnois were the biggest snubs this year. Miss State and Illinois were screwed by Houston and New Mexico State winning their conference tournaments and stealing bids. Va Tech lost their spot by playing a terrible out of conference schedule and losing to Miami in the ACC semis.
3. Duke should not have been seeded higher then Syracuse. Duke should not have an easier region than #1 overall seed Kansas. Further proof that Duke is getting a cakewalk, they get Arkansas Pine Bluff, who played tonight. The over/under is 45 point win for Duke. God i hate their fans.
4. How does Washington and San Diego State win their conference tournaments and get lower seeds (11) than the teams they beat, California and UNLV (8)?
5. Finally, why do two conference tournament champions play in the play in game? If they really wanted to have an intruging game, play the last two teams into the tournament against each other. The game should have been Utep vs Utah State. If you want to expand the field, go to 68 and have the last 4 in play the last 4 out.
1. How does Florida get in ahead of Mississippi State, who beat them in the SEC tournament on Friday? Florida had 3 quality wins this season (Mich State, Florida State and Tennessee). They also beat Miss State in the regular season. Miss State didn't have much heading into the SEC semi-final match vs Florida. But the Bulldogs beat them. They also beat #22 Vanderbilt to advance to the SEC final vs Kentucky. They were 0.4 seconds from winning the auto bid. But a slim OT loss doomed Miss State to the NIT. I still don't understand how Florida gets in. Even Illinois had a better body of work, beating 5 Top 25 teams.
2. Miss State, Va Tech and Illnois were the biggest snubs this year. Miss State and Illinois were screwed by Houston and New Mexico State winning their conference tournaments and stealing bids. Va Tech lost their spot by playing a terrible out of conference schedule and losing to Miami in the ACC semis.
3. Duke should not have been seeded higher then Syracuse. Duke should not have an easier region than #1 overall seed Kansas. Further proof that Duke is getting a cakewalk, they get Arkansas Pine Bluff, who played tonight. The over/under is 45 point win for Duke. God i hate their fans.
4. How does Washington and San Diego State win their conference tournaments and get lower seeds (11) than the teams they beat, California and UNLV (8)?
5. Finally, why do two conference tournament champions play in the play in game? If they really wanted to have an intruging game, play the last two teams into the tournament against each other. The game should have been Utep vs Utah State. If you want to expand the field, go to 68 and have the last 4 in play the last 4 out.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bricketology Vol 5
Friday three more teams locked up bids. Georgia Tech beat Maryland, San Diego State beat New Mexico and California beat UCLA. More teams fell off the bubble. Dayton lost to Xavier, St Louis lost to URI, Northwestern blew a halftime lead and lost to Purdue, Nevada lost at home to New Mexico State and Ole Miss lost to Tennessee. Mississippi State, Minnesota, Illinois and Rhode Island did what needed to be done to stay alive. 12 conference championship games today. Will we see any surprises.
Last 4 IN
Washington
Illinois
Florida
Rhode Island
Last 4 OUT
Minnesota
Mississippi State
Seton Hall
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (23-8 (9-7) RPI:38) a 63-47 over St Louis put Rhode Island in the A-10 semis and a showdown with Temple. With the way the bubble is shrinking, the Rams may need to win the A-10 tournament to earn a bid. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Illinois (19-13 (10-8) RPI:72) Illinois' 58-54 win over Wisconsin may be just enough to put them in the tournament. They will play Ohio State in the Big 10 semis. A win with certainly put them in lock status. They now have 5 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc(twice), Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Minnesota (20-12 (9-9) RPI:65) the Gophers were all but dead after their 28 point loss at Michigan. But the Gophers have new life after an upset of Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament. They may have to beat Purdue in the semi-finals and have a good showing in the championship to be in consideration. Minnesota has 4 top 50 RPI wins (Ohio State, Mich State, Wisconsin and Butler) and won the only meeting vs Illinois. Their bad losses include a sweep by Michigan and a loss to Indiana.
Washington (23-9 (11-7) RPI:48) Washington beat Stanford to advance to the Pac-10 final vs Cal. A win gives them the automatic bid. A loss may send them to the NIT with the way the bubble is shrinking. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon doesn't help.
Mississippi State (22-11 (9-7) RPI:63) a huge win over Florida in the SEC quarters keeps them on the bubble for now. Miss State draws Vanderbilt in the SEC semis. They would have to win the SEC tournament to get into the tournament based on their numbers. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU, Ole Miss twice and Florida. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
Florida (21-12 (9-7) RPI:51) Florida lost to Mississippi State in the SEC quarters to put their chances in jeopardy. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But how will their late season loss to Georgia hurt? Florida will be sweating on selection Sunday.
Utah State (27-6 (14-2) RPI:26) Utah State is in good shape to make the NCAA's after beating La Tech to reach the WAC final vs New Mexico State. They have the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play.
Last 4 IN
Washington
Illinois
Florida
Rhode Island
Last 4 OUT
Minnesota
Mississippi State
Seton Hall
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (23-8 (9-7) RPI:38) a 63-47 over St Louis put Rhode Island in the A-10 semis and a showdown with Temple. With the way the bubble is shrinking, the Rams may need to win the A-10 tournament to earn a bid. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Illinois (19-13 (10-8) RPI:72) Illinois' 58-54 win over Wisconsin may be just enough to put them in the tournament. They will play Ohio State in the Big 10 semis. A win with certainly put them in lock status. They now have 5 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc(twice), Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Minnesota (20-12 (9-9) RPI:65) the Gophers were all but dead after their 28 point loss at Michigan. But the Gophers have new life after an upset of Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament. They may have to beat Purdue in the semi-finals and have a good showing in the championship to be in consideration. Minnesota has 4 top 50 RPI wins (Ohio State, Mich State, Wisconsin and Butler) and won the only meeting vs Illinois. Their bad losses include a sweep by Michigan and a loss to Indiana.
Washington (23-9 (11-7) RPI:48) Washington beat Stanford to advance to the Pac-10 final vs Cal. A win gives them the automatic bid. A loss may send them to the NIT with the way the bubble is shrinking. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon doesn't help.
Mississippi State (22-11 (9-7) RPI:63) a huge win over Florida in the SEC quarters keeps them on the bubble for now. Miss State draws Vanderbilt in the SEC semis. They would have to win the SEC tournament to get into the tournament based on their numbers. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU, Ole Miss twice and Florida. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
Florida (21-12 (9-7) RPI:51) Florida lost to Mississippi State in the SEC quarters to put their chances in jeopardy. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But how will their late season loss to Georgia hurt? Florida will be sweating on selection Sunday.
Utah State (27-6 (14-2) RPI:26) Utah State is in good shape to make the NCAA's after beating La Tech to reach the WAC final vs New Mexico State. They have the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bricketology Vol 4
Thursday was bubble burst day. Cincy, Arizona State, UAB, Memphis and Marshall all lost, thus ending their hopes of at large bids. Notre Dame locked up a spot with a win over Pitt. Plenty of bubble games today including Rhode Island vs St Louis, Illinois vs Wisconsin, Ole Miss vs Tennessee and Miss St vs Florida. 28 of 34 bids are locked up. Will anyone else join the big dance today?
Last 4 IN
San Diego State
Washington
Illinois
Ole Miss
Last 4 OUT
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Mississippi State
Seton Hall
The Bubble
Rhode Island (22-8 (9-7) RPI:41) they did what they needed to do by beating St Joe's at home on Tuesday to open the A-10 tournament. They will play St Louis in round 2 and the winner could face Temple in the A-10 semis. Rhode Island may need to make the A-10 final to be safe. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Dayton (20-11 (8-8) RPI:51) they stayed alive with a win over GW in the first round of the A-10 tournament setting up a third meeting with Xavier on Friday. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:85) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney and will play URI in round 2 Friday, which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (20-11 (7-9) RPI:40) after trailing by 10 at the half, they came back to beat UNC 82-78 to advance in the ACC tournament. But they still need to upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami and Virginia.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:77) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (22-9 (11-7) RPI:49) it looked grim at halftime, but a 25-6 run in the second half led the way to a victory over Oregon State. Washington will play Stanford, who upset Arizona State. As long as the Huskies beat Stanford to advance to the Pac 10 championship game, they should be in good shape. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon doesn't help.
Florida (21-11 (9-7) RPI:52) Florida defeated Auburn by 9 to advance to the SEC quarters to play Miss State. The winner is in great shape for an at large and the loser may be heading to the NIT. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:56) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play Tennessee today in the SEC quarters. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico and defeated UTEP but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:67) Miss St will play Florida today in the SEC quarters. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (23-8 (11-5) RPI:32) the Aztecs almost lost to Colorado State but held on for a 72-71 win. They will get New Mexico in the MWC semis. A win will almost certainly lock them in. A loss will leave them wondering if they are in or out on selection Sunday. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming.
Utah State (26-6 (14-2) RPI:30) Utah State blew out Boise State to adavance to the semis of the WAC tournament vs Louisiana Tech. They have the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (20-11 (11-5) RPI:62) a win over Idaho put Nevada in the WAC semis vs New Mexico State. Their best non-conference win was Tulsa and they swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State, lost to UNLV and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in. It helps the WAC tournament is on their home court.
Tulsa (23-10 (10-6) RPI:64) like UNLV and Nevada, Tulsa is hosting their conference tournament. Down 10 in the second half, used a 25-6 run to end Marshall's season in the C-USA quarters. They will play top seed UTEP today. Tulsa would have to win out to make the field of 65. Tulsa doesn't have much in terms of quality wins except wins over Oklahoma State and Memphis. They were swept by UTEP, and lost to Duke and Nevada.
Last 4 IN
San Diego State
Washington
Illinois
Ole Miss
Last 4 OUT
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Mississippi State
Seton Hall
The Bubble
Rhode Island (22-8 (9-7) RPI:41) they did what they needed to do by beating St Joe's at home on Tuesday to open the A-10 tournament. They will play St Louis in round 2 and the winner could face Temple in the A-10 semis. Rhode Island may need to make the A-10 final to be safe. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Dayton (20-11 (8-8) RPI:51) they stayed alive with a win over GW in the first round of the A-10 tournament setting up a third meeting with Xavier on Friday. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:85) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney and will play URI in round 2 Friday, which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (20-11 (7-9) RPI:40) after trailing by 10 at the half, they came back to beat UNC 82-78 to advance in the ACC tournament. But they still need to upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami and Virginia.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:77) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (22-9 (11-7) RPI:49) it looked grim at halftime, but a 25-6 run in the second half led the way to a victory over Oregon State. Washington will play Stanford, who upset Arizona State. As long as the Huskies beat Stanford to advance to the Pac 10 championship game, they should be in good shape. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon doesn't help.
Florida (21-11 (9-7) RPI:52) Florida defeated Auburn by 9 to advance to the SEC quarters to play Miss State. The winner is in great shape for an at large and the loser may be heading to the NIT. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:56) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play Tennessee today in the SEC quarters. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico and defeated UTEP but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:67) Miss St will play Florida today in the SEC quarters. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (23-8 (11-5) RPI:32) the Aztecs almost lost to Colorado State but held on for a 72-71 win. They will get New Mexico in the MWC semis. A win will almost certainly lock them in. A loss will leave them wondering if they are in or out on selection Sunday. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming.
Utah State (26-6 (14-2) RPI:30) Utah State blew out Boise State to adavance to the semis of the WAC tournament vs Louisiana Tech. They have the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (20-11 (11-5) RPI:62) a win over Idaho put Nevada in the WAC semis vs New Mexico State. Their best non-conference win was Tulsa and they swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State, lost to UNLV and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in. It helps the WAC tournament is on their home court.
Tulsa (23-10 (10-6) RPI:64) like UNLV and Nevada, Tulsa is hosting their conference tournament. Down 10 in the second half, used a 25-6 run to end Marshall's season in the C-USA quarters. They will play top seed UTEP today. Tulsa would have to win out to make the field of 65. Tulsa doesn't have much in terms of quality wins except wins over Oklahoma State and Memphis. They were swept by UTEP, and lost to Duke and Nevada.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Bricketology Vol 3
Rohde Island and Dayton took care of business in the A-10 tournament. Charlotte is out after losing to UMass. Seton Hall and South Florida have also bit the dust. Cincinnati is hanging around after upsetting Louisville. Majority of the bubble teams in action today. Some need more than one win to enhance their profile. Some just need that one more signature win to put them over the top. ACC, Big 10 and SEC all start their tournaments today. Big East, Big 12, C-USA and Pac 10 continue theirs. 27 of the 34 at large bids filled.
Last 4 IN
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Illinois
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (22-8 (9-7) RPI:42) they did what they needed to do by beating St Joe's at home on Tuesday to open the A-10 tournament. They will play St Louis in round 2 and the winner could face Temple in the A-10 semis. Rhode Island may need to make the A-10 final to be safe. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Dayton (20-11 (8-8) RPI:49) they stayed alive with a win over GW in the first round of the A-10 tournament setting up a third meeting with Xavier on Friday. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:85) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney and will play URI in round 2 Friday, which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (22-10 (10-8) RPI:57) beating Seton Hall in the 2nd round of the Big East tournament may have punched their ticket to the tournament. A win tonight over Pitt will move them to lock status. They have won 5 straight games, and have quality wins over Pittsburgh, Marquette, West Virginia and at Georgetown.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:50) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:54) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:53) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:56) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:68) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:61) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:31) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, which is also on their home court, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
Last 4 IN
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Illinois
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (22-8 (9-7) RPI:42) they did what they needed to do by beating St Joe's at home on Tuesday to open the A-10 tournament. They will play St Louis in round 2 and the winner could face Temple in the A-10 semis. Rhode Island may need to make the A-10 final to be safe. The Rams went 0-5 against the top 4 seeds in the A-10and only have 2 top 50 RPI wins (OKST 28 and Dayton 49). They do have some eyesore losses (St Bonaventure 155 and UMass 175).
Dayton (20-11 (8-8) RPI:49) they stayed alive with a win over GW in the first round of the A-10 tournament setting up a third meeting with Xavier on Friday. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:85) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney and will play URI in round 2 Friday, which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (22-10 (10-8) RPI:57) beating Seton Hall in the 2nd round of the Big East tournament may have punched their ticket to the tournament. A win tonight over Pitt will move them to lock status. They have won 5 straight games, and have quality wins over Pittsburgh, Marquette, West Virginia and at Georgetown.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:50) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:54) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:53) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:56) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:68) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:61) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:31) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, which is also on their home court, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bricketology Vol 2
Saint Mary's earned the automatic bid from the West Coast Conference with their win over Gonzaga last night. The Zags were a lock heading into that game so that takes another at large spot off the board. Another could be gone if Wright State defeats Butler in the Horizon League final tonight. I have now 27 of the 34 at large spots locked up with 7 spots left for 19 teams to claim. The Big East and A-10 start their tournaments today.
Last 4 IN
Georgia Tech
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (21-8 (9-7) RPI:39) The loss at UMass may have dropped then from in to out, but they have a chance to play their way back in. They host St Joe's tomorrow in the A-10 tourney opener. A win sets up a rematch with St Louis, who beat them by 5 in St Louis a few weeks ago. To get in, they would have to get to the semifinals which could set up a 3rd meeting with Temple. Beating Temple would almost surely lock them into the field of 65.
Dayton (19-11 (8-8) RPI:51) losing at home to St Louis may have ended their chances at the tournament. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. They host GW tomorrow in the opening round of the A-10 tourney. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:83) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney with a potential date with URI in round 2 which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (21-10 (10-8) RPI:59) despite losing Luke Harangody, ND won their final 4 games, beating Pitt, @GTown, UConn and @Marquette. Even if they lose their first Big East game, they are a safe bet to be in the field. They also beat WVU and their worst loss came @ Rutgers.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:49) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:53) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:52) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:57) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:69) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:62) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:32) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, which is also on their home court, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
Last 4 IN
Georgia Tech
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (21-8 (9-7) RPI:39) The loss at UMass may have dropped then from in to out, but they have a chance to play their way back in. They host St Joe's tomorrow in the A-10 tourney opener. A win sets up a rematch with St Louis, who beat them by 5 in St Louis a few weeks ago. To get in, they would have to get to the semifinals which could set up a 3rd meeting with Temple. Beating Temple would almost surely lock them into the field of 65.
Dayton (19-11 (8-8) RPI:51) losing at home to St Louis may have ended their chances at the tournament. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. They host GW tomorrow in the opening round of the A-10 tourney. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:83) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney with a potential date with URI in round 2 which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (21-10 (10-8) RPI:59) despite losing Luke Harangody, ND won their final 4 games, beating Pitt, @GTown, UConn and @Marquette. Even if they lose their first Big East game, they are a safe bet to be in the field. They also beat WVU and their worst loss came @ Rutgers.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:49) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:53) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:52) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:57) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:69) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:62) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:32) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, which is also on their home court, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bricketology Vol 1
All this week i'll be doing my own version of bracketology. Now i'm no Joe Lunardi, but I think i've watched enough games and done enough research to correctly pick all 65 teams. I know its easy with the 31 auto-bids, but picking the other 34 takes some knowledge. All this week, i'll be posting what bubble teams are alive, which are dead and my last 4 IN and last 4 OUT.
Let's get it on
Last 4 IN
Georgia Tech
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (21-8 (9-7) RPI:39) The loss at UMass may have dropped then from in to out, but they have a chance to play their way back in. They host St Joe's tomorrow in the A-10 tourney opener. A win sets up a rematch with St Louis, who beat them by 5 in St Louis a few weeks ago. To get in, they would have to get to the semifinals which could set up a 3rd meeting with Temple. Beating Temple would almost surely lock them into the field of 65.
Dayton (19-11 (8-8) RPI:51) losing at home to St Louis may have ended their chances at the tournament. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. They host GW tomorrow in the opening round of the A-10 tourney. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:83) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney with a potential date with URI in round 2 which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (21-10 (10-8) RPI:59) despite losing Luke Harangody, ND won their final 4 games, beating Pitt, @GTown, UConn and @Marquette. Even if they lose their first Big East game, they are a safe bet to be in the field. They also beat WVU and their worst loss came @ Rutgers.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:49) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:53) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:52) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:57) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:69) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:62) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:32) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Saint Mary's (25-5 (11-3) RPI:43) deja vu? Saint Marys was in this same position a year ago. WCC Championship vs Gonzaga. Win and your in, lose and sweat on selection Sunday. They have wins over fellow bubble teams SDST and Utah St, but were swept by Gonzaga. A third loss to the Zags may keep Saint Mary's out because they won't have a signature win.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
Let's get it on
Last 4 IN
Georgia Tech
San Diego State
Washington
Florida
Last 4 OUT
UAB
Rhode Island
Arizona State
Ole Miss
The Bubble
Rhode Island (21-8 (9-7) RPI:39) The loss at UMass may have dropped then from in to out, but they have a chance to play their way back in. They host St Joe's tomorrow in the A-10 tourney opener. A win sets up a rematch with St Louis, who beat them by 5 in St Louis a few weeks ago. To get in, they would have to get to the semifinals which could set up a 3rd meeting with Temple. Beating Temple would almost surely lock them into the field of 65.
Dayton (19-11 (8-8) RPI:51) losing at home to St Louis may have ended their chances at the tournament. They have 3 top 50 RPI wins (Xavier, GT, ODU) but also have a bad loss to St Joe's. They host GW tomorrow in the opening round of the A-10 tourney. Dayton will have to win the A-10 tourney to make it in.
St Louis (20-10 (11-5) RPI:83) St Louis blew a great chance at a signature win losing to Temple last week. Sweeping Dayton, and winning over Rhode Island have them on the board. They have a first round bye in the A-10 tourney with a potential date with URI in round 2 which could be a bubble busting game. A win could set up a rematch with Temple. They also have a win over Richmond, but lost to UGA.
Georgia Tech (19-11 (7-9) RPI:44) lost both games they needed to have last week. Losing at Clemson and at home vs Va Tech. Tech draws UNC in round one of the ACC tournament. They would need to win that game and maybe upset #2 seed Maryland to lock up a spot. Tech has good wins over Duke, Wake, Clemson and Siena but were swept by FSU and lost to Miami.
Notre Dame (21-10 (10-8) RPI:59) despite losing Luke Harangody, ND won their final 4 games, beating Pitt, @GTown, UConn and @Marquette. Even if they lose their first Big East game, they are a safe bet to be in the field. They also beat WVU and their worst loss came @ Rutgers.
Illinois (18-13 (10-8) RPI:75) tough week for the Illini losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The good news is they draw Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament on Friday. A win would put them in good position to get an at large berth. They have 4 decent wins (Mich St, @Wisc, Clemson and Vandy). What could hurt them was the 2 point loss at home to Minnesota.
Washington (21-9 (11-7) RPI:49) the Huskies swept the Oregon schools on the road and will play Oregon State in the Pac-10 tourney on Thursday. If all goes well, they would get Arizona State in the semis setting up a potential win and in game. Washington's best wins are Texas A&M and Cal. Losing twice to USC and at home to Oregon don't help.
Arizona State (22-9 (12-6) RPI:53) the Devils are basically in the same boat as Washington. Win your opening round Pac-10 tourney game against Stanford and set yourself up for a showdown vs Washington, where the winner will be in position to make the tournament. Arizona State doesn't have a great top 50 RPI victory, in fact, their best victories have come vs fellow bubble teams Washington and San Diego St.
Florida (20-11 (9-7) RPI:52) two close losses this week did not help. A 4 point home loss to Vandy and an 8 point loss at Kentucky. Florida plays Auburn in the SEC tournament opener Thursday. A win sets up a bubble busting match vs Mississippi St. Florida has good wins vs Mich St, Tennessee and Florida State. But a three game losing streak and a bad loss to UGA hurt.
Ole Miss (21-9 (9-7) RPI:57) Ole Miss has won 4 in a row. Finishing 2nd in the SEC West earned them a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Tennessee vs LSU matchup Friday. They will need to get to at least the semis to be considered. They have a great win over Kansas State in Puerto Rico, but haven't done much in SEC play. They also lost to Florida and were swept by Miss St.
Mississippi State (21-11 (9-7) RPI:69) Miss St had a tough week. A bad 9 point loss at Auburn and then blow out at home by Tennessee may have ended their at large chances. Miss St did win the SEC West and earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of Florida vs Auburn on Friday. Miss St would have to beat Florida and then potentially Vandy to get back into the discussion. Not much in terms of good wins. Their best wins are ODU and Ole Miss twice. They do have bad losses to Rider and Auburn.
San Diego State (22-8 (11-5) RPI:36) they won both games last week vs AFA and Colorado St. Now a rematch with Colorado State in the MWC tourney and a potential rematch with New Mexico in the semis if they win. They split with New Mexico and UNLV in conference play, but were swept by BYU and a horrible loss to Wyoming. A win over NM may just be enough to put them in the tournament.
Memphis (23-8 (13-3) RPI:46) Memphis put themselves back in the conversation with a huge win over UAB and a blowout win over Tulsa. They earned the #2 seed in the C-USA tourney and could potentially meet UAB in the semis. They had close losses to Kansas, Syracuse, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Other than UAB, not many top 50 wins. Memphis is on the right side of the bubble for now and a trip to the C-USA final might put them in lock status.
UAB (23-7 (11-5) RPI:40) two big losses last week to Memphis and UTEP hurt their chances. But if UAB can get to the semis of the C-USA tourney and get another shot at Memphis, it put them back into the hunt. UAB has two good wins, beating Butler and Marshall, but a loss to Virginia seems worse after the Cavs have lost 8 straight games.
Marshall (23-8 (11-5) RPI:62) why is Marshall here you ask? They finished conference play with 11 wins. They have a road win over UAB, but lost their only meetings with Memphis and UTEP. Marshall could play themselves in if they get a semifinals rematch with UTEP. But realistically they need to win the C-USA tournament. Their worst lost is a novemeber loss to UNC.
Utah State (25-6 (14-2) RPI:32) Utah State has the second longest win streak in the country behind Butler. They have a very impressive win over BYU. They split with NMST and swept Nevada in WAC play. They will play Boise State in the first round of the WAC tourney on Wednesday. They may need to get to the final of the WAC tournament to get an at large bid.
Saint Mary's (25-5 (11-3) RPI:43) deja vu? Saint Marys was in this same position a year ago. WCC Championship vs Gonzaga. Win and your in, lose and sweat on selection Sunday. They have wins over fellow bubble teams SDST and Utah St, but were swept by Gonzaga. A third loss to the Zags may keep Saint Mary's out because they won't have a signature win.
Nevada (19-11 (11-5) RPI:64) riding a 3 game win streak entering the WAC tourney has Nevada back in the discussion. The #2 seed in the WAC tournament, the Wolfpack will play San Jose State on Wednesday. They swept New Mexico State but were swept by Utah State and also have a bad loss to Hawaii. Nevada would have to win the WAC tourney to get in.
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