Arch Madness... Who ya got?

by **45otseoj** » February 25th, 2011, 9:33 am

Regardless of Saturday's outcome, I'm taking WSU.

1) Wichita
-Arguably the best talent and easily the most depth

2) Creighton
-They've got the talent to do it; just have to put it together.

3) Indiana State
-Drops down to 5 in Richard is out. Good depth.

4) Missouri State
-Great talent. Good chance to make it to Sunday. Not enough depth to win 3 in 3.

5) Northern Iowa
-Kwadzo won't go out quietly, but the loss of O'Rear is just too much to overcome.

6) Evansville
-Skinny Marty has a good young squad but not enough talent this season.

7) Drake
-Watch out! I give Drake a decent chance in a 2 vs. 7 game.

8) Illinois State
-Might get hot for 1 day; won't get hot for 3.

9) Southern Illinois
-Could get past ISU, but not farther. Lowrey keeps sinking...

10) Bradley
-Good guard talent. Warren won't go out quietly. But 6 players won't win 4 games.

:Stupid:

**Sponsor**

by **BirdmanBB** » February 25th, 2011, 9:49 am

This year is going to be crazy. I could see any one of your top 6 winning it all. I would even include Drake in the discussion too, but it's just too hard to win 4 games in 4 days. With how weak the valley is this year, anything can happen if any one of those teams get hot at the right time. It's completely up for grabs in my opinion.

by **3ontheway** » February 25th, 2011, 9:57 am

i see WSU and MSU making it to Sunday b/c they are the 2 best teams in the conf. I think with Ragland and Smith contributing WSU is deeper and will win it.

by **ictjay** » February 25th, 2011, 10:28 am

3ontheway wrote:i see WSU and MSU making it to Sunday b/c they are the 2 best teams in the conf. I think with Ragland and Smith contributing WSU is deeper and will win it.

Saw Smith/Ragland live for the 1st time this year vs CU. Ragland was impressive. Smith, I was totally dumfounded. Shooting was off, dribbling/ballhandling/defense also. Kyles looked disinterested.

Agree with you on depth as WSU should roll, but is it time to shorten the bench?

by **45otseoj** » February 25th, 2011, 10:36 am

ictjay wrote:Agree with you on depth as WSU should roll, but is it time to shorten the bench?

Don't shorten the bench until you have to in the Lou.

by **Wizkid** » February 25th, 2011, 10:40 am

1. WSU- They SHOULD win it all based on talent, but they should of beat SIU at home too..
2. MSU- Senior laden team with some tough players
3. ISU B- Richard will be back and they play good D. This team is a wild card with how they can shoot at times.
4. CU- A lot of talent but they seem to be missing a few pieces to be a winner.
5. Drake- NO one wants to play Drake because if they are hot they can play with anyone
6. UNI- Great guards but since ORear has been out they have been below average at best. ZERO inside presence
7. Evansville- They are a mess right now but if they they start playing like they did a month ago they can compete
8. Bradley- Warren could shoot them to a win, thats it
9. ISU R- a mess, but they get to play SIU so who knows what will happen, and who really cares because the winner gets to get thumped by the one seed the next day.
10. SIU- Lowery needs to go but who knows if they can muster up the $ to do so

by **BradleyBrave** » February 25th, 2011, 10:58 am

Shockers over Bears in the title game. Marshall gets WSU to the NCAA's then promptly gets out of town, Missouri St is heartbroken again on Selection Sunday.

by **jaysfan24** » February 25th, 2011, 3:00 pm

Wichita ST, and as hard as it is to say, it's not even close. That is, unless CU plays like it did in Wichita.

by **BradleyBrave** » February 25th, 2011, 3:05 pm

With such a weak bubble this year, does WSU still get in if they lose in the title game? Had they not lost at home to SIU I would say yes, but right now I can't say that.

by **Bluejay09Bear06** » February 25th, 2011, 3:07 pm

jaysfan24 wrote:Wichita ST, and as hard as it is to say, it's not even close. That is, unless CU plays like it did in Wichita.

"Not even close"? Seriously? I'm the first to admit that when WUSU is "on" they are extremely tough to beat but the same can be said for MSU and most of the teams in the top half of the Valley. WUSU had 18 games to prove they were the runaway Valley favorite and with 17 played, they are tied with the Bears and have to win their last game not to be swept. I think Arch Madness is probably as wide open as it's been since I've been paying attention to Valley hoops, and although WUSU has a very good shot, to say it's "not even close" is not grounded in fact, logic, or the scoreboard.