Congrats Murray

[RacerJoeD]

Not to get too far off topic, but as I am not a poster over on their board, I just wanted to say thank you to all the Aces fans for their hospitality. The Racers I have spoken to have had nothing but positive experiences in your town and facility. Thanks again.

[just ducky]

Great game. Belmont will be in the tourney.

Updated numbers

Net RPI BPI
UNI 171 193
Bradley. 176 177
Murray 44 39 50
Belmont 45 40 47

I included the BPI because I've trusted its past accuracy. For comparison purposes with "First 4 Out" teams (pre NIT results) which are memory estimates
Final BPI-Post NIT
Valpo 15-16 49? 34
Ill St 16-17 51 to 55? 64

Make of it what you want but I'm liking Belmont to make it.
Sorry that it posted with the columns garbled but I don't know how to fix it.

[VUGrad1314]

Belmont getting an at large from the OVC would be a disaster for the MVC. That would cool any expansion candidate about joining and helping to make this conference the 2-3 bid powerhouse it has been and can be.

[Dean Wormer]

Belmont getting an at large from the OVC would be a disaster for the MVC. That would cool any expansion candidate about joining and helping to make this conference the 2-3 bid powerhouse it has been and can be.

Now you are wanting a very deserving so-called mid-major to be denied a bid because it could alter your fantasy conference expansion? After what they experienced the last two nights, and now watching this snoozefest in front of a half-empty morgue in St. Louis, I don't think Belmont getting a bid really matters. The disaster for the MVC is what happened this season.

If Murray and Belmont was in, the only difference right now is they would be playing their championship game in St. Louis instead of Evansville. The loser would still be sweating bullets until next Sunday..well at least we wouldn't be putting a .500 team in Dayton.

If the MVC is ever going to be a multi-bid conference, it is going to take the CURRENT members to step up. Who do you see doing that? Maybe Missouri State, maybe Bradley, Drake, Loyola and Evansville then who?? UNI will probably have another .500 season and end up in the championship game, Illinois State loses a ton, Southern is going into a rebuild period and who knows what is going to happen in Terre Haute. My suggestion for the good of the league is to quit worrying about Belmont, and figure out how our newest addition is going to step up and benefit us.

You never did answer how you can confirm Belmont was ever offered a bid, and turned it down.

[VUGrad1314]

You realize how bad 2\3 of the OVC is right? If both were in the MVC they'd both be in right now assuming similar record.

As for Belmont turning down the MVC that is a widely speculated point. I don't have a concrete quote just like nobody has any definitive statements that Valpo turned down the Horizon League about 20 years ago. That hasn't stopped many from believing it and it probably is true. Our leadership was much more conservative back then like Belmont's appears to be.

I believe that our snub back in 15-16 was a strong impetus for us to make this move. The same may be true for Belmont.

And that's the point . Murray State makes the conference better and increases our chances at earning tournament credits. That's the whole reason I want them in. Why is that so hard to grasp? If the cost of adding Murray State is rolling the dice on a program like NKU why shouldn't we? Or we could stop being so afraid of 11\20 and make it work.

As for Valpo's improvement plans that is a huge topic of discussion and debate on our board. When our tight-lipped and tight-fisted administration gives me something concrete to share on that front, I will. I promise. We're as frustrated by our performance and the lack of progress we've shown as the rest of you are.

[VUGrad1314]

Even if it's not Belmont Murray State might have its dance partner soon...

NKU's beat writer is done with the HL:

https://twitter.com/dontribunesport/sta ... 7674873856

And he retweets these two fans:

https://twitter.com/JoeMikeMills/status ... 0731390978

https://twitter.com/CoachDWMarshall/sta ... 9639922690

[ACECARD]

Not to get too far off topic, but as I am not a poster over on their board, I just wanted to say thank you to all the Aces fans for their hospitality. The Racers I have spoken to have had nothing but positive experiences in your town and facility. Thanks again.

Thank you, and I look forward to the day that Murray is part of the MVC. We can always use a classy program.

[VUGrad1314]

Meanwhile on the Murray State board...

https://www.racerfans.com/board/viewtop ... fafdbf3d01

It is sad yet understandable why they have this thread. Thank goodness most of the fans are still on board with joining should an invitation come. I can only hope their decision makers still feel the same way.

[smidge34]

You guys are all welcome to come over and register and post immediately on Racer Nation, I know we would all love to have you. Just register and send a pm to the board administrator stating you are an MVC fan and you want immediate posting privileges. It sucks they have that extra layer of BS but the administrator posted he was sick of the spam posters. Sign up here:

https://www.racerfans.com/board/ucp.php ... er&coppa=0

[racerlover]

Hello all! Long time reader, first time poster. Is there a school that you guys want out of the MVC? Maybe we can work out a trade. Murray into the MVC and whomever you want to the OVC.

I know some of our fans are concerned with travel costs, but the return on investment would more than cover the cost. The vast majority are on board. Now, let's get that MVC Prize Patrol van down to Murray with some roses and a giant invitation!