At Large Chances

[Heinro]

Can the WSU get an at-large if we finish 2nd in the Valley? Even if we go 16-2 with a Bracket Buster win I really wonder if that would do it.

27-5 with an RPI in the 30's is that good enough? We would be 0-5 maybe 1-5 vs tournament worthy opponents, at best 1 really quality win. Basically the question is, does the best case scenario get us in?

Does the Valley, in its worst season in the last decade have 2 at-large possible teams. Figuring MSU goes 17-1, which I see as very realistic, WSU goes 16-2, both lose in the Valley tourney, WSU in the championship, would the Valley get 3 teams?

I want to say, I dont believe the sky falling in on WSU basketball, but I think you can all but ship the trophy to Springfield. Does the 2nd place team in the 12th or 11th best conference deserve an at-large?

[MVCfans]

There are 4 extra at larges this year that would have been helpful for MSU and CU a couple of times over the past decade.

[MSUDuo]

Missouri State doesn't get in unless we win in it all in STL. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Wichita State is the only team with an outside shot at an at-large and it took a serious hit tonight.

[WSUbballer]

WSU is not getting an at-large this year. Take that to the bank.

MSU has an outside shot if they can run the table or come close to it, especially if they beat a good BB team on the road.

[valleychamp]

Both teams are definitely at-large candidates.

A lot of it depends on what the rest of the field is made up of as well. So its a bit early yet.

I'd say if both teams stay around 5-6 total losses, they will be right in the mix. The Bracketbuster games are probably going to be very important for both teams though.

[TylerDurden]

At large chances are slim for either.

I know MSU is off to a hot start, but they're probably not going 17-1 in league play. 15-3 probably wins the league.

[DoubleJayAlum]

I know MSU is off to a hot start, but they're probably not going 17-1 in league play. 15-3 probably wins the league.

I hope you are right, but I'm not sure I see three losses on MSU's remaining schedule. Unless somebody upsets them at home, I'm a bit concerned that their only tough remaining roadies are at Terre Haute and Carbondale.

[MSUDuo]

I know MSU is off to a hot start, but they're probably not going 17-1 in league play. 15-3 probably wins the league.

I hope you are right, but I'm not sure I see three losses on MSU's remaining schedule. Unless somebody upsets them at home, I'm a bit concerned that their only tough remaining roadies are at Terre Haute and Carbondale.

We still have CU, UNI, and WSU at home. Like we have shown so far, being at home doesn't mean you are going to win...

[bleach]

The Bears need to do everything they can to build their resume before Arch Madness. I think the chances of winning the tourney are thin unless we get more depth developed. 3 games in 3 days will be a major obstacle. Playing multiple games on short rest have been a problem for us so far.

[Bearvision]

It's so early in the season still. If Tennessee and Ok State turn out better than expected, it helps the Bears. UT lost at home last night to Florida, which is a poor loss for them.

Living in a world of if's, I am in the minority in my belief the Bears have a shot. There are three additional spots this year (not four), and that helps. The record isn't equal for the Bears though. Say they go 16-2 in the Valley this year, and lose in the conference finals. That's 26-7 this year. Good record, and a high RPI. However, what if the losses are to Wichita at home, St Mary's on the road, and Creighton at home? Then the loss to someone in the Finals. That's not an NCAA resume.

Same record, same loss in Finals. However, give them a win over a Wichita, a win over St Mary's or Old Dominion, a second win over Creighton. A couple of road losses to say, ISUb, SIU, ISUr.

Same records, but now you have quality road wins over Creighton, Wichita, St Mary's, UNI, and win the conference on a tie breaker. Get to the Finals of the tourney, and you've got a 30's RPI and several solid wins and one bad loss. I think that gets them honestly.