02-22-2003, 09:47 AM
Well, Bracket Buster Saturday has finally arrived. The records and matchups aren't quite as good as ESPN wanted, but the network has been advertising today for the past several weeks.
Here's my opinion on the significance of the games to the MAC and their teams.
Hawaii at KENT STATE: This is a MUST WIN for Kent if they want any chance for an at-large bid. It's so obvious, I don't need to elaborate any further.
BALL STATE at Western Kentucky: Just think what a match-up this would have been if Smith and Marcus weren't injured. If Ball State can beat this quality team, it could help the Cards toward an NIT bid. After losing to CMU by two points a few days ago, CMU fans hope for perceptual purposes BSU plays a competitive game against the Hilltoppers.
Illinois State at MARSHALL: This is a must win for Herd pride. ISU has lost to the three other MAC teams they played this year.
BOWLING GREEN at Illinois-Chicago: UIC is clearly the better team. If BGSU can win, it would be a feather in their cap.
My Prediction? Not going out on a limb here--- 2-2, with a slight possibility of 3-1.
In other games... There's a little tilt in DeKalb today...
CENTRAL MICHIGAN at NORTHERN ILLINOIS: In terms of a MAC-West championship, this game means more to the Huskies due to the fact they will have a return visit to CMU. In terms of possible at-large pick, the Chippewas have a better chance at that, but only if they can continue to win. Gawd I wish this game was on TV!!!
WESTERN MICHIGAN at OHIO: The Broncos' miniscule at-large chances continue to hinge on their winning ways. Ohio U. is just trying to find the chemistry to make a charge in the MAC tourney.
Virginia at OHIO (Wednesday): The Bobcats have smartly scheduled their own Bracket Buster game for the second year in a row. Last spring they went to Chapel Hill and smacked around North Carolina. It's just too bad Ohio U. hasn't had the record to be considered for an an-large berth. While the Bobcats are out of the running again, their tilt against the Cavaliers is definitely a Bracket Buster. Beat the Cavaliers and UVa's bubble will be burst, keeping the hopes of KSU, CMU, and WMU alive (assuming they continue winning).
There it is. Let the games begin!
Here's my opinion on the significance of the games to the MAC and their teams.
Hawaii at KENT STATE: This is a MUST WIN for Kent if they want any chance for an at-large bid. It's so obvious, I don't need to elaborate any further.
BALL STATE at Western Kentucky: Just think what a match-up this would have been if Smith and Marcus weren't injured. If Ball State can beat this quality team, it could help the Cards toward an NIT bid. After losing to CMU by two points a few days ago, CMU fans hope for perceptual purposes BSU plays a competitive game against the Hilltoppers.
Illinois State at MARSHALL: This is a must win for Herd pride. ISU has lost to the three other MAC teams they played this year.
BOWLING GREEN at Illinois-Chicago: UIC is clearly the better team. If BGSU can win, it would be a feather in their cap.
My Prediction? Not going out on a limb here--- 2-2, with a slight possibility of 3-1.
In other games... There's a little tilt in DeKalb today...
CENTRAL MICHIGAN at NORTHERN ILLINOIS: In terms of a MAC-West championship, this game means more to the Huskies due to the fact they will have a return visit to CMU. In terms of possible at-large pick, the Chippewas have a better chance at that, but only if they can continue to win. Gawd I wish this game was on TV!!!
WESTERN MICHIGAN at OHIO: The Broncos' miniscule at-large chances continue to hinge on their winning ways. Ohio U. is just trying to find the chemistry to make a charge in the MAC tourney.
Virginia at OHIO (Wednesday): The Bobcats have smartly scheduled their own Bracket Buster game for the second year in a row. Last spring they went to Chapel Hill and smacked around North Carolina. It's just too bad Ohio U. hasn't had the record to be considered for an an-large berth. While the Bobcats are out of the running again, their tilt against the Cavaliers is definitely a Bracket Buster. Beat the Cavaliers and UVa's bubble will be burst, keeping the hopes of KSU, CMU, and WMU alive (assuming they continue winning).
There it is. Let the games begin!