I think EMU is good because I've seen them play 10 games, very familiar with their talent, team chemistry, etc.
There has been public comment by players that the chemistry of this team is much, much better than past years. Made changes to the coaching staff which have been beneficial.
This is the best balanced team Murphy has had based on their abilities of JT4, Minnie, Jackson and Bond. Jackson is the best PG of the Murphy era. This team passes much better than previous EMU teams and the internal passing is very good. JT4 is being helped by teammate who who are giving him the five foot pass for the dunk.
I'm guessing that JT4, Minnie and Jackson make the 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All-MAC. Bond could be HM, probably not higher as he doesn't put up big offensive numbers. JT4 is having an excellent season and a strong candidate for MAC POY. I offer this Bond highlight.
https://twitter.com/EMUHoops/status/942225498364567553
Sometimes in these pseudo-academic discussions of strength of schedule, bad losses, etc. etc. one has to watch the games and see if the team looks like a really good MAC team.
If one wants to talk about 'bad losses', EMU did get beat by UNF (No Florida) on a "puncher's chance" game in overtime (they shot lights out behind the arc). It was also the 7th day of an 8 day road trip from Ypsi to Bloomington, IN, to Tampa, FL to Jacksonville, FL. That may be okay in the NBA but is not good for a college team (the team did not return to EMU between any games).
EMU was tied with Indiana around the 13 minute mark in the 2nd half. Game was better than it appeared on the scoreboard. Also, JT4 got his first foul 14 seconds into the game which really hampered him.