If anyone is interested ... for those who have commented that there is either more parity or overall weakness this year ...

After CMU and Buffalo both went to the NCAA tournament the past couple years, it doesn't look good for a second MAC bid this time around.

In the quarterfinals ...
Toledo d. #1 CMU 78-71...Toledo now 14-17
Ohio d. #4 WMU 84-75...Ohio now 19-11
EMU d. #2 Ball State 64-63...EMU now 16-15
#3 Kent State d. Buffalo 72-66...KSU now 19-11

--- March 13, 1st gane, Toledo v. WMU
--- March 13, 2nd game, EMU v. KSU

The top three seeds finished ...
CMU 23-7
WMU 18-13
Ball State 21-10
... also out, Buffalo 19-12

I think both of your ideas are true. Because this year the top teams in the MAC (Central Michigan *1 seed Ball State *2 seed) are not as strong as the top teams of the previous couple of years ( Buffalo-Central Michigan-Ohio) there is more parity. Then throw in the fact that the next tier of teams like Toledo-Miami heck even NIU were not as strong this year and thus the league was down. As far as 2 teams getting in the tourney it will be the tourney winner for sure and then maybe-but I doubt it CMU. Just In watching some of the other mid majors on tv ( South Dakota-South Dakota State-Green Bay-UIPIU) just reinforced to me the MAC being down this year. Just my opinion on things in retrospect thanks for your interest in WBB.

The two-bid question is moot, but despite the losing record, some things to brag about. Official website summary of the highlights:

https://niuhuskies.com/news/2020/3/19/mo...eason.aspx

(Note: I changed the thread name to reflect the current situation.)