The WCC in general is whacky this season. I don’t think NET’s got SMC right (or KP for that matter), but, as such, I think both they and Gonzaga will likely take a questionable loss or two in the conference. It will raise the profiles for the likes of LMU (man, it’s weird seeing these guys back in this sort of conversation), Santa Clara, BYU, and even USF if it’s one of them who take either GU or SMC down during the season.

WCC’s definitely good for at least two bids this year. A third or even fourth could be obtainable, but those schools in those spots put themselves into some questionable holes. A lot of work to do this time around as opposed to last year.

Illinois 79
Wisconsin 69

Not sure whether I should be happy that Illinois is in this thread or unhappy that they are unranked and their wins are included in this thread.

(01-07-2023 03:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  Illinois 79
Wisconsin 69

Not sure whether I should be happy that Illinois is in this thread or unhappy that they are unranked and their wins are included in this thread.

Aren’t you the one including them in this thread?

Washington State 74
Arizona 61 (at Arizona)

WSU is 7-10. I'd say this is the upset of the year. If Arizona's losing at home to one of the bottom of the barrel Pac 12 teams, you have to question whether they can compete for a national championship this year.

Georgetown needs to make a run for Pat Kelsey of CofC. I believe I said this after last season, unfortunately there will be a lot more competition for him now.

9 Gonzaga 15, Santa Clara 25
7:55 1H

Gonzaga is pushed but survives. New Mexico is not so lucky against UNLV.

(01-08-2023 12:05 AM)_C2_ Wrote:  Gonzaga is pushed but survives. New Mexico is not so lucky against UNLV.

Wow, New Mexico loses at home to UNLV.

I'm starting to believe New Mexico doesn't even make the NCAA's this year. I know that would require them to be close to .500 in the MWC but they're looking like they could be just that.

Ehh, Fresno was at home and better than their record and UNLV is bubble team at worst.

They just hit a wall and will be okay, granted they have a tough schedule coming up.

Loyola has lost 4 straight by double digits to 4 teams with a combined D1 record below .500

Loyola’s NET is 257.

(01-08-2023 11:57 AM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  Loyola has lost 4 straight by double digits to 4 teams with a combined D1 record below .500

Loyola’s NET is 257.

I did not know. On the surface, this borders on stunning (given how good Loyola was not that long ago).

Northwestern 84
Indiana 83 (at Bloomington)

People thought IU was going to be the favorite in the Big Ten but they're the same disappointing Indiana they've been the last few years.

(01-08-2023 02:33 PM)schmolik Wrote:  Northwestern 84
Indiana 83 (at Bloomington)

People thought IU was going to be the favorite in the Big Ten but they're the same disappointing Indiana they've been the last few years.

Indiana has two of its four best players injured: PG Xavier Johnson and PF Race Thompson, both seniors. Johnson missed the past two games/losses (by three points) to Iowa and (by one point) to Northwestern (two quality teams, by the way). Thompson played only 10 minutes of the Iowa loss (due to his injury) and did not play today.

Worth noting.

(01-08-2023 11:57 AM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  Loyola has lost 4 straight by double digits to 4 teams with a combined D1 record below .500

Loyola’s NET is 257.

As I said even before the season, the A-10 is going to regret adding traditional doormat Loyola.

Bill: and the committee certainly will (not saying you said otherwise)

Not a laughable score but the top 5 Big East teams (UConn, Xavier, Providence, Marquette, Creighton) are a combined 44-3 at home this year. That is brutal.

(01-08-2023 11:21 PM)shizzle787 Wrote:  Not a laughable score but the top 5 Big East teams (UConn, Xavier, Providence, Marquette, Creighton) are a combined 44-3 at home this year. That is brutal.

And Villanova lost two in a row at home. How many games at the Pavillion did Villanova lose in Jay Wright's entire tenure at Villanova?

Yeah, the light is nearly out at Villanova this year. They really needed to hang onto the last couple of games. Both Marquette and Xavier wins could have pushed them into the "safe" column, assuming they didn't bungle other near no-brainers.

Quote:As I said even before the season, the A-10 is going to regret adding traditional doormat Loyola.

I was one who criticized the MVC for adding them given what they were doing at the time in Horizon. They silenced me after that run, but, the thought they could return to that Horizon/early-MVC form was definitely there. And so they are, this season at least.

(01-08-2023 10:27 PM)Erictelevision Wrote:  Bill: and the committee certainly will (not saying you said otherwise)

Some bad luck for the Hoosiers with these injuries. I thought this might be the "breakout year." Not likely to happen now.

Your Huskies look strong, ETV. Good luck the rest of the way.

UCONN women had to postpone a game because they only had six available scholarship players and the conference requires seven for a game.

I’m sorry, but use walk-ons or forfeit.

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...epaul-game