Drexel got woofed!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Drexel got woofed!

There is NO WAY Stanford and Arkansas should have gotten in before the Dragons. They did everything they needed to do - scheduling two big east teams on the road (Syracuse & Villanova), beating both. In mid-Feb they played Creighton in a bracket-buster game and beat them as well.

42 RPI. Played the teams they should have played. And they got woofed in favor of Stanford, who lost four of their last five (including games to Washington and Cal), and Arkansas, who had a losing record in their conference and who lost to Mississippi State, Auburn, Tennessee and and LSU down the stretch. What a complete and utter joke.

You can make the case for Syracuse and Santa Clara too, but Drexel for sure belonged in the 65.

[AppGuy04]

ASU too!

don't forget Texas Techxbangx xbangx xbangx

[griz37]

I would say Drexel & Syracuse have the biggest beefs about getting left out. But I am absolutely jacked that Durant & Texas will be in Spokane, it almost makes up for the fact that I will have to hear the Notre Dame fight song 700 times.

[BearsCountry]

Add Missouri State to that list as well.

[AppGuy04]

I would say Drexel & Syracuse have the biggest beefs about getting left out. But I am absolutely jacked that Durant & Texas will be in Spokane, it almost makes up for the fact that I will have to hear the Notre Dame fight song 700 times.

I'm gonna have to disagree on Cuse. They lost head to head to Drexel, at home no less. They only have 2 solid wins, and both were in conference. They played a cupcake OOC schedule and that killed them IMO

[seantaylor]

Missouri State has been fked the last two years.

[ISUMatt]

Missouri didnt deserve it this yr...last yr yes, this yr no chance!

[BEAR]

Arkansas....first round loss to USC...no offense..they shot like 16 3ptrs against Florida in the first half....stupid....get ready for another quick exit Hogs....(boo...it's bucknell...Ha!)
I bet this USC team scores 70 on this hog team too!

[Go...gate]

I don't agree with Dickie V often, but I did this time - SU and Drexel got robbed. IMO, so did Air Force.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I'm so po'd that Syracuse didn't get in. It has to be one of the biggest snubs in tourney history not neccessarily because of their numbers were outstanding or anything but no one even had them on the bubble. They were a unamimous lock by everyone after they beat Georgetown to punctuate a strong end to the season. I couldn't believe they didn't get in, i'm still in disbelief. The Big East got screwed as whole though. Notre Dame got jobbed by being a 6 seed. If anyones see ND play this year they are no way a 6 seed. And to top it off they have to play Winthrop who is everyone cinderella's pick this year. With that said i think ND will beat them by double digits. Finally i was somewhat happy that Gonzaga got a 10 seed but at the end of the day they probabaly would have been better off with an 11 or 12 to give them a better chance to advance. They should get by Indiana to set up a rematch with UCLA. You have to give the Bruins the nod but i think the 'Zags will give them a run for their money. Well with out Syracuse in my hope now lies with Notre Dame and Gonzaga. Let the madness begin

[dbackjon]

Don't cry for me Syracuse. Play someone outside of New York before January, then talk.

[MR. CHICKEN]

DREXEL BEAT DUH 'CUSE AWAY...BUT DUH 'CUSE SKED WAS CANDY...TWO QUALITY WINS IN CONFERENCE...SO BIG WIN IN N.Y.? ...NOT SO BIG

DREXEL BEAT VILLANOVA........EARLY IN YEAR...WHEN DUH CATS WERE STILL STRUGGLIN' TA FIND DEM'SELVES...BIG WIN?.....NOT SO BIG

LOST TA SO-SO RIDER...IN OT

DREXEL DID HAVE QUALITY VICTORY OVERAH CREIGHTON...IN BRACKET-BUSTER

DON'T FO'GET LOSSES TA PENN...BY 19.....AN' BILL & MARE...MID FEBRUARY..BY 13

DREXEL....LOST TO VCU BY 7 & ODU.... BY 27 & 10....THEN LOST TA VCU BY 7 AGIN'..IN DUH TOURNEY

DUH BIG FOUR....CAA.....ALL GOT FAT...ON DUH MID LEVEL TA BOTTOM FEEDERS...IN LEAGUE

AIR FORCE.........LOST SEVERAL GAMES LATE IN SEASON

NOT TOO HAPPY 'BOUT ARKANSAS.....DOUGH..............BRAWK!

[mcveyrl]

DUH BIG FOUR....CAA.....ALL GOT FAT...ON DUH MID LEVEL TA BOTTOM FEEDERS...IN LEAGUE


ODU lost to JMU. And we're awful. I swear our women's team would beat our men's team.

[AppGuy04]

Don't cry for me Syracuse. Play someone outside of New York before January, then talk.

Seriously, they assume the conference will carry them and thus play NOBODY all year OOC. The committee sent a message and I commend them.

That being said, there are 10-15 teams that could have a good argument for being in. More than any year I can remember. The NIT will be exciting this year.

[MR. CHICKEN]

ODU lost to JMU. And we're awful. I swear our women's team would beat our men's team.

AN' HOFSTRA LOST TA DELAWARE...&...WE'RE BEYOND AWFUL...UPSETS HAPPPEN...xeekx...BRAWK!

4 TEAMS WHIFF WINNIN' CONFERENCE RECORDS
2 TEAMS WHIFF .500 RECORDS
6 TEAMS WHIFF LOSIN' RECORDS

[GeauxLions94]

I don't agree with Dickie V often, but I did this time - SU and Drexel got robbed. IMO, so did Air Force.

He was pissed off Baby! xmadx xmadx xmadx

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I think Syracuse probably belonged as the last team (after Drexel of course), although they were no great shakes. But putting in Stanford and Arkansas simply defied belief.

Has there ever been a year when so many 20-game winners *didn't* make the tournament? There were at least six on the bubble alone. I didn't even see Santa Clara there as a bubble team, though in my mind they were. Marist is another (24-8).

[OL FU]

Obviously, the NCAA needs to expand the tournament to 130 teamsxnodx xrolleyesx :oxsmiley_wix

[kardplayer]

...

Has there ever been a year when so many 20-game winners *didn't* make the tournament? There were at least six on the bubble alone. I didn't even see Santa Clara there as a bubble team, though in my mind they were. Marist is another (24-8).

On the selection show, they said there were over 100 teams with 20+ wins, and the previous record was 78.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

On the selection show, they said there were over 100 teams with 20+ wins, and the previous record was 78.

This makes Stanford's selection at 17-12 even more reprehensible.

Did the NIT change their format from last year? They're 32 teams this year, while last year I seem to remember it was 48 teams. I was a bit surprised that Bucknell didn't get invited to the NIT this year, then I saw the field was contracted a bit. In years past, I think they would have made it in.

[Peems]

Stanford did have some quality wins: Texas Tech, Virginia, Washington State, Oregon, and UCLA. That being said i believe they will lose to Louisville.

[dbackjon]

This makes Stanford's selection at 17-12 even more reprehensible.

Did the NIT change their format from last year? They're 32 teams this year, while last year I seem to remember it was 48 teams. I was a bit surprised that Bucknell didn't get invited to the NIT this year, then I saw the field was contracted a bit. In years past, I think they would have made it in.

NIT is only 32 teams this year, down from 40.

And Stanford IS a head scratcher. They lose to Air Force by 34, but make the dance while Air Force is left out.

[AppGuy04]

The rest of the Pac10 got Stanford in

[Peems]

NIT is only 32 teams this year, down from 40.

And Stanford IS a head scratcher. They lose to Air Force by 34, but make the dance while Air Force is left out.

air force was in a weak conference and lost the last four games of the year, not a great message to send at the end.

[CollegeSportsInfo]

Drexel got woofed!

There is NO WAY Stanford and Arkansas should have gotten in before the Dragons. They did everything they needed to do - scheduling two big east teams on the road (Syracuse & Villanova), beating both. In mid-Feb they played Creighton in a bracket-buster game and beat them as well.

42 RPI. Played the teams they should have played. And they got woofed in favor of Stanford, who lost four of their last five (including games to Washington and Cal), and Arkansas, who had a losing record in their conference and who lost to Mississippi State, Auburn, Tennessee and and LSU down the stretch. What a complete and utter joke.

You can make the case for Syracuse and Santa Clara too, but Drexel for sure belonged in the 65.


I don't agree at all regarding Drexel. They had a solid year and they players should be proud. But you can't finish 4th in the CAA, the 13th ranked league in the country, and expect to get in...I don't care what you did OOC. If it hadn't been Drexel missing out, it would have been ODU, whom Drexel beat twice.

[ucdtim17]

As Peems said, Stanford had wins over 5 top-5 seeds. Without looking at Drexel's resume, I'm going to guess they don't have anything near that. Hopefully the committee will continue to reward teams who actually play OOC games on the road (and win - Stanford was the only team to win at UVA this year)

[Pard4Life]

Drexel finished 4th in their conference, only won one game against the top teams, and lost to mid-tier George Mason in round two. They woofed themselves...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

As Peems said, Stanford had wins over 5 top-5 seeds. Without looking at Drexel's resume, I'm going to guess they don't have anything near that. Hopefully the committee will continue to reward teams who actually play OOC games on the road (and win - Stanford was the only team to win at UVA this year)

*chokes on coffee*

Drexel played Syracuse, Villanova, and Creighton, and won all three. The games against 'Cuse and Villanova were on the road, while the Creighton game was a bracket-buster on the road as well. Matter of fact, they played four of Philadelphia's "Big 5" on the road and won three of them (they did lose to tourney-bound Penn at the Palestra). Challenging enough for you?

Drexel's biggest failure was finishing third in the CAA, which is as good or better than the MVC in my opinion. They did get beat by VCU and Old Dominion twice apiece, but these are (IMO) very strong teams - which we will see in the tournament once again this year. I can't understand folks who think there is only room for one good "mid-major" conference a year - both the MVC and CAA are both very very good.

[mcveyrl]

Drexel finished 4th in their conference, only won one game against the top teams, and lost to mid-tier George Mason in round two. They woofed themselves...

Actually, Drexel lost in the semis to VCU.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Drexel finished 4th in their conference, only won one game against the top teams, and lost to mid-tier George Mason in round two....

... who went on to the CAA final, and who gave tourney-bound VCU all they could handle. Did I forget to mention they also beat Old Dominion? Let's face it, the CAA is a damned good basketball conference. You'd think they'd proved enough last year with George Mason making the Final Four, but apparently not.

[ucdtim17]

*chokes on coffee*

Drexel played Syracuse, Villanova, and Creighton, and won all three. The games against 'Cuse and Villanova were on the road, while the Creighton game was a bracket-buster on the road as well. Matter of fact, they played four of Philadelphia's "Big 5" on the road and won three of them (they did lose to tourney-bound Penn at the Palestra). Challenging enough for you?

Drexel's biggest failure was finishing third in the CAA, which is as good or better than the MVC in my opinion. They did get beat by VCU and Old Dominion twice apiece, but these are (IMO) very strong teams - which we will see in the tournament once again this year. I can't understand folks who think there is only room for one good "mid-major" conference a year - both the MVC and CAA are both very very good.

That was in reference to the point made about Syracuse earlier. College basketball has gotten even worse than the SEC-style football scheduling, where teams would never go on the road if they didn't have to in conference. It's disgusting.

Kudos to Drexel for beating Syracuse and Villanova, but if you finish 4th in the CAA, you really can only point the finger at yourself. Once again, Stanford beat 5 top-5 seeds - I'm sure that was the logic used and while I don't disagree with the selection, I might feel differently if I weren't a fan

[mcveyrl]

... who went on to the CAA final, and who gave tourney-bound VCU all they could handle. Did I forget to mention they also beat Old Dominion? Let's face it, the CAA is a damned good basketball conference. You'd think they'd proved enough last year with George Mason making the Final Four, but apparently not.

Actually, Drexel lost in the semis to VCU.

[Peems]

Actually, Drexel lost in the semis to VCU.

correct, George Mason lost to VCU in the finals.

[Mr. C]

That was in reference to the point made about Syracuse earlier. College basketball has gotten even worse than the SEC-style football scheduling, where teams would never go on the road if they didn't have to in conference. It's disgusting.

Kudos to Drexel for beating Syracuse and Villanova, but if you finish 4th in the CAA, you really can only point the finger at yourself. Once again, Stanford beat 5 top-5 seeds - I'm sure that was the logic used and while I don't disagree with the selection, I might feel differently if I weren't a fan
Stanford also lost by nearly 40 to Air Force, dropped four of its last five games and six of its last nine. The Cardinal has NO business in this tournament. A team that loses 12 (Stanford) or 13 games (Arkansas) should not be in the field. There are other teams from mid-major conferences that would show more in this tournament than either of those teams will. By the way, how many of those five wins over top-five seeds were on Stanford's home floor? All of them? They have the fortune of playing in a conference where they get to play these teams. Not many teams want to play Drexel or Appalachian State and teams are not playing them on these teams' home courts. And the shot at finishing fourth in the CAA, you obviously have no clue as to how good that league is. George Mason went to the Final Four last year and both VCU and ODU are legitimately in the field. I don't think fourth-place finishers from the Big 10, the ACC and some of those leagues should be in either.

[walliver]

I don't get too excited about all of this. Each of these teams that missed out had an oppurtunity to compete for the national championship via their conference tournaments. Just about every team in D-I had an opportunity to win the National Championship by winning out starting with their conference tournament.

It does seem to me, however, that money is more important than on-court performance when picking at-large teams.xmadx

[ucdtim17]

Stanford also lost by nearly 40 to Air Force, dropped four of its last five games and six of its last nine. The Cardinal has NO business in this tournament. A team that loses 12 (Stanford) or 13 games (Arkansas) should not be in the field. There are other teams from mid-major conferences that would show more in this tournament than either of those teams will. By the way, how many of those five wins over top-five seeds were on Stanford's home floor? All of them? They have the fortune of playing in a conference where they get to play these teams. Not many teams want to play Drexel or Appalachian State and teams are not playing them on these teams' home courts. And the shot at finishing fourth in the CAA, you obviously have no clue as to how good that league is. George Mason went to the Final Four last year and both VCU and ODU are legitimately in the field. I don't think fourth-place finishers from the Big 10, the ACC and some of those leagues should be in either.


If Stanford was left out, I'd say they could only blame themselves, just like Drexel. They lost 6 of their last 9 (in fairness that's without their second best player Anthony Goods) and Goods clanked 2 FT's that would have finished off USC in the P10 tournament.

4 of Stanford's top-5 seed wins were at home, with the UVA win coming on the road (UVA's only home loss all year). Stanford does a better job than the UCLA/Syracuse types of scheduling good OOC games (recent/current home and homes with UVA, Gonzaga, Fresno St., Michigan State and various neutral court games - not to mention actually playing on the road at places like UCD and Montana).

The CAA is a great league, but it is not the ACC or the Pac-10. 70% of the Pac-10 was ranked at one point or another this year. Yes Stanford had many opportunities to play top teams, but going along with that is the fact that they played many more top teams than a school like Drexel. And now that they're finally at full strength, I'm completely confident they'll acquit themselves well against Louisville and beyond

[crunifan]

Let's see here....

Missouri State

RPI: 36
SOS: 43
Record: 21-10 (13-7)
Top 75 wins: 3
Biggest win: Wisconsin

Drexel

RPI: 43
SOS: 104
Record: 22-8 (14-6)
Top 75 wins: 4
Biggest win: Villanova

Take into account that the MVC is a harder conference, and I think there is a BIG arguement that Missouri State got screwed more so than Drexel.

[MR. CHICKEN]

DREXEL LOST TA WM & MARY...(8-10)....FEB 14TH....BY 13........DAT L....MAY HAVE SLAYED DUH DRAGON.........xviolinx...BRAWK!

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

Wasn't Drexel have like a 1-4 record vs the top 4 teams in their conference????

[Eyes of Old Main]

Although I admit I am not that familiar with Drexel, after looking at their website and results, I don't understand the uproar. They had some good wins, but I don't feel like they are NCAAT worthy. Syracuse has a better case to me.

Not trying to smack the Dragons, but how can a school with an enrollment of 18,500 get away with a gym that holds 2,500? Wofford has 1,250 students and our gym holds 3,500.

Maybe some think they got woofed, but but tomorrow I expect them to get Packed.

[Mr. C]

Wasn't Drexel have like a 1-4 record vs the top 4 teams in their conference????
And your point is? Drexel plays in a tough conference. You could make the same argument about a lot of teams that made the tournament from the major conferences.

[JALMOND]

As I was watching the tourney results, I found it strange that it seemed so many teams thought they were in and just left it up to the committee as to where they would be placed. As a result some got in (Arkansas) and some were left out (Air Force, App State, Drexel, Syracuse). As Portland State found out during the football season, if you leave your selection up to a committee, you may not like the results.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Wasn't Drexel have like a 1-4 record vs the top 4 teams in their conference????
IN CONFERENCE
DREXEL LOST TA VCU BY 7
DREXEL LOST TA ODU BY 27 & 10
DREXEL LOST TA HOFSTRA AT HOME BY 2 IN OT/BEAT HOFSTRA AWAY BY 8 IN OT
DREXEL LOST TA WM & MARY BY 13 MID FEBRUARY
DREXEL LOST TA VCU BY 7 IN TOURNEY

OUT OF CONFERENCE
DREXEL LOST TA PENN BY 19
DREXEL LOST TA SO-SO RIDER IN OT BY 8................BRAWK!

DREXEL FINISHED UH GAME BEHIND 3RD PLACE HOFSTRA.......HOFSTRA'S GOIN' TA DUH JR. PROM.......HOW DOES 4TH PLACE FINISHER LEAP-FROG...DUH 3RD PLACE...AN' GET UH BID TA DUH 64.....WHEN DUH 3RD PLACE DOESN'T GO.....RPI OR NOT???........LET'S PUT UH SOCK IN IT..................BRAWK!

BRUISER...DUH LOSER......xpeacex...AWQ!

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

And your point is? Drexel plays in a tough conference. You could make the same argument about a lot of teams that made the tournament from the major conferences.

Wait a second??? So you expected a team that finished 4th in the CAA AND lost to VCU in the semifinals of their tourney to get in the NCAA's over a team like Arkansas when they hardly got exposure as it is???....Heck, I'm surprised that league got 2 teams in the tourney (Hofstra finished 3rd in the CAA (AHEAD of Drexel) and didn't get in also...)

My Point:

It's extremely difficult for a Mid-Major to gain respect from the voters if ya can't beat the top teams in ya conference....(especially from the committees point of view). It's what ya did for them lately basically.

And ya right...you could make that case to lots of teams (see Missouri Valley Conference for examples)...

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

IN CONFERENCE
DREXEL LOST TA VCU BY 7
DREXEL LOST TA ODU BY 27 & 10
DREXEL LOST TA HOFSTRA AT HOME BY 2 IN OT/BEAT HOFSTRA AWAY BY 8 IN OT
DREXEL LOST TA WM & MARY BY 13 MID FEBRUARY
DREXEL LOST TA VCU BY 7 IN TOURNEY

OUT OF CONFERENCE
DREXEL LOST TA PENN BY 19
DREXEL LOST TA SO-SO RIDER IN OT BY 8................BRAWK!

DREXEL FINISHED UH GAME BEHIND 3RD PLACE HOFSTRA.......HOFSTRA'S GOIN' TA DUH JR. PROM.......HOW DOES 4TH PLACE FINISHER LEAP-FROG...DUH 3RD PLACE...AN' GET UH BID TA DUH 64.....WHEN DUH 3RD PLACE DOESN'T GO.....RPI OR NOT???........LET'S PUT UH SOCK IN IT..................BRAWK!

BRUISER...DUH LOSER......xpeacex...AWQ!


^^^^^^^^

What he said...xnodx

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

Although I admit I am not that familiar with Drexel, after looking at their website and results, I don't understand the uproar. They had some good wins, but I don't feel like they are NCAAT worthy. Syracuse has a better case to me.

Not trying to smack the Dragons, but how can a school with an enrollment of 18,500 get away with a gym that holds 2,500? Wofford has 1,250 students and our gym holds 3,500.

Maybe some think they got woofed, but but tomorrow I expect them to get Packed.

I've seen worse....

[mcveyrl]

Wait a second??? So you expected a team that finished 4th in the CAA AND lost to ODU in the quarterfinals of their tourney to get in the NCAA's over a team like Arkansas when they hardly got exposure as it is???....Heck, I'm surprised that league got 2 teams in the tourney (Hofstra finished 3rd in the CAA (AHEAD of Drexel) and didn't get in also...)

My Point:

It's extremely difficult for a Mid-Major to gain respect from the voters if ya can't beat the top teams in ya conference....(especially from the committees point of view). It's what ya did for them lately basically.

And ya right...you could make that case to lots of teams (see Missouri Valley Conference for examples)...

Actually, Drexel lost in the semis to VCU (that's the third time I've put this on the board).

BTW, conference placement didn't matter when the committee looked at the Big 12 (see K. State v. T. Tech). But, I think that the point is well taken that Drexel finished 4th in a mid-major conference and that makes it tough. But, I think Drexel was one of the first 4 out of the tournament. Several analysts are calling them the biggest snub.

However, I think that if Drexel is in, ODU is out. The committee had decided from the outset that the CAA would get 2, and no more.

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

Actually, Drexel lost in the semis to VCU (that's the third time I've put this on the board).

BTW, conference placement didn't matter when the committee looked at the Big 12 (see K. State v. T. Tech). But, I think that the point is well taken that Drexel finished 4th in a mid-major conference and that makes it tough. But, I think Drexel was one of the first 4 out of the tournament. Several analysts are calling them the biggest snub.

However, I think that if Drexel is in, ODU is out. The committee had decided from the outset that the CAA would get 2, and no more.


I dunno where I got the quarterfinal deal from....I must have been thinking Hofstra or something xbangx xbangx xbangx xbangx ....

My Vote for Biggest Snub goes to Missouri State by da way...

[mcveyrl]

I dunno where I got the quarterfinal deal from....I must have been thinking Hofstra or something xbangx xbangx xbangx xbangx ....

My Vote for Biggest Snub goes to Missouri State by da way...


My guess is Missouri State fell prey to the same thing that got Drexel. The committe decided on a definite number from the conference and when they got to that number, they moved on.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I really think that the NCAA committee went out of their way to screw the CAA and MVC out of extra TV games. Putting in Stanford and Arkansas over Drexel and Missouri State is one exhibit. Having Butler and ODU as a first-round matchup is an additional exhibit for the prosecution.

Why more sportswriters aren't calling this the travesty that it is really defies logic to me. You take the "last four" teams in the tournament and the "first four with the burst bubble" and it's so clear that the four last teams are greedy big conferences (Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, SEC) and the four burst bubbles are mid-majors (CAA, MVC, SoCon, NEC). I think Santa Clara of the WCC has a decent case too, another "mid-major".

I think Syracuse's omission is a smokescreen - they really weren't more worthy than Drexel, App State, Missouri State or Vermont. Unfortunately their snub sucks the oxygen out of the press, who hang on every word Jim Boeheim says. Moral of the story: mainstream press fails to do their job, again.

[Pard4Life]

I really think that the NCAA committee went out of their way to screw the CAA and MVC out of extra TV games. Putting in Stanford and Arkansas over Drexel and Missouri State is one exhibit. Having Butler and ODU as a first-round matchup is an additional exhibit for the prosecution.

Why more sportswriters aren't calling this the travesty that it is really defies logic to me. You take the "last four" teams in the tournament and the "first four with the burst bubble" and it's so clear that the four last teams are greedy big conferences (Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, SEC) and the four burst bubbles are mid-majors (CAA, MVC, SoCon, NEC). I think Santa Clara of the WCC has a decent case too, another "mid-major".

I think Syracuse's omission is a smokescreen - they really weren't more worthy than Drexel, App State, Missouri State or Vermont. Unfortunately their snub sucks the oxygen out of the press, who hang on every word Jim Boeheim says. Moral of the story: mainstream press fails to do their job, again.

MMs did get screwed.. I had this arguement with a friend yesterday... they should have split the 5-12 game as Butler-Illinois; Virginia Tech-ODU.. I would have picked both MM's for the win.. now I'm splitting hairs!

Same thing with Nevada-Creighton in 7-10... should be Nevada-TexasTech, BC-Creighton.. now that's more fair..

Syracuse should have been in... take-out Arkansas..

[dbackjon]

Syracuse HAS NO case for whining. App State, Missouri State, Santa Clara all were FAR more worthy of a bid than "I don't play anyone outside of New York" Syracuse.

[jessesd]

From someone who lives in Syracuse, I feel they got what they deserved the "NIT", The ‘Cuse played the most comfortable pre-season schedule w/o leaving the State of New York, beating teams such as Colgate and struggling against Canisious, loosing at home against Drexel and Wichita State and lets not forget getting blown off by Notre Dame at home in addition to loosing on the second round again to ND on the Big Easy tournament.

Drexel, well, they beat some good teams, but they struggled against Hosftra and the rest of the Colonial conference and if Hofstra, the third seeded on your conference does not make it, chances for the 4th are less likely.

On the other hand, Air Force was due to pay for last year favor when Hofstra got hosed and they got in (what goes around).

I felt Missouri State had a chance although their coach made a point saying if they have won more, they would be in.
Peace out.

[JALMOND]

I say that what all the selection shows is that if Creighton and Gonzaga do not win their conference tournaments, both do not get in. The Zags are a tournament "darling" but, based on how the rest of the tourneys played out, I don't think they would have got in. Based on the fact that Drexel did not get in, I can't see the committee including Creighton in the field if the Blue Jays did not beat S Illinois in the championship, due to the fact that Drexel beat Creighton in mid February. That said, Creighton, Wright State and New Mexico State all burst the bubbles of many teams as the favorites in those conferences, S Illinois, Butler and Nevada were pretty much locks for the big tourney. Santa Clara and Hawaii were both "nostalgic" picks but a lot would have had to happen for those to get in. As it was, Santa Clara did not even get an NIT bid.

Head scratchers to me as to who got in were Kentucky, Xavier, and Arkansas. The Razorbacks finished fourth in the SEC West, a division that until the SEC tournament, no one thought would get any teams in (at least none outside of Mississippi State). Xavier won the A-10 title, yet didn't even make it to the conference final (and the A-10 was not strong all year). Kentucky went 4-6 in its last 10 games, winning against the likes of S Carolina, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama. They had a chance to play their way in, yet lost twice to Florida, and once to Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State. Stanford maybe should not have got in, but they at least beat UCLA, Oregon, USC and Washington State in conference play and lost to a tourney bound team, USC, in the Pac-10 tournament.

My picks...Replace Kentucky, Xavier, and Arkansas, with Drexel, Missouri State and Appalachian State. Syracuse did not impress me and I don't think they belong and Air Force needs to win some Mountain West tourney games before they are included.

[GannonFan]

I say that what all the selection shows is that if Creighton and Gonzaga do not win their conference tournaments, both do not get in. The Zags are a tournament "darling" but, based on how the rest of the tourneys played out, I don't think they would have got in. Based on the fact that Drexel did not get in, I can't see the committee including Creighton in the field if the Blue Jays did not beat S Illinois in the championship, due to the fact that Drexel beat Creighton in mid February. That said, Creighton, Wright State and New Mexico State all burst the bubbles of many teams as the favorites in those conferences, S Illinois, Butler and Nevada were pretty much locks for the big tourney. Santa Clara and Hawaii were both "nostalgic" picks but a lot would have had to happen for those to get in. As it was, Santa Clara did not even get an NIT bid.

Head scratchers to me as to who got in were Kentucky, Xavier, and Arkansas. The Razorbacks finished fourth in the SEC West, a division that until the SEC tournament, no one thought would get any teams in (at least none outside of Mississippi State). Xavier won the A-10 title, yet didn't even make it to the conference final (and the A-10 was not strong all year). Kentucky went 4-6 in its last 10 games, winning against the likes of S Carolina, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama. They had a chance to play their way in, yet lost twice to Florida, and once to Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State. Stanford maybe should not have got in, but they at least beat UCLA, Oregon, USC and Washington State in conference play and lost to a tourney bound team, USC, in the Pac-10 tournament.

My picks...Replace Kentucky, Xavier, and Arkansas, with Drexel, Missouri State and Appalachian State. Syracuse did not impress me and I don't think they belong and Air Force needs to win some Mountain West tourney games before they are included.

Creighton didn't lose a spot for someone - if Creighton hadn't won their tourney then they still would've picked another MVC team - that conference was getting at least 2 in the tourney this year - they were the 6th highest rated conference this year.

[crunifan]

Creighton was in for sure. Without doubt.

The MVC is the first conference with a top 7 rating to ever have less than 3 bids. The MVC got screwed!

[JALMOND]

Creighton didn't lose a spot for someone - if Creighton hadn't won their tourney then they still would've picked another MVC team - that conference was getting at least 2 in the tourney this year - they were the 6th highest rated conference this year.

The way it played out, it looks like Creighton had to win to get in. They did lose to Drexel in mid February at home. The Blue Jays won the autobid so they make it in. Drexel didn't win the autobid so they stay home.

There really is no reason to keep the Blue Jays out even if they would have lost in the final. But then again, is there a true and acceptable reason to keep Drexel out?

The MVC was the sixth highest rated conference, yet it is still considered a mid-major. How everything worked out, it looks like the SoCon and the WCC were looking for 2 bids as well. The shame is that the sixth rated conference got the same number of teams as the WAC, A-10 and Mtn West. My argument is still that Missouri State, as the third MVC team, as well as Drexel, the third CAA team, and App State, the second SoCon team, all deserve to be in the Dance over Kentucky, Xavier and Arkansas, and from the look of things, Creighton might not have been a big of a lock if they would have lost in the finals. If Creighton would have gone in as an at-large, Drexel would have had an even bigger beef than they do now.

[ucdtim17]

Too bad they give out bids to individual teams and not to conferences

[Mr. C]

Too bad they give out bids to individual teams and not to conferences
If that were truly the case, and we know it is not, you would never see all of those ACC, Big 10, Pac-10, Big East, SEC and Big 12 schools in the field. There is plenty of power brokering going on to keep as much of the money with the big boys as possible.

[ISUMatt]

Drexel loses at home to NC St 63-56

[Mr. C]

NC State continued its hot run from the ACC Tournament. The Wolfpack has been a hot and cold team all year, with some great results at times. It seems they are peaking at the right time. The Pack could be a dangerous team the rest of the way in the NIT.

For me, losing this game doesn't take away from the fact that Drexel deserved to be one of several teams that should have been in the NCAA tourney, anymore than if you would say that one of the teams that NC State beat in the ACC tourney shouldn't have been in. Drexel played a good game, but got beat by a hot team that gave No. 1 seed North Carolina all it wanted two days ago.

[ucdtim17]

If that were truly the case, and we know it is not, you would never see all of those ACC, Big 10, Pac-10, Big East, SEC and Big 12 schools in the field. There is plenty of power brokering going on to keep as much of the money with the big boys as possible.

That's a nice conspiracy theory, but sometimes the big boys just plain old are better and more deserving than the little guys. And in some years, the big conferences are better than in other years. If the Pac-10 was closer to their historical norm this year, there'd probably be 2 more spots available for other conferences. But the teams were really good this year

[GannonFan]

The way it played out, it looks like Creighton had to win to get in. They did lose to Drexel in mid February at home. The Blue Jays won the autobid so they make it in. Drexel didn't win the autobid so they stay home.

There really is no reason to keep the Blue Jays out even if they would have lost in the final. But then again, is there a true and acceptable reason to keep Drexel out?

The MVC was the sixth highest rated conference, yet it is still considered a mid-major. How everything worked out, it looks like the SoCon and the WCC were looking for 2 bids as well. The shame is that the sixth rated conference got the same number of teams as the WAC, A-10 and Mtn West. My argument is still that Missouri State, as the third MVC team, as well as Drexel, the third CAA team, and App State, the second SoCon team, all deserve to be in the Dance over Kentucky, Xavier and Arkansas, and from the look of things, Creighton might not have been a big of a lock if they would have lost in the finals. If Creighton would have gone in as an at-large, Drexel would have had an even bigger beef than they do now.

What I was saying was that had Creighton not won the auto-bid and had been snubbed for the tourney, for sure a second MVC team (Missouri St or Bradley) would've been picked before anyone else - you can't be the 6th best RPI conference and only get one team in - conferences do matter a little bit when it comes selection time.

[Mr. C]

That's a nice conspiracy theory, but sometimes the big boys just plain old are better and more deserving than the little guys. And in some years, the big conferences are better than in other years. If the Pac-10 was closer to their historical norm this year, there'd probably be 2 more spots available for other conferences. But the teams were really good this year
As good as the Pac-10 was (I'm a West Coast hoops guy, by the way. Cut my teeth on the Pac-10, PCAA and WCAC games every Saturday afternoon on TV), Stanford didn't deserve to be in and doesn't get in without its conference affliation. I had NO problem with the other Pac-10 teams in the field, though I honestly don't think Arizona is very good this season. The Cats shouldn't be an eight seed anymore than Duke should be a six seed.

[Peems]

If that were truly the case, and we know it is not, you would never see all of those ACC, Big 10, Pac-10, Big East, SEC and Big 12 schools in the field. There is plenty of power brokering going on to keep as much of the money with the big boys as possible.

But the teams in the "power" conferences are better, proven last night with Drexel. The fourth seeded team in their respective conference loses to the tenth in the ACC. They don't have a quota for conferences, but obviously the teams in the power conferences are better top to bottom than in the mid majors.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

But the teams in the "power" conferences are better, proven last night with Drexel. The fourth seeded team in their respective conference loses to the tenth in the ACC. They don't have a quota for conferences, but obviously the teams in the power conferences are better top to bottom than in the mid majors.

Of course, George Mason didn't even win their conference tournament last year, and ended up making the Final Four... xrolleyesx xrolleyesx xrolleyesx

Come on, one win certainly doesn't make a theory.

[Go...gate]

I don't know what happend to Drexel last night. I felt they would win a close one. NC State looks like they are on a mission, though.

[AppGuy04]

I don't know what happend to Drexel last night. I felt they would win a close one. NC State looks like they are on a mission, though.

I think the Pack just realizes that they screwed up. They should have and could have been playing like this for a while. Atsur was hurt early in the season, but after he came back, this has been a different team, even in losing efforts.

[Peems]

Of course, George Mason didn't even win their conference tournament last year, and ended up making the Final Four... xrolleyesx xrolleyesx xrolleyesx

Come on, one win certainly doesn't make a theory.

nor does one trip to the final four. I will say that usually the power conferences are better top to bottom, and hey the best team doesn't always win in the NCAA. thats the beauty of one and done. My point was that if Drexel believes they got woofed they should of proved something last night on their home court.

[AppGuy04]

nor does one trip to the final four. I will say that usually the power conferences are better top to bottom, and hey the best team doesn't always win in the NCAA. thats the beauty of one and done. My point was that if Drexel believes they got woofed they should of proved something last night on their home court.

you would think that would have been motivation enough, and against a team that had 1 day's rest after playing 4 games in 4 daysxeyebrowx

[seantaylor]

Alabama also lost to Umass, and Ok State lost to Marist at home.

[ucdtim17]

The CAA is a great league, but it is not the ACC or the Pac-10. 70% of the Pac-10 was ranked at one point or another this year. Yes Stanford had many opportunities to play top teams, but going along with that is the fact that they played many more top teams than a school like Drexel. And now that they're finally at full strength, I'm completely confident they'll acquit themselves well against Louisville and beyond


foot in mouth