At Large Bid Talk?

[wloopanther]

Again at cbs.sportsline a weekly column has stated that UNI pretty much has their own destiny right now. With the decline of Wichita St and we win a few games on the road we deserve an At Large Bid. With the win this past Saturday on national TV who knows what will happen.......

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/8213745

[RobFromCedarFalls]

he says we would deserve our 2nd bid in history. what a moron.

[General_Panther]

The way I see it, why don't we deserve it? I mean look at how well we've played, even in the losses. We took the Bear Cats to Over time before losing by 6, granted we were up 18 at one point, and we lost to Iowa by a mere 3 point Margin, while Beating the likes of SIU, and Iowa State. If Iowa State can make it in as an at Large team, then why don't the Panthers deserve it? Our RPI is better than theirs if I recall correctly so that's the justification. I think if the Panthers can pick up a much needed Road win on Wednesday in Carbondale the Cats will be well on their way to the tournament. We probably also need to beat Wichita at their place and Bradley here on Saturday. So basically we need to win out. I think even if we make it to the Semi's of the MVC Tourney we will have a very very good shot of making it to the Dance. I think though, that the Guys are going to play their hearts out and make a run at the Tournament Title again.

What do you guys think?

[AmesPanther]

The problem with the comparision to ISU is that the selection committe won't be doing it. They will give UNI credit for a win over ISU. The big reason ISU will likely make it as an at large bid is because they have beaten 5 top 25 teams now and 2 were on the road; also a strong second half of the season is looked at very favorably.

If UNI wins out and does well in the conference tourney then UNI has a strong case for an at large bid.

I'm counting on UNI winnning the conference tourney so there will be no worries on selection day.

[General_Panther]

I agree with the Prediction there Ames Panther. The Panthers will win the MVC Tourney, and I am going to Love watching every minute of it from court side

[Newsbreaker]

IMO, we still need to win out. I don't think three additional victories are that important, but it's WHO we're playing and where. A win at SIU would be a blue ribbon on the resume, a home win against a team like Bradley is a must at this time of year, and playing at WSU is a chance to prove difinitively that we are the team that really belongs in the top-2 in the league. If UNI wins all 3 of those, it only takes one win in St. Louis to get in (assuming SIU wins in our place.) If we split the first two and win at WSU, it will all come down to which team (UNI or WSU) play better and advance further in St. Louis.

Of course, winning in St. Louis makes that all moot.

I feel much better about our chances then I did a week ago, based partly on our play, based on a National TV win, and based on WSU falling off the crapper. It's extremely important to stick the dagger in their heart.

By the way, remember just a few years ago we were hoping to avoid the play-in game on Friday night, thinking that was an accomplishment. Now we're seriously talking about the big dance (again!). How far we've come.

[UNIpanther99]

All good points... and if we are to make the tournament again, it would be nice not to be a 14 seed for once! I with wins over SIU (x2), @ WSU, and against Iowa State it would be nice to see a 10 or 11 seed for the panthers.

[SwissArmyKnife]

The panthers will win the Valley Tourney again and make the NCAA's. I said it at the beginning, and I am sticking to it. With that said I still hope they beat up on SIU and Wichita St. because there's nothing sweeter in college basketball than beating someone on their own floor. Go Panthers!

[General_Panther]

All good points... and if we are to make the tournament again, it would be nice not to be a 14 seed for once! I with wins over SIU (x2), @ WSU, and against Iowa State it would be nice to see a 10 or 11 seed for the panthers.

I am going to agree with this statement. WHEN we beat WSU and Southern at their places, and Bradley at the Mac's Maniacs Center (aka UNI-Dome) I agree that WHEN We win the tournament we deserve a 10 or 11 seed. That would abe a HUGE accomplishment for our program. All I can say is, EVERYONE cheer on our Panthers hard this week.