BracketBusters

[Panther789]

Re: BracketBusters

Unless the schedule page on their website is wrong, I count 4 National TV appearances, with one (plus the BB) coming.

Don't you know that hasn't been determined yet?

[Newsbreaker]

Re: BracketBusters

Yes, we know that hasn't been determined yet.

will feature 13 nationally televised games—on either ESPN2, ESPNU, or ESPN360.com—selected from a pool of 102 teams.

http://www.espnubracketbusters.com/aboutbb.html

[Panther789]

Re: BracketBusters

Yes, we know that hasn't been determined yet.

I sure hope they don't leave that Butler Davidson game off the tv schedule.

[ceaser150]

Re: BracketBusters

Elgin was on the radio this morning and seemed fairly certain it would be an ESPN 2 game.

[jman2004]

Re: BracketBusters

FYI -

Siena's RPI fell to 23 last night with their 11 point victory over St. Peters (RPI of 267). I think UNI dropped as well, to 76.

Siena's next 4 games come against RPI ranked teams of 159, 138, 192, and 180. An average of 167 per opponent.

UNI's next 5 games come against RPI ranked teams of 92, 78, 122, 167, and 126. An average of 117 per opponent.

It will no doubt, probably be more difficult for UNI to continue winning during this stretch than it will Siena, given the difficulty of the competition. If we were to lose a game or two in this stretch before Bracketbusters, but still manage to win the conference regular season outright, February 21 will be EXTREMELY important for us to raise our RPI and get into some possible "at-large" talk.

If we can continue winning our RPI will rise, more than likely into the high to mid 50's, while there's a great possibility that Siena's could continue to fall slightly (if Siena were to lose one of their games approaching Bracketbusters, their RPI will PLUMMET).

Best case scenario, we could be looking at a matchup of teams with RPI's around 30 (Siena) and 55 (UNI) come February 21. Even is Siena continues winning, I really don't see their RPI sticking around 20 given their competition.

[Khan4Cats]

Re: BracketBusters

jman, I said most of that last night in post #117.

Of course, Bradley will likely fall out of the top 100 after we beat them tonight.

Keep winning and the BracketBuster game will be higher profile. As it is, I would bet we get the 11am time slot on ESPN2. Which would be great, no interruptions of the coverage of our game waiting for another to finish.

[big papi]

Re: BracketBusters

I see you guys are a 2 point underdog tonight. 8-2 ATS last 10, 5-1 ATS last 6 on road, If you had to bet who you taking???? Are you due for a loss or do you continue winning streak???

[TravelingPanther]

Re: BracketBusters

I see you guys are a 2 point underdog tonight. 8-2 ATS last 10, 5-1 ATS last 6 on road, If you had to bet who you taking???? Are you due for a loss or do you continue winning streak???

I wouldn't bet on us tonight.

[ceaser150]

Re: BracketBusters

Agreed, I would be pleasantly suprised with a win tonight. I expect a close loss.

[jman2004]

Re: BracketBusters

I wouldn't bet on us tonight.

I guess I've learned this season to NOT bet against us!

[TravelingPanther]

Re: BracketBusters

I guess I've learned this season to NOT bet against us!

I also wouldn't bet against us. We're talking about money, not whether or not I think we can win.

[jman2004]

Re: BracketBusters

jman, I said most of that last night in post #117.

Sorry! I saw the RPI today after Siena's win last night and that got me rambling.

[jman2004]

Re: BracketBusters

We're talking about money

So am I.

I'm not betting against us. Ride the streak out 'til the end!

[SaintsFan]

Re: BracketBusters

Hey guys ... another Siena fan here to talk about the upcoming matchup.

first... let me add to those that have expressed respect for your program. This should certainly provide another stern test for the Saints.

second... in response to some one of the posts above...

a) if you guys lose multiple games between now and the end of the season i would be EXTREMELY surprised to see you get even remotely considered for an at large. no offense intended it would just seem extremely unlikely

b) if you were to lose any games between now and the Bracketbuster matchup with Siena it would really make me even more unhappy with this matchup. Siena and the MAAC take a pretty good beating from selection committees/press/ranking bodies on a regular basis. Siena put themselves in position to garner a marquee matchup... ie Butler/Utah State etc... something that would give them clout come tournament time. Again.. no offense to Northern Iowa but this game does nothing for Siena besides another top 100 game. We've already got 11 of those with 7 of those victories. Whats a 12th/8th going to matter come NCAA time.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was a game to benefit the MVC and Northern Iowa (the current conference leader).

a few things about how the perception will go down and perhaps a better understanding for you folks as to why some of us are pretty pissed:

- Siena wins... as stated above... whats another top 100 win and of course for UNI it will be pimped as UNI went on the road late in the season and played a top 40 program tough. The committee will still look at the early season tournament along with the games @Kansas and @Pitt and say that Siena didnt get it done.

- Siena loses. UNI will have its first and only top 50 win on the season and get an at large consideration. Siena will be billed as overrated and underperforming.

the game really does little to nothing for the Saints... perhaps next years return game offers something this one doesnt.

You guys have a great team and it is a "good" win from a basketball standpoint should Siena win... but as it appears to the powers that be... this game could do everything for UNI and will do nothing for Siena this season.

The only way this game works for the Saints is if UNI loses to the Saints and then wins out and creeps into the top 50.

Its definitely a game i wouldnt mind as a regular season home and home prior to conference play. So I see a lot more in it for Siena next year than this...with the exception of the horrid travel for both teams.

[SaintsFan]

Re: BracketBusters

i should add regarding Siena... they did to Wichita State what they seem to do a lot this season. They come out and throttle the opponent and get up double digits and then throw it in neutral and just try to coast until the end because they figure they either have it won or can win it at any point from then on. Its been frustrating.