I'll take the Panthers!

[NJ Panther]

I actually now believe that almost certainly a VERY high RPI Valley team will get the shaft.

Our resume is strong enough, and now our Last-10 is average enough, that we're in. WSU is in. You may have a top-30 RPI MSU get left out, there are a lot of people making late runs for at-large bids.

I agree Newsy. I desperately want 5-6 teams, but you really have to wonder if the committee is ready to go that direction. UNI and WSU are locks now, and after reviewing the evidence I think MSU is darn close. What the conference has to root for (although I'd rather play WSU) is a Bradley win today, which I think puts them in lock mode. SIU looks like they may need today (I'm not sure I'm convinced of that though), and Creighton is going to be sweating bullets. They, like many "hype conference" teams have a name, but that lack of 20 wins, 36 RPI, and the fact we don't play BCS football in the MVC may hurt. CU fans are going to be BIG Panther fans again today, because an SIU win would really hurt them

[DRAKELAWPANTHER]

Is anyone else a little worried that our guys might be a little 'gassed' after last night? It seemed that with the loose officiating, we got knocked around a lot - and it seemed like we were runing pretty hard. Compare that to SIU - I didn't see the game, but I don't think they probably had to work quite so hard against Evansville. Granted, neither team has a very deep bench, but I just hope our boys don't come out dragging....

Also, I'm convinced that the guys started making shots last night solely because I decided to wear my home-made KABOOM shirt that I wore for the Bucknell game. It's good luck apparently - they've won both games I've worn it for. So, needless to say, it has not left my body since last night's game.

[panther2317]

It's going to be even more physical tonight.

[Panthers to the Bone]

McKowen played alot last night (33 min)...I don't know if he will play quite as many minutes today.

For SIU, Tatum/Young/Mullins all played 30+ minutes (same for Benny/JLit/McKowen), but Crawford had only 26 minutes. He should be more fresh going against the quicker SIU ballers. Josten will probably see more minutes (he only got 2---as Brown only got 7).

What we also have to realize is that most of those second half minutes (from about 10 minutes left on) is that those were "low impact" minutes. Running the shot clock down, lots of light jogging and moving into position by the bigs, etc... UNI might be tired in the second half...but so will SIU.

[BCPanther]

I think the minute distribution will be about the same today. Why would you change the dynamic from last night? You may see a little more Travis Brown, but he is not up to par defensively quite yet. These games are a little to intense for Josten at this point.

[ejacobson]

I think that SIU will be equally gassed, they play in your face D all game and run and gun, so I think that things will be on par energy wise.

Jared looked scared lasnight, poor guy is not up to this level of intensity yet.

I think we will see pretty much the same minutes from the same guys, because Bradley and WSU are going to wear each other out hard. Both games today will likely be physical and tough on both ends of the floor.

I just hope we get some refs that make some calls today lastnight was a tough game, but a little too "let 'em play" for us to last against it for two nights.

GO PANTHERS!!!

[Coachdags]

It's going to be even more physical tonight.

The officials last nite, were close to being my MVP, Do not get me wrong we played great defense, exceptional in the 2nd half (allow only 19 points), but they let us play and with no fouls, comes no lack of depth problems, It is a different game when we have to sit a starter or two in that 1st half because of fouls.

I agree I hope we get the same type of game today, Let them play!

Ejake..I agree with you also too much can be dangerous, I'ts a balance?

[GonzoCat]

UNI is capable of playing great defense without fouling. Some teams are only capable of playing great defense when they are allowed to foul a lot and not get called. I would say typically when the refs have let so much go it works against UNI because they continued to play without fouling. Last night they showed they can play just as physical as the next team if that's what the officials are going to allow.

I like our chances either way, as long as it's called the same way on both ends, but personally I prefer it when fouls are called because there are supposed to be rules to the game.

[Coachdags]

Got some good feelings about this weekend...

Beat Missouri State by 12-15...Break out Game..Slump Buster

Beat Southern Ill by 6-8 Close Game but we succeed...

Lose Championship Game to Bradley in OT by 1 stinking point...

NCAA was a Lock anyway, but now 8 or 9 in Mpls Region....GO PANTHERS!

God I hate It When I'm WRONG!...Sorry