2021-22 Games of Interest Thread

[unipanthers8907]

Wasn't sure which thread to bring this up in, but I feel like this could certainly come into affect this year with as close as the top 4 teams are to each other. Can someone remind me what the MVC Tournament seeding tiebreakers are after head-to-head results?

[BCPanther]

Wasn't sure which thread to bring this up in, but I feel like this could certainly come into affect this year with as close as the top 4 teams are to each other. Can someone remind me what the MVC Tournament seeding tiebreakers are after head-to-head results?

The NET if they can't get it done head to head.

As of today: Loyola (29) Missouri State (66) Drake (93) UNI (110) Bradley (100)

[not a drake fan]

So UNI is going to lose the tiebreaker if it gets to NET, which makes that game against MSU loom large. FWIW, right now Kenpom is projecting UNI/Drake/MSU finish in a tie at 12-6. UNI has already split with Drake, so going above .500 in a round robin relies on a W against MSU. Also relevant: Drake plays MSU tomorrow; MSU won the first matchup.

Loyola was looking a bit vulnerable at times, but they are best team and you want to avoid them until Sunday (and you want to avoid #5 Bradley). Getting the 2 or 3 seed is crucial imo.

Sidenote, I've been wondering lately about what will happen in future years with Loyola. I hope no one at UNI is burning that bridge. Unlike Wichita/Creighton, Loyola is joining a league that will still require them to find quality games in the non-con. Other A-10 teams are happy to come to CF, and I would think that Loyola would jump on a H/H as well. If you can add 4 games with Belmont/Murray, and still keep one with Loyola, that could really work out well. I've noticed some animosity between Loyola and some fanbases - on social media and who knows if that crap matters - but I am hoping that everyone at UNI is keeping those relationships open.

[CyCarp]

UIC was told today they cannot compete in the postseason tournament since they're leaving. Maybe the Valley will do the same since Loyola is looking at an at large bid right now... I kid, I kid

[BrockLesnar]

So UNI is going to lose the tiebreaker if it gets to NET, which makes that game against MSU loom large. FWIW, right now Kenpom is projecting UNI/Drake/MSU finish in a tie at 12-6. UNI has already split with Drake, so going above .500 in a round robin relies on a W against MSU. Also relevant: Drake plays MSU tomorrow; MSU won the first matchup.

Loyola was looking a bit vulnerable at times, but they are best team and you want to avoid them until Sunday (and you want to avoid #5 Bradley). Getting the 2 or 3 seed is crucial imo.

Sidenote, I've been wondering lately about what will happen in future years with Loyola. I hope no one at UNI is burning that bridge. Unlike Wichita/Creighton, Loyola is joining a league that will still require them to find quality games in the non-con. Other A-10 teams are happy to come to CF, and I would think that Loyola would jump on a H/H as well. If you can add 4 games with Belmont/Murray, and still keep one with Loyola, that could really work out well. I've noticed some animosity between Loyola and some fanbases - on social media and who knows if that crap matters - but I am hoping that everyone at UNI is keeping those relationships open.

I'd agree on the A 10. It really helps our numbers to keep playing h-h with A10 teams. Creighton is coached by an alum. Yet, we can't get a game.

[BrockLesnar]

I'd project we need to win out and be 15-3 to win the league. Loyola, MSU, Drake, and Bradley all look solid. So, we need to assume every game is a must win to finish #1. If we're something less then we have to be the last team standing at the arch. I posted earlier that it's an advantage having 12 games in compared to less. It would mean more rest and prep time.

[Wxcpanther]

I'd project we need to win out and be 15-3 to win the league. Loyola, MSU, Drake, and Bradley all look solid. So, we need to assume every game is a must win to finish #1. If we're something less then we have to be the last team standing at the arch. I posted earlier that it's an advantage having 12 games in compared to less. It would mean more rest and prep time.

I think we can still afford a loss in Chicago on Sunday, but that's about it. Trips to RBA and the Hulman Center still being on the schedule scares the crap out of me, even if those teams might not be very good lol historically places that have caused UNI fits.

[not a drake fan]

Winning in the road in the Valley isn't the challenge that it used to be. 56% home winning percentage this year, 55% last year. Before that [and since 2002], the home winning percentage has been anywhere from 60% to 72%.

The lack of fans in the last 2 years would be the obvious explanation.

[not a drake fan]

To add to that thought and compare it to other conferences: the Valley was ranked in the top half [in home winning percentage] 17 out of 19 years. Talking about 2002-2020.

It was ranked in the top ten 68% of those years. Top five, 42% of those years.

My guess is that home winning percentage closely correlates with attendance, however, that doesn't explain all of it. The Valley was top 3 in home winning percentage 6 times from 2002-2020. I'm sure it's never been that high in average attendance.

This year, the Valley is 16th; last year it was 18th.

[Wxcpanther]

Winning in the road in the Valley isn't the challenge that it used to be. 56% home winning percentage this year, 55% last year. Before that [and since 2002], the home winning percentage has been anywhere from 60% to 72%.

The lack of fans in the last 2 years would be the obvious explanation.

I am not using any logic regarding these fears, purely from the perspective of a fan who has seen good UNI teams go into Redbird Arena or the Hulman Center and lose wayy more than they should lmao

[BrockLesnar]

I am not using any logic regarding these fears, purely from the perspective of a fan who has seen good UNI teams go into Redbird Arena or the Hulman Center and lose wayy more than they should lmao

I've noticed the rims seem to be odd or tighter at Hulman. It's tough on the road teams to make the 3 ball. It doesn't appear to bother ISU blue.

[achrist70]

I've thought the same thing about the Knapp Center for years

[Wxcpanther]

I've noticed the rims seem to be odd or tighter at Hulman. It's tough on the road teams to make the 3 ball. It doesn't appear to bother ISU blue.

Total coincidence that you said this today, but they literally hit 0 3s last night at home lol

[BrockLesnar]

Here comes a world salad number shouting out of my mind post. The NIT and the also ran post season tournaments are well run. NIT is a good end to the winner. I just don't think they're necessary. I'd rather the regular season cut down to 6-8 non conference plus the conference to equal 26-27 games. Start the practice and the season about one month earlier and extend the end to May 1 give or take to fit in the NCAA with all 358 teams. Honestly, probably won't happen. I would just like to give everyone a chance. Yes, the regular season would only seed the teams for the dance. True, more TV is needed. Yes, more arenas are necessary. More officials are useful. The season becomes two months longer. It would be questionable if there are the resources to do it. It's cool if you rip me a new one. Let her fly!

[UNIpanther99]

Here comes a world salad number shouting out of my mind post. The NIT and the also ran post season tournaments are well run. NIT is a good end to the winner. I just don't think they're necessary. I'd rather the regular season cut down to 6-8 non conference plus the conference to equal 26-27 games. Start the practice and the season about one month earlier and extend the end to May 1 give or take to fit in the NCAA with all 358 teams. Honestly, probably won't happen. I would just like to give everyone a chance. Yes, the regular season would only seed the teams for the dance. True, more TV is needed. Yes, more arenas are necessary. More officials are useful. The season becomes two months longer. It would be questionable if there are the resources to do it. It's cool if you rip me a new one. Let her fly!

You just confirmed why I hate salads. (kidding)

Way too watered down in my opinion. Three weekends in March hold the collective attention of the sports world. Anything more than that, and the tournament loses it's appeal.