May I recommend adding Championship games for conference tournaments?Monday, March 11
Big Ten Games
None
AP Top 25 Games (all times EDT)
No. 17 Gonzaga (24-6) vs. San Francisco (23-9), West Coast Semifinal 2 at Las Vegas, 11:30 p.m.
No. 21 Saint Mary’s (Cal.) (24-7) vs. Santa Clara (20-12), West Coast Semifinal 1 at Las Vegas, 9 p.m.
I seem to remember, way back in the pre-dawn mists of time, that USF was pretty good for a number of years. Five sweet sixteen appearances in the 70s and 2 elite eights also in that time frame. Fun fact, USF was the only (and I mean only) major college to show interest in Bill Russell, who did end up playing for them in the 50s (before my time). Russell led USF to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956Monday, March 11
Big Ten Games
None
AP Top 25 Games (all times EDT)
No. 17 Gonzaga (24-6) vs. San Francisco (23-9), West Coast Semifinal 2 at Las Vegas, 11:30 p.m.
No. 21 Saint Mary’s (Cal.) (24-7) vs. Santa Clara (20-12), West Coast Semifinal 1 at Las Vegas, 9 p.m.
The next time the BTT is in Chicago, I am just going to take Thursday, Friday and probably the next Monday off work and go. I probably would have last year if the 2023 Illini were the 2024 Illini... The BTT and conference tournaments in general are so underrated. I am really going to try to enjoy as many games as possible this week!I love champ week too. So much hoops. Someday I'll be able to take the whole week off and just bask in the glory.
It’s wild they haven’t announced where the 2025 tournament will be yet.The next time the BTT is in Chicago, I am just going to take Thursday, Friday and probably the next Monday off work and go. I probably would have last year if the 2023 Illini were the 2024 Illini... The BTT and conference tournaments in general are so underrated. I am really going to try to enjoy as many games as possible this week!
I suspect it may be in Los Angeles. Or maybe Las Vegas. But that just a (reasonably educated) guess.It’s wild they haven’t announced where the 2025 tournament will be yet.
My first reaction was you’re insane.I suspect it may be in Los Angeles. Or maybe Las Vegas. But that just a (reasonably educated) guess.
I suspect it may be in Los Angeles. Or maybe Las Vegas. But that just a (reasonably educated) guess.
If the goal of holding the tournament out west is to get better fan engagement with the Big10 for the new schools, I don't think holding the tournament in Vegas will help. Vegas is a five hour drive from LA, *without* traffic. Holding the tournament in LA might help. I seriously doubt the gains are worth the costs. An LA tournament would significantly inconvenience ~14 teams and their fans, be a roughly a wash for two (WA/OR) vs. Chi, and help two teams. I'd be shocked if the stands were even 1/2 full. Yeah, that is what we want to show on TV.My first reaction was you’re insane.
But honestly, the PAC12 teams might heavily influence where the BTT is in the future and that makes me incredibly sad.
I guess I’m fine with a tight rotation: Chicago, Indy, and a west coast location. Seems fair enough. Though living in Chicago I’m obviously bias, just like traditionally locations.
Anyone know where Samford is projected? Pressing team that is 29-5 now. Gives me Penn State vibes. Would hate to draw them in a 4-13.
It should be in Chicago every year. Just like the Big East is always in NYC. This moving it around diminishes its appeal.My first reaction was you’re insane.
But honestly, the PAC12 teams might heavily influence where the BTT is in the future and that makes me incredibly sad.
I guess I’m fine with a tight rotation: Chicago, Indy, and a west coast location. Seems fair enough. Though living in Chicago I’m obviously bias, just like traditionally locations.
Bracket Matrix has them as the #2 13 seed. In today's update, Lunardi has them playing 4 seed Auburn in the first round in SLC. Palm has them playing the 4 seed Illini in the first round in Spokane.
I feel like we'd score 90+ easy.Samford would be a tough draw. Their top 2 scorers are post players, which we have had trouble defending this season.
I feel like we'd score 90+ easy.
I mean, yeah, I would hope so. But upsets happen, and IMO Samford is the most dangerous of the 13 seeds.