Keep in mind for teams like that their only true "tests" are very early season out of conference road games (buy games) that generally mean nothing for these teams because they are in one bid conferences. They can't control their conference, so it's not like they are getting opportunities night in and night out to play home/away versus top level teams. Heck, if big teams would even just play them on a neutral floor that would be really useful but that never happens. Strength of Schedule goes a long way for determining your seed but the NCAA Tournament is their "chance" to prove themselves.
I don't disagree with this general premise. I was responding to a post claiming Samford is "absolutely very good" and stated that was very subjective and not supported by analytics. In my eyes, a very good team would not have three Quad 3 losses in the Southern Conference, including a 22 point beatdown at Wofford. They are naturally good enough to compete and possibly spring an upset in the tourney, but I would not label them as very good and to be worried about facing them. This is a team a solid 3 or 4 seed should welcome playing.
Upsets go both ways
Ah, gotcha. I would hope for something like Illinois and Indy vs. Chicago never happens then!!
Same. I’m hoping the Bears actually build a dome in Chicago(which sounds like the plan as of this week) and can start hosting Final Fours.
If we ever REALLY get this thing rolling and are putting ourselves in the position for Final Four runs semi-regularly, we will have it relatively made … Chicago and Indy will get more than their fair share of host years, especially Chicago being the shiny new toy.
I'll be in Vegas! Always look forward to this trip (15 years going and only a few missed) but it's just soooooo much sweeter with the Illini in the tourney.
Agreed. Especially painful that 3/4 teams playing tonight are east coast schools and the worst Michigan team possibly ever. Also with Minnesota being more of a hockey state- you don’t get casual fans buying $5 tickets like you do in Chicago and Indy to watch basketball even if it’s teams you don’t necessarily follow.
This is where I'm at. Here is the Win% for 16 seeds:
No, they avoid rematches in the first two rounds.
Additional Considerations
Interesting, thank you
No problem. It would be highly unlikely to play Oakland. A lot of weird things would have to happen.
Lunardi is an idiot. He had Iowa in first 4 out prior to Illinois beating them, and suddenly a Quad 2 win gets them in? That makes no sense. I think Iowa needs to win two at minimum (they need at least one more Quad 1 win). For Ohio State, I think they need a run to BTT final to have a chance.
Fair enough, a trustworthy source.
