2012 Bracket Busters Projections

[WuDrWu]

A Murray State pairing is the ultimate win-win for us.

Slaying the nation's only remaining undefeated (and undoubtedly a top 10 team at that point) would obviously be huge. More importantly, however, it is the only game that won't be a killer if we lose it. If we are paired with Iona instead of Murray State, the media absolutely will frame it as an at-large elimination game (the committee wouldn't agree with this perception, but that's not my point).

Frankly, I would much rather see us paired with Oral Roberts than Iona. Iona is good. The travel to upstate New York and back during a short week sucks. They have a high major talent in their point guard and there is a very good chance we would drop that one on the road. ORU is also a top 50 team, but I would love our odds of transporting Shocker Nation into Tulsa and coming out with a W on national tv. Similar RPI benefits from both matchups- I simply like our odds better against ORU.

Fantastic point '89 and I can't argue with anything you said, especially the point about the ORU game.

I am torn between that brilliant argument in favor of playing ORU, and my desire to see WSU become an anybody, any place, any time program.

First things first though. A good and dangerous Evansville team awaits Wednesday.

[ShockTalk]

Fantastic point '89 and I can't argue with anything you said, especially the point about the ORU game.

I am torn between that brilliant argument in favor of playing ORU, and my desire to see WSU become an anybody, any place, any time program.

First things first though. A good and dangerous Evansville team awaits Wednesday.

This!!

[WuShock Reaper]

Todays (01/22/12) Bracketbuster Games of Note:

*Cleveland State (RPI #67) vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee (RPI #113)
Loyola-Maryland (RPI #77) vs. Saint Peter's (RPI #300)
*Wisconsin-Milwaukee (RPI #113) at Cleveland State (RPI #67)
Manhattan (RPI #123) vs. Niagara (RPI #184)


Commentary - *=Key Games

The best game of the day is Cleveland State (RPI #67) vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee (RPI #113).

[ShockerFever]

First things first though. A good and dangerous Evansville team awaits Wednesday.

I think it's one good player who puts up a lot of garbage points, rather than a team.. :surprise:

[kcshocker11]

I think it's one good player who puts up a lot of garbage points, rather than a team.. :surprise:

Still a very dangerous and hungry team who would like nothing better than to rain on our parade.

[ShockerFever]

Still a very dangerous and hungry team who would like nothing better than to rain on our parade.

Agreed. They will feed off the Koch energy like a lot of teams do and would love nothing more than to do what they normally do.. Evansville us. I really would like to hang 100 on these guys.

[WuShock Reaper]

Todays (01/23/12) Bracketbuster Games of Note:

*Iona (RPI #45) at Siena (RPI #210)
Virginia Commonwealth (RPI #82) vs. Hofstra (RPI #251)
Loyola-Marymount (RPI #115) at Santa Clara (RPI #229)
George Mason (RPI #123) vs. UNC Wilmington (RPI #144)
Northeastern (RPI #148) at Old Dominion (RPI #128)


Commentary - *=Key Game

Best game of the evening is the Iona versus Siena contest. However, three Colonial ESPN Bracketbuster home teams play tonight: VCU, George Mason, and Northeastern and we need all three to win to improve the RPI Rankings pool of teams.

[shoxtop]

A Murray State pairing is the ultimate win-win for us.

Slaying the nation's only remaining undefeated (and undoubtedly a top 10 team at that point) would obviously be huge. More importantly, however, it is the only game that won't be a killer if we lose it. If we are paired with Iona instead of Murray State, the media absolutely will frame it as an at-large elimination game (the committee wouldn't agree with this perception, but that's not my point).

Frankly, I would much rather see us paired with Oral Roberts than Iona. Iona is good. The travel to upstate New York and back during a short week sucks. They have a high major talent in their point guard and there is a very good chance we would drop that one on the road. ORU is also a top 50 team, but I would love our odds of transporting Shocker Nation into Tulsa and coming out with a W on national tv. Similar RPI benefits from both matchups- I simply like our odds better against ORU.

I don't like our chances with ORU. EVER. No matter how much better than them we are at any sport, they always seem to surprise us. Anytime I see them on a schedule I shutter.

[Capitol Shock II]

Can you imagine how much Murray State fans will hate Bracketbusters if we are paired with them and manage to beat them?

[pinstripers]

What is the capacity of ORU's joint?

[rrshock]

Isn't Loyola-Marymount in California? I s it Loyola-Maryland?

[WuShock Reaper]

What is the capacity of ORU's joint?

Seating Capacity at top ESPN Bracketbuster Home teams:

Creighton, Missouri Valley - Seats - 18,320
Murray State, Ohio Valley - Seats - 8,600
Oral Roberts, Summit League - Seats - 11,300
Iona, Metro Atlantic - Seats - 2,611
Davidson, Southern - Seats - 5,223
Cleveland State, Horizon - Seats - 13,610
South Dakota State, Summit League - Seats - 8,500
Ohio, Mid-American - Seats - 13,080
Weber State, Big Sky - Seats - 12,000
Virginia Commonwealth, Colonial - Seats - 7,617

[shock]

Huh. I didn't realize the Adventure held 17k.

[_kai_]

Can you imagine how much Murray State fans will hate Bracketbusters if we are paired with them and manage to beat them?

I have a feeling they will disappointed no matter who they get. The top 3 rpi away teams should be able to match up well against them.

[WuShock Reaper]

Huh. I didn't realize the Adventure held 17k.

Checked it again, and they added more seats, now holds 18,320.

Largest crowd ever was: 17,954 - Creighton versus Wichita State on December 28, 2008.