Valley tournament discussion

[RoyalShock]

I love Mitch, but I got a little tired of hearing that today as well.


But let me reiterate, I love Mitch. He is a great ambassador for the Valley and always has been a big supporter of WSU.

I agree, Wu. And I still like him. But he also showed just how much of a company man he can be.

I realize he couldn't exactly condemn the officiating on the air if he ever wants to do MVC games again, but he didn't have to gush about their greatness, either. I just got the impression he was reading directly from Elgin's memo.

[WuDrWu]

Yea, they read from the MVC playbook all game long. It made Mitch's genuine love for the league seem contrived, certainly to any outsider.


If your were a conspiracy theory guy, you got plenty of ammo today.

[60Shock]

Even if Drake wins I got to believe Illinois State will selected. The MVC has been tough for years, we've shown up well in the tournament, and even in a down year, we are a two team selection.

We'll see if they screw us.

[SubGod22]

But the officiating as a whole wasn't that bad. There were three officials that I saw on Thursday and Friday that just sucked. All three happened to work our game against ISU. There were a couple others I didn't recognize that had some suspect calls but as a whole did a good job. But Sanzere, Collins and Pollard were brutal both days I watched.

And at this point I don't know how they could keep the 'Birds out of the dance.

[shocks02]

Drake leading ISU 40-19 at half.

[tshox]

I believe Ill state will get ncaa bid.

( Even if they lose. )

[BA2929]

Drake wins MVC Tourny. Looks like a 1 bid year for the MVC.

[SFL]

Drake wins MVC Tourny. Looks like a 1 bid year for the MVC.

Actually I think Ill. St. will still make the tournament... despite getting hammered today, they did make it to the championship game... should be worth something. Drake was unbelievable today on CBS... not sure there are many teams in the country that could have beat them today.

Regardless, it will be a long nervous week for Ill. St.
I know I'm a big homer, but the 8th ranked conference in the country deserves at least 2 teams in the dance.
:good:

From CBS post game article:
"Osiris Eldridge had 14 points for Illinois State (24-9), the No. 2 tournament seed led by coach Tim Jankovich that entered with a six-game winning streak."

[Rosewood]

After watching Mo State get snubbed, I won't be surprised if A&M gets in and Ill State gets left out.

[SB Shock]

After watching Mo State get snubbed, I won't be surprised if A&M gets in and Ill State gets left out.

Illinois St has some things going for it:

RPI 30
Last 10: 8-2
2nd Place in the MVC Regular Season
Finals of the MVC Tourny
9-7 on the road
Only negative is their record vs top 50.

I don't think they can be snubbed for A&M and it's not the same situation with SWMO. Last year SWMO was 3rd in the MVC and RPI was in bubble territory and lost in the semi's.

Now the 2006 SWMO is a different story - that's a head scratcher somewhat, but that had some issues:

1. Non-conference schedule wasn't great
2. They lost in the 1st round of the MVC
3. 5-9 versus Top 100 competition
4. It came down to the NCAA wasn't going to give MVC 5 teams.

[AndShock]

There is no way Illinois State gets left out.

Especially with some of the resumes of teams that ESPN is considering "Bubble Teams." Illinois State's Tourney Resume completely blows others out of the water.

[SubGod22]

I agree with AndShock. ISU IS in.

[The Mad Hatter]

I agree with AndShock. ISU IS in.

They sure better be with that resume.

[pinstripers]

Bubble team. I hope they get in.

[WSUwatcher]

Illinois State

No doubt about it -- Illinois State will be in.