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Rudy

Since I started following UMass in 1991, I've never done what I did watching listening to the UMass URI game. I sort of committed treason. I wanted to UMass to win the game. But after fourteen years of rebuilding and patience, the losses just dont sting for me anymore.

After following this conference for nearly twenty years, I've sort of become attached to the A-10 hoops. Joe Lunardi's bracketology has SIX A-10 teams in the dance. Only the Big-12 has more. The A-10 is tied with the Big East and the ACC.

I admit it. I am more interested in watching the A-10 storm the dance than in UMass winning a couple of meaningless games. Of course, as always, I will root for a miracle in the A-10 Tourney. But for the first time in my life, I thought to myself after UMass lost, "Well, URI is a lot closer to getting an at large bid". I never thought I's say stuff like that, but I am psyched for the A-10 this year. On the positive side, UMass has a softer schedule upcoming, a game with URI and Dayton are the only teams fighting for an at large spot. I think Dayton might be out of it and URI already has one win against UMass and is well on their way to 25 wins, so I guess there is not much reason for conflict.

My only concern is that there are lots of good teams and no great teams. I'd hate to see the A-10 get six bids and have them all knocked out in the first or second round. That will hurt UMass if they ever ascend into at large bid status.

But this is good for recruiting for the whole conference, including UMass. This is big time basketball. This isnt mid major stuff:

After 14 years I need some Big Dance Juice:

Awesome: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

umass2msu · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:17 am Post subject:

I see your struggle. But I think a few of teams such as Temple, Xavier, and maybe even Charlotte will get by the first and maybe even the second round. It just depends on matchups and seedings. But I still want to see Umass at least make the A10 tourney. I was hoping for at least a win in the A10... but now we just need to make the tourney.
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UMass87 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 5227

I think Rudy's concern is well justified. The A10 seeds will all be in the 8 to 12 range which is not a good recipe for success.

DrG · Senior Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 1589 Location: MA

Although the depth of the A10 pleases me, I long for the days when UMass fans will once again hate Temple and URI.

Camby4Life · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:50 pm Post subject:

Camby4Life · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:41 pm Post subject:

Key wins for Dayton over Charlotte and Richmond at URI last night. As long as the top 6 teams don't beat each other up too bad and win the games against the bottom half, things will be looking good.

So I ran into the Dayton girl I met last week, she was out celebrating her bday with another UD alum. She knows her A10 bball and we made a couple of friendly wagers. The first was I bet Dayton makes the tourney, her and her friend didn't think they would make it. I just checked realtime rpi, Dayton is 17-6, rpi 32, sos 28.

I win the 2nd bet if 4 or more A10 teams make the tourney. If Dayton makes it I really like my chances on this one. This one has the better prize too because the loser has to take the winner out to dinner at the restaurant of their choice. So whatever happens, I got a dinner date with a cute Dayton girl.

Rudy · Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 5:38 pm Post subject:

Xavier and Florida at 6:00 on ESPN. The only non-conf game left. While Florida is having an off year, they are pretty good and could sneak into the dance with a strong finish. Should be lots of A-10 talk on primetime ESPN, which is good.

A statement game for the A-10 and their at-large bids. Good for Xavier's seeding too.

CraigG · Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:22 pm Post subject:

Dayton @ St. Louis is on ESPNU (Comcast 286). Close game with 14mins to play in the second half.

HoopHead · Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 9:39 pm Post subject:

With Xavier beating Florida rather handily, that'll help the A-10's post-season situation.

econalum · Senior Joined: 12 Apr 2003 Posts: 1466 Location: Acton, MA

Xavier looks like an Elite 8 team to me. Nice win. Florida gave it up at the line.
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sasso72 · Sophomore Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 219

St. Louis with their win over Dayton is now the 7th A10 team in the mix for a NCAA berth.

UMass87 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 5227

sasso72 · Sophomore Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 219

I wouldn't say zero chance for St Louis to get an atlarge bid to tourny. They still have to play Xavier,Temple and Dayton again. Wins over those high rpi teams and a run in the A10 touny should get them in.

UMass87 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 5227

No, it's pretty much zero. If they won all their remaining games then they would have an RPI in the 50's (they are currently around 100). If they won three in the A10 torunament they'd get the auto bid. If they won two in the A10 tourney and lost in the final their RPI would be, at best, high 40's. The chance of the committee letting in a fourth, fifth or sixth A10 team in with an RPI in the high 40s is essentially zero.

SLU has zero good OOC wins and lost to average BCS teams OOC (Iowa State, Notre Dame, Georgia). The other A10 teams in the hunt all have significantly better resumes. When the committee comes to SLU they have all the reasons they need to to take a BCS team over SLU and they will do just that.

sasso72 · Sophomore Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 219

I think everyone on this board would rather be in the billikens position than our own. We have zero chance of getting an at-large bid , St. Louis has a glimmer of hope, which is great for the A10.