Loss to W. Carolina will not disqualify our NCAA Tournament chances

[BradleyBrave]

That's what I have been trying to say to certain posters here. Yes it would have been so much better to beat a great team which would not only improve our RPI, but doing it via a win. But it's not a killer loss like some have made it out to be. It may very well be the deciding factor regarding an at-large bid, but it shouldn't now as more people have taken notice of W. Carolina after their win at Louisville yesterday. And most importantly it doesn't "destroy" our season like some think it may have. Just wanting to wait and see where we will be in a month or so before I pass judgement on this team, that's all.

It will be a significant deciding factor. A key stat that's look at by the committee is record against other NCAA Tournament teams. In our non-con, I think we can assume that BYU, Oklahoma St, and Illinois will be NCAA teams. Iowa St is borderline, and Western Carolina should be but will likely have to win their conference tournament. Right now, we're 1-3 against potential tournament teams. If we're unable to win at Ames in a week, that's 1-4, and 0-1 at home. That's not gonna get it done.

[MacabreMob]

It will be a significant deciding factor. A key stat that's look at by the committee is record against other NCAA Tournament teams. In our non-con, I think we can assume that BYU, Oklahoma St, and Illinois will be NCAA teams. Iowa St is borderline, and Western Carolina should be but will likely have to win their conference tournament. Right now, we're 1-3 against potential tournament teams. If we're unable to win at Ames in a week, that's 1-4, and 0-1 at home. That's not gonna get it done.

And we know if we are on the bubble in the discussion with other teams on the bubble... all those other teams will be undefeated against NCAA teams and they won't have any "bad losses".

[whyami]

And we know if we are on the bubble in the discussion with other teams on the bubble... all those other teams will be undefeated against NCAA teams and they won't have any "bad losses".

I'm not ready to vote them into the postseason 65 club yet, they still have a lot more work to do. The reality of it is though, almost all teams have "bad losses", they just need to be kept to a minimum. Right now, when I watch the Braves, I see a team still searching for who they are. In 2006 they were searching for that a lot later into the season so I still have hope that they can manage something. It just really all depends. Beating Iowa St would be another step and getting and beating a decent team in the Bracket Buster would be another. Right now, I see them making steps in the right direction and am hopeful that we may be in for quite a ride the next few years on the Hilltop.

[Bravesfan]

It will be a significant deciding factor. A key stat that's look at by the committee is record against other NCAA Tournament teams. In our non-con, I think we can assume that BYU, Oklahoma St, and Illinois will be NCAA teams. Iowa St is borderline, and Western Carolina should be but will likely have to win their conference tournament. Right now, we're 1-3 against potential tournament teams. If we're unable to win at Ames in a week, that's 1-4, and 0-1 at home. That's not gonna get it done.

I definitely agree that the collective record against NCAA teams will keep us out, especially if we lose to Iowa St. But I was only talking about how one specific game will not kill us. But you are right, I'm much more concerned about the collective record against good teams. That's why the Iowa St. game is a huge one for us.

[Bravesfan]

I'm not ready to vote them into the postseason 65 club yet, they still have a lot more work to do. The reality of it is though, almost all teams have "bad losses", they just need to be kept to a minimum. Right now, when I watch the Braves, I see a team still searching for who they are. In 2006 they were searching for that a lot later into the season so I still have hope that they can manage something. It just really all depends. Beating Iowa St would be another step and getting and beating a decent team in the Bracket Buster would be another. Right now, I see them making steps in the right direction and am hopeful that we may be in for quite a ride the next few years on the Hilltop.

Absolutely. All teams have bad losses. I will say this though. With the Valley down compared to where they were in 2006, Bradley will have far fewer opportunities for quality conference wins like they did in 2006. In 2006 there were six teams in the Valley with top 50 RPI's. We may be lucky to have three this year, and if Bradley is one of them, then two would be the max. That's why the UNI games are critical for us. More likely though we would need a conference tournament championship to get us in even with some quality non-conference wins. But you're right whyami, this team should only get much better as the season goes on and that gives them some hope for a great year.

[Samd2]

Maybe Im wrong, but I dont really think these were bad losses until we see how these teams finish. Last I checked Western Carolina was 10-1, Oklahoma st was 8-1. This could work in our favor if they continue to win.

Doesnt there seasons success have to be determined before we decide if these are bad losses?

[Out of Balance]

Absolutely. All teams have bad losses. I will say this though. With the Valley down compared to where they were in 2006, Bradley will have far fewer opportunities for quality conference wins like they did in 2006. In 2006 there were six teams in the Valley with top 50 RPI's. We may be lucky to have three this year, and if Bradley is one of them, then two would be the max. That's why the UNI games are critical for us. More likely though we would need a conference tournament championship to get us in even with some quality non-conference wins. But you're right whyami, this team should only get much better as the season goes on and that gives them some hope for a great year.

Bf, I enjoy reading all your scenarios! All your post's here are warm to the bone but to only point the finger at UNI games as critical is just wrong, friend. Every conf. game will be critical for BU. UNI has to prove itself again this year as the team to beet in the MVC. I can name 4 to 5 teams that may/could be that team. Winning on the road is very important and I don't see UNI again or for that matter any team putting the W's, UNI did last year on the road in conf. play this year! But just as important is not to win on the road and then give one away at home! I don't disagree with this team getting better as the season goes but to be real, so will others!
There is only one sure way to get in the big dance at this point! Win the conf. and Win the MVCT! Keep up the faith, I love it . friend

[BradleyBrave]

Maybe Im wrong, but I dont really think these were bad losses until we see how these teams finish. Last I checked Western Carolina was 10-1, Oklahoma st was 8-1. This could work in our favor if they continue to win.

Doesnt there seasons success have to be determined before we decide if these are bad losses?

Losses never work in your favor. They just don't look as bad if the team ends up being good.

[tornado]

WCU may turn into this year's Butler and even surprise someone in the NCAA Tourney

[Braves4Life]

Good story on WCU............

http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/01/15/article/hunter_building_western_carolina_from_rocky_past

[Tulsa Brave]

How did they ever lose at Georgia Southern? Georgia Southern makes Evansville look good...