Wishful Thinking

[BUfan39]

What kind of run does everything think it would take to get BU in the NIT? Statistically out of reach in anyone's opinion? Hypothetically speaking, would 20 wins get it done with such a weak strength of schedule..Discuss

[LittleBrave]

I refuse to discuss this at this point. We are not even at .500 in conference...yet.
I may revisit this thread with a win tonight, but first things first.

An interesting thread nonetheless!

[BUFanatic]

It's statistically possible but not probable. I'd love to see it! (And our home games should be played at Carver if we make it ftr). A lot of Valley teams would have to either flop or make the NCAA tournament for it to trickle down to the Braves. I'm content with an EIEIO tournament as I didn't even think we would be playing in the post-season this year!

[amettrick]

If you look at the remaining 8 games on the schedule, I'd have to predict a 4-4 finish. I think 6-2 or 5-3 is possible, but not likely. 4-4 down the stretch leaves BU at 17-14 (8-10 MVC) heading into the MVC tourney.

Under that scenario I'd say the NIT is just out of reach. 19-12 and then at least one win in the conference tourney might be enough however.

[BUBalum05]

Under that scenario I'd say the NIT is just out of reach. 19-12 and then at least one win in the conference tourney might be enough however.

I was thinking the exact same thing before I got to your post. 6-2 to finish and a win in the MVC gets us 20 wins, but our RPI still won't be above 100 due to our weak SOS. Not sure its even possible unless we win 2 in the MVC tourney, then at that point, hey, lets get the AQ bid for the MVC and win the 3rd!

[Bravesfan]

I refuse to discuss this at this point. We are not even at .500 in conference...yet.
I may revisit this thread with a win tonight, but first things first.

An interesting thread nonetheless!

Considering last year was the first year I can recall 9-9 teams from the Valley making the NIT, I would say unlikely even if we finish .500. I think 9-9 will be good enough for 4th at the very best, and most likely 5th. Considering we lost the Virigina Tech game for nothing, that probably would be the game that keeps us from winning 20 games and keeps us out of the NIT.

But agreed, just wishful thinking for the time being.

[LittleBrave]

Since we won last night, think it's time to chime in now.

I agree with most people's responses.
Finishing at 4-2 to close out the reg. season, winning our b'busters game @ UIC, and then winning 1 in the Valley tourney will get us on the NIT bubble.

That's a 20-13 mark, and I would think Geno should be highly considered for Valley Coach of the Year for the remarkable turnaround.

More important to note (and perhaps more realistic for now), we are within reach of finishing .500 in the Valley, finishing with a winning record overall, and possibly staying out of Thursday night in Arch Madness!
How many of us predicted just 1 of those at the beginning of the season???

Those 3 benchmarks alone (if they materialize) are something to cheer loud and proud about!

[real fan]

Since we won last night, think it's time to chime in now.

I agree with most people's responses.
Finishing at 4-2 to close out the reg. season, winning our b'busters game @ UIC, and then winning 1 in the Valley tourney will get us on the NIT bubble.

That's a 20-13 mark, and I would think Geno should be highly considered for Valley Coach of the Year for the remarkable turnaround.

More important to note (and perhaps more realistic for now), we are within reach of finishing .500 in the Valley, finishing with a winning record overall, and possibly staying out of Thursday night in Arch Madness!
How many of us predicted just 1 of those at the beginning of the season???

Those 3 benchmarks alone (if they materialize) are something to cheer loud and proud about!

I for one say lets take care of business on Sunday by beating UNI and not get caught up looking ahead, we have already won a lot more games then most posters predicted on here before the season started so my biggest hope is to continue on the winning path and strive to improve each game.

[tornado]

That's a 20-13 mark, and I would think Geno should be highly considered for Valley Coach of the Year for the remarkable turnaround.
..

The guy at the Pekin Times seems to agree -- but with a qualifer..
"barring a late collapse.."

http://www.pekintimes.com/article/20130212/NEWS/130219918

[LittleBrave]

No real chance at the NIT at this point unless we rattle off 6 straight wins.

My more immediate concern is this team's chance to get out of the Thursday play-in game, which looks kind of bleak after the loss to UNI.

With a likely loss on Wed., that puts us at 6-8 with slim hopes of reaching 9 total wins, which will be needed to have a chance at the 4-6 seeds.

Still will be happy with 8 wins, but that ain't gonna be easy at all.

I was hoping that this season would be one for developing our young guys, but it's become more about making it a good season for our seniors.
I think the team as a whole has improved in the past couple weeks, except for last game. The problem is that I've seen very little individual improvement from the guys who will return next season. I think Geno will continue keeping our leaders on the court for the rest of the season to get as many wins as possible, which means little P.T. for the freshmen & sophs.
I know Geno tries to fit them in when he can, but their mistakes in critical games can be costly.

[Future Walk-On]

Haha how fine is the line between NIT and Thursday????

[LittleBrave]

Haha how fine is the line between NIT and Thursday????

It could very well be finishing 3-3 (for Thursday game) and 5-1 (for NIT).