First bubble candidate (outside of Valley) bursts.

[Bravesfan]

Appalachian St. of the Southern Conference loses to the College of Charleston 89-87 in overtime. Now, we all remember ASU beat Wichita St in the Bracketbuster. However, they also beat Vanderbilt and ACC leading Virginia. They finished 15-3 in the conference, in second place behind league leading 17-1 Davidson, who now will play against C of C in the Southern Conference championship game tomorrow.

The problem is what to do with ASU. ASU has a 58 RPI vs Davidson's 56 RPI. However, Davidson has a much better overall record of 26-4 vs 22-7 for ASU, though most of Davidson's wins have come against creampuffs (best win against #92 Ohio). Charleston, with an RPI of 108 with a 22-10 record will not be a factor in the at-large race. With that great profile, does ASU deserve an at-large bid despite finishing second in the 19th ranked conference? I think they most certainly should be in, but at the cost of whom?

This is what gives teams like Missouri St heartburn come selection time!

[MacabreMob]

So Co sends 1 team to the NCAA.

App St will get a 4/5 seed in the NIT.

Edit: App St gets a 4/5 seed in the NIT at best. 6 or 7 is more likely.

[Bravesfan]

So Co sends 1 team to the NCAA.

App St will get a 4/5 seed in the NIT.

Due to their conference affiliation, that is what probably will happen. BUT, I'm not sure I totally agree with that. If few upsets occur in these conference tournaments, don't be shocked if the selection committee draws a second team out of the Southern Conference! I think the RPI, decent conference standing (ie: not bottom three or four) and great non-conference profile may very well get them in.

If I were Michigan St., Illinois or Stanford for example, I'd be afraid. Very afraid!

[MacabreMob]

So Co sends 1 team to the NCAA.

App St will get a 4/5 seed in the NIT.

Due to their conference affiliation, that is what probably will happen. BUT, I'm not sure I totally agree with that. If few upsets occur in these conference tournaments, don't be shocked if the selection committee draws a second team out of the Southern Conference! I think the RPI, decent conference standing (ie: not bottom three or four) and great non-conference profile may very well get them in.

If I were Michigan St., Illinois or Stanford for example, I'd be afraid. Very afraid!

(prior to their loss today)
App St
RPI 57
SOS 163

W neutral vs Vandy
W neutral vs Virginia
W at VCU
W at Davidson
W at Wichita St

L at Va Tech (by 32)
L at Clemson (by 30)
L at WF (by 10)
L at UNC-Greensboro (RPI 203)
L home vs Elon (RPI 297)

[Bravesfan]

(prior to their loss today)
App St
RPI 57
SOS 163

W neutral vs Vandy
W neutral vs Virginia
W at VCU
W at Davidson
W at Wichita St

L at Va Tech (by 32)
L at Clemson (by 30)
L at WF (by 10)
L at UNC-Greensboro (RPI 203)
L home vs Elon (RPI 297)

Well, I would hope Bradley would be ahead of ASU in the bubble team pecking order due to their conference affiliation. But I'm saying the committee will take a good look at ASU's resume as well.

Like I said, it is unlikely ASU will get in, but don't be surprised if it does happen.

And again, hopefully it won't be at the expense of Bradley!

[Fetz86]

I think the strength of schedule is what kills them, if they were in a better conference they should be in, but the cream puffs they play in conference to get that good record negates some of those big wins.

[real fan]

Wichita State losing last night will cost App. State a bid and will also keep Wichita out of any post-season tour.

[Braves4Life]

WSU goes to NIT IMO

[Bravesfan]

I think the strength of schedule is what kills them, if they were in a better conference they should be in, but the cream puffs they play in conference to get that good record negates some of those big wins.

Well, nice to see someone else thinks ASU has a shot. Tom Brennan on ESPN believes they're in the tourney as well due to those great nonconference wins. As usual, we'll see what happens next week. I can hardly wait!