ISU's At-Large Possibilities

[mportsch]

Here's a look at bids from the state of Illinois over the past 9 years:

2007: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2006: 3 (UIUC, SIU, Bradley)
2005: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2004: 4 (UIUC, SIU, DePaul, UIC)
2003: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2002: 3 (UIUC, SIU, UIC)
2001: 2 (UIUC, Eastern Illinois)
2000: 2 (UIUC, DePaul)
1999: 0

So, it has been 9 years since the state of Illinois sent less than two teams, when the state didn't send anyone. Most years have seen UIUC and SIU go, with occasional bids for UIC, DePaul, and Bradley.

The bigger story here is the strong chance that ISU will be returning to the NCAA Tournament after a 10 year absence. Congrats to the Redbirds on what's been a very good season for them. I do agree that a win on Friday will punch their dance card.

*EDITED - I forgot Eastern Illinois in 2001*

[Chuck885]

Not the Redbirds

Here's a look at bids from the state of Illinois over the past 9 years:

2007: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2006: 3 (UIUC, SIU, Bradley)
2005: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2004: 4 (UIUC, SIU, DePaul, UIC)
2003: 2 (UIUC, SIU)
2002: 3 (UIUC, SIU, UIC)
2001: 2 (UIUC, Eastern Illinois)
2000: 2 (UIUC, DePaul)
1999: 0

So, it has been 9 years since the state of Illinois sent less than two teams, when the state didn't send anyone. Most years have seen UIUC and SIU go, with occasional bids for UIC, DePaul, and Bradley.

The bigger story here is the strong chance that ISU will be returning to the NCAA Tournament after a 10 year absence. Congrats to the Redbirds on what's been a very good season for them. I do agree that a win on Friday will punch their dance card.

*EDITED - I forgot Eastern Illinois in 2001*

I root for most MVC teams, but I cannot ever root for ISU. I sincerely hope that they do not make the tournament. I really hope that someone other than Drake, maybe BU, wins the title and 2 teams from the MVC still make the tournament and ISU is left out.

[bigdaddystuck]

If anyone below them (seeding wise) wins, they are out. This would make the Drake an at-large and then the automatic in as well. If they dont win the tourney, they better hope that Drake does or IMO they are out.

[shaunguth]

I root for most MVC teams, but I cannot ever root for ISU. I sincerely hope that they do not make the tournament. I really hope that someone other than Drake, maybe BU, wins the title and 2 teams from the MVC still make the tournament and ISU is left out.

I agree and was really hoping they would lose at SIU.

[shaunguth]

In today's updated Bracketology, Lundardi has isu as a #11 facing #6 Washington St. and they aren't listed as one of his last four in.

[BUBraves2006]

Maybe this has been mentioned ... but I can foresee the possible SIU-ISU (Round III) as an elimination game for the NCAA tournament. I'm not saying that it should be ... but this isn't out of the realm of possibility. This is especially true if ISU wins for the third time ... SIU is toast (I think).

[tornado]

SIU has been down away from home this season.
They are just 3-9 away from Carbondale. Bradley has a better away from home record than both SIU and Creighton, we have as many away victories than anyone but Drake, and we gave Drake their only home loss.