Musketeers Enter Top 10

[mhettel]

You are right. The impact of a late loss is more that an early loss.

thats the point. We stand to benefit from that dynamic, as most of the otehr top 25 teams are playing themselves, and we're getting the occasional cupcake.

This is why a strong A-10 is our best option...

[CarlosTheJackal]

There is a distinction between poll ratings and seeding in the NCAAs that sometimes is ignored in these situations. One thing I will give "The Committee" (there, I said it) credit for in the large is sticking to its criteria when seeding (as distinguished from selecting the at large and bubble teams.) While Bilas and Co. were whining about us getting in, let alone being an 8 seed last year, the seeding was correct. More telling, we were correctly seeded 3rd and 6th in years when we were not that highly ranked in the polls. We can loose the game at St. Joes late in the schedule, drop a bit in the polls, and still get a great seed -- if we otherwise take care of business between now and then.

I want to riff a bit on MH's point about a strong A10. Of course we all agree with that. And by and large, Bruno be damned or praised, the OOC scheduling turnaround has generally worked in everyone's favor, and especially Xavier.

The A10, strong or not, is our ONLY option unless and until forces beyond our control steer things back to a midwest, basketball-based conference. We are not, and are never going to be strong enough, or rich enough, to lead a new conference, let alone one that makes sense for Xavier for all sports. We would be a great candidate to be invited, but the lead would have to come from among Marquette, DePaul, ND, and yes Dayton.

If we were in the BE right now, our non-basketball teams would, with a few exceptions, be getting crushed. These sports, required for D-1 status, need to grow, slowly and steady, before we are ready to be in a league with our basketball equals in the midwest.

For now, the A10, for all its warts, is not only the best match, it is the only one. Let's stop complaining SO MUCH about having to dance with some of the homelier babes on the schedule.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

USA Today/ESPn poll out

#14, we only passed Wash. ST. after their 2 loss week.

[muskieman]

I'd say a good win against St Joes will make more impact because of their high profile program like X. Beating LaSalle is expected by most voters so they say a sight increase because others lost. All I care about is the next game and getting that important win.

[Ron 68]

sounds like the euphoria a few weeks ago when some of you were talking about going undefeated the rest of the way.

Try to stay under control or you will be dissapointed.

[muskieman]

sounds like the euphoria a few weeks ago when some of you were talking about going undefeated the rest of the way.

Try to stay under control or you will be dissapointed.

I am sure with posters like you keeping us all level headed we will not succumb to the euphoria. BTW X has a tradition to keep which started last year...undefeated in Feb.

National champs baby....ooops sorry ron.