CIAA Men's Basketball

[TopperNation]

No one is mentioning yet (and I thought it was worth talking about) the fact that the CIAA is a virtual lock to get 2 teams into the tourney (VSU & Fayetteville) for the first time in a while. And if the committee likes Bluefield's run to the CIAA finals enough (including a nice win over Fayetteville in the Semis), there's an outside shot that THREE CIAA teams make the field for the first time in a very long while. Obviously that depends on whether bid-stealers like Shepherd are kept at bay by Gannon up in the PSAC.

But overall, welcome back to the dance, CIAA. It's a better party with you here!

I will agree, the Atlantic Region is a lot better when we have more than just 1 CIAA team in the tournament! I'm actually hoping that they get 3 teams into the field, especially Bluefield State. They gave us fits earlier in the year.

[Topper_Hopper]

I will agree, the Atlantic Region is a lot better when we have more than just 1 CIAA team in the tournament! I'm actually hoping that they get 3 teams into the field, especially Bluefield State. They gave us fits earlier in the year.

With their last two wins over ESU and Cal, Shepherd may have bumped Bluefield State out of the field.

[TopperNation]

With their last two wins over ESU and Cal, Shepherd may have bumped Bluefield State out of the field.

I'm afraid you're right! I was hoping that Bluefield State would be safe with that strong showing at the CIAA tournament, but with wins over ESU and Cal Shepherd now has a case. There are some teams hoping that Shepherd doesn't automatically steal a bid by beating Gannon and winning the PSAC. Gannon wins tomorrow and there will be some discussions regarding Bluefield State, Shepherd, maybe even ESU.

[boatcapt]

With their last two wins over ESU and Cal, Shepherd may have bumped Bluefield State out of the field.

I wouldn't be so quick about that. Assuming Shepherd loses to Cal today, they would be at 11 losses...same number as Bluefield. I'd say at best the Also, Bluefield was Regionally Ranked coming into the CIAA while Shep was not. So how are you going to make the case that an unranked team vaulted from outside the Regional Rankings into the NCAA field supplanting a Ranked team that went to their conference finals as well? I don't think this is a particularly close call!

If course, this is the NCAA we're talking about and they are kind of known for "engineering" playoff sel action results. Sooo anything might happen.

[Scrub]

I wouldn't be so quick about that. Assuming Shepherd loses to Cal today, they would be at 11 losses...same number as Bluefield. I'd say at best the Also, Bluefield was Regionally Ranked coming into the CIAA while Shep was not. So how are you going to make the case that an unranked team vaulted from outside the Regional Rankings into the NCAA field supplanting a Ranked team that went to their conference finals as well? I don't think this is a particularly close call!

If course, this is the NCAA we're talking about and they are kind of known for "engineering" playoff sel action results. Sooo anything might happen.

Well, Shepherd beat Cal yesterday, so we already know that Shepherd has made their conference finals as well. For what that's worth.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Well, Shepherd beat Cal yesterday, so we already know that Shepherd has made their conference finals as well. For what that's worth.

Shep has had a huge week. The ESU win was massive for its resume.

They may be in regardless of today ... right on the cusp for sure. Their SOS should also be strong.

That said, if they lose by 30 today it won't help.