Central Region Thoughts

[LukeMcConnell1]

Is the GAC probably a 1-bid league again? Is the only potential for a bid steal someone upending Washburn in the MIAA tournament?

Honestly probably depends on how SNU finishes. The schedule isn't great but if they're entering conference tournament at, say, 23-3, would be hard to imagine them sitting out if they didn't win GAC tournament. Obviously gonna be tight in that scenario, though.

[Stanger86]

Minot State is the hardest team to seed right now because they've got a terrible SOS and yet they're 4-1 against the five NSIC teams with higher RPIs.

Started 17-0 but 4-4 since after splitting against basement-dwellers Crookston and Northern. I don't even know that it's injury-related. Just a strange drop-off.

Thankfully for them, they have a great win over Jamestown to brag about....

[GHawks]

Is the GAC probably a 1-bid league again? Is the only potential for a bid steal someone upending Washburn in the MIAA tournament?

[Inkblot]

Minot State is the hardest team to seed right now because they've got a terrible SOS and yet they're 4-1 against the five NSIC teams with higher RPIs.

[GHawks]

This is shocking to see MSU at 6. I do think they lose 2-3 more in the regular season, then in the NSIC tourney. Be tough to get in with 12-13 losses and no auto bid. Although they did steal an 8 seed in what, 2019? I think Carlos Anderson was involved in that theft though.

SMSU was considered a lock last year at 19-12 or something, having the #1 SoS. Without looking I’m sure the Mavs are up there in SoS.

[Stanger86]

This is shocking to see MSU at 6. I do think they lose 2-3 more in the regular season, then in the NSIC tourney. Be tough to get in with 12-13 losses and no auto bid. Although they did steal an 8 seed in what, 2019? I think Carlos Anderson was involved in that theft though.

They have to be pretty high in strength of schedule

[Purple Mav Man]

History has taught us that if there is any chance, the committee will find a way to get the Mavs into the tournament.

In 2019, they were the 1st round sacrifice to NW Missouri and their McCollum machine. This year wouldn’t be so bad to sneak in as an 8.

[Thunder]

This is shocking to see MSU at 6. I do think they lose 2-3 more in the regular season, then in the NSIC tourney. Be tough to get in with 12-13 losses and no auto bid. Although they did steal an 8 seed in what, 2019? I think Carlos Anderson was involved in that theft though.

History has taught us that if there is any chance, the committee will find a way to get the Mavs into the tournament.

[Purple Mav Man]

Per Inkblot the NSIC could have roughly 10% of the spots in the entire D2 tournament and 75% of the spots in the Central Region

https://x.com/InkblotSports/status/1...SiJPWuCdQ&s=19

This is shocking to see MSU at 6. I do think they lose 2-3 more in the regular season, then in the NSIC tourney. Be tough to get in with 12-13 losses and no auto bid. Although they did steal an 8 seed in what, 2019? I think Carlos Anderson was involved in that theft though.

[simple as a $3 bill]

I don't have the same understanding of the committee's approach as some do like Inkblot, but in looking at the RPI and KPI numbers I'd say it is likely the NSIC gets 5 teams into the regional and I don't think 6 is completely out of the question. Outside of Washburn and Southern Nazarene I think 8 or 9 NSIC teams have as good of an argument as anyone else in the region. The conference largely had a very good nonconference portion of the schedule. SMSU, CSP, Winona, Duluth, Minot, Mankato, & Moorhead (if they keep winning). Heck, even coach q's boys in St. Cloud might have a chance.

How dare you. :)

[D2Rover]

It can't be particularly common that a conference gets 6 teams without the 1-seed.

[Stanger86]

Per Inkblot the NSIC could have roughly 10% of the spots in the entire D2 tournament and 75% of the spots in the Central Region

https://x.com/InkblotSports/status/1...SiJPWuCdQ&s=19

Which is why I don't love the "NSIC is down" argument. What is really happening is there isn't a dominant team at the moment.

[Augieholic]

Per Inkblot the NSIC could have roughly 10% of the spots in the entire D2 tournament and 75% of the spots in the Central Region

https://x.com/InkblotSports/status/1...SiJPWuCdQ&s=19

[Stanger86]

Moorhead is probably the wild card because when healthy, they're a great team. Wouldn't shock me to see them play bid stealer.

Probably would have to win the auto bid, but yes, I would say they could be a dangerous team if healthy.

[LukeMcConnell1]

I don't have the same understanding of the committee's approach as some do like Inkblot, but in looking at the RPI and KPI numbers I'd say it is likely the NSIC gets 5 teams into the regional and I don't think 6 is completely out of the question. Outside of Washburn and Southern Nazarene I think 8 or 9 NSIC teams have as good of an argument as anyone else in the region. The conference largely had a very good nonconference portion of the schedule. SMSU, CSP, Winona, Duluth, Minot, Mankato, & Moorhead (if they keep winning). Heck, even Coach Q's boys in St. Cloud might have a chance.

Yes, it could be NSIC heavy for sure. I think Minot could be in trouble if they drop a few more because their non conference stinks. Moorhead is probably the wild card because when healthy, they're a great team. Wouldn't shock me to see them play bid stealer.