Of course we will continue to follow, cheer, and support the EMU basketball program for many years to come. I know myself and others were loyal fans even when we had single digit win seasons! That is probably why there was so much hype and passion from the community and alumni for the past two years because they realize where the program had been and where it is headed.

yj424, Coach Dean was on Hoopsville yesterday afternoon and said he contacted 60-70 south region schools during the beginning to middle of last season and only Wooster wanted to play. Conflicting dates prevented that game from happening.

I think part of the reason you see/read so much passion from EMU fans over the past 2 days is because we truly have enjoyed and embraced this team and what this senior class has been able to accomplish. We understand the history of EMU basketball and how difficult it is and now was to get the program to where it has been the last two seasons. I thought the passion of the Harrisonburg community and alumni was evident at the ODAC Tournament this year and even at Guilford last year for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games. I'm sure Hasanova was there and can vouch that EMU fans nearly out numbered Guilford in Greensboro last year. The past two years have been a special run not only because of the quality of the teams, but because this has never happened at EMU. It has been documented the limited resources Coach Dean and his staff has to work with, which makes the past two seasons that much more remarkable! The great thing about Kirby and his staff is that they don't use that as an excuse, but instead motivation.

I know and understand the current D3 system that is in place to set the field of 61. I know the importance of regional rankings opposed to the D3 Top 25. I know EMU didn't have enough quality in region wins. I know EMU was undoubtedly one of the top 17 pool c teams that should have made the tournament. You would think the NCAA would want to try and fill the bracket from pool c with the best teams available and obviously they failed to do so. I don't think there is any doubt EMU was one of the top 17 pool c teams. Thanks Runnin' Royals for an exciting couple of seasons! It was a lot of fun to watch and good luck in all you do after graduation.

Just wondering who votes on the Regional Rankings?

EMU beat Bluefield on Sunday by 35.

Bbspecial, well said. I agree, the Jackets earned the win last night. The free throw line was def. a difference along with the offensive rebounding by RMC. Good teams will capitalize on second chance points along with points off TO's. 36 of RMC 73 points were off of 2nd chance points and points off turnovers. I didn't think the Runnin' Royals played loose. It seemed they wanted the 'revenge' (from last years ODAC semifinal game) so badly they just played tight.

One thing with EMU is you can never count them out for two reasons. They can put up points in a hurry and with the heart and determination of this team, especially Eli Crawford. The Royals made it interesting last night cutting the RMC lead of 13 points with 4 minutes left to just 2 points with 1.5 minutes on the clock. I think RMC and EMU are so evenly matched. If they were to play 10 games, each would win 5.

Algernon, you think EMU will drop 7 spots after losing to another top 10 team? I agree Va Wesleyan and RMC will be ahead of EMU in the polls, but I don't see them dropping that far. By the way, HSC are going to get there fair share of  wins this season. I was at the EMU-HSC game Wednesday night and the next couple seasons looks strong for that team. GO EMU.

I've seen EMU play twice so far this season. They have yet to reach there stride, but you have to be excited about the pieces that are in place.  I think it is safe to say the Runnin' Royals are a deeper team than they were last year! EMU has several key contributors as freshmen that come off the bench, plus the returners from last year. From the couple of games that I've seen, the Royals are going to need to play more consistent from start to finish especially with HSC and RMC coming to town this week! The Runnin' Royals this week will need to shoot better from the foul line, limit 2nd chance points for the opponents, and use there athleticism to get to the basket especially when the 3 pointer isn't falling. Go EMU!

The EMU Runnin' Royals released there schedule. Should be a fun season. GO EMU!

http://www.emu.edu/athletics/schedules/?sport=basketball-m

Eastern Mennonite University Runnin' Royals of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference released there schedule for the 2010-2011 season. EMU won the regular season ODAC Title last year and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Guilford College on the Quakers home floor. GO EMU!

http://www.emu.edu/athletics/schedules/?sport=basketball-m

Back in Harrisonburg, after an exciting weekend in Greensboro. Four quality teams in the sectional produced three great games! Overall, I thought the officials did a pretty good job this weekend too. Sanborn only had 3 fouls the entire weekend and only had one foul in the EMU game and didn't pick it up until about the 6.5 minute mark in the game

GC was the better team last night. They played unbelievable! That had to be one of their best games all season. EMU was able stay around because of the 3 point shot from Hinson and Johnson. What a performance by Hinson finishing with 37 points, 25 in the first half! Congratulations to Guilford on a great season and good luck in Salem. Go ODAC.

That game leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but it's been a memorable season by the EMU Royals! A regular season ODAC Title, 5-2 against ranked opponents, program record 25-5, and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance! I know this group will work hard in the off season. It has been a lot of fun this season and we are already looking forward to the 2010-2011 season! Congratulations to Coach Dean, his staff, and all the players on your accomplishments this year! Go Royals!

Hasa,

I'm sure you were at the EMU-Guilford game back in Feb. I watched the live internet stream and thought EMU matches up with Guilford pretty well on the defensive end, except for Sanborn. But who can match up with Sanborn anyways. There are nights when a team just doesn't have "it" for whatever reason and that might have been the case for Guilford. In addition,  EMU's style of play and athletic team can make a team look lethargic.  Anyways, that is in the past and the Sweet 16 game against Whitworth is what matters. Go Royals!

I thought maybe Guilford fans would cheer for an ODAC team one more round. Being an EMU fan, if the Royals were to face Guilford in the Elite 8 I would expect a competitive game, but would welcome another 27 point victory to get to the Final Four.

Is Whitworth getting into Greensboro on Wednesday or Thursday?

Dave 'd-mac' McHugh mentioned about watching out for the cops. I came across this information piece this morning.

http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/87078287.html

So will Guilford fans be cheering for EMU in the 6pm game on Friday?

I'll start off by saying Centre is a fundamentally sound team. For what it's worth, I'm surprised they weren't receiving any votes for the Top 25. They gave EMU a very tough game.

Another impressive win by the Runnin' Royals in a game where I didn't think they played all that great. EMU had a lot of unforced turnovers, but good teams find a way to win and that's what they did tonight! Hinson was shooting well from long range, Phillips took the game over in the second half by scoring 15 of the teams 30 points, Johnson only shot the ball the entire game 3 times, yes 3, but had 6 assists, and Crawford was amazing on the boards with 10 rebounds and playing great defense in the 2nd half against Centre's best player who is 4 inches taller. A great team effort and will need another one tomorrow night against Wilmington (OH).

In every other tournament, the higher seed plays the earlier game. I just thought the host schools, who usually carry the expectation of winning their pods, would play first and therefore have a few more hours of rest before the second round game. I can understand why the NCAA would want the host team to play the late game though. The University Commons is sold out for the EMU-Centre game. They will be selling standing room only tickets beginning at approx. 7:30. Good luck ODAC!

Who and how is it determined which teams play in the earlier games and which play in the later games for the 1st round?