Quote from: kiltedbryan on February 25, 2019, 01:10:27 PM
Wittenberg draws Emory...on a neutral court at Guilford, who hosts Sewanee. I must say that's quite surprising. Perhaps the Tigers didn't file to host?

Wooster hosts a pod, facing Baruch, with Wheaton (Il) and Hanover in the other game. A surprise hosting assignment for Timken Gym, and the Scots first hosting duties since 2014 I believe.

Other hosts in Wooster's quadrant are Augustana, Oswego St, and Marietta. As fantastic50 pointed out on twitter, if hosts swept the first weekend, neither Marietta nor Oswego could make it to overall top-seed Augustana. In that case, Wooster or Marietta could serve as a second-weekend geographical host.

I have it on pretty solid authority that Wittenberg did not apply to host due to a gym conflict.  Take that for what you will as there was no guarantee they would have hosted anyway.  But that may have been costly scheduling conflict considering their draw. 

Don't look now, but Wittenberg is quietly working it's way back into the conversation.  Four straight wins by double-digits, and two straight by more than twenty-five points.  The next two games (@ Wooster and vs. Wabash) will be season-determining.  A Pool C bid still seems like a very remote possibility, but I think they could make a run in the conference tournament if they stay hot.

Big game tonight in Greencastle.  I thought DPU played Wabash tough in the season's first matchup, and I would expect a rowdy crowd for tonight's game.  I'm not ready to predict a victory for the Tigers, but a Wabash loss could push Wooster further out of reach and could give Wittenberg a shot at the 2 seed.

Simply put, Wittenberg is just not a good team currently.  They consistently seem out of sorts offensively. They've never had a particularly imaginative offense, but last year's team was so talented and meshed so well that they made that potential concern a non-factor.  This year's team is still a work in progress, but the season is only so long.

I still think this team could make a run and win the conference tournament based on their personnel.  However, today's loss likely cost them any outside shot at a Pool C bid. 

Love seeing some real analysis on this board again.  And there's no sitting at the table if you're bringing nothing to it, so here's my not-so-scientific guess for the remainder of the season:: 

1- I think Wooster ends the season as the top seed and hosts the conference tournament.  As you noted, they have the most favorable schedule down the stretch, playing Wabash, Wittenberg, and Oberlin (i.e. the top 3 remaining teams) at home.  Plus, Hempy and Dupler seem to be playing their best basketball lately. 

2- I think Wabash finishes as the second seed. They have six road games remaining, including @ Wooster, @ Wittenberg, and @ rival DPU.  Right or wrong, I'm not sure Davidson is going to get a favorable whistle in some of those away gyms - a potential problem for a guy who has shot nearly 50 more FTs than the next closest player in the conference.  I can't put my finger on the reason, but I'm not quite sold on Wabash despite their excellent start.  Next weekend's game @ Wooster will be a big test.

3 - I think Wittenberg finishes third, but they've done little to inspire any confidence over the past 2 weeks.  If they can find a way to make the national tournament, they'll owe a thank you to the ref who made the call at the end of regulation last night.  It was probably the right call, but most officials swallow their whistles in that situation. A loss there might have been fatal to any Pool C hope. Witt seems to have the most talented roster, but they haven't quite put all the pieces together yet. 

4- My surprise choice: I think DePauw finishes 4th and hosts a game.  No knock on Oberlin or Hiram, but the Tigers look to be turning a corner after somewhat underperforming early. 

Just my guesses.  Agree that the rest of the year will be fun.