I'm curious to know, given that the women have first weekend hosting priority, why the CNU men are hosting and not the women. Seems like Roanoke could have hosted the men's pod and CNU the women's pod instead of sending the women to Catholic. Perhaps the 500 mile rule affected one or both of those decisions, but I don't have info on distances to know for sure. Does anyone else know how these decisions were made?

^^^  I had that same question initially.  Whereas, CNU Women are highly ranked in the poll, I think they're only #20 in NPI, outside the Top 16 for hosting.  A one loss team being as low as #20 is also curious.

Quote from: Macon on March 04, 2025, 11:20:02 AM^^^  I had that same question initially.  Whereas, CNU Women are highly ranked in the poll, I think they're only #20 in NPI, outside the Top 16 for hosting.  A one loss team being as low as #20 is also curious.

Got it. Thanks. Catholic is #15 in NPI. Makes sense now.

Congrats to UMW. Defeated #25 Drew 73-58.

Also congrats to the CNU Captains. 101-75 winners vs John Jay.

Let's see what happens tomorrow night.

If you had told me two weeks ago that UMW was going to the Sweet 16 and CNU and RMU were not, I would have asked, "What are you smoking?" Sorry to see those programs out but beyond happy that UMW is still dancing.

Quote from: HoopsDad34 on March 09, 2025, 12:10:30 PMIf you had told me two weeks ago that UMW was going to the Sweet 16 and CNU and RMU were not, I would have asked, "What are you smoking?" Sorry to see those programs out but beyond happy that UMW is still dancing.

It's interesting that UMW defeated Drew. Drew handed Catholic three of its losses this year. Catholic, of course just topped RMC. RMC beat UMW early in the season. There's a vast difference between November and March when it comes to basketball, even if the weather is often similar.

I think we're seeing how difficult it is to win in March without experience.  UMW is mostly young guys, but they've got a VERY experienced coach and a PG who's been there before.  It was all new to Drew.  I saw the same thing with Catholic and F&M.  The Diplomats just weren't prepared for the intensity.

Every team left has either very experienced players or coaches, or both.

Agreed. UMW is crazy young, 10 of current 12 healthy players are freshman or sophomores. But Coach Kahn took Cabrini to championship game in 2012 and has been to tournament several times. This ties for the furthest UMW has ever gone. Team was 11-14 going into conference tournament. 

Tough loss for UMW to Emory. Up by 10 points at one point in first half, tied at halftime and Emory went up by 12 with 2:19 left. UMW clawed back to within two with the ball and 8.8 seconds left on clock. Got a good look on a three that hit the rim and then got their own rebound and had one more shot for two to tie it up and it fell short.

Still, an amazing run for a team that was 11-14 at the end of the regular season. Go Eagles, next year is bright with only losing two seniors (albeit one who scored a career high 31 points in the Emory game).