MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Drake Palmer]

POST Of THE WEEK

I'd say the team most likely to knock out Bethel is Concordia.  A bit easier (on paper) for the Cobbs to beat the Johnnies than for the Knights to beat the Auggies.

For tonight:
Concordia (+2.5) @ St. John's   
St. Thomas @ Gustavus (+6.5)
Carleton (+5.5) @ Augsburg

Home playoff games are still being fought for, so I think we can assume a typical home-court advantage.

Terms, Conditions, & Disclaimer: AOpicks.com is a website meant for entertainment purposes only. The picks made by the writers or staff of this website are meant for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as suggestions for its visitors to follow.

AO does not run, and is not affiliated with, any of the websites or organizations it links to, and therefore claims no responsibility for the actions of the websites it links to. The links provided on this website are for informational and/or entertainment purposes only.

AOpicks.com is not a sports betting website and does not endorse the activity of betting by its visitors. Although sports betting is legal in many parts of the world, betting on sports games via the Internet may be illegal where a visitor of this website is located. We advise all visitors of this website to check local laws before placing a wager on NFL or other sports games via the Internet.

AOpicks.com is an international organization and does not promote illegal activity, nor does AOpicks.com accept any responsibility for the activities of its visitors.

By visiting this website a visitor is agreeing to the terms, conditions, and disclaimer set forth above.

Good humor. 

Nice job AO.  It's seem like it was only yesterday when you were the unwanted red-headed stepchild of the MIAC boards, and your Karma was destined for an all-time high/low.  I even remember posting this photo with a caption of AO. 



You've grown up to be such a fine, outstanding young poster.    +K

[Drake Palmer]

On a more serious note, just as the playoff contending teams are trying to polish their games, I hope the MIAC refs are starting to get their officiating acts together for the playoffs.  The refs at the UST-STO game last week were not very consistent, and at the Bethel –Augsburg game on Saturday the refs were beyond brutal!  The coaching staffs of the Dawgs & Royals were both screaming at the refs for the lack of calls, or terrible calls.  Finally a ref called a technical on Bethel's Luke Buttenhoff who was banging big time with Augsburg's Dan Kornbaum.  The game had all of the intensity of a playoff game, & the officials needed to do a better job of keeping the players' emotions in check.

Depending upon the outcome of a couple of games this week, Bethel & Augsburg might square off again in a matchup of the 3rd & 6th seeds in the playoffs next week. Although I'm sure the two teams respect each other, I got the sense there's not a lot of brotherly love between these teams.   It could be a dandy!

[miacsuperfan]

It is funny to suddenly hear chatter about MIAC officiating, when it is the same guys working the same games over and over for years.   

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

[AO]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

[miacsuperfan]

Shoot, forgot.....VOJ was great to see your name show up on the board the other day.   Come back!
Love to hear your thoughts on SJUs chances in St. Paul tomorrow.  Slim, none?   Can the Johnnies do the improbable? What say you? 

[miacsuperfan]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

I agree that 8 is a bit much, but the six format SILLY?  I think not.  There are years where teams recover from injuries/poor play early in the year and then have a legit chance to do some damage form the six spot with a late season rally.   In 2013-14 the 6, 7, 8 teams were all very similar....so the 8 team format this year would have made more sense than some others.  But year in and year out?  No.

As for the NHL?   If Drake's comments about the loose officiating are correct, perhaps the MIAC could become the NHL!!   

[John Gleich]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

There's some discussion about conference tournament size on the Conference Tourament board: LINK

[AO]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

I agree that 8 is a bit much, but the six format SILLY?  I think not.  There are years where teams recover from injuries/poor play early in the year and then have a legit chance to do some damage form the six spot with a late season rally.   In 2013-14 the 6, 7, 8 teams were all very similar....so the 8 team format this year would have made more sense than some others.  But year in and year out?  No.

As for the NHL?   If Drake's comments about the loose officiating are correct, perhaps the MIAC could become the NHL!!   

Injuries can happen late in the year too.   I'm more impressed with the regular season champ who has been consistent throughout the season than I am of a team that managed to get lucky in the tournament.  If we have to have a conference tournament there should be a simple rule for the number of teams that make it to the conference tournament: you need to be above .500 and in the top half of the league. 

[badgerwarhawk]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

I agree that 8 is a bit much, but the six format SILLY?  I think not.  There are years where teams recover from injuries/poor play early in the year and then have a legit chance to do some damage form the six spot with a late season rally.   In 2013-14 the 6, 7, 8 teams were all very similar....so the 8 team format this year would have made more sense than some others.  But year in and year out?  No.

As for the NHL?   If Drake's comments about the loose officiating are correct, perhaps the MIAC could become the NHL!!   

2003-2008 the WIAC held an 8 team post season tournament.  During that span the 8th seed went 0-6 and the 7th seed was 1-6.  The 2009 season saw the tournament reduced to six teams.  Though the 2013 tournament the 5th seed has gone 4-4 and the 6th seed 2-5.  Since the 2003 season the 5th seed is 6-11 and the sixth seed 4-11.  The 5th seed will match up with a 4th seed and it's not uncommon for the two teams to have a similar conference w/l record and the seeding determined by a some tie breaker criteria so one might expect them to be more competitive than the 6-3 match up.   The 5-8 seeds have never won the conference tournament to earn the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.  Personally I'd prefer the automatic bid going to the regular season champions but given that there are more have nots than haves I doubt our league would ever vote to do that.

[John Gleich]

Saturday's games are really quite ho-hummers (too bad that the UST/SJU game doesn't have some significance, other than the 'rivalry.') With the playoff teams set and Augsburg at St. Mary's, looks like the sites are set as well. 

I look for everyone to hold serve in the first round of the playoffs, whether well officiated or not.  The GAC game could be close, but the home venue will prove to be their ally.   The BU at Augsburg game will have some interest, as they have quite a history of recent play-off battles...but the Dawgs have too much firepower for the young but improved Royals. 

Has there been any recent talk about changing the format to allow 8 teams into the playoffs, with the top two seeds NOT having a bye?  And would it help the league to do so?  I have often thought that the opening round bye is NOT necessarily a good thing for the top two teams; gets them out of their normal game playing rotation.  This year, the added two teams would have included Carleton and Concordia, neither particulary strong, but decent enough.  The Carleton at St. Olaf first round game could have been a real doozy! 

St. John's wins the tiebreaker and gets to play the Gusties at home if they beat the Tommies on Saturday.  I'd say that's something to play for.

8 teams make the playoffs? what is this? the NHL?  It's already silly enough that the #6 team still has a chance for the automatic bid after playing a full double round robin.

I agree that 8 is a bit much, but the six format SILLY?  I think not.  There are years where teams recover from injuries/poor play early in the year and then have a legit chance to do some damage form the six spot with a late season rally.   In 2013-14 the 6, 7, 8 teams were all very similar....so the 8 team format this year would have made more sense than some others.  But year in and year out?  No.

As for the NHL?   If Drake's comments about the loose officiating are correct, perhaps the MIAC could become the NHL!!   

2003-2008 the WIAC held an 8 team post season tournament.  During that span the 8th seed went 0-6 and the 7th seed was 1-6.  The 2009 season saw the tournament reduced to six teams.  Though the 2013 tournament the 5th seed has gone 4-4 and the 6th seed 2-5.  Since the 2003 season the 5th seed is 6-11 and the sixth seed 4-11.  The 5th seed will match up with a 4th seed and it's not uncommon for the two teams to have a similar conference w/l record and the seeding determined by a some tie breaker criteria so one might expect them to be more competitive than the 6-3 match up.   The 5-8 seeds have never won the conference tournament to earn the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.  Personally I'd prefer the automatic bid going to the regular season champions but given that there are more have nots than haves I doubt our league would ever vote to do that.

Two 4 seeds *have* won the conference tournament though... Oshkosh in 2003 and Eau Claire in 2001**. Oshkosh made the Elite 8. Eau Claire made is to the second round.

All-time records for seeds in the WIAC tournament:

1. 27-7 (8/10 in championship)
2. 24-10 (5/11 in championship)
3. 10-15 (0/2 in championship)
4. 13-13 (2/4 in championship)
5. 9-15 (0/1 in championship)
6. 9-16 (0/2 in championship)
7. 2-10 (format change in 2009 from 8 teams to 6 teams)
8. 2-10
9. 1-2 (format change in 2001 from 9 teams w/play-in to 8 teams)


Things have never been rosy for 7-9. 4 of the 5 wins happened in the first 3 years of the WIAC tournament (1999-2001) and two of those wins were in the play-in game.  Interestingly, one of the 7 vs 2 upsets happened in the final year of the 8-team format (2008) when Eau Claire beat Platteville by 4... but then EC had to turn around two nights later and play at Stevens Point, where they were sent home by 23.




**(this was the crazy year that the top 3 seeds got upset... #8 Stout destroyed #1 Whitewater 90-49, #7 Platteville beat #2 Stevens Point on a buzzer beater 3, #6 Oshkosh beat #3 River Falls 95-87 in OT after RF threw the ball in the air in the final seconds in celebration... and it hit the ceiling in RF's tiny gym, allowing Oshkosh to hit a 3 to tie, send it to OT, and win in the extra period)

[miacsuperfan]

Interesting stats, Badgerhawk.   Wish you had the time to dig those up for the MIAC!  (Mose, you listening?)
I also find your comment on the regular season conference champion being an automatic bid quite interesting.  It would like to know how many regular season champs  DID NOT win a conference championship and continued on in the tourney.  My guess is the percentage would be quite high.   

[VOJ]

Shoot, forgot.....VOJ was great to see your name show up on the board the other day.   Come back!
Love to hear your thoughts on SJUs chances in St. Paul tomorrow.  Slim, none?   Can the Johnnies do the improbable? What say you? 

Thanks superfan...The Johnnies will show up and they will give a great effort, an effort that has led to 9 wins in the last 11 games. 

Haven't seen AO come up with what he thinks...and yes the Johnnies have something to play for, getting a home playoff game would be a very nice achievement. 

UST has shown how dominant they are, especially at home...going to be a fun afternoon!!

[miacsuperfan]

Shoot, forgot.....VOJ was great to see your name show up on the board the other day.   Come back!
Love to hear your thoughts on SJUs chances in St. Paul tomorrow.  Slim, none?   Can the Johnnies do the improbable? What say you? 

Thanks superfan...The Johnnies will show up and they will give a great effort, an effort that has led to 9 wins in the last 11 games. 

Haven't seen AO come up with what he thinks...and yes the Johnnies have something to play for, getting a home playoff game would be a very nice achievement. 
UST has shown how dominant they are, especially at home...going to be a fun afternoon!!

Gusties will have a vested interest in the outcome of that game.   Might even be some GAC faithful wearing purple tomorrow around 3pm.   

[Retired Old Rat]

Shoot, forgot.....VOJ was great to see your name show up on the board the other day.   Come back!
Love to hear your thoughts on SJUs chances in St. Paul tomorrow.  Slim, none?   Can the Johnnies do the improbable? What say you? 

Thanks superfan...The Johnnies will show up and they will give a great effort, an effort that has led to 9 wins in the last 11 games. 

Haven't seen AO come up with what he thinks...and yes the Johnnies have something to play for, getting a home playoff game would be a very nice achievement. 
UST has shown how dominant they are, especially at home...going to be a fun afternoon!!

Gusties will have a vested interest in the outcome of that game.   Might even be some GAC faithful wearing purple tomorrow around 3pm.   

I have a lot of respect for the Gusties.  I'd be very surprised if they stooped to such a low.

[I don't post on the hoops board much.  They active posters on the football board would know that the 2nd sentence is meant to be sarcastic.  Sort of.]

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Interesting stats, Badgerhawk.   Wish you had the time to dig those up for the MIAC!  (Mose, you listening?)
I also find your comment on the regular season conference champion being an automatic bid quite interesting.  It would like to know how many regular season champs  DID NOT win a conference championship and continued on in the tourney.  My guess is the percentage would be quite high.   

nothing to dig up....one click and here we go (I didn't have access to my hoops files at the office or the post-work Happy Hour)....

In the 13 years of the present format:

Seed-- Record in final
#1        10- 1      .909
#2         2-10      .167
#3         0- 1       .000
#4         1- 0     1.000
#5         0- 1       .000
#6        never to title game

In the 16 years of the 4-team format:
#1     7-6
#2     4-7
#3     3-2
#4     2-1

over all:
#1   17- 7   .781
#2    6-17   .261
#3    3- 3    .500
#4    3- 1    .750
#5    0- 1    .000
#6    n/a

so, while home-court in Wednesday's 4 v 5 game is crucial to some or an "achievement" .....if you wanna win the Tourney, it really, really helps to be the #1 seed (just tweekin' your overly red nose, VOJ) ... SJU last had a home game in 2009 quarterfinals--- lost to GAC


ROR--- you need to pray for a SJU win AND a SMU win....then you get the #3 slot and host Bethel

MIACSUPERFAN--- 12 of the past 13 years, the MIAC regular season champ has advanced to the NCAA field  (10 times with auto-berth, 2 Pool C)...the other time, my understanding was that injury-depleted UST asked not to be considered....which may be true or urban legend.... so, yeah, winning the MIAC regular season crown is a virtual lock on a NCAA berth