MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[formersliaccommish]

The change from the conference champion getting the AQ to the NCAA Tournament to the current system of the conference tournament champion getting the AQ came only after a long, and sometimes bitter, struggle. The change needed a 2/3s vote from the conference Administrative Board (ADs, SWAs, and FARs) and also the Presidents. It passed in time for the 2004-05 academic year and the SLIAC joined nearly all conferences on every level sending its tournament champion to the NCAA Tournament.

Two schools vigorously opposed the change, three were very much in favor of it, and three were on the fence. The schools on the fence were won over by the argument that having only four teams in it and having it on one site, the home of the conference champion, would continue to give some meaning to the regular season.

In addition, Commissioner Wolper is right in that there are also financial, academic, and scheduling issues.

The SLIAC isn't the Big East or ACC. The current system is the best one available even though there are years, such as this one, when there is a deserving fifth place team, or the tournaments might be held on on the fringe of the conference.

     

[Dutch32]

I really feel EITHER Mac or EC will have a real shot at scoring the 4 over 1 upset....  and Webster-Westmin should be a good 2-3 game.....

I could be mistaken, but I think Eureka gets the #2 seed if they beat MacMurray and get to 12-4.  Assuming Webster beats Principia Monday, there is no in-between for Eureka -- #2 or #5.  Crazy.

[hopefan]

There are 42 conferences that get automatic bids this year, plus one other conference that does not qualify, but will probably get the B bid.. of these 43 conferences, 42 have conference tourneys, only 11 limit conference tournament eligibility to 4 teams... others have any number... 5,6,8,or 9.... none get to 10, but the ODAC invites all 12 of its teams....  if not now, then when the conference grows to 10, I think at least the top half deserves a trip to the conference tourney...  maneuver the schedule, get the $1500 together that is necessary to have the 4-5 game and do it...and if you want a few more $ in reserve, have the semis on Thursday at seeds one AND two, getting two home crowds rather than one....I personally would miss the semi doubleheader, but it would generate a few more $$$.  AND the championship game would be at the home court of the top remaining seed... another home crowd, rather than two teams playing on a neutral court if the top seed is eliminated in the semis...bang, another better crowd...

[hopefan]

I really feel EITHER Mac or EC will have a real shot at scoring the 4 over 1 upset....  and Webster-Westmin should be a good 2-3 game.....

I could be mistaken, but I think Eureka gets the #2 seed if they beat MacMurray and get to 12-4.  Assuming Webster beats Principia Monday, there is no in-between for Eureka -- #2 or #5.  Crazy.

Hadn't thought of that but you are right.. if Eureka is in they and Westmin finish with 4 losses and would be in the 2-3 game, Webster would play Spalding  (a game that I would not feel too good about, except for the Bunch factor)....

[Denny McKinney]

Hadn't thought of that but you are right.. if Eureka is in they and Westmin finish with 4 losses and would be in the 2-3 game, Webster would play Spalding  (a game that I would not feel too good about, except for the Bunch factor)....

Sorry Hopefan, but could you please explain the Bunch Factor. I do believe Webster has a real tough time getting past that first round game. I think twice since tourney returned in '05. I may be wrong? Webster has one of the top FG% players in the league. But, only gets 5 looks a game. And, shooting 33% from the line, why not foul him on every shot around the basket.

I'd like to see an EC vs SC final. Watch the best two big men go at it.

[hopefan]

Well Denny, I consider Chris Bunch an outstanding coach capable of pulling an upset....

[Denny McKinney]

I agree Coach Bunch is outstanding. But, the guy coaching the opposing team is pretty good. And, has more horses this year. And, stands the Best Chance of getting the SLIAC's first win in the NCAA.

[hopefan]

Hoping tonight's game EC at Mac comes down to a last second shot.... that goes in!!!  I find good reason to root for either team, no reason to root against either....   I go up to J-ville to see two teams battling for a playoff spot.. it doesn't get much better.....   (nope, as much as I hope the Billikins beat VCU tonight, the Mac-Eureka game is far more important to me.... )

Tomorrow, after the Conference tourney pairings are determined, I'll do a writeup of the semifinal pairings..

Now here's the question... I'll be in Louisville for the tourney...
Readers... do you want extended coverage right here, right from the game, or do you want a writeup after the games late Friday night or early Saturday, or could you care less and want nothing...  let me know....  no response equals no interest...

[augie77]

I have no dog in the fight, but after the CCIW (my home conference), I always check this page first for updates due to the well written and objective analysis and the obvious passion that drives it.  Please keep up the good work!

[augie77]

I suppose I should answer the question     I'll be content with analysis after the game.  Thanks for asking.

[y_jack_lok]

Now here's the question... I'll be in Louisville for the tourney...
Readers... do you want extended coverage right here, right from the game, or do you want a writeup after the games late Friday night or early Saturday, or could you care less and want nothing...  let me know....  no response equals no interest...

Since I am out of town Friday and Saturday and don't know when I'll have time to check on the games, as far as I'm concerned there's no need to knock yourself out with in-game updates. If I'm able to follow the games live in some fashion, I will. But I doubt that is likely. Having said that, don't factor my response into your decision. I just wanted you to know that I had read your post and appreciate your willingness to do some kind of ongoing live coverage.

[Gregory Sager]

I have no dog in the fight, but after the CCIW (my home conference), I always check this page first for updates due to the well written and objective analysis and the obvious passion that drives it.  Please keep up the good work!

Ditto.

I suppose I should answer the question     I'll be content with analysis after the game.  Thanks for asking.

Ditto ditto.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I have no dog in the fight, but after the CCIW (my home conference), I always check this page first for updates due to the well written and objective analysis and the obvious passion that drives it.  Please keep up the good work!

Ditto.

I suppose I should answer the question     I'll be content with analysis after the game.  Thanks for asking.

Ditto ditto.

Ditto ditto ditto.

[ecreddevils]

EC finds a way to win this--we just have to--our best team, I believe, in the last 20 years.  Go Red Devils!

[y_jack_lok]

EC finds a way to win this--we just have to--our best team, I believe, in the last 20 years.  Go Red Devils!

Well, Chris Tarpley was a heck of a player. I don't remember his supporting cast all that well, but it seems they weren't too shabby and nearly took the SLIAC tourney their first year in the conference, were it not for an amazing shooting peformance by Fontbonne in the OT of the championship game.