MBB: Midwest Conference

[mnelson]

Having seen LU play Carroll all three times this year, I simply don't want to play them again. They have an advantage over every other team in the nation because they're familiar with our style of play; you can throw any rankings out the window. I believe Lawrence is a better team than Carroll, but to beat a team four times in one season, not to mention a team as good as Carroll is, is a tough task for anyone. I guess Lawrence keeps surprising me, but I'd rather jump over someone knew, a la Gustavus Adolphus last season.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Congrats to Larry and Carroll. I understand that it's probably a geography issue, but it seems a little unfair to the conference that both teams are in the same part of the bracket. If it was a matter of them potentially facing each other in the Sectional Final game to go to Salem, I wouldn't mind, but as it is, they potentially face each other in the Sectional opening round. Damn.

I don't know other team's conferences well enough to know if this happened anywhere else, but Stout and Whitewater are on opposite sides of the Sectional and LaCrosse is in a separate sectional. They (the WIAC) could send three teams to the sectional finals. Is it too much to ask that we get an equal opportunity?!

I'm disappointed because I think with these two teams, the conference had a good chance to get some recognition, and with this draw, they won't have the opportunity to do so.   

Larry and Carroll actually got it good.  Hope and Calvin are set for a second round rematch.  Only the ODAC, the WIAC and the NCAC got treated better (if you think a first round match-up of Randolph-Macon and Wooster is getting it better).

[Greek Tragedy]

Larry and Carroll actually got it good. Hope and Calvin are set for a second round rematch. Only the ODAC, the WIAC and the NCAC got treated better (if you think a first round match-up of Randolph-Macon and Wooster is getting it better).

North Central and Ill. Wes. are in the same boat, and same sectional as Lawrence/Carroll.  Good thing you aren't a member of the SCIAC...they get to play each other in the first round (Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Occidental). 

The NCAA is so screwed up that they couldn't have favoritism if they tried...so, no, it's not like they purposely gave the WIAC (Whitewater/Stout and La Crosse) and the ODAC (Virginia Wes. and Randolph-Macon) favoritism in hopes they meet in the Final Four...then again, they did that just two years ago when they had Amherst and Williams meet int he Final Four! 

All three CCIW teams are in the same sectional for what it's worth.

[systemfan86]

Larry and Carroll actually got it good. Hope and Calvin are set for a second round rematch. Only the ODAC, the WIAC and the NCAC got treated better (if you think a first round match-up of Randolph-Macon and Wooster is getting it better).

I have to agree, they have a bigger beef.

What's the response? It doesn't appear to be a random process. Is it geography? Rankings?

I'm not worked up, just disappointed. Like I said, this may be the best 1-2 punch the MWC has had to offer in a long time, and I just wish they had a path that allowed them to show that. We (the MWC) keep talking about a lack of respect and the response is we have to earn it. I'm OK with that, but it would be nice to have a chance to do so. With this draw, the chance is more limited than I would like.

[Greek Tragedy]

Are you sure you want to climb out that far on the limb, OS? I mean, after all, mighty Wisconsin Lutheran is a robust 14-14 on the year.

I'm a risk-taker, Greg.  I like to be bold.    I don't remember the first year the LMC got an AQ by the tourney champ, but it doesn't help that the LMC rep isn't the best team throughout the season.  In the last seven years, only once has the reg. season champ won the conference tourney.

[systemfan86]

The NCAA is so screwed up that they couldn't have favoritism if they tried...

That's a quote worth karma points if I ever saw one!  

[Greek Tragedy]

I have to agree, they have a bigger beef.

What's the response? It doesn't appear to be a random process. Is it geography? Rankings?

I'm not worked up, just disappointed. Like I said, this may be the best 1-2 punch the MWC has had to offer in a long time, and I just wish they had a path that allowed them to show that. We (the MWC) keep talking about a lack of respect and the response is we have to earn it. I'm OK with that, but it would be nice to have a chance to do so. With this draw, the chance is more limited than I would like.

Mostly georgraphy and travel expenses...the less flying the better.  Also, this is your BEST chance to earn respect.  Believe me, last year when York (Pa.) made it to the Final Four, they didn't get much respect in doing so because their part of the bracket was just horrible.  Needless to say, they got smoked.  I don't think Rochester got much love either because of their bracket.  The Midwest and Great Lakes regions always seem to have the toughest draws.

[systemfan86]

BTW, am I reading the bracket correctly? Larry won't play their first game at home, but if they win, they host the Sectional games?

I'm guessing that's a trade the Vikes would be willing to make. Any thoughts, Viking fans?

Anyone know when the conference will announce the All-MWC team, etc.?  I thought that was done during the conference tourney.  

[Greek Tragedy]

They host the winner of St. Thomas and North Central (played Thursday) on Saturday. 

Hosts for Sectionals, the following weekend, won't be known until a.) they know who advanced and b.) well, Sunday sometime!

[systemfan86]

They host the winner of St. Thomas and North Central (played Thursday) on Saturday. 

Hosts for Sectionals, the following weekend, won't be known until a.) they know who advanced and b.) well, Sunday sometime!

Thanks. I thought I had it wrong. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

They rank the teams in each region, but they have to move teams around based on geography.  Things got a little easier this year with four team pods, but they are still limited by travel expenses and the like.

[scottie]

For what it's worth, you may recall this year's football season when 4 out of the top 5 ranked teams (and Monmouth) were all in the West.  BRUTAL!

[iwumichigander]

I wouldn't just assume that North Central's going to beat St. Thomas on Thursday, OS. After all, the game's going to be played at Schoenecker Hall in the Twin Cities, home court of the Tommies.

I gotta agree with you Greg.  A long way to travel for North Central.  If North Central wins then likely going to spend Thursday night or Friday traveling to Lawrence.

A LarryU v North Central would be interesting matchup.  North Central with Anthony Simmons (6' 6" 225 Jr. 18.7 PPG .563 FG) & Dan Walton (6' 5" 200 Jr. 16.8 PPG  .616 FG) and Lawrence with Chris Braier (6'4" Sr. 15.7 PPG .478)

[LU_nut]

Looks  like the NCAA put North Central on the LU plan.....LU had to go to Minnesota last year to play on a thursday and then turn around and play at the best team in the country (Point), two days later.

At least they are consistent............................... 

[titan2000]

I can drive from Appleton to Naperville in 3.5 hours. 

It must be much further from Naperville to Appleton.