MBB: Landmark Conference

[San Juan]

Dave maybe in your eyes the criteria has to be 20 wins or else.I notice the only time you refer to 20 wins is if Scranton doesn't hit that criteria.Let someone from the Midwest have the exact same record you never mention that when posting it in any other region.Just because in your eyes 20 is always your number with Scranton I am pretty sure the NCAA does not look at it like you.God for bid you were ever on the committee you would never put Scranton in.If I am wrong I admit it you on the other hand never take ownership for your comments.Scranton has 7 losses out of those 7 4 came to regionally ranked teams Susquehanna number 2 in the region twice Catholic number 4 in the region Twice and then they beat CNU AT CNU and Susquehanna at Susquehanna two top teams in the region bottom line is The NCAA looks at the whole picture not just you didn't make it to the Championship or 20 win season.Maybe you should just sit back and for once drink some off the Scranton Kool aid.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I just knew you were going to feel the need to comment on Scranton in the post seasons and react negatively. Just like you haven't had them in your Top 25 the whole year ( save 1 week maybe). No surprises here, when it comes to you and Scranton.

Dave maybe in your eyes the criteria has to be 20 wins or else.I notice the only time you refer to 20 wins is if Scranton doesn't hit that criteria.Let someone from the Midwest have the exact same record you never mention that when posting it in any other region.Just because in your eyes 20 is always your number with Scranton I am pretty sure the NCAA does not look at it like you.God for bid you were ever on the committee you would never put Scranton in.If I am wrong I admit it you on the other hand never take ownership for your comments.Scranton has 7 losses out of those 7 4 came to regionally ranked teams Susquehanna number 2 in the region twice Catholic number 4 in the region Twice and then they beat CNU AT CNU and Susquehanna at Susquehanna two top teams in the region bottom line is The NCAA looks at the whole picture not just you didn't make it to the Championship or 20 win season.Maybe you should just sit back and for once drink some off the Scranton Kool aid.

::beating my head into the table and wall::

PLEASE reread what I wrote... PLEASE. You aren't reading it if you think I said 20+ wins is the only way to get into the tournament. To help, let me quote myself.

Listen, Scranton has a nice SOS number, but so will pretty much most of those at the table when they get there. They will be sitting with other teams who have 20-wins and less losses. They will also be there with teams with similiar resumes. The trick will come down to what does the committee do - take the better WL% or lean on the SOS. I have already been told this year when breaking a tie - the committee is going to go with WL%.

There is plenty of talk, and I have said it, that realizes there will be 7, 8, even 9 or loss teams at the table. To get those losses you can't have 20 wins - not possible for most (ODAC and others being an exception). Thus... 19, 18, even 17 win teams will be at the table. I can start rattling off teams that will be in that boat like NJCU if you would like.

I am not saying that Scranton is not getting into the tournament because they didn't win 20 games. What I am saying is that I think their resume would be better and their chances would be better if they had 20 wins. It would also boost other parts of their resume accordingly and all of that is important. I have not said they are out. I have said I think they are in trouble. There some major differences in those two statements. Out versus trouble. Please understand the difference.

San Juan as for your statements... I going to respond part by part so you get what I am saying...

Dave maybe in your eyes the criteria has to be 20 wins or else.

Again... didn't say it was my criteria. Didn't say it was a criteria. I said it would better their resume. Big difference.

I notice the only time you refer to 20 wins is if Scranton doesn't hit that criteria.

BS - the 20-win plateau or the 7/8 loss line is a major talking point across the board. Anyone who has a better than .667 winning percentage is the conversation. Anyone who has more wins than someone else is in better shape. Same with SOS; higher the better. However, there is a line of demarcation and NCC last season had 8-losses with a great SOS - didn't make the tournament. Furthermore, there will be teams who have 20+ wins who will NOT make the tournament if they don't win their conference AQs: Lancaster Bible, PSU-Behrend, St. Vincent, Northwestern (Minn.), maybe even Johnson and Wales. I have pointed them out a lot. This isn't a damn thing about Scranton. If Catholic or Susquehanna had the same resume, my thoughts would be the same.

Let someone from the Midwest have the exact same record you never mention that when posting it in any other region.

Not sure what you are trying to say here... but I have said I think Elmhurst is in trouble if they don't win the AQ. I think Chicago is in trouble, said that for weeks especially on Hoopsville. Again, there are teams I mentioned above who will NOT make the tournament with more wins than Scranton and far worse records. Not once have I said Scranton is NOT in the tournament... but you keep reading as if I have.

Just because in your eyes 20 is always your number with Scranton I am pretty sure the NCAA does not look at it like you.God for bid you were ever on the committee you would never put Scranton in.

Funny... I've been picking at-large teams for several years and have picked Scranton several times. I also talk to the committees a LOT especially this time of year to better understand how selections may go. I am pulling information left and right to do my best to gauge who I think is in and who I think is out. Last year, Pat and I (along with some assistance from those we trust) picked 19 of 19 on the men's side. A lot of those late picks Pat leaned on what I had "gleaned" in terms of information on regional rankings. I am not pulling stuff out of thin air.

If I am wrong I admit it you on the other hand never take ownership for your comments.

I am just going to call BS on this. You admit when I am wrong ALL of the time. No one is perfect and by no means do I think I am. If I am wrong, I will admit it. Feel free to ask around... heck, listen to my show once in a blue moon. It happens and I will be the first to admit it. As for your record, I have no way of knowing if you do admit or not when you are wrong, so I can't speak to it.

Scranton has 7 losses out of those 7 4 came to regionally ranked teams Susquehanna number 2 in the region twice Catholic number 4 in the region Twice and then they beat CNU AT CNU and Susquehanna at Susquehanna two top teams in the region bottom line is The NCAA looks at the whole picture not just you didn't make it to the Championship or 20 win season.Maybe you should just sit back and for once drink some off the Scranton Kool aid.

Yep... the NCAA looks at the entire picture, but they don't look at losses as much as they look at wins on the men's side (women look more at losses, actually). That's why I pointed out Scranton's record against those with .600 winning percentages or better. It currently sits at 2-6. I know for a fact that a similar record, despite a better WL% is what has kept DeSales sitting third in the Atlantic regional rankings instead of higher (along with a weak vRRO). Scranton's vRRO is now 2-4 and while the committee treats that number more than just a WL%, they will see four losses including sweeps by Catholic and a 1-2 versus Susquehanna. Outside of conference games, which the committee will also break out, Scranton is 1-0 with their only out-of-conference game of any significance being a the only loss handed to CNU. THIS is a very nice result that the committee clearly is giving Scranton credit for.

So Scranton has eight games of their 26 (31% of their schedule) against teams with a winning record of .600 or better (a threshold I didn't pick, the committee has chosen) and they are 2-6 in those games (.250). Scranton has played six games against those who are currently regionally ranked (always subject to change, but in Scranton's case not likely; no one is going to enter or leave the rankings that they have faced)... they are 2-4 (.333) in those games - but have won their only out-of-conference regionally ranked game. Scranton's SOS is .555, but I need to see it on Sunday to better understand what it may do (while some teams they have played will win, most will lose) by the end.

It all adds up to a mixed bag for me. From what I have been able to learn, the committee doesn't like some of that resume while liking other parts. I feel if they had won against Susquehanna they would actually have put themselves in the driver's seat.

Again, you may not like what I have to say... but replace "Scranton" for anyone else's name with the same resume and my feelings would not be different. NJCU, same trouble and they have some better results than Scranton; Elmhurst and Chicago may be in trouble, and they have better results than Scranton. Scranton will most likely get to the table, but their resume has to be more than SOS to get them into the tournament. I am not sure if it is good enough or not - because here's the biggest factor: who is left at the table and how many spots are available to pick?! We don't know that last part... thus why I have NOT said they are OUT. SMH

By the way... I will never drink the Kool-Aid of anyone. I can't even drink the Kool-Aid of my own alma mater. It may have been nice to get ten wins this season, but there is a LOT of work to do there before we are seriously talking about Goucher in anything.

[San Juan]

Dave calling the kettle black my friend.Say something about Goucher an you don't like it either.The bottom line is we both have the right to defend our teams.Your a Goucher fan and I am a proud Scranton fan.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I will defend my alma mater if I feel it needs to be defended. But I have been in this "business" covering Division III and being a broadcaster/producer long enough to develop a non-cheer mentality. You can ask my wife... it is hard for me to even get up and cheer at Ravens, Orioles, or Cubs games - let alone in the house - because I have sat at press row or in press boxes for 20 years. Heck, outside of my student-days when I traveled to Goucher away games... I usually sit not doing a damn bit of cheering at their games - it isn't my job to cheer. Sadly, it then affects my "fandom," but I have no problems with that if I can look at my alma mater in an abstract and neutral way... and someday it would be nice to have to sit here contemplating if Goucher deserves an at-large bid... or where they should be ranked or bracketed. But until then...

[NEPAFAN]

Give me a better result that NJCU had please maybe I am missing it:

4/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      The College of New Jersey 92, New Jersey City University 82     Box score 02/17/16     Camden, NJ      New Jersey City University 76, Rutgers-Camden 53     Box score 02/13/16     Jersey City (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 82, Montclair State University 59     Box score 02/10/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 68, Stockton University 61     Box score 02/08/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 97, University of Valley Forge 47     Box score 02/06/16     Ewing, NJ (Packer Hall)      New Jersey City University 81, The College of New Jersey 56     Box score 02/03/16     Mahwah, NJ (Bradley Center)      Ramapo College 80, New Jersey City University 73 (OT)     Box score 02/01/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 79, Kean University 52     Box score 01/30/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 88, Rowan University 81     Box score 01/27/16     Wayne, NJ (Rec Center)      New Jersey City University 85, William Paterson University 81     Box score 01/20/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 63, Rutgers-Newark 59     Box score 01/16/16     Montclair, NJ (Panzer Athletic Center)      Montclair State University 72, New Jersey City University 71     Box score 01/13/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 78, Rutgers University-Camden 65     Box score 01/09/16     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      The College of New Jersey 76, New Jersey City University 74     Box score 01/06/16     Galloway, NJ (Stockton Sports Center)      New Jersey City University 74, Stockton University 69     Box score 12/30/15     Bronx, NY (The APEX)      Western Connecticut State U. 84, New Jersey City University 65     Box score 12/29/15     Bronx, NY (The APEX)      Buffalo State College 119, New Jersey City University 116 (2OT)     Box score 12/12/15     Union, NJ (Harwood Arena)      New Jersey City University 78, Kean University 62     Box score 12/09/15     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 87, Ramapo College 73     Box score 12/05/15     Glassboro, NJ (Esby Gym)      New Jersey City University 87, Rowan University 85     Box score 12/02/15     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 70, William Paterson University 64     Box score 11/30/15     Jersey City, NJ (John J. Moore AFC)      New Jersey City University 74, York College (NY) 70     Box score 11/24/15     Newark, NJ (The Golden Dome Arena)      New Jersey City University 69, Rutgers-Newark 62     Box score 11/21/15     Grantham, PA      New Jersey City University 74, Messiah College 66     Box score 11/20/15     Grantham, PA      Franklin & Marshall College 79, New Jersey City University 67     Box score 11/18/15     Brooklyn, NY      Brooklyn College 94, New Jersey City University 86     Box score

[pg04]

TGHIJGSTO!!!

[Reserved Seat]

F&M has 20 wins and a win over the number 1 team in the Atlantic Region, and unless they win their conference play-offs I, also, worry they will not make the tournament.  Last year at 20-6 they failed to make the tournament.  Sometimes strength of schedule is overrated especially when some teams jell late in the season, like Dickinson this year.  Dickinson started 2-9 and could easily win the Centennial Conference with a young squad.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

NEPA - NJCU has a 8-5 record against teams above .600 and they are 4-2 vRRO including a sweep of Stockton and Rutgers-Newark in their favor (for now). Unfortunately in comparison, Scranton has a worse v60 record and vRRO results in comparison EXCEPT their win over CNU which is their trump card.

AND NJCU is in just as much danger, if not more danger/trouble, as Scranton. I don't believe I argued NJCU was getting into the tournament to begin with... or in over Scranton.

[ronk]

I honestly don't think they have a good chance. Scranton needed to get to the conference finals to at least put themselves in a better position because another win, especially over a regionally ranked opponent, would have done wonders for their resume. I hate to be blunt and I will admit I haven't poured my head into the numbers fully as of yet, but I just don't like the situation they have put themselves in.

I agree they're in a bad position, but if we don't have too many upsets, they'll get a hearing at least.  Not sure if they'll make it, but their SOS is good enough to get them to the table, I think.

Yeah... really depends on how many upsets there are. Their SOS entering the week was a .542... it currently is a .555... it will shift again, but not sure which direction. They are now 2-4 vRRO when they could have been 3-3 and I think that is where I am the most concerned. Also, their have a 2-6 record against teams with a better than .600 record (Cabrini just fell below that threshold) and I know when the national committee is looking at secondary criteria and get to overall record, they are looking at that factor. That doesn't bode well for Scranton.

I honestly don't think they have a good chance. Scranton needed to get to the conference finals to at least put themselves in a better position because another win, especially over a regionally ranked opponent, would have done wonders for their resume. I hate to be blunt and I will admit I haven't poured my head into the numbers fully as of yet, but I just don't like the situation they have put themselves in.

Shocker 

I realize you don't like it when people speak ill about Scranton especially when it apparently comes from me. But I don't drink the Kool-Aid and I take it from a much larger perspective, clearly.

Listen, Scranton has a nice SOS number, but so will pretty much most of those at the table when they get there. They will be sitting with other teams who have 20-wins and less losses. They will also be there with teams with similiar resumes. The trick will come down to what does the committee do - take the better WL% or lean on the SOS. I have already been told this year when breaking a tie - the committee is going to go with WL%. That coupled with the fact that Scranton is .250 against those who win 60% of their games or more... makes me think Scranton is in trouble. Like it or not. A win over Susquehanna would have given them 20-wins, boosted their vRRO to 3-3 (and promised 3-4 at worse), and raised their v60 to .300 at worse (considering a loss in the title game to make them a Pool C team to enter this equation)... all of which is a far better resume in a very crowded Pool C field this year.

  Now we're really upset(along with Mailsy) that the ref at Cabrini-Neumann may have cost Scranton an NCAA berth.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

It would have been a one-shot Tech.. how much did that actually hurt them? Might be a good debate, that's for sure.

[San Juan]

Dave you said I think Scranton fell short.I was replying to ronks statement about the Royals getting in.I agreed and said with there sos of 555 and a couple nice wins they will get in.Then you replied with your bs comments Dave so read your post before trying to defend your statements.I also have alot of knowledge I have been following d3 before there was a d3hoops program.I have my opinion about my specific team nothing wrong with that and if they don't get in I will accept that.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Dave you said I think Scranton fell short.I was replying to ronks statement about the Royals getting in.I agreed and said with there sos of 555 and a couple nice wins they will get in.Then you replied with your bs comments Dave so read your post before trying to defend your statements.I also have alot of knowledge I have been following d3 before there was a d3hoops program.I have my opinion about my specific team nothing wrong with that and if they don't get in I will accept that.

But I didn't reply to you! Did I quote you in my next reply? NO! SMH

And please tell me how stating facts and giving my opinion based on those facts is BS?

[mailsy]

It would have been a one-shot Tech.. how much did that actually hurt them? Might be a good debate, that's for sure.

Just throwing my 2 cents in. It did hurt Cabrini. Even 1 FT would have possibly tied the game. Getting the ball back or going into OT. Yeah.... it would have made a difference.   

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Thanks... wasn't sure how it all would have played out since I wasn't able to wrap my mind around the situation.

[saratoga]

Hoopsfan:

Here's a novel idea...
Try having your team ready from the time they take the court rather than finding ways to come back from 22 point first half deficits.

This is at least the 5th conference game they have been behind by huge numbers before the half.

Also, not so sure Scranton did anything magical other than the fact that Susquehanna's shooting cooled off.

If you truly made some adjustments, you would have found a way to get over 45 minutes of starter time to score at least 1 freakin point.

I truly hope the NCAA God's (minus Dave's editorial), give the Royal's some love by extending them a bid to the tournament.

I would love to see Brenden get the chance to break Scranton's "unbreakable record" in an actual meaningful game.
This kid has left his heart on the court each & every game & deserves 1 last shot at showing a national audience what he brings game in & game out.

Truly the best player to wear the purple & white in at least 10 years.