MUScoop
MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: HoopsMalone on February 22, 2010, 12:05:52 PM
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http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology
When I look at Bracketology, I see a few mid-majors ahead of us. They deserve it, but we would be lucky to draw them since typically mid-majors do not have top 100 talent at the 4 or 5 spot. We never got into a rhythm last year against Utah State and still beat them (and they even had a post presence). I'd take my chances going head to head with guards and shooters any day.
So, the best matchup I can see if getting the 11 seed and playing Northern Iowa with New Mexico as the 3 seed in the second round. I also see Butler and Richmond out there as non BCS/A-10/Memphis/Gonzaga teams.
Anyone know if we would handle these mid majors? Or I am being overly optimistic? If (and it is still if) we get in as a 10, 11, or 12 seed, we need a good draw to do anything.
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I think we would match up real well against Butler. There losses have been to Minnesota, Georgetown, Clemson and UAB. Not only is Georgetown a common opponent, but so is Xavier who they only beat by one...oh and UWM.
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I agree with don't want athletic big men (especially more than one) in terms of matchups. I think the best matchup for Marquette are good offensive teams that are not particularly great on defense. Every team that has beaten us this year other than DePaul and NC State are really good defensive teams.
Some example matchups (not all Mid Majors or 6 seeds per your post) that I like...
New Mexico: one good big man (Hardman sp?); #71 in defense
California: Boykin is a good big man but he is really it; #85 in Pomeroy defense
Vanderbilt: again, only one really good big man (Ogilvy); #53 in defense
Washington: one good big man; #45 in defense
UNLV: no good big men; #40 in defense
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According to the current Sagarin ratings,
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/bkt0910.htm
MU is ranked 30th with a Predictor of 86.4,
New Mex is 22 with Predictor of 84.17,
NIowa is 33 with Predictor of 82.78
According to this, MU would be favored to win by 2.5 over New Mexico and by 3.5 points over Northern Iowa.
For whatever that's worth.