Getting closerLast night's win moved our RPI up to 58. All other ratings now 30 or better (click on graphic below). Despite the crazy talk after the Providence game by some fans, this team and staff continue to make very good progress. A NCAA berth is within reach if they can stay focused and come away with a win against Creighton and perhaps a first round win in the Big East tournament.
A difficult loss to Providence could have left this team shaking their heads, but the Warriors output was one of the best of the season against a desperate Xavier squad playing at home for the last time. Tremendous job by the players and coaches to get this team ready. A lot riding on the Creighton game, but this team is playing lights out offensively and good enough defensively to get it done. Matt Heldt is no longer just a bit player, he is someone we can rely on for 20 minutes a game. The guards are shooting lights out, and despite size issues our rebounding is keeping teams honest.
Marquette's Ken Pom rating is nearly identical now to the 2013 Elite 8 squad at this point. Sagarin and BPI also very close. Though our defense is troublesome, no NCAA team is going to want to play this offensive juggernaut when we are shooting well.
Source:
Getting closer
