Can we hold onto the 5 seed?

[ATWizJr]

Is my math wrong, or if we lose at Syr, could WV pass us with a win tonight and force to down to # 6?  We might then have to replay Syr?  What say you math majors?

[1990Warrior]

If WVU ties us, they hold the tie-breaker advantage.

The odds favor us holding onto the 5th.

[mug644]

If WVU ties us, they hold the tie-breaker advantage.

The odds favor us holding onto the 5th.

Why do you say the odds favor us? We play away at a tough arena, against a team fighting for its spot on the bubble. West Virginia, also fighting for a spot, hosts a team that has played short-handed for much of the season, and seems to be fading down the stretch.

(I do acknowledge that Syracuse, too, has played short-handed and seems worn out.)

That said, I'll be in Syracuse, rooting with all my might for us to hold onto our own destiny by winning!

[NavinRJohnson]

I think we'll beat Syracuse without too much trouble. Their lack of depth which has been an issue all year is clearly catching up with them in a big way. I just don't see any way they keep up with us at this point in teh season whether they are at home, playing for their lives, or whatever. Truth be told, not knowing what the tie breakers look like, I'm not sure they won't be playing for their Big East lives, as I think they may lose Wednesday as well.

[1990Warrior]

Mostly, because I think we are playing well right now and will win at Syracuse.

More has to happen for WVU to overtake us.  Should be an interesting game with Pitt tonight.

[Big Papi]

We should beat Syracuse.  With all of their injuries I think we are the better team and can see us forcing a lot of turnovers but I am worried about their zone defense.  I think we will cause enough turnovers to win the game.  Than we will see who we face in tourny.  Doesn't WV have two games remaining?  I know St. Johns is an after thought but it is a road game and they have won 5 games.

[ATWizJr]

Nothing is more dangerous than a wounded animal, defending it's den and it's life.  I'd be surprised if the Syracuse game was a walkover.

[Big Papi]

Nothing is more dangerous than a wounded animal, defending it's den and it's life.  I'd be surprised if the Syracuse game was a walkover.

Oh I don't think it will be easy.  We struggle against zones and unlike a majority of the teams that tried to zone us this year, this team plays it exclusively and that has me very worried.  The big key will be for us to get a lot of penetration and get the ball inside with our passing and quickness.  Need to make the refs blow the whistle even if it means we get called for a lot of fouls as well.  That works to our advantage against a very short handed team and run, run, run.

[NavinRJohnson]

Actually, as it always is for MU, the key will be to stop them on their end and turn defense into offense.

[robmufan]

I think Pitt will beat WVU, and WVU can't loose another game if they want a shot at the 5 seed.  I like are chance to stay at the 5 and get a chance to play ND and GU one more time!