How can we be a 7?

[32NCAAs]

I just don't see where Lunardi gets this from.  Here are the numbers I see:

AP rank: 18
Coaches rank: 19
RPI: 23
SOS: 14
Conf: 10-6 (T-5; 2nd hardest schedule); 1-1 in tourney
vs Top 50: 5-5
vs Top 100: 8-8
Road/Neutral: 8-5

By comparison last year when we were a 7:

AP rank: unranked
Coaches rank: unranked
RPI: 31
SOS: 22
Conf: 10-6 (T-4); 0-1 in tourney
vs Top 50: 3-6
vs Top 100: 9-11
Road/Neutral: 6-8

The only negative differences are that this year we have 1 bad loss (NDSU) and a poorer home record. 

Personnally I think we are a low 5 or a high 6.  The 6 may be better if it keeps us away from the west coast (Spokane or Sacramento).  I know Lunardi is only one prediction but I fear the selection committee might see something like this and influence their seeding. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

Our RPI just moved up to 21 on a couple of services...CBS' RPI has us at 20 (then again one RPI has us at 28).


I'm guessing a 5 or a 6.

[mviale]

In my book, we are 4 or 5 - I think we looked sharp against pitt.  If we calm down with the turnovers and dont play an all-american like gray in the middle, we will be sweet 16.