MBB: Landmark Conference

[saratoga]

If the Royals lose again to Drew tomorrow, their blip may be off the radar screen for another 8 years.
Contender or pretender??

[ronk]

  Lot of ways the remaining games could go: 5 wins out of 8(beating teams in the 2nd half that they already beat in the 1st half) and winning a semi in the playoffs could be enough for an at-large berth.

[saratoga]

Of course there are multiple ways the last games can go...not arguing that point.
Just saying the rubber is about to meet the road in these final games.
Do they step up or step out of the way?
I would not trust an at large berth to a single win venture in the Landmark playoffs.
Body of work against really solid teams just isn't there.

[ronk]

 In the new NPI world, the body of work against solid teams isn't quite as important a factor. Currently, the Royals stand 9th in projected at-large teams with 21 bids allowed. However, historically, approximately 5 bid thieves(teams that upset a top 21 team in a conference playoff) arise each year, teams ranking 17-21 could miss out in that scenario.
  With 15 wins currently, the Royals get a NPI bump with each additional win; that is, they get to drop from their NPI computation their lowest opponent NPI element for each additional win. A win tomorrow v Drew would be a big help.

[saratoga]

It most certainly would be a big help.
Can they do it?
Massey says Drew by 4.
Will it be a big win on the road or another repeat of Wilkes?

[NEPAFAN]

I think Drew will be down a big ( not sure who) I was watching the game and it looked like he had a bad ankle injury.  Might have to re-evaluate that line.