MBB Final: Louisiana 100, UT Arlington 79

[MetryCajun]

Obviously, I want to see us win the post-season tourney with a nice winning streak and secure the highest seed possible in the Big Dance. I was just wondering at what point is the NCAA shamed into giving a conference like the Belt two bids.

Unfortunately, we have no signature wins. I think it is conference championship or bust.

[Cajunfanatico]

Unfortunately, we have no signature wins. I think it is conference championship or bust.

Agreed, but my question still stands. Now, from what I understand, they're supposed to consider some other factors this year when awarding at-large bids.

I bet someone here knows the answer to this one. In recent years, what's the best RPI a team has had but has been left out of the tourney? Somewhere in the low 30's, high 20's?

[Million$Mullet]

Last year Illinois St. was 27-6 and unbeaten in conference I think going into the conference championship and lost. They got left out with an RPI of 39. I’m not saying the same would happen to the Cajuns but we have zero quality wins. BPI will be factored into selections this year as well. They are looking for reasons to keep the little guy out. We need to give them no reasons and just win the tournament.

Edit...they were 17-1 in conference with the loss being to 30-5 Wichita st. They also lost to them in the finals

[zephyr]

A question. I know the NCAA loves to give middle-of-the-conference P5's at-large bids, but is it still beyond the realm of possibility that if we win-out the regular season and make it to the Belt tournament finals before losing that game, that we'd get an at-large?

I would imagine at that point our RPI would be somewhere in the 30's.

No, not really. Remember, RPI is only one component to the selection process. The committee looks at record over last ten games, BPI which is a new metric that will actually help us but the real metric they look at when making those last at large selections when comparing a number of teams are wins versus top 25, 50 & 100. We don't stack up very well at that point unfortunately. I guess you can never say never but I'd put money that we would fall short. Teams like Kentucky, NC State, Oklahoma, Texas A & M, Arkansas will be fighting for those last at large spots just to name a few.

[zephyr]

Obviously, I want to see us win the post-season tourney with a nice winning streak and secure the highest seed possible in the Big Dance. I was just wondering at what point is the NCAA shamed into giving a conference like the Belt two bids.

The NCAA does not make the selections. The committee picked does. Unfortunately, the P5 schools tend to have much better RPI's since they play much better schedules and most tend to at least have one or two impressive wins that set them apart from a lot of the teams coming from conferences like the SBC

[zephyr]

This can’t be said enough....the guy locks down opponents top offensive threats night in and night out....and is consistently our top scoring threat...he’s having a hell of a year...

Yes he is. He started off well last year as well but really struggled from mid point of season on. This year, he has been so consistent and its been impressive. He is the best two way player we have. He would deserve POY.

[CajunDreDog]

Biggest thing from the win

With tonight's win over UTA, @RaginCajunsMBB has clinched a first round bye for the 2018 #SunBeltBBall tournament - scheduled for March 7-11 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.#FunBelt pic.twitter.com/rhQrUOuOxM

— #FunBelt (@SunBelt) February 18, 2018

[VObserver]

No, not really. Remember, RPI is only one component to the selection process. The committee looks at record over last ten games, BPI which is a new metric that will actually help us but the real metric they look at when making those last at large selections when comparing a number of teams are wins versus top 25, 50 & 100. We don't stack up very well at that point unfortunately. I guess you can never say never but I'd put money that we would fall short. Teams like Kentucky, NC State, Oklahoma, Texas A & M, Arkansas will be fighting for those last at large spots just to name a few.

BPI will not help us. Our RPI is now 41 and our BPI is stuck at 46, where it has been for a while. I have said from the beginning that BPI is not going to help people like us or Middle Tennessee.

[LaCajunsFan]

5104

Kind of dissapointed by that number, but i feel this was easily the noisiest, most-into-it crowd we've had all year. Really fun and great atmosphere and game! Pretty good student turn out too, with good participation from them as well. I was just also a little dussaointed that so many left with 3-4 minutes left...cmon, savorying the victory is the best part! Also a great way to show support for the guys.....and it surely makes up for having to put up with the traffic, etc. Come early and stay late!

[Grantvb]

Just finished watching the entire replay. Hervey is a very solid player, but he is an individual. Very selfish. He’s rsther shoot a bad look than pass to the open man. I found on 4-5 plays with Cajuns offense, he was in the backcourt, leaving his team 4 on 5. Not a team player or leader.

[zephyr]

BPI will not help us. Our RPI is now 41 and our BPI is stuck at 46, where it has been for a while. I have said from the beginning that BPI is not going to help people like us or Middle Tennessee.

BPI may be exactly what helps us. This metric is "how" you play. Win margin, points per game etc will go into effect and potentially help us match up with other schools who have better SOS or top 100 wins.

[CajunEXPRESS]

The NCAA does not make the selections. The committee picked does. Unfortunately, the P5 schools tend to have much better RPI's since they play much better schedules and most tend to at least have one or two impressive wins that set them apart from a lot of the teams coming from conferences like the SBC

Yes, after all they play half their games at home, and still lose over half. We get at best two or three tries mostly on the road, mostly to teams they also lost on the road to, and again in their tournaments.