Feeling less confident about NCAA tournament hopes

[Cover3]

No no no, that isn't true. Depaul brings gobs of ppl. Creighton, too. Long Beach State also travels EXTREMELY well.

Although I disagree with Dodger's conclusion that Wisconsin and Minnesota hold any significant degree of national cachet that Iowa doesn't, I do think his statement is getting unfairly broadened. He's not saying no teams that aren't 'name brand' get into the tournament. What he's saying is that if two teams have indistinguishable records, RPIs, SOS, and quality wins/losses, that the more reputed program will get the bid. I'm inclined to agree, although it doesn't come up very often, as most teams on the bubble (usually no more than 4-6 per year) don't differ greatly in reputation.

[kicker22]

Although I disagree with Dodger's conclusion that Wisconsin and Minnesota hold any significant degree of national cachet that Iowa doesn't, I do think his statement is getting unfairly broadened. He's not saying no teams that aren't 'name brand' get into the tournament. What he's saying is that if two teams have indistinguishable records, RPIs, SOS, and quality wins/losses, that the more reputed program will get the bid. I'm inclined to agree, although it doesn't come up very often, as most teams on the bubble (usually no more than 4-6 per year) don't differ greatly in reputation.

Not sure what I think about this. While national attention plays a role, how big a role is unknown. Let's be honest, it's the NCAA tournament people will pay and watch regardless of who is playing.

[ssckelley]

Iowa needs to start beating teams like Wichita State and Virginia Tech if they ever hope to get into the NCAA tournament. The fact that Iowa has not lost to a "Campbell" has helped but at some point you have to start beating top 50 teams. Tonight presents another opportunity for Iowa to beat a team that may end up top 50, Iowa needs this game tonight.

[docholihawk]

Would love to see CHA rocking tonight. We need the home court advantage. I have a feeling it's going to be full and loud.

[mrolympia]

I think the Iowa's officially relevant again in the eyes of the selection committee.

[BasketballMan]

I think the Iowa's officially relevant again in the eyes of the selection committee.

Yep. One win in December will do that for you.

[ssckelley]

I think the Iowa's officially relevant again in the eyes of the selection committee.

Yes, this win was huge. Next one is against UNI, they should be a top 100 team.

[bcl20]

Yes, this win was huge. Next one is against UNI, they should be a top 100 team.

Western Kentucky could finish there too. That'd be nice. It would also be nice if Gardner-Webb made a miracle run.

[ssckelley]

Western Kentucky could finish there too. That'd be nice. It would also be nice if Gardner-Webb made a miracle run.

That would be nice. Gardner Webb is hard telling, Iowa would have blown them out tonight.

[jacknicholson]

That would be nice. Gardner Webb is hard telling, Iowa would have blown them out tonight.

WE literally destroyed them the second half. Total domination......

Wichita State, Virginia Tech and Western Kentucky are good teams and could very well be on the brink at the end of the season. Beating the Clones is a big plus......

[redhawk55]

ISU was rated 35th by the pomeroy ratings and Iowa rated 61st
WSU is 28th
VT as of now is 67th and UNI is 73rd,. these wil all help Iowa's SOS, and if VT keeps winning theirs will go even higher
5 of the BT are in the top 15 with 4 of them in the top 10 of Pomeroy rankings. of which Iowa plays all 5 in the 1st 6 games of BT play. the only team not in the top 15 is NW and they are rated 78th
so thru the next 9 games they play 7 in the top 80 as of now. no sense worring about SOS

[sportstalent]

I have had zero worries about NCAA tournament. If Iowa beat UNI, then there are no more bumps until Indiana comes to town and Iowa knocks them off, same for MSU.

If Iowa can garner splits with Wisky/Minny along with the aforementioned upsets and beat everyone else they are supposed too, they are in easily. A whole lot of ifs in there, but that is what predictions are about to begin with.

The two losses Iowa has had do not hurt them at all, if VT/WSU don't fall flat on their faces in conference play; they will be those good losses that Iowa seems to never have. It will also look good on VT/WSU resumes as well, which will help Iowa in the end, granted they play well in their respective conferences.

[ChosenChildren]

We need to beat UNI. Should be a ton of Hawkeye fans in the Well. That is the sole focus right now

[redhawk55]

ISU dropped to 37th, after losing to Iowa, and Iowa moves up to 54th
this is showing that Iowa is not a bad loss, and is improving their image in the eyes of the people that do the rankings

[GhostofBTT]

We still don't know if this team can win on the road.