Get schooled.
Depending on the outcome of tonight’s game in Philadelphia, we could see the first NCAA Tournament bid awarded, or the drama could extend to the end of the regular season — and possibly beyond. Elsewhere, a pair of New York teams eyeing contention next season look to close out strong at home against second-division opponents, while two coaches in very different positions face off in Princeton.
With both Patriot League enemies breezing into the semifinals, the odds of a team other than Bucknell or Holy Cross winning that lead drop. Thursday is all about the Big South and Southern conferences, with three important games on tap. And in non-tournament action, losses by Sam Houston State and Long Beach State would help out by worsening both teams’ resumes.
Winthrop had no problem in its Big South Conference Tournament opener, easily dispatching Charleston Southern in a game that wasn’t expected to be close. Therefore, there are no changes in the s-curve. Up north, the regular season Patriot League co-champs begin postseason play tonight at home, and should the Patriot League bid go to another team, that’s great news for the Ivy representative.
The Ivy League’s automatic NCAA Tournament bid hasn’t been awarded, but conference tournament play begins tonight, so the Seed Watch is beginning using the same methodology for projecting the Ivy League representative as is used for the other conferences: the highest rated/seeded team still alive. The “Enemies” list is done with this in mind, however the “Allies” list won’t appear until the Ivy League title is won.
With Yale’s victory over Cornell last night, everything seems to be falling into place for the much-awaited rematch with Penn next Friday. But first, both sides still need to handle their business tonight against fifth-place opponents. Elsewhere, a former contender looks to get back on its feet against a hot foe, and two rivals square off with seventh place on the line.