Post by JWKunzman on Dec 11, 2017 11:27:27 GMT -6
I really wanted to argue hard against this, because I really enjoy the regular season and get really pissed off when we lose a game. In all reality it probably does not matter that much (for the non conference) for the reasons you stated. It's not like we are getting an at large bid. I still think the conference season matters. For one, the better you do in conference, the better path you create for yourself in the SLT. Also, it's nice to be able to call yourself conference champs. Obviously the true test of who is the best team in the conference is who is the regular season champs that is decided over the course of the season. Also, it guarantees yourself at least an NIT bid.
While the non conference is not as important, I still think there is some importance to it. If you are to win the SLT your overall body of work is going to determine the seed you get. State obviously had a shitty regular season last year and got the 16 seed. However, we have had conference champions get a 12 seed before which gives you a much better chance at winning a game or two. So for that reason the non conference is still important, and that game against Northern Colorado is going to continue to piss me off for the rest of the year. If we win the SLT I don't want a 14-16 seed, and if we go to the NIT I don't want an 8 seed.
On a side note, I really wish we could get some more home and homes with MVC teams. Even if we had to do 2 for 1's with teams like Northern Iowa that would be nice. I have to imagine we have tried to get those games.
Coach Smith at Lunch with the U said Northern Iowa won't come play us. Not sure if he was just using them as an example while talking about the MVC teams in general don't want to come play us, but I would assume you're right and we've tried. Makes perfect sense to play UNI in non-conference games.
As much as I would love a SLT title (especially if we beat state in the finals) and NCAA berth, the regular season title means more to me because of the grind it takes to win it. I'd rather have a good USD team make a deep run in the NIT than go play Duke or Kansas first round of NCAAs and lose. Nice to have for exposure to the program though.