Dancin' Utes? Bracketologist Sees It
So, you're bummed out about the loss, right? Needing some holiday cheer? We have just the thing.
Looks like at least one influential commentator thinks quite highly of the Utes and their challenging schedule, with ESPN's Joe Lunardi figuring them for an 11th seed in the NCAA Tournament against Villanova in Kansas City, Mo.
Wouldn't that be something?
Obviously, Lunardi believes that playing what so far has been the 14th-toughest schedule in the country counts for a lot -- Lunardi has six of Utah's opponents reaching the tournament -- and that the Utes will reap some benefits once they enter Mountain West Conference play. Four of their five losses have come by a grand total of 10 points, too, and their opponents have a combined winning percentage of .659, presuming you count league opponents twice, to account for both upcoming meetings.
Given all of that, it's instructive to remember that the Oregon Ducks, for example, reached the NCAA Tournament last season with only 18 wins, the 38th-strongest schedule and a Ratings Percentage Index ranking of 61. Right now, the Utes are 36th in the RPI, according to RealTimeRPI.com, suggesting they might be a lock for the tournament if they can win another dozen games, even if they fall short of the conference tournament championship.
Now, don't you feel a little better about things?
Looks like at least one influential commentator thinks quite highly of the Utes and their challenging schedule, with ESPN's Joe Lunardi figuring them for an 11th seed in the NCAA Tournament against Villanova in Kansas City, Mo.
Wouldn't that be something?
Obviously, Lunardi believes that playing what so far has been the 14th-toughest schedule in the country counts for a lot -- Lunardi has six of Utah's opponents reaching the tournament -- and that the Utes will reap some benefits once they enter Mountain West Conference play. Four of their five losses have come by a grand total of 10 points, too, and their opponents have a combined winning percentage of .659, presuming you count league opponents twice, to account for both upcoming meetings.
Given all of that, it's instructive to remember that the Oregon Ducks, for example, reached the NCAA Tournament last season with only 18 wins, the 38th-strongest schedule and a Ratings Percentage Index ranking of 61. Right now, the Utes are 36th in the RPI, according to RealTimeRPI.com, suggesting they might be a lock for the tournament if they can win another dozen games, even if they fall short of the conference tournament championship.
Now, don't you feel a little better about things?
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 4:09 PM |
4 Comments:
Michael, you do a fine job of spinning the Utes basketball program in a positive way. That's great. Ute fans expect to get positive information when they read your stuff and you do your best to provide it. Never mind losses to SW Baptist and Idaho State and players tripping other players. Never mind a coach who is not in full command of his own emotions. You make Ute fans happy, someone pays you to do it. Good for you.
I guess it could still happen, but eventually we will have to win instead of just losing close games. I'm not sure I can see that happening. I'm impressed that Boylen still has these guys believing after so many close losses. Can anyone remember a worse string of close losses for any team in any sport? They're the Kansas City Chiefs of the NCAA.
Michael, it's true, you do make us Ute fans happy. Thanks for the great blog. Now if only we could get critics and haters like Gnaven out of here, we could be really happy.
Give Boylen a chance--no give him some players with heart. I could box out Kim Tilley & I sit in the 10th row.
I think Boylen should be suspended for two games for his childish behavior. If Luka Duka had to sit two games for losing his emotions, then the ever so mature Boylen should have to sit as well. It would be nice to go to a game and not see an ape on the sidelines acting like a clown. Go Utes, FIRE BOYLEN! Michael is awesome!
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