First 4...

[dbav]

I just wanted to get some other opinions. I do not mind play in games (even if we're not supposed to call them that) and I get that they are here to stay. I just don't think that teams that get into the NCAAT by automatic bid should be forced to play in those games.

For instance, Robert Morris and North Florida had to play to see who would play us. I believe that was unfair because both of those teams did exactly what they were supposed to do by winning their conference tournaments. I certainly understand that at-large teams tend to be stronger than the winners of the weakest conferences, but I feel like the teams getting automatic bids are punished for doing exactly what they were supposed to do.

I think the format should be the 8 lowest ranked at-large teams should be forced to play in those First 4 games. Any opinions?

 

[Heyman25]

Originally posted by dbav:
I just wanted to get some other opinions. I do not mind play in games (even if we're not supposed to call them that) and I get that they are here to stay. I just don't think that teams that get into the NCAAT by automatic bid should be forced to play in those games.

For instance, Robert Morris and North Florida had to play to see who would play us. I believe that was unfair because both of those teams did exactly what they were supposed to do by winning their conference tournaments. I certainly understand that at-large teams tend to be stronger than the winners of the weakest conferences, but I feel like the teams getting automatic bids are punished for doing exactly what they were supposed to do.

I think the format should be the 8 lowest ranked at-large teams should be forced to play in those First 4 games. Any opinions?

I agree, dbav. Conference winners should not have to play a play-in game. OFC

 

[dukedevilz]

It might be the Committee's way for helping the #16 seed finally dethrone a #1 seed in the 1st round. The top two 16 seeds would have been 15 seeds a few years ago. East Tennesse State (2009), UNC Asheville (2012), and Southern (2013) are a few teams that came within a bucket or two of a monumental upset. I tend to agree though, play-in games are a disservice to the conference tournament champions. Perhaps some of the schools like the play-in game because it gives them a legitimate shot to win an NCAA Tourney game which would be hard to accomplish otherwise.

 

[QC Dukie]

I agree. Indiana and UCLA should have been in the "play in" games IMO. If you win your conference tournament, you should automatically be in the field of 64.

OFC