...the way this season has ended for so many in the B1G. Don't know if I'm excited or scared to death!
It's Going to be a Bloodbath in Washington...
- Thread starter BoilerGal74
- Start date
I know what you mean, but at least we got the # 1 seed, so at least it may be hard to have a "bad" lose if we aren't successful. We just need to play to our potential and I like our chances!
Was just looking at our possible paths in DC. I like our position far better than anyone else. Really hoping for Minnesota and Maryland wins this weekend and I think that would be a really good bracket for us.
Any scenario in the BTTsemis would be a tough game for us. If you are hoping to play the potential Wisky/MSU 4-5 game winner, both teams would be hungry to get their first W vs Purdue this season. It would be great to win 3 in one season vs Whiney.
There are still some scenarios that could really shake-up the seedings for the BTT. Maryland and Michigan State are essentially playing for the #3 seed. Minnesota could end up with the #2 seed. If Wisconsin goes down again and Northwestern beats Purdue, Wisconsin could fall all the way to #6 seed. Maryland could end up as the #5.
It should be an interesting tournament. The Boilers just need to execute and play well....no matter whom they play. Chances are, they'll get some of these hot teams.
It should be an interesting tournament. The Boilers just need to execute and play well....no matter whom they play. Chances are, they'll get some of these hot teams.
While I would prefer us not to lose our first game, I'd rather be challenged in the BTT. If we're challenged and we still win - that's great. If we're challenged and we lose, I'll get over it. Given the imbalance in the conference schedule, I wouldn't mind facing teams that have elements that challenge us - whether it's Michigan again with athletic big guys, Maryland with a wide variety of personnel (which we were very fortunate to walk out with a win) or Wisconsin (although they have not looked the same, still a challenging big man) - even Penn State, who had some athletic guys who gave Swanigan fits.
Those wouldn't be easy but I feel they are easier than Minnesota or Maryland (as the default "home" team). Everyone keeps saying they are scared of MSU and Izzo in March and I just don't get it. He just doesn't have a good team this year. We should beat them 8 or 9 times out of 10 away from East Lansing. Their guards scare me absolutely not at all and we have the better big men. And Wisconsin? Their recent play speaks for itself.
We're going to be challenged in any/every game we play. There's potential for us to face a team that beat us every round. There's a high likelihood that our first game will be Michigan and I'm fine with that. They are probably our worst matchup and they got us once in Ann Arbor but haven't been good away this season and I don't think they'll be able to exploit those same matchups as well in a rematch.
I hear what you're saying, TC, and I tend to agree. I think Purdue matches up very well with both Michigan State and Wisconsin. The one thing that could change, particularly with Michigan State, would be if Purdue's front line or DM had some foul trouble. You never know how these games or match-ups will play out. Yeah, Minnesota and Michigan probably match-up the toughest for the Boilers....but a lot of times, it's just which team executes the game plan, limits the turnovers and hits FT's. The FT line has been a big plus for Purdue this year.....a welcomed change from the recent past.
There's been a lot of pressure on the Boilers the last few weeks, coming from behind in the standings....some of it started to show. I'll be interested to see how they respond now that "some" of that is off......so-to-speak. There is always something to play for, however.
Obviously foul trouble could get us in any matchup but I don't feel we're at any greater risk of that against MSU than anyone else. I do think they are at a much greater risk of foul trouble trying to guard our post players though.
Probably not at any greater or less risk, TC....unless it's the Bo and Lamont show in DC.
Ward and Goins were both in foul trouble in both games, and I think Ward only played like 12 min the first game....wouldn't mind that continuing if there's a third match-up.
As wide open a BTT as I can remember. To bad no one will be in DC to watch it. Especially if Md or PSU get knocked out early.
Ah yes. Add them to the list. Don't know if there is a scenario where we would play Nebraska, Michigan, and Minnesota for our 3 games, but that would be great.
There probably is one but it would probably require Nebraska to either meet us in the semis or the championship so it's extremely unlikely.
I like this. We have a good shot at playing Minnesota, but the chances of playing Nebraska are probably slim.
we need michigan to win at nebraska.. that guarantees that we dont play them in the 1 vs 8 seed matchup. We would likely then get winner of Iowa and Illinois, both of which are also playing really well, but I feel we matchup with much better.
I would love to play wisconsin or michigan state deep in the tourney as both I feel we just matchup great with.
Would like to avoid Minnesota, Michigan, and Maryland if possible
I would love to play wisconsin or michigan state deep in the tourney as both I feel we just matchup great with.
Would like to avoid Minnesota, Michigan, and Maryland if possible
I'll be happy as long as Minnesota isn't the #4 seed. And even if they are, there's no reason to duck anybody in this conference.
I'll be there! ha
I think there will be crowds, but the problem is primarily the last 2 days, especially the championship game. And I think there will be crowds, but not remotely full. The people that travel will fill the lower two levels, but there won't be an influx of any fan base based on how the tournament goes, except Maryland. In Indy, you had Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, etc. within a day trip. Same with Chicago. If it ends up being Minnesota vs. Michigan in the championship game, other than some of those local alumni showing up, there won't be 5,000 Michigan fans traveling from AA.
Yeah, it's just too far a trip for the BTT. If it was the NCAAs, it would be worth it. I've been to DC several times, my wife and kids have been, so it's just not real compelling for us. It won't be a good look if CBS is televising a half full Verizon Center for the final.
I really don't like the BTT being in DC. Next year it is in MSG, if I am not mistaken. I get it that the BIG wants to branch out to the east, but Chicago or Indy seem much more appropriate venues for the heart of the Big Ten and its fan base. Maryland has a big advantage, playing so close to home, although the way they are playing lately maybe it won't matter. As far as our matchups, I really don't want to play Michigan in our first game. If it ends up being Illinois and Iowa in the 8/9 game, I would rather play Illinois. Although getting revenge on Iowa would be nice. We will need to play our best over 3 days if we want to add the Big Ten Tournament Trophy to go along with our regular season trophy! I don't think any of the games will be easy wins!
Wouldn't be surprised if it was some sort of promise to Maryland and Rutgers.
The thing that seems stupid to me is doing DC and NYC back-to-back. I'm guessing most of the people who bought all-session passes from schools are traveling from those locations. Not sure if there will be strong interest two years in a row to go on significant trips. The problem with basketball in these two places is that there are 3 schools within driving distance for fans - Rutgers, Maryland and Penn State. And as we know, two of those are not basketball schools whatsoever.
As I had mentioned, the Big Ten has had struggles even in Chicago/Indy selling out, and when you start eliminating teams, attendance starts tumbling. Even Purdue/MSU last year - in Purdue's backyard - wasn't sold out. If Maryland isn't in the championship game, I'd be surprised if there were more than 8,000 people there. And DC is not a college sports town that will have locals excited to go.
It's like in the NFL, you build a new stadium and you get a Super Bowl. MD and Rutgers join and they get a BTT tournament close to them. Hopefully once that is satisfied it will go back to Indy and Chicago. They may not have been sellouts for every game but the attendance won't be close in DC and NY. It's just too far and expensive for too many schools.
I just hope we don't play MD early. Playing in DC is basically playing at Maryland. Just my opinion.
My understanding is Maryland is locked in as the 3. Accordingly, Purdue and Maryland could only meet in the BTT championship game.
My hope is that we meet Minnesota in the semifinals. That'd be our biggest opportunity for a good RPI win just before selection Sunday. Tomorrow @NW and this possible Minn semifinals matchup would both look really good.
As I understand it....
We will play the winner of Illinois/Michigan UNLESS Penn State beats Iowa and Michigan beats Nebraska.
In that situation, we would play the winner of Illinois/Iowa.
In all of the other scenarios, the 4/5 seeds can vary - Minnesota is the likely #4 seed, but can be Northwestern as well (if Minnesota and NW both win today).
NW/Wisconsin/MSU has a chance to the be 5 seed depending on various results.
Someone posted the site where you can plug in different scenarios for the BTT. Can't find it now. Thanks for help please.
It was me.....guess we should have requested a sticky.
http://bball.notnothing.net/big10.php?sport=mbb
Purdue 100% will be facing the winner of Michigan/Illinois now.
4/5 seeds can still include Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan State and Wisconsin depending on games today.
Title of this thread was right and the Boilers were part of the blood. Odd seeds are out. 1, 3, 5, and 7 seeds out. 2, 4, 6, 8 seeds left. Any of them could win it. Parity reigns in the BIG.
It hasn't gone according to chalk, but in Purdue's half of the bracket the two teams that are playing the best right now made it through to the semifinal.
This has been a season in which many B1G teams have made surges. Northwestern's, Wisconsin's and Maryland's came early in the conference season, Purdue's came in the second half. But Michigan and Minnesota are peaking at just the right time.
This year it hasn't so much been "who's the best team in the B1G" as "who's the best team right now?"
This has been a season in which many B1G teams have made surges. Northwestern's, Wisconsin's and Maryland's came early in the conference season, Purdue's came in the second half. But Michigan and Minnesota are peaking at just the right time.
This year it hasn't so much been "who's the best team in the B1G" as "who's the best team right now?"
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