Well, here we are on the eve of the NCAA Selection show tomorrow (Monday 3-3) that you'll be able to watch on the D3 Hoops site. So here's what we're likely looking at as far as the teams getting in - though nothing is official yet and we certainly don't know where everybody's going to be going yet. But we have (we think) a pretty good idea of who's getting in:
So, if the numbers are right here, the first 16 teams listed should likely get to host 1st/2nd round pods this coming Friday evening. And, of course, you'll notice that GAC is listed at number seven on the NPI rankings so there's little doubt now that the Gusties will get to host. Bethel meanwhile fell to the nineteenth spot so they'll be going on the road somewhere - most likely over to UW-Whitewater. But what other teams will come to the pod hosted by GAC? One could logically argue (I suppose) that UW-Superior (UMAC), UW-Stout (WIAC), and Wartburg (ARC) would be likely candidates. Then again, it's possible that Wartburg could get shipped off to one of the two likely WIAC hosts - either UW-Whitewater or UW-Oshkosh which could bring in a Wisconsin Lutheran or a Ripon. We'll see.
For me, the bigger question is if the WIAC does indeed get five teams in (and, judging from the above, it certainly would appear that way), exactly how/where do you place all these teams? Keep in mind, conference opponents are not supposed to meet in the NCAA Tournament until the Sweet 16 round so somebody; maybe two of these WIAC teams, are going to get shipped down south, out west or out east and you know that's a situation that the NCAA Tournament Committee would prefer to avoid for a 1st/2nd round situation but in this particular case, there's not much of a choice.
Obviously, the proof will be in the pudding tomorrow (Monday afternoon) so make sure you tune into the Selection Show which you can watch on the D3 Hoops site.
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