In the latest Brackets predicted by ESPN's Joe Lunardi, Long Beach State stands as the only Big West representative in the tourney. If we look at the standings, the 49ers are still undefeated in conference play, with the Titans in second and UCSB in third. There is almost no way for the conference to get a 2nd team in the Dance unless the 49ers go undefeated all the way only to lose the conference championship game. Right now the RPI of the conference is 25th, with LBSU at 41, UCSB at 126 and CSUF at 154.*
LBSU should be able to finish up the season undefeated with their final three games against UCR, UCI and at Fullerton. Likewise, the Titans should be able to finish their season by winning 3 of 4 (at Pacific, at Davis, home against Northridge) before that huge matchup with the 49ers. The Gauchos should also be able to sweep their final 3 games (Cal Poly, Pacific, UCD) and will be hoping for that all important #2 seed.
The way the Big West Tournament is set up is 1 v 8, 2 v7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5 >. So most likely we'll be seeing the Gauchos and the Titans battling against each other for the final spot in the conference championship, unless something crazy happens (which is always possible). If an upset of LBSU occurs in the championship game, I can picture the AutoBid in the 13 seed and LBSU at 14-16 seed.
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
*stats provided by http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_bigw_Men.html
> Tournament info provided from http://www.bigwest.org/sports/mbball/info/champs/
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