DobbsRover2
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How many AAC teams get tourney bids is open to debate, with some adamantly arguing that only 2 are going, 3 being the number that Creme listed in the last update almost a week ago, and 4 still being a possibility. SMU also appears a decent choice for an NIT bid as it will probably be sporting a 17-13 record after the AACT.
But the big battle for a tourney place is between Rutgers and USF, who will meet in the final regular season game at the RAC, with Rutgers having won earlier at USF. The outcome of the game could help determine whether either or both will get a bid. Rutgers has the stronger resume at this point with a #24 ranking in AP (#36 in the other), a 21-7 & 12-5 record, a decent 33rd ranking in Sagarin (and an iffy #49 in brain-dead RPI). USF is at 17-11 & 12-5, a good enough 40th ranking in Sagarin (and a yech #70 in comatose RPI).
The Bulls need a goodish win for their resume, since their best wins are probably over SMU (2) and Stetson, but they have won 12 of their last 16 games. Rutgers has a better group of best-wins with Georgia, Princeton, and SMU (2), so it has a little more wiggle room. Both teams would be favored to win their first-round ACCT game and then lose to the UConn-Louisville tandem.
So for the few AAC supporters, the "other" game on Monday presents a dilemma. Root for the Rutties and with a Knights' win the AAC likely has 3 teams locked for the tourney. Root for USF and a Bulls' win might edge 4 AAC teams into the tourney, or depending on ACCT results might mean that only UConn and Louisville go and the AAC gets 3 teams in the NIT. Again Rutgers may have done enough even with just an ACCT win, but who knows since there seems to be a wide variety of opinion about the Knights? Tough call.
But the big battle for a tourney place is between Rutgers and USF, who will meet in the final regular season game at the RAC, with Rutgers having won earlier at USF. The outcome of the game could help determine whether either or both will get a bid. Rutgers has the stronger resume at this point with a #24 ranking in AP (#36 in the other), a 21-7 & 12-5 record, a decent 33rd ranking in Sagarin (and an iffy #49 in brain-dead RPI). USF is at 17-11 & 12-5, a good enough 40th ranking in Sagarin (and a yech #70 in comatose RPI).
The Bulls need a goodish win for their resume, since their best wins are probably over SMU (2) and Stetson, but they have won 12 of their last 16 games. Rutgers has a better group of best-wins with Georgia, Princeton, and SMU (2), so it has a little more wiggle room. Both teams would be favored to win their first-round ACCT game and then lose to the UConn-Louisville tandem.
So for the few AAC supporters, the "other" game on Monday presents a dilemma. Root for the Rutties and with a Knights' win the AAC likely has 3 teams locked for the tourney. Root for USF and a Bulls' win might edge 4 AAC teams into the tourney, or depending on ACCT results might mean that only UConn and Louisville go and the AAC gets 3 teams in the NIT. Again Rutgers may have done enough even with just an ACCT win, but who knows since there seems to be a wide variety of opinion about the Knights? Tough call.