Re: BE vs. Big 10, etc.: For me most second-tier teams (For me defined as >30 RPI - Xavier, Michigan, NC State, etc) the margins are razor thin via eye test. So the primary way to separate is to look at the detailed RPI metrics. From the teams you mentioned Xavier and Nebraska aren't NCAA teams unless auto-bid. Rutgers I like more than most people (saw them in person so I'm biased) but SOS is a killer and thus they are auto-bid. Uconn's SOS hurts as it is amongst the worst in the top 40. Also Uconn the high # of Q4 wins (29) and low # of Q1 wins (5) are amongst the worst in RPI top 50. Hence my angst with Uconn when you lay the body of work out. In the committee room, you can really nitpick at Uconn. Have they really been tested versus a school such as Oregon or NC State? Also who they played OOC didn't help. OSU didn't make the B10 tourney, Cal barely squeaked in P10 tourney, SDSU stunk, etc. Columbia loss also hurt metric-wise. Bottom line: I don't think the BE is getting screwed at all. Feels like a one-bid conference to me. Thus I don't think Uconn is a true "lock" if they lose 2 in a row this week. I don't think that will happen but worst case scenario. I really looked at the data this morning and putting my bias aside Uconn doesn't stack up optimally. You have to hope intangibles come into play. Also how the auto bids play out matters and how many get sucked up by otherwise non-tourney teams. I'm probably paranoid but need to play well this week which is what they can control. Anything else you're chasing your tail.
