cheesycow Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 [a href=http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/7118446]Here they are[/a] C-USA: DePaul vs. Marquette vs. Saint Louis At stake: C-USA bid No. 6 Selling DePaul: The Blue Demons have won nine of 11, splitting with Marquette and Saint Louis and taking down the likes of Memphis and UAB. If they can remain hot and stay among the top three in the league, it's hard to deny them a bid in a league this strong. Selling Marquette: They made the Final Four last year and have shown flashes of brilliance in 2004. Translation: This is like the banged-up used car that you try to sell by illustrating the good times you might have had with it. We are aware it won't fly. Selling Saint Louis: The Billikens refuse to face their NIT fate just yet, winning three consecutive games before Wednesday's visit to Cincinnati. All were tough tests: Charlotte, Marquette and DePaul. A victory at Dayton and strong performances against Arizona and Georgia Tech should tell you Brad Soderberg's team can hang with anybody. Doses of reality: DePaul hasn't beaten anyone of significance in non-conference play, falling short against Seton Hall, Notre Dame, Michigan State and even Toledo. It's no wonder their RPI is pushing 60. That's not as bad as Marquette, of course, which is hovering around 80 in RPI land. A victory over Notre Dame is its top non-conference performance, and you can't find a streakier team in C-USA play, winning at Louisville one night and losing at home to TCU next time out. The Golden Eagles' current string, losses in four of five, has probably done them in. The Billikens' combo of a so-so record (14-9) and poor RPI (mid-60s) leaves no room for error. Verdict: For C-USA to gain an unprecedented six bids, DePaul is going to have to make a run at the regular-season title. Their lack of quality victories is a huge issue, especially since their record won't open many eyes. Marquette and Saint Louis likely need to win the C-USA Tournament to get a bid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGoat Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 pretty fair assessment in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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