Arch Madness vs. Drake Preview and Game Thread -- 3-6-2022

[Newman104]

Its kind of crazy that this is a must win game for us. We're currently 24th in both KenPom and Net. Drake got in as an at-large last year 50th in Net.

We should not only have clinched At-large at this point, but we should be in an 8-9 matchup. Instead, we're fighting for our life and if we don't win this one then one of the 30 best teams in college basketball likely wont be among the 68 teams looking to win a National title.

This is exactly why a move to the A-10, where they might be 3-bid league this year, makes so much sense. You can say all you want about how the stats say the Valley and A-10 aren't that different, but the public perception of the league matters. The Valley isn't good enough to be a 2-bid league is just how the public and committee thinks. It's a shame.

Hopefully none of this matters and we win today and clinch our spot. If not, it's going to be an awful way for a terrific group of seniors to see their careers come to an end.

[Rambler88]

The problem that the MVC has is that too many of the top teams (UNI, Drake, MoSt) had bad losses early in the season and/or failed to capitalized on games against other teams on the bubble or in the tournament.

The MVC can't complain about not getting enough games against tier one or two opponents, but teams need to win a few of those games.

We knew the Valley was in trouble in November and December when

Mo St lost against SEMO, lost to East Tennessee St, St. Mary's and BYU. (4-4 start)

Drake lost to Richmond, Alabama, Belmont, Clemson and North Texas. (2-4 start)

UNI lost to Nicholls State, Vermont, Richmond, Wyoming, Liberty and Arkansas. (2-5 start)

These teams are better today than they were in November and December, but these losses and lack of noteworthy wins -kills the conference.

We need to win today.

[jdubs]

Chris Knight with an absolutely brutal start

[Newman104]

They look awful to start. It's all driving, nobody is kicking out. We've taken one three, and that's our biggest advantage on this game.

Drake wants to drag us into the paint and best us in a game of physicality. We need to spread it out and best them on the perimeter.

Still very early, but I don't understand the offensive gameplan even slightly.

[JArsy_22]

Take care of the basketball!!!!!!!!!!!

[goramblers2011]

We have zero chance if we are turning it over like this. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[Newman104]

We have more turnovers than made shots.

Where's the team from the last two days?

[Rambling0101]

Keep it within 5-6 at half and Drake should lose their legs in the 2nd.

[Rambler303]

Defense leads to offense, keep up this intensity guys! Also much better effort than the first 10 mins; digging deep but this is the time to go full out.

[Rambler88]

It’s clear our plan is to wear them out on defense and in the paint. Lots of body blows.