Some scheduling thoughts on the C-USA race

[RandallThomason]

It is obvious right now that C-USA basketball is the tale of two tiers this year. The top tier of the conference (MT, UAB, UTEP, ODU, La. Tech, and WKU) is going to be very competitive and the bottom tier of the conference is very bad. With the unbalanced schedule, that means that there may be significant scheduling advantages or disadvantages based on which of the top teams play each other how many times and where. Here's how it breaks down:

MT (7 total games - 3 home, 4 road): @ UAB, UTEP, @ ODU, @ WKU, @ La. Tech, UAB, WKU

UAB (7 total games - 3 home, 4 road): MT, UTEP, @ ODU, @ WKU, @ La. Tech, @ MT, WKU

UTEP (6 total games - 2 home, 4 road): @ MT, @ UAB, @ La. Tech, WKU, La. Tech, @ ODU

ODU (6 total games - 4 home, 2 road): @ La. Tech, UAB, MT, WKU, @ WKU, UTEP

La. Tech (6 total games - 4 home, 2 road): ODU, UTEP, MT, UAB, @ UTEP, @ WKU

WKU (8 total games - 4 home, 4 road): @ ODU, UAB, MT, @ UTEP, ODU, @ MT, @ UAB, La. Tech

Obviously, ODU and La. Tech are at a scheduling advantage, playing just 6 games against other contending teams and having 4 of those 6 games at home. The road to the title will go through Norfolk and Ruston.

 

[MT Glenn]

The bottom tier is so big, it will probably cause us to be a one-bid conference again. That gives UAB the big advantage, since the tournament is on their home court. ODU and La Tech have an advantage to getting the NIT automatic bid.

 

[SmithO1906]

Hopefully Auburn, Belmont (wins) and Murray state, VCU(losses) will all have phenomenal seasons and help our rpi since the conference is so bad

 

[RandallThomason]

The bottom tier is so big, it will probably cause us to be a one-bid conference again. That gives UAB the big advantage, since the tournament is on their home court. ODU and La Tech have an advantage to getting the NIT automatic bid.

Yes, the tournament being in Birmingham is a huge plus for UAB. My post was referencing the regular season race, which I place a lot of value on.