A10 and Mountain West Announce MBB Challenge Series for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 Seasons

[Five Two]

The MWC is going to a 20 game conference schedule after our two year "challenge" has been completed:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...chedule?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

[GMUgemini]

The MWC is going to a 20 game conference schedule after our two year "challenge" has been completed:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...chedule?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

San Diego State didn’t like this idea either...

 

[tblack33]

San Diego State didn’t like this idea either...

Yeah because this makes 0 sense for mid majors, it is only going to hurt them and the conference in the long run.

 

[GMUgemini]

A-10 has decided (at least for now) to stick with 18 conference games.

 

[rf1]

Yeah because this makes 0 sense for mid majors, it is only going to hurt them and the conference in the long run.

It makes zero sense only if a team from a league such as the A-10 or MWC is able to schedule far stronger OOC opponents. That prospect is however getting tougher by the season as the P5 and Big East move to 20 games schedules and more conference challenges played amongst themselves. Some 200 game opportunities versus teams in the higher rated leagues have been wiped off the books. The P5 and Big East teams now have such strong slates already predetermined that they have little need to schedule strong OOC opponents. All they really need to do is play in a good MTE tournament at a neutral site and then load up at home versus mostly all cupcakes.

 

[GMUgemini]

It makes zero sense only if a team from a league such as the A-10 or MWC is able to schedule far stronger OOC opponents. That prospect is however getting tougher by the season as the P5 and Big East move to 20 games schedules and more conference challenges played amongst themselves. Some 200 game opportunities versus teams in the higher rated leagues have been wiped off the books. The P5 and Big East teams now have such strong slates already predetermined that they have little need to schedule strong OOC opponents. All they really need to do is play in a good MTE tournament at a neutral site and then load up at home versus mostly all cupcakes.

Not all P5 games are created equal as it relates to quality wins. We should be scheduling each other more. Here is an interesting scheduling philosophy that kind of brings back the ESPN Bracketbusters type of format: https://www.athleticdirectoru.com/a...eduling-where-can-teams-go-for-quality-games/

 

[tblack33]

Not all P5 games are created equal as it relates to quality wins. We should be scheduling each other more. Here is an interesting scheduling philosophy that kind of brings back the ESPN Bracketbusters type of format: https://www.athleticdirectoru.com/a...eduling-where-can-teams-go-for-quality-games/

^This. More conference games for mid majors only gives you more of a chance to beat up on each other. You lose a lot more than you stand to gain. It hurts the conference more as a whole forcing them into 20 conference games, it’s going to lead to less at large bids for mid majors if they start to adopt this rather than scheudling more non conferences against other conferences.

 

[Five Two]

Conference USA unveiled an innovative scheduling method in 2018 that is dependent on win-loss records after the first seven weeks of the conference schedule. Teams are placed into one of three groups and play their final four games of the conference schedule against teams out of their grouping in an effort to increase schedule strength and quality wins for the league’s top teams..

I've been asking for this kind of scheduling for a few years now. Didnt realize CUSA had already done it.

 

[GMUgemini]

I've been asking for this kind of scheduling for a few years now. Didnt realize CUSA had already done it.

I also like the Bracketbusters-style home and home with the next top 5 conferences (if you could get the American to go along with it, as well, that would be even better).

 

[Pablo]

Jon Rothstein
@JonRothstein
·
1h

Still baffled how the American and the Atlantic 10 haven't yet put their top teams in a challenge each and every year. Both of these leagues need more quality games for their NCAA Tournament hopefuls. Adapt or get boxed out on Selection Sunday. This is now about SURVIVAL.
Quote Tweet

Jon Rothstein
@JonRothstein
· 1h
Barring something unforeseen, the Atlantic 10 could conceivably return eight of its top ten scorers from last season. League has a chance to be outstanding in 20-21, but will there be enough Quad 1 opportunities in November and December to move the needle on Selection Sunday?