WCC weakness

BYU isn't close to being in the Top 2 of the WCC, and hasn't truly been a threat since joining the conference.



I've seen some people wonder why St. Mary's isn't ranked higher than Gonzaga. For reference, here's why:



Gonzaga's Top 50 OOC KenPom wins:

#11 Ohio State

#23 Creighton

#43 Texas



St. Mary's Top 50 OOC wins: None.



This is why Utah is also more likely to make the Big Dance than BYU is (except they have some big in-conference wins). BYU had 0 OOC, and 0 in conference as well.



For whatever it's worth, San Francisco did beat #18 Nevada, and San Diego beat #47 New Mexico State.

Mars wrote:

This is why Utah is also more likely to make the Big Dance than BYU is (except they have some big in-conference wins). BYU had 0 OOC, and 0 in conference as well.

Reasonable minds can differ so it's OK that I don't agree with the above statement...but BYU is way closer to winning the WCC tournament than Utah is to wining the PAC 12 - which is the only way either team can reasonably expect to make the NCAA field this year.



I also disagree with your thought that BYU hasn't "truly been a threat" since joing the WCC. BYU has a three game winning streak in Spokane. BYU's been a threat, but only that, just a threat.



That said, SMC did themselves a big big disservice this year with their poor scheduling. This is the year that they should have upped their game. Next year, their annual practice of a cupcake heavy November and December may help their new starters get their feet under them, but this year they're a legit good team, they should have had the chance to better show that earlier.

SMC is good, no question, but I honestly think had they played a bunch of top 50 teams they would have dropped a couple. They are good. I don't think they are top 15 good. Maybe top 25. They are benefiting from a winning streak, not necessarily who they have beaten, although GU at Spokane is a legit win.

SMC has struggled to get a good OOC schedule for many years now. They need to move up in that regards if they can sustain this level of play.



I will say it is a better feeling this season to be in the WCC with 2 teams past mid-season in the top 20. The MWC only has 1 team getting any votes (Nevada) and they lost to the current 7th place WCC team (SF).

The good news is that the Pac-12, Big 10, and MWC are looking at much fewer bids than in the past. That might get BYU into it if they can split with GU, win all the rest of the games and beat GU in the semi's of the tourny (and then lose to SMC in the champ-because if they win they are auto bid).

imuakahuku wrote:

The good news is that the Pac-12, Big 10, and MWC are looking at much fewer bids than in the past. That might get BYU into it if they can split with GU, win all the rest of the games and beat GU in the semi's of the tourny (and then lose to SMC in the champ-because if they win they are auto bid).

How many bids do you think the WCC can possibly get? I think 2 is the Maximum this year.

hawkwing wrote:

The good news is that the Pac-12, Big 10, and MWC are looking at much fewer bids than in the past. That might get BYU into it if they can split with GU, win all the rest of the games and beat GU in the semi's of the tourny (and then lose to SMC in the champ-because if they win they are auto bid).

How many bids do you think the WCC can possibly get? I think 2 is the Maximum this year.

I'd say 1-3 is conceivable, but 2 is very likely.

WCC gets at least two. If BYU goes on a streak and loses in the finals there's a chance we get in.



If BYU miraculously wins the WCC tourney, I don't see the committee snubbing GU and SMC.

Gunk wrote:

WCC gets at least two. If BYU goes on a streak and loses in the finals there's a chance we get in.



If BYU miraculously wins the WCC tourney, I don't see the committee snubbing GU and SMC.

Good point Gunk.

https://cougarsportswire.com/2018/03/20/west-coast-conference-2018-postseason-play/



Conference is 8-1 so far in the post season.

scott715 wrote:

https://cougarsportswire.com/2018/03/20/west-coast-conference-2018-postseason-play/



Conference is 8-1 so far in the post season.

Who's the one loss?

Biggest problem the WCC has is winning OOC games.



Our second strongest team (SMC) scheduling powder puffs doesn't help the WCC. The third strongest team (BYU) scheduling mediocre teams doesn't help the conference either.



GU is carrying the lion's share of the work as far conference RPI. They schedule tough opponents and win. Then when SMC or BYU get "overlooked" we all complain.



SMC and BYU need to carry their weight with the OOC schedule. The rest of the league does too.