Mid-Major Test for Old Dominion

With a 60-43 win over bottom feeder and CAA foe Georgia State (11-15) in Tuesday’s match-up, the Old Dominion Monarchs (21-6) look ahead to face what could potentially be the MOST important game for the rest of season. Obviously we all know that ODU almost has to win out the regular season and make a little noise in the CAA Tourney in order to be a legit contender for an ‘at large’ selection for the 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. As of now in Joe Lunardi’s mock bracketology, Joe has ODU as a #9 seed via at-large selection. Of course this is mere speculation as he forecasted ODU to finish the home stretch of the season strong. Here are a few reasons why this Sunday’s Bracketbuster match up against Horizon League front runner Cleveland State (23-5) is so important for the overall picture.

-The Eye Test- Fortunately for Monarch Nation, this game will be televised on ESPN 2 at 1PM. This scenario has major implications regarding exposure. If ODU has a break out game during a nationally televised game, expect this to play favorably in the hands of ODU come Selection Sunday.

- Xavier AD -Mike Bobinski, Head Chairman of the 2011 NCAA Selection Committee, will be watching closely as mid majors are looking more appealing every season for the NCAA Tournament field. This is why the Bracket Busters weekend is so vital. As the talent gap of mid-major and “BCS” schools are closing each year, this is the perfect forum for these teams to display their abilities on the big stage. Which team will separate themselves from the rest of the mid-majors?

-RPI/Strength of Schedule- Maybe the most important ‘slice of the pie’ in determining NCAA Tournament invitation. Obviously this is not a BCS opponent (which would be a huge),but it is still a great opportunity. Old Dominion (#33RPI/#66SOS) will take on Cleveland State whose RPI is 34 and S.O.S. is 118. In comparison to some other CAA teams whose RPI/S.O.S. would drop ODU’s RPI despite of outcome, this Cleveland State team should enable the Monarchs to break into the top 30 in RPI pending a victory. This would make Old Dominion extremely appealing and tough to pass up in the eyes of Mikey B. and the committee.

-STOP NORRIS COLES- For the love of God, stop the 6’2’’, 170 lbs. Guard whose receiving national attention for embarrassing his opposition with All-American type stats. ODU can not afford him to drop 41 points and 20 boards like he did against Youngstown State last week. If the Monarchs keep Coles off the 11 o’clock SportsCenter top plays, Old Dominion should be alright.