I Know Where the Morons Work

They all work for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament selection committee. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits Women's Basketball team found out that they will be a #7 seed in the NCAA tournament. There are 4 brackets, each seeded 1-16. So, with a #7 seed, the committee has decided that the Jackrabbits are between the 25th-28th best team in the country. Not bad until you consider the following:

• The Jackrabbits were 31-2 this season, the 2nd best record in the country.
• They were ranked 17th in the AP poll and 14th in the ESPN poll.
• They outscored their opponents by an average of 19 points per game.
• They went 11-1 in their non-conference schedule, 17-1 in conference and won the conference tournament.
• Their only losses were to Maryland, the #4 team in the country, and Oakland who finished the season 26-6 (note: they also beat Oakland twice).

I can understand them getting a 5 or even a 6 seed. This is their first tournament at the Division 1 level, and they play in a relatively weak conference. But, they beat 3 Big 10 teams, a Big 12 Team and a Pac 10 team. They also beat Gonzaga who had a good women's team this year. A 7 seed is awful because it puts them up against the #2 seeded Baylor team in the 2nd round, plus they get stuck playing a very good TCU team in round 1. A 31-2 regular season should earn a team something in the tournament. Instead, they get screwed by a committee that obviously hasn't paid attention.

Adding insult to injury was ESPN's coverage of this. First, Trey Wingo screws up and calls them San Diego State University. And then, when their bracket spot is announced, no one questioned it. They barely even discussed it. Honestly, how many people watch the Women's NCAA Tournament Selection Show? I'm guessing it's not a widely viewed event, and I'd be willing to bet that most of the people watching it were people like me, rooting for the smaller school and want to see where that school is going. So, give some love to the smaller schools and do more than just mention them next time ESPN!

Think calming thoughts....take deep breaths...zen...