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Good points. I don't think OU and Miami see themselves as "backfill", but that's what they would be. Running to a dying conference is a bad idea.

It appears to be a substance that causes one to choke!

I'd be surprised if the SunBelt expands beyond 14 teams. So much league revenue, like NCAA tournament credits, is fixed so unless adding them leads to at-large bids (not happening), you're just splitting the same size pie more ways. The SunBelt could have interest in Miami/OU, but I'm inclined to think that it would be a contingency to back fill in the event they get raided by PAC-12, MWC, or AAC.

Exactly. They showed a lot of promise when Lewis got there and since have gone backwards.

Other than one report that was later denied by both Ohio and Miami, what evidence is there that they a looking at leaving the MAC?

Agree, especially if they pony up comparable buy-in money. It has become expensive to join an elite conference like the MAC lol.

They might be even worse than NIU, which is saying a lot considering a couple years ago it looked like Ball State was turning into a decent basketball program.

What's crazy is Toledo hasn't made the Big Dance since 1980 and their rival can't even use that against the because they haven't gone dancing since 1968. That's 100+ years combined for the two. Not sure what's in the water in NW Ohio.

Muncie, Indiana awaits the Zips for a Friday night (6:30) game against the Ball State Cardinals. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Ball State is having a rough year and sits in the MAC cellar at 8-18. They are 1-5 in their last 6 games, winning in the SBC Challenge over Louisiana Monroe.

Do you know how much heartbreak and angst they could've saved their fanbase over the years by announcing in February that they will not be participating in the NCAA Tournament?

I'd give you the trophy emote if I had any left

I would imagine Tavari's size played a part in it. Big programs aren't willing to pay top dollar for a guard who is 3-4 inches undersized. If he was offered something similar to Nate I have to imagine he'd be gone as well. You even see it in the NBA. Trae Young was one of the hottest young names in the NBA a handful of years ago. He gets traded for a salary dump. Garland, in the prime of his career, was just traded for someone who has maybe 2-3 years left in the tank. Edit: Akron may or may not have offered him the largest sum. Even if someone offered him more than what Akron did the delta between the two probably wasn't a life changing difference amount to be worth his while.

Exactly, luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Their players have made big plays in big moments. Ours stepped over the line while trying to inbound a pass.

Thank you for this context. Was unaware of Freitag's absence.

I sure wish we were deeper.

At first I thought the MAC was stupid for doing this but after seeing the terms they'd be negligent not to. I'd hate to lose good rivalries w/ Ohio & Miami. I'd love to add Illinois St. & Indiana St.

Facing UMass in the 1st round would make for a grueling 3 days.

I remember Sheldon Ocker.

Was it actually necessary for Toledo to announce this? Couldn't they also announce they will not be playing in the NBA playoffs?

Not saying Buffalo is anything special, but they've been without their top scorer, Daniel Freitag, their last three games. He's avering 20/4/4 on the season, so it's a pretty significant piece missing from their lineup.

Buffalo just lost at home to NIU. They are no longer in my "I fear them" category.

Kansas State won their first game without Tang. Nate put up a stat line of 33/9/5.

Buffalo did give Miami two close games, and should have won at least one of them. But otherwise, yeah, this could set up unbelievably well for them.

Akron vs Ohio, Kent vs UMass on the same side is diabolical. If Miami avoids all those teams until the final, it will be confirmed they sold their soul for this run of luck.

at this rate, UMass is a 7th seed and Kent is a 3. do your bracket.