HORSESH!T - Women's college basketball is beyond this now. Credibility is on the line (for me at least). The selection group will do their jobs or they won't - this is not rocket science. Women's college basketball also draws some of the largest TV audiences every year - of any sport. Things have changed...
there is no question that LSU will be a #1 seed. RPI is not the only variable in this equation. the committe will look at LSU's tough pre conf schedule and see losses to a very good rutgers team and a split with tenn. right now, the only suspense is where the ladies are headed as the #1 seed.
There are two different issues here. The first is selecting the four #1 seeds, which no doubt will include LSU. The second is seeding the four #1 seeds 1-4 to determine who gets to play closer to home and who gets a little easier route to the final four. LSU deserves the overall #1 seed based on the entire season, but I don't think they'll get it. Tenn's history will probably get them that seed. Sure would be nice to play Tenn in the championship game...
I'm sure as a previous poster said, that the Lady Tigers will use this as motivation and bring home the NC from whatever region they wind up in. It will make winning that much sweeter, having overcome the obstacle of poor location. Some complaining is natural but I HOPE we don't start complaining as much about this as the 'Barners did in regard to the Orange Bowl. I know...apples and oranges, but complaining about it isn't going to change it...IF it happens
North Carolina is a joke...I watched their game against the University of Virginia, and the ACC should look into banning the referees from that game... Late in the game, Carolina's big low post inside-outside "go to girl" was allowed to shoot foul shots that gave them the lead. It was obvious on replays that she was not fouled and wasn't involved in the play, and she was actually smiling with glee over the ruse she pulled. UVA's staff was protesting vehemently, but were told they were about to be given technicals by the same referee who called the foul and then put her on the line... On the ensuing possession, the same "go to girl" was playing with four fouls and very obviously fouled UVA's lowpost player and was whistled. Mysteriously, the same referee came in and said that it was on the "other" UNC Player, whom upon replays it showed was near the top of the key as the whistle was blown for the foul, physically unable to have committed the whistled infraction... The crowd booed in protest, and even the commentators thought that it was, "The worst officiating decision back to back I've seen since I've been calling games," that gave the ACC the "dream" women's final that they wanted... It was the most egregious example of referees "on the take" or "receiving their marching orders" I've ever seen...It was an abomination, and the players from UVA were devasted as they saw the events unfolding, and the same referee continually allowing the hijinks to go on...They folded late, couldn't recover the lead, and cracked under pressure... But, when you're playing 6-5, it's usually tough... I am very wary of collegiate basketball after watching that game Saturday afternoon...
There is a decent dropoff from the big 4 and the teams following. So I can't see LSU, Tennessee, Stanford and NC not getting the #1 seeds. This is exactly what LSU needed. A little disrespect. Ok, a lotta disrespect. I feel more confidant than ever that LSU Lady Tigers will be the champions.
I guess the coaches and selection committee feel that the notion, "you're only as good as your last game", is true. I thought we might drop after the loss, but I thought it would be to #2, AT MOST #3, with UT moving up--but not exactly jumping over us. :dis: Oh well---such is the life when Pat Summit--and her "coaching victories" record, is your head coach....The Lady Vols will get all the benefit in the world. Sort of like Duke on the men's side, and teams like Michigan in football.
I'm glad both of you were wrong, I had serious doubts myself but the selection committee did a great job and ignored the pressure from the Chattanooga folks and lobbying by Summitt. This will be good for LSU fans who can now drive to the tourneys instead of having to fly and hopefully the Lady Tigahs will be well represented.
