Nice to get some early wins against good competition

[gopherfan3]

These first 3 wins may not seem like "good" wins, but when it comes down to it at tourney time these are going to be a nice boost to the RPI and SOS.

This Season (RPI end of last season)
Siena (32)
Wofford (73)
WKU (138)

Last Season (--)
Utah Valley (342)
Tennessee Tech (198)
Stephen F Austin (149)

The wins last year were alright but didn't do a whole lot to help the resume (A loss would have killed us). I'm not saying Siena, Wofford, and WKU are all going to be top 100 RPI teams at the end of the season, but i definitely wouldn't be surprised if they were. Go Gophers!

 

[SelectionSunday]

Puerto Rico working out well

This tournament is working out perfectly for the Gophers thus far. All the favorites won, so the winner's bracket is as strong as it can possibly be. The Gophers are now guaranteed two opportunities for quality wins. No matter what happens, their strength of schedule is likely to get a major boost from the appearance in Puerto Rico.

The goal IMO is still the same as it was prior to last night, two wins from the winner's side of the bracket. Even the worst scenario of two losses (see 2004 Great Alaska Shootout, losses to Alabama & Oklahoma after opening-round win; ended up in NCAA Tournament) won't be a killer, especially with what should end up being a decent win over WKU. All that said, let's beat UNC tonight and/or Vandy/West Virginia on Sunday.