bradley
PhD Student
Posts: 1842
Age: 74
Reg: 01-15-16
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01-11-20 09:51 AM - Post#296498
Based on non-conference play, Tigers need to go at least 11-3 in IL play to make the NCAAW Tournament regardless of IvyMadness and today's game on the road plus the game at New Haven will be very challenging although games at Ithaca and NYC are not slam dunks.
It is only game 1 of the IL season so it is not a life and death situation to put it mildly based on Tiger's non-conference performance but it is a rivalry game and it is at the Palestra -- anything can happen in BB as witnessed over the past week at the Palestra and Jadwin. Several of the women were watching the 1st half last night and the walkaway is that they are tall, strong and well-conditioned.
Penn and Princeton have very comparative stats especially on the defensive end although the SOS is markedly different, #330 vs. #97. Of all IL teams, Penn's SOS is significantly lower than all other IL teams so prior stats may not mean as much although Penn has blown out most teams.
A victory for the Tigers would move them up several spots on the AP and Coaches Poll based on losses of several teams currently ahead of them this week so it is a very important game for NCAAW seeding purposes plus it helps to keep the Tigers in the spotlight. If the Tigers can get a #6 or even possibly a #5 seed, they improve their odds to get to a Final 16 although it is a long way to go plus injuries can occur.
Rivalry games are a challenge and Penn has a lot of talent with a big C to guard Bella, a good PG and a very good frosh scorer plus a great coach -- today's game is probably not going to be easy.
Although the IL Championship is always important, this team has the opportunity to achieve something that few IL teams have achieved in the past in Tournament play. It is rare indeed to have a top talent at Center in the IL plus a very good PG with a good supporting cast. This is Bella's senior season so this year is the opportunity year with obviously no guarantees. Blake Dietrick's undefeated team was very good but not up to the level of this year for Tournament play against Power 5 programs.
Cannot go to the Palestra today but will look forward to watching a replay, win or lose.
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