Wednesday, August 01, 2018

Men's Basketball Schedule Released



Ok, so the men's basketball schedule is out.

Brief basketball interlude.

Let's take a look.

First, we have two non-D1 games.  I'd prefer we play only one, but this is the way they way things seem to roll now and, in fact, I think teams in the MAC are playing that many or more.  Plus, both of BG's non-D1 opponents are D2, as in not D3 or not NAIA.  Also, BG nearly lost to D2 Lake Erie College last year.  Tiffin was 7-21 last year.  Findlay was 28-5, nearly beat Toledo last year, made the NCAA Midwest Regional final...and frankly could easily beat BG, though I have no idea what they lost or have back.

Moving on.

So, the first two games are tough.  You start @St. John's, who finished with a #74 kenpom and they are obviously one of the classic programs in CBB history.  Then, @VCU, a very tough place to win, though they were 18-15 last year. 

Next, BG has two MEAC games in a row.  Back at the Stroh for BG's D1 home opener against North Carolina Central, which you certainly hope is one you can win.  Hampton is at Calihan Hall, neutral court and also one you'd like to win, though they finished with a 250 Kenpom.

BG's next game would be against Detroit or Loyola MD (no, not that Loyola), both of which were among the 300 lowest ranked teams in D1 last year.

BG returns home to play Drexel, who was #251 last year.  Then, it is back on the road to play Hartford (215) and Cleveland State (300).

Then, the non-conference season ends with a four-game homestand.  You start with Green Bay, who beat BG in OT at the Stroh, then you have Findlay, then Western Carolina (302) and Tennessee-Martin at 294.

In the MAC, BG's double-crossover games are CMU and WMU, which could be worse.  Toledo game is at BG.

Overall, I suspect this schedule is just about as easy as our previous schedules.  As always, there are no P5 teams and St. John's is the only team from a major conference.  It might be easier. 

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