I’m guessing you were not following the Coogs when they went to Albuquerque . . . . .
I definitely was and way before that.
My wife asked me that question. I didn’t think we would beat Louisville.
When the tournament started I didn’t think we were the best team in 83. I definitely thought we would beat NC State though.
I think we make all things right this year. I just feel that.
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9 seeds are +6 all time 8/9 in games. Obviously means a Guaranteed georgia win 
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Pesik chalkboard incoming…
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and to the toss up point about folks thinking georgia will win
gonzaga hasnt lost a 1 round game in over 20 years (haven’t missed a tournament in 30 years)… the last time they lost a 1rd game? steph curry!
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chalk-ist of chalk boards
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Rock chalk chalkboard!
Maybe not a great example anymore tho lol
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8 & 9 seed teams are usually pretty tough outs and I am pretty sure an 8 or 9 seed has beaten the 1 seed in the past… But, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, so I have no complaints.
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After a little research, I found that the 16 beat the 1 seed twice.
2018: UMBC 74, Virginia 54
2023: Fairleigh Dickinson 63, Purdue 58
That should be enough to convince the Coogs they just can’t take this game for granted and think they can just sleepwalk to win.
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I just played around with the Build a Bracket feature on Game Predict, which is based on KenPom. It projects us with a 68% chance of beating Gonzaga by a score of 73-67. One thing that may be a factor and is probably not factored into the KenPom analytics is that Gonzaga should have a way tougher time getting past Georgia than we will against SIUE. Hopefully we’ll be better rested on Saturday.
FWIW, Gonzaga is currently -6.5 against Georgia. KenPom predicts Gonzaga with a 69% chance of beating Georgia by a score of 78-73.
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It is a tough bracket but I actually love it. It prepares us well for what’s to come.
What stands out for me is the physical make up of these teams. Each school including SIUE has bigger players up front. Playing against them is IMO the best way to prepare us to face duke, auburn or florida. We need J’Wan healthy.
We don’t want Georgia. They have too much length and run like greyhounds. Miami type matchup. Nooooo thanks!
They are pretty much the opposite of Miami.
Guys, let’s please not think too deep on who we think we might have to play or who we might wanna avoid. How do you think our potential opponents feel?
This is a different team than in previous years. I am sure of it as long as we avoid injuries and the refs don’t get whistle-happy on us. Those two things don’t have any bearing on who we face.
No one but Duke scares me in this tournament. I have full faith and trust in this group. I expect a deep run.
If Gonzaga shoots in any tourney game like they did in the WCC Championship… they’re cooked.
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Agreed. I think we should forfeit after the opening round due to Georgia and Gonzaga being our only options in the Round of 32.
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On average a 1 seed loses to 8 or 9 in round of 32 about once every 2 years. So it is 12.5% or so chance of losing based on seed history.
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