After last night's game, we're down to 98 in the NET... Bradley is 107.

Down all the way from... 98.

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Another ahunte math insult. That makes, by my rough count...two.

Also, do I understand correctly that the NCAA keeps the formula for NET rankings a secret to prevent teams and conference from gaming the system?

I believe they caucus every night, using Iowa’s standards and procedures.

I came away from that game very impressed with Robbins. There is very little talent on that Drake team outside of him. His ability to disrupt the offense was impressive. The actual blocked shots are one thing but I saw a lot of our guys trying to throw the ball up at crazy angles to avoid him or simply pass up good looks altogether in an effort to avoid getting stuffed. When Krutwig (and to a lesser degree Tate) were able to get into his chest and use the rim to avoid the blocks in made all the difference. He is a defensive stopper of a big man that I have not seen in the valley for a while.

I hope Marquise is ok. He was grimacing pretty strongly as he limped off the court.

Definitely one of the least inspiring wins I can remember. On the one hand, I am glad we didn't get into a three point shooting contest with them (we controlled the tempo much better than in the first matchup), but on the other hand one make and six attempts are both terrible. We need so many things to go right in order to overcome our weaknesses, starting with forcing turnovers. I just don't know how reliable that is in a tournament setting.

In the end, we really just got lucky that Drake missed that last three ball. I honestly don't know how you miss 10 second half freemthrows... AT HOME. Took a bit of the shine off of an undefeated home conference season for me. I'm sure I'll feel differently when I look back on it--especially if we win a couple of games in St. Louis. But with the way we shoot free throws, I have my doubts. Disappointing end to a good season with a no-show in Springfield, an escape at home vs Drake, and a likely loss in Peoria. We desperately need the two seed and the chance to play a less-rested team on Friday.

And if the stuff about Jalon's mom on Twitter is true, then that sucks, too. We don't need that energy.

Go Redbirds. Go Blers.

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Last year at Arch Madness, two of the four quarterfinal games were decided by 3 points, both semifinal games were decided by 2 points and the championship was decided by 3 points. With the parity this year, I see it being much the same.

And in close games, free throws really can be the difference between winning and losing. I think this may be our ultimate downfall. Mind boggling to see us struggle so much from the line. We don't have a guy in our regular rotation shooting over 70%--that can kill you at the end of close games. If a team is down ~5 points against us, it almost makes sense to just start fouling with a couple minutes left (rather than letting us feed Krut for a higher percentage shot).

I thought Krut played really well. Seemed energized and bouncy for a big boy. Loved his dunk on the fast break. Almost had a second opportunity but a whistle blew the play dead.
Not quite as impressed with Liam Roberts as Mr. Miller, particularly on offense. He seemed pretty inept when he got the ball in the high post. Thought Krut easily outplayed him.
Re Kennedy's injury: Was it the same ankle he hurt before?

I am mystified that Tate Hall doesn't shoot 80% on free throws with his stroke.

I think Krut outplayed him in the 1 on 1 matchup, but Robbins gave the rest of the team hell at the rim. I do not think he is a good first option on offense though.