News On The Horizon 2/14/2012

Power Rankings: Week 14--Horizon League Hoops

For Butler, a Bumpy Road Back--New York Times
Utah Jazz take a moment for team bonding outside the basketball courts--Deseret News

Richard Smith, the Jazz's director of basketball operations, came up with the non-basketball bonding idea.

Corbin called it "eye-opening" for players, who experienced a four-century look at the evolution of black rights in the U.S. The historical museum includes a touching documentary — showing how Dr. King was killed in Memphis while trying to help garbage men get better wages — a detailed audio tour, exhibits such as a replica of the infamous Rosa Parks' bus, and opportunities to stand in the old motel a few feet away from the spots where the inspirational preacher/movement leader was murdered and from where the killer shot his rifle across the courtyard.

"A lot of us have probably learned that in history class growing up, but it's always more powerful when you're at the location that it happened," 21-year-old swingman Gordon Hayward said. "Being able to walk back through time, see all of that stuff and learn all of the details, it was really moving."
...
— Asked about Gordon Hayward's second season, Corbin credited the swingman for making the "largest strides" on defense even while facing the other teams' top scorers sometimes.

"I think he's doing a great job of taking that challenge personally, getting up in the guys," Corbin said.

The coach is convinced that Hayward's offensive game has benefited from the way he's played physical defense and made opponents "work for everything," like he did in helping hold Kevin Durant to just 19 points in Friday's loss.

Jazz-Hornets: Report card--Deseret News

Forwards: Just one day after combining for 39 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap combined for just 12 points on 5-15 shooting with five turnovers. Derrick Favors played more than Millsap in this contest and he was solid, scoring 14 points on 6-11 shooting in 26 minutes. But the Hornets' Gustavo Ayon, a 4.6 points-per-game scorer, scored 13 points on 6-7 shooting while grabbing nine rebounds. GRADE: D+

Utah Jazz stop three-game skid with steady performance in win over Memphis Grizzlies--Deseret News

Their chances will increase if they continue to get individual performances within the team play that they did in particular from Gordon Hayward and Al Jefferson.

Hayward continued his strong play of late, scoring a season-high 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting while dishing out five assists with two steals.

"He (was) the Butler Gordon," Jefferson said, smiling. "I told him he's here for a reason. He was drafted high for a reason. He just got to go out there and do his thing and that's what he did tonight."

Hayward credited his defensive aggressiveness for opening up a confident, in-rhythm offensive game, which came into play early with a steal-and-slam followed by a 3-pointer that put Utah up 7-0.

"That's the Gordon that we need — to be aggressive and to make plays," Jazz forward Paul Millsap said. "He's a playmaker."
...
The Grizzlies, led by Rudy Gay's 22 points, only shot 43.6 percent. But it was Utah's quick start — up 22-10 early — that set the tone.

"We lean on our home arena's energy. We were able to bring some of our own tonight," Hayward said. "And we've got to do that the next night and then again the next night. It will be a tough challenge (tonight), but I'm looking forward to it."

Utah Jazz-New Orleans Hornets: Instant Analysis--Deseret News

Young Bucks: If there was a silver lining to a very bleak loss, it was that the four NBA lottery picks — Derrick Favors , Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks — went most of the fourth quarter as an ensemble. Quarterbacked by veteran Earl Watson , the quartet did all they could to give Utah a chance to win. Their energy and fearlessness driving the ball to the hoop brought them within one or two plays of a win.

Quick Take: Utah Jazz lose to four-win New Orleans Hornets, 86-80--Deseret News

The Junior Jazz and Gordon Hayward made it interesting in the fourth quarter.

After falling behind by as many as 20 points with a completely inept night by most of the main Jazz players, the mix-and-match crew rallied to within three points with 21.6 seconds remaining.

Utah Jazz notebook: Road doesn't get any better after a hard time in Big Easy--Deseret News

Corbin liked how the group including Gordon Hayward, Earl Watson, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks trimmed a 17-point deficit down to just three in the final moments. Other than that, well, there wasn't a whole lot of positive that came out of New Orleans. Maybe that his starters are well-rested?

At times, Corbin didn't think his team ran hard, set good screens, executed or played well in transition.

"We're a team trying to develop an attitude and a reputation," the second-year coach said of his playoff-bubble 14-13 team. "We have to play a certain way to get that done and…if we don't do that, this kind of thing happens."

The starters, in particular, struggled as a unit and especially in the third quarter. Corbin benched all of them but Gordon Hayward in the fourth.

Al Jefferson had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Bell hit three 3-pointers en route to 11 points (all in the first half). But Paul Millsap was 2-for-9 and just had four points and five rebounds. And starting point guard Devin Harris struggled again, compiling all of two points and four assists with three turnovers.

Hayward had a good fourth quarter, but he only scored eight points a night after dropping in 23. He also had three turnovers (as did Earl Watson and Derrick Favors).

Non-Conference Opponents' Update: February 13--Hammer and Rails

Butler Bulldogs - 15-12, 9-6 Horizon, RPI: 114 - It's about damn time, Butler! The Bulldogs swept Youngstown state and Cleveland State this week to make a near 40 point jump in the RPI. Their next three are very winnable games at home before going to Horizon leader Valparaiso. Winning all four gets them to 19-12, 12-6, and they still have an outside shot of hosting the Horizon League Tournament then. As we know, this is about when Butler turns it on, and this can still be an NCAA team if they win the Horizon Tourney. That also likely would move them out of the "bad loss" category by getting them back in the top 100. Of course, we help that too by winning and improving their profile.

Jazz throw away progress, fall 86-80 to lowly Hornets--Salt Lake Tribune

A Jazz second unit composed of 32-year-old reserve point guard Earl Watson and four players 21 or younger — Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors — trimmed New Orleans’ 63-43 lead with 3 minutes, 30 seconds left in the third to just three points with 21.6 to go.
...
Jefferson backed his coach, saying he and the remainder of the Jazz starters not named Hayward had no right returning to a game they willingly threw away.

Matt Howard signs with team in Germany--The Indy Star
Butler's Roosevelt Jones named Horizon League player of week--The Indy Star
Men's college basketball preview: Loyola at Butler--The Indy Star
Hayward continues evolution--Indy Star Butler Insider
Roosevelt Jones Wins the StatSheet Horizon Freshman of the Week - February 13th, 2012--Butler Blue Fever
Butler (15-12) vs. Loyola (Chicago) (6-18)--Butler Blue Fever
Roosevelt Jones Earns League Honor--ButlerSports.com
Bulldogs Begin Final Homestand Against Loyola--ButlerSports.com

Beth Couture Show - Episode 8--ButlerSports.com

Non-BCS Power Pyramid, Week 13--Eye On College Basketball

Roaming outside the Pyramid:

♦ Out this week: Cleveland State, Iona. In: Virginia Commonwealth, Long Beach State.
♦ It was appropriate last week’s two teams who didn’t feel like they belonged, Cleveland State (14) and Iona (15) promptly got the boot this week.

Cleveland State looking for an improved Jeremy Montgomery vs. Milwaukee--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Butler 52, Cleveland State 49--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State (20-6) Takes On Milwaukee (15-12)--Vikings Ball
Anton Grady is Runner-Up for the StatSheet Horizon Freshman of the Week - February 13th, 2012--Vikings Ball
Vikings Travel to Milwaukee for Tuesday Contest--csuvikings.com

Doug Anderson tops chart for gravity-defying dunk vs. Valparaiso--The Detroit News
Former Titan Courts His Dream Job in the NBA--detroittitans.com

Brown Earns Third Horizon League Player Of The Week Honor & Madness National High-Major Player--detroittitans.com

UIC at Valparaiso--The Chicago Tribune
Flameout on North side--Whoosh! Net
UIC (7-17) Takes On Valparaiso (18-9)--Flame Fanatic
Marc Brown Receives Honorable Mention for the StatSheet Horizon Freshman of the Week - February 13th, 2012--Flame Fanatic
Flames Travel to First-Place Valparaiso Tuesday--uicflames.com

Loyola at Butler--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) (6-18) vs. Butler (15-12)--LU Wolf Ball
Registration Now Open For 2012 Porter Moser Basketball Camps--LoyolaRamblers.com
Men's Basketball Blog Entry #10: Jordan Hicks--LoyolaRamblers.com

PHOTO: LOOK AT THE BLOOD--SB Nation
Men's basketball: Tonight's UWGB-Youngstown State preview--Green Bay Press-Gazette
Rob Demovsky column: UWGB men should get cozy at Kress Center-Green Bay Press-Gazette
Green Bay (10-14) Takes On Youngstown State (14-11)--Phoenix Fever

Women's basketball: Home loss drops Phoenix women to No. 11 in AP poll--Green Bay Press-Gazette

UWM finds someone to spell Williams--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers would host first round at Klotsche Center--PantherU
Discussing the potential of a HLT home game--PantherU
Milwaukee (15-12) Faces Cleveland State (20-6)--UWM Update
Panthers Back Home Tuesday To Host Cleveland State--uwmpanthers.com
UWM Granted Permission To Host League Tourney First Round Game At Klotsche Center--uwmpanthers.com

Four Thoughts on Ohio State vs. Michigan State--Rush The Court

William Buford’s No-Show — Buckeyes supporters have been clamoring for the senior, who is on pace to go down as one of the most accomplished players in program history, to play with a bit more fortitude and consistency. After going off for 29 against Purdue, he fell back well below his average Saturday as Brandon Wood and Branden Dawson held Buford to a quiet four points on 2-for-12 shooting. He logged 36 minutes but was 0-for-2 from three-point range in his first single-digit scoring performance since January 7.

Defensive resurgence drives Michigan State--YardBarker

Defending the 3-point line has become a crucial part of success in college basketball. Opponents are shooting 28.9 percent behind the arc, the lowest allowed by Michigan State since the NCAA adopted a 3-point line 25 years ago.

"It all starts at the point," Izzo said. "Keith Appling is an incredible defender for us. What's surprised me is I think we've been very solid inside with both our bigs. One has size (Derrick Nix), one has athleticism (Adreian Payne).

"The X factors have been (Branden) Dawson and (Brandon) Wood and (Austin) Thornton. They weren't very good defenders, but when you surround yourself by some good ones, you become part of that.

"I've been most impressed with our overall defense. There's been a little bit of a commitment."

Anthony Davis should be POY front-runner--Andy Katz Blog

• Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew won't win national coach of the year. But he better win the Horizon League honor. I saw this team in an exhibition game in November. There was no reason to suspect the Crusaders would be leading the Horizon and on their way to a possible NCAA tournament berth. If you had to take which Drew brother would be in first place on Feb. 13 in his respective conference, it wouldn't have been close. Scott Drew of Baylor would have been the choice.

MMR: League races head to the finish--ESPN

It's been a while since we've looked at the mid-major conference races. But with the NCAA tournament just a month away, it's time to take the pulse of the mid-major scene once again.
...
Horizon League

Valparaiso leads the league with an 11-4 record. And the Crusaders' last three conference games are at home. Cleveland State is a half game back at 10-4. Youngstown State, Detroit and Butler are all tied for third place at 9-6. Still, the conference tourney will ultimately dictate who represents this league in March.
...
The Mid-major Power 15
(MWC, A-10 and C-USA are not included)

1. Wichita State: Can't understand how this team failed to crack the latest coaches' poll.
2. Saint Mary's: Loss at Gonzaga stopped Gaels from running away with WCC title.
3. Long Beach State: Monson's squad is 12-0 in the Big West and faces Creighton this week.
4. BYU: New kid on the block still in WCC fight with 9-3 record and second matchup versus Zags coming.
5. Gonzaga: Bulldogs' reign over WCC ending? Not so fast.
6. Murray State: It was bound to happen at some point. First loss might take pressure off.
7. VCU: Shaka Smart's team has won 11 in a row but has a tough week ahead.
8. George Mason: Paul Hewitt's new team entered the week in a three-way tie for first in CAA.
9. Drexel: This CAA squad has won 13 in a row. Forgive me for overlooking Dragons in past polls.
10. Harvard: Amaker's squad suffered its first Ivy League loss against nemesis Princeton.
11.Creighton: The Bluejays' success story has taken a hit with three straight losses.
12. Valparaiso: The Crusaders beat Cleveland State on the road last week and sit atop the Horizon.

Top Horizon League seed in Valparaiso’s grasp — again--The Post-Tribune
BracketBuster causing scheduling headaches for Valparaiso--Off The Mark
Valparaiso (18-9) Faces UIC (7-17)--Valpo Daily
Ryan Broekhoff Wins the StatSheet Horizon Player of the Week - February 13th, 2012--Valpo Daily
Valpo Comes Home Tuesday to Face UIC--valpoathletics.com

Wright State still has hopes of hosting--Dayton Daily News
Wright State fighting for first-round league tournament home game--Wright State University Sports
Take Our Survey and Receive Two WSU Baseball Tickets--wsuraiders.com

Women's Basketball Camps--wsuraiders.com

Kendrick Perry is Runner-Up for the StatSheet Horizon Player of the Week - February 13th, 2012--Guin Report
Youngstown State (14-11) Faces Green Bay (10-14)--Guin Report
Men's Basketball Visits Green Bay for Valentine's Day Showdown--ysusports.com

Different mindsets, one common goal--The Jambar

Butler's Jones Snares Men's Basketball Player of the Week Honor--Horizon League Network

Detroit's Shareta Brown Named Women's Basketball Player of the Week--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 2/13/2012

Utah Jazz extra: Having fun, extra tidbits at new Jazzland blog--Deseret News
Utah Jazz begin brutal road trip with big-time win in Memphis vs. Grizzlies, 98-88--Deseret News

Starting swingman Gordon Hayward continued his strong play of late, scoring a season-high 23 points and dishing out five assists to help Utah snap its three-game losing streak.

And he wasn't the only big contributor tonight as Utah won for the first time in five road games and improved its record to 14-12.

Jazz-Grizzlies: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap were superb. The duo combined for 39 points on 15-23 shooting and nine assists. Millsap also grabbed eight boards. Hayward kept up with high-flying Rudy Gay (22 points, six rebounds), while dynamic swingman O.J. Mayo, a 12.4 point-per-game scorer entering the game, was held to two points on 0-3 shooting. He had issues defending the bigger Millsap when he was matched against him. Grade: A-

Utah Jazz-Memphis Grizzlies: Instant Analysis--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward: The second-year man came to play. Gordon Hayward’s confidence level was extremely high from the start of the game to the finish. In the first half, he set the tone for the big road victory, scoring on an array of silky jump shots and powerful drives to the basket. Then, in the fourth, he made three clutch plays down the stretch: two long jumpers, followed by an important assist to Paul Millsap.

When it was all said and done, it was one of his finest performances as a professional, as evidenced by his stat line: a game-high 23 points (8-12 field goals, 2-3 three-pointers, 5-5 free throws), 5 assists, 2 steals, with zero turnovers in 34 minutes.

Likewise, he has been one of Utah’s most consistent players of late. Hayward has showed aggressiveness on both ends of the court, with his defense improving each game. Offensively, he has scored double digits in eight of the past nine games. His stats over that same span: averages of 14.7 points (50.5 percent field goals, 80.5 percent free throws), 3.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocked shots per outing.

The future is bright for Gordon Hayward.

Jazz fight off Grizzlies, 98-88, and begin road trip right--Salt Lake Tribune
Jazz notes: Tyrone Corbin makes historical connection with Jazz in Memphis--Salt Lake Tribune

Hayward stepping up

After holding All-NBA forward Kevin Durant to 19 points Friday in Utah’s home loss to Oklahoma City, Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said he believes he can defend anyone in the NBA.

They were bold words from the second-year player who was struggling with his place in the league just one year ago. But Hayward’s defense and confidence have continued to improve in 2011-12, and Corbin is taking notice of the changes.

"The largest strides that he’s made this year … [are] defensively of taking the challenge and playing the top scorer on the other team. I think he’s doing a great job of taking that challenge personally, of getting up into guys," Corbin said.

He added: "That actually generates his offense a little bit, because he’s looser, he’s more focused on what he has to do, and then he can get in the flow of a game a lot quicker."

NBA: Utah Jazz defeat Memphis Grizzlies, 98-88--Salt Lake Tribune

"We needed this one," said forward Gordon Hayward, who scored a game-high 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and clearly outplayed the Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay. "We were on that fringe of not being in the playoffs, so we really need every single game. Especially with a team that’s right there next to us."
...
Jazz backup point guard Earl Watson’s pregame message to Hayward: "Let it fly."

G-Man did just that. So did his team, which shot 50.6 percent (42-for-83) from the field, dished out 26 assists and outscored Memphis 54-40 in the paint.

Gay’s 22 points topped Memphis, which committed 19 turnovers and was held to 22 points or fewer in three of four quarters.

The Grizzlies small forward saw in Utah everything Memphis was not: aggressive, fearless and united. And in Hayward, Gay caught a star on the rise.

"He got out there. It seemed like he was the one that was benefiting off all our mistakes," Gay said. "If there is a hustle play, he goes out there every night. He’s tough, and a lot of people on [the Grizzlies] can learn from that."

Butler’s road sweep keeps drive alive--Victory Firelight

VIDEO | Butler women’s basketball team raises breast cancer awareness--Butler Collegian

Miami's Big 3 leads Heat to 107-87 rout of Hawks--Miami Herald

Notes: Hawks C Jason Collins, out with a strained left elbow, will be evaluated Wednesday while the team is in Los Angeles. He said the movement in his arm is OK, but he'll have to build up the strength before he can return to the court. ... The Heat put five players in double figures. Mario Chalmers scored 15 and Norris Cole had 10. ... Atlanta's record dropped to 5-9 against teams that are above .500.

BracketBusters to resolve some mid-major questions this week: National College Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Detroit Mercy 77, Wisconsin-Green Bay 74: LaMarcus Lowe sparks Titans' comeback victory--The Detroit Free Press
Sunday's state basketball: Detroit Mercy catches Wisconsin-Green Bay to cap weekend rally--The Detroit News
Detroit holds off Green Bay for 77-74 victory--The Oakland Press
Detroit Takes Close One With Green Bay, 77-74--Titans Update
Titans Erase 12-point Second-Half Deficit to Down Green Bay--detroittitans.com

Loyola Seeks Back-To-Back Wins When It Visits Butler Tuesday--LoyolaRamblers.com

Men's basketball: UWGB falls just short at Detroit--Green Bay Press Gazette
Detroit a Little Too Much for Green Bay, 77-74--Phoenix Fever
Simon's Hot Hand Counters Phoenix Balance--uwgbathletics.com

Women's college basketball: Wojta excited for radio appearance--Green Bay Press Gazette

Panthers run into a big problem--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
UWM women Panthers can’t keep up with Detroit--UWM Post

Panthers blown out on road--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers lose big on the road to Wright State--UWM Post
Juggling with time--PantherU
Milwaukee Falls Hard To Wright State, 70-46--UWM Update
It was fun while it lasted...--Milwaukee Panther Tracks
Weekend Postgame Report - Milwaukee @ Detroit/Wright State--Panther Blog Zone
Hot-Shooting Raiders Roll Past Panthers--uwmpanthers.com

Tom Izzo's pep talk fires up Michigan State's Brandon Wood vs. Ohio State--The Detroit Free Press

Hall finding groove after concussion--Dayton Daily News
WSU’s victory good for the sole--Dayton Daily News
Darling, Raiders find scoring balance--Dayton Daily News
Wright State balance helps Raiders beat Milwaukee, 70-46--Wright State University Sports
Raiders upset Panthers behind Cole Darling’s career-high 70-46--RaiderRoundball.com
Wright State Dismantles Milwaukee, 70-46--Rowdy Review
Men Roll to 70-46 Win Over Milwaukee--wsuraiders.com

Horizon League extremely tough to fathom--Youngstown Vindicator

Four Become Three After Detroit, Wright State Wins--Horizon League Network

Men's Race for the Double Byes -- 2/12/2012

A note on my previous post: While it was not correct to say that one more win clinches the double bye for Valpo, it is true that it clinches the double bye for Valpo if that one more win came against YSU. Of course, that didn't happen...

Once again, the "1st round matchup below" is what it would be if the HL tourney were held tomorrow.

Scores from 2/11/2012:

Butler           52 Cleveland State 49
Loyola           78 UIC             69
Youngstown State 71 Valparaiso      53

Scores from 2/12/2012:

Detroit      77 Green Bay 74
Wright State 70 Milwaukee 46

Seed Team             Conf 1st round matchup
---- ----------       ---- -----------------
#1   Valparaiso       11-4 Double-bye; Host
#2   Cleveland State  10-4 Double-bye
#3   Detroit           9-6 Would host #10 Loyola
#4   Butler            9-6 Would host #9 UIC
#5   Youngstown State  9-6 Would host #8 Wright State
#6   Milwaukee         8-7 Would host #7 Green Bay
#7   Wright State      7-8
#8   Green Bay         6-8
#9   UIC               3-11
#10  Loyola            1-13

Valpo has UIC, Loyola, and Butler left.
CSU has Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, and WSU left.
YSU has Green Bay, WSU, Detroit
Detroit has WSU, CSU, and YSU left
Butler has Loyola, UIC, and Valpo left
Milwaukee has CSU, UIC, and Loyola left

Valpo swept CSU, is 1-1 against YSU, is 1-0 against Butler, split with Milwaukee, and swept Detroit.
CSU split with YSU, is 1-1 against Butler, is 1-0 against Milwaukee, is 1-0 against Detroit.
YSU is 1-0 against Detroit, swept Milwaukee, was swept by Butler.
Detroit swept Butler, split with Milwaukee
Butler split with Milwaukee.

Notes:

1. Only 1 of Detroit and YSU can finish 12-6 because they play each other.
2. Milwaukee drops out of these 12-6 tie scenarios because of their loss today to WSU.

If CSU finishes first (at 14-4 or 13-5), then Valpo needs to avoid a 3-way tie with Butler and YSU at 12-6 because Butler wins the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 3-1 record (Valpo 2-2, YSU 1-3).

A 3-way tie with Butler and Detroit would favor Valpo directly because of a 3-1 record (Detroit 2-2, Butler 1-3).

If CSU also finishes 12-6, then as many as 4 teams could tie for 1st: CSU, Valpo, Butler, and either YSU or Detroit. Obviously if it's just CSU and Valpo, Valpo wins the tiebreaker.

CSU-Valpo-YSU: Valpo 3-1, YSU 2-2, CSU 1-3 - Valpo and YSU get the double-byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit: Valpo 4-0, CSU 1-3 or 2-2, Detroit 1-3 or 0-4 - Valpo and the winner of the CSU-Detroit rematch (and tiebreaker if necessary) get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Butler: Valpo 3-1, Butler 2-2, CSU 1-3 (Butler beats CSU in the rematch) - Valpo and Butler get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-YSU-Butler: Valpo 4-2, Butler 4-2, YSU 2-4, CSU 2-4 - Valpo and Butler get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit-Butler: Valpo 5-1, Detroit 3-3, CSU 2-4, Butler 2-4 - Valpo and Detroit get the double byes

If CSU finishes 11-7 or 10-8, then as many as 3 teams can tie for first: Valpo, Butler, and either YSU or Detroit. Obviously if only one team ties Valpo at 12-6 both get double byes.

Valpo-Butler-YSU: Butler 3-1, Valpo 2-2, YSU 1-3 - Butler and Valpo get the double byes.

Valpo-Butler-Detroit: Valpo 3-1, Detroit 2-2, Butler 1-3 - Valpo and Detroit get the double byes.

To summarize, if Valpo finishes 13-5 or better, they clinch a double bye. If they finish 12-6, they clinch a double bye unless CSU finishes 13-5 or better AND YSU wins out.

Or to put it another way, Valpo's magic number to clinch the double bye is 2 over YSU.

But let's not make this just about Valpo:

CSU needs a lot of help if they lose out or only win 1 more.

If they finish 12-6 they obviously clinch a double bye if there's only one team ahead of them and nobody tied with them, or if they are tied for first at 12-6 with only one other team. The above analysis suggests that the only 3 or 4-way tie at 12-6 that gives them the double bye is CSU-Valpo-Detroit, depending on the CSU-Detroit rematch: if CSU beats Detroit, that clinches it. If Detroit beats CSU, then a further tie-breaker is needed to settle who gets the 2 seed. Valpo would get the 1 seed and would not break this tie because they swept both teams. YSU could finish as high as 11-7, Butler could finish as high as 11-7, Milwaukee could finish as high as 11-7. So one or more of these teams would be needed to break this tie. If YSU is alone at 11-7, Detroit wins the tiebreaker because they would sweep YSU while CSU split with them. If Butler is alone at 11-7, Detroit again wins the tiebreaker because they swept Butler while CSU was swept by Butler. If Milwaukee is alone at 11-7, the tie remains unbroken because Milwaukee split with both teams, so it would fall to YSU and/or Butler (or YSU, Butler, and WSU if all 3 are 9-9). Since both YSU and Butler individually break the tie in favor of Detroit, both of them together will also break the tie in favor of Detroit, so it is only necessary to consider the 3-way tie. Detroit would be 6-0 against the 3 while CSU would be either 2-4 or 3-3 against the 3, so again Detroit wins the tiebreaker.

In other words, in the CSU-Valpo-Detroit 12-6 3-way tie, the only way CSU gets a double bye is by beating Detroit during the final week of the season. So, CSU clinches a double bye with 2 more wins if one of them is against Detroit AND Butler and YSU lose at least once.

To summarize then, CSU clinches a double bye if the win at least 3 of their remaining 4 (13-5 or 14-4) or if they beat Detroit and one other team and Butler and YSU lose at least one of their remaining games.

Detroit, Butler, and YSU still need plenty of help to snag a double bye, and Milwaukee needs tons of help.

WSU needs maximum help to get a double bye. They would need to win out (10-8), CSU to lose out (10-8), Detroit to lose to YSU (10-8), Butler to lose out (9-9), and YSU to lose to Green Bay (10-8). In the 4-way tie, WSU would be 4-2, CSU would be 3-3, Detroit would be 2-4, and YSU would be 3-3, so WSU would get a double bye. If Green Bay also joins in the fun by beating UIC and Loyola to finish 10-8, WSU would be 4-4, CSU would be 4-4, Detroit would be 4-4, YSU would be 4-4, and Green Bay would be 4-4, and it would then fall to Butler to break the tie -- definitely not in favor of WSU since Butler swept them and got swept by Detroit.

Hence, if WSU wins out, CSU loses out, Detroit loses to YSU, Butler loses out, YSU loses to Green Bay, and Green Bay loses to either Loyola or UIC or both, WSU gets the 2 seed, otherwise they play a first round game.

Green Bay cannot get the double bye. Even if they tie with CSU, Detroit, YSU, and WSU at 10-8, with Butler losing out (9-9), Butler would end up breaking the tie in favor of Detroit.

As always, if you see a mistake, by all means let me know and I'll be sure to correct it.

News On The Horizon 2/12/2012

Butler Bulldogs Hang On To Defeat Cleveland State Vikings, 52-49--Hoopville
Butler Wins At Cleveland St: Are They Making A Run?--Basketball Predictions
The NC-Double-Eh Schedule - Feb. 12--The NC-Double-Eh Schedule - Feb. 12

Here is where the men are playing today ...
...
1:00pm Green Bay @ Detroit - In his last five games, Detroit's Jason Calliste has hit for double figures four out five times and has been steady in the starting lineup. He's had his role lessen somewhat this season with the emergence of backcourt mates Ray McCallum and Chase Simon but he's always capable to putting up some numbers if the latter two are having off games.

Loyola tops UIC for 1st Horizon victory--The Chicago Tribune

Utah Jazz run out of gas against best in the West--Deseret News

To make things even more frustrating for the Jazz, their defensive effort, led by Gordon Hayward, held Durant in check to the tune of 19 points — far under his season average of 27-plus per game.

Three games in three nights? Utah Jazz get their chance--Salt Lake Tribune

The Jazz have four players averaging over 25 minutes — Al Jefferson (33.1), Paul Millsap (31.3), Gordon Hayward (28.2) and Devin Harris (26.2).

“We may tweak some minutes,” Corbin said. “If we get an opportunity to rest some guys, we will. We’ll probably use a few more guys to give ourselves a chance to be ready for the third game. But we have to give ourselves an honest chance to win, too.”

Utah Jazz’s offense fails to move as team faces crossroads--Salt Lake Tribune
Butler Vs. Cleveland State Final Score: Bulldogs Struggle Late, Hold On For 52-49 Win--SB Nation Indiana
Marshall survives return from concussion--The Indy Star
Butler stops Cleveland State--The Indy Star
Road reveals Dawgs’ growth--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler Beats Cleveland State Late, 52-49--Butler Blue Fever
NCAA Tournament Preview: Butler Could Bust Brackets Again--Bleacher Report
BUTLER 52, CLEVELAND STATE 49--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Bulldogs Shut Down Cleveland State--ButlerSports.com

Butler Falls To Valparaiso--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat’s Mario Chalmers matures into key asset--Miami Herald

Chalmers was 17 of 30 from three-point range in the five games before Wednesday’s loss to the Orlando Magic. It was in that game, which Chalmers sat out because of a sprained left wrist, that Chalmers’ importance to the team was made obvious.

The disruption to the Heat’s lineup threw off the team’s rhythm.

In hindsight, Spoelstra said Friday that he probably should not have started rookie point guard Norris Cole, which further affected the offense’s flow in and out of rotations.

Chalmers was rushed back from injury Friday against the Wizards, and though he only played limited minutes, the Heat’s offense found its form, with Cole coming off the bench and James playing point guard through several key stretches. Chalmers is probable for Sunday’s game in Atlanta.

Vikings looking for winning alternatives with Brown out: Cleveland State Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State's woeful week complete with 52-49 home loss to Butler--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Butler Holds Off Cleveland State, 52-49--Vikings Ball
StatSheet Projects Cleveland State as NIT Seven Seed: 02/12/2012--Vikings Ball
Grady Notches Double-Double But CSU Falls to Butler, 52-49--csuvikings.com

Vikings Fall At UIC, 72-50--csuvikings.com

Detroit (14-12) vs. Green Bay (10-13)--Titans Update

On this day 4 years ago - Feb 11, 2008--Flame Fanatic
Loyola (Chicago) Too Much for UIC, 78-69--Flame Fanatic
Flames Come Up Short at Loyola, 78-69--uicflames.com

Bailey and Green Become Highest Scoring Duo in 72-50 Rout Over CSU--uicflames.com

Loyola (Chicago) Beats UIC, 78-69--LU Wolf Ball
Balanced Attack Leads Loyola Past UIC, 78-69--LoyolaRamblers.com

Hambric's 20 Points Lead Loyola Past Youngstown State, 78-73--LoyolaRamblers.com

Today's men's basketball preview: UWGB at Detroit--Green Bay Press Gazette
Quick Turnaround Brings Phoenix to Detroit--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: Wojta leads No. 9 UWGB past Wright State--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix Back on Winning Track with Record Day from Wojta--uwgbathletics.com

When you think the world is against you--PantherU
Wright State Preview--PantherU
Milwaukee (15-11) Goes Up Against Wright State (11-15)--UWM Update
Panthers Seeking Weekend Split Sunday At Wright State--uwmpanthers.com

Brown's Big Second Half Fuels Detroit Victory Over UWM--uwmpanthers.com

Shorthanded VU struggles on road--The Post-Tribune
Back to work for VU--The Post-Tribune
Youngstown State 71, Valparaiso 53--Off The Mark
VU men struggle in loss at Youngstown--The NWI Times
Valparaiso Falls to Youngstown State, 71-53--Valpo Daily
Michigan State 58, Ohio State 48: Spartans tie Buckeyes for first in Big Ten with upset victory--The Detroit Free Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Even Tom Izzo said he thought the game was won before it started. Well, he didn't say that exactly, but he did say that the makings of Michigan State's 10-point upset of Ohio State at Value City Arena on Saturday night began with a question.

Actually, it began with a couple of them.

The first came from senior co-captain and team leader Draymond Green, who asked Izzo if the team could dial it down during Friday's practice to save energy for Saturday's game. The second came from Izzo himself, when he invited senior shooting guard Brandon Wood into his office last week for a 90-minute chat about basketball and life and how best to get everything out of both.

Green got Izzo to commit to a lighter workout. Izzo got a promise from Wood to commit to defense. Both played crucial roles in Michigan State's 58-48 win over Ohio State, a win that snapped Ohio State's 39-game home winning streak and gave the Spartans a share of the conference lead.
...
Sullinger missed 10 of his 15 shots. When Payne wasn't playing above him, Derrick Nix was bodying him. Travis Trice, Keith Appling and Wood often dug down on Sullinger, too, cheating off their wing when he put the ball on the floor to create chaos.
...
The Spartans don't get the lead in the first place, however, without the defensive effort of Wood, who hounded Ohio State's best shooter, William Buford, into a 2-for-12 night.

Izzo said Wood made the commitment in East Lansing during their long talk last week.

"The greatest thing in coaching or parenting is when you give a kid a challenge and he doesn't sulk," Izzo said. "I love when people reach down and meet challenges."

He could say the same thing of his entire team.

The Road Ahead--Section EE
Crusaders Drop Road Contest at YSU Saturday--valpoathletics.com

Women’s basketball: Valparaiso earns season sweep over Butler--The Post-Tribune
VU women win at Hinkle for first time since 1983--The NWI Times
Valpo Wins at Butler for First Time Since 1983--valpoathletics.com

Wright State hoping to stop skid--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee--Dayton Daily News

Wright State women fall at No. 9 Green Bay, remain in third place--Wright State University Sports
Women Fall 64-59 at #9 Green Bay--wsuraiders.com

Youngstown State women lose 3rd straight--Youngstown Vindicator
Late Free Throws Lead Loyola to 78-73 Win Over YSU--ysusports.com

YSU men overwhelm first-place Valparaiso--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU upends league-leading Valpo--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Youngstown State Takes Down Valparaiso, 71-53--Guin Report
Penguins bounce back against Valpo--The Jambar
Complete Effort Propels Penguins Past League-Leader Valpo--ysusports.com

Leaders Fall On Wild Saturday--Horizon League Network

Big Second Halves the Story in Women's Basketball on Saturday--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 2/11/2012

A Battle for the Ages--The Mid-Majority
Hoops in the Shadow of XLVI--The Mid-Majority
Saturday's matchup: UIC at Loyola--The Chicago Tribune

Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Paul Millsap really struggled on a night when it seemed he would try to make a statement for not being named as an All-Star reserve. Gordon Hayward played pretty efficiently, but the Jazz's frontcourt was no match for Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka.

Grade: C+

Utah Jazz blown out by Oklahoma City, 101-87--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward and Raja Bell each had 13 points, Devin Harris added 11 with seven assists and birthday boy Paul Millsap tallied 10 points and nine rebounds.

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder outlast Jazz 101-87--Salt Lake Tribune

Soon, though, Jefferson saw a little light. He longs for the playoffs. Teammates such as Earl Watson, Paul Millsap and Gordon Hayward want the same thing. And the only way Utah is going to make it to the postseason is by rising above adversity, sticking together and proving to anyone who doubts what it’s ultimately worth.
...
A quick post-break run led by Hayward made it 58-56 Utah.

At a Glance: Butler at Cleveland State--The Indy Star
Butler (14-12) vs. Cleveland State (20-5)--Butler Blue Fever
Bulldogs Visit League Power Cleveland State--ButlerSports.com

Bulldogs Fight Valparaiso, Breast Cancer This Saturday--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers returns to starting lineup--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Preview capsules for today's men's and women's college basketball games--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Men
...
Cleveland State vs. Butler

Tipoff: 11 a.m., Wolstein Center, Cleveland.

TV/radio: ESPN2; WHK AM/1220.

Notable: CSU (20-5, 10-3 Horizon League) looks for a quick rebound against Butler (14-12, 8-6) after its stunning performance Thursday night in a loss to Valparaiso. Senior swing man D'Aundray Brown will not play, meaning 6-8 freshman Anton Grady (Cleveland Central Catholic) is likely to start. That means little-used Luda Ndaye and/or Devon Long could see some action inside. Butler only has five road wins this season, but one came Thursday at Youngstown State.

Next for CSU: Tuesday, at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
...
Women
...
Cleveland State at Illinois-Chicago

Tipoff: 4 p.m., UIC Pavilion, Chicago.

Notable: CSU (9-14, 4-8 Horizon League) snapped a five-game skid and now looks to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. UIC is 14-9, 7-5.

Next for CSU: Thursday, vs. Green Bay, 7 p.m.

Sometimes even Cleveland State men's team only has one oar in water: Local College Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Valparaiso 59, Cleveland State 41--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State (20-5) Takes On Butler (14-12)--Vikings Ball
Vikings Host Butler on Saturday Morning--csuvikings.com

Vikings Face UIC On Saturday--csuvikings.com

Titans could be 'tough out' in March--Fox Sports Detroit
College hoops roundup: Detroit Mercy rallies to beat Wisconsin-Milwaukee--The Detroit Free Press
Detroit Mercy men's furious finish overwhelms Milwaukee--The Detroit News
On this day 11 years ago - Feb 10, 2001--Titans Update
Detroit Beats Milwaukee Late, 58-57--Titans Update
Fuse Detroit!--detroittitans.com
Calliste's Free Throws Seal Wild Comeback--detroittitans.com

Detroit Looks To Make It Five In A Row On Saturday--detroittitans.com

UIC (7-16) Takes On Loyola (Chicago) (5-18)--Flame Fanatic
Flames, Ramblers Collide in Horizon League Game of the Week Saturday--uicflames.com

Flames Seek Revenge Against Cleveland State on Saturday--uicflames.com

Loyola (Chicago) (5-18) vs. UIC (7-16)--LU Wolf Ball
On this day 12 years ago - Feb 10, 2000--LU Wolf Ball

Men's basketball: UWGB beats Wright State to end road skid--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Gets Win Over Wright State, 53-48--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (10-13) Takes On Detroit (14-12)--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Claims Road Win at Wright State--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: Today's UWGB vs. Wright State preview--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Wraps up Homestand Saturday Hosting Wright State at 2 p.m.--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers lose 10-point lead, fall at Detroit--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Struggles in Close 58-57 Loss To Detroit--UWM Update
Panthers Edged by Detroit, 58-57--uwmpanthers.com
Detroit Comeback Sends Milwaukee To Heartbreaking Defeat--uwmpanthers.com

Milwaukee Closes Challenging Homestand Against Detroit--uwmpanthers.com

VU women’s preview--The Post-Tribune
Richie comes through for the Crusaders--The NWI Times
Updated: Valparaiso (18-8) vs. Youngstown State (13-11)--Valpo Daily
Valpo vs. Cleveland State PPS results--Section EE
A PPS Preview: YSU vs. Valpo--Section EE
Valpo Men Look to Maintain Top Spot Saturday at YSU--valpoathletics.com

Back to work for VU--The Post-Tribune
Women's Hoops Closes Road Trip Saturday at Butler--valpoathletics.com

Raiders drop to 8th place in league with loss--Dayton Daily News
Valparaiso takes control of Horizon League race with big Thursday win--Wright State University Sports
Live at Wright State vs. Green Bay--Wright State University Sports
Phoenix top Raiders 53-48, earn first road victory of season--RaiderRoundball.com
Wright State Flops In 53-48 Loss to Green Bay--Rowdy Review
Wright State (11-15) vs. Milwaukee (15-11)--Rowdy Review
Men Fall 53-48 to Green Bay--wsuraiders.com

Youngstown State (13-11) Battles Valparaiso (18-8)--Guin Report
Men's Basketball Welcomes League Leader Valparaiso Saturday Night--ysusports.com

Guins Hope To Earn Chicago Split on Saturday at Loyola--ysusports.com

Scoreboard-Watching Begins In Earnest This Weekend--Horizon League Network
Friday Night Chaos Brings Four-Way Tie for Third to Ladder--Horizon League Network

Men's Seed Race 2/10/2012 -- Spotlight on the Double Byes

Since the subject has been broached via twitter, I'm going to get this going, though minimally to start (there's still 2 to the 23rd possibilities, too early to dive all the way in).

Once again, the "1st round matchup below" is what it would be if the HL tourney were held tomorrow.

Scores from 2/9/2012:

Valparaiso 59 Cleveland State  41
Butler     68 Youngstown State 59

Scores from 2/10/2012:

Detroit    58 Milwaukee    57
Green Bay  53 Wright State 48

Seed Team             Conf 1st round matchup
---- ----------       ---- -----------------
#1   Valparaiso       11-3 Double-bye; Host
#2   Cleveland State  10-3 Double-bye
#3   Youngstown State  8-6 Would host #10 Loyola
#4   Detroit           8-6 Would host #9 UIC
#5   Butler            8-6 Would host #8 Wright State
#6   Milwaukee         8-6 Would host #7 Green Bay
#7   Green Bay         6-7
#8   Wright State      6-8
#9   UIC               3-10
#10  Loyola            0-13

A question was raised on Twitter that perhaps Valpo needs only one more win to clinch a double bye (at least a 2 seed). Obviously if Valpo wins 2 more games, they definitely clinch the double bye. However:

Valpo has YSU, UIC, Loyola, and Butler left.
CSU has Butler, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, and WSU left.
YSU has Valpo, Green Bay, WSU, Detroit
Detroit has Green Bay, WSU, CSU, and YSU left
Butler has CSU, Loyola, UIC, and Valpo left
Milwaukee has WSU, CSU, UIC, and Loyola left

Valpo swept CSU, is 1-0 against YSU, is 1-0 against Butler, split with Milwaukee, and swept Detroit.
CSU split with YSU, is 1-0 against Butler, is 1-0 against Milwaukee, is 1-0 against Detroit.
YSU is 1-0 against Detroit, swept Milwaukee, was swept by Butler.
Detroit swept Butler, split with Milwaukee
Butler split with Milwaukee.

Note: Only 1 of Detroit and YSU can finish 12-6 because they play each other.

If CSU finishes first (at 15-3, 14-4, or 13-5), then Valpo needs to avoid a 3-way tie with Butler and YSU at 12-6 because Butler wins the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 3-1 record (Valpo 2-2, YSU 1-3). They also need to avoid a 3-way tie with YSU and Milwaukee because YSU wins the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 3-1 record (Valpo 2-2, Milwaukee 1-3). They also need to avoid a 4-way tie with YSU, Butler, and Milwaukee because Butler wins the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 4-2 record (Valpo 3-3, YSU 3-3, Milwaukee 2-4).

Note: with CSU at least 13-5, Butler, Detroit, and Milwaukee can't all join Valpo at 12-6, though Butler, YSU, and Milwaukee can.

A 3-way tie with Butler and Milwaukee would favor Valpo because the 3 teams split with each other, but only Valpo swept CSU. A 3-way tie with Butler and Detroit would favor Valpo directly because of a 3-1 record (Detroit 2-2, Butler 1-3). A 3-way tie with Detroit and Milwaukee would favor Valpo directly because of a 3-1 record (Milwaukee 2-2, Detroit 1-3).

If CSU also finishes 12-6, then as many as 5 teams could tie for 1st: CSU, Valpo, Milwaukee, Butler, and either YSU or Detroit. Obviously if it's just CSU and Valpo, Valpo wins the tiebreaker.

CSU-Valpo-YSU: Valpo 3-1, YSU 2-2, CSU 1-3 - Valpo and YSU get the double-byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit: Valpo 4-0, CSU 1-3 or 2-2, Detroit 1-3 or 0-4 - Valpo and the winner of the CSU-Detroit rematch (and tiebreaker if necessary) get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Butler: Valpo 3-1, Butler 2-2, CSU 1-3 (Butler beats CSU in the rematch) - Valpo and Butler get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Milwaukee: Valpo 3-1, CSU 1-3 or 2-2, Milwaukee 2-2 or 1-3 - Valpo and the winner of the CSU-Milwaukee rematch get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-YSU-Butler: Valpo 4-2, Butler 4-2, YSU 2-4, CSU 2-4 - Valpo and Butler get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-YSU-Milwaukee: Valpo 4-2, YSU 4-2, CSU 2-4, Milwaukee 2-4 - Valpo and YSU get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit-Butler: Valpo 5-1, Detroit 3-3, CSU 2-4, Butler 2-4 - Valpo and Detroit get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit-Milwaukee: Valpo 5-1, Milwaukee 3-3, Detroit 2-4, CSU 2-4 - Valpo and Milwaukee get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Butler-Milwaukee: Valpo 4-2, Butler 3-3, Milwaukee 3-3, CSU 2-4 - Valpo and either Butler or Milwaukee get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-YSU-Butler-Milwaukee: Valpo 5-3, Butler 5-3, YSU 4-4, CSU 3-5, Milwaukee 3-5 - Valpo and Butler get the double byes
CSU-Valpo-Detroit-Butler-Milwaukee: Valpo 6-2, Detroit 4-4, Milwaukee 4-4, CSU 3-5, Butler 3-5 - Valpo and either Detroit or Milwaukee get the double byes

If CSU finishes 11-7 or 10-8, then as many as 3 teams can tie for first: Valpo, Milwaukee, Butler, and either YSU or Detroit. Obviously if only one team ties Valpo at 12-6 both get double byes.

Valpo-Milwaukee-Butler: Here each is 2-2 in head to head, so it would depend on each's record against common opponents, beginning with 4th place. Valpo wins the tiebreaker if it's Detroit. Butler wins if it is YSU, but Valpo would still get the 2 seed. Valpo wins if it is CSU. Milwaukee wins if it is Green Bay because they alone swept Green Bay. Valpo would have to then win the tiebreaker with Butler to get the 2 seed. If WSU is the 4th place team, Butler and Milwaukee would get the double byes because they both will have swept WSU while Valpo split with them. I'll leave the 4th place tie possibilities alone for now.

Valpo-Milwaukee-YSU: Here YSU gets the 1 seed with a 3-1 record, Valpo gets the 2 seed with a 2-2 record, and Milwaukee gets the 3 seed with a 1-3 record.

Valpo-Milwaukee-Detroit: Valpo 3-1, Milwaukee 2-2, Detroit 1-3 - Valpo and Milwaukee get the double byes.

Valpo-Butler-YSU: Butler 3-1, Valpo 2-2, YSU 1-3 - Butler and Valpo get the double byes.

Valpo-Butler-Detroit: Valpo 3-1, Detroit 2-2, Butler 1-3 - Valpo and Detroit get the double byes.

Valpo-Milwaukee-Butler-YSU: Butler 4-2, Valpo 3-3, Milwaukee 3-3, YSU 2-4 - Butler and either Valpo or Milwaukee get the double byes. Milwaukee swept Green Bay while Valpo swept CSU, so it's likely Valpo would win this tiebreaker, though not absolutely certain.

Valpo-Milwaukee-Butler-Detroit: Valpo 4-2, Milwaukee 3-3, Detroit 3-3, Butler 2-4 - Valpo and either Milwaukee or Detroit would get the double byes. Which one gets the 2 seed depends on the Detroit-Green Bay, Milwaukee-Wright State, Detroit-Wright State, and Milwaukee-UIC rematches.

To summarize, if Valpo finishes 13-5 they clinch a double bye. If they finish 12-6, they clinch a double bye unless:

1. CSU finishes 13-5 or better AND YSU wins out OR
2. CSU finishes 10-8 or 11-7 AND Milwaukee AND Butler OR Milwaukee AND Butler AND YSU win out and Valpo loses the tiebreaker.

As always, if you see a mistake, by all means let me know and I'll be sure to correct it.