McCaffrey’s Musings
By: Tim McCaffrey
Coming up later in the week, I’ll have a midweek musing focused on two words. The article could change the way you talk to people, but until then….
As we transition to bracketology, we’ll discuss why teams are where and explain why. It is this thing I like to call transparency. If you ever have a question my e-mail is below!
TMAC’s Elite 8 - Women's
#8) American International (12-6)* ⬆1
#7) Southern Connecticut (12-7) ⬆1
#6) St. Thomas Aquinas (16-5) ↔
#5) Bentley (12-8) ↔
#4) Jefferson (18-3) ⬇1
#3) Le Moyne (15-5) ⬆1
#2) Southern New Hampshire (14-4) ↔
#1) Assumption (18-2) ↔
OUT: #7 Holy Family
*AIC is 12-6, despite having an overall 13-8 record. The loss at the University of Vermont is against a Division I team and does not qualify for criteria purposes. The two games in Puerto Rico count towards the minimum contests played, but they are not used in the criteria either. This is actually very good news and boosts the Yellow Jackets.
Holy Family (15-7) has played up to its competition, but the Tigers have also played down to their competition. With five defeats to teams that are NOT over .500, and only one game left versus a regionally-ranked opponent (at Jefferson), there is virtually no upside for the Tigers. That doesn’t mean the group won’t win the CACC tournament, but at-large hopes should be tabled for the time being.
The team that could be in the top eight before the week is complete is New Haven (11-7), winners of five straight, and owners of a schedule that should continue to catapult the Chargers into mix. A very strong case can be made for St. Thomas Aquinas and Jefferson to be aligned in the 4 vs. 5 contest. That occurrence should be virtually impossible as the committee, with a bracket this balanced, will not have three all NE10 match-ups in the opening round.
Who will Host?
Assumption is the odds on favorite. They are one win away from LOCK status in the field and probably can afford two defeats and still host, however, the Greyhounds have a tricky rivalry game on tap. Waiting in the wings are SNHU and Le Moyne. Both have cracks at Assumption, but only the Penmen and Bentley have been able to upend Worcester’s Division II team!
Games of the Week
#8 AIC @ #1 Assumption: Wednesday, February 1, 5:30 PM
If you had the Yellow Jackets as the region’s hottest team, give yourself a pat on the back. Kristen Hutchison has a difficult week, but one that will prove pivotal. The two schools are a little over a 50-mile drive apart but they haven’t had a game against each other with this much meaning in a long time.
#2 SNHU @ #5 Bentley: Wednesday, February 1, 5:30 PM
While it isn’t time to panic in Waltham, a loss for C White and company against Karen Pinkos and the Penmen will position the Falcons permanently (for this year) on the bubble. Couple a loss with wins from other bubble teams this week and it is 100% possible Bentley will not be in the Top 8 next week.
#8 AIC @ UNH: Saturday, February 4, 1:30 PM
Put a star next to this game! AIC won the first game between these two in Springfield, so a series sweep will ice out UNH. For New Haven to keep at-large hopes alive, a win is a must. In fact, If AIC suffers an 0-2 week, the Chargers would supplant the Yellow Jackets in the Top 8! The potential swing and ripples from this game will have ramifications for these two teams for the weeks ahead!
Unlike the other bracket, the Men’s Top 8 is becoming more and more clear!
TMAC’s Top 8- Men's
#8) St. Thomas Aquinas (19-3) ↔
#7) Franklin Pierce (13-7) ⬆2
#6) Southern Connecticut (13-8) ↔
#5) Southern New Hampshire (12-7) ↔
#4) Dominican (14-5)* ↔
#3) New Haven (13-6) ⬆2
#2) Saint Anselm (15-5) ⬆1
#1) Bentley (17-2) ↔
*Games against Cheyney do not count as far as ranking purposes.
Out: #7 Pace
Not much change here. Pace (14-8) dropped out and would be #11. They have several games ahead to move the needle, but for the time being are out of the at-large discussion. There are two teams lurking in the weeds. Post is #9 by virtue of a 4-4 record versus regionally-ranked opponents and Le Moyne is #10, but that group is 1-8 versus projected ranked squads. The Dolphins are 2-0 against Pace, which has the Setters in trouble. Pace is 4-6 against the Top 10. Post will have a hard time leaping over St. Thomas Aquinas due to an overtime home loss early in the campaign. Franklin Pierce is steady at seven, as the Ravens couldn’t defeat SCSU in Rindge. SNHU swept SCSU, hence the Penmen with the higher seed. Dominican went to SNHU and returned to Rockland County with a W, so DU maintains #4, despite being in danger of missing its own conference tournament. Bridgeport visits Orangeburg Tuesday in what is a MUST. A loss would have DU in 4th place only one game ahead of UB in the CACC North!
While Bentley is a clear #1, the next two lines are a touch more complicated. I have settled on the Hawks as #2, despite a UNH triumph in Manchester. I can be swayed on this, it’s that close. It probably won’t be settled until the last game of the year, Saint Anselm @ UNH! Circle Tuesday February 21 on your calendars!
Games of the Week
#5 SNHU @ #1 Bentley: Wednesday, February 1, 7:30 PM
House money game for Southern New Hampshire. It will stay on the 5-line with a loss, and potentially advance to the four win a triumph. Bentley moves to LOCK status with a win. SNHU has unquestioned toughness, but Bentley is built to win games like this!
#7 Franklin Pierce @ Le Moyne: Saturday, February 4, 3:00 PM
This is a must-win for the Dolphins as a loss would mean a 0-2 record against a team they need to jump to make the top 8! FPU is living on the edge, and will continue to be with a win, but a Raven loss brings Post even closer to the mix!
Coming up…. Stay tuned for Midweek Musings……It is an article that parents, fans and coaches are not going to want to miss!
We have big things planned exclusive for Patreon subscribers next year. Also, if you like what we do, Patreon helps defray the cost of keeping the website up and running. For additional info on how to donate or sign up…. Please go to…
https://www.patreon.com/D2easthoops
This was written by Tim McCaffrey, to write to him, try t.p.mccaffrey@gmail.com, he returns every e-mail!