Thread is going up a day early because of how important the game is (doubt anyone wants to discuss anything but hoops right now). Since the thread is up so early, feel free to discuss anything, just don’t post youtube links and clutter things up until after the game!.

Regarding whether the Beavs are in or not, I see it like this:

1 road win: possible.
2 road wins: definite
1 road win/1+ pac-12 wins: probable
0 road wins, 2 wins in pac-12 tournament: probably fall short, but some hope

I think the Beavs have a story working for them (not being in it in 26 years) that could work in their favor because it makes them an automatic Cinderella story, and we know this tournament is all about that. Yay for futility? That’s why I think with just 1 more win it is possible.

Big picture, though, even if they don’t make the NCAA: the NIT is tangible improvement in just year 2. A lot of dead weight graduates — Payton will be the only real loss, but the incoming players look good and can probably replace his numbers, if not his disruption.

Wednesday, 8pm on Fox Sports 1

Go Beavs.

Go Beavs

Lady Beavs can clinch the Pac-12 tonight. I read they are 0-28 all-time at Stanford. Is that right? If so, that is crazy. More Beav incompetence that hopefully comes to an end tonight.

Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but weren’t 2 of their 3 losses when Wiese got hurt? And the other just a 3 point loss to Tennessee. That’s impressive. I think this is a final 4 team based on how they’ve played. Unlike last year, they are more consistent and seem ready for bigger challenges this year. Tonight’s a big one and great test. I think the Beavs are the better team, but given their track record at Stanford it’s hard to pick them. Still, I think they eek out a close win.

8pm on Pac-12 network.

8pm on Pac-12 ESPNU.

The Beavs don’t play well on ESPNU, in general, and then there’s the fact everyone is chalking up the home games as automatic wins. The Beavs could get ambushed if they don’t come out ready to play from the start. Energy levels early in games have been poor and concerning. Payton needs to score more.

I know there are sites putting the Beavs in the tourney, but I still think they need to win the next four games to guarantee that. 3 out of 4 will put them on the cusp, and I think  USC is the best shot at a road win. Nothing has changed of late, and I think the slow starts and eyeball test say NIT team, so I expect some tripping up down the stretch, but we’ll see.

Go Beavs.