Nice analysis and excellent question. I don't have an opinion, or even an answer. I wish OUr team had 2-3 more of those top 3 finishes, but I also like the tournament wins. What's really bad are the other years where the MAC Champ can't win or was embarrassed.

I always liked the Groce goals from 2011-12 season that started with graduating, but then went to Win the MAC, go to the tournament, and then ADVANCE when you get there.

I think this team is more like 2011 than 2012. That team had talent but was very young, DeVaughn and Tommy were the only upperclassmen playing significant minutes. Bobcats finished the regular season 17-14(9-7) but at one point were 12-13(5-6) before winning 5 of their last 6 regular season games, starting with a road win at Buffalo in mid February. That was also the season they lost a 4OT game at St Bonnie and lost a 3OT game at home to Fiami. In spite of finishing the regular season strong the Bobcats lost in the 2nd round to Ball St in OT and went to the CIT where they finished 1-1.

Hopeful for success this year, expectant of success next year.

It's kind of pick your poison. Keeping your coach keeps your program at or near the top of the conference consistently but winning NCAA games loses you your coach and makes for a yo-yo effect on your record. Personally I think I'd rather have the NCAA victories.

Yes a disappointing exit in Tourney but I REALLY enjoyed the easy trip down to Turdville with my old man for a VERY satisfying one point win over Marshall surrounded by fans who were convinced they were superior. And a pretty good burger afterwards nearby (at Fat Patty's I think).

OUVan, I think we were peaking in 2012, not sure of the exact sequence, However, as I recall we won 4 out our last 5, or 5 out of our last 6 in the regular season and three straight tournament wins culminating in that nail biter over Akron in the championship game. Also, we didn't had more than one starting senior on that team, if that. Everyone was thinking the sky is the limit for the next year, but the team chemistry following Coach Groce's exit to Illinois just wasn't the same. Thus is quite common in basketball when the slightest of changes in line ups etc. can have a major impact.

As I mentioned in my initial post, there is an extremely fine line with teams that peak at the right time a la the 2012 team under Coach Groce and some of those Coach Hunter teams that had the talent, but just couldn't quite seal the deal when it came to MAC tournament play.

From where the team is at this moment, this reminds me of 2010 where a couple of transfers led the program in the coaches 2nd year to advance to the NCAAs and shoot the lights out against Georgetown. The scenario could be reversed where Ohio has the shoot out game against Akron in the MAC Final for an upset trip to the dance.