Having said that, when was the last time a MAC team made back to back Sweet Sixteen appearances (ever?)? Just curious.
Never happened before. In fact, you have to go all the way back to the 1990 and 91 tournaments for the last time the MAC was represented in two straight Sweet Sixteens with Ball State in 90 and EMU in 91.
A MAC school hasn't even made the tournament in consecutive years since Kent State in 01 and 02.