It's almost been seven years since we played these guys in the Round of 32.
Geez.
Ohio never took advantage of the Sweet 16 year. Seven lost years since then for the program unfortunately.
Just had to say it didn't you?
This myth that in a one-bid league it's somehow going to be easy to repeat post-season success is absurd.
Ohio basketball fans should never be content going seven years without a trip to the Big Dance...ever. Nobody expects it to happen every year. But seven years is not acceptable. I believe most fans who follow the program closely believe this as well.
Historically speaking, since the start of the MAC tourney era, how often do we win the MAC tourney and go dancing? And have we ever had any droughts longer than the current one?
I cited all of those facts since the modern era of the NCAA Tournament (when 64 teams was started -- 1985) last year in another thread. All but a handful of reasonable minds didn't care about the norms or averages over the last 30+ years. They just wanted to pound their fists and demand what they wanted - as if Ohio is some mid-major super power. I'm well over arguing about that, because it's an argument that isn't going to go anywhere -- I'm not changing the minds of those who are pounding their fists. Their mind is made up for whatever their reasons.
I will offer one point though: While many want to blame Saul for everything gone wrong, what about our esteemed athletic director?
Also, it's intriguing that some people who support football's perpetual 7-5 or 8-4 seasons that fall short of Detroit are quickly willing to dump on basketball because they haven't gotten to the MAC Championship game. Food for thought.