Denver's win has impact in 2011
No. 18 Denver's 12-4 victory over No. 6 Loyola was significant in that it netted the Pioneers the Eastern College Athletic Conference regular-season championship and the league's automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament.
The win also means that Denver (11-4) will serve as the host for the inaugural ECAC Tournament next season. The winner of the conference tournament, which begins next year, will earn the automatic qualifier.
The Pioneers and No. 20 Army (10-5) became the first teams to punch their tickets to the NCAA Tournament. The Black Knights knocked off Navy, 11-8, in the Patriot League Tournament final to earn that conference's automatic qualifier.
Comments
And doesn't it have immediate impact in 2010? Denver taking the conference's automatic qualifier, and Loyola presumably getting an at-large berth, leaves one less spot available for bubble teams (hey, Hopkins) to fight over. Had Loyola beaten Denver, I doubt Denver would get an invite.
Posted by: Bob | May 3, 2010 4:56 PM
Bob: I wouldn't be so quick to conclude that Loyola will be awarded an at-large berth. If Hopkins beats the 'Hounds Saturday at Loyola, I think there's a good chance Loyola will be in the same situation it was last year: on the outside looking. I think they must beat Hopkins to get admitted into the Dance.
Posted by: trebort49 | May 4, 2010 11:08 AM
2011 will be a tournament for the books. The altitude will change everything. I recall a few years back when UVA, as defending national champion went out west and was shallacked by USAFA and Denver in the same weekend. I don't think I've seen a top team go to Colorado since then.
Posted by: Josh | May 5, 2010 9:57 AM