As Predicted................

I believe I previously commented on the board that while Ripon was starting hot, they had a history of going in the tank. Well, well, well............ It seems "The Roop" nailed that one. 3-4 in their last 7 games in which they should have done no worse than 6-1; if they were truly as good as the hot start indicated that is. Short version of the story is.......... THEY'RE NOT.

Thus far they have clinched a .500 record in conference play and seem destined to back their way into the MWC Tournament, or will they???? Tie breakers will play a significant role in determining who makes the field this year and if The Red Chickens fail to win another game they may have to wait until next year.

Carroll has a chance on Wednesday to ensure that 8-8 is the minimum record it will take to make it in if they can beat St. Norbert at home. Lake Forest can accomplish the same thing with a win at Knox the same evening. So can Monmouth with a win at Illinois College. Should all teams fail we will have to wait for the weekend before it is official as Monmouth (7-6) travels to Lake Forest.

Tie breakers aside I think it's safe to say that Beloit, Illinois College and St. Norbert are all out of it now; regardless of unlikely possibilities. The biggest of which would be for any of those teams to run the table, which they won't. As I see it the Conference Tournament seedings will be #1 Lawrence vs. #4 Ripon and #2 Knox vs. #3 Monmouth. Lawrence over Monmouth in the Championship.