Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2012, 11:27:08 AMLooking a bit at common opponents.
Forget the non-conference season for these two teams. The fact is, they're playing their best ball toward the end of the season and that's all that matters. Many people seem to think that the early-season stumbling indicates that the Horizon will field a weak representative in the NCAA Tourney, but I don't think it's necessarily the case.
With Valpo, it was to be expected that they would stumble out of the gates as they were dealing with new leadership and strategies (never mind that Bryce was an assistant or that we returned a number of players). But that it's come together the way it has? Astounding, really. More encouraging than Detroit's resurgence, quite frankly. Detroit was expected to do well, but are just doing so now and that's troublesome for them because I doubt it had much to do with coaching as their uni-faceted approach to the game hasn't seemed to change. And THAT'S where I think Valpo has a highly-underrated edge, even with the late-season stumbles (YSU, LMU) and close games.
For composure and togetherness, I'd take Valpo over any team given how many close games they've played and won. For versatility and the ability to make a adjustments? I don't think any team's won with a greater balance of weapons (perimeter, paint, or defense, take your pick). Detroit? If they're allowed to play their game, few can beat them, but if any team can take them even slightly off-course (and that's all it takes) it's Valpo.
I wouldn't be surprised if Valpo romps.