In case you’ve forgotten the lesson George Mason gave college basketball back in 2006, here’s a reminder: Mess with the Colonial Athletic Association at your own risk.
The league is 21-18 overall against mostly BCS teams, but that’s just for starters. William & Mary barely missed beating Syracuse. Northeastern won at Southern Illinois. GM hung with N.C. State. And the conference’s two tops teams – Old Dominion and VCU – are as dangerous as ever.
The Monarchs couldn’t hold on against Georgetown in their opener, but have rebounded with wins against Clemson and Xavier the last two days. VCU thumped Wake Forest (at Wake!) and could do the same Wednesday when it faces Tennessee.
Even more important than bragging rights – though what non-BCS conference doesn’t want bragging rights over the big boys? – is what this means for March for ODU and VCU. Wins against high-profile teams sets up the CAA for multiple bids on Selection Sunday.
And that would make the conference happier than any random win in November.
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