Welcome to A10Talk’s series of Atlantic 10 Bracketology. Throughout the year we’ll be providing updates on where teams stand in regards to making the NCAA Tournament. Lets take a look at this week’s edition.
Who’s In
If the season ended today, I don’t think any Atlantic 10 teams would make the Big Dance (besides the conference tournament champion of course). Almost A-10 team has already suffered at least one loss in the 2017-18 season and we’re only two weeks into the year. Preseason conference favorite Rhode Island fell on the road at Nevada, St. Bonaventure dropped its opener to Niagara, and Dayton and VCU both sit at 2-2 overall. The only undefeated team remaining in the A-10 is Davidson. Absolutely on fire from behind the arc to start this season, the Wildcats hold a 2-0 record and have looked quite impressive. While Davidson is on the right track to make the NCAA tournament, the Wildcats will still need to pick up some quality wins.
On the Right Track
Davidson, Rhode Island, Saint Louis, and George Mason
As mentioned, Davidson is off to a 2-0 start and has looked impressive. Rhode Island did drop a road game to a good Nevada team, but sits at 2-1 and should be in good position as long as the Rams can stay afloat while E.C. Matthews is out. Saint Louis and George Mason are both off to 3-1 starts. The Billikens picked up a nice win over Virginia Tech and the Patriots looked solid in their only loss to nationally ranked Louisville. All of these teams are on the right track, but the season is still very young and a lot of work remains to be done.
Down but Not Out
Dayton, VCU, Saint Joseph’s, UMass, St. Bonaventure, La Salle, and Duquesne
While none of these teams got off to the start they were hoping for, all of them still have a chance to make the Big Dance. It’s possible, but won’t be easy. Each of these teams must find a way to pick up some quality non-conference wins. If any of these teams are able to put together a solid resume while avoiding bad losses, they will have the chance to separate themselves in conference play.
Down and Just About Out
George Washington, Richmond, and Fordham
Lets face it, the start to the season for these three teams has been close to a disaster. All three have suffered some brutal losses and none have managed to grab a quality win. There’s still a long way to go and a lot can change, but the Colonials, Spiders, and Rams will need to turn things around in a hurry to keep any possible NCAA tournament hopes alive.
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