RPI #277 (and climbing) Troy is in town to try to put another nail in RPI #279 (and falling) ASU's coffin. The Trojans are 7-17 (4-11 Sun Belt) and playing their best basketball of the season. On the other hand, the Apps 6-20 (4-11 Sun Belt) are on an 0 for February six-game skid that's seen them fall from a sixth place tie to a hard landing in the cellar with today's visitors from Troy.
So with only five games remaining in the regular season, the Apps almost have to win out to have any chance of nabbing the eighth seed and pre-paid passes to the Sun Belt tourney in NOLA. Did I mention that the road to NOLA has stops in Hotlanta (Ga State) and Statesboro (Ga South) plus a hot home date with league leading AK Little Rock (UALR).
The operative question is whether the Apps are still ready to run through brick walls for Coach Fox or if they've already mailed it in????
Make no mistake. Regardless of my feelings about a disappointing season and *like everyone else* being weary of losing; Jim Fox isn't in that mode whatsoever. From his perspective; he and his team members have five more shots at winning to close the season on an up note. Five more games means five more afternoons or evenings filled with teachable moments. After today's game, there will still be more than 20 practice sessions filled with teachable moments and numerous video eval sessions either critiquing player performance or prepping for the next opponent. All opportunities for improvement.
Then, there's senior day when Fox and the staff will recognize their seniors' parents and send their five graduating seniors into new advantures in a classy manor, recognizing their contributions. They will forever be members of the Appalachian Family. They are Mountaineers.
Here they are...our Apps sleeping in their own beds...playing on their home court...with a chance to get out of the cellar-dweller business. All it takes is a one point win this afternoon.
RealTimeRPI has the Apps favored by 7. They've been wrong in three of the last five games when the Apps couldn't close the deal.
Gotta have this win!