Still a long way to go

I know 2-4 is not where we wanted to be right now, but there is a long way to go in the 2009 CCIW race, Titan fans. This time of year I like to put the standings in perspective using the following simple formula...

Home win = 0
Home loss -1
Road win = +1
Road loss = 0

So this is where we are through Saturday, January 24...

Carthage +2
Elmhurst +1
North Central +1
Augustana +0
Wheaton +0
Illinois Wesleyan -1
Millikin -1
North Park -2

Notes...

* Augustana has already played 5 home games...and is 0-2 on the road.
* Carthage has played 4 road games, but still has to play @ IWU, @ Augie, @ Elmhurst
* IWU has already played @ Augie, @ Carthage, and @ Wheaton
* North Park has already played 5 road games
* Wheaton still has to play @ NCC, @ Augie, @ Elmhurst, @ IWU, @ Carthage

In terms of the title race and the conference tournament field, there is a long, long way to go. I don't even think it is safe to say that 0-7 North Park is out of the race for the #4 spot...the Vikings play 5 of their final 7 at home.

At +1 and based on remaining schedule, Elmhurst might be in the best position on paper right now. (Tough call, but if I had to pick one team, I think that's who I'd go with.)

In terms of making the CCIW conference tournament, the Titans are right in the picture. Stay with these guys...there is a lot of basketball yet to play in 2009.


January 28
Augustana @ North Park
Elmhurst @ Carthage
Millikin @ Ill. Wesleyan
Wheaton @ North Central

January 31
Wheaton @ Augustana
North Park @ Carthage
Ill. Wesleyan @ Elmhurst
North Central @ Millikin