Jack Fertig on the Fresno State - Seattle game

Jack Fertig lives and breathes basketball. He was a coach for many years, especially at the college level, so he knows the subject better than most. Here's his take on the Bulldog loss to Seattle:

Another Reason the Little Guy Has Trouble Scheduling the Big Boys at Home

Lesser known schools are notorious for complaining that the big name teams will only play them if the game is played on the home court of the “big-time” college. “How can we get our strength of schedule up - without ruining our won-loss record - when none of the power schools will play us?” They do have a point. I’ve worked both sides of this aisle.

Why won’t the high-major school give his little brother a break? There are the obvious reasons: 1) It’s a no-win situation. If the favorite wins, they were supposed to, but if somehow, David beats Goliath, it’s a tragedy (sometimes to the tune of a pink slip). 2) The big guys need home games - to help the budget & the season ticket package, not to mention the record. 3) Home games help a team stay in rhythm, shoot in a venue where they’re comfortable, keep players from missing class and allows the guys to sleep in their own beds (you hope), i.e. keep to their normal routine...

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Here is additional background on Jack.