The Atlantic 10 has been earning props all season from national commentators on its quality of play. The A-10 might not be the ACC or the Big East, but with teams like Xavier (current ranked #13 by the AP), Dayton and Rhode Island earning Top 25 consideration, and with local favorites St Joseph’s and Temple playing well, the Atlantic 10 Tournament this March at Boardwalk Hall should be a tremendous event. Beyond the automatic bid that goes to the winner of the A-10 tourney, there is the potential for three other teams from the league earning at-large bids to the big dance.
The level of competition has improved down the line in the league as well. When Richmond can knock off Temple 64-58 as they did yesterday, and the Duquesne Dukes can cool down the sizzling hot St. Joe’s Hawks, 102-88, also yesterday, this league is taking parity to the next level. The level after that will arrive at Boardwalk Hall March 12.
As Temple coach Fran Dunphy noted yesterday after his team’s loss, "This is a hell of a league. You've got to really prove your mettle now."
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