Robert Hearons: Rockets aiming for high RPI with tough non-conference schedule

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RJ Hearons

Eight games into the season, and with a mediocre 4-4 record, many fans of the University of Toledo men’s basketball team are probably wondering one thing.

What gives?

Last year, the Rockets soared into Mid-American Conference play with an 11-1 non-conference record, that sole loss coming at Kansas.

This season, early hiccups have made Toledo’s record appear average, maybe even below.

So what’s the difference? Three letters: RPI.

For those not in the know, that stands for Ratings Percentage Index, the NCAA Selection Committee’s main tool when choosing programs for at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. A program’s RPI is calculated using numerous factors, mainly win-loss record and strength of schedule.

That last part is why the Rockets chose to pack the schedule with as many tournament regulars as possible this season. Toledo has already faced Virginia Common Wealth, Oregon and Detroit. With Duke still looming, this year’s non-conference schedule is no joke.

And that’s exactly how UT wants it.

The Rockets’ ultimate goal is the NCAA Tournament. A mere birth in the tournament warrants a banner. For 65 teams each year, their dream is recognized, but the path to that dream is ultimately different depending on what conference that team presides in.

For teams outside of the Power Five conferences, an NCAA Tournament berth isn’t something guaranteed with a good record. For a team in the Mid-American Conference, such as Toledo, a host of pins have to fall their way in order for them to slide into the big dance.

For the MAC, only one school each year is guaranteed to make the NCAA Tournament. That lucky program will be the winner of the MAC Tournament at the end of the regular season.

In order for a second team to find its way into the tournament, that team needs to prove they belong. A signature non-conference win against a big program could do this, which brings us into the mindset behind Toledo’s schedule this season.

The RPI is an index that has been used since 1981 by the NCAA men’s basketball committee to aid in selecting at-large teams. 50 percent of a program’s RPI is calculated using their opponents’ Division I winning percentage, otherwise known as strength of schedule.

Currently, 11 other conferences as a whole carry a better RPI than that of the MAC. A tough schedule is a must, as MAC teams will never receive the benefit of the doubt enjoyed at power conference schools.

Five out of the six Big Ten schools that made the tournament last year ended the regular season with more losses than the Rockets. It’s proof in the pudding that who your opponent is really does matter.

The tough schedule the Rockets face this year could muddy up their win-loss column, but it will also give the NCAA selection committee clear evidence as to whether or not UT belongs in March.

If tough non-conference opponents aren’t put on the schedule now and for years to come, the Rockets’ RPI will continue to be their Achilles heel.