Tuesday night’s win over number one-seeded Valparaiso clinched Detroit Mercy’s spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999. The game was played in Valparaiso, where the Crusaders had only lost twice all year before Tuesday. However, for Detroit Mercy, Tuesday’s win capped a great end of the year, winning 13 of their last 15 games of the regular season. Now it is a matter who they will possibly play in the “Big Dance.”

There are some different possibilities going around the world-wide web. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Detroit will be a 15 seed playing number two-seeded Michigan State. This was also the matchup that was posted on  bracketville.com. I feel like this is the most likely and the game is also projected to be played in Columbus, Ohio, which is relatively close to both campuses. As for on the court, I feel like Detroit could give Michigan State a little run for their money.  I think it would be a fun game for both schools and the play on the court would be extremely competitive. I think Detroit has the talent to stick around for a little while but I feel State would ultimately pull away.

As for CBS.com, they have a 15 seeded Detroit headed to Omaha, Nebraska to play the Missouri Tigers. I think this would also be a decent matchup for Detroit because Missouri is a fast pace team and so is Detroit. Detroit likes to get up and down the court and get transition buckets. However, I would see Missouri winning just because it would be a shootout and that is their speciality.   

And last but not least, on bleacherreport.com, they have Detroit as a 15 seed as well playing a number two seeded Michigan Wolverines. I think this matchup is a real stretch unless Michigan wins the Big Ten Tournament. I don’t think that will happen and I don’t see this game happening either. However, if it were to happen, I think this would be the best of all the matchups for Detroit. If Detroit could establish an inside presence in this game, they could have a legit shot at winning this game. It would also be great for the state to have this matchup. 

Where and who ever Detroit ends up playing, it will be great for the entire school. This team has put Detroit Mercy back on the map. It is the first time in thirteen years they have made it to the “Big Dance” and it brings good publicity to the city.  I am lucky to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience both as a student, journalist, and blogger.