There were quite a few good games last night, but few surprises or important scores to note. So I only selected a couple or four:
San Diego State 56 - IUPUI 54 = For the second game inna row, the Aztecs have tried to spit the bit, and both times against teams they should have owned . . . if they are a Top Ten team, anyway. Is the pressure starting to get to them? Or are they just tired, and ready for a break? Me, I'm always of the opinion that several regular-season losses are good for a squad, as you learn more from them than you do from easy wins. Plus, it's always better to get it out of the way sooner than later.
Missouri 75 - Illinois 64 = The Tiger win does not surprise me. The margin over the Illini does seem just a tad high, however.
Texas 67 - Michigan State 55 = Same here, save that I'm starting to wonder why the Spartans are still getting so much respect. Hey, they are now 8-4, with their only "quality" wins over South Carolina and Washington . . . which ain't sayin' all that much. True, they have played a tough schedule, but still . . .
Florida 66 - Radford 55 = And the Gators keep confusing me also. Who the hell are they, and why was Radford this damn close? The Highlanders have lost 9 in succession, and have not beaten a Division 1 team all year! Florida should have WON by 55, or at least 33. Sheesh!
Today we have fewer games than yesterday, but still there's some decent ones to choose from. Already Arizona State has edged N.C. A&T 56-50 (not too good), and Miami took Akron 69-61 (maybe a tad better). Other games I'm interested in include:
# 2 Ohio State vs. Oakland = One would expect the Buckeyes to romp, but Oakland has been a tough out. I don't call for an upset, or even a close game, but I am interested to see how they play against OSU.
# 10 Georgetown vs. # 16 Memphis = The Hoyas have been solid, but not dominant. The Tigers, like their confreres in Knoxville, have seemed to hit a wall. I think G'town by four possessions, but it should be a nice game anyway.
# 11 Kansas State vs. Mo. Kansas City = And K-State should not need their two suspended stars to win this one, so I don't want no whining from Coach Martin, win or lose.
# 15 Baylor vs. Washington State = This one could be fairly tight, with whoever executes in the last 5 minutes taking it.
# 17 Minnesota vs. So. Dakota State = And this one might last a half or so, before the Gophers go for the throat.
# 19 Tennessee vs. Belmont = The Vols, as we all know, have shattered like a Christmas ornament dropped upon the hearth. And don't expect Belmont to wrap them up any gift either, since they have a nice team and a successful program.
# 23 BYU vs. UTEP = UTEP's not the best team in Tejas, but they're not the worst either. This could be a closer game than you think.
Virginia Tech vs. St. Bonaventure = And here's a real nice matchup, believe it or not.
ODU vs. Presbyterian = Plus, the Blue Hose have shown they are no pushovers, so keep an eye on this.
Colorado vs. Indiana = And here we have another toss-up.
Florida State vs. Butler = Ditto.
New Mexico vs. Northern Iowa = Yep, here too.
Utah vs. Hawaii = And again.
I could even find you some more, but that's gonna be it from me for now. So, enjoy.