[The Poet]

As I suspected there would be, many of those "2-10" team matchups last night were as tight as one would expect. But who really cares? So, as for those games about which some may actually care:


Notre Dame 73 - U. Conn 70 = Though no one can really consider this an upset, it was definitely a good win for the Irish. The single-possession victory may be a factor of the home court advantage, however, so don't real all that much into it. Both teams have shown that they are better than decent, although both might be a bit over-rated at this point . . . which still remains to be seen.

Ohio State 73 - Iowa 68 = And this is definitely a "bad" win for the Buckeyes. Yeah, I know I flat-out told you this one just might turn into a real battle, which it certainly did. But still, for the supposedly # 2 team in the country to win by 2 possessions over a .500 squad, that ain't so hot.

Pitt 83 - Providence 79 = I still have no idea what the spread was in this game, but I still expect the 4-point margin did cover it. I just had a feeling the Friars would hang tough, partly because they are a fairly decent team, partly because I don't think Pitt's as good as people say.

Minnesota 67 - Indiana 63 = And I found this interesting not so much for the Gopher win as for the fact that, yes indeed, the Hoosiers hung real tough.

West Virginia 67 - DePaul 65 = Like I predicted, this one stayed intense from tip to horn. WVA built a 3-point lead at the half, and held on to 2/3rds of it for the W.


Tonight has an OK selection of games for you to choose from, including:


Duke vs. UAB = First off, Dook is going to lose one of these nights. However, though this may stay close for a while, I don't think that will happen this evening. Secondly, Dook will. or so I understand, actually play a game or two outside of the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stydium before this season is over. However again, that will not happen tonight. Talk about your home cooking! Hey, you think I'm kidding? Aside from that one early season tourney they were in, the Blue Devils have visited only the Ducks so far this year. Well, they DID go to Greensboro to stomp the 0-11 UNC-G squad, but please . . . do you really consider that an "away" game for them. Gimme a break.

Kansas vs. Mo. KC = I shortened the name of the Jayhawks opponent, to match how short this game will be. Hell, it ain't even tipped yet, and it's over already.

Purdue vs. Penn State = Now, this one could be quite a bit closer, but if the Boilermakers can actually make a few shots they will prevail by double-digits before it's done.

UCF vs. Marshall = Really? The UCF Knights are 13-0, and ranked # 19? OK, good for them. Tonight they kick off their conference schedule against an experienced Thundering Herd, so don't be shocked if both of those facts come to a screeching halt.

San Diego State vs. TCU = And this will begin conference play for the 6th-ranked (6th? Are you kiddin' me?) Aztecs also. Although this one's deep in the heart of Texas, I don't expect TCU will end the magic for SDSU . . . yet. But stranger things have happened, especially in conference play, so keep your ears on.

Memphis vs. Tennessee = The Tigers have not played all that well, and have managed to dodge a few slugs to remain amongst the ranked. Meanwhile, the Vols have folded up like a cheap suit (by which I mean clothing, and not a tort or criminal proceeding). Yet I don't think they are as bad as they have played lately, so don't be surprised if they
actually manage to get their act back together, focus, and give their non-conference in-state rival one hell of a fight.

BYU vs. UNLV = As with many other games, this alphabet soup of a matchup kicks off the Mountain West action for these two, who seem to be the only legitimate challenge to the aforementioned Aztecs. I think this should be too close to call.

Charlotte vs. Richmond = The 49ers started off all over the map, going up and down like a teeter-totter team. But of late, they have played much better. The Spiders have been much more consistent, yet are coming off an embarrassing loss to Bucknell. This one should be a lot of fun, start to finish.

Louisville vs. Seton Hall = And this one should be fun too, until about midway through the 2nd. Then the Cardinals will pull away, and leave the Pirates out to sea.

George Mason vs. Hofstra = Two decent teams, one decent game, and one decent run by one or the other will decide it.

Marquette vs. Rutgers = Though this may be a bit closer than the L'ville/SHU game, I'd expect the Golden Eagles to poop on the Scarlet Knights before it's done . . . at least, if they learned anything from watching the Tar Heels defend the paint against them. Rutgers can't hit from outside to save their lives, even if left open.

Mississippi vs. SMU = To be honest, I have no idea what to expect here. Both the Mustangs and the Rebels have pretty good records. However, neither team has really played much of anybody so far. This one could be good, or could stink on ice, either direction.

Tulane vs. Rice = And, with the exception of Rice's close losses at Texas and Miami, much the same could be said here too.

Missouri vs. Northern Alabama = But not here. This is another one you can pencil in now.

Michigan vs. Wisconsin = But not here. Although neither one threatens to become a national contender, you can always expect the fur to fly when you toss a Wolverine in with a Badger.


That's whats I gots today. Enjoy.