[The Poet]

OK, so that Butler/Detroit game wasn't so good, what with the Titans having a Midget 1st half and falling behind by 22 to the Bulldogs. But the other two I picked were: A) pretty good, with Valpo coming from behind to take Wright State 71-60. B) danged good, with Iona outlasting Rider 100-96 in OT. As for the early games today, Cincy is hanging tough with the Orange, while Marquette, Vandy, Memphis, and Duquesne have nice leads over Louisville, Tennessee, Marshall, and Temple resp't. But there's still plenty of time left, so let's move on for now.

The balance of today's action is so jam-packed with potential great games I refuse to post them all. Here is my redacted selection, believe it or not:

Kansas State vs. Texas Tech = Although I never felt K-State was an elite program, I can't see them losing this game. Hey, it could happen, but that would totally shock me.

Alabama vs. Arkansas = Nobody's much talked about these two teams, but both are quietly having a pretty decent season so far. Neither is likely to take the SEC, yet they are on track for an at-large bid in March. A win today would be another step in that direction, and you'd best believe they both know that.

Oklahoma State vs. Colorado = And here's two more who need a new press agent. Same story, and same importance. Expect a fight.

South Carolina vs. Florida = One more time. Both have had good wins and bad losses. Both need to stay around .500 at worse in conference play to dance come March. Both are aware, and both should be ready to play today.

Duke vs. Virginia = OK, here . . . not so much. You'd have to figure the Blue Devils would have to collapse completely to miss the NCAAs, and I can't see that happening. As for the Cavs, their wins over Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Va. Tech are nice, but they will need more of the same on their resume before Selection Sunday. That will most likely NOT occur in Cameron today.

U. Conn vs. DePaul = If this is still a game at halftime, I will be surprised. The Huskies should romp.

Kansas vs. Nebraska = But the Jayhawks, not so much. Not only are the 'Huskers better than the Blue Demons, but KU has remained unbeaten yet not looked unbeatable over the previous week. Give them the edge, as they are a better team and are in Phog Allen, but it just might be pretty tight.

Arizona vs. Arizona State = The Wildcats are in the early hunt for the Pac-10, and the Sun Devils . . . are not. Although most anything can happen in conference play, especially between in-state rivals, I'd not expect that scenario to change today.

Illinois vs. Wisconsin = These are two of the recent "upset" victims, although you'd have to class the Illini's one to Penn State a bigger flop than the Badgers' to the Spartans. Regardless, both want to get back on the right track. This one could get nasty.

N.C. State vs. Florida State = Will the Wolfpack's young talent finally demonstrate its abilities? Will the Semiholes still be celebrating their win over Dook, and will said hangover cost them focus today? I give FSU a slim edge, but I would not be shocked if they trip.

LSU vs. Kentucky = Calipari has begun to criticize his team for lack of intensity and control. In doing so, he hopes to correct these bad tendencies. It might work. It might backfire, as a young team sometimes takes such things too personally. Either way, figure the Tigers have enough to give the Wildcats a good game, yet not quite enough to beat them . . . not in Rupp, anyway.

Texas vs. Oklahoma = As for the Sooners, they are most aptly named today. This game against the 'Horns will be over sooner rather than later.

ODU vs. Hofstra = For mid-majors like these, every win is vital. You can only drop so many games before you drop off the radar entirely. This one should be a lot of fun.

UCF vs. Southern Mississippi = The totally-overrated Orlando Mickeys got their first loss last Saturday. I would not surprise me one bit if they get their second one down in Hattiesburg today.

Georgia vs. Mississippi = The Bulldogs got a huge win over Kentucky, then followed it with a disappointing loss to Vandy. Figure they get back into the W column today, though it might be close for a half, or a half and a half even.

Ohio State vs. Penn State = Had you asked me a week ago about this game, I would have said the Nittany Lions had absolutely no shot at all of beating the Buckeyes. But in the last seven day PSU upset Michigan State and Illinois, and have become the talk of the Big Ten. So, what do I say about this game today? The Nittany Lions have absolutely no shot at all of beating the Buckeyes.

Baylor vs. Iowa State = But the Cyclones do have a shot at beating the Bears. Baylor has not played all that well recently. I think they will win, but they could fall on their fuzzy faces once again.

San Diego State vs. New Mexico = I said a month back that I would not pick against the Aztecs until they gave me reason to do so. Their narrow and ugly victory over UNLV is not in and of itself sufficient reason. Yet I do find it incumbent to point out that the Lobos have a pretty good team themselves, so don't have a heart attack if SDSU makes a left turn in Albuquerque.

Boston College vs. Miami = Believe it or not, but the Eagles are at present soaring at the top of the ACC. And believe it or not, the 'Canes are sulking down in the basement with the Wrecks and Wakes of the league. I don't expect either situation will last all that long, and it may even end today. I would not bet on it, but it could.

Pitt vs. Seton Hall = And though the Pirates are a few steps out of the Big East cellar, it is still pretty much the same thing here. Only difference, I don't give them a Chinaman's chance against the Panthers.

Dayton vs. Xavier = But here, here we've got us a real contest. Expect it to go down to the final 2 minutes.

Washington State vs. Stanford = The Cardinal are one of those teams competing for the early edge in the Pac-10, whereas the Cougars are trying to remain relevant. I believe Stanford is building on success, and will continue today.

Michigan vs. Indiana = Both of these are storied programs (the Hoosiers much more so), and both have fallen on difficult times of late (again, the Hoosiers much more so). Both are attempting to regain some of their lost luster. Both have had some limited success, and both are still falling considerably short of their desires. Both want this victory. If that doesn't get you interested, then you're beyond my help.


I'm gonna take a little break, then come back with early finals and Sunday previews. See you soon.