[The Poet]

As I figured, most of that handful of games last night were fairly close, but the only real effect they had was that Fairfield and Iona remained atop the MAAC with their wins, while the wins by Valpo and Butler kept them both in contention in the Horizon. Today's action has begun, but everything's too early and too close to call, though 'Nova did have a double-digit lead over Syracuse when I started typing this. I say that because this may take a while, for even with throwing out a bunch of games that should be noted, I'm left with pages to cover. Such as:


Wright State vs. Cleveland State = As with that Valpo/Butler reference above, this one is a big one on the Horizon.

St. Mary's vs. Vanderbilt = And here's a big non-conference game, since Vandy will be the best opponent the newly-ranked Gaels have faced in nearly two months, and so might give us some indication how real Gael be.

Texas A&M vs. Kansas State = The Aggies continue to play better than was expected, and the Wildcats continue to sink towards the Big 12 basement. I think that should still apply in College Station this afternoon.

Stanford vs. UCLA = The Pac-10 is not getting much respect, just like last season. And if you remember how they did in the NCAA Tourney, they deserved a good deal more last year, and just might this one too. These mid-pack contests are vital, as the Selection Committee is notoriously stupid, and may not go very deep in the Pac-10, because they believe the experts more than they believe the actual action.

U. Conn vs. Tennessee = As the Huskies have been more consistent than have the Vols, I would give them the edge here even if they were not playing the game at home . . . of course. Of UC's 15 wins, ten have been on friendly hardwood. Calhoun should change their mascot name to the Chicken$#!+s.

Clemson vs. Maryland = As with the Pac-10 comment above, the experts think the ACC is pretty crummy (and nevermind that the last 2 champs have come from there). They might not go as deep into them as normally come March, which makes games such as this one huge for both teams.

Temple vs. Xavier = Different conference, same story.

VCU vs. ODU = Yes, again.

New Mexico vs. UNLV = And once more.

Oklahoma State vs. Baylor = Make that twice more, as both of these two have struggled a bit lately, and lost some luster.

Pitt vs. DePaul = But not the Panthers, who gave the Orange their first loss. They will give the Blue Demons their umpteenth today.

Chattanooga vs. Furman = The Southern Conference will be lucky to get two bids in March. Both these teams want one, and when you throw Charleston into the mix that leaves one hangin'. These guys know all that, so expect a fight.

Texas vs. Kansas = And both these teams have already made their March travel plans. But the 'Horns are tired of losing to the Jayhawks, so don't expect them to mail one in. This could be fun.

Washington vs. Arizona State = These Huskies figure they are safe. The Sun Devils know they are anything but. They may not win, but they will come to play.

Duke vs. Wake Forest = And if things stay true to form, the Deacs ain't got a prayer against the Dooks.

Cincinnati vs. St. John's = But the Red Storm do have a shot against the Bearcats. That would be true even if the game wasn't in Carnesecca Arena. Don't bet on it, but don't be shocked by it either.

Mississippi State vs. Georgia = And this one should be fun too, since the SEC seems to be a lot less "top heavy" than . . . uh, say maybe, Ashley Judd?

Louisville vs. Providence = This one could get ugly, fast. The Friars played some decent ball early, but lately they have crumbled.

Creighton vs. Missouri State = But this one could stay close until the buzzer.

Kentucky vs. South Carolina = And this one too. Don't think the 'Cats are gonna easily beat the 'Cocks. Remember, last year they suffered their first loss against USC, when they had a better team than this one.

Portland vs. Santa Clara = Just another of those important conference games, which can make or break both teams' seasons. No biggie.

Memphis vs. UAB = And though these two are more likely to be awarded an at-large than some others mentioned above, they are still in a tie with two others for the CUSA lead. Expect them to be focused.

UTEP vs. Houston = And here's that other two tied atop the CUSA. Same deal, same intensity.

Boston College vs. Florida State = Different conference, same deal. Along with Dook, there's a three-way at 4-1 in the ACC, with the Heels a half back at 3-1. Yeah, it's early, but as in baseball, you can't make up losses.

Minnesota vs. Michigan = The Gophers are ranked # 15 in the nation, and are presently 6th in the Big Ten with their .500 conference record. One or the other is totally bogus. speaking of bogus, the Wolverines have made a step back for every one they've made forward. Put those two things together, and I'm hoping they BOTH lose today.

Notre Dame vs. Marquette = And I think either of these two could lose today also. It's a toss-up, no doubt.

Arkansas vs. Florida = I see this one as that too.

Indiana State vs. Wichita State = Again.

Michigan State vs. Purdue = Pretty much here too, though the inconsistent Boilermakers have STILL been more consistent than the psychotic Spartans.

Missouri vs. Iowa State = The Tigers have gotten all the press, but the Cyclones have played some good ball too. This is likely to be closer than you'd expect.

BYU vs. Colorado State = And here again, we've got that same story. Figure the Rams to hang tough, especially in Fort Collins.

Arizona vs. Washington State = Neither team wants to slip further down into the Pac pack, so you can expect them both to show up. I think the desert 'Cats are a tiny bit better, but they are on the road, so flip a coin.


I'm going to check on some early finals now, and look at Sunday games. Back shortly.