Well, of the two games I selected from last night's meagre action, we had one shocker and one mocker:
Kansas State 84 - Kansas 68 = OK, so THAT # 1 ranking didn't last too long now, did it! This is one I still cannot believe. Although I have said once or twice that I've not been all that impressed with the play of the Jayhawks, I have been more "impressed" by what seemed the total and complete collapse of the prairie 'Cats. Hey, had they even managed to eek out a home win against KU on a buzzer-beater, I would have been surprised. Keep in mind, in the last 27 times the Jayhawks had visited Manhattan, they had won 26 times. But thanks in large part to a monster game by Jacob Pullen, K-State wasn't pullin' this one out their butts late, and owned it from start to finish. A huge win for a team that's had one of the most disappointing seasons in the nation. And I don't wanna hear no whinin' about KU missing some players to injuries either. Almost everybody has to play through missing pieces during the course of the season, and that's what the bench is for. Besides, we had enough whinin' last night from upstate NY . . .
Syracuse 63 - West Virginia 52 = The Orange needed a quality conference win badly, and got one against a good WVA team. The Orange did NOT need Jim Boeheim jumping into the $#!+ of the local media after the win, blasting them for criticism of SU's recent 2-6 skid. How DARE they disrespect him by finding fault with stuff like losing by 22 points to Seton Hall, in the Dome! Shut up, Jimbo. You don't like bad press? Then win all your stinkin' games. Just my
, worth every penny, and now I'll do what Boeheim didn't . . . button it.
There are 4 times more important games tonight than last night, and despite the size of the conference none bigger than:
George Mason vs. VCU = It's starting to get late early around the Colonial Athletic, and with these two vying for the lead, at 13-2 and 12-3 respectively, they both want a win tonight. Figure on a fight to the finish.
Kentucky vs. Mississippi State = Although they've been spotty at times, UK has the better team and the home court. They should rebound from their loss to Vandy, and move back over .500 in the SEC East.
Missouri vs. Texas Tech = I see this as pretty much the same story in the Big 12 here, though the Red Raiders did give Texas A&M all they could handle in their previous game, losing by only three. The Tigers may not like a similar outcome tonight, but they'll take it.
Villanova vs. Seton Hall = It is in Newark, and 'Nova has dropped 5 of their last 8. So has the Hall, and they have several big wins so far this year. Still, you gotta go with the Wildcats to best the Pirates, even if only by 2 or 3 possessions.
Maryland vs. Virginia Tech = The Terps are starting to slip off the bubble for a bid come March, and if you think Jim Boeheim can whine, wait until Gary Williams misses another at-large! They need some wins, and quick. The Hokies seem fairly safe at this point, and yet will not wish to co-operate with the plans of the Turtles, especially in Blacksburg. UM can certainly win, but I'd go with VT myself.
North Carolina vs. Wake Forest = There is no reason in the world why the Tar Heels should lose this game. They have superior players, more experienced coaching, and home court. But that does not mean it cannot happen, nor that it will not happen. Still, you have to favor UNC, and personally, if they do not chase the Deacons back down I-40/85, I shall be disappointed. Not as much as if the Heels do manage to blow it, but still.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State = The Buckeyes just lost their first game all year. The Spartans just won their first game all month, after not winning all that many in January either. No matter how badly Tom Izzo wants this one, and no matter how badly MSU needs a quality victory to help them towards an at-large in March, I cannot see that happening. Buckeyes, by a dozen.
St. John's vs. Marquette = This is one of those 3 tough games I mentioned on the Johnnies remaining schedule, and in Milwaukee to boot. At this point, it's hard to pick against them . . . but I will. I still think the Red Storm will earn a bid, but I don't think they will get closer to it tonight. The Golden Eagles, in a tight one.
That's it for now. Enjoy, and Screw Drew.