Aside from the scores mentioned above, both Princeton and Harvard did what they needed to stay up in the Ivy. The Tigers remain 8-0 by taking Yale 58-51, while the Crimson stay just back at 8-1 with their 73-60 win over Cornell. Both are right back in action today, on short rest, facing Brown and Columbia resp't. I'd not expect Princeton to have much trouble with Brown, but the Harlem Lions could give Haa'vad some problem. They are not really all that good, but they do not totally suck. Other big games include:
Morehead State vs. Indiana State = OK, so this ain't all that big, as it is not a conference game, so won't help decide if Morehead or Joe's Racers take the OVC. And I'd tend to think it will go Morehead's way, though Bird's old team can hoop a bit. But I had to mention it to keep Joe happy, since . . .
Murray State vs. Evansville = Here's another non-OVC game, and if the Racers don't race away with it I will be shocked . . . and Joe will be p!$$ed.
Mississippi vs. Mississippi State = No way these two will take the SEC West, but it should be some fun anyway.
Missouri vs. Iowa State = And if the Tigers don't stomp all over I-State, they should be stomped on some themselves.
Texas vs. Nebraska = And if the Longhorns want even a shot at that # 1 ranking come Monday, they need to shuck the 'Huskers. They ought to, even though Nebraska itself is not half-bad. They are, however, just half-good, so if Texas doesn't take 'em by 20, Barnes needs to chase them around campus like unbranded heifers.
San Diego State vs. Air Force = The Aztecs should not have much trouble with the Falcons either, and ought to take control by the half.
Kansas vs. Colorado = This one has half-a-chance of being a decent game. The Jayhawks are better, but they are inconsistent. The Buffaloes have shown the ability to play a good game from time to time. This might be decided in the last five minutes.
Kentucky vs. South Carolina = You could say about the same thing here. I'd give the Wildcats a decided edge over the Gamecocks, but not by more than three or four possessions.
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma = Maybe these Wildcats have once more found their feet, if that game against KU was any indication. Then again, who knows? Me, I'd pick them over the Sooners anyway, though not by much.
North Carolina vs. Boston College = And I don't expect the Heels to pluck the Eagles by as much as they did up north earlier. In fact, if they play as poorly as they did in their lackluster win over Wake, they could just as easily lose. But if Roy got their attention, and got them to refocus, they should win by a handful or two.
Vanderbilt vs. Auburn = And the Commodores should beat the Tigers like a red-headed stepchild.
Syracuse vs. Rutgers = Like I said to the 'freak above, the Orange ought to take RU to the woodshed . . . IF the Knights have a cold afternoon from outside the zone, and IF the 'Cuse can actually hit a few themselves.
BYU vs. TCU = If this one lasts longer than a half, I'll be surprised.
Michigan vs. Iowa = I'm not exactly sure either of these two are truly any good, but they are neither all that terrible. This one could be fun, though if the young talent of the Wolverines have a good day, they may run away with it.
Missouri State vs. Valparaiso = Here's another pretty good non-conference matchup . . . maybe not as good as that VCU/Wichita one last night, but damn decent anyway.
Arizona vs. Washington = And here's a key game in the Pac-10 race. The desert 'Cats have a meaningless slim lead over these Huskies, with even less of one over UCLA. Since those Bruins are bright enough to realize both can't lose, I'd assume they'll pull for Washington. Me, I just want a good game, and I think this will be one. 'Zona, by a bucket.
Cincinnati vs. Providence = The Bearcats have slipped a bit of late, and are not the challenge they've been in past years. The Friars just gave DePaul their first conference win all season (so far
), so will wish to rebound from that embarrassment. This could be some fun too.
George Mason vs. Northern Iowa = So could this one. NIU may not be nearly as good as they were last year, but they ain't half-bad either. GM's fairly well- matched with them. I figure it will be close, start to finish.
Arkansas vs. Alabama = The Tide want to grab onto the SEC West so nobody can steal it from them. The 'Hogs won't do so, yet would like to play the spoiler. I'm really not convinced either of these teams are all that good, speaking on a national level anyway, so I'm not sure how to go here. So, I'll leave that to the SEC fans to pick 'em as they sees 'em.
Georgetown vs. South Florida = If the Hoyas have any trouble at all from the Bulls, I will be shocked.
Xavier vs. Fordham = Again here too. This one's already over.
Memphis vs. Rice = Make that here three. The Tigers stay on top of the CUSA, for now anyway.
San Francisco vs. Gonzaga = Although the Dons are barely above .500 overall, they are tied with Gonzaga 8-3 in WCC play. Both are behind St. Mary's 10-2, and I don't believe either one will catch the Gaels. For sure, whoever loses this one won't. Here's your late-day fun. Speaking of the Gaels . . .
Utah State vs. St. Mary's = You may have gathered from previous posts that I'm dubious about the # 25 ranking of the Aggies, based upon their winning streak against two dozen cupcakes. Well, St. Mary's is not cupcake, despite the name. In fact, I'm gonna pick them to spank the Aggies, and take their cupcakes too.
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State = Here are two more teams I've yet to figure out. These Aggies have been more consistent, so I'd go with them. Still, I would not be surprised if the Coyboys give them a fight, for a half or so at least.
Seton Hall vs. Marquette = I almost left this game out, as it's getting to the point it does not matter, for either squad. But there are some good players on both teams, so it might be worth a look.
Illinois vs. Michigan State = Yet this one matters a lot for the Spartans. With their 14-11 record, and despite their "respectable" 6-7 Big Ten mark, they are in danger of missing the cut for an at-large bid. They follow this game @ Minnesota, then hosting Purdue, so they are looking at the potential of 3 straight losses, and a .500 record. They finish against Iowa and Michigan, both winnable, but both losable too, which would leave the conference tournament their final shot at getting a ticket to The Dance. A win over the Illini today won't resolve the issue either way, yet they really REALLY need to win a few more games. Here's a chance to, and they need to take advantage . . . or blame nobody but themselves.
Back shortly with some early scores (including a few surprises), and Sunday games.