[The Poet]

Here are a few notable games which tip off early tomorrow:


Missouri vs. Kansas State = The Tigers are safely in the NCAAs, and the prairie 'Cats are likely on the plus side of the bubble too. Still, another quality win or two would help solidify their bid, as well as possibly improve their seed, and this chance at home should not be missed. Hey, if they can spank Kansas in Manhattan, the can crush Missou too. This one ought to be pretty good.

VCU vs. James Madison = And here are two tournament teams from the CAC. The only question is, what tournament? JM would have to steal the automatic to get into the NCAAs, and VCU might potentially join them in the NIT themselves. Regardless, I expect a good one here also.

Boston College vs. Virginia = Since the Cavaliers are NOT going to run the table in the ACC Tourney, the only way they'll see the NCAAs is if they get cable. And it has gotten to the point that BC will need to run the table in their final 3 conference games (doable), plus maybe win a game or two in the tourney (also doable), to earn an at-large. But "doable" means you gotta then go out and do it. Keep your eyes on this situation down the stretch.

Syracuse vs. Georgetown = Neither of these two need worry about getting a chance to Dance. But when you consider how they've played at times, both need to worry about missteps that could trip them up and put them on their fannies, tutus in the air. Somebody needs to step up here and make a statement, sooner or later. The last time I picked the Hoyas to win at home, they threw a shoe. And we all know how The Orange has rolled all over the stage so far this year. I'm not about to pick this one.

Wichita State vs. Missouri State = Here's perhaps the most vital conference matchup of the day, at least in the mid-majors, as they are tied for 1st in the Missouri Valley with 14-3 records. Teams like these two may never blow you away, but they also rarely fail to show up. This ought to be fun.

Vanderbilt vs. LSU = Me, I can't see Vandy losing to the Tigers, even in Baton Rouge. Hey, the SEC's been strange all year, so it could certainly happen. But I can't see Vandy dropping two in a row, when the opponent's LSU anyway. They better not, anyway, for with their last two being @ Kentucky and hosting Florida, they could end the regular campaign on a 4-game losing streak. That would not cost them an at-large, but it would not help their seeding one damn bit.

Arkansas vs. Auburn = And I give these Tigers about the same shot at an upset, which is not much of one. The 'Hogs are dangerously balanced on the bubble, and could slide off in the slightest breeze. If that's not enough motivation for them, I just don't know.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State = Speaking of bubbles, the 'Huskers have managed to, at the least, put it within sight, if not yet within grasp. In my book, a victory in Ames won't help them much, although a loss would hurt them a ton. But they will still have two more shots to impress, against Missou and Colorado, which are wins that WOULD help them. Yet they got to get there first, and it starts against the Cyclones.


I'll be back tomorrow with some more. Until then, enjoy. Screw Drew.