[The Poet]

This early in the season, too many games are blowouts against cupcakes. As these interest me little, I'll stick to those scores that do:


# 1 North Carolina 67 - Michigan State 55 = As Joe noted, one big run by UNC made the difference in this game. That, and maybe the work of Carolina's new Secretary of Defense (with apologies to Dudley Bradley) in front of his two Commanders-in-Chief. John Henson had 9 blocks, which was key considering that, as expected for such a cool yet funky venue, the outside shooting was atrocious for both teams. Kudos to an outmatched Spartan squad for hanging tough, and cutting a 21-point bulge to 10 late in the game.

Loyola Marymount 69 - # 17 UCLA 58 = Much to Justin's dismay, this was the big upset of the evening. I think the Bruins can regroup and recover before PAC-12 play begins, but Howland may have more of a job on his hands than he thought likely.

# 6 Duke 77 - Belmont 76 = This was almost the biggest upset, however. Yeah, I know Belmont has played good "giant-killer" games before, and I know I expressed grave doubts about Dook's high ranking, considering what they've lost off their team over the past two seasons. And yes, it is early. But a squeaker, in Cameron with 9000 Crazies in the stands, with The Captain chasing The Genreal's record? It gives one pause. A win is a win? Cold comfort in Durham, I imagine.

# 4 UConn 70 - Columbia 57 = And this one in Storrs, as the Huskies unveiled their championship banner. The same points mentioned above re Dook apply, but a 13-point win by a presumptive Final Four team over Columbia, at home? Not much of a statement, unless it's a negative one.

# 14 Xavier 74 - Morgan State 63 = It's pretty much the same story here too. I respect the X-Men program, but this is not acceptable.

# 18 Michigan 59 - Ferris State 33 = And isn't this the same Wolverine team that posted a "football" score against somebody (Wayne State?) in an exhibition? A Top Twenty team? Against Ferris State? Are they suddenly the Wisconsin Badgers, or are they just inept at scoring the ball?

# 23 Gonzaga 77 - Eastern Washington 69 = OK, this one I can sorta kinda live with, as the competition was more even. Still, it's not a good sign that the Zags can hang amongst the ranked for long.

Northeastern 82 - Boston U. 74 (OT) = Hey, I told you this could be a good one.

George Mason 92 - Rhode Island 90 (OT) = And I told you here too.

Florida State 79 - Jacksonville 67 = I also said the Dolphins might give the 'Holes some problems. It remains to be seen if FSU can claim a high spot in the ACC race, but this was certainly no big statement by them.

Indiana State 79 - Eastern Illinois 72 = Again, I though this was one worth watching.

Kansas State 72 - Charleston Southern 67 = I did not mention this one yesterday, because despite the fact I thought K-State's days in the sun had set, I never thought they'd drop this far. Yeah, they won. But by 2 possessions, over a nobody? Sheesh.

N. C. State 84 - N. C. Asheville 75 = This is not nearly as bad, by a good ways. Jerry's 'Pack hasn't been back for a while, and Asheville has played enough tough games over the years to feel little fear, so the field was more level. But it seems maybe NCSU will struggle to compete in the ACC again, for at least one more season.

Utah State 69 - BYU 62 = Much like Boise State in football, BYU politely whines each year about how little respect they get. I don't hate the program, or the school, or even the religion, but I do dislike the whining. Hopefully, this will stick a cork in Rodney Dangerfield's maw.

St. Joseph's 72 = Western Kentucky 61 = I have no idea what kind of team either has this year, but an old timer like me likes it when a storied program such as St. Joe's makes a step back into the spotlight. Was this one? Too soon to tell, yet one might hope.


If you wanna chime in about your team's win . . . or loss . . . or if you question my analysis or my ignoring of your boys, please do so. Meanwhile, I'm going to go see if there's anything worth watching over the next two days. Back soon, hopefully.