Scores of note from last night include:
# 12 Xavier 82 - # 18 Vanderbilt 70 (OT) = And on Vandy's court, to boot. As referenced above, the Comms did not show up for the extra 5 minutes, scoring only 4 points to make this into a relative rarity . . . a blowout in OT.
Oakland (MI) 89 - Tennessee 81 = And to add to the pain in the Volunteer State today, we have this surprise. OK, I know Bruce Pearl left the program in turmoil, but this is just sad.
# 7 Louisville 79 - Long Beach State 66 = This is not nearly as sad, since the 49ers are not total cupcakes, and the Cardinals did win the game. Yet +13 points is not much of a statement for a Top Ten team.
Colorado 70 - Georgia 68 = I just noticed this as a third SEC loss of the night. Although the ACC may top that futility this evening as their challenge with the Big Ten kicks off (
), it still is notable. Otherwise, take note I called for a good game here, and we got one. You're welcome.
UCLA 62 - Pepperdine 39 = I have no idea if this means anything at all, as it tells me little about the Bruins and even less about the Waves. Still, I'd wager Ben Howland will take anything he can get these days.
Tonight, as I said, the ACC/Big Ten challenge begins, and the marquee match-up is:
# 2 Ohio State vs. # 3 Duke = I pretty much said it all above. Toss it up, let them play, and let's see who's for real.
# 14 Michigan vs. Virginia = Early the Wolverines had problems scoring, but have been doing better lately. The Cavs, on the other hand, are under everybody's radar, and perhaps rightfully so. However, for some reason I can see UVA giving UM some game here, so keep your eye on the scoreboard.
Northwestern vs. Georgia Tech = On the third hand, I can't see the Wreck doing all that much against what's been an improving Windy City Wildcat squad. It won't be Sherman's March through Atlanta tonight, but I do believe the Jackets willget burned.
Illinois vs. Maryland = Neither of these programs are what they used to be, and to be totally honest I have no idea what to predict here. Flip a coin.
Miami vs. Purdue = This one may get pretty ugly for the Hurricanes, and fast. Purdue has started to play better, and if Robbie Hummel's hitting his shots this could be over quickly.
Clemson vs. Iowa = But this one's about the same as the Illini/Terps game. Nobody knows who's who, if either one is actually anybody anyway. I'm leaning towards the Tigers a tiny bit, but the Hawkeyes may easily prove me wrong.
Otherwise, there's:
# 4 Syracuse vs. Eastern Michigan = Despite all the off-court distractions for the Orange, I really can't see them letting this one get away. Their style, much as I may dislike it, is too disiplined for said distractions to throw them off for long.
# 7 Baylor vs. Prairie View A&M = I had to double-check on this, and my suspicions were correct. So far the Bears have only played one decent team, and that Larry's SDSU Aztecs. Plus, they seem too shy to leave their den too. I guess we'll all have to wait a month or two to see if they deserve their ranking also.
# 23 Saint Louis vs. Loyola Marymount = And though I don't know how long the Billikens can remain amongst the ranked, I have no problem whatsoever accepting the fact that they have earned their distinction. They may get a test for a half or so this evening, but I'm gonna stick with Majerus' boys for now.
East Carolina vs. ODU = This one I just see as having some potential to be a good game.
Miami (OH) vs. Cincinnati = And this one interests me solely because I've become curious as to what in the hell the Bearcats are this year. If you're a Cincy fan, you doubtless know what I mean by that.
Arizona vs. New Mexico State = It's pretty much the same situation here, although my interest is not merely limited to the Desert 'Cats, but includes the entire PAC-12. The one difference is that I do think this could be pretty decent.
UTEP vs. Oregon = And for some odd reason, I think the same thing here.
That's my report for today. Thanks for all those who've jumped in with their comments, and please feel welcome to add your own
, brothers. Until later then, enjoy.