Still no big finals to announce, so lemme give some more Saturday games. I can't possibly name all the important ones, but here's my picks:
Valparaiso vs. Wisc. Milwaukee - Tied for 2nd in the Horizon, and only a 1/2-game back, this is huge for both teams.
Kansas vs. Iowa State = Yeah, it's in Ames, but the Cyclones have little chance against the Jayhawks, despite the fact they lost in Lawrence by a respectable 9-point margin. But KU has some weaknessess, so it's worth keeping track of for a while, just to see.
Saint Louis vs. U Mass = With 4-2 records they are in a 5-way tie atop the A-10, with Temple at 3-2 plus 5 others with only 3 losses each. If your math is poor, that's makes 11 teams vying for 1st place at the moment. Games don't get much bigger than this.
Virginia Tech vs. Maryland = And this is big only in that neither wants to end up in the basement of the ACC.
Wofford vs. Charleston = As Davidson seems to have total control for the southern division of the Southern Conference, one may wonder why I've selected these 2 wanna-bes. Well, Charlesto will be playing without famed head coach Bobby Cremins, who's announced he's leaving for the rest of the season (at least) due to health problems. That alone makes it notable.
Georgetown vs. Pittsburgh = For some odd reason I still keep expecting the Panthers to pull their heads out of their butts and play a good game against a quality opponent. They finally got off the snide and scored their first Big East win, and could at least regain a little dignity if they can take the young Hoyas. This could get interesting.
Colorado vs. UCLA = And I'm interested in this one because the Bruins, foreseen to be a power once again, are presently struggling to stay above .500. At 11-9 now, they need this one in LA, although not in Pauley (closed for renovations, in case you forgot).
Kentucky vs. LSU = As with KU above, there's no doubt UK's the better team. As stated about them before, the young Wildcats may beat themselves, but the Tigers aren't likely to beat them without such help.
St. Joseph's vs. Temple = Here's some more of that A-10 jam-up noted above, so it's just as big.
San Diego State vs. Colorado State = Again, I'll admit the Aztecs have the better team. But this is in Fort Collins, so they'd best have the oxygen ready, and be ready to play, or their flight back home will be awful quiet . . . except maybe for Steve Fisher.
Oklahoma vs. Kansas State = In Manhattan, so you'd figure the 'Cats would have the advantage. I do too, but I do think the Sooners can give them some anxious moments before it's done.
Washington vs. Arizona = Much like the A-10, there are presently 1/2 the teams in the Pac-12 in the hunt for 1st place. Here's two of them, and both will fight tooth and nail for a win. Seeing as how both Huskies and Wildcats have teeth and nails, this should be tons of fun.
Virginia vs. N. C. State = Just as the Wolfpack started to gain some attention and confidence, they got spanked by my Heels. And just as the Cavaliers started to show they may actually be for real, they dropped one at home to putrid Va. Tech. My heart will go with the 'Pack in Raleigh, but my head leans slightly towards UVA. I think it will be close, regardless.
Louisville vs. Seton Hall = Depending upon which Cardinal team makes it to Newark today, this will either be a blowout or another shocking Pirates win. I've heard that The Rock is a terrible place for basketball, with sightlines that throw the shooters off. This could give the Hall a slight advantage, but will it be enough to offset the better talent on Pitino's bench? I'd vote nay, but what do I know?
Eastern Illinois vs. Murray State = Joe's Racers defend homecourt and remain undefeated. Take it to the bank.
Illinois vs. Minnesota = Even as mid-pack Big Ten+ teams, they have ability and experience, on the court and on the sidelines. This ought to be a blast.
St. Mary's vs. BYU = And this one in Provo ought to be so also. Me, I like the Gaels, yet I know the Cougars can hoop enough to give them game. Whoever wins will earn it, and I expect the margin to be slim.
We got a few finals while I was typing all that:
Duke 83 - St. John's 76 = The Red Storm stormed back to make a game out of it, but had dug themselves too far into a hole to steal this one in Durham. Really, it's about as much of a good loss for them as a bad win for the Blue Devils.
Clemson 71 - Wake Forest 60 = The Tigers don't exactly maul the Deacons, but they did give them a little come to Jesus.
Marquette has made a huge 2nd-half run to grab a tiny late lead over 'Nova, but there's a little time left. Meanwhile, both Texas and West Virginia are giving Kansas and Syracuse all they want, and then some.
Back after lunch for updates and Sunday games.