The two games I picked as being worth watching, maybe, last night actually were:
U Conn 73 - Villanova 70 (OT) = And it even took a 30-footer at the buzzer to keep this from going another extra 5 minutes, at the least. This win in Philly may not save the Huskies' season, but even against a poor Wildcat team it's better than another step in the wrong direction.
Baylor 77 - Texas 72 = The Bears had to rally in the 2nd half to take this one in Austin. I would give Scott Drew some credit for managing to coach his team past Rick Barnes' boys, but since I believe neither one of them can coach themselves out of a wet papar sack, I just can't do it.
Although there are not a ton of games this evening, there are quite a few with meaning. I'll begin with an unlikely candidate, namely:
Wofford vs. N. C. Greensboro = "Say what?", you protest? Well, the Terriers suffer from playing in the South division of the Southern Conference, which has been sewn up by the Davidson Wildcats for a while now, yet are still a dangerous team that could make a run for the league tourney title and the automatic bid . . . which is likely all they'll get. But to me the more interesting issue is the UNC-G Sapphos . . . uh, Spartans . . . who are a traditional basketball powerhouse of the Nth-cubed, who are 12-16 this year, and 10-6 in conference play, which is good for clinching the weaker North division, and a first-round bye in the tournament. Is it possible that a team that's had a long-standing history at sucking hugely can actually make the NCAAs this year? To a native North Carolinian like me, the thought is intriguing . . . and hilarious.
Illinois vs. Ohio State = The Illini are more than in free-fall, but have fallen into self-destruct mode. They have lost 8 of 9 now, and even with the Buckeyes having a few problems of their own you'd have to believe that will become 9 of 10 in Columbus tonight. Fact is, I could easily see the Illini going winless for the rest of the year, for following this one they face Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. That's not an easy road for a good team playing well, so for this clusterfark it's a massive task.
Xavier vs. U Mass = The A-10 is one of the best mid-major leagues, and rightfully deserves multiple bids to the NCAAs. Yet the Committee can't go all that deep into it either. Temple and Saint Louis look fairly safe for now, but with the Musketeers in 3rd and the Minutemen in a 3-way for 5th, this one looms large for the hopes of both.
Kansas State vs. Missouri = The Prairie 'Cats have played very well at times this year, such as back when they spanked these Tigers by 16 in Manhattan, so you have to give them a chance to take this game. As their post-season plans may very well hinge on another good win or two (at 18-8 and 7-7, they are decidedly a bit bubbly), this one is big for them. On the other side, Mizzou could quite easily lose that #1-seed they think they've earned this week, for this one at home is followed by one against Kansas in Lawrence Saturday. If they lose two in a row, which is distinctly possible, it will open the door for an ACC or Big Ten team to sneak past them. This game is huge for both schools.
Auburn vs. Florida = The Gators ought to absolutely crush this particular troop of Tigers however. On the other hand, it wouldn't be the first time this year those Gators failed to make it to the game. I don't expect that to happen.
Illinois-Chicago vs. Butler = It may be a case of too-little-too-late for the national runner-ups the past two years. The Bulldogs are 17-12 overall, and at 10-3 in Horizon play they are 2 back of Valpo. Brad Stevens may need his guys to run the table at the tourney to even get a ticket to The Dance, so win or lose this one, they'd better hone their game tonight.
Georgetown vs. Seton Hall = I figure the Hoyas have done enough to earn a bid already, but the Pirates are still on that feared bubble, despite what they might think in South Orange. Hey, they are 18-9 now and 9th in Big East play at 7-8, so even if they close out the regular season with wins over Rutgers and DePaul they will be .500 in conference play. Also, their one "signature" win over then-#8 U. Conn back in early January now looks to be pretty meaningless, considering how the Huskies have fallen. But a victory over Georgetown in Newark tonight may just put them over that hump once and for all. I can't see it happening, but the young Hoya squad is not assured of a road win either. This should be interesting.
Michigan vs. Northwestern = And this one could be interesting as well. Yeah, the Wolverines are a better team than are the Smarty 'Cats, but as I've complained time and again, they CANNOT SCORE THE BALL!! Plus, N'western's not a total pack of stiffs, and are at home to boot. Keep an eye on this for a half or so, just to see if they can pull of the upset.
North Carolina vs. N. C. State = This is The Wolfpack's third, and final, chance to get that marquee win to secure an at-large out of the ACC. They spit the bit at Dook, then were spitted by the Semiholes at home, so it is possible their post-season hopes hinge upon how they handle the Tar Heels. For THEIR part, Carolina not only needs a win to remain in a position to win the ACC regular season, and gain the chance to steal a #1-seed if somebody (like mebbe Mizzou) stumbles a bit, they also need to play well on the road for their own self-confidence. Logically, you'd have to give my Heels the edge in this one, as much as Jerry'd love the upset . . . unless more former Wolfpack stars jump the scorer's table tonight and join the action on court.
Virginia vs. Virginia Tech = Another in-state ACC rivalry game here, albeit one without quite the history of the one just above. The Cavs are likely looking for some payback in Blacksburg after suffering the upset in Charlottesville by the Hokies earlier, and I myself would expect them to win. That's fine, as long as they get that winning out of their system before my Heels visit them Saturday.
Kentucky vs. Mississippi = For a while I kept expecting the young Wildcats would suffer from their inexperience and trip a time or four. They did come very close those few times, but so far have managed to escape almost unbloodied. Can the Rebels draw any tonight? Ehhhh, doubtful. UK continues to roll towards an undefeated SEC season.
New Mexico vs. Colorado State = There is no doubt in my mind that the Lobos are a better team than are the Rams. Yet there was also no doubt in my mind that the SDSU Aztecs were a better team than the Air Force Falcons, who got the upset in Colorado Springs. This game's in Fort Collins, and since the Rams are probably better than the Falcons, and since the altitude may play a larger factor than home court normally provides, it is entirely possible we'll see another mile-high stunner this evening.
That's gonna be it for now. Until next time then, enjoy.