[The Poet]

I should have a few more early finals by the time I finish this my Sunday preview:


Cincinnati vs. South Florida = Though you can consider these two also-rans in the Big East, they are both capable teams, and ought to give us a really decent contest here. I sorta kinda like the Bulls, but I can't pick either one for you.

Indiana vs. Minnesota = After a hot start, then a few trip-ups, the Hoosiers seemto have found their way again. Yet the Gophers ain't no pushovers, so I'm hoping for another nice game here. I'd favor IU by a bucket or three, but it wouldn't shock me were I wrong.

Pitt vs. Louisville = Yet despite all the gawd-awful games the Cardinals have played this year, I would be shocked if the Panthers could finally win a big game.

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State = The Buckeyes have had a couple of putrid shooting nights lately, and when you consider that a low-scoring affair is right up the Badgers' alley, this one may just be their shot to knock OSU down another notch. I'd not expect anybody to win by more than two possessions here, which means you can flip a coin.

California vs. Colorado = The Golden Bears want to hold onto their 1st place tie in the Pac-12, and thus pretty much assure at least an at-large. But I don't think the Buffaloes are going to roll over in Boulder, so this could also be another tight one.

Florida State vs. Miami = Duke just gave the Seminoles a loss to drop them out of that 3-way atop the ACC. And the 'Canes are the ones who knocked off those Blue Devils in Cameron to keep them OUT of the outright lead. So despite the greater respect given FSU, and the fact the "experts" say Miami's now on the backside of the bubble, I figure on an in-state war here. Hey, a 'Cane win might just toss them across that bubble, and you've got to think they feel that way also, right?

Iowa vs. Illinois = I'm not sure if either of these two will get a ticket to The Dance, but the one who loses this game would be foolish to book any flights, that's for sure. Again, you have to believe they both know this, and will be focused for this one.

Oregon vs. Oregon State = As it is Pac-12 we're talking here, the Ducks may be out of luck for an at-large anyway, despite their great season. Once again, although a win might not help them all that much, a loss would hurt them badly. Their in-state rival would love to play the spoiler here, so again again we may have a good one.

Akron vs. Ohio = The Zips and the Bobcats may be the 2 best teams in the Mid-American, and it's entirely possible that neither one will make it to the NCAAs. Those at-large bids are scarce in leagues like this one. So a win or a loss may mean nothing in that regard, as it shall come down to the automatic in the conference tournament. Regardless, this should be one hell of a fight.


I have only two more meaningful finals for you so far:



Iowa State 65 - Kansas State 61 = The Prairie 'Cats go get that big win at Mizzou, then come home and are unable to defend their own court against Iowa State. I had that kinda sorta feeling about this one, which is why I told you to flip a coin on it.

Baylor 70 - Oklahoma 60 = Not a good win for the Bears over a .500 Sooner Squad, but it beats a terrible loss . . . which is the way it was headed for much of the game.


Georgetown is running away from 'Nova, Arizona's trying to edge away from UCLA late, and NC State just got the 1-point lead from Clemson with 5 minutes left. You may see me a little later, and you may not. Either way, enjoy.