[The Poet]

I'm getting a late start today, plus I have some work I'm supposed to do, so lemme knock this out ASAP. Last night:


Princeton 64 - Yale 57 = I put this first because it knocks the Eli out of the Ivy race, as the Tigers play spoilers to deny Yale a shot at the league and the automatic bid. They will both get a chance to be spoilers again, considering . . .

Penn 54 - Brown 43 = . . . that the Quakers remain a 1/2-game back, and face a tough road to tie the Crimson for the Ivy with their final two games being against Yale and Princeton. Meanwhile . . .

Harvard 77 - Columbia 70 (OT) = . . . the Crimson could have used Jeremy Lin on the court, instead of in the stands, last night. Yet they did manage to pull it out in OT to hold onto their slim conference lead, and with only crappy Cornell standing in the way they seem assurred of at least getting a tie for the Ivy crown. This would mean they'd have another one-game playoff, which would also be a play-in to their first NCAA invite since Ted Williams was the man in Baa'sten.

Murray State 78 - Tennessee Tech 58 = Joe's Racers not only did what they needed to do in the semis of the OVC, they sent a message that they are ready for today's final against . . .

Tennessee State 59 - Morehead State 52 = . . . the Tigers, who are the only team to beat the Racers so far this year. As it is highly likely that the OVC will receive only one bid to The Dance (be that fair or not to Murray State), this one in Nashville will be huge, and should be fun.

Butler 71 - Wisc. Milw. 49 = Much like those Racers, the Bulldogs sent the message that they are not dead yet. It remains to be seen, however, if they are terminal and on life-support, with a DNR awaiting any setback.


Today's early action is well under way already, mainly in smaller conference tourneys, with the only surprises being that VMI is hanging tough with a superior UNC-Asheville team in the Big South. Other early games of import include:


West Virginia vs. South Florida = This is in the 2nd half, and is presently a 2-point Bull lead. Both these teams are fairly bubbly, so they both want it. I figure it will stay close.

Nebraska vs. Wisconsin = And if the Golden Gophers want to remain bubbly themselves, they have to beat the poor 'Huskers. They are up 8 at the break.

Georgetown vs. Marquette = There is nothing bubbly about either of these teams, but it should be a damn good game.

Tennessee State vs. Murray State = The great season of the Racers all comes down to what transpires in Nashville between 2 and 4 PM today. Do you think Joe will be watching this?

Washington vs. UCLA = A win here and the Huskies will take the Pac-12 regular season title. When one considers how few bids that league may get, this becomes even bigger than that. Although the Bruins did manage to play well despite the off-court turmoil out there, I would be surprised if they can win this homeless home game and regain a bit of pride.

Southern Miss vs. Marshall = The CUSA may get as many bids as will that aforementioned Pac-12, and you'd think that the Golden Eagles would be safe, at 2nd in the league behind Memphis. As for the Thundering Herd, they'll need to take the conference tourney to get a Dance in, so they can consider this as a tough scrimmage to prepare. The Eagles can use another insurance win, but the looser Herd may jsut give them more game than they'd prefer.

Boston College vs. Miami = Back to bubbles now, for the Hurricanes are certainly so. A win over the low-flying Eagles won't help their case much, but a loss would all but kill it. The 'Canes need to win this, and maybe a game or two in the ACC tourney too. That can start today, but it could also end.

Illinois State vs. Wichita State = The Shockers are a better team than the Redbirds, but they are not all that much better. For some reason I can see Ill. State knocking the boys from Wichita out of the MVC tourney this afternoon. It won't prevent the Shockers from getting an at-large, but if the 'Birds gain the automatic it WILL take an at-large from someone else. This stuff happens every year, so don't be shocked if it happens this one too.


That takes care of the early action. Lemme do a few tasks now before I get back to later games, including the marquee matchup we all know is coming. Later.