OK, here we go with updates on the action that wiggled my noodle.
On Thursday 2/11:
California 93 - Washington 81 = Alright, so not so much a national wiggle here, but it does keep the Golden Bears atop the Pac-10 . . . for what that's worth.
Gonzaga 80 - St. Mary's 61 = The 'Zags laid a pretty good spanking on the Gaels up in Spokane.
Michigan 71 - Minnesota 63 = And the Wolverines have started to play a little bit better. They still stink, but they no longer totally suck.
Mississippi State 71 - Mississippi 63 = The win keeps MS in their division hunt.
St. John's 74 - Louisville 55 = "Back when" this score would not shock anybody, but in today's world this is pretty hard to believe. Hey, I know the Cardinals fairly reek, but I didn't think they were that bad.
Butler 68 - Youngstown State 57 = And why this one? Well, on the surface it may look just like another W for this ranked team. But look deeper and note that YS is only 2-12 in the Horizon Conference, and 8-16 overall, and then that 11-point bulge does not look as nice as it first appears.
On Friday 2/12:
Niagara 87 - Siena 74 = Maybe it's a good thing I had no chance to update yesterday, as I'd have given Niagara that same no chance. They are a so-so .500 mid-major team, whereas Siena should maybe have come into this game as a ranked opponent. But that's why they play the games. Not only did this end Siena's 15-game winning streak, it also gave them their first MAAC loss.
Pennsylvania 79 - Cornell 64 = And here we have some more of the same. Penn is 4-15 overall, and Cornell 20-4, so who'd have picked them to be 15 points better than the Red?
Pittsburgh 98 - West Virginia 95 (3 OT) = Wow. OK, Pitt is better than both Niagara and Penn, but WVA should have been better than Pitt also. Plus, 3 OTs? I repeat . . . wow.
Today's action is already underway, and I'll be back soon with some scores. Until then, here's a quick rundown of some of the matchups:
U. Conn vs. Cincinnati = Both teams are in need of a win for a bit of respect, and Calhoun is back. So far it's a pretty good game, and we'll see if it stays that way.
Michigan State vs. Penn State = And this one, shockingly, is a one-point game well into the second stanza. Stay tuned.
Duke vs. Maryland = It's in Cameron, so I'd expect the Blue Devils to hold onto their ACC lead.
Vanderbilt vs. LSU = On paper, it's no contest. Yet the Commodores have failed to show up on occasion, so who knows?
Baylor vs. Missouri = And this one should be a war from start to finish.
Wisconsin vs. Indiana = And this one should not be.
Villanova vs. Providence = 'Nova has a decided edge, yet it may be tighter than they'd prefer.
UNC vs. N.C. State = OK, so nobody but me and Jerry (Col. Kurtz) cares about this one, but it is a battle to stay out of the cellar. And it is in Chapel Hill, so the Heels won't have a long busride, win or lose.
Texas vs. Nebraska = I foresee the 'Horns getting off their recent snide today. If they don't, somebody should shoot them.
UNLV vs. San Diego State = And I foresee this one being one close fight.
Temple vs. Rhode Island = Here too. The Owls get all the press, but RI's got a decent team too.
Purdue vs. Iowa = Speaking of decent teams, there is one in this game too.
Florida vs. Xavier = You want you some good non-conference action today? Well, here you go.
Memphis vs. Tulsa = If the Tigers want any shot at retaining their CUSA crown by keeping in reach of not only Tulsa but UTEP and UAB also, they need this win badly. Let's see if they get it, as it won't be easy.
Virginia vs. Virginia Tech = The Cavs not only want to prove they are for real, they also want revenge on the Hokies. May be a lotta fun here.
Kansas vs. Iowa State = But don't expect much fun here . . . unless you're a complete Jayhawk homer.
Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech = The Jackets have the ranking, but the Deacs have the better record. The gloves will be off.
Marquette vs. South Florida = And here's your two good teams nobody talks about.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee = And here's your two good teams nobody shuts up about. It's in Rupp, so I wouldn't bet on the Wildcats getting their 2nd loss . . . today.
As for tomorrow, Sunday's game include:
Syracuse vs. Louisville = The Orange will likely take it with some ease, but Pitino may still have a trick or three for Boeheim.
Ohio State vs. Illinois = The Illini have been playing much better, so give them a chance against the Buckeyes. I don't expect is, but it could happen.
Georgetown vs. Rutgers = And give the Scarlet Knights no chance in hell against the Hoyas.
Boston College vs. Florida State = OK, at last, here we have a game that's pretty evenly matched.
USC vs. UCLA = Hey, and here's another . . . if it really matters.
I'll be back with some early scores. Until then, enjoy.