Action's already begun in the games mentioned above, but before I update them let's get this other crap outta the way. I saw only two scores to note in last night's:
Cornell 50 - Princeton 47 = OK, it is still mathematically possible for the Tigers to steal the Ivy from Big Red, but it ain't gonna happen. Cornell closes out its season with several cupcakes, and the won't give Princeton that big an opening, so pencil them into you bracket today.
Butler 74 - Valpariaso 47 = The game itself meant nothing, but for this supposedly Top 25 team to beat a .500 squad by only a coupla buckets . . . well, it does not bode well for their chances in the Dance.
As is normal, there's tons of games this Saturday. And as is also normal this late in the season, most of them don't mean squat, as both teams are merely playing out the string. Further, a number of them are only meaningful for one of the two teams involved, since the outcome will effect either their seeding or their shot at even receiving a bid at all. So a lot of the contests below are of this nature, such as:
Baylor vs Oklahoma = The Bears are in, but where? The Sooners are out.
Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas = Same story for the Comms and Hogs.
Texas vs. Texas A&M = Now we're talking, and more than bragging rights. Both are in, but this one will go a loooong way towards determining where.
Mississippi vs. Alabama = 'Bama's out for sure, but Ole Miss is solidly on the bubble. They need this one bad.
Wake Forest vs. UNC = It's "Wait 'til LAST year" for the Heels, and the Deacs SHOULD be in . . . but hey, you never know. As much as I'd like my Heels to win, Wake needs it more.
West Virginia vs. Cincinnati = If the Mountaineers want a 2-seed, they need this. If Cincy wants to dance, they need this. Could be fun.
Arizona State vs. California = And here's another conference up for grabs, aside from Vic's game coming up below. It's in Berkeley, but that's the only edge I'd give the Bears. As for the Sun Devils . . . I've said it before, and will repeat it here: Herb Sendek is the most underrated coach in America, no doubt about it. Is it because he's such a quiet little nebbish? Is it because he runs a system instead of depending upon superior athletics to win? Beats me, just as he beats more people than he probably should. Know this: He'll have his team ready to play.
Kansas vs. Oklahoma State = Oak State may be on the bubble, being a hair above .500 in the Big 12. KU's on nobody's bubble, but need to finish the way they started to secure their 1-seed.
New Mexico vs. BYU = And here's your Mountain West regular season right here.
Minnesota vs. Illinois = The Illini should not be on the bubble, particularly since they've played better lately. But again, who knows? The Gophers need to go for every W they can to get off the bubble. Should also be fun.
Maryland vs. Virginia Tech = I wouldn't have either of these guys on my bubble, but the ACC's not gotten much respect this season, so again . . . who knows. That especially goes for the Terps, who are likely the most underrated TEAM in the nation at this time. More to follow on that, below.
VCU vs. ODU = Old Dominion is in, or should be. But the Rams are tied for 4th in the Colonial Athletic, and will that mid-major get 4 bids? Big game for them, for sure.
Florida vs. Georgia = The Gators should not be on anybody's bubble list, but they need to finish strong before it's a layup. And Georgia has shown it is capable of beating anybody, given the shot. The Bulldogs aren't dancing next month, but they could spoil someone else's fun.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina = And it's pretty much the same story here, and in the same conference to boot. The 'Cocks will be holding their own alone next month, but they can put a kink in THESE Bulldogs' chain.
Kansas State vs. Missouri = Both teams are in, and K-State likely a 2-seed . . . unless they blow it late. Here's a good chance for them to do so.
Northern Iowa vs. Illinois State = I don't know how many bids the Missouri Valley will get . . . two? Three maybe? They don't deserve four, IMHO. These two, along with Wichita State, have the best shots. But quiz me this one: How does Northern Iowa, at 14-3 in the MVC, deserve a Top 25 ranking, whereas the Maryland Terrepins, 10-3 in the ACC, get no stinkin' love at all? And no, I am most decidedly NOT a Maryland fan, and actually have hated them ever since the old Lefthander stole Tom McMillen from Dean 'way back in 1970! But hey, what's right is right . . . right, Mr. Congressman?
Oh yeah, I also understand they will be playing some game or other up in the Carrier Dome tonight too.
Right, Vic?
Sunday's games have a few more of the same old slop too:
Marquette vs. Seton Hall = The Pirates are stuck on a reef, but Marquette can grab a slot with a few more Ws. Here's one chance.
Richmond vs. Xavier = The Spiders are good. The Musketeers are hit-and-miss. I would have no problem with both getting a decent seeding . . . 5 thru 7, let's say . . . but they don't count my vote.
Louisville vs. U. Conn = Both these squads will finish above .500 in the Big East, so I guess you can't put them on the bubble. But neither one is all that great, so don't expect them to get more than one check out of it.
Michigan State vs. Purdue = The Boilermakers have their visors set on a 1-seed. The Spartans would like to convince people they deserve nothing worse that a 3. Should be interesting.
Florida State vs. Clemson = The Seminoles are not on my bubble, but again, I don't get a vote. The Tigers are decidely on the backside of one, and will need some help to climb over it. Here's a place where they could help themselves.
Duke vs. Virginia = And here's the 5th or 6th team looking for a 1-seed. They cannot earn one with a win here, but they can most certainly lose one. Yet I don't expect that to happen . . . here.
I'll check on the scores and come back with some results. Enjoy.