Thanks, Joe. I don't know how Murray State will shape up for you next year, but I can tell you this: Duke has had a full day to celebrate before Rivals.com knocked them off their perch by predicting Kentucky as next year's #1 - assuming that all undeclared underclassmen remain in their respective schools. Following them, the Top Ten in order are: Ohio State, Duke, Michigan State, Butler (??? really???), Syracuse, Purdue, Georgetown, Kansas State, and Pittsburgh. If we toss out the Horizon League pick as being a product of lingering emotion rather than logic, we note that, as has become normal, this list is dominated by Big Ten and Big East teams, whereas the conference which has produced the last two National Championships is - as always - dissed.
To give the first, and last, nod on this thread to the distaff side, I'll report that the Lady Huskies of U. Conn won their 7th title last night by defeating Stanford. No, not by 40 points, nor even by 20, but by the "Butler-esque" score of 53-47. Those of you who are not in this local area may not know this, but Coach Geno Auriemma and Coach Jim Calhoun are NOT exactly bosom buddies. In fact, it's more like each other's name is atop the list to NOT receive a Christmas card each year. I suspect this victory, coupled with the disappointing season Jim's men had this season, won't improve their mutual relationship.
