College Hoops Thread '09-'10

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

First time I ran in the Boston Marathon I wound up in the newspapers based on my finishing time. Running coach I knew asked why I was so quiet about it and when she heard my answer said
If you can do it it ain't bragging.seems appropriate here.

And that's pretty much my point also, my brother. Last year the Big Mouth got 3 of the 4 #1 seeds in the tourney, and for a few weeks all we all heard was their bragging and chirping. But how many of them played in the Championship game?

Before I start on the balance of today's action, let's get 2 scores from last night outta the way first:

Cornell 95 - Brown 76 = Now you know at least one of the teams who'll be playing 2 weeks from now. The Big Red are the first to get their dance ticket punched . . . just like we all knew by now.

St. John's 90 - DePaul 82 (3OT) = OK, unless some miracle happens in MSG next weekend, neither of these teams will be dancing. But that doesn't mean that they still don't want to win. Three OTs from two also-rans? That's some good stuff there.


What with all the conference tournaments going on, plus with all the bubble teams trying to improve their odds, plus all the frontrunners trying to improve their seedings, I could be here all day posting all the games of import going on today. Instead, I'll limit myself to those I find most notable. However, please feel free to toss your own in about your own teams too.

Tulsa vs. Memphis = Both these teams are pencilled into my bracket, but the outcome will decidedly help determine where. Both want it.

Maryland vs. Virginia = Here's 1/2 of the ACC regular season. I don't see the Terps having a problem taking this one, but if the Cavs can find a little of the magic they had back in the first part of their season . . . who knows? That's why they play them.

Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska = It's all shucks for the Huskers this year, and I don't think the Cowpokes need another W for an at-large. They may be only 8-7 in conference play, but they do have a handful of high-quality wins, including one over:

Kansas vs. Missouri = Can the Jayhawks bounce back further from that upset and follow their spanking of K-State with another win? Or will Missouri give them game? I'd expect the latter, with KU taking it late.

Richmond vs. Charlotte = The Spiders have earned a slot . . . now let's see if they get one. The 49ers have not quite done that yet . . . now let's see if they can. Should be a good one.

Marquette vs. Notre Dame = And it's pretty much the same story here, though the Irish may be in a slightly better position than is Charlotte.

Syracuse vs. Louisville = I'd expect the Orange to hold onto their #1 for another week. On the other hand, Louisville has shown up to play a time or three this season, so I'd not take it for granted.

Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina = Vandy's safely in, and are just looking to improve their seeding. But they've been a quirky team, and if the 'Cocks could beat Kentucky they are capable of beating most anybody. Might be closer than the Comms would prefer.

VCU vs. George Mason = In a just world, both these teams will receive an at-large, as they both have some good history AND both are much better than a dozen conference champs who will get automatics. But both could use this one, then will have to wait until next Sunday to see how just this world actually is.

Arizona State vs. UCLA = And speaking of justice, the Sun Devils should get an at-large also. A win over the TeddyBears may not help much, but it certainly won't hurt.

Baylor vs. Texas = Here are two pretty good teams that have both fallen upon some rough times. Both need to get a bit of balance returned before they start dancing, or either . . . or both . . . could fall on their faces.

Mississippi vs. Arkansas = And here's two who want to put that dreaded bubble on their back bumpers. Another must-win for both squads.

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech = The Hokies should be OK, but the Wreck can use a boost, despite some god wins. Again, both are much better than a ton of one-and-dones, but that's not the way it works . . . sadly.

Tennessee vs. Mississippi State = The Vols are another team looking to earn a higher seed. MS is also a probable at-large, yet they have some "bigger" problems to distract them, what with one of their players, Sidney, being in hot water with the NCAA . . . and out 11K, I understand. We'll have to wait and see if his team is out anything else.

Duke vs. UNC = And here is the other half of the ACC regular season. It' Senior Day in Cameron, and this group of seniors will have one last chance to actually beat the Tar Heels in Durham. That's what I expect will happen . . . yet you never know when it comes to THE GAME. Bryan's already got this one chalked up, as he expects the Heels to "do what they have done all year", or some such as that. However, what the Heels have done all year is underachieve. They have the talent to take this game, and they may even find the focus needed to do so. I'd not bet on it, but I've seen it happen before . . . for both teams involved.


Now come Sunday we'll get a few conference finals in, so will get a few more teams in too. Aside from that (and many of the match-ups are TBD), we will see:

Kentucky vs. Florida = The Wildcats still have a shot of losing their #1 seed, if they drop this game to the Gators, then crap out early in the SEC tourney. Like the Dook/UNC game above, it can happen. The Gators can, on any given Sunday, beat most anybody. Again, don't bet the farm, but don't be shocked if it does occur.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois = Here are two teams neither I nor (I expect) the NCAA committee can quite figure out. I'd think they both are safely in, but pecisely where, who knows? That makes this another "must" for both.

Boston College vs. N.C. State = OK, there's absolutely nothing at all "must" about this one, but I'm certain Jerry wants to get his 'Pack out of the cellar, so I'm throwing those wild dogs of his a bone.

Michigan State vs. Michigan = Aside from the rivalry involved, this means a lot to the Spartans when it comes to their seat at the table. As for the Wolverines . . . well, a few more Ws may get them a check from the NIT.

Clemson vs. Wake Forest = In my mind, neither of these teams should be on that stinkin' bubble. But I'll admit my mind may be a bit colored here. So once again, neither can depend upon the good graces of the Selection Committee, and both of them need the win. Plan on a war here.


I'll go check scores for games in progress, and be back soon. Until then - enjoy.