College Hoops Thread 2011-2012

[The Poet]

I should have a few more early finals by the time I finish this my Sunday preview:


Cincinnati vs. South Florida = Though you can consider these two also-rans in the Big East, they are both capable teams, and ought to give us a really decent contest here. I sorta kinda like the Bulls, but I can't pick either one for you.

Indiana vs. Minnesota = After a hot start, then a few trip-ups, the Hoosiers seemto have found their way again. Yet the Gophers ain't no pushovers, so I'm hoping for another nice game here. I'd favor IU by a bucket or three, but it wouldn't shock me were I wrong.

Pitt vs. Louisville = Yet despite all the gawd-awful games the Cardinals have played this year, I would be shocked if the Panthers could finally win a big game.

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State = The Buckeyes have had a couple of putrid shooting nights lately, and when you consider that a low-scoring affair is right up the Badgers' alley, this one may just be their shot to knock OSU down another notch. I'd not expect anybody to win by more than two possessions here, which means you can flip a coin.

California vs. Colorado = The Golden Bears want to hold onto their 1st place tie in the Pac-12, and thus pretty much assure at least an at-large. But I don't think the Buffaloes are going to roll over in Boulder, so this could also be another tight one.

Florida State vs. Miami = Duke just gave the Seminoles a loss to drop them out of that 3-way atop the ACC. And the 'Canes are the ones who knocked off those Blue Devils in Cameron to keep them OUT of the outright lead. So despite the greater respect given FSU, and the fact the "experts" say Miami's now on the backside of the bubble, I figure on an in-state war here. Hey, a 'Cane win might just toss them across that bubble, and you've got to think they feel that way also, right?

Iowa vs. Illinois = I'm not sure if either of these two will get a ticket to The Dance, but the one who loses this game would be foolish to book any flights, that's for sure. Again, you have to believe they both know this, and will be focused for this one.

Oregon vs. Oregon State = As it is Pac-12 we're talking here, the Ducks may be out of luck for an at-large anyway, despite their great season. Once again, although a win might not help them all that much, a loss would hurt them badly. Their in-state rival would love to play the spoiler here, so again again we may have a good one.

Akron vs. Ohio = The Zips and the Bobcats may be the 2 best teams in the Mid-American, and it's entirely possible that neither one will make it to the NCAAs. Those at-large bids are scarce in leagues like this one. So a win or a loss may mean nothing in that regard, as it shall come down to the automatic in the conference tournament. Regardless, this should be one hell of a fight.


I have only two more meaningful finals for you so far:



Iowa State 65 - Kansas State 61 = The Prairie 'Cats go get that big win at Mizzou, then come home and are unable to defend their own court against Iowa State. I had that kinda sorta feeling about this one, which is why I told you to flip a coin on it.

Baylor 70 - Oklahoma 60 = Not a good win for the Bears over a .500 Sooner Squad, but it beats a terrible loss . . . which is the way it was headed for much of the game.


Georgetown is running away from 'Nova, Arizona's trying to edge away from UCLA late, and NC State just got the 1-point lead from Clemson with 5 minutes left. You may see me a little later, and you may not. Either way, enjoy.

[jcruse64]

Wow, lots of close games in the Top 30 today. Only caught glimpses, as I'm in the middle of tearing a barn down (could use Davis' reach ).

Yeah, Vandy has played the Cats close both times, and Davis gave the Cats a spark today.

dook kills my projection, but they had to sweat it. UNC also had a close one, what, 4 points I think. NC State takes ANOTHER loss today...geez!

I really thought KU was toast today, but Mizzou could not close, and they'd better learn to fast! KSU...pitiful, to come home after that last win, and let a team stomp your butt like that.

'Bama beats Mississippi State badly, after a awful opening and exciting H1 close.

Georgetown lets one go, another pitiful loss. Definitely the Big Least Conference this season, though there's not much to brag on with the SEC this season either, as Florida got absolutely hammered by a bad Georgia team today.

Well, Murray State vs Tennessee Tech about to start.

GO RACERS!!!!!!!!!

[mikeyj23]

Go Jayhawks! Down by 12 at half, down by 19 in the second, sent it to OT, won 87-86.

[jcruse64]

Alright! Racers win and finish up their regular season at 28-1 and undefeated on the road, maybe the first time ever for them. Best regular season ever, also. Probably the 2nd toughest OVC game this season, as Tech had them good for most of this game, and they had to dig in hard to come back and hold the lead. Really great season, and hopefully a LOT more to go. Can't wait to get to Nashville Friday for their first OVC tourney game.

'Cuse wins TIGHT one. UCONN almost did it.

UL has let Pitt almost even the score at the end of H1 today. Oh, and got the Georgetown score wrong, sorry Hoyas! I had the Notre Dame loss on my mind. IU has taken Tubby's Minnesota team already today.

[The Poet]

As Joe said above, a lot of close ones this weekend, and even a fair number of upsets too. And as Michael said, the Jayhawks knocked Mizzou down another peg in what may well be the last game in a storied rivalry that's over a century old. I'll address it more below.

So, aside from those close ones and upsets already noted Saturday afternoon (Dook, UK, SJU, Iowa St., Baylor) we had these I've cherry-picked for one reason or another:


Clemson 72 - N. C. State 69 (OT) = Two weeks ago Jerry's Wolfpack was primed to grab an at-large bid to The Dance. Maybe 3 straight losses to Duke, FSU, and UNC did not totally kill their chances, but this one maybe did. Their only chance now is a run to, at least, the finals of the ACC tourney, and that might even be one win too few. You can't stick a fork in them yet, but you might as well pick it up.

North Carolina 54 - Virginia 51 = Ugly, ugly, ugly win for the Heels, though better than an ugly loss. Neither team could shoot worth a damn from the field, with both having long droughts without a hoop. UNC at least could hit from the stripe, and won it on FTs., and so keep pace with Dook atop the ACC race.

Kansas 87 - Missouri 86 (OT) = I'm a little surprised the Jayhawks had so much trouble defending home court, considering their record in Allen Fieldhouse. But like my Heels above, a win's a win. This one may have gotten KU a #1-seed (and may not have, if they stumble once or twice down the stretch), but this 2nd loss in a row for the Tigers almost certainly cost them one. Hey, didn't I tell you so beforehand?

Texas 71 - Texas Tech 67 (OT) = Not all that important a game overall, though it does keep the 'Horns alive for a possible at-large . . . for now. But such a strugge against a crappy TT team, even in Lubbock, does not bode well for that potential future.

Georgia 76 - Florida 62 = But as poor as that performance was in Lubbock, this one in Athens was much worse. What in the hell is up with the Gators? There is no reason whatsoever for them to let the Bulldogs spank them like this.

Rutgers 77 - Seton Hall 72 (OT) = Though not quite as damning as that NCSU loss to Clemson, this one certainly has put the Pirates back in the bubble discussion.

Alabama 67 - Mississippi State 50 = As for these Bulldogs from the Delta, what has happened to them? OK, so the Tide has a decent team, but Miss. State was ranked for half the season, then pulled an "Illini" and just collapsed. This was their 5th loss in a row, putting them squarly into that bubble discussion.

VCU 89 - George Mason 77 = This win gives the Rams 2nd place in the CAC, with the Drexel Dragons taking the honors. With the automatic bid still to be determined in league tourney play, it will remain a question how many of these very good teams will get a chance to Dance.

Purdue 75 - MIchigan 61 = Though it may be too little too late, the Boilermakers continue to improve. As for the Wolverines, it's just a case of too little, as in scoring . . . which they've had upteen times now.

Penn 55 - Harvard 54 = The Quakers did what they had to do to give them a chance to do what Princeton did to Harvard last year . . . take the single NCAA bid for the Ivy away from the Crimson after they felt it was theirs all season long. Their 9-2 mark is still 1/2 back of Haa'vaad's 10-2, and their schedule is against them too (Brown, Yale, then @ Princeton vs. @ Columbia and Cornell), but we could see that 1-game-for-all-the-marbles game again this March.

St. Joseph's 82 - Temple 72 = Did this one by the Hawks over the Owls get St. Joe's into Dance mode? Well, it all depends on how deep into the A10 the Committee decides to dip. Me, I'd sooner see them get an extra bid or three than see them all go to Big Mouth teams that are sub.-500 in league play.

TCU 83 - New Mexico 64 = A week or so back the Lobos had a secure 2-game lead in the Mountain West race. Two Ls in a row, and they are now in a 3-way with UNLV and Larry's Aztecs. As that Committee likely will not (and probably should not) go any deeper in the MW as in the aforementioned A10, this could get real interesting . . . and maybe a little baitchy to boot.

Washington 59 - Washington State 55 = If the Huskies are as good as they seem to think, this one should never have been so tight. Still, they did do what they had to, and following a result which will appear below, they now hold a 1/2-game lead in the Pac-12 . . . for what that's worth.

Syracuse 71 - U Conn 69 = The Orange could have almost certainly lost this game and still not lost their #1-seed, and the Huskies could have won it and still not insured themselves an at-large bid. So in that regard the game was not important. But considering how many problems U Conn has had, and how much crowing has been coming out of the 'Cuse fandom, this result may at least may explain why I won't be putting Syracuse in MY Final Four bracket.

Nevada 79 - Fresno St. 76 (3OT) = It doesn't matter if this game matters or not. Any time two teams give you a fight like this, they deserve some props.


Sunday we saw:


South Florida 46 - Cincinnati 45 = When you consider the kind of season the Bearcats have had, it's far from certain this is a good enough win to help the Bulls get an at-large. But if Cincy gets one and they do not, I'd be a little cheesed . . . if I really cared, that is.

Louisville 57 - Pitt 54 = And even if the Panthers had managed to get over the hump late at take this one in the Bucket, it wouldn't have helped their post-season in the least. But it does maybe give all those rabid Big East fans out there some more evidence as to why MY opinion of their league is NOT on as elevated a level as too many claim.

Wisconsin 63 - Ohio State 60 = A great road win for the Badgers, and another somewhat surprising home loss by the Buckeyes. Me, I would have penciled them in as a #1-seed before the season started, but now it seems a #2 is slipping away. Yeah, sure, you could say much the same about my Heels, but they at least have kept themselves in the hunt late.

Colorado 70 - California 57 = Once again Rocky Mountain Fever strikes a visiting team, and this time it put the Golden Bears that 1/2-game back of Washington as referenced above. Here is another good win for the Buffs.

Miami 78 - Florida State 62 = And not only is this the Seminoles's 2nd loss in a row, thus putting them out of the ACC race for first (hey, the math means they can't win now, no matter what), but this win by the Hurricanes gives them TWO signature wins. Remember, they beat Duke in Cameron too. How in the world could the Selection Committe deny them an at-large now? Well, they still might, but it would not be right of them.


There's next to no action tonight, save for:


Notre Dame vs. Georgetown = These are two of the better teams in the Big East, and both are somewhat surprisingly so. I feel they both are safely Dancing, but another win or two is always better than another loss or three. I'm hoping for a good one here.

Kansas vs. Oklahoma State = I would not expect the Jayhawks to p!$$ away their season in Stillwater tonight, as the Cowboys are not all that good. But you never know, as after that Border War with Mizzou their chalk may be a bit rocky. I'd not bet on that, yet keep an eye on the score for a while anyway.

Texas Tech vs. Baylor = And the Bears have already had about as much of a collapse as I figured they'd have, so I'd expect them to defend the court in Waco against TT tonight. Hey, the putrid Red Raiders have lost something like 15 of 16 now. So me, I wouldn't even bother with this one.

Gonzaga vs. Longwood = Nor would I bother with this one either. In fact, I can't even figure out why Gonzaga would bother with this one. What idiot scheduled the last regular-season game of the year against a garbage Independent team like the Longwood Lancers anyway? WTF???


That's all for me today. Back tomorrow with more of my crap. Until later then, enjoy.

[SD Beerman]

The Mountain West is rough with all the altitude games and travel. A lot of good teams, I did sweat out the OT game but they came through against Colorado State. 3 way tie for first in MWC. I would have said SDSU had the advantage but now they have to go to TCU after they beat New Mexico.

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by SD Beerman

The Mountain West is rough with all the altitude games and travel. A lot of good teams, I did sweat out the OT game but they came through against Colorado State. 3 way tie for first in MWC. I would have said SDSU had the advantage but now they have to go to TCU after they beat New Mexico.

I'm close to becoming convinced the Mountain West is the cross-continent equivalent of the Atlantic 10, meaning it's a "Four A" league . . . better than Triple A, but not quite in The Majors yet. However, I am NOT YET convinced they deserve as many, or even more, bids than does their neighbors the Pac-12. I'm not saying the MW gets too much respect, but the performance of Pac-10 teams in last year's NCAAs, after the "experts" complained they got too many bids, should have shown people they are not as bad as the popular perception has become. Again, to make a similar transcontinental comparison, I feel the ACC has suffered nearly as badly from certain erroneous perceptions.

But aside from all that, I confess I do enjoy a nice tight conference race, with teams fighting for the crown down to the last second, as opposed to those that are over by Valentine's Day.

Originally Posted by mase

The Hoyas defense was terrific last night. ND's Cooley was a non-factor in the game, after being the "go to" guy over the last 5 or 6 games.

Georgetown's past success was always built upon their D, which is a good thing . . . not only because defense wins you games, but because they have been notoriously poor offensively. Hell, people always joke how the only man who held Michael Jordan below 20 points was Dean Smith, yet NOBODY'S ever complained that John Thompson was the man who kept Patrick Ewing from becoming the Wilt Chamberlain of his day.

, but them's the facts, Jacks.


Update soon.

[mase]

The Hoyas defense was terrific last night. ND's Cooley was a non-factor in the game, after being the "go to" guy over the last 5 or 6 games.

[The Poet]

The only score from last night I found to be of even the slightest interest was the one already noted by Kevin above:


Georgetown 59 - Notre Dame 41 = I don't know what else to say about this one that's not been said prior to now, so I'll just add it's a good win for the Hoyas as they prep for their post-season . . . and maybe even a good lesson for the Irish too.


There isn't a ton of games this evening, but it is remarkable how many of them hold some significance:


Kansas State vs. Texas A&M = I would think the K-State 'Cats have enough good wins to grab an at-large, and a win against the disappointing Aggies would not be another one, even in College Station. Still, a win's a win, so pad your resume when you get a chance. I'd expect they'd do so, since A&M hasn't shown up all year.

Michigan State vs. Indiana = And both of these have locked up bids regardless of what transpires, but if the Spartans want a shot at stealing a #1-seed they cannot lose this one. Me, I think they are the better team, but I also think the Hoosiers will be damn tough in Bloomington. If MSU loses, I'd not call it an upset.

Wright State vs. Butler = At 18-13 and 11-7 (3rd in the Horizon) the Butler Bulldogs are on the outside looking in. Their only chance of getting a bid at this point is by winning the conference tourney, which begins against the Raiders tonight. They ought to be able to survive this test, but for how long will they survive? Access your inner sailor, and keep an eye on the Horizon.

U. Conn vs. Providence = And speaking of last year's championship game, what are the Huskies' chances of missing The Dance too? At 17-11 and 7-9, they are pretty much in the same boat they were last year too, when Kemba Walker saved their season beginning in the Big East tourney with his remarkable feats. One thing I do know is that he won't be doing that this year. Another is that the Friars can poke another hole in U Conn's bobble by taking this one in RI this evening. This team is not as bad as their record, and with the Huskies' struggles on the road I could see another loss in their immediate future. I would not put any money on it, but it would not shock me either.

Mississippi vs. Arkansas = The 'Hogs are another bubbly team, with their 18-11 and 6-8 marks. A win over the Rebels won't add much to their shot, but a loss may be the coup-de-gras.

DePaul vs. West Virginia = It's the same for the Mountaineers too, with their 17-12 and 7-9 record. Though the win won't put them over any bubble, a loss might put them behind it.

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin = The Badgers are safe, and the Gophers are safely dead. Still, you know pride in the interstate rivalry is at stake, and I'm hoping it will be a good one. Aside from that, the Badgers still have an outside shot of moving up to a #2-seed, and an easier shot of moving to a #4. That should focus them, one would think.

Florida vs. Vanderbilt = Me, I figure both these teams are safely in possession of at-large bids already, but aside from that I figure nothing. Shoot, if you can figure out either one of these squads, I wish you'd tell me. My head tells me to favor the Gators on the road against the Comms, but if they can't beat Georgia in Athens what makes me think they can beat Vandy in Nashville? It ought to be fun, in any case.

UCF vs. Memphis = I talked above about "Four A" leagues, and one must consider the CUSA amongst these. The Tigers can clinch at least a tie for 1st place with a victory tonight, but the Knights are no pushovers. This one may go down to the wire.

Weber State vs. Montana = The Wildcats and Grizzlies are tied at 14-1 for the Big Sky, and it all comes down to this one tonight. True, that league will get only the automatic from the tournament championship, so maybe the NCAA is not on the line here. Regardless, you KNOW they both want the victory, and I expect a war.

Xavier vs. Saint Louis = The Musketeers have pretty much recovered from the bad karma from their brawl with Cincy, yet they've only had time to make it up to 3rd in the Atlantic 10. Standing between them and 1st-place Temple are these Billikens. I feel that, were I on the Selection Committee, I would give them both strong consideration for at-large bids, but sad to say they ain't listening to me . . . I don't pay as well as do the Big East lobbyists. And because of that, this one is huge for both teams.

Duke vs. Wake Forest = Can I see Duke losing to the Deacs in Winston-Salem? No. Yes, stranger things have happened, but not only do I not expect it, I almost don't even want it to happen. See, with a Blue Devil win tonight against Wake (which is about as close to a given as one can get) and a win in Chapel Hill tomorrow by my Heels over the visiting Terps (a fair amount more difficult maybe, but certainly eminently doable), they will remain tied for 1st place in the ACC regular-season race, with only one game left to play . . . UNC at Duke, Saturday night. You telling me I'm the only one who wouldn't mind seeing that, again.


That's gonna do it for me tonight. See you tomorrow, fates willing. Until then, enjoy.

[The Poet]

Well, I'm back, and with a few notable scores from last night:


Providence 72 - U Conn 70 = Maybe you thought I was nutz when I gave the Friars a shot at this win. Well, I am nutz, and won't deny it. But I ain't stupid. The Huskies are again, as last season, dead in the water. There will be no miracle finish for them this year, as things like that don't repeat themselves . . . unless you're the NY Giants.

Mississippi 77 - Arkansas 75 = And the Razorbacks may be sausage too, after this loss insures them of a losing record in the SEC.

Indiana 70 - Michigan State 55 = And though I did not actually call for this "upset", I did say it wouldn't be one to me if it occurred. Neither team gained nor lost their NCAA bid here, but the Spartans likely lost their shot at that (at present) fourth #1-seed . . . which is potential good news for . . .

Duke 79 - Wake Forest 71 = Though the win was no surprise, the margin likely did not please Coach K all that much. And it did give them the lead in the ACC, pending tonight's contest as noted below, and the inside track for that elusive #1-seed which is up for grabs . . . sort of, anyway.

Vanderbilt 77 - Florida 67 = The Comms get what may be their best win of the season, and the Gators take another loss. As I said with Hoosiers/Spartans, the effect on their at-large will be at best/worst the seeding, but it's got to give Vandy a bit of confidence.


Tonight's games, aside from some tournament action with importance for the Cinderella dreams of the little guys, will include these:


Penn State vs. Purdue = The late charge by the Boilermakers has probably secured them an at-large, and I'd not expect the Nittany Lions to derail them this evening.

Marquette vs. Cincinnati = But the Bearcats could derail the Golden Eagles, at least in their aspirations to attain a #1-seed. That seems a pipe dream to me, even if Michigan State's out of that race now, as Duke and UNC both stand in their way. In fact, if Cincy can win this one, their #2 may sink to a #3-seed. As this is more reasonable than the other scenario, I'm gonna call for it. The 'Cats, by a late bucket.

Maryland vs. North Carolina = However, for the Tar Heels to retain their OWN hopes, of an ACC regular-season title AND that potential #1-seed too, they have to take care of business at home against the Terps. Even if those turtles are still p!$$ed off at John Henson for dunking on them with one second left up in College Park, I'm not sure that anger would be enough to carry them to victory in Chapel Hill. What WOULD would be for the Heels to play another sub-par game, which they've been awfully awful about doing. As a Heel, I'm of course hoping for a UNC win. As a fan, I'm also hoping for one, as should you, as that will make the Duke/UNC finale on Saturday all that much more fun.

U Mass vs. Temple = The Owls were rolling along just fine, until that loss to St. Joe's. It did not surprise me that the Hawks won it, nor would it surprise me if the Minutemen also give Temple about all they can handle this evening. They may not win, but they will show up.

South Florida vs. Louisville = And if you don't think the Bulls will show up at the KFCrum Bucket tonight, you just haven't been paying much attention. Hey, they are presently 11-5 in Big East play, which by my math is better than the Cardinals' 10-6 mark. This ought to be a real fight.

Iowa State vs. Missouri = And this could be one also, believe it or not. The Cyclones (21-8, 11-5 Big "12") have a danged good team, so even in Columbia you gotta give them a chance at taking the Tigers. As for the Tigers, they maybe think they can regain that #1-seed they lost last week if they run the table, so you figure they'll be focused too. Those Tigers are WRONG to think that, as their RPI of 17 and SoS of (gulp!) 77 has already killed them in the eyes of the Selection Committee, but what is life without a little fantasy, right? Bottom line, this should be a fun matchup.

Mississippi State vs. South Carolina = I threw this one in because the Bulldogs have gone from a shoo-in to a shoo-ed away team, in a hurry. Five losses in a row has put them at 19-10 and 6-8, and made them extremely bubbly. The 'Cocks suck, so a win's not gonna help them much. However, a loss in Columbia (no, not that one above, the OTHER one ) may just puncture that bubble completely.

Ohio State vs. Northwestern = I figure the Buckeyes were celebrating last night when MSU lost to the Hoosiers, as it gave them a shot at getting back what probably should have been theirs all along . . . the Big Ten+ regular-season. I also figure the Smarty 'Cats will give them a tussle tonight, and may just smack them back to reality . . . said reality being the Buckeyes have not been playing as well as their talent ought to play. Yeah, I know . . . me, a Tar Heel, has no room to talk about that. Still, there it is. This could be one damned interesting game here.

Tennessee vs. LSU = So could this one. Hey, a month ago both these squads were dead in the water. Now, both have at least as good a chance of an at-large as do those Miss. State 'Dogs above, as both have better SEC records. Neither can clinch a bid with a win here, but one of them may lose one.

Oklahoma vs. Texas = And the only way the Sooners will get a bid is if they jump the gun and storm through the Big 12-2 tourney. But the Longhorns may have a chance at an at-large, despite their bad start. Yes, they are pretty bubbly, but closing out the season strong can help them eek in.

Miami vs. N. C. State = Talking of bubble-battles, here's a big one. The 'Canes (17-10, 8-6) and the 'Pack (18-11, 7-7) are both still in the mix, although Miami has the edge due to their 2 marquee wins, as opposed to State's zero. Those 'Canes have a better shot at losing a bid tonight than the 'Pack has of winning one, since Jerry's kids will need a good run in the ACC tourney, like maybe to the final with one of those signature wins thrown in. But you bet your bottom dollar they'll be rockin' in Raleigh tonight, knowing their seasons may hinge on the way they play over the next 10 days or so.

UNLV vs. Colorado State = Not only are the Rams able enough to give the Rebels a Run for their money, this again is another of those Rocky Mountain High games we've seen of late. Hey, if Air Force could beat the Larry's Aztecs in Colorado Springs, you better believe the Rams can beat UNLV in Fort Collins. Will this string of alpine upsets continue? Maybe, maybe not, but you gotta admit it is interesting.


That's it for me tonight. See you tomorrow, brothers, and until then . . . enjoy.

[The Poet]

Scores from last night include some more of my sterling picks:


Cincinnati 72 - Marquette 61 = Well, I actually blew this one. I said the Bearcats would win on a late bucket, so unless it was a 12-pointer I wuz wrong. The Golden Eagles don't have a snowball's chance at a #1-seed now, and may end up on the 3-line.

Temple 90 - U Mass 88 (OT) = I said about the Minutemen, and I quote they would ". . . give Temple about all they can handle . . . . They may not win, but they will show up." How much closer do you want me to call them?

South Florida 58 - Louisville 51 = And the Bulls came through for me too, winning on the road against Pitino's Yo-Yos.

Purdue 80 - Penn State 56 = Though this likely did not make the 'Makers' grasp on an at-large any more secure, it helps more than a loss would have hurt.

North Carolina 88 - Maryland 64 = The only other blowout I'll report, not because it helped the Heels with a seat (much less seed) all that much, nor because it hurt the Terps, who were already roadkill, but solely because it sets up what we all want to see . . . UNC at Duke Saturday night for the ACC regular-season title.

Texas 72 - Oklahoma 64 = I'm not gonna guarantee the 'Horns have earned an at-large, much less that they deserve one, but this does keep their hopes moving in the right direction.

Tennessee 74 - LSU 69 (OT) = As does this for the Vols. Maybe both these UTs will need a win or three in conference tournament play to insure their Dance, but it don't hurt them none.

St. Bonaventure 98 - St. Joseph's 93 (2OT) = But this heartbreaker for the Hawks may have ended their aspirations for that potential at-large from the A-10. Yet these two certainly did give us a great show here.

Missouri 78 - Iowa State 72 = I did NOT call for the Cyclones to knock off the Tigers on their home court. I DID say it would be more of a fight than you might think, and by my lights it was precisely that.

Mississippi State 69 - South Carolina 67 (OT) = Hey, surprise surprise! The Bulldogs win a game . . . or was it the 'Cocks who lost another one? As I said yesterday, I'm not sure if this saves their season or not (not, in my book, but I don't get a vote), yet it did not doom it either.

Ohio State 75 - Northwestern 73 = And again, I did not actually call for the Smarty 'Cats to beat the Buckeyes, though I may have hinted strongly at that possibility. However, even if I had, I'd profess that a game which hinges on one bucket, one rebound, one turnover, one foul, one whatever is close enough for guv'mint work.

N. C. State 77 - Miami 73 = Can you count this as that one signature win Jerry's Wolfpack needed to get back into the "at-large" picture? Ehhhh, I'd say no, despite the fact that Miami had a few of their own. So figure NCSU still need to make an ACC tourney run to sneak over the bubble. Question is, did this pop said bubble for the Hurricanes? Me, I'll let you know in about 10 days.

Colorado State 66 - UNLV 59 = Another Rocky Mountain highlight film here, which is getting almost scary. The Runnin' Rebels were all over the Rams in the first half, scoring 41 points to their 26. But apparently they forgot to bring any O2 tanks into their visiting lockerroom, and they ran out of that gas in the 2nd stanza, scoring only 18 more and turning a rout into a riot.


Today's action includes a ton of action in small and mid-major tournaments, either continuing or beginning. This included leagues like the Big South, American East, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Atlantic Sun, and West Coast . . . damn few of which have any chance at all of anything more than the single automatic bid. So I'll hold off on these, despite the fact that many teams' hopes will be crushed today, and stick to games like:


Michigan vs. Illinois = At 17-12 and 6-10, the Illini are likely victims of their 2nd-half collapse, and should be NIT-bound shortly. Still, if the UTs and NCSUs of the world have some hope remaining, so should Illinois. A win over the Wolverines would help, even if it did not totally clinch an at-large, and as I've harped on long and often, the Logans can struggle to outscore their opponents. This is in Champaign, so you can't quite stick a fork in the Illini . . . yet.

Florida State vs. Virginia = Both these teams, now the "also-rans" in the ACC race, have bids safely in their hip pockets. All a win or a loss here will do is affect their seeding in both the league and NCAA tournaments, moving one up a line while sliding the other down. That's not a big deal, in my way of thinking, but sometimes every little bit helps.

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson = Why bother with this one? Well, all the experts seem to feel the ACC will get 4 bids to the NCAA, or maybe 5 if Miami or State get lucky. I say, "What about the Tigers?" They are 7-7 in conference play, with the 'Canes and 'Pack at 8-7, plus they have very good wins over Iowa, Florida State, Virginia, and NCSU too. How can people talk about sub.500 Big East or Big Ten teams, yet ignore this? Because their stupid, that's how.

Georgia vs. Kentucky = Yeah, the Bulldogs shocked me some when they beat the Gators in Athens, so most anything can happen. But skin the 'Cats, in Rupp? Sure. Don't get me wrong . . . I'd kinda like to see it, and it might even be good for UK to lose one before The Dance begins, just to get their attention. Yet if this one isn't over with 10 minutes left, I'd consider it a moral victory for the Peaches . . . who will be creamed.

Washington vs. USC = With a conference 13-3 mark, against California's 13-4, the Huskies have their fate in their own hands. Considering how bad the Trojans have leaked this year, I give them as much of a shot at home as I game Georgia on the road above. And if, as I expect, they get past USC in LA tonight, they can assure with their next game they'll take it all by taking care of . . .

Washington State vs. UCLA = . . . the Bruins, who may just get booed off their home-away-from-homecourt tonight, following stories about what stupid spoiled drunked doped-up bozos they have become under Ben Howland. Hell, I'm a continent away, and even with my aged ears I can hear John Wooden spinning in his grave. Neither a win nor a loss, by either team, will make any difference whatsoever in the conference or national picture, and I even doubt that a total stomping by UCLA of the Cougars can turn their agony into ecstasy. Rave on!


That's gonna be it for this evening. As always, I hope you . . . enjoy.

[The Poet]

Let's see if I can knock this out before the next busload of idiots stomp in to flush their paychecks down the Lotto toilet. Last night:


Florida State 63 - Virginia 60 = The Cavs lose another heartbreaker on their home court, so they'd best be glad they already have their NCAA at-large locked up. Otherwise, they'd be facing a 1st round loss in the NIT as they hosted some nobody. The result will marginally affect the seeding of both teams, but at this point it ain't no biggie. Good win for the 'Noles, regardless.

Michigan 72 - Illinois 61 = I can't say this is a good win for the Logans, though they DID manage to break 70 points on the road. As for the Illini, their collapse continues, and this is their 10th loss in their last 12 games. When you notice they have only 13 total Ls, that collapse becomes even more shocking.

Clemson 58 - Virginia Tech 56 = Not a great win for the Tigers, as the Hokies have not been great this year, but it does at least give Clemson one more reason to complain and whine when they don't get an at-large bid next weekend.

Washington 80 - USC 58 = No big surprise here, but it is notable in that the Huskies are now asssurred of at least a tie for the Pac-12 regular-season title.


Today there's already action in small and mid-level conference tournaments, including the start in the Colonial, Southern, and Metro Atlantic. But here's the more significant games, as I see it anyway:


Harvard vs. Columbia = In the Ivy, where there is no tourney, the Crimson have a 1/2-game lead over Penn and a game over Yale for the one and only bid that league will receive. The Lions are not as good, but I think they can at least scare the boys from Boston up in West Harlem tonight. Hey, were you a boy from Boston, wouldn't West Harlem scare you too?

Brown vs. Penn = But I can't give Brown any chance at all against the Quakers down in Philly. So a loss above and a win here would reverse that 1/2-game edge. And to make things even more interesting . . .

Yale vs. Princeton = The Tigers can be awfully hard to beat in Jadwin, but if the Eli can manage to do so, and they are likely favored by a bucket or two, they will remain in touch themselves. In fact, if BOTH those previous games end in "upsets", we'd have a 3-way tie, at least in the loss column. Wouldn't that be fun?

Tennessee Tech vs. Murray State = Joe's Racers need to win the OVC tourney, for even their great season does not assure them of a bid if they fail. Fair or not, there it is. This won't be an easy task, as everyone they play will be gunning for them. TT is a pretty good team too, so I'd figure Joe will gnaw a few fingernails before this night is done. And if the Racers survive this one, they will turn around and face the winner of . . .

Morehead State vs. Tennessee State = . . . two MORE pretty good teams in the OVC, and it includes the one team that has already beaten them once, which gave them their 1st and (so far) only loss. Oh, and did I mention that these games are in Nashville, not in the Bluegrass State somewhere? Better take a chill pill or three, Brother Joe.

Providence vs. Notre Dame = Going by the book, you'd have to say the Irish should be able to handle the Friars in South Bend. But for some damn reason I just got that itchy feeling again, so keep your eye on this one.

Drake vs. Creighton = And the same might be said of the Bulldogs' chances against the Bluejays, but once more my nose just started twitchin' when I saw this one. Yet maybe that's because I wonder why Drake is another of a countless pack of bulldogs instead of, say, a duck or a mallard . . . or a scrooge.

Butler vs. Wisc. Milwaukee = Speaking of Bulldogs, Butler beat a crappy Wright State team last night to survive the 1st round in the Horizon, but will face a much tougher opponent in the Panthers this evening. If Butler loses, or if Butler does not continue to win right through the Horizon championship game, they will NOT be the national runner-up for a third year in a row . . . unless maybe if they lose in the championship game of the NIT . And with those OTHER dogs, the U Conn Huskies, being eminently bubbly at this point, we could easily see an NCAA without either one of them present. Brad Stevens should have his guys focused . . . yet I expect Jim Calhoun's pain meds has him out-of-focus.


That's all for now. If I feel froggy I may jump on some early games tomorrow, although many of the match-ups in conference tournaments are, quite naturally, pending today's results. In any case, enjoy.

[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.

[The Poet]

A few early finals:


N. C. Asheville 80 - VMI 64 = UNC-A takes the Big South and punches a ticket to The Dance.

U Conn 74 - Pitt 65 = But if the Husky fans think a win over the aptly-named Pitts gets them to dancing, I fear they yet may have some work to do. Shoot, just about anybody could beat the Panthers this year.

West Virginia 50 - South Florida 44 = This might have gotten the Mountaineers in, and may have made the Bulls a little nervous.


With 5 minutes left, Joe's Racers are down 7 and in serious trouble, at risk of blowing their whole season. There's still time, but they'd best get to it, now.

Other action today, which is too vast to properly cover, includes:


Louisville vs. Syracuse = The way the Cardinals have played at times, it's hard to give them a shot at deflating the Orange in the Dome. Yeah, they could, but you better not bet on it.

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee = The Vols likely need this to stay on the right side of the bubble. Vandy should be the better team, yet has not played like it too often. This could be interesting.

Alabama vs. Mississippi = The Tide may be safe, and may not, but Ole Miss definitely needs another win or two.

Arkansas vs. Mississippi State = I'm not sure either one of these can save their season at this point, but today would be a good start at a good finish.

Baylor vs. Iowa State = Hey, I can see the Bears losing another one, and dropping another line in the NCAAs, with Iowa State moving up . . . or even in altogether.

San Diego State vs. TCU = The Aztecs may be safe, but better safer than sorrier. TCU ain't bad, and can win this game. That might not help them, but it will hurt Larry's boys.

Harvard vs. Cornell = If the Crimson does not win this game, they don't deserve to win the Ivy.

Yale vs. Penn = This is the first of 2 "must" wins for the Quakers, to keep pace with Harvard.

North Carolina vs. Duke = Do I really have to say any more? Tied 13-2 in ACC play, this one's for the regular-season, top seed in the ACC tourney, and maybe even a top seed in the NCAAs. They don't get much bigger.

Butler vs. Valparaiso = I can see the Bulldogs' run ending this evening. Yeah, they are capable of beating Valpo, but the "do-or-die" pressure has got to be getting to them.

Texas vs. Kansas = The 'Horns have made a late charge for an at-large, and would get a firmer grasp on one with the upset here. I can't see it happening, but the Jayhawks do have flaws, so it could happen.

San Francisco vs. St. Mary's = The WCC won't get much at-large consideration, so this match-up in the tourney could be the whole season. The Dons and Gaels are both good teams, so this could go either way, as could . . .

BYU vs. Gonzaga = . . . which is the back-half of this WCC tourney battle. Put all 4 teams in a box, shake well, and pick one.

Wyoming vs. UNLV = The Rebels will get a chance to run in the NCAAs. But will the Cowboys? Not if they lose this one in the desert.


Just FYI, Jerry's probably breathing again. His Murray State Racers made a late run to edge Tenn. State 54-52 and win the OVC title, and so he's now Dancing around the room.


A few Sunday games shortly, if I don't get interrupeted too much.

[SD Beerman]

Congrats on your victory!

[The Poet]

There will be a number of conference championship games tomorrow, but as they a) are still in many cases undetermined as to who's playing who, and b) involve what are almost certainly "one-and-done" teams, I'll stick to these few bigger games below:


Clemson vs. Florida State = Most seem to feel the Tigers are completely dead in the at-large discussion, but a win against the 'Noles, and maybe a win or two in the ACC tourney, and you never know. No doubt they are thinking that way.

Kentucky vs. Florida = If the Gators had shown any sort of consistency this year, I'd give them a good chance at smacking a second loss on the Wildcats. That not being the case, however, I'd really be shocked if UK does not finish its run of the table in the SEC.

Virginia vs. Maryland = Believe it or not, but losses to UNC and FSU has, in some people's minds, put the Cavaliers on the bubble. That's foolish to me, but I learned years ago that some people HAVE no minds to begin with, so who cares what they say? Regardless, UVA needs a win to take the bitter taste out of their mouths before tourney time starts.

Creighton vs. Wichita State = This is an exception to what I said above, as it is the championship game of the Missouri Valley tourney. Yet even were it not, it would be exceptional anyway. You wanna see a war? Check this one out on Sunday.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State = Or this one. Much like the UNC/Duke game, this one is huge even outside of the league. The Spartans have a game up on the Buckeyes and the Wolverines in the Big Ten+, and a MSU win here means the regular-season, the top seed in the conference tourney, and maybe that single #1-seed floating about for the NCAAs. The Buckeyes likely have no shot at that particular prize, but would still like to tie up the league. This should be a war.

Arizona vs. Arizona State = This should not be a war. The Desert 'Cats are much better than the Sun Devils, but they may not be good enough in the eyes of the Committee to get an at-large out of the Pac-12. A win here won't help them secure one, although a loss may justify them NOT getting one . . . in everyone's eyes but their own, that is. If you know anything about college hoops, you know damn well they will be whining and crying if they don't get a ticket to Dance.

Purdue vs. Indiana = The Boilermakers may not whine if they don't get one, but if they can beat the surprising Hoosiers in Bloomington they may not need to sweat that.


That's all I have time for today. Until Monday then, enjoy.

[jcruse64]

Nail biting...you got THAT call right. I have no fingernails left, and definitely have no voice left! Probably the closest OVC championship game I've seen, this one went down to the last second. MSU trailed a bunch in this game, and with 3 minutes left, I had that sinking feeling I had when TSU came to our house and killed the perfect season. TSU plays good D, and is not afraid of anyone; I give them a LOT of credit. A lot of MSU's big time guys did fair to poor today, and TSU killed on rebounds. But MSU hung in until late in H2, and then got a great shot to take the lead with 4 seconds left, and then got a good hold for the end. We haven't been to a tourney in a few years, but got tickets this year, and are glad we did. There was blue and gold all over Nasvhille, and MSU's crowd turned out 10-1 over TSU, which is in Nashville. I will also say that TSU has one of the BEST bands of any school I have ever heard.

Saw Vandy go down in flames to UT, one of the better free throw shooting teams not able to buy one today.

Just watched your 'Heels absolutely annihilate dook, so good for you! I do have to tell you; my wife asked if there was any way both teams could lose

Uconn pops Pitt. And UL continues to confound Ricky P with the loss to 'Cuse.

Texas at KU is on in H1, and after opening hot, the 'Horns are getting crapped on by the Jaybirds.

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by jcruse64

Nail biting...you got THAT call right. I have no fingernails left, and definitely have no voice left! Probably the closest OVC championship game I've seen, this one went down to the last second. MSU trailed a bunch in this game, and with 3 minutes left, I had that sinking feeling I had when TSU came to our house and killed the perfect season. TSU plays good D, and is not afraid of anyone; I give them a LOT of credit. A lot of MSU's big time guys did fair to poor today, and TSU killed on rebounds. But MSU hung in until late in H2, and then got a great shot to take the lead with 4 seconds left, and then got a good hold for the end. We haven't been to a tourney in a few years, but got tickets this year, and are glad we did. There was blue and gold all over Nasvhille, and MSU's crowd turned out 10-1 over TSU, which is in Nashville. I will also say that TSU has one of the BEST bands of any school I have ever heard.

Saw Vandy go down in flames to UT, one of the better free throw shooting teams not able to buy one today.

Just watched your 'Heels absolutely annihilate dook, so good for you! I do have to tell you; my wife asked if there was any way both teams could lose

Uconn pops Pitt. And UL continues to confound Ricky P with the loss to 'Cuse.

Texas at KU is on in H1, and after opening hot, the 'Horns are getting crapped on by the Jaybirds.

If it's any consolation, Joe, I was sweating that Racer game myself . . . a little, anyway. My main focus was on MY upcoming trial at Cameron. Congratulations on your season (so far) and the automatic bid, and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to the Music City.

Too bad that other Nashville team did not have as good a weekend, though you gotta give the Vols credit for putting themselves in bubble consideration.

You can tell your wife that, yes, there is a way both Duke and Carolina could lose the game . . . that being if the winner would have their season vacated by the NCAA for violations. But the odds are slim there, as we are talking Dook/UNC, and not UK/UT.

U Conn's win does not, in my mind, get them off any bubble, nor did the Cardinal's loss put them on one. But that Texas loss did not help their case any, even though it may have been expected.

Originally Posted by SD Beerman

Congrats on your victory!

Thank you, Larry. 'Grats on the way your Aztecs blew the Horned Frogs off the court also.


Before I do my update, I need to report that a story has just come out regarding Syracuse basketball. No, it's not more on those pederast accusations against Ass't. Coach Fine, but one that states that at least 10 basketball players over the past 10 years have failed school-mandated drug tests, which by university requirements would have demanded their suspension from the team. However, NONE OF THEM WERE PENALIZED! This is not, as of yet, an investigation by the NCAA, which has no formal policy about "recreational drug use", leaving that up to the member schools themselves. Yet the NCAA does require that, if you do have such rules, you must follow them or risk being found guilty of breaking the "Willful Violations" policy of the NCAA, meaning that any time restrictions placed upon investigations, and punishments, would not apply. Worst case for the Orange: They could have wins vacated by the NCAA going back to 2001, which would include their 2002-03 National Championship year.

Hmmmmmmm. Very interesting.

Back shortly, I hope.

[The Poet]

Too little time, too many games. Saturday:


UCLA 75 - Washington 69 = The Bruins at least salvage a little pride by preventing the Huskies from winning the Pac-12 outright . . . even though they did back into it Sunday.

Marquette 83 - Georgetown 69 = Not surprising Marquette won, but the margin does not bode well for the Hoyas' post-season hopes. Their youngsters may be getting tired.

Illinois State 65 - Wichita State 64 = This one shocked me so much it moved me to an unforced error. I put the Shockers in the league championship game, and they did not make it there. They will probably still get an at-large, however.

Mississippi - Alabama 51 = A good win for Ole Miss, though it may be too little too late for them. Like many other schools, they could need a run in the conference tourney to get off the bubble.

Tennessee 68 - Vanderbilt 61 = And I'm not sure this gets the Vols off either, though it does go a good ways towards putting them into serious consideration. But the SEC is so top-heavy the league may not get as many at-large as they are accustomed to receive.

Syracuse 58 - Louisville 49 = Hey, if you score less than 50 points, you don's deserve to win. Yet if you score less than 60 points, you may find yourself in serious trouble down the road. If you are an aspiring Cinderella, wish for the Orange in your bracket.

San Diego State 98 - TCU 92 (OT) = Here's that blow-out I referenced above with Larry. Though his Aztecs came into the game with much better odds of getting an at-large than did Joe's Racers in his game, I feel certain Larry was sweating this one out also.

Penn 68 - Yale 47 = That's one of the wins the Quakers needed to tie Harvard for the Ivy. One more, against Princeton, and we'll have that play-in game again this year, with the Crimson maybe NOT snapping their NCAA-less streak going back to 1946 once more.

Iowa State 80 - Baylor 72 = I think I told you I could see this one coming. And I know I told you long ago that the Baylor Bears were not as good as the polls said they were 6 weeks ago.

North Carolina 88 - Duke 70 = Can you say revenge? Or can you say hubris, since the Blue Devils decided to poke the bear before the game started by playing highlights of their win in Chapel Hill, and the crowd started chanting insults at Zeller. Well, go ahead, Dookies, have your fun. Let's see who's laughing now. BTW, that 48-24 halftime deficit was the largest in Cameron Indoor Sty-dium history.

Harvard 67 - Cornell 63 = The Crimson tried awfully hard to hand the Ivy to Penn here, and there's no excuse for them letting Big Red play them this tight. There's also no way they can feel disrespected if they are not granted an at-large if they cannot win the conference, based on this poor performance in a must-win situation. Yeah, they got the W. Big whup.

Valparaiso 65 - Butler 46 = Valpo shatters Butler's dream of making it back to the Dance. Well, it was a good run for Brad Stevens and the Bulldogs.

Kansas 73 - Texas 63 = As with the 'Cuse win above, it is not a very impressive victory by a probable #1-seed. And the 'Horns really could have used the win to get a better grasp on an at-large.


Sunday:


Stanford 75 - California 70 = I start with this one as it's the backhalf of that UCLA/Wash game above. The Huskies needed help from the Trees to win the Pac-12, with the Golden Bears end up in a tie for 2nd with the Ducks. Will all three of these teams get bids? Will somebody else steal the league tourney and grab the automatic, sending one of these to the pine? This could get real interesting.

Kentucky 74 - Florida 59 = The 'Cats looked real good in this one . . . either that, or the Gators looked awfully bad. Me, I'd split the difference, and give UK props for playing well, and Billy Donovan none for having his team ready for this one.

Florida State 80 - Clemson 72 = I'm not sure the Tigers would have gotten any serious at-large consideration had they taken this one, but you can be pretty sure they'll need a run in the ACC tourney to get a look now.

N. C. State 70 - Virginia Tech 58 = And I'm not sure the W over the "meh" Hokies helped the hopes of Jerry's Wolfpack much either. They too likely need to win maybe 2 this week in the tourney to feel safe . . . or at least to have a legitimate reason to moan-and-cry if they get dissed.

Michigan 71 - Penn State 65 = Another case of a better team playing down to their opponent this weekend. OK, so the Logans did break that 65-point mark I've been harping on so long. Yet for a team tied with 2 others for the Big Ten+ crown to win by two possessions against the Nuttin'ly Lions? Pretty poor, you ask me.

Virginia 75 - Maryland 72 (OT) = I was shocked last week to hear some experts putting UVA on the bubble. OK, so this one was in College Park, but even if I still do not buy that, I can at least understand where they were coming from.

Creighton 83 - Illinois State 79 (OT) = Did you watch this Missouri Valley championship game? Man, it was great. Both teams played well, both fought to the finish, and the Redbirds will likely get nothing out of it save a pat on the back . . . and maybe an invite to the NIT.

Arizona State 87 - Arizona 80 = What? What are you telling me? The Sun Devils beat the Desert 'Cats, and thus put the final nails in their coffin for any hope at all for an at-large bid? Wow. I like Herb Sendek, so I'm happy he could play the spoiler. Now 'Zona's only chance at all it to win the Pac-12 tourney . . . and ruin the at-large hopes of some other team to boot.

Ohio State 72 - Michigan State 70 = Another great game, fought down to the last second. Me, I'm of two minds here. I like the Spartans and Izzo, and I don't much like the Buckeyes and Matta. On the other hand, this result coupled with UNC's spanking of Duke pencils my Heels into that final #1-seed in the NCAAs (though I'm not going to ink it in yet). Regardless, I enjoyed watching this one. And the Spartans have no reason to complain, seeing as how they jumped out on OSU about as badly as my guys did against the Blue Devils, yet could not close it out on their own court. Them's the breaks, but you make most of your own in that regard.


There will be a few more automatics handed out this evening:


VCU vs. Drexel = Both these Colonial teams deserve a ticket to The Dance, and I expect them both to get one. Still, one never knows, so nail it down when you get the chance. This one could be a total war. Flip a coin.

Western Carolina vs. Davidson = The Catamounts and the Wildcats square off for what will likely be the sole Southern Conference dancer. Me, I'm picking the feline from the Old North State in this one.

Gonzaga vs. St. Mary's = Like that Colonial one above, both these WCC teams should have bids in their pockets already. Since I do like the Gaels, and only respect the loud-mouthed 'Zags, I'll pull for St. Mary's tonight.


That's all for me for now. I am looking forward to the end of small-and-midlevel conference tournaments to end, and for the big ones to kick off tomorrow. If nothing else, the reduction in the number of games will mean less work for me here.

Until later then, enjoy.

[jcruse64]

VCU is looking like it will win the CAA, w/ under 3min to go. Loyola is besting Fairfield in the MAAC, w/ less than 4 min to go, but they are both under 50pts, so it's not pretty.

I got home yesterday and saw that H1 UNC/dook score and grinned, knowing you were just lovin' it .

Speaking of UK, I heard this morning that Bob Knight was asked to name his top 5 players and teams for the season, and no mention of UK or Davis. Now, I know he hates Calipari's guts, and can kinda understand the disrespect to the team, but Davis is probably going to be one of the best players for the season, and I can't believe he doesn't get a sniff from the General. However, this is what, the 3rd season for Coach Cal, and I just keep waiting for the shoe to drop. Time will tell.

Now Drexel is within 3 of VCU...tight finish.