College Hoops Thread '10-'11

[jcruse64]

Can't begin to guess who will get #1 on Monday. If I were a Longhorn fan, I'd be praying NOT to get ti though, given their history of getting a high ranking and then failing soon afterward, the last few seasons.

:sh:sh Let's go Racers??????? SEMO????? Really?????? The Morehead game at home just got a LOT more interesting.

Really surprised the Cats pulled off the home win. Really HATED the new overhead camera!!!!!

Go Vols! Hope you take the East!

Go St. John's; I'm rooting for a high Dance seed for you.

Screw you, Dook! :r:r:r

[BigAsh]

Went to the Temple/Richmond game last nite.....man my Owls looked good!....20 point win against a good Richmond team....:tu

[The Poet]

Can't begin to guess who will get #1 on Monday. If I were a Longhorn fan, I'd be praying NOT to get ti though, given their history of getting a high ranking and then failing soon afterward, the last few seasons.

Let's go Racers??????? SEMO????? Really?????? The Morehead game at home just got a LOT more interesting.

Really surprised the Cats pulled off the home win. Really HATED the new overhead camera!!!!!

Go Vols! Hope you take the East!

Go St. John's; I'm rooting for a high Dance seed for you.

Screw you, Dook! :r

I hear what you say about the 'Horns. Seems like they can't take the pressure when there's a target on their backs.

That Murray/Morehead game may be even bigger, on a smaller scale, than the UNC/Dook one that could decide (maybe anyway) a share of the ACC.

I'm rarely surprised when the 'Cats win in Rupp. It's not an easy place to visit. As for that "rafter cam" crap, I'm with you . . . and apparently a lot of other detractors.

I'll take a look at the Vols' and Gators' rermaining schedule before I comment on their chance to take the SEC East. But personally, I would not mind Vandy getting it.

The Johnnies might get the double-bye come March, if they continue to win. But I imagine Lavin and his team . . . and the long-suffering Red Storm fans . . . will be happy with any sort of bid at all.

Finally, I'm one of those Tar Heels who only hates Duke between tip-off and the horn. Hey, had you (like I did) sat in the stands in the old Carmichael Auditorium, and had Dean Smith turn around and glare at you if you showed disrespect for the other team, you too would realize why. :r

Went to the Temple/Richmond game last nite.....man my Owls looked good!....20 point win against a good Richmond team....:tu

Yes, a good win for the Owls, over a truly tough nest of Spiders. I can see both teams winning a game, or even two, come March.


Update soon.

[The Poet]

As previously mentioned, Temple got a big conference win over Richmond last night, 73-53. Although the outcome does not surprise me, the margin of victory does a bit, since I expected a closer game out of the Spiders. This win moves the Owls to within 1/2 game of Xavier atop the A-10. As these teams will not face each other again, and as both have relatively easy remaining competition (only 1 team each left with a decent shot at an upset), this one could go down to their head-to-head tie-breaker a month back . . . which the X-Men won by 11.


In other action last night, there were a few shocks, including:


DePaul 79 - Providence 76 = The Blue Demons suddenly leap into contention for the Big East crown by improving their conference mark to 1-12. And in Rhode Island, to boot. It's been nearly 3 years since DePaul has won a Big East road game! Well, good for them. :tu :r

N. C. State 69 - Clemson 61 = And here's another surprise, at least of sorts. Don't get me wrong . . . the Wolfpack has some talent. But they haven't played as if they do of late, and lost 7 or 8 before putting together this 2-game winning streak. OK, so you can toss out the one over Wake Forest, but beating Clemson? A great win for NCSU. But will it save Lowe's job? Stay tuned.

Penn State 66 - Minnesota 63 = As for this one, I'm not sure either outcome would be worth remarking. Both teams have gotten good wins, both have suffered bad losses, and both are mid-pack Big Ten teams. Somebody had to win, and somebody needed to lose. Since I'm still not sure how the Nittany Lions are managing to compete, I will give them credit however.

Belmont 68 - East Tennessee State 58 = It's all over but the shouting in the Atlantic Sun, and it's the Bruins basking in the Nashville springtime. Yeah, the math tells you ETSU could run the table, and Belmont fold up against the crappy teams it still must face, which would lock them into a tie . . . which would go to Belmont with the tie-breaker. Hey, NOBODY is officially in The Dance so far, but if Belmont does not make it, there is no justice.


And as for "Moving Day" in the Pac-10 . . . nobody did so.


Arizona 79 - Washington State 70 // UCLA 69 - Stanford 65 // Washington 79 - Arizona State 62 = So things remain same as they ever was, same as they ever was, save with one fewer shot at changing all that. It's still anybody's league to win between these three victors, and they will fight it out amongst themselves, soon. This could be a lot of fun.


You might already expect that there's not much of note this evening . . . and you'd be wrong: :)


U. Conn vs. Louisville = Don't ask me how this ended up a Friday game, but who's complaining? It ought to be a good one out in the Cru - ummmmmm, the KFC Yumi, what with both teams ranked, both teams at 8-5 in conference play, and both team in need of a few more good wins to earn the highest possible at-large bid. Plus, there's the perception that Calhoun and Pitino are not exactly the closest of friends. If this one's not spicy and extra crunchy, demand your money back.

VCU vs. Wichita State = And don't ask me how such a great non-conference matchup like this made it into the 2nd half of February. Here's two very good NCAA-caliber teams, both in line for an at-large at the least, yet both wanting that little bit of extra insurance. Whoever wins this one will get just that. Don't pick 'em, don't flip a coin . . . just sit back, and enjoy.

Princeton vs. Yale // Harvard vs. Cornell = Although it is STILL too early to know for sure, all indications are that the Tigers and the Crimson may be the ones to beat in the Ivy. Remember, there is no conference tourney there, so the team that takes the season takes the bid . . . and there won't be but the one. However, though they may be better than most of the rest of the league, they are not dominant, and either (or both) could stumble on any given night. With very little margin for error, every game is vital. Both teams need to focus each and every night, and you can bet your bottom dollar they are both smart enough to know that. You may not really give a dinky-damn about the Ivy, but then that's your loss. THIS, this is what college sports is SUPPOSED to be about.


I'll likely be back a little later with early Saturday tip-offs. 'Til then, then.

[The Poet]

Early games tomorrow afternoon include:


Villanova vs. DePaul = Can the Blue Demons get hot, and give their hometown crowd a second conference win to cheer about? Me, I can't see it happening. It's not that I don't realize that 'Nova's had its problems from time to time, but rather that I think DePaul's been ALL problems for the most part all year long. They got their one win in the Big East to get off the snide, and that's likely their fun ride for the season.

Pitt vs. St. John's = The Johnnies have, on the other hand, gotten genuinely hot. Can they do to Pitt what they did to Duke in the Garden? Yeah, maybe. I'm still not totally convinced they are yet for real, but the Panthers haven't exactly been crushing people either. Me, I figure Pitt by three possessions. But hey, you never know.

Duquesne vs. Dayton = We talked above about Xavier and Temple in the A-10, but the Dukes still have a shot at it too. They cannot afford to stumble against the Flyers however, and as I expect that they know this, I'd also expect them to come out focused and intense. Dukes, by at least half-a-dozen.

Notre Dame vs. West Virginia = The Irish have already achieved more than most thought they would this season. The Mountaineers started off being better than was expected, but have tripped up a bit of late. It would not shock me if they gave ND a tough time in Morgantown, nor even if they get the win. But I'm sticking to Baby Brother Ben and the Irish for now.

Georgia vs. Tennessee = This has the potential to be a really good game in Knoxville. Both teams have played good ball from time to time, and both are tied with Kentucky at 6-5 for 3rd in the SEC East. Neither wants to drop to .500, and even possibly drop out of consideration for an at-large. Dawgs, or Vols? Pick your poison.

Virginia Tech vs. Virginia = Were we to talk Merit scholars here, or even Rhodes, this would be no contest. And it is in Charlottesville, where the Cavs did edge out Clemson by a deuce, so there's always a shot. But that's about all there is, one shot. The Hokies, by 8 or 10.

Florida State vs. Wake Forest = And this is in Greensboro . . . as if that makes any difference. And true, the Seminoles did lose their junior forward Chris Singleton to a broken foot . . . the one player they likely could least afford to lose. And also true I'd like for the Deacs to help out my Heels and steal a win here, to ease the pressure from below for 2nd in the ACC. But I don't see it happening. FSU here, by near or far, depending on how they react to the missing piece.

Austin Peay vs. Fairfield = Here is another nice non-conference game, with top teams from the OVC and the MAAC facing off. For those who like such things, like me, this one looks like fun.


That will be it for now. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Wow! You called it on the VCU/Wichita State game. Literally down to the wire, and WS nearly sank the buzzer beater.

Here we go with the Cards/UConn game....

[gettysburgfreak]

Since I am home in NY for a week I got tickets to see Syracuse play Rutgers this afternoon in the Dome! Can't wait.

[The Poet]

Wow! You called it on the VCU/Wichita State game. Literally down to the wire, and WS nearly sank the buzzer beater.

Here we go with the Cards/UConn game....

Well, even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then:

VCU 68 - Wichita State 67 = And not only did that despairation 3 rim out at the horn, VCU had to hit 2 FTs with 0.8 ticks to take that lead.

And there goes Calhoun's Huskies, back to CT with tails between their legs:

Louisville 71 - U. Conn 58 = I am not a big Cardinal fan, though I do dislike Pitino less than I disliked Denny Crum. :r But I really don't like Calhoun one damn bit. Not only do I think he cheats, I purely hate his "Get outta my face, you farkin' @$$hole!" attitude. So I love it when he gets spanked like this.

Since I am home in NY for a week I got tickets to see Syracuse play Rutgers this afternoon in the Dome! Can't wait.


I hope you have a good time, and get to enjoy a good game . . . though I suspect you really don't want TOO good a game. ;) Me, I would not think the Scarlet Knight would give you one, so no worries . . . unless they are hitting their shots over the zone, and the Orange cannot score, again.

Back soon with weekend previews.

[The Poet]

Aside from the scores mentioned above, both Princeton and Harvard did what they needed to stay up in the Ivy. The Tigers remain 8-0 by taking Yale 58-51, while the Crimson stay just back at 8-1 with their 73-60 win over Cornell. Both are right back in action today, on short rest, facing Brown and Columbia resp't. I'd not expect Princeton to have much trouble with Brown, but the Harlem Lions could give Haa'vad some problem. They are not really all that good, but they do not totally suck. Other big games include:


Morehead State vs. Indiana State = OK, so this ain't all that big, as it is not a conference game, so won't help decide if Morehead or Joe's Racers take the OVC. And I'd tend to think it will go Morehead's way, though Bird's old team can hoop a bit. But I had to mention it to keep Joe happy, since . . .

Murray State vs. Evansville = Here's another non-OVC game, and if the Racers don't race away with it I will be shocked . . . and Joe will be p!$$ed.

Mississippi vs. Mississippi State = No way these two will take the SEC West, but it should be some fun anyway.

Missouri vs. Iowa State = And if the Tigers don't stomp all over I-State, they should be stomped on some themselves.

Texas vs. Nebraska = And if the Longhorns want even a shot at that # 1 ranking come Monday, they need to shuck the 'Huskers. They ought to, even though Nebraska itself is not half-bad. They are, however, just half-good, so if Texas doesn't take 'em by 20, Barnes needs to chase them around campus like unbranded heifers.

San Diego State vs. Air Force = The Aztecs should not have much trouble with the Falcons either, and ought to take control by the half.

Kansas vs. Colorado = This one has half-a-chance of being a decent game. The Jayhawks are better, but they are inconsistent. The Buffaloes have shown the ability to play a good game from time to time. This might be decided in the last five minutes.

Kentucky vs. South Carolina = You could say about the same thing here. I'd give the Wildcats a decided edge over the Gamecocks, but not by more than three or four possessions.

Kansas State vs. Oklahoma = Maybe these Wildcats have once more found their feet, if that game against KU was any indication. Then again, who knows? Me, I'd pick them over the Sooners anyway, though not by much.

North Carolina vs. Boston College = And I don't expect the Heels to pluck the Eagles by as much as they did up north earlier. In fact, if they play as poorly as they did in their lackluster win over Wake, they could just as easily lose. But if Roy got their attention, and got them to refocus, they should win by a handful or two.

Vanderbilt vs. Auburn = And the Commodores should beat the Tigers like a red-headed stepchild.

Syracuse vs. Rutgers = Like I said to the 'freak above, the Orange ought to take RU to the woodshed . . . IF the Knights have a cold afternoon from outside the zone, and IF the 'Cuse can actually hit a few themselves.

BYU vs. TCU = If this one lasts longer than a half, I'll be surprised.

Michigan vs. Iowa = I'm not exactly sure either of these two are truly any good, but they are neither all that terrible. This one could be fun, though if the young talent of the Wolverines have a good day, they may run away with it.

Missouri State vs. Valparaiso = Here's another pretty good non-conference matchup . . . maybe not as good as that VCU/Wichita one last night, but damn decent anyway.

Arizona vs. Washington = And here's a key game in the Pac-10 race. The desert 'Cats have a meaningless slim lead over these Huskies, with even less of one over UCLA. Since those Bruins are bright enough to realize both can't lose, I'd assume they'll pull for Washington. Me, I just want a good game, and I think this will be one. 'Zona, by a bucket.

Cincinnati vs. Providence = The Bearcats have slipped a bit of late, and are not the challenge they've been in past years. The Friars just gave DePaul their first conference win all season (so far ;) ), so will wish to rebound from that embarrassment. This could be some fun too.

George Mason vs. Northern Iowa = So could this one. NIU may not be nearly as good as they were last year, but they ain't half-bad either. GM's fairly well- matched with them. I figure it will be close, start to finish.

Arkansas vs. Alabama = The Tide want to grab onto the SEC West so nobody can steal it from them. The 'Hogs won't do so, yet would like to play the spoiler. I'm really not convinced either of these teams are all that good, speaking on a national level anyway, so I'm not sure how to go here. So, I'll leave that to the SEC fans to pick 'em as they sees 'em.

Georgetown vs. South Florida = If the Hoyas have any trouble at all from the Bulls, I will be shocked.

Xavier vs. Fordham = Again here too. This one's already over.

Memphis vs. Rice = Make that here three. The Tigers stay on top of the CUSA, for now anyway.

San Francisco vs. Gonzaga = Although the Dons are barely above .500 overall, they are tied with Gonzaga 8-3 in WCC play. Both are behind St. Mary's 10-2, and I don't believe either one will catch the Gaels. For sure, whoever loses this one won't. Here's your late-day fun. Speaking of the Gaels . . .

Utah State vs. St. Mary's = You may have gathered from previous posts that I'm dubious about the # 25 ranking of the Aggies, based upon their winning streak against two dozen cupcakes. Well, St. Mary's is not cupcake, despite the name. In fact, I'm gonna pick them to spank the Aggies, and take their cupcakes too.

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State = Here are two more teams I've yet to figure out. These Aggies have been more consistent, so I'd go with them. Still, I would not be surprised if the Coyboys give them a fight, for a half or so at least.

Seton Hall vs. Marquette = I almost left this game out, as it's getting to the point it does not matter, for either squad. But there are some good players on both teams, so it might be worth a look.

Illinois vs. Michigan State = Yet this one matters a lot for the Spartans. With their 14-11 record, and despite their "respectable" 6-7 Big Ten mark, they are in danger of missing the cut for an at-large bid. They follow this game @ Minnesota, then hosting Purdue, so they are looking at the potential of 3 straight losses, and a .500 record. They finish against Iowa and Michigan, both winnable, but both losable too, which would leave the conference tournament their final shot at getting a ticket to The Dance. A win over the Illini today won't resolve the issue either way, yet they really REALLY need to win a few more games. Here's a chance to, and they need to take advantage . . . or blame nobody but themselves.


Back shortly with some early scores (including a few surprises), and Sunday games.

[The Poet]

As promised, a few early finals:


Villanova 77 - DePaul 75 (OT) = The Blue Demons damn near follow up their first conference win in 20+ tries with their 2nd in a row, over a highly-regarded 'Nova team. They had it, they lost it, they got another shot, and they lost it again. A tough fight by them, and give them all the credit. As for the Wildcats, escaping with the win . . . well, I guess it beats escaping with the loss, but not by much.

St. John's 60 - Pitt 59 = And I'd imagine the Panthers would agree with that. It has gotten to the point when a win by the Red Storm is no surprise, yet this should be a bit of one. Another great victory for Lavin's boys, which will certainly earn them that bid they desire. And although Pitt still may remain the class of the Big Mouth, this knocks down their shot at the # 1 ranking on Monday, and could open up the door for Notre Dame for the league lead . . . if not for . . .

West Virginia 72 - Notre Dame 58 = Wow. OK, the other two might be shocks, major or minor, but at least the scores were close. This, this constitutes a whipping. Well, the Mountaineers needed a good win more, to keep their fading hopes for a bid alive.

Virginia 61 - Virginia Tech 54 = Wow again. Yeah, I mighta given the Cavs half-a-chance to win one at home, but I never really thought the Hokies would allow that. UVA has had damn few wins lately, losing 10 of 14 before today, and I hope they savor this one.

Georgia 69 - Tennessee 63 = And a good win on the road for the Bulldogs here, with another bad loss by the Vols. You know, they actually played better when Bruce Pearl was on suspension, and was not coaching them? Who'd a thunk.


Oh, and Florida State and Mississippi State spanked Wake and Ole Miss too, but at the moment I'm paying more attention to the Texas/Nebraska game, where the Shucks hold a double-digit lead with 2 to play. Oops, now it's 8, with a buck-and-a-half. This is getting to be fun!


Sunday games include:


Cleveland State vs. ODU = Another very good non-conference game. Me, I like ODU here.

Ohio State vs. Purdue = And if the Buckeyes want that # 1 back (don't ask me why, it just brings trouble, but that ain't my biznizz), they'd best not pull a Pitt, or what the 'Horns are trying hard to do. I'd call this a pick 'em, except for the fact that the 'Makers have not had a horrid shooting night lately, and they're due.

Florida vs. LSU = If the Gators don't chomp on the Tigers, I don't know what.

Clemson vs. Miami = And although these Tigers have slipped some in the previous few weeks, I can't see them having too many problems with the 'Canes.

Temple vs. St. Joseph's = In the past, this would be one of those games I'd wait for all year long. This year? Not so much. That does not mean the Hawks can't still show up and give the Owls trouble, but I certainly don't believe it.

N. C. State vs. Maryland = The Wolfpack is just playing out the string, which might be a good thing for their young talent, giving them a chance to relax and simply play. But the jocks must be getting a little tight in College Park, since many more losses means NIT for the Terps. The last time I remember that happening, Gary Williams whined and cried and baitched about his team getting too little respect, and not making the NCAAs not for lack of merit but for prejudice. Then they promptly went out and lost their first NIT game, on their own stinkin' court no less. Part of me would like to see that again, and part of me never wants to see such a pitiful display ever again. Bottom line, UM needs to win.

Duke vs. Georgia Tech = And it's beginning to look like Dook might get a few more votes than zip for the # 1 slot on Monday, if they can win this one. Me, I can't see the Wreck wrecking that.

Wisconsin vs. Penn State = But I can see the Nittany Lions wrecking the week a bit more for the Badgers, who came off their big win against OSU just to lose to Purdue. Yet, on second though, it is in Madison, where it's not easy to win. Ehhhhh, I'll go with the home boys here.

UCLA vs. California = The Bruins need to win to stay in touch for the Pac-10 lead. I see them taking this Bear-fight, as I think they have a few pounds on the boys from Berkeley.


Oh, and if you've been waiting for it:


Nebraska 70 - Texas 67 = See, Joe? How right we are! Even a sniff at a shot at a chance at a #1 rank, and the Longhorns stampede. What a load of bull.


See you next week, same time, same station. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[rebelknight]

With Kansas, Pitt, and Texas all falling this week it kind of makes my earlier question irrelevant. Now Ohio State just needs to beat Purdue on the road tomorrow.

[jcruse64]

Boy, St John's just won't go away, will they? Some pretty impressive Top 25 wins for them, that had better not go unnoticed come Selection Sunday.

UK looked, and played, pretty determined today. I just wish they could sustain this type effort, especially on the road.

Looks like Peay got beat in its Buster game; hope Murray nails theirs. We stayed home for this one, but basic cable doesn't have enough ESPN's for us to catch it.

Notre Dame takes a loss to WVU; Texas gets bounced. Lots of shuffling in the top 15 this week.

[jcruse64]

Oops! OSU goes down.

Interesting week.

[rebelknight]

Oops! OSU goes down.

Interesting week.

Wow. Tomorrow should be interesting when those rankings come out. Too bad OSU couldn't pull it together today.

[The Poet]

Interesting week? Quite a bit more than that, IMHO. This is the first time all four top-ranked teams (well, FIVE, if you count the Buckeyes twice ;) ) lost in the same week since November 2003. What makes that even more significant is the fact that, in November, we really have very little idea of which teams are actually good, whereas by February we have a pretty solid idea.

Update soon.

[The Poet]

Boy, St John's just won't go away, will they? Some pretty impressive Top 25 wins for them, that had better not go unnoticed come Selection Sunday.

UK looked, and played, pretty determined today. I just wish they could sustain this type effort, especially on the road.

Looks like Peay got beat in its Buster game; hope Murray nails theirs. We stayed home for this one, but basic cable doesn't have enough ESPN's for us to catch it.

Notre Dame takes a loss to WVU; Texas gets bounced. Lots of shuffling in the top 15 this week.


Don't worry. St. John's is in. I'd bet a handful of my crappy cigars on that.

Nobody ever said the UK 'Cats couldn't play, when they feel like it anyway. They proved this, spanking the 'Cocks 90-59 at home. As for their road woes . . . well, if they cut Cal's pay in half, they could afford to put Rupp Arena on wheels and take it with them everywhere. :D

Yeah, AP goes down in their BB game to Fairfield 76-69, but there's no shame in losing to the Stags, especially on the road. They've had a solid team all season. And your Racers just crushed Evansville 72-47, due mainly to outscoring them 2-to-1 (actually 42-21) in the 2nd half.

And if you think YOU'RE confused by what happened the past week, consider the voters! Earlier, when this "# 1 Rank" discussion began, I stated that 5 teams might be in the mix. Turns out, it was six of them. First-place votes in the AP Poll went to Duke (35), OSU (10), KU (5), Pitt (12), UT (1), and . . . hold the phone! . . . BYU (2). So don't feel rained on. The good news is, unlike the BCS Football rankings, all this garbage don't mean $#!+.


Even with a number of games already mentioned, there were far too many for me to cover today. So I've picked those which best interested me. Saturday:


San Diego State 70 - Air Force 58 = By itself, the game means squat. But the Aztecs keep rolling, making their head-to-head with BYU this weekend HUGE.

Alabama 69 - Arkansas 56 = Pretty much the same lack of importance in itself here too, at least for the Tide. It might cost the Hogs down the road, but that's their problem to solve, if they can. 'Bama has the SEC West all sewn up, yet are still likely the 4th or 5th best team in the conference. Just my :2.

Arizona 87 - Washington 86 = A great win for the desert 'Cats, and gives them a second leg up in the Pac-10 race. As for the Huskies, they once again disappoint their fans by failing to achieve their expectations. Though maybe not as badly as . . .

Texas Tech 78 - Baylor 69 = Is this a joke? Can you remember when the Bears were nationally ranked, as high as (at least, as I recall) # 11 in the country? What the hell? Sheesh. This is almost as bad as . . .

Brown 75 - Princeton 65 = OK, so maybe the Tigers were tired after back-to-backers. Still, there's no damn excuse for spitting up the Ivy lead like this, to a team like Brown anyway.

Michigan 75 - Iowa 72 (OT) = The young Logans did it again, and continue to do their part to make the mid-pack of the Big Ten one giant clusterfark. At this point we know which teams want to try to win it, and which ones don't have a shot in hell, but all the rest are in one messy lump. Case in point:

Michigan State 61 - Illinois 57 = And what does all this mean? Well, the Big Ten will get its fair share of at-large bids, and maybe even one or two more than that. But it won't get enough to make everybody there happy, and somebody will be left out in the cold. So somebody, anybody, in this mosh pit better step up and make some statement, soon.

Kansas State 77 - Oklahoma 62 = To a lesser degree, the same might be said of the Big 12. I think that, despite their mid-season woes, the prairie 'Cats are pretty safe for an at-large. And though this win was not NEARLY as good as their previous one, it's still a decent one for a team that's not had as many as they maybe should.

North Carolina 48 - Boston College 46 = Ugly, ugly, ugly win. And don't tell me BC did what it wanted to by slowing the game down. The Heels should have taken them out of that gameplan when the built a double-digit lead, had they but kept the pressure on, since you can't slow the game when you keep falling further and further behind. I guess Roy said it as well as anyone: "Not a lot to say. We won. That's the bottom line." True. Pitiful, but true.

George Mason 67 - Northern Iowa 66 = Seem like I said this would be a good 'un.

Rice 67 - Memphis 52 = And I can't recall mentioning this game at all, as there was no way in hell that Rice could win it. And why would they? Rice has never . . . NEVER!! . . . beaten Memphis before. Well, I do recall remarking earlier that the CUSA was a mess.

Utah State 75 - St. Mary's 65 = Yeah, I know. I picked the Gaels to beat the Aggies. So, sue me. I still don't think Utah State has faced any tough games, and I did feel that St. Mary's would not stumble again. Hey, I've been wrong before, and the only way I won't be wrong again is if I just STFU.

Georgetown 61 - South Florida 55 = Here's more proof I'm an idiot. I figured the Hoyas would beat the Bulls like a drum. I still think they should have. :sh Yet that was not the only Big East shock, aside from the Pitt and ND losses already noted:

Syracuse 84 - Rutgers 80 (OT) = Are you joking? Extra innings, in the Dome, against the Scarlet freakin' Knights? Good golly Miss Molly. Forget the Knicks or Nets getting Carmelo Anthony, it's the Orange needs him back!


Then, on Sunday, we all saw:


Purdue 76 - Ohio State 63 = Or maybe I should just post "E'Twaun Moore beats the Buckeyes". You don't often see a show like that one he put on by getting his career-high 38 (exactly 1/2 of all 'Maker points made) on such a huge stage. Yeah, so it wasn't the NCAA Championship game, but still. Give the Buckeyes credit for not quitting, and cutting a 10-point lead to 4 with plenty of time to go. Give Moore more, for saving that potential backcourt violation, then hitting the 3 to take the air out of OSU's balloon. The game was sloppy at times, but all in all a lot of fun . . . if you're not a Buckeye, anyway.

Duke 79 - Georgia Tech 57 = No surprise, no shock, and not much of a game at Cameron. Dook spanks a team it was expected to spank, and backs into a # 1 ranking due to the fact that they managed to keep from falling on their faces. :D

Clemson 63 - Miami 59 = Not all that long ago the "experts" were all up in Clemson's business, saying how they were moving up. Well, they won, on the road, against a garbage 'Cane squad, by 4 whole points. So, there's that.

California 76 - UCLA 72 (OT) = And that's more than the Bruins can say. They too were just starting to get a little attention, and were still in the hunt with Arizona for the Pac-10. I guess mathematically they still are, but this bad loss to a team they should have beaten, coupled with 'Zona's good win against the OTHER league competition, does not help one damn bit.

ODU 74 - Cleveland State 63 = Another one of those good Bracket Buster matchups, and a nice win for the Monarchs. It won't help them steal the CAC from Geo. Mason, but it might just have sealed an at-large for them.


Today already we've had one upset, with the UCF Knights beating CUSA-leading UTEP 74 - 68. I don't know how the Miners let this happen, in El Paso no less, but as the Orlando Mickeys haven't had much to cheer about lately, we'll give it to them

In limited action, we also will have:


Syracuse vs. Villanova = At this point there are only 8 Big East teams with either 5 or 6 conference losses, so the picture there is clear . . . compared to tar. Hey, it has gotten to the point that nobody can predict these games, and the home team rarely seems to have much advantage, so I'm hesitant to even say the game's in Philly. I believe that one of these two teams will win the game, and the other shall lose it. Take that to the bank.

Kansas vs. Oklahoma State = In contrast, playing a game in Phog Allen Fieldhouse is almost always an advantage for the Jayhawks, even though they may not need much of one against the so-so Coyboys. But KU will be missing their starting PG Tyshawn Taylor, who's been suspended from the team for violating team rules. So, if their freshman "phenom" Josh Selby doesn't show up pretty big, they might struggle a bit. Stay tuned.

Kent State vs. W. Michigan = And none of you guys may care, but this is a pretty big game in the Mid-American. Both teams are at or near the top of their divisions in the MAC, and neither one will get a sniff at an at-large here in a few weeks.


That's all for me today. See you here tomorrow. Enjoy. Oh, and Screw Drew.

[SD Beerman]

Go #4 Aztecs!!!!!!!




Thanks again for your hard work.....

[The Poet]

Go #4 Aztecs!!!!!!!




Thanks again for your hard work.....

So far so good for Steve Fisher's boys. It's been a great season for them already, with maybe more to come.

Now, all he's got to do is stay outta trouble, and KEEP those wins! :xxx :r


As for my "hard work", I truly do enjoy it, most of the time. And it beats REAL work, six ways to Sunday.


Update soon.

[The Poet]

Last night's limited action gave us:


Kansas 92 - Oklahoma State 65 = No big surprise here, as the Jayhawks are usually tough at home. The only "important" thing was the way they dominated with Taylor off the team.

Syracuse 69 - Villanova 64 = This last month or so in the Big East has rivaled the confusion in the SEC, with nobody stepping up . . . or backing down either. Home court, on the road, ranking . . . nothing seems to matter much. Were the Big Mouth Conference Tourney not already sold out, I'd advise all of you to get a ticket. A good win for the Orange, to put them 1/2-game over 'Nova for 6th in the league.

Kent State 74 - W. Michigan 72 = These two seem to be the class of the MAC, for what that means. Hey, no offense, but this mid-major appears to be loaded with "who cares?" teams. Yet give Kent credit for a tough victory in Kalamazoo.

Wisc. Green Bay 81 - Valparaiso 80 (OT) = And what a tight tough contest in Titletown for 3rd place in the Horizon. Man, watching a game like this is so much more fun than watching, say, the Jayhawks romp over the Cowboys.


Tonight's schedule is also fairly light, but there are a number of meaningful games:


Wake Forest vs. Virginia Tech = The Hokies are on the "safe" side of the bubble at this moment, but with their season ending against Duke, BC, and Clemson they may not stay there. This one will not help them much, but if they somehow manage to lose in Winston-Salem it might put them on the backslide of that slope. As for Wake, they'll need to buy tickets to get into ANY tourney, which means they have nothing to lose except some more pride. This could be pretty close for much of the game. Me, I'll pull for the Deacons, but I'd bet on VT.

Mississippi vs. South Carolina = For a while it looked like the Gamecocks might make a little noise, but their 5 losses in a row has turned that sound into a flaccid fart. If that "streak" extends tonight, they will drop to .500 overall, and secure their stranglehold on the cellar of the SEC East. Still, the East's basement might be better than the mid-pack West division . . . which is where the Rebels reside. As much as I don't like it (hell, I'm an old-school ACC guy, and still hate the 'Cocks from the Frank McGuire/Bobby Cremins/John Roche days), I'm gonna pull for Lisa Simpson's future alma mater. :D

Xavier vs. LaSalle = And as much as I'd like for this to be a game, I just can't see LaSalle hanging with the X-Men for long . . . not this year, anyway.

Ohio State vs. Illinois = It's been a rough stretch for the Buckeyes, relatively speaking anyway. But that's been a short stretch, whereas the Illini have had a longer, more consistent bad one. I'd imagine that OSU bounces back, big.

Texas vs. Iowa State = And now that the potential pressure of a # 1 is off Rich Barnes's shoulders, I think the Longhorns will romp also.

Northern Iowa vs. Indiana State = These two good teams are tied for 3rd in the Missouri Valley. Their only chance of a bid is if they can win the tournament and get the automatic, but they still both want to win this one tonight. I'd expect a real war.

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee = It is highly unlikely that the Comms can catch the Gators for the SEC East, but I think they will be happy if they can stay above Kentucky for 2nd place. The Vols have played as if they wish to co-operate with those desires of late, losing 4 of their last 5. You have to give Vandy the edge down in Nashville tonight, though I would not make that a huge one.

Louisville vs. Rutgers = And though I have to pick the Cardinals here, this one is harder to predict. Louisville has played well enough at times to blow the Scarlet Knights right out of Piscataway, and have also jerked around and either won or lost squeakers at the horn. So take Pitino's boys straight up, yet don't give any points.

Michigan State vs. Minnesota = And this one is the hardest of them all to predict. The Spartans have disappointed their fans, and the expectations of the experts, all season long, and they are still in danger of missing an at-large bid. But lately Kalin Lucas has been playing much better, so maybe they have turned a corner. Better late than never, I reckon. As for the Gophers, they came out this season like gangbusters, but have dropped 5 of their last 6 games, and put themselves squarely on that dreaded bubble. So both teams need this win, yet we have no idea which team will show up for either school! Plus, you can't slip a hair between Tom Izzo and Tubby Smith when it comes to coaching! Flip that coin again, and don't be surprised if it lands on its edge.


That's it for today, brothers. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Looks like THE is bouncing back nicely against Illinois, up 17 with seconds left.


Looking forward to the Vols/Vandy game next. Have to go with Vandy here.

I would figure on Texas bouncing back also, but it IS Texas.

I figure U of L will also win, but with Rutgers, who knows?????

I'll second the kudos on your game review efforts!!! :banger

[The Poet]

Looks like THE is bouncing back nicely against Illinois, up 17 with seconds left.


Looking forward to the Vols/Vandy game next. Have to go with Vandy here.

I would figure on Texas bouncing back also, but it IS Texas.

I figure U of L will also win, but with Rutgers, who knows?????

I'll second the kudos on your game review efforts!!! :banger


Indeed, THE Ohio State University did manage to stick the Illini further back on that bubble, as one might expect. And as for the "THE" issue, one might expect such pretence from residents of Frisco, who insist that it is "SAN FRANCISCO, DAMMIT!!", but not from the modest Midwest Cornbelt. :r

I went with Vandy too. Shows what WE know!

And I know the 'Horns are the 'Horns, but I figured they'd have no trouble with Iowa State.

Who knows about Rutgers? I do . . . they suck. :D

And thank you for your kudos, but I don't do it for a slap on the back. Just send cash. :=:


Update shortly.

[The Poet]

To get to last night's action quickly, as tonight's schedule is pretty packed:


Ohio State 89 - Illinois 70 = As I hinted at above, this is less important a win for the Buckeyes as it is a loss for Illinois. They are in danger of making the NIT.

Tennessee 60 - Vanderbilt 51 = The good new for the Vols, they won a big game on the road, and maybe moved themselves off that danged bubble. The bad news is that the NCAA has announced 12 violations were found against their basketball and football programs, and the $#!+ that may just hit the fans there will likely be a bit more than UT and the SEC imposed on Bruce Pearl already, what with his paycut and his suspension for 8 games.

Texas 76 - Iowa State 53 = No surprise to me here. This was not a big important game, so of course Rick Barnes got the win. ;)

Louisville 55 - Rutgers 37 = Well, it wasn't all that pretty, but the Cardinals didn't have to beat any buzzers to win it. As for the Scarlet Knights, they at least had balanced scoring . . . 19 in the first half, and 18 in the second. Sheesh.

Michigan State 53 - Minnesota 48 = Another ugly game, whose meaning is yet to be decided. Does it put the Spartans back on the bubble, and knock the Gophers off it? Are both still out, are both still in? There are still games to play, and so far it's still a tossup.

South Carolina 79 - Mississippi 73 = I had a feeling the 'Cocks would get up for this one. Consider this: With their record improving to 14-12, the Gamecocks likely have as good a chance of a NIT invite than do the Rebels with their 17-11 one. That's just how bad the SEC West truly is.

Virginia Tech 76 - Wake Forest 62 = The win itself, as with some others above, is more significant for what it means than what it was. The Hokies are assured now of finishing no worse than .500 in the ACC, which should assure them of an at-large. And if they can win one more of their final 3 games - Duke, BC, or Clemson - they will be guaranteed one. But that won't be easy. As for Wake . . . well, it's time for one, a wake that is.

Indiana State 76 - Northern Iowa 74 = I called for a war here, and we got one. All in all, probably the best game all night.


Tonight is pretty busy, so lemme get busy also:


Wisconsin vs. Michigan = The Badgers are riding pretty high, and have to be favored by 4 possessions here, even in Ann Arbor. I'd make it even more than 4, were it not for Wisconsin's "deliberate" style limiting touches. Still, the Wolverines have shown ability, and might give us a good game here. If they want to keep their NCAA hopes alive, they maybe better should pull of the upset to get back to .500 in the Big Ten.

Miami vs. Boston College = At 6-6 in league play, and in 7th place in the ACC, the Eagles are on the backside of any bubble here. The good news for them, they have an easy row to hoe down the stretch. After the 'Canes tonight, they finish up with the two Virginia teams and Wake Forest, so they could win all 4 games. If they want to be Dancing in March, it would be advisable to begin winning tonight.

Virginia vs. Georgia Tech = The Cavs are fairly close to securing an invite to the NIT, while the Jackets will be lucky if they get into one of those "No-Names" which have cropped up in recent years. The Wreck can be tough down in Atlanta, but I'm gonna go with UVA here, since I think they have more to play for.

Duke vs. Temple = This one has the potential to be a really good game down in Cameron. Both teams can shoot a little, and the Owls might even be a bit more athletic than the Blue Devils. Will Dook become the next # 1 to fall on its face? I don't think so, but there is a fair shot at it. Stay tuned.

Notre Dame vs. Providence = And if the Friars team that shows up every 3rd or 4th game shows up in Providence tonight, they could give the Irish game also. As I've stopped believing that they actually CAN show up with any regularity, I wouldn't bet on it however.

Tulsa vs. Marshall = Just how many at-large bids do you think the CUSA deserves? If you think they should get maybe 4 total, then this game is HUGE. These two are tied for 4th in the CUSA race, and their 8-4 records are 'way behind the 3 teams tied at 9-4 above them. :) Hey, come to think of it, THIS might be the best game tonight.

St. John's vs. DePaul = The Johnnies need to prove that they are for real by running the Blue Demons off Carnesecca's court and right out into the streets of Jamaica, and right outta Queens. Me, I figure they are still hungry enough to do so, as this is the first taste they've had in a long while. But if they get lazy and rest on the laurels they've yet to earn, they could find themselves fighting for a comeback. For this reason alone, it's worth watching the scoreboard.

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma = Thesa Aggies are a team I've yet to figure out. They don't impress, but they don't depress either, and they've been lurking at about the same point all season. I would not expect the Sooners to finish on top here, but they should at least keep the Aggies sharp.

Alabama vs. Auburn = Here might be the oddest situation in college hoops this year. The Crimson Tide have the SEC West sewn up in their pocket, and might STILL be on the bubble for an at-large bid to the NCAAs! Hey, I kid you not! Their 18-8 record impresses nobody, and their RPI of 78th, with a 129th SoS rating, would indicate the experts are correct to diss them. Beating Auburn tonight won't help them one damn bit, were they to win by 300 points. Barring a run in the conference tourney, they might need to run the table against Ole Miss, Florida, and Georgia after tonight to get a bid. Think on that a while.

BYU vs. Colorado State = Hey, this could be a pretty good game also, if that Fredette kid does not go absolutely nutz again. The Rams have some good wins this year, and only lost by 2 to the SDSU Aztecs a short while back, so they can hoop a bit. So keep an eye on this one too.

Kentucky vs. Arkansas = On paper, you'd have to go with the Wildcats here, but as we've noted before, they play on hardwood and not paper. Tonight that wood's down in Fayetteville, and we all know how UK has had problems on the road. I'd still give them the edge, but I'd not be shocked if it went down to the last few minutes.

Wichita State vs. Creighton = Two good Missouri Valley teams, in a league that may get just one single ticket. The Shockers think they deserve one (and I won't argue with them), but the Bluejays want their shot at it too. And if you know Bluejays, you know they have a nasty attitude. This should be a lot of fun.

Purdue vs. Indiana = And this one should be over by the half. OK, so it's in Bloomington. So what? The Hoosiers are still a year or three away from being relevant again, and they won't get any closer tonight.

North Carolina vs. N. C. State = The Tar Heels have not played well in their last few games, despite getting wins against Clemson, Wake, and BC. This trip to Raleigh against the Wolfpack is their last shot to correct their game, since they then must end against Maryland, @ FSU, and Dook. That's not to say NCSU can't steal one at home, especially if the Heels fool around like they've done the past two weeks. Here's the thing in a nutshell: The Tar Heels can beat anybody in the nation, when they play. When they don't, they can lose, ugly and often.

Florida State vs. Maryland = The Seminoles have earned at least an at-large, and even have the capability of getting the automatic in the ACC Tourney. All they have to lose tonight is contact with the Heels for 2nd place in the regular season race. The Terps, on the other hand, are teetering on the bubble, and could slide either direction. A win in College Park tonight would not only help my Heels, but would edge the Turtles in the right direction. Much as I hate it, I will pull for Gary Williams this evening.

Georgetown vs. Cincinnati = The Hoyas are another team who can beat anyone, or can fall on their faces against most anyone. The Bearcats are a good bit better than "anyone" status, and could sneak up on G'town down in DC. I don't think they will, but they most certainly could. So this is just one more to keep track of.

Missouri vs. Baylor = And here's another one. The Bears are in dire need of a quality win to get them off the bubble, and one on the road against the Tigers might do so. If they plan to refocus any time this season, tonight would be a great time to start. Me, I'll go with Missou by 2 possessions, but the other way would not shock me, at all.

Kansas State vs. Nebraska = Both of these teams logged recent HUGE victories, so I'd have them on the safe side of any bubbles, especially considering they have some other decent wins also. Now, it's all about seeding. If either has hopes of getting off of a 6-to-9 line, they need to make some more noise down the stretch. Tonight's a perfect time for one or the other to begin.

UNLV vs. New Mexico = Me, I'm not one of those people who are yet willing to put the Mountain West up there with the other Big Boys. Hey, until some team there proves it to me, I'll remain a Doubting Thomas. And don't tell me to count Jerry Tarkanian's group of ringers either, 'cause Homey don't play that way. Still, here's two good team, both of whom still have some aspirations for a bid. It should be some fun out in Albuquerque, with one of them making a right turn.


That's all for now. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[The Poet]

OK, so you wonder what happened of note last night? Well:


Alabama 51 - Auburn 49 = And you also wonder why I seemed to diss the Tide yesterday? Here you go. The Auburn Tigers purely suck, and are still short of double-digit wins this year. Yet here they were, on 'Bama's home court, and it took a tip-in with 0.3 left to avoid OT. Yeah, maybe they creeped over to the "safe" side of the bubble, but it's a bad win nonetheless.

Arsansas 77 - Kentucky 76 (OT) = Boy, was I wrong here. I said this might go down to the last few minutes, with the 'Cats having a slim edge. Instead, it went to an extra 5, with the 'Hogs having the slimmest edge. UK's road woes continue.

Miami 73 - Boston College 64 = And BC's home woes continue too, with nearly 1/2 their losses coming there. This bad one to the 'Canes may have pushed the Eagles off that NCAA bubble for good.

BYU 84 - Colorado State 76 = I told you this could be a pretty good game. Although I'm not yet ready to give the Cougars any REAL respect, I do give them props for a good win.

Duke 78 - Temple 61 = No surprise here, though I had hoped for a slightly better showing from the Owls. Hey, Jay, it ain't easy down in Cameron, is it?

Rhode Island 77 - Duquesne 76 = It wasn't all that long ago that the Dukes were in control of the A-10, but now they've lost 4 of 5 and won't get a sniff of the regular season. Neither will the Rams, but it's a good win for them regardless, especially on the road.

East Carolina 83 - UTEP 76 = You can say the same dang thing about the Miners in the CUSA race too. They've now lost 3 of 4, and this one to a .500 Pirates squad is painful. Of course, the fact that UTEP was whistled for 27 team fouls and 5 technicals, with both Tim Floyd and his assistant Phil Johnson being ejected a minute into the 2nd half (and Floyd being "escorted" off by police) didn't help their chances either. Hey, talk about your home-court advantage!

Cincinnati 58 - Georgetown 46 = Maybe we should stop being shocked when a Big East team spits the bit like this. But hell, if you can't even score 50 points on your own danged court, you don't deserve to win.

Maryland 78 - Florida State 62 = A big win for the Terps, which may have put them on the safe side of that dreaded bubble . . . even if they lose to my Heels Sunday. They now have 18 Ws, and 7 in the conference, and will end against Miami and UVA, both "winnable" ones. Plus, thanks for putting the Semiholes 2 back of UNC for 2nd place. :D

Wisconsin 53 - Michigan 52 = And I'm not exactly sure what to make of this one. Yeah, I know a low-scoring game can be expected from the Badgers. Yeah, I know the Logans have played better in the 2nd half of this season. Yeah, I know it was in Ann Arbor. But still, UW not only beat OSU recently, but stomped UM by 16 earlier. I guess a win's a win, but beyond that :confused:

Kansas State 61 - Nebraska 57 = It is possible that this Battle of the Giant-Killers took K-State safely off the bubble, and put the 'Huskers safely off also, albeit on the wrong side. We'll see in a few weeks.

North Carolina 75 - N. C. State 63 = The Heels had a decent 2nd half in Raleigh to turn a 2-point halftime lead into a "respectable" victory. But I do wish that Barnes kid would actually show up in the 1st half sometimes, so's I could save a few fingernails.

UNLV 77 - New Mexico 74 (OT) = Hey, I told you this one could be some fun, didn't I? A good win for the Casino Runs, and maybe they will get that at-large.

Notre Dame 94 - Providence 93 = And I also told you that, if the Friars could manage to show up at all, they may give the Irish game. They did just that. I kinda wish I'd seen this one, however, since I'm curious about that high score. Was it great offense on both sides, or merely no D whatsoever?

Wichita State 67 - Creighton 65 = Once more, I lucked up and called for a fun matchup here. Me, I'm not one of those guys who think the mid-majors don't get nearly enough respect at the expense of the Big Boys. However, if a 10th or 11th Big Mouth team, or a 6th or 7th SEC one, gets an at-large, and the Shockers don't, I will not be pleased.


Tonight's action includes:


Florida vs. Georgia = The Gators don't need this game for the SEC East, nor for a bid. The Bulldogs may need another W to get safely off the bubble, and this would be a huge one for them down in Gainsville. I'm not sure they can do it, but it would not be a total surprise if they could manage to steal one on the road.

U. Conn vs. Marquette = And the Huskies are safe also, but at 7-7 in league play the Golden Eagles might just need 1 or 2 more. It won't be easy in Hartford, but it would not be the 1st time this year U. Conn's lost at home. Again, I don't expect it, but Marquette has a chance.

Cleveland State vs. Wisc. Milwaukee = At 12-4 and 11-5 in the Horizon respt., this one is vital for both teams, even though no bid is on the line. The NCAA would need another expansion before they'd start handing out at-larges to these guys. Regardless, it should be a great game.

ODU vs. James Madison = Now the Colonial might get an extra bid or two, and both of these could be in the mix. Ehhh, probably not JM, who'd likely need to take the automatic in the tourney, but ODU can help their shot with a win tonight. I expect a good one here.

Oral Roberts vs. IUPUI = And these two are tied for 2nd in the Summit . . . meaning that this game won't win an at-large bid the conference won't receive. Still, odds are it will be fun.

Murray State vs. Morehead State = Yes, Joe, you know I wouldn't overlook this one. Your Racers and the Eagles are tied atop the OVC at 12-4, with Austin Peay on your heels at 11-5. Again, there's no at-large in the cards for the Ohio Valley, so a win or a loss won't help nor hurt in that regard. However, everybody likes to win their conference regular season, and this could very well decide it. Both teams will have one "winnable" game left on the schedule after tonight, before they go to war in the tourney for the automatic. If this is not a fight, I will be shocked.

Penn State vs. Northwestern = I'm not exactly sure how deep the NCAA will reach in the Big Ten, but there's a shot that they'll award an at-large to the Nittany Lions. Yeah, they are only 14-12 overall, but a win tonight would put them at .500 in conference play, and they do have several "quality" wins over teams that are in the hunt for bids, such as Fairfield, Duquesne, MIchigan State, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. So, this could be big for them.

Pitt vs. West Virginia = And the Mountaineers better not depend on the Committee going 10 or 11 deep in the Big East (although knowing them, they just might :rolleyes:), and think they are safely off the bubble. A win tonight would assure them of one, whereas a loss will mean they need to take U. Conn or Louisville down the pike. Yeah, I know they face Rutgers next, but that win won't mean jack to the voters. I'm not sure Pitt will spit the bit again on their home court, but stranger things have happened.

Arizona vs. USC = The Wildcats have not clinched the Pac-10 yet, but can pretty much chill it, if not totally ice it, with a win in LA tonight. The Trojans are not in the running, but they are not completely helpless either. If the past is any indication, the loyal 'Zona fans already believe they have this game won. It would not surprise me one bit if Southern Cal gives them all they can handle, and at least put a healthy scare in them. Me, I'd pick the 'Cats too, but not by much.

UCLA vs. Arizona State = And as much respect as I have for Herb Sendek, I can't see his Sun Devils having much of a shot across town in Pauley this evening. So, if the Bruin's city rivals can give them a little help tonight, they can get within a game of 'Zona . . . which would make their head-to-head Saturday HUGE!!!


That's all I gots for you at the moment. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Auburn may suck, but Tide vs Tigers has taken on tree-mendous significance of late :noon.

UK.....Sheesh!!!!!

MSU vs MSU, we were going to go, but it's an 8PM start, and 45 minute drive home after, and I gotta get up too early. Glad we didn't go; it's raining buckets around here, and they actually stopped the girl's game 40 minutes ago and sheltered-in-place because of a tornado warning! Go Racers!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Poet]

Auburn may suck, but Tide vs Tigers has taken on tree-mendous significance of late :noon.

UK.....Sheesh!!!!!

MSU vs MSU, we were going to go, but it's an 8PM start, and 45 minute drive home after, and I gotta get up too early. Glad we didn't go; it's raining buckets around here, and they actually stopped the girl's game 40 minutes ago and sheltered-in-place because of a tornado warning! Go Racers!!!!!!!!!!!



"Tree-mendous". That's good, I like that. But maybe the rivalry would better suit the state of Oak-lahoma than Alabama. :r

I think I'll hold my tongue on UK for now. Hey, I p!$$ed off enough Wildcat fans last season. ;)

Too bad you missed that MSU X 2 game, since it looks like it was a good 'un, with an outcome you'd have enjoyed.


Update pending.

[The Poet]

So here's the scores that struck me from last night:


Marquette 74 - U. Conn 67 (OT) = Well, I said Marquette had a shot to take the Huskies in Hartford, and they did just that, even if it took them an extra 5 minutes. And I don't wanna hear no whinin' about this being a factor of Jim Calhoun's absence from the team (due to the death of his sister-in-law, and not part of next year's NCAA's sanctions revealed against him), as this is far from the first time he's missed a game. In fact, for various reasons, this makes the 15th one he's handed the reins to George Blaney, who now falls to 7-8 as "head coach" of U. Conn. But all that aside, this is a very good road win for the Golden Eagles, which may have moved them to the safe side of that dreaded bubble.

USC 65 - Arizona 57 = This was the other "big-time" upset of the night, with the so-so Trojans handing the desert 'Cats their 3rd conference loss, and likely dropping them a full line or two down in the seedings for the NCAAs. Perhaps of as much significance is the fact that . . .

UCLA 71 - Arizona State 53 = . . . with the Bruins spanking the Sun Devils like this, their 11-4 record moves within a game of 'Zona's 12-3 Pac-10 mark. And that won't last too long, since they meet head-to-head Saturday, for what might be the marbles. Now that, that should be fun.

Appalachian State 85 - Charleston 70 = But this may be the biggest shocker of them all. I did not preview this one because I thought there was no damn way the Mountaineers could give the Cougars any sort of game at all. OK, so it was in Boone. Yeah, and? And Charleston pretty much OWNS the Southern Conference, while ASU "improves" to .500 overall with this victory. Plus, it was a fairly good spanking to boot! Sometimes you just can't make this stuff up.

Gonzaga 89 - St. Mary's 85 (OT) = But although I have a legitimate excuse for skipping that game above yesterday, I have none at all for missing this one on the schedule. Hey, I just blew it. This game was HUGE, and I whiffed. The 'Zags are making a late push to get back into The Dance, and this one over the Gaels locks them atop the WCC with 10-3 records. With only one bid likely for that league, this race is far from over.

Wisc. Milwaukee 87 - Cleveland State 83 = The same is true for the Horizon also. Now these two are tied with Butler for 1st, at 12-5, with Valpo all the way back at 11-6. So not even counting the wild cards, that makes 4 teams vying for 1 slot. Sharpen up the knives.

Florida 71 - Gerogia 62 = The Gators did not need this win to get a ticket, but it does clinch the SEC East for them. As for the 'Dawgs, they still have their noses pressed against the glass, hoping someone opens up a door for them. They could have used this one, but they still have 3 more shots at wins before the conference tourney starts. One against LSU won't help them much, but ones over the 'Cocks and/or the Tide might.

ODU 75 - James Madison 59 = I really thought this would be a closer game, although the winner's no surprise. This moves the Monarchs into a tie with Hofstra for 2nd in the Colonial, behind 1st-place George Mason. Unless some darkhorse in the league (and there's a whole paddock full of those) steals the automatic in the conference tourny, I could see all 3 of these dancing. However, maybe The Committee only sees 2, so there's still some hay to make here.

Murray State 70 - Morehead State 62 = Joe's Racers took care of business at home, and won the top spot of the Ohio Valley Conference, and if they can hold court against a so-so Eastern Kentucky squad on Saturday they will clinch the regular season. It used to be that that and a nickel would get you a cup of coffee, but now it takes five bucks. If they don't take the league tourney crown, they won't get that single automatic, and will then hit the road in hopes of winning some NIT games against the Big Boy wanna-bes. I know that, Joe knows that, and that's the way it is. Still, it's a very good win for Murray State, and they should enjoy it for all it's worth.


As per usual on Fridays, there isn't much to pick from tonight:


Harvard vs. Brown // Princeton vs. Cornell = The Crimson and the Tigers hold the Ivy lead, at 9-1 and 8-1 respt., and it does not look like anyone else will step up to challenge. I would not expect their opponents this evening to offer much of a fight, and so the sole bid for the Brainiac Conference should come down to two games for each school. Both must face Penn, the only other team above .500 in league play, and they also go head-to-head again a week from now. Princeton won their first meeting, so owns the first 1/2 of the tie-breaker.

Detroit vs. Wright State = OK, so neither one will take the Horizon season. Still, they are decent teams, and well-matched, and ought to give us a pretty good show. Besides, what else is there to choose from? Well, there is . . .

Iona vs. St. Peter's = These two are part of a 3-way for 2nd place in the MAAC, along with Rider (who has a potential "bye" game against a crappy Marist squad), all three behind the champ Fairfield. As with many already mentioned, there are no "at-large" bids available for the Metro Atlantic, so 2nd, 3rd, or 4th in league play means squat. However, it should be a danged good game, so if you find yourself in Jersey City tonight, two things: 1) Get a ticket; 2) Then get outta town ASAP. :r


Back soon with some early Saturday games.

[The Poet]

Here are a few notable games which tip off early tomorrow:


Missouri vs. Kansas State = The Tigers are safely in the NCAAs, and the prairie 'Cats are likely on the plus side of the bubble too. Still, another quality win or two would help solidify their bid, as well as possibly improve their seed, and this chance at home should not be missed. Hey, if they can spank Kansas in Manhattan, the can crush Missou too. This one ought to be pretty good.

VCU vs. James Madison = And here are two tournament teams from the CAC. The only question is, what tournament? JM would have to steal the automatic to get into the NCAAs, and VCU might potentially join them in the NIT themselves. Regardless, I expect a good one here also.

Boston College vs. Virginia = Since the Cavaliers are NOT going to run the table in the ACC Tourney, the only way they'll see the NCAAs is if they get cable. And it has gotten to the point that BC will need to run the table in their final 3 conference games (doable), plus maybe win a game or two in the tourney (also doable), to earn an at-large. But "doable" means you gotta then go out and do it. Keep your eyes on this situation down the stretch.

Syracuse vs. Georgetown = Neither of these two need worry about getting a chance to Dance. But when you consider how they've played at times, both need to worry about missteps that could trip them up and put them on their fannies, tutus in the air. Somebody needs to step up here and make a statement, sooner or later. The last time I picked the Hoyas to win at home, they threw a shoe. And we all know how The Orange has rolled all over the stage so far this year. I'm not about to pick this one.

Wichita State vs. Missouri State = Here's perhaps the most vital conference matchup of the day, at least in the mid-majors, as they are tied for 1st in the Missouri Valley with 14-3 records. Teams like these two may never blow you away, but they also rarely fail to show up. This ought to be fun.

Vanderbilt vs. LSU = Me, I can't see Vandy losing to the Tigers, even in Baton Rouge. Hey, the SEC's been strange all year, so it could certainly happen. But I can't see Vandy dropping two in a row, when the opponent's LSU anyway. They better not, anyway, for with their last two being @ Kentucky and hosting Florida, they could end the regular campaign on a 4-game losing streak. That would not cost them an at-large, but it would not help their seeding one damn bit.

Arkansas vs. Auburn = And I give these Tigers about the same shot at an upset, which is not much of one. The 'Hogs are dangerously balanced on the bubble, and could slide off in the slightest breeze. If that's not enough motivation for them, I just don't know.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State = Speaking of bubbles, the 'Huskers have managed to, at the least, put it within sight, if not yet within grasp. In my book, a victory in Ames won't help them much, although a loss would hurt them a ton. But they will still have two more shots to impress, against Missou and Colorado, which are wins that WOULD help them. Yet they got to get there first, and it starts against the Cyclones.


I'll be back tomorrow with some more. Until then, enjoy. Screw Drew.

[pnoon]

Huge game out west in ~45 minutes.

San Diego State vs. BYU

Big game for SDSU

[The Poet]

No surprises in last night's games, with status quo holding form. So as there are much too many games today, lemme get to the more important ones:


Miami vs. Florida State = The 'Noles are safely off the bubble, in a good way, while in a bad one so's the 'Canes. Still, they are not totally hopeless as a team, having beaten a few decent teams this year, and FSU has lost one of their best players to injury. I don't expect UM to win on the road, but they do have a chance.

Temple vs. George Washington = The Colonials may be first in war and peace, but they are 6th in the A-10. The Owls are 2nd, a game behind Xavier. But though they are the better team, they could get tested by GW in the Smith Center . . . that's the CHARLES Smith Center in DC, not the Dean Dome in CH. I figure on a 3-possession Owl victory, yet it could be closer.

Hofstra vs. Delaware = If the Pride wants to stat tied for 2nd in the CAC with ODU, they need to take care of the Fightin' Blue Hens in Hempstead. I think they will. However, they only lost to them by 3 in their 1st meeting, so give them a shot.

BYU vs. San Diego State = Here's the rematch for the Aztecs to avenge their only loss, and to grab the lead in the Mountain West. And despite the fact that, as you know, I think they are both over-ranked, this one should be a total war start to finish.

St. John's vs Villanova = So should this one. The Johnnies have shown they can win on the road, and the Philly 'Cats have also shown they can lose at home. Neither team needs the win to get an at-large, so the only thing at stake aside from pride is seeding in the Big East Tourney. This should be a lot of fun.

Memphis vs. UTEP = Do you think YOUR conference race is tight? Consider the CUSA then. The Tigers are 1 of 3 teams tied at the top with 9-4 records, with the Miners in another 3-way for 4th at 8-5. And just to make things interesting . . .

UAB vs. Houston = The Blazers are another one at 9-4, and although the Cougars are not in that hunt they can hoop a bit themselves. But we're still not done here, what with . . .

Southern Mississippi vs. UCF = Although the Mickeys have fallen on their bulbous snouts, the Golden Eagles are that other 9-4 team, and cannot afford to let UCF regain some of their early Magic Kingdom. And if that's not enough for you . . .

SMU vs. Marshall = The Mustangs are the 2nd of those 8-5 aspirants, and the Thundering Herd's not too shabby themselves, and will give SMU one heck of a game. Finally, just to put the cap on it . . .

Tulsa vs. Tulane = The Golden Hurricanes round out the round-robin as that last team in the mix. Luckily for them, they face the Green Wave, and I'd expect then to go all Katrina on Tulane. If you put all that together, you realize what this means? We COULD end the day with a 6-way tie for 1st place in the CUSA!! Wow.

Arizona vs. UCLA = There won't be a 6-way in the Pac-10, but this one in Pauley might jam up that race. The Wildcats are a game ahead of the Bruins, so here's their shot to catch them. Flip a coin.

Alabama vs. Mississippi = The Tide is trying to earn a little respect, for their 19-8 overall and 11-2 SEC West records seems to mean very little to the Selection Committee. Me, I don't think they're all that good, yet I also don't see how you can keep them out either. Still, they can help their cause with a few more Ws, and as they haven't many shots left, they'd best make hay.

Florida vs. Kentucky = Now these two, in the MUCH better SEC East, are safe no matter what happens the rest of the season. But the 'Cats, at 7-6 in league play, do not want to fall to .500, especially in front of their home crowd. It would not surprise me if this one goes down to the final few seconds.

Texas vs. Colorado = The Longhorns have shown they can beat anyone, and have shown they can struggle. Hey, that's the 'Horns for you, every year. As this is in Boulder, I give the Buffaloes a decent shot at making this a game.

Kansas vs. Oklahoma = And if the Jayhawks lose to the Sooners, Bill Self should make the team walk from Norman back to Lawrence.

Charleston vs. Western Carolina = On most days, especially one as crowded as this one, I'd skip this as a mis-match and move on. But here's the thing: Although I think the CoC Cougars are the class of the Southern Conference (they lead the South division there), and they are the only team in that league with 20+ wins, the Catamounts lead the North, and can actually play some themselves. Furthermore, Charleston visited Boone a few days ago, and lost to "meh" App. State, and today they visit Cullowhee. So maybe the Great Smokies gets in their eyes again.

Michigan vs. Minnesota = Both these teams have 17 wins (a good thing) and both are under .500 in the Big Ten (a not-so-good one). I have no votes, but both are on MY bubble, big time. It is possible they both will get at-large bids, and it is also possible both will NOT. One or the other really needs to step up today. I think the Logans have more young talent, and I know the Gophers have more experience, on the court and on the bench. Keep an eye on this one.

Iowa vs. Illinois = Barring a miracle in the conference tourney, the Hawkeyes are done, and just playing out the string. But the Illini are in the exact same position as those two just above, and need some wins to get over the hump. They are in Champaign, and are playing a crappy team, so if they don't get one today it's their own damn fault.

Harvard vs. Yale // Princeton vs. Columbia = Both these Ivy leaders won last night, both are playing back-to-backs, and both are playing a tougher opponent than their last one was. There's not all that much more there there in the Ivy, and they are one of the few with no second shot for the automatic via a tourney. If you care at all about this league, pay attention here.

Richmond vs. Charlotte = I like the Spiders, and think they deserve an at-large already. Still, a loss to the bottom-feeding 49ers in the Queen City today won't help their cause one bit. I can't see that happening, but you never know.

Notre Dame vs. Seton Hall = And I can't see the Irish losing in South Bend to the Pirates either. But that Hazell kid can pop for 30-40 points on any given night, so give SHU a puncher's shot.

South Carolina vs. Georgia = The Bulldogs are most likely on the safe side of any bubble already, while the 'Cocks are screwed. Yet to be honest, there's really not all that much difference between these two, aside from their records. Georgia may be a bit better, and the game's in Athens, so give them the edge. But don't give them a huge one.

Murray State vs. Eastern Kentucky = The Racers have the OVC season in their own hands, being one game up with only this one to play. Win it, at home, and your student body can rush the court and celebrate. The Colonels are a tougher opponent than Morehead faces in Tenn-Martin, but that should be no excuse. Just win, baby!

Texas A&M vs. Baylor = The Aggies have had a very quiet great season, and very few people have noticed that. The Bears started off on fire, but now have put themselves in dangerous bubble consideration. They need this one in Waco more than A&M, and they'd best realize that and show up to play.

Duke vs. Virginia Tech = I am pretty sure that Duke will get a bid, and I'm pretty sure the Hokies will also. They could clinch that in Blackburg tonight by sending the Blue Devils home with their spiked tails between their legs. I'm not at all sure than can manage that, but you have to give them a slim chance anyway.

St. Mary's vs. Portland = I really don't know what has happened to the Gaels of late. They were rolling along like a locomotive, then hit a wall with three Ls in succession. Portland's a decent team, and that could get to 4 late tonight, unless St. Mary's gets back on track. And they'd better due that too. They have not only given up sole possession of the WCC, but . . .

Gonzaga vs. San Diego = The 'Zags are the ones who caught them, and who also caught a break by facing a much worse opponent. You have to figure they will beat the Toreros (like the Gaels should have done), so could claim the league for their own if the Gaels lose that 4th one.


Lunchtime for me now. I'll be back in a bit with some early finals, and some Sunday games too.

[The Poet]

Huge game out west in ~45 minutes.

San Diego State vs. BYU

Big game for SDSU

Big game for the Stormin' Mormans too, as well as the Montezumas. At this moment, 34-28 Cougars.

[The Poet]

Some early finals for you, and some Sunday games also:


Boston College 63 - Virginia 44 = A good win for the Eagles, which might move them off the bubble . . . or might not. And one damn poor showing by the Cavs.

Kansas State 80 - Missouri 70 = A better win for the Wildcats, that needed another badly, and a sign they are turning things around. As for the Tigers . . . well, I never had all that much faith in them anyway.

Syracuse 58 - Georgetown 51 = A few weeks ago all the experts were talking about how good the Hoyas had become. Now they have lost 3 or 4, and their last 2 at home to boot. Neither team needed this game for an at-large, but the Orange helped right their boat a little here.

James Madison 72 - VCU 69 = OK, this one shocks me a little, I must admit. I figured VCU would take it easily, and better stake a claim for an at-large. The win does not help JM in that regard, but it's still a nice one.

Missouri State 69 - Wichita State 64 = But I did figure this would be a good close game, what with the Missouri Valley up for grabs.

Vanderbilt 90 - LSU 69 = Here too, that's about what I expected. Vandy may not be the best SEC team, but LSU has tried very hard to be the worst. They would be too, if not for . . .

Arkansas 57 - Auburn 55 = Once again, the Tigers prove they truly suck. And once again, the Razorbacks demonstrate that they ain't all that good either.

Iowa State 83 - Nebraska 82 (OT) = Hey, didn't the Cornhuskers just beat somebody good? Well, what is there excuse for this? Sheesh.

Temple 57 - George Washington 41 = Though the final might not show it, GW gave the Owls about as much game as they wanted here. But give Temple credit for stepping up when they had to.

Florida State 65 - Miami 59 = Not a very good win for the Seminoles, but much better than another loss. Yet they'll need to find some mojo if they expect to make any noise in March.

BYU 80 - San Diego State 67 = A poor second half for the Aztecs, on their own court too boot. Give BYU the Mountain West, and watch SDSU drop like a rock next week.

Sunday we can see:


West Virginia vs. Rutgers = The Mountaineers may have enough good wins to grab a bid, and one against the Scarlet Knights would not exactly qualify as another. Still, they need to win it.

U. Conn vs. Cincinnati = These two are pretty safe for bids, but Cincy's gotten much less respect. The Bearcats are at home, and they can earn some if they take the Huskies, who are take-able.

Purdue vs. Michigan State = The Makers are also safe, but the Spartans are far from it. They have started to play better, and they'll need to to win this one. It alone could take them off the bubble, so figure Izzo will have them focused. That may not be enough, but may make for a good game nonetheless.

Xavier vs. Dayton = With Temple's win, Xavier needs to take this one to keep its A-10 lead. It won't be easy, but I think they shall.

Pitt vs. Louisville = In the Bucket, where the Cards are tough. Me, I give the Panthers an edge, but not a huge one.

Fairfield vs. Iona = The Stags already own the MAAC regular season. Regardless, this one should be a good game.

Providence vs. Marquette = These two have been up-and-down all year. The Friars don't have a prayer for an at-large, and the Golden Eagles may need a few more Ws to get over the hump. They can start now, if they plan to.

Ohio State vs. Indiana = This game, this race for bids, this regular season's already done for both these teams. If you're a Buckeye, you like that. If a Hoosier, you don't.

Wisconsin vs. Northwestern = I'd not expect N'Western to give the Badgers much of a contest, and the boys from Madison play out the string while they wait for March.

North Carolina vs. Maryland = But here, this one could go either way. The Heels have better talent, and are at home where they've been perfect so far, but they have shown inconsistent focus and desire. On the other hand, the Terps are smack-dab on that dreaded bubble, and know they need a quality win here. Much as I hate to say it, flip a coin.

Washington vs. Washington State = The Huskies were suposed to be the class of the Pac-10, and can still catch the UCLA Bruins for 2nd place . . . if the Bruins co-operate with that a little. But don't kid yourself. The Cougars could beat their in-state rival. They may not be quite as good, but they are at least decent, while the Huskies have not been the force they were predicted to become. I give them an edge at home, but I would not bet a dime on that.


And that, that's all for me. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Tough weekend, with 5 Top 10 teams going down.

I really didn't think UL had a chance against Pitt, but it was a good game for them. I walked outside in the 2nd half, and missed the drama; anyone have the 411 on the T on the cheerleader????

I watched the Dook game....Wow!!!! Too bad so sad :D:r. It was actually a pretty fun game to watch.

Is Texas reverting to form??????

BYU has SDSU's number this season, and really seemed to control them all game.

And what the heck happened to Arizona? Didn't get to see it.

UK got a much needed win, and Florida really didn't look good either.

The Racers cap off yet another regular season championship; now we just gotta win our tourney. I think we could give a good accounting at the Dance again this year.

So, does KU get the top spot this week????

[JaKaacH]

So, does KU get the top spot this week????

Yes

[rebelknight]

So, does KU get the top spot this week????

Should be interesting. I see number 1 votes being split 3 ways. Ohio State and Kansas are the obvious ones but after giving SDSU votes last week the voters proved they arent afraid to vote for a team like BYU. So those are the three I see getting votes. Who takes the top spot? well thats still up in the air (but of course I'm hoping its my Buckeyes)

[The Poet]

Tough weekend, with 5 Top 10 teams going down.

I really didn't think UL had a chance against Pitt, but it was a good game for them. I walked outside in the 2nd half, and missed the drama; anyone have the 411 on the T on the cheerleader????

I watched the Dook game....Wow!!!! Too bad so sad :D:r. It was actually a pretty fun game to watch.

Is Texas reverting to form??????

BYU has SDSU's number this season, and really seemed to control them all game.

And what the heck happened to Arizona? Didn't get to see it.

UK got a much needed win, and Florida really didn't look good either.

The Racers cap off yet another regular season championship; now we just gotta win our tourney. I think we could give a good accounting at the Dance again this year.

So, does KU get the top spot this week????

Me, I did figure the Cards had a shot at home against Pitt. The Panthers are good, but there are no dominating teams this year, and anyone can lose. The refs did their best to give it to them, however. At the end of regulation, with 2 ticks left, Louisville got a guy free on the inbounds for an open layup for the win, and he was hammered from the front and back. No call. As for that T at the end of OT, which gave Pitt ANOTHER chance, the Cardinal player broke away in the final seconds. He could have dribbled to the corner and ran out the clock, but he went for the snowbird to give Louisville the 5-point margin with 0.3 left. Since humans can't react that fast, the clock ran out, and a cheerleader ran onto the court and, to make matters worse, grabbed the ball and flipped it towards the hoop in celebration. The zebras huddled, put time back on the clock, and assessed the T, allowing Pitt to get within 3 with the 2 FTs. Then they got the ball inbounds and came sorta kinda close to hitting the prayer for a 2nd OT. Hey, I'm not a Louisville fan, nor a Pitt hater, but I was p!$$ed myself at the calls.

As for Duke, it does make this last week in the ACC a bit more interesting. More on that later.

And Texas? Until the Longhorns and Rick Barnes shows me otherwise, I always expect the same from them . . . a good season, and an early summer.

I thought that BYU/SDSU game could go either way, and never thought it would be so easy for the Cougars. Man, I hope BYU gets a 1-seed . . . in the same bracket as my Tar Heels. :r

I also thought that UCLA/'Zona game would be close, but I didn't see the action either. What happened? The Bruins won in Pauley. It's not like it's the first time, right?

Yes, a good win for Cal's kids, though again, no shock in Rupp. And what happened to the Gators? Well, maybe they ain't as good as some think, and only lead the SEC due to "parity" . . . maybe they all suck. ;) Remember, they got spanked at home early by the Buckeyes, and lost in in-state powerhouses UCF and Jacksonville too.

I do hope your Racers earn a bid, since they've done so much right so far to get one. And yes, they could win a game in the NCAAs, if they get the automatic. Hey, last year Ohio U. beat Georgetown!

And does KU get the # 1?

Yes

No.

Should be interesting. I see number 1 votes being split 3 ways. Ohio State and Kansas are the obvious ones but after giving SDSU votes last week the voters proved they arent afraid to vote for a team like BYU. So those are the three I see getting votes. Who takes the top spot? well thats still up in the air (but of course I'm hoping its my Buckeyes)

Well, you got it, for at least a week. But as this season should have taught us, it really don't mean JaKaacH, right?


Update soon.

[The Poet]

Well, it happened again. I was halfway through writing my post, and the damn thing disappeared. So this 2nd try will be abbreviated:


Baylor 58 - Texas A&M 51 = Good Bear win, and needed.

Colorado 91 - Texas 89 = I had a feeling the Buffaloes could take the 'Horns in Boulder.

UAB 68 - Houston 55 = The Blazers step up when others didn't, and take the slim lead over 4 others in the CUSA.

Kentucky 76 - Florida 68 = No big shock that the Wildcats win a good one in Rupp.

Michigan 70 - Minnesota 63 = The Wolverines continue to improve, while the Gophers go south.

Mississippi 68 - Alabama 63 = Hey, I tried to tell you last week the Tide was weak.

Murray State 66 - Eastern Kentucky 56 = Joe's Racers take the OVC. For his sake, let's hope it's not their last hurrah.

Princeton 66 - Columbia 61 // Yale 70 - Harvard 69 = The Tigers grab a slim lead in the Ivy race. Now all they have to do is hold it.

Mississippi State 70 - Tennessee 69 = The Vols continue to drop.

UCLA 71 - Arizona 49 = I'm not surprised the Bruins win in Pauley, but for the desert 'Cats to not even show up for the 2nd half? Odd.

St. John's 81 - Villanova 68 = Another good victory for the surging Storm. But for them to jump from unranked to # 23 to # 15 in two weeks? It's that Big Mouth Conference syndrome once again.

Virginia Tech 64 - Duke 60 = The Hokies get that signature win to at least put them back on the bubble. Not only that, but Dook makes CBS look like geniuses. Why?


Well, on Sunday:


North Carolina 87 - Maryland 76 = The Heels actually play a good game start to finish, and beat the Terps to tie Duke atop the ACC at 12-2 each. So, if they can beat Florida State on the road this week (not easy, but doable), and if the Blue Devils take care of business in Cameron against Clemson (easier, though not a gimme), then Saturday night we can watch Duke/Carolina head-to-head for the conference championship. PRIME TIME, BAY-BEE!!!

U. Conn 67 - Cincinnati 59 = Not exactly the Cats and Dogs fight I expected, but good enough, and a decent win for the Huskies.

Xavier 66 - Dayton 62 = And maybe a tiny bit closer than I thought it might be, though not much.

Iona 74 - Fairfield 69 = And about as close as I figured, although I did think it would go the other way. Hey, that's why they play 'em.

Louisville 62 - Pitt 59 (OT) = I watched sizable hunks of this game, and came away with 2 impressions. Both teams can play a little D. Neither team looked all that confident on offense. A fairly exciting game, anyway.

Purdue 67 - Michigan State 47 = OK, I didn't expect the Spartans to win this. But to lose by 20, in a low-scoring contest? Maybe if Izzo was as smart as he thinks he is, he'd STOP lobbying for that at-large, and just wait 'til next year.

Washington State 80 - Washington 69 = And OK, I never thought these Huskies were all that good anyway. But to lose this badly, and drop 2 back of UCLA and Arizona in the Pac-10, with only 2 to play. Sheesh.



Tonight's there's only 2 games I noticed:


Villanova vs. Notre Dame = 'Nova needs to get itself back on track, and better show up against the Irish. Me, I'm not sure they can do so.

Kansas State vs. Texas = But K-State has started showing up again, so give them some chance down in Austin.


That's all for today. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Just so you know, you aren't the only one who loses posts while writing them. I'm on a laptop at home, and being a 4-finger typist (after MANY years of practice, by the way), I have run into this a couple of times when posting to this forum. Can't remember it happening at any other web forum, or in Word. Somehow, as I'm racing through a post, I must be hitting a combination of 2 or 3 keys at once that moves the cursor AND deletes what's in front of it. Really deflating when it occurs. :sl.

Notre Dame just lit up Villanova!

Guys, I can't even begin to think about how I'm going to pick brackets this season!!!!!

[JaKaacH]

Google documents...auto saves....Just say'n

[The Poet]

Just so you know, you aren't the only one who loses posts while writing them. I'm on a laptop at home, and being a 4-finger typist (after MANY years of practice, by the way), I have run into this a couple of times when posting to this forum. Can't remember it happening at any other web forum, or in Word. Somehow, as I'm racing through a post, I must be hitting a combination of 2 or 3 keys at once that moves the cursor AND deletes what's in front of it. Really deflating when it occurs. :sl.

Notre Dame just lit up Villanova!

Guys, I can't even begin to think about how I'm going to pick brackets this season!!!!!

Well, I'm sorry for you, but I'm glad I'm not the only one cussing at the screen from time to time. As for your typing, while writing the sentence above, I first typed "screed" instead of "screen" . . . which, on second thought, may have been a Freudian slip. :r

Yeah, Baby Brother Ben Hansbrough lit it up in his final game in South Bend to give the Irish a spanking over the slumping Philly Wildcats.

Brackets? We don't need no stinkin' brackets! This year may be as wide open a tourney as we've ever seen.

Google documents...auto saves....Just say'n

OK, just say'n, but you assume we know what it is you say'n. ;)


Update soon . . . if I don't lose it again. :D

[The Poet]

Last night, as already mentioned:


Notre Dame 93 - Villanova 72 = The boys from South Bend win their 13th conference game, and are only 1/2 back of Pitt for the regular season title. Meanwhile, 'Nova has lost 3 in a row now, and 5 of their last 7, and are now 11th in the league with their 9-8 record. As they finish at Pitt, they seem likely to end with a .500 mark . . . yet they are still ranked in the Top Twenty in the nation! And you wonder why I call this the Big Mouth Conference? What a load of crap.

Kansas State 75 - Texas 70 = This is one of those whose meaning is hard to nail down. Does it mean that K-State has gotten over their mid-season doldrums? Does it mean the Longhorns are doing what they seem to always do this time of year, which is crumble? Regardless, a good victory for the prairie 'Cats, and just one more reason for the 'Horn fans to hold their peace.


Today conference tournament action begins in the Big South (yeah, I said SOUTH, not Mouth) and the Horizon, with the Atlantic Sun, Patriot, and Ohio Valley starting tomorrow. Unless the first round or two give us some upsets, I'll wait until they shake out a little before I really get into them. Otherwise tonight we have:


Florida vs. Alabama = The winner of this one, against the leaders in the SEC East and West divisions, will give us our league champ. Though both are coming off losses, the Gators lost to a better team, and are a better team themselves than are the Tide. Plus, it is in Gainesville. I figure they win by a dozen.

Baylor vs. Oklahoma State = To me, the Bears are squarely on the bubble, and need some late help. And although a win in Stillwater won't be a huge deal, it will be better than another poor loss. Give Baylor a slight edge, but don't be shocked if they spit the bit again.

Purdue vs. Illinois = And the Boilermakers are safe, but the Illini are also on that bubble. I really don't see them helping themselves this evening. Hey, it could happen, but don't hold your breath.

Ohio State vs. Penn State = In fact, I give the Nittany Lions a better shot at shocking the Buckeyes than I give the Illini above. It's still not much of a shot, but they have been tough at times on their own court, while OSU doesn't have all that much to play for . . . except their # 1 ranking, and 1st place in the Big Ten. So, on second thought, go with the Buckeyes, big.

Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky = And here's the battle for 3rd place in the SEC, with Vandy holding a game lead over UK. You KNOW they want to finish ahead of the Wildcats so bad they can taste it. That won't be easy. Though they did beat them the first time, that was in Nashville, whereas this one's in Rupp. Kentucky is tough in Lexington. This is a pick 'em, with maybe UK a point or two favorite.

Missouri vs. Nebraska = The Missou Tigers have gotten just about the same consistent respect, and play from their team, all season long. They aren't great, but they aren't just lucky or feeding off a weak schedule. But the Cornhuskers themselves, who've gotten damn little respect, have had a couple of good wins themselves. This might actually be a pretty good game in Lincoln tonight.

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech = The Hokies are assured of finishing above .500 in the ACC, and that along with their signature victory over Duke makes them a shoo-in for an at-large. But BC is in a dogfight with Maryland to stay at .500 in the league, AND for a shot at getting onto that bubble, much less getting safely over it. It is in Blacksburg, but I'm not sure that VT has yet recovered from this weekend, and may have a let-down. I figure this one to be close, start to finish.

N. C. State vs. Virginia = And these two are safe too . . . safe in the knowledge that, shortly after The Selection Show March 13th, they will get calls from the NIT. Their 5-9 records in the ACC are good enough to warrent that. Still, it should be a pretty competitive game in Charlottesville, and another of those pick 'ems.

San Diego State vs. Wyoming = The Aztecs just lost their 2nd game of the year, to the same BYU squad to whom they lost their FIRST game of the year. So, since they are not playing BYU tonight, I'm gonna go with SDSU to rebound in Laramie.


That's it for me for now, so I'll hit "submit" before I lose another one. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

You said screed...heh :r:r:D

Purdue's having a rough 1st half, but climbing back into it with less than 5 in the 1st.

Or, rather, they were just spotting Illinois some points before getting into it...

[E.J.]

BYU just booted their 2nd most important player off the team. Apparently got his girlfriend pregnant.

Strangely, coming into Spring Football last year, they did this same thing with the school's all time leading rusher.....for the exact same reason....(different girl;)) He is now with the Chicago Bears....but didn't play a down with BYU last year.

Long story short, you can write off BYU as a threat in the NCAA tournament.

[The Poet]

BYU just booted their 2nd most important player off the team. Apparently got his girlfriend pregnant.

Strangely, coming into Spring Football last year, they did this same thing with the school's all time leading rusher.....for the exact same reason....(different girl;)) He is now with the Chicago Bears....but didn't play a down with BYU last year.

Long story short, you can write off BYU as a threat in the NCAA tournament.

So is that the story then? I've found no details elsewhere, and thought maybe they booted him off for having a glass of iced tea. :r


I "laugh", but I am serious. A violation of BYU's honor code is a bit different than other schools. There you can be cited for a violation if you smoke, drink alcohol, drink coffee or tea, or get too frisky with a person of the opposite sex (or I presume, the same sex too ;) ). Though I may not agree with the absolute moral strictness of BYU's policy, I must commend them for having one, since I'm sick of seeing players at other schools getting arrested for drunk driving, assault, rape, whatever, and still getting their minutes on the court . . . between their minutes IN the court.


Update to follow ASAP.

[E.J.]

It is impressive the resolve the school has to follow this code, to the point of destroying their athletic teams. Can you imagine a school kicking off their best player and all time leading rusher for having premarital sex in the off season? Same school, in the biggest run their basketball team has ever had, kicking off their second most important player for the same thing....weeks before tournament time and the end of the season(easily could have been swept under the rug until April).

There are varying degrees of violations and MANY would not result in dismissal from the team, but there are others(stuff not even frowned on at other Universities) that will result in that and more....

I am not a BYU fan, though them being local....I was actually excited to see if they could make a run to the Elite 8.... My Utes are not getting in and my Aggies are not doing any damage.

[The Poet]

You said screed...heh :r:r:D

Purdue's having a rough 1st half, but climbing back into it with less than 5 in the 1st.

Or, rather, they were just spotting Illinois some points before getting into it...


And they obvoiusly didn't spot them quite enough. They managed to tie the Illini 37-all by the break, then:


Purdue 75 - Illinois 67 = The win is no shock, and I suppose that when one considers the problems those 'Makers have had maker'ing shots from time to time, the margin's no biggie either, even at home. Are the Illini clearly off the bubble, on the wrong side? Maybe.

Florida 78 - Alabama 51 = No surprise to me at all. The SEC East is pretty good. The SEC West is pretty ugly.

Kentucky 68 - Vanderbilt 66 = A good win for the 'Cats to defend homecourt, and a decent attempt at the "upset" for the Comms.

Nebraska 69 - Missouri 58 = And it seems like I said the Tigers might be vulnerable if they didn't come to play.

Oklahoma State 71 - Baylor 60 = Baylor has done its very best to avoid an at-large bid. This makes their 4th loss in 6 games, and one of those wins was against Wayland Baptist. You can pretty much stick a fork in these Bears.

Virginia 69 - N.C. State 58 = And these two were done long ago. Question now is, is Sidney Lowe done too?

Boston College 76 - Virginia Tech 61 = So the Hokies beat Dook in blacksburg, then lose to BC big on the same court? Does this mean the Eagles have earned themselves off the bubble? We will see.


Today already, in the Atlantic Sun tourney, Belmont crushed Kennesaw State 72-57. Later tonight we have:


Iowa vs. Michigan State = The only question here is, can the Spartans get enough to earn an at-large? A win will help them a little, and a loss will hurt them a lot.

Louisville vs. Providence = I can't see the Friars taking the Cards in the Yumi. If they do, Pitino won't be happy.

U. Conn vs. West Virginia = In Morgantown, so this could be a total war.

Western Michigan vs. Ball State = And why bring this up? Well, it is for 1st place in the MAC West . . . for what that's worth. Still, give them both some props. As I know next to nothing about either team, I won't predict a victor.

Temple vs. U. Mass = I do know a little about these two, and don't think the Owls will have much trouble here.

UNC vs. Florida State // Duke vs. Clemson = I lumped these two together for a reason. The Heels and the Blue Devils are tied for the ACC, and both have good opponents here. UNC will have a tougher time beating the 'Noles on the road than Dook will have against the Tigers in Cameron, but both could go either way. Hey, I don't care if you hate Duke and/or Carolina, or if you really don't give a damn one way or the other, but if you love college basketball you'll be hoping both win, or both lose, tonight. That way, when they meet Saturday night in Chapel Hill, it will be for all the marbles.

Maryland vs. Miami = The Terps need to do something to get into the discussion for an at-large, and even then it may be too late. At 7-7 in ACC and 18-11 overall, you might think they're safe, but you'd be wrong. They have to win this one on the road, and beat UVA in College Park to end the season, then win at least a game in the ACC Tourney. It starts tonight . . . or ends, if they're not careful.

UAB vs. Southern Miss. // Memphis vs. East Carolina // Tulsa vs. Rice // UTEP vs. Marshall = Here might just be the night that decides the CUSA for good. UAB is on top at 10-4, with Southern Miss locked in that 4-way for 2nd at 9-5. So this game is a pick 'em. Memphis is also 9-5, playing at ECTC, who ain't terrible themselves. So here's another close one, with the Tigers having a teeny edge. Now Tulsa (9-5) should not have much trouble with Rice, but UTEP (9-5) will have a struggle with the Herd. Keep you eye on all of these.

Cincinnati vs. Marquette = Are the experts right, that the Committee will go 10 or 11 deep in the Big Mouth Conference? Maybe, and if so then maybe both these teams are safe. But they should not count on that, especially the Golden Eagles, so they'd better bring it tonight.

Pitt vs South Florida = And if the Panthers lose THIS one on the road, they should just stay in Tampa and look for jobs making cheap cigars.

Kansas vs. Texas A&M = This is in Phog Allen, so give the Jayhawks an edge. But it still should be a pretty decent game, at least until the last 5 minutes or so. And who knows? KU's not unbeatable.

BYU vs. New Mexico = The Cougars play their first game after losing their best big man (see above), and do so against one of the two teams they've already lost to this year. The Lobos have a pretty good team, and if they can take advantage of BYU's new doughnut (hey, are doughnuts forbidden in Utah too?), maybe they can steal one, and take away all hopes for a # 1 seed for the Stormin' Mormons.


That's it for me today. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[The Poet]

It is impressive the resolve the school has to follow this code, to the point of destroying their athletic teams. Can you imagine a school kicking off their best player and all time leading rusher for having premarital sex in the off season? Same school, in the biggest run their basketball team has ever had, kicking off their second most important player for the same thing....weeks before tournament time and the end of the season(easily could have been swept under the rug until April).

There are varying degrees of violations and MANY would not result in dismissal from the team, but there are others(stuff not even frowned on at other Universities) that will result in that and more....

I am not a BYU fan, though them being local....I was actually excited to see if they could make a run to the Elite 8.... My Utes are not getting in and my Aggies are not doing any damage.


Again, I can't disagree with you on their resolve in standing up to the principles they assert, even if I don't agree with said principles to such a strict degree. But rules are rules, and BYU deserves credit for taking such a potentially self-destructive stance. They are, from a moral viewpoint, completely correct. "A basketball game is just a basketball game, and is nothing when compared to one's immortal soul." I put that in quotes to denote it is not necessarily my firm view, and certainly not as a mockery of theirs, but merely to condense what I feel they believed in this matter.

Good for them.

[The Poet]

OK, so here's some big scores from last night:


New Mexico 82 - BYU 64 = Even before the Cougars suspended their # 2 star, I'd have given the Lobos a shot at the win. This huge a one means 2 things. One, BYU has likely lost any chance at a 1-seed, and might just miss out on a 2, depending on how the end of their (and others) season ends. Two, they'd best make an adjustment in how they play quickly, or it won't matter much WHERE they are seeded.

Duke 70 - Clemson 59 = In and of itself it's no big deal, and totally expected. However . . .

North Carolina 72 - Florida State 70 = . . . coupled with this, it's big for the fans. These two remain tied atop the ACC, and will meet in Chapel Hill Saturday night, and winner takes all.

UAB 67 - Southern Miss 66 = Man, does that one lone point mean a lot. The Blazers remain alone on top of the CUSA by 1 game, with 1 game left against . . .

East Carolina 68 - Memphis 57 = . . . The Pirates, who may not have helped themselves much, but did play the spoiler to the Tigers, who are now out of the race for the CUSA regular season. But it's still not over yet, because . . .

UTEP 82 - Marshall 74 = . . . The Miners stayed one game back with what was, considering the quality of the opponent, a pretty easy win. Not only that . . .

Tulsa 67 - Rice 57 = . . . The Golden Hurricane remain just one back too, so this will be decided on the last day. As those 3 do NOT meet head-to-head (UAB, UTEP, Tulsa), this means the Blazers control their own fate. However, if they stumble while the other two win, we'd have to go to tie-breakers in a 3-way CUSA finish.

Iowa State 95 - Colorado 90 = This one shocks me, as the Buffaloes have played well while the Cyclones lost 12 of 13 before winning their last 2. This W does not help them, but it puts a big hole in Colorado's hopes for an at-large.

Kansas 64 - Texas A&M 51 = And this is about what you'd expect in Lawrence, and does little regarding bids, save maybe solidifying the Jayhawks for their anticipated 1-seed.

Temple 73 - U. Mass 67 (OT) = What? It took the Owls an extra 5 to put down the Meh-nuitmen? That is not a good sign, right here before tourney time.

Miami 80 - Maryland 66 = But I don't think either one of these will have to worry about that. Both of these teams pretty much clinched their NIT invites last night. :D

Michigan State 85 - Iowa 66 = And I am far from convinced that the Spartans have done any better than that themselves, though they have definitely tried their damdest to make a case for an at-large to the NCAAs. Hey, they at least have a shot at that now.

Northwestern 68 - Minnesota 57 = But I don't think they are gonna steal one from the Golden Gophers, as the Gophers have pretty much p!$$ed that away already. Hey, if the Committee gives a bid to a team that's now 6-11 in conference play, they need to put THEMSELVES on probation.

West Virginia 65 - U. Conn 56 = Me, I'm not surprised the Mountaineers won this one at home. Me, I am once again shocked and appalled that a team which is in a 3-way tie for 9th place in their conference with a 9-8 record is still considered to be a Top Twenty team. Well, OK then, give the Big Mouth Conference a dozen bids to the Dance. All that will mean in the end is that they will have more NCAA losses than any other conference.


Tonight conference touney action continues in those already mentioned, and begins in the Northeast and Missouri Valley. Aside from that:


St. John's vs. Seton Hall = The new darlings of college hoops cross the Hudson to beat up on the Pirates in the Rock. After the win they'll go out into the streets of Newark, and get beat up themselves.

Tennessee vs. South Carolina = The Vols visit the Palmetto State, where they could drop another one, no problem. If they do, they'll also drop below .500 in SEC play, and may also drop any shot at an at-large. But hey, somehow it is fitting that Volunteers should be in Invitation tournaments anyway, right?

Wisconsin vs. Indiana = The Hoosiers host the Glaciers, and may even give them a half or so. At this point it matters little to either team. One is safely in the NCAA, one is safely out of all contention, and nothing short of a full-out riot's gonna change any of that.

UCLA vs. Washington = The Bruins will have their hands full up in Seattle as they try to hold onto their share of the Pac-10 lead. This could go either way without surprising me, but I'm pulling for the Beach Boys. Hey, if they win then maybe they will get a little bit of that respect briefly received by . . .

Arizona vs. Oregon State = The Wildcats had their moment in the desert sun, but had their lunch stolen in the LA smog. I'd expect them to retain at least a tie for the Pac-10, as they should easily handle the Beavers down in Tucson. Hey, if that kid from BYU had done the same, instead of handling beavers up in Salt Lake City, maybe he'd be playing tonight!

USC vs. Washington State = Me, I'm not one of those guys who think the Pac-10's all as crappy as some of the experts say. I think they proved that last year, after winning more tourney games than was expected by those experts. Here are two teams that, under most circumstances, would receive at-large bids. There may be one for them to fight over, and there may not. So this could be a huge game.


That's it for now. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[The Poet]

Leaving out possible conference tourney "upsets" only one big surprise from last night's key games:


Seton Hall 84 - St. John's 70 = Maybe the Johnnies took a little break, or maybe the Hall just starting hitting their outside shots when it's too late to save their season. But regardless it is a good win for the Pirates, whose fans have had nothing much to cheer about lately. But I truly don't understand the Red Storm chippiness late. Lavin was ejected with about 2 minutes left for arguing with the refs, then continuing to argue after he'd been slapped with his first T. Then with 8 seconds to go, and the game decided already, senior SJ forward Justin Burrell was ejected for a flagrant when he chased down a SH player in the open court. Hey, that's NYC basketball . . . back in 1954!

Tennessee 73 - South Carolina 69 = Hey, the Vols can win a game, and on the road to boot! It may not be "Rocky Top", but it is at least "Rocky Middlin' ".

Wisconsin 77 - Indiana 67 = The Hoosiers gave a pretty good showing at home, but it just wasn't enough.

Washington 70 - UCLA 63 = The Bruins blow their share of the Pac-10 lead, to . . .

Arizona 70 - Oregon State 59 = . . . but to be fair, the 'Cats had an easier draw here. But to be fair fair, neither 'Zona nor UCLA was supposed to be here in the first place, so good for both of them.

Washington State 85 - USC 77 = Maybe both, or one, or neither of these teams will get an at-large next weekend. The Cougars' high scorer for the year, Klay Thompson, was their 2nd-highest scorer last night . . . until after the game, anyway, when he was busted for possession of pot.


Tonight has some more conference tourney action, such as in the Southern and Colonial, and most notably for Joe in the Ohio Valley, where his Racers will have a tough one against Tennessee Tech, with (hopefully) a tougher one ahead against the winner of Morehead State/Austin Peay. Otherwise:


Princeton vs. Dartmouth // Harvard vs. Penn = The Tigers are a pretty meaningless 1/2-game up on the Crimson (10-1 vs. 10-2), but they have a good chance to stretch that out tonight. They ought to handle Dartmouth, and Haa'vaad could have trouble against the pesky Quakers.


I'll look at the weekend games and be back later.

[The Poet]

Most of us here could name about half the teams which are already "in" the NCAA Tournament, albeit none are yet official. But this weekend we'll know for sure, as a number of conference tourneys (and one actual conference race!) will be decided. Aside from most of these . . . hey, how do you expect me to pick games when I don't know who's playing yet? . . . we will have:


Louisville vs. West Virginia = I'm gonna do what I did earlier, and give the Mountaineers a decent shot at winning this one in Morgantown.

Kansas vs. Missouri = But the way Missou's been playing, I can't give them much of a chance.

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson = These two are "bubbly" at the moment, though I'd put them both in. Yet the win would be huge for whoever wants it more.

Indiana vs. Illinois = And the Hoosiers are out, and maybe the Illini are too. But if they want any shot at all, they HAVE to win this.

Maryland vs. Virginia = And the Terps probably need this, plus a win or two in the ACC Tourney. That starts tomorrow, or ends there.

Georgetown vs Cincinnati = These two have been so consistently inconsistent that it's impossible to call.

Arizona vs. Oregon = The 'Cats got the Pac-10 lead last night, and I don't see the Ducks taking it away from them.

Michigan vs. Michigan State = Will either of these two get at-large bids? Will both? This game may not decide it one way or the other, but it is key for both.

Arkansas vs. Mississippi = You could say about the same thing for these two here.

Villanova vs. Pitt = And you can pencil both these in right now. Still, both have shown some weakness of late, and so both need to turn some things around.

UCLA vs. Washington State = Can the Bruins rebound to clinch 2nd place in league play, or will the Cougars get "high" for this one to act as spoilers?

Florida vs. Vanderbilt = These may be the 2 best teams, at least on a night-to-night basis, in the SEC this year. This should be fun.

Princeton vs. Harvard = And this just might give us our first "official" entrant into the tournament, if it truly does decide the Ivy as I'm assuming it shall.

UAB vs. East Carolina = Can the Blazers take the surging Pirates at home, and take the CUSA here? I'd give them odds.

Texas vs. Baylor = One of these collapsed early, and the other has done so lately. I figure one of them will win this game, and the other one will lose.

San Diego State vs. Colorado State = The Aztecs proved beyond a shadow of a doubt against BYU that they can be beaten, and badly. I don't believe CS can dish out such a spanking, but they can give them some game.

USC vs. Washington = I'm not sure the Trojans can get themselves an at-large, no matter what they do, but a win here would certainly improve their odds.

And then of course, we have THE GAME!!!

Duke vs. North Carolina = The Blue Devils have a 1-seed within reach, if not yet within grasp, and are unlikely to drop to less than a 2 no matter what transpires. The Heels have a chance of moving up as high as a 3-seed if they win and take the ACC regular season, and have a decent showing in the tourney (say, make it to the finals), and may even get a 2-seed if they win it all plus get a little help elsewhere. But all that aside, who cares? It's Duke/Carolina, in primetime bay-bee! What else do you need?


Sunday gives us a few to decompress from that, with:


Kentucky vs. Tennessee = On the one hand, it is in Knoxville, and the Wildcats have struggled outside of Rupp. On the other hand, the Vols have gone back and forth between contenders and pretenders all year long. You want a pick here? I say they both lose. :r

Boston College vs. Wake Forest = We held our wake for the Deacons long ago, but BC still is in the mix for an at-large. If the guys in Chestnut Hill have half the brains as their neighbors in Cambridge, they will show up and crush the Deacs.

Minnesota vs. Penn State = We may have close to the same situation here for the Gophers, though PSU should not be as easy an out. In fact, this might be a pretty decent game, start to finish.

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State = And though these two have no worries about their dancecards being punched, they do have pride . . . and revenge . . . in mind if nothing else. Well, the outright Big Ten lead may hang in the balance, if Purdue can somehow manage to beat Iowa ;) , but what does that matter? This should be a real topper for the regular season, not only in this conference but in men's basketball in toto.


As I'm not supposed to be here tomorrow, I will be back Monday to see what went down. Until then, enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!!! Top 3 guards in the conference can't hit the broad side of a barn and no inside game = tourney upset. Tennessee Tech nails the Racer's hides to the barn door instead. Sheeeesh! I hope the "other" MSU and Peay get knocked out too. I think someone was looking ahead a little too far.

Lotsa action this weekend...

[jcruse64]

Well, Morehead does get the bid. Yuck!!!! I DO hope they have a good Dance though, and best of luck to 'em representing the OVC.

UK struggling in Knoxville, as expected. Liggins just fouled out on a horrible foul to make, but UK still up 3 with 2 to go.


Heh heh heh. Hate to root for the powder blue, but glad NC stomped Dook. I hope this helps ding their chance at a 1 seed. Funny how Dook seems to get the easy, close to home draws when they get a 1.

[The Poet]

Aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!!! Top 3 guards in the conference can't hit the broad side of a barn and no inside game = tourney upset. Tennessee Tech nails the Racer's hides to the barn door instead. Sheeeesh! I hope the "other" MSU and Peay get knocked out too. I think someone was looking ahead a little too far.

Lotsa action this weekend...

Sorry, Joe. I was pulling for your Racers, but they just didn't show up. And yes there was altogether too much action for me to do it all proper justice.

Well, Morehead does get the bid. Yuck!!!! I DO hope they have a good Dance though, and best of luck to 'em representing the OVC.

UK struggling in Knoxville, as expected. Liggins just fouled out on a horrible foul to make, but UK still up 3 with 2 to go.


Heh heh heh. Hate to root for the powder blue, but glad NC stomped Dook. I hope this helps ding their chance at a 1 seed. Funny how Dook seems to get the easy, close to home draws when they get a 1.


Hey, Morehead State and your Racers were the 2 best teams, so I guess it's OK for one of them to represent the league in The Dance.

I managed to see bits and pieces of that UK/Vols game while herfing with a buddy, and it seemed a tight one through the 2nd half. It also seemed the Vols got a little too tight, and blew chances to win it, while the 'Cats made juuuust enough plays down the stretch to take the W.

Me, I don't see any meaningful distinction between a 1 or 2 seed anyway, aside from bragging rights, and maybe placement in a region closer to home. Other than that, you still have to win the games, regardless. Besides, Duke might get a 1-seed even if they get no help in the Big Ten, Big East, or Big 12tourneys, if they can win the ACC one. And it ain't powder blue, or baby blue, or whatever wimpy name you wanna call it. If you don't feel right saying Carolina blue, then just call it what it is . . . sky blue, and further proof that God Himself is a Tar Heel fan. ;)


Update soon.

[The Poet]

First of all, congratulations to our early entrants into the NCAA Tournament, as these have won the automatic bids in their conference:

Belmont = Clearly the best team in that league all year.

Indiana State = I reckon Larry Bird is happy today.

UNC Asheville = Their first time to receive a bid, so good for them.

Morehead State = With all apologies and sympathy to Joe, they won, and so deserve it.


So 4 of the 31 automatics are in the book, with 4 more to follow tonight. Otherwise, as I said above, there was too much for me to report it all, so I'll just hit the games with the biggest significance (to me, which means you're free to add your own). On Saturday:


Clemson 69 - Virginia Tech 60 = And why do I consider this a significant game. Well, we know Duke, UNC, and FSU will get bids in the ACC, and the league may get 2 more at-large, or maybe even 3. Here are 2 in the running for that, as they both end the regular season with 9-7 conference records. In a "normal" year, a winning ACC record would assure one of a bid, but with the Big Mouth getting 15 or 20 bids themselves ( :rolleyes: ) there may not be too many left for the rest of the nation. So, did this put the Tigers in, or knock the Hokies out? It all might come down to who can win a game or three in the ACC Tourney. But you can pretty much forget about . . .

Virginia 74 - Maryland 60 = The Cavaliers had about the same chance as . . . well, as the Cavaliers . . . of getting into the postseason, but the Terps were sorta kinda close to, mebbe. Not any more, and their only chance is to run the table in Greensboro over this coming weekend.

Harvard 79 - Princeton 67 = And this was huge because the Tigers could have clinched the Ivy with a win. Now, they have to beat Penn in their final game, then beat Harvard in a 1-game playoff to get to the Dance. So the Crimson has two chances to win the automatic, while Princeton has two shots at losing it.

Iowa 67 - Purdue 65 = This didn't get the Hawkeyes into the Tourney, nor will it keep the Boilermakers out. But you gotta admit, it's a hell of a good win for Iowa, and a pretty crappy loss for Purdue this late in the year.

Michigan 70 - Michigan State 63 = Much as is the case in the ACC, there is a question as to how many Big Ten schools will get bids. Hey, there are only 68 slots available, and once you subtract the 31 automatics, and the two or three dozen the Big Mouth will get ( :r ), that don't leave us mere mortals with much on the table. These two in-state rivals are now both 9-9 in conferece play. Are both in? Is one out? Will it hinge on Big Ten Tourney play? I'll tell you sometime Sunday night.

North Carolina 81 - Duke 67 = Well, my Heels still didn't shoot great, but they did shoot a lot better than Dook, and they owned the inside play. Plus, they played decent defense, nor did they wilt when the Blue Devils made their runs. The win gave them what must be considered a rather improbable ACC regular season championship against a team that was handed that crown from Day One of the campaign. Now, people who have dissed them for a year and a half are wanting back on the bandwagon. Sorry, but if you weren't in back pushing when we were stuck in the mud, you can't hop on when we're coasting.


Now on Sunday there was:


Boston College 84 - Wake Forest 68 = The win itself is no shock, but it does put the Eagles into that 9-7 ACC record discussion. Are they in, or out? Do they need wins in the league tourney, or even help from other conferences? Again, I'll tell you in about a week.

St. Peter's 62 - Fairfield 48 = The Fairfield Stags had been the best team in the MAC all year. Now it looks like they won't even get into the gym for one little Dance, and will need to shake their booty in the NIT.

VCU 79 - George Mason 63 = I have been a casual VCU fan for decades, so forgive me if I refuse to confess that the main reason I revel in the result is that Geo. Mason knocked my Heels outta the Dance some years back. I figure GM will still get an at-large, while VCU's shot may still hinge on their next game, tonight, against . . .

ODU 77 - Hofstra 69 = As above, I sorta like Old Dominion because they run a quality mid-major program that has success year after year. I'm not sure the Pride will get an at-large, as I'm not sure the Colonial will get 4 teams in, and I would think both teams playing for the championship should get bids. But me, I don't get a vote.

Penn State 66 - Minnesota 63 = Two vital points here. First, this puts the Lions into that 9-9 Big Ten question mentioned above. In, or out? Second, what in the hell happened to the Tin Gophers this year? They were having a nice season, but now have lost 9 of 10 games. There are struggles, there are collapses, and then there's just giving up. Sheesh.

Kentucky 64 - Tennessee 58 = As talked about briefly above, the 'Cats kept close in Knoxville, and made the plays in the last six or eight minutes the Vols could not. So there's also two questions here. Does Kentucky have the depth to win more than a game or two in the NCAAs? And do the Volunteers even get a ticket to the Dance at all? Before you automatically say "Of course they do", consider that their 8-8 and 18-13 record is "meh" at best, and perhaps more so when one considers how weak the SEC West division truly is, while the admittedly much better East has only 2 teams in the national rankings (Florida and Kentucky), and both are merely middlin' in those ranks. And the Vols have lost 6 or their last 9 to boot. In my eyes, it's not a layup.

Ohio State 93 - Wisconsin 65 = I have watched the Buckeyes play a few times this year, and came away with the impression that they were good, but far from great. Well, if they can bottle what they did yesterday, and play in the NCAAs the way they did against the Badgers, they could cakewalk through the "competition", if you could call it that. They have both size and perimeter play, both youth and experience, and play hard on both ends. What they don't have is depth, and that could hurt them if somebody . . . or three . . . tweeks a hammie or commits some stupid fouls early. Otherwise, they are clearly at this point the Number 1 Number 1.


Tonight, action continues in the Sun Belt and Summit tourneys, while it ends in others, as four more tickets get punched this evening:


VCU vs. ODU = As I said above, I'd put both the Colonial teams in, regardless. But if they want to insure a seat on the bus, all they have to do is win this game. I'm hoping for a great one.

Iona vs. St. Peter's = And this will determine the MAC's automatic, and will give one of these the chance to get beaten in the opening round.

Charleston vs. Wofford = This one is the Southern Conference championship, and there will be no at-large for the loser. I think the Cougars are better than the Terriers, and they have the better record to indicate that, plus they have already beaten them twice. But the third time, for all the marbles, is a different situation altogether. This could be an all-out war.

Gonzaga vs. St. Mary's = The Gaels have struggle down the stretch, but still are capable of beating anybody in the WCC. And, after their early problems, the 'Zags have managed to get back into contention for a seat they believe should be kept warm for them, year after year. The WCC may get both in regardless of the results tonight, but better safe than sorry. So, just win bay-bee!!


That's all for me for now. Back tomorrow. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[JaKaacH]

First of all, congratulations to our early entrants into the NCAA Tournament, as these have won the automatic bids in their conference:

Belmont = Clearly the best team in that league all year.

Indiana State = I reckon Larry Bird is happy today.

UNC Asheville = Their first time to receive a bid, so good for them.

Morehead State = With all apologies and sympathy to Joe, they won, and so deserve it.


So 4 of the 31 automatics are in the book, with 4 more to follow tonight. Otherwise, as I said above, there was too much for me to report it all, so I'll just hit the games with the biggest significance (to me, which means you're free to add your own). On Saturday:


Clemson 69 - Virginia Tech 60 = And why do I consider this a significant game. Well, we know Duke, UNC, and FSU will get bids in the ACC, and the league may get 2 more at-large, or maybe even 3. Here are 2 in the running for that, as they both end the regular season with 9-7 conference records. In a "normal" year, a winning ACC record would assure one of a bid, but with the Big Mouth getting 15 or 20 bids themselves ( :rolleyes: ) there may not be too many left for the rest of the nation. So, did this put the Tigers in, or knock the Hokies out? It all might come down to who can win a game or three in the ACC Tourney. But you can pretty much forget about . . .

Virginia 74 - Maryland 60 = The Cavaliers had about the same chance as . . . well, as the Cavaliers . . . of getting into the postseason, but the Terps were sorta kinda close to, mebbe. Not any more, and their only chance is to run the table in Greensboro over this coming weekend.

Harvard 79 - Princeton 67 = And this was huge because the Tigers could have clinched the Ivy with a win. Now, they have to beat Penn in their final game, then beat Harvard in a 1-game playoff to get to the Dance. So the Crimson has two chances to win the automatic, while Princeton has two shots at losing it.

Iowa 67 - Purdue 65 = This didn't get the Hawkeyes into the Tourney, nor will it keep the Boilermakers out. But you gotta admit, it's a hell of a good win for Iowa, and a pretty crappy loss for Purdue this late in the year.

Michigan 70 - Michigan State 63 = Much as is the case in the ACC, there is a question as to how many Big Ten schools will get bids. Hey, there are only 68 slots available, and once you subtract the 31 automatics, and the two or three dozen the Big Mouth will get ( :r ), that don't leave us mere mortals with much on the table. These two in-state rivals are now both 9-9 in conferece play. Are both in? Is one out? Will it hinge on Big Ten Tourney play? I'll tell you sometime Sunday night.

North Carolina 81 - Duke 67 = Well, my Heels still didn't shoot great, but they did shoot a lot better than Dook, and they owned the inside play. Plus, they played decent defense, nor did they wilt when the Blue Devils made their runs. The win gave them what must be considered a rather improbable ACC regular season championship against a team that was handed that crown from Day One of the campaign. Now, people who have dissed them for a year and a half are wanting back on the bandwagon. Sorry, but if you weren't in back pushing when we were stuck in the mud, you can't hop on when we're coasting.


Now on Sunday there was:


Boston College 84 - Wake Forest 68 = The win itself is no shock, but it does put the Eagles into that 9-7 ACC record discussion. Are they in, or out? Do they need wins in the league tourney, or even help from other conferences? Again, I'll tell you in about a week.

St. Peter's 62 - Fairfield 48 = The Fairfield Stags had been the best team in the MAC all year. Now it looks like they won't even get into the gym for one little Dance, and will need to shake their booty in the NIT.

VCU 79 - George Mason 63 = I have been a casual VCU fan for decades, so forgive me if I refuse to confess that the main reason I revel in the result is that Geo. Mason knocked my Heels outta the Dance some years back. I figure GM will still get an at-large, while VCU's shot may still hinge on their next game, tonight, against . . .

ODU 77 - Hofstra 69 = As above, I sorta like Old Dominion because they run a quality mid-major program that has success year after year. I'm not sure the Pride will get an at-large, as I'm not sure the Colonial will get 4 teams in, and I would think both teams playing for the championship should get bids. But me, I don't get a vote.

Penn State 66 - Minnesota 63 = Two vital points here. First, this puts the Lions into that 9-9 Big Ten question mentioned above. In, or out? Second, what in the hell happened to the Tin Gophers this year? They were having a nice season, but now have lost 9 of 10 games. There are struggles, there are collapses, and then there's just giving up. Sheesh.

Kentucky 64 - Tennessee 58 = As talked about briefly above, the 'Cats kept close in Knoxville, and made the plays in the last six or eight minutes the Vols could not. So there's also two questions here. Does Kentucky have the depth to win more than a game or two in the NCAAs? And do the Volunteers even get a ticket to the Dance at all? Before you automatically say "Of course they do", consider that their 8-8 and 18-13 record is "meh" at best, and perhaps more so when one considers how weak the SEC West division truly is, while the admittedly much better East has only 2 teams in the national rankings (Florida and Kentucky), and both are merely middlin' in those ranks. And the Vols have lost 6 or their last 9 to boot. In my eyes, it's not a layup.

Ohio State 93 - Wisconsin 65 = I have watched the Buckeyes play a few times this year, and came away with the impression that they were good, but far from great. Well, if they can bottle what they did yesterday, and play in the NCAAs the way they did against the Badgers, they could cakewalk through the "competition", if you could call it that. They have both size and perimeter play, both youth and experience, and play hard on both ends. What they don't have is depth, and that could hurt them if somebody . . . or three . . . tweeks a hammie or commits some stupid fouls early. Otherwise, they are clearly at this point the Number 1 Number 1.


Tonight, action continues in the Sun Belt and Summit tourneys, while it ends in others, as four more tickets get punched this evening:


VCU vs. ODU = As I said above, I'd put both the Colonial teams in, regardless. But if they want to insure a seat on the bus, all they have to do is win this game. I'm hoping for a great one.

Iona vs. St. Peter's = And this will determine the MAC's automatic, and will give one of these the chance to get beaten in the opening round.

Charleston vs. Wofford = This one is the Southern Conference championship, and there will be no at-large for the loser. I think the Cougars are better than the Terriers, and they have the better record to indicate that, plus they have already beaten them twice. But the third time, for all the marbles, is a different situation altogether. This could be an all-out war.

Gonzaga vs. St. Mary's = The Gaels have struggle down the stretch, but still are capable of beating anybody in the WCC. And, after their early problems, the 'Zags have managed to get back into contention for a seat they believe should be kept warm for them, year after year. The WCC may get both in regardless of the results tonight, but better safe than sorry. So, just win bay-bee!!


That's all for me for now. Back tomorrow. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

KU vs. MU..??????

[The Poet]

KU vs. MU..??????

A game? Yes. A big game? For fans of both teams maybe, but not in the big picture. Kansas is pretty safe as a 1-seed, and a loss may not have changed that. Missou was in, win or lose also. I did not mention Arizona's or UCLA's games for much the same reason, nor Pitt's nor Notre Dame's. They were big for those teams, but not big for the NCAA scene as a whole. Plus, I invited people to put in their own comments about games, not only in the post above but from Day One of this thread. So if you would like to add something in a little more depth than just "KU vs. MU?", I would not only welcome it, I would encourage it . . . and others, too.

[JaKaacH]

A game? Yes. A big game? For fans of both teams maybe, but not in the big picture. Kansas is pretty safe as a 1-seed, and a loss may not have changed that. Missou was in, win or lose also. I did not mention Arizona's or UCLA's games for much the same reason, nor Pitt's nor Notre Dame's. They were big for those teams, but not big for the NCAA scene as a whole. Plus, I invited people to put in their own comments about games, not only in the post above but from Day One of this thread. So if you would like to add something in a little more depth than just "KU vs. MU?", I would not only welcome it, I would encourage it . . . and others, too.

K-State vs. Iowa State...??????

[jcruse64]

Now, people who have dissed them for a year and a half are wanting back on the bandwagon. Sorry, but if you weren't in back pushing when we were stuck in the mud, you can't hop on when we're coasting.

Don't worry, I won't! :noon:r:D

ODU has been given a rough 2nd half from VCU. This is a good game.

The MAAC is in the last 30 seconds, with St Pete up 5...no, 6.

[JaKaacH]

Texas Tech vs. Pat Knight ...????



:r

[The Poet]

K-State vs. Iowa State...??????

Within the parameters I set, you'd have a better case with Texas vs. Baylor. K-State already earned their way into the Tourney, and Iowa State already "earned" their way out of it. With 'Horns/Bears, there was the question of one staying in contention for a 1 or 2-seed, while the other needed a signature win to get some late consideration for any sort of bid at all.

Texas Tech vs. Pat Knight ...????



:r


OK, now you're just %^@&in' with me. :D

[357]

Feeling around here is that both Michigan and Michigan State will get in, but if one was going to be out would likely be MSU.

Not sure I 100% agree, but that is the local sports talk radio vibe.

[The Poet]

Don't worry, I won't! :noon:r:D

ODU has been given a rough 2nd half from VCU. This is a good game.

The MAAC is in the last 30 seconds, with St Pete up 5...no, 6.

WHAT!! After the way I pulled for your stinkin' Racers all year long! Well, that's some damn gratitude for you. :r

Hey, I straight out told you, and have been telling you all year long, that these two play some decent ball. 'Grats to ODU for winning the automatic in the Colonial. Now we'll have to wait and see how many at-large they get.

And 'grats to the Peacocks from Joisey City too, edging a feisty Gaels squad by 2 possessions for the MAAC automatic.

Feeling around here is that both Michigan and Michigan State will get in, but if one was going to be out would likely be MSU.

Not sure I 100% agree, but that is the local sports talk radio vibe.

I'm a bit of two minds about both schools, to be honest. The Spartans played the first 3/4th of the season like they didn't even care, when I felt they had the talent to make a run for the Big Ten crown. Meanwhile, the Wolverines started very slowly, as might be expected for a young team, but that talent began to jell late. Too late? I dunno. I could see both getting a bid, one or the other, or . . .least likely . . . both missing out. It may all hinge on the conference tourneys, and not just the Big Ten one. For instance, if there's an upset in another big conference (NCSU wins the ACC, Rutgers the Big East, Oklahoma the Big 12) that means fewer at-large slots available, and could push bubble teams over the back edge. It has happened in the past, and will happen in the future too.


Update soon.

[The Poet]

As mentioned above, a few more automatic bids were awarded last night:


ODU 70 - VCU 65 = Just precisely the type of hard-fought battle I expected.

St. Peter's 62 - Iona 57 = Another tight game that could have gone either way.

Wofford 77 - Charleston 67 = This one surprises me a little bit, as I felt CoC was the pick of the Southern this year. But the Terriers were tougher when it counted most, and will Dance next week.

Gonzaga 75 - St. Mary's 63 = Yet this one does not shock me any. The Gaels were one of my early faves out west, but they faded late in the year. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, turned around their early struggles and have gotten hot when it counted most. Gonzaga wins the automatic in the WCC. Will the Gaels get an at-large? They have a case . . . and strange as it seems, that case is not yet closed. Back in February an additional game was added to their schedule against Weber State, so they still have one more chance to make an impression . . . good, or bad.


Three more automatic bids will be won (or lost, depending on your rooting interest) tonight:


AR Little Rock vs. North Texas = This is for the Sun Belt. Aside from knowing North Texas has played well in a few games against tough competition this year, I know nothing. Let's just hope it's an entertaining game.

Oral Roberts vs. Oakland = And I really don't know enough about these two Summit teams to make a cogent comment either, save to say one of them ought to win it.

Butler vs. Wisc. Milwaukee = Here is the battle for the zenith of the Horizon, pitting the darlings of last year's NCAAs against a team they split against during the regular season. Might be a really good game.


Other than that, play begins in several other conference tournaments, namely the Big East, A-10, Mid-Eastern, Mid-American, and Big Sky. Already today in MSG U. Conn ended a 6-game losing streak in Big East Tourney play by beating DePaul 97-71, while Rutgers advanced in the Battle of Jersey by outlasting Seton Hall 76-70 in OT. Other than that, I will ignore most of the early round games, with two exceptions plus the exception of one last regular season game for:

Princeton vs. Penn = As we stand, the Tigers are 1/2-game back of Harvard, with this one final chance to catch them by beating the Quakers. Lose, and it is over. Win, and they will need to face the Crimson in a one-game playoff for the sole Ivy automatic bid. See, JaKaacH? That's what I mean about an important game.

Providence vs. Marquette = This one may not be quite as important for the Golden Eagles, as they may be juuuuuust slightly over that dreaded bubble, at 18-13 and 9-9. However, as is the case with the two Michigan teams mentioned above, better safe than sorry. If the Friars knock Marquette out of the Big East Tourney on the first day, you can bet CBS will have one of those cameras on the team, awaiting their reaction on Selection Sunday.

Dayton vs. U. Mass = And this game is important on the other side of that coin. Both these teams have had fairly good years, but not nearly good enough to get any at-large consideration, what with their 7-9 Atlantic-10 standings. So their only prayer is to make a run in the conference tournament, and hope that, even if they don't win it all, they will win enough to at least put themselves back in the bubble talk. That starts for one of them tonight, and ends for the other.


That's gonna be it for now. Enjoy. And thank you, Drew, for running off to hide while forcing Kendall Marshall to step up and show you how it's supposed to be done. :tu

[jcruse64]

:D:D:D Sorry, it's against the citizenship rules of the Commonwealth here to root for that particular shade of blue ;).

Ark-LR and North Tex have a good game going right now.

Could Harvard get their first Dance card in decades tonight???

Hoping I can stay awake for the Butler game. Looks like I'll miss some SEC action on the radio this week. Got an ISO audit at work the rest of this week, so I can't carry a radio around the plant or go sneak in a few minutes with HR (HUGE UK fan).

[The Poet]

Sorry, it's against the citizenship rules of the Commonwealth here to root for that particular shade of blue.

Ark-LR and North Tex have a good game going right now.

Could Harvard get their first Dance card in decades tonight???

Hoping I can stay awake for the Butler game. Looks like I'll miss some SEC action on the radio this week. Got an ISO audit at work the rest of this week, so I can't carry a radio around the plant or go sneak in a few minutes with HR (HUGE UK fan).


Well, though I cannot condone such intolerance based upon color, I have some grasp on the reasons why. Not only does my Heels have a history of beating Kentucky like a cheap drum, but Dean Smith had the "gall" to win exactly one more game than Adolph Rupp, then retire. :r

And yes, that AR-LR/NT game would go down as a classic, had it been played in something a bit bigger than the Sun Belt Championship game.

"Could Harvard get their first Dance card in decades?" Yes. "Tonight?" No.

Judging by the score, the Butler/W-M game wasn't all that good. As for your problem in catching SEC action . . . well, it makes me wonder how old you are. I can clearly remember kids sneaking 9-volt transitor radios with that cheesy single earplug into grade school to listen to the World Series. What, do I need to teach my grandson how to suck eggs? :D


Update shortly.

[The Poet]

Two of the three tickets punched last night have already been referenced, so I'll start with them:


AR Little Rock 64 - North Texas 63 = Solomon Boseman hits a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left to win the Sun Belt automatic bid, and put his school into The Dance for the first time in over two decades. Would you care to speculate on who's the BMOC today?

Butler 59 - Wisc. Milwaukee 44 = The Bulldogs make it back into the NCAAs, after a season which started with serious doubts that they could do so. Congratulations to last year's runner-up . . . but I don't expect they'll stick around quite as long this time.

Oakland 90 - Oral Roberts 76 = And this gives the Golden Grizzlies of Oakland (Michigan, that is) the automatic bid in the Summit. Can they now win a game in the NCAAs? Don't forget that, back in mid-December, they did manage to beat the UT Volunteers . . . for what that's worth. :D


Other games with big impact last night include:


Princeton 70 - Penn 58 = The Tigers win one they had to, and get back into a tie with Harvard for the Ivy. So now they will face off in a one-game playoff for the sole automatic bid. Will Princeton get back to where they've had some success? Will Haa'vaad finally get back into The Dance for the first time since the two-handed setshot was the game . . . specifically, 19-freakin'-46? We'll have to wait until Saturday, when like two Old West gunfighters they meet halfway down the street, and face off on Yale's court.

South Florida 70 - Villanova 69 = What? Are you kidding me? This is only South Fla's 10th win all year, and that's no Bull! Plus, they were down by as much as 16 points, yet managed to come back and steal a victory in the Big East tourney from a team that's been ranked all year . . . until lately. Meanwhile, this makes 10 losses for the Philly 'Cats in their last 15 games! Have they put themselves on the backside of the bubble, especially in light of . . .

Marquette 87 - Prividence 66 = . . . the Golden Eagles perhaps putting themselves above 'Nova on that bubble with this win? That will all depend on exactly how deep the Committee dives into the Big East pool. Nine bids? Ten? Eleven? We'll see come Sunday.


Today we have action beginning in a handful of other conference tournaments, namely the Big 12, CUSA, Southland, Southwestern Athletic (not to be confused with the SEC), WAC, Mountain West, and Pac-10. Of these games, I see only two which might have some immediate impact, and one of them is already over:


Oklahoma State 53 - Nebraska 52 = This loss by the Cornhuskers is no big surprise, but it may have had the effect of pushing them off the backside of the bubble.

Oklahoma vs. Baylor = As mentioned above regarding the season-ending game against Texas, the Baylor Bears really need to do some more to get into the NCAAs. They are just as close to falling off the bubble as they are to climbing atop it, much less getting over the hump. It might take two wins in the Big 12 tourney to help their cause, but you can't win two if you don't win the first one.


That's all I'm gonna do today. Jump in with your own picks and gripes and misses, please. Enjoy.

[The Poet]

Whoops! I missed two games of some import:


Robert Morris vs. Long Island = This one will decide who gets to represent the Northeast Conference in the NCAA Tournament, for probably about 20 minutes. LIU has been the class of the league all year, and RM finished 3rd, so it should be a competitive game.

Montana vs. Northern Colorado = As should this one for the Big Sky automatic bid, since these schools finished 1 and 2 in conference play.


So, two more tickets get punched this evening, and though they may not be long-haul passes, they possess worth nonetheless.

[rebelknight]

Congrats to all the schools locking up auto bids. I feel a little bad for Rutgers. Don't know if an extra possession or win would have done anything for them but it doesn't change that the refs potentially changed the outcome of that game at least 3 times down the stretch. Also in the big east, USF is playing well(ish) in the first half and keeping it close enough but I don't expect a repeat of last night. I see Cinci holding on to this one and probably stretching the lead out even more by the end.

[The Poet]

Congrats to all the schools locking up auto bids. I feel a little bad for Rutgers. Don't know if an extra possession or win would have done anything for them but it doesn't change that the refs potentially changed the outcome of that game at least 3 times down the stretch. Also in the big east, USF is playing well(ish) in the first half and keeping it close enough but I don't expect a repeat of last night. I see Cinci holding on to this one and probably stretching the lead out even more by the end.


Coach Mike Rice took the high road for his Scarlet Knights and refused to criticise the refs, which shows he has some class. Good for him. And unlike the newspapermen, who jumped all over the zebras in the initial rush to judgement, the local radio guys have had a night to sleep on it, and are a bit more reflective. Sure, they say, the officiating was terrible, with a number of calls going against Rutgers, and not just those in the last few seconds. But still, they contend they did not so much steal the game for St. John's as they deprived RU a shot at getting a tie, or maybe a win . . . which the Knights may or may not have been able to do. Yes, the guy travelled with no whistle blown, but that happens often. Yes, throwing the ball into the stands WOULD have constituted a technical foul, IF they had blown the whistle and the clock was stopped, but not so since the clock was running. The one thing they had a problem with was stepping out of bounds, which they say was plain as day and a call no good ref should have missed. And the radio jocks make the point that, because no whistle was blown, and because the clock never stopped, these plays were, BY RULE, not reviewable. So, the refs did a bad job, no doubt, but they did not outright rob Rutgers.

And yes, the Bearcats ended up clawing the Bulls. Now let's see what they can do with the Irish.


A brief and rushed update to follow.

[The Poet]

OK, a late start today, so here's the highlights. Last night:


Long Island 85 - Robert Morris 82 (OT) = LIU gets the automatic in the Northeast Conference.

Northern Colorado 65 - Montana 60 = And the Bears get their first NCAA bid, in only their 4th year in D1 play. In their 1st season, they won 4 games total, and finished dead last in the RPI rating.

Oklahoma 84 - Baylor 67 = I'm not sure it means anything much to the Sooners, yet anyway, but this may have been the nail in Baylor's coffin.


Today action kicked off in the gran'daddy of all conference tournaments, the Atlantic Coast Conference. Had I the time, I'd now blog a few pages about how I feel about all these OTHER conferences claiming how THEIR tournaments are the greatest thing since sliced bread. :rolleyes: But I don't, so let's hit some early scores:


Boston College 81 - Wake Forest 67 = Speaking of the ACC, this could be big for the Eagles, as they are one of several teams in this league on the bubble. They need all the help they can get, and Wake has been obliging people all season long.

U. Conn 76 - Pitt 74 = Kemba Walker hits a fadeaway at the buzzer to upset the Panthers. The Huskies went 6 years without winning a game in the Big East Tourney, and have now won 3 in 3 days. Good for them. But of more import, does this early exit by Pitt cost them a 1-seed? Well, on one hand, the previous two seasons the top Big East team has lost in the opening round, yet still retained their top seed in the NCAAs. On the other, this year there's really only two "locks" so far, in Ohio State and Kansas, and depending on what Notre Dame, Duke, and UNC do in the next few days it is possible that Pitt could slip to a 2-seed because of this loss.

Kansas 63 - Oklahoma State 62 = I don't, in this case, think the Jayhawks would have lost their 1-seed had they dropped this one to the Cowboys. And it is sometimes good for a team to have a tight game early in tournament play, just to get their attention and focus. Still, this can't be a very encouraging sign for the Lawrence faithful.

Northwestern 75 - Minnesota 65 = As with that Baylor loss above, this is likely the end of the road for the Gophers, unless they go-for the NIT invite.

East Carolina 75 - UAB 70 (OT) = And remember above above, where I talked about an upset in conference tourneys stealing at-large bids from the Michigans/Michigan States/Villanovas/Virginia Techs etc. of the world? Well, UAB will still get an at-large out of the CUSA, so here's a potential wrench in the works in the works.

Colorado 87 - Kansas State 75 = Perhaps this score is of no major importance in and of itself, as both the Wildcats and the Buffs were at-larges anyway. Yet it is one more indication of the inconsistent play out of that other Manhattan.


Aside from a ton of further conference action, there are three games with some immediacy:


Iowa vs. Michigan State = Some people think the Spartans are safely in the NCAAs with an at-large. Me, I'm not totally convinced of that. A win here would help them a lot.

Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech = And some people think the Hokies are on the backside of any NCAA bubble, but a win or two in the ACC Tourney would change their minds about that quickly.

Cincinnati vs. Notre Dame = And most people, including me, think both these teams already have punched tickets to The Dance. But the Irish have a 1-seed dangling in front of them, and though it may not be within their full grasp they do have their fingers on it already. A stumble like Pitt made today, however, and that tenuous grip get a little slicker.


That's about all I have time for today. See you tomorrow. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Tough ending for Rutgers, but I agree; coach was VERY classy in his response. Good on him!

Pitt is out, and The extra help from the refs was not there today for St. Johns, as the Orange knock them out today. Be interesting to see if the Cards can hold out.

Sneak in a radio w/ earpiece? Not likely. I'm the one being audited and taking the auditor around to check our plant and the system out, so no distractions. Hopefully, tomorrow's closing will be at lunch.

[rebelknight]

Absolutely the coach for Rutgers handled it properly and I agree that the refs didn't take the win away. I was just noting that it's sad to see a game decided in that fashion. Aside from the ball throw, the travel and stepping out of bounds I saw a few other fouls but what can you do? Cuse Uconn should be very interesting though. Kemba is playing out of his mind but Cuse is playing well also along with only playing their 2nd game in a row compared to UCONN's 4 in a row.

Now to the Big 10. Does OSU have to worry, after seeing Kansas win by a point and seeing Pitt go 1 and done? How much more work does MSU have to do? Good day of basketball tomorrow is all I know.

[The Poet]

Absolutely the coach for Rutgers handled it properly and I agree that the refs didn't take the win away. I was just noting that it's sad to see a game decided in that fashion. Aside from the ball throw, the travel and stepping out of bounds I saw a few other fouls but what can you do? Cuse Uconn should be very interesting though. Kemba is playing out of his mind but Cuse is playing well also along with only playing their 2nd game in a row compared to UCONN's 4 in a row.

Now to the Big 10. Does OSU have to worry, after seeing Kansas win by a point and seeing Pitt go 1 and done? How much more work does MSU have to do? Good day of basketball tomorrow is all I know.

No doubt is is a shame when the refs ruin a good game for the players and the fans. As for Orange/Huskies, neither has a sterling record in the Big East tourney, and both can have bad games. U. Conn may indeed have tired legs, but if Walker can hit some open shots over that 'Cuse zone they will have a decent chance tonight.

I think both OSU an KU were locks as 1-seeds, regardless of what they did in the conference tourneys. Now that both have survived scares, I believe they are double-locks. And the Spartans do now have 19 wins, so maybe they are safely off the bubble. Still, we do have a number of automatics left to determine, which can always steal at-large bids, so we will have to wait until Sunday.


Update shortly.

[The Poet]

\Pitt is out, and The extra help from the refs was not there today for St. Johns, as the Orange knock them out today. Be interesting to see if the Cards can hold out.

Hopefully, tomorrow's closing will be at lunch.


Pitt is also one of those quality teams that does not seem to perform well in tournaments. And the Johnnies lost the game, but worse for them they lost their senior guard D.J. Kennedy with a torn ACL. This will hurt them in NCAA play, and might even drop them a spot in the seedings. As for Louisville, I see them having some trouble stopping Notre Dame from scoring at will on them, if they continue to hit shots like they have been. But it should be a good game, for most of it anyway. Plus, you never know who'll show up when the pressure's on.

I also hope you get a short day, and get to check some action.


I promise, update soon.

[The Poet]

Conference tournament action continues all across the country, with too many games to mention. So again I will only post about those I see as having potential NCAA Tourney impact, and leave you guys to post your own teams if you wish. In the balance of last night's contests:


Maryland 75 - N. C. State 67 = The Terps are trying to get back onto the bubble, in the hopes that they can even make it back over. This was a good start.

Michigan State 66 - Iowa 61 = And though the Spartans were closer to that bubble than the Terps, it's the same story here.

Virginia Tech 59 - Georgia Tech 43 = And the same for the Hokies here.

Oregon 76 - UCLA 59 = And though this truly should have no impact on the NCAAs, it does surprise me that the Bruins lost so badly to the lousy Ducks, and does not bode well for their survival in the Dance.


In today's games we have already seen:


Ohio State 67 - Northwestern 61 (OT) = The Buckeyes survive a real scare from the lowly Wildcats. Although I don't think they would have lost their 1-seed had they dropped this, it does make it easier on the Selection Committee that they won. Plus, like I said earlier, about the Kansas scare, sometimes a game like this gets a team's attention. And they weren't the only ones who got a wake-up call.

North Carolina 61 - Miami 59 = Down by 19 points with time getting low in the 2nd half, the Heels start hitting some 3s, and stop turning the ball over, and make a late run. Tyler Zeller lays the ball in at the buzzer for the W. Had they lost, they may or may not have also lost their 2-seed, but they could have kissed goodbye their admittedly outside chance of a 1-seed goodbye.

Alabama 65 - Georgia 59 (OT) = This might be the win that gets the poorly-considered Tide into the Dance, and might also be the loss that knocks the 'Dawgs out.

St. Joseph's 93 - Duquesne 90 (OT) = What? The lowly Hawks are still alive in A-10 play? Who'd a thunk? Not me for sure. Keep an eye on their next game, as this could become one of those unexpected "automatics" that steal an at-large from a bubble team.

Clemson 70 - Boston College 47 = Wow, what a spanking. The Tigers can breathe a little easier now about their at-large hopes, while things get a little tight in the Eagles' craws.

Michigan 60 - Illinois 55 = And this may be the exact same situation, with the Logans punching a ticket while punching out the Illini at the same time.


Other games of note to follow include:


Lafayette vs. Bucknell = This will be the automatic for the Patriot League.

Kansas vs. Colorado = KU won't lose their 1-seed if they lose this game. As for the Buffaloes, they have had a relatively weak non-conference schedule, which matters a lot when it comes down to picking the last few teams to make the cut. But if they can beat the Jayhawks, all that is moot.

Michigan State vs. Purdue = Same thing here. Maybe the Spartans have played themselves into an at-large, but a victory over the 'Makers would seal that.

Duke vs. Maryland = And the same thing for the Terps in this one. I'm sorry if they finished with a losing record in ACC play . . . if they beat Dook in the tourney you HAVE to give them a bid. As for the Blue Devils, they know they still have a chance for a 1-seed, but not if they lose this game.

East Carolina vs. Memphis = If your team is one of those "iffy" bubble teams, then you'd better be cheering for the Memphis Tigers tonight. If the Pirates survive, then take the CUSA sutomatic tomorrow, your squad may be NIT'ting instead.

Virginia Tech vs. Florida State = I'm not sure the Seminoles have much to either win or lose tonight. They have earned an at-large, and could maybe move up a seeding or two with a seriour run this weekend, but they won't move significantly far. However, the Hokies can remove most of the doubters from the Committee regarding their at-large qualifications with a win.


That's about it for me tonight. Enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

Wow! Figured UL was all done in when I dozed off last night. Wifey tells me this morning that they survived, after the Irish caught a cold in the 2nd. Great win for UConn, too.

UK is currently hitting on all 12 cylinders against the Tide. I WOULD say this is done, but it IS UK, and there's 9 minutes left, and it's not in Rupp ;).

Boston U just won their cliffhanger of a final and picks up their dancing shoes!

THE OSU and Michigan are at the half, 31-27 OSU in a close game.

Speaking of THE OSU, this is off-topic, but anyone heard the story on ESPN's Kirk Herbstriet reportedly saying he's moving from his homeland to Nashvile, TN, because the 5-10% of THE OSU fans are just too mean and he can't take any more abuse from them over how fair an analyst he must be? (That was a long sentence) Read it this morning, then heard Dino, on Mad Dog Radio, talking about it. Dino says it smells fishy, and I gotta agree. Unless he's got a stalker like the Roll Tide Tree Killer stalking his kids or something.

[The Poet]

Will comment shortly, but since my Heels just scored the last 5 points to send their game with Clemson into OT I'm a bit busy at the moment.

;s

[rebelknight]

Ohio State is wrapping things up nicely today after yesterdays scare. Penn St Michigan St has a little bit of hope to be interesting after Penn St beat Wisconsin off of 36 points but realistically if MSU plays like they did yesterday and PSU shoots like they did yesterday this game will just be embarressing. Big 12 final and Big East final should be fun. Can Kemba make it 5 games in 5 days? And do who does UNC play in the ACC final? So far its been a great weekend of basketball looking forward to tomorrows games and the selection show

[The Poet]

And do who does UNC play in the ACC final?

Well, first my Heels had to take care of Clemson in OT, 92-87, and will face the winner of the upcoming Duke/Virginia Tech game. UNC came from behind again to force the OT, built a nice lead early in the extra session, then made enough key plays and FTs to hold on for the win. Man, am I exhausted! BTW, the much-maligned freshman Harrison Barnes only scored 40 of those 92 points.

[The Poet]

Wow! Figured UL was all done in when I dozed off last night. Wifey tells me this morning that they survived, after the Irish caught a cold in the 2nd. Great win for UConn, too.

UK is currently hitting on all 12 cylinders against the Tide. I WOULD say this is done, but it IS UK, and there's 9 minutes left, and it's not in Rupp ;).

Boston U just won their cliffhanger of a final and picks up their dancing shoes!

THE OSU and Michigan are at the half, 31-27 OSU in a close game.

Speaking of THE OSU, this is off-topic, but anyone heard the story on ESPN's Kirk Herbstriet reportedly saying he's moving from his homeland to Nashvile, TN, because the 5-10% of THE OSU fans are just too mean and he can't take any more abuse from them over how fair an analyst he must be? (That was a long sentence) Read it this morning, then heard Dino, on Mad Dog Radio, talking about it. Dino says it smells fishy, and I gotta agree. Unless he's got a stalker like the Roll Tide Tree Killer stalking his kids or something.


Question now is, did Louisville hurt the Irish when it comes to a 1-seed? I don't think so, but we'll see.

Hey, UK doesn't lose EVERY road game, ya know?

Doesn't BU have to beat Stony Brook today to get the automatic? I could be wrong.

OSU/MSU likely means little in NCAA terms, as I think both are locks already.

And I've heard nothing about that guy fleeing Columbus for Nashville, but it probably has something to do with the recent Buckeye football scandal. The local ESPN radio people here are getting phone calls from Ohio saying how critics of OSU are jealous haters, and that everybody cheats. These analysts have replied they should just STFU, because they already get too much of this type of myopia from Kentucky. :r

[The Poet]

Big games from last night:


Arizona 67 - USC 62 = Does this end the Trojan hopes for a bid?

Bucknell 72 - Lafayette 57 = The Patriot automatic to Bucknell.

BYU 87 - New Mexico 76 = Aside from revenge, and maybe sealing BYU's 2-seed, this could keep the Lobos out.

Duke 87 - Maryland 71 = And this could keep the Terps out too. Also, since Nolan Smith hurt his toe late in this game, it could also mean problems for Dook.

Virginia Tech - Florida State 51 = I really don't see how the Committee can keep the Hokies out now.

Menphis 76 - East Carolina 56 = For those holding their breath waiting to see if they get an at-large, this helps by taking one joker out of the deck.

Louisville 83 - Notre Dame 77 (OT) = It might move the Cards up a notch in the seedings, and might not cost the Irish their 1-seed.

Michigan State 74 - Purdue 56 = If there was any doubt before about the Spartans dancing, this removes it.

U. Conn 76 - Syracuse 71 (OT) = Kemba Walker makes it 4 in a row. Can he make it 5 against Pitino's boys?

San Diego State 74 - UNLV 72 = This likely seals a 2-seed for the Aztecs.

Texas 70 - Texas A&M 58 = And this keeps the Longhorns in the hunt too, while moving A&M down a notch.

Penn State 36 - Wisconsin 33 = Yes that is not a misprint, and not a football score either. Are the Lions playing themselves into an at-large? Ehhhhhhhh, I dunno.

St. Mary's 77 - Weber State 54 = And does this "extra" game help the Gaels, or have they already played themselves out of a bid? I'm leaning towards the latter.


Today we have a ton of automatics on the line, with some already over:


Boston U. 56 - Stony Brook 54 = Hey, maybe that's what you meant above, Joe! Sorry, but I've been a bit distracted by what's happening down in Greensboro. BU takes the American East.

Memphis 67 - UTEP 66 = And the Tigers take the CUSA. Now we'll have to wait and see how many at-large bids the Big Mouth Conference leaves for the rest of us.

Hampton 60 - Morgan State 55 = Hampton takes the MEAC automatic.

Harvard vs. Princeton = This Ivy one-game playoff just tipped off at Yale's neutral court.

McNeese State vs. UT San Antonio = This will give us the Southland automatic.

Akron vs. Kent State = And this is the MAC championship.

Long Beach State vs. UC Santa Barbara = The Big West automatic here.

Alabama State vs. Grambling = And the Southwestern Athletic one here.


Other big scores and games include:


Kentucky 72 - Alabama 58 = As noted, the Wildcats don't always have to be in Rupp to win. Maybe the Tide did enough so far to earn an at-large, but if this score is any indication they won't Dance for long.

Ohio State 68 - Michigan 61 = But maybe the Wolverines can win a game or two more this season. As for the Buckeyes, they have done what they needed to do, but have NOT played as well as they did last week.

Duke vs. Virginia Tech = If the Blue Devils want to keep hopes of stealing a 1-seed, and of getting a rematch with the Tar Heels, they have to put the Hokies down. So far so good, as they've gotten a slim lead midway through the 1st half.

Michigan State vs. Penn State = Since I think Izzo's team has already sealed an at-large, this one is much more important for the Nittany Lions. As I type, they are down 6 points, but it is very early.

Texas vs. Kansas = The Jayhawks have their 1-seed already, but want some revenge against the 'Horns. UT is in the running for a 2-seed, and this would help them a lot. This should be fun.

San Diego State vs. BYU = Here are two more looking for 2-seeds, but with about 6 other squads fighting for the same this could be key. The Aztecs haven't been able to beat the Cougars yet. However, it isn't easy to beat a good team 3 times in the same campaign. This could be another barn-burner.


There are other good games out there, but I've run outta time, and energy. Besides, in about 26 hours it will all be academic anyway, so who cares? See you Monday. Until then, enjoy. Screw Drew.

[jcruse64]

A REALLY good game going between Arizona and Washington, with 6 and change left to go. Rooting for Washington, they're a scrappy team! And the 2nd coming of Isaiah Thomas????

[jcruse64]

Holy Smokes, whatta finish, as Washington beats the "other" Cats to win the PAC-10 tourney in overtime on a last second shot!!!!

One of the best games of the conferences' post season, so far.

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!! :tu:tu:tu

[jcruse64]

Not a close game at all, at least in the 2nd, but SDSU finally breaks BYU's mojo and beats them by 18 for the Mountain West championship. Poet was right, it;s tough to beat a team 3 times in a row.

[jcruse64]

5 wins in 5 days, UCONN beats UL. Very good game also. Feel bad for the UL kid who missed freebie #2, then hit freebie #3. Still, they had a good look for the tie, it just didn't make it. I really thought UCONN's legs would be gone for this game, even though these are kids. Walker looked good again.

[jcruse64]

Great SEC tourney, and UK appears to be coming on strong in time for the Dance!!!!

Figured THE would win out today, and they did well.

Really expected a better game for the ACC; Duke never let NC have a chance, from what I saw. Figured this would lock one of the #1's for Dook, and it did.

Some really good games this last week!

Just got back in, so I'm still digesting the brackets. But...Florida a #2 and UK a #4?!?!?!?!?!? And SDSU a #2?!?!?!?!?!?!? I'd have given UCONN the #2 over SDSU or Florida. I really thought UK might have landed a #3.

Very interesting that Morehead State draws a #13 and plays UL. Would have been so great if Murray had won and pulled that game.

We have a great couple of weeks coming up!!!

[The Poet]

Right on ALL points above, Joe. As for the seedings, there are a few I don't understand myself, as there always are, but I've never put much importance in those anyway. No matter where you're seeded, who you're playing, or where, you STILL have to win the games eventually, so what's the big diff?

This looks to be a wide-open Tourney, with at least a dozen teams having a legitimate shot, with maybe another dozen dark horses to boot. So at this point I have only one "lock" of a prediction: The Big Mouth Conference will set a new NCAA record by recording the largest number of losses in tournament history. :r

[The Poet]

I considered doing an update today on the weekend games and conference tourneys, but decided that everyone who has cared all year already know what's what anyway, so what's the point? And as for you guys who only start paying attention to college hoops around St. Patrick's Day, and view that "holiday" and March Madness in much the same light . . . an excuse for you to skip work and drink beer . . . then I shall be willing to reply to any questions or comments you may have (to the best of my ability), but otherwise I'll wait until the play-in games tomorrow for a post.

[smelly4tay]

Just got back in, so I'm still digesting the brackets. But...Florida a #2 and UK a #4?!?!?!?!?!? And SDSU a #2?!?!?!?!?!?!? I'd have given UCONN the #2 over SDSU or Florida. I really thought UK might have landed a #3.


good points.

I might be bias but i thought UW was going to get better than a 7 seed. Huskies are going to demolish Georgia!!:xxx

[jcruse64]

good points.

I might be bias but i thought UW was going to get better than a 7 seed. Huskies are going to demolish Georgia!!:xxx

I agree on both points. I really didn't think the Bulldogs should have gotten in, even though I'm a SEC fan. Good luck to your Huskies!!!

[The Poet]

A bit of housecleaning news before I give the games. Yesterday Jeff Capel was fired as coach of Oklahoma after posting his 2nd losing season in a row. OK, fine, I get that. But those seasons followed two where he took a Sooner team to a pair of consecutive NCAA appearances despite handcuffed by NCAA restrictions inherited from Kelvin Sampson. It also followed two seasons of bonuses and paybumbs for Capel, as well as a contract extension. Yes, there were some more problems with shady players and assistant coaches, and the potential of further sanctions looming for OU, and it is only fair that the head coach takes the heat for this. But for a school's administration to expect a coach . . . ANY COACH . . . to rebuild a program without a few bumps in the road is totally unreasonable. And this is from a Tar Heel, defending a Dook puke too!

Also, Sidney Lowe has resigned from the head coaching job at N. C. State. If you've been paying any attention the last two years, this comes as no surprise . . . unless it is because he quit before he was canned. This Wolfpack alum who was a member of their improbable national championship team in 1983 (yes, that clip with Jimmy V running around the court looking for somebody to hug) never seemed to be able to get his alma mater back on track during his 5-year tenure, going 86-78 overall but just 25-55 in ACC play. To add insult to injury, he was 7-33 in ACC road games, losing 13 of 16 to Duke and UNC. There are a LOT of things a Wolfpack fan will forgive (lifting aspirins from a drugstore, mugging a pizza delivery kid on campus, breaking into a classmate's dorm room to steal his stereo, or putting more time into writing cookbooks or making analyst appearances on CBS than to watching out for the young players under your charge), but losing to the other 2 legs of The Triangle? No way.

Play begins tonight in both the NCAAs, with the "play-in" games, and in the first round of the NIT. It also begins in the CBI and the CIT Tournaments, but this will be the first and last time I mentioned these "also-rans" tourneys, unless YOUR team is in one of them, and YOU bring up the subject. So, for the two tournaments which, to me, have some meaning, we have these in the NCAAs tonight:


UNC Asheville vs. AR Little Rock = Fans of these two may feel slighted that they need to play this game in order to advance to the "real" brackets, but I look at it much differently. This may be their best, or their ONLY, chance to ever win an NCAA game, so they should relish the opportunity. I really don't know much about either team, but I'll go with UNC-A here, and not just because they are from my home state. I seem to recall they beat Charleston, and this means a lot in my book.

Clemson vs. UAB = But here we have two pretty good teams . . . so good, in fact, that I really don't understand why they are forced to "play in" to the Tourney. Are you really telling me that a Hampton, a Northern Colorado, a Wofford, or an Akron are better than these two? Yeah, I know these extra games are for the "at-large" crowd, but let's have a little common sense here too.


In the NIT, on the home courts of the higher-ranked teams, we have:


Coastal Carolina vs. Alabama = Many of the Tide fans feel they got hosed by not getting a bid to the NCAAs. If you've been reading this thread, you saw I predicted as much weeks ago. Yeah, they beat a Georgia team that did make the field of 68 (though some question why), but their SoS and RPI was hideous. If you don't play good competition, you cannot possible score points with the Committee.

Vermont vs. Cleveland State = This should be a pretty decent game between well-matched squads.

Dayton vs. Charleston = As should this one, with CoC trying to redeem their late-season collapse by knocking the Flyers out of what has become their own personal tournament.

Harvard vs. Oklahoma State = Oak State has the bodies, and the Crimson have the brains. For that alone this will be interesting.

Murray State vs. Missouri State = And here are two good mid-majors which fell juuuuust short of making The Dance. Both feel like they have something to prove, and I expect a war. And what do YOU think, Joe?

Fairfield vs. Colorado State = I know the Stags had a decent season, and can only assume that CSU did also. Other than that, I hold no opinion.

UTEP vs. New Mexico = Here are two more teams that had to be in the discussion for at-large bids to the NCAAs, so I hope for a very good game.

Boston College vs. McNeese State = BC was also one of those bubble teams who did not make the cut, and may feel disrespected for it. Well, let's see them make their case by whuppin' up on McNeese tonight.

Kent State vs. St. Mary's = And though Kent State had no shot at an at-large, St. Mary's certainly did. In fact, had they not stumbled down the stretch, they may have joined Gonzaga in The Dance. Much like the BC game above, they need to step up tonight in order to prove their point.

[The Poet]

I might be bias but i thought UW was going to get better than a 7 seed. Huskies are going to demolish Georgia!!:xxx

There is little doubt that the Pac-10 has fallen mightily in the estimation of the "experts", even though they gave evidence with their success in last year's tourney that they were better than advertised. Still, you must confess that your Huskies did not exactly play up to their pre-season expectations, so have no one but themselves to blame for their seeding woes. Yeah, a five may have been justified, but consider . . . all things being equal, who'd you rather face in your first game, Georgia, or the winner of the UAB/Clemson game? Were I you, I'd be happy where I'm at. :r

I agree on both points. I really didn't think the Bulldogs should have gotten in, even though I'm a SEC fan. Good luck to your Huskies!!!

Were the Bulldogs one of those "play-in" teams, those supposedly last 8 to make the cut, I'd have less of a problem with it. But do you really expect me to believe they are better than Clemson, UAB, VCU, or USC? Hell, those last two are playing for an 11-seed, while the Bulldogs get a 10-seed handed to them?

Oh well, you still have to win the games anyway, regardless of your seeding. So, Washington knocks of Georgia easily, you say. Then, assuming no upset by LIU, how do you think they will fare against the Tar Heels, in Charlotte? See what I mean?

[jcruse64]

Yeah, tough road for the Huskies, but they ARE in. Be nice to see the Bulldogs make me eat crow though.

Missouri State looked pretty good to me. Murray "should" have a game on its hands. They've not done well in their NIT invites; it'd be good if they could "vent" a little at the junior prom :D.

[The Poet]

Goddammit, once again I got all the way to the last line of a hour-long post, and the damn thing disappeared on me! And I did nothing wrong, I know! I had to pee like a mule, so went to relieve myself, and when I came back . . . POOF! My post was blank. It's not me, it's this site. I am NOT happy.


I quit. I'm not gonna retype all that crap. Tomorrow The Dance starts. Maybe I'll be back, maybe I won't.

[NCRadioMan]

There is a set time-out, I think. An easy way to prevent that is to hit "preview post" every once in a while.

[The Poet]

There is a set time-out, I think. An easy way to prevent that is to hit "preview post" every once in a while.

Yeah, I've done that often, but this time I forgot to "back up" my work.


That's OK . . . aside from the fact that I don't know jack on the subject, nobody much cares about college basketball anyway, especially in March. :D

[The Poet]

I have been a bit lax in updating this lately, with my sole excuse (aside from laziness) being that I've been a bit busy actually following the games as opposed to blogging about them. But I take a quick break from that to report our first Cinderalla upset of the tournament:


Morehead State 62 - Louisville 61 = The 13-seed knocks Pitino's 4th-seeded boys out of The Dance before they even get to the band's first break. MSU jumped on them early, then hung tough down the stretch. So the Big East gets the first of what shall be a record number of NCAA losses.

[The Poet]

Kentucky gets a layup with 2 seconds left to escape an upset by Princeton 59-57.

Butler gets a tip-in by Howard at the buzzer to survive against ODU 60-58.

Pitt is starting to push well ahead of UNC-Asheville with 8 minutes left.

[BigAsh]

HOOOOOOT!...Temple wins (as I expected) but a close game...The Owls have been playing without 2 starters for a month now and have been holding their own....though Scootie did play 6 minutes today with extra padding over the fracture site on his foot

[The Poet]

Oh, and Temple hits an 18-footer in the last second to oust Penn State 66-64, so "one-and-Dunphy" gets his first NCAA victory. :D

[The Poet]

Pitt rolls, and San Diego State rolling.

Richmond and Vanderbilt look to be going down to the wire.

[The Poet]

Spiders bite the Commodores, 69-66. Hey, I've been telling you all year that Richmond can be tough.

Aztecs beat up on NC (that's Northern Colorado, so don't get too excited) 68-50.

[jcruse64]

Nice, NICE win for Morehead. I hate 'em, but WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 Dances in a row, the OVC gets a win. Looks like a winnable Round 2 game also.

Wow, Vandy, 2nd year in a row. Gonna leave a mark with that one!

Florida is having a real tough time ;). Glad to see the Cats were able to squeak a win out.

I forgot to put up any brackets this year.

[JaKaacH]

Type it out on google docs or gmail, then cut and paste.

[SD Beerman]

Pitt rolls, and San Diego State rolling.

Richmond and Vanderbilt look to be going down to the wire.

Big sigh of relief to get our first win...looking forward to Saturday....:noon

[SD Beerman]

your boys are playing well now.

[jcruse64]

The Cats were up in today's 1st game, against the same school that bounced them last year. Little better outcome for the Faithful today :noon:noon. It was a good game; I would not be surprised if any of you heard my wife screaming at the refs, coaches, or players :sl.

The Gators are in a fight against the Bruins as I type, with less than a minute to go. Again, another good game.

Ordering in for supper; can't miss the Morehead/Richmond match coming up.

[jcruse64]

Whew!!!! Butler drops Pitt! Whatta finish! I was impressed that Butler was able to stand in there against a very good 2nd half from Pitt, especially with the disadvantage in rebounding.

I rooted for Butler, and was glad the refs called the last 1.4 sec as close as the rest of the game. I gotta say though; that kid made a mistake, but his coach lost the game for them right there. What in the world was he thinking, having his kids lined up at the line for the 2nd Pitt free throw and going after a rebound?!?!?!?!? 1.4 seconds left, ain't no way Butler gets a rebound and heaves a shot over 3/4 court for the win. Stupid!!! Keep your kids out of the way! I feel sorry for the kid, just as I did when Mack fouled.

Didn't see much of the SDSU game, but 2OT's is usually a fun game to watch. Coach K vs Coach Fisher again???

[SD Beerman]

Didn't see much of the SDSU game, but 2OT's is usually a fun game to watch. Coach K vs Coach Fisher again???

It was fun, State could have won a little easier, almost bit through my cigar watching it.-(P

[jcruse64]

Drats! Thought Dook was toast, but they hung in for the win.

Tough ending for the Huskies. Don't know if the extra time would have helped them get a shot off or not, but I hate to see any game end like that, especially at this level.

Same is true for the Texas/Arizona matchup. Tough non-call at the end. I couldn't tell from the first replays, whereas last night's replay on the Butler game was conclusive.

[smelly4tay]

Wow so many close games. Sad about my Huskies, but they put on a thrilling game. Credit to UNC and Coach Roy.

[gettysburgfreak]

syracuse put a dagger in my heart yesterday but at least I have my red sox to look forward to now.

[BigAsh]

Temple done in by missing lay ups!.....like 5 or 6!....great game but Sweet 16 woulda been, well....Sweet!

[SD Beerman]

syracuse put a dagger in my heart yesterday but at least I have my red sox to look forward to now.

Let's Go Red Sox.......

[SD Beerman]

Alas, San Diego State is out, but we had a great year and hopefully we will get just a little respect out West.....

[jcruse64]

Wow! Was hoping dook would get beat, but did not expect the beatdown they received!!! Really did not expect it from 'Zona, given how close their previous 2 games were.

VERY glad to see Butler make it through their game.

Got to watch the Kemba vs Jimmer show. UCONN doesn't appear to be weakening any.

Kansas and NC are putting clinics on right now; it's getting past embarrassing for Richmond and Marquette. Both teams are colder than ice from outside.

Go UK!!!!!

[jcruse64]

Interesting Friday. The last 2 games were as fun and exciting to watch as the first 2 were painful and boring to watch. I figured KU would win theirs, but I expected it to be closer than that. I halfway expected the Heels to go down, and instead watched another beat down.

I didn't see as much of the VCU/FSU game as I would have liked, given the UK game was on. It was a bigger battle than that game, given the OT situation. Really proud of both teams; they played tough.

Some of the guys at work were giving THE OSU and 10 points; looks like they owe some folks a coke :noon:noon:noon. Really proud of the Cats. Got in foul trouble early and often in the 1st, but some good substitutions with a not-so-deep bench worked out well, and they did not lose a lot of ground. I thought for a little bit that it might get as chippy as the KU/Richmond game (no class, btw, Jayhawks, in running up the tunnel).
I thought the officiating stank in this one. There were bad calls on both teams, I thought. Really didn't get the T thrown on Calipari.
Really proud of Harrellson. He has steadily progressed over the course of the season. Jared Sullinger is just a force, and is one of the top inside guys in the nation this year. Harrellson didn't beat him, but he did counter him very well on both sides, so that the Cats did not have to rely soley on guard play. Given the defense of OSU's guards, I was happy UK was able to stay close all game and come away with another last-second win.


Poet, I'm sending a stripper and a line of credit to the Belagio for Charles Barkley, so that he picks UK over UNC :r. His picks this week have been pretty accurate. Should be a good game.

[JaKaacH]

Yeah real classy blocking the tunnel with your little Rah Rah huddle..Spidyman..

They probably drive in the left lane talking on their cell phones too.

[jcruse64]

You would have thought BOTH teams would have been motivated by that little exchange. The Spyders, however, reminded me of Garfield vs the spider cartoons, with KU doing ALL the stomping ;). Richmond just folded their legs up under them and died.

[jcruse64]

Great game and great finish in today's first match. The Gators and Bulldogs both played pretty good. I thought Butler was out of steam there for a while, but they reeled the Gators back in. Really exciting game to watch; these guys are playing so hard. Hated to see either one lose. Not good possessions by Florida on the last two; there was plenty more time to set up a shot, even the last one. I really thought Florida had them at the end, but defense held, and 40 foot jump shots are not easy.

One team in, 3 to go!

[taltos]

And then there were none. When is the last time that no #1 seeds survived to the Final Four?

[jcruse64]

I think it's the first time since the change from the 32-team format.

This has been an exciting Dance. I'd not be surprised if CBS is disappointed with the Butler/VCU side of the bracket, but I'm not. Lots of people root for the underdog and love both these teams. That said, it might, then, have been better if these 2 were facing one of the other 2 teams, for ratings sake.

I REALLY didn't expect VCU to survive this game. KU, as much as I don't like them, has a good team. But I didn't think they were more dominant than THE OSU, who was probably as dominant as any this season. And this season, anyone could be beaten. You could see it on his face during the game; Self couldn't believe this little twit of a team was beating his Jayhawks. I was pretty surprised myself.

I figured the Cats had a shot at the win against the Heels, though. They delivered. I missed most of it, so can't comment a lot. It sounded like there was some more solid defense and guard play, up-tempo ball, and good inside performance from Harrellson. These guys are really gelling right now, and the UCONN game should be fantastic.

I have no idea on Butler/VCU. I'd say Butler will have the edge, but after watching VCU pop the Jayhawks, I've no clue. Should be fun to watch, though.

[The Poet]

Just FYI, I've not been ignoring youse guys . . . I've spent the last week+ in the hospital following emergency surgery.

Thanks for keeping the thread alive. I'll let you know if the doctors managed to do the same for me. :sh

[jcruse64]

Best wishes for full and speedy recovery, Poet. I imagine Dancing is the least of what's on your mind right now.

[rebelknight]

Get well soon, Poet. Hope the surgery went well and everything is ok.

[yourchoice]

Just FYI, I've not been ignoring youse guys . . . I've spent the last week+ in the hospital following emergency surgery.

Thanks for keeping the thread alive. I'll let you know if the doctors managed to do the same for me. :sh

Here's hoping the doctors successfully did their doctor thing. Get well soon, bro...you have a full season of watching mediocre pitching ahead of you. ;) :D

[jcruse64]

Well, more B'Ball fun for the weekend.

VCU/Butler was fun to watch, but I think Butler's coach was ready for them, and they wore them down in the end. VCU did a great job though, and was in it for most of the game.

UK/UCONN was a surprisingly low-scoring matchup, I thought. I was surprised at the Cat's 1st half FG%, and the Huskies 2nd half FG%. I figured a little better for both. In the first, the Cats looked the the Road Team I've seen all season. Lethargic at times, and couldn't hit the side of a mountain. 25% FG...OUCH!!!! Must have been a good butt stomping in the locker room at the half for the Cats. But once they got back up with them, the shots quit falling again, and the Huskies were able to hold on. HORRIBLE execution for the Cats last in-bounds play, though the Huskies D had a lot to do with that. But it looked like some of the Cats either got too tired, or just lost the aggressiveness after they tied it back up. Short shots, missed free throws, and not as much hustle for loose balls, for a Final 4 appearance. Hey, UCONN was warn out too, but still hustled a little better than some of the Cats. Also thought they were never really able to use Harrelson as much as needed, though foul trouble helped there. Also one missed goal tend call against UCONN in the 2nd and a missed double-dribble against them too.
But, a good game.

Go Butler!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What did y'all think???

[kelmac07]

Womans final four...Texas A&M win over Stanford was a great game!! :tu :tu

[yourchoice]

Generally, I couldn't care less about the women's final four, but I am rooting for ND to upset UCONN. Up 10 with 6:30 left.

I'll be rooting for Butler to upset UCONN tomorrow as well.

[jcruse64]

Oh my goodness, did NOT expect THAT final!!!!

Probably neither did Butler, nor UCONN. That had to have been one of the hardest-to-watch games I've ever seen. Good defense is one thing, but Butler's score went well beyond that (UCONN was not much better).

Be interesting to see if this was Calhoun's last game.

[SD Beerman]

Get well soon, Poet. Hope the surgery went well and everything is ok.

ditto:tu

[The Poet]

Potentially bad news for brother Joe (jcruse64) today. It has been announced that beginning in the '12-'13 season, Belmont will be leaving the Atlantic Sun conference and shall join the OVC instead. I could easily see them becoming the dominant team in that league . . . which would not bode well for Joe's MSU Racers.

[jcruse64]

That could make it interesting. Also, Morehead State has been coming on strong the last few seasons. It looks like a good move for them, with a much less onerous road travel ordeal. Should be good for the OVC too.

Head Coach Billy Kennedy is reportedly going to Texas A&M on Monday, replacing former coach Mark Turgeon, who got the Maryland job. Good luck to BK; he was not my favorite Racer coach, but he had an excellent run with them, and was well liked and respected by the community and university.

[The Poet]

That could make it interesting. Also, Morehead State has been coming on strong the last few seasons. It looks like a good move for them, with a much less onerous road travel ordeal. Should be good for the OVC too.

Head Coach Billy Kennedy is reportedly going to Texas A&M on Monday, replacing former coach Mark Turgeon, who got the Maryland job. Good luck to BK; he was not my favorite Racer coach, but he had an excellent run with them, and was well liked and respected by the community and university.

I agree that the travel ordeal should be significantly eased by Belmont's inclusion in the more centrally located OVC. Yet knowing them, I feel sure they wil still schedule a few top opponents at a distance from Nashville.

And yes, Coach Kennedy will be going to College Station TX to lead the Aggies. He had good success with the Racers, and should be able to make the transition to this next level. Only one caveat/quibble from me: He is only 47 years old, and has spent the past five at Murray State. But aside from being a former assistant at A&M, he has also spent bench time at Wyoming, Tulane, Creighton, California, New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana, Miami, Northwestern State, and Centenary.

That's what, eleven jobs in maybe 25 years . . . or, subtracting his five at MSU, 10 in 20? Hmmmmmm. :confused:

As for your sake, Joe, I hope you find a good replacement for him.

[The Poet]

Developing news out of Storrs, home of the reigning national champion UConn Huskies. Though it has not been announced officially, it does seem likely that UConn will lose two more scholarships next season because they failed to meet the NCAA's APR (Academic Performance Rating) over the last four years. The minimum rating is 925, whereas their 4-year total is 893, with the score for the '09-'10 season being a paltry 826.

If you know anything at all about Jim Calhoun, it will not surprise you that he denies any personal responsibility for this problem, stating at a recent Husky Day rally "If because someone left early or didn't finish, all those various things that get you . . . when you have 16 kids leave in a 10-year period, you are more likely to be more open to (a low APR) happening." Of course, the fact that he recruits "kids" who have no interest in obtaining an education plays no factor in the matter. :D

Sadly for him, his university does not exactly see it that way. A clause in his contract requires him to donate $100,000 to a scholarship program (what irony there!) if his program doesn't meet the APR. And to add injurious insult to insulting injury, he will also forfeit his postseason bonus of $87,500.

But he DOES get to keep the national championship . . . at least, for now. ;)

[The Poet]

There's sort of an odd and interesting situation that's developed out of State College over the past week. Ed DeChellis surprised people last week when he resigned as head coach of Penn State to take the vacant job at Navy. In itself, this seems a bit strange to me. But that alone is not what's struck me. PSU decided to seek the advise of Eddie Fogler in their search for a new basketball coach. Then it was reported that Larry Brown has expressed interest in acceptiing the position, but the AD thinks he is not a good fit for several reason (age, lack of recent recruiting experience, fears he'd want too much money, his peripathetic history, etc.). However, PSU is apparently looking into both East Carolina's Jeff Lebo and Tulsa's Doug Wojcik.

OK, so here's the thing:

Eddie Fogler = A Tar Heel, played for Dean Smith.
Larry Brown = A Tar Heel, played for Frank McGuire and Dean Smith.
Jeff Lebo = A Tar Heel, played for Dean Smith.
Doug Wojcik = Not a Tar Heel. But was an assistant at Notre Dame and UNC for Matt Doherty, a Tar Heel who played for Dean Smith.

Wassup with dat? Am I seeing stuff that ain't there, or what? :r

[taltos]

There's sort of an odd and interesting situation that's developed out of State College over the past week. Ed DeChellis surprised people last week when he resigned as head coach of Penn State to take the vacant job at Navy. In itself, this seems a bit strange to me. But that alone is not what's struck me. PSU decided to seek the advise of Eddie Fogler in their search for a new basketball coach. Then it was reported that Larry Brown has expressed interest in acceptiing the position, but the AD thinks he is not a good fit for several reason (age, lack of recent recruiting experience, fears he'd want too much money, his peripathetic history, etc.). However, PSU is apparently looking into both East Carolina's Jeff Lebo and Tulsa's Doug Wojcik.

OK, so here's the thing:

Eddie Fogler = A Tar Heel, played for Dean Smith.
Larry Brown = A Tar Heel, played for Frank McGuire and Dean Smith.
Jeff Lebo = A Tar Heel, played for Dean Smith.
Doug Wojcik = Not a Tar Heel. But was an assistant at Notre Dame and UNC for Matt Doherty, a Tar Heel who played for Dean Smith.

Wassup with dat? Am I seeing stuff that ain't there, or what? :r

I could be wrong but they are stuck with Paterno and they might be afraid to bring another legend on board until they can lose Papa Joe.

[The Poet]

I could be wrong but they are stuck with Paterno and they might be afraid to bring another legend on board until they can lose Papa Joe.

Good point, but it also sort of shoots holes in the objection to Brown's age of 70, when compared to Paterno's 84 . . . and counting. :r

[The Poet]

OK, I admit I don't know what to think of this one. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, and I believe a few of you will either laugh or cry "FOUL!", yet it thus needs to be reported.

The Univeristy of Detroit has announced that, in a ceremony to be held early this coming December, the home court of their Titans will be named after . . . Dick Vitale. Dicky V, long-time college hoops analyst, was the coach of the team for a brief time, between 1973-1977, achieved a 'meh" record of 78-30, was named AD in April '77, then left a year later to become the coach of the Pistons.

To me, I don't care if you like or hate him as an analyst, you still can't totally denigrate his "impact" on sports broadcasting. Yet his contribution specifically to UD hoops seems pretty menial to me. Hey, he's not exactly Hank Iba, Phog Allen, Adolph Rupp, John Wooden, Dean Smith, or Lou Carnesecca.

[BigAsh]

...or John Chaney :tu...agreed !



OK, I admit I don't know what to think of this one. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, and I believe a few of you will either laugh or cry "FOUL!", yet it thus needs to be reported.

The Univeristy of Detroit has announced that, in a ceremony to be held early this coming December, the home court of their Titans will be named after . . . Dick Vitale. Dicky V, long-time college hoops analyst, was the coach of the team for a brief time, between 1973-1977, achieved a 'meh" record of 78-30, was named AD in April '77, then left a year later to become the coach of the Pistons.

To me, I don't care if you like or hate him as an analyst, you still can't totally denigrate his "impact" on sports broadcasting. Yet his contribution specifically to UD hoops seems pretty menial to me. Hey, he's not exactly Hank Iba, Phog Allen, Adolph Rupp, John Wooden, Dean Smith, or Lou Carnesecca.

[The Poet]

Two stories of note, one sad and one sadly shockingly unsurprising:

Sixteen-year-old Indiana high school star Austin Hatch, a recent recruit accepted by the University of Michigan, is in a drug-induced coma while he attempts to recover from brain swelling following an airplane crash on Friday. His father, Stephen Hatch, was the pilot, and both he and Austin's stepmother Kim were killed in the crash. The elder Hatch was also the pilot in a 2003 crash which Austin survived, but which killed his mother and two siblings. Although there are some encouraging signs that Austin's condition is improving, it is still too early to state that he will recover, or even survive.

Meanwhile, in Lexington KY, the University of Kentucky has announced it has given John Calipari a new 8-year contract worth $36.5 million, plus incentives. This announcement follows Calipari's proposal made last week that UK should champion a drive to persuade 63 other teams to flee the NCAA and form their own multi-division league, thus freeing them of the restrictive rules and regulations of that governing body, which would allow them (for instance) to award their athletes a stipend of $3,000 - $5,000 per annum in spending money . . . which Cal likely has on him at any given moment.