[The Poet]

It was a night of ugly, ugly basketball to end the month of January:


Illinois 42 - Michigan State 41 = Perhaps I let my respect for Tom Izzo, or my desire for the Spartans to tie the Buckeyes atop the league, cloud my judgement on this one. I did not expect this loss, even on the road, and I certainly did not expect the football score. My only excuse is that I did say previously that I felt both the Spartans and the IU Hoosiers had climbed about as high as they could reasonabley go, so slippage should be no surprise.

Virginia 65 - Clemson 61 = Despite the unexpected success of the Cavaliers so far, I find it a bit surprising they had so much trouble with a "meh" Clemson squad in Charlottesville.

Wisconsin 52 - Penn State 46 = And though this low-scoring affair is a little more forgivable, considering the Badgers are renowned for their glacial style, such a close one facing the Lions is somewhat disturbing.

North Carolina 68 - Wake Forest 53 = Though never in any real danger, due to their dominance of the boards with subsequent stick-backs, and a ability for scoring off TOs while not allowing the Deacs to do the same, the Heels had a horrible shooting night. Still, anytime Wake made a run, UNC answered with a bigger one, and avoided an upset with relative ease.

Iowa State 72 - Kansas State 70 = The giant-killing Cyclones strike again, and send the 'Cats back to Manhattan with their fuzzy tails tucked. Or if not, rest assured Frank Martin's tucked them good today already.

Arkansas 82 - Vanderbilt 74 = Like a number or touted teams this season, the Commodores continue to shock me with their inability to find any rhythm with their game.


Tonight's key games include:


Indiana vs. Michigan = Both of these have had better seasons than was initially thought, especially the Hoosiers. Both are in line to earn at-large bids in March, yet both would be well-served to win some more games to help insure that fate. It behooves both to win this game, yet as that's not possible I do expect a war.

Davidson vs. Furman = The Queen City 'Cats seem well in control of their division of the Southern Conference, but need to recoup from that stunning loss to crappy Samford. If that did not get their attention, then give Furman a chance here.

Geroge Mason vs. Delaware = GM is not so much in control of the CAC, though they do lead with a 10-1 league record. But there are 3 others at 9-2, so every conference game becomes huge. Also, one of those teams at 9-2 is . . .

VCU vs. William & Mary = As little chance I give Delaware to take George Mason in that one, I give W&M even less against VCU. There may be no change atop the CAC tonight, but the pressure shall remain.

U. Conn vs. Georgetown = Aside from the conference importance, we have here two teams that have seemingly hit the wall. They both need to earn a few more wins, and neither can take many more losses. This one in DC is also huge.

Gerogia Tech vs. Florida State = This one, not so much. The Wreck would need the 'Noles to wreck in order to have any reasonable chance here, and I can't see that happening. As for FSU, they have the easiest road left in the ACC regular season, with their biggest tests being home-and-home with UVA and a hosting of Duke (they do NOT face UNC in Chapel Hill this year). The Semiholes may stumble somewhere along the way, like they did early in the season, but it won't be tonight.

N. C. State vs. Boston College = Jerry's Wolfpack is well on its way to earning their own at-large bid, but need 3 or 4 more wins to get a firmer grasp on that brass ring. They have an excellent shot at grabbing one against the Eagles in Chestnut Hill this evening. Two more Ws may come against Wake and the Wreck following this contest, but as it gets tougher afterwards (@ Dook, FSU, UNC all in a row) they'd best get some while they can.

Memphis vs. Southern Mississippi = The Tigers and the Golden Eagles are tied atop the CUSA at 6-1, with Tulsa 1/2-game back at 6-2. 'Nuff said?

Oklahoma vs. Kansas = The Sooners are coming off a good upset over K-State in Manhattan, while the Jayhawks had an equalling bad loss to Iowa State in Ames. This is in Lawrence, so you'd have to give KU an edge. Allen Fieldhouse is a baitch for visitors. Still, if OU can beat the 'Cats on the road, you at least need to keep an eye out here to see what develops.

Baylor vs. Texas A&M = Though I never did much believe in the Aggies, still I thought that (like Pitt) they might actually show up some night and play a good game. As I don't believe all that much in the Bears either, tonight would be as good a night as any. It is in College Station, which may be worth a bucket or three for the Aggies. Will that be enough? Ehhh, mebbe.

Colorado State vs. UNLV = The Rams just beat the SDSU Aztecs, but that was at altitude. Can they hobble the Runnin' Rebels in the desert? Again, mebbe, but I'd check the odds in Vegas before I placed any bets on it.


That's my picks for this first day of February. Until later then, enjoy.