Georgetown has crushed South Florida 75-45, Syracuse is doing much the same against St. John's, and U Conn is taking control over Seton Hall. Other early action is just that . . . early. So lemme backtrack a bit. I can't possibly cover all important games so far this month, but I'll give a lick and a promise to those that struck me most. On Wednesday 2/1:
Delaware 65 - George Mason 60 = Looking for an upset? You may not need look any further than this one, unless you want to look at . . .
Rhode Island 81 - U Mass 78 (OT) = The Rams sneak up on the Minutemen and butt them into a ditch, and thus improve to 5-18 overall in what should have been a gimme to UM in the A-10.
Miami 90 - Maryland 86 (2OT) = Neither team seems to be going much of anywhere, but you gots to gives 'em props for a good show.
Southern Miss 75 - Memphis 72 = But this was a meaningful game in the CUSA, which once again this year is jammin' at the top.
Baylor 63 - Texas A&M 60 = The Bears escape with another tight victory, and the Aggies continue to disappoint their expectations and their fans.
San Diego State 58 - Boise State 56 = I reckon Larry's right about the Aztecs getting worn out. Still, a win's a win, so take it, say thank you, and move on.
Thursday 2/2, Groundhog's Day:
Elon 99 - Charleston 98 (2OT) = We may see neither of these teams come March, but we certainly saw some of them that evening.
Murray State 81 - SE Missouri State 73 = As I understand it, the game was closer than the final. I'm not surprised Joe's Racers got a game here, but am curious to see if they are in danger of hitting the wall.
Arizona 78 - California 74 = A very good win for the Desert 'Cats in Berkeley, which moved both teams into 2/3rds of the 3-way tie for 2nd in the Pac-12. This race gets more interesting day-to-day.
BYU 83 - Gonzaga 73 = I'm sorta locked in a dilemma here. I've more respect for the 'Zags program, but I don't like the way they pop off their mouths alla time. The Cougars pop off some too, though less obnoxiously, but I just don't much like them. As I have no real reason I can put my finger on for this, I'll be glad they beat Gonzaga, though I KNOW it STILL won't shut them up.
On Friday 2/3:
Yale 60 - Penn 53 = The Eli hand the Quakers their first loss in the Ivy, and help the Haa'vaad Crimson at the same time. Talk about your damned if you do/don't situations!
I also cannot possibly cover all the remaining games today, so here's my cherry-picks:
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin = The Badgers welcome the Buckeyes to Madison, and as they are a mere 1/2-game back in the Big Ten+ they further hope to gift them with a loss. It could just happen. This one should be fun.
Arizona vs. Stanford = As should this one, while the 'Cats try to road-sweep the Bay Area competition this week. They and the Golden Bears are 6-4 i Pac-12 play, and this one's key for both if they wish to stay in the hunt.
Texas A&M vs. Kansas State = Two teams with polar expectations and results. The Aggies were supposed to be good, and haven't been. The 'Cats were supposed to be down, and haven't been all that bad. Give K-State the edge in Manhattan, since A&M has yet to give much indication they've found their game.
North Carolina vs. Maryland = The Tar Heels have lost the last 3 times they visited College Park. It could happen again today, but only if the Heels play down to the Terps' level and beat themselves. And if UNC shows up to play, this could get ugly, fast.
UNLV vs. Wyoming = But this one in Laramie could be a huge struggle for the Runnin' Rebels. I won't call for the "upset", but I expect a good one here.
Creighton vs. Northern Iowa = And again here, in Cedar Falls.
Kentucky vs. South Carolina = And here, I don't know why the 'Cocks are even going to show up, even for a home game. Hell, they haven't shown up all season, so what makes them think they can today?
Indiana vs. Purdue = So watch this one instead. The Hoosiers are hoping to stop the bleeding, and the Boilermakers are desperately trying to turn themselves around. This should be a blast.
Murray State vs. Tenn-Martin = And this should be forfeited. Do you really think the Skyhawks can give Joe's Racers their first L of the year, and thus improve on their 3-21 record? OK, yeah, it can happen. And look out for those monkeys flying out of butts too.
Marshall vs. Tulsa = So again, watch this one, as it is a key CUSA contest to keep both in the conference race.
Kansas vs. Missouri = This one in Columbia, along with that OSU/Wisc. one, are the marquee games today. KU leads the Big12nomore at 8-1, with the Tigers 'way behind at 7-2. Yet nationally Mizzou's ranked slightly above the Jayhawks. They may need ambulances before this one's done.
Oregon vs. Colorado = They likely won't need those emergency vehicles for these two laid-back squads, but the game itself holds huge Pac-12 import. The Ducks visit Boulder sporting the same 7-3 record as the Buffs. This one ought to be fun too.
I'll take a break now before I return with early finals and some Sunday games. UNtil later then, enjoy.