[The Poet]

So here's a few scores from last night:


Penn 73 - Cornell 66 = The Ivy race may be decided more today with the upcoming Yale/Harvard game, but this win was vital for the Quakers to keep their hopes alive.

Loyola-Marymount 61 - Valparaiso 53 = I guess it was a decent enough BracketBuster game, and I've not much more to say about it.

VCU 77 - Northern Iowa 68 = But this one may have more meaning in the long run . . . and may not. The Rams improve to 23-6 (13-3 in the Colonial Athletic), and remain in the hunt for a bid. But it's hard to predict how deep the NCAA will go into the CAC, and with a RPI of 75 at the moment, it does not look good for VCU . . . unless they keep winning, that is. Keep your eye on them.


The one early final today was a blowout, with Drexel taking Cleveland State 69-49. I'd hoped for a better game, but what can you do? Meanwhile, Marquette is spanking U Conn at the break 43-29 (no surprise), and DePaul is up 10 over Louisville at halftime (somewhat a surprise), but there's plenty of time for anything to happen.


Later games today include:


Missouri vs. Texas A&M = It's in College Station, but the Aggies haven't done it all year, so who can think they'll do it against the surging Tigers?

Arizona vs. Washington = With their competition facing what should be "gimme" games today, this is the key contest in the Pac12 today. The Desert 'Cats are 3rd in the league at 10-4, with the Huskies tied with Cal on top at 11-3. When you consider how far the conference has dipped in the respect it receives (justified or not), and the NCAA possibly giving few at-larges to them, each win is huge.

Nevada vs. Iona = One of those BB games that could be a lot of fun.

Seton Hall vs. Cincinnati = At 18-8 each, you'd have to feel the post-season hopes of both hinge upon how they close out the balance of the year. A win may not get the victor safely over the bubble, but a loss may put them on the backside. Then again, maybe not, since the Selection Committee seems to labor under the fantasy that a losing record in the Big Mouth Conference does not mean you should not Dance.

Clemson vs. North Carolina = OK, so Clemson's not all that good this year, despite the fact they did beat UVA in Littlejohn, and have 3 Ws in a row. And OK, so the Tigers have struggle a little bit when they play in Chapel Hill, where their record stands presently at 0-55 there. Still, I've got that funky feeling about this one. The Heels have been winning ugly lately, and their loss to Dook was ugly too. If both team play their best, it will be a blowout for UNC. However, as the Heels have only played their best for about 5 minutes at a time all season, I think this may be closer than Roy would wish.

San Diego State vs. Air Force = Larry said yesterday he expected SDSU to bounce back today. Hey, me too. Yes, the game's in Colorado Springs, but I figure the Aztecs will make feathered cloaks out of the Falcons.

Texas vs. Oklahoma State = I'm not a Longhorn fan, though I don't really hate them. My main problems stem from Mac Brown's (understandable, but still) desertion from UNC to coach at UT, and Rick Barnes' verbal arrogance against Dean Smith while he was at the aforementioned Clemson. Still, I am intrugued by their late push towards a possible at-large bid, which I figure will continue today in Stillwater.

Mississippi vs. Kentucky = Please. Do you really think the Rebels can upset the rolling 'Cats in Rupp?

Illinois vs. Nebraska = The Illini are reeling, but have a good shot at stopping the bleeding against the 'Huskers in Lincoln. And if they don't, they might as well just hang it up. They're toast.

St. Mary's vs. Murray State = Even though a tiny bit of the lustre's off this one following the Racers' first loss, this is still one hell of a great match-up between two very good mid-major programs. Me, I won't call it, even if I had a clue. On the one hand, I like and respect Joe's devotion to MSU. On the other, I like and respect the Gaels. So just sit back and enjoy the fun.

Florida vs. Arkansas = And I'm not going to pick this one either, because both teams have been good and lousy. Since they don't seem to know who they are, how the hell can you expect me to know it?

LaSalle vs. U Mass = Like that Racers/Gaels one above, this is another very good match-up which could go down to the final few possessions.

Yale vs. Harvard = Here's the key Ivy game of the day, and maybe of the year. The Eli are in 2nd at 7-2, and the Crimson in 1st at 8-1. And don't forget, there is NO IVY TOURNEY!, so whoever takes the regular season gets the league's only bid. Need I say more? I didn't think so.

Georgetown vs. Providence = Yeah, it's true the Friars spanked Louisville 90-59 a while back. But that was after a 4-game losing streak, which was followed by another 4-game losing streak, then after a W against Rutgers has been followed by a 3rd 4-game losing streak. Even in RI, and even with the Hoya youth, that streak should go to 5 this evening.

Gonzaga vs. San Francisco = I'm gonna give the Dons a decent chance of knocking off the 'Zags in The City By The Bay tonight. Not only does SF have a good team, they have had the Bulldogs number on their home court lately, winning the last 3 there. They well could make that 4 before the day is done.

Dayton vs. Xavier = Another of those mid-major match-ups, and one that could go a ways towards determining the possible post-season ambitions of both teams.

Texas Tech vs. Kansas = Come on. The Red Raiders have one conference win all year. Do you really think they will get their 2nd in Lawrence? Jeez.

Ohio State vs. Michigan = If you've been reading this thread, you know I've been busting the Wolverines all year for their lack of scoring. Then the Buckeyes went a scored a whole 48 points in their loss to the Spartans . . . AT HOME! Hmmm. Could be damned interesting, at least.

Notre Dame vs. Villanova = Much like that Mizzou/Tex.A&M game, I see no reason to expect the Philly 'Cats can stop the roll those Irish have made lately.

Long Beach State vs. Creighton = I do believe the Bluejays are a better team, but the 49ers ain't no pushovers. This is in Omaha, but it still could be a pretty tight game.


While typing the above, both U Conn and Louisville have made good comebacks, while Wichita State has put a 2nd-half stomping on the Davidson Wildcats. I'll be back a little later with some finals, and with some Sunday games.