As expected, most of the games noted above turned into blow-outs for the ranked teams, with a few exceptions:
# 4 Kentucky should have dominated Morehead State, yet "only" won 75-59. The 59 allowed is not too bad, but for a Calipari offense to score a mere 75 points against that type of competition should be disturbing to Wildcat fans.
# 12 U. Conn edged William & Mary 75-66. If fans wondered about Calhoun's health before the game, you can imagine how he might feel today.
# 14 Washington had an even closer squeaker against Wright State, escaping with a 74-69 victory. If this is any indication, looks as though the Pac-10 shall again be also-rans.
There was one upset last night however: # 18 Mississippi State raised the banner for their SEC Championship before the game, and that was the final highpoint of their evening as they fell to mighty mighty Rider 88-74. It appears that the SEC's transition to a football conference has taken one more step.
The games of potential national interest this weekend include:
Saturday:
# 11 Butler vs. Davidson
# 14 Washington vs. Belmont
# 15 Michigan vs. Northern Michigan
# 17 Oklahoma vs. Mount St. Mary's
# 21 Dayton vs. Creighton
# 22 Georgia Tech vs. Florida A&M
Sunday:
# 3 Texas vs. UC Irvine
# 6 UNC vs. Valparaiso
# 8 West Virginia vs. Loyola (MD)
# 14 Washington vs. Portland St.