College Hoops Thread '09-'10

[The Poet]

Well. I'm glad some others are getting into this too. And James, nobody ever said that UK did not have a great team this year, one that (failing a stumble this week) will likely take over the # 1 spot in the next poll. My only point was, good as they have played, they have not played unbeatable ball . . . despite their record. Further, I am of the mind that, in this day and age, no team can survive the NCAA with a perfect record, and I will hold this opinion until some team proves me wrong.

That being said, let us note that some basketball was played last night which did NOT involve UK. This is not indisputable proof that the game exists without Wildcat involvement, yet it does present some evidence to that effect. For instance:

Kansas State 71 - Texas 62 = So now we are down to that previously mentioned last of the unbeaten squads. The Longhorns waited a looooong time to finally be ranked the best team in the nation, and very quickly found out that life's rough at the top. Well, they won't have to sweat that again, at least for a while . . . unless the also previously mentioned "stumble" occurs, that is. Kudos to K-State for a great win, and for especially good play on D. As for the 'Horns, they should look on the bright side: Not only is the pressure off now, but they improved on their 35% shooting against Texas A&M in their prior game by stepping it up . . . to 36%.

Syracuse 84 - Notre Dame 71 = The Juice keeps running. Hey, the Irish ain't much this year, but any double-digit W in conference play is peachy-fine by me.

Virginia 69 - N. C. Wilmington 67 = Just as soon as I was starting to wonder if the Cavs are finally back, they pull a stunt like this. Yes, it is a win. But for a team with 12 Ws, and 3-0 so far in the ACC, playing against one with 12 Ls, AND ON THEIR HOME COURT!!, to win it by a deuce on a jumper with 2 ticks left? Another of my "bad" wins here.

Tonight there are a few games with the potential to be really good, and even of significance, despite the continued absence of UK from the schedule:

Tennessee vs. Alabama = The Vols have a few of their "felons" back on the court (as opposed to "in court"), and have played quite well even without them. Just ask the Jayhawks. But 'Bama ain't no cupcake either. Give the Rockytoppers the edge, yet don't plan on any blowouts.

Clemson vs. Georgia Tech = Though I'll be the first to admit that beating the Tar Heels hasn't the cache this year as it has had in the past, one cannot help but note that these two have done so . . . one by a spanking in Death Valley and the other by holding off a furious rally in Chapel Hill. This one ought to be a battle.

Ohio State vs. Northwestern = This one too. OSU has found themselves again, and Northwestern is coming off one of the best wins ever. Plus, this is the Big 10, so have the medics ready.

Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M = The Aggies put a scare into the 'Horns, and are reviving some of the rep they earlier squandered. The Sooners are pretty decent too. If both teams show up equally, A&M may win by two possessions or so, yet if either one stays in the locker room you never know.

Boston College vs. Miami = And it just keeps on coming. Both these teams need the conference win, yet they only hand out one.

Purdue vs. Illinois = As for this one, not so much. Purdue should spank the Illini, but then again I thought they'd spank Northwestern too. That alone proves WTF I know.

Northern Iowa vs. Wichita State = And why do I bring this one up? Well NIU is ranked for only the 2nd time in . . . forever . . . and at # 20 their highest one also. As for Wichita State, they do have some history of good teams, so all-in-all this caught my eye. Do you guys care? Maybe not, but then why should I care if you do?

Enjoy.