PAC-10
UCLA 57 USC 54
After trailing 34-28 at the half, UCLA opened the second half with an 18-4 scoring blitz to put away their rivals from across town and reach the tournament finals. The Bruins will face the winner of tonight's Stanford-Washington State clash on Saturday.
Big East
Georgetown 72 West Virginia 55
Roy Hibbert, who didn't score and had just 4 rebounds in Thursday night's win over Villanova, rebounded in a big way to lead the Hoyas to the Big East finals. The big man had 25 points and 13 rebounds while only committing two personal fouls. Georgetown will face Pittsburgh in tomorrow's championship game. Pitt defeated Georgetown, 69-60, in their only meeting of the regular season, on January 14 at Pitt
Pittsburgh 69 Marquette 61
Pitt, nearly written off for dead three weeks ago, has forged back to reach the Big East finals. They will face Georgetown for the championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers went after the Golden Eagles early, getting three fouls on both Lazard Hayward and Jerel McNeal before halftime. Pitt led 35-22 at the break. Marquette rallied in the second half, but Pitt's lead was too large to overcome.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Badgers Know Defense; Arkansas Moves On - Conference Tourney Results
Conference Tournament Results for March 14
Big Ten
Wisconsin 51 Michigan 34
In what has to be considered on of the best defensive efforts of the college basketball season, the Wisconsin Badgers completely contained Michigan, holding the Wolverines to 20% shooting, forcing 14 turnovers and holding sway on the boards by a 42-34 margin. The 85 combined points was the lowest point total in the history of the Big Ten tournament.
Michigan St. 67 Ohio St. 60
Drew Neitzel had the time of his life, scoring 28 points on 9-17 shooting, including 6-12 3-pointers as the Spartans moved on to the semifinals against Wisconsin on Saturday. Ohio State will have to sit on the bubble and wait to see if they earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney. Their status is best described as "iffy."
Illinois 74 Purdue 67 OT
In the biggest upset of the tournament, the Illini handed Purdue an unlikely loss. The Boilermakers finished a strong second in the Big Ten at 15-3, while Illinois was 5-13. Illinois' Demetri McCamey led the way with 28 points including a perfect 6-for-6 from 3-point range. The Illini will face the winner of tonight's Indiana-Minnesota game in one of tomorrow's semifinal matchups.
SEC
Tennessee 89 South Carolina 87
A narrow escape for the Vols, but they hardly needed the game. The Gamecocks are out, out and done.
Arkansas 81 Vanderbilt 75
A key, quality win for the Razorbacks which is probably good enough to impress the selection committee. Count Arkansas as one in the field of 65. The 'Backs were actually outshot from the field and both the 3-point and foul lines, but their enormous 45-24 rebounding edge game them more 18 more chances and the win. The Vols are up next on Saturday for Arkansas.
Mississippi St. 69 Alabama 67 OT
Close call for the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide as a storm ripped a hole in the Goergia Dome roof and delayed the game in overtime. Mississippi St. will face the winner of tonight's Georgia-Kentucky game on Saturday.
ACC
North Carolina 82 Florida State 70
An easy win for the well-prepped Tar Heels. Tyler Hansbrough scored 22 and Wayne Ellison knocked in 19 points. Carolina looks unstoppable. They should win the ACC tourney without breaking a sweat. They've won nine straight and look like the #1 seed n the East no matter what happens.
Virginia Tech 63 Miami (FL) 49
Some redemption for the Hokies and trouble for Miami.
Georgia Tech had no shot at making the NCAAs. This was a walkover for the Blue Devils.
Big 12
Texas 66 Oklahoma St. 59
Routine win for the Longhorns. The Big 12 needs an upset desperately because after Kansas and Texas, there's nothing there.
Oklahoma 54 Colorado 49
The Sooners catch their arch-enemy, Texas in one of two semifinals on Saturday.
Kansas 64 Nebraska 54
The Jayhawks at least made it interesting, having to come from five down at the half. Tomorrow, they'll play (and probably beat) the winner of tonight's Texas A&M-Kansas State game.
Later: Big East, PAC-10 and late results from all major conferences
Big Ten
Wisconsin 51 Michigan 34In what has to be considered on of the best defensive efforts of the college basketball season, the Wisconsin Badgers completely contained Michigan, holding the Wolverines to 20% shooting, forcing 14 turnovers and holding sway on the boards by a 42-34 margin. The 85 combined points was the lowest point total in the history of the Big Ten tournament.
Michigan St. 67 Ohio St. 60
Drew Neitzel had the time of his life, scoring 28 points on 9-17 shooting, including 6-12 3-pointers as the Spartans moved on to the semifinals against Wisconsin on Saturday. Ohio State will have to sit on the bubble and wait to see if they earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney. Their status is best described as "iffy."
Illinois 74 Purdue 67 OT
In the biggest upset of the tournament, the Illini handed Purdue an unlikely loss. The Boilermakers finished a strong second in the Big Ten at 15-3, while Illinois was 5-13. Illinois' Demetri McCamey led the way with 28 points including a perfect 6-for-6 from 3-point range. The Illini will face the winner of tonight's Indiana-Minnesota game in one of tomorrow's semifinal matchups.
SEC
Tennessee 89 South Carolina 87A narrow escape for the Vols, but they hardly needed the game. The Gamecocks are out, out and done.
Arkansas 81 Vanderbilt 75
A key, quality win for the Razorbacks which is probably good enough to impress the selection committee. Count Arkansas as one in the field of 65. The 'Backs were actually outshot from the field and both the 3-point and foul lines, but their enormous 45-24 rebounding edge game them more 18 more chances and the win. The Vols are up next on Saturday for Arkansas.
Mississippi St. 69 Alabama 67 OT
Close call for the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide as a storm ripped a hole in the Goergia Dome roof and delayed the game in overtime. Mississippi St. will face the winner of tonight's Georgia-Kentucky game on Saturday.
ACC
North Carolina 82 Florida State 70
An easy win for the well-prepped Tar Heels. Tyler Hansbrough scored 22 and Wayne Ellison knocked in 19 points. Carolina looks unstoppable. They should win the ACC tourney without breaking a sweat. They've won nine straight and look like the #1 seed n the East no matter what happens.
Virginia Tech 63 Miami (FL) 49
Some redemption for the Hokies and trouble for Miami.
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Georgia Tech had no shot at making the NCAAs. This was a walkover for the Blue Devils.
Big 12
Texas 66 Oklahoma St. 59
Routine win for the Longhorns. The Big 12 needs an upset desperately because after Kansas and Texas, there's nothing there.
Oklahoma 54 Colorado 49
The Sooners catch their arch-enemy, Texas in one of two semifinals on Saturday.
Kansas 64 Nebraska 54
The Jayhawks at least made it interesting, having to come from five down at the half. Tomorrow, they'll play (and probably beat) the winner of tonight's Texas A&M-Kansas State game.
Later: Big East, PAC-10 and late results from all major conferences
Georgia survives in OT; Stanford sends Arizona home
Late Tourney Results from March 13
Georgia 97 Mississippi 95 OT
Georgia center Dave Bliss hit a buzzer-beater with o.4 seconds remaining in overtime to give Georgia an opening round win over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs finished last in the SEC East, so their only chance of receiving an NCAA bid is to win the entire tournament. They face Kentucky tonight in a quarterfinal game.
Mississippi wasn't likely to receive a bid either, after finishing 7-9 in the SEC. Rarely does the NCAA accept teams with losing conference records.
Stanford 75 Arizona 64
Stanford's size eventually proved to be too much for the Wildcats, who will wait until Sunday to see if they are offered a berth in the NCAA tournament. Brook Lopez, the Cardinal 7'1" powerhouse, scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as Stanford pulled away late. Stanford faces Washington State in a PAC-10 semifinal game Friday night. Arizona finished 8-10 during the conference's regular season and is unlikely to get an at-large bid.
Georgia 97 Mississippi 95 OT
Georgia center Dave Bliss hit a buzzer-beater with o.4 seconds remaining in overtime to give Georgia an opening round win over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs finished last in the SEC East, so their only chance of receiving an NCAA bid is to win the entire tournament. They face Kentucky tonight in a quarterfinal game.
Mississippi wasn't likely to receive a bid either, after finishing 7-9 in the SEC. Rarely does the NCAA accept teams with losing conference records.
Stanford 75 Arizona 64
Stanford's size eventually proved to be too much for the Wildcats, who will wait until Sunday to see if they are offered a berth in the NCAA tournament. Brook Lopez, the Cardinal 7'1" powerhouse, scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as Stanford pulled away late. Stanford faces Washington State in a PAC-10 semifinal game Friday night. Arizona finished 8-10 during the conference's regular season and is unlikely to get an at-large bid.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pitt on Comeback Trail; Florida is History; 'Huskers in the Mix
More Conference Tournament Results
Pittsburgh 76 Louisville 69 OT
Sam Young misfired on all four of his 3-point attempts, but he was 8-14 from inside the arc, scoring 21 points to lead the Panthers past Louisville in a critical second-round Big East tournament game.
Pittsburgh, which suffered through a three-straight losing streak in the midst of their Big East regular season schedule, has righted itself and should be sailing towards an NCAA bid. Pitt finished an undistinguished 10-8 in conference play, but have reached the semifinals of the Big East tourney with a pair of wins. On Friday, they will face Marquette in a semifinal contest.
Elsewhere around the nation's conference tournaments, Nebraska beat back Missouri, 61-56, keeping their hopes alive in the Big 12. Georgia Tech eliminated Virginia from the ACC tourney, 94-76 and Alabama ensured that there will be a new NCAA champion this season by knocking reigning champion Florida out of the SEC tournament in the first round by an 80-69 tally.
The Gators finished the regular season at 8-8 in the conference and are 21-11 overall, which is probably not good enough to make the final cut to 65 for the NCAAs.
UCLA 88 California 66
UCLA ended Cal's dreams of post-season glory and moved to the next round of the PAC-10 tourney. Darren Collison led the Bruins with 19 points, including 5-of-7 threes. Josh Shipp had 18 and freshman Kevin Love scored 11 as the Bruins shot 53% from the field. UCLA faces cross town rival USC - a 59-55 winner over Arizona State - in one of the semifinal games Friday.
Washington St. 75 Oregon 70
This was a tough matchup for the Ducks and it may have cost them any chance at consideration for an NCAA bid. The Cougars roared to a 42-27 lead at the half and turned back repeated challenges by Oregon to advance to Friday's semifinals to face the winner of the Stanford-Arizona game later tonight.
The Ducks pulled to within four points on Tajuan Porter's three-pointer with under 90 seconds remaining, but were forced to foul down the stretch and could draw no closer. It was the third time this season the Cougars dunked the Ducks.
Marquette 89 Notre Dame 79
Jerel McNeal just kept firing, but when he was forced to sit with three fouls midway through the second half, teammate Dominic James took over, scoring seven straight points for the Golden Eagles, putting Marquette ahead for good. McNeal, who had nearly single-handedly kept Marquette in the game most of the night, finished with a game high 28 points on 9-16 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Marquette will play Pittsburgh in one of Friday's semifinal games.
Boston College 71 Maryland 68
Count the Terrapins out of the ACC and the NCAA tournament. The troubled Terrapins collapsed in the second half of their first-round game with Boston College, surrendering any chance of consideration by the NCCA tournament committee for an at-large bid.
Maryland finished the ACC season 8-8 and was on the bubble heading into the conference tourney, but losing to last-place (4-12) BC was the last straw. The loss was the third straight for Maryland and their sixth in their last eight outings.
Pittsburgh 76 Louisville 69 OT
Sam Young misfired on all four of his 3-point attempts, but he was 8-14 from inside the arc, scoring 21 points to lead the Panthers past Louisville in a critical second-round Big East tournament game.
Pittsburgh, which suffered through a three-straight losing streak in the midst of their Big East regular season schedule, has righted itself and should be sailing towards an NCAA bid. Pitt finished an undistinguished 10-8 in conference play, but have reached the semifinals of the Big East tourney with a pair of wins. On Friday, they will face Marquette in a semifinal contest.
Elsewhere around the nation's conference tournaments, Nebraska beat back Missouri, 61-56, keeping their hopes alive in the Big 12. Georgia Tech eliminated Virginia from the ACC tourney, 94-76 and Alabama ensured that there will be a new NCAA champion this season by knocking reigning champion Florida out of the SEC tournament in the first round by an 80-69 tally.
The Gators finished the regular season at 8-8 in the conference and are 21-11 overall, which is probably not good enough to make the final cut to 65 for the NCAAs.
UCLA 88 California 66
UCLA ended Cal's dreams of post-season glory and moved to the next round of the PAC-10 tourney. Darren Collison led the Bruins with 19 points, including 5-of-7 threes. Josh Shipp had 18 and freshman Kevin Love scored 11 as the Bruins shot 53% from the field. UCLA faces cross town rival USC - a 59-55 winner over Arizona State - in one of the semifinal games Friday.
Washington St. 75 Oregon 70
This was a tough matchup for the Ducks and it may have cost them any chance at consideration for an NCAA bid. The Cougars roared to a 42-27 lead at the half and turned back repeated challenges by Oregon to advance to Friday's semifinals to face the winner of the Stanford-Arizona game later tonight.
The Ducks pulled to within four points on Tajuan Porter's three-pointer with under 90 seconds remaining, but were forced to foul down the stretch and could draw no closer. It was the third time this season the Cougars dunked the Ducks.
Marquette 89 Notre Dame 79
Jerel McNeal just kept firing, but when he was forced to sit with three fouls midway through the second half, teammate Dominic James took over, scoring seven straight points for the Golden Eagles, putting Marquette ahead for good. McNeal, who had nearly single-handedly kept Marquette in the game most of the night, finished with a game high 28 points on 9-16 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Marquette will play Pittsburgh in one of Friday's semifinal games.
Boston College 71 Maryland 68
Count the Terrapins out of the ACC and the NCAA tournament. The troubled Terrapins collapsed in the second half of their first-round game with Boston College, surrendering any chance of consideration by the NCCA tournament committee for an at-large bid.
Maryland finished the ACC season 8-8 and was on the bubble heading into the conference tourney, but losing to last-place (4-12) BC was the last straw. The loss was the third straight for Maryland and their sixth in their last eight outings.
Mid-day Movers: Mountaineers Climb; Hoyas Hammer 'Cats
Conference Tournament Results
West Virginia 78 Connecticut 72
The Mountaineers now have everybody's attention and probably an at-large invite to the NCAAs with their second straight win in the Big East Tournament. UConn probably has little to worry about, since they went 13-5 in the Big East and 24-7 overall.
Georgetown 82 Villanova 63
The Hoyas put the hammer down on Villanova, a team they beat by just two points during the regular season. The Wildcats may have been a little weary from playing yesterday, while the well-rested Hoyas - who received a first round bye - were clicking from the outside as center Roy Hibbert played only 14 minutes, eventually fouling out with no points and four rebounds. Jesse Sapp and Jonathan Wallace were on fire from three-point range. Wallace hit 5-of-6, while Sapp nailed 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Sapp finished with a game-high 23 points. Wallace had 20 as the Hoyas shot 54% for the game.
Villanova shot only 33% and now must sweat out Selection Sunday. They are 20-12 overall and finished 9-9 in the Big East. Georgetown will face West Virginia in one of two semi-final games on Friday.
Florida St. 70 Wake Forest 60
The Seminoles kept their hopes alive for a bid with an opening round win over Wake Forest in the ACC tourney. The Deacons are unlikely to go anywhere but the NIT.
Miami 63 NC State 50
Say bye-bye to the Wildcats for this season and hello to the Hurricanes. The opening round win nearly cinches an at-large berth for Miami, which finished the ACC regular season 8-8 and tied with Maryland for fifth place. The Hurricanes own a win over the Terps, as well as Duke, Clemson and, outside the conference, Mississippi State.
In the Big 10 tourney, Michigan beat Iowa, 55-47, and Illinois topped Penn St., 64-63, though neither are likely to make the NCAA tourney unless they win the entire tourney, which is unlikely.
Over in the Big 12, Colorado downed Baylor, 91-84, in double overtime. The opening-round loss puts the Bears back on the bubble with a 9-7 regular season conference record and 21-10 slate overall.
Oklahoma State knocked out Texas Tech, 76-72, but the Cowboys' 7-9 conference record really hurts their chances.
This pair of games leaves the doors wide open for Texas A&M, Oklahoma and long-shot Nebraska.
No surprises so far in the SEC Tournament opening round. South Carolina slipped by LSU, 77-73, and Vanderbilt cruised to a 93-82 win over Auburn.
West Virginia 78 Connecticut 72
The Mountaineers now have everybody's attention and probably an at-large invite to the NCAAs with their second straight win in the Big East Tournament. UConn probably has little to worry about, since they went 13-5 in the Big East and 24-7 overall.
Georgetown 82 Villanova 63
The Hoyas put the hammer down on Villanova, a team they beat by just two points during the regular season. The Wildcats may have been a little weary from playing yesterday, while the well-rested Hoyas - who received a first round bye - were clicking from the outside as center Roy Hibbert played only 14 minutes, eventually fouling out with no points and four rebounds. Jesse Sapp and Jonathan Wallace were on fire from three-point range. Wallace hit 5-of-6, while Sapp nailed 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Sapp finished with a game-high 23 points. Wallace had 20 as the Hoyas shot 54% for the game.
Villanova shot only 33% and now must sweat out Selection Sunday. They are 20-12 overall and finished 9-9 in the Big East. Georgetown will face West Virginia in one of two semi-final games on Friday.
Florida St. 70 Wake Forest 60
The Seminoles kept their hopes alive for a bid with an opening round win over Wake Forest in the ACC tourney. The Deacons are unlikely to go anywhere but the NIT.
Miami 63 NC State 50
Say bye-bye to the Wildcats for this season and hello to the Hurricanes. The opening round win nearly cinches an at-large berth for Miami, which finished the ACC regular season 8-8 and tied with Maryland for fifth place. The Hurricanes own a win over the Terps, as well as Duke, Clemson and, outside the conference, Mississippi State.
In the Big 10 tourney, Michigan beat Iowa, 55-47, and Illinois topped Penn St., 64-63, though neither are likely to make the NCAA tourney unless they win the entire tourney, which is unlikely.
Over in the Big 12, Colorado downed Baylor, 91-84, in double overtime. The opening-round loss puts the Bears back on the bubble with a 9-7 regular season conference record and 21-10 slate overall.
Oklahoma State knocked out Texas Tech, 76-72, but the Cowboys' 7-9 conference record really hurts their chances.
This pair of games leaves the doors wide open for Texas A&M, Oklahoma and long-shot Nebraska.
No surprises so far in the SEC Tournament opening round. South Carolina slipped by LSU, 77-73, and Vanderbilt cruised to a 93-82 win over Auburn.
Portland State Gets a Bid; Arizona Advances
Late Results from March 12 West Coast games
Portland State 67 Northern Arizona 51
The Portland State Vikings earned an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament with a win in the championship game of the Big Sky conference tourney. It's the fist ever invitation for the Vikings, who dominated the Big Sky with a 14-2 regular season record, losing only road games at Weber State and CSU Fullerton. The Vikings have won five straight and 14 of their last 15.
Arizona 87 Oregon State 56
The Arizona Wildcats demolished Oregon State in the opener of the PAC-10 tournament, shooting 54% from the field, including 9-of-17 three-pointers. The Wildcats face Stanford in the second round, Thursday night. A win there might put them on the radar for an at-large bid, though they will have to counteract their 8-10 regular season conference record.
California 84 Washington 81
The Golden Bears clung to their slim hopes of earning an NCAA at-large bid with a narrow escape in the first round of the PAC-10 tourney. Due to a 6-10 regular season PAC-10 record, for Cal to even be considered for a bid they'd likely have to win the entire tournament, meaning they'll have to defeat #3-ranked UCLA on Thursday in the second round.
Portland State 67 Northern Arizona 51
The Portland State Vikings earned an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament with a win in the championship game of the Big Sky conference tourney. It's the fist ever invitation for the Vikings, who dominated the Big Sky with a 14-2 regular season record, losing only road games at Weber State and CSU Fullerton. The Vikings have won five straight and 14 of their last 15.
Arizona 87 Oregon State 56
The Arizona Wildcats demolished Oregon State in the opener of the PAC-10 tournament, shooting 54% from the field, including 9-of-17 three-pointers. The Wildcats face Stanford in the second round, Thursday night. A win there might put them on the radar for an at-large bid, though they will have to counteract their 8-10 regular season conference record.
California 84 Washington 81
The Golden Bears clung to their slim hopes of earning an NCAA at-large bid with a narrow escape in the first round of the PAC-10 tourney. Due to a 6-10 regular season PAC-10 record, for Cal to even be considered for a bid they'd likely have to win the entire tournament, meaning they'll have to defeat #3-ranked UCLA on Thursday in the second round.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Big East First Round Results; Mt. Saint Mary's Shocks Northeast
Villanova 82 Syracuse 63
That should do it for the Wildcats... and for Syracuse. Villanova used a 12-3 spurt midway through the second half to turn a close game into a runaway and secure an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament. For Syracuse, the loss was the culmination of a frustrating, injury-filled season that will likely end in the NIT Tournament.
Scottie Reynolds led all scorers with 22 points, including 4-of-7 three-pointers. Corey Stokes pitched in 18, hitting 4-of-8 from three-point range. The game was the opener for the Big East Tournament, which showcases one of the nation's great conferences through the weekend at Madison Square Garden. Villanova moves on to face top-seeded Georgetown in the second round on Thursday.
West Virginia 58 Providence 53
Joe Alexander scored 22 points and Da'Sean Butler added 18 points and nine rebounds to pace the Mountaineers past Providence and into the second round of the Big East tournament. Next up for the Mountaineers is Connecticut, who topped West Virginia 79-71 on March first at UConn. The second round game is slated for a 2:00 pm tip. West Virginia finished 11-7 in the conference during the regular season and may still need a win in order to receive a NCAA at-large bid. They are battling Pitt and Villanova for the probable 6th and 7th seeds from the Big East. Both the Panthers and Wildcats won opening round games on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh 70 Cincinnati 64
The Panthers finally closed out a stubborn Bearcats team to move into the second round of the Big East tourney. Pitt faces Louisville on Thursday night. A win over Louisville would almost certainly earn an NCAA bid for the Panthers, while a loss would still leave some doubt.
Marquette 67 Seton Hall 54
Marquette was probably going to get an NCAA invite whichever way this game turned, but winning it, and moving into the next round against Notre Dame, is certainly preferable. The Golden Eagles split a pair of games with the Irish this season, each team winning at home. On a neutral court, Marquette may rate a slight edge.
Marquette's Jerel McNeil was the game's high scorer with 21 points.
Mt. Saint Mary's Captures Northeast Title, Earns Bid
It's been a long, strange trip for the Mountaineers from Mt. Saint Mary's, but it's about to get even longer. The Mountaineers, who began the season with four straight losses, and found themselves at 8-11 on January 24, avenged earlier, regular season losses to Robert Morris and Sacred Heart and swept through the Northeast Conference tournament to capture an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
The Mountaineers finished the regular season in 4th place at 11-7, behind Robert Morris (16-2), Wagner (15-3) and Sacred Heart (13-5). After knocking off Quinnipiac, 80-70 in the opening round of the conference tourney, they thundered past Robert Morris, 83-65 on Sunday, and downed Sacred Heart, 69-55, in the final, Wednesday.
At 18-14, the Mountaineers will probably be a 16 seed and cannon fodder for one of the four #1's in the tournament. They've won five straight and seven of their last eight.
That should do it for the Wildcats... and for Syracuse. Villanova used a 12-3 spurt midway through the second half to turn a close game into a runaway and secure an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament. For Syracuse, the loss was the culmination of a frustrating, injury-filled season that will likely end in the NIT Tournament.
Scottie Reynolds led all scorers with 22 points, including 4-of-7 three-pointers. Corey Stokes pitched in 18, hitting 4-of-8 from three-point range. The game was the opener for the Big East Tournament, which showcases one of the nation's great conferences through the weekend at Madison Square Garden. Villanova moves on to face top-seeded Georgetown in the second round on Thursday.
West Virginia 58 Providence 53Joe Alexander scored 22 points and Da'Sean Butler added 18 points and nine rebounds to pace the Mountaineers past Providence and into the second round of the Big East tournament. Next up for the Mountaineers is Connecticut, who topped West Virginia 79-71 on March first at UConn. The second round game is slated for a 2:00 pm tip. West Virginia finished 11-7 in the conference during the regular season and may still need a win in order to receive a NCAA at-large bid. They are battling Pitt and Villanova for the probable 6th and 7th seeds from the Big East. Both the Panthers and Wildcats won opening round games on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh 70 Cincinnati 64
The Panthers finally closed out a stubborn Bearcats team to move into the second round of the Big East tourney. Pitt faces Louisville on Thursday night. A win over Louisville would almost certainly earn an NCAA bid for the Panthers, while a loss would still leave some doubt.
Marquette 67 Seton Hall 54
Marquette was probably going to get an NCAA invite whichever way this game turned, but winning it, and moving into the next round against Notre Dame, is certainly preferable. The Golden Eagles split a pair of games with the Irish this season, each team winning at home. On a neutral court, Marquette may rate a slight edge.
Marquette's Jerel McNeil was the game's high scorer with 21 points.
Mt. Saint Mary's Captures Northeast Title, Earns Bid
It's been a long, strange trip for the Mountaineers from Mt. Saint Mary's, but it's about to get even longer. The Mountaineers, who began the season with four straight losses, and found themselves at 8-11 on January 24, avenged earlier, regular season losses to Robert Morris and Sacred Heart and swept through the Northeast Conference tournament to capture an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.The Mountaineers finished the regular season in 4th place at 11-7, behind Robert Morris (16-2), Wagner (15-3) and Sacred Heart (13-5). After knocking off Quinnipiac, 80-70 in the opening round of the conference tourney, they thundered past Robert Morris, 83-65 on Sunday, and downed Sacred Heart, 69-55, in the final, Wednesday.
At 18-14, the Mountaineers will probably be a 16 seed and cannon fodder for one of the four #1's in the tournament. They've won five straight and seven of their last eight.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A Trio from the WCC?
With unlikely wins over both St. Mary's and then Gonzaga - in the West Coast Conference tournament final - the San Diego Toreros earned an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and sent the college basketball world officially into the Madness that is March.
The Toreros finished third in the WCC regular season, but came through in the tourney to better the top two finishers. Both Gonzaga (13-1 conference, 25-7 overall), which won the WCC regular season, and St. Mary's (12-2, 25-6) have the credentials to receive at-large bids, but both will have to sweat it out until Selection Sunday, March 16.
Other teams, from other conferences will be sweating along with them. With only 34 at-large bids available after the champions of 31 conferences get automatic bids, a handful of teams from major conferences find themselves on the proverbial "bubble" for tourney bids.
If the WCC sends all three, which seems likely, that leaves only 32 at-large bids to go around.
At the moment, the teams in the most precarious positions are Pittsburgh, Villanova and Syracuse in the Big East; Virginia Tech, Miami and Maryland in the ACC; Oklahoma and Texas A&M in the Big 12; Creighton and Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference; Arizona State and Oregon in the PAC-10; and Arkansas in the SEC. Florida, last year's national champion, was likely eliminated with their regular season finale loss at Kentucky.
Of the majors, the Big East and PAC-10 tournaments open on Wednesday, while the ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten tourneys tip on Thursday.
The first to fall will probably be either Villanova or Syracuse, who face off at noon Eastern on Wednesday.
#12 Butler 70 Cleveland St. 55
The Butler Bulldogs earned an NCAA automatic bid Tuesday night by capturing the Horizon League title with a win over stubborn Cleveland State in the tournament final. In addition to banging home key three-pointers late in the game, the Bulldogs repeatedly stepped to the foul line and converted, hitting 24 of 32 free throws, while the Vikings of Cleveland State tried only 19 freebies, hitting 13 of them.
Butler's Mike Green led the scoring parade with 24 points, including converting 11-of-13 from the foul line.
The Toreros finished third in the WCC regular season, but came through in the tourney to better the top two finishers. Both Gonzaga (13-1 conference, 25-7 overall), which won the WCC regular season, and St. Mary's (12-2, 25-6) have the credentials to receive at-large bids, but both will have to sweat it out until Selection Sunday, March 16.
Other teams, from other conferences will be sweating along with them. With only 34 at-large bids available after the champions of 31 conferences get automatic bids, a handful of teams from major conferences find themselves on the proverbial "bubble" for tourney bids.
If the WCC sends all three, which seems likely, that leaves only 32 at-large bids to go around.
At the moment, the teams in the most precarious positions are Pittsburgh, Villanova and Syracuse in the Big East; Virginia Tech, Miami and Maryland in the ACC; Oklahoma and Texas A&M in the Big 12; Creighton and Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference; Arizona State and Oregon in the PAC-10; and Arkansas in the SEC. Florida, last year's national champion, was likely eliminated with their regular season finale loss at Kentucky.
Of the majors, the Big East and PAC-10 tournaments open on Wednesday, while the ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten tourneys tip on Thursday.
The first to fall will probably be either Villanova or Syracuse, who face off at noon Eastern on Wednesday.
#12 Butler 70 Cleveland St. 55
The Butler Bulldogs earned an NCAA automatic bid Tuesday night by capturing the Horizon League title with a win over stubborn Cleveland State in the tournament final. In addition to banging home key three-pointers late in the game, the Bulldogs repeatedly stepped to the foul line and converted, hitting 24 of 32 free throws, while the Vikings of Cleveland State tried only 19 freebies, hitting 13 of them.
Butler's Mike Green led the scoring parade with 24 points, including converting 11-of-13 from the foul line.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Tar Heels Repel Duke, Capture ACC Title
#1 North Carolina 76 #6 Duke 68
With Ty Lawson back in the lineup, the Tar Heels (14-2, 29-2) took care of business in enemy territory and captured the ACC regular season title. Carolina bloked 15 shots, held the Blue Devils to 33% shooting and controlled the boards, 53-44. Duke remains the second-best team in the conference, and the tournament will only help determine which other teams - maybe as many as 4 more - get into the NCAA field.
Richmond 61 #8 Xavier 86
The Musketeers (26-5, 14-4) completed their Atlantic-10 regular season without point guard Drew Lavender, who was rested for this somewhat meaningless game, nursing a sore ankle. Xavier gets a bye for the first round of the A-10 tourney, and will next hit the hardwood on Thursday, in Atlantic City.
Cincinnati #13 Connecticut
This season-ender for both teams was postponed by bad weather and was rescheduled for 6:00 pm on Sunday.
IL Chicago 50 #14 Butler 66
Butler moves on the the Horizon League tourney finals against Cleveland State on Sunday.
#19 Notre Dame 67 South Florida 60
The Irish close out the regular season 14-4 in the Big East and 24-6 overall. They look like a solid 4, 5, or 6 seed.
Washington 73 #23 Washington State 76
This game only settles which is the better team in the state, which was pretty much already established. The Cougars are just waiting in the wings to do some damage in the NCAA tourney. Despite their ranking, they could forge a path to the Elite Eight.
With Ty Lawson back in the lineup, the Tar Heels (14-2, 29-2) took care of business in enemy territory and captured the ACC regular season title. Carolina bloked 15 shots, held the Blue Devils to 33% shooting and controlled the boards, 53-44. Duke remains the second-best team in the conference, and the tournament will only help determine which other teams - maybe as many as 4 more - get into the NCAA field.
Richmond 61 #8 Xavier 86
The Musketeers (26-5, 14-4) completed their Atlantic-10 regular season without point guard Drew Lavender, who was rested for this somewhat meaningless game, nursing a sore ankle. Xavier gets a bye for the first round of the A-10 tourney, and will next hit the hardwood on Thursday, in Atlantic City.
Cincinnati #13 Connecticut
This season-ender for both teams was postponed by bad weather and was rescheduled for 6:00 pm on Sunday.
IL Chicago 50 #14 Butler 66
Butler moves on the the Horizon League tourney finals against Cleveland State on Sunday.
#19 Notre Dame 67 South Florida 60
The Irish close out the regular season 14-4 in the Big East and 24-6 overall. They look like a solid 4, 5, or 6 seed.
Washington 73 #23 Washington State 76
This game only settles which is the better team in the state, which was pretty much already established. The Cougars are just waiting in the wings to do some damage in the NCAA tourney. Despite their ranking, they could forge a path to the Elite Eight.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Saturday's Season Finales Offer a Little Insight
#12 Louisville 52 #11 Georgetown 55
A little too much inside and outside by the Hoyas as they wrap up the Big East regular season title and win their 20th straight home game.
UAB 56 #2 Memphis 94
Another walk-through for the Tigers. 3rd straight 30-win season. Playing in Conference-USA will do that.
#16 Vanderbilt 73 Alabama 78
Vandy hitting a little bit of a rough patch after upsetting Tennessee last week. Second loss in their last three outings, both on the road. The Commodores were less-than-interested participants here, as a NCAA bid is already a foregone conclusion. Their performance in the SEC tournament will decide their seeding level.
Wofford 49 #25 Davidson 82
20 game win streak for the Davidson Wildcats, who may enter the NCAAs with the longest winning streak in the nation. They are a very dangerous team, likely to get a 12 or 13 seed. Losses to North Carolina, Duke and UCLA by 4, 6, and 12, respectively, look pretty good on their resume.
#7 Stanford 64 USC 77
The Cardinal has lost their last two, both on the road in SoCal, but this one really showed where the team is, mentally and physically. A 4 or 5 seed at best and hopes of making the Sweet 16 seem to be about all they' can expect.
This hurts Creighton's chances of becoming the 4th team from the MVC to earn a bid, but only a little as Drake is the probable favorite over Illinois State in Sunday's MVC Tourney Final. Drake, Southern Illinois and Illinois State all seem likely to receive bids. This conference is very solid and it would be a shame if they don't send at least three teams, but Creighton as the fourth would even be better.
#10 Wisconsin 65 Northwestern 52
Badgers wrap up the Big 10 title with their 7th straight win. As solid as they come, Wisconsin finishes up 16-2 and 26-4 overall.
California 80 #3 UCLA 81
Bruins didn't need this one, but battled to the end, winning on a wild, behind-the-basket shot by Josh Shipp. UCLA will damage some PAC-10 teams' hopes during the conference tourney.
#5 Kansas 72 Texas A&M 55
An absolute rout and furthers the belief that the Aggies will not get an invitation to the Big Dance. Their fifth loss in their last seven games drops A&M to 8-8 in the conference and does not impress anyone, especially not the selection committee.
Kansas clinched at least a tie for the Big 12 title with Texas, who plays Oklahoma St. tomorrow in the regular season finale.
#21 Marquette 72 Syracuse 87
The Orangemen are in the most precarious position of probably any team in the nation concerning the NCAA selection process. This win was huge, making them 9-9 in the conference, and 19-12 overall. With a win over Georgetown figured in, the Orange probably need to win at least two games in the Big East tournament.
With five teams already in from the conference, Syracuse will be vying with Pitt, West Virginia, Cincy and Villanova for a final one or two spots. In all likelihood, the Big East sends seven, but just who goes is still up in the air. Stay tuned.
A little too much inside and outside by the Hoyas as they wrap up the Big East regular season title and win their 20th straight home game.
UAB 56 #2 Memphis 94
Another walk-through for the Tigers. 3rd straight 30-win season. Playing in Conference-USA will do that.
#16 Vanderbilt 73 Alabama 78Vandy hitting a little bit of a rough patch after upsetting Tennessee last week. Second loss in their last three outings, both on the road. The Commodores were less-than-interested participants here, as a NCAA bid is already a foregone conclusion. Their performance in the SEC tournament will decide their seeding level.
Wofford 49 #25 Davidson 82
20 game win streak for the Davidson Wildcats, who may enter the NCAAs with the longest winning streak in the nation. They are a very dangerous team, likely to get a 12 or 13 seed. Losses to North Carolina, Duke and UCLA by 4, 6, and 12, respectively, look pretty good on their resume.
#7 Stanford 64 USC 77
The Cardinal has lost their last two, both on the road in SoCal, but this one really showed where the team is, mentally and physically. A 4 or 5 seed at best and hopes of making the Sweet 16 seem to be about all they' can expect.
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This hurts Creighton's chances of becoming the 4th team from the MVC to earn a bid, but only a little as Drake is the probable favorite over Illinois State in Sunday's MVC Tourney Final. Drake, Southern Illinois and Illinois State all seem likely to receive bids. This conference is very solid and it would be a shame if they don't send at least three teams, but Creighton as the fourth would even be better.
#10 Wisconsin 65 Northwestern 52
Badgers wrap up the Big 10 title with their 7th straight win. As solid as they come, Wisconsin finishes up 16-2 and 26-4 overall.
California 80 #3 UCLA 81
Bruins didn't need this one, but battled to the end, winning on a wild, behind-the-basket shot by Josh Shipp. UCLA will damage some PAC-10 teams' hopes during the conference tourney.
#5 Kansas 72 Texas A&M 55An absolute rout and furthers the belief that the Aggies will not get an invitation to the Big Dance. Their fifth loss in their last seven games drops A&M to 8-8 in the conference and does not impress anyone, especially not the selection committee.
Kansas clinched at least a tie for the Big 12 title with Texas, who plays Oklahoma St. tomorrow in the regular season finale.
#21 Marquette 72 Syracuse 87
The Orangemen are in the most precarious position of probably any team in the nation concerning the NCAA selection process. This win was huge, making them 9-9 in the conference, and 19-12 overall. With a win over Georgetown figured in, the Orange probably need to win at least two games in the Big East tournament.
With five teams already in from the conference, Syracuse will be vying with Pitt, West Virginia, Cincy and Villanova for a final one or two spots. In all likelihood, the Big East sends seven, but just who goes is still up in the air. Stay tuned.
Friday, March 07, 2008
UCLA Is Ready, Downs Cardinal 77-67
#7 Stanford 67 #3 UCLA 77, OT
The UCLA Bruins wrapped up their third consecutive PAC-10 regular season title with a comeback overtime win over the very game Stanford Cardinal. Darren Collison led the Bruins, and all scorers, with 24 points. Russell Westbrook added 19 and Kevin Love chipped in 17.
UCLA will likely receive the #1 seed in the Western region of the upcoming NCAA tournament, though that could change in the meantime, depending on results of the PAC-10 tourney.
The Bruins are 15-2 in the conference with one home game with California remaining on Saturday. and their regular season record stands at 27-3. Stanford is locked into second in the conference at 13-4 and 24-5 overall.
Other probable entries to the NCAAs from the PAC-10 include a pair of 10-7 teams, USC and Washington State. Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon, all 8-9, will vie for one or possibly two more invitations for the conference. For them, the every remaining game is critical.
The UCLA Bruins wrapped up their third consecutive PAC-10 regular season title with a comeback overtime win over the very game Stanford Cardinal. Darren Collison led the Bruins, and all scorers, with 24 points. Russell Westbrook added 19 and Kevin Love chipped in 17.
UCLA will likely receive the #1 seed in the Western region of the upcoming NCAA tournament, though that could change in the meantime, depending on results of the PAC-10 tourney.
The Bruins are 15-2 in the conference with one home game with California remaining on Saturday. and their regular season record stands at 27-3. Stanford is locked into second in the conference at 13-4 and 24-5 overall.
Other probable entries to the NCAAs from the PAC-10 include a pair of 10-7 teams, USC and Washington State. Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon, all 8-9, will vie for one or possibly two more invitations for the conference. For them, the every remaining game is critical.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Failing Grades? #8 Xavier, #13 Connecticut, #24 Clemson Lose Focus
8 Xavier 66 St. Joseph's 71
This one has been in the offing for some time. The Musketeers ran away with the Atlantic-10 and St. Joe's (9-6, 17-10) needed the win. Xavier was 7-13 from the foul line, St. Joe's 17-20. Game over. On to the conference tourney.
#13 Connecticut 76 Providence 85
Road blues for UConn, probably not interested since they've already earned a 1st round bye in the Big East tournament.
#24 Clemson 75 Georgia Tech 80
Another game without meaning for a team heading to both their conference tourney and the big dance.
It's tough to read anything into these losses except for a real lack of preparedness for road opponents bent on making statements. The most interesting by far is the St. Joseph's story, the only winner tonight with an outside shot at making the NCCA field.
If you're looking for bubble teams, the Hawks are a good choice. Their chances will improve with each successive conference tournament victory.
This one has been in the offing for some time. The Musketeers ran away with the Atlantic-10 and St. Joe's (9-6, 17-10) needed the win. Xavier was 7-13 from the foul line, St. Joe's 17-20. Game over. On to the conference tourney.
#13 Connecticut 76 Providence 85
Road blues for UConn, probably not interested since they've already earned a 1st round bye in the Big East tournament.
#24 Clemson 75 Georgia Tech 80
Another game without meaning for a team heading to both their conference tourney and the big dance.
It's tough to read anything into these losses except for a real lack of preparedness for road opponents bent on making statements. The most interesting by far is the St. Joseph's story, the only winner tonight with an outside shot at making the NCCA field.
If you're looking for bubble teams, the Hawks are a good choice. Their chances will improve with each successive conference tournament victory.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tar Heels Cement #1 Ranking; Ohio St. Saves Season
Florida St. 77 #1 North Carolina 90
Just a day after regaining the #1 ranking in the nation, North Carolina showed why they deserved the top spot with a routine home win over Florida State.
North Carolina was ranked #1 from preseason through the January 14 poll, after which they suffered their first loss of the season, 82-80, to Maryland. Since then, Memphis and Tennessee had assumed the lead, but both lost key games and with only one other loss - to Duke - the Tar Heels were the obvious choice, especially since Ty Lawson is fully recovered from injury and playing again.
Lawson scored 10 points in 20 minutes against the Seminoles, and looks to be ready to play 30 or more minutes against Duke's guards, Greg Paulus and Jon Scheyer.
#15 Purdue 77 Ohio State 80 OT
The Buckeyes have been knocking on the Big Ten door the last few games and finally they just knocked it down with a big win that could pave the way for an Ohio State entry into the NCAA field.
The Buckeyes held Purdue to 41% shooting while hitting 48% themselves. Jamar Butler led all scorers with 25 points as Ohio State battled into overtime with one of the co-leaders of the conference.
The loss dropped the 14-3 Boilermakers a 1/2-game behind 14-2 Wisconsin and a 1/2-game ahead of 13-3 Indiana.
While the game certainly had implications to the tight Big Ten title race, it was the most important win of the season for the Buckeyes, who improved to 9-8 in conference play and 18-12 overall with a final regular season game and the Big Ten tourney ahead.
Ohio State had lost four straight and sorely needed a win to stay in consideration for post-season play.
Nebraska 66 #9 Texas 70
A good showing by the Cornhuskers wasn't enough to keep them on the bubble for the big dance as they dropped to 6-9 in conference play. The Longhorns play their final game of the regular season at home Sunday against Oklahoma State.
Florida Gulf Coast 37 #21 Marquette 67
This was like practice for Marquette, which is ranked, plays most of their games in the Big East and is looking ahead to the post season. The Golden Eagles starters only played 21-30 minutes, no player from Florida Gulf Coast scored more than six points as their record fell to 10-21. Not nice.
Just a day after regaining the #1 ranking in the nation, North Carolina showed why they deserved the top spot with a routine home win over Florida State.
North Carolina was ranked #1 from preseason through the January 14 poll, after which they suffered their first loss of the season, 82-80, to Maryland. Since then, Memphis and Tennessee had assumed the lead, but both lost key games and with only one other loss - to Duke - the Tar Heels were the obvious choice, especially since Ty Lawson is fully recovered from injury and playing again.
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North Carolina will get their final test of the regular season and a chance to make amends at Duke on Saturday. The Blue Devils upended North Carolina a month ago, 89-78 at Chapel Hill. Lawson was inactive for that game, but he will be ready to put in his best effort in a game that will determine the ACC regular season champion, if Duke takes care of business Wednesday night at Virginia.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Lawson scored 10 points in 20 minutes against the Seminoles, and looks to be ready to play 30 or more minutes against Duke's guards, Greg Paulus and Jon Scheyer.
#15 Purdue 77 Ohio State 80 OT
The Buckeyes have been knocking on the Big Ten door the last few games and finally they just knocked it down with a big win that could pave the way for an Ohio State entry into the NCAA field.
The Buckeyes held Purdue to 41% shooting while hitting 48% themselves. Jamar Butler led all scorers with 25 points as Ohio State battled into overtime with one of the co-leaders of the conference.
The loss dropped the 14-3 Boilermakers a 1/2-game behind 14-2 Wisconsin and a 1/2-game ahead of 13-3 Indiana.While the game certainly had implications to the tight Big Ten title race, it was the most important win of the season for the Buckeyes, who improved to 9-8 in conference play and 18-12 overall with a final regular season game and the Big Ten tourney ahead.
Ohio State had lost four straight and sorely needed a win to stay in consideration for post-season play.
Nebraska 66 #9 Texas 70
A good showing by the Cornhuskers wasn't enough to keep them on the bubble for the big dance as they dropped to 6-9 in conference play. The Longhorns play their final game of the regular season at home Sunday against Oklahoma State.
Florida Gulf Coast 37 #21 Marquette 67
This was like practice for Marquette, which is ranked, plays most of their games in the Big East and is looking ahead to the post season. The Golden Eagles starters only played 21-30 minutes, no player from Florida Gulf Coast scored more than six points as their record fell to 10-21. Not nice.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Kansas Routs Texas Tech, 109-51
Texas Tech 51 #5 Kansas 109
Nothing like a little home cooking - and 60% shooting - to get ready for the rigors of postseason play and the Jayhawks chalked up an enormous victory, notching their season high in points as Kansas humbled the Red Raiders by 58 points.
Kansas also held Tech to 29% shooting, while putting six players in double figures. None of the Jayhawks' starters played more than 21 minutes as Kansas built at 51-26 halftime lead and made the second half even more miserable for Patrick Knight and his troops.
The loss may have ruined any chance the Red Raiders had for making the NCAA tournament, as they dropped to 7-8 in Big 12 play and 16-13 overall. Kansas completes the regular season at Texas A&M on Saturday, and unless Texas loses to either Oklahoma State or Nebraska, KU and the Longhorns will likely finish the regular season tied for the conference title.
if that occurs, Texas can lay claim to bragging rights due to a Feb. 11, 72-69 win over the Jayhawks, so the #1 Midwest seed should come down to whichever team performs better in the Big 12 tourney.
Nothing like a little home cooking - and 60% shooting - to get ready for the rigors of postseason play and the Jayhawks chalked up an enormous victory, notching their season high in points as Kansas humbled the Red Raiders by 58 points.
Kansas also held Tech to 29% shooting, while putting six players in double figures. None of the Jayhawks' starters played more than 21 minutes as Kansas built at 51-26 halftime lead and made the second half even more miserable for Patrick Knight and his troops.
The loss may have ruined any chance the Red Raiders had for making the NCAA tournament, as they dropped to 7-8 in Big 12 play and 16-13 overall. Kansas completes the regular season at Texas A&M on Saturday, and unless Texas loses to either Oklahoma State or Nebraska, KU and the Longhorns will likely finish the regular season tied for the conference title.
if that occurs, Texas can lay claim to bragging rights due to a Feb. 11, 72-69 win over the Jayhawks, so the #1 Midwest seed should come down to whichever team performs better in the Big 12 tourney.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Weekend Update: Spartans, Red Raiders upset Hoosiers, Longhorns
We are officially just two weeks away from Selection Sunday and the start of the NCAA tournament.
A number of games over the weekend helped and/or hurt teams' chances to make the Big Dance, but none was bigger than Michigan State's enormous win over Indiana.
Sunday
#12 Indiana 74 #19 Michigan St. 103
This win should be good enough to put the Spartans into the NCAA field. Totally unexpected, Michigan State, the win ended a three-game losing streak against ranked conference opposition. At 11-5 with a pair of road games remaining, the Spartans really needed this confidence builder.
They now move from the bubble to the "Most Likely" category for a bid, probably a 6 or 7, making them upset material.
Michigan State shot 61% for the game, including 13-24 three-pointers, registering a season-high single-game score.
Indiana dropped a game behind co-Big Ten leaders Purdue and Wisconsin, both at 14-2.
Kentucky 60 #1 Tennessee 63
This could have been a blowout, but the Wildcats battled back from being down as many as 15 in the first half to make a game of it, actually taking a short lead midway through the second half. Kentucky just doesn't stack up on paper, but they're going to be in the tournament as the best team with less than 20 wins and more than 10 losses because they are 10-4 in the SEC. Weird. They could be one and done or win three games. They're the most enigmatic team in the nation.
#17 Notre Dame 98 DePaul 91
The Irish clinched a first round bye in the upcoming Big East tournament and still has an outside chance at winning the regular season title. Generally, Notre Dame doesn't play well on the road, but they got this one at DePaul and have just two games left - St. John's and at South Florida.
They're game-ready for Madison Square Garden.
Villanova 54 #13 Louisville 68
The Cardinals were just too dominant inside for gritty Villanova, which really could have used a win. At 7-9 and 17-11 overall, the Wildcats need to win the last two regular season games and at least one in the Big East tourney to have even a chance at consideration for more playing time.
#4 UCLA 68 Arizona 66
Arizona almost pulled off this upset - and it would have been huge - but the Bruins escaped and the Wildcats are bubbling badly at 7-9 and 17-12. The PAC-10 would have to send six teams for Arizona to sneak in, and that's questionable.
Saturday
2 Memphis 76 Southern Miss. 67
Good showing by Southern Miss (11-3, 21-8) means they'll be the second team from Conference-USA. Others may include Houston and UCF, but no more than four total.
#3 UNC 90 Boston College 80
Just another day at the office for the Tar Heels, who could be ranked #1 come Monday afternoon.
#5 Texas 80 Texas Tech 83
Shocker of the day as the Red Raiders swarmed the Longhorns and made their case for inclusion in the field of 65. But was it too late. Tech is 7-7 and 16-12 overall, but hold wins over both Kansas and Texas.
Kansas St. 74 #6 Kansas 88
Chalk up consecutive loss #4 for the Wildcats, who are fading faster than a tie-died t-shirt. Kansas takes back the lead in the Big 12. At 18-10, K-State has gone from a tournament lock a bubble team in just two weeks.
#7 Duke 87 N.C. St. 86
Wolfpack controlled this game for 39 minutes. Coach K gets win #800 as the Duke boys never quit.
George Washington 56 #9 Xavier 66
No surprise. The X-Men are good for a #3 or 4 seed.
#22 Washington St. 53 #8 Stanford 60
Look out for the Cardinal, winners of four straight and 11 of their last 12. They've beaten Wash St. twice now and get a rematch with UCLA Thursday night.
#11 Georgetown 70 #21 Marquette 68
Despite the loss, Marquette cemented their status as an invitee to the NCAA tourney. Georgetown struggled, but winning ugly becomes this very dangerous team.
Detroit 31 #14 Butler 65
It's Official. Butler is the Horizon League champion.
W. Virginia 71 #15 Connecticut 79
The Mountaineers didn't need this game at 9-7 and 20-9 overall, though it certainly would have helped. They're likely to get a bid, probably a 9 or 10.
Northwestern 43 #16 Purdue 68
Purdue and Wisconsin remain tied for the Big Ten lead at 14-2.
This was an enormous win by the Razorbacks. Vandy was coming off an upset of Tennessee and Arkansas may have caught them a little flat-footed. But, in the very contentious SEC, Arkansas needed a Top 25 win and got it when it counted.
Wichita St. 63 #20 Drake 73
Ho-hum. Drake clinched the MVC about a month ago.
#23 Kent St. 83 Bowling Green 89
Bit of an upset, but Kent State still looks like the team to beat in the Mid-American. Top 25 ranking? I don't know.
#25 St. Mary's 76 #24 Gonzaga 88
Talk about rising to the occasion! The Zags avenged an earlier loss to the Gaels and can wrap up the West Coast Conference title with a win over Santa Clara on Monday.
Pittsburgh 82 Syracuse 77
Pitt came from 14 down late in the second half to salvage what's left of their season. Still on the bubble at least until the Big East Tourney. Syracuse is out.
A number of games over the weekend helped and/or hurt teams' chances to make the Big Dance, but none was bigger than Michigan State's enormous win over Indiana.
Sunday
#12 Indiana 74 #19 Michigan St. 103
This win should be good enough to put the Spartans into the NCAA field. Totally unexpected, Michigan State, the win ended a three-game losing streak against ranked conference opposition. At 11-5 with a pair of road games remaining, the Spartans really needed this confidence builder.
They now move from the bubble to the "Most Likely" category for a bid, probably a 6 or 7, making them upset material.
Michigan State shot 61% for the game, including 13-24 three-pointers, registering a season-high single-game score.
Indiana dropped a game behind co-Big Ten leaders Purdue and Wisconsin, both at 14-2.
Kentucky 60 #1 Tennessee 63This could have been a blowout, but the Wildcats battled back from being down as many as 15 in the first half to make a game of it, actually taking a short lead midway through the second half. Kentucky just doesn't stack up on paper, but they're going to be in the tournament as the best team with less than 20 wins and more than 10 losses because they are 10-4 in the SEC. Weird. They could be one and done or win three games. They're the most enigmatic team in the nation.
#17 Notre Dame 98 DePaul 91
The Irish clinched a first round bye in the upcoming Big East tournament and still has an outside chance at winning the regular season title. Generally, Notre Dame doesn't play well on the road, but they got this one at DePaul and have just two games left - St. John's and at South Florida.
They're game-ready for Madison Square Garden.
Villanova 54 #13 Louisville 68
The Cardinals were just too dominant inside for gritty Villanova, which really could have used a win. At 7-9 and 17-11 overall, the Wildcats need to win the last two regular season games and at least one in the Big East tourney to have even a chance at consideration for more playing time.
#4 UCLA 68 Arizona 66
Arizona almost pulled off this upset - and it would have been huge - but the Bruins escaped and the Wildcats are bubbling badly at 7-9 and 17-12. The PAC-10 would have to send six teams for Arizona to sneak in, and that's questionable.
Saturday
2 Memphis 76 Southern Miss. 67
Good showing by Southern Miss (11-3, 21-8) means they'll be the second team from Conference-USA. Others may include Houston and UCF, but no more than four total.
#3 UNC 90 Boston College 80
Just another day at the office for the Tar Heels, who could be ranked #1 come Monday afternoon.
#5 Texas 80 Texas Tech 83
Shocker of the day as the Red Raiders swarmed the Longhorns and made their case for inclusion in the field of 65. But was it too late. Tech is 7-7 and 16-12 overall, but hold wins over both Kansas and Texas.
Kansas St. 74 #6 Kansas 88
Chalk up consecutive loss #4 for the Wildcats, who are fading faster than a tie-died t-shirt. Kansas takes back the lead in the Big 12. At 18-10, K-State has gone from a tournament lock a bubble team in just two weeks.
#7 Duke 87 N.C. St. 86
Wolfpack controlled this game for 39 minutes. Coach K gets win #800 as the Duke boys never quit.
George Washington 56 #9 Xavier 66
No surprise. The X-Men are good for a #3 or 4 seed.
#22 Washington St. 53 #8 Stanford 60
Look out for the Cardinal, winners of four straight and 11 of their last 12. They've beaten Wash St. twice now and get a rematch with UCLA Thursday night.
#11 Georgetown 70 #21 Marquette 68
Despite the loss, Marquette cemented their status as an invitee to the NCAA tourney. Georgetown struggled, but winning ugly becomes this very dangerous team.
Detroit 31 #14 Butler 65
It's Official. Butler is the Horizon League champion.
W. Virginia 71 #15 Connecticut 79
The Mountaineers didn't need this game at 9-7 and 20-9 overall, though it certainly would have helped. They're likely to get a bid, probably a 9 or 10.
Northwestern 43 #16 Purdue 68
Purdue and Wisconsin remain tied for the Big Ten lead at 14-2.
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#18 Vanderbilt 73 Arkansas 78Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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This was an enormous win by the Razorbacks. Vandy was coming off an upset of Tennessee and Arkansas may have caught them a little flat-footed. But, in the very contentious SEC, Arkansas needed a Top 25 win and got it when it counted.
Wichita St. 63 #20 Drake 73
Ho-hum. Drake clinched the MVC about a month ago.
#23 Kent St. 83 Bowling Green 89
Bit of an upset, but Kent State still looks like the team to beat in the Mid-American. Top 25 ranking? I don't know.
#25 St. Mary's 76 #24 Gonzaga 88
Talk about rising to the occasion! The Zags avenged an earlier loss to the Gaels and can wrap up the West Coast Conference title with a win over Santa Clara on Monday.
Pittsburgh 82 Syracuse 77
Pitt came from 14 down late in the second half to salvage what's left of their season. Still on the bubble at least until the Big East Tourney. Syracuse is out.
Friday, February 29, 2008
PAC-10: Blowout City
#17 Notre Dame 85 #13 Louisville 90
This game wasn't nearly as close as the score indicates. Louisville held a 17-point lead with less than 7 minutes to play, but their inability to shoot free throws (20-32, 63%) and Notre Dame's streaky 3-point shooters made it a little exciting at the end. Luke Harangody scored a game-high 40 points (along with 12 boards) for the Irish, but David Padgett's 26 mattered more.
Wright St. 61 #14 Butler 66
Butler wrapped up the Horizon League title with a win over their closest rival, leading almost from start to finish. The Bulldogs actually have clinched only a tie for the regular season title, but their last game is at home against last place Detroit, over which the Bulldogs already have a win. Butler's a shoo-in for the tourney, but Wright State will have to play well in the upcoming conference tourney to be considered for more March play.
#19 Michigan St. 42 #10 Wisconsin 57
Brian Butch nailed 4 of 6 three-pointers and the Badgers hammered the slumping Spartans, who have now lost 5 of their last 8. Michigan State has three games remaining, against Indiana Sunday, before closing out the schedule at Illinois and at Ohio State. They're almost sure to lose two of those games, possibly all three. The team has no depth and the starters aren't even very good. Somehow, they'll finish with eight or nine losses, including one more in the Big Ten tourney and an invite to the field. Watch where the Spartans are seeded (if they get in, there's a chance they won't make it) because they're upset material for sure.
Wisconsin is still locked in with Indiana and Purdue atop the Big Ten standings. Each team has just two losses. The Badgers currently are a 1/2-game leader due to having played one additional game.
The Cardinal keeps winning and the PAC-10 post-season dance party continues to receive regrets. The Huskies' slim chances have departed, as have those the Oregon Ducks. Stanford still has a shot at the regular season crown, though it would take a UCLA loss. The Cardinals head down the coast for a March 6 showdown with the Bruins following Saturday's home game with Washington State.
4 UCLA 70 Arizona St. 49
Looks like "that's all folks" for the Sun Devils, who got tanned by the Bruins and dropped to 7-8 in the conference. Worse, it was AZST's 10th loss overall. Off the bubble and into the NIT pit.
#22 Washington St. 70 California 49
This wasn't close, ever. Cal is 6-9 and done for the season.
Four teams from the PAC-10 will go to the NCAA's: UCLA, Stanford, Washington St. and USC (barely). The only other team with a chance is Arizona, but USA pummeled them by 12 last night. Besides, the Wildcats are only 7-8 in the conf., 17-11 overall, easy to dismiss.
This game wasn't nearly as close as the score indicates. Louisville held a 17-point lead with less than 7 minutes to play, but their inability to shoot free throws (20-32, 63%) and Notre Dame's streaky 3-point shooters made it a little exciting at the end. Luke Harangody scored a game-high 40 points (along with 12 boards) for the Irish, but David Padgett's 26 mattered more.
Wright St. 61 #14 Butler 66
Butler wrapped up the Horizon League title with a win over their closest rival, leading almost from start to finish. The Bulldogs actually have clinched only a tie for the regular season title, but their last game is at home against last place Detroit, over which the Bulldogs already have a win. Butler's a shoo-in for the tourney, but Wright State will have to play well in the upcoming conference tourney to be considered for more March play.
#19 Michigan St. 42 #10 Wisconsin 57Brian Butch nailed 4 of 6 three-pointers and the Badgers hammered the slumping Spartans, who have now lost 5 of their last 8. Michigan State has three games remaining, against Indiana Sunday, before closing out the schedule at Illinois and at Ohio State. They're almost sure to lose two of those games, possibly all three. The team has no depth and the starters aren't even very good. Somehow, they'll finish with eight or nine losses, including one more in the Big Ten tourney and an invite to the field. Watch where the Spartans are seeded (if they get in, there's a chance they won't make it) because they're upset material for sure.
Wisconsin is still locked in with Indiana and Purdue atop the Big Ten standings. Each team has just two losses. The Badgers currently are a 1/2-game leader due to having played one additional game.
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Washington 79 #8 Stanford 82Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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The Cardinal keeps winning and the PAC-10 post-season dance party continues to receive regrets. The Huskies' slim chances have departed, as have those the Oregon Ducks. Stanford still has a shot at the regular season crown, though it would take a UCLA loss. The Cardinals head down the coast for a March 6 showdown with the Bruins following Saturday's home game with Washington State.
4 UCLA 70 Arizona St. 49
Looks like "that's all folks" for the Sun Devils, who got tanned by the Bruins and dropped to 7-8 in the conference. Worse, it was AZST's 10th loss overall. Off the bubble and into the NIT pit.
#22 Washington St. 70 California 49
This wasn't close, ever. Cal is 6-9 and done for the season.
Four teams from the PAC-10 will go to the NCAA's: UCLA, Stanford, Washington St. and USC (barely). The only other team with a chance is Arizona, but USA pummeled them by 12 last night. Besides, the Wildcats are only 7-8 in the conf., 17-11 overall, easy to dismiss.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Big East, SEC Pack Punch: Feb. 27 College Hoops Notes
Five games involved teams ranked in the Top 25, all of which won over unranked opponents.
#6 Kansas 75 Iowa St. 64
Jayhawks put it all together in this road rout. Darrell Arthur led the scoring parade with 19 points in 31 minutes. Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers each hit 3-4 three-pointers and scored 15. Kansas held a 43-30 rebounding edge. Jayhawks appear ready to avenge their loss to K-State, when the Wildcats come calling on Saturday.
Tulsa 67 #2 Memphis 82
A total breeze for the Tigers, but that's what happens when you hit 13-25 from beyond the arc.
Minnesota 53 #16 Purdue 65
Boilermakers continue to play great defense and hit perimeter shots, though being outrebounded 43-29 is a cause for concern. Purdue forced 20 turnovers, which somewhat balances things out.
GA Tech 58 #7 Duke 71
Blue Devils hit only 2 of 15 3-pointers, but still breezed as the Yellow jackets couldn't handle the pressure, turning the ball over 20 times.
St. John's 52 #11 Georgetown 64
Smothering the Johnnies isn't saying much. Roy Hibbert's 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 fouls speaks volumes about this team's readiness for serious competition. Three rebounds? Come on.
Key games from around the nation:
Cincinnati 67 Pittsburgh 73
A much-needed win for the Panthers, but how far can Sam Young and DeJuan Blair (20 and 18 points, respectively) take them? Big rebounding edge (37-25) to the Bearcats, but Pitt won it at the free throw line. These two now tied in the Big east standings at 8-7.
West Virginia 85 DePaul 73
Nice win for the Mountaineers, who have won 4 of their last 5. The offense continues to click. They hit 53% overall and 77% from the foul line, which bodes well for the immediate future. Saturday's game at UConn ought to be a beauty. Big East is still wide open, with 9 teams vying for 7, maybe 8 tickets to the big dance. Mountaineers got a leg up with this win, making them 9-6, in sixth place.
Clemson 79 Miami (FL) 69
A key win for the Tigers, now 8-5 in the ACC and a cinch to make the field of 65. Tough loss for Miami, after winning four straight, they drop to 6-7 in the conference, but close out the regular season with Virginia and BC at home, then Florida St., away. Still hope for the Hurricanes.
Texas Tech 54 Texas A&M 98
Blowout win for the Aggies keeps them in the chase, but they've dropped out of the Top 25 and are just 7-6 in the Big 12. This ended a 3-game skid for A&M, which scored 56 1st-half points and cruised from there.
Oklahoma 45 Nebraska 63
Cornhuskers are red-hot, having won three straight, improving to 6-7 in the conference. Oklahoma St., Texas and Colorado close out the season. will 8-8 in the Big 12 translate to a dance pass? Depends on how the 'Huskers do in the Big 12 tourney. Stay tuned.
In the SEC, Florida won at Georgia, 77-64, improving to 8-5, 21-7. Defending champs look good to return to the NCAA tournament. Mississippi St. turned back Auburn, 89-78, making the Bulldogs 11-3 and clinching at least a tie for the SEC West title. Punch their ticket. Tough road for the Razorbacks, losing at Alabama, 59-56. Arkansas is now 7-6 in conference and on the outside looking in, because Kentucky dumped Mississippi, 58-54, making the Wildcats 10-3 in the SEC East and good enough to meet the committee's approval.
Catch all the college hoops action and key analysis at College Basketball Daily
#6 Kansas 75 Iowa St. 64
Jayhawks put it all together in this road rout. Darrell Arthur led the scoring parade with 19 points in 31 minutes. Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers each hit 3-4 three-pointers and scored 15. Kansas held a 43-30 rebounding edge. Jayhawks appear ready to avenge their loss to K-State, when the Wildcats come calling on Saturday.
Tulsa 67 #2 Memphis 82
A total breeze for the Tigers, but that's what happens when you hit 13-25 from beyond the arc.
Minnesota 53 #16 Purdue 65
Boilermakers continue to play great defense and hit perimeter shots, though being outrebounded 43-29 is a cause for concern. Purdue forced 20 turnovers, which somewhat balances things out.
GA Tech 58 #7 Duke 71
Blue Devils hit only 2 of 15 3-pointers, but still breezed as the Yellow jackets couldn't handle the pressure, turning the ball over 20 times.
St. John's 52 #11 Georgetown 64Smothering the Johnnies isn't saying much. Roy Hibbert's 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 fouls speaks volumes about this team's readiness for serious competition. Three rebounds? Come on.
Key games from around the nation:
Cincinnati 67 Pittsburgh 73
A much-needed win for the Panthers, but how far can Sam Young and DeJuan Blair (20 and 18 points, respectively) take them? Big rebounding edge (37-25) to the Bearcats, but Pitt won it at the free throw line. These two now tied in the Big east standings at 8-7.
West Virginia 85 DePaul 73
Nice win for the Mountaineers, who have won 4 of their last 5. The offense continues to click. They hit 53% overall and 77% from the foul line, which bodes well for the immediate future. Saturday's game at UConn ought to be a beauty. Big East is still wide open, with 9 teams vying for 7, maybe 8 tickets to the big dance. Mountaineers got a leg up with this win, making them 9-6, in sixth place.
Clemson 79 Miami (FL) 69
A key win for the Tigers, now 8-5 in the ACC and a cinch to make the field of 65. Tough loss for Miami, after winning four straight, they drop to 6-7 in the conference, but close out the regular season with Virginia and BC at home, then Florida St., away. Still hope for the Hurricanes.
Texas Tech 54 Texas A&M 98Blowout win for the Aggies keeps them in the chase, but they've dropped out of the Top 25 and are just 7-6 in the Big 12. This ended a 3-game skid for A&M, which scored 56 1st-half points and cruised from there.
Oklahoma 45 Nebraska 63
Cornhuskers are red-hot, having won three straight, improving to 6-7 in the conference. Oklahoma St., Texas and Colorado close out the season. will 8-8 in the Big 12 translate to a dance pass? Depends on how the 'Huskers do in the Big 12 tourney. Stay tuned.
In the SEC, Florida won at Georgia, 77-64, improving to 8-5, 21-7. Defending champs look good to return to the NCAA tournament. Mississippi St. turned back Auburn, 89-78, making the Bulldogs 11-3 and clinching at least a tie for the SEC West title. Punch their ticket. Tough road for the Razorbacks, losing at Alabama, 59-56. Arkansas is now 7-6 in conference and on the outside looking in, because Kentucky dumped Mississippi, 58-54, making the Wildcats 10-3 in the SEC East and good enough to meet the committee's approval.
Catch all the college hoops action and key analysis at College Basketball Daily
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tough Being on Top: Vols Lose to Vandy One Day After Ranking #1
#1 Tennessee 69 #18 Vanderbilt 72
Chris Lofton couldn't hit a three-pointer late in the game, but his teammates only managed one for the whole game.
Just one day after reaching the #1 ranking for the first time in school history, the Tennessee Volunteers suffered a letdown following their upset of Memphis on Saturday and fell to SEC East rival Vanderbilt. Lofton scored 25 points, hitting 6 of 15 treys, but his last three were all misses, as the Vols could not overcome Shan Foster's 32 points.
Tennessee's shooters were off all night, shooting just 32% for the game. Besides Lofton, the Vols hit only 1 of 11 from beyond the arc, by JaJuan Smith, who finished with 9 points.
Despite the horrible shooting, Tennessee (11-2, 25-3) kept the game close. It was only their second SEC loss, the other coming against Kentucky. The Vols beat Vanderbilt (9-4, 24-4), 80-60, back on January 17 and host Kentucky, with a chance to avenge their earlier loss, on Sunday.
A win over the Wildcats would all but secure the best record in the conference, the SEC East title, the top seed in the SEC tourney and a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Kentucky is 9-3 in the conference and hosts Mississippi tonight.
Ohio St. 69 #12 Indiana 72
Once again, the Buckeyes came up just short. Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) has now lost three straight and five of their last seven, placing them in an iffy, bubbelicious position for the NCAA tourney.
Hoosier Armon Bassett led the scoring with 23 points. Stalwart scorers Eric Gordon and D.J. White had 17 and 16, respectively.
This was the first home game for Dan Dakich, who replaced disgraced Kelvin Sampson, who retired on Friday amid a swirl of recruiting violation allegations and NCAA sanctions. Dakich was greeted warmly by the home crowd as Indiana (13-2, 24-4) won for the second straight time with Dakich as coach and has racked up four straight overall.
#15 Connecticut 79 Rutgers 61
The Huskies got back to business after losing to Villanova on Saturday, crushing an undermanned Rutgers team that was thoroughly outplayed by taller, faster UConn players. The Huskies outshot the Scarlet Knights, 52-42%, and outrebounded them, 41-24.
It was the 8th straight loss for Rutgers, which fell to the bottom of the Big East, at 2-14 and 10-19 overall.
The Huskies (11-4, 22-6) still trail 12-3 Louisville and Georgetown by one game in the Big east standings. Sandwiched in between is Notre Dame at 11-3. All the teams have three regular season games left, except the Irish, which has four.
UConn doesn't play any of the top three, but Louisville has both Notre Dame and Georgetown on the schedule. The Hoyas will have to contend not only with Louisville, but also with Marquette (11-5, 21-6). Notre Dame may just sneak in a win the Big East title. Following the tilt at Louisville Thursday night, they play at DePaul, host St. John's and finish at South Florida. Those three teams are a combined 11-32 in conference play.
#20 Drake 83 Missouri St. 86
The Missouri Valley conference is one of the best in the nation, top to bottom. Ample proof of that statement was made by Missouri State last night, knocking off top dog Drake in a game that was anything but a fluke. The Bears of Missouri State are 8th (of 10) in the conference standings with a 7-10 record, but are 15-15 overall and have already posted wins over Bradley, Indiana St., Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa, all teams ahead of them in the standings.
Drake, the only team from the conference ranked, has already wrapped up the MVC title, though they've now lost three of their last four in the conference. The upcoming conference tournament should produce a winner other than the Bulldogs and the second entrant to the NCAAs. The conference could easily place four solid teams into the field of 65.
Correction: In a post last week, I mistakenly mentioned that Selection Sunday was March 9. It is actually March 16, which means the championship game will be held on Monday, April 7.
Chris Lofton couldn't hit a three-pointer late in the game, but his teammates only managed one for the whole game.
Just one day after reaching the #1 ranking for the first time in school history, the Tennessee Volunteers suffered a letdown following their upset of Memphis on Saturday and fell to SEC East rival Vanderbilt. Lofton scored 25 points, hitting 6 of 15 treys, but his last three were all misses, as the Vols could not overcome Shan Foster's 32 points.
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Foster put the Commodores on his back and led them to a huge win, hitting 9-of-13 from the field, including 6-of-9 3-pointers and 8-of-11 from the foul line.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Tennessee's shooters were off all night, shooting just 32% for the game. Besides Lofton, the Vols hit only 1 of 11 from beyond the arc, by JaJuan Smith, who finished with 9 points.
Despite the horrible shooting, Tennessee (11-2, 25-3) kept the game close. It was only their second SEC loss, the other coming against Kentucky. The Vols beat Vanderbilt (9-4, 24-4), 80-60, back on January 17 and host Kentucky, with a chance to avenge their earlier loss, on Sunday.
A win over the Wildcats would all but secure the best record in the conference, the SEC East title, the top seed in the SEC tourney and a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Kentucky is 9-3 in the conference and hosts Mississippi tonight.
Ohio St. 69 #12 Indiana 72
Once again, the Buckeyes came up just short. Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) has now lost three straight and five of their last seven, placing them in an iffy, bubbelicious position for the NCAA tourney.
Hoosier Armon Bassett led the scoring with 23 points. Stalwart scorers Eric Gordon and D.J. White had 17 and 16, respectively.This was the first home game for Dan Dakich, who replaced disgraced Kelvin Sampson, who retired on Friday amid a swirl of recruiting violation allegations and NCAA sanctions. Dakich was greeted warmly by the home crowd as Indiana (13-2, 24-4) won for the second straight time with Dakich as coach and has racked up four straight overall.
#15 Connecticut 79 Rutgers 61
The Huskies got back to business after losing to Villanova on Saturday, crushing an undermanned Rutgers team that was thoroughly outplayed by taller, faster UConn players. The Huskies outshot the Scarlet Knights, 52-42%, and outrebounded them, 41-24.
It was the 8th straight loss for Rutgers, which fell to the bottom of the Big East, at 2-14 and 10-19 overall.
The Huskies (11-4, 22-6) still trail 12-3 Louisville and Georgetown by one game in the Big east standings. Sandwiched in between is Notre Dame at 11-3. All the teams have three regular season games left, except the Irish, which has four.
UConn doesn't play any of the top three, but Louisville has both Notre Dame and Georgetown on the schedule. The Hoyas will have to contend not only with Louisville, but also with Marquette (11-5, 21-6). Notre Dame may just sneak in a win the Big East title. Following the tilt at Louisville Thursday night, they play at DePaul, host St. John's and finish at South Florida. Those three teams are a combined 11-32 in conference play.#20 Drake 83 Missouri St. 86
The Missouri Valley conference is one of the best in the nation, top to bottom. Ample proof of that statement was made by Missouri State last night, knocking off top dog Drake in a game that was anything but a fluke. The Bears of Missouri State are 8th (of 10) in the conference standings with a 7-10 record, but are 15-15 overall and have already posted wins over Bradley, Indiana St., Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa, all teams ahead of them in the standings.
Drake, the only team from the conference ranked, has already wrapped up the MVC title, though they've now lost three of their last four in the conference. The upcoming conference tournament should produce a winner other than the Bulldogs and the second entrant to the NCAAs. The conference could easily place four solid teams into the field of 65.
Correction: In a post last week, I mistakenly mentioned that Selection Sunday was March 9. It is actually March 16, which means the championship game will be held on Monday, April 7.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
More Top 25 Wins on Monday
Make it eight straight for Top 25 teams over unranked opponents, as Marquette, Texas and St. Mary's added to the five Top 25 wins Sunday.
#21 Marquette 85 Villanova 75
This was a nice win for the Golden Eagles, their fifth straight overall and third road win in succession. Dominic James was on fire for Marquette, leading all scorers on 9-13 shooting for 25 points.
Next, Georgetown comes calling on Saturday and the Hoyas haven't been exactly overpowering lately. Marquette, with a win, could end the season on a nine-game streak, because only creampuff Florida Gulf Coast and a trip to the Dome at Syracuse remain.
Villanova goes back on the bubble with a 7-8 Big East record.
#5 Texas 74 Kansas St. 65
D.J. Augustin scored 24 as the Longhorns handed K-State their third straight loss. Michael Beasley put up 30, but hasn't gotten much help from his teammates of late.
It doesn't get any easier for the Wildcats, as they travel to Kansas to tilt with the Jayhawks on Saturday. After that, though, the season concludes against the bottom two in the Big 12, Colorado and Iowa State. The conference tournament will be a major factor in determining of seedings for the big dance.
San Diego 54 #25 St. Mary's 61
This was expected, with the Gaels being at home following a rare loss, but the future for St. Mary's seems to be that of a martyr against a 1 or 2 seed the second week of March.
#21 Marquette 85 Villanova 75
This was a nice win for the Golden Eagles, their fifth straight overall and third road win in succession. Dominic James was on fire for Marquette, leading all scorers on 9-13 shooting for 25 points.
Next, Georgetown comes calling on Saturday and the Hoyas haven't been exactly overpowering lately. Marquette, with a win, could end the season on a nine-game streak, because only creampuff Florida Gulf Coast and a trip to the Dome at Syracuse remain.Villanova goes back on the bubble with a 7-8 Big East record.
#5 Texas 74 Kansas St. 65
D.J. Augustin scored 24 as the Longhorns handed K-State their third straight loss. Michael Beasley put up 30, but hasn't gotten much help from his teammates of late.
It doesn't get any easier for the Wildcats, as they travel to Kansas to tilt with the Jayhawks on Saturday. After that, though, the season concludes against the bottom two in the Big 12, Colorado and Iowa State. The conference tournament will be a major factor in determining of seedings for the big dance.San Diego 54 #25 St. Mary's 61
This was expected, with the Gaels being at home following a rare loss, but the future for St. Mary's seems to be that of a martyr against a 1 or 2 seed the second week of March.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Separation Sunday for College Basketball
Six Top 25 teams took to the hardwoods on Sunday and all six defeated teams in their conference which had high hopes prior to tip-off. By the end of the day, teams heading for the Big Dance sent a reality check to those chasing the dream.
Wake Forest 73 #3 North Carolina 89
The Tar Heels saw what the Dekes did to Duke, so they invited them over for a little hard medicine. The home team shot 56% from the field and 77% from the foul line. Tyler Hansbrough scored 29 points. Even without Ty Lawson, who may be back by the weekend, the Tar Heels must be feared and respected.
California 69 #9 Stanford 79
Nothing special here except for another home win for the Cardinal. Cal has a good team, and they own wins over USC and Washington State, both of which they face over the next two weeks. Closing out the regular season isn't going to aid their cause, though, nor is their current 6-8 PAC-10 record.
#10 Xavier 57 Dayton 51
The X-Men put the final nail in the Flyers' coffin - their 8th loss against just five wins in the A-10. At 17-9 overall, Dayton may need another couple of wins to just make it to the NIT.
#11 Wisconsin 58 Ohio St. 53
Nice try by the Buckeyes, who would be the fifth team from the Big 10 to make the field of 65, but their schedule says they're not going to make it. Their final four games are at Indiana, at Minnesota, then home against Purdue and Michigan State.
#18 Louisville 75 Pittsburgh 73
Pitt played one of its best games of the season and they still lost by a bucket. David Padgett and Edgar Sosa had their way with the Panthers, going 9-13 and 7-11, respectively. No sustained defensive effort and a third straight loss (this one at home) has put the Panthers' season on the edge. There's still time, but Cincy and West Virginia have passed them in the standings. The Panthers have them both on the remaining schedule, plus Syracuse and DePaul.
Syracuse 87 #21 Notre Dame 94
Cross off the 'Cuse. Whether they were employing coach Boeheim's vaunted 2-3 defense or man-on-man, Kyle McAlarney torched them for 30 points, hitting an incredible 9-of-11 3-pointers. Syracuse falls to 7-8 in the Big East and 17-11 overall. There are to many teams already in front of them for the Orange to be even considered to be on the bubble. They're young and suffered a number of key injuries this season, so they'll be back with a bullet next season.
Wake Forest 73 #3 North Carolina 89
The Tar Heels saw what the Dekes did to Duke, so they invited them over for a little hard medicine. The home team shot 56% from the field and 77% from the foul line. Tyler Hansbrough scored 29 points. Even without Ty Lawson, who may be back by the weekend, the Tar Heels must be feared and respected.
California 69 #9 Stanford 79
Nothing special here except for another home win for the Cardinal. Cal has a good team, and they own wins over USC and Washington State, both of which they face over the next two weeks. Closing out the regular season isn't going to aid their cause, though, nor is their current 6-8 PAC-10 record.
#10 Xavier 57 Dayton 51
The X-Men put the final nail in the Flyers' coffin - their 8th loss against just five wins in the A-10. At 17-9 overall, Dayton may need another couple of wins to just make it to the NIT.
#11 Wisconsin 58 Ohio St. 53
Nice try by the Buckeyes, who would be the fifth team from the Big 10 to make the field of 65, but their schedule says they're not going to make it. Their final four games are at Indiana, at Minnesota, then home against Purdue and Michigan State.
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If they win just one, presumably against the Gophers, they'll finish 9-9 in the league and 18-13 overall. NIT material. Better luck next year. If the committee lets them in, it's a travesty unless the Buckeyes somehow win two or three of these games and don't implode in the Big Ten Tourney. Michigan State, now in 4th place in the conference, is marginal at best, and these guys can't even beat them.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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#18 Louisville 75 Pittsburgh 73
Pitt played one of its best games of the season and they still lost by a bucket. David Padgett and Edgar Sosa had their way with the Panthers, going 9-13 and 7-11, respectively. No sustained defensive effort and a third straight loss (this one at home) has put the Panthers' season on the edge. There's still time, but Cincy and West Virginia have passed them in the standings. The Panthers have them both on the remaining schedule, plus Syracuse and DePaul.
Syracuse 87 #21 Notre Dame 94
Cross off the 'Cuse. Whether they were employing coach Boeheim's vaunted 2-3 defense or man-on-man, Kyle McAlarney torched them for 30 points, hitting an incredible 9-of-11 3-pointers. Syracuse falls to 7-8 in the Big East and 17-11 overall. There are to many teams already in front of them for the Orange to be even considered to be on the bubble. They're young and suffered a number of key injuries this season, so they'll be back with a bullet next season.
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