NEWS AND NOTES
-Houston bounced back from their loss to Tulsa with a big road win over SMU, who appears to be the second strongest team in the American. After last night I’m inclined to think that Houston is still a clear protected seed caliber team that just an off night against Tulsa.
-Michigan absolutely pasted Northwestern last night 85-66, which raises the question…how good actually is Northwestern?? Are they a legit top 25 team, or did they just have one incredible week?
-Minnesota blasted Ohio State 77-60. At home Minney looks like a Final Four team. But, they’ve only played one road game and lost it so if they want to get into the discussion for a protected seed they need to keep winning once they start playing more road games.
-Drake remains unbeaten after blowing Southern Illinois off the floor. SIU had been having an impressive season coming into that game, so it was a bit of a statement win for Drake. The two square off again tonight.
HIGHLIGHTED GAMES
-STANFORD AT OREGON STATE (Pac 12). Stanford is off to a bit of a slower start than we thought they’d be off to and they need to pick it up between now and the end in order to land on the right side of the bubble.
-WINTHROP AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN (Big South). I believe there is room for Winthrop inside the bubble if they can continue to blow through Big South play.
-SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT DRAKE (Missouri Valley). Drake won the first meeting last night rather decisively. They look to remain unbeaten and to make a case that they belong inside the bubble.
-MARYLAND AT INDIANA (Big Ten). Both of these teams have work to do, so tonight’s game is big for both of them.
-WEST VIRGINIA AT OKLAHOMA STATE (Big 12). WVU is looking to bounce back from an earlier loss to Oklahoma, but it wont’ be easy. This Oklahoma State team has been playing really well and is coming off a big win against Texas Tech. If they get a waiver from the NCAA they will be safely in the field if they continue to hold serve.
-COLORADO STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE (Mountain West). This game was insane when these two met just a few days ago with Colorado State coming back from 24 down to get the win and get time scalp for their resume. Both look like tournament teams, but with limited opportunities at committee-impressing-wins the rest of the way tonight’s game is a big deal.