NEWS AND NOTES
-Oklahoma State added another huge win to their already tournament caliber resume when they knocked off Kansas 75-70. They had a lead for most of the game, but Kansas came back late and looked to be taking control, but the Pokes held on. We say this every time we mention Oklahoma State, but if they can get the NCAA waiver, then they should be in the field.
-The game of the night…well…WASN’T! Michigan just blew Wisconsin off the floor 77-54 in a game that probably wasn’t even as close as the score indicated. Michigan remains unbeaten and you have to start asking yourself if they’re a Final Four caliber team.
-Virginia Tech added another notable win to their resume as they knocked off Duke 74-67. People have been slow to go all-in on the Hokies, and a little hesitant to be all out on Duke, but Virginia Tech clearly looks better on paper, and last night they clearly looked better on the court. So…
-North Carolina picked up a win against Syracuse in a game where both teams probably had a sense of urgency.
-Alabama continues to look impressive as they blew out Kentucky 85-65 last night. The Tide are not in the rankings, but right now they look like the hottest team in the SEC.
-Last, but definitely not least, USC held off a pesky UC Riverside team in overtime for a 67-62 win. UCR had a chance to win in regulation, but couldn’t get it done. UCR has an incredible story as they were talking about cutting athletics altogether, so it’s nice to see them come out and play well this season. They’ve easily looked as good as anyone in the Big West so far.
HIGHLIGHTED GAMES
-VCU AT GEORGE WASHINGTON (Atlantic Ten). If VCU wants to make a case that they belong inside the bubble then they can’t afford to lose games like this one.
-SAINT BONAVENTURE AT FORDHAM (Atlantic Ten). I still like this Bonnies team and think the biggest issue with them is that they just haven’t been able to play enough games. They shouldn’t have too much trouble getting this one at Fordham.
-FURMAN AT THE CITADEL (SoCon). Furman could land inside the bubble if they’re able to win out, but anything short of that and they’ll need some help. The Citadel is actually unbeaten, but they’ve played very few D1 games.
-NOTRE DAME AT VIRGINIA (ACC). Virginia looks to be a solid protected seed caliber team and just needs to hold serve today.
-NC STATE AT FLORIDA STATE (ACC). NC State needs to add some big wins to their resume if they want to go dancing this year, and this is another opportunity to do that. It’s a winnable game for a Florida State team that’s looking to hold serve as well, and that hasn’t played since Dec 29th.
-NORTHWESTERN AT OHIO STATE (Big Ten). Northwestern is in a bit of a tailspin and things won’t be any easier tonight as they take on an Ohio State team that’s coming off a big win against Rutgers and is solidly in the rankings.
-TULSA AT WICHITA STATE (American). Tulsa is 7-2, has a big win against Houston, and is putting together a solid resume that will look even better if they can get this win tonight.
-AUBURN AT GEORGIA (SEC). Georgia still appears to be on the outside looking in, but they can get to 8-3 with a win tonight and be in a position to play their way inside the bubble.
-LOUISVILLE AT WAKE FOREST (ACC). Louisville has won four straight, including a win against a pretty good VA Tech team their last time out,a nd can keep that streak going tonight.
-TEXAS TECH AT TEXAS (Big 12). We all like this Texas Tech team and expect them to be solidly in the rankings and in the field at the end of the year, but right now their resume is rather flimsy. They can certainly correct that tonight if they’re able to win, but that’s far easier said than done. Texas has played like a #1 seed this year and is building the kind of resume that can get them there.
-BOISE STATE AT WYOMING (Mountain West). I like this Boise State team, and they have the chance to add another road win to an already solid profile. I expect they’ll be in the field this March.