NEWS AND NOTES
CLICK HERE for our latest Under the Radar Video Podcast
-For Chad Sherwood’s UTR Game of the Day between Vermont and UMBC – CLICK HERE
-Loyola Chicago got a huge scare from Valpo, and it actually looked like Valpo had tied the game and forced overtime at the end of regulation, but a would-be rebound and put pack was waived off and a foul was called on the rebound. The Ramblers survived 54-52 and should hang on to their national ranking and stay inside the bubble.
-Minnesota remains winless on the road. They played well against Indiana yesterday and led for part of the game, but Indiana pulled away down the stretch and got a nice 82-72 win for themselves while not allowing Minnesota to pick up a win away from home.
-VCU and Richmond was close throughout before the Rams pulled away in the latter part of the game to pick up a big 68-56 win. It was a rivalry game between two bubble teams, so this one really helps VCU.
HIGHLIGHTED GAMES
-HOUSTON AT WICHITA STATE (American). Wichita State is outside the bubble and this is perhaps their last best chance of getting inside of it. Houston is currently being projected as a #2 seed and is just looking to hold serve as we head toward the NCAA Tournament.
-IOWA AT WISCONSIN (Big Ten). This is a resume building opportunity for both teams. It would arguably be Iowa’s biggest win of the year since it’s on the road against a ranked team, and it would be one of Wisky’s bigger wins as well.
-OHIO STATE AT PENN STATE (Big Ten). Ohio State is looking to lock up a #1 seed and not slip up before their big game against Michigan this weekend. Penn State is just 7-10 on the year and despite having some big wins they probably need to at least get to above .500 for the committee to give them a serious look.
-JACKSONVILLE STATE AT BELMONT (Ohio Valley). Belmont will have some merit for an at-large bid if they win out through the regular season, which they are certainly good enough to do.
-BYU AT PACIFIC (West Coast). BYU is safely inside the bubble and could even get in on the first ballot if they hold serve and avoid losses to anyone other than Gonzaga the rest of the way.
-SAINT MARY’S AT GONZAGA (West Coast). Gonzaga appears to be cruising to a #1 seed. They likely won’t be challenged until the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
-ARIZONA AT UCLA (Pac 12). UCLA has been struggling lately. This is a home game against a decent opponent that is also a rival, which makes it a good opportunity for them to turn things back around.
-WINTHROP AT HIGH POINT (Big South). Winthrop should get a serious look from the selection committee if they win out, but fail to win the conference tournament.
-SAN DIEGO STATE AT FRESNO STATE (Mountain West). San Diego State is in the rankings and likely inside the bubble, but their resume is still pretty flimsy looking, so they really need to hold serve in games like this.
-STANFORD AT WASHINGTON (Pac 12). Stanford is continuing to straddle the bubble, which means they need to hold serve against teams like Washington, who is arguably the worst non-UTR team, but is still good enough to compete with teams that completely overlook them.
-COLORADO AT OREGON (Pac 12). Oregon is right on the bubble and could really use this win. Colorado is inside the bubble, but has taken some steps back with some questionable losses and could really use this win. Both teams should be coming into this with a sense of urgency.