NEWS AND NOTES:
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-Arizona jumped out to a big first half lead on Utah, but the Utes came back and Arizona needed triple overtime before getting a really nice 105-99 road win. Arizona is looking more and more like a #2 seed or better as the season goes on.
-Another overtime game was Florida Atlantic at UAB. FAU had a lead throughout the first half, but couldn’t hold on and fell to the Blazers 76-73. As far as being inside the bubble and being well positioned for a bid I think FAU is still in good shape, but this loss will knock them down a little bit.
-Samford played what was probably their toughest remaining game of the season last night at UNC Greensboro, and managed to win it 78-69. It was close all throughout, but in the final couple of minutes Samford pulled away. The Bulldogs are now 20-3 on the season, which is even more remarkable when you consider that they started off 0-2 with losses at Purdue and at VCU. They are good enough to win out, and if they do the committee should take a serious look at them.
-Washington State picked up another road win at Oregon State as they held off the Beavers 64-58. They continue to remain inside of our bubble. They’ve got another big one at Oregon on Saturday.
HIGHLIGHTED GAMES:
-DAYTON AT VCU (Atlantic 10). Dayton is to a point to where every road game is a road test because it is a showcase game for their opponents. They’re better than VCU, but the Rams will be way up for this one and they may be able to give Dayton a challenge. If Dayton wins out, which they are good enough to do, it is probable that they’ll end up as a protected seed.
-SAN DIEGO STATE AT NEVADA (Mountain West). Nevada is coming off a big win at Utah State, which is their biggest of the season so far. They are now inside our bubble and can strengthen their case even more if they can knock off San Diego State tonight. San Diego State is in better shape, but a road win like this will make their resume look better.
-SAN JOSE STATE AT COLORADO STATE (Mountain West). Colorado State is inside the bubble and should be able to hold serve at home tonight.