All Hell Breaks Loose

IN:
Vermont

Morgan St

San Diego St - The Aztecs made sure their name will be read on Selection Sunday by taking the Mountain West title outright 55-45 over UNLV.  Kawhi Leonard, the freshman of the year in the MWC, had the game of his career when his team needed him the most.  Leonard scored 16 points and grabbed 21 rebounds.  He also hit all 8 free throws in the final 2 minutes which is quite impressive for a guy who shoot 71% on the season.  For his efforts, Leonard was named the tournament MVP. The win capped a tremendous run for the Aztecs who were widely thought to be nowhere near the tournament field if they didn't make noise.  

Washington - By virtue of their 79-75 win, the Huskies earn the Pac 10 title and an automatic bid to the NCAAs.

Sam Houston St

Missed Opportunities for Stimpy

Akron - The Zips ran out of magic in the conference title game as #9 seed Ohio outlasted Akron 81-75 in overtime.  In a game that featured 24 lead changes, Akron needed to summon yet another miracle shot to get the game into overtime.  Trailing 68-65 with 13 seconds left, sharp shooter Steve McNees buried a 3 pointer from way downtown to tie it up.   McNees did the same thing in the quarterfinals with 3 seconds left to force a 2nd OT vs E Michigan.  This time however, the dynamic duo of Armon Bassett and DJ Cooper would not be denied.  The two combined for 48 points and seven 3 pointers including several key plays in the overtime.

Utah St - Utah St were riding high after crushing Louisiana Tech in the semifinals.  Their opponent New Mexico St was coming off an emotionally draining 80-79 nailbiter over Nevada.  How much could they possibly have left against the top seed who had won 17 games in a row?  In the battle of the Aggies, New Mexico St showed just how much they had left in the tank winning 69-63.  Friday's hero Jahmar Young had 19 points and New Mexico St only turned the ball over 5 times in the victory.  The game was close throughout as New Mexico State was able to fend off an early Utah State rally that turned a 2 point deficit into a 5 point lead.  It was nip and tuck after that with New Mexico St finally taking the lead 55-54 with just under 5 minutes left and holding on for the four point win.  Despite 27 wins, Utah State is considered one of those teams that is too close to call in terms of receiving an at-large bid or a trip to the NIT.  

Cal - Cal had a chance to earn the Pac 10 title and possibly send Washington home as they were squarely on the bubble to begin the day.  In a highly entertaining end to end game with too many ebbs and flows to count, Washington found a way to survive.  After building a 9 point lead with 12 minutes left in the game, the Huskies suddenly couldn't score.  Cal held them without a basket for over 5 minutes as the Bears took the lead 66-61.  Washington answered with a 12-2 run including a huge 3 by Elston Turner that gave them the lead 71-68.  With 2:30 remaining, Cal's Patrick Christopher cut the lead to 73-71 with a 3 of his own but they would get no closer.  Trailing 77-74 with 4 seconds left, Cal's deadly shooter Jerome Randle was fouled intentionally so that he couldn't hit a game tying three.  The move paid off as Randle purposely missed the second free throw and the Huskies grabbed the rebound ending the threat. 

Long Beach St - Although the 49ers were underdogs to UCSB, they let the game slip away in the final moments of a very close contest.  Long Beach St rallied to take a 53-52 lead with 5 minutes left but couldn't hang on to the lead.  Gauchos forward Orlando Johnson scored 8 straight points as UCSB took the lead 60-57 with 2:47 left.  In the end, the 49ers just didn't make enough plays failing on 3 possessions to tie the game.  A couple missed shots and a turnover sank Long Beach St's hope for a trip to the Big Dance.  

Illinois - A devastating near miss loss to Ohio St in the Big 10 semifinals.  Twice the Illini had the ball with a chance to win and both times they didn't even get a shot off.  The second time was especially disastrous as Demetri McCamey dribbled the ball for far too long and then got trapped by the sideline.  Just terrible.  It was otherwise a great performance by Illinois who showed it could more than hold its own against one of the best teams in the country. 

Control Their Own Destiny

Minnesota -The Gophers can put any debates to rest if they can beat Ohio St tomorrow in the Big 10 final.  They reached the championship game by absolutely putting the wood to suddenly hapless Purdue.  The Gophers raced out to a 24-4 lead and led by as many as 34 points and won it going away 69-42. 

Mississippi St - The Bulldogs are also one of those last teams in/out cases but control their own destiny.  All they have to do is takeout top seeded Kentucky one of the best teams in college basketball in the SEC final.  The Bulldogs advanced to the title game by avenging an earlier loss to Vanderbilt in the semifinals.  Mississippi State did a much better job this time holding AJ Ogilvy to 2 points and John Jenkins had only 7 points after he lit them up for 25 in their first meeting.  The Bulldogs opened a big lead during an 11-0 run after halftime and never looked back. 

To be decided on Sunday

Big 10 Championship
Minnesota vs Ohio St - Ohio St is already in and Minnesota controls its own fate.  Win and obviously they are in the dance.  Lose and its up to the committee.
SEC Championship
Kentucky vs Mississippi St - Kentucky is in, Mississippi St is too close to call but also controls its own fate. 
Atlantic 10 Championship
Richmond vs Temple - Both are in.
ACC Championship
Duke vs Georgia Tech - Both are in

Houston's upset win over UTEP in the Conference USA finals, helped to muddy the forecast for the bubble teams.  At this point, there is too much speculation over the final bubble teams that it's best to just wait and see what transpires when the brackets are announced.  Any proclamations that were made about bubble teams have to be reevaluated at this point.  We do know that the following teams will not sleepy easy tonight...

Wake Forest - At once thought safely in the tournament, this week's developments have the Demon Deacons feeling less secure  
Utah St 
Virginia Tech
Minnesota

Mississippi St

Illinois

Seton Hall 

Florida

Mississippi 

Rhode Island 

From the above list, only Minnesota and Mississippi St are still alive and control their own destiny.  At most, 4 of the above teams will receive a call on Selection Sunday...

Totals: 

IN: Ren 24 Stimpy 29 Neither 8 

Spaces Left: 4

 

While Ren closed the gap in the number of teams in the tournament, it still appears Stimpy will have a decided advantage in the quality and depth of teams.  According to the latest ESPN bracket, 8 of Ren's teams will be seeded 14 or lower.  If we gave numerical values to all the teams in the field (as of Saturday night), we come up with an average seeding of 8.6 for Ren's teams while Stimpy's gang would have an average seeding of 6.5.  If you factor in that Ren's lot is rather top heavy with 9 of the top 20 teams in the field, the majority of his teams will be double digit seeds and long shots to go far in the tournament if forms holds. 

Get Ready for Saturday

Ren failed miserably in the Big West...

IN: Lehigh - The Mountain Hawks are headed to the NCAAs for the first time in 6 years after a dominating performance over arch-rival Lafayette.  Freshman Player of the Year CJ McCollum was silky smooth with 20 points.  Zahir Carrington had a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds as Lehigh led from start to finish. 

Still ticking...

San Diego St - The game of the day lived up to its top billing as the Aztecs outlasted New Mexico 72-69 in the Mountain West semis.  For those teams like San Diego St who are on the bubble sometimes it really does come down to one play to decide the fate of their entire season.  With only 7 seconds remaining down by 1, the Lobos handed the ball to star guard playmaker Dairese Gary to win it.  Gary dribbled ferociously through the heart of the Aztec defense and had a clear shot at a layup.  But he was running so fast and was out of control and banked the ball far too high off the backboard missing the basket completely.  The Aztecs corraled the rebound and advanced.  Had he made the layup, the Aztecs likely go home and make plans for the NIT.  0.5 seconds was the difference between being a tournament worthy foe or one that couldn't compete with the big boys in the NCAAs.  

Illinois - After a 5 game winning streak that included wins on the road vs Wisconsin and at home vs Michigan St, Illinois was in prime position for an at-large bid.  But as quickly as they rose they fell flat on their face in February, losing 5 of their last 6 games.  So it would all come down to Friday vs Wisconsin in the Big 10 quarterfinals.  Mike Tisdale was up to the task as his 21 points led the team to victory.  The Illini held the Badgers to 29% shooting, outrebounded them 35-30, and shot over 50% themselves including 6-10 from downtown.  It all adds up to a date in the Big 10 semifinals with top seed Ohio St and a likely trip to the NCAA tournament.  

Miami - Miami was the 12th seed in the ACC tournament after finishing dead last in the conference with 4-12 record.  Somehow the Hurricanes find themselves only 2 games away from the tournament after a stunning 2 game run over heavily favored Wake Forest by 21 and yesterday's win over Va Tech.  They'll face top seeded Duke and if they can topple Goliath, they'll be in the ACC championship game.  Miami's problems this season often came down to poise under pressure as they gave several games away after building large leads.  But right now they are putting it altogether with dominant frontcourt play (42-29 edge vs Hokies in rebounding), efficient offense (only 8 turnovers vs Wake Forest), and defensive intensity (held Virginia Tech to 38% from the field).  

Rhode Island 63 St. Louis 47 - A key win for the Rams who are one of those too close to call teams that better keep winning.  Akeem Richmond, a freshman who shoots 39% from 3 point range, drained 4 of them early in the rout of the Billikens.  Rhody can essentially punch its ticket with a win over top seeded Temple in the semifinals.  

Akron - It didn't get any easier for Akron who survived a double overtime marathon in the quarterfinals vs E Michigan.  Friday, the Zips needed Chris McKnight's putback with 6 seconds left to preserve a 66-64 victory.  The win overshadowed a monumental singular effort by W Michigan's David Kool.  He hit 5 threes, went 10-10 from the line, and scored 23 of his team's 33 second half points.  Kool would finish with a career high 39 points on the day but its Akron who will be moving on to the conference championship vs Ohio.

Georgia Tech - The Yellowjackets turned the ball over 25 times and surrendered a 19 point lead.  But they also held Terps senior guard Greivis Vasquez to 6 for 21 shooting, shot 56%, and outrebounded Maryland 38-28.  Mix it altogether and it adds up to a 69-64 win for Georgia Tech and a probable trip to the NCAAs.  Up next: equally surprising NC State in the ACC semis.  

Minnesota 72 Michigan St 67 OT - Gophers were bombing  3s all over on Friday night as Minnesota hit 10-23 to upset the Spartans.  Devoe Joseph hit two 3s in OT during a 10-0 run that put the game away.  Are the Gophers back in the hunt for an at-large bid?  It appears they will at least have an opportunity to play themselves in with a win over Ohio State on Saturday. 

Washington 79 Stanford 64 - The Huskies are finally looking like the team that was so highly regarded as a team to watch in 2010.  Quincy Pondexter's 19 led a balanced attack as Washington led throughout on its way to its 23rd win of the season.  UW is likely to qualify for the tournament as the much maligned Pac 10 will receive 2 bids on Selection Sunday.  They'll have a chance to erase all doubt in the championship against Cal.

DEAD

Michigan - Close but no cigar thanks to Evan Turner's miracle 35 footer at the buzzer

Tulsa

Nevada - heartbreak hotel for the Wolfpack who lose 80-79 despite Luke Babbitt's career high 33. 

Alabama - The Tide led early but couldn't hold on against top rated Kentucky

Northwestern - Gave Purdue quite a scare but in the end came up short losing 69-61.

Dayton - Another double digit lead blown by the Flyers this time in spectacular fashion.  After leading 61-46 with 10 minutes left, Xavier clamped down Dayton's attack as they did not allow a single field goal for over 8 minutes.  Then with only 33 seconds left and Xavier ahead 70-68, Dayton's guard Rob Lowery dribbled the ball intending to call timeout when he reached halfcourt.  As he was calling time, Xavier's Terrell Holloway swiped at the ball.  Lowery took offense at this and lost his cool, swinging away wildly at Holloway's arm.  He was immediately called for a technical foul giving Xavier two free throws and the ball.  Holloway ended up hitting 4 straight free throws as the Musketeers completed their comeback and will likely end any talk of the NCAAs for the Flyers.

Louisiana Tech

UCLA

Pacific - Congrats to Ren on his lousy Big West picks.  All 3 of them failed to make the title game as the last hope Pacific bowed out to Long Beach St 68-61.

Saturday Slate

ACC - Semifinals

Duke is in.  Georgia Tech is likely off the bubble and in.  The rest win or die. 

• 1 Duke vs 12 Miami
• 11 NC St vs 7 Georgia Tech

Atlantic 10 - Semis

Temple, Xavier, and Richmond are in.  Rhode Island is too close to call but a win vs Temple will help a lot. 

• 1 Temple vs 5 Rhode Island
• 2 Xavier vs 3 Richmond  

American East Championship

Win or die.  Vermont won both regular season contests.  Forward Marqus Blakely is a three time American East defensive player of the year and the leader for the favored Catamounts.  They'll be at home where they've won 9 in a row.  Boston U finished 4th in the league (Stonybrook was the regular season leader) however they were the preseason favorite.  Like Vermont, Boston U comes in red hot winners of 8 of their last 9.  Guard Corey Lowe is doing his best Vinnie Johnson microwave act by scoring in bunches off the bench.  He poured in 24 points with five 3s and had 5 steals as well in the upset of Stonybrook in the semifinals. 

• 2 Vermont vs 4 Boston University

Big 10 - Semifinals 

Ohio St and Purdue are in.  Illinois is likely in already, a win vs Ohio St erases all doubt.  Minnesota needs to win  to stay alive but is on the cusp of an at-large bid if they can beat Purdue.. 

• 5 Illinois vs 1 Ohio St
• 2 Purdue vs  6 Minnesota
  

Big 12 - Championship

Both are in.  

• 1 Kansas vs 2 Kansas St

Big East - Championship

Both in

• 8 Georgetown vs 3 W Virginia

Big West -Championship

Win or die.  It will be tough sledding for underdog Long Beach as the top seeded Gauchos boast the player of the year Orlando Johnson, a transfer from LMU and have won 13 of their last 16 games.  They were 12-3 in Big West play.  The 49ers will counter with forward TJ Robinson who averages 15 points and 10 rebounds a game.  They also have sophomore guard Casper Ware who is a do-everything playmaker with stellar averages 11.4 ppg, 4.9 apg, 3.0 rpg and 1.9 spg.  The two split a pair during the regular season.  

• 3 Long Beach St vs 1 UCSB

Conference USA - Championship

UTEP is in, Houston win or die.

• 7 Houston vs 1 UTEP

MAC - Championship

Win or die.  Akron has been allowing one guy to go off while stopping everyone else and so far it's worked- but just barely.  In round 1, E Michigan's Carlos Medlock poured in 42 points and it took a Houdini act for the Zips to advance.  The Zips hit 11 threes in the game including a perfect 4 for 4 from Steve McNees.  It was a physical foul-filled affair as 4 players fouled out of the game.  Less than 24 hours later, Akron was in another tight one vs W Michigan.  This time it was the Broncos' David Kool who lit them up for 39 points.  But somehow Akron survived again 66-64 and find themselves in the championship for the fourth consecutive year.  They'll face upstart Ohio who they've already beaten twice.  But as the old adage goes, it's never easy to beat a team 3 times in one season.  This is a golden opportunity for Stimpy to steal the MAC after Ren's top seeded Kent St. Golden Flashes were ambushed early. 

• 9 Ohio vs 3 Akron

MEAC - Championship

Win or die.  Morgan St will be a heavy favorite but the Bulldogs of South Carolina St did give the Golden Bears their only loss in conference.  Morgan St has had its share of close calls though with 7 games since February 1 decided by 9 points or less.  They squeaked by Bethune-Cookman by a single point and had to go double OT vs Norfolk St.  There's a glimmer of hope for SC St to pull the upset and ruin Ren's day.  

• 1 Morgan St vs 3 SC St

MWC - Championship

Both are likely in.  

• 4 San Diego St  vs 3 UNLV

Pac 10 - Championship

Cal is in for sure.  Washington is most likely in as well but can erase all doubt with a win.

• 1 Cal vs 3 Washington
  

SEC - Semifinals

Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are in.  Mississippi St is too close to call but likely on the right side of the bubble.  A win vs Vanderbilt will end the debate.  

• 1East Kentucky vs  3East Tennessee
• 2West Miss St vs 2East Vanderbilt
  

Southland - Championship (SAT)

Win or die.  They've been the top team in their respective divisions for most of the season.  The Bearkats have a dynamic backcourt and led the league in scoring.  They also have JC transfer Gilberto Clavell who led the team in scoring and rebounding (16.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg).  Their fate will rest on which defensive group shows up.  In wins this season, the Bearkats score just over 65 points per game.  But when their defense is lax in losses, they give up over 90 points per game.  On the opposite end, the S F Austin relies on defense limiting their opponents to 58 points per game which is easily the best in the league.  Sam Houston St won the only regular season match 65-57 which means just about nothing at this point.  The Leonard E Merrell Center in Katy, TX will be rocking Saturday afternoon with the title on the line.  

• 2 Stephen F Austin vs 1 Sam Houston St

SWAC- Championship

Win or die.  Jackson St dominated the league finishing 17-1 in conference but were upset in the tourney.  This opens the door for the topsy turvy Texas Southern Tigers to steal the bid if they can win the rubber match with Ark Pine-Bluff.  The Tigers lost 4 straight in February including an 18 point drubbing to 6th place Mississippi Valley St.  Since that lull, the Tigers have won 5 straight.  The Tigers are the highest scoring team in the SWAC at 69 points per game.  Ark Pine-Bluf has won 10 of their last 12 games and their achilles' heel were the 2 losses to Jackson St.  The Golden Lions do it with defense and rebounding and have balanced scoring with 5 players averaging 8 points or more.  They've come a long way since losing their first 11 games of the season and are primed for a trip to the NCAAs.  

• 5 Texas Southern vs 2 Ark Pine-Bluff

WAC - Championship

Utah St is done with a loss.  If they reach the final and lose the Aggies have a chance to get an at-large but it's weak at best.  New Mexico St is win or go home.   

• 1 Utah St vs 3 New Mexico St

It's Good Night Nurse to the losers!

Complete Rundown of Every Remaining Tournament

Key: 

Ren - Red

Stimpy - Green

Neither - Blue

ACC - Quarterfinals 

Duke, Florida St and Maryland are in. Va Tech, Ga Tech appear to be on the right side of the bubble.  The rest are win the whole tournament or die.  

• 1 Duke vs 9 Virginia
• 4 Va Tech vs 12 Miami 
• 2 Maryland vs 7 Georgia Tech
• 3 Florida St vs 11 NC St

Atlantic 10 - Quarterfinals

Temple, Xavier and Richmond are in.  Rhode Island and Dayton are on the bubble and both are currently in the last 4 out.  A loss will eliminate them.  The rest win or die.

• 1 Temple vs 8 St. Bonaventure
• 4 St. Louis vs 5 Rhode Island
• 2 Xavier vs 7 Dayton
• 3 Richmond vs 11 U Mass

American East Championship

All win or die 

• 2 Vermont vs 4 Boston University

Big 10 - semis 

Wisconsin, Ohio St, Purdue, Michigan St are all in.  Illinois is most likely in with a win over Wisconsin, out with a loss.  Minnesota stays alive in the bubble discussion with a win.  Still, they probably have to reach the finals to be a serious contender for an at-large bid.  The rest are win or die.   

• 4 Wisconsin vs 5 Illinois
• 1 Ohio St vs 8 Michigan
• 2 Purdue vs 7 Northwestern
• 6 Minnesota vs 3 Michigan St 

Big 12 - Semis

All are in.

• 1 Kansas vs 4 Texas A and M
• 2 Kansas St vs 3 Baylor

Big East - Semis

All in

• 8 Georgetown vs 5 Marquette
• 7 Notre Dame vs W Virginia

Big West - Semis

All win or die

• 2 Pacific vs 3 Long Beach St
• 4 UC Davis vs 1 UCSB

Conference USA - semis

UTEP is in the rest win or die

• 7 Houston vs 6 Southern Miss
• 5 Tulsa vs 1 UTEP

MAC - semis 

Win or die

• 9 Ohio vs 4 Miami (OH)
• 7 W Michigan vs 3 Akron

MEAC - semis

Win or die

• 1 Morgan St vs 5 Hampton
• 2 Delaware St vs 3 SC St

MWC - semis

New Mex, BYU, UNLV are in.  SD St on the bubble and one of the last 4 teams in.  A win likely clinches a spot in the NCAAs, a loss could be fatal.   

• 1 New Mexico vs 4 San Diego St 
• 2 BYU vs 3 UNLV

Pac 10 - semis

Cal is in.  Washington is most likely in with a win, definitely out with a loss.  The rest win or die.

• 1 Cal vs 5 UCLA
• 3 Washington vs 7 Stanford

Patriot League - Championship

Win or die in the longest standing rivalry in college sports.  

• 1 Lehigh vs 2 Lafayette

SEC - quarters

Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt are in.  Florida is in for now but a win clinches it.  A Gator loss doesn't kill their chances but they won't sleep easy.  Ole Miss, Miss St need to win to stay in the bubble hunt.  Bama, UGA win or die.  

• 1East Kentucky vs 4West Alabama
• 1West Ole Miss vs 3East Tennessee
• 2West Miss St vs 4East Florida
• 2East Vanderbilt vs 6East Georgia

Southland - Championship (SAT)

Win or die

• 2 Stephen F Austin vs 1 Sam Houston St

SWAC- semis

Win or die

• 8 Grambling vs 5 Texas Southern
• 3 Alabama St vs 2 Ark Pine-Bluff

WAC semis

Utah St is done with a loss.  If they reach the final and lose the Aggies have a chance to get an at-large but it's weak at best.  The rest win or die. 

• 1 Utah St vs 4 Louisiana Tech
• 2 Nevada vs 3 New Mexico St

A Total Carnage Thursday

Ren was massacred on Thursday losing 10 teams, many that were his best chances for at-large bids.  Here's a recap...

Dead Group 1: DOA - These teams weren't going anywhere anyway so their death was not a surprise and while an improbable run to a conference title game would be welcomed, it was not meant to be for this motley crue of underachievers. 

Boston College

Texas Tech

Nebraska

Penn St

Prairie View

Oregon 

UNC As the #6 pick in the entire draft, ahead of #1 seed Kentucky, the Tarheels will go down as the worst pick in draft history.

Dead Group 2:   - These teams were positioned to advance further than they did and challenge for the conference crown.  Nope

Texas A and M Corpus Christi

Buffalo

Dead Group 3:  Devastating losses by bubble teams and title contenders who had a real shot at making the tournament.  The bubble just burst and NIT plans are in the works.

UAB, Memphis -  Conference USA gets brutalized losing its #2 and #3 seeds on the same day in ugly fashion. The Tigers lost a heartbreaker 66-65 as Houston's Aubrey Coleman hit the game winner with 5 seconds left.  Memphis who were among the first four teams in/out for the past week, will get passed and miss the tournament for the first time in 5 years.  UAB on the other hand forgot to show up and was blitzed vs S Mississippi 58-44.

Kent St - Heavily favored to reach the conference finals with a 13-3 record in conference, the Golden Flashes were ambushed by Ohio 81-64.  Former Indiana player Armon Bassett lit up the scoreboard with 38 points for Ohio.  Kent St had won both contests vs Ohio during the regular season too. 

Arizona St - ASU appeared to be on a collision course with Washington in the Pac 10 semifinals for a "play out" game between the two.  Someone forgot to tell Stanford as Jeremy Green (18pts) and Landry Fields (17 pts) led a balanced attack for the Cardinal.  ASU with a barren resume is out and headed to the NIT.

Cincinnati - Heartbreak hotel for the long shot Bearcats in the Big East quarterfinals who bowed out to W Virginia 54-51.  After a steal gave Cincinnati the ball with 6 seconds left in a 51-51 tie, Dion Dixon lost the ball out of bounds.  Then like so many times this season, D'Sean Butler stepped up and drained a 3 at the buzzer to send the Mountaineers into the semifnals and the Bearcats home.  

I'm a Survivor...

Akron - The Zips performed a near miracle outlasting E Michigan in double OT.  It was tied 78-78 in the first OT when with 8 seconds left, E Michigan guard Jay Higgins hit the go ahead 3.  The Zips with no timeouts rushed up the court and Steve McNees hit an equally huge 3 with only one second left to send the game into double overtime.  In the 2nd OT, the Zips scored the first 9 points and never looked back winning it 97-89.

Georgia Tech - Avoided a bubble bursting loss to UNC

Minnesota - Kept its slim hopes alive with a win over hapless Penn St 76-55.  Up next: Michigan St

Tulsa - Used its home court advantage to advance to the semifinals of Conference USA.  Its championship or die for the Golden Hurricanes though.  

Florida - If the bubble continues to shrink, Florida's win Thursday over Auburn may have punched their ticket to the NCAAs.  

Sam Houston St - The top seed in the Southland avoided disaster as Ashton Mitchell broke an 85-85 tie with 11 seconds left to preserve the win.  The Bearkats were in serious trouble down 83-78 with 3 minutes left before a 10-2 run saved the season.  

San Diego St - DJ Gray hit a pair of free throws with only 23 seconds left to lift the Aztecs in a squeaker 72-71 into the semifinals.  Up next: a must win game against top seeded New Mexico.  

Alabama, Miami, UCLA, Northwestern, Michigan - All survived in championship or die scenarios.

TGI Friday  

Need to shock the world to stay alive:
Michigan vs Ohio St

Alabama vs Kentucky

Illinois vs Wisconsin - The Illini who were safely in the tournament a month ago are now backed against the walls now.  They pulled off an unlikely win in Madison and another performance against the Badgers will get them in the tournament.

Northwestern vs Purdue - The Wildcats need to overheat the Boilermakers to keep their dreams of a first ever conference appearance alive.  Northwestern is infamous for being one of the five original division I schools who have never reached the tournament.  

Minnesota vs Michigan St

Tulsa vs UTEP

Other Key Battles

• 5 Rhode Island vs 4 St. Louis- Atlantic 10 quarterfinals, a must win game for Rhody. 
  
• 2West Ole Miss vs 3 East Tennessee - Ole Miss may clinch a spot in the NCAAs if they can pull the major upset in Nashville in an SEC quarterfinal
• 7 Dayton vs 2 Xavier
• 4East Florida vs 1West Miss St - This one might be a "playout" game for these 2 bubbles in an SEC quarterfinal
• 7 Georgia Tech vs 2 Maryland - The Yellowjackets can feel safe on Sunday with a win over 2nd seed Maryland in the ACC quarterfinals
• 1 Utah St vs 2 Louisiana Tech - Win or go home for Louisiana Tech, a very sleepless night for Utah St if they lose in this all important rubber match in the WAC semis.  
• 2 Pacific vs 3 Long Beach St - Ren invested 3 picks in the Big West and two of them (UCI, UCR who didn't even make the conf tourney nice pick) are dead and buried.  Winner advances to the finals. 

Game of the Day

• San Diego St vs New Mexico - The Aztecs won the first meeting 74-64 as Malcolm Thomas dominated the game with 18 points and 15 boards.  They narrowly missed a sweep of the conference leaders losing 88-86 in OT on the road.  The Lobos superstar forward Darington Hobson had 29 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Totals 

IN: Ren 16 Stimpy 23

Alive: Ren 11 Stimpy 6

Bubble: Ren 12 Stimpy 14

Dead: Ren 26 Stimpy 23

When Will Ren's Lucky Streak Run Out??

Ren continued his journey down the comeback trail by clinching both the NEC and Big Sky conference bids with underdog teams.  Ren is on a roll right now but Stimpy still has a decided advantage.  If Ren continues to get his mid-major bids, he'll dig his way out of the hole he's in right now...
IN:
Robert Morris - Robert Morris and Quinnipiac were so closely matched during the season.  They both finished the regular season tied atop the standings at 15-3.  So it was only fitting that the championship would be tooth and nail all game and come down to nearly the last possession.  Neither team held a lead of more than 3 points in the second half.  Neither team could score much either.  But Quinnipiac, who entered as the top scoring team in the NEC, only managed 6 field goals in the second half and shot a measly 35% from the field.  The Colonials went ahead  50-48 on Velton Jones floater in the key with 1:18 left to play.  The Bobcats had a chance for the lead but James Feldeine's three point attempt was deflected and Robert Morris gathered the rebound.  For the Colonials, it is there 2nd straight NEC title and 7th overall.  Quinnipiac was denied its first trip to the NCAAs.  

Montana - Weber St was cruising to an easy 20 point halftime lead.  The game was over.  And then suddenly it wasn't.  The Grizzlies refused to lose and staged a historic comeback behind the unstoppable force that is Anthony Johnson.  The 6'3" Senior from Tacoma, WA set a tournament record with 42 points including the last 21 points for the Grizzlies.  Weber St lost its composure in the end as Johnson's jumper with 10 seconds left put the Grizzlies ahead 66-65.  The Wildcats didn't even get a shot off as Damian Lillard lost the ball and the Grizzlies' Will Cherry tied him up.  Montana had the possession error (fu@k the possession arrow by the way) and a trip to the Big Dance was theirs.  An unbelievable choke job by Weber St or the greatest comeback ever?  Either way, Weber St fans will have to cheer their team on in the NIT.  

DEAD
Quinnipiac

Weber St

Iowa St

UT San Antonio

UC Irvine

Oklahoma

Too many Games to Count Thursday

While there will be no automatic bids given out, the majority of teams in action will be playing for their lives Thursday...

Ren (20)

Boston College- update: dead

Texas Tech - update: dead

Alabama - update: survived

Memphis- update: dead

Miami FL

Nebraska

UCLA

UAB

Northwestern

Louisiana Tech

San Diego St

Kent St
Georgia Tech
Texas A and M Corpus Christi
Stephen F Austin
Penn St

Prairie View

Texas Southern 

Arizona St
Washington

While they are all important, the most crucial ones for Ren are:
1) Washington vs Oregon St - The Huskies have turned around their season and have a decent chance at an at-large bid.  If they can get by the Beavers, they'll could have a virtual "play-out" game vs Arizona St in the Pac 10 semifinals.  The winner would get an at-large bid and the loser a trip to the NIT.

2)  Arizona St vs Stanford - same as #1 ASU stands to get an at-large bid if they keep winning.

3) Memphis vs Houston - The Tigers are one of the last 4 teams in according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi.  Win and they stay alive for another day with a possible playout game on the horizon vs #3 seed UAB

4) UAB vs Southern Miss - see #3

5) San Diego St vs Colorado St - The Aztecs definitely have to win today and probably need a win over top rated New Mexico to get in the tourney.  

6) Georgia Tech vs UNC - The Yellowjackets cannot afford a "bad loss" to the Tarheels which would all but eliminate them from the tournament.

Stimpy (12)

Akron
Michigan

Utah St
Oregon

UNC
Minnesota

Florida

Tulsa

Nevada

Long Beach St

Buffalo

Sam Houston St

For Stimpy:

1) Florida vs Auburn - A must win game for the up and down Gators who cannot afford a bad loss to Auburn

2) Minnesota vs Penn St- The Gophers are a serious long shot at this point but will have the potential to move up in the demanding Big 10. 

3) Cincinnati vs W Virginia - It may not be a sudden death game but the Bearcats will sleep much easier if they can pull a major upset over W Virginia. 

Totals:

In: Ren 15 Stimpy 23

Alive: Ren 21 Stimpy 10
Bubble: Ren 12 Stimpy 13

DEAD: Ren 17 Stimpy 20  

Ren Mounts a Comeback

IN:

N Texas - Ren's gamble on the Sun Belt pays off as Mean Green eked out a tough 66-63 win over top seed Troy for the automatic bid.  Senior Eric Tramiel was named tournament MVP after a 20 point 10 rebound effort in the final.  Troy's hot shooting in the first half tailed out considerably as N Texas went to a 2-3 zone in the second half.  They dominated the glass outrebounding the Trojans 42-28 and limited Troy to zero second chance points in the 2nd half.  Troy scored 7 straight points to tie the game at 63-63 with 24 seconds left.  But Josh White, a 5'10" junior drove the lane and pulled up for the go ahead basket to sink Troy's chances.  The Mean Green established a school record with their 24th win of the season and enter the tournament with 11 straight victories.  

Oakland - The Golden Grizzlies are off to the NCAAs once again after dominating the Summit Conference.  They capped off a tremendous season by thrashing #2 seed IUPUI 76-64.  Coach Greg Kampe lauded his team afterward calling them "the greatest team in league history".  He mentioned the team's goal this year which is scrawled on the "goal board" in the locker room is to reach the sweet 16.  This is not a team that is just happy to be one and done in the NCAAs.  Derick Nelson poured in 36 points a career high in the contest and was named tournament MVP.  The Golden Grizzlies set a league record with 17 wins in conference and have now won 20 of their last 21 Summit contests. 

Moving on up 

Montana - It was a good night to be a grizzlie as the Montana Grizzlies ended a dream season for the N Colorado Bears.  It was the Bears who were the media darlings for their improbable run at the Big Sky title.  They had amassed 24 victories a far cry from the four victories they had in 2006-07.  They came back to tie the game at 60-60 during a 17-3 run capped off by Will Figures' back to back 3 pointers.  But it was Will Cherry's jumper with 24 seconds left that put Montana ahead to stay.  They would score the last 6 points en route to the 68-63 win.  

Weber St - Finally some good news for Stimpy as the top seeded Wildcats (20-9) outlasted Portland St 69-60 to advance to the finals.  Weber St shot a horrific 33% from the field but Portland St's woes at the free throw line (6-17 35%) helped prevent the upset.  

Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Rhode Island, and Dayton all survived 1st round games as well.

DEAD

IUPUI

U Conn

N Colorado

George Washington

 Wednesday Action

Do or Die Games for...
There will be total carnage on Wednesday as 16 teams will be faced with a do or die game.
Texas Tech 
Stephen F Austin
Nebraska
UT San Antonio 
Texas A and M Corpus Christi
Morgan St 
Oklahoma
UC Irvine

Cincinnati

Sam Houston St

Tulsa

Iowa St

Washington St

Oregon

NEC Championship 
2 Robert Morris vs 1 Quinnipiac - It will be a head to head showdown Ren vs Stimpy for all the marbles in the NEC between the top 2 seeds.  Quinnipiac won the only meeting between the 2 schools 87-79 on the road.  James Johnson lit up the scoreboard for 28 points in that contest.  The championship will be a classic offense vs defense matchup.  Quinnipiac leads the conference in scoring at 74.3 ppg while Robert Morris are second in the conference in FG percentage allowed, limiting opponents to 41%.  Quinnipiac has been a rebounding machine and leads the nation in rebounding margin at 9.5 per game.  The Bobcats are led by player of the year Justin Rutty a bullish 6'7" 240 lb rock who is 9th in the nation in rebounds at 11.0 per game.  He has 16 double doubles on the year and is one of the most ferocious rebounders on the offensive glass as well.  Robert Morris counters with the polar opposite of Rutty a 5'9" quick as a waterbug guard Karon Abraham.  He was the freshman of the year in the NEC and led his team in scoring at 13.3 ppg.  He ranks second in the league in 3 point percentage at 44.9%.  Robert Morris will be seeking its 7th NEC title while Quinnipiac is looking for its first ever trip to the NCAAs.  
Big Sky Championship 
4 Montana vs 1 Weber St

Montana has arguably the best player on the court in Anthony Johnson who averages 18.8 ppg.  The Grizzlies play a methodic offense and like to slow it down.  Weber St will have home court advantage and will be looking to exact revenge for their 14 point loss on the road to Montana on Feb 28.  In that game, Weber St was outrebounded 38-29.  Size will be a definite issue in this game with Montana boasting the twin towers of 6'11" Brian Qvale and 7'1" Derek Selvig.  The 2 schools have met in the Big Sky championship game five times, most recently in 2005 when the Grizzlies prevailed.  

Totals 

IN: Ren 14 Stimpy 23

Alive: Ren 25 Stimpy 14

Bubble: Ren 12 Stimpy 13

DEAD: Ren 14 Stimpy 16 

 

Monday recap Tuesday Preview

Matthew Dellavedova and the St. Mary's Gaels are going dancing

IN: 

Siena - The Saints will go marching on to their 3rd straight NCAAs after a stirring comeback against upstart Fairfield.  It was Siena's third straight comeback win during the tournament.  In the quarterfinals, Siena trailed by 12 to Manhattan before righting the ship and winning by 17.  Against Rider in the semis, Siena fell behind again by 6 and on Monday night the Stags led by as many as 15 in the first half.  Coach Fran McCaffrey's halftime speeches should be bottled and sold as each time Siena remained poised and would eventually chip away at those huge deficits.  Unlike the other games though Fairfield was not about to go away without a fight.  But Siena is a veteran ball club and knows how to do the little things it takes to win big games.  They commit the least fouls per game in the nation.  With 22 seconds left and the teams knotted at 60-60, forward Ryan Rossiter missed a short jumper giving Fairfield the final possession.  But the Saints had only committed 3 fouls at the time.  They were able to foul 3 more times leaving Fairfield with only 1.4 seconds left to get off a shot.  An off balanced 3 pointer in the corner clanked off the rim and sent the game to OT.  Siena with all the momentum put the game away in the extra period and never trailed again.  Seniors Edwin Ubiles had 27 points and Alex Franklin added 22 with 12 boards.  It was the Saints 38th straight victory at home, the second longest streak in the nation to Kansas. 

Old Dominion - The Monarchs were the regular season champs in the Colonial and earned the automatic bid over a game William and Mary squad 60-53.  They won it playing their game of forcing difficult shots and outrebounding the opposition.  Old Dominion built an early lead and William and Mary were unable to get closer than 5 points the rest of the way.  Stimpy misses out an opportunity for 2 bids from the ultra-competitive CAA after investing 3 draft picks in the conference (ODU, WM, and VCU).  The CAA was one of the most highly contested conferences all year as 6 teams finished within 4 games of first place.  It's unlikely that the conference will receive more than one bid though.  William and Mary had a strong resume but too many bad losses in conference doomed them late in the season.   

St. Mary's - For what seems like centuries Gonzaga has ruled the WCC roost winning the conference championship 9 of the past 11 years.  St. Mary's built a strong program and was always on the cusp of winning the WCC.  Monday night, the Gaels finally vanquished their tormentor Gonzaga for their second WCC title ever since the tournament began in 1987.  It broke a nine game drought against the Bulldogs in WCC tournament play.  The Gaels came out on fire scoring the first 7 points and unlike last year's title game blowout, were more than ready to play.  Tournament MVP Mickey McConnell led the charge with 26 points and Ben Allen poured in a career high 20.  St. Mary's turned a 30-29 halftime lead into a rout during an 18-7 run and never looked back.  They hit 10 for 21 from downtown, shot 51% for the game and caused 14 Gonzaga turnovers.  For Gonzaga, they will be in the tournament but likely will be shipped out of Spokane for the first 2 rounds with the loss.  There was much debate on whether St. Mary's would have received an at-large bid if they had lost.  With wins at Utah St and against San Diego St. but nothing else it would have been a sleepless night for the Gaels faithful.  Instead, they are safely in the dance and the bubble shrinks even further. 

DEAD:

W Kentucky - After becoming a stalwart in the tournament the past 2 years, W Kentucky finally met their match against Troy and will not be playing in the NCAA tournament this year.  For a while, the Hilltoppers appeared 

William and Mary - There are only five original Division I teams in the history of college basketball that have never made the tournament.  William and Mary had a chance to rewrite history on Monday in the CAA Championship and get off the schnide.  The Tribe fell behind early and despite a late rally came up short.  A team that consistently relies on the 3 point shot, was only 9 for 31 (29%) on Monday.  The team's leading scorer David Schneider struggled all night finishing 2 for 13 with only 6 points.  More than likely the Tribe will head to the NIT which is a decent consolation prize for a school that has only one postseason appearance and that was in 1982. 

In Action Tuesday

Big East 

Must win games for bubble teams U Conn, Seton Hall, and Cincinnati in first round action.  

Big Sky- Semifinals

4 Montana vs 2 N Colorado - Grizzlies vs Bears- while it sounds like a promo for Animal Planet , Big Sky fans know what is at stake in the semifinals.  The last pick of the draft #131 N Colorado finished second in the conference with a 12-4 record.  Their only loss at home this season was to Montana 64-62.  A win on Tuesday will give the Bears a school record 25th win.  Montana reached 20 wins for the 2nd time in 13 years.  They have superior size with 6'11" Brian Qvale and 7'1" Derek Selvig as well as one of the top scorers in the conference in Anthony Johnson.  The Bears counter with the dynamic backcourt of senior Will Figures (16.7 ppg leads the team) and junior Devon Beitzel (14.3 ppg 43% from 3 point range).  

6 Portland St vs 1 Weber St - Weber St finished as the top seed at 13-3 in the Big Sky.  But the Wildcats enter the conference playoffs on a losing streak and know very well not to get too complacent.  Last year, they were 15-1 during the regular season but stumbled against Montana State in the semifinals.  Their first round opponent Portland St won the regular season finale 84-79 so the Wildcats will be looking for payback.  They were outrebounded 39-33 in that game and need to reverse that trend if they hope to advance to the finals.  

Atlantic 10 

Must win games for bubble teams in first round action

5 Rhode Island  vs 12 St. Joseph's

7 Dayton vs 10 George Washington

Sun Belt Championship

2 N Texas vs 1 Troy - Mean Green is riding a 10 game winning streak and beat Troy in the regular season matchup 75-72. 

Summit Championshp 

2 IUPUI vs 1 Oakland - Ren has nothing to worry about as he's guaranteed a berth in the tournament.  Props to Ren on a well executed strategy as he drafted the top 3 teams in the conference with Oakland, IUPUI and 3rd seeded Oral Roberts.

Horizon Championship 

1 Butler vs 2 Wright St - Stimpy wrestled with taking Wright St with his last pick of the draft. But he made the right choice going with N Colorado instead as the Butler Bulldogs should get in the tournament either way.

Totals:
In: Ren 12 Stimpy 23

Alive: Ren 29 Stimpy 15

Bubble: Ren 13 Stimpy 13

DEAD: Ren 11 Stimpy 15