That's Why They Play the Game

Last week I wrote that if the season ended today the 4 number 1 seeds would be Ohio St., Kansas, Texas, and Pitt. Well all 4 teams lost this week (albeit on the road) so does that change anything? Not really. I still think when the season ends those 4 will be the 1 seeds, but Duke now has a chance to sneak in and get one if they run the table. And that's possible with the weakened state of the ACC. This is why you always have to add that clause, "If the season ended today." But as it is now, I don't see any other team grabbing a 1 seed. I think it will be a combination of 4 of those 5. So this week is further proof that there is major parity in college basketball and anyone can lose on any given night. As they say, that's why they play the game.
This was bracketbuster weekend so let's take a look at the winners and losers. The big winner was the CAA as all 3 of their at-large contenders won. VCU won a crazy game at Wichita St. George Mason continued the nation's longest win streak (Coastal Carolina had it until they loss to Gardner-Webb) at N. Iowa and Old Dominion knocked off Cleveland St. As of now, George Mason and Old Dominion look to be in and VCU, despite the big win, probably needs to win the CAA tourney. They did get blown out at home to George Mason and ODU in the 2 games prior to the win at Wichita. Another winner was Utah St. as they got a coveted Top 50 rpi win at St. Marys. If Utah St. wins out until the WAC tourney they should be good. And how about Norris Cole of Cleveland St. A week after making headlines for having 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in a game he didn't disappoint on national tv against ODU. Even thoguh his team lost, he played great scoring 35 and making a name for himself. For the losers we will start with the MVC. As mentioned above Wichita St. and No. Iowa lost at home. No. Iowa didn't have a chance for an at-large, but Wichita did and that may now be in jeopardy. And the other team from the MVC who had a shot at an at-large, Missouri St., was beat at Valpo badly. Speaking of Valpo, that was a good win and could push them into the bubble talk if they win out. Remember, its a very weak bubble. St. Marys didn't do themselves any favors by being dominated in the 2nd half at home on the heels of losing to lowly San Diego. I think they're still safe, but better not lose again. A home game against Gonzaga is on the horizon.
Just another day at the Garden as St. John's knocked off another top 10 opponent in Pitt. It was a great game and great finish with clutch shots and a controversial no call as Hardy may have stepped out of bounds before hitting the game winning shot. St. John's continues to work their way up the seed line. Syracuse, Villanova, and Cincy all avoided upsets by winning in ot. Cincy nearly gave back the big win they had over L'ville by losing to Providence. Cincy really needed that top 50 win. And Syracuse almost did the same after beating West Virginia then needing ot (and lots of foul shots) to beat Rutgers at home. L'ville followed up the loss at Cincy with a win at home against UConn. Speaking of UConn, they were able to end Georgetown's win streak. West Virginia got a top 10 win over Notre Dame to boost their resume.
Kansas St. got a much needed top 5 win against Kansas to help their at-large chances. And just win Baylor was working their way back into the bubble picture they lose at home to Texas Tech. Missouri finally got a road win beating Iowa St. And winning at home against Texas Tech. Oklahoma St. Blew a chance for a big win to get them in the bubble conversation against Texas A&M, they play Kansas next. Texas A&M also beat Iowa St. And Nebraska beat Texas to give them a chance to be on the bubble at least for a week.
Arizona had a good week sweeping the Washington schools. The Arizona/Washington game was one of the best I have watched all year. Washington St. Was starting to get talked about until they were swept by the Arizona schools. Arizona St. Is really bad so Washington St. is out of the conversation now. UCLA keeps hanging around with a win at Stanford and a chance to win at Cal tonight.
Georgia got a much needed road win at Tennessee after blowing a big opportunity at home against Vandy. Vandy also beat Auburn. Tennessee did beat South Carolina, but plays at Vandy this week. Their losses keep piling up. They have enough big wins so far to keep them in, but unless they win at Vandy, they aren't as safe as one might think. Kentucky swept their home games this week, but remain behind Vandy for the 2nd bye in the East for the SEC tourney. Florida won their only game and Alabama won both of their games this week to stay in the hunt for an at-large bid.
Purdue had a good week as they beat Wisconsin and Ohio St. Purdue is looking at 3 or possibly a 3 seed. Michigan St. missed an opportunity against Ohio St., but followed it up with a home win against Illinois. Speaking of Illinois they escaped Michigan, but they and the Spartans could be sweating it out Selection Sunday. When Big 10 play started we couldn't imagine Minnesota missing the tourney. But Tubby's boys are in danger of missing the NCAA's after another loss, this one to Penn St. A key injury and transfer has hurt the Gophers.
The last couple of years we have gotten use to hearing Seth Greenburg explain why he thinks his Hokies should have been in the tourney instead of being left out. The reason was the weak non-conference schedule and inability to win big games and close out games they should win. Well book your interviews now because Virginia Tech had a terrible loss at Virginia. They aren't completely done especially with an opportunity against Duke on the horizon, but after missing chances against Kansas St. and Purdue their resume isn't looking too good. North Carolina and Duke continue to win. It will be interesting to see how well Carolina plays Duke at home at the end of the year. BC missed a chance to get a signature win losing a close one to Carolina. Florida St. beat a bad Wake Forest team without Singleton, but how will they fare against good teams without him. Remember they lost to Auburn this year.
Xavier and Temple continue to win and should be in now. Colorado St. missed an opportunity for a big win losing to fellow bubble team UNLV. The Rebels resume is better than the Rams so they really good have used that one. Memphis got a big win over UAB, but then lost to Rice. They will be tough to figure out if they don't get the automatic bid. UAB rebounded from the Memphis loss with a a win.

Now time for blind resume: Team A 14-11 (7-7) rpi 42 sos 5 Top 50 record 4-8 key wins are Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois bad loss to Iowa.
Team B 18-8 (7-5) rpi 38 sos 30 top 50 record 3-8 key wins UAB, Kentucky, and Tennessee no bad loss.
Team C 17-8 (8-4) rpi 47 sos 43 top 50 record 2-4 key wins So. Miss, UNLV bad losses Sam Houston St. and Hampton.





Answers are: Team A Michigan St. Team B Georgia Team C Colorado St.