Here is a quick rundown of the biggest games of a packed Saturday.
Louisville @ West Virginia: The Cards are 13-7, and a loss today would drop them to 13-8. With nary a great win on their resume and looming blowout losses to Charlotte and Western Carolina, anything shy of a huge step-up game today leaves them in dire straights. For the Mountaineers, a number one seed isn't out of the question, but they can't drop any more home games. Especially to teams like the 'Ville.
Marquette @ Connecticut: The Warriors are the textbook definition of a tough-luck ballclub, having lost three games in conference to Top 25 team in the final seconds. Since the NCAA committee rarely looks at margin of loss, the biggest stat that matters right now is 12-8. Connecticut is only one game better at 13-7, but has better non-conference wins (and losses) and a little more name cache (not that it is supposed to matter). Interesting fact, Marquette is 0-5 on the road this season. If that streak runs to six, it's time to kick some dirt on their grave. However, should they win, the middle of the BEast gets intersting with both teams in a six or seven team scrum for likely two, possibly three bids. It's a BIG game in Storrs (but let's hope the Huskie fans don't storm the court if they win...seriously...stay off the floor.)
Duke @ Georgetown: Wow! How often do we get an Elite Eight level non-conference game this late in the year? Not very often, so enjoy it. The winner puts a HUGE chip in their pile and stays on track for a #1 or #2 seed. Duke loses less with a loss since its a true road game. If the Hoyas lose, it has them trending towards a 4/5 seed. Neither team is crippled with a loss, but still a fantastic game worth tuning in to.
Oklahoma St. @ Missouri: A HUGE battle for 4th place in the Big 12 (and with K-State at Kansas tonight, perhaps even third place...). Both teams have been pleasantly surprising this year, easily outpacing Oklahoma and Texas Tech. OK State is 16-4, Mizzou stands at 15-5, and they are tied in conference play. This game gives the winner a huge leg up in getting to the Dance.
Baylor @ Texas: Put Baylor in the category with the two teams above; pleasantly surprising. Texas is still a beast - don't let the recent slide fool you. They are still in line for a possible #1 seed...unless Baylor clips them on the road. A win like this one would likely have Scott Drew's Bears on the right side of the bubble come March.
Vanderbilt @ Kentucky: Forget the subplot lines; Kentucky rebounding from their first loss, Vandy trying to stay hot, etc. This game is for the lead in the SEC East. If Vandy nips the Cats, they would open up a two game conference lead and have already beaten Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina on the road. Doesn't that sound like the resume of a Top 2 seed?? Not saying ANY of that will happen, but today's game is bigger than it looks on paper (and in the AP polls).
Harvard @ Cornell: Forget the hyperbole for all the games I scrawled above about getting in or not making the tournament. The most important game of the day is happening on the campus of the Cornell Red. The Ivy League is the only league that refuses to play a conference tournament, meaning the regular season winner gets the league's tourney bid. I have read a few columns that suggested the Red would earn an at-large bid should they falter to the Crimson. Don't believe that for a second! Sentimentality aside, their signature "win" is a close loss to Kansas. If that's what you are looking for, give Charlie Weiss and extension at Notre Dame. This game is do-or-die, and probably the best game in the country tomorrow. Of course, unless you live on campus at Cornell, I don't think you'll be able to see it...just check back here for the coverage...
Northwestern @ Michigan State: Many people on TV and radio suggested the Wildcats need this game to have any chance at the tourney (not true - as my loyal readers know) BUT if they can repeat last year's surprising win at Sparty it does put a HUGE chip in their pile for earning their first ever NCAA bid. That said, don't dispair when Sparty hammers them.
Kansas @ Kansas State: The Maniac was one of many who praised the KSU students for staying OFF the court after beating then-number one Texas. Drop now #1 Kansas? Have at it guys, have at it. And while you are at it, dodge the subsequent let down game and you have a legit shot at winning the Big 12 and earning a #2 seed. For KU, a win here puts them back atop the polls and has them trending towards the #1 overall seed in the tournament.
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