Thursday's Stock Report

Consider this part two of the series, updated with some fresh Thursday results from a couple of very big games with bubble implications

STOCK UP:

Belmont - With tonight's win the Bruins moved to 24-4, and 16-1 in the Atlantic Sun.  The A-Sun is nowhere in the stratosphere of an at-large berthing conference, however, considering that three of Belmont's losses are to Tennessee twice and Vanderbilt - none by more than nine, and one could make a very compelling case for the Bruins should they fall in the conference tourney.

Arizona - Very quietly Sean Miller has done on of the better coaching jobs in the country, and has the Wildcats poised not only to return to the Tourney, but to claim a Top 4 (I have them as a #3 today) seed.  Tonight's 79-70 win over Washington State was a big one for Arizona, and a huge blow to the Cougars bubble hopes.


Alabama - Even more quietly than Arizona, Anthony Grant has done the most stunning reclamation project in the nation, and has guided Alabama legitimately back into the NCAA Tourney discussion.  Tonight's win over LSU is nothing to shout about, but the Crimson Tide's 9-2 mark in conference sure is.  While Tennessee and Georgia are tripping all over themselves, Alabama is making early season losses to St. Peter's, Iowa, Providence and Seton Hall seem like distant memories.  Unfortunatly the Committee's memories are pretty long...

It may be too much to overcome, but right now, I'd give the Tide the nod over Georgia.

STOCK DOWN:


Minnesota - Losing to Penn State is not a good way to impress the Committee late.  The 66-63 loss doesn't knock the Gophers out, but it does put them in a very precarious position with a lot of pressure to finish strong and possibly even win a few games in the Big Ten tourney.

Clemson - If you appear in the Maniac's "Stock Down" in consecutive editions, things aren't going well.  Tonight's 79-71 loss to NC State should pretty much seal the Tiger's NIT destination.



Richmond - Tonight's 73-53 loss to Temple was really ugly.  The Spiders still have life, but are dancing right on the fine #12 seed/NIT line.  Duquesne has to be thrilled with the lopsided defeat, and in the Maniac's mock bracket, they have officially slid ahead of Richmond in the pecking order.