Duke looked fantastic over in Maui, capturing yet another title over on the Island, and looking sensational taking down three straight tough opponents in as many days. Then last night, Ohio State looked even more impressive, taking that same Duke team behind the woodshed and reminded everyone what Arizona looked like in last season's NCAA Tournament.
Impressive? Yes. Surprising that these teams have had some early season success? Certainly not.
Here's five teams who are making a name for themselves the hard way this November; unexpectedly.
#1 - Harvard Crimson - It appears Tommy Amaker has his
team poised to make a run to the NCAA Tournament this season, and might
not even need the Ivy League's automatic bid to do it. They are 6-0
with wins over UCF and Florida State over in the Bahamas last weekend,
and a win over Loyola Marymount, that is looking better and better as
the Lions stack up wins (over UCLA, then last night over #25 and Maniac
early-darling, St. Louis). A December tilt with UConn could be the only
stumbling block to entering Ivy play with a legit shot to run the
table...
#2 - Indiana Hoosiers - See the previous column, but Tom Crean's bunch appear to have IU back on the verge of re-joining national relevance. We still have yet to see them face a true Top 25 opponent, but at 7-0 after a 12-20 (3-15 in conference) season, it's one heck of a start.
#3 - Virginia Cavaliers - Another team that has yet to really extend themselves, but at 6-1 fresh off a pasting of a Michigan team that handled Memphis and pushed Duke, Cav fans have to like their chances of fighting for third in the middle of a muddled ACC.
#4 - San Diego State Aztecs - UNLV will garner all the MWC acclaim after knocking off North Carolina, but the most impressive team out West has been Steve Fischer's Aztecs. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year after Kawhi Leonard departed early for the NBA. At 7-1 (and leading Creighton in the second half at the time of writing) with wins over Long Beach State, Arizona and USC, as well as a respectable road loss at Baylor, this has the look of a sure-fire NCAA Tourney team.
#5 - Oregon State Beavers - The Beavers are 5-1, but only 1-1 in games against real opponents. However, their 100-95 OT win over Texas was impressive. Their most impressive outing was a 64-62 loss to a good Vanderbilt team. Craig Roberson's team is going to be a tough out in the Pac 12 and have the potential to sneak up as a bubble at-large team in March. They won't have much on the out of conference resume, but have 18 games in a balanced Pac 12 to fight to 9-9 or 10-8.
Showing posts with label Harvard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harvard. Show all posts
A Red Letter February Game
When the Red visit the Crimson tonight, there's a good reason to get a little red in the face. The loser's season might be done. And for once in this bubble-frenzied college hoops February world, it isn't hyperbole.
Whole the world apparently spun off it's axis today because a robatic Tiger Woods was compelled to tell a nation of strangers he is sorry he used his putter so often outside of the golf course, people who actually like sports could scarcely avoid the coverage.
Did you hear that a Starbucks actually stopped serving during the twenty minute puppet show? Seriously, I was waiting for Al Cowlings to drive him away in a white Bronco. I can't be the only one out there who doesn't give two shits about this story, can I?!? Please, someone back me up on this, because it makes me frightened for the general public that a stranger getting some strange is stop-work news...
Anyhow - there actually is a great sports story unfolding tonight, and it focuses on nothing but great student-athletes competing on the court. The winner of tonight's Cornell @ Harvard game leaves themselves in line to make the tournament (Cornell buries Harvard with a win, if the Crimson win, things get interesting). The loser is all but done. The Ivy league is the only conference without a conference tournament, making tonight's game truly a MUST win.
Much attention focused on Harvard's Asian-American point guard Jeremy Lin, but pay attention to Cornell's seven-foot Foote. His size and gentle touch around the rim make Cornell more than a cute story, they are a legit club who can win a game (maybe even two...) in the tourney.
Great game tonight, I'm going with the Red laying three on the road taking a huge step towards earning the first bid in the 2010 Tourney.
Whole the world apparently spun off it's axis today because a robatic Tiger Woods was compelled to tell a nation of strangers he is sorry he used his putter so often outside of the golf course, people who actually like sports could scarcely avoid the coverage.
Did you hear that a Starbucks actually stopped serving during the twenty minute puppet show? Seriously, I was waiting for Al Cowlings to drive him away in a white Bronco. I can't be the only one out there who doesn't give two shits about this story, can I?!? Please, someone back me up on this, because it makes me frightened for the general public that a stranger getting some strange is stop-work news...
Anyhow - there actually is a great sports story unfolding tonight, and it focuses on nothing but great student-athletes competing on the court. The winner of tonight's Cornell @ Harvard game leaves themselves in line to make the tournament (Cornell buries Harvard with a win, if the Crimson win, things get interesting). The loser is all but done. The Ivy league is the only conference without a conference tournament, making tonight's game truly a MUST win.
Much attention focused on Harvard's Asian-American point guard Jeremy Lin, but pay attention to Cornell's seven-foot Foote. His size and gentle touch around the rim make Cornell more than a cute story, they are a legit club who can win a game (maybe even two...) in the tourney.
Great game tonight, I'm going with the Red laying three on the road taking a huge step towards earning the first bid in the 2010 Tourney.
Maniac's Pick:
Cornell -3
.
Moving and Shaking
Today is going to be filled with movers and shakers. Movers; as into prime tourney position; and Shakers, teams whose footing is going to be shaky with a loss to say the least.
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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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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"Damn You Maine!!"
Those might be the words echoed tonight by Rhode Island and Harvard after Maine's 52-51 upset (yes, we can really use the word "upset" this time) over Boston College.
It is a loss that certainly devalues the "good win" they thought they had earned earlier in the year.
The good news for Rhode Island, they earned yet another resume builder today beating Oklahoma State. The good news for Harvard? The atlarge chances were really non-existant anyhow. If they want to dance Jeremy Lin and company will have to take down Cornell in conference play (no small task)
I googled "Maine basketball" and this was the first photo I came up with. I related news the kid on the left got shot with a BB gun again this Chirstmas...
BTW - It has been brought to my attention that our email subscribers do not always have pictures imbedded in the articles - if so CLICK HERE for full site
It is a loss that certainly devalues the "good win" they thought they had earned earlier in the year.
The good news for Rhode Island, they earned yet another resume builder today beating Oklahoma State. The good news for Harvard? The atlarge chances were really non-existant anyhow. If they want to dance Jeremy Lin and company will have to take down Cornell in conference play (no small task)
I googled "Maine basketball" and this was the first photo I came up with. I related news the kid on the left got shot with a BB gun again this Chirstmas...BTW - It has been brought to my attention that our email subscribers do not always have pictures imbedded in the articles - if so CLICK HERE for full site
Want More? Have something to Say?
Read, Rant, Agree, Disagree...Curse at Us (nicely please)
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com
Read, Rant, Agree, Disagree...Curse at Us (nicely please)
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com
Everything's Crimson
Everything is Crimson. The Maniac's face after proclaiming the Tarheels unbeatable. The Crimson & Crean nearly notching their first Big Ten win over Michigan. The jerseys of the BC Eagles who slayed the Goliath. Oh, and the new number one team in the nation.
That of course being... the Harvard Crimson.
This is my early nominee for scoreboard line of the year, it's amazingness (sic.) amplified when viewed in the proper sequence.
Sunday, Jan 5th: Boston College 85 @ North Carolina 78
Tuesday, Jan 7th: Harvard 82 @ Boston College 70
Tommy, the Maniac could not agree more...
Applying simple mathematics to Vegas oddsmaking, it would make sense that Tommy Amaker's Harvard Crimson would be a 21 point favorite over Roy Williams' hapless Heels. Oh, but both of those wins above were ON THE ROAD. Make the line -26.5
Of course, I jest. In the topsy-turvy world of college sports anything can, and does happen. Using the simple Maniac eye test, Carolina is still the top team in the nation and will still likely march on in March as a number one seed in Ford Field. One loss is simply that; just one loss. Does it snowball like Gonzaga's OT dagger from UConn? Does it toughen you up like Duke's stumble in Crysler Arena (see later pastings of Purdue and Xavier)?
You never can know for sure. But for one glorious night, the Crimson can say without turning red that they can play with anyone in the country.
That of course being... the Harvard Crimson.
This is my early nominee for scoreboard line of the year, it's amazingness (sic.) amplified when viewed in the proper sequence.
Sunday, Jan 5th: Boston College 85 @ North Carolina 78
Tuesday, Jan 7th: Harvard 82 @ Boston College 70
Tommy, the Maniac could not agree more...Applying simple mathematics to Vegas oddsmaking, it would make sense that Tommy Amaker's Harvard Crimson would be a 21 point favorite over Roy Williams' hapless Heels. Oh, but both of those wins above were ON THE ROAD. Make the line -26.5
Of course, I jest. In the topsy-turvy world of college sports anything can, and does happen. Using the simple Maniac eye test, Carolina is still the top team in the nation and will still likely march on in March as a number one seed in Ford Field. One loss is simply that; just one loss. Does it snowball like Gonzaga's OT dagger from UConn? Does it toughen you up like Duke's stumble in Crysler Arena (see later pastings of Purdue and Xavier)?
You never can know for sure. But for one glorious night, the Crimson can say without turning red that they can play with anyone in the country.
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