With both conference championships going on at the moment with double digit leads by the favorites (South Dakota State and Gonzaga), it is time to look ahead to Wednesdays games. Although before we do that, a quick congratulations to Wright State (who ended Cleveland State’s crazy upset run in the Horizon), LIU Brooklyn (who upset Wagner in the NEC), and Charleston (who came back from down 17 to beat Northeastern in overtime to claim the Colonial bid).
Looks like we only have one conference final – as the Patriot Conference sees #1 Bucknell (24-9) plays #2 Colgate (19-12). But we have plenty of good games as the major conferences start their tournaments.
The ACC enters its second round, where Louisville and Florida State kick off a great day of games – in what might be a lose and you’re out type game. Then, in the evening games, Notre Dame gets their chance to get a big win against Virginia Tech – while Syracuse matches up against North Carolina.
The Big 12 has their play-in games, but those are pretty interesting with Oklahoma playing Oklahoma State, and Texas playing Iowa State. Oklahoma is probably the only one of those teams that could make the tourney if they lose Wednesday (but it would be better off for the Sooners if they don’t test that theory).
The Pac 12 has their first round of games – with the biggest game probably being Arizona State vs. Colorado. The Sun Devils looked like one of the best teams in college basketball after their non-conference performance, but they have struggled in conference – now finding themselves 8-10 in conference and desperately needing a win against a very competitive team from Colorado. But then, Stanford, Oregon and Washington play games that they can not afford to lose to keep their bubble hopes alive.
Marquette kicks off the Big East tournament – it would be unwise to have the last thing the committee remember about their team being a loss to DePaul – not sure it will eliminate them, but they will be better off if they avoid a first round upset.
Enjoy the games tomorrow!