There was a point in time where Prairie View was 11-17 in February. But the Panthers won 7 straight games to rise to 8th in the SWAC and then win the SWAC Conference Tournament to earn their spot in Dayton. At 300th in the NET rankings, they were the worst team statistically to make the NCAA Tournament. So, no one would be surprised if the lost today to Lehigh, a team that finished 2nd in the Patriot league.

Well, the Panthers have now won their 8th game in a row, as their defense frustrated Lehigh into 16 turnovers with 9 of their shots being blocked. And unlike yesterday, there was no last second run to make it close – Prairie View kept the pressure on, beating the Mountain Hawks 67-55.

It is just a reminder that analysis can predict a lot. But at the end of the day, the games are played on the court – not on paper. Congratulations to the SWAC Conference Tournament Champions, Prairie View A&M.

Meanwhile, as we wait for the late game in Dayton, we get the news that SMU star player BJ Edwards will not be able to play as his injured ankle is still not ready to play. I do feel a little uncomfortable about this – SMU finished on a bad losing streak without their star player, but the news that he would be able to play this week was enough for the Selection Committee to give the Mustangs the final spot instead of other teams. One has to wonder if the committee would have gave the spot to streaking Oklahoma if they knew Edwards was unable to play.

Will this be the break that Miami needs to win in their first game this season against a power conference team – or will someone step up for the Mustang to keep their season alive until their star player can join them.