Monday, February 27, 2006

The Final Week Of The Season

                                                               

The NCAA hoops season is coming to a close with a bunch of bubble teams still out there.  Here is a list of huge games [that involve bubble teams] coming this week...

TUESDAY

Cincinnati at Seton Hall.  These are considered to be the teams squarely on the bubble....but probably in the dance if the season ended today.  Seton Hall needs this game, since it is at home, and they've been struggling down the stretch.  Cincy would love this game as a probable clincher to their dance hopes.

WEDNESDAY

Duke at Florida State.  Duke is obviously in...but Florida State is trying to get in.  I have them in....but most bracket sites don't.  A win over Duke here could vault them into most bracketologist's "last four in" category.   An impossible win, you think?  Remember, the Noles went to overtime at Cameron against Duke...lost by a point...and that was the game that caused ACC officials to be suspended due to bad calls made against FSU. 

Texas at Texas A&M.  The Aggies are kinda in the same boat as Florida State.  They are on the extreme fringes of the bubble...but a win over one of the best teams in the nation could put them on the radar of getting in. 

Kentucky at Tennessee.  Tennessee just lost at home and may be looking for a big game against a rival.  Kentucky would sure like to get this win, and if they do I think they're in the tourny.  The Wildcats don't want to have a 2-game slide heading into the final game of the season against Florida. 

Colorado at Kansas.  The Buffs are one of those teams that no one sees eye to eye on in the bracket world.  Some see them as a soft team in a down conference.  Some see them as a quality team on the national scene.  How they perform in Lawrence could determine which side wins this arguement. 

Miami at Maryland.  Winning this game won't get the Terps in....but losing it will most likely knock them out.  Miami has a snowballs chance at getting into the dance.

Kansas State at Nebraska.  Nebraska may have made it's bed by getting waxed by Texas A&M....so a win here is a must.

Indiana at Purdue.  Indiana has played poorly down the stretch against the dregs of the conference.  They must win and win convincingly.

Marquette at Louisville.  Marquette, I believe, is in.  Louisville, I believe, is out.  But, if the Cards win this one and have a strong showing in the Big East tourny...ya never know.

Auburn at Alabama.  A win, and the Tide are in.

Mississippi State at Arkansas.  See above

THURSDAY

Memphis at UAB.  Big game for both teams.  UAB is a fringe tourny team and would love a win over Memphis here.  A win, and their tourny resume skyrockets.  Memphis needs a win like this to stay in the #1 seeding discussion. 

UCLA at California.  Cal looked good at times in a loss at Washington....and needs to look good against UCLA.  I think they are in even if they lose this...but a win would be nice for their nerves.

USC at Stanford.  Both teams are on the backside of the bubble...so the loser here might as well get ready for the NIT.  The winner may end up there too.

Syracuse at DePaul.  Well, DePaul put a hurtin' on Seton Hall's resume earlier in the week....so Syracuse, watch out!.  The Cuse has been limping to the finish line and that's something that may hurt them when the selection committee meets.

FRIDAY

Seton Hall at Pittsburgh.  Friday night Big East hoops.  If the Hall loses to Cincinnati...this pretty much becomes a must game for the Pirates. 

Bradley at Creighton, Northern Iowa at Missouri State.  These are four of the possible six [So. Illinois and Wichita State are the others] that have a good shot at getting to the dance.  So, let's git it on!

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