10 MAR 10 GAMES AND STUFF !

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Montana and Weber State duke it out for Big Sky title

- A trip to the NCAA Tournament is on the line tonight, as the Weber State Wildcats and the Montana Grizzlies do battle in the championship game of the 35th annual Big Sky Conference Tournament at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah.

As the top seed in this year's event and an owner of eight Big Sky Tournament titles, Weber State had to play only one game in order to make it into the finals and that was a 69-60 win over sixth-seeded Portland State on Tuesday night. The victory was revenge for the regular-season finale in which the Vikings captured an 84-79 win to snap WSU's five-game win streak.

As for fourth-seeded Montana, it began the annual event with an 81-60 thumping of Northern Arizona in the quarterfinals on Saturday and then a 68-63 win versus second-seeded Northern Colorado last night in the semifinals. The Grizzlies, who won back-to-back crowns in 2005 and 2006, the former coming against this same Weber State club, has a total of six tourney championships to their credit.

The teams split their two regular-season meetings, with each winning on their home floor. As a result, Weber State remains ahead in the all-time series with a 58-47 mark.

Anthony Johnson came up with 19 points, hitting all but one of his eight free- throw attempts, as he guided the Grizzlies to the upset win over Northern Colorado on Tuesday. Also scoring in double figures for Montana were Ryan Staudacher and Will Cherry with 10 points apiece, although the former did his damage on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and the latter just 4-of-12 accuracy. Johnson, the leading scorer in each of the last three games and nine of the last 10 outings, is responsible for 18.9 ppg on the strength of not only 50 percent shooting from the field, but also 46.7 percent beyond the arc and 184- of-211 at the charity stripe. As someone who forces the action as well as anyone in the conference, Johnson made twice as many free-throws as all but one of his teammates even had a chance to attempt this season. Staudacher, a 45.8 percent three-point shooter himself, helped the program to make good on 40.2 percent of their threes altogether.

With Portland State's Dominic Waters in foul trouble, Damian Lillard took over for the Wildcats last night as he tallied a game-high 23 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out four assists in the nine-point win at home. Franklin Session added 13 points and eight boards in order to shake off five turnovers, while Trevor Morris tallied 10 points in just 21 minutes off the bench for a Weber State squad that outscored the visitors at the free-throw line, 22-6. Lillard, the leading scorer in each of the last three games for the Wildcats, has generated a team-best 20.7 ppg against Big Sky foes this season, shooting an impressive 44.0 percent from three-point range in those decisions. As someone who gets involved in all facets of the game, Lillard also led the team in assists with 110 and has been credited with better than four rebounds per game as well. Steve Panos (11.0 ppg) and Session (10.6 ppg) also lend a hand at the offensive end of the floor.

 

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Hoyas and Bulls collide in Big East Tourney

Hoyas and Bulls collide in Big East Tourney

Hoyas and Bulls collide in Big East Tourney
New York, NY

The Big East Tournament continues today, as the ninth-seeded South Florida Bulldogs tussle with the 22nd-ranked and eighth-seeded Georgetown Hoyas in second-round action at Madison Square Garden. The winner of this game will move on to the quarterfinals against top- seeded Syracuse on Thursday.

Winner of its last three games heading into the postseason, USF finished 9-9 within the league, by far its best mark since joining the Big East. The Bulls carried over their success into the league tourney yesterday, notching a 58-49 win over 16th-seeded DePaul. It was the first-ever win in the team's second appearance in this event, as USF also reached the 20-win plateau for just the third time in the 39-year history of the program.

The Hoyas meanwhile, have a storied history, especially in the Big East Tournament, where they have won a record 46 games and seven titles. Georgetown earned a first-round bye with its 10-8 finish in conference play, although the team won just two its final six outings.

Georgetown leads the head-to-head series with USF, 5-3, but the Bulls knocked off the Hoyas, 72-64, in Washington, D.C. on February 3rd.

The Bulls held DePaul to a dismal 29.9 percent shooting performance from the floor, as they came away with a 58-49 victory in first-round play yesterday. USF, which took a 30-15 lead to the intermission, made 43.3 percent of its field goals and scored 50 points in the paint. Dominique Jones led the charge with an all-around effort of 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. It was a typical effort from Jones, one of the premier players in the Big East. A first-team all-league choice, Jones averaged a league-best 23.2 ppg in Big East play during the regular season and he also posted 6.1 rpg and 3.7 apg. Mike Mercer added 14 points and five boards in yesterday's win, a nice improvement from his regular-season production of 9.5 ppg.

The Hoyas are a good shooting team, as they are hitting on 49.8 percent of their attempts from the floor and 38.8 percent from long range. Austin Freeman, a second-team all-conference pick, leads the team in scoring at 17.3 ppg and he shoots 47.9 percent from beyond the arc. Greg Monroe is another big time talent for this Georgetown club, as the 6-11 center nearly averages a double-double with 16.0 ppg and a team-high 9.6 rpg. A first-team all- conference choice, Monroe is also a terrific passer for a big man, dishing out 3.6 apg. Chris Wright adds 14.2 ppg and a team-high 4.0 apg to the mix for Georgetown, while Jason Clark chips in with 10.3 ppg.

 

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Robert Morris battles Quinnipiac for NEC crown

Robert Morris battles Quinnipiac for NEC crown

Robert Morris battles Quinnipiac for NEC crown
Hamden, CT

The top-seeded Quinnipiac Bobcats and the second-seeded Robert Morris Colonials are set to collide in the championship game of the 2010 Northeast Conference Tournament, and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Robert Morris has won the NEC Tournament title six times, more than any other active member of the league, and one of the six crowns was earned last season. In the 2008 championship game, the Colonials knocked off Mount St. Mary's by a 48-46 final. Robert Morris is 22-11 this season, and after defeating seventh- seeded Central Connecticut State in Thursday's quarterfinal round, the Colonials knocked off third-seeded Mount St. Mary's in impressive fashion on Sunday, 80-62.

As for Quinnipiac, it has never won this event. The Bobcats defeated eighth- seeded Monmouth by nine points on Thursday and squeaked by fourth-seeded Long Island on Sunday, 83-78. Quinnipiac, which owns a 23-8 overall record, did reach the NEC Tournament title tilt in 2002, but it fell by seven points to Central Connecticut State.

Quinnipiac beat Robert Morris by an 87-79 final during the regular season, but the Colonials still hold a 14-8 advantage in the all-time series.

Robert Morris is not an explosive offensive team, as it is averaging a modest 69.0 ppg on 43.8 percent shooting from the floor. Fortunately, the Colonials have been able to limit foes to 66.2 ppg on 41 percent field goal efficiency. Karon Abraham leads the team with 13.3 ppg, and he is a 44.9 percent shooter from three-point range. The only other double-digit scorer in the fold is Rob Robinson with his 10.1 ppg on 51.6 percent shooting. In the 18-point romp over Mount St. Mary's in the semifinal round, Abraham scored 19 points, while Robinson tallied 14 points. Dallas Green pitched in 11 points for the Colonials, and Velton Jones contributed 10 points. Robert Morris connected on 53.7 percent of its field goal attempts and turned the ball over only eight times.

Quinnipiac is posting 74.3 ppg while permitting 66.5 ppg to opponents. The top offensive performer for the Bobcats is James Feldeine, who is netting 17.1 ppg to go along with 6.0 rpg, 79 assists and 46 steals. Justin Rutty is a monster on the boards, as he is ripping down 11.0 rpg in addition to scoring 15.2 ppg on 53.7 percent shooting from the floor. James Johnson is the third and final double-digit scorer on the roster with his 12.2 ppg. Rutty scored 22 points and ripped down 16 boards in the five-point win over Long Island in the semifinals. Deontay Twyman contributed 16 points off the bench for Quinnipiac, which received 13 points from Feldeine and 10 points from Jonathan Cruz. A 25-8 advantage in points from the foul line was the most obvious key to victory.

 

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Texas Tech (16-14) vs. Colorado (15-15)

Texas Tech (16-14) vs. Colorado (15-15)

Texas Tech (16-14) vs. Colorado (15-15)






DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 12:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Sprint Center (18,555) -- Kansas City, Missouri. Television: Big 12 Network. Home Record: Texas Tech 13-5, Colorado 13-3. Away Record: Texas Tech 3-9, Colorado 2-10. Neutral Record: Texas Tech 0-0, Colorado 0-2. Conference Record: Texas Tech 4-12, Colorado 6-10. Series Record: Colorado leads, 17-12.

GAME NOTES: The eighth-seeded Colorado Buffaloes and the ninth-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders will meet in the first round of the 2010 Big 12 Conference Tournament.

Top-seeded Kansas is waiting to take on the winner of this game in the quarterfinal round.

Neither Texas Tech nor Colorado has ever won the Big 12 Conference Tournament. The two team closed out their respective regular seasons against one another last Saturday, and the Buffaloes won that game by a 101-90 final to extend their lead in the all-time series with the Red Raiders to 17-12.

Texas Tech has lost its last seven games to fall to 4-12 in league play, overshadowing a respectable 16-14 overall record. The Red Raiders have yet to play a neutral-site affair this season, and is just 3-9 outside of Lubbock.

As for Colorado, it is 15-15 overall and 6-10 versus Big 12 foes. The Buffs closed out the regular season with three consecutive wins, but it should still be pointed out that they are 2-12 outside of Boulder, including 0-2 in neutral-site games.

Through 30 games, Texas Tech is scoring the exact same amount of points on average that it is allowing (76.4 ppg). There are three double-digit scorers in the fold for the Red Raiders, and Mike Singletary leads the way with 14.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg. John Roberson checks in with 14.4 ppg, and he has handed out 161 assists. Nick Okorie rounds out the trio with 10.8 ppg, and he is shooting 41.5 percent from three-point range. Taking a look at the 11-point loss to Colorado that closed out the campaign, Okorie was simply unstoppable, as he poured in 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the floor. Singletary posted 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Roberson finished with 11 points and nine assists. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders struggled mightily at the defensive end, permitting the Buffaloes to shoot 58.8 percent from the field.

Colorado's Cory Higgins is clearly one of the most talented players in the Big 12, and he torched Texas Tech for 30 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field in the finale. Alec Burks pitched in with 24 points and nine rebounds for the Buffaloes, who got 18 points from Marcus Relphorde. In addition to shooting the ball efficiently from the field, Colorado earned a 34-17 advantage in points from the foul line. Higgins is averaging 19.0 ppg on 51 percent shooting from the field, while Burks checks in with 16.8 ppg on 53.6 percent accuracy. The Buffs are posting 74.9 ppg while allowing 73.9 ppg.

Like Saturday, Colorado will knock off Texas Tech to advance. Higgins will be the best player on the floor.

Predicted Outcome: Colorado 79, Texas Tech 70

 

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East Carolina (10-20) vs. Houston (15-15)

East Carolina (10-20) vs. Houston (15-15)

East Carolina (10-20) vs. Houston (15-15)






DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 1:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: BOK Center (19,199) -- Tulsa, Oklahoma. Television: None. Home Record: ECU 5-9, Houston 10-5. Away Record: ECU 4-8, Houston 4-9. Neutral Record: ECU 1-3, Houston 1-1. Conference Record: ECU 4-12, Houston 7-9. Series Record: Houston leads, 7-2.

GAME NOTES: First-round action in the Conference-USA Tournament will begin this afternoon when the seventh-seeded Houston Cougars take on the 10th-seeded East Carolina Pirates at the BOK Center.

The Pirates could not find a consistent groove throughout the season and stumbled into the 10th seed with a meager 4-12 ledger in conference action. East Carolina lost four of its last six matchups during the regular season, and comes into this contest looking for its first-ever C-USA tournament victory (0-6).

As for the Cougars, they finished with a 7-9 mark in conference play, which landed the team with the seventh spot in tournament. Houston, which is just 8-12 all-time in this tournament, also closed out its regular season with four losses in its last six matchups.

The Cougars have won seven of the nine all-time matchups against East Carolina, and that includes a 74-55 victory earlier this season.

The Pirates have been inconsistent throughout the season offensively, and come into this tournament averaging just 66.7 ppg, behind a 43.3 percent shooting effort. However, the team does have three players that have thrived on the year, beginning with Brock Young who is posting 15.3 ppg, to go along with 166 assists. Darrius Morrow has been the top option in the paint for ECU, as the forward is netting 12.3 ppg, and is also pulling down 6.6 rpg, while Jamar Abrams is contributing 11.3 ppg. On top of the lack of success offensively, the team has also struggled defensively, allowing 74.3 ppg.

The Cougars have also dealt with major problems defensively, as the team is surrendering 75.0 ppg on the season. Houston has also done a terrible job on the glass, and is losing the battle on the boards by an 8.7 rpg margin. Fortunately the Cougars have been one of the most dangerous scoring teams in the conference, and come into this tournament averaging an impressive 78.7 ppg, but at the same time the team is shooting just 41.9 percent. Aubrey Coleman has been the most explosive player in the league and that is proven by his national-best 26.0 ppg. Coleman, who was selected as a First-Team All C- USA member also grabbed 7.5 rpg. Kelvin Lewis is the only other player posting double figures for Houston, as the guard is netting 15.1 ppg.

Neither team has performed well defensively, but the Cougars are much stronger offensively, and have a difference-maker in Coleman that should help Houston earn the victory.

Predicted Outcome: Houston 81, East Carolina 72

 

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St. John's (17-14) vs. Marquette (20-10)

St. John's (17-14) vs. Marquette (20-10)

St. John's (17-14) vs. Marquette (20-10)

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 2:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Madison Square Garden (19,763) -- New York, New York. Television: ESPN. Home Record: SJU 10-7, Marquette 13-4. Away Record: SJU 4-7, Marquette 5-5. Neutral Record: SJU 3-0, Marquette 2-1. Conference Record: SJU 6-12, Marquette 11-7. Series Record: Marquette leads, 12-5.

GAME NOTES: The 13th-seeded St. John's Red Storm face off against the fifth- seeded Marquette Golden Eagles in the second round of the Big East Tournament today at Madison Square Garden. The victor of this bout will take on fourth- seeded Villanova in the quarterfinal round on Thursday.

The Red Storm got its run in the Big East Tournament started yesterday, posting a rather convincing 73-51 victory over 12th-seeded Connecticut in first-round play. It was quite a performance from a club that had fallen in three of its last four outings of the regular season. SJU, which plays some of its home games at MSG, is now 25-23 all-time in this event.

As for the Eagles, they overcame significant losses from a season ago to finish 11-7 during the regular season. Marquette, which has now won at least 10 league games in five straight seasons, is 4-4 all-time in the Big East Tournament, including a victory over St. John's in the second round of last year's event.

Marquette leads the all-time series with SJU, 12-5, and that takes into account a 63-61 overtime triumph on February 24th.

SJU made good on 50.0 percent of its attempts from the field and 7-of-13 from downtown, as it handled UConn yesterday. The Red Storm also clamped down on defense, forcing 20 turnovers and holding UConn to a sub par 37.5 percent shooting performance from the field. Sean Evans registered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge, while Paris Horne tacked on 13 points. D.J. Kenned chipped in with eight points, and he is capable of much more, leading SJU on the season with 15.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 3.0 apg. Horne nets 9.2 ppg, while Evans contributes 6.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg.

The Eagles are guided by the trio of Lazar Hayward, Jimmy Butler and Darius Johnson-Odom, all of whom average in double figures. Hayward highlights the group, as the athletic forward can get the job done in a variety of ways. A second-team All-Big East member, Hayward leads Marquette with 18.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 52 steals. Butler provides a nice complement to Hayward, as he ranks second with 15.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 40 steals. As for Johnson-Odom, he rounds out the trio with 12.9 ppg and is the team's top three-point threat, shooting at a 47.5 percent rate from downtown.

Marquette has just a few more weapons to work with and that should help it get past the Red Storm, which will be playing with a lot of confidence following yesterday's performance.

Predicted Outcome: Marquette 67, St. John's 61

 

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Nebraska (14-17) vs. Missouri (22-9)

Nebraska (14-17) vs. Missouri (22-9)

Nebraska (14-17) vs. Missouri (22-9)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 3:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Sprint Center (18,555) -- Kansas City, Missouri. Television: Big 12 Network. Home Record: Nebraska 12-6, Missouri 16-2. Away Record: Nebraska 1-10, Missouri 4-6. Neutral Record: Nebraska 1-1, Missouri 2-1. Conference Record: Nebraska 2-14, Missouri 10-6. Series Record: Missouri leads, 125-91.

GAME NOTES: First-round action of the 2010 Big 12 Conference Tournament pits the fifth-seeded Missouri Tigers against the 12th-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Awaiting the winner of this clash is a quarterfinal matchup with fourth-seeded Texas A&M on Thursday.

Nebraska has never won this tournament and owns a 5-13 record in the event all-time. The Cornhuskers ranked up a 12-3 mark against non-conference foes during the regular season, but that record is clearly overshadowed by a 2-14 record against Big 12 opponents. Nine of the last 10 outings have resulted in defeat for Nebraska.

Missouri is the defending Big 12 Tournament champion, as it knocked off Baylor by a 73-60 final in last season's title game. The team owns a 22-9 overall record this year, including a 10-6 mark versus league opponents, but two of the final three regular-season games ended in defeat, including a 21-point beating at home against Kansas in the finale.

The Tigers recorded a pair of double-digit victories over the Cornhuskers during the regular season, and Missouri owns a 125-91 advantage in the all- time series.

Nebraska is a mediocre offensive team that is averaging 66.3 ppg on 43.5 percent shooting from the floor. Defensively, the Cornhuskers are permitting 65.8 ppg, but the positive scoring differential is not indicative of the team's play since the start of Big 12 action. There is only one double-digit scorer in the fold for Nebraska, as Ryan Anderson provides 11.0 ppg. A solid all-around performer, Anderson is pulling down 5.3 rpg to go along with 51 steals, but he is far from a star. Nebraska closed out the regular season with a 19-point loss to Oklahoma State on the road. In that tilt, the Huskers finished with seven more turnovers than assists.

Missouri is scoring 78.1 ppg this season while limiting opponents to 65.5 ppg, but the club is outscoring Big 12 opponents by less than four points per outing. Kim English is the leading scorer for the Tigers with his 14.1 ppg, and Marcus Denmon provides 11.0 ppg. Laurence Bowers checks in with 10.1 ppg for a Missouri team that struggles a bit on the boards. It is hard to imagine Missouri playing any worse than it did against Kansas last time out, as the Tigers shot only 35.4 percent from the floor while permitting 52.6 percent shooting to the Jayhawks. A 45-28 rebounding disadvantage also hurt the cause for Missouri, which was paced by English's 16 points.

There is no reason to believe that Nebraska will beat Missouri, especially considering the fact that the Tigers won both regular-season meetings between the teams.

Predicted Outcome: Missouri 79, Nebraska 64

 

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Tulane (8-21) vs. Southern Mississippi (18-12)

Tulane (8-21) vs. Southern Mississippi (18-12)

Tulane (8-21) vs. Southern Mississippi (18-12)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 3:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: BOK Center (19,199) -- Tulsa, Oklahoma. Television: None. Home Record: Tulane 5-10, Southern Mississippi 11-3. Away Record: Tulane 2-9, Southern Mississippi 6-7. Neutral Record: Tulane 1-2, Southern Mississippi 1-2. Conference Record: Tulane 3-13, Southern Mississippi 8-8. Series Record: Southern Mississippi leads, 40-30.

GAME NOTES: Tulane and Southern Mississippi will collide in first-round action of the Conference-USA Tournament this afternoon when the 11th-seeded Green Wave tangle with the sixth-seeded Golden Eagles.

It was not a successful season for Tulane, which finished with a meager 3-13 mark in conference play. On a bright note however, the Green Wave snapped a seven-game slide with a 79-76 victory over Houston in their regular-season finale.

The Golden Eagles posted 18 overall wins on the season, but in league play the team lacked consistency, finishing with an 8-8 ledger. Southern Miss, which is just 9-12 overall in the tournament, closed out its regular season with two straight wins.

The Golden Eagles won both meetings this season on the hardwood, and now own a 40-30 edge over Tulane in the all-time series.

The Green Wave have been unable to find any success at the offensive end of the court, as the team is producing a meager 62.7 ppg, behind a pedestrian 40.0 percent shooting effort. Kris Richard comes into this matchup averaging 11.9 ppg, while Kevin Sims is posting 11.4 ppg, to go along with 65 assists. Surprisingly the last time Tulane was on the floor the team scored an impressive 79 points in a win over Houston. The Green Wave shot 49.1 percent from the floor and were led by Jordan Callahan's 21-point effort. Asim McQueen and Kendall Timmons both finished with double doubles, as McQueen tallied 20 points and 10 boards, while Timmons contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. As for Sims and Richard, they finished with just nine and eight points, respectively.

The Golden Eagles can attribute their mild success on their performance defensively, as Southern Mississippi is holding opponents to just 60.1 ppg. Southern Mississippi has also done a solid job on the glass, outrebounding the opposition by 6.7 rpg. However, where the team has struggled is at the offensive end of the floor, as the Golden Eagles are producing just 65.4 ppg, behind a mediocre 42.5 percent shooting effort. Gary Flowers is the only player netting double figures on the year, as the forward is averaging 14.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 53 blocks. Running the show on the floor has been Angelo Johnson, who is leading the team with 82 assists, to go along with 9.7 ppg.

The Green Wave have struggled offensively, and considering how solid Southern Miss has been defensively, look for the Golden Eagles to soar into the next round.

Predicted Outcome: Southern Mississippi 65, Tulane 57

 

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Air Force (9-20) vs. Wyoming (10-20)

Air Force (9-20) vs. Wyoming (10-20)

Air Force (9-20) vs. Wyoming (10-20)



DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 5:00 p.m. (et).

FACTS & STATS: Site: Thomas & Mack Center (18,500) -- Las Vegas, Nevada. Television: The Mtn. Home Record: Air Force 8-9, Wyoming 9-9. Away Record: Air Force 0-10, Wyoming 0-11. Neutral Record: Air Force 1-1, Wyoming 1-0 Conference Record: Air Force 1-15, Wyoming 3-13. Series Record: Wyoming leads, 71-28.

GAME NOTES: Aiming for their second win of the season against the Wyoming Cowboys, the Air Force Falcons open up the 11th annual Mountain West Conference Tournament today at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The ninth-seeded Falcons have had very little success in this event over the years, winning just one of 11 contests. Similarly, the 2009-10 regular season was wrought with disappointment for the academy as it registered a total of just nine wins and only one in conference action. A 61-42 loss to San Diego State at home of the weekend was the team's ninth in a row.

As for Wyoming, it too has seen better days. The eighth-seeded Cowboys had early non-conference wins against schools like Peru State, Pepperdine and Adams State and the MWC slate supplied just three more victories in 16 attempts. Perhaps an omen of things to come, the Cowboys just lost to UNLV in this building over the weekend by 18 points.

Good news for the Cowboys, not only do they lead the overall series against Air Force by a count of 71-28, in the four previous tournament meetings the Pokes have been victorious each and every time. The one positive working in favor of the Falcons is that their loan conference victory this season came at home in Clune Arena versus Wyoming, a 70-63 final back on January 30th.

The winner of this game advances to the quarterfinals on Thursday to battle top-seeded and eighth-ranked New Mexico.

Of the 334 Division I teams that the NCAA ranks, Air Force placed 331st in scoring with a meager 56.7 ppg, almost a full 10 ppg less than the next- closest team from the MWC this season. On the positive side, the Falcons defense did limit opponents to only 63.5 ppg, but the scoring margin was still not working in favor of the academy. Grant Parker and Evan Washington are the top two offensive threats for the Falcons with their 12.9 and 10.4 ppg, respectively, the duo also placing first and second on the rebounding list with a combined 9.2 boards per outing. But once again, working the glass is an issue for the under-sized Falcons and they are lucky if they can get beyond the 27.7 rpg that they are averaging this season.

The Cowboys weren't expected to set the world on fire this season, but in beating both San Diego State and Utah at home early in the MWC schedule at least there was reason for hope. But then Afam Muojeke went down with a season-ending injury and it all went downhill from there. Without Muojeke (16.8 ppg), the Pokes had to get along without their top scorer and one of the more productive players at the free-throw line. Tossing AJ Davis (10.0 ppg) onto the list of the unavailable means the Cowboys are left with just a single, active double-digit scorer in Desmar Jackson with his 11.6 ppg. Djibril Thiam accounts for 9.8 ppg and hits the glass for 5.3 rpg, but it takes a guy like JayDee Luster (5.7 ppg) to understand that he needs to sacrifice his own offense for the betterment of the team (126 assists).

If the Falcons can make this into a half-court game and control the tempo they might have a shot at picking up the win, but playing away from home has been a nightmare for the academy this year again so they shouldn't get their hopes up.

Predicted Outcome: Wyoming 54, Air Force 51

 

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Seton Hall (19-11) vs. Notre Dame (21-10)

Seton Hall (19-11) vs. Notre Dame (21-10)

Seton Hall (19-11) vs. Notre Dame (21-10)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Madison Square Garden (19,763) -- New York, New York. Television: ESPN. Home Record: SHU 13-4, ND 17-3. Away Record: SHU 5-6, ND 3-6. Neutral Record: SHU 1-1, ND 1-1. Conference Record: SHU 9-9, ND 10-8. Series Record: Notre Dame leads, 15-8.

GAME NOTES: The seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to carry their late-season charge over into the postseason, as they tangle with the 10th-seeded Seton Hall Pirates in the second round of the Big East Tournament tonight at Madison Square Garden. The winner of this game will meet second- seeded Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The Irish appeared to be in a bit of trouble heading down the stretch, losing three straight and their top player in the process. Instead, ND rallied and closed the regular season with four straight wins for a respectable 10-8 finishing in the Big East. The Irish, who earned a first-round bye, are 5-14 all-time in this event and have never won more than one game.

For SHU, it took on 15th-seed Providence in the first round last night and survived in a 109-106 shootout. It was the second win over Providence in just a few days for the Pirates, who are trying to play their way into the NCAA Tournament. SHU has now won three straight and seven of its last nine games, so this club is peaking at the right time.

As for the all-time series, ND owns a 15-8 advantage over SHU, although the Pirates took a 90-87 decision during the regular season.

The Pirates built a comfortable 76-47 advantage with just over 13 minutes to play before watching Providence rally within three at 109-106 with 8.5 seconds left. Following a pair of missed free throws by Jeff Robinson, the Friars had a chance to force overtime, but missed a three-pointer in the closing moments. Herb Pope led the way for SHU with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jordan Theodore tallied 21 points and six assists. Jeremy Hazell tacked on 18 points and he ranks among the top scorers in the conference win an average of 21.1 ppg. Robinson and Pope each added 11.8 ppg for SHU, with Pope also ripping down a league-best 11.1 rpg.

ND compensated for the loss of star Luke Harangody with tough defense, allowing an average of just 54.7 ppg over its final four contests. That is well below the team's average of 71.7 ppg surrendered over the full 18-game Big East slate. The team though, now must adjust with Harangody back in the lineup, as he returned to play 11 minutes in squad's finale. A first-team all- league choice despite missing five games with a deep right knee bruise, Harangody turns in a healthy 23.2 ppg and 9.7 rpg to pace the Irish in both departments. He however, isn't the only option for ND, as Tim Abromaitis checks in with 17.2 ppg behind 44.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Ben Hansbrough and Tory Jackson chip in with 12.0 and 9.7 ppg, respectively, and the duo also combine for 9.9 apg.

SHU exerted a lot energy to hold off Providence last night, so go with the Irish and expect them to wear down the Pirates in the end.

Predicted Outcome: Notre Dame 81, Seton Hall 73

 

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Oklahoma (13-17) vs. Oklahoma State (21-9)

Oklahoma (13-17) vs. Oklahoma State (21-9)

Oklahoma (13-17) vs. Oklahoma State (21-9)



DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Sprint Center (18,555) -- Kansas City, Missouri. Television: Big 12 Network. Home Record: Oklahoma 11-4, Oklahoma St. 15-1. Away Record: Oklahoma 1-9, Oklahoma St. 3-7. Neutral Record: Oklahoma 1-4, Oklahoma St. 3-1. Conference Record: Oklahoma 4-12, Oklahoma St. 9-7. Series Record: Oklahoma leads, 125-91.

GAME NOTES: Bitter rivals will collide in the first round of the 2010 Big 12 Conference Tournament, as the seventh-seeded Oklahoma State Cowboys battle the 10th-seeded Oklahoma Sooners.

The winner of this tilt will move on to Thursday's quarterfinal round to take on the second-seeded Kansas State Wildcats.

Oklahoma has won this tournament three times, most recently in 2003, and the squad owns a solid 19-10 record in the event. Clearly, however, this year's squad is considered a major underdog in the tournament, as it closed out the regular season with an ugly eight-game losing streak to fall to 4-12 in Big 12 action. The Sooners are 13-17 overall, and they have been beaten by double figures in six games during the current slide.

As for Oklahoma State, it has captured the Big 12 Tournament title twice, and it has been five years since the last championship. The Cowboys are 21-9 overall this season, including 9-7 versus league opponents, and they closed out the regular season with a 74-55 romp over Nebraska. OSU has played four neutral-site games this season, and three of those have resulted in victory.

These rivals split a pair of meetings during the regular season, and Oklahoma owns a 125-91 series advantage over Oklahoma State.

Willie Warren was leading Oklahoma with 16.3 ppg, but a serious ankle injury ended his season last month, and he has been sorely missed. Tommy Mason- Griffin, an impressive freshman, is now the go-to guy at the offensive end, and he is netting 13.9 ppg to go along with 145 assists. Tony Crocker provides 11.5 ppg, Tiny Gallon checks in with 10.3 ppg and 8.0 rpg, and Cade Davis rounds out the unit's double-digit scorers with 10.1 ppg. The Sooners are netting 72.3 ppg while allowing 73.4 ppg, and the differential is much greater in league play. Mason-Griffin scored 16 points against Texas A&M in a 15-point loss to close out the regular season. The Sooners shot 36.2 percent from the floor in that clash, and a similar showing today will certainly result in defeat.

Oklahoma State guard James Anderson was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, a well-deserved honor considering that he is averaging 22.9 ppg and 6.0 rpg. Fortunately, the Cowboys are more than a one-man show, as Obi Muonelo (13.4 ppg) and Keiton Page (10.2 ppg) do enough at the offensive end to keep opponents from focusing all of their attention on Anderson. Oklahoma State is scoring 74.4 ppg while allowing 67.6 ppg to opponents. Anderson closed out the regular season with two 27-point scoring performances and a 25-point effort against Nebraska, and it was those consecutive showings that sealed the league's top individual award for the standout. Five of the final seven regular-season tilts resulted in victory for the Cowboys.

Expect Oklahoma State to jump on top early and never look back. Anderson and his Cowboys are clearly superior to the Sooners.

Predicted Outcome: Oklahoma State 77, Oklahoma 62

 

[Trampled Underfoot]

You are all over the place!

 

[Lumi]

Robert Morris (22-11) at Quinnipiac (23-8)

Robert Morris (22-11) at Quinnipiac (23-8)

Robert Morris (22-11) at Quinnipiac (23-8)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: TD Bank Sports Center (3,570) -- Hamden, Connecticut. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: Robert Morris 12-3, Quinnipiac 14-0. Away Record: Robert Morris 9-7, Quinnipiac 8-8. Neutral Record: Robert Morris 1-1, Quinnipiac 1-0. Conference Record: Robert Morris 15-3, Quinnipiac 15-3. Series Record: Robert Morris leads, 14-8.

GAME NOTES: The top-seeded Quinnipiac Bobcats and the second-seeded Robert Morris Colonials are set to collide in the championship game of the 2010 Northeast Conference Tournament, and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Robert Morris has won the NEC Tournament title six times, more than any other active member of the league, and one of the six crowns was earned last season. In the 2008 championship game, the Colonials knocked off Mount St. Mary's by a 48-46 final. Robert Morris is 22-11 this season, and after defeating seventh- seeded Central Connecticut State in Thursday's quarterfinal round, the Colonials knocked off third-seeded Mount St. Mary's in impressive fashion on Sunday, 80-62.

As for Quinnipiac, it has never won this event. The Bobcats defeated eighth- seeded Monmouth by nine points on Thursday and squeaked by fourth-seeded Long Island on Sunday, 83-78. Quinnipiac, which owns a 23-8 overall record, did reach the NEC Tournament title tilt in 2002, but it fell by seven points to Central Connecticut State.

Quinnipiac beat Robert Morris by an 87-79 final during the regular season, but the Colonials still hold a 14-8 advantage in the all-time series.

Robert Morris is not an explosive offensive team, as it is averaging a modest 69.0 ppg on 43.8 percent shooting from the floor. Fortunately, the Colonials have been able to limit foes to 66.2 ppg on 41 percent field goal efficiency. Karon Abraham leads the team with 13.3 ppg, and he is a 44.9 percent shooter from three-point range. The only other double-digit scorer in the fold is Rob Robinson with his 10.1 ppg on 51.6 percent shooting. In the 18-point romp over Mount St. Mary's in the semifinal round, Abraham scored 19 points, while Robinson tallied 14 points. Dallas Green pitched in 11 points for the Colonials, and Velton Jones contributed 10 points. Robert Morris connected on 53.7 percent of its field goal attempts and turned the ball over only eight times.

Quinnipiac is posting 74.3 ppg while permitting 66.5 ppg to opponents. The top offensive performer for the Bobcats is James Feldeine, who is netting 17.1 ppg to go along with 6.0 rpg, 79 assists and 46 steals. Justin Rutty is a monster on the boards, as he is ripping down 11.0 rpg in addition to scoring 15.2 ppg on 53.7 percent shooting from the floor. James Johnson is the third and final double-digit scorer on the roster with his 12.2 ppg. Rutty scored 22 points and ripped down 16 boards in the five-point win over Long Island in the semifinals. Deontay Twyman contributed 16 points off the bench for Quinnipiac, which received 13 points from Feldeine and 10 points from Jonathan Cruz. A 25-8 advantage in points from the foul line was the most obvious key to victory.

Expect Quinnipiac to get the job done in what should be a competitive and entertaining championship game. Rutty's toughness in the paint will be the difference.

Predicted Outcome: Quinnipiac 70, Robert Morris 65

 

[Lumi]

Rice (8-22) vs. Tulsa (21-10)

Rice (8-22) vs. Tulsa (21-10)

Rice (8-22) vs. Tulsa (21-10)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: BOK Center (19,199) -- Tulsa, Oklahoma. Television: None. Home Record: Rice 7-10, Tulsa 16-2. Away Record: Rice 1-12, Tulsa 5-6. Neutral Record: Rice 0-0, Tulsa 0-2. Conference Record: Rice 1-15, Tulsa 10-6. Series Record: Tulsa leads, 18-6.

GAME NOTES: Conference-USA first round action will continue when the fifth- seeded Tulsa Golden Hurricane battle the 12th-seeded Rice Owls at the BOK Center.

The Owls struggled this season, collecting just eight total wins, while finishing league play with a terrible 1-15 mark. Rice, which heads into this tournament with a seven-game slide, is just 3-4 all-time in the C-USA Tournament.

As for the Golden Hurricane, they finished with 21 overall victories on the season, and a 10-6 mark in league play. Tulsa finished the regular season with five losses in its last seven matchups, but will look to turn things around this evening against the Owls.

Earlier this season the Golden Hurricane pushed their edge in the all-time series against Rice to an impressive 18-6 margin with a 62-58 victory over the Owls.

The Owls have struggled throughout the season at the offensive end of the court and head into the tournament producing a meager 64.0 ppg, behind a pedestrian 40.4 percent shooting effort. Tamir Jackson is pacing the team with 10.7 ppg and 3.1 apg. Arsalan Kazemi is the only other player posting double figures, as the forward is averaging 10.4 ppg, to go along with a team-best 9.0 rpg. The Owls put forth another terrible showing in their regular season finale against UCF, as Rice scored just 59 points behind a 40.7 percent shooting effort. Rice connected on just 4-of-15 attempts from long range and finished a meager 11-of-26 from the foul line. Connor Frizzelle led the way with 19 points, while Lawrence Ghoram tallied 13 points. Jackson however, finished with just three points, while Kazemi posted nine points and nine boards.

The Golden Hurricane have used a tenacious approach at the defensive end of the floor this season, as the team is limiting the opposition to just 64.8 ppg on a 39.7 percent shooting effort. At the other end of the court, the team has been solid, but nothing overwhelming, as Tulsa is producing 71.4 ppg on a respectable 45.8 percent shooting effort. Ben Uzoh has done a little of everything for the Golden Hurricane and comes into this matchup averaging 15.4 ppg, to go along with 4.7 rpg and 4.5 apg. Jerome Jordan has been outstanding in the paint, netting 15.1 ppg, to go along with a team-best 8.7 rpg, while Justin Hurtt is posting 13.9 ppg.

The Owls have been unable to perform at a high level offensively all season, and against a tough defensive squad like Tulsa, look for Rice to struggle once again, enabling the Golden Hurricane to move into the next round.

Predicted Outcome: Tulsa 71, Rice 60

 

[Lumi]

Cal State Northridge (11-20) vs. Cal State Fullerton (15-14)

Cal State Northridge (11-20) vs. Cal State Fullerton (15-14)

Cal State Northridge (11-20) vs. Cal State Fullerton (15-14)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 9:00 p.m. (et).

FACTS & STATS: Site: Anaheim Convention Center Arena (7,734) -- Anaheim, California. Television: BigWest.TV. Home Record: CSUN 7-6, Fullerton 8-5. Away Record: CSUN 2-13, Fullerton 7-6. Neutral Record: CSUN 2-1, Fullerton 0-3. Conference Record: CSUN 6-10, Fullerton 8-8. Series Record: Cal State Fullerton leads, 33-25.

GAME NOTES: The defending Big West Conference Tournament champion Cal State Northridge Matadors begin their quest for a repeat tonight as they compete against the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the first round of the 35th annual event at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.

Northridge, which took out Pacific in a 71-66 overtime decision in last year's title game, closed out the 2009-10 regular season with a 66-47 setback to the same Tigers team over the weekend. The loss was the fourth in the last five games for CSUN and dropped the program to just 6-10 in league play and to the eighth seed in this year's tourney.

The fifth-seeded Titans lost some ground in the last couple of weeks of the season when they lost three times in four Big West outings, with a narrow victory over SIU-Edwardsville tacked into the middle of the stretch. Fullerton maintains one of the most balanced offenses in the league with five double- digit scorers, but not one of them averages more than 12 ppg.

These two teams split a pair of regular-season meetings, with each winning on the other's floor. As a result, the all-time series now favors the Titans by a count of 33-25.

Depending on the outcome of this game and the matchup between UC Irvine and Cal Poly, the next round of action could see the survivor of this meeting facing off against either Long Beach State or UC Davis tomorrow in the quarterfinals.

Leading the way on offense for the Matadors are Kenny Daniels and Lenny Daniel with scoring averages of 15.6 and 11.7 points per game, respectively. Daniels passes himself off as a perimeter threat, but he's made just 28-of-86 chances from the outside this season, while Daniel takes care of business in the paint with his team-high 7.8 rpg. Neither one has yet mastered the art of passing and despite having delivered 59 assists in 31 games, Daniels has almost twice as many turnovers (103). Daniel, credited with a team-high 44 blocked shots, doesn't figure to have many dishes to begin with, but having three times as many miscues (53) than assists (14) tends to get rather discouraging. Willie Galick is responsible for another 10 ppg, that is as long as he can stay out of foul trouble.

As mentioned previously, the Titans have five players hitting for double figures at the moment, paced by Jacques Streeter and his 11.9 ppg. Streeter is also responsible for a team-best 136 assists as well, which makes it somewhat easier to accept the fact that he is shooting just 37.8 percent from the field and 30.1 percent behind the three-point line this season. Gerard Anderson is right behind Streeter with his 11.7 ppg, stemming from his 50 percent shooting from the field and not his 7-of-29 exploration beyond the arc. Aaron Thompson (11.3 ppg) and Jer'Vaughan Johnson (10.9 ppg) join Anderson as solid rebounders as each clears at least six boards per outing, but Johnson could have done so much more had it not been for his constant foul trouble and 10 disqualifications.

As long as Fullerton can spread the wealth and minimize mistakes you can expect to see the Titans moving on to the next round.

Predicted Outcome: Fullerton 68, Cal State Northridge 65

 

[Lumi]

Cincinnati (17-14) vs. Louisville (20-11)

Cincinnati (17-14) vs. Louisville (20-11)

Cincinnati (17-14) vs. Louisville (20-11

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 9:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Madison Square Garden (19,763) -- New York, New York. Television: ESPN. Home Record: Cincinnati 12-4, Louisville 15-4. Away Record: Cincinnati 2-9, Louisville 4-7. Neutral Record: Cincinnati 3-1, Louisville 1-0. Conference Record: Cincinnati 7-11, Louisville 11-7. Series Record: Louisville leads, 53-39.

GAME NOTES: The sixth-seeded Louisville Cardinals begin defense of their Big East Tournament title tonight, as they square off against the 11th-seeded Cincinnati Bearcats in second-round action at Madison Square Garden. The team that ends up on top will move on to face third-seeded West Virginia in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

After sweeping the Big East regular season and tourney titles in 2008-09, the Cardinals tied for fifth with a 11-7 finish. Louisville brings a lot of confidence to the postseason after knocking off then top-ranked Syracuse, 78-68, in its finale on Saturday. The Cardinals actually handed Syracuse two of its three losses this season, as Louisville won seven of its final 10 outings to reach the 20-win plateau for the eighth time in a row.

For the Bearcats, they struggled down the stretch, but were able to regroup and edge 14th-seeded Rutgers, 69-68, in a thriller last night. The win ended a three-game slide and gave Cincinnati its first win in its fourth appearance in the Big East Tournament.

As far as the all-time series is concerned, Louisville holds a 53-39 advantage over Cincinnati and that includes a 68-60 triumph in the lone meeting during the regular season.

Lance Stephenson made one of two free throws with 1.8 seconds remaining, lifting Cincinnati to a 69-68 victory over Rutgers in the first round last night. The Big East Rookie of the Year finished the game with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jaquon Parker also scored 13 points and Yancy Gates had 10 for the Bearcats, who dominated the boards, 49-31, to help compensate for an off shooting night. Winning the battle on the boards is nothing new for Cincinnati, as it is outrebounding foes by 6.5 rpg on the season. Stephenson helps out on the glass with 5.4 rpg and he leads the team in the scoring department with 12.0 ppg. Deonta Vaughn turns in 11.2 ppg and a team-high 3.5 apg, while Gates adds 10.5 ppg and a team-best 6.0 rpg to the rotation.

The Cardinals have really fared well at the offensive end of the court this season, averaging 15.5 assists per game en route to 76.7 ppg. Samardo Samuels is both the team's leading scorer and rebounder, as the third-team All-Big East choice turns in 15.4 ppg and 7.1 rpg. Edgar Sosa is another option that has been consistent for Louisville this season and he checks in with 12.8 ppg and a team-high 4.6 apg. Jerry Smith chips in with 8.4 ppg for the Cardinals and he is a tough defender, racking up a team-high 38 steals.

Louisville is running good right now and the duo of Samuel and Sosa should lift it past the Bearcats tonight.

Predicted Outcome: Louisville 69, Cincinnati 63

 

[Lumi]

Montana (21-9) at Weber State (20-9)

Montana (21-9) at Weber State (20-9)

Montana (21-9) at Weber State (20-9)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 9:00 p.m. (et).

FACTS & STATS: Site: Dee Events Center (12,000) -- Ogden, Utah. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: Montana 14-2, WSU 13-1. Away Record: Montana 6-7, WSU 5-8. Neutral Record: Montana 1-0, WSU 2-0. Conference Record: Montana 10-6, WSU 13-3. Series Record: Weber State leads, 58-47.

GAME NOTES: A trip to the NCAA Tournament is on the line tonight, as the Weber State Wildcats and the Montana Grizzlies do battle in the championship game of the 35th annual Big Sky Conference Tournament at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah.

As the top seed in this year's event and an owner of eight Big Sky Tournament titles, Weber State had to play only one game in order to make it into the finals and that was a 69-60 win over sixth-seeded Portland State on Tuesday night. The victory was revenge for the regular-season finale in which the Vikings captured an 84-79 win to snap WSU's five-game win streak.

As for fourth-seeded Montana, it began the annual event with an 81-60 thumping of Northern Arizona in the quarterfinals on Saturday and then a 68-63 win versus second-seeded Northern Colorado last night in the semifinals. The Grizzlies, who won back-to-back crowns in 2005 and 2006, the former coming against this same Weber State club, has a total of six tourney championships to their credit.

The teams split their two regular-season meetings, with each winning on their home floor. As a result, Weber State remains ahead in the all-time series with a 58-47 mark.

Anthony Johnson came up with 19 points, hitting all but one of his eight free- throw attempts, as he guided the Grizzlies to the upset win over Northern Colorado on Tuesday. Also scoring in double figures for Montana were Ryan Staudacher and Will Cherry with 10 points apiece, although the former did his damage on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and the latter just 4-of-12 accuracy. Johnson, the leading scorer in each of the last three games and nine of the last 10 outings, is responsible for 18.9 ppg on the strength of not only 50 percent shooting from the field, but also 46.7 percent beyond the arc and 184- of-211 at the charity stripe. As someone who forces the action as well as anyone in the conference, Johnson made twice as many free-throws as all but one of his teammates even had a chance to attempt this season. Staudacher, a 45.8 percent three-point shooter himself, helped the program to make good on 40.2 percent of their threes altogether.

With Portland State's Dominic Waters in foul trouble, Damian Lillard took over for the Wildcats last night as he tallied a game-high 23 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out four assists in the nine-point win at home. Franklin Session added 13 points and eight boards in order to shake off five turnovers, while Trevor Morris tallied 10 points in just 21 minutes off the bench for a Weber State squad that outscored the visitors at the free-throw line, 22-6. Lillard, the leading scorer in each of the last three games for the Wildcats, has generated a team-best 20.7 ppg against Big Sky foes this season, shooting an impressive 44.0 percent from three-point range in those decisions. As someone who gets involved in all facets of the game, Lillard also led the team in assists with 110 and has been credited with better than four rebounds per game as well. Steve Panos (11.0 ppg) and Session (10.6 ppg) also lend a hand at the offensive end of the floor.

With the hometown crowd in its corner, it's tough to go against Weber State in this meeting. Besides, the Wildcats didn't earn the top seed in the tournament without playing well on the hardwood, so expect to see the squad hoist another trophy in Ogden tonight.

Predicted Outcome: Weber State 72, Montana 65

 

[Lumi]

U-C-F (14-16) vs. S-M-U (14-16)

U-C-F (14-16) vs. S-M-U (14-16)

U-C-F (14-16) vs. S-M-U (14-16)


DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 9:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: BOK Center (19,199) -- Tulsa, Oklahoma. Television: None. Home Record: UCF 9-6, SMU 10-7. Away Record: UCF 3-9, SMU 4-6. Neutral Record: UCF 2-1, SMU 0-3. Conference Record: UCF 6-10, SMU 7-9. Series Record: SMU leads 3-2.

GAME NOTES: The final first-round game of the Conference-USA Tournament will be played between the ninth-seeded UCF Knights and the eighth-seeded SMU Mustangs.

The Knights closed out their regular season with a win over Rice, snapping a four-game skid. Overall UCF finished with a 6-10 mark in league play, leaving the team with the ninth seed in this year's tournament.

The Mustangs are relatively new to C-USA tournament action and enter this year's event with a mere 1-4 overall mark. SMU closed out its regular season with three losses in its last five matchups, finishing with a 7-9 mark in league play.

SMU holds a slim, 3-2 edge in the all-time series against UCF and took the small advantage with a 65-43 victory over the Knights earlier this season.

The Knights have been unable to find a groove offensively throughout the season, as they are producing just 67.0 ppg, behind a solid 44.2 percent shooting effort. A.J. Tyler is pacing the team with 10.4 ppg, and is also grabbing 5.1 rpg. Isaac Sosa is the only other player netting double figures, as the guard is posting 10.2 ppg. Keith Clanton is only contributing 9.7 ppg, but the forward is leading the team with 6.9 rpg. The Knights closed out their regular season with a win over Rice. In the victory, UCF overcame 22 turnovers by shooting 55.8 percent from the floor. Taylor Young and Marcus Jordan led the way with 14 and 12 points, respectively, while Tyler finished with eight points and nine boards.

What has helped the Mustangs this season has been their play defensively, as SMU is limiting opponents to just 64.3 ppg. However, at the other end of the floor the team has been rather inconsistent, averaging just 66.7 ppg, despite shooting a respectable 45.6 percent from the floor. Derek Williams has been the best player on the floor for the Mustangs, as the guard is pacing the team with 16.6 ppg and 109 assists. The top option in the paint has been Papa Dia, who is netting 12.5 ppg, to go along with a team-high 8.7 rpg. Mouhammad Faye has also helped out this season, as the guard is posting 10.8 ppg, while also grabbing 5.3 rpg.

Neither team has been overwhelming offensively, so do not expect a high scoring matchup. The Mustangs have a few more weapons however, and should earn a hard-fought victory.

Predicted Outcome: SMU 66, UCF 65

 

[Lumi]

Iowa State (15-16) vs. Texas (23-8)

Iowa State (15-16) vs. Texas (23-8)

Iowa State (15-16) vs. Texas (23-8)



DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 9:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Sprint Center (18,555) -- Kansas City, Missouri. Television: Big 12 Network. Home Record: Iowa St. 11-7, Texas 15-2. Away Record: Iowa St. 3-7, Texas 5-6. Neutral Record: Iowa St. 1-2, Texas 3-0. Conference Record: Iowa St. 4-12, Texas 9-7. Series Record: Texas leads, 11-8.

GAME NOTES: The sixth-seeded Texas Longhorns will attempt to turn around their recent string of poor play as they battle the 11th-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in the first round of the 2010 Big 12 Conference Tournament.

The winner of this contest will move on to Thursday's quarterfinal round to take on third-seeded Baylor.

Iowa State captured its only Big 12 Tournament title in 2000 and owns a 7-12 record in this event. The team hasn't won a Big 12 Tournament game since 2005, as the last five years have clearly been a struggle. At 15-16 overall, including 4-12 against league foes, the Cyclones aren't considered a threat to win this tourney, although an 85-82 road victory over Kansas State to close out the regular season was tremendously impressive.

As for Texas, it was defeated by Kansas in three straight Big 12 title games from 2006-2008. The Longhorns have never won this tournament and are 17-13 in the event all-time. They are 23-8 this season, but the campaign has clearly been a tale of two halves. Since jumping out to a 17-0 start to earn the nation's top ranking, Texas has lost eight of its last 14 games.

Texas beat Iowa State in a 90-83 final back on January 13th, and the Longhorns own an 11-8 series advantage over the Cyclones.

Iowa State has a pair of outstanding performers in the lineup in Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap, giving the team a chance to win regardless of the competition. Brackins is scoring 16.5 ppg to go along with 8.6 rpg, and Gilstrap checks in with 14.8 ppg and 9.4 rpg. Diante Garrett (9.1 ppg) has handed out 156 assists for the Cyclones, who are netting 72.5 ppg while allowing 70.1 ppg to opponents. In the thrilling victory over an outstanding Kansas State team to close out the regular season, Iowa State overcame 20 turnovers and a 33-23 deficit in points from the foul line by holding the Wildcats to 34.3 percent shooting from the field. Brackins racked up 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Gilstrap contributed 13 points and 13 boards.

There are four active double-digit scorers in the fold for Texas, which is scoring 81.7 ppg while allowing 69.0 ppg to opponents on 39.8 percent shooting. The Longhorns are led by Damion James, who brings 17.7 ppg and 10.2 rpg to the floor. A versatile performer, James has recorded 49 steals and 36 blocks while shooting 51.2 percent from the floor. Avery Bradley checks in with 11.7 ppg, and Dexter Pittman provides 10.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg, disappointing numbers for a big man who hasn't delivered on his potential. Jordan Hamilton rounds out the foursome with 10.0 ppg. Texas closed out the regular season with a 15-point loss to Baylor and looked terrible at the defensive end of the floor. Clearly, that performance provides zero confidence heading into this tournament.

Texas is too talented to suffer a first-round loss to Iowa State, but don't expect this contest to be a blowout. The Cyclones will hang around from start to finish.

Predicted Outcome: Texas 76, Iowa State 69

 

[Lumi]

Washington State (16-14) vs. Oregon (15-15)

Washington State (16-14) vs. Oregon (15-15)

Washington State (16-14) vs. Oregon (15-15)



DATE & TIME: Wednesday, March 10th, 11:10 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Staples Center (18,997) -- Los Angeles, California. Television: FSN. Home Record: Washington 10-5, Oregon 11-8. Away Record: Washington 3-9, Oregon 4-7. Neutral Record: Washington 3-0, Oregon 0-0. Conference Record: Washington 6-12, Oregon 7-11. Series Record: Oregon leads, 156-122.

GAME NOTES: The Pac-10 Conference Tournament will begin this evening when the eighth-seeded Oregon Ducks take on the ninth-seeded Washington State Cougars at the Staples Center.

The Cougars closed out their season on a down note, losing nine of their last 11 matchups. The poor play down the stretch left Washington State with a mere 6-12 mark in conference action, which was only good enough for the ninth seed.

As for the Ducks, they only finished 7-11 in Pac-10 play this season, but the team did close out its regular season with three wins in its last four games. Oregon has enjoyed plenty of success in this event, winning the title twice, and that includes a victory over USC in the 2007 championship game.

These two schools closed out the regular season against each other and the matchup went to the Ducks. Oregon won both meetings this season, pushing its lead in the all-time series against Washington State to 156-122.

The Cougars were decent at the offensive end of the court this season, producing 71.6 ppg, behind a respectable 44.9 percent shooting effort. Klay Thompson has been the best player on the floor for Washington State, as the guard led the team in the regular season with 19.6 ppg. Thompson also averaged 5.2 rpg and dished out 68 assists, but also finished with 99 turnovers. Reggie Moore comes into this tournament with a team-best 123 assists, but is also contributing 12.9 ppg, behind a 42.4 percent shooting effort. Taking care of business in the paint has been DeAngelo Casto, who is netting 10.7 ppg, to go along with team highs in rebounding (6.9rpg) and blocks (63).

The Ducks have endured some struggles offensively this season, but for the most part the team has been mediocre, averaging 69.4 ppg, behind a solid 42.9 percent shooting effort. However, the team has struggled from behind the arc, netting just 33.3 percent of its three-point chances. Tajuan Porter has been the best scoring option on the floor for Oregon, as the guard is leading the team with 11.9 ppg, despite shooting a meager 35.8 percent from the floor. Running the show has been Malcolm Armstead, who is leading the team with 133 assists, to go along with 10.4 ppg. The Ducks have also been nothing special defensively this season, as the squad is surrendering 69.2 ppg.

Neither team has been explosive this season, but the Ducks defeated Washington State twice this year, and should continue their success over the Cougars this evening.

Predicted Outcome: Oregon 73, Washington State 69