My Bracket

I forgot to make my picks on here, so here is a snapshot of the only bracket I have in a pool. I have North Carolina winning it all, even though I do not feel 100% about that with Lawson's ankle. There are only three teams in my mind that can win it all. UNC, Louisville and Memphis. Pittsburgh and UConn....sorry, not your year...Duke is close, but not quite there. My biggest pick is UCLA in the final four...they have a very talented team that can make a run. The only worry I have is the game against Villanova that will be in Philadelphia.

Final Bracket Update

IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting closer....

What another great night of college basketball. If you didn't stay up to watch the UCONN/Syracuse game, you missed a great one!

Teams are trying to play themselves out of the tournament, rather than into it. You can safely cross South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, New Mexico, and UNLV off your bubble teams.

Creighton and St. Mary's are improving each day that they DON'T play!

Two more elimination games tonight: Florida/Auburn loser is out and so will the Tulsa/UAB loser. Selection Sunday is almost here!!!

Bracketology

Down goes Kansas! A big upset to start Thursday morning following a great comeback by Texas Tech last night. The bubble popped for Providence, Arizona, Miami (FL), and Northwestern today. Arizona might get a chance to get back on it if more teams lose.

SEC Tourney Preview

At St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa, Fla.)
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 12
Game 1: E4 Kentucky vs. W5 Ole Miss, 1 p.m.
Game 2: W3 Mississippi State vs. E6 Georgia, 3:15 p.m.
Game 3: W4 Alabama vs. E5 Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: E3 Florida vs. W6 Arkansas, 9:45 p.m.

SECOND ROUND
Friday, March 13
Game 5: W LSU vs. Game 1 winner, 1 p.m.
Game 6: E2 South Carolina vs. Game 2 winner, 3:15 p.m.
Game 7: E1 Tennessee vs. Game 3 winner, 7:30 p.m.
Game 8: W2 Auburn vs. Game 4 winner, 9:45 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 14
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, ESPN2, 1 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, ESPN2, 3:15 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 15
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 1 p.m.


Team to watch: None of them. They all looked ugly during the year. Tennessee is the most talented team, but they sure didn't prove it. It might have been a rugged schedule that wore them down. This conference was not even close to the caliber that it usually is.

Player to watch: Jodie Meeks. The scorer from Kentucky averaged 24.7 points per game and shot 40% from beyond the arc. Meeks broke the single game record for points in a game at Kentucky when he lit up Tennessee for 54 in mid January.

Upset watch: The team that has been very quietly sneaking up the conference the past couple of weeks is Vanderbilt. They have A.J. Ogilvey coming around and could put together some wins that would lead to a conference championship.

Tourney watch: Tennessee and LSU are the only teams from the SEC that are safe. Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn and Vanderbilt are all bubble teams. If any of these teams can go on a run, they will probably be dancing as well. Tennessee should win this tournament and become a tough out in the NCAA tournament.

Big 10 Tourney Preview

At Conseco Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 12
Game 1: No. 8 Minnesota vs. No. 9 Northwestern, noon
Game 2: No. 7 Michigan vs. No. 10 Iowa, ESPN2, 2:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 Indiana, ESPN2, 5 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 4: No. 1 Michigan State vs. Game 1 winner, ESPN, noon
Game 5: No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Ohio State, ESPN, 2:30 p.m.
Game 6: No. 2 Illinois vs. Game 2 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Game 7: No. 3 Purdue vs. Game 3 winner, 9 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 14
Game 8: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 1:40 p.m.
Game 9: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 4:05 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 15
Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 3:30 p.m.


Team to watch: Michigan State. The Spartans still have a chance to claim a number one seed. To do so, they must win the conference tourney. They already own the most victories over top 50 teams in the RPI (10) but have a big loss to Maryland and Northwestern as well.

Player to watch: Manny Harris. Michigan is one of many borderline teams in the Big 10 and Harris is the one that makes the Wolverines go. He averages 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game and if he is on, Michigan is a very difficult team to beat.

Upset watch: Northwestern. The Wildcats come into the tournament as the number nine seed with an outside hope of being an at-large team. To do so, they have to win a minimum ot two games. Northwestern is also the ONLY power conference school to NEVER reach the NCAA tournament.

Tourney watch: Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois are solidly in the tournament. Then it gets interesting. Ohio State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State, and Northwestern are all bubble teams. Ohio State is probably the safest out of that group. None can afford to lose their first game because they are all fighting for the same spots. It should be a great tournament to watch (if you like low scoring games) and I still like Michigan State to capture the championship.

ACC Tourney Preview

At Georgia Dome (Atlanta)
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 12
Game 1: No. 8 Virginia Tech vs. No. 9 Miami, noon
Game 2: No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 Georgia Tech, 2:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 7 Maryland vs. No. 10 NC State, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Game 4: No. 6 Boston College vs. No. 11 Virginia, 9:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 5: No. 1 North Carolina vs. Game 1 winner, ESPN2, noon
Game 6: No. 4 Florida State vs. Game 2 winner, ESPN2, 2:30 p.m.
Game 7: No. 2 Wake Forest vs. Game 3 winner, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Game 8: No. 3 Duke vs. Game 4 winner, ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 14
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, ESPN, 1:30 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, ESPN, 4 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 15
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, ESPN, 1 p.m.


Team to watch: North Carolina. With a tournament championship, the Tar Heels would probably get the number one overall seed. North Carolina has the talent to become NCAA champions, but just haven't reached the mark the past couple of years. Anything less that that this year, probably would classify as a failure.

Player to watch: Jeff Teague. The silky shooting guard for Wake Forest averaged over 19 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. Teague shot a stunning 46.9% from beyond the arc and is main player on a very young and talented team on the Demon Deacons.

Upset watch: Miami. The Hurricans have a very talented team, but had a big disapointment during the conference season when they lost seven of nine games. Their bubble hopes are dwindling and need a big run to get into the field of 65.

Tourney watch: North Carolina is a one seed, Duke and Wake Forest are two or three seeds. Clemson and Florida State are four/five seeds. Four teams remain on the bubble led by Boston College, with the others being Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Miami. Boston College should be in. The loser of VTech/Miami will be gone and Maryland needs a second round victory over Wake Forest to secure a spot. North Carolina has the easiest route and should end up winning this tournament.

Bracket time!

Another day...another update...with Cleveland State winning the Horizon League, things have changed a little bit!

SWAC Tourney Preview

At Fair Park Arena (Birmingham, Ala.)
QUARTERFINALS
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 2 Jackson State vs. No. 7 Texas Southern, 3:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 1 Alabama State vs. No. 8 Alabama A&M, 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 12
Game 3: No. 3 Prairie View vs. No. 6 Mississippi Valley State, 3:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. No. 5 Southern, 9 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 3:30 p.m.
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 9 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, ESPNU, 9 p.m.


Team to watch: Alabama State. The Hornets won the conference regular season and look to wrap up the tourney title as well. They did have some close non-conference losses and could provide a scare to a number one seed if they come in overconfident.

Player to watch: Troy Jackson. The guard from Alcorn State led the league in points and steals per game. Jackson averaged 20 points and over two steals per game.

Upset watch: Jackson State. If anyone is going to knock off Alabama State, it will probably be the Tigers. The two teams split during the year and a championship game would bring some good drama to end the SWAC season.

Tourney watch: Whoever wins the conference championship will be in tournament and most likely will be a play-in game participant. I think Alabama State will have the upper hand and would win the play-in game before bowing out to a number one seed.

Pac 10 Tourney Preview

At Staples Center (Los Angeles)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 Oregon State vs. No. 9 Stanford, 9 p.m.
Game 2: No. 7 Washington State vs. No. 10 Oregon, 11:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 3: No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Arizona, 3 p.m.
Game 4: No. 1 Washington vs. Game 1 winner, 5:30 p.m.
Game 5: No. 3 California vs. No. 6 USC, 9 p.m.
Game 6: No. 2 UCLA vs. Game 2 winner, 11:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 9 p.m.
Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 11:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 6 p.m.


Team to watch: Washington. The Huskies struggled as a team early, but then caught fire during the middle of the season to win the conference outright and now they look to continue the success into the tournament and beyond.

Player to watch: James Harden. The sophomore from Arizona State has an NBA game. Harden became just the fifth person in NCAA in the last twelve years to average over 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Harden is a big part of the Sun Devils run and can lead them deep into March.

Upset watch: Washington State. The Cougars reeled off wins over UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State before losing to their rival Washington. They can't get an at-large bid, but it is possible that they could make a run and capture a Pac-10 tourney title.

Tourney watch: Washington, UCLA, Arizona State, and California are in. The biggest question is Arizona. They need a victory over the Sun Devils to secure a spot in the tournament. I think UCLA has the easiest path and should become Pac-10 conference champs.

Mountain West Tourney Preview

At Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 Colorado State vs. No. 9 Air Force, 5 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 2: No. 1 BYU vs. Game 1 winner, 3 p.m.
Game 3: No. 4 San Diego State vs. No. 5 UNLV, 5:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 2 Utah vs. No. 7 TCU, 9 p.m.
Game 5: No. 3 New Mexico vs. No. 6 Wyoming, 11:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 9 p.m.
Game 7: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 11:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 7 p.m.


Team to watch: BYU. The Cougars are a very tough, battle tested team that will be a difficult match-up for anyone come tournament time. They took Arizona State and Wake Forest the distance during the season and had a three way split of the conference title .

Player to watch: Luke Nevill. If you like size, Nevill is your guy. The 7'2 center for Utah averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks during conference play and was named player of the year and defensive player of the year becoming the first player to do so in Mountain West history.

Upset watch: UNLV. The conference is very top heavy and the Rebels are on the bubble. If UNLV manages to win a couple games, especially since they have the home court advantage, they will make a run to the NCAA tournament.

Tourney watch: BYU and Utah are locks. UNLV, New Mexico, and San Diego State are all bubble teams. The San Diego State/UNLV game is basically an elimination game. With the depth and overall talent, I expect BYU to get the championship and at least three teams from the Mountain West to go dancing.

C-USA Tourney Preview

At the FedExForum (Memphis, Tenn.)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 7 Marshall vs. No. 10 Rice, 1 p.m.
Game 2: No. 6 UCF vs. No. 11 Southern Miss, 3:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 8 Tulane vs. No. 9 East Carolina, 7 p.m.
Game 4: No. 5 Houston vs. No. 12 SMU, 9:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 5: No. 2 Tulsa vs. Game 1 winner, 1 p.m.
Game 6: No. 3 UAB vs. Game 2 winner, 3:30 p.m.
Game 7: No. 1 Memphis vs. Game 3 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 8: No. 4 UTEP vs. Game 4 winner, 9:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 6:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 11:35 a.m.


Team to watch: Oh, I don't know...maybe the team that hasn't lost a conference game in 25 years, the Memphis Tigers. Okay, it hasn't been that long, but the last conference loss was March 2, 2005. Memphis is not as deep this year as last, but they still have great players and can put together another final four run.

Player to watch: Jermaine Taylor. The senior guard from Central Florida led the conference in scoring and ranks third nationally. Taylor was named first team all-conference and led the Knights in scoring every game but one this year.

Upset watch: UAB. The last team to beat Memphis in conference play. UAB is fighting for an at-large birth into the tournament and if they could knock off Memphis, that would easily get them into the field of 65.

Tourney watch: Memphis should roll through this tournament again. They have a chance to get a number one seed and once again prove their team is no fluke. UAB and Tulsa both have a chance to get into the dance and if one of them can make it to the conference championship, they could get a birth.

Big West Tourney Preview

At Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, Calif.)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 5 UC Irvine vs. No. 8 UC Davis, 9 p.m.
Game 2: No. 6 UC Riverside vs. No. 7 Cal State Fullerton, 11:30 p.m.

SECOND ROUND
Thursday, March 12
Game 3: No. 3 Pacific vs. lowest remaining seed, 9 p.m.
Game 4: No. 4 UC Santa Barbara vs. highest remaining seed, 11:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 5: No. 1 Cal State Northridge vs. lowest remaining seed, 8:30 p.m.
Game 6: No. 2 Long Beach State vs. highest remaining seed, 11 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, ESPN2, 11:59 p.m.


Team to watch: Pacific. The Tigers are usually the most consistent team in the conference. A few years ago they were the dominant team and look to regain that form. Always a dangerous team to play in the NCAA tournament, the Tigers have two first round victories in the last six years.

Player to watch: Josh Akognon. The 5'11 guard from Cal State Fullerton was conference player of the year and was ranked in the top ten nationally with a 23.5 scoring average per game. Akognon has a great stroke, leading the conference in three pointers and free throw percentage.

Upset watch: Cal State Fullerton. The reason is Akognon and junior forward Gerard Anderson. With these two players, the Titans can pull the upset on anyone and make a run at a conference tourney championship.

Tourney watch: The Big West will only the conference tourney champion into the field of 65. Cal State Northridge has the number seed, Pacific has the track record, but I think Long Beach State has enough in the tank to get through the tourney and advance.

Big 12 Tourney Preview

At Ford Center (Oklahoma City)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Baylor, 12:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Colorado, 3 p.m.
Game 3: No. 7 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Iowa State, 7 p.m.
Game 4: No. 6 Texas A&M vs. No. 11 Texas Tech, 9:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 5: No. 1 Kansas vs. Game 1 winner, ESPN2, 12:30 p.m.
Game 6: No. 4 Kansas State vs. Game 2 winner, 3 p.m.
Game 7: No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Game 3 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 8: No. 3 Missouri vs. Game 4 winner, ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 9:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, ESPN, 6 p.m.


Team to watch: Kansas. For a team that won a national championship the year before, the Jayhawks didn't get much love coming into the season. They lost all their players, they couldn't possibly do it again...oh wait...they could. Kansas shook off a couple of early losses out of conference and went on a strong run to end the season finishing with a 14-2 record in the Big 12.

Player to watch: You should know all of the big names, but how about Denis Clemente. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it is. Clemente is a second cousin of the late Roberto Clemente, the Hall of Famer from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clemente helped Kansas State to a 9-7 record in the conference and had a 44 point performance against Texas.

Upset watch: Texas A&M. The Aggies are the hottest team in the conference, winning six games in a row. They are a borderline lock for the NCAA tournament, but with a couple more victories they could improve their seed and become a dangerous team to face.

Tourney watch: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Texas A&M & Oklahoma State should all be in for sure. The team that needs to do the most is Kansas State. If they pull off a sem-final upset over Kansas, they will be dancing. However, with an easy road to the finals, I think Kansas will wrap up as conference champions and tourney champions and have outside chance at a number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

Atlantic 10 Tourney Preview

At Boardwalk Hall (Atlantic City, N.J.)
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 La Salle vs. No. 9 St. Louis, noon
Game 2: No. 5 St. Joseph's vs. No. 12 Charlotte, 2:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 7 Duquesne vs. No. 10 Massachusetts, 6:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 6 Richmond vs. No. 11 St. Bonaventure, 9 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 5: No. 1 Xavier vs. Game 1 winner, noon
Game 6: No. 4 Temple vs. Game 2 winner, 2:30 p.m.
Game 7: No. 2 Rhode Island vs. Game 3 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Game 8: No. 3 Dayton vs. Game 4 winner, 9 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 9 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, ESPN2, 6 p.m.


Team to watch: Xavier. The Muskateers boast the leagues best record and should be a dangerous team in the field of 65. They have non-conference wins over Memphis, LSU, and Missouri. Even though they have struggled of late, they will be ready for the tournament.

Player to watch: Dionte Christmas. This kid is lights out. Christmas has led Temple to some big upsets including one this year over Tennessee where he just went off in the second half. If Temple makes a run, it will because of him.

Upset watch: St. Joseph's. The Hawks have a very talented team but never seemed to put it completely together. Ahmad Nivins was named the A-10 player of the year and could become the second player in conference history to lead the league in FG % for three straight years. The Hawks could put together a nice run and burst a bubble of another team.

Tourney watch: Xavier is in for sure and I think Dayton is in as well. Rhode Island and Temple have outside chances at reaching the NCAA tourney. In the end, I see Rhode Island fighting for their post-season lives but coming up just short to Xavier in the finals.

Tuesday's bracket

What an afternoon with upsets in the Big East. DePaul got their FIRST conference win of the year knocking off Cincy and St. John's pulled the upset on Georgetown!

Western Athletic Tourney Preview

At Lawlor Events Center (Reno, Nev.)
OPENING ROUND
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 8 Hawai'i vs. No. 9 Fresno State, 10:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 2: No. 4 Boise State vs. No. 5 New Mexico State, ESPNU, 3 p.m.
Game 3: No. 1 Utah State vs. Game 1 winner, ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 2 Nevada vs. No. 7 San Jose State, 9 p.m.
Game 5: No. 3 Idaho vs. No. 6 Louisiana Tech, 11:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 9 p.m.
Game 7: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, ESPN2, midnight

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, ESPN2, 10 p.m.


Team to watch: Utah State. The Aggies would be right on the bubble if they end up losing a game in the tournament. They need to make it to the conference championship to really secure a spot, but winning would make it a whole lot easier come Sunday!

Player to watch: Gary Wilkinson. He was named WAC player of the year and let Utah State in points and rebounds per game. Wilkinson was also named to the first team all-conference last season and is the main component for the Aggies.

Upset watch: Boise State. They have not played well as of late, but all it takes is a spark to make a run through conference tournaments. The Broncos have three starters named to the WAC all-conference team led by second teamer Mark Sanchez. They also have a victory over Utah State during the year.

Tourney watch: Utah State is on the bubble and needs to get to the conference championship game to get into consideration. Outside of winning the tournament, no other team really has a shot. With Wilkinson up front and guard Jared Quayle, I expect the Aggies of Utah State to win the tournament and take the decision out of the committee's hands.

Mid-Eastern Athletic Tourney Preview

Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 10 Delaware State vs. No. 7 Hampton, 6:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 8 Florida A&M vs. No. 9 Howard, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11
Game 3: No. 6 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 11 Maryland Eastern Shore, 3 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Wednesday, March 11
Game 4: No. 1 Morgan State vs. Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 5: No. 2 South Carolina State vs. Game 1 winner, 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 12
Game 6: No. 3 Norfolk State vs. Game 3 winner, 6 p.m.
Game 7: No. 4 North Carolina A&T vs. No. 5 Coppin State, 8:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 8: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 6 p.m.
Game 9: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 8:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, ESPNU, 7 p.m.


Team to watch: Morgan State. The Bears have controlled the conference throughout the year and look to continue the success through the tournament. They were the only team to break the 20 win mark (including one over Maryland) and a couple more wins will probably get them a date with a number one seed.

Player to watch: Tywain McKee. McKee led Coppin State in points, rebounds, assists and steals and was named as the MVP of the conference. Throughout his career, McKee has also been a dominant player, topped off recently by becoming the school's all-time leader in scoring.

Upset watch: Hampton. Remember them? Iowa State certainly does! The Pirates were the last 15 seed to pull an upset in the NCAA tournament. They beat Morgan State both times this year and would love a chance to do it again.

Tourney watch: Another league that will only send one team to the dance. But, do NOT discount them as an easy first round victory. Hampton beat Iowa State a few years back, Coppin State has came oh so close to beating a number one sead. These teams are usually very athletic and can give big conference teams fits. Morgan State should come out on top and fit the bill perfectly.

Mid American Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
At Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland)
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 7 Central Michigan vs. No. 10 Eastern Michigan, noon
Game 2: No. 6 Kent State vs. No. 11 Northern Illinois, 2:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 8 Western Michigan vs. No. 9 Ohio, 5 p.m.
Game 4: No. 5 Akron vs. No. 12 Toledo, 7:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 5: No. 2 Ball State vs. Game 1 winner, noon
Game 6: No. 3 Buffalo vs. vs. Game 2 winner, 2:30 p.m.
Game 7: No. 1 Bowling Green vs. Game 3 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 8: No. 4 Miami vs. Game 4 winner, 9:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 7:30 p.m.
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 10 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, ESPN2, 8 p.m.


Team to watch: Kent State. After making the NCAA tournament last year, the Golden Flashes went through a brutal schedule early in the year hoping that it would pay off come March. With a 10-6 conference record in the conference, they need a championship to be able to play next weekend.

Player to watch: Jerome Tillman. The forward from Ohio averaged almost 18 points per game and grabbed 8 rebounds as well. Tillman was named to the first-team all conference and is a force inside that is hard to control.

Upset watch: Akron. With a very young team, the Zips have played inconsistenly on the offensive side of the ball. However, they are the best defensive team in the MAC and have the ability to beat any team. I would not be suprised if they came out on top of this tournament.

Tourney watch: The MAC will get one team into the tournament and that spot is in the air. Nobody really stood out during conference play, and at the same time there wasn't too many that struggled. With the experience and tough schedule on their side, I like Kent State to repeat and go back to the NCAA tournament.

Big East Tourney Preview

At Madison Square Garden (New York City)
FIRST ROUND
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 9 Cincinnati vs. No. 16 DePaul, noon
Game 2: No. 12 Georgetown vs. No. 13 St. John's, 2 p.m.
Game 3: No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 15 Rutgers, 7 p.m.
Game 4: No. 11 Seton Hall vs. No. 14 South Florida, 9 p.m.

SECOND ROUND
Wednesday, March 11
Game 5: No. 8 Providence vs. Game 1 winner, ESPN, noon
Game 6: No. 5 Marquette vs. Game 2 winner, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Game 7: No. 7 West Virginia vs. Game 3 winner, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Game 8: No. 6 Syracuse vs. Game 4 winner, ESPN, 9 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 9: No. 1 Louisville vs. Game 5 winner, ESPN, noon
Game 10: No. 4 Villanova vs. Game 6 winner, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Game 11: No. 2 Pittsburgh vs. Game 7 winner, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Game 12: No. 3 Connecticut vs. Game 8 winner, ESPN, 9 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, ESPN, 9 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, ESPN, 9 p.m.


Team to watch: Pittsburgh. Louisville may have won the conference regular season, but they didn't have to go into Pitt or UConn to do so. The Panthers are a very talented team and have a chance to be the number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Led by DeJuan Blair, Sam Young and Levance Fields, look for the Panthers to make a deep run in the dance.

Player to watch: Dominic James. Okay, you really can't watch him anymore. Unfortunately, James suffered a broken foot against UConn on February 25th and has been ruled out for the year. The senior was a big part of the success that Marquette has had and sadly he won't be able to play another college game.

Upset watch: Georgetown. The Hoyas finished 7-11 in the conference and failed to meet lofty expectations. However, they have a talented team and are capable of making a run in New York. To do so, they must get consistent play out of Dajuan Summers and the big freshman Greg Monroe. Add along Jessie Sapp and Austin Freeman and this team could win the tournament.

Tourney watch: Teams that are in for sure: Pittsburgh, UConn, Louisville, Villanova, Marquette, Syracuse, West Virginia. Providence is the main team on the bubble, but Georgetown, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame could all make big impressions this week. This tournament will be a great one to watch, and in the end I think Louisville will beat the winner of Pitt/UConn take three and earn a number one seed.

Let's Dance....

Here is my updated 65 team bracket. I will update this everyday to include the previous nights games!

Summit Tourney Preview

At Sioux Falls Arena (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
FIRST ROUND
Saturday, March 7
Game 1: No. 1 North Dakota State vs. No. 8 Centenary (7 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 2 Oral Roberts vs. No. 7 South Dakota State (9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 8
Game 3: No. 4 IUPUI vs. No. 5 Southern Utah (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 3 Oakland vs. No. 6 IPFW (9:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Monday, March 9
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner (7 p.m.)
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner (9:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Tuesday, March 10
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)


Team to watch: North Dakota State. In the first year off of NCAA provisional status, the Bison went 16-2 in the conference and nearly pulled an upset against USC earlier in the year. They will look to grab the automatic bid and become a trendy pick for an upset.

Player to watch: Ben Woodside. How do you not be the player to watch when you drop 60 points in a game? That's exactly what Woodside did earlier this year and topped the 30 point mark five times.

Upset watch: Oakland. The Grizzlies have seven straight victories and have wins over the Bison and the second place team, Oral Roberts. If a team were to make a run and upset North Dakota State, the Grizzlies would be the team to do it.

Tourney watch: Oral Roberts has been to the NCAA tournament four straight years. Along with Oakland, they will make a run, but in the end North Dakota State will win the conference tourney and go dancing.

Big Sky Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
At higher seeds
Saturday, March 7
Game 1: No. 6 Montana State at No. 3 Montana (9 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 5 Northern Colorado at No. 4 Idaho State (9 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
At Dee Events Center,Ogden, Utah
Tuesday, March 10
Game 3: No. 2 Portland State vs. highest remaining seed (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 1 Weber State vs. lowest remaining seed (9:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Wednesday, March 11
Game 5: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (ESPN2, 10 p.m.)


Team to watch: Weber State. The Wildcats flew through the Big Sky with only one loss during the regular season. With the player of the year, defensive player of the year, and freshman of the year, Weber State has the advantage throughout this tournament.

Player to watch: Jeremiah Dominguez. Dominguez was the conference player of the year last year and was named to the first team all-conference this year. The 5'6 senior from Portland State ranks 14th in the nation in three point percentage.

Upset watch: Montana State. Both Portland State and Weber State lost to the sixth seeded Bobcats this year. They will look to get some of that magic again and make a tournament run.

Tourney watch: This is Weber State's tournament to lose. With a 15-1 conference record, the Wildcats should continue that and gain an NCAA berth. However, the Vikings from Portland State have a win over Gonzaga and nearly knocked off the Huskies of Washington. I think Portland State will pull the upset and advance into the big dance.

West Coast Tourney Preview

At Orleans Arena (Las Vegas, Nevada)
FIRST ROUND
Friday, March 6
Game 1: No. 5 San Diego vs. No. 8 Loyola Marymount (9 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 6 Pepperdine vs. No. 7 San Francisco (11:30 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 3: No. 4 Santa Clara vs. Game 1 winner (9 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 3 Portland vs. Game 2 winner (11:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 5: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. Game 3 winner (ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.)
Game 6: No. 2 Saint Mary's vs. Game 4 winner (ESPN2, 11:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, March 9
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN, 9 p.m.)


Team to watch: Gonzaga. The Zags went through the conference with an undefeated record and have the best chance to make things happen in the NCAA tournament. The original cinderella is ready for another run with this team.

Player to watch: When you are on a national team and you are still in college, that classifies as being a pretty good player. When you go up against the USA and drop 20 points against them, that makes you a great player. Patrick (Patty) Mills is just that. If it wasn't for his injury, the West Coast Conference might be rearranged a little bit.

Upset watch: Santa Clara. The Broncos might have the best chance to knock off somebody in the tournament. They took Arizona, Stanford and UAB to the wire during the regular season and will be a team that can suprise you.

Tourney watch: No matter what happens in the tournament, Gonzaga is in. St. Mary's is on the bubble, but the return of Mills helps their cause greatly. They lost 4 of their 5 games with him not in the line-up and I think he wants to get some revenge in the championship game. With both teams having a free-spot to the semifinals, both will be rested and ready to play. I don't think St. Mary's will lose to Gonzaga for the third time this year and people across the nation will get a chance to see Mills and the Gaels in the NCAA tournament.

Southern Conference Tourney Preview

At McKenzie Arena (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
FIRST ROUND
Friday, March 6
Game 1: No. 4 North Appalachian State vs. No. 5 South Georgia Southern (2 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 3 South College of Charleston vs. No. 6 North UNC Greensboro (4:30 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 4 South Wofford vs. No. 5 North Elon (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 3 North Samford vs. No. 6 South Furman (9:30 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 5: No. 1 South Davidson vs. Game 1 winner (2 p.m.)
Game 6: No. 2 North Western Carolina vs. Game 2 winner (4:30 p.m.)
Game 7: No. 1 North Chattanooga vs. Game 3 winner (7 p.m.)
Game 8: No. 2 South The Citadel vs. Game 4 winner (9:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (6 p.m.)
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (8:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, March 9
Game 11: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner (ESPN, 7 p.m.)


Team to watch: Davidson. Coming off an elite eight run, the Wildcats are on the bubble and might need to win the tournament to get in the NCAA tournament.

Player to watch: There is some guy named Stephen Curry, have you heard of him? Didn't think so. He only leads the nation in points per game, led the Wildcats to a near final four game last year, is the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, and can make a shot from just about anywhere on the court. Oh....and he is only a JUNIOR! Curry has a chance to be the all-time leading scorer in the history of the NCAA. Just take a moment to think about. Not a big deal, you say? Well then why has nobody ever topped Pete Maravich's mark???

Upset watch: The Citadel. The Bulldogs sometimes don't look good doing it, but they win games. They knocked off Davidson and beat Charleston twice during the regular season. This should be the main concern for Curry and the Wildcats.

Tourney watch: The team with the most to lose is Davidson. They can't leave it up to the selection committee to decide if they are in or out of this year's tournament. Curry has had time to get over his injury and while this team is not as dangerous as last year, I still think Davidson will end up as the champions.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tourney Preview

At Times Union Center (Albany, N.Y.)
FIRST ROUND
Friday, March 6
Game 1: No. 8 Loyola vs. No. 9 Canisius (7:30 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 7 Iona vs. No. 10 Marist (9:30 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 3: No. 4 Manhattan vs. No. 5 Fairfield (2:30 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 1 Siena vs. Game 1 winner (5 p.m.)
Game 5: No. 2 Niagara vs. Game 2 winner (7:30 p.m.)
Game 6: No. 3 Rider vs. No. 6 Saint Peter's (9:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (6 p.m.)
Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (8:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, March 9
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN2, 9 p.m.)


Team to watch: Niagara. The Purple Eagles don't have the exposure that Siena has had but they are a quality basketball team that will make some noise. If the MAAC wants to be a two bid league, it would start with Niagara winning the conference tournament.

Player to watch: Ryan Thompson. The guard from Rider was the second leading scorer in the conference and also in the top ten in steals and assists. The junior was named as a first team all-conference player.

Upset watch: Rider. The I don't see either Niagara or Siena losing until the finals, so if one of them were to get beat, it would be Rider pulling off an upset and making a run.

Tourney watch: The Saints have an outside chance at an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. Niagara must win the conference to get in. In the end, I still see Siena pulling out a close victory to secure a bid instead of sweating it out on Selection Sunday.

Colonial Athletic Association Tourney Preview

At the Richmond Coliseum (Richmond, Va. )
FIRST ROUND
Friday, March 6
Game 1: No. 8 Georgia State vs. No. 9 Delaware (noon)
Game 2: No. 5 Hofstra vs. No. 12 UNC Wilmington (2:30 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 7 James Madison vs. No. 10 William & Mary (6 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 6 Drexel vs. No. 11 Towson (8:30 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 5: No. 1 VCU vs. Game 1 winner (noon)
Game 6: No. 4 Old Dominion vs. Game 2 winner (2:30 p.m.)
Game 7: No. 2 George Mason vs. Game 3 winner (6 p.m.)
Game 8: No. 3 Northeastern vs. Game 4 winner (8:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 9: Game 5 vs. Game 6 winner (3 p.m.)
Game 10: Game 7 vs. Game 8 winner (5:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, March 9
Game 11: Game 9 vs. Game 10 winner (ESPN2, 7 p.m.)


Team to watch: George Mason. Everyone's favorite Cinderella because of their improbable run to the final four a few years ago. The Patriots are the number two seed in the conference tourney this year but they still have a great team that is capable of making a run.

Player to watch: Eric Maynor. He It seems like it was years ago that Maynor led VCU to an upset of Duke in the NCAA tournament. The fact is, he was only a sophomore then and has improved his game. He averages over 22 points and six assists per game and has broke the thirty point mark six times this year.

Upset watch: Northeastern. The Huskies have knocked off both the Rams and The Patriots in conference play this year. If there is a team that could sneak up and pull out a bid, they would be the one to do it.

Tourney watch: There is an outside chance that two teams from the CAA could get into the tournament. For that to happen, more teams would have to lose and VCU would be the team looking for an at-large birth. However, I don't see that happening...Maynor will take control of the tournament and get the Rams into a dangerous 11-13 seed with the possibility of a first round upset.

America East Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
At SEFCU Arena
Albany, N.Y.
Friday, March 6
Game 1: No. 8 Maine vs. No. 9 Hartford (7 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 2: No. 2 Vermont vs. No. 7 Albany (noon)
Game 3: No. 3 Boston U. vs. No. 6 UMBC (2:30 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 1 Binghamton vs. Game 1 winner (6 p.m.)
Game 5: No. 4 New Hampshire vs. No. 5 Stony Brook (8:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner (2 p.m.)
Game 7: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner (5 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
At higher seed
Saturday, March 14
Game 8: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner (ESPN2, 11 a.m.)


Team to watch: Vermont. You probably remember the Catamounts pulling an upset in the NCAA tournament a few years back with a first round win over Syracuse. Well, they are back atop the conference and ready to for another run.

Player to watch: Marqus Blakely. He just repeated as the conference player of the year and became the first repeat for defensive player of the year. The forward led the league in per game averages in rebounds, steals, and blocks and was sixth in scoring. To pull upsets in March, you need a kid like Blakely who can do it all.

Upset watch: Binghamton. If there was a team to knock out Vermont, it would be the Bearcats. They won both match-ups during the year and will not back down if they get a third shot at the Catamounts.

Tourney watch: Blakely will be too much for anyone to handle. With a respectable seed on the line, I like Vermont to win this tournament and make some noise in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Northeast Tourney Preview

At higher seeds
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 5
Game 1: No. 8 St. Francis (NY) at No. 1 Robert Morris (7 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 7 Wagner at No. 2 Mount St. Mary's (7 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 6 Central Connecticut State at No. 3 Sacred Heart (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 5 Quinnipiac at No. 4 Long Island (7 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
At higher seeds
Sunday, March 8
Game 5: Highest seed vs. lowest seed
Game 6: Second-highest seed vs. third-highest seed

CHAMPIONSHIP
Wednesday, March 11
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)


Team to watch: Robert Morris. The Colonials controlled the conference from the start and will look to earn the qualifying bid with a tournment championship.

Player to watch: Justin Rutty. The big man inside for Quinnipiac averages 15 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Rutty is a post presence that demands attention at all times.

Upset watch: Mount St. Mary's. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is beat a team three times in one year. Robert Morris might have to do that and the Blue Knights would be the team standing in the way.

Tourney watch: With the home court advantage as a factor, I would expect Robert Morris to win the conference championship and move into the NCAA tournament. However, a number one seed (or even play-in game) is likely awaiting for the Colonials.

Missouri Valley Tourney Preview

At Scottrade Center (St. Louis, Mo.)
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 5
Game 1: No. 8 Drake vs. No. 9 Indiana State (7:05 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 7 Wichita State vs. No. 10 Missouri State (9:35 p.m.)

QUARTERFINALS
Friday, March 6
Game 3: No. 1 Northern Iowa vs. Game 1 winner (1:05 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 4 Bradley vs. No. 5 Southern Illinois (3:35 p.m.)
Game 5: No. 2 Creighton vs. Game 2 winner (7:05 p.m.)
Game 6: No. 3 Illinois State vs. No. 6 Evansville (9:35 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 7
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (2:35 p.m.)
Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (5:05 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 8
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (2 p.m.)


Team to watch: Creighton. The Valley has been down the past couple of years, but if any team is going to get an at-large bid from the selection committee, it will be the Bluejays. Creighton has reeled off ten consecutive wins have won a big game earlier in the year over fellow bubble team Dayton from the Atlantic 10. One win is needed for sure, but they better get to the championship game to play it safe.

Player to watch: Shy Ely. The swingman from Evansville led the MVC in scoring this year with over 18 points per game and has scored over 20 points in five of the last six games. Ely also helps on the boards with nearly six rebounds per game. If the Aces want to make a run, Ely will need to carry them.

Upset watch: Drake. The Bulldogs couldn't repeat the sucess they had last year with a birth in the NCAA tournament. They have inconsistent all year with wins against the MVC's best in UNI and Creighton, but they do have losses against Missouri State and Indiana State. If the Bulldogs can come together for this weekend, they burst the bubble of some power conference school.

Tourney watch: As I said earlier, Creighton probably needs one win, but getting to the conference championship game will help their resume. I see them winning the rubber match against Illinois State to make it to the finals. However, Northern Iowa will have an easier road and will be more rested and will get the double dip of regular season and conference champions making the MVC a two bid league.

Sun Belt Tourney Preview

At higher seeds
FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 4
Game 1: No. 9 Florida International at No. 8 Louisiana-Lafayette
Game 2: No. 13 Florida Atlantic at No. 4 North Texas
Game 3: No. 12 Arkansas State at No. 5 Middle Tennessee
Game 4: No. 11 New Orleans at No. 6 South Alabama
Game 5: No. 10 Louisiana-Monroe at No. 7 Denver

At Summitt Arena
Hot Springs, Ark.
QUARTERFINALS
Sunday, March 8
Game 6: No. 1 Western Kentucky vs. Game 1 winner (1:30 p.m.)
Game 7: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner (4 p.m.)
Game 8: No. 2 Arkansas-Little Rock vs. Game 5 winner (7:30 p.m.)
Game 9: No. 3 Troy vs. Game 4 winner (10 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Monday, March 9
Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner (7:30 p.m.)
Game 11: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner (10 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Tuesday, March 10
Game 12: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner (ESPN2, 10 p.m.)


Team to watch: Western Kentucky. The number one seed and the team that made it to the sweet sixteen in the tournament last year is back and ready to play spoiler again!

Player to watch: Nate Rohnert. The Denver Pioneers guard can do it all--score, board, and dish it out. Rohnert averaged 15, 5, 5 during the year.

Upset watch: Troy. With a third place finish in the conference, the Trojans can make things very uneasy for Arkansas Little-Rock and Western Kentucky. They have the scorers that will make things tough for the opposition.

Tourney watch: Coming off of an improbable run in the NCAA tournament last year, I find it hard to believe anyone is going to knock off Western Kentucky. This will be another dangerous team in the field as evidenced by their victory over Louisville earlier this season.

Patriot League Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 4
At higher seeds
Game 1: No. 8 Lafayette at No. 1 American (7:30 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 7 Bucknell at No. 2 Holy Cross (7 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 6 Colgate at No. 3 Navy (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No.5 Lehigh at No. 4 Army (7 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Sunday, March 8
At higher seeds
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 4 winner
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner

CHAMPIONSHIP
At higher seed
Friday, March 13
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2)


Team to watch: American. With a 13-1 conference record, the Eagles have control of this tournament and should receive the automatic bid into the NCAA tourney.

Player to watch: Garrison Carr. Carr might be the one of the smallest (5'11) guys in the conference, but he can also score. He averages over 17 points per game and can shoot the rock.

Upset watch: Holy Cross. The only team to beat the Eagles this year. If there is going to be an upset, the Crusaders are going to be the team to do it.

Tourney watch: With homecourt advantage througout the tournament, it will be hard for anyone to come in and beat the Eagles. That is why American will lock up the qualifying bid and move on to another game!

Atlantic Sun Tourney Preview

At Allen Arena
Nashville, Tenn.

QUARTERFINALS
Wednesday, March 4
Game 1: No. 2 East Tennessee State vs. No. 7 Stetson (9:30 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5
Game 2: No. 3 Belmont vs. No. 6 Mercer (3:30 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 4 Lipscomb vs. No. 5 Campbell (9:30 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 6
Game 4: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner (7 p.m.)
Game 5: No. 1 Jacksonville vs. Game 3 winner (9:30 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 7
Game 6: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner (ESPN2, 6 p.m.)


Team to watch: Jacksonville. The Dolphins have an easy path to the championship as they are the only team to get a free pass into the semifinals. Win two games and they are in the NCAA tournament.

Player to watch: Daniel Emerson. A big 6'8 forward from Mercer, Emerson averages 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Emerson collected 15 double-doubles this year and had seven games where he had more than 15 boards.

Upset watch: Belmont. The Bruins nearly knocked off Tennessee earlier in the year and took Jacksonville to the limit in both games they played this season.

Tourney watch: With one spot on the line, it will come down to Belmont, Jacksonville and East Tennessee State. Already being in the semifinals is a huge advantage and I would expect Jacksonville to use that to gain a berth to the NCAA tournament.

Ohio Valley Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
At higher seeds
Tuesday, March 3
Game 1: No. 8 Tennessee Tech vs. No. 1 Tennessee-Martin
Game 2: No. 5 Eastern Kentucky vs. No. 4 Morehead St.
Game 3: No. 6 Tennessee State vs. No. 3 Murray St.
Game 4: No. 7 Eastern Illinois vs. No. 2 Austin Peay

SEMIFINALS
At Sommet Center
Nashville, Tenn.
Friday, March 6
Game 5: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner (ESPNU, 7 p.m.)
Game 6: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner (ESPNU, 9 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 7
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)


Team to watch: Tennessee-Martin. The Skyhawks have the number one seed and are the team to beat in this tournament and everyone will have their eyes on this team because of...

Player to watch: Lester Hudson. The best player that you have never heard of. Hudson passed up the chance at the NBA last year to come back and get his degree and to try to become a guaranteed first round pick. He is a flat out stud!

Upset watch: Austin Peay. They received the NCAA tournament bid last year, beat UT-Martin at home and took them to OT on the road.

Tourney watch: Austin Peay will probably meet up against Murray State with the winner getting to face the Skyhawks. Hudson will not let his team lose and Tennessee-Martin will advance to the Big Dance. If you are top seed in the tournament, this will not be a team you would want to face in the first round!

Horizon Tourney Preview

FIRST ROUND
At higher seeds
Tuesday, March 3
Game 1: No. 10 Detroit vs. No. 3 Cleveland State
Game 2: No. 7 Illinois-Chicago vs. No. 6 Youngstown State
Game 3: No. 9 Valparaiso vs. No. 4 Wright St.
Game 4: No. 8 Loyola vs. No. 5 Milwaukee

QUARTERFINALS
At Hinkle Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
Friday, March 6
Game 5: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (6 p.m.)
Game 6: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner (8 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
At Hinkle Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
Saturday, March 7
Game 7: Game 5 winner at No. 1 Butler (ESPNU, 7 p.m.)
Game 8: Game 6 winner vs. No. 2 Green Bay (ESPNU, 9 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
At Hinkle Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
Tuesday, March 10
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN, 9 p.m.)

Team to watch: Butler. This year will be the third year in a row that the Bulldogs will be in the NCAA tournament. They have won at Davidson and Xavier and nearly pulled off an upset at Ohio State. This will be a very dangerous team that nobody will want to face in the tournament.

Player to watch: J'Nathan Bullock. The senior forward from Cleveland State averages 15 and 7 per game and can take over a game when he wants to. Bullock, along with guard Cedric Jackson will be the keys for the Vikings.

Upset watch: Cleveland State. The Vikings have the league's biggest upset this year when Jackson hit a sixty footer at the buzzer to win at Syracuse. If they want to make the NCAA tournament, they must win this one first!

Tourney watch: Butler is in the tournament, no questions asked. Green Bay has an outside chance to pull an upset as well, but they must go through Cleveland State first. It's tourney time and while Butler will be playing in front of the home crowd, I still think the Vikings of Cleveland State will pull off the upset and make the Horizon Conference a two bid league.

Big South Tourney Preview

QUARTERFINALS

Tuesday, March 3
Game 1: No. 7 Coastal Carolina at No. 2 VMI (7 p.m.)
Game 2: No. 6 Gardner-Webb at No. 3 Liberty (7 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 8 High Point at No. 1 Radford (7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 5 Winthrop at No. 4 UNC Asheville (7 p.m.)

SEMIFINALS
At Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)
Thursday, March 5
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner (ESPNU, 6 p.m.)
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner (ESPNU, 8 p.m.)

CHAMPIONSHIP
At highest seed
Saturday, March 7
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN2, 4 p.m.)


Team to watch: VMI. The fastest college basketball team in the country. They average over 80 possessions per game with the run and gun style. They average almost 40 three point attempts per game and knocked off Kentucky in their first game of the year.

Player to watch: The senior twins, Travis & Chavis Holmes. Both can score at will, but Chavis is the better shooter with a 44.8 % mark from beyond the arc.

Upset watch: Coastal Carolina. They beat VMI at home and took them to the brink in the other match-up. This would definately classify as an upset.

Tourney watch: This conference is a one-bid league and Radford has everything at home if they win games. Look for the championship to have the one and two seeds in it as VMI will pull out the victory on Radford's home court.

Championship Week Part 1

Here is the updated version of who is in and who is looking out for the NCAA Tournament come March!

AUTOMATIC BIDS (31 Teams)

1. American East---Vermont
2. Atlantic 10---Xavier
3. ACC---North Carolina
4. Atlantic Sun---East Tenn St.
5. Big East---Conneticut
6. Big Sky---Weber State
7. Big South---Radford
8. Big Ten---Michigan State
9. Big 12---Oklahoma
10. Big West---Long Beach State
11. CAA---VCU
12. C-USA---Memphis
13. Horizon---Butler
14. Ivy---Cornell
15. MAAC---Siena
16. MAC---Buffalo
17. MEAC---Morgan State
18. MVC---Creighton
19. Mountain West---Utah
20. Northeast---Robert Morris
21. Ohio Valley---Tennessee-Martin
22. Pacific 10---Washington
23. Patriot---American
24. SEC---LSU
25. Southern---Davidson
26. Southland---Stephen F. Austin
27. SWAC---Alabama State
28. Summit---North Dakota State
29. Sun Belt---Western Kentucky
30. West Coast---Gonzaga
31. WAC---Utah State

'LOCK TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Dayton
2. ACC---Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State
3. Big East---Pittsburgh, Louisville, Marquette, Syracuse, Villanova
4. Big Ten---Illinios, Purdue, Ohio State
5. Big 12---Kansas, Missouri
6. Pac 10---Washington, California, Arizona State
7. SEC---Tennessee

'BUBBLE TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Temple
2. ACC---Boston College, Maryland
3. Big East---West Virginia, Cincinnati, Providence
4. Big Ten---Minnesota, Wisconsin
5. Big 12---Texas, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M
6. Mountain West---BYU, UNLV
7. Pac 10---Arizona
8. SEC---Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida
9. West Coast---St. Mary's

'BUBBLE BURSTING'

1. ACC---Miami (FL), Virginia Tech
2. Big East---Georgetown, Notre Dame
3. Big Ten---Michigan, Penn State,
4. Big 12---Kansas State, Nebraska
5. C-USA---UAB
6. Mountain West---New Mexico
7. MVC---UNI, Illinois State