Getting on Track

I apologize for my absence over the past few days. Actually, it has been nearly a week since I last did anything substantial. I should note a few headlines from this past week.

No More Undefeateds: Wake Forest loses to Virginia Tech

Home Streaks End: Notre Dame and Tennessee lose #1 and #2 longest win streaks, and then drop consecutive home games. Kansas now has the longest home winning streak at 35. Davidson and Utah St. are tied for second, with 27

Top Teams Tumble: Since last Wednesday, there have been nine top teams that have taken losses to teams below their level. Georgetown, once thought to be the best team in the Big East, has taken a fall with four straight losses, including games at Cincinnati and Seton Hall. Syracuse is on a three game slide, losing last night at Providence. Pittsburgh’s offending loss isn’t too bad – 10 points at Villanova. In the ACC, Miami (FL) lost to lower-tier ACC teams Virginia Tech and NC St., and Wake Forest got caught looking ahead by that same Hokie team. Cal represents the Pac-10 with a home loss to the Beavers. Finally, the SEC has three on the list: Tennessee losing consecutive home games to Memphis and LSU, and Kentucky getting beat by Ole Miss

Making Some Noise: A few perennial cellar-dwellers rattled some cages this week. Virginia Tech improved to 4-1 in conference by going on the road to knock off Miami and #1 Wake Forest. Oregon St. also took their show on the road, sweeping the Bay Area teams. Providence is making a case for the tournament – at 6-2 in conference, they are almost certain to get talked about in March, and that win over Syracuse finally gives them something to brag about.

Mid-Majors to Mention: I’ll spare you more hype of Butler and Davidson (which will presumably be the highlight of Bracketbusters). I’ll also you spare you from hearing about Gonzaga, who you’ve heard about for about a decade, and VMI, who I’ve mentioned many times before. So who’s left?

Disappointing Siena has re-asserted themselves over the MAAC, garnering a 3 game lead with eight remaining. If they don’t trip up, and get a decent Bracketbuster draw, they could be sitting on the 12 line again in March. However, they may have to play host to 19-1 Utah St. , who is currently 7-0 in the WAC. Again, if they can avoid losing, they too could be on the 12 line in March. Staying on the left coast, St. Mary’s returns to the discussion with an 18-1 record. The lone blemish was a neutral court loss to UTEP. Tonight the Gaels travel to Spokane to face Gonzaga. Even with a pair of losses to GU, St. Mary's should make the tournament again.
So you thought VCU or George Mason would run away with the CAA? Northeastern changed with a win at VCU yesterday, putting themselves in prime position to win the regular season crown. Finally, Northern Iowa has risen above the muck to take over in the Valley. This is a lot more surprising than it should be. In the bruising, slow-down world of the Valley, having a starter 5 INCHES TALLER than any other conference starter can’t hurt.

So, I will do a bracket tomorrow. So look for it.