Purusing the Lines:02/21/08

Quick 'Cap

Took a bit of a hit last night, going 1-2, putting my NCAA Basketball season record at 13-10-2. I was confident of all my picks, but sure enough the upset bug bit. Miami (FL) pulled off their first victory against Duke in 45 years, and K-State decided not to play defense, allowing the Cornhuskers to shoot nearly 52% from the floor. Who would have thunk either of these events could happen? I guess the V-Boys, that's how they got their jobs. At least the Badgers played up to their potential, saving me from complete defeat.

Now, for today's action, we're looking at both A-10 representatives from The Ohiotucky. I swear I'll get the Ohiotucky article done this weekend. I am mentally considering this as a term paper that is a week late, which I've promised the professor is going to be the best he's ever read. I just need some more time, man!

Dayton(-1.5) @ LaSalle

I'm trusting the Flyers realize their Tourney hopes will be on the line each and every game they play the rest of the season. I'm not just talking making it; I'm saying making an impact.

Sure Braketology guru Joe Lunardi has them as an eleven seed in his weekly endeavor. I'm just afraid he and Dayton's fans are banking on the Selectors to weigh in Chris Wright's absence due to injury way to heavily. RPI is fine according to the awe-inspiring Ken Pomeroy, SOS respectable. But a continuing string of inconsistent play, and an early A-10 Tourney loss, and there is no fourth team playing meaningful games in March from the conference.

After Lasalle, Dayton hosts Xavier and St. Joe's, and must travel to Fordham and the Bonnies. These all seem like possible wins; home court against the Big Dogs, and the "@" games against weaker opposition, is the preferred formula. But it can be the scariest as well. X and Joe beat you up at your house, and the nothing-to-lose teams put a TOYB (Target On Your Back) and play inspired hoops.

Now let's spin this toward the positive. If the Flyers can take care of business at UD Arena, step up as the Roadie and beat the teams they should, and make it to the finals of the A-10 T, you may very well see a 25+ win team, with the "Wright-stuff" returning, going in as a 6/7 seed. Story of the year stuff, kids. The potential is there. Then we will see what kind of damage the full-strength squad can do against those BCS bastards.

So what does this all have to do with the action? One word, and let's spell it out people..

M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N

I'm assuming Coach Gregory is preaching the "one-game-at-a-time" principle, but the big picture (or big bracket) is clearly posted on the wall. Find a way to win this one, and your table is getting set. Lose to a foe you should be able to handle, and that slippery slide is getting that much more slippery.

Duquesne @ Xavier (-10.5)

I like the Musketeers, I don't like them by 11. Xavier has been a team that blows opponents out, particularly the aforementioned Flyers. But Coach Miller may use his bench late if the game seems in hand towards the end, resting his starters, and letting the competition back in the scene. That's assuming this isn't close. Ask the Flyers how tough the Dukes can play when you invite them into your confines, losing by 2. I'm guessing X by 7.

No-Action Friday awaits, so I'll probably work on The Ohiotucky Report tomorrow. If you really want to know my angle on the Princeton/Yale game, you can always e-mail: abcigar@hotmail.com.

late-A.B.