18 Nov26 - Together For The Holidays
Volume XXIII, No. 4 - 18 Nov26 - [] Top 25 Ballot
Together For The Holidays
The holiday tournaments (especially Thanksgiving week) usually provide the opportunity for the top teams to separate themselves from each other. Instead, what we got was plenty of non-decisive results. By week's end, no team came away looking head-and-shoulders above all the rest.
The toughest draw of the preseason belonged to the MAUI INVITATIONAL. Xavier tripped in overtime against Auburn (79-88[OT] as pBryce Brown[26p5a] and 5-10 pJared Harper[25p8a6r5to] both starred) and tripped again against San Diego State (74-79 as tJalen McDaniels[26p8r] starred). Duke turned back Auburn in the semifinals (78-72); but it was Gonzaga who claimed the crown in a thrilling 89-87 win over the Blue Devils.
In the NIT SEASON TIP-OFF at the BARCLAYS CENTER, Kansas took out Marquette in the semis (77-68) and then edged Tennessee in overtime in the finals (87-81[OT]) as tDedric Lawson averaged 25p13r in two games.
In the A/ORLANDO INVITATIONAL, Memphis tanked right away versus Oklahoma State (64-84) and also tripped against College of Charleston (75-78 on pGrant Riller[32p9a5r5to]'s star turn). LSU tripped in overtime against Florida State (76-@79[OT] on Mfiondu Kabengele's game-winning three-pointer) and fell to OkSt (77-90) to boot. Ultimately, it was Villanova who dumped the OS/Cowboys (77-58) in the semis and then beat FlaSt (66-@60) in the final.
In the LAS VEGAS-THANKSGIVING INVITATIONAL at ORLEANS ARENA, UCLA tanked twice: first against Michigan State (67-87) and then against North Carolina (78-94). Texas pulled off the surprise upset of UNC (92-89 as pKerwin Roach II[32p7a6r] dueled 33p from GC gCoby White). In the final, it was MichSt who came back from a 6-25 deficit at the start to beat Tx (78-68 led by bJoshua Langford[29p5r]).
In the CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC, Creighton thumped Georgia State in the semis (93-68) and then edged Clemson in the final (87-82 as gTy-Shon Alexander[36p] outdueled 27p3a from gMarcquise Reed). GaSt came away with a huge grudge-match win, routing arch-/state-rival Georgia (91-67) for third place.
In the LAS VEGAS MAIN EVENT at T-MOBILE ARENA, Arizona State edged Mississippi State in the final (72-67). In the Consolation bracket at COX PAVILION (on UNLV's campus), Utah Valley won twice (including beating Hartford [72-65 despite 25p4a from gJ.R. Lynch). Hart was a disappointing 0-4 in the tourney (and 1-5 overall to start the season).
At the BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS in Paradise Island BAHAMAS, Florida tripped against Oklahoma (60-65) and later fell to Butler (54-61) as well. It was Virginia who took the crown, beating Wisconsin (53-46 despite 22p15r6a6to from xEthan Happ).
The only other Top-25 win on the week came from Maryland, who dumped Marshall (@104-67 as pAnthony Cowan Jr.[26p6a7r] starred) in the feature match of their otherwise home showcase TERRAPIN CLASSIC.
Just below the rankings, every preseason favorite failed to come through in its "should've won" tournament. It's an indication that this season is a true break from the past few seasons (which ultimately belonged to North Carolina and Villanova).
At the GULF COAST SHOWCASE in Estero FL, South Dakota State couldn't beat Tulane (80-84) but did knock off Texas-San Antonio (99-79 led by xMike Daum[41p4a10r]) and Colorado State (78-65 led by bDavid Jenkins[32p3a7r]). In the final, it was MAC/Toledo who beat UC-Irvine (67-60).
In the new VANCOUVER SHOWCASE round robin event, it was Minnesota who went 4-0 (including squeak wins over Texas A&M [69-64] and Washington [68-66 despite 28p7r5to from fNoah Dickerson]). (UC-Irvine pulled off two road wins [at Texas A&M, 74-@73 on gEyassu Worku's game-winner and at Santa Clara, 61-@49] as a warm-up act.)
In the FT. MYERS TIP-OFF, it was Boston College who knocked off Loyola(Illinois) (78-66) in the final. In the Consolation bracket at Niagara, it was IUPUI who was an Unwelcome Guest winner (including beating Grambling State [80-69]).
In the CANCUN CHALLENGE, Wright State dropped two: tanking against Penn State (59-77 as fLamar Stevens[25p5r] starred) and tripping against SMU (76-77). It was actually MVC/Bradley who beat SMU (75-62) and edged PennSt in the final (59-56 despite 27p8r from fStevens).
In the BROOKLYN-THANKSGIVING CLASSIC, it was Pittsburgh who won the feature match at the BARCLAYS CENTER over St. Louis (75-73).
The B-Major-led events with no particular favorites produced few non-BM winners. However, a couple of teams not on the radar at the beginning of the season did step up to demand a closer look.
At the WOODEN LEGACY in Fullerton CA, Seton Hall beat Grand Canyon (82-75 on bMyles Powell[40p7r]'s star turn), and went on to edge Miami(Florida) in the final (83-81).
At the CBE CLASSIC in Kansas City MO, Texas Tech routed both USC (78-63) and a good Nebraska team (70-52) as tJarrett Culver led the way in both games.
At the EMERALD COAST CLASSIC in Niceville FL, Cincinnati dumped George Mason (71-55) and handled Mississippi (71-57) in the final. (1-3 North Carolina Central only managed a win over Southern [83-71]).
This year's GOTHAM CLASSIC didn't have its usual feature match at the BARCLAYS CENTER. Instead, it was a strictly on-campus event. Three teams went 3-1 to share the title as Notre Dame beat Duq (@67-56); Duquesne beat Radfd (@69-64 playing "at home" in Akron OH); while Radford was the Unwelcome Guest with a 63-@60 win at ND.
In the LEGENDS CLASSIC at the BARCLAYS CENTER, St. John's won two (squeak) victories "at home": edging both California (@82-79) and VCU in overtime (@87-86[OT] despite 30p5a11r from xIsaac Vann) as pShamorie Ponds averaged 34p6a in two games. Detroit won the Consolation bracket at home past Loyola(Maryland) and Bowling Green.
At the JAMAICA CLASSIC, WCC/Loyola Marymount was the winner past Georgetown (65-52 as tJames Batemon[27p3a8r] starred) and Ohio University (65-56).
In the LAS VEGAS-HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL at ORLEANS ARENA, MWC/Nevada outran Tulsa (96-86) and routed Massachusetts (110-87 despite 30p6a7r from pLuwane Pipkins).
The Houston Cougars went 4-0 in the round-robin MABC COUGAR CUP (including an Unwelcome Guest win over the host Brigham Young Cougars [76-@62]).
SUNB/Texas State went 3-0 in the round-robin PILOT CLASSIC hosted by Portland (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Port [91-@68 as bNijal Pearson{33p5r} starred]).
SLAND/Abilene Christian went 3-0 in the round-robin TIGER-THANKSGIVING CLASSIC hosted by Pacific (including an Unwelcome Guest [squeak] win over UoP [73-@71 on Jaylen Franklin's game-winner]).
SOCON/UNC-Greensboro went 2-0 in the round-robin BLUE HEN INVITATIONAL hosted by Delaware (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Del [84-@65]). Maryland-Baltimore County and High Point both went 2-1 to share the new BIMINI JAM crown as both beat Air Force while MdBc beat HiPt (68-59).
Three teams went 2-1 in the round-robin new CENTRAL NEW YORK CLASSIC on-campus event as Colgate road-routed Cornell (73-@57); Cornell won on the road at NJIT (86-@73 as bMatt Morgan[34p7r] starred); and NJIT edged Colgate in overtime (@81-78[OT]). BIGW/UC-Santa Barbara went 2-0 in the round-robin VANDAL-HOLIDAY CLASSIC hosted by Idaho (including an Unwelcome Guest win over Id [66-@55]). Northern Illinois went 2-1 to share the GOLDEN GRIZZLY HOOPS CHALLENGE with host Oakland (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Oak [92-@72 as pLevi Bradley[30p5a] starred). Three teams went 2-1 at the JAGUAR GOLDIE & HERMAN UNGAR CLASSIC hosted by South Alabama as Jacksonville was an Unwelcome Guest road-rout winner over SBama (71-@48); South Alabama dumped SeMo (79-58 as gRodrick Sikes[30p] starred); and Southeast Missouri beat Jaxvl (77-71). UNC-Wilmington and Eastern Illinois both went 2-1 to share the crown at the new BATTLE IN THE BLUE RIDGE in Asheville NC (including UncW's thumping EaIll [@82-65]).
Elsewhere, the host teams won their round-robin showcase events: Arkansas won the ROUNDBALL/HARDWOOD SHOWCASE (including edging Indiana [@73-72 as cDaniel Gafford{27p12r} dueled 22p5a10r from GC xRomeo Langford]). Georgia Tech[DEEP SOUTH(dumped East Carolina)], Rutgers[HUB CITY] and Ohio State[BUCKEYE] all rolled through their competition. North Carolina State and North Texas both went undefeated (meaning they didn't face each other) to share the WOLFPACK CLASSIC crown. Kentucky[OHIO VALLEY] and host WAC/Seattle[ELGIN BAYLOR] both handled their opponents.
- - - - - -
The BIG 10 cooled off (to 58-13 in high-profile interconference clashes) while the ACC improved to nearly match (at 52-12) with both leagues reaching elite status just above the BIG 12 (32-9) with those three rating far above all other conferences. Well back, the SEC (38-22), the vastly improved BIG EAST (31-13), PACIFIC-12 (22-17), AMERICAN (33-16) and WEST COAST (23-11) all still rated out in the B-Major range. Earning Mid-Major status by rating, the MID-AMERICAN (29-22) led the way ahead of the back-to-Pumpkin MISSOURI VALLEY (19-15), SOUTHERN (14-15), OHIO VALLEY (14-17), the disappointing MOUNTAIN WEST (17-16) and the surprising HORIZON (20-18). Descending into the 1BC Red Swirl, the ATLANTIC 10 (26-27) and CONFERENCE USA (24-23) have disappointed while the SUN BELT (18-25), BIG WEST (13-17) and WAC (15-21) hung in with the IVY LEAGUE (7-13) barely holding on to its status. Meanwhile, the 1BC Flop Zone has a whopping 12 members after Thanksgiving: the COLONIAL (11-25), ATLANTIC SUN (11-23), AMERICA EAST (8-17), METRO ATLANTIC (8-23), BIG SKY (7-11), PATRIOT (7-16), NORTHEAST (7-21), BIG SOUTH (11-24), SUMMIT (10-16) and SOUTHLAND (12-26) all struggled while a huge gap below them trailed perennial bottom-feeders the MEAC (4-36) and SWAC (4-32) who were unable to claim many wins against their "road-Patsy Pay Day" schedules.
No one conference dominated in claiming tournament crowns. The ACC[4.3 crowns], BIG 10[4], BIG EAST[4], BIG 12[2], WEST COAST[2] and PACIFIC-12[1] all won draws that included ranked opponents. The AMERICAN[3], SUN BELT[2.3], MID-AMERICAN[1.8] and MISSOURI VALLEY[1] all won Splashworthy draws. CONFERENCE USA[1.5], WAC[1.3], MOUNTAIN WEST[1], SOUTHLAND[1], BIG SOUTH[.8], ATLANTIC 10[.3] and BIG SKY[.3] all took home B-Major crowns. The SOUTHERN[1] and AMERICA EAST[.5] both conquered Mid-Major teams. The OHIO VALLEY[1.3], BIG WEST[1], HORIZON[1], COLONIAL[1], SUMMIT[1], ATLANTIC SUN[.6], PATRIOT[.3] and IVY LEAGUE[.3] all only beat 1BC opponents.
(Shockingly, the SEC came up empty for holiday trophies.)
- - - - - -
Outside of tournament play, Lipscomb surprised TCU on the road (73-@64 despite 17p6a10r from xAlex Robinson). Western Kentucky continued to disappoint with a road loss at unheralded Indiana State (54-@63).
- - - - - -
This year, the BIG 10 (58-13; 4 tourneys) and ACC (52-12; 4.3 tourneys) can legitimately claim they are the two best conferences facing off in their annual head-to-head CHALLENGE (Monday through Wednesday). Look for an 8-6 ACC win with Virginia (over Maryland) and Virginia Tech (over Penn State) securing road wins to counter Michigan State (over Louisville) while marquee clashes with Duke (hosting Indiana), Michigan (hosting North Carolina), Wisconsin (hosting North Carolina State) and Florida State (hosting Purdue) all should go for the home teams.
In this year's MISSOURI VALLEY (19-15; 1 tourney)/MOUNTAIN WEST (17-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Tuesday through Saturday), it could be 6-4 for the MWC headlined by Nevada's getting revenge for last year's Sweet 16 loss to host Loyola(Illinois) as well as Wyoming (over Evansville) and San Diego State (over Illinois State) claiming road wins to counter Indiana State (over San Jose State) and Missouri State (over Air Force).
In the new WAC (15-21; 1.3 tourneys)/SUMMIT (10-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Saturday through Thu 20 Dec) with the WAC already up 2-1, look for things to finish 5-4 WAC with no futher road upsets expected.
In the new BIG SKY (7-11; .3 tourneys)/SUMMIT (10-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Tuesday through Sat 22 Sec) with the SUMMIT already ahead 1-0, look for the SUMMIT to push it to 5-3 with South Dakota State winning twice (at Eastern Washington, vs Montana) and Idaho losing twice (vs Omaha, at North Dakota).
Surprising Creighton hosts Gonzaga in this year's JESUIT BASKETBALL CLASSiC (Saturday). Buffalo should have no problem claiming the HALL OF FAME-BELFAST CLASSIC crown (Thursday through Saturday).
Surprising UCF hosts disappointing Alabama (Thursday). Disappointing Marquette hosts Kansas State (Saturday).
With an expanded 20-game schedule, the BIG 10 Wars get under way early. Michigan hosts Purdue (Saturday). Upstart Iowa hosts veteran Wisconsin (Friday). Maryland hosts Penn State (Saturday).
-- Ron
P.S. Look for the Official Invitation for the 12TH ANNUAL Pigskin Pool Party (Ron's College Football Bowl Season Pool) shortly.
Top 25 - 18 Nov26 - [] Column
Together For The Holidays
The holiday tournaments (especially Thanksgiving week) usually provide the opportunity for the top teams to separate themselves from each other. Instead, what we got was plenty of non-decisive results. By week's end, no team came away looking head-and-shoulders above all the rest.
The toughest draw of the preseason belonged to the MAUI INVITATIONAL. Xavier tripped in overtime against Auburn (79-88[OT] as pBryce Brown[26p5a] and 5-10 pJared Harper[25p8a6r5to] both starred) and tripped again against San Diego State (74-79 as tJalen McDaniels[26p8r] starred). Duke turned back Auburn in the semifinals (78-72); but it was Gonzaga who claimed the crown in a thrilling 89-87 win over the Blue Devils.
In the NIT SEASON TIP-OFF at the BARCLAYS CENTER, Kansas took out Marquette in the semis (77-68) and then edged Tennessee in overtime in the finals (87-81[OT]) as tDedric Lawson averaged 25p13r in two games.
In the A/ORLANDO INVITATIONAL, Memphis tanked right away versus Oklahoma State (64-84) and also tripped against College of Charleston (75-78 on pGrant Riller[32p9a5r5to]'s star turn). LSU tripped in overtime against Florida State (76-@79[OT] on Mfiondu Kabengele's game-winning three-pointer) and fell to OkSt (77-90) to boot. Ultimately, it was Villanova who dumped the OS/Cowboys (77-58) in the semis and then beat FlaSt (66-@60) in the final.
In the LAS VEGAS-THANKSGIVING INVITATIONAL at ORLEANS ARENA, UCLA tanked twice: first against Michigan State (67-87) and then against North Carolina (78-94). Texas pulled off the surprise upset of UNC (92-89 as pKerwin Roach II[32p7a6r] dueled 33p from GC gCoby White). In the final, it was MichSt who came back from a 6-25 deficit at the start to beat Tx (78-68 led by bJoshua Langford[29p5r]).
In the CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC, Creighton thumped Georgia State in the semis (93-68) and then edged Clemson in the final (87-82 as gTy-Shon Alexander[36p] outdueled 27p3a from gMarcquise Reed). GaSt came away with a huge grudge-match win, routing arch-/state-rival Georgia (91-67) for third place.
In the LAS VEGAS MAIN EVENT at T-MOBILE ARENA, Arizona State edged Mississippi State in the final (72-67). In the Consolation bracket at COX PAVILION (on UNLV's campus), Utah Valley won twice (including beating Hartford [72-65 despite 25p4a from gJ.R. Lynch). Hart was a disappointing 0-4 in the tourney (and 1-5 overall to start the season).
At the BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS in Paradise Island BAHAMAS, Florida tripped against Oklahoma (60-65) and later fell to Butler (54-61) as well. It was Virginia who took the crown, beating Wisconsin (53-46 despite 22p15r6a6to from xEthan Happ).
The only other Top-25 win on the week came from Maryland, who dumped Marshall (@104-67 as pAnthony Cowan Jr.[26p6a7r] starred) in the feature match of their otherwise home showcase TERRAPIN CLASSIC.
Just below the rankings, every preseason favorite failed to come through in its "should've won" tournament. It's an indication that this season is a true break from the past few seasons (which ultimately belonged to North Carolina and Villanova).
At the GULF COAST SHOWCASE in Estero FL, South Dakota State couldn't beat Tulane (80-84) but did knock off Texas-San Antonio (99-79 led by xMike Daum[41p4a10r]) and Colorado State (78-65 led by bDavid Jenkins[32p3a7r]). In the final, it was MAC/Toledo who beat UC-Irvine (67-60).
In the new VANCOUVER SHOWCASE round robin event, it was Minnesota who went 4-0 (including squeak wins over Texas A&M [69-64] and Washington [68-66 despite 28p7r5to from fNoah Dickerson]). (UC-Irvine pulled off two road wins [at Texas A&M, 74-@73 on gEyassu Worku's game-winner and at Santa Clara, 61-@49] as a warm-up act.)
In the FT. MYERS TIP-OFF, it was Boston College who knocked off Loyola(Illinois) (78-66) in the final. In the Consolation bracket at Niagara, it was IUPUI who was an Unwelcome Guest winner (including beating Grambling State [80-69]).
In the CANCUN CHALLENGE, Wright State dropped two: tanking against Penn State (59-77 as fLamar Stevens[25p5r] starred) and tripping against SMU (76-77). It was actually MVC/Bradley who beat SMU (75-62) and edged PennSt in the final (59-56 despite 27p8r from fStevens).
In the BROOKLYN-THANKSGIVING CLASSIC, it was Pittsburgh who won the feature match at the BARCLAYS CENTER over St. Louis (75-73).
The B-Major-led events with no particular favorites produced few non-BM winners. However, a couple of teams not on the radar at the beginning of the season did step up to demand a closer look.
At the WOODEN LEGACY in Fullerton CA, Seton Hall beat Grand Canyon (82-75 on bMyles Powell[40p7r]'s star turn), and went on to edge Miami(Florida) in the final (83-81).
At the CBE CLASSIC in Kansas City MO, Texas Tech routed both USC (78-63) and a good Nebraska team (70-52) as tJarrett Culver led the way in both games.
At the EMERALD COAST CLASSIC in Niceville FL, Cincinnati dumped George Mason (71-55) and handled Mississippi (71-57) in the final. (1-3 North Carolina Central only managed a win over Southern [83-71]).
This year's GOTHAM CLASSIC didn't have its usual feature match at the BARCLAYS CENTER. Instead, it was a strictly on-campus event. Three teams went 3-1 to share the title as Notre Dame beat Duq (@67-56); Duquesne beat Radfd (@69-64 playing "at home" in Akron OH); while Radford was the Unwelcome Guest with a 63-@60 win at ND.
In the LEGENDS CLASSIC at the BARCLAYS CENTER, St. John's won two (squeak) victories "at home": edging both California (@82-79) and VCU in overtime (@87-86[OT] despite 30p5a11r from xIsaac Vann) as pShamorie Ponds averaged 34p6a in two games. Detroit won the Consolation bracket at home past Loyola(Maryland) and Bowling Green.
At the JAMAICA CLASSIC, WCC/Loyola Marymount was the winner past Georgetown (65-52 as tJames Batemon[27p3a8r] starred) and Ohio University (65-56).
In the LAS VEGAS-HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL at ORLEANS ARENA, MWC/Nevada outran Tulsa (96-86) and routed Massachusetts (110-87 despite 30p6a7r from pLuwane Pipkins).
The Houston Cougars went 4-0 in the round-robin MABC COUGAR CUP (including an Unwelcome Guest win over the host Brigham Young Cougars [76-@62]).
SUNB/Texas State went 3-0 in the round-robin PILOT CLASSIC hosted by Portland (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Port [91-@68 as bNijal Pearson{33p5r} starred]).
SLAND/Abilene Christian went 3-0 in the round-robin TIGER-THANKSGIVING CLASSIC hosted by Pacific (including an Unwelcome Guest [squeak] win over UoP [73-@71 on Jaylen Franklin's game-winner]).
SOCON/UNC-Greensboro went 2-0 in the round-robin BLUE HEN INVITATIONAL hosted by Delaware (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Del [84-@65]). Maryland-Baltimore County and High Point both went 2-1 to share the new BIMINI JAM crown as both beat Air Force while MdBc beat HiPt (68-59).
Three teams went 2-1 in the round-robin new CENTRAL NEW YORK CLASSIC on-campus event as Colgate road-routed Cornell (73-@57); Cornell won on the road at NJIT (86-@73 as bMatt Morgan[34p7r] starred); and NJIT edged Colgate in overtime (@81-78[OT]). BIGW/UC-Santa Barbara went 2-0 in the round-robin VANDAL-HOLIDAY CLASSIC hosted by Idaho (including an Unwelcome Guest win over Id [66-@55]). Northern Illinois went 2-1 to share the GOLDEN GRIZZLY HOOPS CHALLENGE with host Oakland (including an Unwelcome Guest road-rout of Oak [92-@72 as pLevi Bradley[30p5a] starred). Three teams went 2-1 at the JAGUAR GOLDIE & HERMAN UNGAR CLASSIC hosted by South Alabama as Jacksonville was an Unwelcome Guest road-rout winner over SBama (71-@48); South Alabama dumped SeMo (79-58 as gRodrick Sikes[30p] starred); and Southeast Missouri beat Jaxvl (77-71). UNC-Wilmington and Eastern Illinois both went 2-1 to share the crown at the new BATTLE IN THE BLUE RIDGE in Asheville NC (including UncW's thumping EaIll [@82-65]).
Elsewhere, the host teams won their round-robin showcase events: Arkansas won the ROUNDBALL/HARDWOOD SHOWCASE (including edging Indiana [@73-72 as cDaniel Gafford{27p12r} dueled 22p5a10r from GC xRomeo Langford]). Georgia Tech[DEEP SOUTH(dumped East Carolina)], Rutgers[HUB CITY] and Ohio State[BUCKEYE] all rolled through their competition. North Carolina State and North Texas both went undefeated (meaning they didn't face each other) to share the WOLFPACK CLASSIC crown. Kentucky[OHIO VALLEY] and host WAC/Seattle[ELGIN BAYLOR] both handled their opponents.
- - - - - -
The BIG 10 cooled off (to 58-13 in high-profile interconference clashes) while the ACC improved to nearly match (at 52-12) with both leagues reaching elite status just above the BIG 12 (32-9) with those three rating far above all other conferences. Well back, the SEC (38-22), the vastly improved BIG EAST (31-13), PACIFIC-12 (22-17), AMERICAN (33-16) and WEST COAST (23-11) all still rated out in the B-Major range. Earning Mid-Major status by rating, the MID-AMERICAN (29-22) led the way ahead of the back-to-Pumpkin MISSOURI VALLEY (19-15), SOUTHERN (14-15), OHIO VALLEY (14-17), the disappointing MOUNTAIN WEST (17-16) and the surprising HORIZON (20-18). Descending into the 1BC Red Swirl, the ATLANTIC 10 (26-27) and CONFERENCE USA (24-23) have disappointed while the SUN BELT (18-25), BIG WEST (13-17) and WAC (15-21) hung in with the IVY LEAGUE (7-13) barely holding on to its status. Meanwhile, the 1BC Flop Zone has a whopping 12 members after Thanksgiving: the COLONIAL (11-25), ATLANTIC SUN (11-23), AMERICA EAST (8-17), METRO ATLANTIC (8-23), BIG SKY (7-11), PATRIOT (7-16), NORTHEAST (7-21), BIG SOUTH (11-24), SUMMIT (10-16) and SOUTHLAND (12-26) all struggled while a huge gap below them trailed perennial bottom-feeders the MEAC (4-36) and SWAC (4-32) who were unable to claim many wins against their "road-Patsy Pay Day" schedules.
No one conference dominated in claiming tournament crowns. The ACC[4.3 crowns], BIG 10[4], BIG EAST[4], BIG 12[2], WEST COAST[2] and PACIFIC-12[1] all won draws that included ranked opponents. The AMERICAN[3], SUN BELT[2.3], MID-AMERICAN[1.8] and MISSOURI VALLEY[1] all won Splashworthy draws. CONFERENCE USA[1.5], WAC[1.3], MOUNTAIN WEST[1], SOUTHLAND[1], BIG SOUTH[.8], ATLANTIC 10[.3] and BIG SKY[.3] all took home B-Major crowns. The SOUTHERN[1] and AMERICA EAST[.5] both conquered Mid-Major teams. The OHIO VALLEY[1.3], BIG WEST[1], HORIZON[1], COLONIAL[1], SUMMIT[1], ATLANTIC SUN[.6], PATRIOT[.3] and IVY LEAGUE[.3] all only beat 1BC opponents.
(Shockingly, the SEC came up empty for holiday trophies.)
- - - - - -
Outside of tournament play, Lipscomb surprised TCU on the road (73-@64 despite 17p6a10r from xAlex Robinson). Western Kentucky continued to disappoint with a road loss at unheralded Indiana State (54-@63).
- - - - - -
This year, the BIG 10 (58-13; 4 tourneys) and ACC (52-12; 4.3 tourneys) can legitimately claim they are the two best conferences facing off in their annual head-to-head CHALLENGE (Monday through Wednesday). Look for an 8-6 ACC win with Virginia (over Maryland) and Virginia Tech (over Penn State) securing road wins to counter Michigan State (over Louisville) while marquee clashes with Duke (hosting Indiana), Michigan (hosting North Carolina), Wisconsin (hosting North Carolina State) and Florida State (hosting Purdue) all should go for the home teams.
In this year's MISSOURI VALLEY (19-15; 1 tourney)/MOUNTAIN WEST (17-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Tuesday through Saturday), it could be 6-4 for the MWC headlined by Nevada's getting revenge for last year's Sweet 16 loss to host Loyola(Illinois) as well as Wyoming (over Evansville) and San Diego State (over Illinois State) claiming road wins to counter Indiana State (over San Jose State) and Missouri State (over Air Force).
In the new WAC (15-21; 1.3 tourneys)/SUMMIT (10-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Saturday through Thu 20 Dec) with the WAC already up 2-1, look for things to finish 5-4 WAC with no futher road upsets expected.
In the new BIG SKY (7-11; .3 tourneys)/SUMMIT (10-16; 1 tourney) CHALLENGE (Tuesday through Sat 22 Sec) with the SUMMIT already ahead 1-0, look for the SUMMIT to push it to 5-3 with South Dakota State winning twice (at Eastern Washington, vs Montana) and Idaho losing twice (vs Omaha, at North Dakota).
Surprising Creighton hosts Gonzaga in this year's JESUIT BASKETBALL CLASSiC (Saturday). Buffalo should have no problem claiming the HALL OF FAME-BELFAST CLASSIC crown (Thursday through Saturday).
Surprising UCF hosts disappointing Alabama (Thursday). Disappointing Marquette hosts Kansas State (Saturday).
With an expanded 20-game schedule, the BIG 10 Wars get under way early. Michigan hosts Purdue (Saturday). Upstart Iowa hosts veteran Wisconsin (Friday). Maryland hosts Penn State (Saturday).
-- Ron
P.S. Look for the Official Invitation for the 12TH ANNUAL Pigskin Pool Party (Ron's College Football Bowl Season Pool) shortly.
- Key games this week:
- Monday:
- SOUTH TEXAS SHOWDOWN HomeAway on-campus
-(@TexasA&MCC-TXRGValley[TX];
Mon: @TXRGValley-TexasA&MCC[TX]),
- Monday-Tuesday:
- [D]BLUE HEN INVITATIONAL RndRob2 @ NewarkDE/Delaware/
-(UNCGreensboro, LouisianaTech, @Delaware),
- Monday-Wednesday:
- BIG 10[5-12;2]/ACC[12-5;2] CHALLENGE on-campus<
[Wake Forest does not play.]
-(Mon: @Clemson-Nebraska; @BostonCol-Minnesota;
Tue: @Duke-Indiana, MichiganSt-@Louisville, @Iowa-Pittsburgh, VirginiaTech-@PennSt, NCState-@Wisconsin, @NotreDame-Illinois;
Wed: Virginia-@Maryland, @OhioSt-Syracuse, @Michigan-NCarolina, @FloridaSt-Purdue, @MiamiFL-Rutgers, @Northwestern-GeorgiaTech),
- Tuesday:
- @SacredHeart-
Hartford(CT)(CT6),
[V]COMMODORE CLASSIC RndRob2,4 on-campus; Cons RndRob2 @ LynchburgVA/Liberty/
-(@Vanderbilt, KentSt;
Cons: @Liberty, SavannahSt, AlcornSt),
[P]TIGER-THANKSGIVING CLASSIC RndRob3 @ StocktonCA/Pacific/
-(@Pacific, UCRiverside, Elon, AbileneChristian),
- Tuesday-Wednesday, Saturday:
- MVC[1-3;3]/MWC[3-1;3] CHALLENGE on-campus
[;Fresno State does not play.]
-(Tue: Nevada-@LoyolaIL, @ColoradoSt-SoIllinois, @Drake-BoiseSt;
Wed: @Evansville-Wyoming, @SanJoseSt-IndianaSt, @AirForce-MissouriSt, @UNLV-Valparaiso, @UtahSt-NoIowa;
Sat: @Bradley-NewMexico, @IllinoisSt-SanDiegoSt),
- Tuesday-Saturday:
- [NCS]WOLFPACK CLASSIC RndRob4 on-campus
-(@NCState, NTexas, Mercer, Maine, StPeters, EaShore),
[I]VANDAL-HOLIDAY CLASSIC RndRob2 @ BoiseID/Idaho/
-(UCSantaBarbara, @Idaho, PortlandSt, {NW Nazarene}),
- Tuesday-Sat 22 Dec:
- (new)BIG SKY[0-0]/SUMMIT[0-0] CHALLENGE on-campus - - SUMMIT leads 1-0
[Idaho State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State, Sacramento State, Southern Utah and Weber State all do not play;
Denver, Oral Roberts, Purdue-Ft. Wayne, South Dakota and Western Illinois all do not play.]
-(@Omaha-MontanaSt;
Tue: @MontanaSt-NDakota;
Sat: @NDakota-Idaho;
Sat week: @NDState-EaWashington;
Sat 15 Dec: @Idaho-Omaha;
Mon 17 Dec: @Montana-NDState;
Tue 18 Dec: @EaWashington-SDState;
Sat 22 Dec: @SDState-Montana),
- Wednesday:
- @Creighton-
Montana, @WVirginia-Rider, @IUPUI-Bradley, @RhodeIsland-Brown(RI), @StBonaventure-Canisius(NY)(BIG4), @UTEP-NewMexicoSt, @CArkansas-LittleRock(AR),
LAS VEGAS-B-THANKSGIVING INVITATIONAL 2x4 3rd/Semis @ LasVegasNV/ORLEANS/; RndRob2,4 on-campus
-(A: MichiganSt, UCLA; LAMonroe, Presbyterian;
B: NCarolina, Texas; TennesseeTech,StFrancisPA; TheCitadel),
- Wednesday, Saturday:
- ELGIN BAYLOR CLASSIC RndRob3 @ SeattleWA/Seattle/; WarmUp1 on-campus
-(@Seattle, Fairfield, Longwood, Denver),
- Thursday:
- @UCF-Alabama, @UCRiverside-{CalBaptist}(RiversideCA),
BATTLE OF THE BAY 1Off on-campus
-(@NorfolkSt-Hampton[VA]),
- Thursday-Saturday:
- HALL OF FAME-B-BELFAST CLASSIC 2x4 3rd/Semis @ BelfastNORTHERN_IRELAND
-(A: Buffalo, Milwaukee; Albany, LongIsland;
B: SanFrancisco,StephenFAustin; Dartmouth, Marist),
- Friday:
- @Iowa-Wisconsin, @Texas-
Radford,
(new)MINNEAPOLIS-A STADIUM CLASSIC 1Off @ MinneapolisMN /US BANK/
-(@Minnesota-OklahomaSt),
THE CITY GAME 1Off @ PittsburghPA /PPG/
-(@Pittsburgh-@Duquesne[PittsburghPA]),
- Saturday:
- @Kansas-
Stanford, KansasSt-@Marquette, @Michigan-Purdue, @Kentucky-UNCGreensboro, @Maryland-PennSt, Villanova-@LaSalle(PhildadelphiaPA)(BIG5)(/PALESTRA/), Oregon-@Houston, @LSU-GramblingSt(LA),
@ILChicago-LoyolaIL(ChicagoIL), @Providence-RhodeIsland(RI), @StJosephs-Temple(PhiladelphiaPA)(BIG5), @WeberSt-BYU(UT), @SIUEdwardsville-SoIllinois(IL), @NCCentral-McNeese,
JESUIT BASKETBALL CLASSIC 1Off on-campus
-(Gonzaga-@Creighton),
HALL OF FAME-B-MIAMI-INVITATIONAL QuadHdr @ MiamiFL
-(NCState-Vanderbilt, StJohns-GeorgiaTech, Memphis-TexasTech, @MiamiFL-Yale),
(new)MINNEAPOLIS-B STADIUM MVC[0-0]/SUMMIT[0-0] CLASSIC DblHdr @ MinneapolisMN /US BANK/
-(Drake-NDState, NoIowa-SDState),
BROOKLYN-A NIT SEASON TIP-OFF 2x4 3rd/Semis @ BrooklynNY/BARCLAYS/; RndRob2,4 on-campus
-(A: Kansas, Marquette; Vermont, BethuneCookman;
B: Tennessee, Louisville; Louisiana, Southern),
- Saturday-Thu 20 Dec:
- (new)WAC[0-0]/SUMMIT[0-0] CHALLENGE on-campus - - WAC leads 2-1
-(@SDState-GrandCanyon, @NewMexicoSt-NDState;
@OralRoberts-{CalBaptist};
Sat: @UTValley-Denver, @SDakota-CalStBakersfield, @PurdueFW-MOKansasCity;
Wed week: @TXRGValley-NDakota;
Thu week: @Seattle-Omaha;
Thu 20 Dec: @WeIllinois-ChicagoSt),
- Sunday:
- @OhioSt-Minnesota, @UCLA-LoyolaMarymount(LosAngelesCA), @Washington-UCSantaBarbara,
- - - - - - -
- Monday week:
- Monday week:
- @MichiganSt-Iowa, @CoppinSt-MDBaltimoreCo(BaltimoreMD).
Top 25 - 18 Nov26 - [] Column
- Gonzaga (6-0) [v3:MAUI]
- Kansas (5-0) (@@CHAMPS) [2v2:NIT.T-O]
- Virginia (6-0) [v3:ATLANTIS]
- Duke (5-1) (@@CHAMPS)
- Nevada (5-0) [2v2:LV-HOLDAY]
- Kansas State (6-0) [v3:PARADISE]
- Michigan State (5-1) [2v2:LVI-THANX]
- Ohio State (6-0) [4rrvOS/BUCKEYE]
- Arizona State (5-0) [2v2:LV-MAIN]
- Michigan (6-0) (@BIG.E) [2v2:HOF-CT TO]
- Iowa (5-0) [2v2:2K.EMPIRE]
- Virginia Tech (5-0) [3:CHARLESTON]
- Buffalo (5-0)
- Kentucky (5-1) [4rrvOHIO.VAL]
- Maryland (6-0) [4rrvM/TERRAPIN]
- North Carolina State (6-0) [.54rrvNCS/WOLFPACK]
- Furman (4-0)
- Texas (5-1)
- Villanova (5-2) [v3:A/ORLANDO]
- Creighton (5-1) [v3:CAYMAN]
- Florida State (5-1)
- North Carolina (6-1)
- Oregon (4-1)
- Auburn (4-1)
- Tennessee (3-1)
- Honorable Mention:
- Oklahoma State (4-2),
Toledo(4-1) [3:GULF.CST],
Minnesota (5-0) [3rr:n/VANCOUVER],
Boston College (4-1) [2v2:n/FT.MYERS],
Bradley (5-1) [2v2:CANCUN],
Pittsburgh (5-0) [:2rrvBRK-C-THANX],
Seton Hall (4-2) [3:WOODEN],
Texas Tech (6-0) [2v2:CBE],
Cincinnati (5-1) [2v2:EMERALD],
Radford(3-1)/Duquesne (4-1) [4rrvGOTHAM],
Loyola Marymount (6-0) [2v2:JAMAICA],
Houston (4-0) [4rr@BY/COUGAR],
Texas State (4-1) [3rr@P/PILOT],
Abilene Christian (5-0) [3rr@P/TIGER],
UNC-Greensboro(5-1) [2rr@BLUE.HEN],
Maryland-Baltimore County (3-3)/High Point (3-3) [3rr:n/BIMIMI],
Colgate (4-2)/Cornell (2-3)/New Jersey Tech (5-1) [3rrvC.NY],
UC-Santa Barbara (4-1) [2rr@I/VANDAL],
Northern Illinois (2-2) [3rr@O/GRIZZLY],
Jacksonville (2-5)/Southeast Missouri (2-3) [3rr@SA/J:UNGAR],
Utah Valley (3-3) [2:LV-MAINcons],
North Texas (5-0) [.53rrvNCS/WOLFPACK],
UNC-Wilmington (2-4)/Eastern Illinois (3-3) [3rr:n/BLUE.RIDGE],
IUPUI (4-2) [2@n/FT.MYERScons].
posted by Ron @ Thursday, January 24, 2019
