Saturday Recap

Here's a little recap of the best Saturday of hoops so far.

Good wins

Memphis 85, Georgetown 71- The Tigers validated their number one ranking by yours truly and pounded the Hoyas. Anytime Memphis gets above 75 points, the other team usually doesn't have much of a chance. In a game like this where the two teams play totally different styles it was especially true. When a stout defensive team like Georgetown is giving up 85 points, you know the game was a track meet. Unfortunately for Georgetown, that is not their style. This win will go a long way in Memphis' quest for a number one seed.

Providence 101, Florida State 95- A high scoring game ended up in a good win for the reeling Friars. Playing without Sharaud Curry, Providence has struggled mightily of late and badly needed a win over a decent opponent. While FSU certainly isn't a world beater, the Seminoles provided Providence with that opportunity. This game could have bubble implications come March, although I don't think Florida State will be in the NCAA discussion.

Tennessee 82, Xavier 75- Tennessee, even though they came into the game at 10-1, was lacking in the quality win department having only defeated West Virginia by two points on a neutral floor. Xavier is a very tough place to play and the Vols came out of there with a W. Even though Xavier is struggling a bit right now, this is a solid win for Bruce Pearl and company.

Nevada 55, Northern Iowa 52- Nevada needed this badly if they are to have any chance at an at-large bid (which I still think is a long shot). Northern Iowa is an extremely tough place to play and the Wolf Pack should feel very fortunate to escape with a win. They will travel to North Carolina on Thursday night and while I don't think they'll win, that is an opportunity to pick up another quality win that will certainly turn heads.

Ohio State 62, Florida 49- Thad Matta's Buckeyes pounded the defending champs in a rematch of last year's title game. Florida, while they were 11-1, was grossly overrated coming into the game. However, this is a game that Ohio State had to have in order to prevent dropping to 7-4. They took care of business at home and are now 8-3.

Mississippi 85, Clemson 82- It's time to take Andy Kennedy's team seriously as the Rebels won the San Juan Shootout with this stunner over Clemson. Ole Miss hadn't played anyone of note so far, but to their credit they did win all of their games. The win over Clemson changes things and I would not be surprised to see this team ranked (or at least get a lot of votes) come Monday. They should enter SEC play at 13-0. The early part of their SEC schedule is favorable, but winning the first conference game at Tennessee will really put them on the map if the Clemson game hasn't already.

Michigan State 78, Texas 72- Tom Izzo's team controlled this game from about the six minute mark in the first half all the way until the final buzzer. Texas came out strong, but MSU was more physical and pretty much dominated the rest of the game. A.J. Abrams' flurry of three pointers in the final minute made the game appear closer than it was. A great win for seeding purposes come tournament time.

Illinois 59, Missouri 58- The Illini won the Busch Braggin' Rights game for the eighth straight season by making Missouri play their game. Mike Anderson's team loves to get the score into the 70s and 80s, while Illinois prefers a 50s and 60s type game. Illinois prevented dropping to 6-5 and got a quality win over a decent Missouri team at the same time. A nice way to rebound after a bad home loss to Miami (Ohio) on Thursday night. Another positive for the Illini was winning a close game, something they've struggled with over the past few seasons.

Please explain (AKA bad losses)

Appalachian State 74, Arkansas 67- I thought Arkansas was better than this. Obviously not. The Razorbacks better hope this loss doesn't come back to haunt them on Selection Sunday.

American 67, Maryland 59- The Terps are in a tailspin and dare I say it might be time for Gary Williams to retire? He doesn't graduate players and his teams haven't met expectations for the past few seasons.

Utah 67, California 65- I could easily have put this game in the good wins category for Utah, but I felt the Utes were a team California should have beaten. Cal has hit the skids after a hot 6-0 start.

Oakland 68, Oregon 62- This one is simply inexplicable, especially since it was a homecoming game for Malik Hairston and Tajuan Porter. Maybe Oregon isn't as good as we thought?

Iowa State 83, Purdue 80- The Boilers drop to 7-4 after this defeat. Not a good way to end the week for Matt Painter's young team after losing to Wofford on Wednesday.

Wackiest game of the day:

Seton Hall 112, James Madison 110 (OT)- I was at this game so I know a little more about it than most folks but trust me, it was crazy. The Pirates went to overtime for the fourth time in ten games (they are 3-1), all against teams they should be having an easier time with (Monmouth, Robert Morris, Penn State, and James Madison). James Madison came out hot and threw the Pirates to the deck right away. The Hall cut it to 10 at the half, but JMU opened the 2nd half with a 14-5 run to take a 54-35 lead. Seton Hall cut the lead down to five at one point, but the Dukes answered with a 9-0 run of their own to push the lead back up to 14. James Madison led by 12 with five minutes to play, 11 with four minutes left, and 13 with three minutes to go. Still, JMU led by 9 points with only two minutes left in regulation and with 1:17 to go as the teams traded a couple baskets. Over the final 1:17, Seton Hall went on a 13-4 run to force the extra session as James Madison self-destructed against the relentless SHU pressure defense. Paul Gause forced four steals (three of which were turned right back over to JMU) over the final 1:17, but James Madison threw the ball out of bounds and got called for a few walks. This enabled the Pirates to get within four on a Jamar Nutter three pointer with a minute to play. JMU made two free throws to push the lead back to 6 with 30 seconds left. Eugene Harvey was inexplicably fouled and knocked down two foul shots to get the Hall within four. James Madison turned the ball back over (one of their 33 turnovers) and Harvey made an uncontested layup to cut the lead to two. Still, Seton Hall was forced to foul. Terrance Carter made two free throws for the Dukes, who now led by four with 11 seconds to play. Again, Harvey made an uncontested layup to cut the lead back to two. This time James Madison inbounded the ball and it was knocked loose. There was a scrum and finally the ball went out of bounds off a JMU player. Seton Hall inbounded and pushed it right to the basket as Jamar Nutter made the game tying layup with 6 seconds left. Still, JMU had a chance to win it as freshman Ben Louis missed a wide open shot from the corner as the buzzer sounded. Seton Hall took control in overtime only to see JMU come right back and actually have a chance to win it on the final possession. Pierre Curtis missed a floater in the lane and the rebound was secured by Paul Gause for the Pirates. It was the wackiest game I have ever been to and certainly one of the strangest I've ever witnessed whether it be on TV or in person.