College Basketball: Winners and Losers From Wednesday Night (Feb. 24)

Just a typical late February weekday in the world of college basketball…

Implications begin to rise with each passing night. Who made the best of it? Who couldn’t take advantage?

Winners:

Notre Dame (18-10, 7-8): They needed a win, they got a win, and they did it without their best player. Luke Harangody did not play, but the Fighting Irish got a win at home over No. 16 Pittsburgh, and in pretty convincing fashion, 68-53.

Cincinnati (16-11, 7-8): A loss to DePaul would have crippled them. They survived at home and for now stay afloat in a push for the NCAA Tournament.

Charlotte (19-8, 9-4): They need to make a statement down the stretch to get back in the NCAA Tournament discussion. A 37 point victory over St. Joseph’s is a start.

LSU (10-17, 1-12): They beat Arkansas at home, 65-54, and finally got their first SEC win.

Stony Brook (21-7, 13-2): They took care of Vermont to clinch the America East regular season title.

Texas (22-6, 8-5): The Longhorns won at home over Oklahoma State. Tonight they are winners, despite their recent struggles.

Losers:

Virginia Tech (21-6, 8-5): They fell into the trap and couldn’t beat Boston College in Chestnut Hill. After their loss to Duke on Sunday, they ride a two-game losing streak and now prepare for a test with Maryland on Saturday.

San Diego State (20-8, 9-5): They had an opportunity to get a big win at BYU and couldn’t do it. They lost 82-68.

Arkansas (14-14, 7-6): They led the SEC West and handed LSU their first win in SEC play. This just goes to show how weak that side of the conference is.

Saint Louis (18-9, 9-4): They had Xavier at home and a real opportunity to put the pressure on the top of the Atlantic 10. They lost 73 to 71.

Wichita State (22-8, 11-6): They lost on the road at Bradley, their sixth loss in the MVC. They have to win the conference tournament if they want to dance.