Around the Top 25: Wednesday’s Results

–UPSET–Southern Illinois 65, No. 14 Drake 62

On all that is good and holy I swear to you that yesterday I almost submitted a "Will Drake Fall Tonight to Southern Illinois?” post.  I decided against it because I'd posted so much already.  Just got a little lazy.  Apologies. 

Leave it up to So. Ill., a team that has underachieved all year but still has the weapons, to win the MVC  tournament.  Drake’s 21-game winning streak is now kaput.

–UPSET–Texas Tech 84, No. 18 Kansas State 75

Little Knight secures career win number one.  It’s just incredible, he seems so much more likable than Papa. 

This loss will probably be a non-factor for K-State in every sense except Big XII standings.

No. 15 Wisconsin 68, No. 13 Indiana 66

Brian Butch launched a huge three off the glass to win the game for Wisky. 

I really feel for the IU kids, like D.J. White, who had nothing to do with this garbage, but had to face (rightfully) questions from the media.  If I had been able to see this game (damn you, Big Ten Network) I’m not even sure I even would’ve been able to tell which team was really better. 

And I don't think you can hold IU totally responsible for the loss.  Why?  I saw the highlights and the box score and it seemed like the Hoosiers rallied, instead of retracting.

No. 20 Notre Dame 84, No. 17 Connecticut 78

I couldn’t even watch this game in my own state.  Good matchup between Harongody (32 and 16) and Thabeet (10 rebounds, six blocks).  A.J. Price supplied a career-best of 26 points (and added nine dimes) to up UConn’s winning streak to eight. The Huskies had only eight turnovers to boot.  Maybe they really are improving.

No. 1 Memphis 68, Houston 59

To everyone who thought that Houston might’ve had a puncher’s chance, well, sorry.  The Tigers' 32-to-2 advantage from the free throw line kept them undefeated.

No. 2 Duke 77, Maryland 65

Random trivia: Can you tell me who handed Duke their only loss this season?  No, don’t look it up.  You'll find the answer at the end of this post.

Duke has five players averaging double figures and they could, much to your chagrin, make it to San Antonio this season.

No. 4 Tennessee 93, Arkansas 71

JaJuan Smith is getting better every week.  He scored 32 points and didn’t miss a three-point attempt, going six for six. 

I suppose my vision of Arkansas' talent is clouded at times; they really do have games like these.  Anyway, their 40 percent shooting night was doomed to end in a loss.  The Vols really had it going from behind the arc, and I think when they play like that only Duke and Memphis are capable of beating them.

No. 12 Xavier 62, Charlotte 60

The Niners needed this one, but failed as Xavier crept up to the win. 

It’s pretty incredible that Xavier is able to get these over and over.  No, it’s not luck—they’re just that tight as a team.  Josh Duncan hit a huge three-pointer with 16 seconds to go, giving the Muskies the lead and the win.  After mauling opponents a few weeks back, Xavier has now defeated its past three opponents by four points or less.

Notable

Alabama 76, Mississippi 67. I…I just don’t get it.  The Rebels are 3-6 in the SEC and showing their Hyde side more and more.

La Salle 87, N.J.I.T 65. 0-26 for the Highlanders.  There can only be one!

Temple 92, Rhode Island 89 (OT).  The Rams are starting to slip a little here.  Look for them in the "Dancing on the Bubble" post later today.

Oklahoma State 93, Baylor 83.  I’d hate to see the Bears throw away their Tournament opportunities this year.

Louisiana State 85, Florida 73.  The baby Gators come back down to earth.  LSU shoots better than 60 percent.  That’s especially impressive when you crack 80 points.

Duquesne 63, Dayton 61.  The plot thickens.

Davidson 83, UNC-Greensboro 78.  The plot thickens some more.

*Duke was beaten by Pittsburgh 65-54 in an overtime game at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 20.