So far Big 12 and Pac-10 looking good
How about a salute for the Big 12 and Pac-10?
My friends, these conferences have heard plenty about the Big East and ACC. Early on in the big dance, the Big 12 and Pac-10 have sent their share of messages.
Think about this: the Big 12 is a perfect 6-0! Kansas survived a scare against a tough, veteran North Dakota State squad. Texas got past Tubby Smith and Minnesota. Texas A&M raced to a big lead en route to a victory over BYU. Oklahoma took out Morgan State easily. Missouri had a first-half scare from Cornell but pulled away. Oklahoma State edged Tennessee in a thriller.
The Pac-10 had five of its six participants in the NCAA tournament advance past round one. UCLA held on against Virginia Commonwealth. Arizona proved it belonged in the big dance by beating Utah. For the record, I questioned whether the Wildcats belonged because of a .500 record in league and five losses in its last six games prior to the NCAA. That said, I predicted Arizona would beat Utah.
Arizona State beat Temple despite the fact All-America James Harden made just one field goal against the Owls. Washington had an impressive performance against SEC tournament champion Mississippi State. USC saw Taj Gibson hit all 10 of his field goal attempts in a win over Boston College. Only California was sent home packing, losing to Maryland.
Both leagues will see their members tested in the second round. If UCLA can beat Villanova at Philadelphia, that would send a real alert to the basketball world. Washington has a challenge against a tough Purdue squad. Arizona State meets Jonny Flynn and Syracuse.
Oklahoma State has a coach whose stock is rising in Travis Ford. Can the Cowboys pull off shock city in round two against Pittsburgh? Texas has an uphill battle against Duke. Texas A&M faces a Connecticut team that will have Jim Calhoun back on the sidelines. Missouri and Marquette should be a physical match-up.
My friends, there is nothing like March Madness. It is the best three-week period in all of sports. For the Big 12 and Pac-10, the beginning of the tournament has been a blast, baby!
