The Alley - Oop

March is going to be so much more exciting this year than it was last year. Last year, Mason and UNC had no hopes of accomplishing anything but it is a completely different story this year. If Mason can beat Northern Iowa Saturday night, unless the coaches and writers are complete morons, then Mason will be ranked in the Top 25 in both polls. North Carolina just keeps on winning, and every game left in their season is winnable, including when they get their rematch with Duke at home. These are exciting times to be a Tar Heels and Patriots fan. Also, college basketball is wide open this year, with no one team standing out amongst the rest. Undefeated Ohio State fell to Wisconsin last weekend, and then new number one Kansas was destroyed by Kansas State. The winner of the bracket pool this year will probably be that girl that picks her favorite teams based on which places she has visited. It is just that type of season.

Saturday

Boston College (16-9, 6-5) at #19 North Carolina (19-6, 9-2)

These teams met a few weeks ago and the Tar Heels absolutely blew out Boston College at Chestnut Hill, 106-74. Harrison Barnes had his best game of the season, and Reggie Bullock came off the bench to torch the Eagles for 16 points. The Eagles are trying to play their way into the NCAA Tournament bubble and a win at North Carolina would be a huge boost. G Reggie Jackson is the Eagles best player and is coming off a 31-point performance in a win against Maryland last weekend. F Joe Trapani can score and rebound, and F Corey Raji is also a presence on the glass. However, other than that the Eagles are very weak on the boards, while Carolina is first in the nation in rebounding. That is a major reason the Heels blew out Boston College the first time. As long as Carolina is focused and ready to play, they should have no problems knocking off BC.

Prediction: North Carolina 81, Boston College 67

George Mason (22-5) at Northern Iowa (19-9)

It's Bracketbusters! With Mason on a school record 12 game winning streak, many people want to draw parallels between this year's team and the 2006 team that made a Final Four run. That 2006 team was propelled into the NCAA Tournament by beating Wichita State on the road in Bracketbusters. There won't be any similarities this season, as a win in this game really does nothing for Mason, while a loss could be potentially hurtful. I was hoping we would draw St. Mary's but the committee paired us with the Panthers, who have gone just 2-3 since the game was announced and seen their RPI dip into the 70s. Looking at the Panthers stats I am not even sure how they are 19-9, they aren't particularly good at anything. They only average 63 points per game, they are 332nd in the nation in rebounding, 324th in assists, and 202nd in field goal percentage. The only thing that will give them any chance in this game is the home court advantage. G Kwadzo Ahelegbe leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.9 ppg. Second on the team in scoring is their other G Anthony James. Mason is considered undersized but that won't be an issue against the Panthers, whose leading rebounder is just 6'6. If Mason can jump on the Panthers early, like they did against VCU, and knock the crowd out of the game this could be a laugher. Mason is so well balanced, dangerous both offensively and defensively. I think the Panthers can hang around for a bit, but Mason is just too good. Man that feels good to type.

Prediction: George Mason 75, Northern Iowa 64

Colorado (16-10, 5-6) at #1 Kansas (24-2, 9-2)

Kansas won't be #1 come Monday, after getting shellacked by Kansas State. This won't be an easy turnaround game either, as the Buffaloes have been giving teams in the Big 12 fits all season. Colorado has lost six of seven to fall out of NCAA Tournament discussion, but they haven't been blown out in those losses. They pushed Kansas hard in their first meeting, and I think they will give the Jayhawks some trouble in this one.

Prediction: Kansas 84, Colorado 76

#2 Texas (23-3, 11-0) at Nebraska (17-8, 5-6)

If Texas can win in Lincoln then they will be the new number one team in the nation. Since losing to Connecticut a month ago, Texas has steamrolled through the Big 12. Jordan Hamilton is a beast and should be in the conversation for Player of the Year.

Prediction: Texas 74, Nebraska 63

#4 Pittsburgh (24-2, 12-1) at St. John's (16-9, 8-5)

Very dangerous game for the Panthers as St. John's has made a living off of beating strong teams at home this year. They haven't just beaten them, they have blown them out. Sensational G Dwight Hardy has been the major reason why. I think the Johnnies pull off another upset.

Prediction: St. John's 71, Pittsburgh 67

#6 San Diego State (26-1, 11-1) at Air Force (13-11, 4-7)

Not much to say about this game, waiting for San Diego State to play someone.

Prediction: San Diego State 74, Air Force 64

#7 Notre Dame (21-4, 10-3) at West Virginia (16-9, 7-6)

The Mountaineers are squarely on the bubble and a win against Notre Dame might get them off of the bubble and into the Big Dance. The Mountaineers are a much better home team than road team, but the Irish have proven capable of winning in tough environments. Really tough game to call, but I will take a risk and call for the upset.

Prediction: West Virginia 71, Notre Dame 70

#8 BYU (24-2, 10-1) at TCU (10-17, 1-11)

TCU basketball is nothing like TCU football. Oh, and JIMMER!!!!!!

Prediction: BYU 87, TCU 71

#9 Georgetown (20-6, 9-5) at South Florida (8-19, 2-12)

The Hoyas winning streak came to an end at the hands of Kemba Walker on Wednesday, but a trip to South Florida should get them right back on track. Expect G Austin Freeman to have a big game.

Prediction: Georgetown 68, South Florida 54

Sunday

#3 Ohio State (25-1, 12-1) at #11 Purdue (21-5, 10-3)

Purdue just knocked off Wisconsin, who last weekend knocked off Ohio State. The Buckeyes blasted the Boilermakers when they met in Columbus, but things should be much closer in West Lafayette. JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore do just about everything for Purdue. If those two are both on then the Buckeyes may be looking at another loss. I was one of the few to pick the Buckeyes at Madison last week and they burned me, but I will take a chance and pick them again.

Prediction: Ohio State 69, Purdue 66

Georgia Tech (11-14, 3-8) at #5 Duke (24-2, 11-1)

Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt has to be done after this season, right? I mean how many poor seasons can a trip to a national title game where you got stomped buy you? The better question is, how the hell did North Carolina get killed by this team?

Prediction: Duke 84, Georgia Tech 66

Penn State (14-11, 7-7) at #10 Wisconsin (19-6, 9-4)

The Badgers couldn't keep their momentum going from their win against Ohio State, suffering a tough road loss to Purdue. Penn State is no push over, and already beat Wisconsin once this season. Feels like G Talor Battle has been there forever, and I still have nightmares of him hitting a three at the buzzer to send their NIT game against Mason to overtime. I think Badgers G Jordan Taylor, who carried the Badgers from behind against Ohio State, will be the difference.

Prediction: Wisconsin 67, Penn State 58

Last Week: 9-2
Overall: 9-2