Sweet Tea in the Big South
Monday, February 16
Coastal Carolina - 65
Radford - 59
Coastal Carolina led 4-2. They wouldn't lead again until there was less than 6 minutes remaining. After having trailed by as many as 8 in the 2nd half, the Chanticleers chipped away until Josh Cameron's 3 pointer put them up 53-52. Radford did not give in easily and retook the lead. They were up 59-57 when Warren Gillis put Coastal Carolina on his back. He hit a jumper to tie the game at 59. He hit another jumper to put his team up 61-59. He made two free throws to extend the cushion to 4. At that point, the game was essentially over, but Gillis added two more free throws for good measure. All told, he scored the final 8 points of the game and gave the Chanticleers a much needed victory in the Big South. The win brings them into a tie with Radford for second place, a game behind first in the loss column. Coastal Carolina benefited from 19 points and 11 rebounds from Badou Diange who was a perfect 4 for 4 from 3. Javonte Green led Radford with 18 points.
Wednesday, February 18
High Point - 83
Gardner-Webb - 62
The logjam at the top of the Big South standings is starting to clear out. That was never more apparent than on Wednesday night. High Point, now tied for first place with just 1 other team, handled Gardner-Webb easily, who is now at the bottom of the pack of teams who once all stood tied together and in 7th place in the conference. Gardner-Webb jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but when they went down 12-9 in the opening minutes of the game, it would be for good. High Point led by 12 at halftime and were never threatened in the 2nd half on their way to their 20th win of the year. They were led by Lorenzo Cugini's 19 points and 7 rebounds. High Point is now tied for first with just Charleston Southern, who the Panthers play in their regular season finale on February 28.
High Point - 83
Gardner-Webb - 62
The logjam at the top of the Big South standings is starting to clear out. That was never more apparent than on Wednesday night. High Point, now tied for first place with just 1 other team, handled Gardner-Webb easily, who is now at the bottom of the pack of teams who once all stood tied together and in 7th place in the conference. Gardner-Webb jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but when they went down 12-9 in the opening minutes of the game, it would be for good. High Point led by 12 at halftime and were never threatened in the 2nd half on their way to their 20th win of the year. They were led by Lorenzo Cugini's 19 points and 7 rebounds. High Point is now tied for first with just Charleston Southern, who the Panthers play in their regular season finale on February 28.
Wednesday, February 18
Winthrop - 91
UNC Asheville - 70
The dust settles a little more in the crowded Big South. Winthrop got their 4th win in 5 tries to stay within a game of 1st, while UNC Asheville dropped their 2nd in a row to fall into 6th place. Such is life in the Big South. Had UNC Asheville won the game, they would be just a game out of first. As it stands, though, they're in 6th place and not likely to win the regular season title. They still face Radford and High Point, neither of which will be easy games. Winthrop, on the other hand, looks to be in great shape. The combined conference record of their remaining opponents is 12-32. They will need help to win the regular season, but if they win out it will certainly put pressure on the leaders.
Winthrop - 91
UNC Asheville - 70
The dust settles a little more in the crowded Big South. Winthrop got their 4th win in 5 tries to stay within a game of 1st, while UNC Asheville dropped their 2nd in a row to fall into 6th place. Such is life in the Big South. Had UNC Asheville won the game, they would be just a game out of first. As it stands, though, they're in 6th place and not likely to win the regular season title. They still face Radford and High Point, neither of which will be easy games. Winthrop, on the other hand, looks to be in great shape. The combined conference record of their remaining opponents is 12-32. They will need help to win the regular season, but if they win out it will certainly put pressure on the leaders.
Return of the MAC
Wednesday, February 18
Toledo - 68
Akron - 66
The MAC got no easier to decipher on Wednesday night. Bowling Green was looking like the class of the league having won 6 of 7. They were sitting alone in first place in the MAC East and were the only MAC team with just 3 conference losses. On Wednesday night, though, they lost a shocker at home to Miami (OH). And so the race continues. Toledo and Akron are both teams who are in the thick of it, and they played like the evenly matched teams they are on Wednesday. Toledo was up by 2 points at halftime and led by no more than 6 points in the 2nd half. The score was tied at 66 with 3:22 seconds left to play, and the score would remain 66-66 until there was 2 seconds in the game. That's when Julius Brown hit a step-back jumper to give the Rockets back the lead. Kwam Cheatham Jr. missed a last second shot for Akron, and the game was over. The Zips have now lost 2 in a row after getting big back-to-back victories over Buffalo and Kent St. They are still just a game back in the MAC East standings. Toledo remains in a tie for 1st in the MAC West and can circle March 3 on their calendars. That's when they will travel to Mount Pleasant to take on Central Michigan in a game that could determine the MAC West champion.
Toledo - 68
Akron - 66
The MAC got no easier to decipher on Wednesday night. Bowling Green was looking like the class of the league having won 6 of 7. They were sitting alone in first place in the MAC East and were the only MAC team with just 3 conference losses. On Wednesday night, though, they lost a shocker at home to Miami (OH). And so the race continues. Toledo and Akron are both teams who are in the thick of it, and they played like the evenly matched teams they are on Wednesday. Toledo was up by 2 points at halftime and led by no more than 6 points in the 2nd half. The score was tied at 66 with 3:22 seconds left to play, and the score would remain 66-66 until there was 2 seconds in the game. That's when Julius Brown hit a step-back jumper to give the Rockets back the lead. Kwam Cheatham Jr. missed a last second shot for Akron, and the game was over. The Zips have now lost 2 in a row after getting big back-to-back victories over Buffalo and Kent St. They are still just a game back in the MAC East standings. Toledo remains in a tie for 1st in the MAC West and can circle March 3 on their calendars. That's when they will travel to Mount Pleasant to take on Central Michigan in a game that could determine the MAC West champion.
A-10 Out of 10
Wednesday, February 18
Davidson - 65
George Washington - 63
The George Washington slide continues. After their loss to Davidson on Wednesday night, the Colonials have now lost 5 out of 6 games. It has been a brutal stretch, to be sure. In those 6 games, GW has played VCU twice, at Rhode Island, Dayton, and Davidson. Even so, a 1-5 record in those games will not get to the NCAA Tournament. Joe Lunardi doesn't even have GW listed in his Next Four Out on his latest bracketology. Davidson is listed as the top Next Four Out team, and it is clear the Wildcats are playing better basketball right now. They have won 4 in a row and are one game out of 1st place in the crowded upper half of the A-10. They get a gimme game next against Fordham, but then the real test comes. In back-to-back-to-back games they play at Rhode Island, George Washington, and VCU. If they can win 2 of 3 in that stretch, they might be dancing.
As for the game on Wednesday night, it didn't always look so good for Davidson. They were down 8 at halftime, but scored the first 10 points of the 2nd half to go ahead. George Washington would end the run, but another Davidson bucket put them up for good. Jordan Barham had 15 points and Tyler Kalinoski had 11 and 10 rebounds to lead the way for the Wildcats who are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last year.
Davidson - 65
George Washington - 63
The George Washington slide continues. After their loss to Davidson on Wednesday night, the Colonials have now lost 5 out of 6 games. It has been a brutal stretch, to be sure. In those 6 games, GW has played VCU twice, at Rhode Island, Dayton, and Davidson. Even so, a 1-5 record in those games will not get to the NCAA Tournament. Joe Lunardi doesn't even have GW listed in his Next Four Out on his latest bracketology. Davidson is listed as the top Next Four Out team, and it is clear the Wildcats are playing better basketball right now. They have won 4 in a row and are one game out of 1st place in the crowded upper half of the A-10. They get a gimme game next against Fordham, but then the real test comes. In back-to-back-to-back games they play at Rhode Island, George Washington, and VCU. If they can win 2 of 3 in that stretch, they might be dancing.
As for the game on Wednesday night, it didn't always look so good for Davidson. They were down 8 at halftime, but scored the first 10 points of the 2nd half to go ahead. George Washington would end the run, but another Davidson bucket put them up for good. Jordan Barham had 15 points and Tyler Kalinoski had 11 and 10 rebounds to lead the way for the Wildcats who are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last year.
Wednesday, February 18
Rhode Island - 75
UMass - 59
Rhode Island may be the surprise of the A-10 this season, and their drubbing of UMass on Wednesday night may be one of the most surprising results of the season. UMass had won 6 in a row to get themselves back into bubble contention. They hold wins over Iona, Dayton, and Rhode Island and were listed as a Next Four Out team in Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology. They improved their bubble status over the last several weeks, as the graphic below shows. How, then, do they get trounced by 16 in what was a very important game for the Minutemen? Perhaps they were looking ahead to their now-even-bigger Saturday matchup in Richmond against VCU. Or maybe surprising Rhode Island is just that good. The Rams remain tied for first place in the A-10 and are getting amazing production from their underclassmen. Four of their top 5 scorers are Sophomores or Freshman. That held true on Wednesday night as well - their 4 leading scorers were all underclassmen. It was only the 7th game all season in which the Rams scored 75 or more points. They're a perfect 7-0 in those games. Rhode Island is still on the outside looking in as far as tournament contention is concerned, but they still have big games left against Davidson and Dayton before the A-10 Tournament. Those are probably must-wins for the Rams if they want to dance in March.
Rhode Island - 75
UMass - 59
Rhode Island may be the surprise of the A-10 this season, and their drubbing of UMass on Wednesday night may be one of the most surprising results of the season. UMass had won 6 in a row to get themselves back into bubble contention. They hold wins over Iona, Dayton, and Rhode Island and were listed as a Next Four Out team in Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology. They improved their bubble status over the last several weeks, as the graphic below shows. How, then, do they get trounced by 16 in what was a very important game for the Minutemen? Perhaps they were looking ahead to their now-even-bigger Saturday matchup in Richmond against VCU. Or maybe surprising Rhode Island is just that good. The Rams remain tied for first place in the A-10 and are getting amazing production from their underclassmen. Four of their top 5 scorers are Sophomores or Freshman. That held true on Wednesday night as well - their 4 leading scorers were all underclassmen. It was only the 7th game all season in which the Rams scored 75 or more points. They're a perfect 7-0 in those games. Rhode Island is still on the outside looking in as far as tournament contention is concerned, but they still have big games left against Davidson and Dayton before the A-10 Tournament. Those are probably must-wins for the Rams if they want to dance in March.
I'm Feeling Very Colonial Today. Powdered Wigs for All!
Wednesday, February 18
Northeastern - 75
William & Mary - 64
There might not be any hope of an at-large bid here, but that doesn't make the CAA race any less compelling. Northeastern handed William & Mary their 2nd straight loss on Wednesday night to pull themselves into a 3-way tie for 2nd place. The top-tier teams have all played each other already, so this race is going to come down to beating the teams you should beat. If UNC Wilmington holds, they will be crowned regular season champs. If they falter, Northeastern, William & Mary, or James Madison could swoop in. Northeastern put themselves in good position with their win over the Tribe. It was a convincing victory, too. The Huskies went up 14 in the opening minutes of the 2nd half and never let William & Mary back to within single digits. They were led by David Walker's 21 points and 7 assists. Terry Tarpey and Marcus Thornton each had 17 points in the losing effort for the Tribe.
Northeastern - 75
William & Mary - 64
There might not be any hope of an at-large bid here, but that doesn't make the CAA race any less compelling. Northeastern handed William & Mary their 2nd straight loss on Wednesday night to pull themselves into a 3-way tie for 2nd place. The top-tier teams have all played each other already, so this race is going to come down to beating the teams you should beat. If UNC Wilmington holds, they will be crowned regular season champs. If they falter, Northeastern, William & Mary, or James Madison could swoop in. Northeastern put themselves in good position with their win over the Tribe. It was a convincing victory, too. The Huskies went up 14 in the opening minutes of the 2nd half and never let William & Mary back to within single digits. They were led by David Walker's 21 points and 7 assists. Terry Tarpey and Marcus Thornton each had 17 points in the losing effort for the Tribe.
Southern Basketballin'
Thursday, February 19
Chattanooga - 74
Mercer - 61
Chattanooga confirmed that they are the 2nd best team in the Southern Conference. The Mocs remain just a game behind Wofford with 3 left conference games left to play after their 13 point win over Mercer. Mercer, meanwhile, falls 3 behind and a regular season championship is looking bleak. They gave Chattanooga all they could handle for 30 minutes playing even with Chattanooga until the Mocs went on a 15-4 run to put the game away. Mercer shot just 39% for the game, while Chattanooga shot better than 53%. The Mocs got 17 points off the bench from Ronrico White and 16 points and 7 rebounds from Greg Pryor.
Chattanooga - 74
Mercer - 61
Chattanooga confirmed that they are the 2nd best team in the Southern Conference. The Mocs remain just a game behind Wofford with 3 left conference games left to play after their 13 point win over Mercer. Mercer, meanwhile, falls 3 behind and a regular season championship is looking bleak. They gave Chattanooga all they could handle for 30 minutes playing even with Chattanooga until the Mocs went on a 15-4 run to put the game away. Mercer shot just 39% for the game, while Chattanooga shot better than 53%. The Mocs got 17 points off the bench from Ronrico White and 16 points and 7 rebounds from Greg Pryor.
C-USA: From Sea to Shining Texas
Thursday, February 19
UAB - 71
Western Kentucky - 66
UAB helped to clear up the C-USA race a bit by beating Western Kentucky on Thursday. The 2 teams are now both 2 games behind C-USA leader Louisiana Tech and 1 game behind second place UTEP in the loss column. Both will look back at this stretch of the season with regrets too. UAB and Western Kentucky both entered the game on 2 game losing streaks. UAB stops the bleeding and now finishes the season with 3 of 4 games against the bottom half of C-USA. Western Kentucky finishes with 3 of 5 on the road and needs to right the ship soon if they want to enter the C-USA Tournament with a bye.
UAB led for most of the game, but the Hilltoppers did not go quietly. They got to within 3 when Aleksej Rostov hit a 3-pointer with 35 seconds to play. The Blazers did their job on the free throw line, though, and sealed the victory. The Blazers were led by Nick Norton with 13, and the Hilltoppers leading scorer was T.J. Price with 22.
UAB - 71
Western Kentucky - 66
UAB helped to clear up the C-USA race a bit by beating Western Kentucky on Thursday. The 2 teams are now both 2 games behind C-USA leader Louisiana Tech and 1 game behind second place UTEP in the loss column. Both will look back at this stretch of the season with regrets too. UAB and Western Kentucky both entered the game on 2 game losing streaks. UAB stops the bleeding and now finishes the season with 3 of 4 games against the bottom half of C-USA. Western Kentucky finishes with 3 of 5 on the road and needs to right the ship soon if they want to enter the C-USA Tournament with a bye.
UAB led for most of the game, but the Hilltoppers did not go quietly. They got to within 3 when Aleksej Rostov hit a 3-pointer with 35 seconds to play. The Blazers did their job on the free throw line, though, and sealed the victory. The Blazers were led by Nick Norton with 13, and the Hilltoppers leading scorer was T.J. Price with 22.
Howdy, Partner, Welcome to the Big West
Thursday, February 19UC Davis - 65
Long Beach St. - 58
UC Davis won their 11th game in 12 tries on Thursday night and completed the season sweep of Long Beach St. in the process. The Aggies remain comfortably in 1st place in the Big West holding a 2 game advantage over UC Irvine. Long Beach St. will stay in 3rd place, but they are now 4 games off the pace in the loss column. A regular season title is mostly fantasy at this point for The Beach who have lost 4 straight. UC Davis was led by Corey Hawkins' 26 points, and Long Beach St. was led by David Samuels and Mike Caffey who both had 15.
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