Monday, February 23, 9:00PM Alabama St. @ Southern
Alabama St. is one of only 2 teams over .500 in the SWAC. Southern has won 10 out of their last 12 games to climb back to .500, though, and they are just one game behind Alabama St. in the loss column. The Hornets are on a winning streak of their own having won 12 of their last 14 games. They are getting ready to face the toughest stretch of their season, though. Away against Southern on Monday and then at home against Texas Southern, who they are tied with in first place, on Saturday. For them, the path to the regular season title is clear - win these two games and then hold their ground. Southern has a clear path as well, though. They host Alabama St. on Monday and then finish the regular season with a game away against Texas Southern. Things are certainly going to be interesting down the stretch in the SWAC.
A-Sunny Days, Sweeping the Clouds Away
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00PM North Florida @ Florida Gulf Coast
Everybody knows Dunk City and rightfully so. The Eagles stormed onto the national stage when they went to the Sweet 16 as a 15 seed 2 seasons ago. FGCU is playing good basketball again this season and would love nothing more than to repeat that performance. The Eagles have won 10 straight games and are in first place in the A-Sun by a game. Their last loss and the team they lead by 1 game in the standings? Both are North Florida. The Ospreys have won 11 of 13, including the win over FGCU. Their only losses during that run both came at the hands of USC Upstate. The first meeting between North Florida and FGCU was won easily by North Florida, 80-64. That was on their home court, though, and FGCU has not lost a game since then. It should be a great matchup that will help determine who will win the A-Sun regular season title.
A-10 Out of 10
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00PM Davidson @ Rhode Island
Bracket Busters might be gone officially, but this game gives us a de facto Bracket Buster-like contest. Rhode Island remains tied for first in the A-10 and have won 8 of 9. Their best nonconference win, though, is over a disappointing Nebraska team. They have an RPI of 64, which puts them firmly on the bubble. This is a good team in search of a signature win. Davidson has won 5 straight and sits a game behind Rhode Island. They also do not have a win to hang their hat on. Their RPI is 54, but the nonconference strength of schedule is atrocious. Rhode Island is on Joe Lunardi's Next Four Out. Davidson is on the First Four Out list. For all their resume similarities, the teams could not be more different. Davidson scores but cannot defend. Rhode Island defends but struggles to score. The game means a lot in the A-10 race, but it means much more to these teams' at-large hopes. The winner gets a solid win. The loser misses out on a golden opportunity. It should be a great game.
I'm Feeling Very Colonial Today. Powdered Wigs for All!
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00PM James Madison @ UNC-Wilmington
There won't be 4 teams tied for first in the CAA after Wednesday night. James Madison and UNC-Wilmington are 2 of those teams and one of them has to lose. James Madison has gotten hot recently winning 5 in a row to get to this point. UNC-Wilmington, on the other hand, has not won more than 4 games in a row all season. But they also haven't lost back-to-back games since late December and early January. If either team wants to win the regular season title, this game is a must. The loser risks falling from first place into fourth. These late-season, all-or-nothing games are what this blog is all about. This one should be fun.
Southern Basketballin'
Thursday, February 26, 7:00PM Wofford @ Mercer
Mercer cannot catch Wofford for the regular season Southern Conference championship. But they can Chattanooga catch the Terriers. Wofford is a game ahead of the Mocs with just 2 games left to play. Their trip to Mercer is their last real hurdle to a championship. Mercer had their chances as well, but are just 5-4 over their last 9 games including losses to both Chattanooga and Wofford. They are guaranteed no worse than a 3 seed in the Southern Conference Tournament, but a win over the first place Terriers would give the Bears momentum going into it.
C-USA: From Sea to Shining...Texas
Thursday, February 26, 8:00PM UTEP @ Louisiana Tech
These two teams are tied for first place in C-USA in the loss column. LaTech is coming off a shellacking at the hands of Old Dominion over the weekend and will be looking to prove that game a fluke. UTEP has won 7 in a row and is streaking towards the C-USA Tournament. This game against Louisiana Tech is their last real test, and the Miners could very well end up being the number one seed if they win this game. It should be another late-season thriller where both teams put it all on the line.
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