3 days until Spring Break

Opening Thoughts: Even though the temperature dropped to 27 and there was a 15 minute blizzard here, it was a great day. An A on my huge econometrics test puts me in good shape in the class, after thinking a B would be great. Once again, my best academic performance is coming at the time of year where I would be most distracted, so go figure. Hopefully, that can hold for one more day with a big advanced microecon test tomorrow. Then, I can relax a little more than normal.

Alright, 3 more teams are in, let's talk about it:

• Oakland 61, Oral Roberts 60. This is why nothing beats March Madness. Oakland University, located just outside of Detroit, known more for being the only team that has their players' names below their numbers on the back of the jersey, is going to the Dance for the first time in school history, after finish a whopping 7th in the Mid-Continent and compiling a record of 12-18. Add to the fact they did this on ORU's home floor, and their effort becomes more amazing. The Golden Grizzlies were able to control tempo from the start, playing a sagging 2-3 zone, forcing ORU to take bad shots, become impatient, then get nervous and become passive against the zone. ORU, behind most of the 2nd half, finally hit some shots late and led by 2 late until Pierre Dukes hit a tough NBA 3 with 1 sec left to win the game. ORU lost this game at the foul line, only making 11/21. Despite their 25-7 record, they're heading for the NIT. Oakland is coming to Dayton for the play-in game.
• La-Lafayette 88, Denver 69. It wouldn't be March if the Ragin Cajuns were somehow involved. They're heading to the Dance for the second straight year after pulling away in the 2nd half to win the Sun Belt title. This game was tied at 32 at the half, but the Cajuns' athleticism took over, along with Tiras Wade, who scored a game high 30 points. Denver looked to tire in the 2nd half, as the tempo the Cajuns set was too much. If you're a potential 3 or 4 seed in the Tournament, you don't want to see these guys in the 1st round, they are dangerous, and they won't be intimidated of you or the environment.
• UW-Milwaukee 59, Detroit 58. In a gutty, back and forth game, the Panthers came from behind to win the Horizon League title on their home floor. Detroit teams are always well-coached, are physical, and make you play 40 minutes, and tonight was no exception. Tough man-to-man defense slowed the explosive Panthers down, while Brandon Cotton went through the Panther defense, making big shot after big shot. But, the Titans seemed to tire in the 2nd half as the Panthers got to every loose ball and rebound, giving guys like Ed McCants additional chances, which he took advantage of, leading the way with 18 points. The Panthers will give someone fits in the 1st round of the NCAAs because they can play defense, rebound, and score, but I don't think they have the depth to beat some teams.
  
• Big Sky. In tonight's semifinal action, the 2 seed Montana St. has already fallen to Montana, and currently, top seed Portland St. trails by Weber St. by 6 at halftime. The championship will be played tomorrow night.
• Mid Eastern Athletic. In the final 1st round game, Bethune-Cookman defeated North Carolina A&T. Quarterfinal play begins tomorrow.
• Southland. The top 3 seeds advanced to the semifinals, with 5 seed Lamar defeating 4 seed UT-San Antonio. Northwestern St. is the top seed.
• WAC. In first round action, Hawaii has already advanced, and Boise St. is currently ahead in the 2nd half over Tulsa. Quarterfinal action begins Thursday in Reno with Nevada being the top seed. The Wolfpack are in the Dance no matter what happens, but UTEP needs to make the finals at least to get a bid.

Championship Week starts to kick into high gear tomorrow as the major conferences begin play. 12 teams are now in the Field, 2 more will enter tomorrow.

In tonight's Amazing Race, the Survivor couple of Rob and Amber made it to the center of Santiago, Chile first. I must say, Santiago is a beautiful looking city. Even though visiting South America hasn't really crossed my mind, I think I'd like to go to Santiago. Miami University dream team Susan and Patrick fell back in the pack, but came in 8th, living for another leg.

If I can just put in a good effort on this test tomorrow, I'll be in really good shape.