Feb. 16, 2006

The BracketBusters concept developed by ESPN has really helped many mid-major clubs. The innovation has provided a number of schools added attention and television exposure. That visibility is something these programs have coveted. Now they get the opportunity over a special two-day period this weekend.

Not many of these schools are in conferences that get a chance to compete against schools to improve their RPI rating. You hear about the RPI so often that it drives you wild, but it is a tool used by the NCAA selection committee. It is not the lone factor, but it does play a role, so these schools get to go head-to-head to improve their chances of making the Big Dance.

It will be interesting to watch some of these matchups. Look at Bucknell, which entered the week as one of six teams nationwide unbeaten in conference play. The Bison hook up with Northern Iowa, a squad that recently lost to Missouri State. Coach Greg McDermott's Northern Iowa squad already has its share of big wins go ask LSU's John Brady, for example. The Missouri Valley Conference is enjoying a special season with five squads ranked recently in the RPI top 50. The league has some tests on Saturday.

Southern Illinois, which recently saw its 33-game home win streak snapped by Indiana State, takes on Louisiana Tech and outstanding rebounder Paul Millsap. Creighton hosts Fresno State in a late-night battle. Wichita State hosts coach Jim Larranaga's George Mason club as the Colonial Athletic Association also is looking for respect.

Missouri State meets Wisconsin-Milwaukee in another thriller involving a MVC club. I really feel the MVC will take some berths away from the power conferences that often get numerous bids. BracketBusters weekend figures to give us some more special moments as we march toward the NCAA Tournament.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.