HOOP HAPPENINGS | Jan. 30

I was impressed by Florida's 70-53 win at LSU this week. I don't want to use the term bubble, but LSU coach John Brady has to realize at this point that every game is crucial. With the tough SEC schedule ahead, the road to the NCAA Tournament is a difficult one.

Yes, the Tigers have the big win over No. 1 Arizona, but LSU needs to get it going after dropping five of its first six SEC contests -- or the chant will be loud and clear ... NIT, NIT, NIT!

	John Brady

Brady's kids did a good job defensively shutting down Florida's Matt Bonner, and they held Justin Hamilton and Anthony Roberson in check. There were 8,000 fans screaming at the Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday. The problem, though, was that LSU played off Brett Nelson -- not a bad strategy considering what's happened most of this season.

But Nelson went nuts, knocking down seven trifectas. This demonstrates Florida's depth. The Gators are legitimate contenders for a Final Four berth at 17-2.

I can't wait to see next week's battle of offense vs. defense as Florida meets Kentucky (Tuesday on ESPN, 9 p.m. ET).

Spartans Secure Big Win
Remember, Michigan State was ranked in the top 10 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. Now, the Spartans are fighting tooth and nail to get an NCAA berth.

Tuesday's 61-54 win over Indiana was a major positive. The Spartans have eight losses, but all have them have gone down to the last three minutes.

Adam Ballinger, a kid from the Hoosier State, hit the big 3-pointer to help give Michigan State the win. He'd been in a real slump, and psychologists, as well as his mom and dad, were brought in. Ballinger was one of the premier players in the Big Ten a year ago.

That was a must win, especially at home. Coach Tom Izzo's club is 3-4 in the Big Ten (11-8 overall), and Illinois is up next Sunday. It doesn't get easier, with Indiana and Wisconsin on the road after that.

Could Michigan Hurt Another Big Ten Team's Chances?
I'm not sure a lot of people realized this, but the Wolverines are eligible for the Big Ten tournament. Michigan's administration initiated self-imposed penalties, banning the program from the NIT and NCAA -- a decision I feel is unfair, since coach Tommy Amaker and these players were not part of the problems created during the Ed Martin booster fiasco.

Think about this scenario: Michigan could cost a Big Ten team an NCAA berth. If a team like Michigan State loses to Michigan in a nail-biter in the conference tournament and costs the Spartans a bid ... that would be a tough situation.

Big 12 On Fire
I really enjoyed the action at Lawrence on Monday night. Texas and Kansas put on quite a show in the Jayhawks' 90-87 win. These two schools will be factors come postseason, especially when the Jayhawks get super soph Wayne Simien back.

Kansas coach Roy Williams has developed Jeff Graves with solid minutes, and he will be an asset when Simien returns. Everywhere I go, people rave about Kansas big man Nick Collison's performance (24 points, 23 rebounds).

And let's not forget the performance of Jayhawks point guard Kirk Hinrich. If he plays like that down the stretch, watch out -- because there isn't a better 1-2 tandem than Collison and Hinrich.

Texas has one of the deepest, toughest teams in the nation. The Longhorns are physical and well-coached. T.J. Ford has clearly established himself as the best point guard in America. He is a joy to watch. Coach Rick Barnes' team knows how to win on the road.

This conference will have quite a finish. It is flat-out loaded! Watch out for Colorado. Nobody is talking about Ricardo Patton's Buffaloes. They have just one home loss, on a 50-foot buzzer-beater vs. Georgia, one of the best teams in America.

Keep An Eye On The Cardinals
In a short period of time, coach Rick Pitino has brought back such excitement to the Louisville program.

One of the keys has been the decision to play Reece Gaines at the point-guard slot. There's no question that Gaines, a prolific scorer, has provided needed leadership at the point.

Just ask Michigan State coach Tom Izzo -- he has lacked consistent point-guard play. You don't win without solid play on the perimeter.

Manhattan's Rising Stars
Coach Bobby Gonzalez has become a rising star at Manhattan. Luis Flores has shown Big East opponents how good he can be, leading the Jaspers to wins over St. John's and Seton Hall.

Watch out for Manhattan, the likely MAAC champion and a dangerous opponent come NCAA Tournament time.

Think back to 1995, when the 13th-seeded Jaspers, then coached by Fran Fraschilla, upset fourth-seed Oklahoma.

Butler Belongs
I can hear people screaming already: If Butler gets blown out by Duke on Thursday night, they don't belong in the tournament.

Duke, with the Cameron Crazies, has blasted so many opponents over the years. To me, the score won't indicate whether or not Butler belongs.

I feel that coach Todd Lickliter's team is one of the best 65 in America. The Horizon League favorite will improve its stature if it comes close at Duke. Either way, this team is legitimate and belongs in the Big Dance.