March 9
BIG TEN: Spartans' chances for No. 1 seed threatened
After barely escaping with a last-second W against Michigan on Thursday, Penn State needed a win over Michigan State to lock up a bid in the Big Dance. Jerry Dunn's team scrapped and clawed. Joe Crispin struggled early, but he hit key shots in the second half to help the Nittany Lions to big-time upset, 65-63.

It was struggle city for Michigan State guard Charlie Bell, who was scoreless in the first half and never really got it going. Will this loss cost the defending champion Spartans a No. 1 seed? It depends on some of the other tournament results. Stay tuned.

Indiana's Davis earns his keep
Indiana and Illinois should be an excellent matchup in the tournament semifinals Saturday. For Indiana, I just don't understand why the school hasn't removed the interim tag from coach Mike Davis, who has done a terrific job all season.

The Hoosiers beat Wisconsin although Jared Jeffries shot just 2-of-9 from the field. Kirk Haston's solid performance was a key for the Hoosiers, who got into the winner's circle against a tough, veteran Badgers club.

Illinois, meanwhile, showed great balance and Frank Williams had an outstanding game as the Illini knocked off Purdue. Williams had 11 assists without a turnover in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it looks like NIT time for the Boilermakers.

BIG 12: Big Bear shocker
Wow, it was Shock City as Baylor stunned Iowa State. The Cyclones were plagued by serious foul trouble with four players called for three fouls each in the first half.

	The Baylor Bears had good reason to be happy after their victory over No. 8 Iowa State on Friday.

Jamaal Tinsley could not get it going and fouled out with only eight points. It was a big win for Dave Bliss' team. DeMarcus Minor has been a star in the making so far in the Big 12 tournament, totaling 55 points in two games. It was incredible to see Baylor ahead in the second half even though Terry Black, one of Baylor's top players, was held scoreless in the first half. But Bliss' team got it done with great defense. Iowa State had its lowest scoring output by far this season.

So Baylor moves on. It would really be Shock City if the Bears won the Big 12 tournament and got an automatic bid into the NCAAs. That would be the only way I see them making it to the Big Dance despite Friday's win.

ACC: Great balancing act from Tar Heels
North Carolina showed great balance and a dynamic duo of Jason Capel and Kris Lang, who combined for 15-of-17 from the floor. It was a super, scintillating, sensational performance by point guard Ronald Curry, who had 10 assists and just one turnover. Clemson played hard and trailed by just five at the half, but it was too much balance, balance, balance from the Tar Heels, who move on to play Georgia Tech in the semifinals.

Tech, which knocked off Virginia, got a great performance from Alvin Jones, who had a double-double, and Darryl LeBarrie gave Georgia Tech a lift off the bench. Also give credit to Tony Akins, who had a nice game as the Yellow Jackets ended any possibility of being left out of the NCAA Tournament. Some had questioned whether or not Tech belonged, but its third victory on the season over Virginia should end all doubts.

Duhon does it for Duke
Chris Duhon's stock is going up and up. The Diaper Dandy was brilliant in transition against N.C. State, and when Duke's shooters got off to a slow start, he lifted his team. Duhon started in place of Nate James, and he got the job done.

Looking at N.C. State's sideline and bench, you could see it was very disappointing ending to a tough situation. Many preseason publications had N.C. State as an NCAA team. But Herb Sendek's team is going home now followng an ?L? to the Dukies.

ATLANTIC 10: UMass' Mack attack slays St. Joe's
Brusier Flint's team showed a lot of heart and guts after relinquishing a big first-half lead to down top-seeded St. Joseph's 75-70. The Minutemen could have folded their tents, but they didn't. Monty Mack shined from the perimeter once again. After hitting eight trifectas Thursday, he came through with five more. And suddenly the Minutemen are one game away from an NCAA bid.

Flint has been under tremendous pressure. There have been rumors of a potential coaching change. With a win Saturday, you could throw all those rumors out the window. Bruiser took on a tough schedule, and it's paying dividends in tournament time, baby.

BIG EAST: Bell tolls for BC
Boston College broke the game open with a 28-3 run, thanks to its quickness and Troy Bell. The Eagles got it done in transition and by attacking the glass to advance to the championship game. Al Skinner was my coach of the year, and he's showing why because his Eagles have an awesome, baby.

SEC: Ole Miss makes its case
Rod Barnes has done a great job at Ole Miss, and the Rebels are battling to be a top-four seed in the Big Dance. The win over Tennessee certainly helps. The inside play of Rahim Lockhart was a big factor. The Vols received another disappointing performance from guard Tony Harris, who shot 1-for-10 from the field.

WAC: Rainbows brighten their NCAA hopes
Hawaii has been playing great basketball down the stretch, and Riley Wallace's team sent shockwaves through the WAC with an upset of Fresno State. Jerry Tarkanian's team should get an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. But this upset means somebody will be left out of the Big Dance because the WAC will now get two berths. Chris Jefferies had a disappointing first half from the field, and Hawaii jumped out to a 10-point lead. Fresno State made a run, but in the end Hawaii was just too strong.

MAC: Miami's Cinderella story continues
How about a salute for Charlie Coles? Miami of Ohio, an eighth seed, is in the MAC final for the fifth straight year after beating Ohio, the day after upsetting the top seed, Central Michigan. I've known Charlie for years; he's a class act and a great guy. I'm happy for him. Miami of Ohio is one step away from Shock City and an NCAA berth.