No confusing what C-USA achieved Sunday
By Mechelle Voepel
Special to ESPN.com

Many times, that early-season upset or almost-upset doesn't actually end up meaning anything. It makes you gasp a bit in surprise, but that's it.

This season, however, is an exception. That Alabama-Birmingham near-upset of Georgia in the Preseason WNIT really was an indication of great things to come for UAB.

Hey, hey, hey -- it's Conference USA. Go ahead and chuckle at the old Red, White and Blue division thing or that if you shorten the name it's sort of like a "Get Smart" joke: Confusa.

No confusing what happened out in Eugene, Ore., in the subregional: The best team won. Perhaps it makes Ducks fans feel a little less bad that the team that knocked out Oregon did the same to Mississippi State.

And what a big moment for C-USA, which will try to score another one tonight when Tulane meets Texas Tech.

Now, next up for UAB is No. 2 seed Rutgers. Wonder if Ducks fans who'll be in Portland will keep cheering for UAB?

Putbacks

  • The tornado sirens went off in Kansas City on Sunday night. Whoops, make that Cyclone sirens. Iowa State is headed back to Municipal Auditorium, its home away from home. The 'Clones have packed Municipal the last two Big 12 title games, and you can be sure the caravan from Ames down I-35 will be lengthy this weekend, too.

    The Iowa State-Penn State matchup could be one of the best in the Sweet 16.

  • Virginia had made it to at least the Sweet 16 for 11 years in row before missing it the last two seasons. Now the Cavaliers are back, and who are they likely to face next, barring a major upset by Arizona tonight?

    Tennessee, of course, the team that has haunted Virginia in the NCAA Tournament. If that is indeed the matchup, maybe the Cavs will look to a certain ACC friend/foe of theirs to see how that team handled meeting Tennessee last year.

  • Will fans tonight need oxygen masks just to watch North Carolina and Rice run up and down the court all 40 minutes?

    Mechelle Voepel of the Kansas City Star is a regular contributor to ESPN.com. She can be reached via e-mail at mvoepel@kcstar.com.

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