Say what you will about Bob Knight, but you cannot deny how captivating a press conference of his is to watch. It’s one of the few things outside of actual game play that makes me stop everything I’m doing and wait for anything possible. He got up and left his postgamer to get a drink of water and said, “If you want to wait for me to come back, you’re free to do so. Don’t bet on it, though.” Video will come as it’s available.
–UPSET–Texas Tech 68, No. 10 Texas A&M 53. Texas Tech was ready for this one; A&M wasn’t. We’ll see what Tech can do in the immediate future to boost their at-large resume, but it always seems that TT gets a nice win against either A&M, Texas or Oklahoma in a big spot for Knight, doesn’t it?
–UPSET–Massachusetts 82, No. 14 Dayton 71. Speaks to the toughness of the A-10? Sure. This was a road win for UMass, and this is a game that helps the conference due to the fact that it’s only Dayton’s second loss of the season. The M’Men aren’t on the better side of the bubble yet, but they’re making the most of their chances so far inside the conference.
–UPSET–Temple 78, Xavier 59. It’s Christmas Time. Dionte Christmas led Temple with 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. The Owls were left out of the “Dancing on the Bubble” post from yesterday, but this win will probably have them peeking their heads in the door if they can avoid any losing over the weekend.
 –No. 1 North Carolina 83, Georgia Tech 82. This is now two road games in conference (Clemson being the first) that UNC has escaped with a slim victory. Georgia Tech had three opportunities in the final 15 seconds to sink the game-winner, but came up with some tight muscles on each of their shots. (Seriously, they looked like they weren’t ready to win this game.)
–No. 2 Memphis 77, Rice 50. Ho-hum.
–No. 7 Duke 70, Florida State 57. There was no floor storming (and shouldn’t have been if FSU got the W) but there was a great crowd/atmosphere at this game. Nevertheless, the Ks were not to be denied. Jon Scheyer had an impressive game (something that’s more rare than you think), scoring 21 and keeping the FSU defense off balance. John Henderson (eight boards) also had a hand in that act as well.
–No. 18 Mississippi 89, Florida 87. Barometer game? Perhaps. Shanoff might be a little downtrodden this morning, but he shouldn’t be. Florida appears to be Tournament bound and showed some gumption by fighting back a couple of times in this game to keep it close . Kudos bars to the Rebels, by the way. This team has continued to plow along after a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee on the road last week.
–No. 25 Villanova 76, DePaul 69. A miserable first half for ‘Nova almost spelled a dooming loss for the Wildcats. They trailed by as many as 16 to miserable DePaul (at home, mind you) but clawed back to get the win. This kind of comeback win doesn’t really impress me that much; maybe it’s just a mid-season slump, though. A Syracuse team that is eager for a Top 25 win now awaits the limping Wildcats.
Notable:
Charlotte 70, St. Joseph’s 66. Critical game in the A-10 sees the 49ers get a much-need win. It’s not crazy to think that six A-10 teams will be in the discussion of The Tournament as the season progresses.
Purdue 67, Iowa 62. After their stifling (?) defensive showing against MSU over the weekend, Iowa loses any chance at the bubble that they had before. (They’re now 1-4 in the terrible Big 10.) Purdue has a chance to climb into the picture now.
Virginia Tech 70, Virginia 69 (OT). Deron Washington had a helluva night that you saw if you caught your daily does of SportsCenter’s Top 10. Washington hit the game-winning runner in the lane to give Tech the victory in the extra session. The Cavaliers have slipped quite a bit from their status, say, a month ago.
South Carolina 70, Arkansas 66. This loss certainly doesn’t make things easier for Arkansas. Hell, it doesn’t even make sense.
Illinois State 72, Wichita State 51. The Redbirds continue to stuff their at-large briefcase.
