Kentucky’s bubble not busted yet
by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports
In case you were out partying (likely) or going to bed early to get up for church (semi-likely) last night, there was some college basketball you missed.
1. College Hoops Oscars: To celebrate the Academy Awards airing tonight, I’ll dish out some honors to deserving parties. First, best actor in a leading role goes to Mr. Kendall Williams of New Mexico for his 46 points off 10 three-pointers in the Lobos’ 91-82 victory over Colorado State to add clarity to the Mountain West Conference race. Next, best picture has to go to Tennessee for its 93-85 victory over Texas A&M in a four-overtime marathon. Obviously, the Vols (16-10, 8-6) don’t have the best NCAA tournament picture, but when you’re on at-large bid life support, any victory is a Picasso picture.
2. The Big East race: With only two weeks left in the conference season, Georgetown has taken control of the league race with a small-but-crucial one-game lead over 10-4 teams Syracuse, Louisville and Marquette. The Hoyas’ 57-46 victory over the Orange at the Carrier Dome was a refreshing reminder that this Georgetown team is clicking at the right time on the home stretch of the season. Otto Porter is, as coach John Thompson III put it Saturday night, unarguably the Big East’s player of the year.
3. Kentucky’s resurgence: The antidote for losing by 30 points against a team you had no business to losing to in the first place? John Calipari’s dodgeball and Wiffle Ball pregame routines did the trick. The Wildcats kept their NCAA tournament hopes alive with a resume-boosting 90-83 win in overtime over a Missouri team that just toppled SEC Goliath Florida. So much for a one bid league, eh? Kentucky’s resume (19-8, 10-4) as it stands is enough to get into the Dance, but winning against a top-50 team without Nerlens Noel was the biggest gain from Saturday. Perhaps this crochet is next up on Calipari’s weird games agenda.
4. Bubble winners:
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