Happy Leap Day or something like that ...

Harangody's 40 not enough Notre Dame's power forward/center was already on pace for a career game against the Cardinals and with the Irish trailing by double digits he figured he might as well extend his range for the fun of it. Harangody nearly went all Reggie Miller on UL. Having hardly even attempt a 3-pointer in his career, Luke went 3-4 in the final 2:30 leaving Rick Pitino beside himself. Louisville still went on to win 90-85 and remain locked in a race with Georgetown for the Big East title. Would those of you who aren't Cardinals fans agree with me when I say that you could just as easily see UL in the final four as you could losing in the first day/weekend? Louisville 90, Notre Dame 85

OK, maybe Stanford is alright I remain mixed on the Cardinal, but I have to give them credit for continuing to win (10 of 11, in fact) which is something that can't be said for a lot of Top 20 teams. I'd feel much better about their March chances if Brook Lopez would dominate the boards a little more, like a guy with his body should. That said, solid team that could do well over the next three weeks with consistently agressive play from the Brothers Lopez. Stanford 82, Washington 79

My apologies to those of you who don't appreciate good defense (99%) and watched any portion of the Wisconsin - Michigan State game. If you don't follow either of those teams, you likely have written both off as lousy teams. Well, I might agree with you on my Spartans, but not the Badgers. Michael Flowers can lock down any guard in the country which is enough to give them a few wins in March. And if Brian Butch (I don't know if you heard, but his nickname is the Polar Bear) starts hitting threes consistently like last night then perhaps they can surprise well into the second weekend. As for MSU ... meh. Wisconsin 57, Boring 42

Oops According to Professor Lunardi, his alma mater just needed to win the game they should and perhaps pull off an upset over Xavier and they'd be a tourney lock. About that. St. Louis  64, St. Joe's 55

Saturday's Big Ones
#10 Georgetown at #24 Marquette - I believe my man Gus is calling this one. Auto must watch.
#22 Washington State at #8 Stanford
#5 Texas at Texas Tech - Possible trap, fall asleep game for UT. Upset pick.
#23 St. Mary's at Gonzaga - The always important WCC title on the line.
Kansas State at #7 Kansas - Chance for Beasley's bold prediction to come true ... if he only had a coach.