It's not just the last regular season day for the CAA, it's either the last regular season day for a lot of other leagues or the last regular season games for a lot of the teams in these leagues. Just to note a few dandies.
Horizon
Cleveland State vs. Butler - The preseason favorite to win the Horizon vs. the team that won the regular season Horizon championship. Do we have a preview of the championship game? Green Bay may have a say about that.
Green Bay vs. Wright State - Speaking of the Phoenix, the Cheese Heads try to clinch at least a second seed with a win today. It won't be easy vs. the fourth place Raiders. Did you know the Horizon is ranked higher as a conference than the CAA? Its not just Butler here.
Missouri Valley
Wow, the Valley teams on average spend $2.1 million on basketball. It's getting close to whether the Valley belongs with the power conferences (but as you all know with me, it's not just about money, it's also history..thus why the A10 will never be a mid major to me..ever).
Illinois State vs. Creighton - The feature Bizarro Valley matchup on the Deuce today at 2pm. The Bluejays can seal a tie for first place in the MVC with a win over the disappointing Redbirds who couldn't seal the deal at home vs. Northern Iowa this week.
Evansville vs. Northern Iowa - This is not a gimme game considering how the Aces have played lately in wins over Miami Ohio and Bradley. The Aces are a pretty good, fun to watch team. And remember, they have Shy Ely. What a name.
WCC -
Portland vs. Santa Clara - This game has serious implications for St Mary's. A win by Santa Clara and a win by St Mary's over conference doormat Loyola Marymount gives the Gaels the second seed in the WCC tournament. That could be a big factor at the Orleans (I originally so wanted to go to this tournament this season) and for those at large bid hopes.
Gonzaga vs. San Diego - The Zags don't want any slipups here, especially since the game is on ESPN. Zags have a history though of struggling with San Diego. Would hurt in NCAA tournament seedings. Don't fool yourselves, Zags are in the dance no matter what happens at the Orleans.
Sun Belt
Western Kentucky vs Mid. Tenn State - This is an important game for the Hilltoppers as they face one of the mid major disappointments this season, Middle Tennessee. A win by the East Divsion leading Hilltoppers gives them the #1 seed in the Sun Belt tournament (they swept West Division leader UALR twice) and they avoid having to play either Troy or UALR in the semis.
Atlantic Sun
Jacksonville vs. Belmont - This is for all the marbles in the A Sun. The winner gets a number one seed and an easier bracket to the final, while the loser will have to most likely face East Tennessee State in the Semis. Both teams split with the Bucs this season.
Summit
North Dakota St vs. Oral Roberts - It is amazing how many big conference deciding games there are today. Talk about scheduling. Another game on ESPN360 pits the new kids on the block Bison vs the old guards of the Summit, the Golden Eagles. First place in the Summit on the line. Damn.
Plenty of good mid major action around and a lot on TV. Grab the popcorn and a sandwich. Enjoy.
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