Duquesne

Well, someone has to go to the NCAA Tournament. But there are more than a few teams who either don't value the importance of making a statement at this point or are willing to roll the dice on Selection Sunday. Wednesday was one of those nights, with a number of teams squandering opportunities to either bolster their causes or avoid stubbing their toe in contests they should win. Boston College qualifies, as they fell behind Miami at home by as many as 21 points before rallying back, ultimately losing 73-64.

Many fans and pundits alike felt that Ohio State's trip to Madison would be the point where they'd suffer their first loss of the season. But after a first half that didn't do much to separate either team those prospects didn't look good as Thad Matta's group went on a 23-6 run to push their lead out to 15 points with 13:21 left in the game. Thankfully for the Badgers Jordan Taylor and company had other ideas, answering with a 30-8 run of their own and eventually going on to win 71-67 at the Kohl Center.

In leagues that tend to have an established pecking order from a tradition standpoint, it can be tough for programs not seen among the privileged by outsiders to garner their just due. But that is slowly turning around for Ron Everhart's Duquesne Dukes, who have won 10 straight games and sit atop the Atlantic 10 standings with a 7-0 record (tied with Xavier). The common bond between many teams is an unselfish attitude, something that Duquesne has displayed all season long. Seven players average at least seven points per game, with five also averaging two or more assists per game.

Many expected the matchup between #12 Missouri and #13 Texas A&M to be a thriller and it most certainly didn't disappoint, requiring an extra five minutes before rendering a verdict. Khris Middleton was outstanding for the Aggies, scoring 28 points and grabbing seven rebounds as Mark Turgeon's team remained undefeated in Big 12 play with a 91-89 overtime victory. Five A&M players reached double figures but it was Middleton who made the difference, scoring 11 points in the extra session to lead the way.

Overall Rank: #74

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6+

Dayton and Xavier have legitimate Top 25 hopes, while usual standard-bearers like St. Joseph's and Temple may have to make way for up-and-coming programs like Duquesne, La Salle, and Richmond.

Dayton

Duquesne

La Salle

Richmond

Temple

Xavier

Other (Charlotte, St Joe's, UMASS, URI, etc)

 

Overall Rank: #69

Conference Rank: #5 Atlantic 10

Duquesne Dukes

Atlantic 10 (21-12, 9-7)

NIT Seed: #7