Atlantic 10

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.

One of the most surprising teams in America has to be the Cincinnati (14-0) Bearcats, who remain undefeated after opening Big East play with wins over DePaul and Seton Hall. But that only gets you so far in the argument as to who the best team in the city is, a question that will get its answer on Thursday night when Xavier (8-4) comes calling in what's one of the more spirited rivalries in college basketball. Neither coach has to be particularly pleased with this game being played in early January as opposed to December but that won't diminish the focus for anyone involved.

There should be little doubt as to what the game of the day is on Thursday with a Big 5 battle on the docket. Temple (9-2, 0-0 Big 5) makes the short trip to Villanova (10-1, 3-0 Big 5) with hopes of picking up their second win over a ranked Big East team this season, and they've got the horses to do so.

In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" player interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with the son of the late Rhode Island great Ernie Calverley, Ernie Jr. Ernie Sr., who led Frank Keaney's "Runnin' Rams" to a second place finish in the 1946 NIT, was named MVP of that tournament despite his team not winning and still owns the school record for points per game average in the single season (26.7 ppg in 1944). Ernie Sr. was a three-time All-America at URI and ranks fifth all-time in career scoring.

Last night's game between #9 Georgetown and Temple was easier to watch than last season's meeting, a 46-45 Hoya victory in the nation's capital. A major reason for that, and also why Fran Dunphy picked up the 400th win of his coach career, was the play of junior guard Ramone Moore. With the concern for the visitors being whether or not they could compete up front with the likes of Lavoy Allen and Micheal Eric, Moore lit up Georgetown for 30 points in a 68-65 win that Temple never trailed in.

Sometimes freshmen tread lightly at the start of their collegiate careers, so as not to upset the balance and tick off the upperclassmen. But Duke point guard Kyrie Irving isn't your typical freshman point guard and the many reasons why were on full display in the Blue Devils' 84-79 win over Michigan State on Wednesday night. Irving scored 31 points while also grabbing six rebounds, handing out four assists as well as blocking two shots and making two steals.

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