Horizon

The crazy nature of the Pac-10 is highlighted by this simple fact: Oregon State, a team who has lost to the likes of Seattle, Texas Southern and Utah Valley this season, is the lone conference team to own wins over both Arizona and Washington. The second of those Pac-10 victories came on Thursday night as the Beavers outscored Washington 36-24 in the second half of the 68-56 victory. Jared Cunningham scored a team-high 19 points and Calvin Haynes added 11 off the bench, but it was the foul and three-point lines that made the difference in Corvallis.

In this era of the BCS and multi-million dollar television contracts it takes quite a bit to receive proper respect (and attention) if your conference flies under the radar. It's safe to say that Rick Byrd's Belmont Bruins, 8-0 in Atlantic Sun play and 16-3 overall, have served notice this season that they've got the ability to not only get to the NCAA Tournament but also take someone out once in the field.

Overall Rank: #14

Overall Rank: #93

In the most recent installment in his coaches interview series, CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Jimmy Collins, who recently retired after fourteen seasons in charge at Illinois-Chicago. Coach Collins led the Flames to three NCAA Tournament appearances during his time in the Windy City.

Overall Rank: #119

Overall Rank: #132

 

For all the bubble teams not playing on Tuesday night there's really just one game they need to pay full attention to: the Horizon League final between host Butler and second-seeded Wright State. Point blank: if the Raiders find a way to knock off Gordon Hayward and company at Hinkle Fieldhouse one more bid goes off the board (if you're of the thinking that Saint Mary's wasn't a lock themselves before Monday night).

Wright St 69 - Detroit 50