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Thanksgiving Day News Notes, and Exempt Tourney Match-ups

Thanksgiving Day News Notes, and Exempt Tourney Match-ups
Nov 22, 2007, 11:45 am
-One of the biggest surprises from yesterday was Davidson’s loss to Western Michigan. Western Michigan is a good team, but Davidson appeared to be so much better. It was the type of game Davidson really needed to win on the road and have on their NCAA Tourney profile. There is still plenty of time for them to rebound, but that is a pretty big strike early on. They’re now 0-2 against div1 teams.

-OLD SPICE CLASSIC

-SOUTH CAROLINA will face PENN STATE and NC STATE will play RIDER in the top half of the bracket. NC State appears to be the best team despite the fact that they have a loss to New Orleans on their record. Playing well in this tournament would enable them to offset that.

VILLANOVA vs UCF and GEORGE MASON vs KANSAS STATE make up the bottom half of the bracket. This half is much more interesting. UCF appears to be building themselves up and could end up having a fairly decent year. Not too many people are expecting them to make the NCAA Tournament, but they are 2-0 and if they play well and win some games in this tourney against quality competition then it would really go a long way toward helping them out. George Mason and Kansas State are also unbeaten on the year, and both are hoping to be dancing in March, so even though it’s early, these games could end up playing a major role.


GREAT ALASKA SHOOTOUT

-TEXAS TECH, who has struggled so far, will take on ALASKA ANCHORAGE. Texas Tech should be able to win that game, but UAA has pulled some surprises in the past.

WESTERN KENTUCKY will face GONZAGA in the other game. That one is huge, but is probably bigger for Western Kentucky. They believe themselves to be a strong team and are fighting for respect not just from the committee, but from the nation. They have a real chance to make a name for themselves and pick up some quality wins in the process up in Alaska. I Can’t wait for this game tonight. Both teams can score, so we should see quite a few points.


ANAHEIM CLASSIC

-There are some good teams in this tournament, but none of the opening round match-ups look all that interesting. MISSISSIPPI STATE will face UC IRVINE, and get the winner of SOUTHERN ILLINOIS vs CHATTANOOGA. The potential match-up between Mississippi State and Southern Illinois would be exciting, so hopefully both can get through to the second round today.

-On the other side of the bracket, MIAMI, OH will face SOUTH ALABAMA and USC will battle SAN DIEGO. Miami has a big win over Xavier already, and can build on that if they can play well and beat some big name teams in this tournament. USC is a young team that has a loss on its record already, but they can more than compensate for that if they were to win this event.


-I hope everyone has a safe and happy thanksgiving.

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