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Russ: Hello, everybody. I’m hosting today’s edition of SportsWise. We have three of our guys discussing NCAA men’s college basketball. John: Let’s talk four bubble teams. First up, the Marquette Golden Eagles. They’ve lost four of five games and are, overall, 18-10 (8-8 in conference). They don’t have many key wins other than a January 4 victory over Villanova and a win over USC. They do have a few key losses with Providence the main one, which could prove to be huge. Their next two games are against DePaul and St. John’s; they must win these two games and go deep into the conference tournament in order to make it. In the ACC, North Carolina State has lost four of six. To make the tournament, NC State will have to pretty much run the table. Third up is UCLA from the PAC-12. With their 18-12 record (9-10 in the ACC), they may miss the tournament, despite being a formidable opponent based on some good wins: Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado. In the SEC, Florida is another team on the bubble. Donald?

Donald: This week is going to be ramped, what with everything that’s going on with March Madness. Conferences all over are preparing for their individual tournaments in preparation for the official tournament. The SWAC, the American East, which has that type of team (e.g., Vermont) that could compete in and win the play-in game, the Big 10 (with its 14 teams), etc. Duke, I don’t know what the problem is there, but there is good parity going on within the NCAA, so I’m definitely looking forward to a li’l Madness.

Patrick: What’s moving me the most about the current AP Top 25 rankings is that the Big Ten is represented throughout. Maryland is the highest-ranked Big Ten team at #9, but, then, after them, there are seven more Big Ten teams, including the Fightin’ Illini, who narrowly won a conference game against Indiana recently—a boon to its tournament goals. The competition level in-conference should help the Big 10 as playing a team from another conference could be a pushover and, plus, because the Big Ten is always “there,” a championship is never out of reach for any of them. Also, I love that the teams populating the top aren’t full of the usual suspects. Of course, we see Kansas at the top, Gonzaga in the cut, ready to strike like always, but then we have teams such as Dayton, San Diego State, Creighton, etc. I’m excited for the Madness.

John: Kudos to Illinois as they should be a lock to make the tournament, something they haven’t done in a long time. Also, while watching a game, I heard an announcer state Indiana was considered a lock. To me, they’ve lost too many tough games—losing six of its last nine. Donald?

Donald: Schools continue to fail the players by not teaching them how to be students. Many leave early and never graduate, which is unfortunate. It makes for a somewhat watered down—yet still exciting—tournament, but also sets up some for disappointment in their quest for the lights of the NBA.

Patrick: Good point, Don. Quick mention: Hearing that Indiana was a lock did throw me a bit, but it’s always tough to figure, so I guess we just wait.

Russ: Good job, fellas. Here on out, we’re going to try new things—some head-to-head, guest appearances, perhaps even random quotes from you the customer. Speaking of, if you have a thought, a physical reaction, whatever, please drop a note to pedwards@ streetwise.org. We’d love to hear from you.