• Season 9 SuperTicker presented by BLAPP
SEASON 7

Recent Game Recaps

Epilogue, The Ninth: Only Love Can Break Your Heart

Memories

So We Meet Again

Rte. 139 - End of the Line

Hanging On

A Championship in Pictures

This Time of Year

Dotson Leads Ducks to the Sweet Sixteen

Grizzlies Overwhelmed by Orangemen

Empire

Tourney Central 3/4/2011 (Day 4)
March 4, 2011 8:56 am ET by Kyle Whelliston

Bullet Points

    On the third day of Championship Fortnight, the first final was set. UNC Asheville, the No. 3 in the Big South, will face top seed Coastal Carolina on Saturday. There were nothing but upsets in the Atlantic Sun. No. 6 North Florida hung on to upend city rival No. 3 Jacksonville 68-64 in the Atlantic Sun quarterfinals, and No. 5 Mercer leveraged its hosting of the event into a ten-point win over No. 4 Lipscomb.
    In the 8/9 game of the America East Conference, Binghamton destroyed UMBC 91-65 in a meeting of recent tourney champions. There was also a low-seed upset in the Valley pigtail between Bradley and Drake; the No. 10 Braves beat the No. 7 Bulldogs by 15 points. But the Northeast quarterfinals and the OVC second round went according to seed.On we go into the first full weekend of Championship Fortnight. But first, one of the most action-packed days of the ride. The Atlantic Sun and Ohio Valley semifinals feed into tomorrow's championship game. The Colonial quarterfinals, West Coast and Metro Atlantic first round, and the opening four games of the Southern Conference tourney get underway.Twenty-two seasons will, for all intents and purposes, end today.

Brackets

America East



[9] Binghamton 91, [8] Maryland-Baltimore County 65
Star of the Game: Moussa Camara 30 Pts (10-18 FG, 2-3 FT)
Men's Basketball Season Ends in America East First Round Loss to Binghamton - West Hartford, Conn.--Binghamton University set a tournament record with 17 three-point field goals and defeated UMBC, 91-65, in the first round of the America East Conference Championship. In their final games as Retrievers, Justin Fry, Laurence Jolicoeur and Travis King were the lone Retriever in double figures with 13, 11 and 10 points respectively. ... via Maryland-Baltimore County

Atlantic Sun



[6] North Florida 68, [3] Jacksonville 64
Star of the Game: Jerron Granberry 23 Pts (7-8 FG, 8-9 FT)
UNF Swoops Into A-Sun Semifinals - It was a tale of two halves as the University of North Florida men's basketball team rallied from a double-digit deficit in the second half to upend rival Jacksonville, 68-64, Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the General Shale Brick A-Sun Tournament at Mercer's University Center. The win marked the fourth in a row for the No. 6-seeded Ospreys (14-18), who snapped an 11-game losing streak to their cross-town rivals and posted their first opening round win in a conference tournament since a win at the 2003 Peach Belt Conference tournament. ... via North Florida

at [5] Mercer 73, [4] Lipscomb 63
Star of the Game: Brian Mills 27 Pts (9-17 FG, 7-7 FT), 6 Reb
Bears Advance to A-Sun Semis with win Over Lipscomb, 73-63 - Mercer University, the host school and No. 5 seeded men's team in the General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Conference championships, took out No. 4 seed Lipscomb University, 73-63, at the University Center before a partisan crowd of 2,224 fans. The win advances the Bears (15-17 overall) into a semi-final clash with No. 1 seed Belmont University on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. ... via Mercer

Big South



[3] North Carolina-Asheville 62, [7] High Point 45
Star of the Game: Matt Dickey 18 Pts (5-12 FG, 5-6 FT), 6 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl
Bulldogs in Big South Title Game With 62-45 Victory Over High Point - CONWAY, S.C.-UNC Asheville is in the Big South Conference Championship Game. Led by their All-Conference guards and a stifling defense, Asheville advanced to Saturday's Big South Conference title game with a 62-45 victory over seventh-seeded High Point at Kimbel Arena. ... via North Carolina-Asheville

at [1] Coastal Carolina 89, [4] Virginia Military Institute 81
Star of the Game: Anthony Raffa 25 Pts (7-12 FG, 9-11 FT), 9 Reb, 6 Ast
Chants Reach Big South Tournament Finals With Victory Over VMI - Chad Gray and Anthony Raffa had 25 points and nine rebounds each and the Coastal Carolina men's basketball team reached the Big South Tournament for the second consecutive season following its 89-81 win over VMI Thursday night in the semifinals from Kimbel Arena. ... via Coastal Carolina

Missouri Valley



[8] Southern Illinois 57, [9] Illinois State 54
Star of the Game: Mamadou Seck 10 Pts (3-6 FG, 4-4 FT), 6 Reb
Men's Basketball captures first-round win over Illinois State - Southern Illinois finally got the solid guard-play it has been searching for all season, and just in the nick of time. The Salukis (13-18) committed a season-low four turnovers and held off a late rally by Illinois State for a 57-54 first-round win at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday night. SIU, the No. 8 seed in the tournament, will get 16 hours of rest before it plays No. 1 seed Missouri State on Friday at noon. ... via Southern Illinois

[10] Bradley 63, [7] Drake 48
Star of the Game: Dyricus Simms-Edwards 26 Pts (11-18 FG, 2-4 FT), 9 Reb
Simms-Edwards Lifts Bradley in Tourney Opener - ST. LOUIS (AP)-Dyricus Simms-Edwards scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, career highs in both categories, to lead Bradley to a 63-48 win over Drake in the opening round of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday night at the Scottrade Center. ... via Bradley

Northeast



at [2] Quinnipiac 78, [7] Mount Saint Mary's 59
Star of the Game: Justin Rutty 22 Pts (11-15 FG, 0-1 FT), 16 Reb
Men's Basketball Runs Past Mount St. Mary's, 78-59 - Justin Rutty (Newburgh, N.Y.) compiled his 41st career double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds as the Quinnipiac University men's basketball team defeated Mount St. Mary's, 78-59, in Thursday night's NEC Tournament Quarterfinals at the TD Bank Sports Center. With the win, the Bobcats improve to 22-8 and advance to the NEC Tournament Semifinals, where they'll play host to third-seeded Robert Morris, Sunday at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Fox College Sports, ESPN3.com and ESPN Full Court. The Mountaineers close the season at 11-21. ... via Quinnipiac

at [3] Robert Morris 78, [6] Wagner 74
Star of the Game: Velton Jones 29 Pts (8-12 FG, 9-10 FT), 6 Ast, 2 Stl
Colonials Hang On for 78-74 Win Over Seahawks - Redshirt sophomore guard Velton Jones (Philadelphia, Pa. / Northeast Catholic) hit four free throws in the final 23 seconds Thursday night to help preserve a 78-74 victory for the Robert Morris University men's basketball team over Wagner in a quarterfinal game of the 2011 Northeast Conference Tournament at the Charles L. Sewall Center. ... via Robert Morris

at [4] Central Connecticut State 64, [5] Saint Francis (NY) 62
Star of the Game: Shemik Thompson 16 Pts (4-11 FG, 8-10 FT), 7 Reb, 2 Stl
Thompson and Ptacek Lead Blue Devils to Quarterfinal Win Over St. Francis (NY) on Thursday Night - Guards Shemik Thompson and Robby Ptacek combined for 32 points, seven assists and 10 rebounds as the Central Connecticut men's basketball team topped St. Francis (NY) in the quarterfinal round of the Northeast Conference Tournament on Thursday night. The Blue Devils will head to top seed Long Island on Sunday at 12 noon for a semifinal match-up with the Blackbirds. The game will be televised live on MSG. ... via Central Connecticut State

at [1] Long Island 90, [8] Saint Francis (PA) 75
Star of the Game: Julian Boyd 20 Pts (6-10 FG, 8-12 FT), 11 Reb, 3 Stl
Men's Basketball Downs Saint Francis (Pa.), 90-75, Advances to NEC Semifinals - The top-seeded Long Island University men's basketball team scored the first six points of the game and led throughout en route to a 90-75 win over Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday night in the Northeast Conference Tournament semifinals at the Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center. Sophomores Julian Boyd and Jamal Olasewere each recorded double-doubles to pace the Blackbirds who jumped out to a 14-2 lead in avenging their last loss. LIU has won 11 straight since losing to SFU on Jan. 22, 86-71, and are 25-5 overall. ... via Long Island

Ohio Valley



[4] Tennessee Tech 83, [8] Tennessee-Martin 59
Star of the Game: Jud Dilliard 16 Pts (7-13 FG, 2-3 FT), 16 Reb
Golden Eagles head to semis; Martin falls in Municipal - Jud Dillard recorded his fourth double-double on the season while Kevin Murphy put his ninth 20+ point performance of the season in the books to lead the Golden Eagles to a 83-59 victory over the no. 8 seeded Skyhawks in the quarterfinal round of the OVC Tournament. ... via Tennessee Tech

[3] Austin Peay 76, [7] Southeast Missouri 60
Star of the Game: Caleb Brown 28 Pts (9-11 FG, 9-12 FT), 2 Stl
Brown's 28 points leads Governors to OVC tourney semifinals - Caleb Brown scored a career-best 28 points to lead Austin Peay to a 76-60 victory, Thursday night. The Govs will play Morehead State, 9 p.m., Friday night in a contest to be televised by ESPNU. ... via Austin Peay

On Tap Tonight

Atlantic Sun

Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[1] Belmont vs. [5] Mercer - 6:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
BELM - 28-4 (19-1) RPI: 55 State: 22 SOS: 266 Last 10: 10-0 Form: WWWWW PF/PA: 80.2/62.1
MERC - 15-17 (11-9) RPI: 230 State: 226 SOS: 225 Last 10: 7-3 Form: WLLWW PF/PA: 67.1/68.1
NCAA Selection Sheets: Belmont • Mercer
Recent meetings: 02/24/2011 BELM 75 @MERC 64 12/02/2010 MERC 67 @BELM 89
Players to watch:
BELM - #21 Ian Clark So. G (12.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.9 apg)
MERC - #25 Brian Mills Sr. F (16.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.2 apg)

Men's Basketball Faces Mercer in Atlantic Sun Semifinals - MACON, Ga.-- Belmont men's basketball faces Mercer Friday night in the semifinal round of the 2011 General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Basketball Championship. ... via Belmont


[6] North Florida vs. [2] East Tennessee State - 9:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
UNF - 14-18 (10-10) RPI: 172 State: 254 SOS: 143 Last 10: 6-4 Form: LWWWW PF/PA: 65.7/71.5
ETSU - 22-10 (16-4) RPI: 82 State: 60 SOS: 168 Last 10: 8-2 Form: WLWWW PF/PA: 69.4/63.8
NCAA Selection Sheets: North Florida • East Tennessee State
Recent meetings: 02/13/2011 UNF 57 @ETSU 80 01/13/2011 ETSU 66 @UNF 61
Players to watch:
UNF - #21 Andres Diaz So. F (10.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.9 apg)
ETSU - #1 Mike Smith Sr. G (17.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.0 apg)

Bucs, Ospreys to meet in A-Sun semifinals Friday night - - MACON, Ga. (March 4, 2011) -- Continuing its quest for a third straight Atlantic Sun Conference title, the ETSU men's basketball team will take on North Florida Friday in the semifinals of the General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Conference Championship at Mercer's University Center. Tip is set for 9 p.m. and the game will air on regional cable courtesy of CSS. ... via East Tennessee State

Colonial


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[9] Georgia State vs. [8] North Carolina-Wilmington - 12:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
GSU - 11-18 (6-12) RPI: 232 State: 279 SOS: 167 Last 10: 3-7 Form: WLLLL PF/PA: 62.6/64.4
UNCW - 13-17 (7-11) RPI: 205 State: 234 SOS: 162 Last 10: 3-7 Form: WWLLL PF/PA: 64.1/67.0
NCAA Selection Sheets: Georgia State • North Carolina-Wilmington
Recent meetings: 02/02/2011 UNCW 58 @GSU 63 01/05/2011 GSU 56 @UNCW 59
Players to watch:
GSU - #20 Eric Buckner Jr. F (9.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.4 apg)
UNCW - #5 Chad Tomko Sr. G (17.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.3 apg)

Seahawks, Panthers Open CAA Tourney - UNCW's new coach, Buzz Peterson, faces an even newer one, Georgia State's Paul Graham, when the eighth-seeded Seahawks battle the No. 9 Panthers on Friday at Noon in the 2011 Colonial Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship opener at the Richmond Coliseum. The 13-17 Seahawks and 11-18 Panthers will play for the right to take on top-seeded George Mason on Saturday in one of four quarterfinal matchups. Peterson is making his CAA Tournament debut, while Graham is coaching GSU for the first time after being named interim coach on Sunday with the release of Rod Barnes. ... via North Carolina-Wilmington


[12] Towson vs. [5] Drexel - 2:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
TOWS - 4-25 (0-18) RPI: 285 State: 334 SOS: 106 Last 10: 0-10 Form: LLLLL PF/PA: 68.4/76.0
DREX - 20-9 (11-7) RPI: 61 State: 92 SOS: 128 Last 10: 7-3 Form: WLWWW PF/PA: 63.4/59.3
NCAA Selection Sheets: Towson • Drexel
Recent meetings: 02/26/2011 DREX 66 @TOWS 63 02/02/2011 TOWS 59 @DREX 65
Players to watch:
TOWS - #1 Isaiah Philmore So. F (15.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.0 apg)
DREX - #45 Samme Givens Jr. F (11.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.1 apg)

Men's Basketball Opens CAA Tournament Friday Afternoon Against Towson - The Drexel men's basketball team begins its quest for a Colonial Athletic Association title on Friday afternoon in Richmond, Va. The Dragons, the fifth-seed in tournament, face Towson at 2:30 in the Richmond Coliseum. Drexel begins play with a 20-9 record. The Dragons won their 20th game in the regular season finale against Towson (4-25) in Maryland. Derrick Thomas led the way with 19 points as the team reached the 20-win mark for the second time in the last five seasons. Chris Fouch, a Third Team All-CAA pick, leasd the team with 14.7 points per game. Samme Givens, a Second Team All-CAA selection, averages 11.8 points and 10 rebounds per game. ... via Drexel


[10] Northeastern vs. [7] Delaware - 6:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
NU - 11-19 (6-12) RPI: 162 State: 211 SOS: 68 Last 10: 6-4 Form: LLWLW PF/PA: 66.9/70.8
DEL - 13-16 (8-10) RPI: 147 State: 209 SOS: 111 Last 10: 3-7 Form: LWLWL PF/PA: 63.5/67.2
NCAA Selection Sheets: Northeastern • Delaware
Recent meetings: 02/15/2011 DEL 72 @NU 66 01/19/2011 NU 52 @DEL 54
Players to watch:
NU - #3 Chaisson Allen Sr. G (16.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.8 apg)
DEL - #3 Jawan Carter Sr. G (15.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg)

Huskies launch CAA title quest on Friday vs. Delaware - The 10th-seeded Huskies open up the postseason with a matchup against seventh-seeded Delaware in the first round of the Virginia 529 College Savings Plan Colonial Athletic Association Tournament on Friday evening in Richmond, Va. The Fightin' Blue Hens swept the season series with the Huskies this year for the first time since Northeastern joined the CAA in 2005. The Huskies have faced Delaware in the postseason three times before, winning in the first round of the 2007 CAA Tournament and falling in meetings in the 1993 North Atlantic Conference Tournament and 2001 America East Tournament. Delaware holds a 20-17 advantage in the all-time series, which dates back to 1977. ... via Northeastern


[11] William & Mary vs. [6] James Madison - 8:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
CWM - 9-21 (4-14) RPI: 238 State: 280 SOS: 104 Last 10: 3-7 Form: LLWWL PF/PA: 64.1/67.8
JMU - 21-10 (10-8) RPI: 73 State: 81 SOS: 124 Last 10: 6-4 Form: LWWLW PF/PA: 71.7/67.7
NCAA Selection Sheets: William & Mary • James Madison
Recent meetings: 02/02/2011 CWM 73 @JMU 67 01/08/2011 JMU 84 @CWM 79
Players to watch:
CWM - #20 Quinn McDowell Jr. G-F (15.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 apg)
JMU - #21 Denzel Bowles Sr. F (18.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.2 apg)

No. 6 JMU Meets No. 11 W&Amp;M In Friday's CAA Men's Basketball First Round - - JMU and William and Mary will meet in the CAA Tournament for the third straight season in Friday's opening day at 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Coliseum. ... via James Madison

Horizon League


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[6] Wright State vs. [3] Cleveland State - 6:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
WRIG - 19-13 (10-8) RPI: 123 State: 105 SOS: 131 Last 10: 5-5 Form: LLWLW PF/PA: 64.5/61.3
CLST - 25-7 (13-5) RPI: 42 State: 45 SOS: 121 Last 10: 6-4 Form: WLLWW PF/PA: 71.8/63.5
NCAA Selection Sheets: Wright State • Cleveland State
Recent meetings: 02/16/2011 CLST 74 @WRIG 72 01/22/2011 WRIG 46 @CLST 65
Players to watch:
WRIG - #44 Vaughn Duggins Sr. G (18.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg)
CLST - #30 Norris Cole Sr. G (21.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.4 apg)

Vikings Face Wright State In Horizon League Championship Quarterfinals - Cleveland State moves on to Milwaukee for the next two rounds of the Horizon League Championship, facing No. 6 Wright State on Friday, March 4 beginning at 5:00 p.m. CST (6:00 p.m. EST) in the U.S. Cellular Arena in downtown Milwaukee. A win would send the third-seeded Vikings to a semi-final matchup against No. 2 Butler on Saturday (March 5). Cleveland State enters the weekend with a 25-7 overall record, the third-highest single season win total in school history. The Vikings, who defeated UIC, 73-61, on Tuesday night to improve to 6-1 in the tourney over the last three seasons, are attempting to become just the second team in tourney history to win the title by winning four games. Wright State is 19-13 after claiming a 60-50 win over Green Bay in the opening round. This will be the 55th meeting all-time between CSU and Wright State with the series being tied at 27-27. The Vikings swept the season series against Wright State, the most recent meeting being a 74-72 decision in Fairborn back on Feb. 16. This will be the third time that CSU has faced the Raiders in post-season play, but the first since 1994-95. ... via Cleveland State


[5] Detroit vs. [4] Valparaiso - 8:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
UDM - 17-15 (10-8) RPI: 139 State: 135 SOS: 146 Last 10: 6-4 Form: LWLWW PF/PA: 74.4/72.2
VALP - 22-10 (12-6) RPI: 72 State: 66 SOS: 116 Last 10: 6-4 Form: WLLWW PF/PA: 73.0/67.1
NCAA Selection Sheets: Detroit • Valparaiso
Recent meetings: 02/10/2011 UDM 74 @VALP 82 01/16/2011 VALP 78 @UDM 68
Players to watch:
UDM - #32 Eli Holman Jr. F-C (11.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 0.8 apg)
VALP - #32 Brandon Wood Jr. G (16.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.4 apg)

Valpo Ready For Detroit in HL Quarterfinal - Valparaiso makes the trip north to Milwaukee for the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship, as the fourth-seeded Crusaders face off against fifth-seeded Detroit Friday evening. ... via Valparaiso

Metro Atlantic


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[9] Marist vs. [8] Niagara - 7:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
MAR - 5-26 (3-15) RPI: 309 State: 332 SOS: 149 Last 10: 1-9 Form: LLWLL PF/PA: 60.5/73.1
NIAG - 9-22 (5-13) RPI: 270 State: 295 SOS: 178 Last 10: 5-5 Form: LWWLW PF/PA: 61.5/70.2
NCAA Selection Sheets: Marist • Niagara
Recent meetings: 02/06/2011 MAR 60 @NIAG 77 12/03/2010 NIAG 72 @MAR 80
Players to watch:
MAR - #50 Adam Kemp Fr. F (5.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.5 apg)
NIAG - #31 Anthony Nelson Sr. G (15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.2 apg)

Ninth-Seeded Marist Opens 2011 Spark Energy MAAC Basketball Championship Vs. Eighth-Seeded Niagara - - The ninth-seeded Marist men's basketball team (5-26) will open the 2011 Spark Energy MAAC Basketball Championship against eighth-seeded Niagara on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn. Dean Darling (play-by-play) and Ed Weir (color) will have the call beginning at 7 p.m. | MAAC Tournament Notes | Marist-Niagara Game Notes | Listen | Watch-MAACsports.com | Live Stats-MAACsports.com | ... via Marist


[10] Manhattan vs. [7] Siena - 9:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
MAN - 6-24 (3-15) RPI: 280 State: 335 SOS: 148 Last 10: 3-7 Form: WLWLL PF/PA: 59.9/69.8
SIE - 12-17 (8-10) RPI: 200 State: 181 SOS: 138 Last 10: 5-5 Form: LLWLW PF/PA: 68.0/69.3
NCAA Selection Sheets: Manhattan • Siena
Recent meetings: 02/13/2011 SIE 81 @MAN 84 02/04/2011 MAN 57 @SIE 64
Players to watch:
MAN - #24 George Beamon So. G-F (16.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.3 apg)
SIE - #22 Ryan Rossiter Sr. F (19.1 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 1.4 apg)

Men's Basketball Game Day Central - MAAC Tournament - Siena - Manhattan meets Siena in the MAAC Tournament for the fourth time in Jaspers' head coach Barry Rohrssen's five years at the helm. The Jaspers and Saints split their two regular-season meetings with each team holding serve on their home court. The programs did not meet until the last month of the regular-season when Siena took a 64-57 victory at the Times Union Center on Feb. 4. Sophomore guard George Beamon scored a game-high 17 points and freshman point guard Michael Alvarado added 15 points. Manhattan won the second meeting in Riverdale picking up an 84-81 victory, behind Beamon's career-high 35 point scoring performance. Jaspers' junior guard Kidani Brutus scored 20 points and buried five 3-pointers in the victory. ... via Manhattan

Missouri Valley


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[8] Southern Illinois vs. [1] Missouri State - 1:05 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
SIU - 13-18 (5-13) RPI: 211 State: 202 SOS: 133 Last 10: 3-7 Form: LWLLW PF/PA: 61.2/65.2
MOST - 23-7 (15-3) RPI: 40 State: 29 SOS: 125 Last 10: 7-3 Form: WWLWW PF/PA: 70.3/62.9
NCAA Selection Sheets: Southern Illinois • Missouri State
Recent meetings: 02/23/2011 MOST 76 @SIU 58 01/12/2011 SIU 51 @MOST 64
Players to watch:
SIU - #0 Mamadou Seck Fr. F (10.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 apg)
MOST - #34 Kyle Weems Jr. F (16.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.4 apg)

Missouri State Heads to St. Louis for State Farm MVC Tournament - - Missouri State will begin its quest to capture the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title on Friday at 12:05 p.m. when it meets SIU ... via Missouri State


[5] Creighton vs. [4] Northern Iowa - 3:35 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
CREI - 18-13 (10-8) RPI: 133 State: 114 SOS: 140 Last 10: 5-5 Form: WWLLW PF/PA: 67.5/64.0
UNI - 19-12 (10-8) RPI: 102 State: 79 SOS: 122 Last 10: 4-6 Form: LWLLL PF/PA: 63.7/60.6
NCAA Selection Sheets: Creighton • Northern Iowa
Recent meetings: 02/26/2011 UNI 55 @CREI 63 01/26/2011 CREI 66 @UNI 71
Players to watch:
CREI - #3 Doug McDermott Fr. F (14.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.1 apg)
UNI - #20 Jake Koch So. F (9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.0 apg)

Men's Basketball Heads To St. Louis For MVC Tournament - Creighton looks for seventh title in last 13 years and will begin its quest on Friday with a quarterfinal game vs. Northern Iowa. ... via Creighton


[10] Bradley vs. [2] Wichita State - 7:05 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
BRAD - 12-19 (4-14) RPI: 243 State: 233 SOS: 142 Last 10: 6-4 Form: LWLWW PF/PA: 65.2/67.5
WICH - 23-7 (14-4) RPI: 50 State: 63 SOS: 101 Last 10: 7-3 Form: WWLWL PF/PA: 72.9/62.1
NCAA Selection Sheets: Bradley • Wichita State
Recent meetings: 01/29/2011 BRAD 41 @WICH 61 01/01/2011 WICH 79 @BRAD 63
Players to watch:
BRAD - #24 Andrew Warren Sr. G (18.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.9 apg)
WICH - #31 J.T. Durley Sr. F-C (11.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 apg)

MVC Tournament Preview - Wichita State (23-7, 14-4 MVC) opens the 2011 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m., Friday, against the No. 10 seed Bradley Braves (11-19, 4-14). ... via Wichita State


[6] Evansville vs. [3] Indiana State - 9:35 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
EVAN - 15-14 (9-9) RPI: 135 State: 162 SOS: 108 Last 10: 5-5 Form: LLLLW PF/PA: 66.4/67.2
INST - 17-13 (12-6) RPI: 107 State: 127 SOS: 109 Last 10: 5-5 Form: WWLWW PF/PA: 67.3/65.2
NCAA Selection Sheets: Evansville • Indiana State
Recent meetings: 01/26/2011 EVAN 66 @INST 63 01/01/2011 INST 59 @EVAN 64
Players to watch:
EVAN - #11 Colt Ryan So. G (15.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg)
INST - #13 Jake Odum Fr. G (9.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.1 apg)

Basketball Gameday Central: Indiana State To Face Evansville In Arch Madness Quarterfinals On Friday Evening - - Indiana State enters the Arch Madness portion of year one of the Greg Lansing era on Friday night, March 4, when the Sycamores take on Evansville inside the Scottrade Center. Tip-off is set for 9:35 p.m. (ET). The game can be seen live on FSN Indiana (complete statewide clearance information available on page 2 of this release) with Dan McLaughlin, Rich Zvosec, Tom Ackerman and Scott Warmann on the call. ... via Indiana State

Ohio Valley


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[4] Tennessee Tech vs. [1] Murray State - 8:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
TNT - 19-11 (12-6) RPI: 201 State: 160 SOS: 304 Last 10: 8-2 Form: WWWWW PF/PA: 75.3/69.8
MURR - 23-7 (14-4) RPI: 104 State: 58 SOS: 243 Last 10: 9-1 Form: WLWWW PF/PA: 68.6/60.9
NCAA Selection Sheets: Tennessee Tech • Murray State
Recent meetings: 02/10/2011 TNT 44 @MURR 55 01/15/2011 MURR 92 @TNT 85
Players to watch:
TNT - #2 Zac Swansey Jr. G (10.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 6.3 apg)
MURR - #1 B.J. Jenkins Sr. G (11.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.2 apg)

Racers Take High Hopes - No. 1 Seed To Nashville - The Murray State Racers are ready to challenge the rest of the field this week in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
The Racers earned the No. 1 seed after they navigated 18 games in the regular season and won their 22nd championship with a 14-4 record. MSU clinched a tie for the title last Thursday with a 70-62 win over visiting Morehead State. The title was won outright last Saturday when they defeated Eastern Kentucky 66-56.... via Murray State


[3] Austin Peay vs. [2] Morehead State - 10:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
APSU - 20-12 (13-5) RPI: 128 State: 131 SOS: 181 Last 10: 6-4 Form: WLWWW PF/PA: 74.4/66.5
MORE - 22-9 (13-5) RPI: 93 State: 100 SOS: 199 Last 10: 9-1 Form: WWWLW PF/PA: 69.5/61.7
NCAA Selection Sheets: Austin Peay • Morehead State
Recent meetings: 01/29/2011 APSU 56 @MORE 69 12/21/2010 MORE 85 @APSU 86
Players to watch:
APSU - #12 Tyshwan Edmondson Jr. G (17.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg)
MORE - #35 Kenneth Faried Sr. F-C (17.6 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 1.1 apg)

Semifinals Await Second-Seeded Men's Basketball - Morehead State men's basketball has reached the win or go home portion of its schedule. The Eagles, who finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference race, earned one of two double-byes and begin play in the 2011 OVC Tournament in Friday's semifinal game. ... via Morehead State

Southern


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[N5] North Carolina-Greensboro vs. [S4] Davidson - 2:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
UNCG - 6-23 (6-12) RPI: 300 State: 307 SOS: 172 Last 10: 3-7 Form: LLLWL PF/PA: 71.3/81.4
DAV - 17-13 (10-8) RPI: 156 State: 141 SOS: 215 Last 10: 9-1 Form: LWWWW PF/PA: 71.7/67.6
NCAA Selection Sheets: North Carolina-Greensboro • Davidson
Recent meetings: 02/26/2011 UNCG 67 @DAV 78 01/17/2011 DAV 69 @UNCG 77
Players to watch:
UNCG - #22 Brandon Evans Sr. G (11.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg)
DAV - #15 Jake Cohen So. F (12.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.6 apg)

UNCG to face Davidson in SoCon first round - - After facing Davidson in the season finale on Saturday, UNCG will turn right around and face the Wildcats again on Friday in the first round of the 2011 Southern Conference Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Spartans and Wildcats will meet a 2 p.m. in McKenzie Arena, with the winner set to face Western Carolina on Saturday at 2 p.m. ... via North Carolina-Greensboro


[S6] Georgia Southern vs. [N3] Appalachian State - 4:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
GS - 5-26 (1-17) RPI: 341 State: 326 SOS: 270 Last 10: 1-9 Form: LLWLL PF/PA: 65.6/76.1
APST - 15-14 (10-8) RPI: 179 State: 120 SOS: 185 Last 10: 7-3 Form: WLWWW PF/PA: 73.9/73.9
NCAA Selection Sheets: Georgia Southern • Appalachian State
Recent meetings: 01/08/2011 GS 51 @APST 79 02/13/2010 GS 83 @APST 111
Players to watch:
GS - #22 Ben Drayton III Jr. G (15.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.5 apg)
APST - #0 Donald Sims Sr. G (21.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg)

Men's Basketball Opens Tournament Play on Friday - Appalachian State University men's basketball travels to Chattanooga looking to continue the squad's February success and bring the SoCon Tournament championship back to Boone. The Mountaineers begin their quest on Friday against Georgia Southern at 4:30 p.m. ... via Appalachian State


[N6] Samford vs. [S3] Furman - 7:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
SAMF - 12-18 (4-14) RPI: 295 State: 268 SOS: 312 Last 10: 2-8 Form: LLLLL PF/PA: 61.1/67.0
FURM - 20-9 (12-6) RPI: 121 State: 96 SOS: 244 Last 10: 6-4 Form: WWWLL PF/PA: 69.9/65.0
NCAA Selection Sheets: Samford • Furman
Recent meetings: 02/19/2011 FURM 70 @SAMF 63 01/20/2011 SAMF 55 @FURM 74
Players to watch:
SAMF - #5 Jeffrey Merritt Jr. G (10.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 apg)
FURM - #31 Amu Saaka Sr. F (16.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.1 apg)

Basketball To Square Off Against Furman In First Round Of SoCon Tournament - The Samford University basketball team will begin play in the 2011 Southern Conference Tournament Friday at 6 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs square off against the Furman Paladins in the first round of competition being held at The McKenzie Arena (10,928) in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. ... via Samford


[S5] The Citadel vs. [N4] Elon - 9:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
CITA - 10-21 (6-12) RPI: 282 State: 276 SOS: 209 Last 10: 2-8 Form: LLLWL PF/PA: 63.7/69.4
ELON - 13-16 (7-11) RPI: 268 State: 205 SOS: 282 Last 10: 4-6 Form: LWWLW PF/PA: 74.3/74.1
NCAA Selection Sheets: The Citadel • Elon
Recent meetings: 02/12/2011 ELON 79 @CITA 72 02/13/2010 CITA 77 @ELON 72
Players to watch:
CITA - #22 Cameron Wells Sr. G (17.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg)
ELON - #13 Chris Long Sr. G (14.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.8 apg)

It's March...Let the Madness Begin! Men's Hoops Heads to SoCon Tourney - The Elon men's basketball team will get postseason play underway on Friday night when it challenges The Citadel in the opening round of the 2011 Southern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn. Elon (13-16, 7-11), seeded fourth in the North Division, won three of its last four contests to close out the regular season, including a win at The Citadel on Feb. 12. The Bulldogs (10-21, 6-12) come into tournament competition as the No. 5 seed in the South Division and have lost eight of their last nine games. ... via Elon

West Coast


Tools: Standings • Statistics • Tempo-Free Aerial • 18-Year Tourney History


[8] Loyola Marymount vs. [5] Portland - 9:00 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
LMU - 10-20 (2-12) RPI: 276 State: 259 SOS: 182 Last 10: 2-8 Form: LWLLL PF/PA: 70.8/72.3
PORT - 20-10 (7-7) RPI: 96 State: 89 SOS: 145 Last 10: 6-4 Form: WLWWL PF/PA: 71.3/68.1
NCAA Selection Sheets: Loyola Marymount • Portland
Recent meetings: 02/12/2011 PORT 71 @LMU 48 01/13/2011 LMU 78 @PORT 79
Players to watch:
LMU - #34 Drew Viney Jr. F (16.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 apg)
PORT - #43 Luke Sikma Sr. F (13.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Portland Opens WCC Tournament vs. LMU - The Portland Pilots (20-10, 7-7 WCC) are the No. 5 seed at the 2011 Zappos.com West Coast Conference Basketball Championships, scheduled for March 4-7 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The Pilots will open the tournament with a first round match-up against No. 8 Loyola Marymount (10-20, 2-12) on Friday at 6 p.m. live on BYUtv, ESPN Full Court and ESPN3.com. ... via Portland


[7] San Diego vs. [6] Pepperdine - 11:30 pm ET • BBState Preview/Box
USD - 6-23 (2-12) RPI: 314 State: 306 SOS: 141 Last 10: 3-7 Form: LLWLL PF/PA: 60.2/70.0
PEPP - 11-20 (5-9) RPI: 235 State: 245 SOS: 153 Last 10: 4-6 Form: WLLLL PF/PA: 69.2/73.7
NCAA Selection Sheets: San Diego • Pepperdine
Recent meetings: 02/05/2011 PEPP 70 @USD 63 01/06/2011 USD 55 @PEPP 75
Players to watch:
USD - #0 Darian Norris Jr. G (10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
PEPP - #5 Keion Bell Jr. G (18.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.4 apg)

Men's Hoops Meets USD on Friday in WCC Tournament Opener - Pepperdine heads into the postseason as the #6 seed at this weekend's Zappos.com West Coast Conference Championships. Friday's 8:30 p.m. game will be shown on BYUtv, and fans can listen and join a live blog here at PepperdineSports.com. Mychel Thompson and Lorne Jackson were named All-WCC honorable mention. ... via Pepperdine