Sunday's Conference Wars: What's At Stake
(Guru's Note: You should be advised that a large bio of Villanova coach Harry Perretta is running in the Sunday print section and is in the main philly.com. area. Now here's a look at Sunday's conference action. -- Mel)
By Mel Greenberg
Women's D-I Conference Tournaments
ACC at Greensboro, N.C. (Greensboro Coliseum)
Championship
Duke vs. Maryland, 1 p.m.
Guru's comment: Both are playing for NCAA No. 1 seeds, although Maryland could hold serve, while Duke would definitely be a major candidate with a win. The Blue Devils may still be in the hunt with a competitive loss.
Atlantic Ten at Charlotte, N.C. (Halton Arena)
Semifinals
Dayton vs. Richmond, 12 p.m.
Temple vs. N.C. Charlotte, 2:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: Well, things certainly took a turn here after Dayton upset top-seeded Xavier in the semifinals. The projection was that if Xavier and Temple got to the finals, the A-10 would get two teams no discussion would be necessary about a third. Xavier still goes no matter what. The Owls still have a major case and would enhance it Sunday having beaten a good 49ers team twice on an enemy court. Let's see how this plays out but in all probability somehwere on the bubble a team's chances to get picked as an at-large just got a little weaker.
Big East Conference at Hartford, Conn. (XL Center)
Quarterfinals
Villanova vs. Notre Dame, 12 p.m.
Connecticut vs. South Florida, 2 p.m.
Louisville vs. Rutgers, 6 p.m.
Pittsburgh vs. DePaul, 8 p.m.
Guru's comment: 'Nova is definitely in the NCAA field with a win, though the Guru believes they are safe anyway. The Irish and DePaul looking for a little more comfort. Pittsburgh is playing for a decent NCAA seed. Rutgers could end all the worry with a win which would also avenge the loss to the Cardinal last year. Louisville, on the other hand, is motivated by the hunt for a No.1 or No.2 NCAA seed. Connecticut is looking to maintain the course and South Florida is looking to make headlines.
Big Ten Conference at Indianapolis, Ind. (Conseco Fieldhouse)
Championship
Ohio State vs. Purdue
Guru's comment: Can it be the Buckeyes are actually going to hit the double winning the regular season and conference postseason action. Both teams playing for positioning in the NCAA mix.
Conference USA at New Orleans, La. (Fogelman Arena)
Championship
UCF vs. Southern Miss., 3:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: The winner goes dancing and the loser -- tough to tell since top-seeded SMU got knocked off and won't be an at-large pick.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference at Albany, N.Y. (Times Union Center)
Championship
Canisius vs. Marist, 12 p.m.
Guru's comment: Marist looking to avoid sweating on the bubble and making others sweat by being there. Canisius looking to cash in on a fine season, though the WNIT will be ok.
Northeast Conference at Fairfield, Conn. (William H. Pitt Center)
Semifinals
Sacred Heart vs. Monmouth, N.J., 1:30 p.m.
Cent. Connecticut State vs. Saint Francis, Pa., 4 p.m.
Guru's comment: Everyone trying to stay alive for the automatic bid.
Patriot League at Bethlehem, Pa. (Stabler Arena)
Semifinals
Lehigh vs. Army, 1 p.m.
Lafayette vs. Navy, 3:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: Lehigh was the only high seed to advance but Army will always try to win one for its former coach Maggie Dixon in this tournament.
Southeastern Conference at North Little Rock, Ark. (Alltel Arena)
Championship
Vanderbilt vs. Auburn
Guru's comment: Both teams are NCAA looks with Vandy trying to get a dandy seed and the Tigers doing better by staying in the discussion for a No. 1 seed with the ACC survivors.
Southern Conference at Chattanooga, Tenn. (UCF Arena)
Semifinals
Chattanooga vs. College of Charleston, 12 p.m.
Samford vs. Western Carolina, 2:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: All trying to survive for the automatic bid.
Summit League at Sioux Falls, N.D. (Sioux Falls Arena)
Quarterfinals – II
IUPUI vs. IPFW, 1 p.m.
N. Dakota St. vs. W. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: Seekers are looking to advance and make trouble for favored South Dakota State.
West Coast at Las Vegas, Nev. (Orleans Arena)
Semifinals
Gonzaga vs. Loyola Marymount, 3 p.m.
Portland vs. San Diego, 5:30 p.m.
Guru's comment: Favored Gonzaga looking to avoid being upset and having to sweat on the bubble. The others are looking to be Cinderella.
That's it for now with much more to come.
-- Mel