Most appealing game (according to FanMatchTM): New Mexico vs. Connecticut. Some of the key moments of this game were not shown due to “weather problems” or some such thing, according to CBS Sports Network. But hey, that Jimbo Fisher documentary was kind of neat. The Lobos built a comfortable lead early in the second half only to see it evaporate as UConn got warm from three-point range. The Lobos held on and their 66-60 [61 poss] win was fueled by a 21-of-21 performance from the free throw line. No, it was not an upset.
Major upsets (<15% win probability): None (of the D-I on D-I variety, anyway. So you’re off the hook, Rick Barnes.)
Crazy comebacks (<3% win probability): I’m not sure what to make of UIC, but their experience in the Virgin Islands should concern fellow Horizon League opponents. They were down 70-58 to Iona with 6:57 left before going on a 19-3 run that would propel them to an 86-81 [75] upset win, and a 2-1 Paradise Jam, with the loss being a competitive contest against New Mexico. Josh Crittle, you have finally found your home.
Unbeatens remaining: 72 (8 fewer than yesterday). After you went to bed, Illinois (4-0) pummeled USC 94-64 [74] in the Maui Invitational on a combination of unconscious shooting and offensive rebounding that won’t be seen again in many games. The last time USC gave up more than 1.26 PPP was 38 games ago.
Winless teams remaining: 36 (4 fewer than yesterday). Fordham overcame a five-point deficit to Penn with 3:45 to go to pull out a 70-68 [68] victory and remove themselves from this group.
Other notable events: Here are Alabama-Huntsville’s results against D-I teams this season…beat #101 North Texas by 3, lost to #107 Cleveland State by 2, lost to #17 Kansas State 61. I’m on the Bruce Weber bandwagon, and I realize the bandwagon can’t even use the HOV lanes because it’s just me. But the rest of you, all of you in the HOV lanes who want more than 61 point wins over D-II schools to join bandwagons, you’re going to regret this.
Today’s top game: With the upsets in Maui and Brooklyn yesterday, Kansas and Saint Louis (9:30 ET, ESPNU) unexpectedly tops Tuesday’s action. Both teams ripped off easy wins yesterday after looking pretty awful in their most recent game.