The High Holy Days Are Upon Us

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Despite the lack of media coverage on tonight's games March Madness officially begins with the opening rounds of conference tournaments.  Now, I understand that you elitists (take your blue sports jacket back to Lawrence) dismiss the lower 20 conferences in division I.  Heck, most of you elitists dismiss any league outside of the BCS.  That's fine.  I think division I is too big as well.  But since I haven't been given the reigns of the NCAA then near 350 teams are what we have to work with.

Tonight it's the first round games of the Big South and the Horizon.  Butler is a lock to represent the Horizon.  If somehow they lost in the their tourney they'll still get in and the league would steal a spot from some other at large.  I'd to like to see Detroit be that team.  My pal Derrick Thomas is an assistant their and they've done a nice job bringing that program back with a record of 18-13.  The Titans take on Valpo.

The Big South is in a similar situation.  Coastal Carolina is the class of the league.  But if they lose in their tourney I'm not so sure they would get in as an at large.  they'll play host to VMI.

Tomorrow the  Atlantic Sun jumps into the madness and that's exactly what it will be.  Four teams are tied for first place and one more is a game back.  Though you won't get much of a chance, try to watch the fight for the Atlantic Sun's lone bid to the tournament and you will see early March desperation and hopefully great basketball.

The Billikens have two games left in the regular season as they vie for slotting in the Atlantic 10.  Wednesday SLU plays host to A-10 top dog Temple.  Nothing is easy from here on in.

And don't forget the Missouri Valley starts on Thursday and it is one of the best in the nation.  Enjoy the High Holy days!