Upset Alert

Not much to report from the early games but with about 10 minutes left in each game UAB leads Memphis and Michigan leads Purdue. Both desperately need these games for their tournament hopes. The impressive part for UAB is that their DUDE, Robert Vaden, is current 0-14 from the field and 0-9 from the land of trey and they still are holding on. Terrence Kinnard is 5-7 from deep to make up for it.

Michigan-Purdue

Memphis-UAB

UPDATE:

Memphis 71, UAB 60

Coming down the stretch Memphis was just able to work what they wanted and UAB couldn't respond. Every Memphis starter was in double-figures, save Tyreke Evans who had 8. Vaden never got going for UAB and finished 0-17 (0-12 for 3-point land). Kinnard and Paul Delaney III contributed 25 and 18 respectively but it wasn't enough. With Memphis' execution amped up late, they were able to keep their turnovers down, something UAB had thrived on earlier in the game. (Note: Selfishly I was rooting for the Blazers in this one, if they had one it could only help BC with their computer numbers as the Eagles won at the NIT Tip-off IN MSG)
For UAB it was their chance to add a signature win to their resume, the only other one that qualifies would maybe be Arizona. They have solid computer numbers but without the big win I think they are NIT bound this year, no big upset of #1 seeded Kentucky like the 2004 version of the Blazers. They still could make something happen and they are the 2nd team in Conference USA but as you see elsewhere the mid-major at larges just aren't out there this year.
For Memphis this is what they need to do. As other top 8 teams are losing Memphis does all it can do, and has done in Conference USA and thats keep winning. I'm still not sure they deserve a number one seed over teams making a late push like Louisville, but they'll keep making their case. They will be on the top two lines come Selection Sunday but I personally feel they'll be in that second four.

Michigan 87, Purdue 78

This game was just what Michigan needed. The color guy doing the game mentioned 8 or possibly 9 teams from the Big 11 making the field of 65 but i think that's ridiculous (Nittany Nation will do a little something on Big 10 bubble watch later). Michigan has a chance to make the field but needs to win the next two games over fellow bubble teams Minnesota and Wisconsin and get to 20 wins, 10-8 in conference to have a chance. Their win over Duke will do wonders for their resume. They cannot expect 63% team shooting every game, especially the UNCONSCIOUS performance (13-16) from DeShawn Sims. Manny Harris will get his if he's not going a little insane but when other guys step of the Wolverines can be a solid team and a tough out.
Purude is safely in and this will pretty much stop upward movement on the seed lines. They are most likely a 5 or 6 now. The Boilermakers can take one HUGE thing from this game as Big 10 preseason POTY Robbie Hummel played 39 minutes and dropped 24 in only his 4th game back from his back problems. It was the first time he played more than 25 minutes since coming back and was 8 more points than he had in those three games combined.