Bracket Busters is Set: Undefeated Murray State Hosts Ranked St. Mary's
By Jason Lisk
The marquee matchup will be the lone undefeated team in the country, Murray State, hosting their biggest risk for a loss, St. Mary’s of California. St. Mary’s is 21-2, and has a better profile than Murray State entering the game, with a sweep of BYU, a win over Gonzaga, and one of their two losses coming to Baylor. That game will be televised at 6 pm on either ESPN or ESPN2 (likely pending whether the Racers are still undefeated).
Other notable matchups between teams with hopes for the NCAA Tournament:
Long Beach State at Creighton: Long Beach played a very tough non-conference schedule, with wins over Pittsburgh and Xavier, and losses to Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, North Carolina and San Diego State, all on the road. A win at Missouri Valley Conference Creighton would give them a good at large profile.
Wichita State at Davidson: The Shockers get a tough test against a Davidson team that defeated Kansas earlier this year.
Nevada at Iona: Both teams really need this win to boost themselves into having any chance at an at-large. MoMo Jones, who played for Arizona last year, is now playing for Iona.
Northern Iowa at Virginia Commonwealth: Last year’s tournament darlings, VCU, are playing in a down Colonial Athletic Conference and could really use a win over a team from the stronger Missouri Valley.
[photo via Getty]