Big 10 NCAA hoops

Actually, the Big 10 moniker itself is rather stupid when one considers the conference consists of 14 teams. But some folks catch on quicker than others. Go figure, no pun intended.

So how are they faring in the NCAA tourney madness? Well, let's see.

Down went Ohio State to those ever pesky Bulldogs of Gonzaga. A rather convincing win at that.

Down went Michigan to Hous.... what's that? The Wolverines pulled it out on a buzzer-beating miracle shot from the outskirts of "downtown"? Last I saw, the Cougars had a two point lead and were heading to the foul line for free throws, with just a few ticks left on the clock. It was over, but I guess not.

So what reward does Michigan reap for the unlikeliest of last second heroics? Probably a date with North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen. Yeah, the Maize and Blue has a shot to advance further, but not a very good one. The Tar Heels are for real. But we'll see.

Purdue, the #2 seed in the East, has the easiest route to the Elite Eight. Even assuming they get by the winner of the Texas Tech/Florida game, no gimme, they'll run smack dab into Villanova, considered the best team in the country by many. Chances of getting to the Final Four? Not good.

Michigan State, always self-hyped to the max, and not long ago deemed at worst the #3 team in the nation, needs only get by those pesky Horned Frogs of Texas Christian to meet up with -- Duke. The very same Duke that has dusted them 11 out of the last 12 times they've met.

And let's not forget, that while it's been put on the "back burner" during the NCAA tournament, MSU and in particular head basketball coach Tom Izzo and football coach Mark Dantonio remain very much the subject of investigations into the alleged hanky-panky of a few of their players in recent years. True, it may turn out to be nothing, but it might just turn out to cost them their jobs and reputations -- or something in between. We'll all find out in due time, but it ain't over yet. The proverbial jury is still quietly deliberating.

Yet all in all, unless something astounding happens -- and sometimes it does -- the Big 10 appears as if it won't fare so well in this tournament.

But like they say, that's why they play the games -- right?

Cuz ya just never know.

Regardless, yours truly remains steadfast, as he has for years.

Go Zags!!!!!