College Hoops -- Recapping The First Slate Of Games

Had a rough go at it to start, but all the games were really good. That's what we expect to see this time of year.

Central Michigan 54, Bowling Green State 53
Robby's pick: BGSU big
-I'll eat the crow here.  Chippewa G Austin McBroom goes HAM and added 6 assists to his 20 points in a big win for Central Michigan tonight.  The Falcons' Jordan Crawford missed the tying free throw with 3 seconds left to seal the deal.  CHIPPEWAS... PARTY HARD.  Wins don't come easy in a place like this:




Western Illinois 54, Oral Roberts 53
Robby's pick: Oral Roberts

-I figured this game would be close, especially with the Leathernecks overachieving already in the tournament.  Oral Roberts' Dominique Morrison goes for 23, but it wasn't enough as Michael Craion turns it over late to secure Western Illinois trip to the Summit League Championship game.

North Texas 76, Arkansas State 72

Robby's pick: Arkansas State

-Tony Mitchell shut it down on the boards for the Mean Green to advance to the Sun Belt Championship game.  Trey Flinn played all 40 mintues for Arkansas State going for 21 points, 5 boards, and 2 dishes but it just wasn't enough to carry them on in Hot Springs.

VCU 59, Drexel 56

Robby's pick:  VCU

-The Fighting Shaka Smarts' are back in the big dance, riding Darius Theus' monster game.  The loss leaves Drexel in an awkward position on the bubble, hoping to capitalize on the perceived strength of the CAA, as well as VCU's shocking run from the team that shouldn't have been in to Final Four.  Tough way to potentially end the Dragons' dancing hopes.

Northern Illinois 55, Eastern Michigan 52

Robby's pick: Eastern Michigan

-I have no words. Five win Northern Illinois shocks Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti with a balanced effort between Aksel Bolin & Tony Nixon.  EMU's season ends suddenly as MACtion only heats up. 

Loyola (MD) 48, Fairfield 44

Robby's pick: Fairfield

-1994 was a long time ago, and Greyhounds fans have to be pumped that the streak is over.  They go on to the tournament, punching their ticket behind Erik Etherly's performance.  A knock down, drag it out game has MAAC with yet another new face in the NCAAs.

Western Michigan 69, Ball State 63

Robby's pick: Ball State

-The Broncos had 5 players in double digits scoring tonight as they bury Ball State on their home court.  For the Cardinals, their season is over, but for the Broncos.... The MACtion continues.