Bubble teams around the nation celebrated with Old Dominion fans.

Leading off

On my plane to North Carolina, I sat next to a Rhode Island grad/fan who was still smarting from Ricky Harris' game-winning shot Saturday. But more interesting to me was that he originally planned on going to Atlantic City for the A-10 Tournament. When Rhody didn't earn a bye, he didn't want to reserve a room and buy tickets with no certainty that his team would be there. I asked if he planned to go if URI beat St. Joe's, he said he didn't want to leave the weekend open and made other plans.

I'm guessing he's not alone. And considering this is coming from a fan who could drive there, I can only imagine that Dayton and Charlotte fans are in the same boat.

I've said it and written it before: First round games at campus sites is a bad idea. It was stupid the last time the A-10 did it and it's still stupid now.

What to look forward to today

The opening of the Big East Tournament at MSG.

Prediction of the day

Rutgers picks off Cincy, ending the Bearcats hopes.

Bubble guide:

Butler vs. Wright State - Butler is obviously in. Wright State could steal a bid.

Saint Joseph's at Rhode Island - The bubble is soft enough for the Rams to still get a bid with a little run.

UMass at Charlotte - The 49ers are a long shot now. But maybe a trip to the finals gets them consideration.

George Washington at Dayton -See Rhody.

UConn vs. St. John's  - The Huskies are a long shot now. But there are opportunities for big wins in New York.

Seton Hall vs. Providence - The Pirates could earn a bid with a run.

Cincinnati vs. Rutgers -The Knights could end Cincy's hopes. The Bearcats can end the Fred Hill era.

South Florida vs. DePaul - The Bulls better get this one.

Questions I don't know the answer to:

Will Charlotte play well tonight at home or have the 49ers run out of gas?

Links

Pete Thamel looks at the connection between financial committment to success in the Big East. The teams with the biggest and smallest investments in basketball may surprise you.

Mike DeCourcy looks at the coaching performance of Jim Boeheim this year.

Buzzer beaters

The best arguement for not expanding the NCAA Tournament is how bad this year's bubble is.

...9 hours til UMass-Charlotte...