Cue up the Phil Collins

It's Shawn.

Against all odds, the Cyclones win at Kansas State.  That's a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for a couple reasons.  First, Iowa State didn't have anything to play for except pride.  The Clones were locked into the 11 seed at the Big 12 tournament before the game.  So the fact that ISU went to Manhattan and won tells me the team hasn't quit on Greg McDermott.  Second, the win snaps a 21-game losing streak against ranked opponents.  Media types like myself no longer have to point out Greg McDermott has never beat a ranked team at ISU every time the Cyclones play a ranked team.

I'll admit, I haven't paid attention to the Iowa women in about 17 years.  But I've really enjoyed following Bluder's Bunch at the Big Ten Tournament.  The Hawks are spunky, scrappy, and play with a lot of enthusiasm.   On top of that, they've perservered through countless injuries and illnesses this season.  And Iowa is incredibly young, meaning the Hawks should contend for the Big Ten title in years to come.

Do Valley fans root for Wichita State in the MVC title game tomorrow?  UNI is a lock for an at-large berth in the Big Dance no matter what happens Sunday in St. Louis.  The Shockers, on the other hand, are not.  A Wichita St. win would give the conference two teams in the field of 65 and help the conference's credibility.  I'll be rooting for the Panthers... I love this team.

I can't remember a better Girls State Basketball Tournament.  Countless thrilling finishes, with three of the four title games going down to the final horn.  Here's hoping the boys tournament is just as entertaining.

Talk to you soon,

Shawn