The Sport of Baseball vs. Barry Bonds

By Sean Roman, OTSL Analyst

Barry Bonds is being put on trial now for his liberty in San Francisco. He is officially charged with multiple counts of perjury. But that does not begin to reveal the significance of what has already happened.

After all the scientific testimony becomes a mere memory few will be able to recollect, the Man who sits atop the most revered record in American sports WILL pay the piper for benefiting the greatest from using performance enhancing substances.

If this were any other sport where a prominent American athlete were tried, the facts of the case and legal ins-and-outs would be more important to focus on.

But baseball is THE special sport.

Baseball rose with the growth of our nation as an industrialized power after the Civil War. As a game, is revered for its perfect balance of offensive and defense. The flow of the game from Spring to Autumn, as well as the trip around the base paths (where one strives to spring from home, travel the world only to make it back) is symbolic of our lives in a way no other activity can mimic.

And the way time can not strangle the game, unlike other contests which have the most vulgar of devices…a clock...is simply...ineffable. Baseball represents American Society, and Mr. Bonds has disgraced us all in a way which can not escape divine retribution.

Historically, Baseball’s Eras are just as important as national conflicts, political movements and technology revolutions. We are tracking and preserving the proceedings that are happening right now in the federal court in San Francisco for generations that will walk the earth when we are no more.

Consequently, it is fitting that the one who benefited the most from selling his very soul should have to be put through this humiliating national ordeal. The ultimate result of this case is irrelevant. This public prosecution has already fulfilled its goal as each day of testimony plays out.

Even if Mr. Bonds is found not guilty, he still can not recover his good name any more than the eight “Black Sox” Players could almost a century ago.

Out But Not Over

by Jay Kaplan, OTSL Writer/Analyst

Those of you who follow "On The Sportslines" know that I am a St. John's graduate. I was there back when the guy the on-campus arena is named for was still roaming the sidelines in his Cosby Show sweaters. I was there when basketball players from high schools all across the five boroughs still lined up around the block to wear the Red & White and play half their home games at The World's Most Famous Arena. I was there when THE college basketball program in the city that called basketball ITS game was still a fixture in both the Big East, the Top 25 and NCAA Tournament.

Lou Carneseca retired from coaching the Johnnies (sorry, those of us who were there back then will NEVER call the team by its current name - we absolutely HATE IT) the same year I graduated - 1992. Things were never quite the same after that.

Long-time right-hand man Brian Mahoney inherited the job but didn't do much with it - a .491 winning percentage (.397 in The Big East) though there were two NCAA appearances from '92-'96. Fran Frischilla followed and gave us hope that things would get better - a .613 winning percentage (.593 in-conference) and a trip to the Big Dance in 1998, but then he was fired amidst rumors that he was job hunting while still on the job at St. John's.

The Mike Jarvis era followed. From 1998-2003 St. John's seemed to be back. NCAA trips in '99, '00 and '02. A Big East Conference championship in 2000 and an NIT Crown in 2003. Then, like Frischilla, he was fired. In this case, more for losing control of the team which led to NCAA sanctions, including vacating of wins in the NCAA's and that 2003 NIT title.

I for one, was never a Jarvis fan. I blame him for the condition that the basketball program has been in for the last decade. I blame him and his ego and his grandiose ideas of recruiting the best players from all over for giving the best players in this city - a city filled to overflowing with great high school basketball players - no reason to stay home and play for New York's college basketball program. Why should they when the coach of that program ignores them. Jarvis just never understood the core recruiting principle for a St. John's coach - keep the kids from places like Rice, Christ the King, Boys & Girls and St. Raymond's at home.

Norm Roberts tried his best under very tough conditions. The NCAA sanctions made it hard to get players to come play at St. John's. But the guys he got stuck around because they believed in what Roberts was ultimately trying to do - return this city's college basketball team to prominence. Norm didn't get to finish what he started, but his kids did.

10 seniors, 9 who played four years, who suffered through a 44-53 stretch their first three years, who suffered through 37 conference losses over those three years finally got their moment in the sun.

They bought into new coach Steve Lavin's system hook, line and sinker. They knocked off 6 Top 25 teams - 4 in the Top 10 - en route to a 21-12 season that included a 12-6 record in the crucible that is the Big East. They returned to both the Top 25 and the NCAA's as the #6 seed in the Southeast Region.

Unfortunately, they would have to play their opening round game without Senior Swingman DJ Kennedy. Kennedy tore the ACL in his right knee during the Johnnies loss to Syracuse in the Big East Tournament. Would Kennedy's presence on the court have been the difference between a second-round game against Jimmer and BYU and last night's heart-breaking 86-71 loss to Gonzaga? Probably not.

St. John's did not play its best game last night. They got crushed on the glass (43-20); allowed the Zags to kill them from long-range (9-15 on 3's) and just couldn't seem to execute their game on either end. Once they fell behind by double-digits they just couldn't seem to find their way back against a tough, tournament-tested team like the Zags. It was a painful, tearful way to end what had been a season filled with smiles.

Those 10 seniors will never play another game in the Red & White. Never get a chance to feel the exhilaration that comes from a March Madness win. Never get to dream about what next season might bring. Last night's loss will no doubt stay with them for a long time.

They may remember the 2011 tournament only as a One-And-Done disappointment. The rest of us - Alumni like me and fellow OTSL panelists Scott Chapman (under-grad) and Sean Roman (law school), and all the St. John's basketball fans in New York and around the country - we will remember this tournament and this season as the one that returned the Johnnies to their rightful place in the college basketball landscape.

St. John's basketball may be out as far as this season goes, but thanks to the kids that Norm Roberts recruited and Steve Lavin turned into winners, things are far from over. In fact, you could say they've just begun and thus once again we can say it loud and say it proud: WE ARE...ST. JOHN'S!

The Rabbi's Conference Tournament Preview- Part 2

I am The Rabbi, Video Editor of "On The Sportslines". This is the greatest week of the college basketball year for a lot of people, and for me the greatest week on the sports calendar. No week has as much intrigue and action as the week before the NCAA tournament in college basketball. Over the next two days, all of the big conference tourneys kick off around the country. Here are nine big conference tournaments to get you ready for the big week in Part 2 of our championship week preview. I will be providing the brackets on each of these tournaments so click the link to play along.

Big East Tournament (Tuesday-Saturday, New York City)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/BIGE/big-east-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Louisville, Syracuse, St. John's, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Georgetown, UCONN, Villanova

Looking Good, needs a win: Marquette

Game to watch: Wed, UCONN vs. Georgetown/DePaul

Unless the DePaul Blue Demons pull off the upset they did last year as a #16 seed, the opener on Wednesday will see two of the better teams in the country who have fallen on hard times lately. Both lost 4 out of their last 5 to end the season but are too talented to lose more momentum here. The loser here could be as low as a #7 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Honorable Mention: Thursday, Syracuse vs. St. John's/Seton Hall/Rutgers

Madison Square Garden loves a local match up, and anyway you slice it, they'll get one here. The match up we are all shooting for is Syracuse vs. St. John's. The only loss the Red Storm have at Madison Square Garden this season is against the Orange, and it wasn't even close. If Lavin's boys can get payback, they are looking at a top 4 seeding at come Selection Sunday.

Prediction: Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish have never actually made the tournament finals of the Big East. I think they'll get there for the first time, and beat Pitt in the finals, maybe making both teams #1 seeds when the brackets come out Sunday.

Atlantic 10 Tournament (Tuesday-Sunday, Atlantic City (Fri.-Sun.),

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/ATL10/atlantic-10--tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Xavier, Temple

Needs Work to get in: Richmond

Game To Watch: Friday, Rhode Island/St. Louis vs. Richmond

Richmond has played on the edge most of the season and each of their four losses in 2011 have put them closer and closer to losing out on an at-large. A win here on Friday should vault the Spiders into the field of 68 and probably keep them out of that First Four round in Dayton. Rhode Island is dangerous though, they beat Richmond in their only meeting this year 78-74.

Honorable Mention: Semifinal #1, March 12 1pm

Bubble teams all across the country will watch this game closely, because if #1 seed Xavier doesn't come out victorious in it, Sunday's final will have a lot of those "last team in" schools on pins and needles. If any of the other nine teams win this tourney outside of the ones mentioned here, the A-10 is most likely getting a 4th bid that they never would have gotten before.

Prediction: Xavier

Outside of a fluke loss against #11 seed Charlotte in February, the Musketeers are unblemished in the A-10. It stays that way after this week. They'll beat Temple in the finals.

Pac 10 Tournament (Wendesday- Saturday, Los Angeles)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/PAC10/pac-10-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Arizona, UCLA

Looking Good, Needs a win: Washington

Needs work to get in: USC, Washington State

Game To Watch: Washington vs. Washington State

The Apple Cup's third meeting takes place on Thursday, and it's an important one. A lot of people believe the Huskies are still an at-large lock, but I do not. The Cougars have beaten the Huskies in BOTH of their regular season meetings, and a 3rd win would give both teams at least 20 wins. There's no major difference in my opinion in the non-conference schedules, so why should Wazzou be put in a lesser standard if they sweep their rivals?

Honorable Mention: USC vs. Cal

USC has sneaked up on some people lately. A win here in the 2nd quarterfinal on Thursday, along with a win versus what would most likely be Arizona on Friday, could give the Trojans a resume with enough wins (20) and victories (2) over likely Top 5 seeds in the NCAA tourney. That could be enough to sneak USC into the field of 68.

Prediction: UCLA

Since December, the Bruins have only lost once inside the state of California. I believe they beat USC in the final, and that BOTH teams make the tournament at the end of it all.

Conference USA (Wed.-Sat., El Paso, Tex,)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/USA/conference-usa-tournament-bracket

Needs Work to get in: Memphis

Game To Watch: Friday, UAB-East Carolina/UCF vs. Memphis- Southern Miss/Tulane

Boy, that's a mouthful. If all holds form, UAB and Memphis will play in this C-USA semifinal on Friday, and it could be a highly competitive game. UAB won 7 out of their last 8 games to end the season. The only loss? Memphis, who boasts the only at-large chances for the conference, due to a strong non-conference schedule, despite losing most of their important non-conference games.

Honorable Mention: Thursday, Tulsa vs. SMU/Rice

Tulsa is a team who could be a problem on their side of the bracket, and this is their first chance to shine. An easy win here puts them into a possible match up in the semifinals with UTEP, who's on their home court for this tourney.

Prediction: UTEP

UTEP's only lost once at home in-conference this season. I believe the home court advantage of the Don Haskins Center will lead the Miners to a victory over Memphis in the finals, although it won't be as dominating as their 27-point victory less than two weeks ago over the Tigers.

Big 12 Tournament (Wed.- Sat., Kansas City, MO)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/BIG12/big-12-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Kansas State

Needs Work: Colorado, Baylor, Nebraska

Game To Watch: Thur, Texas vs. Baylor/Oklahoma

As mentioned many times in this column, the Baylor Bears have totally underachieved this year and need to get a big time victory this week in Kansas City. If they get by the Sooners, will go up against Texas. Baylor has faced the Longhorns twice this season and been disappointed both times in the final minutes. A win here though could give the Bears what very few bubble teams can get this late in the season: a win over a top 10 team. Baylor may not even need to win their next game to make the tourney.

Honorable Mention: Thur, Kansas St. vs. Iowa St./Colorado

Out of the three teams that needs work to secure their spot in the field of 68, the team in the best shape is Colorado. That doesn't mean the margin for error isn't small for the Buffaloes. They definitely need a win this Wednesday against Iowa State, who they lost to just a week ago. Then, they'll need to beat Kansas State to make the Big 12 semifinals. While the Colorado swept K-State this season, both wins were before K-State destroyed Kansas in Manhattan on Valentine's Day. Kansas State has been a whole different animal since then, looking more like the preseason Top 5 team that a lot of people expected.

Prediction: Kansas

The Jayhawks have been a force in the Big 12 all year. In fact, I think the bigger challenge for Kansas will be in the semifinals, when Kansas State or Colorado should be waiting for them. The winner of that game will have a lot of momentum and give Kansas a great fight. However, I think Kansas prevails there and over Missouri in the Big 12 final, securing a #1 seed.

Mountain West Tournament (Wendesday-Saturday, Las Vegas)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/MWC/mountain-west-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: UNLV, BYU, San Diego State

Needs Work: Colorado State

Game To Watch: Colorado St. vs. New Mexico

Colorado State struggled at the end of the season, but if the right games break their way, they could make it into the tourney with two wins. Unfortunately, momentum is certainly going against the Rams. They've lost 4 out of their last 5 and will certainly have to beat BYU and San Diego State to get a definite tourney spot. CSU is 0-4 against the MWC's big 2 this season.

Honorable mention: Wyoming/TCU-BYU vs. Colorado St./New Mexico

Assuming that BYU gets past their quarterfinal, which is very likely but certainly not a given with the indefinite suspension of F Brandon Davies, this is a great semifinal. On one hand if Colorado State wins, they may be playing for a tournament spot against the class of the MWC. If New Mexico wins, BYU will look for payback as the Cougars will face a team they've lost to twice this year, both games weren't even close.

Prediction: San Diego State

The combination of Brandon Davies not being there and the Aztecs wanting revenge for their two losses, I predict the boys from Cali beat BYU in the finals, assuring them of a #2 seed in the NCAA's, knocking down BYU to a #3 seed (cue the mid-major groaning).

Big 10 Tournament (Thursday-Sunday, Indianapolis)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/BIG10/big-10-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois

Looking Good, Needs A Win: Michigan

Needs Work: Michigan State

Game To Watch: Michigan vs. Illinois

The fortunes of both of these teams have changed over the last few weeks. There is no team that has zoomed their way onto the bubble like Michigan. Even in my College Basketball Primer, they were an afterthought. Now, they are the only thought that teams have in the Big 10. The Wolverines won 6 out of their last 8, with the two losses in that streak coming by a combined three points. The Illini are one of the two teams to beat the Wolverines in that stretch. The winner of this Big 10 quarterfinal is in the tournament. While the loser may be in as well, they will be doing a lot of sweating till Sunday.

Honorable Mention: Michigan State-Iowa vs. Purdue

Michigan State HAS to beat Iowa. If not, there should be no logical reason why a 14 loss team like the Spartans - who will have lost twice to Iowa - should be in the field of 68. If MSU makes it to the quarters, this matchup is just as pivotal to their tourney hopes. Both of Purdue's victories over Michigan State have been by double digits, including a 20-point victory at East Lansing less than two weeks ago. Michigan State may have more to play for, but Purdue may be pissed after losing to Iowa this past Saturday.

Prediction: Ohio State

On a neutral court, no team in the country is better than the Buckeyes. They have veteran leadership that's been in the tourney before, they have a super freshman in Jared Sullinger who can dominate games just like Evan Turner and Greg Oden before him, and they have a team who is battle tested in big tourney games as well. I believe Ohio State beats Wisconsin in the finals of the Big 10 to secure the #1 overall seed.

SEC Tournament (Thursday-Sunday, Atlanta)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/SEC/sec-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

Needs Work: Alabama, Georgia

Game To Watch: Alabama vs. Auburn-Georgia

Just like last year in the SEC, the SEC West champion is most certainly not guaranteed an SEC Tournament bid. The 4th seed in the SEC East, Georgia has had a nice year, but their lack of big victories is catching up to them. So, what's the only way to get a big victory? Beat your opponent on Friday. Alabama is guaranteed to be here, Georgia's gonna need to beat SEC West bottom resident Auburn. Whether it be for Alabama or Georgia, Friday is desperation day in this Quarterfinal opener.

Honorable Mention: Tennessee-Arkansas vs. Florida

Florida has a huge resume, that coupled with an SEC title, could seriously give them consideration for a #2 seed. Arkansas will be a decent challenge for Tennessee, and has actually win against them in their only match back in February. The winner of that game should be a good opener for Florida, despite Florida winning all three meetings against both the Vols and Razorbacks this year. If Florida gets upset here, watch out because that opens up the SEC tourney big time.

Prediction: Florida

Florida has won 8 out of their last 9 and only lost three games in SEC play. All three losses were by single digits. Florida is showing a bit of the magic that they showed in their back-to-back national title seasons. Remember, the Gators were a #3 seed when they won the tourney for the very first time. This could be the start of something special for Florida.

ACC Tournament (Thursday-Sunday, Greensboro)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/tournaments/conference/ACC/acc-tournament-bracket

At-Large Locks: Duke, North Carolina, Florida State

Looking Good, but needs a win: Clemson

Needs Work: Boston College, Virginia Tech

Game To Watch: Clemson vs. Boston College-Wake Forest

The ACC has been a very weak conference this year outside of the Top Three, but if BC continues on to this quarterfinal, a very well defined 4th bid from the conference will be handed out right here. Clemson has a good resume, enhanced by the very thin bubble. Despite losses to both Yale AND Harvard, the Eagles have done better during the latter portion of conference season, winning 4 out of their last 6 and having a very close game at regular season champion North Carolina. Despite the youth of both sides this year, one rookie head coach: either BC's Steve Donohue or Clemson's Brad Brownell will be going dancing with a win here.

Honorable Mention: Virginia Tech/Georgia Tech vs. Florida State

The Hokies will need to win twice: their quarterfinal on Thursday and this possible game on Friday. Over the last two years, Virginia Tech has been the ultimate bubble team and this year is no different. After what could have been a season and program defining win against Duke, the Hokies lost twice in the last week in the regular season against Clemson and BC. If Seth Greenberg EVER wants to make a second tourney appearance, his boys will definitely have to win two and possibly three ACC tourney games.

Prediction: Virginia Tech

Going out on a HUGE limb here. The Hokies are gonna recognize the talent that made them a Top 25 team at season's beginning. They'll beat both Duke and UNC in consecutive days to put them off the bubble and very much IN the NCAA tourney.

So, happy watching to all this Conference Tournament Week. Selection Sunday is just days away so I urge you all to enjoy all the madness this week. Every moment you get this week as a fan to watch a conference tournament game, do it. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year, perhaps in all of sports. I am The Rabbi, and I am out.

What A Difference A Half Century Makes...Or Does it?

by Jay Kaplan, OTSL Head Writer/Analyst

Those of you who follow "On The Sportslines" have no doubt heard me say, on more than one occasion, that no sport is more tied to its history than baseball. None of the other sports compares players and records across eras than our National Pastime.

Normally when we look back on the anniversary of certain decades or records, those anniversaries happen on the zero. You know, 2010, 1990, 1980, etc. Thus it almost slipped by me that this baseball season marks the 50th anniversary of one of National Pastime's watershed seasons.

Fifty years ago our world was a decidedly different place. The Twin Towers weren't even a glimmer in an architect's eye. Facebook, iPads, DVRs, hybrid cars, reality TV, Osama Bin Laden, Al-Queda, the Taliban, Saddam Hussein, Free Agency, Labor disputes, night World Series games, steroids, contracts with enough money to cure the National debt (or at least put a dent in it), none of these things were a part of the American landscape.

Yes the Cold War was in full swing, but except for isolated incidents like the Bay of Pigs and the unrest in the former Belgian Congo, the world wasn't in a state of war. Vietnam was barely on our radar. The word terrorism wasn't really part of the national lexicon. The "ism" we were most afraid of was communism.

In 1961 JFK's Camelot had just begun; the Beattles got their first gig at a small club in London; the Civil Rights Movement was in its infancy and the Space Race had barely dropped the green flag. One thing was the same then as it is now, the Yankees were baseball's most prestigious franchise and claimed arguably the sport's most iconic player - Mickey Mantle - as their own.

The Yankees were coming off a heart-breaking loss in the 1960 World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates on what would become one of baseball's most historic moments: Bill Mazeroski's series-clinching walk-off (a term not in our vocabulary yet) home run in Game 7.

1961 was the first year of the 162 game season (the National League still played 154 games in 1961, they made the switch in 1962). The Yankees, like the rest of the American League, were looking at having to play 8 more games than they had the season before. No one was thinking that the Yankees acquisition of Kansas City A's Outfielder and 1960 AL MVP Roger Maris would amount to anything other than the Bronx Bombers adding yet another potent bat to an already powerful lineup. The Yankees were, after all, the pre-season American League World Series favorite even before the trade. Nobody could have predicted what wound up happening.

Babe Ruth's single season record of 60 home runs had been challenged in the past. Jimmy Foxx in 1932 and Hank Greenberg in 1938 tallied 58. Even Mantle had taken a run at it, hitting 52 in his Triple Crown season of 1956. The prevailing opinion of baseball people everywhere was that if anyone was going to break George Herman's record it would be Mantle.

Mantle and Maris both got off to scorching starts homer-wise in 1961. By May Mantle had 14, Maris had 12. By the end of July Mantle had 39, Maris had 40 and by September Maris had 51, Mantle 48. The press attention the M&M boys got rivaled the type and hype we see today. Imagine if you will what the media coverage would be like if say Alex Rodriguez or Ryan Howard was chasing the single season home run record? Remember, even during the McGwire-Sosa race to 62 in 1998 the internet coverage was nothing like it would be today. There weren't any bloggers nor was there SportsCenter or Twitter in 1961, but New York had more newspapers than any state in the country at that time and they all had Yankee beat reporters.

The press assault on Maris was in many ways more epic than the Yankee Right Fielder's assault on Ruth's record. Maris was a very private person by nature. He didn't seek the spotlight like Mantle. That, coupled with the fact that he wasn't - in the minds of Yankee beat reporters or the fans - a "true" Yankee didn't make it easy for Maris. Then to make matters worse, Mantle got hurt in September, which shifted ALL the fan and media focus on Maris.

Yankee fans wanted Mantle to break the record, Commissioner Ford Frick didn't want ANYONE to break the record. Not surprising since he was close friends with Ruth. Hence he made the ridiculous edict that unless the record was broken in 154 games it didn't matter. As if Maris needed any more pressure than he was already under. There were reports that Maris was losing his hair over all the stress and the attention his season was getting.

We all know how it played out. On October 1, 1961, the final day of the regular season, Maris took Tracy Stallard deep for his 61st home run. Maris would wind up leading the league in Homers, RBI and Runs Scored and win his second straight AL MVP award.

Mantle would finish with 54, four other Yankees would hit 20 or more homers and the Bombers led the American League with 240. Whitey Ford would go 25-4 and five other Yankee pitchers would post 10 wins or more. The Yankees would go 103-59, win the American League by 8 games over the Detroit Tigers and win the World Series in 1961 in an easy 5 game set over the Cincinnati Reds.

A lot has changed in 50 years. A lot hasn't. Some of the changes have made America, the World and even Baseball much better. Some of the changes have made America, the World and even Baseball much worse.

What has stayed constant is that the Yankees are baseball's most prestigious franchise; they claim arguably the sport's most iconic player - Derek Jeter - as one of their own and 50 years later, despite Billy Crystal's best efforts (if you haven't seen "61*" shame on you), Roger Maris STILL hasn't gotten his due.

College Basketball Conference Tournament Preview- Part 1

I am The Rabbi, Video Editor of "On The Sportslines". Welcome everyone to the month of March! It has been a crazy ride to get to these last two weeks before March Madness. Conference tournaments begin this week, when the mid-majors kick their tournaments off. By this time next week, the tournament field will have at least 10 teams that have qualified with their automatic bids. This column is designed to give you a quick look at those conference tournaments.

Horizon Conference Tournament (At Home Sites, Now-March 8th)

#1 Seed: Milwaukee

Winners of 9 of their last 10, the Panthers have quietly made their way to the top of the Horizon Conference. With only 18 wins on the season, Milwaukee had to make a statement in conference play and they surely did that. Milwaukee has a season sweep of the #2 seed in the Horizon, Butler. The Butler Bulldogs have made a good run in the last few weeks. One win (which would get them to the finals in their conference tournament) COULD put the Dogs in the field of 68.

Surprise: Cleveland State

Three teams tied for the conference lead, but by virtue of tiebreakers, the Vikings will have to play a quarterfinal game on Friday to advance to Sunday's semifinals. That would put them into another matchup with Butler, who they lost to twice by double digits this season. Who knows what will happen if they play a third time, as the Bulldogs will not have played for a week.

Prediction: Milwaukee

I actually think the Horizon will be a 2-bid league, and one fringe bubble team from a big conference will be REALLY pissed when Butler loses to Milwaukee to the final.

Ohio Valley Conference Tournament (Now-March 5th)

#1 Seed: Murray State

Winners of 11 out of their last 12, the Racers go into the tournament on a hot streak. They have the experience as they have been in the tournament over the last few years, but #2 seed Morehead State and #3 seed Austin Peay have been in this tournament before too.

Surprise: Tennessee Tech

They could make their third tourney appearance if all breaks right. This team has won 5 in a row to end the regular season, and is seeded 4th in the conference tournament. They also have a regular season sweep of #3 seed Austin Peay on their resume.

Prediction: Morehead State

Winners of 9 out of their last 10 to end the season themselves, they'll avenge an 8 point loss back in late February to Murray State in the conference title game.

Missouri Valley Conference Tournament (St. Louis, MO, March 3rd-6th)

#1 Seed: Missouri State

The Bears have had a very good season so far, and have been consistent in conference play, winning 6 in a row. A win over #2 seed Wichita State this past Saturday gave the Bears the top seed. If it comes down to it, Missouri State has two close victories this year over the Shockers.

Surprise: Indiana State

In this one bid league, don't be shocked if the Sycamores, 12-6 in-conference this year, end up in the NCAA's. Indiana State has been the best of the middling bunch in the MVC and have a victory over Missouri State on their resume this year.

Prediction: Wichita State

I think it's hard to beat another team 3 times in one season. Here's a point where it bites the Bears in the butt.

West Coast Conference Tournament (Las Vegas, NV, March 4th-7th)

#1 Seed: St. Mary's

The Gaels faded late, losing twice at home (bracketbuster vs. Utah State and in the last week vs. Gonzaga), which forced them to share the conference title with the Zags. Gonzaga has the pedigree from years past, but remember the team who made the Sweet 16 last year was St. Mary's. If they face off in the final, a third matchup would be rather interesting site to see.

Surprise: Portland

Portland is a 20-win team, though most of their wins came in the first half of the season. They have a win over St. Mary's on their resume this year, so they can surprise in a possible semi-final matchup.

Prediction: Gonzaga

Been hotter than St. Mary's as of late, winning their last 7 in a row. The Bulldogs have zipped up from off the bubble to almost tournament lock in a quick amount of time, and I think that roll continues here.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament (Bridgeport, CT, March 4th-7th)

#1 Seed: Fairfield

The Stags, who will play in their home arena for the MAAC Tourney, only lost 3 games in conference play. They have winning streaks of 7, 6, and 5 games this season, and have only lost 3 games since December. Despite losing the season finale to Iona, all the Stags have to do is defend home court and they'll go dancing.

Surprise: Rider

OK, semi-surprise. Rider tied for second in conference with Iona and is very dangerous. They are the only conference team to win in the Arena at Harbor Yard all year, so a final between the Rider Broncos and the Fairfield Stags could be very even.

Prediction: Fairfield

Sorry. Best team + Home Court = Too much for the MAAC challengers. This Connecticut team is going dancing.

Colonial Athletic Association Tournament (Richmond, VA, March 4th-7th)

#1 Seed: George Mason

The Patriots have now won 15 games in a row. GMU Guard Cam Long and the rest of the team have been playing their best ball of the year. While the Patriots will be the overwhelming favorite down in Virginia, GMU and #2 seed Old Dominion might save a little something for the NCAA tournament coming up. Both teams are locks for the tourney and may play at a different gear as opposed to some of the other CAA top seeds who'll need the tournament win in order to have a chance at the dance.

Surprise: Hofstra

Surprise! My alma mater could shock some people in Richmond. Despite the fact that star G Charles Jenkins has never won on the road against top seeds in this tournament (VCU, Old Dominion, and George Mason), I believe the Pride can at least make the finals, like they did 5 years ago. I think the Top 4 in the CAA is so much stronger than the rest of the league, only they are the ones who can hold up the tournament trophy on Monday.

Prediction: George Mason is taking this one. They have too much firepower right now. They'll run their winning streak to 18 heading into the NCAA's.

Sun Belt Conference Tournament (Hot Springs, AR, March 5th-8th)

Favorite: Florida Atlantic

Started conference play 8-0, and are the only 20-win team in the Sun Belt Conference. Led in scoring by Sophomore G Greg Gantt, the Owls are looking for only the second tournament appearance in their program's history.

Surprise: Louisiana Lafayette

The Ragin' Cajuns are on a roll, having not lost since January 19th. After starting the season 2-5, ULL has won 11 games in a row, 9 of the 11 by single digits, proving they can win the close games. This team has gone from a 3-14 team to a 14-14 team and one of the hottest teams in the country.

Prediction: Louisiana Lafayette

They've beaten the top 2 teams in the Eastern Division of the Sun Belt, and almost beat conference co-champ Middle Tennessee, losing in OT. The Ragin' Cajuns are one of the only teams with a double digit win streak, and momentum can get you to the middle of March.

Summit League (Sioux Falls, SD, March 5th-8th)

#1 Seed: Oakland

With one league loss all year, they are the standard bearer of the conference. The Golden Grizzlies have only lost once in 2011. This team has been absolutely dominant in-conference and actually has a non-conference victory over Tennessee. They will be tough to beat.

Surprise: IUPUI

But on February 5th, IUPUI did defeat Oakland. The Jaguars are Top 30 in the nation in Field Goal percentage, so when they get hot they can beat any team in conference.

Prediction: Oakland

You can't be this dominant in conference and end up folding now. This is surely not the time to slip up, when there is an NCAA tournament spot on the line.

That's a little look at the mid-major conference tournaments. We'll switch up our focus next week when we get to the big boys. Tune in Monday for a special look at the Greatest Week of the Year. Until then, I am The Rabbi and I'm out.