Clemens is Cornered

I don't see how Clemens can get out of this one unscathed. Pettitte has now backed McNamee a bit (or hasn't shown Clemens support) and it seems like even though fans want Clemens to be innocent, they are having trouble believing it. You know you're in some trouble when people are taking Brian McNamee's word over yours. Such a sad story to see one of the best pitchers of all time fall so far from grace, almost like McGwire did.

Tomorrow should be an exciting day for it, and thank god that we'll finally be getting to real baseball after tomorrow, with pitchers and catchers right afterwards.

Three close NCAA games last night, I really thought Santa Clara was going to pull off the upset. A good Big 10 matchup tonight pits Michigan State and Purdue together. I'll be busy though, going to the movies with a couple friends, followed by House and Nip/Tuck.

#10 Butler (21-2, 10-2 HOR) at Wisconsin-Milwaukee (12-10, 7-5 HOR); 7pm EST (ESPNU): Butler's a team on a roll lately, winning 5 in a row before heading into this matchup. Wisconsin-Milwaukee isn't nearly as talented a team, as it showed in the 16 point loss in the first game between the 2. Butler is 2 wins away from tying its best start to a season, 23-2 set last season. Look for AJ Graves to have a pretty big game.

My Prediction: Butler 74-66

*Game of the Night*
#9 Michigan State (20-3, 8-2 Big 10) at #23 Purdue (19-5, 10-1 Big 10); 7pm EST (ESPN): The game of the night features 2 of the top teams in the Big 10. Purdue finally joined the rankings after beating Wisconsin for the second time this season. Their one loss in Big 10 play is to these Spartans, 78-75 in East Lansing. Since then Purdue has been on fire, winning nine in a row. Michigan State is the best team in the Big 10, and I think this team has what it takes to go to the Final Four.

My Prediction: Michigan State 59-47

Providence (13-10, 4-7 Big East) at #24 Pittsburgh (18-5, 6-4 Big East); 7:30pm EST: Pittsburgh has begun to fall off the map recently, but saved themselves with a last second win over West Virginia. The problems for them have mainly been on the road, where they are 4-4 compared to 11-1 on the road. Providence is a team that probably would have to win the Big East tournament in order to be dancing in March.

My Prediction: Pittsburgh 72-60

#25 Marquette (16-6, 6-5 Big East) at Seton Hall (15-9, 5-6 Big East); 7:30pm EST: A couple of teams who are on the bubble square off in this Big East game. Marquette has much more to lose, as they seem to be a team that should make it, and a loss to a bubble team like the Pirates would be damaging. Seton Hall has plenty of work still left if they want to get into the field.

My prediction: Marquette 64-56

#5 North Carolina (22-2, 7-2 ACC) at Virginia (11-11, 1-8 ACC); 8pm EST (ESPN2): A struggling Tar Heel squad may get an easy one tonight against ACC cellar-dweller Virginia. UNC will once again go with 3rd string pg Quentin Thomas, as Ty Lawson will miss his 3rd (essentially 4th) game in a row. Marcus Ginyard is questionable to play as well, and he has had a share of the point guard duties. Tyler Hansbrough looks to continue his fabulous season. Sean Singletary is really a great player, but he won't be enough.

My Prediction: North Carolina 86-71

Kentucky (12-9, 6-2 SEC) at #19 Vanderbilt (20-4, 5-4 SEC); 9pm EST (ESPN): An interesting SEC showdown caps off the nights action as Billy Gillispie's Wildcats look to further their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament. The team has made a remarkable turnaround and is sitting near the top of the SEC standings. In fact, they are ahead of the ranked team they'll face in this one. Kentucky upset Vandy a month ago at home, and looks to pick up another big win. Vanderbilt is one of the teams I think is very underrated and could be a sleeper come March.

My Prediction: Vanderbilt 88-78

Last Night: 1-2
Season: 4-2