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The Breakfast Buffet: The Big Ten, USC, Steve Alford is on the verge of an incredible accomplishment

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

The Big Ten’s story won’t be written until late March
Every power conference wants to have quality representation in the NCAA Tournament and that’s nothing new for the Big Ten. This league is in position to have as many as 10 teams hear their names called on Selection Sunday, but the sheer volume of teams from this conference that qualify for the bracket is not the true story regarding the Big Ten. In each of the past two seasons, this league has had nine teams reach the NCAA Tournament, but only three of those 18 teams have reached the event’s second weekend. The Big Ten is used to having a large number of teams in the bracket. We’ll find out in the next month just how good this conference is when we see how many teams advance deep in the NCAA Tournament. Another thing to remember: The Big Ten hasn’t had a national champion since Michigan State in 2000.

USC is going to be a dangerous team in the NCAA Tournament
Most bracket projections have the Trojans currently in position to be a double digit seed, but this team is much more capable than that. USC (21-8) has only had its full roster together for nine games this season due to injuries. The Trojans’ record during that span? An impressive 8-1 with the only loss coming on the road at Arizona. USC’s margin of victory during those eight wins is 11.9 points. This team has experience, rim protection, and a star in veteran guard Boogie Ellis (17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, three assists). A word to the wise: Keep your eyes on the Trojans.

Steve Alford is on the verge of an incredible accomplishment
If Alford can get Nevada (22-7) into the NCAA Tournament in 13 days, it will be the fifth different program that he’s led to college basketball’s most hallowed event. That’s a significant feat. Alford was previously the head coach of UCLA, New Mexico, Iowa, and Missouri State before taking his current post in Reno. The Wolf Pack are not a lock to reach the NCAA Tournament, but should be in good shape barring something unforeseen down the stretch. Nevada will visit Wyoming tonight in Laramie (9 PM ET, CBS Sports Network).

On The Side

  • The most impressive part of Houston’s 27-2 start? The Cougars are a perfect 10-0 in true road games.
  • Virginia is averaging just 57.3 points in its last three games. The Cavaliers’ offensive struggles are real.
  • Gonzaga is 10-2 this season when Malachi Smith scores in double figures. A transfer from Chattanooga, the 6-4 Smith had 13 points off the bench in Saturday’s win over Saint Mary’s.
  • Cason Wallace is averaging eight assists during Kentucky’s current four-game winning streak.
  • Toledo’s winning streak is now at 13. If the Rockets win their final two regular season games this week, they will win their third straight MAC regular season title under Tod Kowalcyzk.

Daily Specials

  • North Carolina at Florida State
  • Baylor at Oklahoma State
  • West Virginia at Iowa State
  • Nevada at Wyoming

Leftovers