>Here is a hot tip for you if you get in a pool. Pick some Atlantic 10 teams in the first round or two.
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>First round? maybe...2nd round? Not so fast...
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>Temple and Xavier and Richmond have been slapped around during their non-conference games against ranked opponents.
>
>KU walked into Temple right after Christmas and smoked the Owls by 32 points.
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>Comparing the A-10 to the ACC isn't saying much. I disagree with the Big 10 comparison - the top 3 in the Big 10 (OSU, Purdue, and the Spartans) are all much stronger than the top 3 in the A-10. Kalin Lucas is getting healthy, and I think the Spartans may go on a run. Purdue may have peaked (which is sad, they were a good story)
>
>Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the A-10 teams get to the sweet 16 - but don't bet on it.

I didn't say they were a better conference, just that they are good first round (and maybe second round) sleeper picks.

Purdue is dead meat without Hummel. MSU, we'll see. As you say, they have not been whole without Lucas, but they have never looked that impressive this year. If I get in a pool I will expect to pick up some early points the way I usually do: dissing the Big 10 and having them all out after two rounds. MSU got me last year but it doesn't happen very often. The amazing thing is some people seem surprised EVERY YEAR. By and large Big 10 teams play below the rim, and that isn't going to take you very far in the tournament.