I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but if I were I would be looking at the Mountain West conference as prime territory of interest after yesterday. Going into the conference tournament there were two teams n the conference – New Mexico and BYU – that were stone cold locks to make the NCAA tournament. UNLV and San Diego State were both in pretty decent shape as well, but both could have used one more win to solidify their case and take away any nervousness on Sunday. Given their conference and accomplishments, the seeding for New Mexico and BYU is probably relatively secure regardless of what they did in the conference tournament. It just seems a little too perfect, then, that in conference tournament action on Friday UNLV beat BYU and San Diego State beat New Mexico. The two winners got the wins they needed, and the two higher seeds get an extra day or two of rest before unleashing what could be long tournament runs. The administrators of all four schools couldn’t have set up a more perfect scenario if they tried.

I’ll make you a promise – this is the last time you have to hear me whine about Michigan’s pathetic season. That’s because it is finally, mercifully over. They were knocked out of the Big Ten tournament today, and dropped to 15-17 on the season. That’s not an NIT record, and the school intends to reject a CBI bid if one is offered. It seems fitting that this total nightmare of a season came to and end on an impossible shot from a hated foe. Ohio State eliminated the Wolverines on an Evan Turner shot from just inside half court as time expired. Painful, but appropriate. We’re going to get a break sooner or later. Aren’t we?

Incomprehensibly stupid story out of Oregon yesterday. Or, more accurately, a story of an incomprehensibly stupid player. In one incredibly dumb move Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli has gone from serious Heisman contender to benchwarmer. Masoli has been suspended for the entire 2010 season after he plead guilty to second-degree burglary. Instead of concentrating on his game and his studies, Masoli thought it would be a good idea to steal a couple of laptops and a guitar from a fraternity. Brilliant. Masoli has a redshirt still available, so he has the potential to play again, but it isn’t hard to imagine that this could be the end of his career. Moron. The only saving grace he has is that we learned last year that a year-long suspension from Oregon doesn’t actually have to last a whole year. Just until people have moved on and started talking about other things.