It's Do or Die For Taylor Vancil and Louisville

UConn vs Louisville (3:00) [Big East First Round Match]

There’s no subtlety or mystery about this one. Somebody’s season will end on Thursday afternoon. With both sides plumbing the depths of the wrong side of the bubble, defeat will surely mean elimination for either side. Well, formally and officially for UConn, as they’d go under the magic .500 mark. Louisville has suffered through an epic collapse. After a 6-1-0 non-conference start including a win at South Carolina, the Cardinals have stumbled to a 4-7-0 record in Big East play. UConn have been more up and down repeatedly than just up then down but have a chance to make good in the Big East Tournament. They showed they could play with just about anyone when they salvaged a point against Notre Dame. But whether that side will show up is the $64,000 question. If they don’t, even a confidence short Cardinals team will be able to do them in in this high pressure affair.

Duke vs North Carolina (7:00)

Come on, it’s Duke/UNC. With hostilities always at the fore, this year’s contest boasts even greater importance for these oldest of enemies. UNC is desperately hoping to keep up with the ACC leaders after their second home defeat of league play this year but also have an injury crisis to overcome. The Blue Devils are looking in a better position to make the ACC Tournament and thus likely the NCAA Tournament, but nothing is guaranteed at this point. With so much on the line, look for another heated and exciting derby between these two neighbors.

Maryland vs Florida State (7:00)

I’m guessing that even Mark Krikorian would shrug his shoulders if you asked him if they’d be at the top of the ACC after losing so much firepower up front before the season. But Krikorian, like any good coach, has galvanized the troops and has them at the door of an undisputed ACC title with just two more wins. It’s not going to be easy. Maryland is undoubtedly on a massive surge of confidence after their thrilling win over North Carolina, and themselves hold out faint hopes of an ACC title. The Terps should be back at full strength with Domenica Hodak and Ashley Grove back from suspension, which could be a scary proposition seeing how effective they were against UNC without two of their normal starters.

Boston College vs Miami (FL) (7:00)

The Miami Hurricanes could very well be playing for their season on Thursday night. How often have we heard THAT this year? The Canes, despite being a talented team aided by the return to form of Brittney Steinbruch, are once more in danger of missing out on the ACC Tournament. Of course, the same could be said of their opponents who are in a shocking position considering their early season success. The Eagles’ pressure is a little lighter than last week though thanks to a clutch win over Wake Forest. The winner will be able to breathe a little easier, the loser will have it all to do on Sunday.

Creighton vs Illinois State (8:00)

It’s bound to be a nervy finish for Creighton as they try desperately to hold onto the Missouri Valley title. The Blue Jays blew it against Missouri State last weekend setting up a thrilling finish in the final round of matches. Illinois State will be odds on to lift the crown if they win this match, but could still lose on goal differential to Missouri State if the latter wins their final match. Of course Creighton could still end up with the title with a win or a draw (less likely). Lots of scoreboard watching in the Midwest for this league.

Santa Clara vs BYU (10:00)

One of the last consequential non-conference matches of the season, and it’s a doozy. The home side have been struggling for the respect of yours truly, having mostly feasted on lightweights and despicably for an alleged Top 15 team, bunkering against Stanford in what usually is a fierce derby, A win against BYU would go a long way in answering whether Santa Clara should be taken seriously past the regional state of the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Cougars would like a little more traction heading into Selection Monday. They aren’t in true bubble trouble at the moment, but their position isn’t as rosy as it once was either.

Conference Tournament Action:

America East Tournament

The Skinny: Can anyone get close to Boston University? It isn’t hyperbole to say that the Terriers were untouchable during league play. They didn’t just finish with a 100% AE record, they didn’t concede a single goal in league matches! If BU doesn’t claim the auto bid, it’ll likely be the biggest conference tournament upset of the 2010 season. In theory, Stony Brook as runners-up would have the next best chance…but they lost 4-0 in the regular season to the champs.

Quarterfinals

(4) Albany – (5) New Hampshire [2:00] (Albany won in regular season, 2-1)
(3) Hartford – (6) Maine [6:00] (Maine won in regular season, 1-0)

Big East Tournament

The Skinny: As can be expected with such a bloated field, there are storylines galore rippling throughout the Big East’s showpiece event. Notre Dame will likely open as favorites to lift the big trophy again, but have shown in draws with UConn and Georgetown that they aren’t totally bulletproof. The Hoyas, along with Marquette and West Virginia are all in with a shout of topping the Irish should the opportunity arise. On the bubble side of the equation, Louisville and UConn will get things started in a de facto elimination game on Thursday. The loser is dunzo while the winner gets Notre Dame…which might be their kiss of death as well. South Florida has a rosier outlook. Beat Georgetown and the Bulls will surely be dancing. Pitt, DePaul, and Rutgers need multiple wins and luck to get an at-large bid.

First Round

(4A) UConn – (5N) Louisville [3:00] (Did not meet in regular season)
(4N) DePaul – (5A) Pittsburgh [3:00] (Did not meet in regular season)

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This post is related to the following ongoing stories:

• 2010 NCAA Soccer