I was wrong.

(Talk about a Mea Culpa Sunday. This is the second blog today I’ve started with that lede.)

I’ve been predicting an imminent precipitous decline for Miami’s long in the tooth Hurricanes. I don’t think the Canes will win the national championship, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they overcome the algorithmic predictors and make a substantial post-season run.

The oldest team in the land didn’t wilt under the pressure of Game Day in Cameron Indoor. They simply lost. To a Duke team, which is significantly more formidable with the return of Ryan Kelly. Down 10 with less than two minutes to play, Miami fought back and had the ball down two, then again down three in the final seconds.

Maturity helps. The squad averages almost 22 years of age. Ancient in this era of one and dones.

(FYI, Gorgui Dieng is 23 years old.)

* * * * *

While taking notes during my Saturday noon to bedtime hoopsathon, I jotted this down, “Refs tired.”

Then there appears an article in this morning’s C-J generally approaching the subject that is always considered this time of year. Do the referees with the best reputation work too many games?

I say yes.

This year there have been way too many questionable calls.

Sure, they only work a couple hours a day, and even if they do six games a week, that’s only 12-14 hours.

On the other hand, how alert is a guy going to be who’s traveled from Syracuse to Iowa City that day to get to the game? After he’s been doing that day in, day out, week in, week out, since mid-November?

* * * * *

The most stunning number of the day: Oklahoma hit 34 of 34 at the FT line in a 17 point W over Iowa State.

* * * * *

Doug McDermott was leader in the clubhouse for Player of the Day. During Creighton’s home court W over league rival Wichita State, he scored 41 points on 15/18 shooting. (The Bluejays as a team hit 70%.) With the win, the home team grabbed the MoValley regular season crown.

At the end of all the action, Player of the Day has to go to Ryan Kelly.

After a two month injury layoff, he was ridiculous. Ten for 14 from the field, including 7/9 from beyond the arc. 9/12 at the charity stripe. 6 rebounds. Against a Top 5 team in an important tilt.

We hate to give a Dookie credit, right?

Yes, but I gotta do it. Kelly was The Man.

* * * * *

I still haven’t the slightest idea whether UK will make the NCAA field or not? I’d guess yes, but it is a guess.

I do know this, however. Ryan Harrow had no trouble sleeping last night. That Razorback pressure was relentless.

* * * * *

We won’t have head case Marshall Henderson to worry about anymore.

Ole Miss lost to rival Mississippi State, one of the worst major conference teams in memory.

Henderson was 4/19 from the field, 3/18 from long range.

Tennessee’s slim NCAA chances took a hit yesterday also. They lost to hapless Georgia. Kentucky beware.

* * * * *

Derrick Marks tallied 38 for Boise State in a W over my fading Colorado State Rams.

Is the Broncos’ home court blue?

* * * * *

Baylor gave up a last second winning shot to Kansas State’s Rodney McGruder on an inbounds play.

Which seriously dims the Bears’ post-season chances.

More important, we won’t need polarized sun glasses during the Dance, since those iridescent puke green unis will be locked away somewhere in Waco.

* * * * *

Am I the only one who thinks Butler is overrated?

Probably not, after yesterday’s 32 point beatdown by the Shaka Smarts.

* * * * *

Ben Howland confirmed last night that Shabazz Muhammed will be leaving Westwood after this season.

Imagine our surprise?

– Seedy K