These two met just three days ago in a game the Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-14; 4-12) would rather forget. They’ll get their shot at redemption and revenge as they meet the Colorado Buffaloes (15-15; 6-10) Wednesday afternoon at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri in the first round of the Big 12 tournament.

Three days ago in Boulder, the Red Raiders appeared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, as they were on the wrong end of a 101-90 beat down to the Buffs on Senior Day. The Buffaloes took advantage of the extra emotion and jumped on the Red Raiders early, opening an 18-point lead in the first half, never looking back while shooting 58% from the floor in the process. The rematch however, on a neutral court, may yield a different result.

The Buffs undoubtedly enter with all the momentum as Saturday was their third win a row. The Red Raiders on the other hand, are searching for answers having lost seven straight and eight of their last 10. But the Red Raiders may have lucked up facing the Buffs on such a short turnaround.

It’s easy to dismiss the Red Raiders at this point in the season, but Wednesday’s first round game is a new lease on the season for Texas Tech, who just a month ago, was in the conversation for a possible tourney berth. Neither team plays all that well on the road. In fact, the Red Raiders have more road wins (3) than the Buffs (1) do on the season. The Red Raiders battled back in the second half Saturday to close the lead to eight with 29 seconds, but couldn’t get any closer.

A change of venue will benefit the Red Raiders Wednesday, who will be anxious to avenge that loss Saturday. The Buffs may enter a little complacent, but their road struggles can’t be ignored. As far as talent goes, these two are pretty even, so Wednesday’s rematch could basically come down to execution and who want’s it more.

I like the motivation angle the Red Raiders will take the floor with and expect them to play inspired basketball Wednesday afternoon. Look for an inspired effort from the Red Raiders to be the difference as they exact some revenge and advance. Play on the Texas Tech Red Raiders for 1 unit. Good luck to all.

Wednesday afternoon, it may be wise to hide the women and children as the St Johns Red Storm (17-14; 7-12) and Marquette Golden Eagles (20-10; 11-7) meet in a BIG EAST tournament second round match-up at Madison Square Garden. Wednesday’s meeting will be a rematch of a, 63-61 overtime win by the Golden Eagles at Madison Square Garden back on Feb. 24.

Nothing came easy in the first meeting as there were very few easy baskets and layups and you can expect more of the same Wednesday. The Johnnies got here after a 73-51 drubbing of the Connecticut Huskies in yesterday’s first round match-up, while the Golden Eagles were able to sleep in and enjoy a first round bye.

Lost in yesterday’s horrific performance by the Huskies and questions about coach Jim Calhoun’s future, is how the Red Storm responded to their own questions about their head coach Norm Roberts future. Many around the New York area will tell you that coach Robert’s days are numbered, but the Red Storm took the court yesterday with a sense of urgency. They played with energy and focus, and appeared to be playing with a purpose.

The Red Storm know they let one get away in the first meeting and you can bet they’ll take the floor with revenge on their minds Wednesday. They held Marquette to just 34% from the field, and outrebounded the Golden Eagles, 36-31 in the first meeting, although 15 turnovers came back to haunt them.

Wednesday’s meeting should resemble the first meeting but don’t be surprised if the result turns out to be different. St. Johns will give the 5th seeded Golden Eagles all they can handle, and their confidence will continue to grow with each possession. Look for another motivated performance from the Red Storm that keeps this one closer than marketplace suggest. Play on the St. Johns Red Storm for 1 unit. Good luck to all.

The Toronto Raptors were the latest NBA team to fall victim to the Black Mamba. Kobe Bryant sank the Raptors, 109-107 last night with another last second shot, handing the Raptors their sixth loss in their last seven games. Good news for the Raptors is…they’ll get a chance to get right back on the floor, this time, tonight at Acro Arena against the struggling Sacramento Kings. The Raptors won the first meeting, 115-104 back on Feb. 7 in Toronto. Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 36 points and 11 rebounds. Look for another big outing from the All-Star this evening as the Kings just do not match-up well on the interior. The Kings are just a .500 team at home, allowing their opponents to shoot 48% from the floor. The Kings may be just what the doctor ordered for the Raptors, so expect a strong performance from the visitor. Play on the Toronto Raptors for 1 unit. Good luck to all.

Seton Hall (19-11; 10-9) won their third straight and second in a row over Providence in the first round of the 2010 BIG EAST tournament last night, 109-106. The Fighting Irish (21-10; 10-8) were recipients of a first round bye and got a chance to take in the sights of New York City. The two will meet tonight at Madison Square Garden in a second round match-up with March implications.

Seton Hall was impressive in their opening round win, albeit against Providence. Even still, the Pirates got balanced scoring, and shot 53.7% from the field. They opened up a 29-point lead before holding off a furious Friars comeback. The Irish enter riding a four game winning streak, and some view this game as a possible NCAA tournament play-in game.

In the only meeting this season between the two, the Pirates got the best of the Irish, 90-87 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Both teams shot over 50% from the field, so don’t expect much defense in the rematch. The Pirates won despite the disparity in free throws. The Irish went 23-for-27 from the charity stripe, while the Pirates went 12-for-19.

Granted, the Irish have been playing well of late, and its suprising considering most of it was without Luke Harangody. But the Pirates have been the more consistent of the two all season. They had to fuse a number of new pieces early on the season, but have since found their stride and that’s no more evident than in their last five games, where they are holding opponents to just 41% from the field.

The Irish have been on a magical run, but I think it ends tonight. The Pirates can score with anybody, and lately they’re far more dangerous with a balanced attack. The Irish are back trying to adjust to playing with Haragody and I think it catches up with them tonight. Look for the Pirates to pull out the victory and advance. Play on the Seton Hall Pirates for 1 unit. Good luck to all .