NCAA basketball's American Athletic Confence (AAC), an amalgamation of Big East castoffs, former Conference USA members (Memphis, Houston), and former, former Conference USA members (Louisville, Cincinnati) has got to be one of the strangest conferences in the NCAA. Most people still don't even know what it is (including my dad). For now, it's mainly distinguished as a default conference for those axed from the Big East (for having football programs) and ambitious movers and shakers from mid major conferences like Conference USA. Particularly amusing (to me) is the plight of Louisville and Cincinnati, programs that worked hard to move from Conference USA to the big lights of the Big East, only to find themselves in this odd, three quarters of a major conference.

Memphis (12-3, 3-1) probably isn't complaining about the new arrangement, but their opponent in tonight's game, Connecticut (13-3, 1-2), might be, given their former Big East ties and relatively historical reputation. Perhaps because of unfamiliarity with their opponents -- perhaps because they're simply not as good as their 9-0 start -- Connecticut is just 1-2 in the AAF, with losses to Houston (10-6, 2-1) and Southern Methodist (12-4, 2-2).

Conversely, Memphis is 3-1 in league play, their only loss a near-blowout to #19 Cincinnati (16-2, 5-0), 69-53. Otherwise, the Tigers have established themselves as a team capable of beating anybody, largely based on their athleticism. After an early season loss to then #7 Oklahoma State (now #9 and 14-2), they beat them in a rematch a few weeks later. Shortly after, they lost to #7 Florida (13-2) by two points. Following the blowout loss to Cincinnati, they needed a big win at #18 Louisville (14-3) and got it, despite trailing at the end.

Picking against UConn, with the spread at seven points, is either a commitment against them or towards Memphis. Proper betting (as if there was such a thing) dictates to go with the latter. That's where I stand. I've been touting the Tigers all season. I think they win this one big. Tigers for the cover.

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Regular season: 0-1

Picking Schedule: Butler @ Creighton: L (picked Butler, + 10.5)