The Wildcats are the Noah's Ark of the Big 5. They have two of everything. And all those who thought Antonio Pena would be the MVP of the Puerto Rico Tip-off, please raise your hands.
Pena had 17 points and 16 rebounds in the championship game against Mississippi. He looked and played like a different player than in previous seasons. Just what Jay Wright needs - another weapon for a team that is unbeaten but should be far better in February than it is now.
La Salle's visit to Villanova on Saturday is intriguing. The Wildcats should win, but nobody is playing better in the city than La Salle senior Rodney Green.
Green has an old man's game in an amazingly athletic body. In an era where just about everybody rushes his game, Green's game is relaxed, understated and very effective. He really does let the game come to him unless the situation demands he take over.
Depending on how many games La Salle plays, Green could finish with 2,000 points. But his season will be judged by La Salle's record. With three eventual 1,000-point scorers (Kimmani Barrett, Ruben Guillandeaux, Yves Mekongo) and freshman big man Aaric Murray alongside, Green really is in position to have a crescendo of a finish.
Speaking of tournaments
Don't you love these predetermined matchups? Even though Duquesne went to Iowa and won in the CBE Classic, Iowa went to Kansas City on Monday for the privilege of getting crushed by Texas, 85-60.
The next time somebody tells you college basketball has an even playing field, please cite this example of how the BCS conferences control basketball. Even when they lose, they win.
Good guy gets chance
