Live from courtside at the Sun Dome

Posted Mar 6, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Mar 6, 2010 at 02:36 PM

We’ve got about 25 minutes until tip-off here at the Sun Dome for this afternoon’s game between Connecticut and USF.

It’s the final regular season game for both teams and Senior Day for USF’s Chris Howard, Ryan Kardok, Mike Mercer and Alex Rivas.

For USF to be able to talk about being on the NCAA Tournament bubble entering next week’s Big East Tournament in New York, the Bulls must win today.

What to watch for today:

—If the Bulls win, they will finish .500 (9-9) in the Big East. I’m guessing the odds in Vegas of that happening before the season were slim.

—I always enjoy UConn coach Jim Calhoun work the refs and play to the crowd during a game. Calhoun is as old-school as they come and it’s good to see him make it back from health issues earlier this season.

—Can Mercer keep up his solid play of late? For the Bulls to do anything in the tournament, Mercer must continue to contribute the way he has of late. Mercer’s ability to drive to the basket and finish plays in the open court gives opposing defenses something to worry about other than Dominique Jones ability to score.

Check back in shortly for regular live blog updates throughout the game.