Bracketology Says....

Before we get into today's match-ups, it's worth pointing out that Charlie Creme of ESPN posted his updated "bracketology" for the women's NCAA tournament. This of course changes widely throughout the season, and will continue to as conference season progresses. Creme currently has Boston University coming out of the America East and entering the tournament as a 13 seed playing #4 Notre Dame in South Bend. This is a change from recent tries this season to piece together the bracket, as preseason favorite Vermont and defending champion Hartford have previously been in the mix. Should make for more bulletin board material from Hawk coach Jen Rizzotti prior to tonight's first-place showdown between the Terriers and Hawks in Boston.....

Albany at UMBC 12 p.m.
Each of these teams went and beat the other on the road to split the season series last year... Neither game was won by more than 8 points, as that was Albany's margin of victory last year in Baltimore... Albany's Britney McGee and UMBC's Carlee Cassidy rank 2nd and 3rd in America East in three-pointers made, and both rank third on their schools' career list.

Hartford at Boston U. 7 p.m.
This game is a rematch of last year's Championship title game, which the Hawks won... Hartford took 2 of 3 from Boston last season, however, the Terriers won the contest at Case Gym on a half-court buzzer beater by senior Kristi Dini... Dini is averaging 3.0 three's per game this season to lead the conference.

Maine at Vermont 7 p.m.
The Catamounts defeated the Black Bears in both meetings last year by an average of 21 points... Vermont senior Amy Rosenkrantz is 7 rebounds shy of 500 for her career. She is averaging 6.5 boards per game this season... Maine is wrapping up a three-game road trip, during which junior Brittany Boser is averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds.

New Hampshire at Stony Brook 7 p.m.
The Wildcats and Seawolves each won on their home courts in the season series last year... Stony Brook ended the regular season with a 77-37 romp over New Hampshire a year ago... Both teams average below 57 ppg, but both have also put together an effort of 85 points or more over the last three games.

Upset Sparks National Attention

Hartford's upset over then-fifth-ranked Duke last Friday night has swept across the national women's basketball scene. Hawks head coach Jen Rizzotti is featured in the most recent episode of the "Shootaround with Beth & Debbie" podcast discussing the win.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma also had some kind words for Rizzotti's program after his own team's win over Rhode Island, just stopping short of naming "Rizzotti For President".

ESPN.com: Hartford Still Has It

Graham Hayes of ESPN.com wrote in his column Saturday that Hartford is still the team to beat in America East and should be considered among the top mid-major programs in the country.