I hate Duke.  No, it’s not original, but ask me if I care.  I can’t stand them.  If there’s any positive to take from Duke basketball, it’s that it gives ugly scrawny white kids everywhere hope that they too can play a major D-I sport on a big stage.  Look at the players on that team, and do you really wonder why the Lacrosse team pulls the most tail on campus?  I’m still trying to figure out how Kyle Singler can not only put up 24 points in yesterday’s win vs. BC, but 11 rebounds? He’s a stick.  When he turns sideways, he actually disappears, there’s nothing to him.  I’ve watched North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough literally get assaulted during games including Gerald Henderson’s right elbow smash last year.  Even this year, Hansbrough has gotten attacked a la ‘hack-a-Shaq” by teams like Georgia Tech and Maryland.  And to his credit, he fights through it every game, produces a double-double just by stepping onto the court, and knocks down 80% of his free throws after taking all that abuse.  If teams employed half of the abuse on Singler and the rest of the Blue Devils as they do on Hansbrough, I can’t imagine he’d be able to walk off the court, not to mention with 24 points and 11 boards.  Not that it would necessarily change the outcome of these games as Duke’s biggest strength  was evident in the matchup against UNC with its depth and in turn the ability to run, spread the floor, and knock down three’s.

Phil Martelli knew his team had another golden opportunity today but St. Joe’s blew yet another chance to chalk up a key win.  That makes four missed opportunities: losses to Gonzaga and Creighton in OT, a loss at Syracuse, and today a come from ahead loss at Xavier.  See you in the NIT boys.  That all but seals the deal that the city of Philadelphia will be left out in the cold for this year’s dance.

Phil Jasner takes a look at some of the Sixers’ possible long range plans.

The Phillies get ready for Spring Training as Ryan Howard’s arbitration hearing looms.

In the interest of starting everyone’s week on a positive note, on his way out the door, Inquirer writer Don McKee says he won’t live to see a Philadelphia championship.  He’s 58, and doesn’t plan on checking out until he’s at least 80.  That means I’ll almost be his age by the time it happens.  I hate my life.