1. Not so slick: The biggest news in college basketball last Wednesday night wasn't Duke's upset of North Carolina. It was ESPN analyst and former UCLA coach Steve Lavin's one-day experiment with no gel. Seeing the normally slick-haired Lavin with poofy hair was like seeing Mel Kiper Jr. with a buzz cut.

2. Beasty boys again: Remember when the Big East ruled college basketball in the 1980s, and the term "Beasts from the East" was born? While the ACC may have the top teams in the country, no conference is deeper than the Big East. Look for as many as seven to make the NCAAs.

3. Carolina could be finer: The Tar Heels have more talent than anyone. Their weakness? Perimeter shooting. When the talented but erratic Rashad McCants has an off game, North Carolina is beatable.

Rick Lund