No, I'm not talking about USC-Penn State, Michigan State-Georgia or Cincinnati-Virginia Tech.

I'm talking about Rider-Iona and Fairfield-Siena.

I'm sitting courtside at the Hynes Athletic Center in New Rochelle, where there are twice as many players, coaches and officials than there are fans. Here's to hoping some people in the area drag themsevels out of bed and get there. I texted Mike Vitale, a friend of mine from Fairfield who was a lightening-quick guard at Iona Prep before becoming the sports director at WVOF, and he said he wasn't going to make it, but that he might come to the Fairfield game here on Sunday.

Oh well. This should be a good one nonetheless. Harris Mansell is on the court now for warmups and will be in the starting lineup. I talked to Rider assistant coach Todd Shellenberger a little while ago and he said Mansell has looked great the past few days in practice. His right (shooting) elbow is wrapped, but Shellenberger said he hasn't had problems shooting the ball. We'll see how that plays out during the game. If he's on, I think Rider has a good chance to win. If he isn't, I like the Gaels by 10.

This, though, is not the premier game on the docket. That distinction goes to the one that's 22 minutes from tip-off in Albany: Fairfield at Siena.

I have never placed a bet on anything aside from a friendly wager with friends and co-workers here and there, nor do I ever plan to. But my boss's dad is quite the gambler, I correctly told him Rutgers, getting 33 points would cover last week at Norht Carolina, and I told my boss to tell his dad Fairfield plus 12 today is a great bet. I'm not saying the Stags are going to win -- although they did last year at the TUC -- but I really think it's going to go down to the wire. Something like 68-65 Siena would be my best shot at a prediction.

No matter what happens, though, it'll tell us something about both teams. The Saints have stubbed their toes a couple of times this year, but if they win and improve to 3-0 in the MAAC, they'll be exactly where they need to be. It's not a must-win for Fairfild, but man, that'd be a heckuva win for a team that has been impressive so far but lacks a statement victory.

If anyone is listening/watching online, I'll be Steve Rudenstein's guest on the Rider half-time show.

I have to trek back down I-95 to work in the office tonight, so my next post won't be til much later. But I promise there will be one. So kick back, relax, and have a happy college sports-filled New Year, and I'll talk to you later on.