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Maybe it won’t matter in the end, but the Owls deserved better. Like Seth Davis said, a No. 4 seed at worst, and a No. 3 seed at best.

Here’s a capsule look at the three games:

No. 20 Villanova (14-3, 2-2 Big East) at No. 3 UConn (16-1, 5-1), 7 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Radio: ESPN-950 AM

Preview: The Wildcats will have their hands full with UConn, which places five players in double figures. The balanced Huskies are led by Jeff Adrien’s 14.5 ppg. Sharpshooter A.J. Price (10.8 ppg) hits 43 percent of his shots from the arc. Dante Cunningham averages 17.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg for the ’Cats, who also get 15.2 ppg from Scottie Reynolds.

Interesting stat: UConn has outrebounded all of its opponents this season.

Prediction: UConn 72, Nova 59

Duquesne (12-5, 3-1 Atlantic 10) at St. Joe’s (9-7, 3-0), 7 p.m.

TV: None

Radio: WNTP-990 AM

Preview: The Hawks had a bumpy nonconference record, but have put together four straight wins – including all three in A-10 play. Ahmad Nivins averages a double-double for SJU, with 19.6 ppg and 11.0 rpg. The Hawks have won eight in a row in Philly over the Dukes. DU is improved this year, although the Dukes’ record is a little misleading because they are not in the top 100 in RPI. DU’s leading scorer Aaron Jackson (17.8 ppg) is questionable with a bruised tailbone.

Interesting stat: DU put up 102 points in a 102-88 win over SJU last February.

Prediction: St. Joe’s 65, DU 60

Penn at La Salle (9-7), 7 p.m.

TV: None

Radio: WXPN-88.5 FM

Preview: A young Penn squad that has struggled this season travels to Tom Gola Arena. The 4-8 Quakers start two sophs and two frosh, along with senior Brennan Votel. Soph Tyler Bernardini paces the Quakers with 13.8 ppg, while soph Jack Eggleston (10.3 ppg) and Votel (10.7) also top double figures. Rodney Green scores a team-best 15.4 ppg for the athletic Explorers, who trail the all-time series 38-23.

Interesting stat: Penn has had just one game this season where the final margin hasn’t been in double-digits.

Prediction: La Salle 79, Penn 52

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That’s all for now

-Aaron

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

http://aaronswritingservice.com/

(OK, maybe he didn’t know what was going on, but I’ll tell him about it in a few years.)

Sunday’s 32-25 loss to Arizona was disappointing, but not surprising.

I’m 32 years old and have never seen a title for the Birds. My fondest memories of the Birds growing up are of Buddy Ryan’s Gang Green machine – and they never even won a playoff game despite a defense that always ranked among the NFL’s best.

The dominant Eagles teams of the early 2000s under Andy Reid should have won a Super Bowl or two or three, but only played in one and we all know the outcome there.

I, like many pundits, figured the Eagles would cakewalk past the Cardinals, not the least of which because they are the, you know, Cardinals.

But somehow the men in red managed to disappoint us all again. That’s OK because we know the feeling. It’s part of bleeding green, right?

Here are some thoughts on the Eagles’ fourth NFC title loss (frown) in their last five visits:

–Donovan McNabb played a decent game at QB, but he continued his frustrating track record of not being able to take the team on a winning (or, in this case, tying) drive. All of the great ones did it (and some not so great, see Eli Manning in 2008 Super Bowl), but McNabb doesn’t come up large in big spots.

The Birds trailed by 7 with 2:53 left and needed McNabb to take them 80 yards for the tying score. He got the Cards’ 47, but that was it. Certainly it’s not all on McNabb’s shoulders, but you have to find a way to get it done if you want to be great and he didn’t – and hasn’t in the past.

–Did someone forget to tell the Birds’ defense the start time? Brian Dawkins’ bunch didn’t show up until after halftime. By then, it was 24-6 in favor of the hosts. Then, whether it was halftime adjustments or whatever, the Eagles came out flying after the break and shut the Cards down in the second half – until it most mattered.

Down 1 with 10:45 left, Cards QB Kurt Warner marched Arizona 72 yards on 14 plays, chewing up 7:52 of the clock to put the hosts back in front. The defense looked like its old, first-half self on that drive.

When the Eagles really needed a big play to hold the Cards to a field goal, no one stepped up and Tim Hightower scored on a perfectly executed screen pass from 8 yards out.

–The Eagles caught a huge break when the refs ruled that Victor Abiamiri muffed the kickoff and the ball touched out of bounds, giving the Birds the ball on their own 43 with 3:06 left in the first half.

The Cards tried to challenge but were denied because the ball was ruled out. Replays showed that the ball never touched the sideline, and also were inconclusive whether Abiamiri even touched the ball.

It didn’t end up mattering, but it was a break nonetheless – something you can point out to Birds fans who feel the refs are always against the Eagles.

–On that same play, was Troy Aikman saying the Cards intentionally kicked the ball short to attempt to recover it? The noise level in my parents’ house got raised at the time so I didn’t hear him clearly, but I thought that’s what he said.

I would guess that the Cards were just trying a pooch kick to prevent any kind of long return.

Here are some more random thoughts after watching the game…

–DeSean Jackson is good; Greg Lewis is not.

–Ridiculous penalty by Quintin Demps. Deserves a fine.

–Chris Myers is useless as a sideline reporter. Pam Oliver is OK.

–Brian Westbrook looked old and slow. Correll Buckhalter still has some jump.

–Hank Baskett can block … but can’t catch.

–Kevin Curtis is better than I thought.

–Awful hold by Rocca on Akers’ missed extra point.

–Larry Fitzgerald is a beast … but Sheldon Brown and Demps need to be better in coverage.

–Kurt Warner is tough.

–Remember all the talk about the D-line’s resurgence? Maybe it got to their heads.

–FOX graphics needs an editor. It’s “McNabb” not “McBabb.”

–Brent Celek will soon make us all forget L.J. Smith.

—

Moving on…

The Sixers have put together a nice, little streak of seven straight wins – as Elton Brand still sits and watches.

I’ll be in the big house Monday to see how they fare against the Mavs.

—

That’s all for now.

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

For the last two decades, a telephone call always came from Virginia after the Eagles played the Giants.

Sometimes it was to congratulate and other times to console, but never – ever – to boast.

The phone didn’t ring after Saturday’s 10-7 Giants’ overtime win over the Eagles. Even though I knew it wouldn’t, I hoped like heck it would.

My grandfather – the one Giants fan who I considered a friend – died nearly two months ago. This was the first Eagles-Giants game he wasn’t around.

Pop didn’t introduce me to sports, but he helped foster my love for the games. Rarely did a phone call, an e-mail or an in-person visit go by without a discussion about sports. And, usually, the topic was his beloved Giants and my beloved Eagles.

I wonder what he would have said to me after Saturday’s game, a not well-played but nonetheless exciting affair. “That was some ballgame by (Jeremy) Shockey and (Kerry) Collins,” he could have said.

But more likely, “That was an exciting game. That’s some team the Eagles have. I think they’re going to go far in the playoffs.”

That’s the kind of man he was. Not one to gloat, always one to respect the opponent and the game. What beautiful lessons I learned from him.

He was a true fan, one who sticks with his team when they’re winning – and when they’re losing. He told me once, “Aaron, all you can ask for as a fan is for your team to be competitive.”

It wasn’t about winning the Super Bowl to him (although the mounting in his office of the 1986 Giants’ championship team was one of his most prized possessions), it was about having the chance to win it – getting to the playoffs, putting a good team on the field. Not the win-it-all or nothing mentality that grips many of today’s sports fans, especially my colleagues in Philadelphia.

The last time I spoke to him, six days before his death, we talked, of course, about the Giants. He was so sick he could barely speak, but I asked what he thought of the Giants and he managed this: “I wish they would use Ron Dayne more,” he said in slurred speech.

He loved his team, for sure.

I won’t soon forget that conversation, as short as it was. It was my last one with him.

And, I won’t forget one of our last outings together, and the last one before he got really sick.

I called with the excitement of an 8-year-old to tell Pop the great news – I had landed a pair of tickets to the 2001 Eagles-Giants playoff game at Giants Stadium and I wanted him to come up from his home in Fairfax, Va. to attend with me.

“Oh Aaron I wish I could but I’m just not well,” he said, breaking my heart although I understood.

While driving home trying to figure out what to do with the tickets, the phone rang: “Aaron, this is going to be my last hurrah,” said Pop, changing his mind.

I couldn’t have been happier.

We looked into the handicap accommodations at Giants Stadium and found that Pop wouldn’t have to walk to our seats – which were just a few rows from the heavens. We arrived early and waited at the gates patiently, until finally a golf cart drove us to our seats over an hour before kickoff.

It’s a day I’ll never forget. Pop, at 81, acted like he was 7 that day. He was so happy, watching the Giants defeat the Eagles to advance to the NFC Championship Game. Truthfully, I was too. There would be many more games for me – and hopefully more chances for the Eagles – but not many more left for Pop, I knew.

The day was capped off with first-class treatment by the Giants. Not only were we driven to the exits, but the golf cart continued into the parking lot and all the way out to our car. It was first-class treatment by a first-class organization that was only fitting for a first-class fan.

Pop couldn’t have been happier.

As wonderful as the day was, it was frustrating for Pop, at times, because his view often was obstructed as the excited Giants fans in front of him stood and cheered during big plays and key moments. Pop couldn’t get up and down easily and he would ask the people in front of him to sit down so he too could see the action.

I smiled at the thought that he didn’t have to do that this time. He watched last Saturday’s big game unobstructed, just a little higher than before.

This time, from heaven.

Post script: After the story was published, I sent a copy to late Giants owner Wellington Mara. I received a very nice, hand-written note back, saying “Dear Aaron, Although I didn’t know your grandfather, I feel as though I did after reading your letter and the article about him. I feel a share in your loss. Sincerely, Well Mara.” Classy. Very classy!

–

That’s all for now.

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

A little Zen-like, I know. But that kind of sums up how I feel about the Eagles.

The Birds looked unbeatable at times earlier this decade and many of us, me included, expected them to win Super Bowls. Then they fell flat in three straight NFC title games – the last two of which you really thought they should have won.

They finally made the Super Bowl in the 2004 season, but looked lost in the final five minutes and came up short. So disappointing.

This season was mediocre for stretches and awful for others. The Birds never looked like a championship caliber team. I wanted the coach gone and, while I thought he could still play, wanted the same thing for the QB.

Then, suddenly, they beat improbable odds and snuck into the playoffs – how could TB possibly lose to Oakland?! – by drumming the Cowboys in the regular-season finale.

Wins over Minnesota and the Giants later and all that’s standing in the way of the Super Bowl are the Arizona Cardinals.

The Arizona Cardinals.

I mean, come on. The Eagles already blew out the Cards this season and Arizona has no business being in the NFC title game, let alone the Super Bowl.

It might not be a cakewalk, but the Eagles will topple Arizona and reach the Super Bowl. Write it down – in pen.

That doesn’t mean I’m overly impressed with the Birds.

Andy Reid’s bunch looked great on defense Sunday. None more so than Brian Dawkins.

You saw the game, so you know, but it’s worth repeating that the aging safety was a force, the toughest player on the field. He had the Giants intimidated with his early hits. The D-line played superb and the linebackers were flying into the gaps.

But the offense, to me, was just ho-hum. I liked the fact that Reid stuck with the running game, and I was impressed with Donovan McNabb’s toughness in the pocket and some of his big plays on third downs.

Overall though, the offense lacked luster and the sharpness that you would expect from a team that will be playing in the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks.

I thought it was a game the Giants lost more than the Eagles won. Eli Manning looked lost. I’m still trying to figure out how he’s a Super Bowl winning QB.

The funny thing is I don’t even think the Eagles will have to play much better Sunday against the Cards because Arizona isn’t nearly the team the Giants are.

All I can say is strange, very strange.

–

(update 11:15 a.m. Tuesday)

Re Chris’ comment on Dawkins’ hit: Chris: You’re probably referring to the hit on Ward. It was borderline. I’m all for sportsmanship, but football’s a violent sport and I think what he did was OK. Of course, I darn sure wouldn’t have wanted to be on the receiving end!

–

Wing Bowl or Super Bowl? I tuned in to WIP early Monday morning hoping to get the fans’ vibe on Sunday’s game and all I got was talk about wingettes and Wing Bowl. Sigh! Couldn’t click over to 950 fast enough — even if it was Mike & Mike.

–

Where’s the hoops coverage? Anyone else notice the lack of coverage of college hoops in the Inky this year? I miss the once-a-week full page Mike Jensen used to write.

That’s all for now.

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

The bottom line, based on Romero’s comments to Phil Sheridan in the Inky, is Romero and Phils strength coach Dong Lien erred here.

Romero, as can be understood, wasn’t sure if the product contained anything illegal so he took it to Lien. Lien, in turn, said Romero should get a second opinion, so Romero took it to his personal nutrionist. Meantime, Lien sent the product to MLB for testing.

Stop right there.

Shouldn’t Lien have sent the product to MLB right away and advised Romero to hold off on using it until he got a response? I don’t understand how a strength coach would proceed otherwise. And I don’t understand how Romero, knowing that MLB has cracked down on this whole thing, wouldn’t want to first get the OK from MLB. Forget about his “personal nutrionist.”

I’m willing to take Romero at his word that he didn’t know what he was using was illegal. But I’m not willing to relieve, no pun intended, him of blame. This case should be a lesson to all pro athletes – and athletes at every level – to be sure to get proper approval before ingesting anything into their bodies.

And of Lien, he should have provided better advice for Romero. I can’t believe that the Phillies (that’s organization and players) can trust him going forward.

On another note, the Phils have signed Marcus Giles. The former Atlanta 2B gives the team some insurance should Chase Utley’s recovery from hip surgery linger and should rookie Brad Harman struggle as Utley’s fill-in. Giles’ offensive decline is a concern. He’s a career .277 hitter but here’s a closer look at his average:

2003-.316

2004-.311

2005-.291

2006-.262

2007-.229

2008-Out of baseball

There could be a reason for the decline. I won’t speculate but I have my own suspicions for the dropoff. I’ll leave it at that. Still, I think it’s a good signing for the Phils.

Next up: Spring Training, February

Sixers story (14-20): While Tuesday’s 104-96 victory over Houston was encouraging, the Sixers’ 1-5 Western road trip was not. Philly looked much better Tuesday, but not sure what to make of the 21-15 Rockets.

The Sixers have major flaws that need to be addressed at the trade deadline, none more glaring than their inability to shoot the 3. They are last in the NBA at a woeful 29.4 percent from the arc. The lack of a 3-point threat hurts the Sixers because teams consistently can play under the pick and roll, which takes away the drive to the basket. Let’s hope Ed Stefanski can add a few pieces at the deadline.

So, Tony DiLeo’s record stands at 5-6 after Tuesday and the interim coach says he sees the Sixers going in the right direction. I haven’t seen it. Still, the league – and especially the Eastern Conference – is so mediocre that they still have plenty of time to find a groove and make the playoffs – for whatever that’s worth.

Oh, and Elton Brand could be back in two weeks. I’m interested to see if DiLeo’s input will have a positive effect on Brand.

Next up: at Milwaukee, 8 p.m., Wednesday.

—

That’s all for now.

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

Sixers story: Mo Cheeks might not be Red Auerbach, but Cheeks got a raw deal when he was fired Dec. 13. The Sixers were struggling at the time, but it was expected since they were coming off a tough stretch with games against Cleveland, Detroit and the Lakers.

You want to fire Mo, fine. But you’ve got to give him a chance against teams with which the Sixers can compete. The bottom line with the Sixers is they just don’t have the talent – with or without Elton Brand in the lineup. They don’t have a legitimate 3-point shooter, which is a sin in the NBA (Example: The Sixers didn’t hit their first 3 in Monday’s loss to Utah until there were two minutes left in the game). Shame on Ed Stefanski for not finding one this offseason.

They are athletic, but that athleticism strangely doesn’t translate on the defensive end. This team still can make the playoffs, mainly because the Eastern Conference is so bad. But there’s no chance the Sixers are anything more than a first-round team.

And Tony DiLeo isn’t the answer. I wasn’t surprised to hear the praise heaped on DiLeo after the Sixers started 3-0 under him. But I knew it wouldn’t last since those wins were against Washington (twice) and Milwaukee. Since, the Sixers have dropped four straight against some real competition – vs. Indy and on the road against Boston, Denver and Utah.

Prediction: Jay Wright will be on the sidelines next September.

Next up: At Clippers, 9:30 p.m., tomorrow.

–

Eagles story: I was as shocked as anyone with Sunday’s 44-6 dismantling of the Cowboys that sent the Eagles to the playoffs. Truth is, I stopped paying close attention to the Eagles a month or so ago, so infuriated with Andy Reid’s coaching style, personality and reluctance to run the ball.

As a fan, I’ll follow the Eagles and root for them to beat the Vikings Sunday. But I can’t say that I think them making the playoffs is the best thing that could’ve happened for the franchise’s long-term success. They might just go out and win the Super Bowl and I could look foolish for writing this, but I truly believe the Eagles need a major overhaul, from the front office, to the coaching staff and, yes, to the quarterback for this organization to take a real step toward contending for a title.

I hoped that a loss to Dallas would signal a time for change. We all know what happened. Now, there’s no chance Lurie and Banner will make any changes – and, honestly, nor should they after what transpired Sunday. Somehow I think Sunday’s victory, while amazing and great for the city, will come back to haunt the Eagles.

Next up: At Minnesota, NFC Divisional playoffs, 4:30 p.m., Sunday.

Phillies story: Not much happening on the Phils front, other than Chase Utley saying he doesn’t regret dropping the F-bomb in the post-victory speech. It must be something in pro athletes’ DNA, that they never regret anything. Remember how Jimmy Rollins didn’t regret calling Philly fans “front-runners?”

Maybe it’s what makes players like Rollins and Utley so great, that they don’t look in the past and have regrets. But, really, would it have killed Utley to say he shouldn’t have used that word in front of so many kids in such a public setting? I’m not his judge or jury and I can handle him dropping the F-bomb, but as a parent I would prefer he would’ve been a bit more careful. That said, he’s not a druggie, a gunnie (a word?) or a womanizer. Bottom line, there are worse things he could’ve done than drop the F-bomb. Just wish he would’ve said he would be more careful next time.

On another note, anyone who’s seen the Phillies DVD probably will agree with me that it’s very well done. Brought back some great memories for me. How about you?

Next up: Spring Training, Februrary, Clearwater, Fla.

Flyers story: Word is that the Flyers are crashing frat parties and getting stalled on runways in Chicago. I also hear Jeff Carter is having a great season. Next up: At Vancouver, 10:30 p.m., tonight.

College hoops report: Here’s a quick look/update at the six Philly D-1 schools:

Drexel (3-6). The Dragons ended a five-game losing streak with Saturday’s 76-70 win over Rider. The victory came just in time, too, as the Dragons had the dubious distinction of landing in Sports Illustrated’s “Not Hot” list. Bruiser Flint, who could be on thin ice on 33^rd and Market, didn’t even get to share the sideline with good bud and Memphis coach John Calipari for the Dragons’ game against the Tigers Dec. 22 after getting ejected from Drexel’s loss at Bucknell Dec. 20. Good thing, though, since Memphis buried Drexel, 87-49. Next up: At St. Joe’s (Palestra), 5 p.m., tomorrow.

La Salle (6-5). This team has some serious talent, as I saw first-hand in the Explorers’ 92-75 dismantling of Rider on Dec. 17. And La Salle pushed UConn to the limit in an 89-81 loss Nov. 21. Still, it’s hard to know much about the Explorers because they continue to play nobodies. Too bad. A decent nonconference schedule would get La Salle battle-tested and probably ready to contend in the weak A-10. As it is, the Explorers likely will be a run-of-the-mill conference competitor. Next up: Vs. Manhattan, 4 p.m., tomorrow.

Penn (1-7). The Quakers continued their struggles, getting blown out, 81-64, by Central Florida Monday to drop their fifth straight. Glen Miller’s job was in jeopardy prior to the season and Penn’s shaky start can’t be helping his job security. Miller hasn’t endeared himself to the Penn faithful but, in fairness, he had a very tough act to follow. Next up: Vs. Lafayette, 7 p.m., Jan. 6.

St. Joe’s (5-6). The Hawks inexplicably blew an 18-point, second-half lead at the Palestra Sunday night in a loss to Siena. The Saints are a very good team and a perennial MAAC contender. But the key word there is “MAAC.” If you’re St. Joe’s and you want to be any good, you can’t lose to a MAAC team. The Hawks haven’t had any wins of significance (please don’t give me Indiana, a team of walk-ons) this year, and they haven’t had any really bad losses either. SJU played well in a 59-56 loss at Villanova Dec. 11, but you know what they say about being close…only good in horseshoes and hand grenades. Next up: Vs. Drexel (at Palestra), 5 p.m., tomorrow.

Temple (5-6). The Owls followed their eye-catching 88-72 win over Tennessee on Dec. 13 with three straight losses, at Kansas (71-59), at Long Beach State (76-71) and at Villanova (62-45) Monday night. Fran Dunphy’s squad still looks like an A-10 contender. Next up: Vs. Kent State, 7 p.m., Jan. 5.

Villanova (12-1). Monday’s impressive 62-45 blowout of Temple capped Nova’s nonconference schedule. The Cats played a bunch of patsies. Now they enter the incredibly tough Big East portion of their schedule. No less than seven Big East teams are in the AP Top 25 this week, with Villanova coming in at No. 15. The Wildcats have the talent and are Philly’s best hope to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but there are a lot of mine fields awaiting in conference play. Next up: At Marquette, 2:30 p.m., Thursday.

–

That’s all for now.

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com

Andre Iguodala and the Sixers head to Motown tonight for a meeting with Allen Iverson and the Pistons (still sounds strange) at 8 tonight.

The Sixers will be without Elton Brand, out for Friday’s game with a strained right hamstring. Brand is day-to-day.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Sixers play without Brand.

According to the Yahoo! preview, Iverson has averaged 33.3 points and 8.3 assists in three career games against the Sixers. Yikes.

Here’s the rest of the weekend schedule:

Friday

NBA

Sixers at Detroit, 8

College hoops

Navy at Penn, 7

Saturday

NHL

Flyers at Carolina, 7

NBA

New Jersey at Sixers, 7:30

College hoops

George Mason at Drexel, 4:30

La Salle at Hartford, 4

Creighton at Saint Joseph’s, 7

Temple at Penn State, 6

Sunday

Eagles at Giants, 1

phillysportsbeat@gmail.com