Linked Up, January 17

Around the country for some news and notes...

- Is New Mexico State the favorite in the WAC again now that Hatila Passos and Herb Pope are back in the fold? (Las Cruces Sun-News)

- North Carolina will not win the national championship because of its mediocre defense, writes Grant Wahl in his "Magic Eight." (SI.com)

- This season's performance by a young Florida team proves how good of a coach Billy Donovan really is. (Yahoo! Sports)

- The ACC has power at the top of the league, but mediocrity throughout the middle of the conference could leave it disappointed on Selection Sunday. (Washington Post)

- With Illinois State and Drake both winning last night, they both improve to 6-0 in the MVC before their showdown Saturday. (Chicago Tribune)

- Maryland freshman guard Adrian Bowie has been the first guard off the bench in the past two games, bringing energy and production. (Baltimore Sun)

- Georgia Tech's one-point loss to North Carolina last night could be a turning point for the Yellow Jackets. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

- The difference in tonight's Louisville-Marquette game could be which defense forces the most turnovers and deflections. (Louisville Courier-Journal)