– The UK-Wake Forest second-round NCAA Tournament game is scheduled to start 30 minutes following the conclusion of the Baylor-Old Dominion game, which is scheduled to tip off at 5:50 p.m. ET (4:50 p.m. CT) in New Orleans Arena. Tentatively that would set the UK start time for 8:20 p.m. ET. My money is on an 8:35 p.m. start or later.

– Two reports, one from Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com and the other from The Birmingham News, say that Auburn, who dismissed Jeff Lebo last week, is “close to hiring” former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith. Dodd cited an unnamed source and admitted “it could be nothing.” Two quick things: If Smith wants out of Minnesota, why Auburn? No disrespect to the Auburn job, but is that really a step up for Smith? The report in The Birmingham News indicates that the Auburn athletics department could be willing to pony up to lure Smith into packing for the South. The return to the Southeastern Conference could also be intriguing for Smith. Secondly, don’t expect to Smith to sign today. In case you weren’t aware, Minnesota is playing Xavier in the NCAA Tournament as we speak. I’m not saying Tubby the Tiger isn’t happening – I’m just saying I don’t think it’s as “close” to happening any minute now.

– If there is one unfortunate thing about traveling with and covering the men’s basketball team, it’s that I’m missing out on some great action back in Lexington. If you’re in town this weekend, make sure you stop by the baseball or softball diamonds. The No. 20 baseball team is opening SEC play against No. 19 Ole Miss. If you know anything about SEC baseball, the start of league play is an entirely new season. Also, before you tune into the men’s basketball blog Saturday, make sure you tune into the women’s live blog at 2:41 p.m. ET. Matthew Mitchell’s Cats will be taking on No. 13 seed Liberty in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Louisville.