After tonight's wins by Notre Dame (GO IRISH!!!) and San Diego State (WOOO!!! Perfect Final 4 for me!!!), here is where things stand in terms of NIT Pool scenarios, looking ahead to next Tuesday's semifinals (SDSU vs. Baylor at 7pm Eastern, ND vs. Penn State at 9pm Eastern) and next Thursday's title game:

* Scott Robertson wins if San Diego State wins the title

* Robert Dokes wins if Penn State wins the title

* Jon Caplin wins if Baylor beats Penn State in the title game

* Brendan Loy (hey, that's me!) wins if Notre Dame wins the title or loses to Baylor in the title game

If you're wondering, the only time I've ever won one of my own pools was in 1997, when I won the first annual women's basketball pool -- which had only ten contestants. That victory was less than joyful, as I clinched when UConn lost in the Elite Eight. This time, if I win, I'll be clinching with a Notre Dame victory, so it'll be a lot sweeter if it happens. :)

Anyway, here are the current standings. I'm first with 204 points. Dave Whelan is second with 193, but is mathematically eliminated because both of his finalists (St. Mary's and Florida) are gone. Dokes is third with 188. Robertson is fourth with 186.

Two-time defending champ Gary Kirby is fifth with 182, but he too is eliminated (his finalists were St. Mary's and Kentucky). The only other contestant still alive, Caplin, is currently tied for 25th with 161 (but his finalists, Baylor and Penn State, are still alive).