Q: What’s with N.C. State’s Brandon Costner? He’s been awful this season.
— Bart, Sanford, N.C.
A: Costner is averaging 9.6 points, down from 16.8 last season. His level of play has dropped so much that coach Sidney Lowe brought him off the bench against Florida State Saturday. It was only the seventh non-start of his career. He didn’t respond well. He played just 12 minutes and was 0-for-1 from the field. Earlier this week, I asked Lowe if Costner has lost all confidence in his shooting touch.

“We’re hoping that’s a one-game thing,” Lowe said. “I don’t think he’s lost confidence in his shot, I think it’s just a matter of him concentrating even more on the total game itself and not just his shot. When you just think about your shot, then you’re taking every other aspect of the game out — your defense, your hustle, your toughness, your teamwork — all of that you take out of the equation. And you can’t do that. Those things are much more important if not more important than making a shot.”

There are those who say Costner has a weight problem or that he feels his role has been threatened by freshman J.J. Hickson. Others say he lacks passion. Lowe’s answer clearly indicates he thinks Costner can help the team in other ways. But it might require a little hustle.

Q: What are Cincinnati's chances of making the tournament? They played a really tough schedule and they have upset some really good teams like Syracuse, Villanova, and Pittsburgh.
— Brandon Myers, West Union, Ohio
A: The Bearcats certainly improved their chances with an impressive win at West Virginia Wednesday night. Cincinnati did put together an impressive run at home, beating Syracuse, Villanova and Pittsburgh. And you are right, Brandon, Cincinnati’s strength of schedule is terrific. Still, Cincinnati is going to have a difficult time earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Bearcats may be 5-4 in Big East play but their overall record is 10-11 and that includes a 2-7 mark on the road. The other road win was a good one — at Louisville — but the Bearcats lost at St. John’s, Notre Dame and Seton Hall. That road record and the lack of a signature win in the non-conference schedule is a bad combination. The Bearcats are No. 112 in the RPI this week with 11 Big East teams ahead of them. That’s a lot of ground to make up as the season heads into February, but the Bearcats will have some opportunities. Give coach Mick Cronin an enormous amount of credit. The Bearcats are at least a year ahead of schedule and competitive in the Big East.

Q: Is the Missouri Valley going to have more than two bids to the NCAA Tournament this season? Seems like the media has forgotten about the Valley.
— Matt, Omaha, Neb.

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A: Remember, Matt, the media, along with coverage of teams or conferences has nothing to do with bids to the NCAA Tournament. Concern yourself with how the selection committee views the teams in the MVC. We can’t get into the minds of those people but we know the information that is available. I think Drake’s move up in the AP poll should tell you the Missouri Valley isn’t getting ignored. I honestly think the media is giving more respect than ever to the Missouri Valley, the Horizon, the Colonial and other non-BCS conferences.  But to answer your question, I think there is definitely room for two bids — and possibly a third. Drake is in. Illinois State look good but needs to strengthen its case some. And Creighton certainly deserves to be in the conversation — based on RPI and all the other numbers available to the selection committee. Once again, a lot will depend on what happens in the conference tournaments and that’s impossible to predict.

Q: What would you say is the answer for Penn State to build a strong men’s basketball program?
— Frank Kawtoski, Center Valley, Pa.
A: That’s a great question Frank. Looking at the big picture, Penn State has to decide if it serious about playing basketball in the Big Ten. That’s something that should have addressed years ago. Connecticut went through that process back in 1986. Instead of dropping out of the Big East, UConn hired Jim Calhoun, updated its academic support system and gave Calhoun’s staff the tools they needed to recruit. It comes down to getting players and the best place to start is by keeping the best players in-state at home.

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This was supposed to be a big season for the Nittany Lions. With predictions of a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten, some thought this would be the year Penn State finally made a big leap. Sometimes, a program simply needs a little luck and the Nittany Lions can’t seem to buy any. Penn State hasn’t won since senior Geary Claxton suffered a torn knee ligament on Jan. 15. The Nittany Lions had won seven straight before their leading scorer was injured. Now they have lost six straight heading into Saturday’s game against Michigan State. This program did reach the round of 16 seven years ago. Coach Ed DeChellis now is in his fifth season. After a 2-14 record in the Big Ten last season, the lofty expectations might have been a year premature. Recruiting is a fine art and part of the plan for any program should be creating balance between the classes. Penn State is heavy on seniors and freshmen, with little talent between, and that makes the situation tough when your leading scorer goes down with a season-ending injury. It’s never going to be easy at a football school, but DeChellis may need to throw his freshmen into the fire and hope that pays off. When you are building a program, that transition from year-to-year is vital.