Other Conference Tournaments

[GoMuskies]

Today it starts getting huge. Lots of games to watch and bet on all day. At first glance, my favorites are:

St. John's +3.5 vs. Marquette
Oklahoma +6.5 vs. OK State
Seton Hall +1.5 vs. Notre Dame
Louisville -6 vs. Cincinnati
Iowa State +9 vs. Texas
Wazzu -2 vs. Oregon

I like Tulsa, too, but 14.5 is a big number for a team looking to win 4 in 4 (and therefore rest starters where possible).

[GoMuskies]

Johnnies miss the game winner at the buzzer....but cover the #. Good work fellas!

[DoubleD86]

Johnnies miss the game winner at the buzzer....but cover the #. Good work fellas!

Yeah, I am pretty unhappy about this. I took Marquette and if they had only made their free throws at the end of the game they would have covered....0-3 down the stretch.

[Fred Garvin]

UC/Louisville should be interesting with both Stephenson and Sosa wanting to perform in front of the hometown crowd.

[Cheesehead]

Always good to see the Warriors prevail...I mean (barf) Golden Eagles.

They will always be the Warriors to me!:cool:

[X Communicator]

UC playing with some confidence now...six minutes left to play in the game. Plenty of time for the Bearcats to flop. But I'm thinking they're going to win this thing.

[waggy]

Anyone watching the Big Sky game? What a performance by the Johnson kid!

[GoMuskies]

The Bubble is so weak that Cincinnati is about to get back on it. Louisville sure can be atrocious.

[GoMuskies]

And right on cue Cincy begins the process of blowing it.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone watching the Big Sky game? What a performance by the Johnson kid!

Holy hell, 42 of 66 points to come from 22 down to win on the road?!? That's amazing.

[SixFig]

Can't believe I'm saying this but...if UC gets a couple wins then they're a top 50 RPI win (64 as of 11:19PM EST) for Xavier. Wouldn't hurt us. I'm just sayin

[xavierj]

A win tonight would move them up to about 60.

[GoMuskies]

Geez, it would really "break my heart" if UC found a way to blow this one.

[Espe]

UC won that game because of their rebounding.

[GoMuskies]

and Louisville's sucking.

[Espe]

and Louisville's sucking.

Yeah that too.

How in the world did they beat Syracuse twice?

[xsteve1]

Yeah that too.

How in the world did they beat Syracuse twice?

I think that tells you Syracuse won't win the title. I'll bet anybody they don't make the final 4.

[Masterofreality]

Get ready for the B-Espn whiners to wail about a to be named Big Greased team being left out of the Tournament.

Based upon Not-re Dame's win over the Hall yesterday, B-Espn dot com is proclaiming that the Firish have "wrapped up a bid." Huh?

Wow, they just beat Seton Hall, who is not a Top 50 team. ND has lost 10 games to some not so good teams- to Loyola Marymount, Northwestern and St. Johns at home plus they lost to Rutgers and beating UCon is not so impressive. ND is still 57 in the RPI. Not exactly a "wrapped up" bid to me. CBS Sportsline was a bit more reserved calling the win a "battle of bubble teams" period.

Trust me, ND, Seton Hall or maybe even South Florida will get left out, then Bilas and Diggler Flops will scream about the injustice.

[X-band '01]

We should congratulate UC - they may have actually punched an NIT ticket with 2 BE Tournament wins. I'm sure YTG will be complaining that they're being disrespected while Notre Dame gets the spotlight to themselves last night with their probable NCAA Tournament bid being clinched with their win over Seton Hall.

[X-band '01]

And yes MOR, Notre Dame is finishing the season strong, which is more than I can say about teams like URI, Charlotte, and Dayton. They've won something like 5 or 6 straight now, including wins at Georgetown and Marquette. Overall they have a bubble quality of work, but they're doing everything possible to play their way in instead of out.

UC is the wildcard at this point - if they can upset West Virginia and make it to the BE title game, they could make a case for a bid all of a sudden, especially without Rashad Bishop.

[Muskie1000]

Get ready for the B-Espn whiners to wail about a to be named Big Greased team being left out of the Tournament.

Based upon Not-re Dame's win over the Hall yesterday, B-Espn dot com is proclaiming that the Firish have "wrapped up a bid." Huh?

Wow, they just beat Seton Hall, who is not a Top 50 team. ND has lost 10 games to some not so good teams- to Loyola Marymount, Northwestern and St. Johns at home plus they lost to Rutgers and beating UCon is not so impressive. ND is still 57 in the RPI. Not exactly a "wrapped up" bid to me. CBS Sportsline was a bit more reserved calling the win a "battle of bubble teams" period.

Trust me, ND, Seton Hall or maybe even South Florida will get left out, then Bilas and Diggler Flops will scream about the injustice.

They are saying that cause what's his name was hurt and that the committee will consider that and they probably will as a reason to let more Big East teams.

[danaandvictory]

Montana-Weber State last night featured the finest individual performance of the year. Montana was getting destroyed 40-20 at halftime (final was on Weber's home court) and their star Anthony Johnson had only 8 points. Johnson scored 34 points in the second half, hit huge shot after huge shot, and led Montana all the way back and into the NCAA Tournament.

[xsteve1]

I like Georgetown getting 6 1/2 against Syracuse here in a few minutes.

[GoMuskies]

Georgetown taking it to the Cuse in MSG (I took Steve's advice after my pathetic showing yesterday).

Memphis down 9 at the half to Houston and needing a big rally to avoid the NIT (Dayton and Rhody fans are now Houston fans).

Nothing of note anywhere else yet (though I am surprised at how easily USC is handling Alabama thus far).

[xavierj]

Georgetown taking it to the Cuse in MSG (I took Steve's advice after my pathetic showing yesterday).

Memphis down 9 at the half to Houston and needing a big rally to avoid the NIT (Dayton and Rhody fans are now Houston fans).

Nothing of note anywhere else yet (though I am surprised at how easily USC is handling Alabama thus far).

Damm. I took So. Car, G-Town and Memphis in a parlay.

[GoMuskies]

G-town finished off the Cuse. No more #1 seed for the Cuse after losing the last two? They're probably safe given the relative lack of viable candidates for #1 seeds. Maybe if Duke wins the ACC Tournament and WV goes on to win the Big East Tournament, but even then it seems unlikely.

[GoMuskies]

I like Georgetown getting 6 1/2 against Syracuse here in a few minutes.


You're the man of the hour Steve. Let's hear about Marquette/'Nova.

[jdm2000]

Nothing of note anywhere else yet (though I am surprised at how easily USC is handling Alabama thus far).

Really? The SEC west is awful--I wouldn't be surprised if all four semifinalists were from the East (assuming the setup of the bracket allows that).

[smileyy]

Syracuse has so many good wins and so few losses, that that #1 seed is theirs.

Kansas deserves the overall #1. Kentucky doesn't deserve a #1 but will get it based on their gaudy record over a weak SEC. I'll still take Syracuse's profile over anyone but Kansas, but people seem to be looking askance at them. Duke deserves a #1, but no one believes it. WVU could sneak in if a few committee members have an aneurysm and do something crazy.

[xsteve1]

You're the man of the hour Steve. Let's hear about Marquette/'Nova.

Although its already started I like Marquette getting 5, Marquette should keep it close. I'm liking Indiana plus 8 1/2 over a slumping Northwestern team. I know IU is terrible but they just beat NU last Saturday.

[GoMuskies]

I like IU, too. And rusted out Mercedes over broken down Lexus.

[xavierj]

You also have to love Arizona getting a point today. They will win that game.

[GoMuskies]

Bama comes all the way back to beat USC. Memphis came all the way back, too, but Houston was still able to pull it out 66-65. Good news for Rhody and Dayton.

[GoMuskies]

Miami's handing Wake an ass-kicking at the half, too. Wake is really folding down the stretch.

[xavierj]

How bad is Wake or maybe how bad is their coaching? They are getting drilled by 14 at the half and have let up 41 points to Miami. Do they ever play defense?

They got so lucky to beat Xavier and it ticks me off. Ish Smith went 3 for 3 that day from 3, guy has made 4 of 26 in 15 games since then.

[BandAid]

Miami's handing Wake an ass-kicking at the half, too. Wake is really folding down the stretch.

Just like last year. They'll be one and done again.

If I were Aminu I would be filling out my draft paperwork.

[GoMuskies]

For good measure, Wake allowed Miami (4-12 in the ACC) to start the second half with an 8-0 to all but seal it.

I'm not a Dino Gaudio fan at all.

[_LH]

We want Dino to do well. If Wake has an opening Mack would have to be on their interview list.

[GoMuskies]

I'd like to think we're beyond the point where the likes of Wake freaking Forest are going to be players to steal our coaches.

[GoMuskies]

C-USA bubble teams not coming out ready to play. Larry Eustachy's USM Eagles up 16-2 on UAB.

[boozehound]

I'd like to think we're beyond the point where the likes of Wake freaking Forest are going to be players to steal our coaches.

Particularly not Mack. With his Xavier and Cincinnati ties I would think that a job would have to be pretty darn alluring for him to go. I don't know that Wake is that job.

[GoMuskies]

Marquette and Georgetown tomorrow in the first semi. Steve is on fire. You have the Powerball numbers?

UAB down 15 at the break to USM (man would that be huge for fellow Bubblers).

Broken Down Lexus is down 4 to Rusted Out Mercedes midway through the second half.

And Air Force is threatening to be a huge Cinderalla story down 3 late against New Mexico.

Nebraska only down two to A&M late. Another big seed making a run.

[Perma Fro]

From ESPN's Pac-10 Tournament blog

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/tag/_/name/2010-pac-10-tournament

"Perhaps the most exciting part of the first half was watching Bill Murray, wearing a red Arizona visor and a red and white wig, cheering wildly every time Arizona scores a basket. Murray's son, Luke, is a graduate assistant for the Wildcats."

[GoMuskies]

Was he with Xavier last year? Wasn't Bill Murray sitting in the Xavier section in Boston?

[xsteve1]

From ESPN's Pac-10 Tournament blog

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/tag/_/name/2010-pac-10-tournament

"Perhaps the most exciting part of the first half was watching Bill Murray, wearing a red Arizona visor and a red and white wig, cheering wildly every time Arizona scores a basket. Murray's son, Luke, is a graduate assistant for the Wildcats."

Arizona looks to be going down. Down 7 with 42 secs. left.

[chico]

Arizona looks to be going down. Down 7 with 42 secs. left.

Any coincidence that Lexus is part of Toyota?

[xavierj]

Was he with Xavier last year? Wasn't Bill Murray sitting in the Xavier section in Boston?

Helped coach the Gauchos with Book. He was not with Xavier last year.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, USM is just pounding UAB. I think Juan Bid is visiting C-USA if UTEP can win their tournament.

[GuyFawkes38]

So if Arizona played Dayton in the NIT, who would you side with?

I still sort of like Miller but for many on this board, it'd be a tough choice.

[chico]

Although its already started I like Marquette getting 5, Marquette should keep it close. I'm liking Indiana plus 8 1/2 over a slumping Northwestern team. I know IU is terrible but they just beat NU last Saturday.

Steve, if by chance you're going to Vegas next week let me know. I need to find where you are and copy your bets.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, IU collapsed on us. Led the whole way until 8 minutes left and then lose by 15. Awful.

[Muskie1000]

So if Arizona played Dayton in the NIT, who would you side with?

I still sort of like Miller but for many on this board, it'd be a tough choice.

That's almost as horrible as if Dayton played UC - I think I would have to take Dayton over Arizona because as horrible as Dayton can be, I want the A-10 to look better.

[xsteve1]

Damn, IU collapsed on us. Led the whole way until 8 minutes left and then lose by 15. Awful.

Yea, I left to go out for a couple hours and thought I had that won for sure. Man IU is terrible. Clemson hopefully will smoke NC St. tonight.

[GoMuskies]

All the double-byes going down at MSG. Sounds crazy, but if UC can somehow beat WV tonight.....nah, too mind blowing.

[American X]

How did Kansas State lose to Iowa State? They look like a Final Four team.

I am now convinced the Big East tournament is a conspiracy. Georgetown secures high seed beating Syracuse. Notre Dame secures bid winning two. Syracuse conveniently gets out of way so West Virginia can win tournament in bid for #1 seed.

[Juice]

How did Kansas State lose to Iowa State? They look like a Final Four team.

I am now convinced the Big East tournament is a conspiracy. Georgetown secures high seed beating Syracuse. Notre Dame secures bid winning two. Syracuse conveniently gets out of way so West Virginia can win tournament in bid for #1 seed.


slmandel: The double-bye teams (top four seeds) are 0-3 so far today at the Big East. Coaches grumbling about format forthcoming.


Stewart Mandel on Twitter

[RealDeal]

What the hell did Bishop do to get suspended for the whole tourney? Manslaughter?

BTW it probably helped UC win the last 2 nights.

[QueensbridgeMF]

How did Kansas State lose to Iowa State? They look like a Final Four team.

I am now convinced the Big East tournament is a conspiracy. Georgetown secures high seed beating Syracuse. Notre Dame secures bid winning two. Syracuse conveniently gets out of way so West Virginia can win tournament in bid for #1 seed.

So if we lose tomorrow we tanked it for the conference so UD might get in? These teams/players/coaches don't like each other either. GTown Cuse is the oldest/toughest rivalry in the conference.

[GoMuskies]

Miami and Chalie Coles are telling Snipe to go to hell and are putting it to Buffalo. 24-9 RedHawks.

[QueensbridgeMF]

Cincy only down 3 at half, they just lull you into sleepwalking through the game

[X-band '01]

Montana-Weber State last night featured the finest individual performance of the year. Montana was getting destroyed 40-20 at halftime (final was on Weber's home court) and their star Anthony Johnson had only 8 points. Johnson scored 34 points in the second half, hit huge shot after huge shot, and led Montana all the way back and into the NCAA Tournament.

Not only that, he scored Montana's final 21 points. He literally carried them on his back into the NCAAs. Man's man right there.

[X-band '01]

Miami also got a huge break when Kent State wet the bed earlier tonight (along with Memphis and UAB). Not that the MAC was going to be a multi-bid league, but how the hell does your top seed lose by double figures?

[GoMuskies]

Wow, Stanford is pounding AZ State. Not a good day for Bubble teams (unless you're Rhody or Dayton).

[SixFig]

I believe Rhody will be IN if they win vs. SLU.

That non-conference RPI of 6 is pretty tough to ignore.

[GoMuskies]

Funny ending at the ACC Tournament. NC State up 2 with 3 seconds to go, shooting one and one. They miss the front end, but the Clemson players apparently thought it was two shots and didn't make any effort to block out. Ended up with a loose ball scramble and the clock ran out.

There's no cure for stupid.

[Masterofreality]

And Baylor beats up on Texas.

From #1 to oblivion. But Texas will be in the dance though.

[Masterofreality]

Funny ending at the ACC Tournament. NC State up 2 with 3 seconds to go, shooting one and one. They miss the front end, but the Clemson players apparently thought it was two shots and didn't make any effort to block out. Ended up with a loose ball scramble and the clock ran out.

There's no cure for stupid.

The suckitude from the dump still lingers over Ollie Purnell.

[DoubleD86]

From #1 to oblivion. But Texas will be in the dance though.

And will be an easy team to pick against on my bracket. Talk about a tailspin....

[danaandvictory]

And Baylor beats up on Texas.

Baylor is a dark horse for the Final Four, in my view.

[GoMuskies]

Kentucky playing like complete ass. Lucky to be within five.

Evan Turner breaks Michigan's heart from halfcourt at the buzzer, 69-68.

[Masterofreality]

Evan Turner breaks Michigan's heart from halfcourt at the buzzer, 69-68.

Beaknose must have re-upped his deal with Satan.

I may never have seen a luckier coach.

[GuyFawkes38]

It must be noted that Thad Matta drew up one hell of a play.

[Masterofreality]

It must be noted that Thad Matta drew up one hell of a play.

What. A shot from half court????

Some play.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Beaknose must have re-upped his deal with Satan.

I may never have seen a luckier coach.

Wish we had that luck with Anthony Myles against Duke. He was just dominating Sheldon Williams and Duke until the incident

[GuyFawkes38]

just joking there. god, that sort of brought back bad memories of X/OSU. ughhh.

[GoMuskies]

Kentucky squeaks one out.

Illinois is so far the rare Bubble team that is acting like they want to make the Tournament.

[coasterville95]

The Fighting Illini are up 10 to the Badgers. Go Illini!

Miami (FL) and Virginia Tech are in a nailbiter.

Make that up 13 with 7:34 left for the Illini over the Badgers

Miami/VT still a nail biter, vt up 1 with 7:18 left

[chico]

Beaknose must have re-upped his deal with Satan.

I may never have seen a luckier coach.

I guess you didn't see BeelzeBob's "win" over UC last night.

OSU's was part luck, part bad coaching by Michigan to not guard the inbounds nor guard the man receiving the pass. Turner should never have had the opportunity to get past half court - that's on Beilein.

[coasterville95]

The Fighting Illini better watch out, Badgers are closing in, and have momentum on their side.

Within 7 with 1:29 left, so the Illini should take it still, but the margin is closing fast.

Miami is now the team up 1 to VT - 26 tickets left

Tennessee and Mississippi are within 1 going towards half.

(and back in the A10 there may be 53 seconds left, but the Billikens are out loading into the Greyhound bus they chartered. Down 14.)

[XU05]

Wow... this Trevon Hughes guy...

[coasterville95]

The Illini is laying down - only up 2 with 28 seconds left!!!! Recall, the Illini was having the Badgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner just a few minutes ago!

And they were able to eek out a win by 4. Sorry Badgers - and another ranked team loses early into their conferennce tourney.

Miami beat VT by 5.

[Masterofreality]

And Ole Miss goes down.

Pop goes the Bubble.

Losing to Florida at home earlier in the year may have been a play in game. With a 56 rpi, they are done.

[chico]

Looks like C-USA's going to get 2 teams in after all. Houston up 6 with under a minute thanks to a couple UTEP turnovers. Freaking Tom Penders - I hope we get Houston in the first round. Payback!

[X-band '01]

Congrats also go out to OU and former X assistant John Groce - he now becomes the 3rd member of Thad Matta's coaching tree to advance to the NCAA Tournament (behind Todd Lickliter and Sean Miller).

[Masterofreality]

Congrats also go out to OU and former X assistant John Groce - he now becomes the 3rd member of Thad Matta's coaching tree to advance to the NCAA Tournament (behind Todd Lickliter and Sean Miller).

Neither of which will be in the Dance this year.

I had tix to the MAC Final but gave them to my kid and his fiance'- both OU grads. They saw a great game. Close all the way with lead changes and a game tying three at the end of regulation by Akron.

Armon Bassett has found a home after his Indiana and UAB travels. That kid was nails and literally put OU on his back through this whole MAC Tournament.

It will be nice to see both Xavier and OU in the Dance- that covers me, and two of my kids. Now....about Loyola on the other hand........