Bracket discussion

[smileyy]

Wow. The BCS has the top 16 overall seeds. I'm guessing that's the first time in a while.

[xubrew]

Not saying Iona wasn't worthy because I do htink they're far better off paper than on paper, but if they're worthy, than Drexel sure as hell is as well. That was the only selection that really surprised me.

I think Drexel is better than Cal, BYU and South Florida as well.

[newtsac]

Love WVU with the 10 seed at HOME. Who on the committee has incriminating strip club photos with Huggy Bear?

[LA Muskie]

Not saying Iona wasn't worthy because I do htink they're far better off paper than on paper, but if they're worthy, than Drexel sure as hell is as well. That was the only selection that really surprised me.

I think Drexel is better than Cal, BYU and South Florida as well.
I like Hathaway's answer about Drexel. And the reasoning for making Missouri #8. The message -- if it wasn't received before -- NON CON SOS is critical.

[waggy]

So X losing to Bonaventure cost Oral Roberts a bid.

[powerofX]

So X losing to Bonaventure cost Oral Roberts a bid.

Payback!

[waggy]

None of the CBS guys are talking about Saint Louis. They all like Memphis. I think Saint Louis wins that game.

[BandAid]

None of the CBS guys are talking about Saint Louis. They all like Memphis. I think Saint Louis wins that game.

A disciplined well coached team against one that is well, isn't. I also got SLU

[LA Muskie]

None of the CBS guys are talking about Saint Louis. They all like Memphis. I think Saint Louis wins that game.
I agree. But I'm not a paid talking head, so my opinion doesn't count. I'm fine with that though, the idiots in my pool listen to people like that...

[LadyMuskie]

I agree. But I'm not a paid talking head, so my opinion doesn't count. I'm fine with that though, the idiots in my pool listen to people like that...

What's really amusing is that once all the "experts" calm down and un-bunch their panties, we'll get to see their brackets and they'll have picked against the teams they were falling all over hours earlier.

[Masterofreality]

Temple will probably play Cal.

I like that matchup. I also like SLU against crazy Memphis. Conklin will outsmart those Memphis front line guys.

[Masterofreality]

By the way. No Virginia Tech?

I guess their schedule did them in again. I miss Seth Greenburg's whining and crying.

Oh, and Arizona. Hello? Hello? Uh.........

[LadyMuskie]

Yeah. How's that going for Sean winning that National Championship out in the desert? I thought it was supposed to be easier out there. Seems to me, it's pretty difficult to win the NC, if you don't even make the field of 68.

[xubrew]

I like Hathaway's answer about Drexel. And the reasoning for making Missouri #8. The message -- if it wasn't received before -- NON CON SOS is critical.

That's one of the things about a committee made up of athletic directors. Putting together schedules is part of what they do, so a team that puts together a good one, in their minds, has already accomplished something. They really don't need to win the games. They just need to play them and avoid bad losses.

With that in mind, how the hell is Long Beach a #12 seed?? They may be one of the most dangerous teams to ever be seeded that poorly. I guess "good" schedule doesn't always mean "difficult" schedule.

The rules say the 37 best teams, not the best profiles. I'm okay with giving to a team that has done more to earn it, but it isn't as if Iona went out and beat the world. Their OOC schedule consisted of one team that was in the field with an at-large caliber seed. They did play a ton of road games, and won at Denver who is tough to beat at home. Having said that. they failed to avoid bad losses the way Drexel did. Top to bottom, the Colonial is weak. At the top, though, it's not bad. If Drexel, VCU, Old Dominion, George Mason and even Georgia State were the only ones in the conference, the colonial would have been tons stronger this year, and Drexel ran through it until the conference championship when they lost to VCU in a close game about two miles from their campus.

Just to be clear, I like Iona, and I like that they made the field because I believe them to be better on the court (even if they're not on paper) than the bubble teams that were left out. I just think Drexel is as good (well, better) than Iona is. Had Drexel been paired with Iona in the bracket buster like they should've been, that could've settled it.

[xavierj]

That's one of the things about a committee made up of athletic directors. Putting together schedules is part of what they do, so a team that puts together a good one, in their minds, has already accomplished something. They really don't need to win the games. They just need to play them and avoid bad losses.

With that in mind, how the hell is Long Beach a #12 seed?? They may be one of the most dangerous teams to ever be seeded that poorly. I guess "good" schedule doesn't always mean "difficult" schedule.


Probably because they had 1 good win all year at that was against a depleted Xavier squad. Their next best win was over Pitt and they only had 2 top 100 wins. 12 seed is about right.

[xubrew]

Probably because they had 1 good win all year at that was against a depleted Xavier squad. Their next best win was over Pitt and they only had 2 top 100 wins. 12 seed is about right.

Well, then explain Butler's #8 seed a year ago, Siena's #9 seed in 2009 (no top 80 wins), and Davidson's #10 seed from 2008 (no top 100 wins). Those teams didn't have any big wins either, but played killer OOC schedules, avoided bad losses (for the most part) and were competitve in the tough games they did play even though they didn't win them.

Whether you think the committee should reward that or not doesn't change the fact that in the past, they have.

I understand the committee not wanting to reward Long Beach State for not winning any of the big games. I don't agree with it, but do understand it. However, you also have to take into account that they're punishing New Mexico. A #5 seed shouldn't have to play a first round game against a team as tough as Long Beach.

[Xavier]

Memphis will beat SLU, Memphis is playing well right now.

LBSU as a 12 seed is surprising- I thought they would be a 13. As someone said- best win was against Xavier..If they lost the conf. tournament I would have been shocked if they made the tournament.

[coasterville95]

Well the A10 did great this year:

NCAA - XAVIER, Temple, SLU, St Bona
NIT - LaSalle, UMass, St. Joes, dayton criers
One headline I saw said Duquesne declined a CBI bid

BUT should we wish Butler good luck in theiir CBI game against Delaware?
Also in CBI - PITT, as well as two Pac12 teams
No A10 in CBI

Now checking CIT

No A10 in CIT

[Xaviertutu52]

As overrated as the Big East is and I hate to say it but, I have this feeling that UConn is going to upset Kentucky in round 3

[xubrew]

Memphis will beat SLU, Memphis is playing well right now.

LBSU as a 12 seed is surprising- I thought they would be a 13. As someone said- best win was against Xavier..If they lost the conf. tournament I would have been shocked if they made the tournament.

They lost at North Carolina by 6, at Kansas by 8 (and were closer than that at points), they were close at Louisville, but fell behind in the final minutes and lost by 13, at Creighton on a last second shot, and at San Diego State in overtime.

That is an absolutely brutal schedule, and they competed in every single game on the road in true road games.

Yeah, they lost them all, but if they can play tough in true road games against top 20 (and in some cases top five) teams, they're probably pretty good. If I'm New Mexico I'm kinda pissed.

[THRILLHOUSE]

As overrated as the Big East is and I hate to say it but, I have this feeling that UConn is going to upset Kentucky in round 3

No, they wont. Especially not in what is basically a home game for UK. I wouldn't even be surprised if UConn lost to Iowa State.

[bigdiggins]

Drexel won 7 games against teams with winning records. 2 of those games were against the same team, so they only beat 6 teams with winning records. 27 wins is pretty hollow when you play rhode island and fropham equivalents 30 times during the year. You don't have to schedule a bunch of BCS teams to have a good non con schedule. Play other good mid-major programs instead of sh!t ones.

[SixFig]

This isn't really related at all but what if there was a rule that teams that lose NCAA tourney game must host winner next season. So UK would travel to play MVSU, Syracuse face UNC-Asheville etc.

This would force big time schools, even the biggest to travel to "midmajors" and would create interesting rematches the following season. UConn would have traveled to Butler, for instance. Power Conference teams that go deep in the tourney would be forced to play tougher schedules the next year, and would force those teams that only schedule cupcakes (cough cough UC) into a tougher schedule next year.

[smileyy]

Schools who have trouble scheduling are the ones who aren't trying.

I think the NCAA punishing poor schedulers has driven change, except maybe in the Big East.

[DC Muskie]

Drexel won 7 games against teams with winning records. 2 of those games were against the same team, so they only beat 6 teams with winning records. 27 wins is pretty hollow when you play rhode island and fropham equivalents 30 times during the year. You don't have to schedule a bunch of BCS teams to have a good non con schedule. Play other good mid-major programs instead of sh!t ones.

I'm not kidding out here on dumbass aports radio coaches like Turgeon came on and said we should be out and Drexel should be in.

We won more games against top 100 RPI teams this weekend then Drexel did their ENTIRE season.

[BandAid]

This isn't really related at all but what if there was a rule that teams that lose NCAA tourney game must host winner next season. So UK would travel to play MVSU, Syracuse face UNC-Asheville etc.

This would force big time schools, even the biggest to travel to "midmajors" and would create interesting rematches the following season. UConn would have traveled to Butler, for instance. Power Conference teams that go deep in the tourney would be forced to play tougher schedules the next year, and would force those teams that only schedule cupcakes (cough cough UC) into a tougher schedule next year.

Clever idea, but it would have to be limited somehow. Cuz according to the proposal put forth, UConn would have had to travel to 6 different schools this year. That is significant chunk of the non-con.

Maybe limit it to simply the second round (should be called the first round) field of 64 losers host winners. Try to get get as many of these games as possible on the same weekend and call it "revenge weekend". I'm sure espn would be all upon. And frankly, if schools like Kentucky woul be worried about playing UNC-Asheville in Asheville, then they have bigger problems than the game itself.

[xubrew]

Xavier had five top 100 wins in one weekend?? That is impressive.

I know Drexel's profile is weak. I just don't see how Iona's is any better.

The rules say it's the 37 best teams is who gets the at-larges. In reality, 98% of the time it's the 37 best profiles. I get that. So, when you see Iona's name pop up on the screen, it indicatse that they are, in fact, looking at more than just the profile. Iona's profile is lousy, but their team is good. I'm glad the committee took them. I don't even believe them to be the weakest at-large team. It's just that I think Drexel is every bit as good, and perhaps better, so why not take them as well??

-Iona had one pretty good road win against Denver. Denver isn't a tournament team, but they aren't easy to beat at home, and they were playing really well at the time. Denver had a win over Saint Mary's, in fact. Drexel has wins at Cleveland State and Old Dominion. Again, not tournament teams, but tough teams to beat at home. Cleveland State had a win against Vandy, and Old Dominion nearly knocked off Mizzou at home (among other teams). That's pretty comparable. If anything, Drexel is a little better since they managed two wins like that.

-Iona had a home win over Nevada, who was a first place finisher in the WAC, and was under consideration. Drexel had a home win over VCU, who is actually in the field as a #12 seed. That's comparable. If anything, it's slightly better.

-Iona had 2 sub RPI 200 losses, and an additional loss against the RPI top 100. Drexel had no losses outside the RPI top 200, and three outside the RPI top 100, but one of those was at Georgia State, who lost just two games at home. I'd say Drexel looks better there.

On paper Drexel is better, and I think they're better off paper as well. I think both teams fit the definition of 37 best TEAMS, even if they don't have two of the 37 best PROFILES. I'm glad Iona is in. They should be in. It's just that I think Drexel should be in as well, especially if hte committee is willing to look at more than just the profile, which they had to have done in the case of Iona.

Why is BYU in the field?? They had one decent win agaisnt a tournament team at home, a few decent wins against NIT teams at a neutral site, and pretty much nothign else. Their best true road win was Virginia Tech....barely. Winning at Cleveland State and at Old Dominion, which Drexel did, is probably more impressive than winning at Virginia Tech.

Why is Cal in the field?? Well, that I know the answer to.

A case can be made for Drexel despite their weak profile. Personally, if given the chance, I think Drexel would smoke BYU and Cal, and perhaps the majority of the #11 line as well.

[DC Muskie]

Brew BYU has 4 wins against top 100 RPI. They also have more top 200 RPI wins as well.

My point is why are people, like the head coach of Maryland talking about how Drexel should be in the dance instead of us.

[xubrew]

Brew BYU has 4 wins against top 100 RPI. They also have more top 200 RPI wins as well.

My point is why are people, like the head coach of Maryland talking about how Drexel should be in the dance instead of us.

Well, that's just stupid. I think it's okay for a coach to speak up for another team, but it's pretty bad form to speak out against one. Besides, of all the teams to speak out against, why Xavier??

....and I get why teams like Drexel don't get in. Their profile is lousy. All I'm saying is that I think their team is much better than their profile indicates, and if they'll let Iona in, why not put Drexel in as well??

I think BYU and Cal aren't as good as Drexel, and even if their profiles are better, there isn't anything on either one that knocks your socks off. Having said that, there is no way that they took Iona over a team like Northwestern or Miami because they thought Iona's profile was better. No way in hell. So, if they'll look past profiles in that case, why not in th e case of Drexel as well?? That's all I'm saying.

As far as I can tell, I'm not disagreeing with you, or anyone else for that matter.

[LA Muskie]

I hate to admit it (really...please don't ever quote me on this), but I have to agree with Barkley. I'm sick of hearing how teams have their bubble burst. If you're on the bubble you have no one to blame but yourself. Schedule well, win a few (or at least compete) -- particularly away from home, perform well in your conference (the lower the overall strength of the conference, the better you have to do) and you'll generally be in pretty damn good shape. I can't get worked up about the likes of Drexel, Oral Roberts, Miami, Seton Hall, and Washington not making it.

[xubrew]

You agree with Barkley??

[DC Muskie]

Well, that's just stupid. I think it's okay for a coach to speak up for another team, but it's pretty bad form to speak out against one. Besides, of all the teams to speak out against, why Xavier??

Tony Kornhesier said the same thing. Xavier should be out, Drexel should be in.

[xubrew]

Tony Kornhesier said the same thing. Xavier should be out, Drexel should be in.

Well, I agree with half of those things. Kornhesier is an analyst (sort of), or a columnist, or someone who is inexplably paid to give his opinion even though everyone on this board is every bit as insightful as he is. He should shut up, but his role is his role. A coach should probably just keep his mouth shut. Not that Kornheiser shouldn't, but...

I like Drexel, but for all these people that have suddenly become blowhards and advocating that they should be in, how many games did they see Drexel play?? Did Tony Kornhesier ever talk about how good he thought Drexel was at any point in the season??

So, while I agree that Drexel should be in, Tony Kornheiser is still full of shit.

[DC Muskie]

Kornheiser's schtick is that he never knows what he is talking about. It's actually amazing people find this entertaining. But then again Middle Aged White guys like to think they are smarter than everyone, so they eat this up.

They also love Mike & Mike in the Morning Or as I call them Bert and Ernie.

Tony probably woke up this morning, someone reminded him of the brawl and thought that Drexel should be in, because he heard someone else say they should be in.

PTI is the worse show on television. He and Wilbon are stealing money simply because they worked at the Post.

[DC Muskie]

Tony K's gem this morning:

"St Bonaventure was probably the last team in - a lot of people wondering how it is they got in"

This is what people who love sports find as entertainment in sports radio.

[coasterville95]

Welcome to March Calmness - otherwise known as that quiet time between confernce tournaments and Selection Sunday but before the games actually begin.

Things are usally quiet these three days as self proclaimed college hoops expertd/junkies/degenerates are bunkered down for 72 hours while analyzing every piece of sports data they can get their hands on. Rosters, offensive styles, defensive styles, strengths, weekenesses, RPI, SOS, records, home records, away records, distance from their campus to the arena, how well their fans travel, what the sports talking heads have to say, vegas lines. etc. These are the guys that probaly started putting a bracket togehter using early bracket predictions, and really got serious around 6:45 sunday night, and won't come up out of the man cave until they have a finsihed bracket, ready to turn in at the very last second. (So they can take into account any last minute news that may effect their picks!)

This is all, of course, so they can lose in spectacular fashion to "Judy from Accounting" whose only preparation was making sure she has her favorite luckiest pen, you know the one she has used ever since it got her 4 out of 6 numbers in the Lotto 10 years ago. Then she fills out a bracket she never saw until somebody handed it to her "Wanna play?", fills it out in about 6.5 minutes choosing teams seemingly at random.

Judy is taking home the Solid Gold Plastic Trophy while the sports experts are blaming their loss on the NCAA Selection Committee - had they gotten the pairings right, the mismatches that allowed Judy to win would not have occured.

[xubrew]

Tony K's gem this morning:

"St Bonaventure was probably the last team in - a lot of people wondering how it is they got in"

This is what people who love sports find as entertainment in sports radio.

Please tell me you're kidding.

I wonder if he's worried that Guam might tip over.

[DC Muskie]

Please tell me you're kidding.

I wonder if he's worried that Guam might tip over.

Nope, this is Tony's deal. Did you ever watch on MNF? He's like that but ten times worse.

Out here the Nats have their best team entering the season and no one is talking about them. Tony talks about how good Duke is and wonders why there are no good DC teams now that Gary Williams is gone, completely forgetting at the time Georgetown was 10th in the country or something.

Being stupid is pretty entertaining to people.

[xubrew]

So far this MVSU v WKU game is the worst NCAA Tournament game I've seen since last year's national championship game.

[BMoreX]

So far this MVSU v WKU game is the worst NCAA Tournament game I've seen since last year's national championship game.

How about that? :D

What a comeback by the Hilltoppers. Down 16 (53-37) with 5 to go and they win it 59-58.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Mississippi Valley State played:

At ND
At Depaul
At UNC
At South Carolina
At Arkansas
At Northwestern
At Mississippi
At Florida
At Wisconsin
At Iowa State

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2400/mississippi-valley-state-delta-devils

[xubrew]

Mississippi Valley State played:

At ND
At Depaul
At UNC
At South Carolina
At Arkansas
At Northwestern
At Mississippi
At Florida
At Wisconsin
At Iowa State

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2400/mississippi-valley-state-delta-devils

There are teams that play a tough schedule to challenge themselves and build their profiles. There are other teams that do it to whore themselves so they can get paid. Mississippi Valley is the latter.

In other news, what a display of skills and excellence that game was. I'm sure Kentucky is passing their pants about Thursday's game after seeing such an awesome exhibition of basketball such as that.

[xubrew]

Iona is fast. BYU is not.

Iona is good. BYU is not.

I stand by my thinking that Drexel and Oral Roberts should be in and BYU and Cal should not be. This game is not changing my mind.

[xubrew]

I have two TVs in my living room.

On one TV Washington is losing to Texas Arlington (albiet early). The announcers are talking about how Washington should be in the NCAA Tournament and are comparing them to Iona specifically.

On the other TV, Iona is kicking the crap out of BYU.

Very amusing.

[waggy]

Did you just see that pass??

Look out for this team.

[xubrew]

Lets hope that Cluess doesn't blow this...

[DC Muskie]

Remember when I said there is no way the MAAC gets two teams in?

If you don't, then never mind. Actually never mind anyway.

[waggy]

Told you so.

[GoMuskies]

I wish I had 220 on Iona +1.5 instead of 22.

[XUFan09]

Going back to a couple pages before about SLU and Memphis, this is a very unfortunate first matchup for both teams. SLU and Memphis are the third and fifth best teams in the region and both in the top 15 in the country per Kenpom.

3 - Michigan State (1)
8 - Missouri (2)
9 - Memphis (8)
13 - New Mexico (5)
15 - SLU (9)
18 - Marquette (3)
19 - Florida (7)
45 - Murray St. (6)

[BENWAR]

I wish I had 220 on Iona +1.5 instead of 22.

Are you still thinking this?

[BENWAR]

Are you still thinking this?

I guess not.

[xsteve1]

Iona may lose by DD. They can't do anything now.

[GoMuskies]

Are you still thinking this?

I'm still very comfortable that Iona will win. But their coach is apparently awful.

[BENWAR]

I'm still very comfortable that Iona will win. But their coach is apparently awful.

I agree about the lack of coaching.

Nothing like having two great games to bring in the best week of watching hoops.

[BENWAR]

Wow!!

[BENWAR]

Iona had 55 points with 4 minutes left in the first half. I have never seen a team absolutely quit playing like this before. Thank God it's not Xavier. I'd be tearing my hair out.

This game is crazy!!

[BENWAR]

At least you have the + 1.5.

[BMoreX]

BYU up 6 with 23 seconds. Wow.

[BandAid]

Looks like Iona and Miss Valley State have caught some the host's penchant for pissing down their legs.

[BENWAR]

Just be glad that you didn't bet the $220.00.

[GoMuskies]

Just be glad that you didn't bet the $220.00.

Never an issue. :)

[xubrew]

Lets hope that Cluess doesn't blow this...


I'm still very comfortable that Iona will win. But their coach is apparently awful.


I agree about the lack of coaching.

Nothing like having two great games to bring in the best week of watching hoops.


Tim Cluess does it again!!!

[xubrew]

More like Clue(le)ss, amiright?

The lead was 26, I think. When it got below 20 I just had a feeling. I don't think Iona has made a single in game adjustment in the two years Tim Cluess has been at the helm. Not one.

Oh my God. I'm not surprised, but I still can't believe it...if that makes any sense.

[xu95]

I think Obama was cheering for MVSU.

Racist.

[DC Muskie]

Kornheiser: There was a period of time when the A10 got FOUR teams in the tournament!

…

Kornheiser: Wait, what's that? They did this year. Oh!

[X-band '01]

Some years the A-10 got 5 teams in:
X, Saint Joe's, UMass, Temple and URI - 1997
X, GW, Temple, UMass and URI - 1998

You still have to go back to 2004 when the A-10 got 4 in - X, Saint Joe's, Dayton and Richmond.

[X-band '01]

Just HAD to remind me of Richmond. 1998 was the one year that makes me sick to remember the run that Xavier could have had if they got past Washington. Richmond and UConn weren't exactly world-beaters that season.

[PMI]

Kornheiser: There was a period of time when the A10 got FOUR teams in the tournament!

…

Kornheiser: Wait, what's that? They did this year. Oh!

You can take it from me, as someone who's spent quite a bit of time around the guy: Tony Kornheiser does not follow sports. Like, hardly at all. Certainly hardly watches them.

[picknroll]

The lead was 26, I think. When it got below 20 I just had a feeling. I don't think Iona has made a single in game adjustment in the two years Tim Cluess has been at the helm. Not one.

Oh my God. I'm not surprised, but I still can't believe it...if that makes any sense.

Possible that C-Mack suffers from Cluess-cide? (ref: @St. Louis, @Memphis, etc). Just sayin...

[DC Muskie]

You can take it from me, as someone who's spent quite a bit of time around the guy: Tony Kornheiser does not follow sports. Like, hardly at all. Certainly hardly watches them.

Oh I know, which is why it is funny that he keeps getting paid a lot of money to talk about them.

[muskienick]

Possible that C-Mack suffers from Cluess-cide? (ref: @St. Louis, @Memphis, etc). Just sayin...

You have very selective memory, picknroll! I counter your two observations with X's comeback wins at Vandy by 12 after being down 9 with 13 minutes to go and vs Purdue when we were down by 16 in the first half and won the game by 3. Just sayin...

[xavierj]

You have very selective memory, picknroll! I counter your two observations with X's comeback wins at Vandy by 12 after being down 9 with 13 minutes to go and vs Purdue when we were down by 16 in the first half and won the game by 3. Just sayin...

Xavier was down 19 to purdue with 11 minutes left in the game.

[coasterville95]

And another one of its members lost AT HOME to Bucknell...

[waggy]

Asheville up on Syracuse late in the 1st half. Could we see history?

[DC Muskie]

Asheville up on Syracuse late in the 1st half. Could we see history?

It would be too perfect!

[coasterville95]

History with an asterick, or at least bESPN and all the other BCS talking heads will want to put an * on it. "But they were missing their best player"

Let's hope Asheville doesn't get all gittery or excited and let it slip away. Yeah, I'm rooting for the 16.

[DC Muskie]

This is why I don't fill out brackets!

Come on Ashville. Great beer town by the way.

[Jesuit4Life]

Up 4 at the break thanks to a shot-clock violation on Cuse.

Get to a TV, computer, or mobile device for the second half.

And all bets are off when it's a 16 vs 1.
Pay no matter to your brackets. Go Bulldogs!

[waggy]

Seems to me the Syracuse player should have gotten free throws there.

[coasterville95]

Brackets are fun - but there are times - like the real chance of watching a 16 take down a 1 (that has a douche coach that whines about how underrated his program is) - that you have to say "screw the bracket, this is WORTH it"

[BandAid]

If Boehiem was smart he'd leave the zone. They are bigger, faster, and stronger at every position. Sitting in the zone allows Asheville to attack them. But he's arrogant, so he won't.

[DC Muskie]

If Boehiem was smart he'd leave the zone. They are bigger, faster, and stronger at every position. Sitting in the zone allows Asheville to attack them. But he's arrogant, so he won't.

There's more of chance he will tell them not to shoot in the second half.

They just need to extend the zone. That's usually how you resolve this sort of thing.

I still hope they lose!

[LA Muskie]

This end game could be interesting. Syracuse is having a hell of a time breaking the press, and they can't shoot FT's...

[BandAid]

The fix was in.

Refs were awful.

[Mad_Ewok]

I have NEVER seen such one-sided officiating. These refs should not be allowed to ref another game in this tournament, absolutely disgusting. I will go on to suggest this game should be investigated.

[Perma Fro]

The officials F'd UNC Ashville. They sucked!

[waggy]

I got The Beach in the S16 in my bracket.

[Perma Fro]

Chuck just called the officiating a "travisty" and he is CORRECT!

[Jesuit4Life]

The fix was in.

Refs were awful.
Ugh... yeah, it's impossible for the improbable to ever happen when it's 8 on 5.

[waggy]

I think there was a lane violation on the free throw, it just wasn't the guy who got the board.

Reggie Miller comes across as whiny ass as an announcer. Oh wait.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Is there some obscure rule I'm unaware of that states that a player who is positioned behind the shooter can't get a rebound in the lane?

I have never seen anything like that...

[LA Muskie]

Is there some obscure rule I'm unaware of that states that a player who is positioned behind the shooter can't get a rebound in the lane?

I have never seen anything like that...

Yes, the lane violation was the correct call. He can't cross the 3 pt line until the ball hits the rim. Unfortunately, not one of the 3 calling the game (or anyone in the studio) seemed to know the rule. (Incidentally, there were actually 2 violations on that play. The guy on the block stepped into the lane a split second too quickly, but that typically would not have been called and he did not appear to be the player whistled for the violation.)

Now the call at the sideline? That's another story...

[BandAid]

1/4 of the way through the first round and it is all chalk.

Boring.

[waggy]

Uh oh, Tinsley the end of game TO machine.

[waggy]

Vanderbilt playing stupid.

[LadyMuskie]

They are. And frankly, it's pissing me off. Of all the upsets to pick, I didn't pick Harvard at all. My brackets are all a total mess because I picked upsets today and there haven't been any.

[BandAid]

Maybe I posted too soon. Vandy trying to give it away.

[waggy]

Vandy should have this locked up now. Tinsley would have to outdo himself to lose this one.

[coasterville95]

Unc Asheville got to learn the lesson: money decides the games, not the players

Meanwhile - Thuggy Bear is getting it handed to him - after bribing the committee to essentially play at home as a 10 seed.

UK is dancing all over WKU as you may expect.

Wichita and VCU seems like best game in the 7ish block of games.

Baylor also getting it handed to them, and their parking lot attendant uniforms are hideous.


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?yuh4ec

[xubball1993]

Thuggybear getting woodshedded-makes my night.

[Perma Fro]

Meanwhile - Thuggy Bear is getting it handed to him - after bribing the committee to essentially play at home as a 10 seed.

Isn't our athletic director Mike "Bobo" Bobinski on the Committee? Did he take a bribe from Tipsy McDrunk?

[paulxu]

Go, I thought you told me Wichita was a good team.
Shaka has got their number so far.
I trusted you in filling out my bracket. Hmmmm....

[smileyy]

Yeah...I listened to the hype of very reputable people (BaskPro) about Wichita. Not seeing it so far.

Loving the Gonzaga game.

[smileyy]

I love the Baylor uniforms, because of their offensiveness to style, the game of basketball, and all of humanity.

[smileyy]

Wichita State's big man just made me appreciate Kenny Frease a little.

[waggy]

I can't believe the center for Wichita. He's missed at least 3 bunnies.

[smileyy]

Let's hope Xavier's season doesn't end on a Kenny Frease 3 pointer.

[smileyy]

More adequate (~30%) than good, but your point stands. That's not a terrible option for Wichita St.

[smileyy]

But I love Bob Huggins losing by 23 in the opening round.

[coasterville95]

VCU game - the first upset of the tournament - and luckily I called it on my bracket. Great game, however.

Huggins - The woodshedding of WVU by Gonzaga is complete and total.

Baylor - Still going at it against SDSU but I am feeling good for Baylor.

UK anihilated WKU as we expected

-------------------------
Tonights nightcap games:

New Mexico State / Indiana
Loyola (MD) / Ohio State
Colorado / UNLV
UConn / Iowa State

-------------------------------

In other news - I entered a different kind of NCAA pool/diversion - it looks like a 100 Square game - but your pair of numbers is good for all 67 games. Not a big payout per game mind you, but if you string enough together you could do well. But, having a small cash amount up for grabs every game does keep life interesting, even if its dumb luck. Thank You Marqueete and BYU - my combo came in once so far.

* note it was a blind pick, the numbers weren't drawn until the whole board was filled in.

[coasterville95]

Hiuggins woodsheded by 23? That number sounds familiar, where did I hear a 23 point loss before? Oh that's right, SucKS.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I hope UNLV sends the Pac 12 out of this tournament in convincing style. The PAC 12 needs to be done by tonight. I also have a lot of respect for the MWC. I suck at brackets so decided to get a little crazy filling mine out this year...gotta change things up. I rode the MWC teams. Have UNLV and UNM in the Elite 8 and SD State losing in the Sweet 16.

I'll probably go down in flames...but that means nothing has changed.

Another thought...with all this chalk today...I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be crazy. Same thing happened last year if memory serves. Think that bodes well for an X win as a lower seed. As crazy as it sounds...I think I may also be smelling a Bonnie upset. Or maybe that was just the dog farting.

Edit: The world also must be ending...I am 10-0 today in wagering on games. Yep...took a lot of chalk and I usually don't...but today it worked. Stayed away from Baylor, Cuse, and UK...hit UNM, UNM 2nd half, Ville, Murray, Marq Over, Kstate, Vandy, Wisky, Zags, and VCU (only dog I took)

Have OSU Under 132, UNLV -6 and a small wager on NM State on the ML.

[smileyy]

36-16 Iowa State over UConn. Big East, huh?

[smileyy]

I'm with you Nigel -- I want the Pac-12 awfulness out of the tournament.

My bracket has been very chalk -- I think for the most part, the tournament is well seeded.

[paulxu]

I thought Thuggy had something over there and could handle the dogs. Stupid.
Blew my bracket up for now.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I thought Thuggy had something over there and could handle the dogs. Stupid.
Blew my bracket up for now.

I stayed away from WVU because everyone talked about the travel situation and how it favored WVU...hell, they were favored. Not enough experience for the tourney...especially at the guard position. Hoping that will be a huge benefit for X with a couple of experienced, tourney tested guards.

[smileyy]

Maybe I spoke too soon about Iowa St.

[Muskie]

Nice to see Jordan Latham in the tournament and playing well.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[Pete Delkus]

Holy Moly is Latham fat, slow and out of position! In the short time this game has been on, it is clear this kid isn't a Xavier type payer.

WOW! 2 fouls already....just slow!

[waggy]

I don't think he committed a foul on the 2nd one. The guy went by him too fast.

He was a kid I think that was seen as a longer term player.

[KingCole]

Did anyone else see that Sullinger's major was Exploration? What is that? Where do I sign up?

[waggy]

Where do I sign up?

If you had the degree, you'd know.

[Pete Delkus]

Did anyone else see that Sullinger's major was Exploration? What is that? Where do I sign up?

I saw that...Nice. I heard he was considered majoring in Creativity, Speculation and Hankering, but settled on Exploration due to his "Mad respect for Vasco Nunez De Balboa".

[smileyy]

It means he's not even pretending that he has any intention of ever graduating from an Ohio state university.

http://exploration.osu.edu/index.aspx

I wouldn't either, if I were him.

[smileyy]

Jim Calhoun looks like he has one foot in the grave.

[BandAid]

Jim Calhoun looks like he has one foot in the grave.

He really should retire, but I doubt he does.

[xavierj]

I thought Thuggy had something over there and could handle the dogs. Stupid.
Blew my bracket up for now.

What gave you that idea? The home loss to nku and kent or the fact that they play in the big east?

[smileyy]

I'll be happier if UNLV stops sucking and starts winning.

And stops taking terrible shots. People complain about XU's shot selection...

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yeah...UNLV takes a lot of quick shots. Its impressive when they go in (see UNC)...looks disgraceful when they aren't falling. Last they showed, UNLV was 4-22 from 3 pt land. Not going to win a lot of games with that kind of shooting. Credit to Colorado...they have hit their shots.

The only gambler that feels bad about 10-3 is the gambler that started 10-0.

Maybe this game gets interesting....7 pt. game w/ 6:00 left.

[waggy]

Indiana could make my bracket worse than normal. I hate them so much I just can't pick them to win a single game.

[paulxu]

What gave you that idea?

Bourbon.

[DC Muskie]

UNLV lost? MY BRACKETS!!!

[BandAid]

I suck when it comes to 5/12 matchups. You know there is going to be one every year, but it seems I always get them completely flipped. The Beach hurt me a lot yesterday. I had them into the Sweet Sixteen.

[smileyy]

Well, I seem to recall that a lot of the time the 5/12 has been an overrated BCS school vs. an under-seeded non-BCS school. I didn't see much of that this year, and went with a very chalk bracket.

[LadyMuskie]

My bracket(s) are a mess right now. I picked the wrong upsets. I particularly need Florida St. to pull their heads out of their rears and beat the Bonnies if I have a prayer (which I don't). Thankfully, one pool I entered gives first places monies to the best bracket and second place monies to the worst bracket, so I have a chance there to win about $100 since I have to be close to the bottom of the barrel. I blame the nice weather for distracting me in the weeks leading up to the tourney because I didn't watch as much basketball as I usually do and I didn't pay much attention at all the week of the conference tournaments. Next year, I'm going to need some actual winter weather so I can get my priorities right!

[paulxu]

Whoa! St. Bonnies down 2 with 25 sec left.

[paulxu]

Did anyone tell SDS there was a tournament this week?

[paulxu]

Bonnies gone.

[X-Fan]

Bonnies gone.

Ugh, that stinks. Can't believe that SBU Big went for 2 instead of kicking it back out for a 3.

Good job though SBU.

[BMoreX]

Ugh, that stinks. Can't believe that SBU Big went for 2 instead of kicking it back out for a 3.

Good job though SBU.

Two guys wide open too.

[xsteve1]

Wouldn't be surprised to see Schmidt parlay this into a better gig especially with Nicholson gone.

[smileyy]

Wouldn't be surprised to see Schmidt parlay this into a better gig especially with Nicholson gone.

That "best players in Eastern Canada who want to play someplace warmer" well that he's recruiting from can't be all that deep.

[smileyy]

Can Missouri choke it up enough to be the 5th 15th seed to lose? I still remember Billy Owens and Syracuse choking vs. Richmond to be the first 2 seed to lose to a 15.

[smileyy]

I picked Mizzou to win it all in my bracket...and I'm going crazy for Norfolk State. This Norfolk State team is pretty damned good.

I think they're overrated. I have them losing to Florida. There should be no shortage of points in a hypothetical Florida/Mizzou game. They both have abysmal defenses for being top 20 teams, according to KenPom

[BandAid]

What's an underdog gotta do to get a break from the refs? Geez.

No kidding

[waggy]

Mizzou isn't so much choking as Norfolk is playing out their asses.

[BandAid]

Lets go condoms!!!!!!

Wrong type of Greek person. Unles you weren't referring to the Norfolk St. Spartans and were actually referring to rubbers. If that's the case, carry on.

[waggy]

Big 3. I think they might do this.

[Jesuit4Life]

Loving the Norfolk State bench after each big basket.

[smileyy]

I thought he was referring to the sexual act in the correct pronunciation of Norfolk.

[smileyy]

If they win today, Norfolk will shoot 12% against Florida and lose by 40.

That might actually be better for my bracket than Mizzou recovering, and its offense letting them go on a tear.

[waggy]

The Norfolk coach is remarkably calm. He's gotta be dieing inside.

[waggy]

This is incredible. Norfolk shoulda/coulda put this game away.

[Jesuit4Life]

Bracket annihilation.

[BandAid]

So much for complaining that Mizzou was the fourth 2 seed. Heh, Seth Davis and others?

[whiteyxu]

Norfolk St played an absolutely perfect game, and when you are playing well and having fun a lot of bounces just seem to go your way. They deserved to win after how well they played. Hats off to them and congratulations, but as a Mizzou fan I'm still kinda pissed right now.

[Muskie]

Dante's team looking good
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[LadyMuskie]

Well, I'd just like to thank Norfolk State for being the upset team and Belmont for deciding not to show up. Well played fellas! My brackets and I really appreciate the effort. :rolleyes:

My brackets are now worth as much as toilet paper.

[LadyMuskie]

Go lehigh!!!!

[LadyMuskie]

I love the looks on the faces of the Duke players and coaches. They're so confused. They're not winning, and the refs are making calls against them. Gasp! What is going on? Don't these refs know it's Duke?!?!?!

[waggy]

Man, this Lehigh/Duke game is awesome. C'mon Lehigh.

[waggy]

The NCAA tournament always delivers.

[awayfan]

looks like Ohio is about to knock off Michigan

[Pablo's Brother]

Man I hate Michigan. Way to go Dante and OU!

[paulxu]

Lehigh's brown is one ugly color

[paulxu]

Boy they are trying to lose this one.

[awayfan]

all i could think about when you said it would take an epic choke was Duke vs Maryland 2001 (the miracle minute). Its only 3 with 28 sec left

[paulxu]

Bring on the Mad Brown Bombers

[LadyMuskie]

Wow! Just . . . wow. Two 2 seeds go down today. Who on earth would have had both Mizzou and Duke losing? Who had either of those teams losing? Incredible! Just incredible!

[smileyy]

Wojo seems sad.

His tears taste so sweet. So wonderfully sweet.

[paulxu]

White people are CRAZY.

[BandAid]

I just got a lot more excited for our game...and a lot more nervous.

[smileyy]

Woot. Purdue rewards me.

[smileyy]

His tears taste so sweet. So wonderfully sweet.

I hate Krzyzewski and every one of his little rat-faced assistants who couldn't make the NBA or get a real job.

[smileyy]

All four underdogs won in the early games. Hopefully all the underdog magic isn't gone.

You're assuming XU is an underdog :) Oh ye of little faith.

Ok, ok, I had XU losing to Duke in the second round. You can mock me for that.

[smileyy]

What? Duke's guards couldn't stay in front of people? Reminds me of the '08 Duke team.

[coasterville95]

So sorry, thanks for playing Duke. Roddy, tell them about the consolations prize!

Duke, Mizzou both gone.

Brackets are being wadded up and thrown like basketballs into waste can the world over.


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?wryrn1

[smileyy]

Duke, Mizzou both gone.

Brackets are being wadded up and thrown like basketballs into waste can the world over.


Only if you had faith in Duke and Mizzou...

[smileyy]

What was I thinking picking OSU to the title game? I kind of want Gonzaga to win here.

[BandAid]

What was I thinking picking OSU to the title game? I kind of want Gonzaga to win here.

I definitely want Gonzaga to win here.

[X Factor]

Watching OSU-Zags and Len Elmore threw in his own gangsta reference.

I think Sacre made a strong post move and scored and Elmore said something like, "That was a gangsta move right there."

Tu gets villified for using the word. There won't be a peep from anyone about Elmore using it.

[BandAid]

This marquette/Murray game is a lot of fun to watch. It'd be best for Marquette to win for my brackets, but any game a Big East team loses is a good game for humanity.

[smileyy]

I won't mind Murray St. winning, but I like Marquette. They're a good, tough team, not like some Big East posers.

Also, Jae Crowder is a stud.

[BandAid]

I won't mind Murray St. winning, but I like Marquette. They're a good, tough team, not like some Big East posers.

Also, Jae Crowder is a stud.

Marquette is by far the least offensive Big East team. I wish we had Crowder on our team.

[waggy]

VCU looking to send Indiana home. C'mon VCU.

[joebba]

Good game VCU-Ind. Could VCU be on the path to be the next XU over the next 15 years?

[waggy]

God I hate Indiana. Crean needs to play less pocket pool when he's on national tv.

[joebba]

Go Iowa State!

[smileyy]

I love the "Big 12 Rejects" chant at Colorado.

[joebba]

SLU giving MSU a game. Fighting to the end, but just not enough. X needs to win, show we are still the Flagship!

[LadyMuskie]

So nice to already be in the Sweet Sixteen! I can be completely indifferent about UC's result tonight.

I could muster up some more glee if they lose. I want to be the lone school in this city still dancing.

[awayfan]

this UC vs FSU game has to be one of the ugliest i've seen in a long time. 37-36 FSU 10 min left in the game

[Billy]

So nice to already be in the Sweet Sixteen! I can be completely indifferent about UC's result tonight.

No matter how you feel about Gates, Guyn, or Cronin....UC has to go because of these abortions they are representing as uniforms.

[LadyMuskie]

uc's uniforms are bad. Baylor's are the worst. Watching the game on Friday is going to be painful on the retinas until we destroy Baylor and all their little hopes and dreams.

[joebba]

If UC wins fully 1/4 of the sweet 16 will be teams from Ohio.

[Cincypunk.org]

If UC wins fully 1/4 of the sweet 16 will be teams from Ohio.

How about this for unreal?

XU
UK
IU
UofL
Ohio
Ohio St

and maybe UC...

Purdue almost snuck in too.

[whiteyxu]

Game #1 of the Sweet 16 shaping up to be a great one. Wisconsin has come back to tie and pass up Syracuse with some unreal 3-pt shooting (I think it's 6 straight made). Go Badgers!

[waggy]

Was Wisconsin out of timeouts? Their last possession was garbage.

[BMoreX]

Was Wisconsin out of timeouts? Their last possession was garbage.

They had a timeout, which makes it even more puzzling.

[BBC 08]

MSU is about to f*** me with the way they are playing right now.

[whiteyxu]

I think they still had 1 left. In retrospect, Ryan should have called the TO, but I give all the credit to the Syracuse D. When they weren't raining 3's, Wisconsin's offense looked terrible the whole game

[waggy]

Louisville playing well, but I'd never count out MSU. Great match up.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah,

If anybody ever again questions Chris Mack's end of game play call, just remember what the "legend" Bo Ryan did at the end of the Syracuse game. WTF was that? With a TO left? No movement, no ball movement, no attempt to drive to the basket, even though you had the opposition in the bonus.

Just horrible.

[waggy]

I feel like there have been some tough calls and bounces that have gone almost exclusively in Louisville's favor. But nice performance from them no question.

[waggy]

MSU looks very ordinary here at the end.

[waggy]

We are in the Fine 14! Woo hoo!

[whiteyxu]

Rick Pitino is 10-0 in the Sweet 16 now. Kind of a funky stat, albeit impressive.

[X-band '01]

Didn't know that about Pitino - we usually hear about Krzyzewski and Duke being something like 10-1 in the Elite 8. Kentucky came from way down to win that game in 1998, but that game never gets mentioned in the media for some reason.

[paulxu]

Well those games last night did absolutely no favors for my bracket picks.

[smileyy]

How hard is Kansas trying to lose this game? Didn't anyone tell them they have to win this one so they can beat UNC for me?