General Tourney Talk

[GoMuskies]

That goaltending call was bullshit.

[LA Muskie]

Uh, I like his coaching style. Think he is a top 10 coach. Respect him and am happy the direction he put Xavier on. Should Butler fans hate brad Stevens?

Me too.

[xsteve1]

Looks like Sean will get to his first Final 4. I can't see any way Wisconsin beats Arizona.

[GoMuskies]

Something about Sean Miller traditionally fouling up 3 at the end of a game. This Tournament sucks more and more.

[xsteve1]

TJ McConnell from the absolute shithouse to the penthouse.

[xubrew]

Looks like Sean will get to his first Final 4. I can't see any way Wisconsin beats Arizona.

It'll be interesting to see what Zona does against Wiscy's pack line defense. The thing is, Xavier had a pack line in its arsenal when Miller was here, so he is familiar with it.

[xsteve1]

Michigan and UConn will move on.

[xsteve1]

Wow, Tennessee comes roaring back. Still think Michigan wins it though.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Wow, Michigan is absolutely blowing this! Come on Vols.

[waggy]

Whichever team loses this is going to be heartbroken.

[xsteve1]

Why would Tenn. not go to McRae?

[American X]

Tennessee should file charges - they were robbed. The star of this game was the baseline official. Everyone look at him. LOOK.

[waggy]

He looked like an NFL replacement ref.

[X-band '01]

Tennessee should file charges - they were robbed. The star of this game was the baseline official. Everyone look at him. LOOK.

Are you talking about the charge call or the deflection with 3.6 secs? Tennessee would have been better served just getting a quick foul call at that point. They just didn't have enough time to get off a final shot.

[xubrew]

Crazy ending, and even crazier officiating.

If we have a similar ending to Louisville v Kentucky, it will be a very interesting sociological event.

[xsteve1]

Big 12 is done. Let's see if it's midnight for the ACC as well.

[xubrew]

Iowa State was so good. I hate that Niang got hurt against NCCU.

The tournament can be crazy. Joe's completely blew it against UConn at the end of regulation. That would have set up a game against rival Nova, who blew them to pieces earlier in the year.

The American might put two teams in the Elite Eight, and the Big Twelve didn't get any.

[xubrew]

Big 12 is done. Let's see if it's midnight for the ACC as well.

I like Virginia, but I don't think they'll beat Michigan State. They've been on fire since getting all their players back.

[XUFan09]

I like Virginia, but I don't think they'll beat Michigan State. They've been on fire since getting all their players back.

Tony Bennett might be one of the better coaches in the nation, but he's up against a guy who could easily receive the same superlative. I really like UVA (almost went there, sister went there, and I live only an hour away) and will be rooting for them, but man, what a tough Elite Eight draw.

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[Masterofreality]

Anybody......ANYBODY going to watch Virginia/Michigan State?.....

Didn't think so.

[waggy]

How many timeouts does Calipari get in a half?!

[xubrew]

Tony Bennett might be one of the better coaches in the nation, but he's up against a guy who could easily receive the same superlative. I really like UVA (almost went there, sister went there, and I live only an hour away) and will be rooting for them, but man, what a tough Elite Eight draw.

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Tony Bennett won at Wazzu. That's almost impossible to do. I agree that he's one of the best coaches in the country. He really is phenomenal. But, Michigan State just looks like a better team. I'd like to see UVA do it, though.

[Masterofreality]

How many timeouts does Calipari get in a half?!

One was an injury TO.

[Masterofreality]

My Gawd.

These games are Basket-BRAWL. What the hell are these refs doing out there?

[paulxu]

It's a war out there.

[American X]

Anybody......ANYBODY going to watch Virginia/Michigan State?.....

When I flip over, Uncles Verne and Bill are doing the game in MSG so I do not want to flip back.

[paulxu]

Being backed down on the block.
If you fall down = charge
If you get pushed back = block.
Stupid

[Masterofreality]

Jeezuz, ref....

You went for that KY flop...for Harrell's 3rd foul? Come....on.

[waggy]

The even worse call was #2 on Harrell. He was just standing there with arms up.

[paulxu]

Do they teach flopping now?

[Masterofreality]

Where the F are they getting these refs from?

You may as well just coach acting now rather than basketball.

[xubrew]

Where the F are they getting these refs from?

You may as well just coach acting now rather than basketball.

If I used twitter, I would tweet that. I can't rep you, so public reps.

[xsteve1]

I fully expect Luke Hancock to make some big shots down the stretch. I'm pulling for UK so hope he doesn't go crazy.

[xudash]

How about that SEC!!!

Who needs football. Unreal. And that includes Tennessee almost making it this evening.

[GoMuskies]

ACC is gonzo. A-10 outlasts them. Comment Coach K?

[Masterofreality]

ACC is gonzo. A-10 outlasts them. Comment Coach K?

Sure hope Izzo can knock out UCon

[xu82]

I did one bracket with MSU winning it all. I didn't think they deserved a 4 seed. I hope it continues, but I'd almost rather have a school we rarely recruit against move on.

[LA Muskie]

ACC is gonzo. A-10 outlasts them. Comment Coach K?
Sure. But the Big East was gone even sooner. So...comment Coach Mack as well???

Elite 8 by Conference:
BiG - 3
SEC - 2
Pac 12 - 1
AAC - 1
A10 - 1

Looks like the best conference of the year also survived the gauntlet the best. So far...

[XUFan09]

Anybody......ANYBODY going to watch Virginia/Michigan State?.....

Didn't think so.

It was a fantastic game, even if I didn't like the result. And on the opposite wall, the UK-UL game was playing. In between those TVs sat I at the bar, appreciating the freedom I encounter when the wife is on night float.

[xudash]

It was a fantastic game, even if I didn't like the result. And on the opposite wall, the UK-UL game was playing. In between those TVs sat I at the bar, appreciating the freedom I encounter when the wife is on night float.

So, I'm curious about what it means to have your wife on night float.

[xubrew]

Kentucky fans are NOT acting like they've been there before....

http://www.whas11.com/news/Lexington-celebrates-Sweet-16-win-against-rival-UofL-253005411.html

[XUFan09]

So, I'm curious about what it means to have your wife on night float.

Lol it's a type of night shift at the hospital. She'll be home from work at about 9 or 10 am.

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[xudash]

Lol it's a type of night shift at the hospital. She'll be home from work at about 9 or 10 am.

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Thank God. That's what I was thinking that meant. I don't want to see you turning into some kind of sick bastard. Good man.

[XUFan09]

Thank God. That's what I was thinking that meant. I don't want to see you turning into some kind of sick bastard. Good man.

Haha!

[Masterofreality]

It was a fantastic game, even if I didn't like the result. And on the opposite wall, the UK-UL game was playing. In between those TVs sat I at the bar, appreciating the freedom I encounter when the wife is on night float.

I did flip. Both games were great. How can anyone not care about College basketball?

[American X]

Glad AZ gets chance in overtime after Jackson for Wisconsin took 17 steps for go-ahead bucket.

Helluva slugfest.

[waggy]

Brutal. Just brutal.

[gladdenguy]

Hahahahahahahahahaha Sean Miller. Suck it. Another Elite 8 and out.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[xudash]

Jacksonville sportscaster just now on the news, regarding the Florida game:

"Cinderella goes home." How true.

[GuyFawkes38]

Sean Miller has always been a big admirer of Jaime Dixon. Now it seems like some similarities are piling up. Both have had some runs in the tourney, but lack a Final Four appearance. Both build talented, physical squads that excel on defense but sometime struggle offensively. It seems like, all other things being equal, the superior offensive team typically beats the superior defensive team.

[xubball1993]

Sparty bringing the Payne. Big guy has four treys.

[xsteve1]

Sparty bringing the Payne. Big guy has four treys.

Early in his career I thought he looked like a bust. The kid is ridiculously good now. Izzo is a masterful coach.

[MADXSTER]

Early in his career I thought he looked like a bust. The kid is ridcuosly good now. Izzo is a masterful coach.

I too like Izzo but I never once thought that Payne was ever going to be a bust. He had all the tools and the right attitude. Izzo may be a great coach but I will hold off on giving him all the credit for Payne.

[Masterofreality]

Great...just what we wanted..an AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC team making the Final Four. ESPN will be insufferable now.

Will.......not.....watch.

[xsteve1]

UCon always has these guards that just go nuts in March. I sure as heck hope they don't win it all.

[D-West & PO-Z]

UCon always has these guards that just go nuts in March. I sure as heck hope they don't win it all.

Its amazing what great guard play can do in the NCAA tournament. Crazy.

[GoMuskies]

Great...just what we wanted..an AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC team making the Final Four. ESPN will be insufferable now.

Will.......not.....watch.

It's UConn. It's not like SMU made the Final Four. UConn hardly counts as an AAC school. It's like Louisville in the Metro years or UNLV when they were awesome and in the Big West.

[waggy]

Great game by UConn, especially Napier, but I didn't think MSU played to their strengths enough. For as good as Payne was, he wasn't good enough, and he didn't give them enough of a post presence.

[Masterofreality]

This Michigan/ Kentucky game, doe!

[Muskie]

That go ahead 3 couldn't have been defended any better either.

[Masterofreality]

I hate the way that Xavier went out, but this has been one helluva Tournament. Great game after Great game!

I hope that all of this Big School and paying athletes crap doesn't screw this Golden Goose up.

[xubrew]

Kentucky's last five games have been a one point loss to Florida, a win over Kansas State (okay, no big deal), a win over Wichita State, a win over Louisville and a win over Michigan.

Those four teams were top five teams going into the tournament. They won three of them, and barely lost the fourth. I really do hate Kentucky, but they had as tough of a road to the FF as anyone could have.

Three weeks ago, they weren't anywhere close to being this good.

God, why couldn't that last shot that Wichita took have gone in??!!??

[Snipe]

I could see Kentucky winning it all. Hell, I could see any of them. When UK beat Louisville I thought, damn them they are going to win it all again. UK's games have been the most entertaining too. Some real barn burners.

[xu82]

I could see Kentucky winning it all. Hell, I could see any of them. When UK beat Louisville I thought, damn them they are going to win it all again. UK's games have been the most entertaining too. Some real barn burners.

UK definitely looked like the varsity playing the JV team at times today. Young guys take time to "get it". They seem to be peaking. Having said that, my endorsement should crush their chances of winning which will please many of you.

[xudash]

I believe now would be a good time to opine that a certain amount of LUCK comes into play in the Tournament. A long rebound here. An uncalled bank shot from behind the arc there.

A certain amount. Here and there.

[dnnrobert]

It's UConn. It's not like SMU made the Final Four. UConn hardly counts as an AAC school. It's like Louisville in the Metro years or UNLV when they were awesome and in the Big West.

How does a school that's in the AAC hardly count as an AAC school? It's not like they are the only school in the conference with any history of success. The AAC doesn't stack up to the Big Ten or ACC, but it's not exactly the Missouri Valley Conference either.

[X-band '01]

I'm sure Florida fans have to be relishing the thought of possibly having to beat Kentucky a 4th time this season.

When you look at Florida vs. UConn and Wisconsin vs. Kentucky, how could you not pick an all-SEC championship game (stop me if you've heard this before)?

[boozehound]

How does a school that's in the AAC hardly count as an AAC school? It's not like they are the only school in the conference with any history of success. The AAC doesn't stack up to the Big Ten or ACC, but it's not exactly the Missouri Valley Conference either.

I don't think anybody expects UConn to be in the AAC for long. They are doing everything in their power to get the hell out, and will most likely be the next program gone.

[GoMuskies]

How does a school that's in the AAC hardly count as an AAC school? It's not like they are the only school in the conference with any history of success. The AAC doesn't stack up to the Big Ten or ACC, but it's not exactly the Missouri Valley Conference either.

They're not your typical AAC school. Louisville is really an ACC team, and no one else in that league has been to a Final Four in close to 15 years (sorry Memphis, see the NCAA record books). UConn is a powerhouse program in what will not be a particularly good conference now that Louisville has gone. I expect UConn will continue to be a powerhouse (Purvis will see to that next year).

[Snipe]

My 11 year old will win $300 in the basketball pool if anyone but Florida wins the National Championship. I am not sure if I would choose to have Florida or the field. I think I would take Florida. He can't choose though so now it is Go Everyone But Florida!

I think Florida vs. Wisconsin would be quite a battle.

[GoMuskies]

The Florida/UConn game was barely watchable, but this Kentucky/Wisky game has been fabulous so far.

[GoMuskies]

I fully expect Wisky to hit 2 of 3 FTs followed by Kentucky hitting a three at the buzzer followed by me being very angry.

[xu82]

The Florida/UConn game was barely watchable, but this Kentucky/Wisky game has been fabulous so far.

Agreed - this has been a very good game. Much better than the last. It's crunch time! You seem to be the only one aware as there is a very compelling thread about rodeo clowns and another about.... um, something else, that seems to be drawing a lot of attention. (sadly, I am guilty and ashamed) GO WISCONSIN!

[BENWAR]

The Florida/UConn game was barely watchable, but this Kentucky/Wisky game has been fabulous so far.

Except for the announcers!

[GoMuskies]

I fully expect Wisky to hit 2 of 3 FTs followed by Kentucky hitting a three at the buzzer followed by me being very angry.

Wasn't at the buzzer, but same deal.

[GoMuskies]

Except for the announcers!

I watched Wisconsin Teamcast. Not too bad.

[danaandvictory]

And Mister Calipari's NBA Sleepaway Camp will play for another "collegiate" championship. Fart.

[xu82]

Except for the announcers!

Which station are you on?I was unaware originally that they have "homer" channels. TBS is neutral (supposedly).

[xsteve1]

Hope Chris Mack isn't afraid to play his youngsters next year. They grow up pretty fast if you give them a chance.
Not saying our guys are on UK's level but giving them experience is huge if you want to have a chance in March.

[GoMuskies]

This moron seems slightly less idiotic tonight than originally believed. But only slightly less.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10604402/kentucky-wildcats-fan-shows-faith-2014-national-title-tattoo

[xu82]

Hope Chris Mack isn't afraid to play his youngsters next year. They grow up pretty fast if you give them a chance.
Not saying our guys are on UK's level but giving them experience is huge if you want to have a chance in March.

I agree, but the tricky part is you need to be sure you get into the dance! We were obviously borderline (at best) this year. I hope the young guys can come in and compete and learn while getting us off the bubble. I want a solid seed and these guys seem to have the kind of talent to help. Let's hope they can play some D or they won't see much time.

[Snipe]

Florida wet the bed. My 11 year old just won $300 bucks and the basketball pool. Second time he was won it, he rode Butler to a pool Championship on their first big run. He watches more hoops than I do.

Kentucky has had the most incredible run in the tournament. Everyone of these games is crazy, and they are pulling out every one. I can see them beating UConn the exact same way.

I like the homer announcers. Would we have Byron and Joe calling the Final Four. I would eat that up. Are you kidding me? When they gave the Wisky kid 3 free throws those guys just about blew a gasket.

[xubrew]

I hate Kentucky, but I can't help but be amazed at what they've done. I mean that in the literal sense. I'm more amazed than impressed.

They were given a #8 seed. I thought they should have been a #7, but it's a lot easier to make a case for a #8 than a #6.....at least in terms of merit.

Their best win of the year was probably either Louisville (home) or Missouri (road). Louisville was an okay road team at best, at least at that time. Missouri was really good at home, but missed the tournament.

They lost to Arkansas twice, LSU and South Carolina.

That's a solid tournament resume. A solid #8 seed.


Okay, so, that's about how good they looked. Even in the SEC Tournament they didn't exactly bury Georgia. Here are their six most recent games.

Florida - overall #1 ranking and seed. Lost by a point in the SEC championship.

Kansas State - Okay, no big deal.

Wichita State - #1 seed. #2 ranking. Unbeaten.

Louisville - #5 ranking. Destroyed AAC's universe in the conference tournament, including UConn who is in the title game.

Michigan - Big Ten regular season title winner and tournament runner up. Almost a #1 seed, probably the top #2 seed.

Wisconsin - Final Four team.



That is one very fucking difficult run to the title game. Perhaps the most challenging ever. They played one top forty team, and four top 6 teams (depending on which ranking you're looking at).

That's amazing. It's impressive, but it's more amazing than impressive. It's not FGCU amazing from last year. I'm not sure anything every will be, but it is VERY amazing.

[muskienick]

I hate Kentucky, but I can't help but be amazed at what they've done. I mean that in the literal sense. I'm more amazed than impressed.

They were given a #8 seed. I thought they should have been a #7, but it's a lot easier to make a case for a #8 than a #6.....at least in terms of merit.

Their best win of the year was probably either Louisville (home) or Missouri (road). Louisville was an okay road team at best, at least at that time. Missouri was really good at home, but missed the tournament.

They lost to Arkansas twice, LSU and South Carolina.

That's a solid tournament resume. A solid #8 seed.


Okay, so, that's about how good they looked. Even in the SEC Tournament they didn't exactly bury Georgia. Here are their six most recent games.

Florida - overall #1 ranking and seed. Lost by a point in the SEC championship.

Kansas State - Okay, no big deal.

Wichita State - #1 seed. #2 ranking. Unbeaten.

Louisville - #5 ranking. Destroyed AAC's universe in the conference tournament, including UConn who is in the title game.

Michigan - Big Ten regular season title winner and tournament runner up. Almost a #1 seed, probably the top #2 seed.

Wisconsin - Final Four team.



That is one very fucking difficult run to the title game. Perhaps the most challenging ever. They played one top forty team, and four top 6 teams (depending on which ranking you're looking at).

That's amazing. It's impressive, but it's more amazing than impressive. It's not FGCU amazing from last year. I'm not sure anything every will be, but it is VERY amazing.

I prefer "sickening" to "amazing," but I see your point!

[MADXSTER]

Where the hell is that meteor

[D-West & PO-Z]

UCONN's 4th championship in the last 15 years. Pretty amazing. Two different head coaches too. Kevin Ollie 6-0 in the tournament.