March Madness Thread

[BandAid]

Good to see Buzz Williams fell on his feet...what a goofball

[waggy]

Ron Hunter almost broke his arm. He needs to quit celebrating after wins.

[Masterofreality]

Butler is Ice cold.

[Masterofreality]

When does Dunham score? I swear every time I see him play he sucks.

[LadyMuskie]

Roosevelt Jones is hurt. Not good for Butler. Not good for my bracket.

[paulxu]

I hope this isn't a day when all the 11 and 14 seeds decide to win.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Just invited a work colleague to jump on the X Bandwagon.

Room for Everyone!

[Masterofreality]

I hope this isn't a day when all the 11 and 14 seeds decide to win.

We control that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow!!! I was driving home from work and heard Byron and Joe on the radio say looks like Baylor is going to take this one up 10 points with about 10mins left. Then they cut to intertview with Coach Mack and when they get back they said well things have changed Georgia St just hit a deep 3 to take the lead and then announced the final missed shot by Baylor!

Lets go!!!! Beat Ole Miss boys!!!

[paulxu]

True, and I forgot about the ND win.

You changed the sig line? What's up. Did she recommend that?

[X Factor]

I'm so nervous...every year I'm like this. Let's get this started!!

GO MUSKIES!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

AHHHHHH here we GO!!!

[GoMuskies]

Butler/Texas is kind of a mess.

[GoMuskies]

Butler seems to be blowing it.

[sirthought]

Butler seems to be blowing it.

Minute to go. Butler by 5. I think they'll hold on.

[muskiefan82]

IT IS SO ODD TO BE ROOTING FOR BUTLER. I feel strange. Why does this conference engender far more love of the other teams than the A-10 ever did? Is it because the other teams are ACTUALLY fairly decent?

[GoMuskies]

Dunham hit a HUGE three right before the one minute mark. Will be the difference if Butler wins.

[GoMuskies]

Barnes can go ahead and get fired now.

[paulxu]

Butler has this one. Go BE.

[GoMuskies]

Looks like UCLA will go down. Good.

[GoMuskies]

Alford is 8 of 10 from three. Impressive

[GoMuskies]

Horrible goaltending call.SMU got fucked

[Masterofreality]

Horrible goaltending call.

CHAOS!!! Wow, what a gift for UCLA and it actually was a good call on replay.

[chico]

That was an incredibly awful call. Goaltending my ass.

[GoMuskies]

9 of 11 for Alford.

[Masterofreality]

That was an incredibly awful call. Goaltending my ass.

Kid's hand knocked it grazing the rim. By rule that is Goaltending.

[GoMuskies]

UAB should be favored over these clowns.

[Masterofreality]

Hello, Big 12....

Who's there?

Owen.....

Owen, who?

Owen Three!!!!

HAhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[LadyMuskie]

Kid's hand knocked it grazing the rim. By rule that is Goaltending.

Slowed down, it didn't. It had no chance of going in. It was a bad call, but life doesn't happen in slow motion, so I'm not sure that the refs can be skewered too long for it.

[Masterofreality]

Meanwhile, Oh-ho-ho State is getting rolled.

[smileyy]

CHAOS!!! Wow, what a gift for UCLA and it actually was a good call on replay.

Yeah. I keep seeing the replays, and I keep seeing a ball about to hit the right side of the rim. The shot has no chance of going in, but if the rule is "deflecting a shot, on the way down, that would hit the rim is goaltending", then that's goaltending.

To be fair, the angles of the flight of the ball are hard to see on most of those replays. I could see someone looking at that and think the ball is 2 feet short.

[GoMuskies]

Slowed down, it didn't. It had no chance of going in. It was a bad call, but life doesn't happen in slow motion, so I'm not sure that the refs can be skewered too long for it.

They could have used a little common sense given that sot didn't have a prayer.

[Masterofreality]

Slowed down, it didn't. It had no chance of going in. It was a bad call, but life doesn't happen in slow motion, so I'm not sure that the refs can be skewered too long for it.

Well, it looks on replay like it was grazing, and if the ball is at any part on the rim when touched, no matter how slight, that is goaltending.

Close, but not the worst official call I've ever seen.

Fact is, SMU should have never let them have the chance. They blew it.

[GoMuskies]

Meanwhile, Oh-ho-ho State is getting rolled.

By your favorite team!

[Masterofreality]

The State of Texas is having a very, very BAD day.

[Masterofreality]

By your favorite team!

I actually am cheering for them today.

[LadyMuskie]

MOR kept telling us how overrated VCU was because they play in the League that Shall Not Be Named and I believed it! :wink:

But seriously, OSU, get it together.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That UCLA goaltending was horrible. They showed a better replay, not even close to rim. Terrible that SMU goes out on that call.

[paulxu]

There is a lot more red on my bracket than green right now.

[Masterofreality]

MOR kept telling us how overrated VCU was because they play in the League that Shall Not Be Named and I believed it! :wink:

But seriously, OSU, get it together.

Maybe I was actually right? :unsure:

[GoMuskies]

Hope VCU wins in OT.

[LadyMuskie]

The OSU game is ridonkulous. God. I love this time of year!

[waggy]

Dayum, Russell for OSU...

[Masterofreality]

The OSU game is ridonkulous. God. I love this time of year!

I guess VCU was overrated from a crappy league. Ohio State is not that good.

HAVOC goes out in the first game 2 years in a row. Shaka better take that big contract from somebody else pretty soon.

[LadyMuskie]

I guess VCU was overrated from a crappy league. Ohio State is not that good.

Yeah. Russel is good. That's about it. I'm looking forward to watching Arizona own OSU.

[waggy]

I had VCU winning this one.

[LadyMuskie]

UC's uniforms are horrible. It looks like they're wearing cumberbunds and baseball shirts.

[paulxu]

Somebody must have planned this one out.
The last 3 X coaches in the same bracket in the west.
We win...and get a raccoon or beak nose. Unreal.

[Masterofreality]

Nova is kicking ass and not even taking names.

Money..money...money MONEY. MONEY!!!

[LadyMuskie]

Love the name Basil Smotherman. Sounds like a Sherlock Holmes character.

[Masterofreality]

Any team been luckier than UCLA in this tournament so far? First of all getting in at all, and then getting a goal tend call?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Any team been luckier than UCLA in this tournament so far? First of all getting in at all, and then getting a goal tend call?

No

[LA Muskie]

Any team been luckier than UCLA in this tournament so far? First of all getting in at all, and then getting a goal tend call?
Maybe Dayton? Although their situation is due more to the "judgment" of the committee. But I do think the goaltending call was correct.

[GoMuskies]

But I do think the goaltending call was correct.

Only if you're being hypertechnical and checked your common sense at the door on the way in.

[LA Muskie]

Only if you're being hypertechnical and checked your common sense at the door on the way in.

Not sure what you mean. From the replays I have seen, it was either about to hit the rim or within inches of it. That's goaltending. You can't expect the officials to thread that needle.

[GoMuskies]

It had a 0% chance of going in. Anyone with eyes could see that. Stevie Wonder could see it, actually. It might have grazed the rim if left alone. Maybe. It takes a lack of common sense to make that call.

[LA Muskie]

It had a 0% chance of going in. Anyone with eyes could see that. Stevie Wonder could see it, actually. It might have grazed the rim if left alone. Maybe. It takes a lack of common sense to make that call.
Totally depends on the camera angle, but there are certainly angles that show that it likely would have hit the rim. If it's on trajectory for the rim, it's goaltending. Regardless, it was close enough to justify the call. The defensive play was worse than the call.

[GoMuskies]

It had zero chance to go in Zero. That's not goaltending. The defensive play was stupid. The call was legendarily bad.

[Masterofreality]

And there we go. Thugs be Thugs.

Octavious Ellis with a Flagrant 2. The Borecats cannot change their stripes.

[BandAid]

Octavious Ellis thugging it up. Took a swing at a Purdue player's throat. Ejected.

[XUPhilly04]

And UC's Ellis thugs his way out of the game getting ejected from the game. Don't even see why he attacked Hammonds

[XUPhilly04]

Will Larry Davis rip Ellis' jersey off?

[LadyMuskie]

And there we go. Thugs be Thugs.

Octavious Ellis with a Flagrant 2. The Borecats cannot change their stripes.

Yup. Was he not kicked off the team for beating up the bouncer?

[LadyMuskie]

Will Larry Davis rip Ellis' jersey off?

Ha! Mick's waiting in the locker room to remove the jersey himself!

[Emp]

More bonehead Bearcat moves. Doe, reap.

[RealDeal]

Octavious Ellis is not a smart man.

[RealDeal]

This uc Purdue game is by far the ugliest of the day.

[GoMuskies]

This uc Purdue game is by far the ugliest of the day.

Uglier than Butler/TX? Must be brutal.

[LadyMuskie]

About the same. No one wants to win and have to play Kentucky in the next round.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

And UC's Ellis thugs his way out of the game getting ejected from the game. Don't even see why he attacked Hammonds

...because he got bumped a few times on the other end and has absolutely no clue how to handle his anger. Saw it coming all the way.

[X-band '01]

The Sun Belt conference is about to have as many NCAA Tournament units as the American this year (if UC loses tonight). Let that sink in.

[paulxu]

Purdue is trying hard to lose this game.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, Harvard had three shots at it. Oh well.

[LA Muskie]

Wow. Madness.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow, cant believe that rolled in for UC!

[GoMuskies]

The games in Louisville have been amazing. The fourth one will not continue that trend.

[BandAid]

It's so nice to be on the good side of one of the boring games

[X-band '01]

Xavier, Arizona and Villanova had the only boring wins so far.

[BandAid]

Purdue and UC are playing an epic battle of "who doesn't want to win"

[MarvAlbert]

Thanks Cincinatti for hitting that lay up and winning me the 2nd half over bet. Oh, and thanks for showing everyone how good your players are at throwing cheap shots.

[GoMuskies]

I think UC can beat UK.


















Hahahahahahahahahahaha

[D-West & PO-Z]

i think uc can beat uk.


















Hahahahahahahahahahaha

ha! Reps!

[X Factor]

Just witnessed some of the worst decisions in a close game I've seen in a long time.

[xavierj]

Purdue is like 8-48 from three and the free throw line. They want to lose.

[Xville]

If uc pulls this out, saturday might be the one and only time I root for uc...ugh I feel dirty for even writing that

[XUPhilly04]

If UC wins this, I wonder if they will sit Ellis for UK. If they do, I'm sure they will make a big deal of it, stating "we discipline our own, even with the season on the line." Yea right, like having Ellis was going to be the difference maker against UK.

[RealDeal]

Brick laying convention.

[X Factor]

How long does Painter stay at Purdue? What he has ever done?

[xavierj]

If uc pulls this out, saturday might be the one and only time I root for uc...ugh I feel dirty for even writing that

No I hope they lose by 50

[paulxu]

More major suckage coming for my bracket.

[LA Muskie]

Just witnessed some of the worst decisions in a close game I've seen in a long time.
I was thinking the EXACT same thing. Between that 3, giving up such a clean look from 3, and then taking it into the lane 1 on 4 I am shocked they are in position to win...

[LA Muskie]

And then to miss the front end of the 1-and-1. And give up a good luck. And STILL win. Wow. At least I picked them in my brackets (I know...blasphemy...)

[LadyMuskie]

Thanks, Purdue! Way to blow the lead.

And Ellis gets to play the next game. Ugh.

[GoMuskies]

Go Hampton!

[D-West & PO-Z]

And then to miss the front end of the 1-and-1. And give up a good luck. And STILL win. Wow. At least I picked them in my brackets (I know...blasphemy...)

Ha same

[D-West & PO-Z]

Go Hampton!

Yeah buddy!

[Xville]

Sfa has looked downright awful and somehow they are still somewhat in the game. Time to turn it on lumberjacks

[GoMuskies]

Why did SAS foul there?!?

[MADXSTER]

I'm not saying Chris Mack is the best coach out there by any means, but I've seen some very bad coaching in this tournament that would make Mack look like a genius.

[Masterofreality]

I'm not saying Chris Mack is the best coach out there by any means, but I've seen some very bad coaching in this tournament that would make Mack look like a genius.

Hence. Chris Mack would be in demand.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Going to Louisville for Saturday's game, if anyone is trying to score some meth I'm sure they'll be plenty around.

[paulxu]

I don't think Wofford can hold on for 40 minutes against Arkansas.

But damn, the Terriers can sink mid-range high rising jump shots. Just beautiful to watch.

[LadyMuskie]

It's not gonna last, but it's fun watching Hampton play with UK.

[X Factor]

It's sickening how these announcers are talking about Hampton. Practically making fun of them in such a patronizing way. So unprofessional.

[GoMuskies]

Need a bucket here Hampton!

[paulxu]

Just saw a graphic that made no sense.
Various average team heights; Wofford is small at 6'3".

But Kentucky was noted as 6'4". Do they have a lot of midget walk-ons?

[BandAid]

Weird situation in the Arkansas/Wofford game. Player loses his shoe, his teammate throws his shoe on the court for him to use. Arkansas might be getting a technical for it.

[drudy23]

Just saw a graphic that made no sense.
Various average team heights; Wofford is small at 6'3".

But Kentucky was noted as 6'4". Do they have a lot of midget walk-ons?

That can't be right

[BandAid]

Weird situation in the Arkansas/Wofford game. Player loses his shoe, his teammate throws his shoe on the court for him to use. Arkansas might be getting a technical for it.

Arkansas only given a delay of game warning, which doesn't make any sense. A player leaves the bench he gets a technical (maybe an ejection). A fan throws something he gets tossed from the arena. But a player throws a shoe onto the court - no big deal.

[XU Cowbell Kid]

Arkansas only given a delay of game warning, which doesn't make any sense. A player leaves the bench he gets a technical (maybe an ejection). A fan throws something he gets tossed from the arena. But a player throws a shoe onto the court - no big deal.

I like the thought behind it though! That guy was useless without his other shoe!

An equally effective solution... calling a timeout. But, you know, throwing shoes is good too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

States:
Ohio 4-0 in the tourney
Texas 0-5

[XUFan09]

I like the thought behind it though! That guy was useless without his other shoe!

An equally effective solution... calling a timeout. But, you know, throwing shoes is good too.

A missing shoe should be like an injury. Refs call timeout when it doesn't affect the play.

[MADXSTER]

Not having a shoe would affect play, but I get your meaning. ;)

[xu82]

I think Kentucky will hold on in this one. I hope they choke soon, though.

[Strange Brew]

1676

[XUFan09]

Wow, LSU keeps missing free throws to extend the lead and NC State keeps missing open threes to tie it.

[MADXSTER]

I'm not a JT III fan because he does so little with soo much. If you follow recruiting, he gets the cream of the crop on the East coast. Top 100 guys all the time. Top 50 guys very often. Just saw this on the tube and had to share....

2008 GT seed 2 played Davidson seed 10 - lost in round of 32
2009 no NCAA
2010 GT seed 3 played Ohio seed 14 - lost in round of 64
2011 GT seed 6 played VCU seed 11 - lost in round of 64
2012 GT seed 3 played NC State seed 11 - lost in round of 32
2013 GT seed 2 played Florida GC seed 15 lost in round of 64

Bad Luck??? 2 NCAA wins since 2008....ouch

[XUFan09]

Six, count 'em, six straight missed free throws by LSU.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow, at first I thought that was offensive goaltending. But it was not.

[BandAid]

Trawick thuggin it up again

[XUFan09]

Wow, at first I thought that was offensive goaltending. But it was not.

Yup.

This game was the definition of "choke" for LSU. NC State made some shots, but they missed so many. LSU missed those six straight free throws and followed up by missing an open layup after the defender flopped. Eight possible points left on the floor at the end and they lost by one.

[Strange Brew]

Yup.

This game was the definition of "choke" for LSU. NC State made some shots, but they missed so many. LSU missed those six straight free throws and followed up by missing an open layup after the defender flopped. Eight possible points left on the floor at the end and they lost by one.

SEC choking like it's bowl season. :)

[XUFan09]

SEC choking like it's bowl season. :)

Ha!

[XUFan09]

Unfortunately, the ACC is 3-0 today, winning the three games by a combined 7 points.

[Strange Brew]

Unfortunately, the ACC is 3-0 today, winning the three games by a combined 7 points.

GU hitting shots

[MarvAlbert]

Arkansas only given a delay of game warning, which doesn't make any sense. A player leaves the bench he gets a technical (maybe an ejection). A fan throws something he gets tossed from the arena. But a player throws a shoe onto the court - no big deal.

What's truly absurd about this is that the shoe thrown on the court should have taken all of 10 seconds to stop play and either have him put it back on or throw it back off the court. Instead, the refs take 2-3 minutes to review the play and deem the infraction to be a delay of game, hence the warning. Who really delayed the game there?

[BandAid]

This Hayes guy for Gerogetown is having a heck of a game. Third-line center owning the game.

[X Factor]

Georgetown on a 18-2 run.

[XUFan09]

Wofford has not been a good team this year. They got a great win against NC State on the road earlier in the season, but the other times they faced good to decent teams, they got destroyed. Their selection as a 12 seed is odd. That said, they aren't playing like that is true; they are playing like your normal 12 seed threatening an upset. I have Arkansas in the Sweet 16, but this would be great to see.

[Strange Brew]

This Hayes guy for Gerogetown is having a heck of a game. Third-line center owning the game.

Hayes, like all GU bigs wets himself when someone Stains their shirt. STAINTRAIN!

[GoMuskies]

Tough betting day today. I had each of the following:

Ohio State -4
SFA +6.5
NC State -2

I lost all three by a total of 2.5 points. Ouch.

[LA Muskie]

I don't think Wofford can hold on for 40 minutes against Arkansas.

But damn, the Terriers can sink mid-range high rising jump shots. Just beautiful to watch.
Damn... I picked Wofford in all my brackets. So close. Both of those shots were centimeters from going down...

[GoMuskies]

I see Georgetown has decided to recreate last week's Big East semifinal playing the role of Xavier this time.

[XUFan09]

I see Georgetown has decided to recreate last week's Big East semifinal playing the role of Xavier this time.
Frustrating, to say the least. They had a 23-point lead at one point.

[GoMuskies]

Gotta be honest with you: at this point I'm kind of cheering for EWU to pull it out. I want the Big East to do well, but this comeback would be epic.

[Strange Brew]

GU is starting to gag. Come on Hoyas.

[XUFan09]

Crazy and-1 three by EW.

[GoMuskies]

That four pointer. Lol

[Strange Brew]

Crazy and-1 three by EW.

Wow!

[xsteve1]

That 3 by EWU was ridiculous.

[XUFan09]

I guess he's the number one scorer in the country for a reason.

[xsteve1]

Hope the Hoyas win but I have EWU +12 so win, win if the Hoyas can win by 10-11.

[GoMuskies]

Was that a teaser? The line ended up at like 8.

[xsteve1]

Was that a teaser? The line ended up at like 8.

Took EWU at half +2 and they were down 10 at half.

[GoMuskies]

If I had bet Georgetown -8 I'd have steam coming out of my ears.

[Strange Brew]

Wow, refs are terrible in this game.

[GoMuskies]

If I had bet Georgetown -8 I'd have steam coming out of my ears.

X2 after that play. Wow. The Vegas sports books must be a riot right now.

[xsteve1]

If I had bet Georgetown -8 I'd have steam coming out of my ears.

And that turnover there by Georgetown was terrible.

[GoMuskies]

We need a live stream from Caesars. Damn.

[xsteve1]

And the Hoyas cover. Would have love to see the reactions in Vegas after that.

[Strange Brew]

I would like to say that I can't believe Twarick dunked it at the end but he's kind of a jerk.

[GoMuskies]

If Bill Simmons doesn't write an article about the end of that game I'll be surprised.

[MarvAlbert]

I had Gtown 2nd half -2. Needless to say, I'm not pleased by Georgetown winning by 10 after a 23 point lead. I'm upset about the foul on Trawick on that clear strip and then the foul on Bowen on the rebound, when it appeared to me that he was fouled. Clearly, Georgetown was going to win, but it seemed to me on those 2 calls that the refs might've been trying to manipulate the score.

EDIT: After enough time has passed, it is clear to me that those refs were just idiots and that is all...maybe it was fixed, idk, seems I didn't learn anything...Most likely they were just huge morons. Investigate it, Vegas, and report back to me.

[paulxu]

There is much sadness in Spartanburg tonight. Wofford had some chances to win that game.

[Masterofreality]

I would like to say that I can't believe Twarick dunked it at the end but he's kind of a jerk.

You know what? That didn't bother me a bit.

Eastern Washington kept playing hard and pressed. If you are going to keep playing hard....like you should, don't get pissed when the other team slaps an exclamation point on the end of the game.

[Xville]

Kicking myself today for believing the "hype" of the big 12...I didn't pick Baylor or Texas, but I had Iowa State in the elite eight in one bracket, and final four in the other. It just goes to show you that sometimes the "numbers" don't mean that much.

With that said, they could very easily go 4-0 today, but the damage has already been done. Speaking of Texas, do they even have any basketball players...their basketball IQ is in the negatives and how is Barnes still the coach down there? Guy is terrible.

[X-Fan]

Kicking myself today for believing the "hype" of the big 12...I didn't pick Baylor or Texas, but I had Iowa State in the elite eight in one bracket, and final four in the other. It just goes to show you that sometimes the "numbers" don't mean that much.

With that said, they could very easily go 4-0 today, but the damage has already been done. Speaking of Texas, do they even have any basketball players...their basketball IQ is in the negatives and how is Barnes still the coach down there? Guy is terrible.
Ditto. I had Iowa St beating Duke to go to the Final Four. I knew it was a reach and should have trusted my gut. I was just looking for a reason to keep Duke out of the FF, even though their region sets up great for them (IMO). It also went against my "eye test". Seeing some of their losses, and close calls should have been a red flag. Although, UAB did play a heck of a game.

I'll add, I was having a REAL HARD time picking against the Big East. Not juts because I want the conference to do well, but because I truly believe that top to bottom it was the best conference this year. It really is strange but mostly cool to care SO MUCH about the other conference teams winning. For years I wanted every conference member to lose, just so they wouldn't take away any thunder from X. Now I have a mutual respect for almost every team in our conference, and know that with each win, the BE regains more and more position toward being regarded as an elite BBall conference.

Good start by X, Butler, Nova, and GTown...now lets go Providence and St. Johns and make it 6-0 in the 2nd Round!

Go Big East!

Go X!!!!

[Masterofreality]

Ditto. I had Iowa St beating Duke to go to the Final Four. I knew it was a reach and should have trusted my gut. I was just looking for a reason to keep Duke out of the FF, even though their region sets up great for them (IMO). It also went against my "eye test". Seeing some of their losses, and close calls should have been a red flag. Although, UAB did play a heck of a game.

I'll add, I was having a REAL HARD time picking against the Big East. Not juts because I want the conference to do well, but because I truly believe that top to bottom it was the best conference this year. It really is strange but mostly cool to care SO MUCH about the other conference teams winning. For years I wanted every conference member to lose, just so they wouldn't take away any thunder from X. Now I have a mutual respect for almost every team in our conference, and know that with each win, the BE regains more and more position toward being regarded as an elite BBall conference.

Good start by X, Butler, Nova, and GTown...now lets go Providence and St. Johns and make it 6-0 in the 2nd Round!

Go Big East!

Go X!!!!

So now the "pundits" have replaced "Big 12" with "ACC" as to which is the best conference. *Rolls Eyes and Sighs*

[Xville]

It is going to be interesting to see if Gonzaga is going to make a run this year or not. I have seen maybe 5-6 of their games this year, and they look different than in most years in that they look like they are set up to do well in the tournament, and I'm a big fan of Wiltjer's game. With that said, it is so tough to judge that team every year because of the conference they play in. They did take Zona to OT on the road, and easily handled a decent SMU team but those games were just so early in the season.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga has a good draw with Iowa State to get to at least the Elite Eight. They have a 15 seed today, and given style of play I can't see Iowa or Davidson beating them (they're not going to out-Gonzaga the Zags). So Sweet Sixteen seems like almost a given.

A Duke/Gonzaga regional final could be really good.

[XUFan09]

So now the "pundits" have replaced "Big 12" with "ACC" as to which is the best conference. *Rolls Eyes and Sighs*

The same ACC who won their games by a combined 7 points?

[GoMuskies]

A Duke/Gonzaga regional final could be really good.

Looking at the bracket again, what I OBVIOUSLY meant was that a Gonzaga/Georgetown or a Gonzaga/St. John's regional final could be really good!

[Masterofreality]

The same ACC who won their games by a combined 7 points?

And through one of the most monumental choke jobs ever in the LSU- NC State game. LSU missed their last SIX free throws in a row and brutally blew a double digit lead.

[LA Muskie]

You know what? That didn't bother me a bit.

Eastern Washington kept playing hard and pressed. If you are going to keep playing hard....like you should, don't get pissed when the other team slaps an exclamation point on the end of the game.
Agreed. 100%.

[LA Muskie]

Kicking myself today for believing the "hype" of the big 12...I didn't pick Baylor or Texas, but I had Iowa State in the elite eight in one bracket, and final four in the other. It just goes to show you that sometimes the "numbers" don't mean that much.

With that said, they could very easily go 4-0 today, but the damage has already been done. Speaking of Texas, do they even have any basketball players...their basketball IQ is in the negatives and how is Barnes still the coach down there? Guy is terrible.
Unbeknownst to me, I wasn't a Big 12 believer. The only Big 12 teams I had winning yesterday were Baylor and Iowa State (damn...) and I didn't have either of them advancing beyond. The only team I have winning today is Kansas.

[XUFan09]

And through one of the most monumental choke jobs ever in the LSU- NC State game. LSU missed their last SIX free throws in a row and brutally blew a double digit lead.

Don't forget the wide-open layup that the guy missed after his defender flopped, leaving the door open for him.

[Masterofreality]

Aaaaaaaaaaand....

There's Kate Upton and her bouncing Ta-Ta's in the Game of War commercial. I still don't understand it, but I like it, I guess.

[LA Muskie]

Aaaaaaaaaaand....

There's Kate Upton and her bouncing Ta-Ta's in the Game of War commercial. I still don't understand it, but I like it, I guess.
I choose not to think about it and just enjoy.

[Masterofreality]

Meanwhile, back to bucket ball...

Michigan State has let Georgia back in the game. 2 pointer with 13:30 to go.

[GoMuskies]

KU has kept up its end of the bargain to make the Sunflower State Showdown possible. You're on the clock, Shockers!

[Masterofreality]

How surprising.

West Virginia coached by BeelzeBob is #1 in number of fouls called against them this year. #ThugLife

[RealDeal]

How surprising.

West Virginia coached by BeelzeBob is #1 in number of fouls called against them this year. #ThugLife

Probably #1 in fouls not called as well.

[mohr5150]

How in the hell is Wally reffing a tournament game? I thought they only chose the good ones to ref these gwmes. Couldn't they find 96 better refs than him?

[Blue Blobs Bro]

How surprising.

West Virginia coached by BeelzeBob is #1 in number of fouls called against them this year. #ThugLife
At least they don't forearm people in the throat .

[xudash]

KU has kept up its end of the bargain to make the Sunflower State Showdown possible. You're on the clock, Shockers!

That has the potential of being epic.

Not since the Owner of War Admiral tried avoiding Seabiscuit has an uppity crew attempted to distance themselves from a lessor crew so much.

[Masterofreality]

How in the hell is Wally reffing a tournament game? I thought they only chose the good ones to ref these gwmes. Couldn't they find 96 better refs than him?

DJ Carstensen had the GTown game last night. Obviously in the early rounds, they really don't qualify much...(See SMU/UCLA).

[GoMuskies]

Indiana/Wichita State is intense. I think the Shockers will pull away if they start shooting. They've been pretty bad on that end other than VanVleet

[waggy]

Van Vleet keeps getting blown by.

[paulxu]

I don't think they'll be a 12/5 upset this year.

[XUFan09]

I picked Buffalo over WVU in my bracket. Actually, I picked them in the Sweet 16, figuring there's frequently at least one double-digit seed in the Sweet 16, so it's a high-risk-high-reward bet to pick one there in your bracket.

Edit: I also have Valpo over Maryland in that pod. If I get this right, I look like a genius lol. If I'm dead wrong, no big deal :-P

[XUFan09]

What a defensive play by Buffalo!

[XUFan09]

I don't think they'll be a 12/5 upset this year.

Apparently 5 seeds only have like a 57% win percentage in the past decade, so it would be crazy if they end up winning all of them this time.

Okay, maybe not crazy, but definitely low probability, like 11% based off historical results.

[GoMuskies]

Ron Baker is playing like shit today. Good thing VanVleet is out of his mind.

[LadyMuskie]

Go Buffalo!

[MADXSTER]

At one point Xavier was looking at Will Reagan

[XU Cowbell Kid]

I can't stand Gottlieb. This is the second day in a row where he keeps talking about how officials shouldn't call fouls at the end of the games. I hate that mentality. A foul is a foul. Period. Rules are rules. Period. For instance: it is always against the rules to steal wallets.

[XUFan09]

Damn, Buffalo had the opportunities. Oh well.

[XUFan09]

Dayton fans have to be pissed to watch Juwan Staten successful on another team.

[GoMuskies]

If you weren't on CBS you missed a quality Tom Cream temper tantrum.

[xu82]

I can't stand Gottlieb. This is the second day in a row where he keeps talking about how officials shouldn't call fouls at the end of the games. I hate that mentality. A foul is a foul. Period. Rules are rules. Period. For instance: it is always against the rules to steal wallets.

Always? Are you sure? What if you don't think you'll get caught? What if you stole it from a "friend"?

Dougie is with Bilas and Vitale at the top of my most annoying list.

[GoMuskies]

It's happening Sunday!

[MADXSTER]

Uh oh.....Looks like IU is going home.

[RealDeal]

Nice in state rivalry games set up in that bracket, go Butler and Wichita St.

[GoMuskies]

Dayton now a 2.5 point dog tonight. Scary? Or historic opportunity to pound?

[waggy]

Wow. This center for Irvine makes Montrezl Harrell look like a guard. Unreal.

[muskiefan82]

Dayton now a 2.5 point dog tonight. Scary? Or historic opportunity to pound?

Isn't it great that we can not only root for Dayton to lose, but ALSO root for Providence to win? Love it.

[MADXSTER]

What time does St Johns and Providence play?

[XUFan09]

What time does St Johns and Providence play?

9:40 and 9:57, last I checked.

[xu82]

Dayton now a 2.5 point dog tonight. Scary? Or historic opportunity to pound?
I'm really surprised that's all. What am I missing? I'm not a gambler, but my money would be on Providence.

[GoMuskies]

I'm really surprised that's all. What am I missing? I'm not a gambler, but my money would be on Providence.

That's why the line makes me nervous. When it doesn't seem to make sense...

[GoMuskies]

Finish them Anteaters!

[chico]

I think part of the reason the line is so low is that the game's in Columbus. Pretty much a home game for VD. I still think/hope Providence covers.

[GoMuskies]

UCI certainly UCI'd that one up.

[Masterofreality]

I think part of the reason the line is so low is that the game's in Columbus. Pretty much a home game for VD. I still think/hope Providence covers.

Providence is one tough minded team and Ed Cooley doesn't stand for any fear in the locker room. I think that Providence pounds the Cryers 10 feet into the ground.

[GoMuskies]

Chalky today. Some mildly exciting action, but nothing like yesterday. Hope to see Davidson and St. Joe's as slight dogs come through tonight. And why not RMU as a BIG dog?

[XUFan09]

I think part of the reason the line is so low is that the game's in Columbus. Pretty much a home game for VD. I still think/hope Providence covers.

It wouldn't surprise me if that's the reasoning, but it's a pretty weak home game. Sure, the crowd will be more in UD's favor, but the team is going to be completely unfamiliar with the arena itself, whose physical layout is the more significant contributor to homecourt advantage.

[bobbiemcgee]

Chalky today. Some mildly exciting action, but nothing like yesterday. Hope to see Davidson and St. Joe's as slight dogs come through tonight. And why not RMU as a BIG dog?
Assume you mean St. John's

[GoMuskies]

Assume you mean St. John's

Old habits and all.

[chico]

Providence is one tough minded team and Ed Cooley doesn't stand for any fear in the locker room. I think that Providence pounds the Cryers 10 feet into the ground.

I certainly agree, and I hope you're right about the outcome. I may have invested a fair amount on Providence winning by at least 3. If Providence pulls through I may have to have a "yellow shot" or two.

[XU '11]

Found this gem today via Covers.com

http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=411944

Heading into this tournament, X had the third best record against the spread in all of college basketball since 97-98. Cincinnati was dead last (although they improved upon that record last night)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Huge and 1 put back for Dez Wells there.

[mohr5150]

I don't know if anyone saw it, but Wally played a big part in the Buffalo loss. He called a highly questionable foul at the end of the game that took a possession away from Buffalo and put points on the board for WVU. That guy truly sucks.

[xu82]

Huge and 1 put back for Dez Wells there.

Anyone who wants to tell me it's over and forget it - just STOP! Dez is good. I love our team, but that doesn't measn I can't look around. Dez is good.

[Masterofreality]

I don't know if anyone saw it, but Wally played a big part in the Buffalo loss. He called a highly questionable foul at the end of the game that took a possession away from Buffalo and put points on the board for WVU. That guy truly sucks.

Awful. Just awful.

[waggy]

Valpo totally butchered their last possession.

[XUFan09]

Valpo totally butchered their last possession.

Nice flail by the Valpo player on that possession. Good no-call.

[waggy]

They should've went for 2 immediately. Maryland was due to eventually miss a free throw..

[Nigel Tufnel]

That's why the line makes me nervous. When it doesn't seem to make sense...

I would normally agree...but this line is off as much as X being favored yesterday by -2.5/-3. I am pounding Providence. Bad matchup for UD with Providence's big athletic guys. And Providence has the 2 best players on the floor. If I'm going down, I'm going down with Dunn and Henton...and Cooley.

[XUFan09]

I would normally agree...but this line is off as much as X being favored yesterday by -2.5/-3. I am pounding Providence. Bad matchup for UD with Providence's big athletic guys. And Providence has the 2 best players on the floor. If I'm going down, I'm going down with Dunn and Henton...and Cooley.

So far the BIg East has beat every spread, and three out of four times it's been by double digits. Maybe Vegas is just underestimating the Big East (I think they are), which could make for good gambling.

[Nigel Tufnel]

So far the BIg East has beat every spread, and three out of four times it's been by double digits. Maybe Vegas is just underestimating the Big East (I think they are), which could make for good gambling.

I've bet on every Big East team with the exception of Nova. St. John's scares me....but I'm warming up to them....gotta think Pointer will be the best player on the floor.

[GoMuskies]

That line moved down today AFTER yesterday's Big East domination. The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking of plopping a few dollars down on Dayton.

[waggy]

okie state / oregon is a good one.

[Nigel Tufnel]

That line moved down today AFTER yesterday's Big East domination. The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking of plopping a few dollars down on Dayton.

You're overthinking it man....Friars or no play.

[GoMuskies]

RMU only down 10. Why not?

[xu82]

That line moved down today AFTER yesterday's Big East domination. The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking of plopping a few dollars down on Dayton.

Is that grounds for excommunication? Just wondering....

[XUFan09]

I've bet on every Big East team with the exception of Nova. St. John's scares me....but I'm warming up to them....gotta think Pointer will be the best player on the floor.
I'm counting on San Diego State's inability to score, which probably won't get much better with Obepka's absence.

[XUFan09]

Why would you go to a fadeaway pullup jumper when you are down four with 7 seconds to go? You need a three if you don't immediately get a good look from 2.

[chico]

I would normally agree...but this line is off as much as X being favored yesterday by -2.5/-3. I am pounding Providence. Bad matchup for UD with Providence's big athletic guys. And Providence has the 2 best players on the floor. If I'm going down, I'm going down with Dunn and Henton...and Cooley.

I'm with you, Nigel. The A-10 has not exactly lit it up this tourney. Dayton did not look all that good against Boise, and with such a small team, a well coached team like Providence should have them for lunch. And I think the Big East is being undervalued. I've bet every one but Georgetown so far, and I reluctantly took SJU tonight.

[XUFan09]

The Big 12 is now 2-4, but the last two teams are currently up.

[GoMuskies]

So much for Davidson. This White kid from Iowa is damn good. Hadn't seen them play much this year.

[American X]

This White kid from Iowa is damn good. Hadn't seen them play much this year.

Do you think J.P. Macura could be as white as White, I mean as good as White?

[GoMuskies]

Do you think J.P. Macura could be as white as White, I mean as good as White?

No and no. White is a ginger from Cleveland, so he's a special kind of white that Macura cannot possibly match.

[bobbiemcgee]

A-10 should be gone tonite.

[GoMuskies]

You're overthinking it man....Friars or no play.

Overthought it. Went with Dayton. You guys can laugh at me later (or now if you prefer).

[JimCoker]

How cool is it that Thad Matta plays Sean Miller for the right to play Xavier.

[GoMuskies]

How cool is it that Thad Matta plays Sean Miller for the right to play Xavier.

Well, let's HOPE that's what they're playing for.

[XUFan09]

How cool is it that Thad Matta plays Sean Miller for the right to play Xavier.
You're jinxing us!

[LadyMuskie]

Overthought it. Went with Dayton. You guys can laugh at me later (or now if you prefer).

We shall laugh at you both now and later.

[xu82]

Overthought it. Went with Dayton. You guys can laugh at me later (or now if you prefer).
Or both?
Hate to go against you, but..... really? Maybe I'm seeing things wrong.

[BandAid]

Dear Steve Lavin,

Please don't suck.

[GoMuskies]

What the hell is that guy doing at the foul line?!?

[BandAid]

Man, St. John's looks like garbage early

[LadyMuskie]

St. John's is looking like the weak link. Which is fine. I'd rather SJU be the weak link and see Providence destroy Dayton.

[Masterofreality]

Man, St. John's looks like garbage early

Two words....Steve Lavin. WTF?

[GoMuskies]

The banked-in threes aren't helping.

[BandAid]

Sir'Dominic is damn good though. Any chance he ends up in the NBA? He certainly has the athleticism.

[GoMuskies]

SDSU may be the worst shooting team I've ever seen.

[xsteve1]

Pointer taking to the rim at will.

[XUFan09]

SDSU may be the worst shooting team I've ever seen.

It's crazy that they're 5-12 right now. Not just the percentage but the number of attempts too. Their ratio of 3PA to FGA is 30.5%, yet so far three-point attempts make up 60.0% of their total field goal attempts.

[XUFan09]

Former Johnny Polee is 4 of 5 from 3. The rest of the team is 1 of 8.