March Madness Thread

[Masterofreality]

Stay classy Jayhawks...

[X-Fan]

Thoroughly enjoying this win for Wichata St.! Nothing like tasking it to the school that refuses to schedule you. If Marshall wasn't a god at WSU before, he certainly is now! Love March Madness!

[Masterofreality]

Two number 2 seeds go down today.

Guess they were overrated/overseeded.

[Masterofreality]

I think I like Wichita vs ND.

[LA Muskie]

I have a very hard time seeing ND being able to handle the Shockers. Unless Betty Brey intervenes from Heaven. Which is a distinct possibility.

[DC Muskie]

Everybody is overrated except when they prove to be underrated.

This applies to everyone but Xavier.

[SM#24]

I think I like Wichita vs ND.
I just had the same thought

[Masterofreality]

Everybody is overrated except when they prove to be underrated.

Or, they "sneak up on people"

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think I like Wichita vs ND.

I have Wichita in my Elite 8. I think they will beat ND.

[XUFan09]

I picked ND over Wichita State in the brackets where I didn't pick Butler (*cries*).

[Xville]

So the #1 and #2 rpi conferences at most will have two teams in the sweet 16...shows how stupid that metric has become.

[DC Muskie]

The Dayton Invitational is looking good for the host team.

[xavierj]

I hope DFD is at full staff tonight. Place is gonna burn tonight.

[XUFan09]

UD right now is proof of how much hot shooting plays into the "madness" of March Madness.

[X Factor]

UD right now is proof of how much hot shooting plays into the "madness" of March Madness.

They did the same thing last year. Got in the tournament and shot lights out. Their defense is very solid though.

[waggy]

So the #1 and #2 rpi conferences at most will have two teams in the sweet 16...shows how stupid that metric has become.

Don't know about Pomeroy, but Sagarin had them 1 & 2 as well.

[GoMuskies]

Shockers!

[paulxu]

UD right now is proof of how much hot shooting plays into the "madness" of March Madness.

They came firing outta the gate for this second half.

[Xville]

UD right now is proof of how much hot shooting plays into the "madness" of March Madness.

That and coaching...bill self can barely coach himself out of a paperbag...he got manhandled today

[xsteve1]

Wonder what jobs will be open this off season? Archie is way too good for the dump.

[Xavgrad08]

Oklahoma is doing a terribly job at identifying the shooters and guarding them. Darrell Davis shoots over forty percent from three on the season and Oklahoma has given him open looks.

[xsteve1]

My God the fucking walkon is even hitting 3's.

[DC Muskie]

It's a pretty match up. Oklahoma is good at giving up leads and Dayton is good at winning at home.

[Xville]

Don't know about Pomeroy, but Sagarin had them 1 & 2 as well.

That's fine...those metrics are also overrated.

[waggy]

That's fine...those metrics are also overrated.


Well it's either that or you can have the ESPN pundits make the field.

[Xville]

Wonder what jobs will be open this off season? Archie is way too good for the dump.

Unless a top 10-15 job opens up there is no reason for him to leave...and I don't see any opening up unless indiana buys out creans 14 million dollar contract or Barnes finally gets canned and Archie sees Texas as a destination which I don't know if it is

[BandAid]

The metrics will always be inadequate when you're talking about a sudden death tournament.

[BandAid]

Unless a top 10-15 job opens up there is no reason for him to leave...and I don't see any opening up unless indiana buys out creans 14 million dollar contract or Barnes finally gets canned and Archie sees Texas as a destination which I don't know if it is

7.5 million buyout for Crean starting July 1.

[DC Muskie]

Oklahoma is a really stupid team.

[Xville]

Well it's either that or you can have the ESPN pundits make the field.

Yeah I hear ya....i just think that sometimes we put the.emphasis on these metrics way too much especially when they can be easily manipulated like the rpi

[xu82]

Oklahoma is a really stupid team.

Looking slightly smarter

[DC Muskie]

Looking slightly smarter

It's a very low bar.

[DC Muskie]

Thanks for coming out Iowa.

[waggy]

The pacific northwest is beautiful.

[DC Muskie]

The pacific northwest is beautiful.

They are obviously take in the sights.

I hate the thought that this is the year Gonzaga puts together a deep run.

[Xville]

They are obviously take in the sights.

I hate the thought that this is the year Gonzaga puts together a deep run.

Better Gonzaga than duke In the final four....the south and the east regions are wide wide open...any one of the teams left it seems could make the championship game.

[BandAid]

"We have seen the end of Kenobi, we shall soon see the end of the rebellion."

(substitute vd and Archie and it makes sense)

[BandAid]

I think that kid with the horse teeth from Oklahoma should be an auctioneer. He has a great voice for it and he already speaks quickly.

[X Factor]

"We have seen the end of Kenobi, we shall soon see the end of the rebellion."

(substitute vd and Archie and it makes sense)

Yeah, the Golden Era of Dayton basketball, in this century, all two years of it, might be over.

[OTRMUSKIE]

You have got to think Indiana comes calling unless they rather have Greg Marshall. An IU friend of mine really is hoping they hold out for Stevens to come back. I think It will end up being Archie or Marshall when it's all said and done.

[GoMuskies]

I hate the thought that this is the year Gonzaga puts together a deep run.

Let's go Zags! I'm looming forward to Xavier taking out Gonzaga in the national title game!

[GoMuskies]

You have got to think Indiana comes calling unless they rather have Greg Marshall. An IU friend of mine really is hoping they hold out for Stevens to come back. I think It will end up being Archie or Marshall when it's all said and done.

Any sane person would RATHER have Marshall than Archie. I don't think IU will be in the market for a coach this year, though.

[LadyMuskie]

Let's go Zags! I'm looming forward to Xavier taking out Gonzaga in the national title game!

Your fingertips to God's eyes.

[xudash]

Any sane person would RATHER have Marshall than Archie. I don't think IU will be in the market for a coach this year, though.

Have to agree. I think I read where Crean's remaining buyout stands at $7.5 million. Not yet.

[xu82]

Your fingertips to God's eyes.

NO! Do not poke God in the eyes... this is not the Three Stooges! I think we can get a more favorable response with gentler measures.

[paulxu]

I just woke up to the fact that Dez is playing Huggy Bear.

[LadyMuskie]

NO! Do not poke God in the eyes... this is not the Three Stooges! I think we can get a more favorable response with gentler measures.

Let's say God is liking St. Aloysius better than St. Francis for whatever reason. St. Francis pulls a little switcheroo a la Jacob and BOOM - National Title! Thank you, Book of Genesis! Thank you, St. Francis!


(And now my place in hell has been assured! I'll probably see most of you there :wink: :drinks: )

[xu82]

Let's say God is liking St. Aloysius better than St. Francis for whatever reason. St. Francis pulls a little switcheroo a la Jacob and BOOM - National Title! Thank you, Book of Genesis! Thank you, St. Francis!


(And now my place in hell has been assured! I'll probably see most of you there :wink: :drinks: )

I won't pretend to know what just happened there, but so you know, I'll probably be sitting in the back somewhere. Drop by and say hello.

[BandAid]

Have to agree. I think I read where Crean's remaining buyout stands at $7.5 million. Not yet.

July 1st

[xudash]

July 1st

What? That amount expires then?

[waggy]

No, right now it's about double that.

[xu82]

I heard it's about $11 mil now but goes down to about $7.5 in July. But I have no idea.

[BandAid]

What? That amount expires then?

Here's an easy link about Crean's buyout from some IU fans: tomcreanbuyout.com (http://www.tomcreanbuyout.com/)

[LadyMuskie]

Here's an easy link about Crean's buyout from some IU fans: tomcreanbuyout.com (http://www.tomcreanbuyout.com/)

The best part of that website is what happens when you click on the $4,000,000 buyout. Just awesome. Still laughing.

[X-Fan]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but now that Dez's college career is over, can we stop bringing up that whole chapter? It sucked. X could have used him. He has no more eligibility left. Let's finally move on. So tired of hearing/thinking about it. </rant>

[xudash]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but I'm hoping now that Dez's college career is over we can stop hearing about that whole chapter. It sucked. X could have used him. he has no more eligibility left. Let's finally move on. So tired of hearing/thinking about it. </rant>

Well done. Let's move on.

[OH.X.MI]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but now that Dez's college career is over, can we stop bringing up that whole chapter? It sucked. X could have used him. He has no more eligibility left. Let's finally move on. So tired of hearing/thinking about it. </rant>

Move on, yes. But best of luck to Dez in his future endeavors. I plan on keeping track of him and really hope he finds success in whatever he does.

[xudash]

Move on, yes. But best of luck to Dez in his future endeavors. I plan on keeping track of him and really hope he finds success in whatever he does.

Agree with that as well.

[LadyMuskie]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but now that Dez's college career is over, can we stop bringing up that whole chapter? It sucked. X could have used him. He has no more eligibility left. Let's finally move on. So tired of hearing/thinking about it. </rant>

Amen. I think most of us have wanted to move on for some time.

[Masterofreality]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but now that Dez's college career is over, can we stop bringing up that whole chapter? It sucked. X could have used him. He has no more eligibility left. Let's finally move on. So tired of hearing/thinking about it. </rant>

Yep, closed book. Good luck to Dez. It might make it difficult for some one trick ponies on here to come up with fresh bashing material, though.

I anxiously await the next object of scorn to be revealed.

[Juice]

Yep, closed book. Good luck to Dez. It might make it difficult for some one trick ponies on here to come up with fresh bashing material, though.

I anxiously await the next object of scorn to be revealed.

Speaking of Dez, Huggins' daughters had a lot to say about him last night during the game.

http://thebiglead.com/2015/03/23/bob-huggins-daughters-tweeted-and-yelled-at-dez-wells-calling-him-a-rapist/

[LadyMuskie]

Speaking of Dez, Huggins' daughters had a lot to say about him last night during the game.

http://thebiglead.com/2015/03/23/bob-huggins-daughters-tweeted-and-yelled-at-dez-wells-calling-him-a-rapist/

Aww. How sweet. She's decided to follow in her father's footsteps and be a white trash alcoholic with no dignity. That's so adorable.

just as an aside, if she was 20 thirteen years ago, she might consider 33 the perfect age to start acting like an adult. But her last name is Huggins, so. . .

[GoMuskies]

Xavier and WV are both 75-1 to win it all. Only UCLA has longer odds at 100-1. So if you're going to be in Vegas and think Xavier can win it all, $$$$ to be made.

[Masterofreality]

Speaking of Dez, Huggins' daughters had a lot to say about him last night during the game.

http://thebiglead.com/2015/03/23/bob-huggins-daughters-tweeted-and-yelled-at-dez-wells-calling-him-a-rapist/

That was an unbelieveable tweet. Trailer trash follows trailer trash...and a bunch of Xavier fans rushed in to defend.

[BandAid]

Wait...one of his daughter's names is Jacque? I thought Jacque was a Frenchman. Please tell me it's short for Jacqueline. It's gotta be short for Jacqueline.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7FixvoKBw

[Masterofreality]

By the way, just to rub it in to that school across town,

SucKS was ranked 65th out of 67 ranked teams in the NCAA Tournament (Harvard was not listed due to a lack of reporting) by Time Magazine as to academics for their men's basketball program. Below them? Oklahoma State and Indiana was dead last.

Nice job YTG and Crean!

http://time.com/3745396/march-madness-classroom/?xid=newsletter-brief

[coasterville95]

Wait a minute we only made into the round of 32 based on academics, and UK is in the sweet 16??

Is UK playing a game where there one and dones that probably never see a classroom don't count? Or are they better at forging academic records

And what of Sr. Rose and graduated every senior since the 1980s. I'd have thought that would have gotten is at least elite eight of not final four academically.

What obvious flaw in this purported study am I missing?

[BandAid]

Wait a minute we only made into the round of 32 based on academics, and UK is in the sweet 16??

Is UK playing a game where there one and dones that probably never see a classroom don't count? Or are they better at forging academic records

And what of Sr. Rose and graduated every senior since the 1980s. I'd have thought that would have gotten is at least elite eight of not final four academically.

What obvious flaw in this purported study am I missing?

Looking at the stats we got screwed by our seeding. We were a very respectable 9th overall, Baylor was 6th.

[Masterofreality]

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post obviously has no love for SucKS.

http://nypost.com/2015/03/23/verne-lundquists-truth-telling-still-ignores-deep-ncaa-ugliness/

[GoMuskies]

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post obviously has no love for SucKS.

http://nypost.com/2015/03/23/verne-lundquists-truth-telling-still-ignores-deep-ncaa-ugliness/

Good lord that's a horrible article.

[waggy]

I didn't know about Ellis' family tragedy. Very sorry for him. Didn't hear Lundquists mention of it, but hopefully it wasn't in a lighthearted manner at all.

[LadyMuskie]

Good lord that's a horrible article.

No kidding. It was all over the damn place. I'm still not sure who he's angriest at - Verne Lundquist, CBS, ESPN, NCAA, New Mexico St.?

[LA Muskie]

Delete

[Bearcat_Bounce]

By the way, just to rub it in to that school across town,

SucKS was ranked 65th out of 67 ranked teams in the NCAA Tournament (Harvard was not listed due to a lack of reporting) by Time Magazine as to academics for their men's basketball program. Below them? Oklahoma State and Indiana was dead last.

Nice job YTG and Crean!

http://time.com/3745396/march-madness-classroom/?xid=newsletter-brief

Didn't attend, but I believe UC will always have a low 4-year graduation rate because of the Co-Op program that is required for business and engineering students. That requirement means it will typically take 5 years to complete a degree. I have no idea if that is the number they used for "male grad rate."

[Masterofreality]

Didn't attend, but I believe UC will always have a low 4-year graduation rate because of the Co-Op program that is required for business and engineering students. That requirement means it will typically take 5 years to complete a degree. I have no idea if that is the number they used for "male grad rate."

They used the Federal Graduation Rate- 6 years to a degree. To wit:

"To compare students to athletes, New America used federal graduation rates, which take a cohort of students from 2004-2007, and measured if they graduated within six years. Even if a school graduated basketball players at higher rates than the overall male student population, the difference was counted as a penalty against schools that have low overall male graduation rates."

[Bearcat_Bounce]

They used the Federal Graduation Rate- 6 years to a degree. To wit:

"To compare students to athletes, New America used federal graduation rates, which take a cohort of students from 2004-2007, and measured if they graduated within six years. Even if a school graduated basketball players at higher rates than the overall male student population, the difference was counted as a penalty against schools that have low overall male graduation rates."

Thanks.

[Xville]

What a stupid thing to say. Why give another team, especially one that is laden with NBA type talent, bulletin board material?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12557302/west-virginia-mountaineers-feeling-confident-going-ncaa-tournament-game-kentucky-wildcats

I like the confidence but in this case, you really need to keep it to yourself in my opinion.

[GoMuskies]

What a stupid thing to say. Why give another team, especially one that is laden with NBA type talent, bulletin board material?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12557302/west-virginia-mountaineers-feeling-confident-going-ncaa-tournament-game-kentucky-wildcats

I like the confidence but in this case, you really need to keep it to yourself in my opinion.

I took Kentucky -13.5. This did not hurt in making that call.

[paulxu]

Where the heck is the link to that twitter post that has the pyramid graphic of the teams in the S16?
I need to send that to some less than knowledgeable friends.

Thanks in advance.

NM. Found it in the Tweets thread (imagine that).

[bleedXblue]

What a stupid thing to say. Why give another team, especially one that is laden with NBA type talent, bulletin board material?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12557302/west-virginia-mountaineers-feeling-confident-going-ncaa-tournament-game-kentucky-wildcats

I like the confidence but in this case, you really need to keep it to yourself in my opinion.

Idiots they are. Well they did choose to attend school in Morgantown.....there's nothing but you know what there

[Masterofreality]

Where the heck is the link to that twitter post that has the pyramid graphic of the teams in the S16?
I need to send that to some less than knowledgeable friends.

Thanks in advance.

You mean this one?

1695

[mohr5150]

Of all those teams, we are the only team that has not reached the Final Four in that time span. It is time to change that!!!

[paulxu]

you mean this one?

yes!

[X Factor]

Notre Dame is crushing Wichita St. UNC-UW in a close one.

[Masterofreality]

And Butler came *this close* to beating ND.

Gotta give ND credit. Carved up the Shockers.

[waggy]

ND was impressive.

[X-band '01]

Think this is their first Elite 8 since the days of Bill Laimbeer.

[XUPhilly04]

During the post-game handshake, it looked like Mike Brey was telling Marshall"You'll be back". Hmm l, maybe not if he takes the Alabama job. I really hope he doesn't. If he takes it, he will have to get used to little fan support until mid January.

[Strange Brew]

During the post-game handshake, it looked like Mike Brey was telling Marshall"You'll be back". Hmm l, maybe not if he takes the Alabama job. I really hope he doesn't. If he takes it, he will have to get used to little fan support until mid January.

Wisky getting a lot of help from the stripes IMO.

[Masterofreality]

Wiscy on a run. Started by a Frank Kaminsky 3 pointer.

[Strange Brew]

Wiscy on a run. Started by a Frank Kaminsky 3 pointer.

Wisky run!!!!


Oh, never mind. I thought you meant something else.

[Masterofreality]

Three layers of suites in Staples.

Those are some serious nosebleed seats in that place.

[xu82]

OT would be cruel.

[GoMuskies]

OT would be cruel.

OT would actually be great. Wear these teams out!

[GoMuskies]

6 point spread and lose by seven. I've lost way too many games by one point this tournament.

[chico]

I don't usually cheer for Kentucky, but when I do, they're trouncing BeelzeBob.

[Masterofreality]

Former LaSuck Coach Billy Hahn on the West Virginia bench as an Assistant.

Perfect. He left Lossalle in disgrace.

[Masterofreality]

Over / Under on how long it is before BeelzeBob pulls a Butler Blue and pukes on the court?

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Rest in Peace West Virginia's 2014-15 Men's basketball season.

[Masterofreality]

BeelzeBob and Sippin' Mick. Neither one can coach offense. Chuggins' "Open Post" is so easy to defend it's not even funny. They both rely on thugs to chase down rebounds and get steals, but as far as coaching anything close to an offensive set, it is nowhere to be found.

The purveyors of fugly basketball. Bring the peach baskets back and the jump ball after every score.

[xubrew]

I'm glad I don't fill out brackets in office pools anymore, because if I did, I'd be about in last place right now.

[LadyMuskie]

BeelzeBob and Sippin' Mick. Neither one can coach offense. Chuggins' "Open Post" is so easy to defend it's not even funny. They both rely on thugs to chase down rebounds and get steals, but as far as coaching anything close to an offensive set, it is nowhere to be found.

The purveyors of fugly basketball. Bring the peach baskets back and the jump ball after every score.

Huggins doesn't learn. His players used to run their mouths at UC too before the Shootout and then we'd wipe the floor with them. Now his players do the same stupid crap at WVU, and the same results happen - his team loses in spectacular fashion. The UK players flat out said that Miles's comments pissed them off and made them play hard, but Huggins is all "No. That played no part." :ok: What an idiot.

[X-band '01]

I'd like to think that Huggins is at least taking the high road publicly to defend his players. Behind closed doors, he has to be seething about the events of the past week.

[Masterofreality]

NC State is doing it.....AGAIN!

This time to Louisville. Leading at the half.

[GoMuskies]

UCLA out with a whimper.

[Masterofreality]

UCLA out with a whimper.

Walkover for the Zags. They'll meet their match with Duke.

[smileyy]

Walkover for the Zags. They'll meet their match with Duke.

I'm fine with the Zags reaching the Final Four at the expense of Duke.

[GoMuskies]

Walkover for the Zags. They'll meet their match with Duke.

They're now our Elite Eight equals.

[Masterofreality]

They're now our Elite Eight equals.

We still have more Sweets

[GoMuskies]

We still have more Sweets

I hope like hell they beat us to the Final Four tomorrow.

[Masterofreality]

Duke getting Duke foul calls...

And DJ Carstarsen reding an Elite 8 game? WTF?

[xudash]

Definition of Gonzaga: the next Jesuit school to be "Duked" out of a Final Four.

[Masterofreality]

Amazingly enough, Northern Arizona's season lasts longer than Xavier's.

They beat Kent State in the CIT last night in overtime.

Not only that, YOUR Loyola Ramblers have made the Final "Best of three" series in the CBI. They play Louisiana Monroe. That being said, what a racket that CBI is. My daughter, who is on Loyola's alumni board, told me that it cost each team $50,000 to play in the first round, then $75,000 for each succeeding game until they reach the finals. Then, charitably, they get to play for "free". This, even though they play in their own arenas. So, Loyola's "run" has cost them $200,000 less whatever they've made on ticket sales.

Would like to see Loyola on our schedule next year. They have a young quality team with developing players like Milton Doyle and Devon Turk.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Amazingly enough, Northern Arizona's season lasts longer than Xavier's.

They beat Kent State in the CIT last night in overtime.

Not only that, YOUR Loyola Ramblers have made the Final "Best of three" series in the CBI. They play Louisiana Monroe. That being said, what a racket that CBI is. My daughter, who is on Loyola's alumni board, told me that it cost each team $50,000 to play in the first round, then $75,000 for each succeeding game until they reach the finals. Then, charitably, they get to play for "free". This, even though they play in their own arenas. So, Loyola's "run" has cost them $200,000 less whatever they've made on ticket sales.

Would like to see Loyola on our schedule next year. They have a young quality team with developing players like Milton Doyle and Devon Turk.

My last year at SLU they played VCU in the CBI in the finals best of three. I thought I remembered hearing that info. Seems dumb considering they are playing at their home arenas.

[X-band '01]

With only 1 Power 5 school (Colorado) playing in the CBI and the CIT only being open to non-Power 5 schools, either those two tournaments are gonna merge or the CBI is going to cease to exist.

Not to take anything away from Loyola or UL-Monroe, but the CBI is more notable for who turns them down these days.

As for the CIT, I'd love to see the nation's only remaining independent (NJIT) take that title.

[GoMuskies]

If you hate Dayton (and I think most of us at least qualify as strongly disliking them), you'll enjoy the fact that their women's team has made the Elite Eight. Why? Because it means they have to play UConn. While you have to give them credit for advancing so far, it will still be fun to see a score that involves Dayton losing by 60.

[smileyy]

Yeah...I'm not sure what a school gets out of playing in the CIT?

[X-band '01]

Yeah...I'm not sure what a school gets out of playing in the CIT?

A chance to keep on playing, for example. UT-Martin, Evansville, Northern Arizona, NJIT and Canisius rarely sniff the NCAAs or NIT (if at all).

[paulxu]

I'm sorta bummed that we're not playing today.

[X-Fan]

I'm sorta bummed that we're not playing today.
Ditto.

Hot start for Wisky. Up 10-2 early over Zona.

Gotta say I don't mind either team winning this game. However the vindictive part of me says Go Badgers!

[Masterofreality]

Boy, Arizona doe NOT miss free throws. 19 in a row now.

By the way. I thought the Xavier Arizona game was excellently officiated.

Officials: Ron Groover, Keith Kimble, Roger Ayers. Roger Ayers is one of the best, and he does ACC and Big East games.

[X-Fan]

Zona battles back to tie it at 14 with 8 left in the 1st half.

[Masterofreality]

Now Arizona has made 25 free throws in a row.

[xsteve1]

Arizona is extremely tough. Typically don't see that out of Pac 12 schools. They really embody their coach.

[X-Fan]

Zona feeling it on offense. Getting anything they want working it down low. End half on 8-2 run to lead by 3 at the half.

[Xavgrad08]

Arizona has a three point lead at the half. Both these teams are very well coached.

[Masterofreality]

Arizona has a three point lead at the half. Both these teams are very well coached.

Arizona led by three at the half last year. And Wiscy won

[Xavgrad08]

Frank Kaminsky is really good and has been killing Arizona. Just like last year.

[waggy]

Wisconsin en fuego from 3.

[Masterofreality]

Amazing how you NEVER hear of all these recruiting sites saying that their "TOP 100" recruits are going to Wisconsin. :nah:

[waggy]

Stanley Johnson has turned it over twice on fastbreak to's.. Inexperienced.

[Masterofreality]

Arizona has made 40 of their last 42 free throws in the last two games.

#​Free throw shooting club

[waggy]

S. Johnson probably the weak link for AZ in this game.

[Masterofreality]

S. Johnson probably the weak link for AZ in this game.

I'm sure that CMack thought the same thing, but no.

[xsteve1]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a better free throw shooting team than Arizona.

[Masterofreality]

Would love to see Makinde London become our Sam Dekker.

[Masterofreality]

Boy that was baaaaaaaaaaad strategy Raccoon. Gotta foul there!

[Masterofreality]

So, we're worried about our PG, what about Arizona?

[waggy]

Great game.

Dekker was ridiculous.

[X Factor]

Sean is going to go crazy. It's gotta hurt.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wisconsin is really really good. I think they have a legit shot against UK.

[Masterofreality]

Wisconsin is really really good. I think they have a legit shot against UK.

I had them winning it all.

[XUFan09]

So, we're worried about our PG, what about Arizona?
I think their back up might be like Austin: too far behind the starter to earn solid minutes but he could be good.

[paulxu]

538 gave Wisky a 40% chance to win that game.

[GoMuskies]

Sean Miller has the same number of Final Fours as Xavier.

[Masterofreality]

Sean Miller has the same number of Final Fours as Xavier.

Word.

[LadyMuskie]

I thought winning a national championship at Arizona was going to be SOOOOOOOOOOO easy. I'm so confused as to why it hasn't happened yet. What's Sean waiting for?

[Masterofreality]

I thought winning a national championship at Arizona was going to be SOOOOOOOOOOO easy. I'm so confused as to why it hasn't happened yet. What's Sean waiting for?

He's gotta autograph and auction that TBS Sports Banner first.

[Masterofreality]

About 95% of the Q is occupied by people from Kentucky.

I heard there were about 20,000 UK fans that did not have tix trolling downtown looking to buy anything that Wichita and WVA people wanted to sell.

The UK Boosters also booked up the entire Westin Hotel downtown....in December.

[waggy]

The refs are kissing UK's ass.

[X Factor]

Arizona hasn't been to the Final Four since 2001.

[GoMuskies]

Great game in Cleveland for a half. Could be a classic developing.

[Masterofreality]

Anatomy of an Upset

[gladdenguy]

Love Sean Miller losing tonight. Thanks Wisconsin.

[Xavgrad08]

Notre Dame has impressed me. I did not think they would be able to match up with Kentucky's bigs. Notre Dame is playing pretty fundamentally sound. If this game is close down the stretch there will be a lot of pressure on Kentucky. Also, Cal comes across like an arrogant a## in every halftime interview.

[DC Muskie]

Gonzaga All Time tourney: 22 wins, 5 S16's, 2 E8's.
Xavier All Time tourney: 23 wins, 7 S16's, 2 E8's.

Almost there America's team!

[waggy]

They killed us head to head though.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga All Time tourney: 22 wins, 5 S16's, 2 E8's.
Xavier All Time tourney: 23 wins, 7 S16's, 2 E8's.

Almost there America's team!

Which tells me Gonzaga has a pretty amazing program. Almost as amazing as ours!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Notre Dame has impressed me. I did not think they would be able to match up with Kentucky's bigs. Notre Dame is playing pretty fundamentally sound. If this game is close down the stretch there will be a lot of pressure on Kentucky. Also, Cal comes across like an arrogant a## in every halftime interview.

Yes. This.

And he loves talking to the camera. He is the opposite of Popovich.

[Masterofreality]

Notre Dame has to play a perfect Villanova-esque half to win this game.

[waggy]

OMG please beat these douchebags! Please.

[GoMuskies]

Notre Dame has to play a perfect Villanova-esque half to win this game.

So far, so Villanova - ish. But Georgetown '85> Kentucky '15

[Masterofreality]

So far, so Villanova - ish. But Georgetown '85> Kentucky '15

Notre Dame is carving Kentucky up. Gotta respect the way they're playing.

[Masterofreality]

This game is eerily similar to the Xavier Arizona game.

Does ND have enough gas left in the tank?

[Masterofreality]

Shit's getting REAL Now!

[MADXSTER]

6 min to go and Cal needs a timeout. :)

[GoMuskies]

This shit could actually happen!

[D-West & PO-Z]

C'mon Irish!!!!!

[coasterville95]

And 1!

[GoMuskies]

Feeling better for my Wichita State fan friends. They clearly lost to a team on a mission.

[Xavgrad08]

I am trying to keep my expectations low, but Notre Dame is executing really well on offense. Come on Irish.

[Masterofreality]

Feeling better for my Wichita State fan friends. They clearly lost to a team on a mission.

Does that same feeling apply to Butler fans?

[Masterofreality]

LOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTAAAAAA nervous faces behind the KY bench in the Q!!!

[GoMuskies]

Does that same feeling apply to Butler fans?

I have standards. I don't associate with Butler fans.

[XUFan09]

One of these announcers is treating Notre Dame as almost "just happy to be there." He said that Kentucky is fighting for a championship. And Notre Dame isn't?

[GoMuskies]

LOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTAAAAAA nervous faces behind the KY bench in the Q!!!

Those nervous faces are appearing on the ND side now, too.

[coasterville95]

Last media time out - Irish up 1.

Let's hope they can hold it together.

Meanwhile - Coach Cal sneaking the NBA all stars into the arena disguised as UK walk ons.

[Masterofreality]

What ND does well is ball fake the shot then go hard to the hoop.

That is exactly what Trevon Bluiett needs to learn. Just can't stand out there and Jack 3's. Gotta set them up then get to the tin!....

....and the foul line.

[MADXSTER]

UK's baskets are coming easier than ND's. Can ND keep them falling.

[waggy]

ND has missed 2 free throws here late. Those are big points.

[D-West & PO-Z]

ND has missed 2 free throws here late. Those are big points.

3 now

[Masterofreality]

Was THAT really a play call? Cal?

Jack around then Jack a 30 foot three?

[coasterville95]

Yup, looking earlily similar to our game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes!

[Masterofreality]

The ANSWER!!!

[Xavgrad08]

Come on Irish.

[Masterofreality]

This is one FUCK of a Basketball Game.

[coasterville95]

are you in the arena, MOR?

[Masterofreality]

are you in the arena, MOR?

Nah. Couldn't deal with Big Blue nation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Towns is ridiculous. Hope to see him playing for the Knicks next year.

[coasterville95]

1 minute game

[Xavgrad08]

Two horrible offensive possessions for ND.

[Masterofreality]

ND could have gone 2-1 there and did not.

Now they're f-ed.

[coasterville95]

security at the scorer's table, are they worried about something

[D-West & PO-Z]

Have to double Towns here.

[Masterofreality]

Had to try a lob to the hoop there.

[coasterville95]

so do you hoe for lock down defense and force OT, or do you foul and hope for a quick score?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Good call.

[coasterville95]

That could suck, but they get 6 seconds to score.

[D-West & PO-Z]

3 pointer to win?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ugh

[coasterville95]

Well, very nice try.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Calipari is such a douche.

[GoMuskies]

Hope Bucky gets them in Indy.

[MADXSTER]

ND could have jumped into the blocker in their last two three point attempts. UK was trying to block everything. That last one had two blockers in the air.

[MADXSTER]

Today's games should show everyone just how hard it is to get to a FF.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Great games today. Some random thoughts:

Take a look at Arizona's team stats. A team with their talent wins 19/20 games with those stats. Arizona played extremely well but just got out performed by Wisky. Zona goes 56% FG, 28-30 from FT and out rebounds the other team...and loses by 7? 10-12 from 3 in the second half is the obvious answer...but 10-12 from 3 in the second half??? Wow. Wisky was just out of their minds in the second half. Kudos to them.

UK game was also great. Didn't understand the timing of Brey's last time out. Would have held onto it and called it after the second made free throw. I would like to think Brey could have drawn up something better than a triple pump fade away 3 pointer from the corner while being triple covered...and only down two.

I think Wisky would have beat UK today by a larger margin than they beat Zona...but that means absolutely nothing for the game played a week from now.

[paulxu]

Needed to do an Ainge at the end for the tie.
Those last 3's by each team were Crawfordesque.

[LadyMuskie]

Today's games should show everyone just how hard it is to get to a FF.

Unless, of course, you're Arizona where it is so much easier to get a National Championship than most places. I think they play BYU next weekend in an awesome matchup of Easy v. Fun.

[paulxu]

Go and Nigel...why is #7 MSU favored by 2.5 over #4 Louisville?

[Masterofreality]

Death of the Packline?

We all know the issues that Xavier had guarding the 3 pointer this year. Well, the Raccoon sticks with the same, hedging, pack line defense. So what did it get him?

A Wisconsin team that shot 66% (12-18) from 3 point range. While you may say that it was just Wisconsin making shots, the fact is that Arizona was 137th in 3 point field goal percentage defense in Division 1. Xavier got better during the year but still finished up 195th.

The one thing we can say about SucKS, is that they can play defense and they were 62nd in 3 point defense with no pack line. They were also 15th in total defense.

Time to chuck the pack line and dump it in the garbage, Chris and Raccoon?

[paulxu]

I have no idea. It held us to 3/17. Damn, I don't even want to think about it. We just needed to hit a couple of those.

[Masterofreality]

I have no idea. It held us to 3/17. Damn, I don't even want to think about it. We just needed to hit a couple of those.

We had open looks...plenty of them. We just didn't make them.

[paulxu]

We had open looks...plenty of them. We just didn't make them.

Shows you how much bourbon I had. Except for a couple air balls in the first half, and Myles in rhythm shot at the end, they mostly seem very contested to me. Going to have to review the tape.

[Masterofreality]

Shows you how much bourbon I had. Except for a couple air balls in the first half, and Myles in rhythm shot at the end, they mostly seem very contested to me. Going to have to review the tape.

Trevon had 4 all that he left short. JP threw one over the rim. All open.

[X-Fan]

We had open looks...plenty of them. We just didn't make them.


Shows you how much bourbon I had. Except for a couple air balls in the first half, and Myles in rhythm shot at the end, they mostly seem very contested to me. Going to have to review the tape.
X had some open shots but Zona was selective about who they left open. Myles & JP could smell the flavor of gum being chewed by the guy guarding them.

To Wisky's credit they have SO many ways they can hurt you with multiple shooters. Coaches make choices in their game plans. Notice that Zona got basically whatever they wanted inside against Wisky? X chose to take that away. Each game is different.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Go and Nigel...why is #7 MSU favored by 2.5 over #4 Louisville?

Louisville lost a couple of starters and was on the slide heading into the tourney....but most importantly....Tom Izzo.

[waggy]

MSU vs UL should be a great game. Tough game to call. They both seemed to have a refuse to die mentality.

[paulxu]

Louisville lost a couple of starters and was on the slide heading into the tourney....but most importantly....Tom Izzo.

Well, OK then. Txs.

[joe titan]

Anybody overlook Brey's abuse of TO last night. He used his last TO before KY started their last possession. Had no TO to call to ice Harrison or anyone else who might have shot FTs and even worse no TO to set-up ND last offensive play in case they got ball back (which happened w/6 sec)

Had certain other coach with whom this board is more prone to spew their venom engaged in similar course of conduct, this board would have exploded into record territory for posts.

It seems Brey adopted a game plan to allow--even encourage-- KY to feed the post as Brey figured ND could match KY scoring 2 pts for 2 points but did not want KY to rain threes at any time. Sounds fine until CAT dominates the game. After seeing CAT score at will, don't you have to "adjust" a little and force the ball to be passed from the post ? Again if certain other coach did not "adjust" the chant of "Crucify him" would not have anything to do w/Good Friday.

[GoMuskies]

The bidding wars between Louisville and Kentucky fans in Indy this weekend could be the stuff of legend if Louisville holds on.

[xsteve1]

It's a shame Nova peed down their legs. They are much better than these 2 teams.

[Xville]

It's a shame Nova peed down their legs. They are much better than these 2 teams.

No they aren't...and not quite sure why you think that. Villanova has a glaring roster deficiency...a front court which is and has been their problem for quite sometime now. We were fooled into thinking nova was good because they were a nightmare matchup for xavier, and because we thought the big east was better than it really was.

[XUFan09]

No they aren't...and not quite sure why you think that. Villanova has a glaring roster deficiency...a front court which is and has been their problem for quite sometime now. We were fooled into thinking nova was good because they were a nightmare matchup for xavier, and because we thought the big east was better than it really was.

It seems like the narrative on this board has been that Villanova is a bunch of guards and is soft inside, which is just false. Daniel Ochefu is a good traditional center and one of the better rebounders in the nation, while JayVaughn Pinkston is a big, strong dude who does most of his work in the paint and at the free throw line. Pinkston is fairly efficient, while Ochefu is highly efficient. Also, it's not like these guys only play limited roles on the court; they have the 2nd and 4th highest usage rates on the team. Villanova is much better than both these teams. They just had a game where they were missing too many threes and they were missing a lot of layups, while NC State had a good game.

[Masterofreality]

It seems like the narrative on this board has been that Villanova is a bunch of guards and is soft inside, which is just false. Daniel Ochefu is a good traditional center and one of the better rebounders in the nation, while JayVaughn Pinkston is a big, strong dude who does most of his work in the paint and at the free throw line. Pinkston is fairly efficient, while Ochefu is highly efficient. Also, it's not like these guys only play limited roles on the court; they have the 2nd and 4th highest usage rates on the team. Villanova is much better than both these teams. They just had a game where they were missing too many threes and they were missing a lot of layups, while NC State had a good game.

Agree with this. Villanova was damn good, but ran into a red-hot team, while they had a bad shooting game.- other than Hilliard at the end.

[Masterofreality]

Update:

Tom Izzo is a fucking Wizard in March.

[LadyMuskie]

Update:

Tom Izzo is a fucking Wizard in March.

Fact.

That or he makes a Faustian bargain every March.

[Masterofreality]

Fact.

That or he makes a Faustian bargain every March.

I don't think so....not like Beaknose.

By the way, 2 Big East refs in this game- Pat Driscoll and Doug Shows

[Masterofreality]

None of these Elite 8 games have disappointed.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville didn't belong in the Final Four this year anyway. Then again, neither does Michigan State.

[Masterofreality]

Michigan State's defense on that last possession was freaking textbook and smothering with no hedging. They switched on the ball screens.

I pray for the day when Xavier can defend like that.

[Masterofreality]

Louisville didn't belong in the Final Four this year anyway. Then again, neither does Michigan State.

Gonzaga. Your thoughts?

[xsteve1]

Pulling for the Zags coming up.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga. Your thoughts?

Gonzaga is the better team, but K vs Few in March? Not loving that match up.

[xavierj]

No they aren't...and not quite sure why you think that. Villanova has a glaring roster deficiency...a front court which is and has been their problem for quite sometime now. We were fooled into thinking nova was good because they were a nightmare matchup for xavier, and because we thought the big east was better than it really was.

The big east was as good as advertised but it just didn't work out in March. They beat teams in the non conference that were relevant. Nova could have beat both Michigan state and Louisville. Not saying they would but I could see it just as easy. Don't buy in to the media BS. If you believe nova wAs no good based off one game than you are clueless. Other than March results what that you observed for four months tells you the Big East was overrated?

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga All Time tourney: 22 wins, 5 S16's, 2 E8's.
Xavier All Time tourney: 23 wins, 7 S16's, 2 E8's.

Almost there America's team!

They have also tied us in Final 5s. My shirt should be here soon.

[Masterofreality]

They have also tied us in Final 5s. My shirt should be here soon.

The Tyrannical Oppressor of On Line Credit has his steely grip on my gonads.

Therefore, public reps.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No they aren't...and not quite sure why you think that. Villanova has a glaring roster deficiency...a front court which is and has been their problem for quite sometime now. We were fooled into thinking nova was good because they were a nightmare matchup for xavier, and because we thought the big east was better than it really was.


It seems like the narrative on this board has been that Villanova is a bunch of guards and is soft inside, which is just false. Daniel Ochefu is a good traditional center and one of the better rebounders in the nation, while JayVaughn Pinkston is a big, strong dude who does most of his work in the paint and at the free throw line. Pinkston is fairly efficient, while Ochefu is highly efficient. Also, it's not like these guys only play limited roles on the court; they have the 2nd and 4th highest usage rates on the team. Villanova is much better than both these teams. They just had a game where they were missing too many threes and they were missing a lot of layups, while NC State had a good game.


The big east was as good as advertised but it just didn't work out in March. They beat teams in the non conference that were relevant. Nova could have beat both Michigan state and Louisville. Not saying they would but I could see it just as easy. Don't buy in to the media BS. If you believe nova wAs no good based off one game than you are clueless. Other than March results what that you observed for four months tells you the Big East was overrated?

Yeah got to go with 09 and xavierj here. I dont know where this made up narrative came that Nova didnt have any post players this year. Also Nova was definitely better than Louisville and MSU but just got beat in a bad game. I dont think the Big East was overrated at all, especially considering the media in general didnt rate it that high. What a conference does in the tournament doesnt negate all it did in the season and especially in the non conference season.

[XUFan09]

Yeah got to go with 09 and xavierj here. I dont know where this made up narrative came that Nova didnt have any post players this year. Also Nova was definitely better than Louisville and MSU but just got beat in a bad game. I dont think the Big East was overrated at all, especially considering the media in general didnt rate it that high. What a conference does in the tournament doesnt negate all it did in the season and especially in the non conference season.
Seriously, I don't get how that narrative got legs. Ochefu and Pinkston were both all-BE honorary mentions. Villanova shoots a lot of threes, but that doesn't mean their post play isn't good.

[paulxu]

If Manchoke could hit both FT's my bracket would have improved.

[Xville]

Yeah got to go with 09 and xavierj here. I dont know where this made up narrative came that Nova didnt have any post players this year. Also Nova was definitely better than Louisville and MSU but just got beat in a bad game. I dont think the Big East was overrated at all, especially considering the media in general didnt rate it that high. What a conference does in the tournament doesnt negate all it did in the season and especially in the non conference season.

So then you all must have thought the big 12 was the best conference this year as well...I mean the numbers said so. I never said the big east was overrated..I just said they weren't as good as what we thought or at least what I thought. What a conference does in march does matter in terms of the strength of the conference I don't know how anyone can disregard that. How can anyone can just say nova was definitely better than both Msu and louisville is pretty silly when one is going to indy and the other was right there while nova was sitting at home not even getting out of the first weekend for the second year in a row.

[XUFan09]

So then you all must have thought the big 12 was the best conference this year as well...I mean the numbers said so. I never said the big east was overrated..I just said they weren't as good as what we thought or at least what I thought. What a conference does in march does matter in terms of the strength of the conference I don't know how anyone can disregard that. How can anyone can just say nova was definitely better than both Msu and louisville is pretty silly when one is going to indy and the other was right there while nova was sitting at home not even getting out of the first weekend for the second year in a row.
I don't disregard single-elimination tournaments, but I also don't put a heavy weight on them. It's like how I didn't think the New York Giants were better than the New England Patriots in 2012. They were just better when it mattered most.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So then you all must have thought the big 12 was the best conference this year as well...I mean the numbers said so. I never said the big east was overrated..I just said they weren't as good as what we thought or at least what I thought. What a conference does in march does matter in terms of the strength of the conference I don't know how anyone can disregard that. How can anyone can just say nova was definitely better than both Msu and louisville is pretty silly when one is going to indy and the other was right there while nova was sitting at home not even getting out of the first weekend for the second year in a row.

I do think the Big 12 was the best conference this year.

Also I am not sure what you think overrrated means but this is the definition:

"have a higher opinion of (someone or something) than is deserved."

How can you say that you arent saying the BE was overrated but then say it just wasnt as good as you thought?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Also more than the point on the BE being overrated or not is that I more took issue with your assertion that Nova didnt have a frontcourt.

[Masterofreality]

"Adam Morrison- Retired American Basketball player".

At least he got rid of that ridiculous mustache.

So productive in his post NBA failure basketball life though.

"In July 2013, Gonzaga basketball coach Mark Few announced that Morrison would become a student assistant with the basketball team. Morrison had returned to Gonzaga to take classes. After completing his undergraduate degree at Gonzaga in 2014, majoring in sports management, Morrison became an assistant video coordinator for the Zags for the 2014-15 season."

[Xville]

Also more than the point on the BE being overrated or not is that I more took issue with your assertion that Nova didnt have a frontcourt.

If they had one, they wouldn't have been in the mid 100s in rebounding and if they had one, they wouldn't have shot 28 3s in a game where their shots weren't falling, but maybe that was just bad coaching.

[GoMuskies]

New game.

[GoMuskies]

That Wiltjer missed wide open layup is a killer for the Zags.

[GoMuskies]

Duke's pretty good and hit some tough shots, but this was a big time Zaga choke job. Particularly Wiltjer.

[XUFan09]

If they had one, they wouldn't have been in the mid 100s in rebounding and if they had one, they wouldn't have shot 28 3s in a game where their shots weren't falling, but maybe that was just bad coaching.
Not all good frontcourts are necessarily good rebounding frontcourts, just as not all good rebounding frontcourts are good frontcourts overall. For example, Farr will likely take a lot of Stainbrook's minutes, which means a big boost in rebounding (from good to great), but no one will try to claim that such a change is a net positive for the frontcourt.

Villanova shot a lot of threes because they have a lot of good shooters. A bunch of players with a quick trigger who make a high percentage on average will seriously spread the floor, benefitting the overall offense. Also, shooting averages tend to regress to the mean over the course of a game, especially with more attempts. That regression just didn't happen versus NC State.