College Basketball Season 2020-2021

[Xville]

We didn't quite catch the first four out. We suck.

Probably didn’t catch the next four either....hope that UConn and gtown make some runs and the fighting kelseys. All the 12/5 matchups look juicy as hell for degenerate gamblers like myself

[GoMuskies]

Apparently basically UC's entire roster is in the transfer portal. That's a shame.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah.
Looks like The Blahcats will be using that vaunted theory of only playing 7 guys next year.
That’s bold strategy Cotton. Let’s see how it works out for them!!
From beat writer Keith Williams:
“ Sources tell @ENQSports Cincinnati's Tari Eason is joining teammates Mamoudou Diarra, Mike Saunders Jr., Zach Harvey and Gabe Madsen in the transfer portal.”

[paulxu]

What do you suppose really happened over there?
It's like a walkout. I don't remember hearing any problems when he was at NKU.

[xavierj]

What do you suppose really happened over there?
It's like a walkout. I don't remember hearing any problems when he was at NKU.

He had a lot of transfers at NKU. Faulkner who was a starter and went to Western Carolina and Carson Williams another starter left NKU for Western KY the year before Brannen got the UC job. And he had several other transfers in His short time at NKu. Jalen Tate when he transferred told Brannen no way and went on to Arkansas. Jarron Cumberland has been vocal all year with his hatred of Brannen. The guy seems to have some issues. Also I do not think it is any coincidence that they had 5 guys opt out at different points of the season and said mental exhaustion due to Covid. That was not really a norm in college basketball this year and they had 5 guys. Also Djulius who came back for the AAC tourney clearly didn’t look happy. Something isn’t right with John Brannen it appears.

[XU 23]

Will Brannen survive the offseason at UC?

[muskiefan82]

I will say it. I thought Tari Eason was a decent player and at 6' 8" if he wanted to come down the street, I wouldn't be that upset.

[noteggs]

Well at least they can look forward to this highly touted recruiting class next year.

https://247sports.com/college/cincinnati/Season/2021-Basketball/Commits/

[GoMuskies]

Another UC transfer....

[murray87]

Which is the larger number at this point, UC transfers or Andrew Cuomo accusers?

[Xville]

Even with Xavier not in it, I’m really looking forward to watching the tournament this year. I probably wouldn’t feel that way in a normal year, but not having the tourney last year sucked, and I’m actually a bit surprised they were able to pull this off.

[Xavier]

Who you got in your final four? I am struggling a bit with a few teams

[bjf123]

Which is the larger number at this point, UC transfers or Andrew Cuomo accusers?

Great question! I think it might be Cuomo by 1 at the moment.


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[Xville]

Who you got in your final four? I am struggling a bit with a few teams

Zags
Baylor
Texas
Ok state

Concerned about Texas and ok state but needed someone else other than chalk :)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Zags
Baylor
Texas
Ok state

Concerned about Texas and ok state but needed someone else other than chalk :)

This is what I have but Illinois instead of Ok St. I wish OK St was in michigan's bracket bc I would pick them there for sure. I am worried about Illinois losing to OK State though.

[GoMuskies]

Same, except I think I alternated between FSU and UConn instead of Texas.

[boozehound]

Another UC transfer....

There can't be any way Brannen survives this, can there? 6 guys in the portal and no signed recruits? This seems like 'fire the coach NOW' territory.

[Xavier]

Zags
Baylor
Texas
Ok state

Concerned about Texas and ok state but needed someone else other than chalk :)

I went Zags, Baylor, Ok State FSU. I hate the east, can see a lot of teams breaking through.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There can't be any way Brannen survives this, can there? 6 guys in the portal and no signed recruits? This seems like 'fire the coach NOW' territory.

I'm not sure they can afford his buyout along with paying another head coach. If they fired Brannen today they'd owe him $5.25 million.

[xavierj]

I'm not sure they can afford his buyout along with paying another head coach. If they fired Brannen today they'd owe him $5.25 million.

Not sure if it is right or not but heard it drops to $2 mil at the end of March.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not sure if it is right or not but heard it drops to $2 mil at the end of March.

I just read an article about it on The Athletic which did not say that. But obviously I dont know for sure.

They said his buyout requires 75% compensation on everything that he would have been paid in his contract. Including retention bonuses that would have happened. That seems odd you'd get anything from the retention bonus.

[GIMMFD]

Not really much of offense firepower in these first couple games so far lol.

[GoMuskies]

I didn't watch a second of Wichita State basketball this year. I now see that I saved a lot of time. Wow, do they suck.

[GoMuskies]

I hate to see UCLA win, but I enjoy seeing Michigan State lose, so it evens out. I got a tiny little bet in on UCLA +6 midway through the second half, so that was a bit of fun.

[Xville]

Anyone watching the fla-tech game? They couldn’t have done something about the ridiculous glare on the court that is coming from the windows of the dump that is hinkle? Good gawd

[paulxu]

It's depressing to have March Madness without a Muskie team in the bracket.

Bah Humbug.

[Xville]

It's depressing to have March Madness without a Muskie team in the bracket.

Bah Humbug.

Meh I’m getting used to it at this point.

[GIMMFD]

Virginia Tech has some beautiful ball movement in their half-court sets, really like the work Mike Young has done at Wofford and what he's doing at VT.

[GoMuskies]

Virginia Tech has some beautiful ball movement in their half-court sets, really like the work Mike Young has done at Wofford and what he's doing at VT.

Maybe, but they're really shitty at the FT line. Cost them their entire lead.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Meh I’m getting used to it at this point.

Same. I hate that we arent in it but love the tourney either way. Of course its more exciting with some action on it, which I have plenty of.

[D-West & PO-Z]

God I want Colgate so bad. I have them in bracket but also involved in a couple bets.

[GIMMFD]

Maybe, but they're really shitty at the FT line. Cost them their entire lead.

Haha I also agree with this assessment, I also really like that Cattoor kid on VT that's been knocking down the threes, got a little bit of attitude to him.

[Xville]

God I want Colgate so bad. I have them in bracket but also involved in a couple bets.

Same....what i have already noticed in these first few games is all of the movement, passing, and different offensive sets. It is quite eye-opening vs what I have seen the past couple of years at Xavier even with Mack at the helm. Some local radio was discussing today just how easy it is to defend Mack's system...think it's the same with Steele.

[noteggs]

I know it seems like I’m kicking UC while they are down because I am, but talking about newspaper articles that didn’t age well. After Sunday’s lost to Houston, the Enquirer had an article titled, “ Analysis: Be patient. UC Bearcats’ future is bright.” Hmm...

[GoMuskies]

“ Analysis: Be patient. UC Bearcats’ future is bright.” Hmm...

Did you read the article? From the headline, it sounds like it was about the football program.

[Xville]

Colgate’s coach is making money each minute this game goes on lol

[Xville]

Great in game adjustment from musselman to ramp up the pressure d. Athleticism starting to show

[GoMuskies]

Great in game adjustment from musselman to ramp up the pressure d. Athleticism starting to show

VPI seems to have adjusted to it.

[GoMuskies]

Colgate’s coach is making money each minute this game goes on lol

You think he'd like to be Steele's top assistant?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yikes. What a bad end of the half for Colgate. Yikes.

[Xville]

Colgate absolutely shell shocked and in lots of foul trouble.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Colgate absolutely shell shocked and in lots of foul trouble.

Yeah I ws hoping they'd got to the half with at least a 7 point lead. Man, not looking great.

[GoMuskies]

VaTech has really choked this one away.

Not that I REALLY care that much, but I think I have Arkansas going pretty far in most brackets. Really like Musselman.

[GoMuskies]

I'm not mad about Ohio State trailing Oral Roberts at the half.

[GIMMFD]

Took Arkansas ML live when they were down 10 with the 25% profit boost on DraftKings to get it up to around +145, glad that paid off because I'm getting destroyed on player props, though a couple parlays are still in tact.

[Xville]

Did I ever mention how big of an oral roberts fan I was? Hmm.

[GoMuskies]

That was amazing!

[Xville]

Hahahahaha f you oooooooooooo oh no

[murray87]

Oral Roberts played some beautiful basketball today.

[muskiefan82]

Ohio State made the one mistake you can't make. Thinking that name on your jersey means jack in the tourney

[Xville]

Thank you pastner for being a garbage coach....cha ching

[paulxu]

ORU has made a disaster of my bracket.

Edit: according to my bracket standing on ESPN, millions of people picked ORU. Impressive.

[bobbiemcgee]

Oral blew mine.

[Xville]

If ok st loses, I’ll just light all my brackets on fire

[Xville]

Maybe as I thought, the big 10 was overrated...I thought the big 12 was the best conference by far all year.

[muskiefan82]

I am enjoying the big10 showing so far.

[Xville]

Let’s go fighting kelseys!!

[GoMuskies]

Kelseys seem overmatched so far. Hopefully they settle in before it's too late.

[Xville]

Kelseys seem overmatched so far. Hopefully they settle in before it's too late.

Nova looks like they are playing Xavier right now.

[Xville]

Can Kelsey and burns be a package deal?

[GoMuskies]

Winthrop would murder us.

[Xville]

Ok I’m sold, I want Kelsey...his team is playing tough, gritty and has some players that have obviously been developed since they are at Winthrop. Kelsey seems like a tough version of Steele..no bs with some rough edges while Steele is the country club kid you kind of want to punch in the face

[xudash]

Winthrop would murder us.

Nova is 2/10 from 3.

I wonder if poor shooting makes Jay Wright a bad coach.

[GoMuskies]

Nova is 2/10 from 3.

I wonder if poor shooting makes Jay Wright a bad coach.

If his team consistently shot so bad that he never made the NCAA Tournament? Yes.

[GoMuskies]

Pretty disappointing second half performance by Winthrop. They need a run right now or they're done.

Morehead hanging in there is fun.

[xavierj]

Pretty disappointing second half performance by Winthrop. They need a run right now or they're done.

Morehead hanging in there is fun.

Yeah Nova pulling away. This is one of the worst Nova teams in awhile though. They are very average.

[Xville]

Ewing already making an adjustment by pressing to speed Colorado up. The guy knows basketball and is not afraid to make changes that’s for damn sure.

Colorado not missing though.

[Xville]

If that wasn’t a flagrant two then what is? Do you basically have to punch the guy to get that call?

[BandAid]

Very dangerous foul. Non-basketball play.

Georgetown is throwing up brick after brick as well

[Xville]

Where did the tough gtown defense that they played in the be tourney go?

[Lloyd Braun]

Colorado has played well all year. Top 30 offense and defense.

[Xavier]

Not surprised at all by Ewing getting blown out. Said before- the fan base was starting to wonder how to get rid of a legend, he then went on a miracle run in big east tournament. Should keep him along longer which is good for X

[Xville]

Colorado has played well all year. Top 30 offense and defense.

Maybe I should start watching some pac basketball thru the year.

[Lloyd Braun]

Maybe I should start watching some pac basketball thru the year.

Collaboration post with Degenerate Gambling Thread: Late night gambling has forced me to watch a lot. Colorado at home was slam dunk to win or cover most of the season. Oregon State surge was not shocking. Oregon equally impressive and I expect them to win handedly tonight.

[GIMMFD]

Collaboration post with Degenerate Gambling Thread: Late night gambling has forced me to watch a lot. Colorado at home was slam dunk to win or cover most of the season. Oregon State surge was not shocking. Oregon equally impressive and I expect them to win handedly tonight.

I agree, the Pac 12 has some decent basketball, and though I hate Cronin I agree with what he says about McKinley Wright being the best guard nobody has heard of, dude does everything on the court and gets buckets. I went with Georgetown ML just for shits and giggles, but I'm not surprised at all by this.

[SM#24]

Great, we were one of the two worst teams in a tournament won by a team losing by almost 30 to a Pac12 team.

[paulxu]

OSU fans are a little nutso:

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ohio-states-e-j-liddell-threatening-messages-ncaa-tournament-elimination

[bjf123]

OSU fans are a little nutso:

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ohio-states-e-j-liddell-threatening-messages-ncaa-tournament-elimination

Social media gives too many people super beer muscles. I’m guessing 99% of those posters would choke if they had to read their tweets in person to the subject of their attacks. If Twitter wants to be consistent, they should suspend the accounts of those calling for physical attacks against, or wishing for the death of, Liddell. There’s no excuse for any of that.


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[paulxu]

Since we beat Creighton handily, I have no idea why I picked them to win today.
If this continues, they won't.

[Lloyd Braun]

Where do all these teams find long athletic bigs?

[xavierj]

Where do all these teams find long athletic bigs?

Get them green and develop them. If you recruit you should look for guys that are athletic and long regardless of how great they are when they are young and develop them. Xavier needs to recruit better athletes.

[profson]

Great, we were one of the two worst teams in a tournament won by a team losing by almost 30 to a Pac12 team.

I take your transitive property and raise my transitive property: X smoked Oklahoma, Oklahoma beat Alabama by 7, thus X is much better than #2 Alabama. Also much better than Ohio State since Okie spanked Oral Roberta which spanked Ohio State. I guess X was really good this year.

BTW is not just a “PAC 12” school. It is a #5 seed. Just like x with Okie it caught fire with 11 3s in the first half alone and good shooting Georgetown went 1-10 (just like good shooting Okie had a bad day with us).

[Lloyd Braun]

Get them green and develop them. If you recruit you should look for guys that are athletic and long regardless of how great they are when they are young and develop them. Xavier needs to recruit better athletes.

Agree... was more of a rhetorical question. Have to get lucky too ala sumner, Anthony Davis etc. and have a guy grow who has guard skills.

[profson]

Get them green and develop them. If you recruit you should look for guys that are athletic and long regardless of how great they are when they are young and develop them. Xavier needs to recruit better athletes.

The eternal debate. The last couple years the complaint was we should favor skill (i.e. shooters and high BB IQ and low turnovers) rather than athletes such as Goodin and even Naji. Solution: recruit athletes with high skill.

[smileyy]

It's almost like maybe the problems the last couple years weren't Naji Marshall after all :facepalm:

[xavierj]

The eternal debate. The last couple years the complaint was we should favor skill (i.e. shooters and high BB IQ and low turnovers) rather than athletes such as Goodin and even Naji. Solution: recruit athletes with high skill.

Well to be good you do need both. Love the basketball IQ and low turnovers but you need guys who can grab rebounds out of there area by being better athletically as well as someone on the wing who can punish guys when they close out and get to rim and dunk on someone. Xavier this past year was probably one of the least Athletic Xavier teams in 25 to 30 years.

[Xville]

UConn couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn tonight...outrebojnded them by 11, shot 65 times and wasn’t even as close as the final score.

[xavierj]

No excuse not to have two teams in the sweet 16. Nova v. North Texas and Creighton V. Ohio U.

[xavierj]

UConn couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn tonight...outrebojnded them by 11, shot 65 times and wasn’t even as close as the final score.

Booknight was not good tonight.

[Xavgrad08]

Texas goes down to Abilen Christian. Shaka at Texas has not been a Success.

[xavierj]

Texas goes down to Abilen Christian. Shaka at Texas has not been a Success.

Exactly. If it was Texas football he would have been canned a long time ago

[Xville]

Yikes my bracket. Hate to say it by UCLA looks really good. Wouldn’t surprise me now if they win two more

[UCGRAD4X]

Texas goes down to Abilen Christian. Shaka at Texas has not been a Success.

That means YTG draws Abilene Christian to go to the S16.

Good Lord!

[xu 89]

Probably get roasted for this but I have come around on Huggs and actually find myself wanting them to win. I love McBride so that is part of it. You can see the love Huggs has for his team and what they mean to him. I think they have a good chance of advancing to FF and I will be happy to see it.

[paulxu]

ACC went 2-5; not a good showing.
Big12 at 6-1 and Pac12 at 5-0 did the best.

[xavierj]

Probably get roasted for this but I have come around on Huggs and actually find myself wanting them to win. I love McBride so that is part of it. You can see the love Huggs has for his team and what they mean to him. I think they have a good chance of advancing to FF and I will be happy to see it.

I agree. Huggins seems like a guy you can talk to and have a beer with. Not a prick like K and Izzo. Saw an article on McBride and how no one really recruited him hard because he was hurt and didn’t play aau and was also a football player. He said he remembered his dad and coaching against him when he was at X and how his dad was the toughest most competitive player he had coached against and knew his kid must be tough too so he took a chance. Kid is a stud.

[Xville]

Probably get roasted for this but I have come around on Huggs and actually find myself wanting them to win. I love McBride so that is part of it. You can see the love Huggs has for his team and what they mean to him. I think they have a good chance of advancing to FF and I will be happy to see it.

I actually completely agree. Plus I have a couple of really good wvu friends and want to see their team do well

[Xville]

They may lose today, but I am more and more impressed with moser. He was being interviewed before the tournament on cbs and he was speaking to in game strategy etc. it was much more of speaking to actual basketball tactics instead of steeles coach speak

[AviatorX]

They may lose today, but I am more and more impressed with moser. He was being interviewed before the tournament on cbs and he was speaking to in game strategy etc. it was much more of speaking to actual basketball tactics instead of steeles coach speak

It's just hard to shake 2 tournament appearances in 17 years.

[xu 89]

I agree. Huggins seems like a guy you can talk to and have a beer with. Not a prick like K and Izzo. Saw an article on McBride and how no one really recruited him hard because he was hurt and didn’t play aau and was also a football player. He said he remembered his dad and coaching against him when he was at X and how his dad was the toughest most competitive player he had coached against and knew his kid must be tough too so he took a chance. Kid is a stud.

McBride is so poised and steady. Reminds me of Tu.

[Xville]

It's just hard to shake 2 tournament appearances in 17 years.

Last 4 years 20 plus wins, 3 reg season championships and a second. Maybe he just finally found his stride.

[AviatorX]

Last 4 years 20 plus wins, 3 reg season championships and a second. Maybe he just finally found his stride.

That's a lot of mediocrity (and some serious benefit of the doubt, especially considering this board's approach to the current situation at Xavier). Not at great programs, but not total wastelands either. I would not want to take a chance on him building a major program up.

[Masterofreality]

That's a lot of mediocrity (and some serious benefit of the doubt, especially considering this board's approach to the current situation at Xavier). Not at great programs, but not total wastelands either. I would not want to take a chance on him building a major program up.
Again, they may not win today vs a #1 seed, but Just watch them play.
It’s beautiful Basketball.

[xavierj]

Again, they may not win today vs a #1 seed, but Just watch them play.
It’s beautiful Basketball.

So it took Porter 13 years how to be a good coach or find the type of players he needed. The first 13 years as a coach he never finished higher than 5th in a conference. Has a career 54% winning%. Also starts 4 seniors on this club. They play smart though and are fun to watch.

[Masterofreality]

So it took Porter 13 years how to be a good coach or find the type of players he needed. The first 13 years as a coach he never finished higher than 5th in a conference. Has a career 54% winning%. Also starts 4 seniors on this club. They play smart though and are fun to watch.

Two things. A) He became a LOT better coach after working for 4 years under Rick Majerus. 2007-2011. B) Loyola made a big move up in Leagues from the old MCC/Horizon to the Missouri Valley. He had to adjust his recruiting up just like Skip had to to the A10.

I would focus only on his Missouri Valley results. Only things that are relevant.

[xavierj]

Two things. A) He became a LOT better coach after working for 4 years under Rick Majerus. 2007-2011. B) Loyola made a big move up in Leagues from the old MCC/Horizon to the Missouri Valley. He had to adjust his recruiting up just like Skip had to to the A10.

I would focus only on his Missouri Valley results. Only things that are relevant.

So ignore when he was terrible and just focus on when he was good? I think it’s ok to say he just learned over the years to become a better coach and figure out what works.

[AviatorX]

Again, they may not win today vs a #1 seed, but Just watch them play.
It’s beautiful Basketball.

To be clear, despite my barbs at you (which are good natured) I totally realize Loyola is a very good team this year and Moser is a solid coach. Just trying to keep things consistent on here.

[Masterofreality]

So ignore when he was terrible and just focus on when he was good? I think it’s ok to say he just learned over the years to become a better coach and figure out what works.

No, but you need to have context. Like Xavier’s last 40 years, the only thing that matters is now.
Again. Just watch them play.
Point being. STEELE CAN LEARN A LOT!

[paulxu]

Let's go LUC !

(would help my bracket)

[xavierj]

No, but you need to have context. Like Xavier’s last 40 years, the only thing that matters is now.
Again. Just watch them play.
Point being. STEELE CAN LEARN A LOT!

Oh there is no doubt. Steele has a lot to learn.

[Xville]

Let’s go Ramblers! Nice showing little 10

[paulxu]

Nice!

[AviatorX]

Loyola is a beast defensively. Very impressive.

If I’m Moser I’m staying as far away from the DePaul job as possible.

[Masterofreality]

No further questions , Your Honor.

I Rest my Case.

#BeautifulBasketball

[AviatorX]

Let’s go Ramblers! Nice showing little 10

Will the Big 10 ever look in the mirror and realize that the prevailing style of the play in the conference which is basically football on a basketball court does not work? Honestly unclear.

[paulxu]

Loyola is a beast defensively. Very impressive.

If I’m Moser I’m staying as far away from the DePaul job as possible.

Maybe he'll be the rare guy who caught lightning and didn't go for a bigger job. Northern Havoc !
Another FF would be sweet.

Edit: the IU job is open though

[D-West & PO-Z]

Watching Teague and McBride in the tourney and thinking how did we let them get out of Cincinnati? Someone told me we didn't even offer McBride. Is that true??

[D-West & PO-Z]

Probably get roasted for this but I have come around on Huggs and actually find myself wanting them to win. I love McBride so that is part of it. You can see the love Huggs has for his team and what they mean to him. I think they have a good chance of advancing to FF and I will be happy to see it.

Gross.

Although I do like McBride.

[xavierj]

Watching Teague and McBride in the tourney and thinking how did we let them get out of Cincinnati? Someone told me we didn't even offer McBride. Is that true??

Yes. He was more football until he got hurt junior year. Nobody really saw him play much. Even Huggins said as much but knew what a tough competitor his dad was so he offered him. Here is an article that talks about it.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/college/west-virginia/Article/Miles-McBride-West-Virginia-basketball-recruiting-Bob-Huggins-158652941/Amp/

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes. He was more football until he got hurt junior year. Nobody really saw him play much. Even Huggins said as much but knew what a tough competitor his dad was so he offered him. Here is an article that talks about it.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/college/west-virginia/Article/Miles-McBride-West-Virginia-basketball-recruiting-Bob-Huggins-158652941/Amp/

Thanks. Man that is rough. You'd hope we would have had some more inside info or gut feeling than Huggins considering he was in our backyard.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't follow recruiting much. What's the story on Teague?

[AviatorX]

I don't follow recruiting much. What's the story on Teague?

Went to UNC Asheville out of HS. X was interested when he hit the transfer market. I think Mack went after him at Louisville too if memory serves.

[SM#24]

OGs of the MCC still undefeated (3-0).

[Xville]

Two great games wvu/Syracuse and tech/Arkansas. Gotta love musselmans

[xavierj]

Thanks. Man that is rough. You'd hope we would have had some more inside info or gut feeling than Huggins considering he was in our backyard.

Huggins has two guys from our backyard. McNeill who had 23 today played with Kunkel at Cooper in N KY.

[Xville]

Obviously lots of game left but so impressed with nova to have lost their senior leading point guard, and getting to what looks like another sweet 16.

[GoMuskies]

ORU has a shot at the Sweet 16!

[Xville]

Oral Roberts! Boom!

[muskiefan82]

Oral Roberts! Boom!

Expect a miracle. It's what used to be on their court

[paulxu]

Oral Roberts! Boom!

Hah! Of course, if you beat #2 seed, maybe beating #7 is somewhat expected?

[Xville]

I’ve watched ok state play probably ten times this year and never seen them play remotely close to this. I swear they are only playing this bad because I bet them and have them in my final four.

[xavierj]

I’ve watched ok state play probably ten times this year and never seen them play remotely close to this. I swear they are only playing this bad because I bet them and have them in my final four.

Yep lol me too. Told a friend of mine to bet the over and take Oregon State because I took OK state and the under. Had WVU, Houston -7.5, Illinois, and Texas Tech today. So then I think well the underdogs are all covering so I will put a couple of bucks on North Texas. Starts out innocent enough with NT taking a 19-11 lead and then I flip around and next thing I know Nova is up 47-27. If I would have just did the opposite of every bet this tournament than what I thought would happen, I would be having a nice vacation in a couple of weeks. No such luck.

[Xville]

Hate to sound all byu like but ok state is just really fun to watch and is what basketball should look like in my opinion...athletic, tough d, free flowing offense. Of course it helps to have the number one pick but still.

And.....they are probably gonna lose

[xu82]

Hate to sound all byu like but ok state is just really fun to watch and is what basketball should look like in my opinion...athletic, tough d, free flowing offense. Of course it helps to have the number one pick but still.

This is another great game to watch. Very pleasantly surprised by how entertaining the tournament is this year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This region was soooooo close to being:

8 seed Loyola
12 seed Oregon State
11 seed Syracuse
10 seed Rutgers

Rutgers blew it big time though so 2 seed Houston survived.

Still a very crazy bracket. I thought it would be Illinois/OK St in the sweet 16 with whoever won that game going to the Final 4.

[GIMMFD]

This is another great game to watch. Very pleasantly surprised by how entertaining the tournament is this year.

Incredibly fun tournament, lots of upsets, but it's shocking Loyola is an 8 seed, they dismantled Illinois.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Incredibly fun tournament, lots of upsets, but it's shocking Loyola is an 8 seed, they dismantled Illinois.

They probably are the favorites to come out of the region now. Syracuse has played unreal as well, so maybe them? Wonder what Vegas has now? I doubt it is Houston even though they are the highest seed. Maybe.

[smileyy]

Incredibly fun tournament, lots of upsets, but it's shocking Loyola is an 8 seed, they dismantled Illinois.

Loyola was criminally underseeded. They should have been a 3 or 4. Really sucks for Illinois.

[Lloyd Braun]

Loyola’s seed is a real tough one. They were high in metrics (kenpom, NET etc) but the big wins weren’t there. Instead, I see mostly Q4 wins. Had they not lost to both Richmond and Wisconsin I think we would have seen something closer to where they should be. Drake and North Texas are good but if those are your signature wins the seed will reflect it.

[Masterofreality]

My kid was complaining all summer about the fact that nobody would play Loyola on the schedule. They were set for a Thanksgiving Tournament that got cancelled and tried to do a pod in Indy with Cincy that was also cancelled. They arranged for Richmond and Wisconsin away from home on extremely short notice early when teams were scrambling for games and there was no scouting report yet.
Yeah, they were underseeded but the loser is Illinois. They probably would have met eventually anyway.
There are no “bad” teams in the Tournament. You can’t hide. Sooner or later you will get “found”.

[JTG]

Incredibly fun tournament, lots of upsets, but it's shocking Loyola is an 8 seed, they dismantled Illinois.

What's shocking is the bill of goods the BIG sold the committee. Nine teams picked, 2 left. The narrative all season was "Oh the BIG is loaded, all great teams". The truth was they mostly only played each other, so what gave anyone the impression they were all great ?

[Xville]

What's shocking is the bill of goods the BIG sold the committee. Nine teams picked, 2 left. The narrative all season was "Oh the BIG is loaded, all great teams". The truth was they mostly only played each other, so what gave anyone the impression they were all great ?

$$$$$$

Although, I did think the Big 12 was the best conference all year and they may have 1 team left after today. People slept on SEC specifically Alabama and Arkansas...incredibly athletic and extremely well coached.

Probably some East Coast Bias...I had no idea the Pac 12 were as good as they are.

[Xville]

Not that I disagree with this line but Loyola opened as 7 point favorites in their Sweet 16 matchup. Bizarro World.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Loyola’s seed is a real tough one. They were high in metrics (kenpom, NET etc) but the big wins weren’t there. Instead, I see mostly Q4 wins. Had they not lost to both Richmond and Wisconsin I think we would have seen something closer to where they should be. Drake and North Texas are good but if those are your signature wins the seed will reflect it.

I saw someone suggest resume should be used to get in to the tourney but metrics should be used to seed.

Not sure I really agree with that but thought it was an interesting suggestion.

[GoMuskies]

Not that I disagree with this line but Loyola opened as 7 point favorites in their Sweet 16 matchup. Bizarro World.

Oregon State is pretty clearly on fire. I'd have a hard time making them 7 point dogs against Gonzaga a this point, much less Loyola.

[American X]

That was some amazing Oral.

[SM#24]

OK Zags, the target is 22 points or you ain't shit !

[xubrew]

Gonzaga is now the only team to make it to six straight Sweet Sixteens. If they beat Creighton or Ohio U in their next game it will be their 4th Elite Eight in six years. I’m not sure how a team like that gets a reputation of always losing early in the NCAA Tournament.

Creighton is looking for their first Sweet Sixteen in the 64-team era. Truth be told, I didn’t think they’d beat UCSB. If they win this one I’ll finally have to stop pointing out about how neither they nor their coach can ever win in the NCAA Tournament.

[xubrew]

This is happening!!! Creighton is FINALLY going to a Sweet Sixteen!!

[Xville]

This is happening!!! Creighton is FINALLY going to a Sweet Sixteen!!

Lots of game left... probably right though. Crazy thing is the big east could have more teams in the sweet 16 than the big ten and big 12.

[paulxu]

Of course sending a lot of teams gets you lots of credits.
But good deal for Creighton and Nova to show for the BE.

[Xville]

Well good for creighton to finally get to the second weekend.

[Xville]

This FSU-Colorado game is setting basketball back fifty years.

[Xville]

Good to see will “strong ass offer” Wade has a shot at the sweet 16 tonight. Complete scumbag and nothing has happened..good ole ncaa

[xubrew]

Lots of game left... probably right though. Crazy thing is the big east could have more teams in the sweet 16 than the big ten and big 12.

I think the Big Ten has beaten as many good teams in the tournament as they managed to beat in all their OOC games combined this year.

[paulxu]

Cronin was on ESPN radio this morning. My ears are still bleeding....

(although he is in the dance and we're not. Ugh.)

[Xville]

Loyola decided to not show up today...yikes.

[Xville]

May have spoke too soon... come on Loyola!

[GoMuskies]

Congrats to the Beavs (and my money).

[Strange Brew]

I’m going to miss watching Farva play for Loyola.

[Strange Brew]

Watching some old X highlights and have a new appreciation for how good Crawford was. Unfortunately, there was a lot of him in KyKy and that will be missed.

[Masterofreality]

Watching some old X highlights and have a new appreciation for how good Crawford was. Unfortunately, there was a lot of him in KyKy and that will be missed.

Not....over....yet.....

[JTG]

Not....over....yet.....

???? Says who ???

[xudash]

Not....over....yet.....

MOR, you saying there is a chance he could stay?

[bobbiemcgee]

C' mon Cats

[Blue Blooded-05]

Nova 3 of 17 from three today. How come we never get this Nova?

[Xville]

Let’s go oral!!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Watching some old X highlights and have a new appreciation for how good Crawford was. Unfortunately, there was a lot of him in KyKy and that will be missed.

Yeah Crawford is obviously a legend due to the 2010 tourney run and K State game but he'd be be even more legendary and probably a top 5 player in most people's opinions if he had played for X multiple years.

Semaj is a guy who probably doesn get his due respect. He was at X at a bad time roster wise. He was incredible though.

[XUOWNSUC]

Has there ever been an easier path to the Final Four than the one Houston has? #15 then #10 then #11 then #12. Crazy luck.

[GIMMFD]

Let’s go oral!!!!!

Very upsetting that they lost at the end to Arkansas, would have been amazing to see a 15 seed in the Elite 8. Those two guys they have can really play, such a fun team to watch.

[GoMuskies]

If Creighton keeps shooting 75%, this Gonzaga/Creighton game could be a classic.

[Masterofreality]

If Creighton keeps shooting 75%, this Gonzaga/Creighton game could be a classic.

Except Gonzaga is shooting 77%

[paulxu]

Stats !

[Masterofreality]

Stats !
Are for losers

[Xville]

Michigan impressive...did not expect this destruction. Even With all the upsets could be 3 1 seeds in the final four

[GoMuskies]

Michigan has been good, but FSU has been a complete train wreck.

[xudash]

Michigan has been good, but FSU has been a complete train wreck.

Hamilton can recruit, but he seems to not be a solid in-game coach.

[waggy]

Mick is such a jackass and never cared for UCLA, but I find myself rooting for this team for some reason.

[Xville]

Mick is such a jackass and never cared for UCLA, but I find myself rooting for this team for some reason.

I hate Cronin and I wouldn’t say I’m rooting for a UCLA coached team by him, but good thing for Steele he left uc because cronin would have smacked him around the last two years and Steele would be Ofer in the crosstown shootout. Say what you want but his teams play damn hard and defend.

Bama making a run though as expected

[paulxu]

Mick's real tough when they're holding him back.
JP shoulda smacked him around.

[noteggs]

Mick is such a jackass and never cared for UCLA, but I find myself rooting for this team for some reason.

Very strange because feel the same and can’t stand UCLA

[waggy]

I just realized this is the perfect set-up for Mick. He can't coach offense, but he's got a bunch of guys that can make individual plays.

[GIMMFD]

Very strange because feel the same and can’t stand UCLA

Never had a problem with UCLA, seemed like they underperformed and have been living in the Wooden days (insane Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook couldn't win a title), but Cronin is incredibly annoying.

I've said it so much this season, but I truly don't think anybody can beat Gonzaga when they play like they do, they are unreal.

[bjf123]

Mick is such a jackass and never cared for UCLA, but I find myself rooting for this team for some reason.

Same here. No clue why. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


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[GIMMFD]

Holy shit that Alabama shot to tie it.

[paulxu]

He should have fouled the inbound receiver, instead of playing off. They were up 3.

[bjf123]

He should have fouled the inbound receiver, instead of playing off. They were up 3.

No clue why coaches don’t call for that.


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[Xavgrad08]

Alabama has been beating themselves with missed foul shots. Really fun game to watch.

[paulxu]

Looks like UCLA will take it.
But God it's hard on my eyes to see little Micky strutting on the sidelines.

[Xville]

Pac 12 just dominant overall this tourney...crazy

[Xville]

Never had a problem with UCLA, seemed like they underperformed and have been living in the Wooden days (insane Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook couldn't win a title), but Cronin is incredibly annoying.

I've said it so much this season, but I truly don't think anybody can beat Gonzaga when they play like they do, they are unreal.

I can see Baylor at least being able to score with them. Otherwise, I’d say a big front line could give them trouble....usc if they win, could potentially give them a game. Overall I agree though, it’s going to take someone’s a game vs Gonzaga’s b or worse

[Lloyd Braun]

Pac 12 just dominant overall this tourney...crazy

After tonight they’ll be 12-2 with 3 elite eight teams. Just incredible.

[GIMMFD]

I can see Baylor at least being able to score with them. Otherwise, I’d say a big front line could give them trouble....usc if they win, could potentially give them a game. Overall I agree though, it’s going to take someone’s a game vs Gonzaga’s b or worse

Yup, Baylor also do have 3 of the best guards around, Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, and MaCio Teague are the real deal, feel like those two teams are just in a class above the rest when they're on their game.

Also disgusting seeing Cronin in the Elite 8, truly hope Michigan beats the living hell out of them, at least Juwan Howard is likable. Also USC is just waxing Oregon this first half, but yeah, the Pac 12 has been incredible this tournament. Pulling for Oregon State to grab an upset tomorrow for more chaos.

[Xville]

Yup, Baylor also do have 3 of the best guards around, Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, and MaCio Teague are the real deal, feel like those two teams are just in a class above the rest when they're on their game.

Also disgusting seeing Cronin in the Elite 8, truly hope Michigan beats the living hell out of them, at least Juwan Howard is likable. Also USC is just waxing Oregon this first half, but yeah, the Pac 12 has been incredible this tournament. Pulling for Oregon State to grab an upset tomorrow for more chaos.

The usc-Oregon line made zero sense to me, I said so when the line first came out on here. One of the Mobley’s didn’t even play in their previous game this season and usc waxed them then. This one may end up being the easiest money I have won this year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

You haven’t won shit yet. Vegas doesn’t lose often. With that said I still think you win.

[Masterofreality]

Mickey Cronin: UC->LA.
Blahcat Fan is incensed with it. And I’m here for it.

[Xville]

Someone said it here yesterday and I agree....UCLA may actually be a great fit for Cronin...he can obviously teach d which kids coming out of high school where they are the star, need. He is not a good offensive coach, but with the recruits he will be able to continually get at ucla, he won’t need to be. He will get guys that just have the talent to score.

[Masterofreality]

Someone said it here yesterday and I agree....UCLA may actually be a great fit for Cronin...he can obviously teach d which kids coming out of high school where they are the star, need. He is not a good offensive coach, but with the recruits he will be able to continually get at ucla, he won’t need to be. He will get guys that just have the talent to score.

Good solid analysis.

[paulxu]

Don't know if there is a thread for this.
But...got an offer today from the Athletic...$1/month for 2 years.
Guess they have lost a lot of initial subscribers.
If they still had Shannon I would re-up.

[bjf123]

Don't know if there is a thread for this.
But...got an offer today from the Athletic...$1/month for 2 years.
Guess they have lost a lot of initial subscribers.
If they still had Shannon I would re-up.

I got an offer today for 6 months free, or $29.99 for a year.


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[waggy]

I'm rooting for Oregon St. I used to catch the occasional Montana game when Tinkle was there and his teams always played well and he made many NCAA tournaments. They haven't been as good since he left. Always wondered what he could do if given a job at a big school. Oregon St has little history of success. This is probably their best postseason ever.

[GIMMFD]

Helluva comeback attempt by Oregon State, I really thought with momentum they may actually pull it off, feel gutted for those guys. Good on Houston though to be able to weather that storm and see it out.

[xavierj]

Helluva comeback attempt by Oregon State, I really thought with momentum they may actually pull it off, feel gutted for those guys. Good on Houston though to be able to weather that storm and see it out.

I agree. Enjoyed watching them make the run since the PAC-12 tourney. Saw them early in the year get beat by like 35 at home to Arizona. Shocked the different team they became. Well coached and played hard for each other. Liked how they went 1-3-1 to get back in it, but then they came out of it for a possession and gave up a 3. Wish Travis would mix that in. I like that to change things up.

[GIMMFD]

I agree. Enjoyed watching them make the run since the PAC-12 tourney. Saw them early in the year get beat by like 35 at home to Arizona. Shocked the different team they became. Well coached and played hard for each other. Liked how they went 1-3-1 to get back in it, but then they came out of it for a possession and gave up a 3. Wish Travis would mix that in. I like that to change things up.

I remember when Mack tinkered with the 1-3-1 a little bit and it had some decent results, I agree with wishing Travis mixing it in and adding a new wrinkle. I do like their coach, seems like he'd be fun to play for and motivating. I also love Thompson and Lucas as players, fun little story to follow. It's also always shocking to me how effective Syracuse's 2-3 zone is in the tournament, feel like everyone knows how to beat it, but when you see it in person with their length it causes teams problems.

[paulxu]

Mick trying to pull a Shaka.

[GoMuskies]

Mick Cronin in the Final Four sure is....something.

[bjf123]

Mick Cronin in the Final Four sure is....something.

That’s gotta be pissing off a lot of people in Clifton.


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[muskiefan82]

Mick Cronin in the Final Four sure is....something.

For whatever reason this does not bother me at all. I find it a little hilarious actually. Good for YTG. Now, he better keep them up there or they will fire him too. One FF will only get you another few seasons at the helm out there.

[Lloyd Braun]

It bothers me because Mick is a douchebag that throws his players under the bus when he is frustrated, picks fights with college kids, and is frankly just more fun to root against for me. Petty? Maybe. I felt the same about Huggins after he left UC for awhile but feel he has evolved into a cuddlier version of Huggy bear the last several years. Now I like him! Maybe there’s hope for Mick after all...

[xavierj]

For whatever reason this does not bother me at all. I find it a little hilarious actually. Good for YTG. Now, he better keep them up there or they will fire him too. One FF will only get you another few seasons at the helm out there.

One thing is for sure Mick can coach. He lost two of his best players during the season and has them in a final 4. Recruiting is also taking off. He has a top 10 kid signed for 2021 and the #3 player committed for 2022 and involved with a few other 5 stars. Sean Miller probably can’t wait to get out because UCLA probably will continue to own him.

[Xavier]

There seems to be a difference between Mick and Brannen...Mick will yell and scream at his players but must do it in a way that players still seem to respect him. Brannen just is a clown I guess.

I don't mind one bit that he is in the Final Four. Good for him, he got laughed at as the UCLA choice and can at least point to this for now.

[drudy23]

There seems to be a difference between Mick and Brannen...Mick will yell and scream at his players but must do it in a way that players still seem to respect him. Brannen just is a clown I guess.

I don't mind one bit that he is in the Final Four. Good for him, he got laughed at as the UCLA choice and can at least point to this for now.

I think the "screaming" type of coaches realize that if they're going to dish that out, they have to be willing to take some of it back. I think the players respect that. Coaches like Huggins, and Izzo, and Cronin can be that way, but they also allow their players to come back at them. It's also pretty obvious Huggs and Izzo develop deeper, personal relationships with their players. It's not as obvious with Mick, but perhaps he's doing that behind closed doors. His players seemed to be happy for him last night.

It sounds like Brannen and his staff are basically all basketball, all the time, and never made an effort to bond with his players on a personal level.

[Masterofreality]

I’m just here for Blahcat fan tears.

Mick is 2000 miles away and dead to me.

[American X]

Congratulations to Mick Cronin on making the Final Four.

(walks into the ocean)


((Since we have Mick Cronin Lite, can we at least get a Sweet Sixteen?))

[bjf123]

Was never a Cronin fan when he was at UC. I didn’t like the way he threw his players under the bus whenever he could. For some reason, I find myself pulling for him at UCLA. Maybe that’s because it will tick off the UC fans seeing the success he’s having there.


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[Masterofreality]

SucKS fan trolling XU fan about Mick making a Final 4 would be just like XU fan trolling SucKS fan if Mack made a Final 4.
It is stupid and makes zero sense.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Huggins and Cronin were great villains when they were at UC. Really escalated the hate. From an entertainment perspective, it really added that extra element of interest in the crosstown every year.

Brennan just doesn’t bring the same je ne sais quoi. Not that it’ll matter much longer.

[Strange Brew]

[QUOTE=American X;701235]Congratulations to Mick Cronin on making the Final Four.

(walks into the ocean)

If you see Mack there, take his life jacket.

[GIMMFD]

Was never a Cronin fan when he was at UC. I didn’t like the way he threw his players under the bus whenever he could. For some reason, I find myself pulling for him at UCLA. Maybe that’s because it will tick off the UC fans seeing the success he’s having there.


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I agree, though I did like that not after last night, but the previous game Cronin said something along the lines of, "gotta give it up to the players, they made me look good." so I guess he does ~kind of get it. Who knows maybe he's turning over a new leaf.

[SkyWalker]

Congratulations to Mick Cronin on making the Final Four. Was never a Mick Cronin fan and even less his father. But still congrats are in order.

[GoMuskies]

So weird to see Gonzaga as a huge favorite over UCLA in the Final Four.

[xudash]

So weird to see Gonzaga as a huge favorite over UCLA in the Final Four.

So true.

[Xville]

Let’s go UCLA! Someone put that dork timme on his ass

[GoMuskies]

Let’s go UCLA! Someone put that dork timme on his ass

You realize who coaches UCLA, no?

Go Zags.

[Xville]

You realize who coaches UCLA, no?

Go Zags.

Yeah I don’t really care once they leave uc. I like huggy bear now too, sue me. I find everything about Gonzaga annoying, especially even more now with timme and his douchery last game

[GoMuskies]

I think you've single handedly turned into a Timme fan boy. :)

Go Zags!

[JTG]

Never a Cronin fan, but these Zags are really a bunch of smug assholes. Go Ucla.

[waggy]

Really like this UCLA team. Play with great patience on offense. Good shooters. And playing great D. Really like Jaquez' game.

[JTG]

And these officials must all be Zags fans.

[Xville]

Refs have definitely been a bit one sided

[noteggs]

Completely dislike UCLA and can’t stand their coach! Go UCLA!

[GoMuskies]

UCLA played a perfect half and is behind.

[waggy]

Close to perfect, but Jaquez and Campbell sat for long periods. And Bernard in foul trouble too.

[Xville]

UCLA is going to have to find a way to slow the game down in order to win in my opinion. We shall see though...hopefully it stays a good game the whole half

[Xville]

Tempo much more UCLA like so far this half

[GoMuskies]

That flagrant is huge.

[Xville]

Danger time for UCLA

[Xville]

What’s the over under if it is Baylor-Gonzaga? 160?

[GoMuskies]

Notwithstanding that dunk a couple of minutes ago, Kispert hasn't impressed me that much the couple of Zags games I've watched. Other guys have been much more impactful from what I've seen than the all American.

[Xville]

My gawd Juzang is a stud

[GoMuskies]

My gawd Juzang is a stud

Thank God Calipari ran him off.

[Xville]

Such high level great basketball...makes what we have seen from Xavier the last three years seem just so
Much worse

[Xville]

Wow Suggs and juzang what a show

[Xville]

Well that was definitely a foul by Suggs but still great play

[GoMuskies]

Overtime. Appropriate for this game.

[waggy]

Such high level great basketball...makes what we have seen from Xavier the last three years seem just so
Much worse

It's how I've felt the entire tourny.

[GoMuskies]

Whoa

[Xavgrad08]

One of the best games I have ever watched. Two well coached teams.

[Xville]

Wow...incredible game.

[GoMuskies]

I kept waiting for UCLA to stop playing well. Just never happened. Amazing game.

Championship game should also be great.