College Basketball Season 2021-2022

[Xville]

Check back February 1. This will all be in the rear view and we'll be humming towards March Madness. You'll be back.

I'd agree except what happens when the next variant comes? Hopefully they keep being less and less severe like i believe the flu did and you are correct.

[xudash]

Purely for comical benefit, because I could care less otherwise: VD lost again. At home. To VCU.

To borrow from Winston Churchill: never have so many been so delusional about so little.

I wonder if their coach is on the hot seat.

[xubrew]

Purely for comical benefit, because I could care less otherwise: VD lost again. At home. To VCU.

To borrow from Winston Churchill: never have so many been so delusional about so little.

I wonder if their coach is on the hot seat.

If he is, then they're insane. They look like what they are. A talented young team that is wildly inconsistent. Granted, in their case the gap between their highs and lows is even bigger than normal, but with 11 freshmen pretty much any team is going to be all over the place no matter how talented they are. It's their highest rated recruiting class in at least thirty years, and perhaps ever, but even with all that when a team is that young sometimes they're gonna look like they can beat Kansas (which they did), and other nights they're going to struggle against a team that's .500 in the Atlantic Sun (which they did). Anyone with any sense at all should know that. Firing Anthony Grant would be the stupidest move EVER because once those pieces develop they should be REALLY good in the next year or two!! But, then again, we are talking about Dayton, so...who knows??

[xubrew]

Loyola Chicago v San Francisco is going to be a fun one today. They were able to schedule it due to both teams having so many games cancelled. It's in Salt Lake this afternoon. Both teams are probably tournament teams, and both will probably end up being the higher seeded team in the Round of 64.

[xubrew]

This got lost in the shuffle, but we did have another historic upset last week. William & Mary, who hadn't won a D1 game all year and was not in the top 350 of the NET, beat Hofstra who had won six of their last seven including wins at Arkansas and at Monmouth, and who was ranked in I believe the 60s of the NET at the time (although I'm not sure). The two teams were close to 270 spots apart on the day of the game, and are still close to 250 spots apart even after Hofstra fell outside the top 100 because of the loss.

I really did like this Hofstra team. I guess I still do, but that loss was insane. They started off slow, but their losses were a close game at Houston in the opener, a loss at Iona who is probably a single digit seed in the tournament this year, a 2pt loss at Maryland in a game they really should have won, and a loss at Richmond where...well...they just flat out sucked. After that they went on a nice run and were really putting together what looked like a solid profile. Then they lost to a team that is easily among the ten worst teams in the country. You don't see too many upsets where the teams are that far apart in the rankings. Ever. Like, it may be five years (or longer) before there is another one.

[xavierj]

This got lost in the shuffle, but we did have another historic upset last week. William & Mary, who hadn't won a D1 game all year and was not in the top 350 of the NET, beat Hofstra who had won six of their last seven including wins at Arkansas and at Monmouth, and who was ranked in I believe the 60s of the NET at the time (although I'm not sure). The two teams were close to 270 spots apart on the day of the game, and are still close to 250 spots apart even after Hofstra fell outside the top 100 because of the loss.

I really did like this Hofstra team. I guess I still do, but that loss was insane. They started off slow, but their losses were a close game at Houston in the opener, a loss at Iona who is probably a single digit seed in the tournament this year, a 2pt loss at Maryland in a game they really should have won, and a loss at Richmond where...well...they just flat out sucked. After that they went on a nice run and were really putting together what looked like a solid profile. Then they lost to a team that is easily among the ten worst teams in the country. You don't see too many upsets where the teams are that far apart in the rankings. Ever. Like, it may be five years (or longer) before there is another one.

I mean it’s not like they are all true freshman. Many of them played last year and one is a transfer from Georgia. That’s like calling D’won and Colby freshman. Dayton has 2 true freshman in the top 8 of the rotation, 4 sophomores, 1 junior and 1 senior by years in college.

[xubrew]

I mean it’s not like they are all true freshman. Many of them played last year and one is a transfer from Georgia. That’s like calling D’won and Colby freshman. Dayton has 2 true freshman in the top 8 of the rotation, 4 sophomores, 1 junior and 1 senior by years in college.

And...this has what to do with Hofstra and William & Mary??

But, back to Dayton...six of their top eight players are listed as freshmen. That's way less experience than the average team, and I bet you won't find more than one or two teams that are currently in the top fifty with that many young players even when factoring in the COVID year. They're not there yet, but no reasonable person would have expected them to be. I mean, who actually expected Dayton to be a tournament team this year?? It would be utterly ridiculous if they let the coach go after what is clearly a building and developmental year for them. If they stay together they could really have something in a year or two, though.

[xubrew]

A thin silver lining to COVID, and I mean a RAZOR thin silver lining, is that it allowed us to see San Francisco vs Loyola Chicago. Hopefully other teams who had games cancelled, especially the good teams from outside the power conferences, can replace those cancelled games with match-ups against intriguing opponents. This one has been fun!

[paulxu]

Dayton has 2 true freshman in the top 8 of the rotation, 4 sophomores, 1 junior and 1 senior by years in college.


But, back to Dayton...six of their top eight players are listed as freshmen.

One of these things is not like the other.

[GoMuskies]

One of these things is not like the other.

You're forgetting the Covid rules, paul. Read them again. They're consistent with each other.

[xubrew]

One of these things is not like the other.


You're forgetting the Covid rules, paul. Read them again. They're consistent with each other.

Okay, even if you want to say they're sophomores, or second year freshmen, or whatever it is about the verbiage that hangs you up, Anthony Grant is not on the hot seat. They're really talented, but really young. They are nowhere close to as good this year as they will likely be in the next year or two. How many teams in the top 100, much less top 50, have that many first and second year, or freshmen and second year freshmen, or freshmen and sophomores who are listed as freshmen, or....let's just go with "underclassmen" players in their regular rotation?? It's not very many.

[xudash]

Okay, even if you want to say they're sophomores, or second year freshmen, or whatever it is about the verbiage that hangs you up, Anthony Grant is not on the hot seat. They're really talented, but really young. They are nowhere close to as good this year as they will likely be in the next year or two. How many teams in the top 100, much less top 50, have that many first and second year, or freshmen and second year freshmen, or freshmen and sophomores who are listed as freshmen, or....let's just go with "underclassmen" players in their regular rotation?? It's not very many.

Imagine our fan base if we managed to lose the first three buy games of the season. So, "they're really talented"? Sure they are. Actually, it doesn't appear to be as you put it, based on their results (please don't give me the Kansas argument, as Kansas was sleepwalking against what they thought would be an easy W and because they lost on a fluke shot by VD anyway).

Beyond your young roster argument is its counter argument: roster management. What happened with them on that metric?

And beyond all that is the idea of bringing in "talent" and then melding them together to be an effective unit. Certainly doesn't appear as though that and game management is strong there. I channel surfed my way into the end of that game after the Johnnies game v DePaul. I think they had 2 fouls to give and VCU only had about 10 to 14 or so seconds to put up what had to be a 3-point response to win or a 2 to tie. And that was after critical misses at the charity stripe by Dayton. VCU appears to be its own mid-major A-10 mess - a guy falls down and the Hail Mary ended up being answered at the top of the key.

I have no idea what the delusional sweater vests on VDPride are gnawing about today, but I can't imagine they're all defending what happened last night as they continue their ever consistent march towards mediocrity.

[paulxu]

Hah! I don't care either way if Grant is on the hot seat.
I'm having a needed break following some of these discussions...hence my comment on the two sides of the "freshmen" issue.
It's a dump up there, and who really cares?

[xubrew]

Their recruiting was noticeably better over the last two years, but all those guys are still really young and are being asked to play key roles despite being young. The fact that they aren't any good yet is to be expected. I think they'll be a lot better next year after they become more experienced and get more used to playing with each other. In fact the biggest boost in player production typically happens between the first and second years of when a player sees significant minutes. Ask any oddsmaker or prognosticator. I don't know why me saying that would even qualify as a hot take. It seems more like a standard take. A LOT of teams that become really good aren't good at all when they're as young as UD is and when virtually all the players in key roles are underclassmen. Teams like that will often lose games they should never lose, but if they have potential they'll also win a few games that they should seemingly never win. How many teams can you name with that many underclassmen in their regular rotations that are actually any good on a consistent basis right now?? To get rid of Anthony Grant would be beyond idiotic. They weren't expected to be good this year, and they're not. Now if they aren't a hell of a lot better next year, THEN maybe his seat should start to warm up a bit.

[xubrew]

Hah! I don't care either way if Grant is on the hot seat.
I'm having a needed break following some of these discussions...hence my comment on the two sides of the "freshmen" issue.
It's a dump up there, and who really cares?

Okay, let's move on to two teams that have all kinds of upperclassmen experience! That was a really nice win for Loyola Chicago over San Francisco. I think both will make the tournament, and that both are good enough to win a game in the Round of 64, and that if Loyola keeps it up they may be the better seeded team in the round of 64. It's kind of fun to see San Francisco having the kind of season that they are. Todd Goldgen is really young, but he's done really well at the time he's been at San Francisco. He probably won't be there much longer.

[xubrew]

The Southland is having an in-season conference tournament this week. The games don’t count in the conference standings, so I guess they are bracketed out of conference games against conference opponents. The league is down to just 8 members, so this was an innovative solution to make scheduling a little easier.

[noteggs]

Most know Brad Davison is one of the dirtiest players in CB. Just saw one of the worst fouls called when he attempted a three. By now we know you can’t kick out your leg in front to get a foul while shooting a three. He literally kicked his leg out to the right and refs still called a foul on defense. WTF, the guy is scum so look for those BS plays

[paulxu]

That's a new NBA rule.
Is it the same for college BB?

[Xville]

Dream matchup! Also, 8 teams from the big East…yowza

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-projecting-2022-march-madness-men-field

[GoMuskies]

I don't see how Louisville is a Tournament team right now.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dream matchup! Also, 8 teams from the big East…yowza

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-projecting-2022-march-madness-men-field

St. John's is the AQ since they are 1-0 in the BE. I guess they could have a shot to get in though with solid BE play. That is the great thing about the BE is that as long as you dont have a dumpster fire of OOC results you can play your way in.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't see how Louisville is a Tournament team right now.

He has Louisville as the AQ as of now due to their 4-0 ACC record. My guess is he would have had them in last 4 in otherwise.

[xubrew]

I don't see how Louisville is a Tournament team right now.

I could see them going to the tournament…but only if they buy tickets.

[xubrew]

I don’t know how the hell anyone can be expected to tell how good any of the teams actually are because it’s extremely rare where you get a game where both teams have all their key players.

[X-man]

Nice double digit win by Oklahoma State over 14th ranked Texas this afternoon. Has to help the Muskies given that we beat them at their place.

[xudash]

Chris Mack is about to lose in Tallahassee. 77-70. 39 seconds to go. Damn shame.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Chris Mack is about to lose in Tallahassee. 77-70. 39 seconds to go. Damn shame.

Hate to see it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I just happened to notice that Michigan is 7-7 after being ranked #6 to start the country.

[Xavgrad08]

Mack has 0 wins and 5 loses vs FSU since going to Louisville. https://www.si.com/college/louisville/basketball/recap-2021-22-game-15-fsu

[xubrew]

I just happened to notice that Michigan is 7-7 after being ranked #6 to start the country.

Memphis and Oregon aren’t doing quite as badly after being ranked really highly in the preseason, but both are still doing very badly.

[X-band '01]

Duke is so selfless for losing at home to Miami and helping the ACC out with bid chicanery.

[GoMuskies]

I didn't notice until today that SDSU murdered Colorado State over the weekend. Impressive result for the Aztecs.

[UCGRAD4X]

I didn't notice until today that SDSU murdered Colorado State over the weekend. Impressive result for the Aztecs.

You can't say murdered!

You are hereby sentenced to reflection until you have learned your lesson.

[XUGRAD80]

And then there were none…..TTU takes down Baylor 65-62

[GoMuskies]

UCLA goes down at home to Oregon. Sad!

Gonzaga/BYU have a halftime score that looks like a final score: 61-49 Zags.

[GoMuskies]

Speaking of UCLA, it must be rather disconcerting for UC fans to see Mick Cronin coaching a top 5 team at UCLA coming off a Final Four run (admittedly that was a miracle) while Chris Mack is just waiting for the season to end so that his new boss can fire him. This after Mack absolutely owned Cronin when the two were at Xavier and UC, respectively. If Cronin is doing so much better than Mack now at comparable blue blood programs, what must that say about Xavier and UC?

[xubrew]

Speaking of UCLA, it must be rather disconcerting for UC fans to see Mick Cronin coaching a top 5 team at UCLA coming off a Final Four run (admittedly that was a miracle) while Chris Mack is just waiting for the season to end so that his new boss can fire him. This after Mack absolutely owned Cronin when the two were at Xavier and UC, respectively. If Cronin is doing so much better than Mack now at comparable blue blood programs, what must that say about Xavier and UC?

UC, in 2018, under Mick Cronin, had what I still think is the widest open path to the Final Four that any team in perhaps the entire history of the sport has ever had. They were a good team. They were a #2 seed. The bracket TOTALLY collapsed. All of the high seeds, most notably Virginia who lost to UMBC, were beaten. Their path to the Final Four was a #15, a #7, a #11, and a #9. The #7 seed in the Round of 32 was Nevada, who only went six deep and who UC was dominating for the entire first half. I was talking with several friends who were/are UC fans (yes, I admit that I do have a lot of those), and...it was a done deal! They were going to walk right into the Final Four!! It was over!! Then, they INEXPLICABLY blew it!! Against a team that had no business coming back on them.

I don't think UC has ever recovered. I don't think they'll ever have an opportunity like that again. They may have a year where they put together an outstanding team and go on a run, but like most teams they'll really have to work for it. NEVER AGAIN will it be that easy for them to just breeze through the bracket like they could have that year. If UC makes that Final Four, how does that change their history and Mick Cronin's history?? I bet they don't try to give him a low ball offer to get rid of him like they did.

Anyway, just a thought.

[GoMuskies]

Well, the year UC actually DID make the Final Four in 1992 was pretty similar. They did have to play #5 seed Michigan State, but they got #9 UTEP in the Sweet Sixteen and #6 Memphis in the Regional Final.

[xubrew]

Well, the year UC actually DID make the Final Four in 1992 was pretty similar. They did have to play #5 seed Michigan State, but they got #9 UTEP in the Sweet Sixteen and #6 Memphis in the Regional Final.

Hmmm...I don't think I ever realized that. Interesting.

I also need to correct myself. The year VCU made the Final Four, they were a #11 seed and beat Kansas in the Elite Eight. Had Kansas won that game, their path would have been #16, #9, #12, and #11. That's actually even easier (at least by seeding) than the path UC potentially had. But...it's Kansas. I'm not saying making the Final Four isn't a great thing for them, but they don't need to get there to raise the level of their program. It would have done tons more for UC's program had they been able to get that far.

[noteggs]

Well, the year UC actually DID make the Final Four in 1992 was pretty similar. They did have to play #5 seed Michigan State, but they got #9 UTEP in the Sweet Sixteen and #6 Memphis in the Regional Final.

Can’t believe it has been 30 years. Of course, UC talks about it like it was yesterday. Look out football fans, you’ll just have to get used to it. Well at least they made it there in my lifetime with a lot of reminders regardless of their little brother status…

[X-band '01]

There was also the little matter of having to beat Memphis (State) four times that year.

[Xavgrad08]

Louisville lost to a bad Pittsburgh team. That is 3 loses in a row for Louisville.

[Xville]

Louisville lost to a bad Pittsburgh team. That is 3 loses in a row for Louisville.

Such a shame…mack getting fired would be absolute karma

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hate to see it..

[murray87]

UConn checkbook takes a hit!

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/arbitrator-rules-uconn-must-pay-coach-kevin-ollie-more-than-11-million-after-improper-firing-233502198.html

[X-band '01]

Memphis might be one of the few programs that's having a worse season than Louisville right now:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33112682/penny-hardaway-takes-aim-media-says-depleted-memphis-tigers-men-basketball-team-playing-hard-amid-losing-streak

[X-band '01]

UConn checkbook takes a hit!

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/arbitrator-rules-uconn-must-pay-coach-kevin-ollie-more-than-11-million-after-improper-firing-233502198.html

Still the right call considering last night's game was a perfect example of one they probably lose under Kevin Ollie.

[Masterofreality]

Watching Ohio U / Toledo right now.
At end of half one Toledo leads 45-29. AT Ohio.
Jason Carter has a few points but can’t even back down MAC players. Still gets outmuscled, still missing threes and still missing paint shots.
Such a Milquetoast. And *somebody* thought he was a Big East player??
And he started at Xavier for 2 years. Yeeeesh!!!

[Masterofreality]

Memphis might be one of the few programs that's having a worse season than Louisville right now:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33112682/penny-hardaway-takes-aim-media-says-depleted-memphis-tigers-men-basketball-team-playing-hard-amid-losing-streak

Former NBA players do not make good college coaches.
Patrick Ewing included despite his miracle last March.

[American X]

Watching Ohio U / Toledo right now.

Thoughts and prayers. Was that penance for something or did you lose a bet?

[UCGRAD4X]

Watching Ohio U / Toledo right now.
At end of half one Toledo leads 45-29. AT Ohio.
Jason Carter has a few points but can’t even back down MAC players. Still gets outmuscled, still missing threes and still missing paint shots.
Such a Milquetoast. And *somebody* thought he was a Big East player??
And he started at Xavier for 2 years. Yeeeesh!!!

And what grand and glorious years those were.

Good times. Good times.

[xavierj]

Watching Uconn v DePaul. Dan Hurley is a bengals season ticket holder and tailgates at home games. Says how nervous he gets during games. Good for him. I now like him.

[UCGRAD4X]

Watching Uconn v DePaul. Dan Hurley is a bengals season ticket holder and tailgates at home games. Says how nervous he gets during games. Good for him. I now like him.

Why in the world would there have been any reason to be nervous about Bengals Football over the past 30 years?

We should all go down to a tailgate with our X gear on next year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Watching Uconn v DePaul. Dan Hurley is a bengals season ticket holder and tailgates at home games. Says how nervous he gets during games. Good for him. I now like him.

It seems almost impossible for a college coach several states away to be able to be a season ticket holder and actually go to and tailgate at the games. I mean he is in season for more than half of the NFL season and practicing the months before as well.

[paulxu]

Sounds like Pegues got a little salary bump to take Louisville to the end of the season.

[Xville]

Louisville looks a hundred times better since mack left. They must have really hated him.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville looks a hundred times better since mack left. They must have really hated him.

Stands more full, too.

[GoMuskies]

Also, Wes Miller probably never beats Xavier as UC's coach, because he's going to be Carolina's coach soon.

[Xville]

Stands more full, too.

Yep…Mor will be upset about that.

It’s pretty amazing looking back just how quickly mack went to shit. I never thought he was that great, and told Louisville fans the same when he first got hired which they probably just saw as sour grapes, but now they know…never thought it would be to this extent though.

[GoMuskies]

Pegues should get kicked out.

[Xville]

Pegues should get kicked out.

He definitely should now. Wow… I’m not one to complain about refs usually just coaches and players lol but wow that’s one of the worst reffed couple of minutes I have ever seen.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That might be the worst call I have ever seen.

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure the ACC will send Louisville a flowery apology letter.

[xupuck10]

Happening under Mick's watch:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33213311/ucla-bruins-mac-etienne-arrested-appearing-spit-arizona-fans

[UCGRAD4X]

Happening under Mick's watch:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33213311/ucla-bruins-mac-etienne-arrested-appearing-spit-arizona-fans

a spitting image of Mick's tutelage+

[xubrew]

Someone needs to poke Creighton with a stick and see if they move.

[Lloyd Braun]

Really tough loss for the Dons. The margin of error for some of these teams is so thin. Ugh

[xubrew]

Really tough loss for the Dons. The margin of error for some of these teams is so thin. Ugh

Yes, the margin widened a little bit with the win at BYU, and then got really narrow again.

[xubrew]

Teams from leagues that are normally one-bid leagues that can get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament if they don't poop out between now and the end are...

Murray State
Iona - who is out of strikes, but who should still be okay so long as their next loss isn't until the conference tournament
Loyola Chicago

North Texas might have an outside shot, but it's a 50/50 chance at best, and the one they lose better be the championship game and not some early round CUSA Tourney loss.

Toledo and New Mexico State are good teams that will be very dangerous in the Round of 64 if they can get there. If you play in one of the 22 leagues that's usually a one-bid league, it kind of sucks. They have to knock off a few big teams in the first six weeks of the season, and even getting those opportunities is hard because they will never get the games on equal terms, and they may have to play three games in six days on opposite ends the country just to get them at all. Some teams are limited as to their travel, so they may be on a bus for 13hrs just to get a game against a decent opponent. Then if they do win one or two of them, they basically have no opportunities to improve their profile in conference, so every game they're just trying to avoid an upset, and it can be tough to get up for that night after night after night.

There are always a few teams on the #12 and #13 lines that I look at and think "If these teams were playing against the teams on the #9, 10, or 11 lines, they'd clobber them." Toledo and New Mexico State are in that category. South Dakota State may be as well.

[xubrew]

Louisville Twitter is hilarious. I stumbled upon a group debating whether or not Scott Drew would be a good coach.

You may think that’s the end, and that the peak of the humor has been reached but…

There is a disagreement. There are those that feel that since it took him 19 years at Baylor to make a Final Four that he isn’t proven enough.

[xubrew]

Sometimes these kinds of calls are really tough to make for referees. It just happens so fast. Was it all ball or was there contact??


https://youtu.be/a_g55Y_zDhc?t=6

[noteggs]

Sometimes these kinds of calls are really tough to make for referees. It just happens so fast. Was it all ball or was there contact??


https://youtu.be/a_g55Y_zDhc?t=6

Ouch!!!

Obviously all ball because you know how coach K can work the refs.

[Xuperman]

Iowa State now dead last in the B12.

[Xville]

Iowa State now dead last in the B12.

Big 12 is an absolute grind this year like the big East… they are a good defensive team but they go long stretches where they can’t score.

[Masterofreality]

Iowa State now dead last in the B12.

We led at halftime without a bunch of our players. Wish we could replay that one

[xubrew]

Iowa State now dead last in the B12.

They are, but their schedule was extremely front loaded. I don't want to say that it's easy the rest of the way, but it's not nearly as tough as it has been so far. I bet they don't finish last. In fact I still like their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

[GoMuskies]

Iowa State lost at home to K-State today. Their season is over.

[GoMuskies]

Murray State got the huge come from behind win at Morehead today. That was the biggest obstacle left on their schedule, so they're in good shape now. They still host Belmont in 12 days, but they've got a great shot to win the last 4 and get to the OVC Tournament 28-2 and a lock for the Big Dance.

[xubrew]

Iowa State lost at home to K-State today. Their season is over.

Yeah, they could’ve done without that.

[xavierj]

Wes Miller is no John Wooden… Brannen would not have lost to 1-10 In league play Tulsa.

[xubrew]

I believe Hartford beating Vermont last night is the biggest upsets of the season. The two teams were 233 spots apart in the NET. This passes William & Mary's win over Hofstra as the biggest upset (as per the NET). Those teams are a mere 231 spots apart.

I know no one on here really follows any of the 22 conferences that typically only get one bid, but this was an INSANE upset.

[MHettel]

I know no one on here really follows any of the 22 conferences that typically only get one bid

confirmed

[xubrew]

Well for those who don't like the new NIL rules or the SCOTUS ruling in the Alston case, maybe they should watch these leagues

[MHettel]

Well for those who don't like the new NIL rules or the SCOTUS ruling in the Alston case, maybe they should watch these leagues

Why wouldn’t I just watch the good basketball?

[XUGRAD80]

Well for those who don't like the new NIL rules or the SCOTUS ruling in the Alston case, maybe they should watch these leagues

I have no rooting interest in any of the teams in those leagues, so I won’t usually watch. I’m not a “basketball” fan as much as I’m a Xavier fan. I’ll watch virtually any Xavier sport and root for them. I’ll only watch another BB team when it’s something like a top 10 matchup, and even then I won’t usually take a serious interest in it. College football is much more interesting to me. I’ll watch college football no matter who is playing. Not saying one thing or another is right or wrong, it’s just how I’m wired.

[Xville]

25 days until selection Sunday… it’s winning time and close to the best 4 days in sports imo.

[xubrew]

Why wouldn’t I just watch the good basketball?

You can watch or not watch whatever you want. It's just that you're always fretting about how college sports are completely broken now because of NIL and the Alston case. Well, the 22 leagues that typically only get one bid aren't going to nearly as wrapped up in all the things you think are ruining the sport. That's all I'm saying.

Actually, that's not entirely true. I just wanted to point out that all of the critics of player's rights and compensation who say that it should be for the love of the game are also less likely to watch programs, conferences, and divisions that actually don't generate nearly as much revenue.

[xubrew]

I have no rooting interest in any of the teams in those leagues, so I won’t usually watch. I’m not a “basketball” fan as much as I’m a Xavier fan. I’ll watch virtually any Xavier sport and root for them. I’ll only watch another BB team when it’s something like a top 10 matchup, and even then I won’t usually take a serious interest in it. College football is much more interesting to me. I’ll watch college football no matter who is playing. Not saying one thing or another is right or wrong, it’s just how I’m wired.

I think that's how most people are. In college basketball they like their own team and don't really watch anything else until the Tournament.

[paulxu]

I believe Hartford beating Vermont last night is the biggest upsets of the season. The two teams were 233 spots apart in the NET. This passes William & Mary's win over Hofstra as the biggest upset (as per the NET). Those teams are a mere 231 spots apart.

I know no one on here really follows any of the 22 conferences that typically only get one bid, but this was an INSANE upset.

Idaho 325 over South Dakota State 72 = 253 difference

[xubrew]

Idaho 325 over South Dakota State 72 = 253 difference

I stand corrected!

I totally forgot about that game. And Idaho, at 325th...VERY overrated.

[xubrew]

Michigan State lost to Penn State last night, and has been in a bit of a tailspin for the last couple weeks. When you look at their NCAA Tournament history, perhaps they feel they've got a much better shot at making a run to the Final Four if they are a #7 seed.

[X-band '01]

What I can't figure out is how Rutgers is beating Purdue, Ohio State and Michigan State at home yet loses to Maryland in the same building. Do they not love Jersey Mike's subs?

[X-band '01]

While our team was melting down last night, I will be sending a box of chocolates to Pitt for giving North Carolina an even uglier loss to their resume.

Rutgers (who I think is in now) and Memphis are the only real bubble teams that are making any real noise at the moment. Everyone else (BYU, Oregon, North Carolina) is making Xavier look like a Top 10 team by comparison.

[xubrew]

While our team was melting down last night, I will be sending a box of chocolates to Pitt for giving North Carolina an even uglier loss to their resume.

Rutgers (who I think is in now) and Memphis are the only real bubble teams that are making any real noise at the moment. Everyone else (BYU, Oregon, North Carolina) is making Xavier look like a Top 10 team by comparison.

BYU went from looking pretty good to looking sucktacular in a very short amount of time. It really has been amazing.

[paulxu]

We lost to Net #78 St Johns.
The Heels lost to Net #159 Pitt.

[xubrew]

We lost to Net #78 St Johns.
The Heels lost to Net #159 Pitt.

The Heels have not been good at any point this season. As rough of shape as people think Xavier is in, UNC is infinitely worse.

[Xville]

BYU went from looking pretty good to looking sucktacular in a very short amount of time. It really has been amazing.

But do they look fun doing it? :)

[GIMMFD]

The Heels have not been good at any point this season. As rough of shape as people think Xavier is in, UNC is infinitely worse.

Hubert Davis looks out of his element, the recruiting classes were going downhill towards the end of Roy Williams career with UNC, but man, never thought I'd see a UNC team look THIS bad, ever. Also has to leave a sick taste in their mouth that Coach K is gonna retire, but named Scheyer as the next-in-line and they haven't dropped even a little in recruiting as K had him be lead recruiter for the last couple years anyways.

[Masterofreality]

The ACC is becoming very pedestrian very quickly.

[X-band '01]

The ACC and Pac-12 should challenge each other instead. There's Duke, a couple of maybe teams in Miami and Notre Dame and a bunch of bedwetters.

[xubrew]

We are on the brink of the first elimination of the season (well, the elimination of a team that is actually eligible for a conference tournament). If Columbia to Harvard, they will be mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the Ivy League Tournament and their hopes of winning a National Championship this year will come to an end.

[GoMuskies]

It's still early, but Murray State is working on throwing its season away. Down 4 at UT-Martin late 1st.

[GoMuskies]

Murray won by 2 over 8-20 UT-M. Close call.

[xubrew]

Murray won by 2 over 8-20 UT-M. Close call.

I (***THINK***) they would have been okay without it. First place teams start the process off in the field. Now in the case of most one bid leagues, those teams are unanimously voted out within the first five minutes of getting started, but ten of the twelve members have to vote to remove a team. I don't think that many would vote to remove Murray State even if they totally shat the bed against a team like UT Martin.

If they win their last two games, and even if they lose one of them, they're going in to the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in the conference tournament. But...not blowing it yesterday certainly didn't hurt anything.

The question is how good will they actually be once they get there?? I mean, one of their two losses was at Auburn, and while it didn't go down to the wire, they didn't get run out of the place either. They actually played pretty well.

[X-band '01]

It was nice knowing you, Juwan Howard.

Phil Martelli is about to rise from the dead.

[xubrew]

It was nice knowing you, Juwan Howard.

Phil Martelli is about to rise from the dead.

We may have just seen Jawan Howard’s last ever game as a college coach.

[X-band '01]

Is Hickory High hiring anytime soon?

[Xavgrad08]

I don’t think I have ever seen a college coach throw a punch. Will Juwan be fired, or no?

[xubrew]

Is Hickory High hiring anytime soon?

That might be his next stop.

I can't remember ever seeing, or even hearing about, a head coach throw a punch at someone during the handshake line. Ever. I will be stunned if he is still coaching at Michigan at this time tomorrow.

[xubrew]

I don’t think I have ever seen a college coach throw a punch. Will Juwan be fired, or no?

I think he will be, but I don't know for sure. That's for Michigan to decide.

If he isn't, I think Kevin Warren will be handing down a very lengthy suspension.

[X-band '01]

Somewhere out there, Fred Garvin is texting Snipe and BP about this being a Top-5 moment in OSU basketball history.

Sparty fans probably have this as #3 behind their two national titles.

[X-band '01]

I don’t think I have ever seen a college coach throw a punch. Will Juwan be fired, or no?

You have obviously never heard of Wayne Woodrow Hayes. He threw a punch at an opposing player.

[X Factor]

That was crazy. Howard threw a closed fist haymaker at someone with Wisconsin.

Will the media go crazy like they did for X-UC?

[X-band '01]

Considering he just did something even Mick Cronin managed not to do, yes.

[JTG]

It was nice knowing you, Juwan Howard.

Phil Martelli is about to rise from the dead.
Young Frankenstein back coaching ?

[X-band '01]

Pretty sure it's Fronkensteen.

[JTG]

We may have just seen Jawan Howard’s last ever game as a college coach.

Seriously? It was bad but not never coach again bad. For God's sake Huggins and Pearl are still coaching, two big time weasels.

[X Factor]

Looking at the replay, it wasn't a closed fist. It looked like he tried to smack him or grab is face/neck, and then he clinched his fist afterwards.

He came across his face pretty good though, and like the announcer said, "Juwan Howard's gonna have problem."

[Xavgrad08]

In looking at the replay, it looks like the Wisconsin coach grabbed Juwan first in the handshake line. If the Wisconsin coach didn’t grab I am not sure it escalates.

[xubrew]

Seriously? It was bad but not never coach again bad. For God's sake Huggins and Pearl are still coaching, two big time weasels.

Okay...Seriously? back at ya

I don't know where you work, but I can't think of too many professions where you can slap someone while on the job and still be working there the next day. Woody Hayes comes to mind.

I mean who does Howard think he is?? An elected official??

[paulxu]

I wish Mick had made it back to the line, and JP.

I'd paid big dollars to see JP cold cock him.

[GIMMFD]

That was crazy. Howard threw a closed fist haymaker at someone with Wisconsin.

Will the media go crazy like they did for X-UC?

It was a segment on CNN's news just now, with them analyzing it, so I have a feeling it's going to be a big thing.

[Strange Brew]

It was nice knowing you, Juwan Howard.

Phil Martelli is about to rise from the dead.

If only Chris Webber had been there to call a TO.

[Xville]

Reflection sessions for everyone!

[Strange Brew]

Reflection sessions for everyone!

Well, that really changed the toughness we all miss from X.

[Xville]

Another one who will probably get some interviews is grant mccasland at north Texas… don’t know much about him but he’s young, lost three seniors off the tourney team that beat Purdue and still has his team lined up for another tourney berth this year.

[GoMuskies]

How has Juwan Howard not been fired yet?

[xubrew]

How has Juwan Howard not been fired yet?

I think he cleared the whole thing up in his postgame press conference. He said that he didn't like how Wisconsin called timeout.

OH! WELL THEN!

At first I thought slapping someone during the handshake line was an utterly ridiculous way for any head coach (or really any adult) to behave, but once he explained it was because it was because Wisconsin did something that he didn't like, that made it all okay!!

[noteggs]

I think he cleared the whole thing up in his postgame press conference. He said that he didn't like how Wisconsin called timeout.

OH! WELL THEN!

At first I thought slapping someone during the handshake line was an utterly ridiculous way for any head coach (or really any adult) to behave, but once he explained it was because it was because Wisconsin did something that he didn't like, that made it all okay!!

Yes that was part of his excuse for his behavior. What you’re not stating is he profusely apologized. Oh wait, that part didn’t happen…

[Xville]

Yes that was part of his excuse for his behavior. What you’re not stating is he profusely apologized. Oh wait, that part didn’t happen…

Not condoning the physical response in any way, but I do find it refreshing that he isn’t apologizing for something he clearly isn’t sorry for. The corporate I’m sorry baloney needs to go. Only reason imo anyone ever does that is to save their job, and I’m assuming Howard has “ i don’t give a f money” to care.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think it's particuarly refreshing for someone NOT to be sorry for doing something really stupid.

[Xville]

I don't think it's particuarly refreshing for someone NOT to be sorry for doing something really stupid.

That’s not what I meant: I was referring to the fake apology we often see. If you aren’t sorry, you aren’t sorry.

[GoMuskies]

I understand, but I personally only find that refreshing when someone shouldn't actually BE sorry.

[noteggs]

Not condoning the physical response in any way, but I do find it refreshing that he isn’t apologizing for something he clearly isn’t sorry for. The corporate I’m sorry baloney needs to go. Only reason imo anyone ever does that is to save their job, and I’m assuming Howard has “ i don’t give a f money” to care.

Don’t disagree here if he’s talking about himself. However, he’s got 15ish young adults on the bench and represents a very good institution. Thinking he should at least man up to them in public if he thinks he’s in the right.

[GoMuskies]

Now, if Howard said something like "I think Gard is an asshole for calling that time out, but I'm sorry I hit that guy", THAT would be refreshing and I'd respect it.

[noteggs]

Now, if Howard said something like "I think Gard is an asshole for calling that time out, but I'm sorry I hit that guy", THAT would be refreshing and I'd respect it.

Yes, I was looking for something like that.

[xubrew]

Rumors are that Howard will be suspended for the rest of the season.

Every team that Michigan plays while Howard is still coaching should call timeout with ten seconds left whenever they have a commanding lead.

[X-band '01]

He should appeal and have it reduced to four games.

Next game back under that scenario? Roadie at Ohio State.

[noteggs]

Think I would throw more than an elbow if I were EJ Liddell if someone grabbed my junk?

[JTG]

Anyone else think Michigan might get hot with Martelli taking over ? I always liked him as an opposing coach.

[xubrew]

In Juwan Howard's apology that was released to the press, he got the name of the assistant coach wrong that he was apologizing to. That leads me to believe that hey may have actually written it himself!!

[bjf123]

I think he cleared the whole thing up in his postgame press conference. He said that he didn't like how Wisconsin called timeout.


Dude, if you didn’t like them calling time out, you shouldn’t have been pressing down 14 with 22 seconds left. If you had told your defense to relax, Wisconsin would have dribbled out the clock and no punches get thrown.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bleedXblue]

Amazing the stupidity of Howards actions and the fact that he still has a job. As of now......

[noteggs]

Again, the subjective charge calls suck!

[JTG]

Amazing the stupidity of Howards actions and the fact that he still has a job. As of now......

I'm guessing there is some history between the two. They were both being stupid. Howard for pressing and Gard for calling time out. They should have done the drive by hand shake. No stopping , no explaining, just go to the lockerroom.

[xubrew]

Syracuse has been shit for most of the year, but they have won six of their last seven.

Here is what will happen. They will win three of their last four losing only to Duke. They will go to the ACC Championship game without having to actually beat anyone that's any good. They will get an at-large bid, be given a #12 seed, and then play in the First Four. They will then beat the #5, #13, #8, and #10 seeds to advance to the Final Four. They will do all of this just to annoy me!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Well, it could be worse. Fred Hoiberg is 6-49 in three years against Big Ten foes at Nebraska, and the Huskers are bringing him back for year #4.

[Masterofreality]

Well, it could be worse. Fred Hoiberg is 6-49 in three years against Big Ten foes at Nebraska, and the Huskers are bringing him back for year #4.

That has NOT worked out

[GoMuskies]

Murray State is murdering Belmont again. Pretty impressive. Matt McMahon is going to be wealthy soon.

[Xville]

New bracketology is out and x is currently an 8. Not in bubble territory, but have to win one of these next two to avoid it. Let’s just protect home court these last two home games and move to lock status. Saturday is uuuge.

[paulxu]

But still in Greenville !

[GoMuskies]

I'd like that draw. I think we'd take out Notre Dame. Wouldn't even worry about Auburn. Just one NCAA Tournament win would be so nice. Been too long!

[xubrew]

Idaho 325 over South Dakota State 72 = 253 difference

This is still the biggest upset of the year, but we now have a new second biggest upset!! Fairleigh Dickinson over Wagner! I believe they were 234 spots apart.

And, it actually sets up a big game Sunday. Wagner goes to Bryant. The winner gets home court advantage for the entire NEC Tournament because it's played at campus sites. Wagner was having a good year, and some AP voters were actually starting to vote for them. I think it's beyond crazy to think they were a top 25 team, but then again I've always thought a lot of the writers were crazy, so...

[xubrew]

Harvard did not commit a single foul in the first half against Princeton. You don’t see that too often.

[UCGRAD4X]

Harvard did not commit a single foul in the first half against Princeton. You don’t see that too often.

Not a single foul was called.

Ivy League Refs.

[GoMuskies]

Murray State escaped on the road at SEMO to finish undefeated in the OVC. They're now officially a potential bid stealer, as even if they lose to Belmont in the OVC Tournament they're a stone cold NCAA lock.

[X-band '01]

FWIW, UC already beat Xavier to the punch by losing at home on a buzzer-beater to American basement-dweller South Florida.

[American X]

It is great to see Phil Martelli on the sidelines again.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YbuIcykWXs4%2FUXmhYOA1aJI%2FAAAAAAAAs_A%2FBWlgnj3o FFw%2Fs1600%2Fyoung-frankenstein.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[UCGRAD4X]

it is great to see phil martelli on the sidelines again.


Puttin on the Riiiiiiiiii!

[X-band '01]

Hope Duke fans enjoyed mortgaging their homes to watch Carolina win K's home finale.

[paulxu]

Watching post game Duke events for coach K.
He took the mic before the planned festivities to quickly address the crowd, unscripted.
Just commented on the game that had just concluded, with I'm sure an ending he didn't like.

But he just said the result was "unacceptable." Was a very strange moment. Nobody, it seemed, knew how to react to that comment.
His players were sitting there and it just looked very uncomfortable. Not a good way to start off the honoring of his time at Duke by the president, AD, etc.

Weird.

[Xville]

Watching post game Duke events for coach K.
He took the mic before the planned festivities to quickly address the crowd, unscripted.
Just commented on the game that had just concluded, with I'm sure an ending he didn't like.

But he just said the result was "unacceptable." Was a very strange moment. Nobody, it seemed, knew how to react to that comment.
His players were sitting there and it just looked very uncomfortable. Not a good way to start off the honoring of his time at Duke by the president, AD, etc.

Weird.

Weird or a great coach pissed off about his team’s focus, toughness and execution against an inferior opponent and rival? There is a reason he is one of the greatest coaches ever. I hate duke, but I respect the hell out of his coaching ability.

[paulxu]

Weird or a great coach pissed off about his team’s focus, toughness and execution against an inferior opponent and rival? There is a reason he is one of the greatest coaches ever. I hate duke, but I respect the hell out of his coaching ability.

Well that's OK, and I agree.
But expressing being pissed off about the team could have waited till the locker room, not embarrassingly in front of people who were there to honor his accomplishments.
There was total silence after his comment. No one applauded his great coaching ability in doing that.

[GoMuskies]

Imagine the idea 25 years ago that Kentucky and Gonzaga would play a home and home, and Kentucky would be more excited about it than Gonzaga.

[xu82]

Imagine the idea 25 years ago that Kentucky and Gonzaga would play a home and home, and Kentucky would be more excited about it than Gonzaga.

I suppose that is the difference between recruiters and players vs coaches and teams.