The NCAA Tournament Has Begun!!!

[GoMuskies]

Go Morehead!

[dc_x]

I can't believe how many people are at this game. These 2 teams are terrible.

Why would any sit and watch this? Let alone pay money to watch it?

[chico]

I can't believe how many people are at this game. These 2 teams are terrible.

Why would any sit and watch this? Let alone pay money to watch it?

It's Dayton. In many ways it's an upgrade from the usual product on the court.

[GoMuskies]

I would have gone to see Morehead if I was in the area. Growing up in Kentucky, I always followed the OVC teams, and Murray State was the one with all the success. Even a lousy Morehead team playing the NCAA Tournament is a huge step for that program. I'm excited for them.

[X Factor]

First time ever a game at UD Arena was broadcast in HD, and Dayton wasn't even playing. I hate the camera angle at UD Arena. It's like they're 100 feet straight up and almost right over the court.

[Cincypunk.org]

First time ever a game at UD Arena was broadcast in HD, and Dayton wasn't even playing. I hate the camera angle at UD Arena. It's like they're 100 feet straight up and almost right over the court.

You speak the truth... it is the worst camera angle in the land.

[American X]

Alabama State was robbed of the NCAA Tournament experience. They earn a bid and get sent to Dayton on a Tuesday.

Removing the play-in game is the one change I would make to the Tournament. It is not as if the winner of the Mountain West would really take away an at-large bid. They would very likely be in a position for it anyway.

Short of that, make the play-in the last two at-large teams and it does not count as an NCAA appearance for the loser.

[XUglow]

AmEx, I like the suggestion of the at-large doing the play-in game. I don't know who UGA kicked out last year, but San Diego State was the last at-large team in the tourney as a 13-seed this year, MSU wins the SEC, the committee sticks MSU in the 13-seed and boots SDSU. It seems to me that it would be more fair to boot someone that should be in to a play-in game rather than out completely. If there are no conference upsets, then adding another at-large to the play-in game should be no problem if they really, really want to stick with 65 teams.

[GoMuskies]

AmEx, I like the suggestion of the at-large doing the play-in game. I don't know who UGA kicked out last year, but San Diego State was the last at-large team in the tourney as a 13-seed this year, MSU wins the SEC, the committee sticks MSU in the 13-seed and boots SDSU. It seems to me that it would be more fair to boot someone that should be in to a play-in game rather than out completely. If there are no conference upsets, then adding another at-large to the play-in game should be no problem if they really, really want to stick with 65 teams.

I don't think that's how it would work. The same 65 teams would still be in. It's just that Arizona and Maryland would have been in Dayton last night instead of Morehead and Alabama State.

[MADXSTER]

AHHHHH CRAP! My bracket is already screwed up!

[GoMuskies]

Here's something interesting (okay, not THAT interesting): Louisville and Morehead State is actually a rematch from November. Louisville won that game 79-41. Very unusual for a first-round NCAA Tournament game.

[XUglow]

I don't think that's how it would work. The same 65 teams would still be in. It's just that Arizona and Maryland would have been in Dayton last night instead of Morehead and Alabama State.

You are right. I just think that they could eliminate an upset in one conference tourney kicking out a deserving team from a different conference. If an at-large is in when they set things up, it seems fair to me that the worst that could happen is that they drop to a play-in game. I have never figured out why a play-in game is necessary, but if they are going to have one, why eliminate a team that has already played their way in. All of the at-large teams that are trying to get in are coming off of a loss. They are the ones that need to prove themselves.

[GoMuskies]

It is "necessary" because the power conferences did not want to lose an at-large bid when the WAC and MWC split. This was the compromise to keep the peace.

[gomuskiesgo1987]

Amex, I'd rather see more play-in games than less. Give all the sixteen seeds a play-in game and allow for the lesser conference tourney winners to get the experience while still allowing for 37 at large bids rather than 34.

[X-band '01]

You can bet on at least one more play-in game being formed in a couple of years when some of the new independent schools (NJIT, Utah Valley State, Texas-Pan American) form a new conference called the Great West Conference. Once they qualify for an automatic bid, don't expect the BCS and mid-major schools to sacrifice an at-large bid.

[coasterville95]

I know everybody is watching LSU/Butler because thats what's on CBS, and it started first, and we have more skin in that game having played both teams.

However, turn your attention over to the 15/2 game: Memphis vs. Cal State Northridge. Memphis is only up 3 at halftime, and had to overcome a 7 point early deficit to get that. Memphis has one player who is single handedly carrying their team on his back. Live by the Three, Die by the Three style.

In other news it looks like Texas A&M is beating the crudola out of BYU.

[coasterville95]

Memphis is now only up 1 with 17:35 left, still plenty of ball, but I'm worried.

36 hours ago I thought "Memphis sounds like an excellent candidate for the national title". Could my brackets get blown to shreds in the first 3 hours of the tournament??!!??

[The Artist]

Memphis is not any better than when they played us - when they were mediocre at best. I have them going down 2nd round to Maryland. Go CSN.