2009 NCAA Tournament Thread

[Scoobz0202]

Anybody else having a hell of a time with the buffering for the Nova-American game on MMOD, or is it just me?

EDIT: Nm, probably should have refreshed before posting :p

[mauchow]

I just turned on the Nova game... three good defensive sets in a row for Nova. American looks somewhat overmatched, but we'll see.

[Lathum]

AJ Abrahms just went on a sick run

[Butter]

Well, at least Clemson has a good class coming in next year. They are done, they have shown no heart this year in games when they've been behind.

[LoneStarGirl]

Raise your hand if you just nervously checked your brackets to see how far you have Villanova going

*raises hand* Elite Eight.... Here is to hoping American chokes

[RainMaker]

They just switched us over to the America-Villanova game. I really hate giving teams home court advantage in the tournament.

[mauchow]

That white guy on the bench for Nova needs to calm down after each bucket.

[Lathum]

With all thats going on no one has mentioned Gonzaga down by 3 at the half

[Lathum]

They just switched us over to the America-Villanova game. I really hate giving teams home court advantage in the tournament.

yeah but it's hard to not given the economy and all. They also want to make it eaiser for people to travel so they don't have empty arenas

[LoneStarGirl]

One of my math classes I teach is doing a project on the bracket. They had to do research on each team and then make an educated decision on which team would win each game by use of statistics. Of course my males filled out their bracket before doing any research, and they all have Memphis losing to Maryland/California in the second round.

Being married to GoldenEagle has converted me to a hardcore Memphis fan, so I have them winning it all in one bracket and losing to Louisville in my other. So today in class I turned on the TV and we watched the games all day. My students were giving me such hell when Memphis was struggling.

Even though I have no money riding on any of these games, I will face massive embarrassment in class next week if my students have a better bracket than me, and even more humiliation if Memphis loses before the Final Four!

Oh and BTW I am 5 for 8 right now so I really am sucking it up

[Tigercat]

Even though I have Nova winning this game(who didn't?) I have UCLA making a nice run in my bracket, so a loss here wouldn't be a bracketbuster. So either way it will be a nice outcome to watch, good game so far.

[CU Tiger]

What has the general attitude been towards Oliver Purnell at Clemson? Anybody here familiar with Clemson basketball? I used to watch him when I was younger at Dayton and he loved there. I remember a lot of general sadness when he left.

See next comment

I went to Dayton, and my wife went to Clemson. I was sad when he left UD, but felt he would get Clemson back to respectability, and he has done that. If he loses in the NCAA's this year, it will be 2 back-to-back 1st round NCAA exits so there will be a bit of grumbling, but all in all, football is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at Clemson, so he has a bit more leeway than a coach at a more even-keeled school would have. Just getting Clemson ranked on a regular basis is probably good enough for most at the school. He has a long term contract at Clemson, the fans seem to like him, and he seems to like the fans, so I think he will probably close out his career there.

I think you actually under sell his affinity. Most here are ready to Saint him, he pretty much has the proverbial free pass at this point. Even as the team has struggled down the stretch and spending large parts of each day listening to Clemson sports talk radio I have yet to hear a single call bashin OP...


It seems like Clemson always peaks a couple of months too early, limps into the tournament and then absolutely implodes once they get there. Michigan is shooting so well, though, it may not have mattered what Clemson did.

I think there is some truth here and explainably so, but it is important to remember that last year wwas the first time in a decade Clemson had been to the NCAA...so to say they always implode is a bit of a stretch. Before last year their last tourney run was a Sweet sixteen appearance with Rick Barnes as the coach.

That said we press 35+ minutes a game, and only have a handful of talented players. We wear ourselves out. That is changing though, as more and more talent is brought in by Purnell the future is bright.

In the history of recruiting rankings, Clemson has never had a 5 star player but have 2 coming in next year. So the talent level is improving and having more capable bodies will allow more rest per game and prevent the late season fatigue.

+++++

Edit this is absolutely horse shit.
If we had known this crap we could have brought CJ Spiller and De'Quan Bowers...had no idea it was a football game.
You toss a player for throwing an elbow when his opponent has two handsful of his jersey and his pulling him down, yet two players of ours get busted open and neither draws a foul.

[RainMaker]

Does that commercial where the guy smacks the guy next to him with a cake knife in the calf bother anyone else? I have to change it when I see it, that noise of it hitting the bone makes me cringe everytime.

[RainMaker]

Gonzaga is just not playing defense at all. Surprised with so many seniors they have come out so lax.

[Scoobz0202]

Um.. My CBS didn't really just go from a four point possible 14 seed upset to a 10 point 7-10 matchup did they?

[Scoobz0202]

Nm. They must have realized their mistake :p

[SackAttack]

I don't think I could ever watch the tournament on TV again - the online feeds don't cut away to different games.

[DeToxRox]

It's remarkable what Michigan has done this year with two walk on's as our PG's, and two kids no one really recruited (Douglass and Novak) playing significant minutes.

Next year with top 75 PG Darius Morris coming in, plus top 150 shooter Matt Vogrich, who Sporting News named their best pure shooter for 2009 and two 3* bigs, plus apparently Manny and Sims coming back, things are gonna be looking up.

[Lathum]

I don't think I could ever watch the tournament on TV again - the online feeds don't cut away to different games.

I really enjoy the online feed.

Play poker in 2 windows, the game in one and the game on TV.

ADD heaven

[DeToxRox]

Dola, should Michigan pull this out, they better sure up their defense in the paint. Clemson has missed way too many easy shots down there, and Blake Griffin won't.

But it's only a 9 point game with plenty of time left so anything can happen.

[panerd]

I don't think I could ever watch the tournament on TV again - the online feeds don't cut away to different games.


You sure about that? I have the directv package and I think it does go to close endings in previous years. There just haven't been any all day. Maybe it doesn't anymore but I am not certain of this.

[Butter]

The shots American was pulling out of their ass early just aren't going down any more.

And it doesn't help that that one dick referee is hopping around like a jackrabbit on every turnover call. Incite the crowd much?

[DeToxRox]

There is why Manny Harris needs to come back. Still very careless with the ball. I like Clemson's chances with not much time left. Michigan is very young and inexperienced and has been stymied at times by the press.

[Lathum]

Clemson is doing a good job of getting turnovers but they need some baskets

[RainMaker]

The shots American was pulling out of their ass early just aren't going down any more.

And it doesn't help that that one dick referee is hopping around like a jackrabbit on every turnover call. Incite the crowd much?

Was a nice game for them though and they made it interesting. I had money on Villanova -15 so I wasn't too happy with how Nova played. On a neutral court I bet America hangs on to that lead and pulls off an upset.

[DeToxRox]

Wow. Novak with a tough luck miss there.

[CU Tiger]

We dont deserve to win this game...but Ill celebrate all the same if we do.

[mauchow]

Michigan giving it away it looks like.

[panerd]

Michigan needs the Heimlich maneuver.

[DeToxRox]

Big play by Manny Fresh.

[adubroff]

Once he gets that deep, if Harris is gonna shoot, just let him. There's a ton of time left, no reason to give him three. If he scores two there it's a one possesion game.

[mauchow]

Manny Harris with a huge shot only 15 seconds into the shot clock with a 1 pt lead. LOL He's lucky that paid off nicely.

[spleen1015]

A couple of good games tonight. This is what the tourney should be.

[Lathum]

terrible last possesion

[RainMaker]

The Michigan -Clemson has been a close game, I wouldn't call it a good one though. That is some of the worst basketball I've seen in the tournament in years.

[Lathum]

It's weird to hear the Michigan fight song in March

[sterlingice]

I wish one of these games had been in the opening set

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

clusterf*** of a last possession for Clemson

[sterlingice]

Nova out safely and the Zags starting to pull away a little

Those are two teams I really need in my brackets as they are "backstops" for other teams falling (as I think Duke will lose and I'd like to see UNC lose- Gonzaga is the big "gamble" in my bracket which, frankly, I think of more as a gamble against Lawson's foot as much as for Gonzaga).

SI

[panerd]

Are there really that many good games in the first round or do we just have good memories of a couple of games? I think the #1's, 2's, and 3's almost always win big.

[panerd]

I love American continuing to foul. 15 point cover is possible!!!

[mauchow]

time for Binghampton to pull of the upset!


Errr.....


Big 10 2-1 so far. Illinois and Western Kentucky should be a decent game to watch along with VCU and UCLA.. I could give a rats ass about the other two.

[Butter]

Clemson didn't need a 3 there, and Michigan was overplaying the 3 the entire final minute, so take the 2 and hope for a missed FT with 7 seconds or so left. Bad coaching if that was the plan, for Rivers to take a highly contested 3. Everyone knew he was going to take the shot, and he completely missed it. That'll haunt him forever which is too bad, he was a really good player in his CU career.

[mauchow]

I love American continuing to foul. 15 point cover is possible!!!

If they run down the floor and miss another three I doubt they foul. be funny if they did.

[DeToxRox]

I cannot believe Michigan won. I have to pinch myself. Prior to this the last time I saw them play in March was when I was 13 so this is all even better for me because of the appreciation I have for it. I think OU will smoke us if we can't hit shots and slow up Griffin but I'm going to enjoy it.

[CU Tiger]

Clemson didn't need a 3 there, and Michigan was overplaying the 3 the entire final minute, so take the 2 and hope for a missed FT with 7 seconds or so left. Bad coaching if that was the plan, for Rivers to take a highly contested 3. Everyone knew he was going to take the shot, and he completely missed it. That'll haunt him forever which is too bad, he was a really good player in his CU career.
They were out of time outs....it takes 5 seconds to travel the floor.
If you dont fould in 2 seconds you lose....if they even get the ball in bounds...

yeah a 3 was a must

[panerd]

If they run down the floor and miss another three I doubt they foul. be funny if they did.

I think they will foul here. I love it. Never understood why you would give up. Of course I also want a cover!

[Butter]

Akron and American really had shots to win, if they weren't playing FUCKING ROAD GAMES.

[Karlifornia]

Clemson didn't need a 3 there, and Michigan was overplaying the 3 the entire final minute, so take the 2 and hope for a missed FT with 7 seconds or so left. Bad coaching if that was the plan, for Rivers to take a highly contested 3. Everyone knew he was going to take the shot, and he completely missed it. That'll haunt him forever which is too bad, he was a really good player in his CU career.

I think that's cutting it juuuust a bit too close. I mean, they couldn't get any shot off until just a few seconds before the buzzer. Plus, with no TO's, that would probably force it to be a Laettner miracle.

[RainMaker]

Akron and American really had shots to win, if they weren't playing FUCKING ROAD GAMES.

How about Siena tomorrow? Have a great year, end up in an 8-9 game and then have to play a road game against Ohio State.

The system is a fuckin joke. Just give the teams you want to move on byes for christ sake.

[Karlifornia]

Gonzaga pulling away. That's my team, baby! (for this tournament)

[Lathum]

Akron and American really had shots to win, if they weren't playing FUCKING ROAD GAMES.

do you realize Portland is about 350 miles from Gonzaga?

[panerd]

Well Nova is our first gambling buzzer beater of the tournament. What an exciting ending that I of course ended up on the wrong side of.

[Butter]

I think that's cutting it juuuust a bit too close. I mean, they couldn't get any shot off until just a few seconds before the buzzer. Plus, with no TO's, that would probably force it to be a Laettner miracle.

Stitt jogged it up the court though... drive to the basket and go for the 70% shot instead of the 20% one.

[RainMaker]

Well Nova is our first gambling buzzer beater of the tournament. What an exciting ending that I of course ended up on the wrong side of.

Me too. What a range of emotions. Go from literally giving up the bet and rooting for American to a meaningless uncontested layup costing me.

[panerd]

Me too. What a range of emotions. Go from literally giving up the bet and rooting for American to a meaningless uncontested layup costing me.

Yeah. I was hoping some back-up nobody would throw up a 3 at the buzzer for Nova to cover.

[RedKingGold]

Does that commercial where the guy smacks the guy next to him with a cake knife in the calf bother anyone else? I have to change it when I see it, that noise of it hitting the bone makes me cringe everytime.

No. You're just an incredible pussy.

[RedKingGold]

I wish I can redo my bracket and take Nova out of the Final Four. Although I'm a Wildcat homer, they've just become too careless with the ball and shooting jump shots to make any deep run. They'll be lucky to make the Sweet Sixteen as a protected seed.

[Radii]

Akron and American really had shots to win, if they weren't playing FUCKING ROAD GAMES.

What exactly would you recommend? Especially as Lathum pointed out, Gonzaga is playing 350 miles from their campus in another state. Hasn't a key reward of earning a high seed been that you get seeded in a favorable region?

Everyone loves to point out that UNC gets to play a lot of games in North Carolina, which is entirely true. Of course they usually have to earn a 1 or 2 seed to get that preference, and a hosting site has to exist in the state(of course, there are more available hosting sites in North Carolina for the south region than there are in georgia, virginia, tennessee, south carolina, alabama and mississippi combined. But anyway, Greensboro is 50 miles from Chapel hill and Durham. Should Duke and UNC be sent 850 miles away to Miami instead? What about Charlotte, that's 150 miles away from their campuses.

So is the rule same state? 100 miles? You can only go to the 2nd closest hosting site available to you?

So what's fair?

[RainMaker]

I wish I can redo my bracket and take Nova out of the Final Four. Although I'm a Wildcat homer, they've just become too careless with the ball and shooting jump shots to make any deep run. They'll be lucky to make the Sweet Sixteen as a protected seed.

I still think they're fine. They have a home game against VCU/UCLA which they should win. Duke or Texas is very beatable still.

One weird stat from the game. Villanova shot 29 free throws to American's 5. I know some of those FT came at the end of the game, but that's a huge gap.

[wade moore]

ugh - early fouling by sanders is not good.

[adubroff]

I still think they're fine. They have a home game against VCU/UCLA which they should win. Duke or Texas is very beatable still.

One weird stat from the game. Villanova shot 29 free throws to American's 5. I know some of those FT came at the end of the game, but that's a huge gap.

Two FTs in first half....

10 of the 29 were in the last 1:30.

Nova went to the hole a ton more in the second half and that got them a bunch of free throws, they were in the penalty early.

[wade moore]

And that's the press i'm talking about.

[Lathum]

Wow, Sanders just got really lucky that wasn't his second

[Lathum]

Di I just hear that right, Sanders had 40 blocked shots in a 3 game CAA tourny?:eek:

[wade moore]

Come on Rodriguez.

Damnit.

[wade moore]

Di I just hear that right, Sanders had 40 blocked shots in a 3 game CAA tourny?:eek:

He had an amazing tourney, but he only had 11 blocked shots (7 in the championship game) according to cbs's stats.

[wade moore]

Ah. I see 39 rebounds - maybe that's what it was?

[Lathum]

And that's the press i'm talking about.

yeah, UCLA's press does look good

[sterlingice]

Man, this is a slow, ugly game. Still, I think it's required watching here in Richmond tonight :)

SI

[wade moore]

yeah, UCLA's press does look good

Er, what press? That's not a press producing the turnovers.

I guess you could call it a Half-Court Press, but it's really just aggressive man D in my opinion.

[Lathum]

Ah. I see 39 rebounds - maybe that's what it was?

I swear I heard him say 40, thats why it caught my attention.

Is he an upperclassman? Maybe in CAA tournaments lifetime

[wade moore]

Man, this is a slow, ugly game. Still, I think it's required watching here in Richmond tonight :)

SI

Definitely ;).

[Lathum]

Er, what press? That's not a press producing the turnovers.

I guess you could call it a Half-Court Press, but it's really just aggressive man D in my opinion.

I'm just fucking with you dude.

You're a CAA guy I go to a PAC 10 school...

[wade moore]

I swear I heard him say 40, thats why it caught my attention.

Is he an upperclassman? Maybe in CAA tournaments lifetime

He's a sophomore.

[wade moore]

Dola: he had 95 total blocks last year and 88 this - i'm not sure what you heard ;).

He is a blocking machine.

[RainMaker]

What exactly would you recommend? Especially as Lathum pointed out, Gonzaga is playing 350 miles from their campus in another state. Hasn't a key reward of earning a high seed been that you get seeded in a favorable region?

Everyone loves to point out that UNC gets to play a lot of games in North Carolina, which is entirely true. Of course they usually have to earn a 1 or 2 seed to get that preference, and a hosting site has to exist in the state(of course, there are more available hosting sites in North Carolina for the south region than there are in georgia, virginia, tennessee, south carolina, alabama and mississippi combined. But anyway, Greensboro is 50 miles from Chapel hill and Durham. Should Duke and UNC be sent 850 miles away to Miami instead? What about Charlotte, that's 150 miles away from their campuses.

So is the rule same state? 100 miles? You can only go to the 2nd closest hosting site available to you?

So what's fair?

I don't really have a problem with the Gonzaga game. That's a hefty distance and we can't send every team across the country.

The North Carolina thing is getting old, but I know why the NCAA does it. I guess I don't understand why a 3 seed like Villanova gets a home game, or an 8 seed like Ohio State. Siena really gets screwed in that one and I wonder if that would have happened if it was UCLA as the 9 seed.

I liked the old system that was essentially all neutral sites. I think the crowd dynamic is unique and it makes it fair for both sides. Leave the home games for the regular season, the tournament should be who has the better team that day, not who is playing at home.

[wade moore]

OHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

[Karlifornia]

I don't really have a problem with the Gonzaga game. That's a hefty distance and we can't send every team across the country.

The North Carolina thing is getting old, but I know why the NCAA does it. I guess I don't understand why a 3 seed like Villanova gets a home game, or an 8 seed like Ohio State. Siena really gets screwed in that one and I wonder if that would have happened if it was UCLA as the 9 seed.

I liked the old system that was essentially all neutral sites. I think the crowd dynamic is unique and it makes it fair for both sides. Leave the home games for the regular season, the tournament should be who has the better team that day, not who is playing at home.

Neutral site games in the first two rounds where there is usually a clear underdog wouldn't be all that neutral at all, because the "neutral" crowd will always cheer for the underdog.

[Karlifornia]

Wow...Binghamton only down 7. I thought they were done.

[mauchow]

So far the Ill/WKU game has been bad.... really bad.

There has been one nice block so far and that's about it.

Oh and a three pointer was just made. Sweet. 7-4 almost five minutes in.

[spleen1015]

So far the Ill/WKU game has been bad.... really bad.

There has been one nice block so far and that's about it.

Oh and a three pointer was just made. Sweet. 7-4 almost five minutes in.

Looks like a game at the YMCA to me.

[Lathum]

Looks like a game in the Big 10 to me.

fixed

[RainMaker]

Neutral site games in the first two rounds where there is usually a clear underdog wouldn't be all that neutral at all, because the "neutral" crowd will always cheer for the underdog.

So let teams play home games is the solution? Come on. Neutral site games are fairly neutral. The crowd doesn't usually turn till an underdog gives the fans good reason to believe their can be an upset. The bigger schools always have the larger contingent at the games and the advantage early.

Neutral sites are neutral. It's fair to both sides. Letting 8 seed Ohio State play a home game is a fuckin joke.

[Radii]

I liked the old system that was essentially all neutral sites. I think the crowd dynamic is unique and it makes it fair for both sides. Leave the home games for the regular season, the tournament should be who has the better team that day, not who is playing at home.


What neutral sites? You mean when if you were sent to the west region you played on all west sites that were pre-determined? So a team like Gonzaga, the highest seed in the tournament(along with UW) got rewarded and put in the west region, thus putting them at one of the western sites and changing absolutely nothing.

The sites in the east or the south still go to the top teams from those geographic areas. Perhaps the new pod system(and btw I'm not a fan of the new pod system, I liked it the way it was just fine) generates a few more games each year where one team is decidedly closer to home than other teams, but the higher seeds ending up with the games closer to their campuses is nothing new at all.

EDIT: You weren't the one mentioning the gonzaga game, just read that now(though I still like the point for those that were ;) )

[mauchow]

I've got all the games right so far but one, the Butler game. Two games which seem to be about 50/50 between everyone is the obvious two games tonight. I've got WKU and UCLA winning. I originally had Illinois until Frazier was officially out for the game.

So far a couple nice threes for WKU. We'll see if they can keep it up.

[Karlifornia]

How about lets just have empty gyms for tourney games?

[Lathum]

the Larry Sanders show just took a commercial break


couldn't resist

[DeToxRox]

How about lets just have empty gyms for tourney games?

Only after we move the World Series to a Neutral Site.

[wade moore]

the Larry Sanders show just took a commercial break


couldn't resist

I've been wondering how long it would take for someone to do it ;).

[Lathum]

Only after we move the World Series to a Neutral Site.

I hear they are building a baseball stadium on the Jersey Shore

[Lathum]

Illinois better be carefull, from what I have seen of them they aren't a come from behind team

[wade moore]

Sweet, a good old V..... C...... U..... song.

[wade moore]

These 3-pointers are going to be the death of VCU.

[mauchow]

These three pointers by WKU. Whoa. Backing up to shoot that three when he had a wide open layup.... and draining it to make it an 8 point game, then Illinois misses the wide open layup. Hah. Man.

At least the game is semi exciting now.

[RainMaker]

What neutral sites? You mean when if you were sent to the west region you played on all west sites that were pre-determined? So a team like Gonzaga, the highest seed in the tournament(along with UW) got rewarded and put in the west region, thus putting them at one of the western sites and changing absolutely nothing.

The sites in the east or the south still go to the top teams from those geographic areas. Perhaps the new pod system(and btw I'm not a fan of the new pod system, I liked it the way it was just fine) generates a few more games each year where one team is decidedly closer to home than other teams, but the higher seeds ending up with the games closer to their campuses is nothing new at all.

EDIT: You weren't the one mentioning the gonzaga game, just read that now(though I still like the point for those that were ;) )

The old system was random though. Sometimes a team got a favorable spot but it wasn't predetermined. This system has the committee actively giving home games to certain teams.

The one great thing about the tournament was how completely fair it was. Everyone was treated the same. Now with the selection committee and questionable seeding, it's just added a little too much WWE for my liking.

[wade moore]

Rodriguez is clearly outmanned in this game. Not good for VCU. Rozelle should be playing more.

[wade moore]

Time for me to crawl into my hole.

[Radii]

The old system was random though. Sometimes a team got a favorable spot but it wasn't predetermined. This system has the committee actively giving home games to certain teams.


*nods*

gotcha. I'm perfectly cool with that. I do prefer the old system, though honestly I think its just more of a symmetry thing than anything. It doesn't feel right having teams in the "west region" playing their first two rounds on the east coast, etc.

[sterlingice]

VCU needs to tighten this up here and get back into the game

SI

[mauchow]

Illinois sucks, if WKU doesn't beat them I'll be pleasantly surprised as a Big 10 homer.

Glad to see Illinois representing the Big 10 quite nicely.

WKU won't shoot this well all game but they should have no problem holding a ten point lead the whole game.

Michael Jordan turns it over.

[wade moore]

VCU needs to tighten this up here and get back into the game

SI

The 2nd half will be all about Eric Maynor. If he can get into that higher gear VCU can make a game of it (although if Rodriguez continues to hand the ball to UCLA it won't matter), but if Maynor can't do that they're screwed.

[Lathum]

the double pit chect Axe commercial annoys the hell out of me

[RainMaker]

How about lets just have empty gyms for tourney games?

Or just give byes to the teams who draw the best ratings on TV.

[wade moore]

Lathum:

On the CAA board a guy posted this:

%#@! Enberg is is losing his mind. Here are the errors I've caught from him tonight

- GMU is in the Patriot league now
- TJ Gwynn replaced Larry Sanders (anf TJ was on the bench with the camera on him)
- Eric Gaynor
- Larry Sanders had 40 blocks in the CAA tourney (even the dumbest bitch would check out that stat and realize it was rebounds)

[RainMaker]

The 2nd half will be all about Eric Maynor. If he can get into that higher gear VCU can make a game of it (although if Rodriguez continues to hand the ball to UCLA it won't matter), but if Maynor can't do that they're screwed.

I hope so, I feel suckered into VCU +8

[mauchow]

Bad call IMO, the kid leaned right into the offensive player. Ah, well. Charges sometimes ruin a game with how much the refs call them at times.

[wade moore]

HAHAHAHA..

The "Total Package" made TV.

That is the band director for VCU. He's an absolute maniac. I find watching him and the VCU band to be more entertaining than the game sometimes.

[Lathum]

Lathum:

On the CAA board a guy posted this:

man do I feel better

[wade moore]

If Sanders picks up his 3rd foul within the first 2 or 3 minutes as he often does this could be bad as well.

[MrBug708]

UCLA is holding court so far and they are playing terrible. So far so good

[wade moore]

Missed opportunity after missed opportunity.

That's not how you get an upset.

[wade moore]

Oh goodie, bug is here - this should get fun ;).

[MrBug708]

Nah, I'm pretty sedated on cold medicine right now so it can't be bad

But if Burgess keeps hitting those 3's, it might get ugly :)

[Karlifornia]

Great..Blake Griffin absolutely pwning Morgan State, and then he hurts his elbow. I'm hoping really hard that it's not serious, cause if it is, my Top Gun chances are screwed.

[wade moore]

Nah, I'm pretty sedated on cold medicine right now so it can't be bad

But if Burgess keeps hitting those 3's, it might get ugly :)

:).

[MrBug708]

If VCU keeps this close, Grant to UVa?

[MrBug708]

Oh and if UCLA keeps getting mugged, you'll know. For now, I like that they are being allowed to play

[wade moore]

If VCU keeps this close, Grant to UVa?

I think UVA would be ecstatic to get Grant win or lose in this game. I think if VCU lost the CAA Tourney UVA would still be ecstatic to have him.

I'm not sure he takes that job though.

He turned down an SEC job... although I forget where.. last year or the year before.

But some think this is the year for him to leave because there could be a big drop after Maynor leaves.

[wade moore]

Hah - the fat guy with the ram horns is a well known guy on the caa message boards.

[wade moore]

Ugh - Rodriguez in for Maynor - what a trade-down.

[miami_fan]

Maynor looked gassed on the bench just now

[wade moore]

Maynor looked gassed on the bench just now

I wouldn't be too worried about that. This is how VCU always palys. They full-court press the entire game and Maynor plays a large number of minutes. They're one of the better condition teams you'll see.

[MrBug708]

Does VCU always full court press? If not, it's kind of a bad coaching move against this UCLA team

[wade moore]

Does VCU always full court press? If not, it's kind of a bad coaching move against this UCLA team

They always full court press for 40 minutes.

[Lathum]

Does VCU always full court press? If not, it's kind of a bad coaching move against this UCLA team

this post would be really funny if it wasn't serious .


no slight on Bug, I know he in sick and probably didnt read the whole thread

[MrBug708]

Nope, more of a general inquiry....


Dont feel like reading through this thread :) Just that UCLA has some quick guards and generally makes the extra pass

[MrBug708]

Geez, box out Nixon

[MrBug708]

Travel by Gwynn

[wade moore]

Nope, more of a general inquiry....


Dont feel like reading through this thread :) Just that UCLA has some quick guards and generally makes the extra pass

Yeah, he's just saying I've said it like 5 times in my pimping of VCU ;).


And you mentioned mugging earlier - UCLA is getting away with as much mugging as VCU. I actually thinking the reffing has been very consistent which I'm not used to with CAA refs.

[Lathum]

I have WKU in both my money brackets!

[MrBug708]

In the messageb oard world, I've learned that anyone who says the reffing was fair probably is getting the benefits of the calls :)

No worries, I dont think it's unfair, just seems like UCLA tends to get more of the ticky tact fouls (like the one on maynors)

[MrBug708]

Gah! DC with his forth!

That was a lame foul call too

[Lathum]

like that one

[wade moore]

In the messageb oard world, I've learned that anyone who says the reffing was fair probably is getting the benefits of the calls :)

No worries, I dont think it's unfair, just seems like UCLA tends to get more of the ticky tact fouls (like the one on maynors)
I think you're completely biased then. This game has been ref'd very fair and in fact UCLA is the one that is getting shots in the bonus right now.

Collison has 4 fouls - that could change this game.

[Karlifornia]

In the messageb oard world, I've learned that anyone who says the reffing was fair probably is getting the benefits of the calls :)

No worries, I dont think it's unfair, just seems like UCLA tends to get more of the ticky tact fouls (like the one on maynors)

Collison pulls up...shoots...it gets stuffed right back in his face! But the refs have called a foul on Hill! Oh, my!
;)

[MrBug708]

Poor Drago, though he probably deserved it for pushing his gf earlier this year

[wade moore]

What an F'ing acting job.

Not on the fall, but with the neck holding. He was nowhere near that dude's neck.

[wade moore]

Wow - nice shot by Holliday.

[wade moore]

Ok - I'll say it.

That was a lame foul call based on how the rest of this game has been called.

[MrBug708]

Collison pulls up...shoots...it gets stuffed right back in his face! But the refs have called a foul on Hill! Oh, my!
;)

I have the bootleg DVD of some of Lavin's teams in Maples. Weren't you a student then ;)

[wade moore]

Is this where they're going to start whistling everything because of the supposed rough foul by Gwynn?

[Lathum]

Ok - I'll say it.

That was a lame foul call based on how the rest of this game has been called.

don't be such a homer ;)

[sterlingice]

What I wouldn't give to have us go back to actually calling fouls as they are written. It seems so arbitrary- a little touch is ok unless it's a star player. One player leaning on another under the basket is ok three times down the court but not the fourth. I wish they just would spend a year or two slowing the game down horribly, calling everything, from the NBA down so that it's not cool to just camp on players, call it "good defense" and reset how people think of fouls.

SI

[wade moore]

I think that VCU letting it stretch back to 9 with 8:15 left is the end of this. They pulled within reach and then let it go again. There's only so many times they can shrink the lead against this team.

[Lathum]

that was a weak foul call on Shipp there

[wade moore]

It seems that they're starting to whistle everything - on both sides.

My best guess is it is to "get the game under control" because of what was really a pretty mild foul by Gwynn ut because 41 for UCLA acted like he just had a tracheotomy they had to "get things under control."

[wade moore]

Um, wow.

What a ridiculous move by that Morgan St. player.

[MrBug708]

It seems that they're starting to whistle everything - on both sides.

My best guess is it is to "get the game under control" because of what was really a pretty mild foul by Gwynn ut because 41 for UCLA acted like he just had a tracheotomy they had to "get things under control."

Mild foul? Sure he didnt need to flop (but he is a Euro), but it was clearing an intentional elbow thrown

[wade moore]

VCU has missed the front end of at least 2 or 3 1 and 1's.

Again - can't win upset games like that.

[wade moore]

Mild foul? Sure he didnt need to flop (but he is a Euro), but it was clearing an intentional elbow thrown

Intentional elbow thrown?

Come on. He leaned his shoulder into him. It was clearly an offensive foul, but let's not get carried away with ourselves.

[spleen1015]

Um, wow.

What a ridiculous move by that Morgan St. player.

Yeah, that was kind of nuts.

[sterlingice]

I didn't realize Wrestlemania was also at the Sprint Center tonight. Was that the Morgan State Mauler?

SI

[mauchow]

Oh, that move by Aboya was sweet.

[MrBug708]

Jrue Holiday is the worst 2G in the nation at layups

[sterlingice]

We've reached that moment now where VCU gets their last chance to ebb and flow back into the game

SI

[miami_fan]

Um, wow.

What a ridiculous move by that Morgan St. player.

Blake Griffin has taken a beating both within and outside of the rules this season

Has Jeff Capel exploded over this as yet this season?

[wade moore]

Blake Griffin has taken a beating both within and outside of the rules this season

Has Jeff Capel exploded over this as yet this season?

Capel is a relatively mild mannered guy, so I doubt he has publicly.

[wade moore]

The problem is that for as much as Maynor is a very good player, he's not that much of a 3 pt shooter. In fact, they really don't have a pure shooter on this team - so that could hurt.

(as they hit two in a row)

[MrBug708]

Son of a...

[Lathum]

holy crap, 3 point game

[Radii]

well damn, go VCU!

[spleen1015]

They start to catch up then the PG takes a bad shot 10 seconds into the possession.

[wade moore]

Is that 3 or 4 for Sanders?

[Karlifornia]

Well, here we go. At the very least, VCU should try to foul out Collison on their next possession, so that UCLA doesn't have his FT shooting in what could become a foulfest.

[wade moore]

If they could get that 5th foul on collison...

[panerd]

Yuck, what was that? I hate to dog on VCU but how about a shot of UCLA's cheerleaders instead?

[adubroff]

just FWIW, UCLA shoots fouls very well...Aboya is the worst at 67%...but the rest are really good and Collison is awesome.

[mauchow]

wth was that. The ref missed a huge called underneath.

[wade moore]

Yuck, what was that? I hate to dog on VCU but how about a shot of UCLA's cheerleaders instead?VCU isn't exactly heavy on eye candy being in the beautiful metropolis of Richmond.

[wade moore]

Well, if nothing else I think I was right that VCU is plenty good enough to make a game of it with UCLA. Clearly not a blowout and they've played great overall in the 2nd half. Unfortunate that they didn't wake up until the 2nd half though.

[panerd]

VCU isn't exactly heavy on eye candy being in the beautiful metropolis of Richmond.


I understand but it was almost like CBS feels guilty about showing the beutiful cheerleaders from UCLA too much and chooses two nasty whores in bikinis to show to make up for it. There are probably some really cute VCU chicks somewhere else in the crowd but they chose those two.

[wade moore]

I understand but it was almost like CBS feels guilty about showing the beutiful cheerleaders from UCLA too much and chooses two nasty whores in bikinis to show to make up for it. There are probably some really cute VCU chicks somewhere else in the crowd but they chose those two.

Good point ;).

[larrymcg421]

Block shotting.

[wade moore]

Maynor is VERY lucky he didn't pick up the foul on that inbounds.

[sterlingice]

Block shotting.

Clearly, they're great at articumulating their wordisms ;)

SI

[MrBug708]

Clutch...

[wade moore]

The missed free throws for VCU are the story of the game right now to me. Especially when it's the front ends of 1 and 1's.

[mauchow]

Boy, Illinois just sucks.. of course it didn't help to lose Frazier.

[wade moore]

Smart by Maynor. You don't have to foul now you'd think, right?

[Radii]

Smart by Maynor. You don't have to foul now you'd think, right?

Definitely not IMO.

[jbergey22]

Big Ten blows

[Butter]

It's Maynor time.

[Radii]

dola, but you better rebound.

[MrBug708]

What the hell DC?

[wade moore]

Wow.

[Karlifornia]

Huuuuuuuuuuuge block by Sanders! Wow! VCU ball with 12 seconds left with a chance to win!

[wade moore]

It's Maynor time.

Let's hope.

Sanders has given him the opportunity. Now he needs to take it.

[wade moore]

Huuuuuuuuuuuge block by Sanders! Wow! VCU ball with 12 seconds left with a chance to win!

Sanders has shown why people are talking NBA with him.

He has a lot of work to do on the offensive side, but defensively he can really be a force at times.

[Karlifornia]

I think Ben Howland is going to need to do a "double pits to chesty" after this game.

[adubroff]

I gotta think Maynor gets doubled here which means somebody will be open but they are gonna make somebody else make a shot here.

[wade moore]

Based on what I've seen of VCU Maynor will force a shot even if he's doubled.

[wade moore]

Told you.

[MrBug708]

Couldnt guard him better then that


GG Wade

[MrBug708]

Looked like a backcour tviolation in hindsight

[Karlifornia]

Collison ate Maynor alive on that play. UCLA survives..I'm calling a win over Villanova.

[sterlingice]

Man, Maynor just never got a good look. Good D those last 12 seconds

SI

[Lathum]

It doesn't matter because he missed but it looked like Maynor traveled on the last possesion

[wade moore]

Couldnt guard him better then that


GG Wade


Yup.

I think VCU showed why they were the sexy pick for an upset - but UCLA made it happen tonight.

[Butter]

Maynor needed to do a spin move once he got to the left side of the lane, there was no one behind him and he would've had an open 15 footer.

gg vcu

[sterlingice]

It doesn't matter because he missed but it looked like Maynor traveled on the last possesion

As I told someone on ICQ earlier tonight, I've seen more walking today than if I had gone to the mall and watched the elderly. And none of it is called. This goes back to my statement a couple of pages ago about how we need to "reset" officiating- call it by the book and to the letter from the NBA down to high school. Basketball would be unwatchable for a year or two but it would be for the best.

SI

[Butter]

I'm so confident Illinois is not coming back, I'm updating the Pick 5 sheet now and shutting 'er down.

[MrBug708]

UCLA is methodical. They run their offense and defense. They don't panic when things aren't going right and just play their game. I don't think UCLA is that good overall but I also don't believe they will beat themselves. The problem with playing methodical is that an emotional team can beat them. Especially when they get their energy at the right time.

[Neuqua]

Illini got a gift there.

[sterlingice]

They've just never been in this game at all (Illinois)

As an aside, I need to start NCAA Tourney Watchers Anonymous. All night, I've had one game on the tv and had both of my laptops up. One for FOFC, Hattrick, and the like. The other with MMOD and a different game than is on tv ;)

SI

[mauchow]

Down five and not fouling, we'll see if it pays off.

Wow, another bad call. A foul and ONE. JEEZ, this crew is really choking here.

[Karlifornia]

No foul on Illinois on that loose ball after Mendez-valdez missed the three? Wow.

[Neuqua]

That was pretty obviously a goal tend there.

[Groundhog]

As I told someone on ICQ earlier tonight, I've seen more walking today than if I had gone to the mall and watched the elderly. And none of it is called. This goes back to my statement a couple of pages ago about how we need to "reset" officiating- call it by the book and to the letter from the NBA down to high school. Basketball would be unwatchable for a year or two but it would be for the best.


I love it when we get import players over here fresh from college. It's almost gauranteed that they'll travel at least twice a game for half the season.

[Karlifornia]

At least we're getting two decent finishes after a day featuring mostly blowouts.

[Noop]

Illinois with the botched press.

[cmp]

Well that was my only missed game on my bracket today. Almost made it through perfect.

[Lathum]

and a 12 beats a 5 again

[MizzouRah]

Damn you Illinois! :(

[Noop]

Well that was my only missed game on my bracket today. Almost made it through perfect.

Just saw that. Pretty amazing first day for you.

[Chief Rum]

I was downstairs watching, instead of by the computer, so I didn't get to participate in the pbp here. But here are my thoughts on the UCLA-VCU game.

1. Bug's smoking something about the fouls. That was a fairly called game. Actually probably one of the better reffed games I have seen this year (keep in mind I usually have to watch Pac 10 refs). Only quibble is I think Sanders had six fouls, and he was only called for 4. The refs did tighten up a lot after the Glynn foul.

2. The sideshot on the Drago flop clearly showed Glynn's elbow catching Drago in the upper chest, and it looked hard. Drago went right down, and not of hios own volition, IMO. That said, the throat reach was big time overacting.

3. Maynor's a great player, and Sanders looks like he really has the athleticism to make a difference right up to the next level. That said, I certainly hope they thanked Enberg and Bilas for swallowing.

4. Holliday may have had some iffy moments, and missed a layup or two, like he does, but he showed why pro scouts love his game with some of the plays he made. I hope he comes back (he definitely needs to), but he probably won't.

5. No Malcolm Lee? Drew Gordon, who was reportedly ready to go, despite his bruised knee? Come on, Howland, Sanders was probably the only player on the court more athletic than either Lee or Gordon, and they could have really helped make a difference out there. Or at least given us energy when Enberg and Bilas kept saying "VCU just has mor elife than UCLA".

6. Great defensive play by Collison at the end. Glad he didn't go out on his college career with that block shot on him by Sanders.

[Lathum]

Well that was my only missed game on my bracket today. Almost made it through perfect.

2 of my money pools I only missed one game

[wade moore]

2. The sideshot on the Drago flop clearly showed Glynn's elbow catching Drago in the upper chest, and it looked hard. Drago went right down, and not of hios own volition, IMO. That said, the throat reach was big time overacting.

Yeah - that's all I was trying to say.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I said it a couple of weeks ago and I'll say it again. That loss to Illinois was an embarrassing loss for Mizzou. Illinois is NOT a very good team and they proved me right yesterday.

[Logan]

As I told someone on ICQ earlier tonight, I've seen more walking today than if I had gone to the mall and watched the elderly. And none of it is called. This goes back to my statement a couple of pages ago about how we need to "reset" officiating- call it by the book and to the letter from the NBA down to high school. Basketball would be unwatchable for a year or two but it would be for the best.

SI

They also finally called a carry on Maynor on a possession maybe midway through the 2nd. He was doing it damn near everytime, and I couldn't believe how high he was dribbling.

I haven't seen much of him (maybe one other game outside of his NCAA appearances) but despite the big efforts he puts in, I just don't love his game like a lot of others do. Maybe it's his lack of a consistent jump shot, he kinda has an awkward motion...plus I feel like he gets by on his athleticism as far as how easy he gets into the lane to score or dish it off.

[wade moore]

They also finally called a carry on Maynor on a possession maybe midway through the 2nd. He was doing it damn near everytime, and I couldn't believe how high he was dribbling.

I haven't seen much of him (maybe one other game outside of his NCAA appearances) but despite the big efforts he puts in, I just don't love his game like a lot of others do. Maybe it's his lack of a consistent jump shot, he kinda has an awkward motion...plus I feel like he gets by on his athleticism as far as how easy he gets into the lane to score or dish it off.

The things you point out are why I don't buy him as an NBA player as much as other CAA people do. I think his athleticism and ability to take advantage of it made him a very, very good NCAA player. I'm just not sure that it translates to the NBA.

[sterlingice]

The draft is so weak this year, if you have any shred of a chance of getting drafted, this is the year to jump. I kindof feel a little sorry for any team that has a lottery pick for this year and was hoping to rebuild.

SI

[Logan]

Agree with both you guys.

edit: That's not to say there's not talent there. I like the NBA potential of guys like Griffin, Henderson, Thabeet, Blair, etc...I just wouldn't want to be taking them high as I don't know if any will be all-stars.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Would everyone please bow their heads with me?

Dear Lord,

Please let Mizzou be rid of the NCAA Tourney Ghosts of Boise Past. Let the 4.8 seconds of Tyus Edney hell and the Northern Iowa upset be blown away with two solid wins and a trip to the Sweet 16.

Amen.

(BTW, God is a Mizzou fan.)

[wade moore]

The draft is so weak this year, if you have any shred of a chance of getting drafted, this is the year to jump. I kindof feel a little sorry for any team that has a lottery pick for this year and was hoping to rebuild.

SI

Agree with both you guys.

edit: That's not to say there's not talent there. I like the NBA potential of guys like Griffin, Henderson, Thabeet, Blair, etc...I just wouldn't want to be taking them high as I don't know if any will be all-stars.

Yeah. I think he (Maynor) could get drafted, I just don't necessarily think he'll be successful.

Of course, the last CAA player to enter the NBA has managed to pull down a salary much longer than I thought he would (Jose Juan Barrea of Dallas). Of course, he doesn't actually play.

[cartman]

Would everyone please bow their heads with me?

Dear Lord,


http://pythonline.com/files/pythonline/images/Holy_Grail_God_small_0.gif

Oh stop grovelling...

[sterlingice]

Yeah. I think he (Maynor) could get drafted, I just don't necessarily think he'll be successful.

Of course, the last CAA player to enter the NBA has managed to pull down a salary much longer than I thought he would (Jose Juan Barrea of Dallas). Of course, he doesn't actually play.

I know, we were arguing two different points- I agree with both. I was just kindof expanding on what you had said :)

SI

[wade moore]

Yeah, I know.

The VCU fans just get a bit out of their minds with their "first round pick, good NBA player" talk - so I have a bit of a chip about this issue.

[adubroff]

Agree with both you guys.

edit: That's not to say there's not talent there. I like the NBA potential of guys like Griffin, Henderson, Thabeet, Blair, etc...I just wouldn't want to be taking them high as I don't know if any will be all-stars.


Most of the mocks I've seen have Maynor in the 20ish range, which is a good deal lower than where all those guys are except Blair. Blair has his own set of questions I think due to his odd size combo....

If he really goes in the 20s, his expectation of success would be pretty low. I'd be suprised if more than half the guys taken in that point of the draft are consistent starters....

[muns]

I said it a couple of weeks ago and I'll say it again. That loss to Illinois was an embarrassing loss for Mizzou. Illinois is NOT a very good team and they proved me right yesterday.

They didnt have frazor and I think they have him, they win that game. Tough to loose your leader and expect stuff to get correctly in the first game without him. Granted I agree that they arent that good, but I highly doubt they loose that game with him.

[RedKingGold]

Scottie Reynolds has a lot to prove in the matchup with Collison after struggling in the Big East Tourney and against American.

However, the key is going to be Cunningham and Anderson. Based on what I've read and what I saw last night, the UCLA interior is just not that good.

However, if both settle for jumpers (as they did in the first half last night) instead of driving to the basket (as they did in the second), UCLA could blow Nova out.

[spleen1015]

Wow. SFAU has a starter at 5 foot 3 inches tall.

[sterlingice]

Game on :)

SI

[GoldenEagle]

I was 15 of 16 yesterday, only missing the Butler/LSU game.

[molson]

Onuaku might be the worst free throw shooter I've ever seen.

And one point earlier this year he had made 1 out of his last 19.

[MizzouRah]

Wanted to watch Mizzou.. too bad I'm not going to get out of work early.. :(

[Dr. Sak]

I know this has nothing to do with basketball but I get chills everytime I hear The Masters' music on CBS.

[Lathum]

Utah St has done a nice job of staying in the game despite being outplayed

[Karlifornia]

I know this has nothing to do with basketball but I get chills everytime I hear The Masters' music on CBS.

Does the theme song for "Murder, She Wrote" also give you chills?

[Dr. Sak]

Nope

Augusta National is one course that seeing it on TV doesn't do its beauty justice.

[Karlifornia]

SFA's coach looks like Fred Goldman.

[Radii]

come on north dakota state!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee playing almost exactly like the whole season. Shooting better than usual but otherwise it's the season in a nutshell.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yep, feels like watching a replay.

[Karlifornia]

Utah State up 6 on Marquette. Come on, Aggies!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tied at 72 with a minute left, Okie State gets three offensive rebounds leading to a 74-72 lead. What a shock against a team that had players waving to family in the stands during a timeout earlier.

[Lathum]

coming down to some great finishes

[spleen1015]

Go Tennessee!

Go Utah St!!

[spleen1015]

Wow.

[Lathum]

what a drive by Eyton