2010 NCAA Tournament (and NIT) Thread

[panerd]

You aren't crediting the Mizzou genius enough.


Outside of a couple of guys who have been KU fans ever since I was on this board and Swaggs who is a WV fan the rest of you guys seem to have a lot of jealosy about this team that is 4-1 in the NCAA the past two seasons. Anderson got it done at UAB and as an assistant at Arkansas. Sorry that we aren't falling apart for you.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Personally speaking, I couldn't give two shits about Mizzou. I was rooting for them, had them in my bracket.

[cartman]

Coach Anderson made the correct decision to let them shoot from outside and it paid off. They were shooting 43% from inside the arc because Mizzou was focusing on interior defense, not because they were missing open shots inside.

You do realize that Clemson averaged 45% from the field this season?

[SportsDino]

Dola, ya any team needs to score to win the game, that goes without a doubt. I've seen runs from the Spartans where they cause turnover after turnover, or bad shots, incredible defense... and then go down the court to miss a gosh durn layup of all things.

That is usually what tears apart State, we lose our shooting and then it feeds back into the defense starting to get sloppy (usually over aggressive leading to easy fouls or over-attacking and the guy gets past to an open shot).

Still, you stick with the system and adjust to solve the problem. In the case of this particular game, I don't think the problem was their D-scheme... they just needed to clean up their shooting and they came out at half time and did it, props to the coach.

[panerd]

Word :)

SI


I would say big 12 but Texas let us down and I can never really get too much enthusiam for the other Texas schools. Baylor has had Mizzou's number the last couple of seasons (excluding last year) but I just keep looking back at the murder for hire team and not taking them seriously.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not really arguing. I just watch Mizzou with a lot of casual fans this time of year who always get real upset when we aren't winning in the first half and I just tell them to relax and be patient. (and outside of the Nebraska debacle I am usually proven correct) I don't really have a whole lot of difference in opinion with you on this I don't think. Just wasn't that worried about their 3-point shooting as that didn't seem to be one of their stengths the whole year.

(OK I was a little concerned. :) )

I went back and watched the first half again out of curiosity. After watching it, I was even more sure that Clemson was lucky they weren't down by more. The assessment that MU was leaving Clemson wide open outside didn't really pan out. Clemson only had 3 uncontested long-range shots in that first half. The rest were contested.

In addition, Marcus Denmon (who shot over 40% from long range during conference play) missed 4 wide open three pointers in the first half alone. MU can usually count on him to make at least half of those.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

You do realize that Clemson averaged 45% from the field this season?

Yes. They were supposed to have a significant advantage on MU inside. That should translate to an above average shooting percentage inside, but MU's bigs really did a helluva job on Booker/Booker/Grant.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Baylor has had Mizzou's number the last couple of seasons (excluding last year) but I just keep looking back at the murder for hire team and not taking them seriously.

:eek:

:lol:

[Lathum]

Is there any worse expression in sports than "needs a blow"

[Swaggs]

The St. John's job opened up w/ Norm Roberts getting the axe. A lot of potential for a good program there. Hopefully, they can find someone to make them respectable again (w/o cheating).

[Swaggs]

Have they announced what time WVU/Mizzou begins on Sunday? I can't seem to find it, but assume it will be one of the early games.

[panerd]

Have they announced what time WVU/Mizzou begins on Sunday? I can't seem to find it, but assume it will be one of the early games.


My guess is they will wait until after all the games are over tonight so they can see where to put Syracuse, Duke, and the other ratings darlings. Mizzou/WVU seems like it should be a great game but I don't know that it will translate into ratings.

[panerd]

:eek:

:lol:

I can remember being in Vegas during the season after the murder thinking Mizzou would destroy them. Unfortunatley they covered the spread and nobody at the Imperial Palace understood why I cared so much about Mizzou/Baylor. :) Ah, the Dave Bliss era...

[Swaggs]

My guess is they will wait until after all the games are over tonight so they can see where to put Syracuse, Duke, and the other ratings darlings. Mizzou/WVU seems like it should be a great game but I don't know that it will translate into ratings.

Heh... silly me. I wasn't thinking about ratings, which I'm sure is the driving factor. I was thinking they would want to give teams as close to 48-hours of recovery before starting them.

[timmynausea]

Have they announced what time WVU/Mizzou begins on Sunday? I can't seem to find it, but assume it will be one of the early games.

Noon per one of the WVU boards, and they claimed that was from yahoo, but I looked around and couldn't confirm it.

[panerd]

Noon per one of the WVU boards, and they claimed that was from yahoo, but I looked around and couldn't confirm it.

Somebody on a Mizzou board said the same thing but I think they had all the games listed at noon.

[the_meanstrosity]

I guess Cornell is for real. For all the hype on them coming into the tournament, I thought they might struggle.

Cornell is definitely a good team. I saw them play Kansas tight earlier this season. They have a talented big man, good guard play, and last but certainly not least Wittman. In my bracket I have them beating Wisconsin in the next round.

[whomario]

Go Zags ! Go Elias ! :)

[Lathum]

Jesus Florida State has some long bodies

[jbergey22]

Jesus Florida State has some long bodies

#1 in the nation in defensive efficiency. #119 on offensive efficiency.

[mauchow]

Gonzaga making the buckets early.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Somebody on a Mizzou board said the same thing but I think they had all the games listed at noon.

Mizzou SID said game times won't be set until after all games are completed later tonight.

[JPhillips]

Duke only up by 2.

[mauchow]

Duke on a 4-0 run.

[JPhillips]

Now a three point game. Could this be the first 16-1 upset?

[mauchow]

The Zags showing early and often that they're better than their seeding. They've got the talent for sure. They're up 15 already. FSU having trouble scoring.

[whomario]

maybe it was a foul by rule on Alabi, but those type of situations should never be called against the defender imo, the offensive player can´t just barrel into a beckpadelling defender imo ...

Harris jumper really improved since he played with the national team, totally different release, too. Nice work Gonzaga, thanks for that :)

[Lathum]

The Zags showing early and often that they're better than their seeding. They've got the talent for sure. They're up 15 already. FSU having trouble scoring.

Yep.

I was really tempted to go with them beating Syracuse but couldn't pull the trigger.

[jbergey22]

The Zags showing early and often that they're better than their seeding. They've got the talent for sure. They're up 15 already. FSU having trouble scoring.

The seeding is their own doing this year. A lot of times I feel they get screwed with the seeding but this year I feel they are right where they belong.

[timmynausea]

Just noticed that Washington is a slight favorite (-1.5) over New Mexico tomorrow.

[jbergey22]

Just noticed that Washington is a slight favorite (-1.5) over New Mexico tomorrow.

They should have Vegas do the brackets. They would do a much better job. New Mexico has been one of the luckiest teams all year so this doesnt surprise me a whole lot. Its a fairly good sign for Washington. I cant see Vegas making them a fav unless they were very sure they would win.

[Lathum]

The seeding is their own doing this year. A lot of times I feel they get screwed with the seeding but this year I feel they are right where they belong.

I disagree.

They are where they are because they lost their conference final game, they played one of the toughest OOC schedules in the country.

[mauchow]

The seeding is their own doing this year. A lot of times I feel they get screwed with the seeding but this year I feel they are right where they belong.

I'm not saying I disagree with the seedings, I'm just saying they're better than that. They should play Syracuse very well on Sunday, assuming they beat FSU; FSU's defense is a lot better than they've shown so far this game so this is far from over if they can start to click a little bit more on offense.

I'm feeling a lot better now after that effort from the Badgers. That was a pretty bad game all around from the Badgers... 4 turnovers though, crazy.

NMSU draining deep three balls right now.. WOO!

[jbergey22]

I disagree.

They are where they are because they lost their conference final game, they played one of the toughest OOC schedules in the country.

So we actually agree. In that conference you need to win it. The losses to San Fran and L-M didnt help matters for them.

[jbergey22]

I'm not saying I disagree with the seedings, I'm just saying they're better than that. They should play Syracuse very well on Sunday, assuming they beat FSU; FSU's defense is a lot better than they've shown so far this game so this is far from over if they can start to click a little bit more on offense.

I'm feeling a lot better now after that effort from the Badgers. That was a pretty bad game all around from the Badgers... 4 turnovers though, crazy.

NMSU draining deep three balls right now.. WOO!

They have a lot of talent I wouldnt disagree with you there. Ive just seem them look unstoppable at times and I seen them in the WCC tourny play like complete shit. Bouldin played like a complete joke that whole tourny. IMO they are the most inconsistent team in college hoops this year. I guess it depends on which team shows up.

[Lathum]

I think it is stupid that 1 loss drops you 2-3 seeds. Same thing happened to UTEP

[jbergey22]

I think it is stupid that 1 loss drops you 2-3 seeds. Same thing happened to UTEP

Im not sure if you believe in computer rankings or not but the computers were not impressed by the Zags this year. Pomeroy has them #56 and Sagarin has them 36th. I dont know that they were ever a 4-5 seed like people were thinking.

[mauchow]

Fairing to be a shitty night of endings tonight...

FSU/Zags.... bleh

Duke.. yah right

MSU... so far not so good for NMSU

GT/OSU - i honestly don't know much about these guys at all..... maybe it will be an exciting finish.. the only one at this rate.

[mauchow]

Fairing to be a shitty night of endings tonight...

FSU/Zags.... bleh

Duke.. yah right

MSU... so far not so good for NMSU

GT/OSU - i honestly don't know much about these guys at all..... maybe it will be an exciting finish.. the only one at this rate.

Not sure I'll be paying TOO close attention to the late games tonight as they may all be snoozers, too. Louisville/Cal seems like the only interesting matchup. I'll keep an ear open to see if Houston sticks around.

[jbergey22]

Not sure I'll be paying TOO close attention to the late games tonight as they may all be snoozers, too. Louisville/Cal seems like the only interesting matchup. I'll keep an ear open to see if Houston sticks around.

Vermont shocked Syracuse a few years ago. I wouldnt expect this game to be close but Vermont is probably the best of the #16 seeds.

[mauchow]

And NMSU's guard, Young who said "Who's that" in response to a question about State's Kahlin Lucas is now on the bench with 2 points and three fouls. Ouch.

[mauchow]

Vermont shocked Syracuse a few years ago. I wouldnt expect this game to be close but Vermont is probably the best of the #16 seeds.

Which is like saying which 400 lb fatty would you rather fuck? I'm still not picking any of them over the Alba's of the world.

[ColtCrazy]

Love the tourney so far. Wore my Ohio U shirt to work today. G'Town was the only Sweet Sixteen I've lost, but I didn't care. Loved seeing the upset.

With no IU to root for, Butler is my team for the tourney I think.

[jbergey22]

Which is like saying which 400 lb fatty would you rather fuck? I'm still not picking any of them over the Alba's of the world.

LOL

Well I wasnt exactly saying to pick Vermont over Syracuse I was simply saying it could be more interesting than it may look.

[mauchow]

LOL

Well I wasnt exactly saying to pick Vermont over Syracuse I was simply saying it could be more interesting than it make look.

One can only hope! I'd love to see a tight game there.

[mauchow]

Slowly but surely FSU getting back into the game.

[timmynausea]

New Mexico State cuts it to 2.

[mauchow]

NMSU goes nuts to start the second half.

[sterlingice]

Fairing to be a shitty night of endings tonight...

FSU/Zags.... bleh

Duke.. yah right

MSU... so far not so good for NMSU

GT/OSU - i honestly don't know much about these guys at all..... maybe it will be an exciting finish.. the only one at this rate.

Looks like it's actually going to be a good set of closings, Duke aside :)

SI

[Galaril]

I am looking forward to the Houston Maryland game as a possible upset and that was even before the tourneyu started but Maryland is also pretty hot.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And now the hyper-switching crap begins again. Stop this shit already CBS, or do a better job of managing the start times or something.

[sterlingice]

Yep.

I was really tempted to go with them beating Syracuse but couldn't pull the trigger.

I know- I was thinking the same thing.

I think it is stupid that 1 loss drops you 2-3 seeds. Same thing happened to UTEP

Particularly stupid since they lost to St Mary's. Like I said after the WCC title game, those two teams aren't the same level as some of the other mid-majors. They're a level or so higher.

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Official 2009-10 College Basketball Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2238380&postcount=1704)

SI

[sterlingice]

And now the hyper-switching crap begins again. Stop this shit already CBS, or do a better job of managing the start times or something.

Do we need to reiterate the "bring back the split screen" chant? ;)

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Do we need to reiterate the "bring back the split screen" chant? ;)

Kind of awkward for chanting.

I'm thinking more like "Fuck You ... CBS"

edit: I'm shocked they didn't switch us to the final :01 of the Duke game

[sterlingice]

I am looking forward to the Houston Maryland game as a possible upset and that was even before the tourneyu started but Maryland is also pretty hot.

I dunno. I just don't see it. Then again, I didn't think Ohio had any chance against Georgetown, either (as opposed to Murray St-Vandy, which Vegas even saw). But they played so lights out and that's what can make these fun.

SI

[sterlingice]

Kind of awkward for chanting.

I'm thinking more like "Fuck You ... CBS"

edit: I'm shocked they didn't switch us to the final :01 of the Duke game

Clearly you're not in one of the Carolinas ;)

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

30 some odd games into the season & GT still can't figure out how to get the #$^%@#$%@ ball inbounds.

For those who don't see them much, this isn't anything new, every possession is a freakin' adventure.

[sterlingice]

Really? You're going to call a foul on that? (GaTech-OSU)

SI

[miami_fan]

30 some odd games into the season & GT still can't figure out how to get the #$^%@#$%@ ball inbounds.

For those who don't see them much, this isn't anything new, every possession is a freakin' adventure.

That shit was ridiculous especially after that long break

[kingfc22]

Really? You're going to call a foul on that? (GaTech-OSU)

SI

Agreed.

[kingfc22]

And a no call on the other end. BS.

[Lathum]

Way to much time OK state

[JonInMiddleGA]

Really? You're going to call a foul on that? (GaTech-OSU)

Really? Anyone is even going to question that?

[mauchow]

That was one of the worst handled last minutes in a basketball game I've seen in a while. Horrible Ok St... just horrible.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Color me amazed incidentally, in my wildest imagination I could not pick (nor did I pick on any bracket) GT to win a tournament game for the first time in five years.

Imagine what this team could have done this year if they actually had a coach.

[sterlingice]

That was one of the worst handled last minutes in a basketball game I've seen in a while. Horrible Ok St... just horrible.

I dunno. Texas and Wake last night had a lot of crap but that was just a lot of crap across the board, not necessarily clock management

SI

[sterlingice]

Color me amazed incidentally, in my wildest imagination I could not pick (nor did I pick on any bracket) GT to win a tournament game for the first time in five years.

Imagine what this team could have done this year if they actually had a coach.

Don't worry, this probably ensures him another couple of years of sucki-- err- learning on the job, right? ;)

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Don't worry, this probably ensures him another couple of years of sucki-- err- learning on the job, right? ;)

The contract already rolled over, the albatross wasn't going anywhere even if they lost this one by 50.

[mauchow]

Don't worry, this probably ensures him another couple of years of sucki-- err- learning on the job, right? ;)

SI

True that...incidentally they both involved a Big 12 team.

[sterlingice]

New Mexico State just won't die!

SI

[sterlingice]

Why didn't they go to the replay to see how much time was left on the clock there? It looked like 0.5+ was left when it went out of bounds.

SI

[Lathum]

lane violation? Really? horrible

[sterlingice]

Just not all that excited by the late games. I don't think any will be close except Louisville-Cal but I hope I'm wrong.

SI

[RedKingGold]

Vermont playing like it's never seen a zone defense before.

They're just standing around on offense like they're in awe of it.

[Big Fo]

To jump on the anti-CBS bandwagon, what the heck has to happen for them to switch games? Syracuse have three times as many points as these guys and neither is close to within a thousand miles of the local affiliate. Switch over to Louisville - Cal already.

[mauchow]

To jump on the anti-CBS bandwagon, what the heck has to happen for them to switch games? Syracuse have three times as many points as these guys and neither is close to within a thousand miles of the local affiliate. Switch over to Louisville - Cal already.

12-0 in that game.. so.. I thinkyou're eff'd.

[Big Fo]

12-0 in that game.. so.. I thinkyou're eff'd.

It's switched over to OSU-USCB now. But I think the Maryland game is what they'll be focusing on here. At least neither of those are 35-13.

[Swaggs]

I wonder if the Pitino to St. John's rumors, from earlier in the season, may have some legs. Louisville seems like they have checked out for the season (both in the BE tourney and now in the early going here in the NCAAs.

Louisville lost a lot of talented guys, but they should still be much better than this.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Vermont playing like it's never seen a zone defense before. They're just standing around on offense like they're in awe of it.

I just couldn't get over how much Vermont looks like a high school team. Not their play, just physically, they would look undermanned against several of the top HS teams in Georgia this year.

[Ragone]

Lemme save you all some time, don't bother watching the Louisville game, this is crappy louisville that shows up once a week..

However, i'd like to know who's brainiac idea it was to have a east coast game start at 10pm eastern.. clearly favors Cal in that regard... ah well :)

[Buccaneer]

Vermont playing like it's never seen a zone defense before.

They're just standing around on offense like they're in awe of it.

No matter what kind of team you are, seeing the 'Cuse 2-3 defense in action is an awesome thing. :)

[JPhillips]

I wonder if the Pitino to St. John's rumors, from earlier in the season, may have some legs. Louisville seems like they have checked out for the season (both in the BE tourney and now in the early going here in the NCAAs.

Louisville lost a lot of talented guys, but they should still be much better than this.

Can't imagine a Catholic school would want to take on Pitino after his summer. The rumors are ttop target is Billy Donovan. Seems like quite a reach to me, but maybe he would leave Florida and he is a Long Island guy.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lemme save you all some time, don't bother watching the Louisville game, this is crappy louisville that shows up once a week..

However, i'd like to know who's brainiac idea it was to have a east coast game start at 10pm eastern.. clearly favors Cal in that regard... ah well :)

Went through the same thing with UT-SDSU last night.

[Emmett13]

Oof, that OKstate game was tough to watch as an OSU fan. GT shoots an insane rate at the line 25-26 or something like that, and they shoot 65% or so as a team.

Rough stuff. That foul near the end was a bummer too, looked like the GT guy tripped on his feet. But I can see how the ref would call it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Incidentally, fairly random rumor floating about Tubby Smith heading to Auburn (and their new $90m facility) next year. He denied it in the post-game press conference but ... y'never know.

[Galaril]

I dunno. I just don't see it. Then again, I didn't think Ohio had any chance against Georgetown, either (as opposed to Murray St-Vandy, which Vegas even saw). But they played so lights out and that's what can make these fun.

SI


You know they have the countries leading scorer and the Terps are nothing to write home about about. ........Anyways in the 1st half the Cougars are up 24-22 with under 800 minutes in the first half and have lead most of the way really controlling the pace at a breakneck speed at this point. That being said it has been a defense battle but the cougars are killing Maryland on the Offesive boards.

[B & B]

Houstons defense is horrid.

Really would like to see this game tied at the half though.

[Lathum]

Awesome shot to end the half, I had the +70.5

[Swaggs]

How does that keep happening? :)

[Lathum]

OK, this is crazy, I had the +74 in the MD game

[Galaril]

Awesome shot to end the half, I had the +70.5

That was a huge three pointer at the buzzer for Houston 39-37 Terps! The Cougars are still in it at least for now:)

[Galaril]

OK, this is crazy, I had the +74 in the MD game

Dude I have no idea what that means.

[Lathum]

Dude I have no idea what that means.

obviously not a gambler

[Swaggs]

He means that, if gambling were legal :) , he would have bet that the combined score of the first have would have been over 74.

[sterlingice]

Awesome shot to end the half, I had the +70.5

"Great moments in gambling history..."

SI

[Galaril]

obviously not a gambler

Yeah, no I work for a living:)

[sterlingice]

You know they have the countries leading scorer and the Terps are nothing to write home about about. ........Anyways in the 1st half the Cougars are up 24-22 with under 800 minutes in the first half and have lead most of the way really controlling the pace at a breakneck speed at this point. That being said it has been a defense battle but the cougars are killing Maryland on the Offesive boards.

It's not that it wouldn't be exciting to watch but I figured Maryland would start to run away with it so it wouldn't be close.

SI

[RedKingGold]

Weren't Pitino's people reaching out to the New Jersey Nets in the past month or so?

Either way, I don't think he's long for Louisville.

[Galaril]

It's not that it wouldn't be exciting to watch but I figured Maryland would start to run away with it so it wouldn't be close.

SI

No I agree and they still may before it is over. I am an old Phi Slamma Jamma fan that would love to see Houston relevant again in the NCAA.

[Lathum]

Lots of ugly passes in the Cal game

[mauchow]

no more perfection in ESPN braackets FYI

yahoo too

[sterlingice]

Yahoo, either

SI

[mauchow]

houston plays horrible d.. wow

and now the closest game is 11 pts. maybe i will get to bed on time tonight.

[Galaril]

Yeah they sure do and game over.

[mauchow]

ooook... where is the help?

[mauchow]

I just looked at the Ohio St box score.. turner was 2 of 14 shooting. holy crap. diebler 7 of 11 on 3's.

[mauchow]

cal/lou a game

[Galaril]

houston plays horrible d.. wow

and now the closest game is 11 pts. maybe i will get to bed on time tonight.

Geez no wonder they are 309th in the ncaa in defense and only one team (New Mexico St) was lower than them in the whole field of 64. lol

[RainMaker]

Incidentally, fairly random rumor floating about Tubby Smith heading to Auburn (and their new $90m facility) next year. He denied it in the post-game press conference but ... y'never know.
Doesn't make a ton of sense to me. I don't see Auburn as much of an upgrade. Big 10 basketball feels like it's bigger than SEC basketball. The recruiting is also not that bad in the Midwest.

[Karlifornia]

Dear Ragone,

Stanford once had to play Louisville in an opening round game at 9 AM pacific time. Shit happens.

Sincerely,
Someone who understands where you're coming from, but also understands that both coasts benefit from that kind of thing...so learn to accept it.

[RainMaker]

Weren't Pitino's people reaching out to the New Jersey Nets in the past month or so?

Either way, I don't think he's long for Louisville.
I think he's gone. That team seemed to mail it in and Pitino didn't seem to really care.

New Jersey makes sense although I don't see why more coaches aren't jumping at the St. John's job. It should be ridiculously easy to recruit and you're in the heart of the biggest basketball city.

[the_meanstrosity]

Oof, that OKstate game was tough to watch as an OSU fan. GT shoots an insane rate at the line 25-26 or something like that, and they shoot 65% or so as a team.

Rough stuff. That foul near the end was a bummer too, looked like the GT guy tripped on his feet. But I can see how the ref would call it.

Tough game for James Anderson. Any idea if he declares for the draft or stays in college? Looks like he should be a top 20 pick easily.

[Lathum]

Love Nova -5 today, I think that line is a total over reaction to their last game and Nova will be ready today.

[Butter]

God, Clemson played retarded right to the very end. Frustrating team to watch.

Like always.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really surprised that WVU is only a 6 point favorite to start. I would have thought that they would have been favored by more than that over Mizzou.

[B & B]

Especially considering the WV coach has a tournament win in his resume.

[jbergey22]

Pomeroy has West Virginia winning 68-66 and Villanova winning 82-79.

West Virginia seems like a decent matchup for Mizzou as long as they can make some outside shots.

[jbergey22]

It doesnt send any alerts to Seth Davis about the Big East troubles in the first round. "The Big East has been the best conference all year and is still the best conference." I am honestly not sure what information he is using to come up with that statement.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And I thought CBS was bad in handling their switching this year.

ESPN 2 has the opening round of the women's tournament, we're supposed to be getting Tennessee's game. You figure with Dish & 4 ESPN alternates they could get this right.

Instead we're stuck with Mich St & Bowling Green and a message instructing viewers to switch to ESPN2 Standard Definition to get their assigned game.

Only one problem: I don't HAVE any of the High Def channels, there's nothing to switch from. And for some reasons they're listing all of the alternate ESPN channels as blacked out.

Oh yeah, I really want ESPN to get the men's tournament, uh huh, sure I do.

[Chief Rum]

Especially considering the WV coach has a tournament win in his resume.

Doesn't that even out? It's the Round of 32--by definition, every coach left has a tournament win (at least).

[B & B]

My sarcasm wasnt clear enough.

Clemson coach Oliver Purnell has a long track record of postseason NCAA failure, many times losing as a higher seed in 'upset' fashion. Think this now makes him 0-7 lifetime in the tournament, never advancing.

In fact, now in the past 4 seasons, Clemson has been the higher seed and lost in the opening round.

Conversely, in four previous NCAA tournament appearances, Missouri Coach Mike Anderson has thrice navigated past the first round and twice reached the tournament's second weekend. Yesterdays win makes it 4 out of 5 now.


Beating a Purnell coached team in the NCAA tournament, routine.

Beating the Hillbillies on Sunday, not likely.

[muns]

The more and more I see of this Sanham kid, Im wondering which coach on each pac 10 school is getting a call from their boss asking how the hell they missed him??

[sterlingice]

Oh yeah, I really want ESPN to get the men's tournament, uh huh, sure I do.

I believe I made that exact point earlier: CBS does a good enough job, even with their flaws. When comparing the two, you have to do it warts and all.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

I believe I made that exact point earlier: CBS does a good enough job, even with their flaws. When comparing the two, you have to do it warts and all.

I can't believe anyone could even question which network can handle the men's tournament better.

Meanwhile ESPN has lost me for the day with their brilliant decision not to split the games, at least onto the alternate feeds. Looks like this one is all on them too, since the problem appears to be nationwide & crosses all providers.

[whomario]

Saint Marys with a good start here, up 27-19. Samhan 12-6 allready again but sitting with 2 fouls now, McConnell with a couple deep 3s, dellavedova looking good.

[panerd]

My sarcasm wasnt clear enough.

Clemson coach Oliver Purnell has a long track record of postseason NCAA failure, many times losing as a higher seed in 'upset' fashion. Think this now makes him 0-7 lifetime in the tournament, never advancing.

In fact, now in the past 4 seasons, Clemson has been the higher seed and lost in the opening round.

Conversely, in four previous NCAA tournament appearances, Missouri Coach Mike Anderson has thrice navigated past the first round and twice reached the tournament's second weekend. Yesterdays win makes it 4 out of 5 now.


Beating a Purnell coached team in the NCAA tournament, routine.

Beating the Hillbillies on Sunday, not likely.

Didn't he also beat #1 Kentucky in the second round while at UAB and of course the Memphis team that was headed to the final four last season? Not sure why he has little chance against West Virginia.

[Karlifornia]

Heavens, St. Mary's is looking awesome. How can you not like how they play? Great passing, great decisions...Samhan is awesome...I wish I had driven the hour and change to see them play live more. I guess I can next year -Samhan.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Big East looking good in regular season.

[Chief Rum]

The more and more I see of this Sanham kid, Im wondering which coach on each pac 10 school is getting a call from their boss asking how the hell they missed him??

He was a project player pushing 300 lbs. as a senior in HS. Lots of guys like that every year. He had interest from Texas Tech, Idaho, San Jose and UC San Diego. Be a tough biz to hang every Pac 10 coach for missing the one that turned out, while so many others flame out.

Glad to see Samhan turned himself into a terrific player.

[the_meanstrosity]

Didn't he also beat #1 Kentucky in the second round while at UAB and of course the Memphis team that was headed to the final four last season? Not sure why he has little chance against West Virginia.

Personally, I think Missouri has a shot against West Virginia. If Missouri can some what nullify West Virginia's inside game with steals and easy buckets then it should be a very good game. The only concern I have with Missouri is that Huggins' squads normally play very physical defense and that's something that MU has struggled with at times this year. The Tigers just aren't a very good shooting team when forced to play in a half court set where they are forced to bang. I haven't seen this WVU squad enough though to say if they are similar to KSU's physical defense or not. Missouri just needs to pressure WVU's guards into mistakes.

[whomario]

How great a sight is it to have a college team actively look for a Post Player ? I absolutely love that team, everybody on that team looks to pass the ball, looks to move without the ball while still being able and willing to take a shot when it´s there. And on defense everybody is moving their feet, everybody gets after rebounds.
Really fun style of basketball.

[sterlingice]

How great a sight is it to have a college team actively look for a Post Player ? I absolutely love that team, everybody on that team looks to pass the ball, looks to move without the ball while still being able and willing to take a shot when it´s there.
Really fun style of basketball.

Agreed- they're just fun to watch :D

SI

[sterlingice]

St Mary's is in that stretch of the game where teams start to settle for shots too early after having a lead most of the game and worrying about it fading.

SI

[sterlingice]

Wonderful footwork, Bill? That was like 5 steps without a dribble.

SI

[Karlifornia]

Wonderful footwork, Bill? That was like 5 steps without a dribble.

SI

It didn't look like his pivot foot moved...but I could have missed it.

Anyway, Nova is looking inspired now...should be a good final 10 minutes..

[Buccaneer]

How great a sight is it to have a college team actively look for a Post Player ? I absolutely love that team, everybody on that team looks to pass the ball, looks to move without the ball while still being able and willing to take a shot when it´s there. And on defense everybody is moving their feet, everybody gets after rebounds.
Really fun style of basketball.

I agree. Nothing is a turn off more than teams that have a player that only wants to drive the floor, ignoring all teammates (who are just standing around anyways) and play defense like it's a waste of time.

[sterlingice]

I guess they're just ignoring walking in general as Samhan got away with a big one there, too

SI

[Karlifornia]

I guess they're just ignoring walking in general as Samhan got away with a big one there, too

SI

Now that was definitely a travel...

[Young Drachma]

Big East looking good in regular season.

They spend the regular season duking it out in the best basketball conference on the planet. By tournament time they're tired and the other teams are fresh from having played creampuffs.

Or you know, SEC Football Title Game = National Championship

[Karlifornia]

If only that got rid of that stupid shot clock that rushes everything...

[sterlingice]

Maybe it's just me, but both teams are looking pretty tired right now. And this isn't exactly some crazy up and down game like the Maryland-Houston game. I mean, we're headed to a 75-70ish sort of final, not 90-80.

SI

[whomario]

Dellavedova !!! Go Saint Mary´s !

[Swaggs]

I didn't catch the first half (was out). Did they mention why Reynolds wasn't playing more?

[TargetPractice6]

WHAT A SHOT

[sterlingice]

Are you bleeping kidding me?!?

SI

[k0ruptr]

jeeez what a shot. lmao

[k0ruptr]

Samhan with the block! wow.

[sterlingice]

I didn't catch the first half (was out). Did they mention why Reynolds wasn't playing more?

I thought he had been in most of the game. He's just been building a house with all the bricks he's thrown up.

SI

[whomario]

McConnell !!! Awesome game :)

[TargetPractice6]

And Samhan with the stuff on the other end! St. Mary's in the driver's seat now.

[RedKingGold]

Villanova played horribly and dserves to lose. The Wildcats did not want to be here this year.

Congrats to St. Mary's, they deserve to win and will be rooting for them the rest of the way.

[sterlingice]

Got some feet tied up there

SI

[Galaxy]

Great job St. Mary's. 1st time they made it to the Sweet 16?

[whomario]

Villanova played horribly and dserves to lose. The Wildcats did not want to be here this year.

Congrats to St. Mary's, they deserve to win and will be rooting for them the rest of the way.

disagree, at least in the 2nd half they played good with a lot of energy, Saint Mary´s simply prevailed. Don´t shorthand them here ...

@ Galaxy Yep :)

[kingfc22]

And the west coast knocks off another "big, bad" Big East team. Muahahah.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great game by St. Mary's. I was expecting Villanova to go down in the 2nd round, just not to them.

[Thomkal]

anybody for a Old Dominion/Saint Mary's matchup in the next round? Baylor certainly didn't win easily in the first round...

[timmynausea]

Two of the best scorers in Big East history go out with a whimper: Harangody scores 4 in the loss to ODU, Reynolds scores 8 today against SMC. Reynolds shot 4-26 from the field in Villanova's 2 tournament games.

[RedKingGold]

disagree, at least in the 2nd half they played good with a lot of energy, Saint Mary´s simply prevailed. Don´t shorthand them here ...

@ Galaxy Yep :)

Nope, I've watched this team all year, watched at least 20 games.

They did not bring intensity to this tournament and acted as if the Sweet 16 was their birthright. They made it the past two years and were playing double digit seeds in the first two rounds. Combined with the "minor teaching point" needed before opening game, it's clear that these guys were just not in it.

Still, young nucleus for 'Nova for next year. Although we lose Reynolds, a core of Cheek/Yarou/Wayans/King is solid to build around. But we need to do something about our defense.

[RedKingGold]

anybody for a Old Dominion/Saint Mary's matchup in the next round? Baylor certainly didn't win easily in the first round...

+1

Would love to see that.

Would also love to see Duke die in a car fire.

[sterlingice]

anybody for a Old Dominion/Saint Mary's matchup in the next round? Baylor certainly didn't win easily in the first round...

I'm not sure how good of a matchup Baylor is for ODU, tho. Baylor has some size and that's all ODU really has- again, as I've said before: big conference size but not big conference skill. That's why matching up with Notre Dame worked pretty well in the first round as the Irish didn't have much size.

SI

[mauchow]

Wow, shot all the way up the ladder on ESPN with that St Mary's win. In the 99.6 percentile now. 20,000th place or so. I've got St Mary's winning one more game. I love March Madness.

But I had Murray st upsetting UTEP (Butler) in the second round; it does not look good at the moment.

[sterlingice]

Like I posted earlier- I had Nova losing in the second round but St Marys-Richmond, I was unsure about who would win and I picked the wrong one :(

SI

[kingfc22]

I was up to 352 on ESPN last night, but down to 4982 with the Nova loss.

[sterlingice]

Hell, I'll just be happy with Top 10 in the FOFC Yahoo pool much less really good national rankings :D

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

My sarcasm wasnt clear enough.

Clemson coach Oliver Purnell has a long track record of postseason NCAA failure, many times losing as a higher seed in 'upset' fashion. Think this now makes him 0-7 lifetime in the tournament, never advancing.

In fact, now in the past 4 seasons, Clemson has been the higher seed and lost in the opening round.

Conversely, in four previous NCAA tournament appearances, Missouri Coach Mike Anderson has thrice navigated past the first round and twice reached the tournament's second weekend. Yesterdays win makes it 4 out of 5 now.


Beating a Purnell coached team in the NCAA tournament, routine.

Beating the Hillbillies on Sunday, not likely.

Coach Anderson is now 9-4 in the NCAA tournament with most of those wins coming as the lower seed. I think it's awfully premature to write off his resume. He's held his own quite well.

[jbergey22]

Really surprised that WVU is only a 6 point favorite to start. I would have thought that they would have been favored by more than that over Mizzou.

Coach Anderson is now 9-4 in the NCAA tournament with most of those wins coming as the lower seed. I think it's awfully premature to write off his resume. He's held his own quite well.

:confused:

[Scoobz0202]

I think he's just saying that WVU should be heavier favorites, but with that being said, Mizzou can very well beat WVU.

[jbergey22]

I think he's just saying that WVU should be heavier favorites, but with that even with that being said, Mizzou can very well beat WVU.

Perhaps I guess Im not sure. Power rankings say W Virginia should be favored by 3-4 so WVU is already getting 2 points added for some reason.

[Scoobz0202]

Agreed. I don't think WVU should be favored more than they already are, that's just what I got from his posts.

[Swaggs]

I can't imagine WVU being too big of a favorite. We have won a lot of close games and I think our average margin of victory is "only" like 10-points (and that includes the early handful of blowouts that most major schools play in.

I'd probably put us as a 4-point favorite and say we win the game 6 or 7 times out of 10 on a neutral court.

[Swaggs]

We also aren't a real high scoring team and we don't really "pull away" at the end of games.

I'm really looking forward to this game. We owe Missouri for knocking us out of the NCAAs back when I was in Jr. High. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Perhaps I guess Im not sure. Power rankings say W Virginia should be favored by 3-4 so WVU is already getting 2 points added for some reason.

Yeah, I'm even more surprised by the power ratings predictions. I thought both would favor WVU, but Mizzou is still pretty high on the power rankings so that's probably the reason it's relatively close. Of course, the Vegas line always favors the team that they want to get more action on. I guess they expect more action on Mizzou with a line any lower than that.

We also aren't a real high scoring team and we don't really "pull away" at the end of games.

I'm really looking forward to this game. We owe Missouri for knocking us out of the NCAAs back when I was in Jr. High. :)

I forgot all about that.

[sterlingice]

Not exactly what you thought of as a marquee matchup but Murray State-Butler is turning out to be a really fun game :)

SI

[mauchow]

Butler missing bunnies now...

[JonInMiddleGA]

And once again CBS screws over Atlanta, staying away from the primary game in spite of the fact that the margin is now just six points.

Between them & ESPN earlier, my ability to enjoy watching the tournament is pretty much dead at this point. It's become pretty obvious that both networks are trying to drive as many viewers as possible to their online feeds -- whether they want to be there or not -- in order to boost their numbers there (I suspect that's a sign that they've overpromised delivery to their advertisers & don't want to be forced to do makegoods later).

News flash for both networks: I'll simply check the scores elsewhere/later rather than fight through the crash-inducing 360 or try to watch large portions of a game on a monitor that's smaller than the first TV I owned as a small child.

Fuck CBS. Fuck ESPN. And after the past 5 hours of not getting my primary game, I'm pretty close to ready to say Fuck college basketball.

[Young Drachma]

I just want a mid-major in the Elite Eight or beyond. If Murray State thinks they have the juice to do it, then that's fine. But I feel like Butler has a better chance to get at it.

[Young Drachma]

Clutch work there, Butler shooter.

[mauchow]

Oh man what a dumb foul.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I just want a mid-major in the Elite Eight or beyond.

Oh yes, nothing like teams that 99% of the country couldn't find on a map with 5 tries.

[Radii]

Murray State has to be kicking themselves after a 3-10 performance at the FT line, not to mention a -10 turnover margin. They should have this game well in hand.

[Young Drachma]

Oh yes, nothing like teams that 99% of the country couldn't find on a map with 5 tries.

Damn right.

[Young Drachma]

Not a pretty win, but a win nonetheless.

[sterlingice]

Oh yes, nothing like teams that 99% of the country couldn't find on a map with 5 tries.

If they win 3 games, they get the spot, popularity be damned. Turns out pretty much every basketball fan knows where Gonzaga is now.

SI

[TargetPractice6]

Damn, I wish Murray St had at least gotten a shot off.

[Radii]

Well that was embarrassing

[JonInMiddleGA]

If they win 3 games, they get the spot, popularity be damned.

Didn't say they wouldn't.

It's just not something that, absent some other compelling interest in the team*, that excites me beyond the possibility for some team I actively dislike to get an embarrassing loss.

Definitely isn't something that excites me beyond that aspect, if I wanted to watch NobodyGivesAFuck State U then I'd watch the DIII title game.

* That "absent some other interest" is important enough for me to make note of. I'll pull for a Peay because they're at least ostensibly Southern. Or a Georgia Southern or a Georgia State or a UTC. But pick a random team from one of the other regions of the country & match them against another similar team & I've got about the same interest as I do in NAIA ball.

[mauchow]

The online "High Quality" sucks most of the time..it turns blurry way too often.

[whomario]

Sasquatch with the 3 :D Great start bz Norther Iowa :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

And yet again with the switch.

[Young Drachma]

Didn't say they wouldn't.

It's just not something that, absent some other compelling interest in the team*, that excites me beyond the possibility for some team I actively dislike to get an embarrassing loss.

Definitely isn't something that excites me beyond that aspect, if I wanted to watch NobodyGivesAFuck State U then I'd watch the DIII title game.

* That "absent some other interest" is important enough for me to make note of. I'll pull for a Peay because they're at least ostensibly Southern. Or a Georgia Southern or a Georgia State or a UTC. But pick a random team from one of the other regions of the country & match them against another similar team & I've got about the same interest as I do in NAIA ball.

That's how I feel about SEC football.

:)

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's how I feel about SEC football.
:)

Difference being that they consistently provide the highest rated games throughout the regular season. People outside that area actually care.

[Young Drachma]

UNI better keep scoring because once Kansas wakes up...Cinderella lets up or starts realizing they're winning and then bad things happen. You gotta strike while the iron is hot.

[Young Drachma]

...and speak of the devil...I hope someone got a picture of the scoreboard.

[Karlifornia]

How about whoever can get the most people watching their games wins? Jon, you don't want athletic competition, you want American Fucking Idol.

[JonInMiddleGA]

How about whoever can get the most people watching their games wins? Jon, you don't want athletic competition, you want American Fucking Idol.

No Karl, I simply want games I can find some reason to give a damn about.

And the St. Mary's International Recruiting Trips playing the Mid- Continent WhereTheFuckAreWe's doesn't even come close.

edit to add: They could be the greatest collection of talent in the history of basketball but that doesn't compel me in the slightest. It might as well be the NBA or EuroLeague ball, neither of which interest me beyond the realm of trivia. Just because they happen to be college aged kids really doesn't change that for me at all.

[SackAttack]

No Karl, I simply want games I can find some reason to give a damn about.

And the St. Mary's International Recruiting Trips playing the Mid- Continent WhereTheFuckAreWe's doesn't even come close.

I think what it boils down to, for decrepit old farts like Jon is, that Cinderella playing Goliath is interesting if they give Goliath a good game, but if Cinderella gets too uppity and goes all monkeys-running-the-zoo, he loses interest.

St. Mary's against Kansas in a tight game = interesting. St. Mary's against Murray State and he's going to go yell at kids to get off his lawn because it's marginally more interesting to him.

[Lathum]

Udub game about off to the start I expected. As long as we stay close early I feel great for the second half because of our depth.

[mauchow]

Fuck my bracket, go northern iowa!

[SackAttack]

Fuck my bracket, go northern iowa!

I can get behind that. Piss off Jon and screw Kansas at the same time. :D

[JPhillips]

Northern Iowa has the bodies of a church softball team. GO NI!

[Young Drachma]

I thought I was done with the board for the rest of the day, but I'll add two things:

1. UNI is showing they want it. That's good. I still don't think they'll end up holding on down the stretch, but it'd be awesome if they did.

2. Jon has been consistent from the start about his feelings on mid-majors and their presence in major college sporting events. I don't think this ought to shock anyone and he's hardly alone in these sentiments, even if others aren't as vociferous about their lack of interest of anything other than major programs or those with tangent interest due to regional affiliations. It's not a position that's hard to understand, really, even if lots of us like seeing the scrappy underdog fight for a seat at the table.

I think if it weren't a one and done tournament where teams from perceptually lower talent leagues were pitted against the big dogs, the tournament would never have had the charm it's had since its inception. I mean, if you go back and look at the list of Final Four teams over history, it's a who's-who list of schools you'd never expect at various times to have been dominant at much of anything on a national level, much less basketball.

If it were as predictable as college football has been, especially in recent years, I think it would become a milquetoast event with some regional interest until the Final Four, hence why I think it's setup how it is and now how some may prefer it (with say, the mid-majors kicked out all together into their own league...)

On a personal note, I just tend to think that parity is increasing in college basketball well enough that at some point, some coach is going to figure out how to engineer a team to get hot and go on a six game win streak when it absolutely matters. George Mason came closer than anyone could've anticipated and they weren't even built for it. I'd love to see it happen with some other unheralded team, but not just for the Cinderella story; but simply because I really think it will happen and it's just going to be a matter of timing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

St. Mary's against Kansas in a tight game = interesting. St. Mary's against Murray State and he's going to go yell at kids to get off his lawn because it's marginally more interesting to him.

Not a perfect example (because I could at least find some distinction because of Murray's relative geography) but if you sub Northern Iowa for them then yeah, watching grass grow is right up there for me.

[Young Drachma]

Impressive that UNI will hold their league into halftime, it looked like Kansas was going to bring it back. No matter what, this game is making the Jayhawks look might vulnerable in a way that the people hyping them made it seem they wouldn't be.

[JonInMiddleGA]

No matter what, this game is making the Jayhawks look might vulnerable in a way that the people hyping them made it seem they wouldn't be.

Anybody who saw them play Tennessee knows they're vulnerable, I think it's more a question of whether anyone could show up and disguise their own flaws for long enough to take ultimate advantage of those vulnerabilities.

FTR, my bracket is already shot anyway & having no particular love for KU anyway then I have no problem with UNI pulling the upset (thereby jinxing them no doubt)

[Galaril]

Impressive that UNI will hold their league into halftime, it looked like Kansas was going to bring it back. No matter what, this game is making the Jayhawks look might vulnerable in a way that the people hyping them made it seem they wouldn't be.

No kidding they appear to be a very, very beatable and them as the top seed is laughable. LOL.

[sterlingice]

St. Mary's against Murray State and he's going to go yell at kids to get off his lawn because it's marginally more interesting to him.

So I was watching Gran Torino last week. Was that you in 40 years, Jon? ;)

SI

[sterlingice]

No kidding they appear to be a very, very beatable and them as the top seed is laughable. LOL.

Seriously? This is sarcasm, right?

Sure, they're beatable but everyone in the tourney is beatable as I have yet to see the perfect team.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Incidentally, at least for the time being there's still the possibility of a GT-UT S16 matchup. The meltdown potential for me with an unconscionable network switching decision during that game might be the highest I can recall in my entire time at FOFC.

On a happier note, I'm reminded of something that came up in discussion with my wife & son earlier in the week, about the short preparation time as far as next opponents teams have between games in the tournament. The Vols staff did a great job having a plan to handle Ohio (who I can't imagine anyone had even looked at until Sunday night at the earliest) and the players did an uncommonly good job of execution of that plan.

I know it happens for up to 32 teams in round two but I think it's an aspect of the game that doesn't get enough attention, how much work assistants & film coordinators and the like have to do throughout the season but especially in the time crunch of the tournament.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So I was watching Gran Torino last week. Was that you in 40 years, Jon? ;)SI

Probably more like 20-30 years isn't it? I mean, I'll be 43 next month, and I don't think any reasonable projection has me living to 83 ;)

I haven't seen the movie but from what I know of it I imagine 40 months is a lot closer than either estimate.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Out of curiosity I checked the espn.com brackets.

I've already lost 2 elite 8's and 3 sweet 16's and I'm in the 68.7 percentile.
How bad must the other brackets have been?

[Buccaneer]

GT-UT S16 matchup is about as compelling as watching Olympic figure skating. And you still watch (and gripe about) TV?!? I'm older than you and prefer the internet and cbssports.com, apparently. Not to mention seeing scrappy teams playing above themselves than watching tired old Redneck U.

There, someone had to say it. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

And you still watch (and gripe about) TV?!? I'm older than you and prefer the internet and cbssports.com, apparently.

In complete seriousness, how anyone can sit & watch long form video on a computer completely mystifies me. Completely.

On a scale of desirability that rates somewhere around camping with, so completely foreign to my own interests/wants/preferences that it simply fails to compute whatsoever.

And I can at least conceive how/why women watch crap like Real Housewives, so it isn't as though I'm totally unable to at least grasp foreign concepts.

[hoopsguy]

I'm stunned by how bad the Kansas guards have looked in this game.

[RainMaker]

No Karl, I simply want games I can find some reason to give a damn about.

And the St. Mary's International Recruiting Trips playing the Mid- Continent WhereTheFuckAreWe's doesn't even come close.

edit to add: They could be the greatest collection of talent in the history of basketball but that doesn't compel me in the slightest. It might as well be the NBA or EuroLeague ball, neither of which interest me beyond the realm of trivia. Just because they happen to be college aged kids really doesn't change that for me at all.
That's more American Idol than sport. Nothing wrong with it as we all have our reasons for watching. But I'd rather watch the best teams playing than the best storylines. Otherwise I'd dump my Bulls tickets for local high school games.

[whomario]

Kansas isnt even trying to get good shots, one contested jumpshot with max 1 or 2 passes after the other, wth are they thinking ?

Eglseder with a very inspired game going right at Aldrich. Also great to see that his teammates trust him to do that.
Like said before, i´m a big fan of team making use of their inside people.

And with that he/they have forced Kansas to sit Aldrich when Eglseder went out instead of letting him go against the undersized player now on the court, in fear of eglseder being fresher than aldrich when both return.

[hoopsguy]

Collins is playing like he has a family member with the Northern Iowa money line.

[whomario]

that was a man-layup by the NI guy (Dunham ?) against defense waiting and Aldridge flying in :eek:

There´s no reason why Aldridge shouldn´t get the ball on nearly every possession ...

[whomario]

Alley Oop !! Wooot :D

and then a bullshit call to give adam koch his 3rd ...

[hoopsguy]

There´s no reason why Aldridge shouldn´t get the ball on nearly every possession ...

Well, other than Collins being in "challenged my manhood" mode and dominating the dribble every trip. He is killing his team on the offensive end.

[Buccaneer]

I am loving this Northern Iowa team as well.

[panerd]

Have to say this officiating has been very even-handed. I would have expected the calls to be going towards KU at this point (i.e. Nova's round one) but they have been pretty balanced.

[TargetPractice6]

In complete seriousness, how anyone can sit & watch long form video on a computer completely mystifies me. Completely.

On a scale of desirability that rates somewhere around camping with, so completely foreign to my own interests/wants/preferences that it simply fails to compute whatsoever.

And I can at least conceive how/why women watch crap like Real Housewives, so it isn't as though I'm totally unable to at least grasp foreign concepts.My monitor is larger and higher def than my TV. I'd say that's a pretty good reason to watch video on the computer.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If you're pulling for UNI, I'd be encouraged.

This is the same disjointed, disinterested, and WTF-are-we-doing-here look that KU had against Tennessee earlier in the year.

[Young Drachma]

UNI is really, really impressive right now. Those boys are playing with a sense of purpose. Would love to see them pull it out. But they better start putting more points on the board.

[Eaglesfan27]

Out of curiosity I checked the espn.com brackets.

I've already lost 2 elite 8's and 3 sweet 16's and I'm in the 68.7 percentile.
How bad must the other brackets have been?


There was an ESPN announcer yesterday saying that over 1% of entries have 2 or more #16 teams beating the #1 teams in the first round..


Even though it would ruin my bracket in my money league, I'm rooting for Northern Iowa to pull this off.

[the_meanstrosity]

I'm stunned by how bad the Kansas guards have looked in this game.

Sadly (or maybe luckily in this case) I'm not able to watch the game. But Sherron Collins has a limited history of wanting to put the team on his back and forcing it too much rather than just taking what the defense gives. Eight out of ten times it's in Kansas' favor, but there's those few times where it hurts the team and today looks like one of those days. Usually someone else can pick up the slack, but credit UNI because they are forcing Kansas to play their game. It's actually really impressive how they've been able to impose their will on the Jayhawks today.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My monitor is larger and higher def than my TV. I'd say that's a pretty good reason to watch video on the computer.

At the risk of an even further tangent, how in the hell is that even possible? What did you do, hook the computer to a wall mounted flat screen? Or have you got a portable TV like people take camping?

[sterlingice]

Kansas isnt even trying to get good shots, one contested jumpshot with max 1 or 2 passes after the other, wth are they thinking ?

Eglseder with a very inspired game going right at Aldrich. Also great to see that his teammates trust him to do that.
Like said before, i´m a big fan of team making use of their inside people.

And with that he/they have forced Kansas to sit Aldrich when Eglseder went out instead of letting him go against the undersized player now on the court, in fear of eglseder being fresher than aldrich when both return.

There's just no movement from our offense. On top of that, we're just looking extremely tight. Reminds me of watching a hitter in a slump who is just trying way too hard and it only makes things worse :(

SI

[terpkristin]

In complete seriousness, how anyone can sit & watch long form video on a computer completely mystifies me. Completely.

It's not for me, either. But then again, neither is Desperate Housewives. ;) On a sad note, I hope that you guys keep posting, I just got called into work where I won't be able to get much by way of updates. :(

/tk

[TargetPractice6]

My monitor is a 20in LCD and my TV is a 19in standard definition. I just don't really watch enough television to justify a new TV purchase at this point.

[sterlingice]

I would also kill for us to keep up some defensive pressure. Not only does it hurt their offense (tho they have really good ball movement but, christ, we're long- best to take advantage of it) but it loosens up their defense on the other end that we've had issues breaking with their good guard defense.

SI

[whomario]

so, he committed thsat foul with his shin ?

Northern Iowa needs to be more patient again, and Faroukhmaneh needs t hit shots

[TargetPractice6]

Shots aren't falling for UNI like they were earlier. I look for Kansas to make their run here.

[mauchow]

jeez, don't get stupid on offense now...

[panerd]

Have to say this officiating has been very even-handed. I would have expected the calls to be going towards KU at this point (i.e. Nova's round one) but they have been pretty balanced.

I would like to withdraw this comment. I spoke too soon.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My monitor is a 20in LCD and my TV is a 19in standard definition. I just don't really watch enough television to justify a new TV purchase at this point.

That's cool btw, no harm/insult/whatever intended. And hopefully none taken.

It's just that I can't honestly say I know anyone with that sort of configuration beyond a college dorm room (until now).

[hoopsguy]

There's just no movement from our offense. On top of that, we're just looking extremely tight. Reminds me of watching a hitter in a slump who is just trying way too hard and it only makes things worse :(

SI

Announcer - "they are starting to move the ball from side to side". Yes, with Collins on the bench.

Between that and the types of plays that Kansas is running out of timeouts, it is clear that the coaching staff is seeing the same things that we are. Kansas, at this point, is better with Collins sitting. I'm sure they won't finish this way, but I wouldn't be in a hurry to put him back in.

[JonInMiddleGA]

for terpkristin - 56-49 with 5:24 left

[JonInMiddleGA]

Collins: 3-12 from the floor
Rest of KU: 17-33 from the floor
Rest of KU minus Aldrich: 11-25 from the floor (i.e. it ain't just the big fella)

[TargetPractice6]

That's cool btw, no harm/insult/whatever intended. And hopefully none taken.

It's just that I can't honestly say I know anyone with that sort of configuration beyond a college dorm room (until now).None taken at all. You weren't too far off with the dorm room comment anyhow.

[JonInMiddleGA]

for terpkristin - 56-53 at 4:25

[Eaglesfan27]

A huge 3 there.

[TargetPractice6]

HUGE THREE there for UNI!

[RainMaker]

Enormous 3

[mauchow]

FUCK YEAH! HUGE THREE AND now its UNI ball. Holy shit this is going to happen!

[sterlingice]

Dammit. I was just thinking to myself- they're not going to keep missing and giving cheap possessions away so you'd better keep out on their 3 point guys and there's the show I was worried about :sigh:

SI

[panerd]

And Aldrich picks up his 2nd foul on an over the back! (Of course not! :) )

[mauchow]

I just noticed but Baylor is only leading by one. Sweetness

[RainMaker]

And Aldrich picks up his 2nd foul on an over the back! (Of course not! :) )
Did they call a foul? It looked like one and the announcers seemed confused.