The Official 2006 NCAA Tournament thread

[rjolley]

LOL@ the Sonic chili cheese tots commercial. Every time I see it I crack up.

Is that the one where the goofy guy blocks the other guy's drive to eat a tot? Yeah, I crack up at that one too.

[Butter]

They are a team full of freshman and sophomores (save for Carney) that is taking the basketball world by storm.

LOL, let's not go crazy here.

[Young Drachma]

I'm guessing Southern sent Oral Roberts the same 1st Half Kool-Aid they were drinking yesterday.

[MylesKnight]

Watching the SIU/WVU Game.. Verne Lundquist keeps calling Northwestern State, Northwestern. "A great win by Northwestern today over the Hawkeyes..."

Get a clue man..

Northwestern is the school from the northside of Chicago that has never made the NCAA Tournament.

[LoneStarGirl]

LOL, let's not go crazy here.


I know, I know, GE has been feeding me a lot of Memphis hype and i'm buying it all.

[Tigercat]

The question is, CUSA as it is now, is it a proper seasoning for a Number 1 seed? Nonconference slate was a long time ago.....

[Karlifornia]

Come on ORU!

And it's easy to hate Memphis with GoldenEagle's jingoism

[JeeberD]

*blink blink*

[Young Drachma]

ORU needs to settle down.

[Warhammer]

No they don't.

[MylesKnight]

Wow! Fellatio Roberts could be the one that finally pulls off the 16 over 1 shocker..

Monmouth seems to have wasted all of their scoring against Hampton.

Oh god, Nantz and Packer are doing the Philadelphia games.. Filthy Pirate Whores!

[SackAttack]

Lemme get this straight.

Oral Roberts' mascot is the Golden Eagle.

And GoldenEagle is rooting for Memphis.

Do I have that right?

[saldana]

16 freakin points????

16!!!???


*slams head against wall*

i cant believe they only scored 16 points in a half


(Monmouth U, class of 96)

[LoneStarGirl]

Haha good one Sack. When I first met GE I thought he liked the name GoldenEagle because of his high school, but nope, they were the Chargers. So go figure

[LoneStarGirl]

This Memphis game is really high scoring when you consider the rest of the games that went on in the first round. Memphis alone has scored more points than the Nova and Monmouth combined

[GoldenEagle]

Jump off the ORU wagon, haters.

Memphis is showing what it can do. Do not try to run with Memphis.

[Butter]

ORU is making a huge mistake playing a sagging 2-3 zone.

[kingfc22]

Come on ORU!

And it's easy to hate Memphis with GoldenEagle's jingoism

I would concur. I have tickets for the next weekend's games in Oakland. Can't wait to see Memphis fall on their face if they even make it that far.

[Radii]

Jump off the ORU wagon, haters.

Memphis is showing what it can do. Do not try to run with Memphis.


Are you seriuosly shit-talking over a 1/16 matchup when your team is the 1 seed????

[SackAttack]

Jump off the ORU wagon, haters.

Memphis is showing what it can do. Do not try to run with Memphis.

I don't think that's it.

I turned the game on here in the newsroom and started rooting for ORU.

TroyF and JeeberD can tell you all about my sports curse.

I firmly believe it's that, and not Memphis, that's in control right now.

[GoldenEagle]

The question is, CUSA as it is now, is it a proper seasoning for a Number 1 seed? Nonconference slate was a long time ago.....

Did you say the same thing when Southern was hanging with Duke? No.

Put down the haterade, bitches.

[LoneStarGirl]

Now you all see what i have to deal with. And y'all made fun of me for not wanting to live in Memphis!

[Warhammer]

ORU is making a huge mistake playing a sagging 2-3 zone.

A month ago, that was the formula to beat Memphis, sit in a zone and dare them to shoot you out of the gym.

[LoneStarGirl]

I am suprised to see Allen doing so well. He is not exactly known for his outside shooting.

[Butter]

A month ago, that was the formula to beat Memphis, sit in a zone and dare them to shoot you out of the gym.

8 of 14 from three says it ain't workin'.

[Young Drachma]

These kids get so tentative when the game is on the line. That's the main difference I see between the "experienced" teams versus those that are not. Obviously, the kids that get some breaks or can make the best use of their opportunities pull out the wins in the end. But so many of these teams that are underdogs don't know how to suck the life out of their opponents when they're up.

Is it the lack of a killing instinct not just by the players, but by their coaches who are too busy focusing on the idea of "omg, we might beat this great team. Maybe I can leave this school and get a better coaching gig?"

[kingfc22]

I love the fact that my CBS HD channel shows a different game then my regular CBS channel.

2 games instead of 1. Woot!

[SackAttack]

Wow, Georgetown might've just done NIowa a solid with Hibbert fouling out.

[GoldenEagle]

I will say this. There is no way Oral Roberts is a number 16 team. They are good.

[SackAttack]

Need to hit those FT's, though.

Sure as hell they're not hitting anything else.

[kingfc22]

How is Allen Ray playing today for those who are watching the Nova/Monmouth game?

[SackAttack]

HUGE 3 for Northern Iowa, but that 0-9 streak to start the half sunk 'em, I think.

[Young Drachma]

Bad day for the state of Iowa.

[LoneStarGirl]

Didn't somebody say they had Southern Illinois in the sweet 16?

[kingfc22]

Monmouth is trying to make a game out of this.

[Swaggs]

West Virginia is having their best game in over a month. Glad to see them come out with a good performance.

[Young Drachma]

Monmouth is trying to make a game out of this.

The want the record for 16th seed that's come the closest to winning...Fairleigh Dickinson, another Jersey school is currently the school with that distinction.

[Young Drachma]

West Virginia is having their best game in over a month. Glad to see them come out with a good performance.

Good thing I decided to choose them.

[Swaggs]

Wow. This is the first time WVU has advanced past the first round in consecutive seasons since the 1959-60 season... back in the days of Jerry West.

[LoneStarGirl]

i am four for four in this little session.

[JeeberD]

20-5 overall so far with only one sweet sixteen team out. Not too shabby. :)

Edit: Make that 19-5. For some reason I already have Pitt highlighted as a win...

[Tigercat]

Did you say the same thing when Southern was hanging with Duke? No.

Put down the haterade, bitches.

Umm, I said that not as a result of Memphis beating down ORU or not. They should beat down ORU. But did playing in a much weakened CUSA for months and then playing against ORU prepare Memphis for the upcoming tougher competition? I don't think so. Maybe they will have the ability to step up anyway, but I feel more confident with teams that have been properly tested week in and week out for the past few months.

[GoldenEagle]

Who really cares how confident you feel?

[Tigercat]

Who really cares how confident you feel?

Touchy aren't we?

[Tigercat]

Dola, my bad, I shouldn't be posting a sports opinion on a sports message boad. No one cares about discussing sports opinions on message boards. Memphis is a 1 seed so it is clear they are fully ready to make it to the Final Four.

[GoldenEagle]

Memphis earned the 1 seed. Nanme a team that deserved the 1 seed over Memphis?

LSU? HAHAHAHAH!

[rjolley]

Texas

[st.cronin]

Yale

[MJ4H]

Jesus I'm actually thinking of putting someone on ignore for the first time in awhile. Talk about annoying. Actually two people in this thread.

[kingfc22]

I hope Leon Powe is able to put on a show today.

[st.cronin]

NC State-Cal ... why so many empty seats????

[JeeberD]

Did you see the AFA-Illionois game last night? There was NO ONE in that arena. It was kinda spooky...

[panerd]

Did you see the AFA-Illionois game last night? There was NO ONE in that arena. It was kinda spooky...

I remember the announcers explaining that due to the bomb threat there wasn't much time in between the 2nd and 3rd games to get the afternoon crowds out and the night crowds in so a lot of people were stuck in limbo. You could tell by the end of the 1st half that the place was filling up.

[st.cronin]

Albany has Connecticut on the ropes!!!!

[JeeberD]

I remember the announcers explaining that due to the bomb threat there wasn't much time in between the 2nd and 3rd games to get the afternoon crowds out and the night crowds in so a lot of people were stuck in limbo. You could tell by the end of the 1st half that the place was filling up.


Ah, OK. I was at a sportsbar last night and there wasn't any volume for that game. And by the time that one was at halftime I was pretty blitzed...

[LoneStarGirl]

I get to see the news from 5-7 instead of the games! What a treat!

[RPI-Fan]

Albany has Connecticut on the ropes!!!!

I don't like the local basketball teams, but I dislike CT even more (for beating Tech two years ago), so go Albany!

[Swaggs]

Anyone know the record for most conference wins in one NCAA tourney?

[RPI-Fan]

If Albany can hang in this game into the 2nd half they have a real shot.

There are no CT fans in that building. Heck, it's hard to imagine that there are CT fans <i>anywhere</i>.

[Young Drachma]

What the heck is Albany doing? I can't see the game, just that they're winning.

[Young Drachma]

Nevermind, they just switched to that game.

[RPI-Fan]

What a crazy basket to give Albany the lead!!

[LoneStarGirl]

I would LOVE to see Albany beat Connecticut, but it sure would mess up everybody's brackets.

[Young Drachma]

Wow....that place is rocking for Albany. lol

[RPI-Fan]

I love how Albany is taking things slow and Connecticut look uncomfortable, rushing a lot of things.

[Young Drachma]

All these 16 seeds have been keeping it close early, then lose it in the end.

Will Albany be different? They sure look undaunted out there to me.

[miami_fan]

All these 16 seeds have been keeping it close early, then lose it in the end.

Will Albany be different? They sure look undaunted out there to me.

No

[RPI-Fan]

I think the key that might make this different for Albany is these two things:

1) They've yet to go on a big run
2) They're yet to even come cloes to giving up a big run

Plus, as the announcers mentioned, they're pretty deep.

[Warhammer]

Plus, Albany has been controlling the pace, you can tell UConn wants to run, but they can't.

[RPI-Fan]

I know Farleigh Dickinson was the closest to ever beating a #1 seed? What was that game like?

I cannot remember a 16 seed ever leading 5 minutes into the 2nd half.

[CamEdwards]

I would love to see Albany beat a one seed. I thought it was awesome when NW State won today. I'm watching George Mason beat Michigan State right now and loving it. I think it is so great when underdogs overperform.

[panerd]

I know Farleigh Dickinson was the closest to ever beating a #1 seed? What was that game like?

I cannot remember a 16 seed ever leading 5 minutes into the 2nd half.

Hate to bag on my own team but I am pretty sure Mizzou was losing to Navy at least this far into the second half in '94. And I can't think of any specifics, but some have been this close before. This will end up UConn by 10+.

[RPI-Fan]

Woooooooooo double digits!

[Young Drachma]

I know Farleigh Dickinson was the closest to ever beating a #1 seed? What was that game like?

I cannot remember a 16 seed ever leading 5 minutes into the 2nd half.

FDU led Illinois by 1, but that's the only lead they had in that game.

Albany's lead of 10, is nuts.

[panerd]

Hate to bag on my own team but I am pretty sure Mizzou was losing to Navy at least this far into the second half in '94. And I can't think of any specifics, but some have been this close before. This will end up UConn by 10+.

Didn't realize it was 10 points when I made this post. I guess I could be wrong on the UConn by 10+.

[Young Drachma]

16-5 run, wow...

I don't want to watch this Cal game, I want to see that UConn game.

[panerd]

I would LOVE to see Albany beat Connecticut, but it sure would mess up everybody's brackets.

Not sure it would be that big of a deal. I am in a 45 person pool and I think everyone has UConn in at least the final four. So really it would only be the difference between someone who had them winning it all or being knocked out in the semi-finals. If anyone picked Albany as an upset the one point was a pretty risky bet.

[JeeberD]

Wow. If Albany wins it would completely ruin what so far is probably the best bracket I've ever filled out. But it would be worth it to see a 16 seed win a game...

[RPI-Fan]

16-5 run, wow...

I don't want to watch this Cal game, I want to see that UConn game.

It is good stuff.

I don't care if Albany wins or loses. I just want to see the game come down to the last couple possesions.

[kingfc22]

Wow, Albany still up 10 with 12 min. to go.

[RPI-Fan]

Not sure it would be that big of a deal. I am in a 45 person pool and I think everyone has UConn in at least the final four. So really it would only be the difference between someone who had them winning it all or being knocked out in the semi-finals. If anyone picked Albany as an upset the one point was a pretty risky bet.

UConn losing would make the pools more fun, probably. Because there would be only a handful, if any, people with 4 final four teams you can win it with 2 or 3 F4 teams.

Of course, if you have UConn in the finals and they lose now, you're most likely screwed.

[Mustang]

blah.. MSU game on. Gimmee the UConn game.

[miami_fan]

That's where I'm coming from. I have UConn winning it all...

Same here

[JeeberD]

Of course, if you have UConn in the finals and they lose now, you're most likely screwed.

That's where I'm coming from. I have UConn winning it all...

[Young Drachma]

Apparently, in 1985, (16) FDU lost to (1) Michigan 59-55.

That was the closest 1 v. 16 game to date.

The one from Illinois must've been in "recent memory" because that's what I read on CNN/SI when they interviewed the coach from the team. The final score of last year's game was 67-55...and apparently, FDU led at the half, but Illinois went on a 14-2 run to squash that deal after the half.

[Philliesfan980]

If I start watching it, Albany will certainly lose, so I'm not going to. But I'll turn it on if I see them winning by more than 6 with 2 minutes left.

When I came home from work yesterday, Winthrop (my upset pick) played some of the worst basketball I've ever seen in my entire life. Tennessee can thank me.

[panerd]

Apparently, in 1985, (16) FDU lost to (1) Michigan 59-55.

That was the closest 1 v. 16 game to date.

The one from Illinois must've been in "recent memory" because that's what I read on CNN/SI when they interviewed the coach from the team. The final score of last year's game was 67-55...and apparently, FDU led at the half, but Illinois went on a 14-2 run to squash that deal after the half.

I thought Princeton vs. Georgetown came down to the last possesion.

[Philliesfan980]

50-45, here comes UConn, guess I curse teams even in gamecast.

[kingfc22]

What a shot by Wilkes.

[JeeberD]

George Mason is making me look good right now.. :)

[Young Drachma]

I thought Princeton vs. Georgetown came down to the last possesion.

I don't doubt that. I have no clue. :)


Nice three by Cal.

[Radii]

Jesus I'm actually thinking of putting someone on ignore for the first time in awhile. Talk about annoying. Actually two people in this thread.


I certainly will be, at least on Sunday. This is just fucking absurd.

[RPI-Fan]

FDU was definitely the closest final score in a 1-16 game. Read it in an AP article in addition to the article cited here.

[Young Drachma]

George Mason is making me look good right now.. :)

F-ing MSU. I didn't want to pick them...grr....

[Philliesfan980]

Good to see that Layup by Albany. For once , I want to see a 16 seed with some attitude.

[RPI-Fan]

Connecticut look spathetic. No movement whatsoever.

[Easy Mac]

That shot by the Pitt player was one of the best I've ever seen. Caught it mid-air behind the 3-point line, 1 second on the shot clock. While still in the air, shoots it, swish.

[Young Drachma]

Good to see that Layup by Albany. For once , I want to see a 16 seed with some attitude.

Seriously. These guys shouldn't be rolling over for anyone. Just play your game and steal the win.

[panerd]

FDU was definitely the closest final score in a 1-16 game. Read it in an AP article in addition to the article cited here.

I don't really feel like doing the research (probably not that hard with Yahoo, etc) but I am almost 100% certain that Georgetown won as a #1 seed on a block by 'Zo Mourning to end the game.

[GoldenEagle]

Albany is pouring their hearts into this game. They are diving after every loose ball. I hope they pull it off, screw my bracket.

[RPI-Fan]

Billy Packer is a total maroon.

"Villanova-Georgetown was an upset that came early on in the tournament."

[RPI-Fan]

Billy Packer is a total maroon.

"Villanova-Georgetown was an upset that came early on in the tournament."

And he follows it up with another totally dumb comment.

"The Young Man (Zoellner) hasn't been out of the game all half."

Hey, jerk, he's probably the oldest player in the whole fucking tournament @ 24 years old.

[molson]

I don't really feel like doing the research (probably not that hard with Yahoo, etc) but I am almost 100% certain that Georgetown won as a #1 seed on a block by 'Zo Mourning to end the game.

Ya, Georgetown beat Princeton in 50-49 in 1989 in a 1 v. 16 game, so that would be the closetst.

[miami_fan]

Billy Packer is a total maroon.

"Villanova-Georgetown was an upset that came early on in the tournament."

LOL You aren't serious are you?

[JeeberD]

I don't really feel like doing the research (probably not that hard with Yahoo, etc) but I am almost 100% certain that Georgetown won as a #1 seed on a block by 'Zo Mourning to end the game.

Yup. I have an old NCAA Tournament Encyclopedia from 1990 and it says that the final for G'Town-Princeton was 50-49.

[RPI-Fan]

Yup. I have an old NCAA Tournament Encyclopedia from 1990 and it says that the final for G'Town-Princeton was 50-49.

Is there a pie-on-my-face smiley? :(

[DeToxRox]

Oh man let's go George Mason.

SPARTY ON!

[kingfc22]

Where's Schmidty?

[Philliesfan980]

Albany is pouring their hearts into this game. They are diving after every loose ball. I hope they pull it off, screw my bracket.

I feel the same way. These teams always panic down the stretch though unfortunately. Even though they are up by 2 right now, I'm calling that UCONN wins by at least 6.

[JeeberD]

Dola-

Here's what it says about that game in the tournament summary:

The game seesawed, until with less than three minutes to play, Alonzo Mourning blocked a lay-up that would've put Princeton up by four. With 23 seconds left Mourning hit one of two foul shots to put Georgetown up 50-49. Then another Mourning block...and still another as time ran out -- and the Big East champs were still in the race.

[Young Drachma]

Ya, Georgetown beat Princeton in 50-49 in 1989 in a 1 v. 16 game, so that would be the closetst.

Gotta love Jersey schools pushing the envelope. LOL...

Albany needs to go ahead and get on a run here. The suspense is killing me.

And Michigan State really pisses me off. Grr....Cal needs to go ahead and pull this win out already.

[kingfc22]

And UCONN seems to have taken over.

[DeToxRox]

Beautiful! Sparty losing in the first round would make up for Michigans meltdown.

[Philliesfan980]

Wow, Can NOT let them grab an Oboard in this game like that. I hate UCONN. They are almost worse than Duke. Is there anyone more unlikeable than Jim Calhoun?

[DeToxRox]

George Masons FT shooting is horrendous, but then again so is MSU's shot selection.

[Philliesfan980]

So close, yet so far.

[Young Drachma]

I'm sick of seeing this Red Lobster commercial.

[DeToxRox]

ITS OVAH!

Congrats to George Mason!

And if Schmidty reasons this .. Too bad, so sad.

[Radii]

A George Mason win is so awesome, as long as North Carolina can take care of business, that is.

[RPI-Fan]

That high screen is KILLING Albany.

[Young Drachma]

That high screen is KILLING Albany.

So are they pretty much done?

[DeToxRox]

Alright, lets go NC State .. also is Julius Hodge on an NBA Roster this year? I assume so, but can anyone help me out.

[RPI-Fan]

So are they pretty much done?

They're down by 6 with 4 minutes left and have the ball. But UConn is on a 23-5 run.

Albany has lacked the fire the past 5 minutes.

[kingfc22]

The NC State player touched that ball last. Should be Cal's ball.

[Young Drachma]

Alright, lets go NC State .. also is Julius Hodge on an NBA Roster this year? I assume so, but can anyone help me out.

NBDL, I believe.

[RPI-Fan]

Total collapse by Albany -- cannot even handle the ball in wide open situations any more.

[DeToxRox]

Big tray for NC State. Sink Cal now.

[DeToxRox]

NBDL, I believe.

Ah ok, thanks.

[Young Drachma]

Hodge just got called up by the Nuggets.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nuggetsmoves&prov=ap&type=lgns

[kingfc22]

Total collapse by Albany -- cannot even handle the ball in wide open situations any more.

They were over-rated anyways. Should have been in the play-in game.

[Young Drachma]

Oh well...so much for a Cal victory. There goes the first major screwover in my bracket. Well, in one of them. In the other, I picked NC state. So, it's a wash.

[DeToxRox]

Hodge just got called up by the Nuggets.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nuggetsmoves&prov=ap&type=lgns

Thanks, Ron

[miami_fan]

Why shoot the three there? Go for the two and create the open three

[RPI-Fan]

They were over-rated anyways. Should have been in the play-in game.

Huh? They were preseason favorites in their conference, easily won the regular season title, and won the postseason title.

Their winning percentage of ~65% was far better than either of the play-in teams' (~57% and 50%).

Your post is totally wrong.

[Young Drachma]

Why shoot the three there? Go for the two and create the open three

I was thinking the same thing.

[Philliesfan980]

Sad sad sad.... some of these guys need some heart. I guess thats why they play for fucking Albany though, because they don't have what it takes.

[kingfc22]

Huh? They were preseason favorites in their conference, easily won the regular season title, and won the postseason title.

Their winning percentage of ~65% was far better than either of the play-in teams' (~57% and 50%).

Your post is totally wrong.

I guess you missed the sarcasm.

[miami_fan]

Sad sad sad.... some of these guys need some heart. I guess thats why they play for fucking Albany though, because they don't have what it takes.

Umm let's not lose perspective here. :confused:

[Philliesfan980]

Umm let's not lose perspective here. :confused:

Its not just tonight, its like yesterday with Winthorp. They were up, and should have put that game away. But these kids all have stars in their eyes, and completely panic. No clutch players on the teams at all.

Yesteday's loss wasn't so much about losing, it was HOW they lost. Dumb mistakes kill these teams.

[Schmidty]

I'm totally disgusted and disappointed in MSU. They absolutely deserved to lose, and in a way I'm happy about it.

This year's team was the biggest group of choking, pussy, no-heart bitches Izzo has ever coached.

Fuck them.

[Radii]

I'm totally disgusted and disappointed in MSU. They absolutely deserved to lose, and in a way I'm happy about it.

This year's team was the biggest group of choking, pussy, no-heart bitches Izzo has ever coached.

Fuck them.

Sorry Schmidty. A big part of me is happy that UNC in theory has an easier road, but I would have enjoyed the final four rematch as well.

[LoneStarGirl]

George Mason made me look smart, but then Cal blew it for me. Damn Pac 10

[st.cronin]

Schmidty makes me laugh

[Young Drachma]

Its not just tonight, its like yesterday with Winthorp. They were up, and should have put that game away. But these kids all have stars in their eyes, and completely panic. No clutch players on the teams at all.

Yesteday's loss wasn't so much about losing, it was HOW they lost. Dumb mistakes kill these teams.

Agreed. But I think it's coaching, too.

[JeeberD]

George Mason made me look smart, but then Cal blew it for me. Damn Pac 10

Ditto. Fucking Bears...

[GoldenEagle]

I bought into the whole MSU has experience thing. I knew they were not very good. I had UNC beating them in the second round though.

[LoneStarGirl]

Syracuse and Oklahoma are my two sweet 16s that have fallen, so thats not too shabby... but not great

[RPI-Fan]

So is anyone else out there glad to not be burdened by a bracket?

Also, has anyone seen that guy in the office who has like 12 different brackets going?

[Young Drachma]

I bought into the whole MSU has experience thing. I knew they were not very good. I had UNC beating them in the second round though.

Same here. I totally got suckered by that. I shouldn't have listened, that game screamed upset.

[JeeberD]

I'm still only down Nevada in the Sweet Sixteen... :)

[MJ4H]

So is anyone else out there glad to not be burdened by a bracket?

Also, has anyone seen that guy in the office who has like 12 different brackets going?

I haven't "filled out a bracket" in years. I have done the pick a set of teams and score points based on their seed when they win, but that is a totally different experience. I've gotten the same feeling about this tourney bracket thing that I've always had about fantasy football. I just hate that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people.

[RPI-Fan]

I haven't "filled out a bracket" in years. I have done the pick a set of teams and score points based on their seed when they win, but that is a totally different experience. I've gotten the same feeling about this tourney bracket thing that I've always had about fantasy football. I just hate that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people.

Exactly.

I also hate that you can't hav ea conversation with ANYONE about the NCAA's because after two sentences it degenerates into a "I had them in the Sweet 16 in my bracket" discussion and then other people bitch about how so-and-so school i sout to get them and ruined their bracket.

[st.cronin]

I actually won quite a bit of money with my bracket two years ago. Usually, though, after the first weekend I'm not worried about my bracket.

[panerd]

Well I can see both sides on the bracket thing. People don't care about y anyone's bracket, just like they don't care about their golf game, how much money they make, or their kids.

But on the other hand I am pretty sure brackets are at least part of the reason the NCAA tournament is so popular. Personally, I run a pool and have some fun with it but don't bore people with stories about picks I made. Ultimately (IMO) they do make the games a little more interesting though.

[JeeberD]

I just hate that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people.

I disagree. I have UConn winning it all, but I would have welcomed an Albany upset. I picked A$M to beat Syracuse, but I was rooting for the 'Cuse to win. I have texas in the Elite Eight, but if they lost tonight I would be ecstatic...

Just because I picked a team to win in my bracket isn't a reason to root for them.

[miami_fan]

So is anyone else out there glad to not be burdened by a bracket?

Also, has anyone seen that guy in the office who has like 12 different brackets going?

I have never looked at the bracket as a "burden". You would have thought I was a graduate of Northwestern St. the way I was cheering for them today. But I picked Iowa.

[LoneStarGirl]

People who think brackets are a burder take some things way to seriously. This is supposed to be fun. Now if you have big money riding on your choices I can see how you would be anxious. But I enjoy filling out a bracket to show the boys that I know what im talking about.

[CamEdwards]

Since I won my old office bracket a couple of years ago, I haven't done a bracket. I've definitely noticed some of my co-workers pull for their bracket rather than the underdog (Winthrop-Tennessee comes to mind). I just love watching the games play out without thinking about whether or not I'm going to win some money.

[panerd]

People who think brackets are a burder take some things way to seriously. This is supposed to be fun. Now if you have big money riding on your choices I can see how you would be anxious. But I enjoy filling out a bracket to show the boys that I know what im talking about.

Rumor has it that Rick Neuheusel used to not take well to upsets.

[MJ4H]

I disagree. I have UConn winning it all, but I would have welcomed an Albany upset. I picked A$M to beat Syracuse, but I was rooting for the 'Cuse to win. I have texas in the Elite Eight, but if they lost tonight I would be ecstatic...

Just because I picked a team to win in my bracket isn't a reason to root for them.

You disagree that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people?

Note that I didn't say to you.

[GoldenEagle]

I just like to fill out a bracket and see how well I do. I have never bet on my bracket or anything like that. I just have fun with it and see how I can do. Its impossible ro predict all this stuff anyway.

[Radii]

Murray State is quick, and takes a ton of 3s. If UNC can't take care of the ball this is going to be close throughout.

[miami_fan]

You disagree that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people?

Note that I didn't say to you.

No doubt it does for some people. I am with you on the fantasy football thing. I hate that with a passion

[kingfc22]

What is Penn doing to keep that score so low?

I've got the UAB/UK game in my area.

[miami_fan]

Nantz and Packer.....UGH

*mute*

[Ksyrup]

At this moment - 4 games going, 2 1-point games, 2 ties. Gotta love it.

[JeeberD]

You disagree that it becomes more important than the games themselves to some people?

Note that I didn't say to you.


I meant to say "to me" somewhere in there. Looks like I forgot to... :)

[JeeberD]

Dola-

Go UAB!

[Ksyrup]

Since I won my old office bracket a couple of years ago, I haven't done a bracket. I've definitely noticed some of my co-workers pull for their bracket rather than the underdog (Winthrop-Tennessee comes to mind). I just love watching the games play out without thinking about whether or not I'm going to win some money.

This is why I quit fantasy sports 4 years ago. First it was football, because that directly affected my enjoyment of games, but eventually, I even gave up fantasy baseball, too. I'm just a spectator, and if I root for anyone, it will be based on something other than artificial rooting interests created by games or brackets.

[miami_fan]

There is just something about watching Kentucky that give me the impressioin that they should supposed to be the underdogs in this matchup. UAB seems to be the more talented team on the court if not on paper.

[panerd]

Anyone else have a problem with the "Time Bomb" commercial? (or at least think it's a bad move for CBS) They are in the middle of televising a huge sporting event and they decide to air an original movie about people planning an attack at a huge sporting event! Isn't this like the in-flight movie being about a plane crash or a major network running "the Stand" if the bird flu were to break out. This commericial and movie seems to be so opposite the interests of the type of viewer who would be watching the tournament on CBS right now.

[RPI-Fan]

What is your guys favorite round of the tournament? Mine is probably the Sweet 16 round -- nothing like coming home from a long days' work, getting to watch 4 great games on back-to-back nights, and not having missed any of the action!

If I were unemployed I would probably say Round 1 is the best. Alas, fortunately for me, that's not the case.

Round 2 and 4 are also very enjoyable.

The Final Four & Championship game itself are rather bleh to me.

[henry296]

What is Penn doing to keep that score so low?

I've got the UAB/UK game in my area.

Neither team is shooting very well. Penn is mixing up the defenses and keeping Texas a bit off balance.

Let's see if Penn can hold up. They only play 7.

[Radii]

This weekend is the second best weekend of the year, every year, for me, behind only the ACC Tournament weekend.

[Radii]

all four of the lower seeds lead at the half... insane.

[miami_fan]

What is your guys favorite round of the tournament? Mine is probably the Sweet 16 round -- nothing like coming home from a long days' work, getting to watch 4 great games on back-to-back nights, and not having missed any of the action!

If I were unemployed I would probably say Round 1 is the best. Alas, fortunately for me, that's not the case.

Round 2 and 4 are also very enjoyable.

The Final Four & Championship game itself are rather bleh to me.

I save two days off every year for the first round of the tourney.

[cartman]

What is Penn doing to keep that score so low?

They watched tape of the final regular season match up in College Station between UT and A&M.

[Craptacular]

Perhaps it's because Verne Lundquist is announcing, but I swear Sasha Cohen is now playing basketball for Kansas or Bradley.

[Radii]

murray state is getting an insane number of offensive rebounds...

[RPI-Fan]

As hard as it sucks to be in New York for football season, it's good in basketball.

As best as I can tell we are hardly tied to any local markets and typically get the best games at the right times.

[molson]

As of this second, there's one guy in the ESPN tournament challenge who still has a perfect bracket. It's pretty ridiculous:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=1198411

[JeeberD]

What is your guys favorite round of the tournament?


The first round is the best, and this weekend is the best sports weekend of the year...

[RPI-Fan]

Wow, all 4 games right now are barnburners with 10 minutes to go (well Bradely is up double digits on Kansas, but that would be a big upset so it's exciting)!

[kingfc22]

Big free throws here.

[kingfc22]

Murray St. should go for a quick 2.

[Radii]

survive and advance. I can breathe again, whew... Murray State put up a hell of a fight.

[JeeberD]

So why did I think things would be any different for Kansas this year? :o :rolleyes:

[Radii]

2-2 for the MVC. Not bad at all.

[Coffee Warlord]

As I said.

Kansas invents new and exciting ways to fuck me every year.

[GoldenEagle]

I went a dismal 20-12 in the first round. Five of my sweet 16 teams are already gone as well. :(

[cartman]

As I said.

Kansas invents new and exciting ways to fuck me every year.

Gawd dang Big 12. Leave it to the Texas teams to save face. A&M gets whacked in their next game, while the 'Horns give some Lone Star payback to the Wolfpack for the '83 championship game.

[kcchief19]

Rock, chalk, chickenhawk.

Doesn't matter what happens the rest of the tournament. I'm satisfied. :)

[Celeval]

22-10 in the first round, 2 Sweet Sixteen picks gone (Pacific, Winthrop). So-so.

[TazFTW]

For my Yahoo bracket, I have a Sweet Sixteen (Iowa) and an Elite Eight (Kansas) pick gone.

[LoneStarGirl]

As of this second, there's one guy in the ESPN tournament challenge who still has a perfect bracket. It's pretty ridiculous:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=1198411

Not anymore since UAB lost.

[cartman]

Rock, chalk, chickenhawk.

Doesn't matter what happens the rest of the tournament. I'm satisfied. :)

French Connection United Kingdom

Kansas.

How da F did Texas lose to them in the Big 12 tournament Championship game?

[Wolfpack]

Gawd dang Big 12. Leave it to the Texas teams to save face. A&M gets whacked in their next game, while the 'Horns give some Lone Star payback to the Wolfpack for the '83 championship game.

Interestingly enough, it's hard to say whether some State fans hope that payback happens. I had mentioned elsewhere a decent portion of the fanbase is totally infatuated with Rick Barnes and would seemingly crawl on hands and knees over hot coals to see him coach at State. I don't see the appeal myself, but that's me.

And yes, I agree with the "Gawd dang Big 12" thingy. I had Kansas as a sleeper pick for the Elite 8 in my main bracket. Of course, they'd flame out in the first round. :mad:

[cartman]

Interestingly enough, it's hard to say whether some State fans hope that payback happens. I had mentioned elsewhere a decent portion of the fanbase is totally infatuated with Rick Barnes and would seemingly crawl on hands and knees over hot coals to see him coach at State. I don't see the appeal myself, but that's me.

And yes, I agree with the "Gawd dang Big 12" thingy. I had Kansas as a sleeper pick for the Elite 8 in my main bracket. Of course, they'd flame out in the first round. :mad:

That's the first I've heard of RB leaving Texas to coach somewhere else. He's got it made in Austin.

[MrBug708]

So which teams have looked the best thus far?

[Radii]

So which teams have looked the best thus far?

UCLA and Florida were the only two high seeds that seriously took care of business, aren't they? W Virginia played well too from what I heard, I didn't see any of that one at all.

UNC and Boston College both got nice gifts after tough first round games, getting to face Montana and George Mason instead of Nevada and Michigan State.

[Swaggs]

That's the first I've heard of RB leaving Texas to coach somewhere else. He's got it made in Austin.

I've seen Wake and NC State fans mention him this season, and UVA fans talking about him last year. I can't see Barnes leaving, though. Even if it comes down to money, I cannot see another school outbidding Texas at this point.

[Radii]

Going into the second round, I'm real interested to see how the two surviving MVC teams do, Wichita State vs Tennessee and Bradley vs Pittsburgh, both vulnerable teams IMO. Indiana/Gonzaga is another one I'm real interested. in. I've held the belief this entire season that Gonzaga and Memphis have zero chance of reaching the final four because they haven't played a top team in two months. At least Memphis played a tourney team in UAB. My gut feeling tells me that the other top teams, regardless of talent, will simply be playing at another level becaue of that, so i'm interested to see how those two teams do.

Oh, and go George Washington tomorrow!

[MrBug708]

UCLA and Florida were the only two high seeds that seriously took care of business, aren't they? W Virginia played well too from what I heard, I didn't see any of that one at all.

UNC and Boston College both got nice gifts after tough first round games, getting to face Montana and George Mason instead of Nevada and Michigan State.

Arizona did a pretty good job on Wisconsin too

[st.cronin]

I am more and more liking UCLA to win it all.

[hoopsguy]

Just got back from a two day hoops/poker vacation (man, do I love this time of the year) and I'm not going to catch up on all 700 posts in this thread :eek: :)

I really enjoyed seeing the MVC start off 2-2. To paraphrase a SNL skit, "Suck it, Packer!". Top seed won in all three matchups with the Big East - two blowouts (one each) and one that was close. Then Bradley bouncing Kansas was about as perfect as it gets.

I wouldn't put too much stock in which teams took care of business in the first round versus just getting by. Plenty of champions and FF teams have had early scares. Champion UCLA with the Tyus Edney coast-to-coast bucket is one that comes to mind right away but there are examples from just about every year.

In terms of brackets vs rooting interests, I was pulling for Albany despite having UConn in the title game in each of my brackets. Since the Huskies aren't my team I was rooting for underdog + history (+ better draw for the Illini). The only times that isn't the case for me is with my higher value Calcutta pool teams, which do have some significant financial impact.

Has anyone else run a Calcutta pool for the NCAA tourney? Basically it is an auction "draft" for all the teams - the 15/16 are lumped in as a group, but every other team is up for bidding. Based on the total dollars collected, an even amount of money is distributed for each of the six rounds, which means that the amount of money for each win doubles every round. But you don't know what that per-round value is going to be early on in the bidding process. I find this to be the most fun pool that I do each and every year, even when the results are not optimal.

[Craptacular]

Anyone else notice that Dickie V was the ONLY one of ESPN's four experts NOT to pick Kansas for the Final 4?

[illinifan999]

I'm so glad I picked Bradley and about 80% of the people in my pool had Kansas in the final four or winning the championship.

[JeeberD]

24-8 after the first round with two Sweet Sixteen teams out (Nevada and kansas) and one Elite Eight team out (Kansas)...

[RPI-Fan]

I'm so glad I picked Bradley and about 80% of the people in my pool had Kansas in the final four or winning the championship.

Are you in a pool in an insane asylum or something???

[ice4277]

24-8 after the first round with two Sweet Sixteen teams out (Nevada and kansas) and one Elite Eight team out (Kansas)...

I've done shitty in general, but still have 7 of 8 Elite Eight teams left. Thats where you really start to get the points, so I'm not too worried.

[LoneStarGirl]

Why do they only have one game on at this time slot, and yet 3 games later? Why not make it two and two and switch back and forward?

[JeeberD]

Because EVERYONE wants to watch Duke play. Duh! :rolleyes:

[hoopsguy]

Got through the first round with my entire Sweet 16 intact - have a feeling I'm being set up for a big fall this weekend ...

[JeeberD]

Come on GW! :mad:

[LoneStarGirl]

GW can't hit any sort of shot. They are looking worse than an 8 seed instead of better.

[miami_fan]

Hmm Play QB for Notre Dame or basketball for Duke

[miami_fan]

Did that guy really say that Knoxville is a BASKETBALL town?

[MylesKnight]

DUKE BLOWS!!

[LoneStarGirl]

duke has definitly not been showing why the are the number one overall seed.

[Easy Mac]

well, with the obvious dominating performances from uconn, villanova and memphis, Duke should really be a 10 seed :rolleyes:

[Dr. Sak]

duke has definitly not been showing why the are the number one overall seed.

And UConn has? Memphis? I think beating a team like GW by 10+ is a good showing.

[LoneStarGirl]

I think in the first round games Memphis played better than UConn, Nova and Duke, yes. But all I was saying is that Duke is not playing to their potential today. If GW could hit some of their 2 foot shots, the game would be a hell of a lot closer.

[hoopsguy]

Duke has done exactly what a 1 seed should do up to this point - beat up on a 16 and 8/9 seed. Neither game has really been in doubt in the last ten minutes.

[Easy Mac]

I think in the first round games Memphis played better than UConn, Nova and Duke, yes. But all I was saying is that Duke is not playing to their potential today. If GW could hit some of their 2 foot shots, the game would be a hell of a lot closer.

and if Jesus was born 2000 years later he would be labeled a crazy person and we wouldn't have Christianity, what's your point?

[LoneStarGirl]

and if Jesus was born 2000 years later he would be labeled a crazy person and we wouldn't have Christianity, what's your point?

Why are you such a smart ass? Does it make you feel better about yourself? I am mearly stating my opinion, get off of your high horse.

[Karlifornia]

God, I want Memphis to lose so bad. I know I keep saying this, but the "Memphis Power Couple" is driving me insane.

[st.cronin]

God, I want Memphis to lose so bad. I know I keep saying this, but the "Memphis Power Couple" is driving me insane.

dito

[LoneStarGirl]

The only reason I care if Memphis wins and loses is because living with GE will be hell if they lose. Sorry if i come off too strong, won't happen again.

[LoneStarGirl]

And to be honest, I want Texas to win more than I want Memphis to... But nobody is dogging Texas, while everybody seems to be ragging on Memphis

[GoldenEagle]

People love to hate on Memphis because the media is doing it. RFUS is nothing but a Gonzaga homer. He knows his team is way over-rated and is going out soon. Gonzaga has struggled all year long against weak competition. This is the big dance. Indiana wins tonight.

Seth Davis on CBS is one of the media personalities who think Memphis has done nothing. We played the second-toughest OOC schedule. Everyone wants to say were are to inexperienced, too young, and not battle-tested enough. I find that ridiculous. You can say all you want about the Memphis “power couple”, but if your team was getting dissed you would be doing the same thing. Memphis is the national target for failure this year. Most of the expert analysts had the losing to Oral Roberts. I can not wait when we beat UCLA to go to the final four.

Gonzaga is the team who has done nothing this year. But people are saying they are going to go to the final four because they have one player. It is just crazy. I guess people really do not like Calapari. I have no clue why, either.

[MylesKnight]

Gonzaga is the team who has done nothing this year. But people are saying they are going to go to the final four because they have one player.

This may have something to do with the fact that he is a white player.. The media loves to grab on to stories like this...... case in point, the constant hype on the player of the year race between Morrison and Reddick. Since when was the POTY in College Hoops that important?

Quick, someone name the last three POTY's..

[Easy Mac]

Why are you such a smart ass? Does it make you feel better about yourself? I am mearly stating my opinion, get off of your high horse.
as was i... so i'm an ass for having opinions... good to know.

[Easy Mac]

bogut, okafor, and ... that guy from kansas? of course, i couldn't name the last 3 nba poy's either.

edit: wayne simien?

[LoneStarGirl]

and if Jesus was born 2000 years later he would be labeled a crazy person and we wouldn't have Christianity, what's your point?

That was not an opinion, it was a smart ass comment

[MJ4H]

People love to hate on Memphis because the media is doing it.

No you two are the reason people love to hate on Memphis. Couldn't care less about them other than that.

[Karlifornia]

People love to hate on Memphis because the media is doing it. RFUS is nothing but a Gonzaga homer. He knows his team is way over-rated and is going out soon. Gonzaga has struggled all year long against weak competition. This is the big dance. Indiana wins tonight.

Seth Davis on CBS is one of the media personalities who think Memphis has done nothing. We played the second-toughest OOC schedule. Everyone wants to say were are to inexperienced, too young, and not battle-tested enough. I find that ridiculous. You can say all you want about the Memphis “power couple”, but if your team was getting dissed you would be doing the same thing. Memphis is the national target for failure this year. Most of the expert analysts had the losing to Oral Roberts. I can not wait when we beat UCLA to go to the final four.

Gonzaga is the team who has done nothing this year. But people are saying they are going to go to the final four because they have one player. It is just crazy. I guess people really do not like Calapari. I have no clue why, either.

I'm not even a Gonzaga fan.

LOL@ "Most of the experts had Memphis losing to Oral Roberts". I don't think anyone had them losing to Oral Roberts. I think some thought ORU could keep the game competitive.

[LoneStarGirl]

I'm not even a Gonzaga fan.

LOL@ "Most of the experts had Memphis losing to Oral Roberts". I don't think anyone had them losing to Oral Roberts. I think some thought ORU could keep the game competitive.

It was all over ESPN that Memphis would be the first number 1 to go down to a 16 seed. About 4 or 5 different broadcasters made that prediction.

[Easy Mac]

That was not an opinion, it was a smart ass comment

that's your opinion

[st.cronin]

I'm surprised that a school like Memphis doesn't have an internet board for it's fans.

[Dr. Sak]

It was all over ESPN that Memphis would be the first number 1 to go down to a 16 seed. About 4 or 5 different broadcasters made that prediction.

Given the fact that they are the 4th ranked #1 seed, are you suprised that people would think that?

[miami_fan]

First GW and now WI-MIL. Neither team can hit a layup.

[GoldenEagle]

No you two are the reason people love to hate on Memphis. Couldn't care less about them other than that.

I am sure an Arkansas fan does not like Memphis because of two people on a message board. :rolleyes:

[GoldenEagle]

Given the fact that they are the 4th ranked #1 seed, are you suprised that people would think that?

Uh, a 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed.

[MJ4H]

I am sure an Arkansas fan does not like Memphis because of two people on a message board. :rolleyes:

I don't dislike Memphis. I dislike the crap you and your friend have spewed for about 5 pages of this thread. And I'm obviously not alone.

[GoldenEagle]

I'm surprised that a school like Memphis doesn't have an internet board for it's fans.

You are just kind of out there, huh?

[GoldenEagle]

I don't dislike Memphis. I dislike the crap you and your friend have spewed for about 5 pages of this thread. And I'm obviously not alone.

What crap have I spewed? I take up for my team and I am spewing crap? You need a reality check.

[MJ4H]

That's just the problem. You don't even realize it. Welcome to my ignore list, for at least the rest of the tournament.

[st.cronin]

You are just kind of out there, huh?

Completely unhinged, according to one board member (forgot who said that).

[MJ4H]

And as an aside, I don't know of any Arkansas fans that think of Memphis as more than any other team. I realize that Memphis fans seem to dislike Arkansas a lot, but Arkansas fans, in my experience, have no positive or negative feelings towards Memphis. Maybe in Eastern Arkansas they do, I don't know.

I certainly don't dislike Memphis. I almost want them to fail just so the obnoxious spew in this thread dies down.

[GoldenEagle]

I asked you for specific examples and you provided none. I guess you are just making shit up. If someone can not be a fan, then what is the point of having a March Madness thread? Oh well, I pissed someone off. It will not be the last time I do it.

Arkansas fans hate Memphis. Calapari refuses to schedule them. It was a pretty big rivalry back in the Richardson-Finch days.