The Official 2006 NCAA Tournament thread [Archive] - Page 7

03-26-2006, 06:33 PM

The great mystery to me remains how Tennessee got a #2 seed over both SEC champion LSU and Florida. I saw Tennessee play LSU in Baton Rouge back in February, and LSU beat them 88-74 despite turning the ball over 27 times, including 17 in the first half. Yeah, that's nearly a turnover a minute in the first half, and LSU still led at the half.

And having LSU and Florida in the final four does not surprise me. The tournament was very balanced with lots of good teams capable of making a run. A common theme of LSU and Florida is they both have outstanding inside games and great defense. That has trumped outside shooting so far in the tournament.

MJ4H

03-26-2006, 06:35 PM

The great mystery to me remains how Tennessee got a #2 seed over both SEC champion LSU and Florida.

No mystery. The committee did the worst job of seeding the tournament I've ever seen.

st.cronin

03-26-2006, 06:36 PM

I don't see why George Mason is being written off. They beat some solid teams in the past two weeks. Even though I'm hating on Florida, Nova's had this loss coming for awhile. They haven't shot the ball well in about a month.

Agreed - I don't see much difference between any of the final four teams. Last year, Illinois and UNC were head and shoulders above the other teams. This year, it's very up in the air.

Logan

03-26-2006, 06:38 PM

Is it wrong that as a Rutgers fan, I had absolutely no interest in seeing the BE teams in UConn and Nova reach the FF?

panerd

03-26-2006, 06:48 PM

Is it wrong that as a Rutgers fan, I had absolutely no interest in seeing the BE teams in UConn and Nova reach the FF?
Not at all. I am a Mizzou fan and love when KU and OU and Texas get knocked out of the tournament. I am not a big believer in the cheer for the conference idea. Do Cubs fans cheer for the Cardinals? Yankee fans for the Red Sox?

MJ4H

03-26-2006, 06:48 PM

I love rooting for the SEC. The other SEC teams feel like brothers to my team. I understand the hated rivals thing, but I don't feel it towards SEC members. Maybe it has something to do with Arkansas upgrading to the SEC from a much worse conference (the old SWC). Not sure.

Logan

03-26-2006, 06:52 PM

I guess it would depend on the teams. Like I wouldn't have had any trouble rooting for G'Town, Pitt, West Va, etc.

Philliesfan980

03-26-2006, 07:00 PM

I guess it would depend on the teams. Like I wouldn't have had any trouble rooting for G'Town, Pitt, West Va, etc.

Agreed. I could have rooted for almost anyone in the Big East except UConn.

LloydLungs

03-26-2006, 07:01 PM

I am not a big believer in the cheer for the conference idea. Do Cubs fans cheer for the Cardinals? Yankee fans for the Red Sox?

But it doesn't help the Cubs when the Cardinals win. In college hoops, the more wins your conference mates get, the better your RPI will be and the more tourney money your school will get. So from a practical standpoint it makes sense to hope your conference teams win their nonconference games.

The fans in the SEC are a weird lot, though. I'm not sure I understand the chanting of the league name in arenas, which is a unique thing to the SEC. As a UNO fan I root for other Sun Belt teams to do well out of conference, but it's strictly business. I'm not real fond of many of those teams.

Wolfpack

03-26-2006, 07:13 PM

But it doesn't help the Cubs when the Cardinals win. In college hoops, the more wins your conference mates get, the better your RPI will be and the more tourney money your school will get. So from a practical standpoint it makes sense to hope your conference teams win their nonconference games.

The fans in the SEC are a weird lot, though. I'm not sure I understand the chanting of the league name in arenas, which is a unique thing to the SEC. As a UNO fan I root for other Sun Belt teams to do well out of conference, but it's strictly business. I'm not real fond of many of those teams.

Actually, the SEC chant is not just in the SEC. ACC fans have been known to chant "A-C-C! A-C-C!", especially during things like the Big 10 challenge. Me personally, I also do like for the ACC to do as well as possible, but UNC and Duke can get bumped off after they help the ACC claim chunks of the Sweet 16 or Final 4 again for all I care. I'd rather someone else, anyone else, win a national title, though I will consider it if they're playing someone like UConn or some other OOC team I have little affection for.

JonInMiddleGA

03-26-2006, 07:15 PM

Actually, the SEC chant is not just in the SEC. ACC fans have been known to chant "A-C-C! A-C-C!", especially during things like the Big 10 challenge.

Thanks, you beat me to the same comment, so I'll just back you up on it instead.

timmynausea

03-26-2006, 07:27 PM

I'm a Big East fan, and I wasn't rooting for the conference teams today. How could you root against George Mason?

Young Drachma

03-26-2006, 08:02 PM

To quote myself, that is easily the worst conference RPI's dating back to 1999 (the earliest I could find the RPI).

Also, this will be the 8th consecutive season where a conference has at least two teams in the final 4.

This is the first time an SEC team has been in the final 4 since 2000, and the first time its had 2 teams in the final 4 since 1996. UCLA is the first PAC 10 team in the final four since 2001. i don't feel like researching the CAA.

CAA has never had a team in the Final Four. Last time two teams from truly outsider conferences made the tournament..was when Indiana State (Larry Legend's squad) and Penn both made it 1979.

I mean, I guess this is why they play the games. The CAA stands to make a nice payout from this run though, no doubt.

Young Drachma

03-26-2006, 08:14 PM

Current results of an ESPN Poll:

Who Will Win the National Championship
(68,657 voting)
LSU 33%
George Mason 28%
UCLA 19%
Florida 19%

Mustang

03-26-2006, 09:13 PM

Of course GMU is going to win.

ESPN needs a new movie and Barry Pepper (starring as Larranaga) needs work...

Celeval

03-26-2006, 09:50 PM

I know this is generally a men's thread, but the Connecticut-Georgia womens game is incredible right now.

Young Drachma

03-26-2006, 09:53 PM

Of course GMU is going to win.

ESPN needs a new movie and Barry Pepper (starring as Larranaga) needs work...

LOL..

That's true.

Celeval

03-26-2006, 10:24 PM

I know this is generally a men's thread, but the Connecticut-Georgia womens game is incredible right now.

That is how every NCAA tournament game, mens or womens, should play out and should end. Unbelievable game.

JeeberD

03-26-2006, 10:25 PM

George fuckin' Mason...are you kidding me? I damn near drove my car off the road when I heard the result on my home from work. I SOOOO wish that I could have seen that game.

I'll be rooting GMU on the rest of the tournament. Do us mid-majors proud!

Glengoyne

03-26-2006, 10:34 PM

Current results of an ESPN Poll:

Who Will Win the National Championship
(68,657 voting)
LSU 33%
George Mason 28%
UCLA 19%
Florida 19%

I got busy, so I didn't get my bracket done in time to make it official. That said. I think I might not be too bad off for having missed the opportunity.

I had a final four of
Duke
Washington
UCLA
Villanova

I have UCLA losing in the semis, so the only team I have alive can't earn any more points.

Last Thursday I went on, saying how lucky the folks in the office pool were that I hadn't gotten my bracket done in time.

CraigSca

03-26-2006, 10:35 PM

It was nice to see the little guy win, but it still kinda torques me off that one of the guys on George Mason punched a player from Hofstra in their conference tournament. Almost like rooting for Marcus Vick :(

kingfc22

03-26-2006, 10:40 PM

Outside of any GMU fans? Probably no...

This guys bracket is leading the ESPN bracket contest:

hxxp://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=3019864

Shkspr

03-26-2006, 10:43 PM

Groundhog

03-26-2006, 10:57 PM

Celeval

03-26-2006, 11:15 PM

Did he get suspended or anything?

For the Michigan State game (first of the NCAAs).

BrianD

03-26-2006, 11:27 PM

This guys bracket is leading the ESPN bracket contest:

hxxp://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=3019864

That is a pretty amazing bracket. I realize that you are going to get many different combinations of picks with over a million entries, but why would anyone pick George Mason and three other non-#1 seeds?

molson

03-26-2006, 11:58 PM

That is a pretty amazing bracket. I realize that you are going to get many different combinations of picks with over a million entries, but why would anyone pick George Mason and three other non-#1 seeds?

4 out of 1.5 million entries at ESPN got the the final four right.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?id=2385599

SackAttack

03-27-2006, 12:50 AM

4 out of 1.5 million entries at ESPN got the the final four right.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?id=2385599

4 out of over 3 million is what the article says.

Ragone

03-27-2006, 04:52 AM

you know.. i think i'll be alright with whoever wins the final four.. as long as its not ucla.. :)

Go Lsu or George Mason :)

Joe

03-27-2006, 06:44 AM

wade moore

03-27-2006, 07:35 AM

It wasn't just a punch. Tony Skinn punched the Hofstra dude in the groin.

Let's backup a sec...

You guys are judging Skinn by ONE PLAY of his entire 4 year career...

As someone who has watched him and his teammates play for four years (not a GMU fan, but a fan of W&M who is in the same conference and GMU is around the corner form where I grew up)...

Skinn is a standup guy. He is not Marcus Vick. He is not a guy who did something terrible in a long string of terrible things.

He made a HUGE mistake in the heat of a game in which he was constantly frustrated at his team's inability to beat Hofstra, which they figured would mean no NCAA bid. He apologized right away and fully owned up to what he did. The coach immediately yanked him from the game and suspended him for the next game, even knowing it might cost them a bid to the NCAA's, or if they got in, they'd be without their #2 scorer for the first round.

Anyway. Was it stupid? Yes. Was it a sign of a dirty player or a bad guy? Definately no.

There is no problem rooting for this team, you cannot let one mistake by one player soil the whole team.

wade moore

03-27-2006, 07:35 AM

Oh, and as for the CAA.. the best they have done is Navy getting into the Elite 8 when David Robinson was there and Navy was in the CAA.

Honolulu_Blue

03-27-2006, 07:59 AM

I won my office tournament pool. It's only $60, but it's still good to be a champion. The victory is a bit pathetic, however. I won because I was the only person to have correctly picked ONE of the final four teams: Florida. Shameful.

Butter

03-27-2006, 09:01 AM

Can George Mason win the whole fuckin' thing? YES. They beat Michigan State and North Carolina in rounds 1 & 2, 2 teams that many people had penciled in for the Final 8, frankly. Not to mention beating the supposed team of destiny in UConn... the team that Rece Davis jokingly called the "NBA Futures" squad after the loss. And it's not like they fluked into the UConn win... they outrebounded them, and just hit clutch shot after clutch shot... and were able to dodge that sure-to-go-in last second 3 from Denham Brown.

Will they win it all? No. I was wondering before the tournament when one of these teams as a 10-13 would make a run and just smoke everybody, a la Mizzou in the 2002 tourney (until they hit a wall in the Final 8).... and I just don't think this team is it. Florida will wear them out finally.

But it would warm my heart to see that arrogant fuck Noah weeping into his Gator Boy uniform and to see the Pats in the final game. How high would the ratings be for LSU-George Mason? That would be ABSOLUTELY HUGE.

ice4277

03-27-2006, 09:05 AM

MrBug708

03-27-2006, 11:20 AM

Wolfpack

03-27-2006, 11:32 AM

From the Times
---------------------------
Memphis Coach John Calipari, appearing on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Wednesday, discussed how he prepared his players for the NCAA tournament.

"We practiced cutting down the nets," he said. "I told them they were going to be cutting down nets for a while, so let me show you how to do it."

"I had them go up and cut one string and wave it. There was no one in the building but us."

Hmm...this is one of those things that sounds good if you win, but if you lose, you're ridiculed. If Memphis had won the tournament, doubtless the tone would have read more like "Calipari got his players to believe that they could win. It may have seemed arrogant to some, but it gave the team focus and direction" or some such thing. Instead, they lose, and this comes out more as presumptuous and ignoring what needs to be done on the court during the game rather than after it.

st.cronin

03-27-2006, 12:18 PM

I absolutely believe George Mason can win. They haven't gotten lucky at all; they've gone out and beaten some very, very good teams.

Radii

03-27-2006, 12:21 PM

I absolutely believe George Mason can win. They haven't gotten lucky at all; they've gone out and beaten some very, very good teams.

Totally agree. they beat the lowest team they faced handily, they withstood a big opening run by UNC and absolutely picked them apart with an efficient offense in the 2nd half, they let UConn get them to OT and still kept their poise and outplayed them for 5 more minutes. These aren't things that traditional low seeds do. Your average 11 seed may be alright, and may play an inspired game or two, but will usually crack in the face of adversity against the bigger team. George Mason has faced a bunch of adversity and has fought back every time.

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 04:43 PM

George Mason coach just busted out limericks in the pre-game speech. Is it possible he was also reading the Maximum Football thread?

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:00 PM

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:02 PM

CBS seems really hellbent on having Mason lose so they can stop talking about them.

Tigercat

04-01-2006, 05:04 PM

Florida has played well during this whole tourny, but they have had a number of hickups during the course of the year. I don't see George Mason's little big guys shooting over Noah, and Florida will probably win. But Florida is far from invinsible. If Green isn't shooting lights out and Noah has an off day, they are quite beatable. (I haven't seen Brewer carry this team in one important game all year long, he is talented, but he doesn't seem to really step up on the big stages.)

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 05:05 PM

Florida has looked very impressive when I've seen them in the tournament. They have been able to mix up the inside/outside play effectively and just haven't been rattled. I didn't get to see much of the Georgetown game, so perhaps someone who saw their closest game in the last few weeks has some different thoughts.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 05:06 PM

I really hope George Mason pulls this off.

About Florida, are they truly as complete as everyone says? I mean, weren't they playing poorly in the beginning of the tournament? Are they the best team that George Mason has faced in this tournament to date?

Florida had some rough spots during the regular season, but they have been a machine in this tournament. Connecticut is more talented than the Gators, but Florida actually appears to enjoy playing basketball together.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:06 PM

I didn't know Noah was from New York.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:10 PM

I wonder who the crowd is going to favor.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 05:18 PM

Vince

04-01-2006, 05:20 PM

This one's ugly so far rebounding-wise. It's amazing Connecticut's HUGE frontline couldn't do this to GMU, but Florida looks like they should be able to pick rebounds off the offensive glass all night.

This is the first I've seen of George Mason, but they look like they're not even contesting these rebounds. The Florida squad is much bigger, and has longer arms, but you gotta try at least.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:24 PM

George Mason isn't in their rhythm yet. If Florida can keep them playing this way, while making shots, then the game will be in the bag. But if Mason can adapt and figure out how to play their game -- namely forcing turnovers and making shots -- then this one will go to the wire and Mason could pull it off.

Their coach won't let them play tight for too long. So, they'll snap out of it hopefully.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 05:27 PM

Billy Packer is a size queen. Length, length, length. Doesn't thickness count for something?

Vince

04-01-2006, 05:28 PM

George Mason plays like my college intramural team did -- we were always smaller, but quicker. We played great defense and usually worked the ball around patiently to get a good shot on offense, and had a bunch of fast break points. These last few possessions have looked MUCH better for GMU.

Vince

04-01-2006, 05:33 PM

If I never hear the word 'long' again, it'll be too soon, and it's not even the end of the first half yet.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 05:36 PM

If I never hear the word 'long' again, it'll be too soon, and it's not even the end of the first half yet.

I'd suggest never watching the NBA draft, then.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:39 PM

Billy Packer is a size queen. Length, length, length. Doesn't thickness count for something?
He wants to talk about Florida as much as possible.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:54 PM

At least it's close at the half. I feared it would get out of hand at one point there.

Karlifornia

04-01-2006, 05:54 PM

Interesting half. A couple of mistakes in the final minute could have really hurt Mason, but UF didn't take advantage. Long way from being decided.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 05:54 PM

I generally consider myself an open minded person, but Noah's ponytail irritates me a great deal.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 05:55 PM

I generally consider myself an open minded person, but Noah's ponytail irritates me a great deal.

Agreed.

st.cronin

04-01-2006, 05:58 PM

I feel very confident that George Mason will win this game. This is very similiar to the UNC game so far.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:00 PM

If they hadn't missed some wide-open shots, they'd be ahead right now.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 06:05 PM

Geez Morrison, what's with the scowl?

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 06:06 PM

I feel very confident that George Mason will win this game. This is very similiar to the UNC game so far.

Also somewhat similar to UConn -- in that Mason had a couple of stretches in the first half that made you think they were going to get embarrassed, yet they are still in the game at halftime. Plus, GMU could be playing a lot better. They've had some good looks from three that they missed badly. Skinn missed an uncontested layup. They've just plain dropped two rebounds out of bounds unforced.

However, Florida is a little bit better right now than UNC and even UConn. I think the Pats will get held off this time.

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 06:26 PM

I'm calling game with about 16 to go.

Karlifornia

04-01-2006, 06:27 PM

The Mason big guys are running out of steam, and Florida's playing great defense off of screens. Mason isn't get many easy shots, and the ones they getting, they're missing.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:28 PM

Damn, looks like my interest in this tournament is drying up. Too bad.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:32 PM

I can't believe the shots GM is missing.

DaddyTorgo

04-01-2006, 06:32 PM

game. very very surprisingly game.

Vince

04-01-2006, 06:35 PM

GM's digging themselves too big a hole...

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 06:37 PM

Vince

04-01-2006, 06:39 PM

Man, Florida is playing one hell of a second half. If they don't walk away with the title I'm going to be really surprised. This is not about GMU not being worthy. Florida has been in the zone the whole tournament. I have to say I really respect Georgetown right now.

I don't know about that -- GM has been missing wide open shots, turning the ball over foolishly, etc. Florida's still playing a better game, but GM isn't making it any easier on themselves.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 06:40 PM

Seems like GM just can't get things going this half.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 06:41 PM

I don't know about that -- GM has been missing wide open shots, turning the ball over foolishly, etc. Florida's still playing a better game, but GM isn't making it any easier on themselves.

GMU is definitely not playing well. But if even they were, I think they'd still get beat in this one.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:42 PM

I don't know about that -- GM has been missing wide open shots, turning the ball over foolishly, etc. Florida's still playing a better game, but GM isn't making it any easier on themselves.

I agree. GM had some wide-open 3s and easy lay-ups they missed. Floriday hit some crazy 3s too.

Vince

04-01-2006, 06:44 PM

It's like NBA Jam -- Florida's "on fire."

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 06:46 PM

GM has put a couple of pretty punk hits on Brewer since he threw down the dunk two minutes ago.

I'm sure they are really frustrated that Humphrey is kicking their butts from behind the arc, but how about guarding him instead of going for the cheap foul? And it isn't even Skinn commmitting those fouls :)

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 06:46 PM

Damn, looks like my interest in this tournament is drying up. Too bad.

Same here. George Mason was the last team I was rooting for.

To change the subject, Jim Boeheim came out the other day saying they needed to expand the field (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/college_basketball/20060331-9999-1s31ncaanote.html), since he says that if it weren't for the logistical issues, that they would've a long time ago.

So, I think that after the NIT contract runs out with MSG in a couple years, that they ought to eliminate that tournament and create a 96-team field.

The top 8 seeds in each bracket would get byes, too, which would make coaches in those brackets happy, as well as create all the parity that keeps us all interested in the tournament to begin with.

To host the games, you could easily do it instead with 4 games in 4 cities. So, the play-in day would be the actual start of the tournament. ESPN, ESPN2 and all its channels could broadcast the games.

Call that sucker the opening round and then, the teams that win would go in as the 13-16 seeds in the tournament.

Another thing is, you guarantee each conference at least 2 bids. That's 62 bids. That would leave 34 at-large bids. It would especially fair to smaller conferences if you did this.

I think not only would it make for an even more interesting tournament, but it would eliminate a lot of the drama we hear now when teams get shafted out of the tournament.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:53 PM

Damn it. They keep pulling me back in.

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 06:54 PM

Yo, George Mason, whenever you want to guard the one-trick pony who has five threes ... that would be a good idea.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 06:57 PM

The clock is closing in on midnight.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 06:59 PM

GMU is definitely not playing well. But if even they were, I think they'd still get beat in this one.

The only difference in this game is that Florida hit their 3s and GM didn't. Other things equal GM is actually ahead. I don't think Florida will continue to be that hot from the 3-point area in the next game.

Vince

04-01-2006, 07:02 PM

I think that three-pointers aside, it's offensive rebounds that have killed GM.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 07:03 PM

I think they go hand in hand. A lot of Florida's 3s came from second chance shots.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 07:03 PM

The only difference in this game is that Florida hit their 3s and GM didn't. Other things equal GM is actually ahead. I don't think Florida will continue to be that hot from the 3-point area in the next game.

Yeah, but I think you have to give Florida some credit for that. Their perimeter defense has been pretty good, and conversely, GMU has made no attempt at all to guard Humphrey, which is their fault. The Pats have missed some good looks, but for the most part the Gators' defense has snuffed them out, as they did to South Alabama, Milwaukee, G'Town, and Villanova.

Desnudo

04-01-2006, 07:05 PM

I think Florida played ok defense, but GM missed some wide, wide open layups and jump shots, especially early in the game. I agree about the guarding the perimeter though.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 07:06 PM

This is the longest possession ever.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 07:08 PM

Somebody tell those UCLA fans to shutup.

LloydLungs

04-01-2006, 07:09 PM

Throughout this tournament, teams who have played Florida keep saying "we played terrible" after the game. All I'm saying is there is a pattern. I have no fondness for the Gators, believe me. I don't want that moron with the hair to be happy, but get ready. I have a feeling they're going to have LSU or UCLA fans saying "we played terrible" on Monday.

Young Drachma

04-01-2006, 07:09 PM

So is Noah gonna declare for the draft after this thing?

hoopsguy

04-01-2006, 08:10 PM

I think I've now seen UCLA play 9 times this year and every game except for the Gonzaga game they have jumped out to an early ten point lead.

In just about every one of those games they proceeded to win by around ten - failing to put the foot on the throat but playing good enough defense to hold off serious runs by their opponent.

For the UCLA fans out there - have I just seen a weird sample set of games or is that how they usually play?

Easy Mac

04-01-2006, 08:30 PM

LSU doesn't look to have the pure athletic talent over UCLA than they did over Duke

Big baby getting tired.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 08:34 PM

This game is putting me to sleep.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 08:48 PM

Ugh. The two teams that I was rooting for are not having a good day. George Mason already lost and LSU is looking baaaaad.

UCLA is controlling every aspect of this 1st half.

kingfc22

04-01-2006, 09:58 PM

Too bad these 2 final four games didn't live up to the rest of the tourney.

Groundhog

04-01-2006, 10:17 PM

Too bad these 2 final four games didn't live up to the rest of the tourney.

Aye, two brutal games. George Mason couldn't finish inside and Florida wouldn't miss from the perimeter, while LSU just played terribly... I stopped watching 5 minutes in to the second half.

st.cronin

04-01-2006, 10:25 PM

Isn't that pretty typical? The actual Final Four is usually awful. I can think of many more memorable 1st and 2nd round games over the years.

sterlingice

04-01-2006, 10:37 PM

Reminds me of the year Kansas went and cleaned Marquette's clock to the tune of something like 30 points in their Final Four game a couple of years ago.

SI

MrBug708

04-01-2006, 10:54 PM

Ben Howland vs Billy Donovan. Oh man....

Tigercat

04-02-2006, 01:56 AM

What a bad game we played. Hopefully Tyrus Thomas realizes he could use another year to refine his game so he can get NBA experience right away out of college.

If Tyrus returns, we will be better next year. Just hope we didn't blow our best chance at a title.... Regardless, heck of a run.

jbmagic

04-02-2006, 03:13 AM

UCLA will Beat Florida. Final Score 60-50

MJ4H

04-02-2006, 09:13 AM

Thanks that saves me some time.

Wolfpack

04-02-2006, 09:33 PM

Haven't seen this posted anywhere here yet and this seems like a good thread to put it in...

The Five Stages of Adam Morrison's Grief (http://www.losanjealous.com/2006/03/24/adam-morrison)

MrBug708

04-03-2006, 06:43 PM

Woot! Nearly game time!

vex

04-03-2006, 07:32 PM

Haven't seen this posted anywhere here yet and this seems like a good thread to put it in...

The Five Stages of Adam Morrison's Grief (http://www.losanjealous.com/2006/03/24/adam-morrison)

lol, Brilliant.

Blade6119

04-03-2006, 07:34 PM

go team go

vex

04-03-2006, 07:50 PM

Saw this on another board:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/ncfool/walmart-QUIN.jpg

JeeberD

04-03-2006, 07:53 PM

Whoa, vex changed his name also!

Blade6119

04-03-2006, 08:00 PM

Whoa, vex changed his name also!
Since when can we change our names?

JeeberD

04-03-2006, 08:14 PM

It alway has been possible. Well, at least if you ask SD very nicely...

hoopsguy

04-03-2006, 08:53 PM

Florida is getting really good looks so far, putting UCLA in foul trouble as well. The Gators look really, really crisp so far against a defense that has been bothering everyone.

sterlingice

04-03-2006, 08:57 PM

*yawn* :(

SI

QuikSand

04-03-2006, 09:00 PM

"seven assists have led to nine field goals for Florida..."

Wow.

miami_fan

04-03-2006, 09:09 PM

Offensively the Bruins seemed to have become very aware of the shot blockers of the Gators.

mauchow

04-03-2006, 09:13 PM

lol .. i turn it on and i see UCLA miss a wide open jump shot and layup right in a row.. prety much how the whole game has gone eh?

mauchow

04-03-2006, 09:13 PM

What the hell was he thinking shooting it in front of a 7 footer off one foot?

Dr. Sak

04-03-2006, 09:14 PM

Go to the bottom for previous "One Shining Moments"

http://www.sandiegoserenade.com/2006/03/in_honor_of_the_ncaa_tournamen.html

mauchow

04-03-2006, 09:16 PM

Quit trying to go underneath.. lol

kingfc22

04-03-2006, 09:17 PM

*yawn* :(

SI

Sadly I agree.

jbmagic

04-03-2006, 09:21 PM

UCLA defense will shut down Florida in the 2nd half.

MJ4H

04-03-2006, 09:35 PM

UCLA defense will shut down Florida in the 2nd half.

You have some...bolde...predictions.

miami_fan

04-03-2006, 09:44 PM

UCLA defense will shut down Florida in the 2nd half.

But how much will they score?

kingfc22

04-03-2006, 09:45 PM

Glad these games have been competitive.:rolleyes::(

Dr. Sak

04-03-2006, 09:56 PM

Na Na Na Na...

kingfc22

04-03-2006, 09:57 PM

So what's the most lopsided game in Championship game history?

miami_fan

04-03-2006, 10:00 PM

Would it be wrong to call "game" with 11 minutes left?

LloydLungs

04-03-2006, 10:00 PM

So what's the most lopsided game in Championship game history?

Well, I don't think it's going to be tonight -- UNLV beat Duke by 30-something points in 1990. This run by Florida is definitely one of the most dominant *tournaments* by any one team, though. Certainly the most dominant by a #3 seed. Nobody's come anywhere near them except Georgetown.

MikeVick7

04-03-2006, 10:07 PM

Would it be wrong to call "game" with 11 minutes left?
Better ask jbmagic first...

hoopsguy

04-03-2006, 10:08 PM

I don't see Florida pulling a Gonzaga in the last ten minutes - just don't see them getting turned over constantly down the stretch.

Rizon

04-03-2006, 10:11 PM

117-23 with 7 minutes left. Everyone on Florida already has a triple-double.

jbmagic

04-03-2006, 10:12 PM

Damn UCLA :(

miami_fan

04-03-2006, 10:13 PM

So does Noah get the MOP?

kingfc22

04-03-2006, 10:18 PM

UCLA needs to get back on defense if they want to catch up.

Radii

04-03-2006, 10:19 PM

So what's the most lopsided game in Championship game history?

UNLV 103, Duke 73 :D

Rizon

04-03-2006, 10:19 PM

312-25 Florida. Even some random people in the stands are getting triple-doubles against UCLA.

Dr. Sak

04-03-2006, 10:24 PM

UNLV 103, Duke 73 :D

They got their revenge the following year...and it was much sweeter...

jbmagic

04-03-2006, 10:25 PM

63-51 2:52 mins left.

jbmagic

04-03-2006, 10:26 PM

Now I hope Florida miss there free throws and turn it over some.

Crapshoot

04-03-2006, 10:28 PM

So does Noah go pro now ? His stock is never going to be higher, and he's got top-5 pick written all over right now.

miami_fan

04-03-2006, 10:33 PM

So does Noah go pro now ? His stock is never going to be higher, and he's got top-5 pick written all over right now.

He will probably go but he should stay. He only averaged 14.1 pts a game and 7 boards a game.

MikeVick7

04-03-2006, 10:34 PM

So does Noah go pro now ? His stock is never going to be higher, and he's got top-5 pick written all over right now.
He has to. He's in his Senior (soph) year. :)

Chief Rum

04-03-2006, 10:42 PM

Big congrats to Florida. They really played great tonight. They earned it.

Obviously, I am disappointed we lost, but I also have to applaud my Bruins for an amazing season. This is a young team with a bright future. I don't see anyone going pro early on this team. Use this as motivation, UCLA.

Crapshoot

04-03-2006, 10:43 PM

He has to. He's in his Senior (soph) year. :)

Huh ? ESPN says he can choose to come back but might leave.

ThunderingHERD

04-03-2006, 10:52 PM

He will probably go but he should stay.

He's a top 5 pick right now and he's already 21 years old. Why should he stay?

Chief Rum

04-03-2006, 10:53 PM

Huh ? ESPN says he can choose to come back but might leave.

I think Mike Vick is joking that Sophomore is the new "Senior" in today's high D1 college bball program.

Galaxy

04-03-2006, 10:57 PM

Geez...The Masters is here already?

MikeVick7

04-03-2006, 10:58 PM

I think Mike Vick is joking that Sophomore is the new "Senior" in today's high D1 college bball program.
Chief's on it.

Radii

04-03-2006, 11:09 PM

Congrats to Florida. They were the best team in the field from the opening round.

MrBug708

04-04-2006, 12:00 AM

Tough loss for UCLA but they lost to the better team. Not that many complaints here and it'll be fun to watch a Top 5 UCLA team next year

miami_fan

04-04-2006, 05:26 AM

He's a top 5 pick right now and he's already 21 years old. Why should he stay?

Because he has only had one good season. Noah barely got on the floor last year. Now maybe David Lee was really that good but I doubt it. If he improved that much from his freshman to sophmore season, imagine what improvement he cam make by playing his junior year.

Butter

04-04-2006, 07:20 AM

Worst Final 4 ever. Not even a George Mason appearance could salvage that clinker.

Groundhog

04-04-2006, 06:27 PM

The final 4 games were both terrible, sure, but I actually enjoyed watching the championship game. Outside of their games in the final 4 (which I barely managed to watch, and even then I wasn't paying much attention) I hadn't seen either of these teams play before, and I found it very interesting.

Florida flat-out shut down the lane, and it was interesting to see how much this affected UCLA. Without the option of going inside the Bruins offense stalled almost immediately, with only Farmar looking a threat to do anything.

Speaking of Farmar, he is a heck of a player IMO but he played a little recklessley at times - throwing up ill-advised 3s in the 1st half especially, when it was still close - but I guess you can forgive that because he was the only Bruin who didn't give-up after the first 5 minutes.

As for Florida, I doubt Noah will ever make a huge splash in the NBA unless he gains another 20lbs of muscle without losing his quickness, but boy is he a nice college basketballer... his timing for shot blocking is flawless and he made some exceptional passes too. I'm less enthusiastic about his scoring ability though. He makes some nice moves to the basket, but those little right handed hooks he likes to make seem to be his sole "move" from in close, and he'll need more than that to be a big time scorer.

I'm a little dissapointed because I was going to put some money on Florida before the game... I was rooting for UCLA, but I felt that Florida would just have too much firepower for UCLA - though I certainly didn't expect that Florida would win the game with their defense.

Young Drachma

04-04-2006, 07:11 PM

jbmagic

04-04-2006, 08:05 PM

I would of love to see a consulation game between LSU and George Mason

MJ4H

04-04-2006, 08:06 PM

You wanna predict that one too?

Groundhog

04-04-2006, 08:22 PM

Noah needs to leave, though I guess draft camps could lower his stock. He's unique in terms of the kids who leave early of late, because he clearly doesn't need the money...so..that won't be a factor.

At the same time, leaving early after a title didn't hurt Melo.. I think he should bolt.

nbadraft.net has Noah as the #2 selection, with Tyrus Thomas at #1. If that sort of stock stays with both of these two guys I have no doubt they will declare - they'd be nuts not to.

That says a lot about this year's draft too. Neither of these two guys are going to be impact players, and looking down the board I don't see a lot of others who will be either. If I had #1 choice I'd be looking at Morrison and Aldridge as these two strike me as the only guys who have a chance at being major players.

The only other guys that really excite me are Carney, who might be a poor man's Richard Jefferson, Patrick O'Bryant and Shelden Williams, who would be a great pick in the early teens.

Groundhog

04-04-2006, 08:24 PM

I would of love to see a consulation game between LSU and George Mason

I think George Mason would take that game. GM's big guys have bulk and Davis would struggle inside against them, while GM's guards are more than capable of limiting the LSU backcourt. It would all depend on GM being able to make some baskets though, but I think if given another chance they'd come out on top.

st.cronin

04-04-2006, 08:26 PM

nbadraft.net has Noah as the #2 selection, with Tyrus Thomas at #1. If that sort of stock stays with both of these two guys I have no doubt they will declare - they'd be nuts not to.

That says a lot about this year's draft too. Neither of these two guys are going to be impact players, and looking down the board I don't see a lot of others who will be either. If I had #1 choice I'd be looking at Morrison and Aldridge as these two strike me as the only guys who have a chance at being major players.

The only other guys that really excite me are Carney, who might be a poor man's Richard Jefferson, Patrick O'Bryant and Shelden Williams, who would be a great pick in the early teens.

It's a terrible draft. Kind of like the opposite of why the NHL had a super-loaded draft last year, because of the year without a draft, this NBA draft class would be nice if Oden and some others weren't barred.

Logan

04-04-2006, 08:38 PM

It's a terrible draft. Kind of like the opposite of why the NHL had a super-loaded draft last year, because of the year without a draft, this NBA draft class would be nice if Oden and some others weren't barred.

And likewise, we saw a bunch of players go straight to the pros because they were unsure of what the ruling on age may be.

Were Noah and Thomas even on the radar before the tourney?

Groundhog

04-04-2006, 08:40 PM

It's a terrible draft. Kind of like the opposite of why the NHL had a super-loaded draft last year, because of the year without a draft, this NBA draft class would be nice if Oden and some others weren't barred.

Indeed. If Oden was around NY would really be kicking themselves for giving up their pick to Chicago.

It's a terrible draft to be in the lottery, but I think it's deep in terms of bench depth. I'd rather have a pick at #16-#20 than the lottery, because a lot of lottery GMs are going to look stupid this year, while the guys picking near the end of the 1st round are going to pick up some contributors.

Groundhog

04-04-2006, 08:41 PM

Were Noah and Thomas even on the radar before the tourney?

Noah was sitting around #20 before the tourney last I noticed, and I don't think Thomas was really being mentioned until the tournament IIRC.

Tigercat

04-05-2006, 12:29 AM

Many mock drafts had Tyrus Thomas as a top 6 pick before the tourny.

I am not sure people realize how raw he is. He was 5'11 through his junior year in HS. He signed with LSU as a 6'5-6'7 stick. But as soon as scouts saw him jump out of the gym at the begining of this season, they were ready to give him the keys to some poor team's future. That team better have some patience if they draft him this year.