The Official March Madness 2007 Thread

[korme]

We are a little over an hour until the field of 64 kicks off play.

In the first three games, I have:
Maryland over Davidson
Texas Tech over Boston College
Louisville over Stanford

[rkmsuf]

hey asshole, how about a spoiler warning?!?!?!?!

[adubroff]

I like MD (but I think this game is close), BC, and Louisville.

[wade moore]

C-A-A! C-A-A! C-A-A!

[albionmoonlight]

I've got Maryland, BC, and Louisville

[Butter]

hey asshole, how about a spoiler warning?!?!?!?!

Yeah, I didn't even know those were the games that were coming on. Next time, I'd like to be surprised when I turn on the TV.

[Ksyrup]

When did we leave February????

YOU FUCKERS.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My first three are the same as Shorty's.

[GoldenEagle]

I have:

Maryland over Davidson
Boston College over Texas Tech
Louisville over Stanford

[ImTheCrew]

i have Maryland,BC,Louisville

[Lathum]

It's on, It's on!!!!!!!

[kamacdon]

It's not a problem early in the game but the online March Madness on Demand is running a minute or so behind real time, so the scores are updated on the tv before we see it happen online.

So when a game comes down to a buzzer beater we will potentially see the score on the tv before we see the play online.

Maybe it is time to tape a piece of paper at the top of the tv screen covering the live scores, much like covering the bottom line during the World Cup, so there would be no spoilers of other games.

[wade moore]

This Freshman for Davidson looks like a Freshman in High School.

[Easy Mac]

wow, 1 post per year, that is dedication.

[Easy Mac]

Davidson up 2, Maryland flirting with foul trouble early.

[INDalltheway]

These next few days make life worth living.. lol

[Easy Mac]

Is anyone actually using the online service at work? I want to, but I don't want to be fired. Damn work calling me back from lunch.

[wade moore]

Is anyone actually using the online service at work? I want to, but I don't want to be fired. Damn work calling me back from lunch.

This is the best time of year to be working from home ;).

[adubroff]

It's not a problem early in the game but the online March Madness on Demand is running a minute or so behind real time, so the scores are updated on the tv before we see it happen online.

So when a game comes down to a buzzer beater we will potentially see the score on the tv before we see the play online.

Maybe it is time to tape a piece of paper at the top of the tv screen covering the live scores, much like covering the bottom line during the World Cup, so there would be no spoilers of other games.

They oughta have a zoom function on cable boxes/receivers.

That being said, hopefully the network will go fully to buzzer beater situations when they can.

[korme]

Why am I stuck watching Louisville/Stanford when a great game in Maryland/Davidson is on??? Arghhhhhh

[Fighter of Foo]

Why am I stuck watching Louisville/Stanford when a great game in Maryland/Davidson is on??? Arghhhhhh

That's why you need a tv and two laptops :D

[adubroff]

Anybody think Curry can get 40?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Is anyone actually using the online service at work? I want to, but I don't want to be fired. Damn work calling me back from lunch.
I am. If they fire me, so be it.

[rkmsuf]

I love that BC has a guy named John Oates.

He must be a real maneater out there.

[korme]

41-13 pleaseeee change the game

[Lathum]

41-13 pleaseeee change the game

amen to that.

I think I'll just masterbate until they change the game

[Neuqua]

I can't believe I won't have access to these games until 2pm.. Work/School be damned!!

[Radii]

Is anyone actually using the online service at work? I want to, but I don't want to be fired. Damn work calling me back from lunch.

yup, its working great for me. I really wnat to see Davidson/Maryland but its the local CBS game so I can't get it on the online stuff. BC/Texas Tech is good too though so its ok!

[korme]

what online service? ... interest has piqued

[Lathum]

what online service? ... interest has piqued

cbssportsline.com

it's free

[Radii]

what online service? ... interest has piqued

http://www.ncaasports.com/mmod

[Lathum]

So would 'cuse be getting blown out this badley in their first round game?

[wade moore]

So would 'cuse be getting blown out this badley in their first round game?

I've thought about bumping panerd's stupid thread.

As much as he thinks whatever about Drexel, this to me is far clearer proof that Stanford has no business being here and one of the other teams that we all thought should be in should be in instead.

[mauchow]

Couple good games so far.. one bad one.

In both my brackets I've got Davidson, TT and Louisville winning.

[adubroff]

I've thought about bumping panerd's stupid thread.

As much as he thinks whatever about Drexel, this to me is far clearer proof that Stanford has no business being here and one of the other teams that we all thought should be in should be in instead.

The team I feel most badly for in the Stanford scenario is Air Force. They whooped em head to head, but didn't get the bid. The reasoning was bad finish, but Stanford had a bad finish too.

[KevinNU7]

From the box score/play by play the TT/BC game looks like a great one. Wish I could pull myself away to watch it

[rkmsuf]

From the box score/play by play the TT/BC game looks like a great one. Wish I could pull myself away to watch it

Even got the ultra annoying "Wow!" from Teddy Sarandis on the radio.

Go Tech!

[KevinNU7]

Even got the ultra annoying "Wow!" from Teddy Sarandis on the radio.

Go Tech!The Big Show is going to have a field day later

[Drake]

terpkristen needs to cheer harder.

[SirFozzie]

The Big Show is going to have a field day later

I really don't understand why the Big Show takes such great pleasure in mocking Ted Sarandis, Sarandis used to do the show right after them..

[KevinNU7]

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=274000026

So am I supposed to believe there wasn't a single assist made in this game?

[rkmsuf]

I really don't understand why the Big Show takes such great pleasure in mocking Ted Sarandis, Sarandis used to do the show right after them..

You've obviously heard very little of the man.

[adubroff]

In the next 4 I have the higher seeds but I do see Oral Roberts staying close.

[Lathum]

sweet 3-0 to start in all my brackets

[albionmoonlight]

Looks like I am 3 for 3 to start my bracket.

Extrapolating, I see that I will end up a perfect 63 for 63 this year.

Sweet.

[SirFozzie]

You've obviously heard very little of the man.

Used to listen to Ted Nation every night on the way home from work. While he's not the greatest sports talk host, he's at least passable

[Lathum]

first 5-12 game about to get underway

[rkmsuf]

Used to listen to Ted Nation every night on the way home from work. While he's not the greatest sports talk host, he's at least passable

I think he's borderline nuts with his whole college athetics rap. Some of his rants are priceless. Got canned in favor of Mike Adams. That's not good.

At one time I remember thinking he was decent then at some point 5 or so years ago he went insane I think.

[rkmsuf]

Used to listen to Ted Nation every night on the way home from work. While he's not the greatest sports talk host, he's at least passable

lol, the opening of the big show today was some guy calling in making fun of Ted's call of the game.

[Lathum]

Is there a better weekend in all of sports? I think not.

[Neuqua]

Is there a better weekend in all of sports? I think not.

Absolutely not.

[Ragone]

I'm sure gonna be hurting at work today since i had to get up at 11am for the louisville game (i work nights and all) but hell it was worth it :)

[Lathum]

I'm sure gonna be hurting at work today since i had to get up at 11am for the louisville game (i work nights and all) but hell it was worth it :)

you should have slept in. Stanford did.

[adubroff]

Is there a better weekend in all of sports? I think not.

You're clearly forgetting the weekend I spent with Jenny Finch and Anna Kournikova.

[Lathum]

You're clearly forgetting the weekend I spent with Jenny Finch and Anna Kournikova.

I'll take this weekend.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Coke Zero spot about the lawsuit is hysterical.

Anyone who has dealt with Coke or similar companies should get a kick out of the "yeah, but we're on different floors" mentality. Honestly, I'm amazed that Coke approved the spot since it's so close to reality.

[Lathum]

Penn on a nice run to start the second half.

[Hammer755]

I had abandoned the Penn/A&M game on TV in favor of Butler/ODU on MMOD. Looks like I might have to go back into the other room. It would wreck my thus-far perfect bracket, but it would be absolutely worth it to see that Aggs go down to a 14 seed.

[Lathum]

I'm losing some respect for Georgetown watching the end of this game

[ImTheCrew]

4 of 4 so far...

[miami_fan]

I'm losing some respect for Georgetown watching the end of this game

What did they do?

[Lathum]

What did they do?

they were throwing ally-oops and pushing the tempo up 25 points with under 2 minutes to go.

[ImTheCrew]

wow i thought GW might upset vandy but not playing like this Vandy is up 27-9 with 6 mins left in 1st half

[Pumpy Tudors]

they were throwing ally-oops and pushing the tempo up 25 points with under 2 minutes to go.
Yikes. Not good. You'd think Coach Thompson would reel them in. Hopefully, his daddy slapped him around a bit for that stuff.

I'm sure some people are blaming the players for this behavior, but you'll never find 5 kids at a big-time college program who decide that they're gonna slow down, no matter how big of a lead they have. Even if 2 or 3 of them realize that it's time to shut it down, the rest of the players won't figure it out. The coach has to explain it to the kids or put them on the bench.

Ah, well, as long as the Hoyas keep winning basketball games, I guess the players and the coach don't really care.

[Logan]

I find myself rooting much harder for my Top Gun guys than for my bracket picks. It's just too much of a crapshoot.

[JeeberD]

Oh hells yes, lets go VCU!!!

[RedKingGold]

Maybe I should have changed my pick from Marquette to Mich. St. after the key player injury. :(

[spleen1015]

Oh hells yes, lets go VCU!!!

As a Duke fan, I see them losing tonight. VCU's pressure is very good.

To the one commentator, Paulus is not freakin' tired! VCU is just playing good pressure D. Christ.

[Easy Mac]

are you kidding me? Paulus looks dead out there. He's had wide open airballs and barely drawn iron. Anyone who wants my thoughts on the Duke game can just read this stock reply from the last 5 years:

Duke gets 10-15 point lead. Duke slows way down. Allows other team to catch up. Duke loses or else the other team gets ice cold and Duke squeaks it out. The same way for the past class, class and a half.

[spleen1015]

The kid plays for a major program. There is no way he is tired after 13 minutes of pressure defense. He's making bad decisions because of the defense and taking bad shots. He's not tired.

[sterlingice]

Problem with betting against Duke is you forget about the refs orally pleasuring the Blue Devils. There have been at least 3 ticky tack fouls and it only takes a few in the game to give them 10+ undeserved points.

SI

[spleen1015]

It is like watching Oden play against 12 year olds.

[Fouts]

Problem with betting against Duke is you forget about the refs orally pleasuring the Blue Devils. There have been at least 3 ticky tack fouls and it only takes a few in the game to give them 10+ undeserved points.

SI

So, every year a different set of refs side with Duke to give them an advantage? :rolleyes:

[spleen1015]

I just saw the replay of that MSU player dislocating his elbow. That's pretty freaking how you can see the outline of the bone and every thing. Yikes.

[Easy Mac]

Problem with betting against Duke is you forget about the refs orally pleasuring the Blue Devils. There have been at least 3 ticky tack fouls and it only takes a few in the game to give them 10+ undeserved points.

SI

Which explains why the fouls are equal:rolleyes:

[spleen1015]

So, every year a different set of refs side with Duke to give them an advantage? :rolleyes:

You didn't know that the NCAA teaches this to their refs at the annual clinics?

[Fouts]

You didn't know that the NCAA teaches this to their refs at the annual clinics?

I don't buy into any conspiracy theories. Now, angels helping them on the court I could understand. :D

[WSUCougar]

Where are all the "Oral Roberts in the upset" horn-tooters now? Eh? EH?!? :D

[spleen1015]

Where are all the "Oral Roberts in the upset" horn-tooters now? Eh? EH?!? :D

I can't remember the last time there weren't any upset in the afternoon on Thursday.

[sterlingice]

Wasn't it pretty boring last year until Friday night? Or was that two years ago?

SI

[sterlingice]

Which explains why the fouls are equal:rolleyes:

Which would be a great defense if one of a couple of conditions were true. One, if equal fouls meant anything- some teams are just better than others at defense. Two, I know you're not naive enough to think that it doesn't matter when fouls are called. No, there's not a concerted effort to help Duke win or something, but you can't tell me that many refs don't give some benefit of the doubt to players when there's a Duke or Carolina or, yes, Kansas on the front of the jersey.

SI

[Easy Mac]

So then doesn't logic dictate that they should try to even it out in the same way?

[sterlingice]

Anyways, speaking of this game- I just don't see VCU having it. They have the look of one of those teams who sticks around most of the game but tightens up towards the end and those easy threes don't fall as easily later on in the game if you haven't been there before...

SI

[sterlingice]

So then doesn't logic dictate that they should try to even it out in the same way?

Yeah, except we're playing this game in reality instead of in theory (makes me think of Rodney Dangerfield and the factory example in "Back to School"). Again, you can't honestly believe that Duke, like most big programs, don't get some help from the refs from time to time, particularly against small fries.

SI

[Dr. Sak]

So, every year a different set of refs side with Duke to give them an advantage? :rolleyes:

I'm surprised it took till the 2nd half for someone to whine about the refs siding with Duke.

[Fouts]

Anyways, speaking of this game- I just don't see VCU having it. They have the look of one of those teams who sticks around most of the game but tightens up towards the end and those easy threes don't fall as easily later on in the game if you haven't been there before...

SI

VCU is very aggressive and this isn't a real strong Duke team. That said, I agree that VCU will blow it late.

[adubroff]

Anyways, speaking of this game- I just don't see VCU having it. They have the look of one of those teams who sticks around most of the game but tightens up towards the end and those easy threes don't fall as easily later on in the game if you haven't been there before...

SI



This particular Duke team seems really vulnerable because of their propensity to turn over and because they don't shoot fouls real well. I wouldn't be suprised if VCU is right there to the end.

[Easy Mac]

VCU is very aggressive and this isn't a real strong Duke team. That said, I agree that VCU will blow it late.

Maynor is crazy man. That kid isn't scared to do anything. VCU is just extremely fast, surprisingly strong for their size, and well coached to be in the right place at the right time. Aside from turnovers, Duke isn't really shooting that bad, VCU is just beating them at everything else.

[Young Drachma]

I expected Duke to come out and thrive under the pundit pressure of knowing no one thought they'd win except ACC fans. But...it seems that VCU is doing all these can to give this one away.

At least it's close unlike most the other games today.

[Easy Mac]

Hey CBS, how about when a guy shoots a free throw, you let us see the rim so we know if he made it.

[Easy Mac]

#42 tried to give Gerald Henderson the Gerald Henderson special

[Dr. Sak]

#42 tried to give Gerald Henderson the Gerald Henderson special

Nothing is ever as good as the original

[JeeberD]

Went to the kitchen about five minutes ago to fix dinner and I come back and the score is the same. Guess I didn't miss much...

[kingfc22]

Paulus is a punk.

[Dr. Sak]

Paulus is a punk.

I agree and I'm a Duke fan.

[Easy Mac]

So I haven't paid too much attention to the commentary, was B.A. Walker named after B.A. Baracus?

[Dr. Sak]

So I haven't paid too much attention to the commentary, was B.A. Walker named after B.A. Baracus?

I'm not sure but Paulus is tired...

[Easy Mac]

VCU is playing some great defense, but it doesn't help that Duke is acting like a girls basketball team on offense. Paulus got a chance at a wide open layup and nearly threw it out of bounds past the three point line.

[spleen1015]

VCU is playing some great defense, but it doesn't help that Duke is acting like a girls basketball team on offense. Paulus got a chance at a wide open layup and nearly threw it out of bounds past the three point line.

Major WTF moment.

I'll agree that Duke is getting tired now, shooting FT with rubber arms.

[kingfc22]

Too bad VCU can't make a shot from 5 feet out either

[Easy Mac]

I've got to ask, why hasn't Coach K told his guards to sag off Maynor, to cut off his drive. He hasn't shown an ability to hit a jumper yet, but by pressing on him outside, you let him drive and draw a foul or just kick it out to someone who has shot well when someone else has to help.

When was the last time Coach K actually coached during a game? Yeah, I'm bitter.

[wade moore]

Aight, so I just moved from the living room to the computer room to watch on my tv in here and see what folks were saying.. I skimmed because i don't want to miss the game ;)...

So as a CAA fan, this is the 5th or 6th time I've seen VCU play this year.

The one thing I can say - they won't crumble under the pressure. I'm not saying they'll win, but if they lose it won't be because they couldn't take the pressure.

I'm very curious to see how fatigue plays in for Duke and foul trouble for VCU.

It's unfortunate that the shots just weren't falling for VCU with all of the good looks int he first half or this would be a completely different game.

[molson]

The local CBS affiliate in Boise has been cutting out all night, I have nothing but static 50% of the time. Great timing, KCBI.

[Easy Mac]

Paulus isn't even playing D anymore.

[wade moore]

Paulus isn't even playing D anymore.

He's exhausted - all part of the plan ;).

[Easy Mac]

He's exhausted - all part of the plan ;).

You'd think he'd be full of air with his giant nose.

[spleen1015]

That announcer is an idiot.

Nelson can't be tired. The guy hasn't done anything to get tired. This guy came into this game with a script.

[wade moore]

You'd think he'd be full of air with his giant nose.

Hhahahahaa.

[wade moore]

Maynor with a nice Kobe move, awesome ;).

[Easy Mac]

Maynor gave Scheyer a little Kobe Bryant

[wade moore]

For the record - I said it before the announcer did.

[Easy Mac]

damn you wade

[wade moore]

And before Easy Mac ;).

[kingfc22]

Maynor with a nice Kobe move, awesome ;).

Maynor gave Scheyer a little Kobe Bryant

:D

[BrianD]

Did they say he was bleeding from the eye?

[Fouts]

Oh boy, thug ball.

[Easy Mac]

i think its a hate crime.

[wade moore]

come on Rams!!!

[wade moore]

VCU! VCU! VCU!

[kingfc22]

I love the Maynor stare down of Paulus after that shot.

[JeeberD]

Serious acting

[Easy Mac]

McRoberts, this is where you get to be a man. Miss, and you're dead to me

[wade moore]

I was about to bitch about that foul call - but on the replay, that was a good call.

[kingfc22]

CLANK!

[Easy Mac]

Fuck you Josh

[wade moore]

McRoberts, this is where you get to be a man. Miss, and you're dead to me

R.I.P. McRoberts

[wade moore]

Come on JPR, hit 'em both!

[Easy Mac]

So I guess Scheyer's eye got bandaided. I was hoping for an Allen Ray moment myself.

[wade moore]

It's amazing how sports can affect you phsyiologically - my stomache is doing somersaults.

[Easy Mac]

Play D. Play fucking D

[wade moore]

DAGGER!

[Lathum]

Great VCU defense

[kingfc22]

Should have fouled Nelson, but it doesn't matter!!! :D

[CU Tiger]

Yes it is the Dagger


R.I.P. Duke....

[Neuqua]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lathum]

ugh.

[JeeberD]

This missed free throw reminded me of Dirk choking twice last night. Thank goodness VCU came through in the clutch better than Dirk did on that last shot...

[Young Drachma]

Dude deserves to lose, if for no other reason than they've played scared the whole game almost.

Coach K during halftime should've told those kids that they were Duke. I mean, they need to come out with that edge and put some fear into those VCU kids. It might not have worked, but..that's what they needed to do.

And that shot by VCU proves my point. They came out here and played like it was their game to win. Good stuff.

[sooner333]

I guess whoever said VCU won't crumble was correct.

[kingfc22]

Yes it is the Dagger


R.I.P. Duke....

Duke was who we thought they were.

[Easy Mac]

I've got to ask, why hasn't Coach K told his guards to sag off Maynor, to cut off his drive. He hasn't shown an ability to hit a jumper yet, but by pressing on him outside, you let him drive and draw a foul or just kick it out to someone who has shot well when someone else has to help.

When was the last time Coach K actually coached during a game? Yeah, I'm bitter.

Quoted for, if we're going to get beat, it may as well be by something the kid hadn't done yet.

[wade moore]

I guess whoever said VCU won't crumble was correct.

:pats self on back:

[JeeberD]

w00t!!!

[wade moore]

VCU! VCU! VCU!

CAA! CAA! CAA!

VCU! VCU! VCU!

[kingfc22]

Bye bye Dukies. A six seed? Please...

[Easy Mac]

argggg

Congrats VCU, you made Duke play your game, the one game they couldn't afford to play, and you played it when it counted most.

[cartman]

Looks like Duke should have been in the NIT after all.

[Rizon]

Down goes Puke. The only thing better than watching Puke lose is watching the Skanks or Faiders lose.

[Dr. Sak]

Down goes Puke. The only thing better than watching Puke lose is watching the Skanks or Faiders lose.

Or Notre Dame

[CU Tiger]

Duke was who we thought they were.

Ok I WILL annoint them...done:)

[sterlingice]

Well, I'm happy to be wrong :D

SI

[spleen1015]

I told my wife at 5:30 tonight that Duke was going to be the first upset today.

Mother fucker. God fucking dammit!

Congrats VCU. I think they can beat Pitt.

[Easy Mac]

Oh well, I guess it has to happen once a decade.

So who will people hate now that Duke lost?

[Groundhog]

So I guess Duke, who probably should have been like a #9-#10 seed at best, played to expectations?

I have nothing against Duke, but no way did they deserve a #6 seed. Good on VCU for sticking it to the bracket makers. It may not be Duke's fault that they got a #6, but its good to see them topple for it all the same.

[wade moore]

argggg

Congrats VCU, you made Duke play your game, the one game they couldn't afford to play, and you played it when it counted most.

FWIW - I was impressed that Duke didn't seem to "look past" or "underestimate" VCU like I get annoyed with teams like Duke usually doing..

I think they had a healthy respect for VCU - I just dont' think they had an answer for the pressure. My impression is that Duke must not play very deep as they were forced to have all of their starters in most of the game - and the kids just looked exhausted.

This was a typical VCU game and you're right, they made Duke play their style. I worry how they'll do against some other teams - I think they matched up against Duke pretty well. But this was a huge win for VCU and for the CAA.

[Groundhog]

Oh well, I guess it has to happen once a decade.

So who will people hate now that Duke lost?

I predict that nobody will hate anybody. Duke losing in the first round will be the catalyst that sets off a wave of goodwill and laughter, eventually bringing on eternal world peace.

[Easy Mac]

So I guess Duke, who probably should have been like a #9-#10 seed at best, played to expectations?

I have nothing against Duke, but no way did they deserve a #6 seed. Good on VCU for sticking it to the bracket makers. It may not be Duke's fault that they got a #6, but its good to see them topple for it all the same.

See, I don't get that. Based on where every other ACC team was seeded, Duke was seeded right. Couldn't it be that VCU should have been higher than an 11?

[cartman]

See, I don't get that. Based on where every other ACC team was seeded, Duke was seeded right. Couldn't it be that VCU should have been higher than an 11?

Was every other ACC team entering the tournament in a 4-7 funk in their last 11 games? That should have been the telling predictor.

[Easy Mac]

FWIW - I was impressed that Duke didn't seem to "look past" or "underestimate" VCU like I get annoyed with teams like Duke usually doing..

I think they had a healthy respect for VCU - I just dont' think they had an answer for the pressure. My impression is that Duke must not play very deep as they were forced to have all of their starters in most of the game - and the kids just looked exhausted.

This was a typical VCU game and you're right, they made Duke play their style. I worry how they'll do against some other teams - I think they matched up against Duke pretty well. But this was a huge win for VCU and for the CAA.

Yeah, Duke has had an extremely short bench. Add in the fact that Coach K has been on cruise control for the last half-decade, and that this team was young (and I'll go ahead and say it, white... i.e. slow) you go up against a team thats much faster and a coach who cares with a good gameplan, it makes an upset.

As good as the pressure was, Duke had a good 4-5 unforced turnovers that were just lazy and didn't seem to be related to being tired. That's a sign of a poorly coached team.

[JeeberD]

So who will people hate now that Duke lost?

I hate A&M. And BYSpew. And NMSU. And Texas Blech. Of course, Blech already lost...

[adubroff]

VCU followed the typical upset script....play really hard cause you have nothing to lose, ride a big time guard, and make lots of threes....

I think they have a least one more in em too. Pittsburgh(assuming they advance) is tailor made for VCU. They like to play slow, VCU probably won't let them. They don't score real well, VCU can generate points. They can't shoot fouls, so VCU will foul left and right when their pressure is broken and make Pittsburgh earn it.

[Rizon]

I predict that nobody will hate anybody. Duke losing in the first round will be the catalyst that sets off a wave of goodwill and laughter, eventually bringing on eternal world peace.

Kansas. Hate that Jayhawk song with a passion.

Other than that, it is nothing but love.

[Dr. Sak]

Looks like Duke should have been in the NIT after all.

Right Drexel should've replaced them.

[wade moore]

VCU followed the typical upset script....play really hard cause you have nothing to lose, ride a big time guard, and make lots of threes....

I think they have a least one more in em too. Pittsburgh(assuming they advance) is tailor made for VCU. They like to play slow, VCU probably won't let them. They don't score real well, VCU can generate points. They can't shoot fouls, so VCU will foul left and right when their pressure is broken and make Pittsburgh earn it.

FWIW, if you guys don't realize, that press was not designed for Duke. That is what VCU does, all game, every game.

[Dekanth]

So who will people hate now that Duke lost?

Duke

[KevinNU7]

CAA bitches!

[Rizon]

Uh, UNC isn't on TV? CRAP.

[lordscarlet]

I expected Duke to come out and thrive under the pundit pressure of knowing no one thought they'd win except ACC fans. But...it seems that VCU is doing all these can to give this one away.

At least it's close unlike most the other games today.

Umm.. I am an ACC fan and that's exactly why I knew Duke would lose. I am a CAA fan (Wade fills me in :)) and an ACC fan. I've watched Duke play this year and that's why I knew they would lose. I've been telling everyone, particularly Wade, this all week.

[Dekanth]

Despite the greatness of a 1st round loss by Duke, can we all agree this has been about the most boring 1st day in NCAA tournament history? I partially blame the atrocious job by the selection committee and some uninspired performances today. YAWN

[Easy Mac]

So, does VCU match up well with Wright State?

[Rizon]

Is there a mercy rule in March Madness? UNC is up 167-3 on whatever scrub they are playing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Heh, good times.

My son just finished filling out his first NCAA tournament bracket. I can't believe that I didn't get him started on that sooner, I just never thought about it until he asked tonight.

[wade moore]

So, does VCU match up well with Wright State?

I'm going to have to research - I know NOTHING about them ;)...

I'll watch this game and see.. just turned it on.. the first thing I see is what looks like 3 players on the court that seem to be 6'0" or less, that's interesting...

[pennywisesb]

I loved every minute watching Duke go down......

[Logan]

Heh, good times.

My son just finished filling out his first NCAA tournament bracket. I can't believe that I didn't get him started on that sooner, I just never thought about it until he asked tonight.

At 10:41pm of the 1st day of the tourney?

Cheater!

:)

[st.cronin]

Duke should not have been in this tournament, period. I don't care what conference you play in, how your pre-season record is, if you

a) can't do better than .500 in your conference, and
b) lose in the first round of your conference tournament

You should not be considered a potential contender for the championship.

[sterlingice]

Duke should not have been in this tournament, period. I don't care what conference you play in, how your pre-season record is, if you

a) can't do better than .500 in your conference, and
b) lose in the first round of your conference tournament

You should not be considered a potential contender for the championship.

To be fair, if we cared about the potential contenders for the championship, we'd limit the tourney to 12 or 16 teams and play best of 7 series.

I don't think Texas A&M Corpus Christi is a legit contender for the national title or even one of the 65 best teams in the country, but I'm glad they're in.

SI

[wade moore]

Just realized - Wright St. has a new coach this year... where'd he coach last year? That's right - the CAA! ;)... he coached the UNCW team that played well in the NCAA's a couple of time sin the last 5 years... So, that would be an interesting matchup.. if they are like UNCW was, they play a very slow, very deliberate styple of basketball.

[JonInMiddleGA]

At 10:41pm of the 1st day of the tourney?
Cheater! :)

I figured I could spot him a few games ;)

Actually, I thought about that & decided that he would either have to beat my percentage of correct picks or we'll throw out the games that were already finished when he started the bracket ... whichever method works in my favor :D

[Easy Mac]

Duke should not have been in this tournament, period. I don't care what conference you play in, how your pre-season record is, if you

a) can't do better than .500 in your conference, and
b) lose in the first round of your conference tournament

You should not be considered a potential contender for the championship.

A Pats fans who hates one of the historically best teams in college basketball. Next you'll tell me fans in Boston hate the Yankees.

[Easy Mac]

UNC does not deserve to be a #1!

[cartman]

UNC does not deserve to be a #1!

I hope that Texas gets to show this in the Sweet Sixteen game... :D

[Easy Mac]

I hope that Texas gets to show this in the Sweet Sixteen game... :D

In spite of your Duke hatred, I do have Texas winning it all.

[Easy Mac]

4 point game!!!!

Honestly, I don't think UNC will lose, and though I don't really have a problem with Duke losing if it somehow wakes up Coach K, but UNC losing would completely make up for any poor feelings of Duke losing.

[Lathum]

Is there a mercy rule in March Madness? UNC is up 167-3 on whatever scrub they are playing.

4 point game

[wade moore]

How sweet owuld it be for both UNC and Duke to go down in the 1st round on the same night?

[Easy Mac]

I know he's wearing a mask, but fucking call something on Psuckass T. He travels, they call a defensive foul, he knocks a guy out, the call nothing.

[MrBigglesworth]

Who is UNC playing? I swear Dick Enberg called them Eastern Carolina at least twice.

[Neuqua]

UNC and Duke both losing would mean my bracket would be completely F'ed. And I would STILL be the happiest guy around.

[cartman]

In spite of your Duke hatred, I do have Texas winning it all.

I don't hate Duke, I just think they got way more respect going into the tourney than their play over the last month of the season dictated. And in spite of my love of Durant and the 'Horns, I have Oregon winning it all.

[Easy Mac]

Is someone having an orgasm in the Xavier-BYU game (which would be ironic)? I keep hearing some guy yell at the top of his lungs.

[Easy Mac]

Leave it to Danny Ainge's son to screw it up

[JeeberD]

Yay! Down goes BY-Spew!!!

[Lathum]

Is someone having an orgasm in the Xavier-BYU game (which would be ironic)? I keep hearing some guy yell at the top of his lungs.

Great game. Everything an 8-9 game should be.

[Kodos]

Duke losing in the 1st round has already made this tournament a success. IU winning over Gonzaga (who eliminated us last year) was very nice too. :)

[Dekanth]

This is a great video of how tough Duke plays defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqPBJ_6y_5A


Hint: The Coack K Flop play

[wade moore]

This is a great video of how tough Duke plays defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqPBJ_6y_5A


Hint: The Coack K Flop play

Awesome.

[SuperGrover]

Honestly, had dook been a 8 or 9 seed they probably would've been in much better shape. A team like Michigan State or BYU is a MUCH better matchup for them than VCU. Still, i couldn't br more happy they're sitting at home.

Still, the ACC is 3-1 in the NCAAs and 4-1 in the NIT. That makes me very happy.

[SuperGrover]

I know he's wearing a mask, but fucking call something on Psuckass T. He travels, they call a defensive foul, he knocks a guy out, the call nothing.

You're kidding right? Apparently you haven't watched the ACC this season. Let's just say the Henderson fall was not the first beat down Tyler has taken this season.

[adubroff]

Honestly, had dook been a 8 or 9 seed they probably would've been in much better shape. A team like Michigan State or BYU is a MUCH better matchup for them than VCU. Still, i couldn't br more happy they're sitting at home.

Still, the ACC is 3-1 in the NCAAs and 4-1 in the NIT. That makes me very happy.


At best, that would have been a one and done scenario too....Honestly, this years Duke team is not well suited for a tournament scenario. They make too many fundamental mistakes and don't shoot fouls. Add in the fact that they lack veteran leaders for the most part and you've got a bad blend.

[INDalltheway]

I just want to add that they are called free throws. I am tired of reading "don't shoot fouls".

[Butter]

Can all the high-major lovers quit playing the Duke card now?

[JeeberD]

Come on, UNT. Lets keep this up! :)

[SuperGrover]

Can all the high-major lovers quit playing the Duke card now?

Pardon? I think it's been pretty clear so far the power conferences are dominant this year. 10-1 yesterday with the dook loss being thje only blemish (tee hee, I hate dook). Kind of tough to hang your hat on mid-major power when they haven't shown up at all in the tourney so far.

[JeeberD]

Well, that was fun while it lasted...

[GoldenEagle]

Come on, UNT. Lets keep this up! :)

UNT is playing tough though. Johhny Jones had them come to play. We will see what happens in the second half. I wish Hunt had hit that three.

[Logan]

Too many unforced TOs for UNT. I picked those fuckers to win.

[JeeberD]

I really don't see them being able to hang with the Tigers the rest of the game. Hell, the last three minutes they couldn't do a damn thing.

That being said, they're playing a very respectable game. But like I said in the brackets thread, I'm rooting for UNT this game, but if the Tigers win then they're the team I'm rooting for the rest of the way...

[KevinNU7]

Can someone explain to me why some of the West and Midwest regionals are in Buffalo, NY?

[wade moore]

Pardon? I think it's been pretty clear so far the power conferences are dominant this year. 10-1 yesterday with the dook loss being thje only blemish (tee hee, I hate dook). Kind of tough to hang your hat on mid-major power when they haven't shown up at all in the tourney so far.

I love when people throw out misleading/inaccurate stats.

High-Majors were 13-4...

Mid-Majors were 3-4

Mid-Majors were 1-2 against High-Majors (with one of those losses from a conference tourney winner [GW] that had not chance at an at-large bid)

11 of the High-Major victories came from Low-Majors.

Not exactly a telling stat that the high-majors dominated the mid-majors.

[wade moore]

Dola: this is a common tactic for High-Major elitists.. like Packer throwing out how many tourney wins High Majors had over the last 5 years compared to Mids.

[MJ4H]

How did the mid-high majors do? What is their record against the mezzo-sopranos? For fuck's sake.

[wade moore]

How did the mid-high majors do? What is their record against the mezzo-sopranos? For fuck's sake.:rolleyes:

There's a very distinct definition of High, Mid, and Low Major.

To use the pummeling of Low-Majors by High-Majors to somehow prove that the Mid-Majors suck is moronic.

[KevinNU7]

It is a well know fact that High Major fans considered everyone below them to be Mid-Majors which is a joke. All the 1 vs 16 games were highs vs lows, you can't count those in a mid vs high arguement it is just stupid.

If you are rating something and use the term "high" for one thing and "Middle" for another guess what you also need? "low"

[adubroff]

:rolleyes:

There's a very distinct definition of High, Mid, and Low Major.

To use the pummeling of Low-Majors by High-Majors to somehow prove that the Mid-Majors suck is moronic.


Just for clarity sake, what is the definition you're using?

[wade moore]

Just for clarity sake, what is the definition you're using?

Alright, maybe it's not "precise".. but there are 9 conferences commonly considered mid-majors to the 6 high major conferences. For reference of coming up with the records that I posted above, I used:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-major#Basketball

[MJ4H]

:rolleyes:

There's a very distinct definition of High, Mid, and Low Major.

To use the pummeling of Low-Majors by High-Majors to somehow prove that the Mid-Majors suck is moronic.

I didn't say there wasn't. I just think it is a ridiculous discussion.

Edited to be clear - to me discussing this instead of how specific teams are doing is just weird. I don't understand rooting for "mid-majors" or "high-majors." It's just a weird idea. Sorry if I came off poorly.

[ImTheCrew]

im 16 of 18 so far...

[wade moore]

And now mid-majors are 2-2 against High-Majors overall and 2-0 on the day for Friday.

[wade moore]

I didn't say there wasn't. I just think it is a ridiculous discussion.

You don't think there is a valid discussion to be had about whether mid-majors belong in the tourney and how many? And whether there is an unfair bias towards the High-Majors?

That's right, of course not - you're a Razorbacks fan - my #2 candidate for teams that shouldn't be here.

[wade moore]

Dola - sorry if that was a bit rude, but I get very furstrated at the High-Major bias.

[Warhammer]

Not only that, but the charm of this tournament is that the little guys do knock off the big guys.

[Thomkal]

Go Winthrop! (Big South country here)

[Wolfpack]

My one insane pick of the bracket is leading 10-0 early. It's all downhill from here, though, I'm sure. :D

[mckerney]

Let's go Islanders!!!

[Easy Mac]

TAM-CC has the kid from arrested development playing for them

http://images.sportsline.com/images/collegebasketball/players/60x80/531376.jpg

[JeeberD]

This game is freakin' awesome...

Go CC!

[BrianD]

I can't believe how bad Wisconsin is looking right now.

[dixieflatline]

Wow Wisco can't make a shot. Their offense always has been a bit shaky if Tucker isn't scoring but this is crazy.

[KevinNU7]

Can someone explain to me why some of the West and Midwest regionals are in Buffalo, NY? :confused:

[MikeVic]

This is a really low-scoring game, isn't it?? (Wisc-Texas A&M C.C.)

[dixieflatline]

Can someone explain to me why some of the West and Midwest regionals are in Buffalo, NY?

About 3 or 4 years ago the NCAA went to this pod system where the first round pod can feed into any region. The idea is to keep more teams a bit closer to home. The regions names are now just where the sweet 16 games are played. This idea actually started with the women's tourney and when it worked there they moved it to the mens as well.

[kingfc22]

(*&#$ CBS. Why are you cutting away from ND/Winthrop to show me the start of the 2nd half for Nevada/Creighton. :mad:

[Thomkal]

Winthrop choking badly, had a 20 point lead on Notre Dame at one point

[dixieflatline]

Horrible foul on Kurz there. What was he thinking with 4 fouls and an easy layup in progress. I understand not wanting to give up an easy basket but sometimes you just have to give it up to stay in the game. After mostly snoozers yesterday today is shaping up to be pretty interesting.

edit: not even close to a dola.

[kingfc22]

Well my CBS didn't cut away yet. Nice comeback for ND.

[JeeberD]

Winthrop choking badly, had a 20 point lead on Notre Dame at one point

Thank god they responded nicely when ND took the lead...

[dixieflatline]

Ugh, now CBS decided to leave the ND v. Winthrop game for the start of the Wisco 2nd half. 1:40 left just let me see the finish.

[kingfc22]

Seems as if Notre Dame went to the free throw shooting school taught by UCLA and Memphis.

[BrianD]

I just lost the ND Winthrop game. Sure I want to watch Wisconsin in the second half, but I'm willing to miss 2 or 3 minutes to see the final of this great matchup.

[Lathum]

looksl ike the Irish may be out of gas at the end

[kingfc22]

Bye Bye ND

[KevinNU7]

I just lost the ND Winthrop game. Sure I want to watch Wisconsin in the second half, but I'm willing to miss 2 or 3 minutes to see the final of this great matchup.
Yeah its not like you are going to miss any scoring. HIGH-O

[dixieflatline]

"game over man, game over", I think winthrop might have a shot against oregon as well. I have not been that impressed with them from what I have seen.

[KevinNU7]

95-73 with 8:00 left. I thought the NBA didn't play weekday afternoon games.

[Thomkal]

Woot Winthrop! They were fortunate that Notre Dame has been just as bad from the foul line as them.

[wade moore]

I'd say it's 3-2 for mid-majors, but despite Winthrop being mid-major quality, they're in a Low-Major conference.. so I want try to manipulate the system ;).

[wade moore]

95-73 with 8:00 left. I thought the NBA didn't play weekday afternoon games.


WOOHOO, Go Vols!

Eat that doubters!

[dixieflatline]

Ok back to the Wisco game. Daniels looks like a player. I wonder if Butch would make a difference defending him.

[BrianD]

I'm a little annoyed that I don't get the Wisconsin game in HD. Almost every other game on CBS has been in HD...