2010 NCAA Tournament (and NIT) Thread

[Warhammer]

I never thought I would share a message board with the person who wrote the script for "Reefer Madness".


Booze causes more deaths in a single day than weed causes in 100 years.

Only because they can't find their car keys.

[Lathum]

Stay classy Darington Hobson

''They played the best game of their life tonight,'' Hobson said. ''They're not even that good. They just played a good game tonight. We weren't ready, and they beat us.''

[digamma]

Anyone know where the times for Thursdays games are listed?

They won't announce them until all of the games are set and TV can have a look at how they want to arrange them.

[Lathum]

They won't announce them until all of the games are set and TV can have a look at how they want to arrange them.

Kind of figured, someone had something on Facebook about a time for next week but figured they were full of shit.

[jbergey22]

2 key things in the Mizzou/West Virginia game would scare me if I were a Mizzou fan.

West Virginia Offense Rebounding % 41.9(2)
Mizzou Offensive Rebounding allowed % 37.7(329)

West Virginia To's % 18.1(56)

West Virginia is going to control the glass and they are well above average at not turning the ball over.

I'm taking Syracuse -6.5 and West Virginia -6 today in hopes that the Big East riff raff has cleared themselves out.

[whomario]

Go Gonzaga ! Syracuse is playing tons of zone, right ? Bouldin has to have a big game and Harris hit from outside as well.


Well, that´s another way to score against the zone by Harris there :D

[Lathum]

I love Cornell getting 4.5 today, I don't see Wisconsin having an answer for their inside game.

[mauchow]

I wouldn't touch the Badger/Cornell game today at all. I see the Badgers winning 10+ but I could also see them struggle and it could go down to the wire. Kenpom has the Badgers winning by 8. FWIW

[sterlingice]

Go Gonzaga ! Syracuse is playing tons of zone, right ? Bouldin has to have a big game and Harris hit from outside as well.

Go Zags as well :)

Then again, at this point, I'd like to see as much chaos as possible so of course, we're going to see chalk all afternoon

And then the second weekend, Cinderella rarely has much of a chance :(

SI

[jbergey22]

I wouldn't touch the Badger/Cornell game today at all. I see the Badgers winning 10+ but I could also see them struggle and it could go down to the wire. Kenpom has the Badgers winning by 8. FWIW

I agree. They are the media darlings so everyone is taking them. Like you said all of the numbers have Wisconsin dominating.

[whomario]

Man, Elias with a great agressive game so far :) Bouldin needs to get involved though for them to maintain the pressure on Syracuse´s zone and not let them sink in on the catch all the time.

[molson]

Syracuse is terrifyingly lacking in depth without Onuaku. Sutherland and Riley are painful to watch when they have to sit Jackson down with foul trouble. This game is a pick 'em.

Edit: Though it's great to see this run with Jackson the bench.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

2 key things in the Mizzou/West Virginia game would scare me if I were a Mizzou fan.

West Virginia Offense Rebounding % 41.9(2)
Mizzou Offensive Rebounding allowed % 37.7(329)

West Virginia To's % 18.1(56)

West Virginia is going to control the glass and they are well above average at not turning the ball over.

I'm taking Syracuse -6.5 and West Virginia -6 today in hopes that the Big East riff raff has cleared themselves out.

WVU will give up their turnovers. You're somewhat pointing out both ends of what Mizzou looks for in a success formula. Add the margin in the turnover department to the margin in the rebounding department. If Mizzou comes out positive in that calculation, they have an extremely high winning percentage. If they come out on the losing end of that formula, they're a below .500 team.

[kingfc22]

Zags look awful against this zone and they can't stop Cuse on defense either.

[jbergey22]

Syracuse is terrifyingly lacking in depth without Onuaku. Sutherland and Riley are painful to watch when they have to sit Jackson down with foul trouble. This game is a pick 'em.

Edit: Though it's great to see this run with Jackson the bench.

Even with the cuse 16 point lead is it a pick'em?

[mauchow]

Oh, crap! I thought this game started at noon.. what a bunch of crap!!

Oh, well. Doesn't look close so I guess that's okay.

[hoopsguy]

Had a couple of thoughts while watching that first half:

1.) Was reminded that Harris is really good. Way smarter player than you would expect from a freshman and he shows you more athleticism than expected about once/half. I'm wondering if there is any draft buzz around him?
2.) Gonzaga really seemed intent on pushing the ball inside against the depleted 'Cuse front line, but that seemed to take their perimeter guys out of the game. Or else their perimeter guys just stunk ... take your pick.
3.) Syracuse's offense really started running a ton better when Jardine came into the game. Before that, it felt like everyone besides Johnson was pretty much standing around.

[whomario]

yep, looks like Harris is the only one having any clue how to play/move against the zone working that baseline. Sacre keeps posting up directly in front of the play which makes it virtually impossible to pass him the ball, Gray seems to have no clue what to do in general, Bouldin fails to get open, Goodson simply can´t shoot (4 made threes all season as a starting guard)

Syracuse just look solid, moving the ball, hitting shots and Johnson is awesome.

[molson]

Even with the cuse 16 point lead is it a pick'em?

Not anymore.....

I'm been pessimistic about Syracuse all year and they keep surprising me.

[whomario]

Had a couple of thoughts while watching that first half:

1.) Was reminded that Harris is really good. Way smarter player than you would expect from a freshman and he shows you more athleticism than expected about once/half. I'm wondering if there is any draft buzz around him?


consensus is that he´s a sure first rounder and could propably go around 15-20 this year if he came out, hasn´t said anything about that subject though.
Question marks are that he´s "old" for a freshman (20 allready) and doesn´t have a definitive position in the NBA, but his jump shot got a lot better from last year and even as the year went on, so he might just make the transition to being a 3 that can play some 4 against smaller teams.

Hasn´t played on a high level in Germany but in the 3rd division last year as he planned to go to College all along, had to go out of his way to stay eligible seeing as the NCAA still hasn´t gotten over their stupidity in that area ...
Did get noticed by german national team coach though and played in last years european championship. Not a ton, but valuable experience i´m sure.

[whomario]

boy, Rautins can gun it :eek:

[Mike1409]

Why when there are 8 games today in 3 timed starts do they have only 1 game start at noon?

[mauchow]

Why when there are 8 games today in 3 timed starts do they have only 1 game start at noon?

Lots of people still in church.

[B & B]

Hate the scheduling.


This 1 / 4 / 3 format is bullshit.

I will have all the games on, plus a TV on Bristol, and another on the Transitions final round, but theres no need to force half the games on at one point during an 8 game slate.

Also hate the NFL when they schedule 10 1pm games and 3 4pm ones.

[the_meanstrosity]

I love Cornell getting 4.5 today, I don't see Wisconsin having an answer for their inside game.

I like Cornell as well in this game.

[the_meanstrosity]

WVU will give up their turnovers. You're somewhat pointing out both ends of what Mizzou looks for in a success formula. Add the margin in the turnover department to the margin in the rebounding department. If Mizzou comes out positive in that calculation, they have an extremely high winning percentage. If they come out on the losing end of that formula, they're a below .500 team.

Huggins seemed pretty confident about his team's ability to handle Missouri's pressure in his interview earlier this week. It was a local radio show so they were asking him questions on how the Mountaineers would theoretically handle Missouri. Normally Huggins is a straight shooter so I could definitely see WVU getting some open looks from good passing. And if MU can't get easy baskets on turnovers then they will be in trouble.

I still like MU in this one. I haven't seen how WVU handles the pressure so until I do I'm going to stick with the known commodity in MU. Should be a good game.

[Mike1409]

Hate the scheduling.

Also hate the NFL when they schedule 10 1pm games and 3 4pm ones.

+1

[B & B]

I like Cornell as well in this game.

I get scared when 2/3rds or more of the ppl like the Ivy underdog.

Cornell, A+M, and Puke are the most popular teams on the board today.

[Karlifornia]

lol@ Syracuse fans going nuts over a simple foul call up 25 with 6 minutes to go. It almost makes me feel pathetic by proxy.

[Swaggs]

Huggins seemed pretty confident about his team's ability to handle Missouri's pressure in his interview earlier this week. It was a local radio show so they were asking him questions on how the Mountaineers would theoretically handle Missouri. Normally Huggins is a straight shooter so I could definitely see WVU getting some open looks from good passing. And if MU can't get easy baskets on turnovers then they will be in trouble.

I still like MU in this one. I haven't seen how WVU handles the pressure so until I do I'm going to stick with the known commodity in MU. Should be a good game.

I'm sure Missouri will get their share of turnovers (particularly early on, in my opinion) but I think the thing to watch will be during the times when WVU breaks the press, whether or not they set up in the half court offense or if they try to get quick/cheap baskets. They aren't a great transition team and don't want a high scoring game, so I imagine they would prefer to set up and dictate the flow a little bit.

We've done a little of each against the pressing teams that we have played (Off the top of my head Louisville, Villanova, and Cleveland State come to mind) and it really depends on whether or not we are smart after breaking the press or if we fly in out of control to the basket against their safety or chuck up semi-open threes (we are not a good outside shooting team outside of Butler and Mitchell).

[terpkristin]

Well, before this game gets too far underway, I want to say that Maryland has had a good run. This season turned out significantly better than I thought it would. If we go on, I'll be stoked, but I'm really not counting on it.

/tk

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm sure Missouri will get their share of turnovers (particularly early on, in my opinion) but I think the thing to watch will be during the times when WVU breaks the press, whether or not they set up in the half court offense or if they try to get quick/cheap baskets. They aren't a great transition team and don't want a high scoring game, so I imagine they would prefer to set up and dictate the flow a little bit.

And hopefully Mizzou can bait them into taking the quick shots. Mizzou will let you take the long quick shot all day long, much like we saw with Clemson. The key is that you better make it.

Hopefully this'll be a good one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

REALLY wide spread by WVU. Huggy's looking to isolate and back cut.

[terpkristin]

Alright, Maryland, I know I said I'd understand if you didn't move on, but don't freaking embarrass yourself.

/tk

[JonInMiddleGA]

{shakes head} GT shooting 50% from the floor, tOSU is cold ... and the lead was just two points late in the first half, with four players with two fouls each.

[mauchow]

Jeez, the Badgers need to uh, play a little better...

[SackAttack]

So, uh, I have West Virginia winning this game in my bracket, and advancing all the way to the Elite Eight.

I'm willing to let my bracket bleed a little more by being wrong there.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Coach Anderson really has to like the pace of play thus far. Really surprised how easily Mizzou is getting into transition.

[jbergey22]

Not often you will see a Ivy team with an advantage physically over a Big Ten team but at this point Im not sure so Cornell isnt a more physcial team.

I believe Wisconsin is in trouble.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Small children should not be exposed to the Gt-tOSU matchup.

[JonInMiddleGA]

#$%Q#$% Hewitt

[terpkristin]

Terps shooting 38% a little more than halfway into the first half.
Disgusting.

/tk

[terpkristin]

Michigan St is doing their part in turning the ball over, Maryland's not doing their job and capitalizing on said turnovers.

/tk

[mauchow]

Cornell making everything so far... Leuer singlehandidly keeping the badgers in it.

[jbergey22]

Cornell making everything so far... Leuer singlehandidly keeping the badgers in it.

The fact that Cornell is getting offensive rebounds is the most disturbing part for me.

[Swaggs]

Refs are letting them play -- I'm not sure who that will benefit down the road. I think Butler has been hit a couple of times (one on the drive and it looked like the Missouri guy high fived him on the partially blocked three), but I think that charge we drew was pretty questionable, too. Hopefully, it won't be like the Big East tourney games where they let them play for 30-minutes and then started calling everything.

Pretty intense and fun game, early on though. I'm encouraged that Truck was able to give 7-8 pretty good minutes against the press to begin with. There is no doubt that Mazzulla will be playing point down the stretch.

[mauchow]

The fact that Cornell is getting offensive rebounds is the most disturbing part for me.

Considering the defensive rebounding effeciency that the badgers usually grab, no shit scary as hell.

It will stop soon though.. I think

[Schmidty]

This is MSU's game for the taking. They better not let another team back into a game they're totally contolling.

[Schmidty]

Great. Now Lucas is hurt.

[terpkristin]

Great. Now Lucas is hurt.

As much as I want the Terps to win, I hope he's ok. Ankles suck.

/tk

[Swaggs]

WVU needs to get back to slowing things down and getting their offense set up.

[sterlingice]

As much as I want the Terps to win, I hope he's ok. Ankles suck.

/tk

Bigger fan of whoever is playing Maryland than ankle surgeons? ;)

SI

[Swaggs]

Fun first half -- Glad to hold them to 25-points, as they shot well from 3 in the early going.

[jbergey22]

How is the rebounding tied in the Mizzou/West Virginia game? I would have expected West Virginia to have a huge edge.

[Eaglesfan27]

Stay classy Darington Hobson

Not only does that quote lack class, but it reflects poorly on him if he and his team weren't ready and couldn't get themselves ready for what should have been the biggest game of their career.

[mauchow]

I have not seen a team get so many bounces in my life... Cornell getting a lot of lucky breaks and some ticky tack fouls called for them. Badgers not rebounding like they normally do, might have something to do with their starters getting early foul trouble. Holy shit, I can't believe how piss poor this game has gone so far.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really good half for Mizzou overall. Actually was very similar to the Clemson game in that WVU had a hot shooter in the first half, but Mizzou still very much in the game despite some poor shooting. Butler got bailed out on that last foul call, but rest of officiating was pretty good.

[terpkristin]

Bigger fan of whoever is playing Maryland than ankle surgeons? ;)

SI

I've got no problem saying that my ankle surgeon, world-class surgeon he may be, is one arrogant SOB prick.

I have friends who work at the same hospital he does. As a human being, they have no respect for him. ;)

/tk

[Radii]

How is the rebounding tied in the Mizzou/West Virginia game? I would have expected West Virginia to have a huge edge.

mizzou tends to have no one in the lane when they launch poor three pointers 7 seconds into a possession, its a huge advantage when they end up being horrible bricks and long rebounds.

[Recoil]

Not only do we have to beat tOSU, looks like we'll have to beat the refs as well.

[hoopsguy]

Can't wait for halftime in the Wisconsin/Cornell game so I can watch something that actually interests me. I have legit rooting interests in every other game that is on right now.

[mauchow]

I swear, fadeaway, fadeaway, fadeaway..Make, Make, Make.

Let's hope the Badgers come out to play early and often.

[jbergey22]

Really good half for Mizzou overall. Actually was very similar to the Clemson game in that WVU had a hot shooter in the first half, but Mizzou still very much in the game despite some poor shooting. Butler got bailed out on that last foul call, but rest of officiating was pretty good.

Who was this hot shooter for West Virginia? They are shooting 32 percent as a team.

[rowech]

Can't wait for halftime in the Wisconsin/Cornell game so I can watch something that actually interests me. I have legit rooting interests in every other game that is on right now.

http://mmod.ncaa.com/video/std?ks=1&ts=1269200174&t=ff043e233f29616fd7a6da702137f0b4&w=90

Watch what you want.

[Radii]

Who was this hot shooter for West Virginia? They are shooting 32 percent as a team.

butler did hit four threes, all in a ~6 minute stretch after missing his first couple shots

[jbergey22]

butler did hit four threes, all in a ~6 minute stretch after missing his first couple shots

Ok Thanks, I was kind of confused after looking at the box score and seeing they had no one shooting above 50 percent.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I swear, fadeaway, fadeaway, fadeaway..Make, Make, Make.

Almost sounds like the GT offense, except that has become jumper, jumper, jumper, miss, miss, miss.

And Favors needs his head examined if he thinks he's ready for the NBA.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Not only do we have to beat tOSU, looks like we'll have to beat the refs as well.

The 3rd foul on Favors was kind of weak but I really thought most of the stuff in the first half was legit, just stupid players playing stupid. At some point you have to recognize what's being called & adjust.

[Lathum]

Watching thei Mizzou-WVU game I'm not sure either of them can keep up with UDub when we are clicking.

[JonInMiddleGA]

For the love of ... sit Shumpert's fucking ass down.

[Radii]

If Missouri could recruit guys that can press the way they do who could also make open 10 foot jump shots they would be unstoppable.

[k0ruptr]

I'm really thinking the committee was a little off by making Cornell a 12. lol

[QuikSand]

If Missouri could recruit guys that can press the way they do who could also make open 10 foot jump shots they would be unstoppable.

Did you mean to post this in the FBCB thread?

[lungs]

Not feeling good about my Badgers. Thought if I post that it would have a reverse jinx maybe.

[Radii]

Did you mean to post this in the FBCB thread?

Nah if you can press in FBCB you automatically get 20 layups a game, totally different!

WVU starting to make shots, this could slip away real fast for Mizzou.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The next player wearing a gold jersey too damned lazy to even try to fight through a screen ought to find his ass on the end of the bench at the next stoppage.

[B & B]

Jon, isnt there some ladies basketball you should be watching?

[jbergey22]

Mizzou in some trouble. West Virginia is heating up.

[Mike1409]

Is it me or does Wisconsins coach look like Vince McMahons brother?

[terpkristin]

Not a good day to be wearing a gold jersey, it seems...

/tk

[TargetPractice6]

When did Maryland's color become yellow anyway? Didn't they used to wear red, white, and black?

[jbergey22]

Is it me or does Wisconsins coach look like Vince McMahons brother?

Haha. I hadnt thought of that before but you are right on with that. He is a man of a million faces just like Vince.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jon, isnt there some ladies basketball you should be watching?

Nope, got 'em all covered really.

There's one blowout in progress, one close game I don't give a shit about, one lower seed (that I had picked) getting close to running out of time, and another lower seed I picked has already blown a 10 point lead & is now getting jobbed by the refs in the final minute, no need for me to be subjected to that either.

edit to add: My women's bracket makes my blown up men's bracket look pretty good at this point.

[TargetPractice6]

Tech trying to make thing interesting. Would be cool if they could pull it off.

[Lathum]

Intentional.

[SackAttack]

It makes me giggle that Tech is trying to claw their way back into the game late, and CBS here isn't switching away from the Cornell-Wisconsin blowout to tune in there.

If it were Georgia, it'd almost be like a giant "fuck you" from CBS to Jon.

[JonInMiddleGA]

How in the blue hell is that a flagrant, he's playing the fucking ball !

[terpkristin]

When did Maryland's color become yellow anyway? Didn't they used to wear red, white, and black?

Actually, if you go by our victory song, we're the black and gold. In past years, they have typically worn red jerseys on the road and white at home (with black accents/trim). This year, they've worn the yellow while at home.

I find the color fairly hideous. The Washington Post had a little bit on it a couple years ago: After Losing Black Jerseys, Terrapins Go for the Gold - washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/09/AR2008020902917.html)

According to said article, Maryland is the only school with 4 official colors.

/tk

[TargetPractice6]

Scratch that, evidently Georgia Tech decided to play a moron from the wrestling team.

[Radii]

Scratch that, evidently Georgia Tech decided to play a moron from the wrestling team.

could have used some tackles like that in the orange bowl!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Scratch that, evidently Georgia Tech decided to play a moron from the wrestling team.

Oh please, he's playing the ball, he's not tackling the man. That's a pussy call right there, in any league.

edit: There's not a player in the world who isn't taught if you're going to foul then foul them to the floor & that's all that happened.

[Radii]

Oh please, he's playing the ball, he's not tackling the man. That's a pussy call right there, in any league.

looked like a solid two man tackle to me heh.

[sterlingice]

I'm really thinking the committee was a little off by making Cornell a 12. lol

Northern Iowa at 9? ;)

SI

[QuikSand]

According to said article, Maryland is the only school with 4 official colors.

http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/directory/States_Images/md-flag.gif

[the_meanstrosity]

I'm really thinking the committee was a little off by making Cornell a 12. lol

Cornell is a good squad. I was shocked when they got a 12 seed. Nice to see them playing so well against a good Wisconsin squad.

[TargetPractice6]

Actually, if you go by our victory song, we're the black and gold. In past years, they have typically worn red jerseys on the road and white at home (with black accents/trim). This year, they've worn the yellow while at home.

I find the color fairly hideous. The Washington Post had a little bit on it a couple years ago: After Losing Black Jerseys, Terrapins Go for the Gold - washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/09/AR2008020902917.html)

According to said article, Maryland is the only school with 4 official colors.

/tkI agree, it's a pretty terrible color. Even if that's what's in the fight song, it'd probably be a good idea to switch back to the red IMHO.

[terpkristin]

http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/directory/States_Images/md-flag.gif

yes yes. but the football team typically wears red and white. or the occasional black. basketball, until season before this one, didn't wear much yellow.

still not sure how many "school colors" a school is officially allowed to have, but apparently 4 is no issue. :) (even if it is a hideous yellow).

/tk

[the_meanstrosity]

Northern Iowa at 9? ;)

SI

Every year we see a few lower seeded teams play above their seed. It's just the nature of the beast. But Cornell and Northern Iowa were ridiculous oversights given their success this year before the tourney. You would think the selection committee would actually put some thought into it.

[Lathum]

Barring a 27-0 Wisconsin run I'm gonna make a killing on Cornell.

[Radii]

At one point in the first half Missouri was shooting 10-20 from the field. They are now 17-51 for the game, that's 7 of their last 31 for the english majors out there.

[JonInMiddleGA]

tOSU abusing the GT "defense" on that last possession is just about a perfect summation of the season. A team that has moments here & there but on the whole does very little right with any consistency whatsoever.

[MizzouRah]

This MU - WV game is pissing me off. How many FT's and open shots are we going to miss?

[TargetPractice6]

Oh please, he's playing the ball, he's not tackling the man. That's a pussy call right there, in any league.

edit: There's not a player in the world who isn't taught if you're going to foul then foul them to the floor & that's all that happened.Between this and your defense of Goins' nut-shot, I'm starting to suspect you've been playing a bit too much Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball.

[bob]

you've been playing a bit too much Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball.

Please. No amount is too much of Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball. That game ruled!

[TargetPractice6]

Holy crap, Sparty having an absolute meltdown. I thought Northern Iowa looked bad against pressure...

EDIT: ONE POINT GAME!

[Chief Rum]

Maryland-Mich. State's gotten interesting.

[B & B]

come on grievous lets do THIS!

[whomario]

Amazing sequence by Maryland and huge shot by Vasquez !

[Radii]

uhh, hi maryland!

[mckerney]

Classic post season Bo Ryan.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Between this and your defense of Goins' nut-shot, I'm starting to suspect you've been playing a bit too much Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball.

As for the Goins' thing, there really isn't anything anyone to do to Cousins or a member of the UK roster that I'd consider "going too far".

As for the bullshit call today, there's no justification for a flagrant on that play. The contact was not excessive, he played the ball not the man, there was no malicious intent, and at no point was he out of control. (some of which is actually in the rule, most of which is simply cited by talking heads trying to explain why certain calls are made).

[Recoil]

Let's go Terps!

[TargetPractice6]

Maryland with the lead!

[TargetPractice6]

If they pull this one off, they better pressure Northern Iowa ALL GAME.

Edit: Also gotta say, I want Maryland to win just because they are playing the Ninja Turtle's theme right now. AWESOME!

[Chief Rum]

Very exciting...and I have Vasquez in the Top Gun comp, so go Terps (sorry Schmidty).

[SackAttack]

Wow. CBS just broke into an e*trade commercial to show Maryland taking the lead there, then went back to commercial after the time out. That is hilarious.

[cmp]

Not having Lucas out there has killed State.

[SackAttack]

Wow. CBS just broke into an e*trade commercial to show Maryland taking the lead there, then went back to commercial after the time out. That is hilarious.

And then came back to the Maryland game only to instantly cut away to Cornell/UW. rofl

[TargetPractice6]

WOW, what a finish!

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. Maryland's comeback goes for naught thanks to a great shot.

[Lathum]

sick finish

[Chief Rum]

Wow! What a great ending to the game. Great job, Mich State. Did he get it off?

[k0ruptr]

wow what a frickn ending

[whomario]

wow, what a finish and what a tough way for Vasques to finish his career ...

[Noop]

Wow. Michigan State wins in a thriller. Best coach in college basketball.

[Schmidty]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[cmp]

Wow.

[Chief Rum]

Yup, a good 0.4 secs when he got it off. Spartans to the Sweet 16.

Bummer, though, lost Vasquez in Top Gun.

[MizzouRah]

That was two great shots!

[TargetPractice6]

Sorry TK, I know you weren't really expecting the Terps to win this one, but it always sucks when your team gets your hopes up only to let you down at the very end. As a Kentucky football fan I know this to be true.

[sterlingice]

Schmidty must be happy :D

SI

[Lathum]

That finish makes me wish there were no time outs allowed in the last 30 seconds of a game

[sterlingice]

What an amazing ending. But, like TP said- must be devastating for Maryland and amazing for Michigan State

SI

[Schmidty]

State was so lucky they had such a great 3 point-shooting game. They tried to give it away at the end without Lucas to handle the ball.

[jbergey22]

Mizzou not being able to block out on a free throw is going to cost them a chance at winning this.

[Noop]

Missouri looks like they are ready to exit the tourney.

[Atocep]

Mizzou not being able to block out on a free throw is going to cost them a chance at winning this.

Amazing Butler could do that on such tired legs.

[MizzouRah]

Mizzou :-(

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

At one point in the first half Missouri was shooting 10-20 from the field. They are now 17-51 for the game, that's 7 of their last 31 for the english majors out there.

Really frustrating. WVU was easily there for the taking, but we can't hit shots and can't hit free throws. That's a bad recipe when you're playing basketball.

Definitely an interesting cat-and-mouse game by the coaches. Huggy basically decided to forgo any attacking of the press. Mizzou crashed the boards with 4 players knowing they weren't going to run out on the break. Made for far less turnovers by WVU, but kept Mizzou in the rebounds numbers.

[jbergey22]

Amazing Butler could do that on such tired legs.

:lol:

[SackAttack]

Mizzou not being able to block out on a free throw is going to cost them a chance at winning this.

Mizzou not being able to hit water if they fell out of a boat today is going to cost them a chance at winning this. 32% from the floor and 60% from the line doesn't win you a lot of games.

[sterlingice]

Oh, and, wow Cornell

SI

[Noop]

I like Kentucky versus Cornell but I am not sure if they match up with West Virgina.

[MizzouRah]

Really frustrating. WVU was easily there for the taking, but we can't hit shots and can't hit free throws. That's a bad recipe when you're playing basketball.

Definitely an interesting cat-and-mouse game by the coaches. Huggy basically decided to forgo any attacking of the press. Mizzou crashed the boards with 4 players knowing they weren't going to run out on the break.


Piss poor shooting and FT shooting by MU. I'm pulling for Washington - Cornell matchup. ;)

[Lathum]

I like Kentucky versus Cornell but I am not sure if they match up with West Virgina.

I hope there are more people like you out there who just assume WVU will be in the elite 8. Watching WVU today I'm not so sure.

[the_meanstrosity]

Face it. Cartman will be in this thread the minute Mizzou loses (either tomorrow or if they do pull out the win later in the week). He will claim it is because of me or MBBF when in reality and it is the exact same reason we were happy today. A team lost that we don't care for.

No sign of Cartman yet. ;)

[whomario]

does anybody get the HQ option on the online broadcast? Sends me straight to the SD version with no option/button to change anymore ...

[jbergey22]

Mizzou not being able to hit water if they fell out of a boat today is going to cost them a chance at winning this. 32% from the floor and 60% from the line doesn't win you a lot of games.

Well it was a 4 point game and a 5 point game when they forgot to block out and gave 2 free points. For shooting as poorly as they did if they dont give up them 4 freebies they are in a 2 possession game late.

[Lathum]

does anybody get the HQ option on the online broadcast? Sends me straight to the SD version with no option/button to change anymore ...

I have it

[MrBug708]

I was in Vegas for a couple of days. Lots of basketball fans obviously, but not nearly as many as I thought there would be. Saw more USC fans than anything, but Vegas is practically LA-East.

Did see a Tribe shirt though :) Mizzou, Kansas, Washington, and Texas fans seemed to be the most noticeable there

[the_meanstrosity]

does anybody get the HQ option on the online broadcast? Sends me straight to the SD version with no option/button to change anymore ...

They may have reached their HQ limit. I know I ran into a few games where I wasn't able to select the HQ option because the maximum limit was hit.

[terpkristin]

Sorry TK, I know you weren't really expecting the Terps to win this one, but it always sucks when your team gets your hopes up only to let you down at the very end. As a Kentucky football fan I know this to be true.

LOL. They did well, all in all. Nobody, in preseason, had them even getting into the tourney, much less co-champs of the ACC regular season. A bummer of a loss, but not the embarrassment it could've been. I feel kind of bad for Vasquez.

/tk

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I was in Vegas for a couple of days. Lots of basketball fans obviously, but not nearly as many as I thought there would be. Saw more USC fans than anything, but Vegas is practically LA-East.

Did see a Tribe shirt though :) Mizzou, Kansas, Washington, and Texas fans seemed to be the most noticeable there

Vegas is really cheap (on Southwest Airlines) from KC and Saint Louis if you're looking for a 3-4 day vacation to chill out a bit. This is actually the first year in 4 years that I haven't gone out there for a weekend during the NCAA tourney for some poker and sports betting. It's a lot of fun this time of year. This weekend is the best of the three weekends just because of the quantity of games to watch. Plus, you can roll out of bed after lunch and still catch all the games. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL. They did well, all in all. Nobody, in preseason, had them even getting into the tourney, much less co-champs of the ACC regular season. A bummer of a loss, but not the embarrassment it could've been. I feel kind of bad for Vasquez.

/tk

So disappointing to have my two favorite teams be knocked out literally a few minutes apart and both of them really had the chance to win. :(

[Swaggs]

Really happy with the win and impressed with the stamina of our players versus that tough press. If I'm not mistaken, we only had 9 players get minutes and two of them were only in for a couple of minutes.

Huggins apparently makes the players each make 100 free throws at the end of each practice and I think that (well, and the play of Butler) was probably the difference: WVU's guys were in good enough condition to make their free throws at the end of the game and Missouri's were not. I'm glad to survive that type of unorthodox style of play.

Looking forward to the Washington game. I'm glad we'll have a few days to prepare for them, rather than having to play them on short rest.

[Butter]

Oh please, he's playing the ball, he's not tackling the man. That's a pussy call right there, in any league.

edit: There's not a player in the world who isn't taught if you're going to foul then foul them to the floor & that's all that happened.

http://www.walkoffwalk.com/pics/bs-0401.gif (http://www.walkoffwalk.com/pics/bs-0401.gif)

[Butter]

So disappointing to have my two favorite teams be knocked out literally a few minutes apart and both of them really had the chance to win. :(

Couldn't happen to a nicer fan.

[mauchow]

A&M getting away w a lot of moving/illegal screens.

[dawgfan]

Looking forward to the Washington game. I'm glad we'll have a few days to prepare for them, rather than having to play them on short rest.
Yeah, I think Washington would've been in a better position to knock off WVU if it had been on short rest. At first glance, I'm not sure we match up that well with the Mountaineers, but I'm not writing anything off considering how well this team has started clicking late in the season.

[lynchjm24]

Vegas is really cheap (on Southwest Airlines) from KC and Saint Louis if you're looking for a 3-4 day vacation to chill out a bit. This is actually the first year in 4 years that I haven't gone out there for a weekend during the NCAA tourney for some poker and sports betting. It's a lot of fun this time of year. This weekend is the best of the three weekends just because of the quantity of games to watch. Plus, you can roll out of bed after lunch and still catch all the games. :)

I could not disagree more. NCAA weekends in Vegas are terrible. It's a million guys, a complete lack of women and it's amateur hour in the sports books, people who bet the over flipping out about every basket in the first half when they have $25 on the game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Couldn't happen to a nicer fan.

Appreciate it. I accept your compliment with open arms.

[Swaggs]

Yeah, I think Washington would've been in a better position to knock off WVU if it had been on short rest. At first glance, I'm not sure we match up that well with the Mountaineers, but I'm not writing anything off considering how well this team has started clicking late in the season.

My early guess is that WVU will put Ebanks (who is probably as good of a m2m defender as I have ever seen on WVU) on Pondexter to try to neutralize him. Ebanks has had pretty good luck guarding guys from Evan Turner to Scottie Reynolds, but I'm not sure we have anyone that can match up, man to man, with Thomas. I could see him having a big game.

[timmynausea]

My early guess is that WVU will put Ebanks (who is probably as good of a m2m defender as I have ever seen on WVU) on Pondexter to try to neutralize him. Ebanks has had pretty good luck guarding guys from Evan Turner to Scottie Reynolds, but I'm not sure we have anyone that can match up, man to man, with Thomas. I could see him having a big game.

It'll be interesting. I actually feel like Ebanks gets put on the best perimeter player, so I could see him guarding Thomas. (I say that under the impression that Pondexter is more of a post player, though I suppose he does a little of both.) Ebanks has quick enough feet to deny penetration and his 7'2" wingspan seems to really bother shooters. You could be right, though, that he gets put on the best player period, and it just so happens to mostly be guards.

[Chief Rum]

Was Lucas going to go pro?

It appears that he has a torn Achilles tendon, per Izzo. While no injury is a good thing, I would imagine this injury will likely keep Lucas in East Lansing for his senior year, and that can't hurt Michigan State.

[Chief Rum]

Of course, it probably shitcans this tourney for the Spartans, though...

[Radii]

I hope there are more people like you out there who just assume WVU will be in the elite 8. Watching WVU today I'm not so sure.

Anyone else picturing the entire washington roster huddled around a computer reading FOFC? "ohhhhh shit noop thinks we can't beat WVU? We'd better show him"

:D

[Radii]

So I'll join in the "WTF game switching" complaints. I know I'm about 20 minutes from Durham... but Duke leads by 18, while Xavier Pitt is in the final 30 seconds. CBS actually swithced away from Duke long enough to show Pitt hit a 3 with about 30 seconds to go... then switched BACK to Duke and never went back to Xavier/Pitt. I'm watching on mmod but would really like to see it on the big screen.

[SackAttack]

Why was Pitt backing off those free throw rebounds? I have to think they cost themselves at least a second off the clock reacting to that second brick.

[Radii]

CBS just switched away from Pitt/Xavier as the ref was handing the ball to the dude to inbounds it to show the last 45 seconds of purdue/A&M. I saw it on mmod but CBS has still not shown the final 0.4 inbounds play of pitt/xavier.

[timmynausea]

Wow. CBS just cut away from a 3 point Pitt-Xavier game with 0.4 seconds left, leaving Pitt having just enough for a catch and shoot to tie.

[sterlingice]

Wow. CBS just cut away from a 3 point Pitt-Xavier game with 0.4 seconds left, leaving Pitt having just enough for a catch and shoot to tie.

I figured we'd have a lot more rioting in the thread about this. If ever there was a time for the split screen, it was there

SI

[Chief Rum]

I figured we'd have a lot more rioting in the thread about this. If ever there was a time for the split screen, it was there

SI

We have been beaten into submission and dulled by the repeated stupidity of it all.

[Swaggs]

Kind of an interesting quote from Missouri's coach:

“We just ran out of time,” coach Mike Anderson said. “I don’t think these guys lost. I think they just ran out of time.”

I guess you can say this about any game, but WVU held a pretty solid 5-9 point lead for most of the game, never trailed, Missouri's players seemed to be the more fatigued of the two squads, and every Missouri starter was in foul trouble.

[kingfc22]

And the wife's bracket is 331 on ESPN.

As for me, the best of my nine brackets is ranked 110,000. LOL!!

[SackAttack]

I wouldn't have believed it possible to pick 12 of 16 correctly for the Sweet Sixteen, and have two of the four teams I missed come from my Final Four, but there I am.

[Chubby]

Mizzou national title conteders!!!

oops...

[MJ4H]

?

[Atocep]

Kind of an interesting quote from Missouri's coach:



I guess you can say this about any game, but WVU held a pretty solid 5-9 point lead for most of the game, never trailed, Missouri's players seemed to be the more fatigued of the two squads, and every Missouri starter was in foul trouble.

40 minutes* of hell


*possibly longer if we're losing and need more time

[dawgfan]

It'll be interesting. I actually feel like Ebanks gets put on the best perimeter player, so I could see him guarding Thomas. (I say that under the impression that Pondexter is more of a post player, though I suppose he does a little of both.) Ebanks has quick enough feet to deny penetration and his 7'2" wingspan seems to really bother shooters. You could be right, though, that he gets put on the best player period, and it just so happens to mostly be guards.
Pondexter is best described as a 3 that can post-up. He's not purely a perimeter guy, and he's not purely a post-up guy. He's got OK handles, good enough to dribble drive and create his own shot. His outside shot has improved - he'll hit open 3's if given the opportunity, but he's more apt to want to penetrate the lane. And while he can post-up guys and make buckets in the paint, he's more of a mid-range guy.

After a quick glance at WVU's roster, I'd guess Ebanks is more likely to be matched up with Pondexter than Thomas.

[timmynausea]

Pondexter is best described as a 3 that can post-up. He's not purely a perimeter guy, and he's not purely a post-up guy. He's got OK handles, good enough to dribble drive and create his own shot. His outside shot has improved - he'll hit open 3's if given the opportunity, but he's more apt to want to penetrate the lane. And while he can post-up guys and make buckets in the paint, he's more of a mid-range guy.

After a quick glance at WVU's roster, I'd guess Ebanks is more likely to be matched up with Pondexter than Thomas.

Like I said, it's totally possible. I thought of Pondexter as a post player with some slashing skills, but I have only watched bits and pieces of Washington's tournament games. If he's more slash/mid-range than a post up guy, then you and Swaggs are probably right. Ebanks, even though he's 6'9", has excelled guarding perimeter scorers like Scottie Reynolds (6'2") and etc.

[gstelmack]

So I'll join in the "WTF game switching" complaints. I know I'm about 20 minutes from Durham... but Duke leads by 18, while Xavier Pitt is in the final 30 seconds. CBS actually swithced away from Duke long enough to show Pitt hit a 3 with about 30 seconds to go... then switched BACK to Duke and never went back to Xavier/Pitt. I'm watching on mmod but would really like to see it on the big screen.

I was at my parents house and just switched to 1053 on TWC there to watch Xavier / Pitt. Nice finish to that one.

Maybe TWC's one saving grace is their microwave connection to WRAL that lets them get all 4 HD feeds and show them individually without the switching.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I was at my parents house and just switched to 1053 on TWC there to watch Xavier / Pitt. Nice finish to that one.

Maybe TWC's one saving grace is their microwave connection to WRAL that lets them get all 4 HD feeds and show them individually without the switching.

I did a doubletake there, couldn't figure out why the game was being shown on The Weather Channel (TWC is the network abbreviation used in media buying)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Kind of an interesting quote from Missouri's coach:

I guess you can say this about any game, but WVU held a pretty solid 5-9 point lead for most of the game, never trailed, Missouri's players seemed to be the more fatigued of the two squads, and every Missouri starter was in foul trouble.

I'm not sure why it's 'interesting'. Every coach has faith that their team could do something to change the outcome if they would have had one more opportunity at the end of a game.

Mizzou's problem was missing the layups and free throws earlier in the game. Those were the possessions you'd like to have back.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Old habits die hard. A little birdie might have told me that they talked with former Northern Iowa head coach Norm Stewart on Sunday morning and that he was 'tickled pink' over the Panthers' win on Saturday.

[Swaggs]

I'm not sure why it's 'interesting'. Every coach has faith that their team could do something to change the outcome if they would have had one more opportunity at the end of a game.

Mizzou's problem was missing the layups and free throws earlier in the game. Those were the possessions you'd like to have back.

I understand that his quote is fairly common "coach speak" following a pretty close game and it is often applicable when a team has a lot of momentum but falls just short at the end of the game (Yesterday's Maryland team comes to mind).

In the case of the game yesterday, he would have been better served using a quote like the one in your second paragraph (although I think WVU's defense could have been credited with, a bit, for the missed layups), as Missouri was in foul trouble, hadn't closed the gap, was consistently trailing (never lead), looked to be the more fatigued of the two teams yesterday, and didn't seem to have any momentum toward the end of the game.

The "ran out of time" comment seems wildly out of place for that particular game and I found it interesting that Anderson, if he took part in the same game that we all saw, fount it otherwise.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

In the case of the game yesterday, he would have been better served using a quote like the one in your second paragraph (although I think WVU's defense could have been credited with, a bit, for the missed layups), as Missouri was in foul trouble, hadn't closed the gap, was consistently trailing (never lead), looked to be the more fatigued of the two teams yesterday, and didn't seem to have any momentum toward the end of the game.

I'd disagree that the missed 3's and layups had anything to do with WVU defense. The 3's Mizzou was missing were wide open and the layups were conversions that Mizzou should have made with their eyes closed. Note that this is not an attempt to discredit WVU as much as to note the little things that Mizzou failed to do in the last 5-6 games of their season. But that's why we aren't moving on. :)

It sucks to lose a game, but perspective has to be used. Mizzou overachieved this year and I think most Mizzou fans would have been thrilled with a 23-11 season if you would have given them that option at the start of the year. We've got fantastic freshman and sophmores who carried a good portion of the load this year in addition to our incoming recruiting class that are going to be together for two years (Safford is the only senior next year). It's an exciting future.

[Samdari]

Watching thei Mizzou-WVU game I'm not sure either of them can keep up with UDub when we are clicking.

Its tough with WVU. I am not sure they have looked good in any game this year. Somehow, they are 29-6. If its an ugly game, WVU will win. If its a watchable game, UW will win.

[timmynausea]

WVU is definitely a strange team. They shot something like 43% this year, and yet, largely due to offensive rebounds, have one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball in terms of points per possession. Historically, 2 seeds that shoot under .450 during the season don't meet tournament expectations (elite 8), so it'll be interesting to see if WVU can buck that trend.

[Swaggs]

A couple of thoughts --

I read that Huggins thinks that Washington is the team (of all the teams that we have or will play) that he thinks is most similar to WVU. I'm not real familiar with Washington and I'm not sure what that means, but I'll be interested to hear him elaborate during the week.

On WVU's shooting, I have repeatedly heard the WVU announcing team say that Huggins thinks that WVU can win games if they shoot 41%+ from the field. Seems low, but I guess teamed with the defense, it has lead to victories this season.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I think this picture summarizes Saturday night pretty well. I'm impresse the rug actually stayed on his head.........

http://media.lawrence.com/img/photos/2010/03/20/ku_bkc_uni_mly0008_t640.jpg?a6ea3ebd4438a44b86d2e9c39ecf7613005fe067

[DataKing]

My take on this weekend's events (apologies if any of this is a repeat, I did not read this thread over the weekend):

Like most of the Jayhawk faithful, I was shocked and upset by the loss to Northern Iowa. The team definitely under-performed throughout the game. Collins and Aldrich were both disappointing in their performances, and I felt that Self made some errors as well. That being said, Northern Iowa played a fantastic game, (nearly) always under control and got the most out of the talent at their disposal. Hats off to them for a job well done, and I wish them luck against Sparty on Friday.

But unlike some, I refuse to call this season a failure. Was this a team with National Title hopes? With the talent to make a run at the title? Of course. But every year there's only one team that doesn't end with a bit of disappointment. This year's Jayhawks only lost 3 games all season, and won both a regular season Big 12 title (8 of the last 9) and another Big 12 tournament title (4 of the last 5). They swept Mizzou (no great accomplishment there, but still a rival is a rival) and a very talented K-State team. I refuse to call this season a failure. A disappointment, yes, but no failure. Hopefully the loss to Northern Iowa convinces Aldrich, X, and others (Taylor?) to give it another go next year.

As for the tournament as a whole, this year certainly hasn't disappointed. Four overtime games in the opening weekend (versus just two all of last year) shows just how much parity there is out there this year. And there were truly some WOW moments to be seen. Jordan Crawford has been an absolute joy to watch on the offensive end. And the ending to that Michigan State / Maryland game? It just doesn't get any better than that (with apologies to TK). And even though my personal bracket is pretty much shot to hell, I'm glad to see that I was at least right about Cornell. Go Big Red (but I think their run ends now).

Anyway, that's my take on things so far. Looking forward to the action picking up again on Thursday night.

[jbergey22]

Very well said.

I was reading an interesting article about even though Kansas were the big favorites to win it all this year. They were still only between 25-33% to win it all. Their are so many variables in a 1 loss tourny that it really does make it VERY difficult for the best team to actually win it.

[SportsDino]

Not what I was expecting, I'm just happy the Spartans survived.

Maryland put together a hell of a game and would have been a hell of a story if they got the victory. Got down but clawed back into the game and into the lead when it counts, if Izzo had called the timeout instead of running the ball up the court right away (with our jack of all trades power forward) I am 98% certain Maryland's press would have killed the game. As it is, it took one of the best nailbiter finishes of the tourney to get the win.

Lucas seems to be severely injured, which is very depressing (both for our chances this year and the fact if anyone deserves a chance at the NBA it is Lucas). A lot of Maryland's comeback from the deficit involves no Lucas combined with the press (which always causes MSU trouble) and our tiring backup point guard (who nevertheless hits the gamewinner, best game EVER for Lucious, hands down).

Should be an interesting game against Northern Iowa, weird thing bout the Lucas injury is that knowing we are a wounded animal going into the game the Spartans sometimes get ferocious. Less chance we'll take things for granted, so that may help to balance the loss of the most valuable player on the team (from a scoring, assist, defense standpoint).

[spleen1015]

It is destiny for my favorite team to win it all this year.

They had a contest here at work for Final Four tickets. My boss won and he's giving me 1 of the seats for performing well in 2009.

Destiny! Destiny! Destiny!

[sterlingice]

Very well said.

I was reading an interesting article about even though Kansas were the big favorites to win it all this year. They were still only between 25-33% to win it all. Their are so many variables in a 1 loss tourny that it really does make it VERY difficult for the best team to actually win it.

I got a bunch of crap from the guys at work the past month or so any time we'd struggle: "You guys are crap. You aren't going to win the national title". My response was always "If I were forced to pick one team to bet everything on, it would be KU. But if you're going to give me the choice of KU or the field, I take the field every time."

Like you said, the best team doesn't always win if we define the best team as the team that would, say, win the most in a best of 7 series. Or if it was a 65 team round robin tournament. Or something else. But the team that wins the tourney sure as hell deserves the national championship because they did what no one else could do and it definitely beats the beauty pageant that is the BCS.

SI

[timmynausea]

Starting WVU PG Truck Bryant broke a bone in his foot in practice today and is done for the season. It's probably worth pointing out that he's really only technically a "starter" as Joe Mazzulla has played more minutes than him over the past 5 or 10 games, but it's still a significant loss.

[Dr. Sak]

My alma mater (Gannon University) is in the final four in the D2 girls bball tournament. And to make it better, they beat Seton Hill (ping PUMPY) along the way. Also with their win tonight they are 37-0 and broke the record for the most wins in a season for a D2 team. Go Lady Knights!

[DataKing]

OK so I just found this and I had to laugh. Hitler discovers that Kansas lost to Northern Iowa:

<object height="385" width="640">


<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3uejv2zz6bU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></object>

[Butter]

Dayton beats Cincy and Illinois on the road to make it to MSG for the NIT Final 4.

No one cares, yes, but the UD fanbase (me included) felt like the team had become disinterested towards the end of the season.

Here's a nice article from the city paper about why the team wanted to get to MSG so badly:

DaytonDailyNews: Dayton, Ohio, news and information (http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/throughthearch/entries/2010/03/25/flyers_we_wanted_dayton_to_fee.html)

[Swaggs]

To me, Dayton looked like a Sweet 16 team for most of the game last night (until the last few minutes, really). I guess they must have had those consistency lapses throughout the season?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Baylor used their NIT performance last year as a jumping point for this year. No reason that some of these teams can't do the same thing.

[Dr. Sak]

Baylor used their NIT performance last year as a jumping point for this year. No reason that some of these teams can't do the same thing.

Yeah and Penn State used theirs to go in the shitter :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah and Penn State used theirs to go in the shitter :)

"So you're saying there's a chance?!?!?!"

[Butter]

To me, Dayton looked like a Sweet 16 team for most of the game last night (until the last few minutes, really). I guess they must have had those consistency lapses throughout the season?

Their shooting was definitely hit and miss during the season. UD had more than 1 game of 3-21 from 3 point range or something similar.

Also, definitely the effort they showed last night was a couple notches above how they played most of the season. They have always liked to run the ball up the floor and run their sets, but the point guards turned the ball over a lot more in the reg. season than they have during the NIT.

[jbergey22]

Id agree with Swaggs

Dayton looked to be a very impressive team. Hard to believe they didnt make the tourny.

[Swaggs]

Man... today is going by so slow.

Hope the game is worth the wait.

[Lathum]

I think it is stupid that UDub plays the early game and two teams in the east play the late game. Seems they risk losing viewers on both ends.

[Lathum]

We are playing at the exact pace WVU wants right now

[Lathum]

How the fuck is that an offensive foul?

[wade moore]

Syracuse better not blow my bracket here.

[mauchow]

Loving both Big East teams losing... loving it.

[Radii]

So far only 1 of the 4 teams appears to have showed up. Bleh.

[Racer]

It's amazing that Butler is winning given how poorly they are shooting from 3 point land.

[Swaggs]

Not much to report from the WVU-UW game. I like the pace we are playing at, but they have had way too many easy transition buckets. It will be interesting to see if Pondexter gets the chance to be a factor in this game and how soon he gets the call. Either way, it looks like it is going to be a close game unless someone gets hot from outside and loosens things up.

[Lathum]

Pondexter is a second half player so I'm not to concerned. However, we are trying way to many cross court passes and have been out of control on our set offense.

[wade moore]

Wow - some pathetic shooting from WVU inside 3 feet.

[Swaggs]

Wow - some pathetic shooting from WVU inside 3 feet.

No kidding. Kevin Jones is usually really smooth around the basket, too.

[Lathum]

One thing that concernes me is I am seeing a lot of lazy passes and against WVU's length that is deadly

[Lathum]

Lots of offensive fouls on both ends, wish they would just let them play

[Swaggs]

Butler is getting held on almost every cut through the middle that he makes and is getting frustrated. Hope he doesn't lose his head (like he did w/ that foul).

[Lathum]

arg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lathum]

ugh, down 5 now and we look a little disorganized. 6 team fouls already, I see things getting a little rough here

[Lathum]

Wow Butler....

[Eaglesfan27]

I never liked Syracuse to make it to the Final 4, but I thought they were losing in the Elite 8..

[DaddyTorgo]

more teams should go up and challenge for the ball when the team that's behind lets it roll all the way up to half-court...otherwise you're just allowing them to stretch the game out

[wade moore]

I was leading my bracket group too - but I have Syracuse winning.

Ugh.

[Logan]

Butler just got some unbelievable bounces on back to back possessions...now finish it off.

[Swaggs]

Washington seems like they've missed a ton of FTs.

[Lathum]

Good for Butler. They always seem like a team that is highly regarded during the season but cant get over the hump in the tourny.

[Swaggs]

Wow... I didn't see much of the Syracuse/Butler game, but I'm not sure I've seen so many bounces go in one team's favor in such a short period of time (from the switchover w/ like 24 seconds).

[HeavyReign]

Washington seems like they've missed a ton of FTs.

Its not just FTs. They gotta be shooting about 20% in the 2nd half. They were at 48% at half and their down to 37% now.

[Swaggs]

Looked like Da'Sean Butler walked on that one. Bad call.

[Logan]

Oof. Bad blocking call there.

[Lathum]

WHAT!! What a shit call there in the paint, man, the refs have been terrible here.

When Bilas agrees with you its pretty bad

[Lathum]

and now they say it was continuation? What?

[HeavyReign]

Umm...no. Not a blocking foul. But yet in the 1st half 3 moving WV defender gets the charge. Whatever

[Swaggs]

Lot of body on that one against Mazzulla.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good to see that Butler gets the calls when he runs over players in all the games and not just the Mizzou game. :)

[HeavyReign]

WVU is outrebounding Washington on their own misses 14-13. That couldn't happen for Washington to win.

[Logan]

A couple "WTF?" drives for Overton there.

[HeavyReign]

Not Overton's best game.

[Swaggs]

I didn't see any of Washington before the tournament, but they run a hell of a half court defense.

[HeavyReign]

It's really picked up the last 2 months. There are times when they've been horrible this year too like the 1st Oregon game.

[Swaggs]

This game has devolved into a pick up game.

[HeavyReign]

I think Overton's TOs once Washington got it down to 6 will end up being the killer. Washington's play is based so much on momentum and that killed it.

[Lathum]

All the credit in the world to WVU. They forced us to play a game that was outside out comfort zone. IT was ugly but a win is a win

[Galaril]

OK so I just found this and I had to laugh. Hitler discovers that Kansas lost to Northern Iowa:

<object height="385" width="640">


<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3uejv2zz6bU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></object>

DK,

This is awesome. "Nova Is the One" Priceless:)

PS-what is this clip from?

[Lathum]

All in all I cant complain making a run to the sweet 16 given the season we had. We are such a young team and have a ton to build on for next season.

[Noop]

I hope there are more people like you out there who just assume WVU will be in the elite 8. Watching WVU today I'm not so sure.

I think they can give Kentucky or Cornell problems to be honest.

[timmynausea]

All in all I cant complain making a run to the sweet 16 given the season we had. We are such a young team and have a ton to build on for next season.

I agree. If Washington keeps playing D like that, they'll be tough to beat next year. I can't imagine how good Isaiah Thomas will be as he continues to develop (and his hand heals.)