2014 OFFICIAL NCAA Tournament Thread: Connecticut wins the title

[mauchow]

Over time we go

[EagleFan]

At the timeout they came up with that play for after a made free throw?

[bhlloy]

Looks like a flop to me - inexcusable to get anywhere near him but I haven't seen any contact yet

[sterlingice]

At the timeout they came up with that play for after a made free throw?

I'm thinking someone forgot their assignment

SI

[cmp]

Not much of any contact on that at all

[BishopMVP]

Chances for the 4-pt play doubled because Gus Johnson was announcing.

[kingfc22]

Still not sure on how much contact there really was on that play. But why even challenge the shot that hard.

[PilotMan]

Damn having all the games to watch online is nice.

[sterlingice]

Ouch for VCU. What a gut shot :(

SI

[PilotMan]

Freddy Mercury would be a very busy man in the first 2 days of this tournament. {cue the music}

[Thomkal]

wow Coastal up 5 at the half, up by as much as 10 at one point, wow. Been great with 3 pointers, rebounds

[Buccaneer]

My son won his other 12-seed pick.

[Thomkal]

going to watch the second half in the other room with no computer access, so cheer loud for CCU :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

What a stupid rule.

But it's been a rule for at least a decade (I've found Google references that far back) and IIRC for at least 30 years or so, as I remember it being banned as far back as HS in the 80s.

Violating it -- which seems to happen & make the news at least once a season for back to about '08 or '09 -- is waaaaay stupider than the rule itself afaic.

The origins of the rule are based around concerns over equipment damage & injury risk, I'd say the more practical reason is to avoid having every college pregame turn into a dunk contest.

[JonInMiddleGA]

A10 has proven itself as a power conference. 2-1 and ... I expect 5-1 after today.

Umm ...

[mauchow]

I made three brackets and all my sweet 16's are still safe! That's the way, baby! With a lot of people still ahead of me in all the pools with the same final picks as me I really need to hit a few of these nice upsets over the rest of the weekend. NDSU over SDSU, Tennessee winning (thanks Mercer) among others.

[mauchow]

Umm ...

Close to happening in all the games(except UMASS). But close doesn't matter in the NCAA's.

[mauchow]

Why is Virginia trying to run it up the court? Twice now in last handful possessions turning it over by trying to run n gun..

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm missing 4 S16's already, including 1 F4 team ... yet somehow I'm ranked 73,514th out of 11 million+ entries on ESPN, that's 99.3 percentile.

[Glengoyne]

Ouch for VCU. What a gut shot :(

SI

I really wanted to pick Stephen f Austin, but VCU has been So good to me in the past I couldn't do it.



Three missed games and two sweet 16 teams down.

[BishopMVP]

But it's been a rule for at least a decade (I've found Google references that far back) and IIRC for at least 30 years or so, as I remember it being banned as far back as HS in the 80s.

Violating it -- which seems to happen & make the news at least once a season for back to about '08 or '09 -- is waaaaay stupider than the rule itself afaic.

The origins of the rule are based around concerns over equipment damage & injury risk, I'd say the more practical reason is to avoid having every college pregame turn into a dunk contest.The weird part is that the NCAA rule only prevents dunking in the last 20:00 before the tip... and the walk-on did it with 19:58 until tip.

[nol]

Looks like Iowa State's worn NC Central down and is starting to pull away.

[EagleFan]

Looking like we won't have a run on OT games tonight.

[sterlingice]

All the games kindof boring right now

SI

[britrock88]

At least we can all be united in our hatred for Duke. And Kentucky. And OSU.

My brother!

[nol]

Ugh. Georges Niang for Iowa State fractured his foot. He's out for the rest of the season. It was gonna be hard enough for them to match up with UNC on the inside.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I end up 27-5 in the first round, good for 54,980th place, 99.5 percentile

It's not how many I lost that'll kill my bracket, it's who I lost :(

[Solecismic]

I was still tempted to enter that perfect bracket contest even though the chances of even coming close were lower than the chances of Gabe Newell himself flying out to Michigan to give me a featured spot on Steam.

In the end, linking my cell number to my throwaway Yahoo account was too high a price to pay for a near-nothing chance at a billion dollars.

So, no one has a perfect bracket, despite 11 million entries and a relatively tame first round (only one 3-seed of the top 16 teams were upset). I was 24-8 myself and solidly in the middle of mediocrity.

[Simbo Klice]

I have a 260 point bracket w/ Florida winning and 15 of my sweet 16 intact, and a 240 pointer with 13 of the 16 intact and Mich St. winning. Pretty confident with my chances, it's a 14 bracket $25 pool.

[SportsDino]

On ESPN I am sitting on a 28/32 record with only one automatic loss coming up in the next round. I could potentially finish 59/64.

On Yahoo I see one person has a 32 record, meanwhile I am crying with my 24/32, best possible 55/64 (do not think that will cut it with how popular Michigan State is this year).

Even with 139 billion brackets I couldn't achieve perfection, thanks to Duke losing to Mercer. Without that decision I would have had about 278 billion brackets, but 14% more likely for my pool to survive.

After some calculation assuming no restrictions once it hits Final Four you need to satisfy the equation 8R^4, where R is the number of possible outcomes from a region. For a pool of 15,000,000 this means you need to narrow a region down to only 37 outcomes, and repeat the feat 4 times. With 32,768 outcomes per region that is a lot of skill required. To put it in perspective, out of the 15 games you must make the equivalent of 10 guaranteed win decisions per region to create a pool that covers all possibilities. Since that leaves all of 5 coin flips to work with I think it suggests that Buffet's money, even if all 15 million people colluded, is very safe.

[Thomkal]

Well Coastal Carolina did me proud last night-playing like there were a much higher seed than 16 in the first half when they led by 10 points at one point-hitting most every shot, getting rebounds almost every time, etc. Then they played like a 16 seed sadly in the second half, looking very sloppy and nervous, not getting their shots to fall or most rebounds. And Virginia hit just about every shot they took. Losing by just 11 was far far better than I thought they'd lose by.

They only have two seniors on the roster, only one of whom is important, so I hope they remember how they played in the first half and carry it forward next season.

[stevew]

I'm really loosely following the tournament, and 95% of it is because of future NBA type stuff. How the hell did VCU manage to lose that game? I'm a big Shaka Smart fan and would love to see him replace Mike Brown with godspeed this offseason. It appears as if VCU choked on Free throws and then gave up a 4 point play(wtf).

Jabari Parker's draft status won't be affected at all by a first round exit. The "college is sacred" forces will try to push the whole thing that he'll come back for "unfinished business". I guess he's probably better off than most because his dad was an ex pro player, but there is literally no reason to return to school when you're drafted in the top 5. Look no farther than Marcus Smart who came back for "unfinished business" and cost himself the chance to go #1 in the 2013 draft.

[mauchow]

11:15 CT, Pitt vs Florida - Vegas says 5 or 6 and kenpom has 4 for a 68% chance Florida wins. If Pitt plays as well as they did against Colorado then this should be a great game. If Florida starts out slow like it seems they like to then this could be interesting. Like pretty much all games today (except Lville/St Louis) they are likely to go down to the wire. I will be signing papers for my new (used) car at 1:00 so I will be tuning in the last 10 minutes or so on my phone.

1:45 CT - St Louis vs Louisville, the worst game of the bunch today according to kenPom where Louisville is picked to win by 9 with an 80% chance. Vegas says 10. Will Jordair Jett make some magic with his beautiful hair?

4:15 CT - Texas vs Michigan, 4 pt, 66% chance Michigan wins here. Vegas says 5 pts. If Texas can stay close early then there will be a chance for them but if Stauskas and Co get hot early I don't see this being closer than 6-8 in the end.

5:15 CT - NDSU vs SDSU - SDSU by 3 via KenPom @65% chance of winning for SDSU. I have NDSU going to S16. Vegas agrees with Kenpom on the spread.

6:45 CT, Oregon vs Wisconsin - WI 5 pt faves, KenPom says 3 (add 1 or 2 for near home court advantage). Oregon pushes pushes pushes, Wisconsin doesn't force anything but not deliberately slow like in years past.

Kids are being a pill now but

The rest: Nova over UConn by 3, MSU over Harvard by 3 each of them in the mid 60's % chance of winning for nova and MSU.

If these games are like the first round games we should be in store for another great day. Hopefully my wife lets me watch them all....

[PilotMan]

I'm at 23/32 so far with 3 16's missing. I imagine thats just a bit below average. Certainly nothing to get excited about.

[mauchow]

I'm hitting abotu 75-80% so far on my three brackets.. the positive though is that NONE of them have any S16's missing.

[sterlingice]

Ugh. Georges Niang for Iowa State fractured his foot. He's out for the rest of the season. It was gonna be hard enough for them to match up with UNC on the inside.

That's disappointing. I was hoping to see Iowa State shake off some of their demons from the past and do a deep run.

SI

[sterlingice]

11:15 CT, Pitt vs Florida - Vegas says 5 or 6 and kenpom has 4 for a 68% chance Florida wins. If Pitt plays as well as they did against Colorado then this should be a great game. If Florida starts out slow like it seems they like to then this could be interesting. Like pretty much all games today (except Lville/St Louis) they are likely to go down to the wire. I will be signing papers for my new (used) car at 1:00 so I will be tuning in the last 10 minutes or so on my phone.

1:45 CT - St Louis vs Louisville, the worst game of the bunch today according to kenPom where Louisville is picked to win by 9 with an 80% chance. Vegas says 10. Will Jordair Jett make some magic with his beautiful hair?

4:15 CT - Texas vs Michigan, 4 pt, 66% chance Michigan wins here. Vegas says 5 pts. If Texas can stay close early then there will be a chance for them but if Stauskas and Co get hot early I don't see this being closer than 6-8 in the end.

5:15 CT - NDSU vs SDSU - SDSU by 3 via KenPom @65% chance of winning for SDSU. I have NDSU going to S16. Vegas agrees with Kenpom on the spread.

6:45 CT, Oregon vs Wisconsin - WI 5 pt faves, KenPom says 3 (add 1 or 2 for near home court advantage). Oregon pushes pushes pushes, Wisconsin doesn't force anything but not deliberately slow like in years past.

Kids are being a pill now but

The rest: Nova over UConn by 3, MSU over Harvard by 3 each of them in the mid 60's % chance of winning for nova and MSU.

If these games are like the first round games we should be in store for another great day. Hopefully my wife lets me watch them all....

I think I've said this each year for the past couple but I don't understand why the Saturday/Sunday schedule is the way it is. You have 1 game and then another single game and the in the evening you have 2 and 3 overlapping games. Move that one spare game back to overlap the two games earlier on in the day and you basically would have 2 games going all day.

SI

[rowech]

I think I've said this each year for the past couple but I don't understand why the Saturday/Sunday schedule is the way it is. You have 1 game and then another single game and the in the evening you have 2 and 3 overlapping games. Move that one spare game back to overlap the two games earlier on in the day and you basically would have 2 games going all day.

SI

I always just assumed it was because of the time zones of the locations.

[mauchow]

I think I've said this each year for the past couple but I don't understand why the Saturday/Sunday schedule is the way it is. You have 1 game and then another single game and the in the evening you have 2 and 3 overlapping games. Move that one spare game back to overlap the two games earlier on in the day and you basically would have 2 games going all day.

SI

Yeah, it's pretty ridiculous. At least one overlap for each game should happen on the first weekend.

[sterlingice]

I always just assumed it was because of the time zones of the locations.

I think that's what it is. But this is first and foremost a tv event so I figured they would plan it around that

SI

[nol]

I think that's what it is. But this is first and foremost a tv event so I figured they would plan it around that

SI

They want to maximize their chances at least one good game is going on during prime time. The games now aren't as important to them since West coast people like me are just waking up (note that the two early games feature the number one overall seed and the team the numbers regard as the most likely champion. Without predicting exactly which Cinderella teams will emerge, you have to assume that those 2nd round matchups will be among the least likely to go down to the wire).

If they moved like, Oregon-Wisconsin to earlier in the day, they'd run a greater risk of it being 7:30 EST and having Syracuse and San Diego State blowing out the underdogs while the next game isn't coming on for over an hour.

[panerd]

I think I've said this each year for the past couple but I don't understand why the Saturday/Sunday schedule is the way it is. You have 1 game and then another single game and the in the evening you have 2 and 3 overlapping games. Move that one spare game back to overlap the two games earlier on in the day and you basically would have 2 games going all day.

SI

CBS and Turner split the contract but CBS gets it pick of the best games and wants 4 games on Saturday and Sunday also. I might be wrong but I don't think CBS owns the Turner companies so it makes perfect sense why they would want all of their games spread out as much as possible.

EDIT: Even if I am wrong about whether CBS/TNT are owned by the same company I am guessing CBS still pulls in better ratings. JonMGa hopefully can help out with some numbers here.

[sterlingice]

This game is just ugly and crappy

SI

[miami_fan]

I have a general hate for anything Gator related but watching this team play defense is a joy.

[britrock88]

Luke Hancock already cheesing me off. The body-to-body contact he put on an SLU guy that went uncalled led to his 3, and then he reaches in far enough that he gets clipped by an elbow and scores 2 more for the Cards.

[Lathum]

I think I've said this each year for the past couple but I don't understand why the Saturday/Sunday schedule is the way it is. You have 1 game and then another single game and the in the evening you have 2 and 3 overlapping games. Move that one spare game back to overlap the two games earlier on in the day and you basically would have 2 games going all day.

SI

I find it especially annoying since I am in London with a 4 hour time difference.

[britrock88]

Ugh, and then the way Hancock drew a third foul from Rob Loe. Seems like he traveled, then was given the call.

What's the foul disparity right now? Seems like the zebras aren't interested in calling a fair game.

[B & B]

After hoops overload yesterday, we are treated with b2b one game at a time only with the WORST TWO GAMES OF THE WHOLE DAY.


I like basketball, I like defense. These games are shit.

Turnovers, missing open shots, missing FTs, sloppy passes and just piss poor basketball.

[Jas_lov]

44-26 won't be the score at half time, it'll be the final score. Great feature game, CBS.

[sterlingice]

Ugh. These crap fests are wearing out my will to watch more basketball and simultaneously allowing me to get more chores done so it's a double whammy

SI

[mauchow]

Saint Louis making things interesting! This would destroy my bracket but I'd really like to see L'Ville go dowwwnnnn!

[mauchow]

SLU UP TWO!!! WAHOOO!! 13-2 to start the half. Louisville hasn't made a field goal. Jordair Jett RULES! As does his hair!

[stevew]

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1896954_1479831545573493_1090694139_n.jpg

[EagleFan]

Go Louisville. I can't support a team that used the St. Louis foul every possession approach on Thursday, that was just brutal to watch.

[mauchow]

Well that one is over.. and they pushed back the start of the Tx/Mich game which of course means Badgers will start later too.. oh, why oh why!!! Oh, so the talking heads can talk.

[sterlingice]

These games have been so ugly and boring. Hopefully the evening games get better

SI

[bhlloy]

Yaaaaaawn. Here comes the most thrilling 15 minutes in sport

[cartman]

If Michigan keeps making 3s at this pace, it is gonna be a long afternoon for the Longhorns.

[mauchow]

Oh lord they cannot miss.

[EagleFan]

Not a good set of games so far; hope it gets better this evening.

[mauchow]

Not a good set of games so far; hope it gets better this evening.

This is a good one for Michigan fans. I hope the Wisconsin one is identical to this one as in I hope Wisconsin is winning by 20 at half....I'm getting extremely nervous. I LOVE THE MADNESS!!

[sterlingice]

At least this one isn't ugly except for Texas's shooting

SI

[EagleFan]

Come on SI, this is your thread, make these games better!

:)

[PilotMan]

NDSU is on, it just got better!

[sterlingice]

Come on SI, this is your thread, make these games better!

:)

I did all I could with the title earlier today :D

Hey! Good news! SDSU-NDSU has started!

SI

[PilotMan]

smh, that was a rough last few minutes.

[sterlingice]

Thankfully both games are fun right now

SI

[cartman]

Texas almost made a game out of it, getting the Michigan lead down to 8, but then the Wolverines shut the door with a nice run.

[NobodyHere]

Yay Michigan!

[PilotMan]

We need to catch a break.

[PilotMan]

Thane has 30 of 55 points. Unreal. He won't miss.

[sterlingice]

Thames just couldn't be stopped

SI

[mauchow]

Play your game, Traevon Jackson, don't try taking over.. that's not you, you're not good enough to do so. Quit it with your lazy ass passes and help yourself a little bit on defense, too.

Let's close this thing up before half time and be within a point or two or the lead. k thx

[mauchow]

What a fuckin meltdown... Oregon can't miss shit(5-8 on 3s, 15-16 free throws). Fuck.

[sterlingice]

Dayton-Syracuse has been really fun for the last few minutes, even being low scoring

SI

[sterlingice]

We've finally had a game befitting today's stature

SI

[sterlingice]

How in the world did he not drive when he's been eating them alive?

SI

[sterlingice]

Now THAT was a game

SI

[Matthean]

I'm rather happy Duke got beat. A Mercer/Tenn matchup seems a lot nicer for Michigan. If Michigan makes the Elite 8, they are playing with house money at that point.

I didn't fill out a bracket, but I had Syracuse in the Final Four. I wasn't that sold on Florida, but I'm getting there.

[Young Drachma]

Good on Dayton..refs kept Syracuse in it at the end there, but...they managed to get it done.

[sterlingice]

While we're wishing things, I wish there was a better poster than sterlingice. He is a dumb-dumb head.

GO FLYERS!

I'm happy to be wrong

SI

[Butter]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

[sterlingice]

Good on Dayton..refs kept Syracuse in it at the end there, but...they managed to get it done.

I think it was just a lot of whistle swallowing. We've seen a ton of rough and tumble today with the old "let em play" after the crazy whistle calls yesterday

SI

[sterlingice]

Wisconsin is storming back

SI

[rowech]

I think it was just a lot of whistle swallowing. We've seen a ton of rough and tumble today with the old "let em play" after the crazy whistle calls yesterday

SI

I thought the refs did a very good job in that game. Called what needed to be called and let the game go otherwise. Felt Dayton had a great game plan in the first half, grinded it out in the second half, and got a win they deserved.

[sterlingice]

I thought the refs did a very good job in that game. Called what needed to be called and let the game go otherwise. Felt Dayton had a great game plan in the first half, grinded it out in the second half, and got a win they deserved.

I commented about that on the Kansas sbnation blog. I thought the officiating was good in the Syracuse-Dayton game. I think it's been pretty good in what I've seen of Wisconsin-Oregon.

SI

[Kodos]

Kodos, truth be said, I had a hard time seeing Cuse as a Sweet 16 team and certainly not Elite 8. With Dayton next, that may be different.

Both my son and I are very happy that OSU lost. We would hate to think of the chance of SU losing to OSU.

Now I'm happy!

[EagleFan]

Okay, there was a play earlier in the Syracuse/Dayton game with a player being given a flagrant foul. What was I missing? It's not like he extended his elbow, the defender was basically on top of him, what else was he supposed to do at that point?

[rowech]

Okay, there was a play earlier in the Syracuse/Dayton game with a player being given a flagrant foul. What was I missing? It's not like he extended his elbow, the defender was basically on top of him, what else was he supposed to do at that point?

Dumb rule but called correctly.

[mauchow]

Stay out of a drought now Wisconsin. .. get a bcucket underneath coming out of timeout. K thx

[mauchow]

Shit gettin real tense now...

[sterlingice]

Both of these last couple games have been excellent after the crappy 4 earler in the day

SI

[sterlingice]

That was a pretty bs foul call there after the murdering they've been letting them get away with in the game

SI

[mauchow]

Super glad to be in Double Bonus... C'MON MOOOOOOTHERR FUCCCCKKKERRR!

[mauchow]

Holy smokes I see Harvard has come back within 2.

[PilotMan]

God this wouldn't even be a game if the FT difference wasn't so extreme.

[Dutch]

Harvard has stormed back with authority.

[mauchow]

Oh, efff, no jump ball ref

[mauchow]

God this wouldn't even be a game if the FT difference wasn't so extreme.

If Badgers make their normal % it's a different game. But I don't think Oregon is getting too many free throws, really..

[sterlingice]

Holy smokes I see Harvard has come back within 2.

How did that happen? I just noticed it in the top of the scren

SI

[mauchow]

How did that happen? I just noticed it in the top of the scren

SI

the hell if I'm watchin it.. tied up tho now I see. I can't wait to watch it after my Badgers win...

[mauchow]

Weeeee! Sweet 16 Bound against Creighton/Baylor. Glad to be back..

I might have had a heart attack if I was at the game. My buddy calls me up at 1:00 and says "Hey, I have an extra ticket for you.." .. I just couldn't pull myself to doing it last minute like that.

[sterlingice]

This one's over so time to see Sparty v Smarty?

SI

[sterlingice]

Weeeee! Sweet 16 Bound against Creighton/Baylor. Glad to be back

I really wanted to see Baylor play Oregon as screens would explode

SI

[mauchow]

I really wanted to see Baylor play Oregon as screens would explode

SI

Ugh, they'd be fighting over who's jerseys were more neon...

[Dutch]

What's up with Harvard? Basically, Michigan State went to sleep and started getting real sloppy while Harvard has been taking advantage of it.

MSU turnover, HAR slam dunk.
MSU forcing shots
MSU Offensive Charge
MSU Travelling
MSU Loose ball, collected by Harvard, slam dunk.

That was the gist of the run anyway.

[Dutch]

Now add another MSU turnover, HAR 3 pt to give HAR the lead, but MSU gets it back quick with their own clutch 3.

[Dutch]

And just like that MSU comes back to life and HAR can't hang...lead back up to 6 for MSU after another wide open 3.

[mauchow]

UConn/Nova another scrappy low scoring affair I see.

[sterlingice]

That was a game for a second

SI

[mauchow]

MSU not missing down the stretch on these big 3's.. Let's see if harvard has one last push in them down the stretch!

[Dutch]

MSU not missing down the stretch on these big 3's.. Let's see if harvard has one last push in them down the stretch!

Looks like they may have peaked. MSU in total command right now. Doubt they will fall asleep again.

[mauchow]

Ooh, damn. First the missed lay-up and then the turnover. Damn. Damn. Good game, Harvard.

[NobodyHere]

Well both Michigans are moving forward.

[Dutch]

Yup, good game for Harvard, should be an eye-opener for MSU...they can't go to sleep like that.

[nol]

Great effort by Harvard, but no reason to expect anything otherwise from them from their body of work the past few years.

You could tell they were super keyed up on stopping Payne both inside and on the pick and pop, and Michigan State had some guys step up and make shots to stave off Harvard's run.

[EagleFan]

Wow, empty in here for the last game of the night.

[sterlingice]

I'm still awake but barely

SI

[EagleFan]

I'm still awake but barely

SI

The games haven't really been keeping people awake today, that's for sure.

[EagleFan]

I'm only hanging on because Connecticut is another team that I have and seeds 6 and higher get a bonus payout for getting to the Sweet 16. :)

[sterlingice]

The games haven't really been keeping people awake today, that's for sure.

I think we had a nice middle stretch. Dayton-Syracuse was excellent and Oregon-Wisconsin was good, as was Harvard-Michigan State. But that's about it

SI

[Lathum]

Dayton has a decent path to the sweet 16 given tOSU and Cuse have been playing like trash lately.

If only I had followed my own advise in all my brackets.

[sterlingice]

And I'm going to miss most of, if not all of, the Kansas game today :(:mad:

SI

[mauchow]

Sorry SI... gooo Trees!

[BishopMVP]

This is atrocious coaching by bill self. You've got athletes like Andrew Wiggins - swing the ball and drive!

[NobodyHere]

Watching Kansas getting upset is a good way to start any NCAA tournament day!

Finish em Stanford!

[mauchow]

Kansas still alive wowza when it seemed over (poor kid bawling his eyes out)

[NobodyHere]

Indeed, nice 3s

[panerd]

Kansas still alive wowza when it seemed over (poor kid bawling his eyes out)

You have to be pretty young to not be used to early tournament bowouts.

[TroyF]

Kansas still alive wowza when it seemed over (poor kid bawling his eyes out)

I really, really, really don't get the fascination with showing children crying their eyes out when their team loses. Show the players or the coaches. Show some of the drunken college kids depressed. For the love of everything sacred, keep the camera off the 9 year old.

[Crapshoot]

Fear The Damn Tree!

[NobodyHere]

I really, really, really don't get the fascination with showing children crying their eyes out when their team loses. Show the players or the coaches. Show some of the drunken college kids depressed. For the love of everything sacred, keep the camera off the 9 year old.

Honestly I didn't mind so much the initial shot of the kid, but didn't like how they kept coming back to him (especially after the team lost). I mean yeah you like showing how emotional people can get but you're point has been made. Don't have to show the kid again after that.

[Lathum]

The more I watch these one and done kids the more I think they just really don't care about the tournament. So many of them are so close to the big NBA dollars at this point I just dont think they care come tournament time.

[Lathum]

I really, really, really don't get the fascination with showing children crying their eyes out when their team loses. Show the players or the coaches. Show some of the drunken college kids depressed. For the love of everything sacred, keep the camera off the 9 year old.

agreed

[nol]

Typical college overcoaching. Kansas should have loved for teams to run zone on them so they could put Wiggins in the middle of the floor and give him a running start at the basket from the free throw line every time. Instead, he's hanging out on the perimeter when his shot clearly isn't falling.

[B & B]

I really, really, really don't get the fascination with showing children crying their eyes out when their team loses. Show the players or the coaches. Show some of the drunken college kids depressed. For the love of everything sacred, keep the camera off the 9 year old.


Those nine year old ginger tears are the sweetest though.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Honestly I didn't mind so much the initial shot of the kid, but didn't like how they kept coming back to him (especially after the team lost). I mean yeah you like showing how emotional people can get but you're point has been made. Don't have to show the kid again after that.

I trained my two daughters (7 & 4) well. They laughed and applauded when they showed the kid. I nearly teared up with pride.

[Matthean]

I wonder how many people had Kansas going out before the sweet 16.

[jbergey22]

I wonder how many people had Kansas going out before the sweet 16.

Are you looking for an exact number? 2.3 million LOL! JK

Id guess around 25 percent. I am sure someone will dig up a Yahoo or ESPN bracket pool and get the exact number.


EDIT
51 percent had Kansas in the sweet 16 in the yahoo contest. 36 percent had the cuse.

[cartman]

I trained my two daughters (7 & 4) well. They laughed and applauded when they showed the kid. I nearly teared up with pride.

"Daddy, when will we get to cheer for when our team is successful? Why is it our only chances to cheer are when another team fails?"

"Shut up and watch the NIT game. It is a very prestigious tournament. FAITH IN HAITH!"

[whomario]

wichita state is fun to watch

[hoopsguy]

Very fun first half between Kentucky/Wichita State so far. Van Vleet putting on a clinic running his team.

Kentucky's shooting and offensive execution have been good, yet they are down 7 after the first 15 minutes. Going to have to figure out some answers on other end, because I don't think Wildcats can sustain that level of play in half court.

[TroyF]

wichita state is fun to watch

What's interesting is how Kentucky keeps making the flashy plays and state just makes the smart play. Time after time after time. They are indeed fun to watch.

[whomario]

when you are calling the game for TV, you don´t get to complain about unnecessary breaks ...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

http://cdn2.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/CRYING-KANSAS-FAN.gif

[TroyF]

I trained my two daughters (7 & 4) well. They laughed and applauded when they showed the kid. I nearly teared up with pride.

Well, I guess that's ok. I mean, you could have taught them sportsmanship or you could have taught them how sports their team actually made it further than your own so they deserve some respect.

I remember when CU pounded Nebraska many moons ago and they showed the NU kid crying over and over and over. I laughed and thought it was funny. Thank God I grew up.

[mauchow]

"Daddy, when will we get to cheer for when our team is successful? Why is it our only chances to cheer are when another team fails?"

"Shut up and watch the NIT game. It is a very prestigious tournament. FAITH IN HAITH!"

Perfecto.

[Julio Riddols]

I'd expect cartman to be the one taking joy from the tears of a redheaded kid.

[Lathum]

I trained my two daughters (7 & 4) well. They laughed and applauded when they showed the kid. I nearly teared up with pride.


I often think people give you too much a hard time, but this is a really crappy point of view.

How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot and it was one of your girls crying?

I will NEVER teach my children, nor praise them, to take joy in others sorrow, no matter how trivial.

Its called being a bully and their are enough in this world, please don't raise two more. You are smarter than that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well, I guess that's ok. I mean, you could have taught them sportsmanship or you could have taught them how sports their team actually made it further than your own so they deserve some respect.

I remember when CU pounded Nebraska many moons ago and they showed the NU kid crying over and over and over. I laughed and thought it was funny. Thank God I grew up.

Oh, they're excellent sports and play games with class. They also know that KU sucks. The two are not mutually exclusive.

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1237621_606088632814211_382969249_n.jpg

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I often think people give you too much a hard time, but this is a really crappy point of view.

How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot and it was one of your girls crying?

I will NEVER teach my children, nor praise them, to take joy in others sorrow, no matter how trivial.

Its called being a bully and their are enough in this world, please don't raise two more. You are smarter than that.

They're not bullies. Teams hate their rivals. That's the way college basketball works.

They also know that you can be compassionate and caring towards others in every day life. Once again, the two are not mutually exclusive. People take sports far too seriously. You can be passionate while still laughing at how silly life is sometimes.

[TroyF]

Well, I guess I have my answer. They keep showing it because there are scumbags in the world who get off at watching 9 year olds cry so long as they wear opposition colors.

[sterlingice]

Well, that sucked :(

EDIT: what little I saw of the KU game, not WSU-UK

SI

[Matthean]

They also know that Mizzou sucks.

.

[sterlingice]

wichita state is fun to watch

This I agree with

SI

[jbergey22]

Im not sure I understand the logic in having 1 game at a time going on in the afternoon while overlapping games like crazy this evening. Wouldnt starting games around a hour apart throughout the day make more sense?

[panerd]

Im not sure I understand the logic in having 1 game at a time going on in the afternoon while overlapping games like crazy this evening. Wouldnt starting games around a hour apart throughout the day make more sense?

CBS gets 3 games, 3 of them basically unopposed with any other game. They are a separate company than Turner sports so would rather not have the competition for viewers when they don't have to.

[jbergey22]

CBS gets 4 games, 3 of them unopposed with any other game. They are a separate company than Turner sports so would rather not have the competition for viewers when they don't have to.

Thanks for the explanation. This makes more sense than having halftime breaks with no games on:)

[Solecismic]

Im not sure I understand the logic in having 1 game at a time going on in the afternoon while overlapping games like crazy this evening. Wouldnt starting games around a hour apart throughout the day make more sense?

They feel the highlighted afternoon matchups, once they reach the round of 32, are big enough that people will stay tuned, rather than flicking back-and-forth during commercials.

I've noticed CBS has ratcheted up the commercial level again. I know I have less tolerance than most, but I stopped watching full games long ago, other than Michigan and some other Big Ten games.

Combine this with the in-game billboards, and it's like watching those '80s cyberpunk thrillers. All we need are flying cars and a president sponsored by Ford and Budweiser.

[Lathum]

They're not bullies. Teams hate their rivals. That's the way college basketball works.

They also know that you can be compassionate and caring towards others in every day life. Once again, the two are not mutually exclusive. People take sports far too seriously. You can be passionate while still laughing at how silly life is sometimes.

I hope they are old enough to realize that

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I hope they are old enough to realize that

They are, but I certainly appreciate your concern.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Can't believe that people would rather discuss crying kids and today's schedule over the game that's currently going on. It's a helluva game.

[panerd]

Can't believe that people would rather discuss crying kids and today's schedule over the game that's currently going on. It's a helluva game.

You are the one who posted the picture and bragged about your daughters. Sometimes I feel for you as a fellow Tiger fan and sometimes I hope you say stuff just to be controversial. Because you come across as a quite a dick.

[sterlingice]

Can't believe that people would rather discuss crying kids and today's schedule over the game that's currently going on. It's a helluva game.

Maybe it's more a reflection on the statement than the game

SI

[Alan T]

They're not bullies. Teams hate their rivals. That's the way college basketball works.

They also know that you can be compassionate and caring towards others in every day life. Once again, the two are not mutually exclusive. People take sports far too seriously. You can be passionate while still laughing at how silly life is sometimes.

I hope you realize how others can perceive what you wrote completely differently.

I trained my two daughters (7 & 4) well. They laughed and applauded when they showed the kid. I nearly teared up with pride.

You pretty much said here that you trained your two kids to laugh at another kid that was upset/sad/hurting.

That is at least the part that bothered me about what you posted. Having three daughters myself who play sports, I constantly am trying to reinforce a different attitude I guess.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I hope you realize how others can perceive what you wrote completely differently.

You pretty much said here that you trained your two kids to laugh at another kid that was upset/sad/hurting.

That is at least the part that bothered me about what you posted. Having three daughters myself who play sports, I constantly am trying to reinforce a different attitude I guess.

It's a joke. Relax, Francis.

[Alan T]

It's a joke. Relax, Francis.


Well, ok then. Father of the year :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Maybe it's more a reflection on the statement than the game

SI

Or a statement that Kansas as a state is a whisker away from imploding at this point.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well, ok then. Father of the year :)

I needed something to put on my shelf other than useless books.

[jbergey22]

Can't believe that people would rather discuss crying kids and today's schedule over the game that's currently going on. It's a helluva game.

Was trying to change the subject off the crying kids but it keeps coming back and you arent making it go away any faster.

[Solecismic]

Can't believe that people would rather discuss crying kids and today's schedule over the game that's currently going on. It's a helluva game.

I don't want to pile on, but huh? Please don't teach your kids to laugh at this stuff. There's enough crappy behavior in the world.

Also, when you switch conferences, don't you have to choose a new main rival? At least for the purposes of schadenfreude?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Was trying to change the subject off the crying kids but it keeps coming back and you arent making it go away any faster.

You chose poorly.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I don't want to pile on, but huh? Please don't teach your kids to laugh at this stuff. There's enough crappy behavior in the world.

Also, when you switch conferences, don't you have to choose a new main rival? At least for the purposes of schadenfreude?

The fact that people somehow think I actually trained my children in this manner is mind-boggling. It's funny, but borderline scary.

You don't change 100+ years of hatred.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The youth vs. experience dynamic in this game is fantastic.

[Solecismic]

The fact that people somehow think I actually trained my children in this manner is mind-boggling. It's funny, but borderline scary.

You don't change 100+ years of hatred.

Nothing surprises me any more when it comes to parenting.

I think you have to accept that Mizzou is limited to snarking about Johnny Football for a while, at least until the probationary period ends.

I'm going to have to tune into this one. Saw Randle early in the season and he was like a baby monster. Now he's like one of Daenerys' kids.

[sterlingice]

Or a statement that Kansas as a state is a whisker away from imploding at this point.

I'm pretty sure it will still exist tomorrow one way or another. Or did the state of Missouri implode when Saint Louis lost?

SI

[TroyF]

I just love how Witchita State responds to the runs of Kentucky. Banked in three with 100% luck? Ok, we'll just come back and bury a three ourselves. If you make us. They have missed some critical FT in the last few minutes. That could come back to bite them in the ass if they aren't careful.

[jbergey22]

I'm going to have to tune into this one. Saw Randle early in the season and he was like a baby monster. Now he's like one of Daenerys' kids.

He is just an unusual player. Sometimes I watch him and he dominates the college game like Lebron dominates the pro game. Other times I watch him and he doesnt do anything for an entire half.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Back and forth............

[stevew]

Nice brick.

[sterlingice]

Wow. Elbow from Kentucky

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Wow. Elbow from Kentucky

SI

Not even close.

[nol]

Wow. Elbow from Kentucky

SI

Didn't see that. Looked like he was trying to go into a shooting motion so he'd get three foul shots instead of two.

[stevew]

If you could get the Harrison, Lopez(pending surgery on Brook) and Morris twins on the same NBA squad you'd have a solid rotation and probably a 3 seed in the East.

[sterlingice]

Didn't see that. Looked like he was trying to go into a shooting motion so he'd get three foul shots instead of two.

It's the silly rule they keep talking about where an inadvertent elbow still is a flagrant. They've laid back on calling it, tho, and hopefully they just change the rule

SI

[Matthean]

So we are down to one team that was in the Top 20 for offense and defense? I think UK will be an interesting team to see what happens with them. UK/UL is gonna be good.

[BishopMVP]

Two straight games that basically end on airballed 3's.

[nol]

Oh, I didn't even see any inadvertent contact on that play. Just Baker trying to make a "heady, veteran play" (or a terrible, no-good flop if he happened to look like Marcus Smart) to get the call.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Two straight games that basically end on airballed 3's.

Should have ended on the Baker 3 several seconds earlier, but the glass got in the way and knocked it in the basket.

[INDalltheway]

It took Kentucky's best game to beat them. I wouldn't be too disappointed if I were a Shocker fan. That was a treat to watch though.

[panerd]

"Daddy, when will we get to cheer for when our team is successful? Why is it our only chances to cheer are when another team fails?"

"Shut up and watch the NIT game. It is a very prestigious tournament. FAITH IN HAITH!"

I'm basically with you on the critisism of MBBF however maybe the committee should have saved some of those 13 spots taken up by Big 12/A-10 teams and given them to conferences like the SEC who are undefeated right now in the tournament.

[INDalltheway]

Should have ended on the Baker 3 several seconds earlier, but the glass got in the way and knocked it in the basket.
They could have called a foul on that because his elbow was slightly touched. And if you've played any basketball before you'd realize that alters your shot quite a bit.

[Chief Rum]

So we are down to one team that was in the Top 20 for offense and defense? I think UK will be an interesting team to see what happens with them. UK/UL is gonna be good.

Louisville, Tennessee and Florida are all still in, and Kentucky may have played its way into the top 20 today (not sure). Virginia is also close.

I presume you're talking the Ken Pom AdjO and AdjD ratings, and the link between Top 20 in those categories and the eventual champions the past few years?

[JPhillips]

I was out with my daughter today, and I saw an old lady getting raped. She had a Michigan key chain, so I just joined in. It was really funny and it taught my daughter a valuable lesson about the worth of competing fans.

SPOILER ALERT:

She died!

[sterlingice]

I'm basically with you on the critisism of MBBF however maybe the committee should have saved some of those 13 spots taken up by Big 12/A-10 teams and given them to conferences like the SEC who are undefeated right now in the tournament.

I can't speak to the A-10, but who were you going to kick out of the Big XII in the tourney? The two lowest seeds were 9s in Oklahoma State and Kansas State and both lost close games to 8s, which seems like they played to seed.

SI

[nol]

If you could get the Harrison, Lopez(pending surgery on Brook) and Morris twins on the same NBA squad you'd have a solid rotation and probably a 3 seed in the East.

You caught the Harrisons on their absolute best day. Kentucky obviously played like one of the top teams in the country today, so you can imagine how much those two have struggled for UK to have been an 8 seed coming in.

[mauchow]

It's a joke. Relax, Francis.

Oh is that right? Psssshh

[molson]

You don't change 100+ years of hatred.


People take sports far too seriously.

Some people definitely do.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL.....the questions from the press in the WSU press conference are just painful.

[panerd]

I can't speak to the A-10, but who were you going to kick out of the Big XII in the tourney? The two lowest seeds were 9s in Oklahoma State and Kansas State and both lost close games to 8s, which seems like they played to seed.

SI

I just think a narrative gets established and the media doesn't like to shy away from it. I don't think Mizzou should have necessarily grabbed the spot but kstate and osu weren't exactly world beaters either and Arkansas or Georiga could have just have easily made it. The Big 12 got SEC football treatment though where every win was a battle and every loss was just such a tough conference.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I was out with my daughter today, and I saw an old lady getting raped. She had a Michigan key chain, so I just joined in. It was really funny and it taught my daughter a valuable lesson about the worth of competing fans.

SPOILER ALERT:

She died!

Sounds like the beginning chapter of the MU/KU rivalry.

[stevew]

You caught the Harrisons on their absolute best day. Kentucky obviously played like one of the top teams in the country today, so you can imagine how much those two have struggled for UK to have been an 8 seed coming in.

I think they're projectable NBA starters in a couple years. I'd love to put one with a smaller SG.

[britrock88]

UK over WSU is the upset no one wanted.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

UK over WSU is the upset no one wanted.

SEC fans quite enjoyed it.

[chadritt]

SEC fans quite enjoyed it.

Not all of us. Of course I didnt like watching the Wichita State fans cry either so...

[BishopMVP]

I'm basically with you on the critisism of MBBF however maybe the committee should have saved some of those 13 spots taken up by Big 12/A-10 teams and given them to conferences like the SEC who are undefeated right now in the tournament.SEC had 2.5 good teams... Florida being good doesn't mean any more about the rest of the sec than Wichita state being good did about the MVC.

And it's the 6th best team from the a10 who made it to the sweet 16... There's a whole lot of randomness there.

[B & B]

SEC had 2.5 good teams....



You don't have any idea what youre talking about, do you?

[B & B]

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7964/75g.gif

SEC is gonna have 3 Sweet 16 teams.


Tenn as an 11 seed is asinine.

[sterlingice]

I just think a narrative gets established and the media doesn't like to shy away from it. I don't think Mizzou should have necessarily grabbed the spot but kstate and osu weren't exactly world beaters either and Arkansas or Georiga could have just have easily made it. The Big 12 got SEC football treatment though where every win was a battle and every loss was just such a tough conference.

Except in basketball, while the committee that decides who makes it in does so with a giant pile of data points that football lacks (12-15 games in the non-conference versus football's 3-4, sometimes none of which matter).

The big difference is that in football, you can make the national title game on reputation alone whereas in basketball, you have to win 5 games to get there. They didn't just advance Wichita State to the title game for being undefeated, regardless of competition.

SI

[Matthean]

SEC had 2.5 good teams... Florida being good doesn't mean any more about the rest of the sec than Wichita state being good did about the MVC.

And it's the 6th best team from the a10 who made it to the sweet 16... There's a whole lot of randomness there.

I would argue the so called best conference, the Big Ten, only had three. Those three are in the Sweet 16. The others got bounced in round one. Granted, those three flirted with a #1 seed along the line in some form, could all be in the Elite 8, with many saying one could make the Final Four, and the same team winning it all. I'm not sure the Big Ten is that far ahead of the SEC. Tennessee being the weakest link, but they get first a possible crack at Michigan.

[panerd]

SEC had 2.5 good teams... Florida being good doesn't mean any more about the rest of the sec than Wichita state being good did about the MVC.

And it's the 6th best team from the a10 who made it to the sweet 16... There's a whole lot of randomness there.

And it's impossible to debate the narrative if you think the SEC only has 2.5 good teams. One it isn't true and two I have heard talking heads use 2.5 so I think I see where your SEC info is coming from.

Don't forget I live in St. Louis so I can see how teams can inflate their records with the Duquesnes, Fordhams, and St Bonoventures of the world.

[Karlifornia]

I was out with my daughter today, and I saw an old lady getting raped. She had a Michigan key chain, so I just joined in. It was really funny and it taught my daughter a valuable lesson about the worth of competing fans.

SPOILER ALERT:

She died!

:lol:

I can't believe this Stanford team is still dancing

[Coffee Warlord]

So my Kansas - Duke final doesn't look so hot.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Crazy exchanges between NC and ISU.

[mauchow]

I'd be having a heart attack if either of these teams were my fave.

[sterlingice]

Unlike yesterday's early games, you can't say these aren't exciting

SI

[kingfc22]

Late whistle there. Looked like the right call, but still...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Should be end of game. Clock started late on inbound.

[sterlingice]

The clock started late. I'm not sure what they're going to do with this

SI

[kingfc22]

Should be end of game. Clock started late on inbound.

Indeed.

[mauchow]

Yup. Not a smart play by the player. He would have actually had a clean look out there for the win.. historical win. But now not so much.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good call. Great win for the Cyclones.

[nol]

Get 'em off the floor. This should be over.

edit: Oops, looks like my stream is a bit behind. Good thing I'm not checking Twitter too regularly :D

[cartman]

Yeah, it looked like they never started the clock when the NC player received the inbounds pass.

[Buccaneer]

My son and I watched the ending and I kept being confused what the issue was. It didn't matter if the clock didn't start, he did not even attempt a shot nor was there a timeout called.

[Buccaneer]

Besides, it looks (to me) like the ISU took about 4 steps carrying the ball. What's the rule up to now?

[Jas_lov]

If the NC player had shot the 3 and made it would they have taken it off the board because the clock didn't start on time?

[Matthean]

:lol:

I can't believe this Stanford team is still dancing

Them or Dayton in the Elite 8.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

If the NC player had shot the 3 and made it would they have taken it off the board because the clock didn't start on time?

Yes. They can use a stopwatch to manually check the timing while watching the replay.

[Glengoyne]

If the NC player had shot the 3 and made it would they have taken it off the board because the clock didn't start on time?

Yes. They can use a stopwatch to manually check the timing while watching the replay.

Yeah but without the timeout taken to sort it out I don't think there is any chance they would have waived off a made basket.

[JonInMiddleGA]

UK over WSU is the upset no one wanted.

Wrong.

Check my bracket :)

[sterlingice]

Yeah but without the timeout taken to sort it out I don't think there is any chance they would have waived off a made basket.

It would have been the thing everyone on ESPN would be talking about but UNC wouldn't have cared as they'd have moved on

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tenn as an 11 seed is asinine.

Not really. They're a good example -- maybe -- of how important performance down the stretch can be.

If they played like they're capable of over a whole season then yeah, it'd be asinine. They didn't, to the extent that Martin was probably no better than 50-50 to be back next year, so it's not really a bad seed for them (I thought putting them in the play-in was kinda harsh, but a 10 seed was pretty much their ceiling)

[mauchow]

Not really. They're a good example -- maybe -- of how important performance down the stretch can be.

If they played like they're capable of over a whole season then yeah, it'd be asinine. They didn't, to the extent that Martin was probably no better than 50-50 to be back next year, so it's not really a bad seed for them (I thought putting them in the play-in was kinda harsh, but a 10 seed was pretty much their ceiling)

Vegas will probably have the Michigan/Tennessee game as a toss-up next week, if that isn't proof of being well over-seeded..... They probably should have been a 6 or 7.

[sterlingice]

Looks like the evening games are the crap ones today

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Vegas will probably have the Michigan/Tennessee game as a toss-up next week, if that isn't proof of being well over-seeded..... They probably should have been a 6 or 7.

And those of us who've watched the Vols all season (like my household) are wondering if UT stays within 10 points of 'em, or if Michigan wins by 20+.

[sterlingice]

Baylor starting out hot from 3

SI

[Jas_lov]

TN has looked good but they did benefit from some favorable matchups. Slumping Iowa team, overseeded UMASS who they were favored against and then Mercer.

[whomario]

too many freaking timeouts and commercial breaks. Seriously, this is even worse than the NBA and that has become borderline unwatchable live for me...
What was that, 3 TOs in 1.30 of game time ?

Creighton looks lost against that zone. No one moving into the seams, all they do is pass around the arc.

isaiah austin is an interesting player for Baylor.

[B & B]

TN has looked good but they did benefit from some favorable matchups. Slumping Iowa team, overseeded UMASS who they were favored against and then Mercer.

Vegas thinks differently as #11 seeded Tenn is catching 2 pts from vaunted #2 seed Michigan.


Going into today, kenpom had Tenn 6th behind the 4 #1 seeds and the controversial defending champs.

#11 seed. LMAO

[nol]

Not sure why you'd be complaining about the team's seeding when the bracket broke they way it did. You'd rather they were an 8 playing a 1 seed in the second round? Even if Duke had won, Tennessee's size would have been a problem for them. Teams seeded 5th-12th are even enough that the specific matchup and travel time matter a lot more when determining who gets past the first weekend.

[Vince, Pt. II]

UCLA is just too big for this Stephen F. Austin team.

[MizzouRah]

Wrong.

Check my bracket :)

Yep, I had Kentucy as well, I also have them beating Louisville.

[B & B]

Tenn is not my 'team'

I just found it quite funny and ironic that everyone spent Selection Sunday night to Thursday tipoffs bitching about Lville #4 seed and Mich St #4 seed when the worst injustice to me was Tenn being a play in #11 and UMass being a #6.

As a guideline, I try to not get worked up on rankings, seedings and AP polls.

I thought Wich St got a raw deal as any #1 seed would having to play Kentucky in the 2nd round.

I also thought the MW bracket overall was especially strong.

[Butter]

And it's impossible to debate the narrative if you think the SEC only has 2.5 good teams. One it isn't true and two I have heard talking heads use 2.5 so I think I see where your SEC info is coming from.

Don't forget I live in St. Louis so I can see how teams can inflate their records with the Duquesnes, Fordhams, and St Bonoventures of the world.

Do you really think the A10 teams get a lot of credit or RPI bumps by playing the bottom of the conference? No, they get it by playing an actual non-conference schedule that is tough instead of the BCS model of as few road games as possible. The selection committee has shown they reward teams that play tough OOC games and win on the road. The A10 has done that.

[Matthean]

Wisconsin can thank two OOC games for their #2 seed.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Baylor's running Creighton out of the gym. They're doing it to the tune of 66% shooting (75% on threes), but it's getting late to think that they're going to come back to earth.

[sterlingice]

Wisconsin can thank two OOC games for their #2 seed.

That's hardly fair:
NCAA College Basketball RPI Rankings - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rpi/_/teamId/275)

Yes, wins against Florida and Virginia (those are pretty darn good wins). But look at their RPI (I realize there are limitations but work with me here):

RPI Top 50: Florida, Saint Louis, Virginia
RPI Top 100: St Johns, Green Bay, West Virginia, Marquette, Eastern Kentucky
RPI > 100: Milwaukee, North Dakota, Bowling Green, Oral Roberts, Prarie View A&M

That means in the non-conference, 9 of their 13 games were in the top 100. That means not a lot of days off.

EDIT: Going 26-7 while playing in arguably the 1st or 2nd best BCS conference probably helped, too

SI

[Matthean]

They are also the only #2 seed who didn't win their regular season conference title and were 3 games back. The fact that they got a #2 seed and MSU is a #4 seed is interesting considering you'll have a hard time proving Wisconsin is the better team. MSU was vastly injured through the year. Wisconsin "had a bad spell." How much does that win against Florida during the second game of the year really count due to how early it is? Apparently a lot. Again, based on in conference play Wisconsin isn't a #2 seed. Those two OOC wins helped them make the leap considering Michigan won the conference by three games, made the conference tourney final, and earned the same seed. Wisconsin had the better OOC run while Michigan had the better conference run. There's not a whole lot to argue with really.

[cartman]

Baylor's running Creighton out of the gym. They're doing it to the tune of 66% shooting (75% on threes), but it's getting late to think that they're going to come back to earth.

Yeah, when Baylor is hitting the 3s, they are a tough team to beat.