NCAA tourney thread

[RedskinsDave]

UNC got a better deal than Duke. That's crap that they can lose badly and get a 2 seed at home and Duke gets sent out west as a 1.

[skinfanjon]

UNC got a better deal than Duke. That's crap that they can lose badly and get a 2 seed at home and Duke gets sent out west as a 1.

Boofrickityhoo

[CarMike]

UNC got a better deal than Duke. That's crap that they can lose badly and get a 2 seed at home and Duke gets sent out west as a 1.

Duke should have lost today. ;)

EDIT: Duke has the easiest #2 seed of any bracket. AND a tough match up in the 2nd round.

[SkinsKY]

If there's one thing that seems to be true. Today's games meant nothing for seeding. Alabama beat UGa twice in the last two weeks, both were on the bubble and UGa makes it in.

UK beat UF convincingly today ( and twice in ten days) to win the SEC but UK is a 4 going against the #1 overall and Florida gets a 2?

I think tOSU has the hardest road for a #1, and it's not close for me.

Joke time: Did anyone in the selection committee realize the upcoming jokes by giving Rick Pitino Morehead in the first round? I mean, seriously.

[akhhorus]

Joke time: Did anyone in the selection committee realize the upcoming jokes by giving Rick Pitino Morehead in the first round? I mean, seriously.

I heard that Louisville will only get a 27 second shot clock in the tourney *rimshot*

[SkinsKY]

From Pitino's own testimony, he only needs a 15 second clock.

[akhhorus]

From Pitino's own testimony, he only needs a 15 second clock.

I bet he enjoyed it longer than the BYU forward...

[dj_stouty]

I'm shocked that VCU made it in by the skin of their teeth, but I'll take it. Their coach didn't even have the players collectively meet for the selection show because he was convinced they were't going to make it. Overall, I think the team deserved their spot after beating Witchita State and GMU late in the season...as well as play ODU to the wire in the CAA finals.

The best part about VCU making it was the fact that VT didn't. lol. Lots of Hokie fans pissed on Sunday afternoon.

Glad to see the CAA getting (3) teams in the dance as well as (5) total from Virginia. (ODU, GMU, VCU, Hampton and Richmond)

Watch out for ODU and Richmond. I think either one could pull early upsets...

[Keino]

Duke should have lost today. ;)

EDIT: Duke has the easiest #2 seed of any bracket. AND a tough match up in the 2nd round.

In addition to not deserving a #1 seed and getting placed in the bracket with the least number of Big East teams.

Personally, I am happy for VCU, but I don't think they deserved the spot and certainly not ahead of Virginia Tech. I am hoping for a VCU-Georgetown Round 1 match-up, so hopefully they beat USC.

[dj_stouty]

In addition to not deserving a #1 seed and getting placed in the bracket with the least number of Big East teams.

Personally, I am happy for VCU, but I don't think they deserved the spot and certainly not ahead of Virginia Tech. I am hoping for a VCU-Georgetown Round 1 match-up, so hopefully they beat USC.

No matter how much the field is expanded, there will always be debate on who got snubbed and who didn't.

IMO, VCU deserved it for a few reasons; One, the CAA was one of the top mid-majors in the country and having three teams represented for the first time made sense. Remember - VCU has wins over the other two CAA entries. Two, VCU had three top-50 victories - all of which occured away from the Seigal Center. Third, they participated in and won their bracketbuster game against Wichita State, which was designed to get mid-majors the opportunity to improve their rpi. Speaking of rpi, VCU's was 53 compared to BC's 61, VT's 62 and Colorado's 65. Finally, they have 4 wins over the current field -identical to VT, BTW.

I think VCU's full season resume holds up here - but remember they got the nod for the play-in game...and nothing is guaranteed they will face G-town in the "real" first round. (although, like you, I'd love to see that matchup)

VT probably deserved it as well...especially after beating Duke...but that sweep from UVA didn't help matters...

[Skaggsrules]

In addition to not deserving a #1 seed and getting placed in the bracket with the least number of Big East teams.

Personally, I am happy for VCU, but I don't think they deserved the spot and certainly not ahead of Virginia Tech. I am hoping for a VCU-Georgetown Round 1 match-up, so hopefully they beat USC.

VCU deserved to be in over VT when you look at all the numbers, or just watch both teams play, VCU is better than VT. Colorado, BC, and Alabama deserved to be in over as well VT.

[Keino]

VCU deserved to be in over VT when you look at all the numbers, or just watch both teams play, VCU is better than VT. Colorado, BC, and Alabama deserved to be in over as well VT.

I agree about Colorado who should be in, but disagree about VCU, Bama and BC. Where was BC's quality win? VCU limped into their conference tourney and had a great showing and I liked their team, but I don't think the CAA should have sent anyone but GMU and ODU.

Virgina Tech won 21 games this year. They beat then #1 Duke.

They played in a tougher conference than the CAA and teams like PSU have no place in the tourney in my opinion.

[Skaggsrules]

I agree about Colorado who should be in, but disagree about VCU, Bama and BC. Where was BC's quality win? VCU limped into their conference tourney and had a great showing and I liked their team, but I don't think the CAA should have sent anyone but GMU and ODU.

Virgina Tech won 21 games this year. They beat then #1 Duke.

They played in a tougher conference than the CAA and teams like PSU have no place in the tourney in my opinion.

BC - Texas A&M was a quality win, but probably not as good as beating VT...TWICE, and finishing ahead of VT in the ACC

VCU - yeah, limped into the CAA tourney...losing to 4 regular season 20 win teams. Their wins AT ODU, and "neutral" GMU alone are collectively better than VT's home win vs. Duke and any other "good win" VT had. VCU had 2 wins vs. the RPI top 25 and 3 vs. the RPI top 50....VT was 1 and 2. Don't have the SOS numbers, but VCU played a tougher schedule OOC which is a big deal, and Greenberg should know that by now.

VCU RPI: 47
VT RPI: 61


The CAA had 6 teams in the regular season with 20 wins, the notion that the CAA was weaker than the ACC is true, but the gap between the two is narrow...really narrow. The 6th place ACC team is not as good as the 4th place CAA team

Penn St - Meh, not too impressed with them either, but they had a strong schedule, and again, big thing. Making the finals in the Big 10 probably left an impression.

Greenberg got what he deserves scheduling 4-5 joke games, instead of just one or two to start the year, even though that's been the case the last two years

[Keino]

Ugh, I thought the VA Tech SOS (77, RPI of 61) was much higher than it was and I thought VCUs was somewhere around 80. The latter is correct, as VCUs SOS is 85 and their RPI is 48. They deserve it more than Tech, but they still don't deserve one of 37 at-large bids in my opinion.

I withdraw my objections relative to Va Tech.

I don't think UAB, VCU or PSU deserve to be there. I think both Carolina and Duke each got a seed that is one too high.

[CarMike]

I think VT losing twice to the Hoos hurt them in the end. Plus losing right after they beat dook.

But I agree with you. VT > VCU

I agree about Colorado who should be in, but disagree about VCU, Bama and BC. Where was BC's quality win? VCU limped into their conference tourney and had a great showing and I liked their team, but I don't think the CAA should have sent anyone but GMU and ODU.

Virgina Tech won 21 games this year. They beat then #1 Duke.

They played in a tougher conference than the CAA and teams like PSU have no place in the tourney in my opinion.

[Skaggsrules]

Ugh, I thought the VA Tech SOS (77, RPI of 61) was much higher than it was and I thought VCUs was somewhere around 80. The latter is correct, as VCUs SOS is 85 and their RPI is 48. They deserve it more than Tech, but they still don't deserve one of 37 at-large bids in my opinion.

I withdraw my objections relative to Va Tech.

I don't think UAB, VCU or PSU deserve to be there. I think both Carolina and Duke each got a seed that is one too high.

Fair statements, there are tons of reason not to let UAB, VCU, PSU, UGA and other teams in, it's just that when you look at the numbers of teams left out, the big point was OOC SOS, and those team that got in have a high one, while VT, St. Mary's, Colorado, and Alabama didn't. I feel like that's been a big thing the past couple of years, and Greenberg continues to ignore it, and at like a child when he doesn't get in.

When it comes down to it, this was a terrible bubble, and adding 3 bids just made it look worse.

[Patrick]

Well nobody outside of Florida made it to Tampa that I thought would be there........ guess I'll be rooting for Princeton and UCSB :D

[Keino]

Well nobody outside of Florida made it to Tampa that I thought would be there........ guess I'll be rooting for Princeton and UCSB :D

When do you get here Pat?

[SkinsKY]

Well nobody outside of Florida made it to Tampa that I thought would be there........ guess I'll be rooting for Princeton and UCSB :D

Boo Princeton!

To quote a UK player last year before playing Cornell: "It's not a spelling bee."

After that, who knows what we're going to do. Even if we take down WVa, we've got tOSU, one of the couple teams I wanted no part of.

[IH Brave]

This is probably the homer in me talking; but now that Chris Wright is coming back, watch out for Georgetown. I think they will go deep.

[mr shadow 008]

hahahah dont forget about the blue devils! especially now that kyrie is back!

[CarMike]

Saw this on a Carolina MB. Thought I'd share.

I have to go and rethink my bracket. Had Purdue in the elite 8 after a couple of upsets.

If this is true, could mean an easier road for the Hoyas to the Elite8.

It is no surprise that Purdue is essentially a two man squad: Jujuan Johnson and E'twaan (or however his parents decided to spell that crap) Moore. Their remaining players are very average. They go about 9 deep on a good day. They lost their last two games in pretty bad fashion one @Iowa and got crushed by Michigan State in their conference tournament opener. Well, things appear to be falling off the tracks rapidly.

There are rumors that John Hart broke his foot again and is out for the year. He was probably #9 on their 9 man rotation. That has yet to be verified. Anyways, this is the juicy bit:

Yesterday Kelsey Barlow was suspended for the rest of the year for conduct detrimental to the team. Initially, rumor was simply a failed drug test. Then rumors started to break that he beat the crap otu of Ryne Smith and gave him a concussion.

Well, the Chicago Sun Times is now reporting that Smith is doubtful for this weekend because of a concussion. The rumor that has a lot of legs (even before the Sun-Times officially broke the concussion story) is that Barlow showed up to practice smelling of alcohol and Smith snitched. Painter agreed and kicked Barlow out of pracice. Barlow goes nuts, punches Smith in the head and then slams his head into the ball rack!! Smith and Barlow were probably #5-6 in their rotation and shared a starting spot.

It may be worth noting in your respective brackets. As an Indiana fan I can't be happier. This year and last were supposed to be Purdue's final return to the Final Four and they were saying they had their best team ever. Last year Hummel tore his ACL, this year they rushed him back and he tore it on the first day of practice. Now whatever depth they had is being torn apart right before the tournament.

[WarEagle]

Early game this evening (TruTV) featuring my Ala State Hornets vs. UT-SA.
ASU is the SWAC Champion. Two of their senior leaders include-

Chris Duncan, Lexington KY, Fern Creek HS.
AJ Spencer, Salisbury MD, Wicomico HS.

They have players from Detroit, one each from Canada and Brooklyn NY. This attests to the broad appeal that HBCU's down here have for Af-Ams up north. ASU also recruits locally, of course.

Go Hornets! Winner of game plays Ohio State. ugh.

[SkinsKY]

Early game this evening (TruTV) featuring my Ala State Hornets vs. UT-SA.
ASU is the SWAC Champion. Two of their senior leaders include-

Chris Duncan, Lexington KY, Fern Creek HS.
AJ Spencer, Salisbury MD, Wicomico HS.

They have players from Detroit, one each from Canada and Brooklyn NY. This attests to the broad appeal that HBCU's down here have for Af-Ams up north. ASU also recruits locally, of course.

Go Hornets! Winner of game plays Ohio State. ugh.

For what it's worth, Fern Creek is in Louisville, but I'll still pull for you guys. Go Hornets!

[WarEagle]

For what it's worth, Fern Creek is in Louisville, but I'll still pull for you guys. Go Hornets!

That's very kind of you. Ala St is getting hammered right now. ouch.

[RedskinsDave]

I was listening to the Mike Wise show and in between my ears bleeding, they had Bill Packer on. Love him or hate him, he made some good points regarding the new play in games. He asked how is it fair to the winner of last night's game who would end up a 12 seed over the other three 12 seeds? Why were the others not made to play another game? He also pointed out that Clemson had to play late last night, travel to Florida and then will be stuck playing the 12:05 game, the earliest one with not even a full day to settle in. He then went on to talk about it being unfair to WVa. Why did they have to wait to find out who they were playing when 6-7-8 seeds had 5 days to prepare for their competition. He made some good points and really shined a spotlight on the fact that this is being done just so CBS can make up some more money on the ridiculous amount they paid the NCAA to show the tourney.

[Keino]

I was listening to the Mike Wise show and in between my ears bleeding, they had Bill Packer on. Love him or hate him, he made some good points regarding the new play in games. He asked how is it fair to the winner of last night's game who would end up a 12 seed over the other three 12 seeds? Why were the others not made to play another game? He also pointed out that Clemson had to play late last night, travel to Florida and then will be stuck playing the 12:05 game, the earliest one with not even a full day to settle in. He then went on to talk about it being unfair to WVa. Why did they have to wait to find out who they were playing when 6-7-8 seeds had 5 days to prepare for their competition. He made some good points and really shined a spotlight on the fact that this is being done just so CBS can make up some more money on the ridiculous amount they paid the NCAA to show the tourney.


And I agree with every single one of those points. I don't understand why the Play-in game for Clemson was in Dayton. Why not in Tampa where the winner would be playing?

12 seeds have to play-in but 16 seeds don't? How does that make sense?

I am not a huge Packer fan, but he knows his stuff and even when he calls games for his alma mater, he is objective.

[SkinsKY]

I was listening to the Mike Wise show and in between my ears bleeding, they had Bill Packer on. Love him or hate him, he made some good points regarding the new play in games. He asked how is it fair to the winner of last night's game who would end up a 12 seed over the other three 12 seeds? Why were the others not made to play another game? He also pointed out that Clemson had to play late last night, travel to Florida and then will be stuck playing the 12:05 game, the earliest one with not even a full day to settle in. He then went on to talk about it being unfair to WVa. Why did they have to wait to find out who they were playing when 6-7-8 seeds had 5 days to prepare for their competition. He made some good points and really shined a spotlight on the fact that this is being done just so CBS can make up some more money on the ridiculous amount they paid the NCAA to show the tourney.

Jay Bilas made some of those same points this morning on Mike & Mike. There was so much hype on adding teams to the tourney, but not as much thought on how they would be added. I also think it's unfair that any AQ should have a play-in game. All AQ's should be in the field of 64. The last 8 in should have to play in to the field.

Even with the poor choices in what I think is the worst seeding of the field I have seen, the logistics they impose on the other teams is awful. This whole thing has done nothing but paint the NCAA as money grabbers and make them less credible when they talk about being concerned for the "student-athlete."

[dj_stouty]

Jay Bilas made some of those same points this morning on Mike & Mike.

The same Jay Bilas who said it was criminal for VCU to be selected for the tourny? :) I think they showed him a thing or two last night in their win over USC.

I do agree that playing-in for the 11th and 12 seeds isn't fair. Why not take the 8 lowest ranked teams and have all eight fight it out for the four 16 seeds?

[Keino]

The same Jay Bilas who said it was criminal for VCU to be selected for the tourny? :) I think they showed him a thing or two last night in their win over USC.

I do agree that playing-in for the 11th and 12 seeds isn't fair. Why not take the 8 lowest ranked teams and have all eight fight it out for the four 16 seeds?

So because they beat another team that didn't deserve to be there they proved they deserve to be there? :)

[WarEagle]

Louisville got beat.

[SkinsKY]

Louisville got beat.

Made my day, and I've made many jokes unfit for the board.

We almost joined them too. Brandon Knight scored his first points of the game when he put us ahead with 2 seconds left. Now we'll see if we can do better against Huggy Bear than we did last year.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/butthurt-card-and-pitino.jpg

[BigCountry]

2 things I almost had the stones to do but chickened out last second is Wofford over Jimmer Fredette and 4 other guys, and Utah State over Pittsburgh and Florida going to the final 4.

[CarMike]

That picture is AWESOME! lmao

Made my day, and I've made many jokes unfit for the board.

We almost joined them too. Brandon Knight scored his first points of the game when he put us ahead with 2 seconds left. Now we'll see if we can do better against Huggy Bear than we did last year.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/butthurt-card-and-pitino.jpg

[dj_stouty]

Richmond v. Moorehead sets up the guarantee of a Cinderella in the Sweet 16. Go Spiders...

[CNYSkinFan]

Richmond v. Moorehead sets up the guarantee of a Cinderella in the Sweet 16. Go Spiders...
i always root for inappropriate sounding names...Go moorehead!

[SkinsKY]

i always root for inappropriate sounding names...Go moorehead!

I also choose Morehead.

[skinfanjon]

VCU represent!!

[skinfanjon]

This is probably the homer in me talking; but now that Chris Wright is coming back, watch out for Georgetown. I think they will go deep.


Lol

[BigCountry]

Lol

My bracket did better, and that's not saying much.

[dj_stouty]

So because they beat another team that didn't deserve to be there they proved they deserve to be there? :)

Time to pay the piper, Keino. VCU totally deserved this bid...and Purdue better watch the hell out.

[Keino]

Time to pay the piper, Keino. VCU totally deserved this bid...and Purdue better watch the hell out.

I wanted to kick my television in last night. Every team that I support in sports sucks. My wife pointed out that the Caps don't suck but my retort was "How often do you see me watching hockey?"

VCU proved they deserved it. I hope they beat Purdue.

[IH Brave]

This is probably the homer in me talking; but now that Chris Wright is coming back, watch out for Georgetown. I think they will go deep.

Umm. Yeah. It was the homer in me.:doh:

[IH Brave]

Lol

I really had that one coming. (Foot meet mouth). :beer:

[Farmer Ted]

I love the annual Big Least meltdowns. What a joke of an over-rated piece of crap conference that is. I can't wait until Syracuse goes down; that will send all of the 'Cuse fans in the media back under their rocks for another year.

Wanna know how you have 11 of 16 teams in your conference have .500 or better in-conference records? Just add four total crap teams to the mix, and have them donate 59 wins to the cause. The ACC could do the same thing if they decided to add VMI, the Citadel, Coastal Carolina and Shepherd College.

[SkinsKY]

I love the annual Big Least meltdowns. What a joke of an over-rated piece of crap conference that is. I can't wait until Syracuse goes down; that will send all of the 'Cuse fans in the media back under their rocks for another year.

Wanna know how you have 11 of 16 teams in your conference have .500 or better in-conference records? Just add four total crap teams to the mix, and have them donate 59 wins to the cause. The ACC could do the same thing if they decided to add VMI, the Citadel, Coastal Carolina and Shepherd College.

But Syracuse plays a zone. A ZONE!

Barkley's spent most of his time knocking the Big East yesterday. It also show the weakness of the RPI. A bunch of them were rated high and thanks to the crappy teams. It generated a perpetual motion machine of medicority, but the RPI rewards playing teams with good win/loss records, and not whether you win or lose.

[Farmer Ted]

But Syracuse plays a zone. A ZONE!


Not any more, they don't, lol. Those frauds are playing X-Box now.

[skinfanjon]

VCU!!VCU!!VCU!!

Knockin' off G'town, that's nuthin
Crushin' Purdue, that's stuntin
Black and Yellow Black and Yellow
Black and Yellow Black and Yellow

[skinfanjon]

I've probably seen more of VCU's games over the last few years than anyone on this board (except maybe DJ), but the last two games are as good as any I've seen from them. The Duke game was AWESOME (was on campus for that one), and the Mason game in the CAA final preceding that was equally AWESOME (rushed the court for that one), but those teams were more talented than the current group.

I really think they're winning because they're playing with a chip on their shoulder. They heard all the chatter about not belonging, and honestly, I don't think they deserved the bid. Obviously, they are good enough to win games, but they're resume' wasn't as good as some others. Regardless, they have used the backlash as fuel to a fire that is still burning.

[Farmer Ted]

It's hard to believe Notre Dame's b-ball team could be more overrated than the football team, but I guess that's the world we live in.

And let me see if I got this straight: the awesome Big East got 11 teams in the tournament, and all of 2 made it to the sweet 16, whereas the pathetic ACC only put 4 teams in the tournament, but 3 made the Sweet 16. Lol. Nice try, Big East.

[CarMike]

And let me see if I got this straight: the awesome Big East got 11 teams in the tournament, and all of 2 made it to the sweet 16, whereas the pathetic ACC only put 4 teams in the tournament, but 3 made the Sweet 16. Lol. Nice try, Big East.

And the two that made it to the Sweet 16 played against another Big Joke team.

Connecticut over Cincinnati

Marquette over Syracuse

Did anyone see Sir Charles piss off Pitino yesterday? CB kept talking about horrible the BE was and how overrated they are every year. Pitinos face was as red as I'd ever seen it. The best was the RP couldn't really ish about it since he knows it's true.

[Farmer Ted]

Basically, the great history of the Big East comes down to one thing: Patrick Ewing went to Georgetown. If he'd have gone to UMD or UVA, they wouldn't have crap to talk about. It's amazing that UCONN, the most storied program in that crap conference has only been to 3 final fours. Three! Big fricking whoop.

[Patrick]

Just got back from Tampa ....... the second and third round play there was pretty awesome. I have a new found respect for the Princeton fan base ... Kentucky used the "Rather be Lucky" card for that game. I might be wrong but I don't think there is a Final Four team emerging from that group. Regardless had a great time even though I had no team of interest. Next year hopefully I'll make it to the Sweet 16/Elite 8 games somewhere.

[CNYSkinFan]

cant spells suck without SU....at least we got farther then Gtown

[dj_stouty]

I've probably seen more of VCU's games over the last few years than anyone on this board (except maybe DJ), but the last two games are as good as any I've seen from them. The Duke game was AWESOME (was on campus for that one), and the Mason game in the CAA final preceding that was equally AWESOME (rushed the court for that one), but those teams were more talented than the current group.

I really think they're winning because they're playing with a chip on their shoulder. They heard all the chatter about not belonging, and honestly, I don't think they deserved the bid. Obviously, they are good enough to win games, but they're resume' wasn't as good as some others. Regardless, they have used the backlash as fuel to a fire that is still burning.

Yeah, I was at that CAA final as well, but I didn't actually rush the court. (although I wanted too, lol)

I've never seen them play this good...and that includes the Maynor/Sanders teams that had much more talent. They are playing with a mean chip on their shoulder and you can thank Shaka Smart for that. I think colleges will start looking at Shaka for their vacancies in the near future. He is no longer VCU's secret weapon. lol

Amazing that 2 of the 16 teams left are from Richmond. Only Philly and LA can claim that in the past.

I'm headed to Vegas on Wednesday night and I'll be watching the next two rounds from the Sports Books. You better believe my group and I will be in full support for the Richmond teams!

[Keino]

Basically, the great history of the Big East comes down to one thing: Patrick Ewing went to Georgetown. If he'd have gone to UMD or UVA, they wouldn't have crap to talk about. It's amazing that UCONN, the most storied program in that crap conference has only been to 3 final fours. Three! Big fricking whoop.

So it has nothing to do with the great St. Johns teams, or that the conference was the first to send 3/4ths of the Final 4 in one year? It has nothing to do with the fact that the conference was formed in the late 70s and by 1990 7 different Big East teams had appeared in Final 4s? It has nothing to do with the fact that 5 different BE teams have played for the national title?

You can say what you want about the meltdown of the conference come tourney-time, but the hype is a bit more than you have given credit for with this post.

Regarding this year, most people agree that Pitt got jobbed by the officials at the end, SU lost to another Big East team in a portion of the bracket that featured 5 Big East teams (So at least 3 were not going to the sweet 16). Louisville and ND both choked no doubt, but I doubt many people had Villanova going past Mason based on how both teams finished. Georgetown got flat out-played and out hustled and the same team they lost to beat Purdue. Most of the top Big East teams played tough non-conference schedules and fared pretty damn well which is why they were ranked where they were.

[Farmer Ted]

There were great St. John's teams? Really? How many final fours have they been to? Do I need one or two fingers to count them?

Woopty-doo, they had one year with 3 teams in the final 4, and they've been living off of it for 25 years. The Big East has always been far more myth than legend.

[nicefellow31]

And the two that made it to the Sweet 16 played against another Big Joke team.

Connecticut over Cincinnati

Marquette over Syracuse

Did anyone see Sir Charles piss off Pitino yesterday? CB kept talking about horrible the BE was and how overrated they are every year. Pitinos face was as red as I'd ever seen it. The best was the RP couldn't really ish about it since he knows it's true.

I saw that and it was funny. At the end of the night Pitino said "Well I'm going home to lick my wounds. We got eliminated in the 1st game and now the Big East has let me down."


Regarding this year, most people agree that Pitt got jobbed by the officials at the end, SU lost to another Big East team in a portion of the bracket that featured 5 Big East teams (So at least 3 were not going to the sweet 16). Louisville and ND both choked no doubt, but I doubt many people had Villanova going past Mason based on how both teams finished. Georgetown got flat out-played and out hustled and the same team they lost to beat Purdue. Most of the top Big East teams played tough non-conference schedules and fared pretty damn well which is why they were ranked where they were.

I don't think Pitt got "jobbed." From what I've read and heard, most people agree that Butler and Pitt made "dumb and dumber" plays down the stretch.

[Keino]

There were great St. John's teams? Really? How many final fours have they been to? Do I need one or two fingers to count them?

Woopty-doo, they had one year with 3 teams in the final 4, and they've been living off of it for 25 years. The Big East has always been far more myth than legend.

The only reason the Chris Mullen/Mark Jackson St. Johns teams did not win a chip is because of the Pat Ewing Georgetown teams. Name the other conference that had sent 7 of its original 9 members to the National Championship game after only 11 years of being in existence. That's much more legend than myth my friend. And while you are dismissing this occurrence as no big deal, it was the first time it ever happened AND the conference was what, 5 years old at the time?

Do you guys really believe, based on the ACC sending 3 of its 4 teams to the Sweet 16, it is a stronger top to bottom conference than the Big East? Does that mean that the ACC is stronger than the Big 10 who only sent 2 of 7 to the Sweet 16 as well, even though the ACC lost the Big Ten - ACC Challenge?

I'd love to see your rankings of the conferences.

[nicefellow31]

The only reason the Chris Mullen/Mark Jackson St. Johns teams did not win a chip is because of the Pat Ewing Georgetown teams. Name the other conference that had sent 7 of its original 9 members to the National Championship game after only 11 years of being in existence. That's much more legend than myth my friend. And while you are dismissing this occurrence as no big deal, it was the first time it ever happened AND the conference was what, 5 years old at the time?

Do you guys really believe, based on the ACC sending 3 of its 4 teams to the Sweet 16, it is a stronger top to bottom conference than the Big East? Does that mean that the ACC is stronger than the Big 10 who only sent 2 of 7 to the Sweet 16 as well, even though the ACC lost the Big Ten - ACC Challenge?

I'd love to see your rankings of the conferences.

I didn't have a problem with the Big East getting all those bids. As a matter of fact I hate conference strength arguments but I do want to point out a few things to consider for some of the younger folks when talking about teams going to championship games. Just keep in mind that by the time the Big East formed, conferences were getting multiple bids and the tournament had expanded. As late as 1977, conferences would only get one team selected to the tournament so the chances of getting said conference to title game was greatly reduced. I know you are a Maryland Man and I'm sure you've been told that the 2nd best team in the nation in 1974 (Maryland) didn't even make the tournament despite losing to the soon to be National Champions NC State in triple OT in the ACC Title game.

[Keino]

I didn't have a problem with the Big East getting all those bids. As a matter of fact I hate conference strength arguments but I do want to point out a few things to consider for some of the younger folks when talking about teams going to championship games. Just keep in mind that by the time the Big East formed, conferences were getting multiple bids and the tournament had expanded. As late as 1977, conferences would only get one team selected to the tournament so the chances of getting said conference to title game was greatly reduced. I know you are a Maryland Man and I'm sure you've been told that the 2nd best team in the nation in 1974 (Maryland) didn't even make the tournament despite losing to the soon to be National Champions NC State in triple OT in the ACC Title game.

Oh yea, that MD team was the best team to never win a Championship. I love the ACC and Big East and have been a longtime fan of both, but I think it ludicrous to suggest, based on last weekend that the ACC was a tougher conference than the Big East.

[SkinsKY]

And the two that made it to the Sweet 16 played against another Big Joke team.

Connecticut over Cincinnati

Marquette over Syracuse

Did anyone see Sir Charles piss off Pitino yesterday? CB kept talking about horrible the BE was and how overrated they are every year. Pitinos face was as red as I'd ever seen it. The best was the RP couldn't really ish about it since he knows it's true.

Loved every moment of it. The Itty-bitty east. At least Charles said they had good coaches, but no great players, save Kemba. The Big East really is a sham.

[SkinsKY]

Do you guys really believe, based on the ACC sending 3 of its 4 teams to the Sweet 16, it is a stronger top to bottom conference than the Big East? Does that mean that the ACC is stronger than the Big 10 who only sent 2 of 7 to the Sweet 16 as well, even though the ACC lost the Big Ten - ACC Challenge?

I'd love to see your rankings of the conferences.


I think the bigger issue is that there just aren't many good teams out there. I think the BEast is way overrated, but I think it's just a microcosm of college basketball overall. There's just a bunch of mediocrity. The SEC isn't very good overall (The west is atrocious). F$U punched above their weight yesterday, but I don't think the ACC is amazing. I think dook is very good, along with KU, and tOSU, but neither are unbeatable if given the right matchup. After that, you have a whole mess of teams that could just as easily beat down a team as be run out of the gym, depending on the night.

The issue is the Big East was touted as being such a great conference, when it's no better than anyone else. Which is a pile of poo, in most cases.

[nicefellow31]

Well most teams don't stick together any longer. Super star players play one year and then they are gone. Meanwhile mid major schools have the benefit of playing with each other for years.

[Patrick]

Rounds 4 & 5
EAST: UNC over Marquett, OSU over Kentucky / OSU over UNC
SE: Flordia over BYU, Butler over Wisconsin / Butler over Flordia
SW: Kansas over Richmond, VCU over FSU / Kansas over VCU
WEST: SD St over UConn, Arizona over Duke / SD St over Arizona
:sun:

[BigCountry]

This is what the Jimmer Fredette hype was all about? Put him up against an athletic team and he looks extremely ordinary

[RedskinsDave]

This is what the Jimmer Fredette hype was all about? Put him up against an athletic team and he looks extremely ordinary

Not just ordinary. I think he lost the game by not spreading the ball around.

[BigCountry]

Boynton and Walker are on a completely different level of quickness then anything he has played against and he couldn't get them out of his face, eliminating his opportunities to drive and kick. Ever since Brandon Davies got popped for getting his cherry popped (or whatever he did) they have been a different team. If Fredette wants to have any success in the NBA he's going to have to be a spot up shooter and learn how to come off screens because in terms of athleticism he makes J.J Reddick look like Blake Griffin.

[RedskinsDave]

I am pretty sure that Arizona team will never play a game like this is their lives. They have one solid player and apparently five other guys who are having the best day ever. Congrats to UConn who will most likely wipe the floor with them now.

[mr shadow 008]

arizona played the best game they have played all yr. while duke also played their worst. and i feel terrible for nolan smith he is a great kid and basketball player and i feel bad that his season ended the way it did that was BY FAR his worst game of the season. Oh well i hope Irving stays next yr however i highly doubt it.

[shally]

goodbye DOOOOOOK

[Patrick]

Boynton and Walker are on a completely different level of quickness then anything he has played against and he couldn't get them out of his face, eliminating his opportunities to drive and kick. Ever since Brandon Davies got popped for getting his cherry popped (or whatever he did) they have been a different team. If Fredette wants to have any success in the NBA he's going to have to be a spot up shooter and learn how to come off screens because in terms of athleticism he makes J.J Reddick look like Blake Griffin. Exactly and I was actually surprised that they weren't upset last week in round 2.

[SkinsKY]

And down goes everyone's champ! Barkley called it, and we did everything we needed to do. Let Sullenger do whatever he wanted 1v1 and lock down the 3pt shot. Bad first half where we picked up a lot of cheap fouls, but we're moving on. I hope Carmike and Co. are ready. We're coming! ;)

[WarEagle]

And down goes everyone's champ! Barkley called it, and we did everything we needed to do. Let Sullenger do whatever he wanted 1v1 and lock down the 3pt shot. Bad first half where we picked up a lot of cheap fouls, but we're moving on. I hope Carmike and Co. are ready. We're coming! ;)

Come on. Go for a glorious UK vanity avatar! lol

[skinfanjon]

I am so proud of VCU, I can't articulate it. Pac 10, Big East, Big 10, ACC- dunished. Bring on Kansas, they are the best team in the tournament, but if we play our best we can give them a game. If VCU wants to be remembered for years to come, beating the Jayhawks is necessary. Let's go RAMS!!!

[SkinsKY]

Come on. Go for a glorious UK vanity avatar! lol
How's this one? ;)

I need to find a good one of Josh Harrellson. He might be my favorite storyline of any UK player, and maybe even non-UK. A guy who was never supposed to see the floor, and we just hoped he wouldn't kill us on defense, to see him averaging 16 and 9 in the tourney and doing about as good a job on Sullinger as you can do 1v1 is amazing. Plus I loved the fastball he threw at Sullinger, but lucky he didn't get a tech. He more than held his ground. This team became much better than I thought it could be, even a month ago.

[RedskinsDave]

UNC got a better deal than Duke. That's crap that they can lose badly and get a 2 seed at home and Duke gets sent out west as a 1.

Prophesy.

[fent]

How's this one? ;)

I need to find a good one of Josh Harrellson. He might be my favorite storyline of any UK player, and maybe even non-UK. A guy who was never supposed to see the floor, and we just hoped he wouldn't kill us on defense, to see him averaging 16 and 9 in the tourney and doing about as good a job on Sullinger as you can do 1v1 is amazing. Plus I loved the fastball he threw at Sullinger, but lucky he didn't get a tech. He more than held his ground. This team became much better than I thought it could be, even a month ago.

I thought the same thing when I saw it. I really expected it to fire up Sullinger and thought he'd take over the game after that. Apparently not. My other favorite Harrellson play was the big man drive and layup high off the glass right around the same time as the fastball. Something about it just made me laugh.

[WarEagle]

How's this one? ;)

I need to find a good one of Josh Harrellson. He might be my favorite storyline of any UK player, and maybe even non-UK. A guy who was never supposed to see the floor, and we just hoped he wouldn't kill us on defense, to see him averaging 16 and 9 in the tourney and doing about as good a job on Sullinger as you can do 1v1 is amazing. Plus I loved the fastball he threw at Sullinger, but lucky he didn't get a tech. He more than held his ground. This team became much better than I thought it could be, even a month ago.

Outstanding avatar! I watched Josh doing his dodgeball thing with Sullinger a few times over on you tubes. Ouch. I guess when players do that they're sending a message or something.

[SkinsKY]

I thought the same thing when I saw it. I really expected it to fire up Sullinger and thought he'd take over the game after that. Apparently not. My other favorite Harrellson play was the big man drive and layup high off the glass right around the same time as the fastball. Something about it just made me laugh.

That was a great drive. He's just a funny kid all around. He did the Carlton dance at midnight madness, just because there was an internet petition for him to do it.

I don't know if Sully played a big who was the same weight has him. Josh isn't a great defender, but he holds his ground and make his man shoot over him. Sully wasn't going to drop step him much, or out muscle him too bad.

Either way, onward and upward. I've got an avatar bet going with Carmike, so I hope I can find something good for him to sport for a while. :)

Trivia notes: If we can beat UNC and then beat UConn later, we would have avenged all eight teams who beat us earlier in the year.

Also, the state of Kentucky currently owns the NAIA and Division II basketball titles. All we need to do is win our next three and the state will own the whole sport. That shouldn't be hard right?

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

harrellson's gonna have nightmares of baby hook shots tommorrow night

[WarEagle]

Congrats to Butler on their achievement, although I was rooting for SEC Fla Gators.
Chas. Barkley was on Letterman mon or tues night. They got into a lengthy discussion about whether Butler was even in the tournament this year. This is pretty funny. Just fast forward to 3min 20 sec to see it. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PxIC_An82o

[BigCountry]

A few years ago I remember finding a faux tourney but with the NBA draft employing the same rules as the NFL draft, meaning players need to be in school 3 years to be eligiable. Who is your faux final four and winner if that were the case?

I'll take Kentucky, UNC, Syracuse and Kansas, with John Wall, Brandon Knight and co. winning it all. Think about the potential starting 5. Wall, Knight, Jones, Harelson and Cousins. Yikes.

[SkinsKY]

harrellson's gonna have nightmares of baby hook shots tommorrow night

If he's not scared of Sullinger, he's sure not going to be scared of Zeller.

A few years ago I remember finding a faux tourney but with the NBA draft employing the same rules as the NFL draft, meaning players need to be in school 3 years to be eligiable. Who is your faux final four and winner if that were the case?

I'll take Kentucky, UNC, Syracuse and Kansas, with John Wall, Brandon Knight and co. winning it all. Think about the potential starting 5. Wall, Knight, Jones, Harelson and Cousins. Yikes.

I'd take us too in that scenario, but I think your starting five is off. Wall, Knight, D. Miller, Jones, Cousins. Jones would be terrible at the three spot. But you'd have Jorts, Bledsoe, Liggins, Lamb and Orton all coming off the bench. That's an SEC starting five coming off the bench.

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

If he's not scared of Sullinger, he's sure not going to be scared of Zeller.

He can't bother Zeller's hook and he better put his running shoes on

[Keino]

My brackets would prefer a Kentucky over UNC scenario but really that doesn't matter so long as it is Kansas over UConn in the final. If that happens, it will be hard to wipe the S**t eating grin off my face as that wins me two pools, one in which has 85 people in at $20 per clip and the other the office pool.

[skinfanjon]

My brackets would prefer a Kentucky over UNC scenario but really that doesn't matter so long as it is Kansas over UConn in the final. If that happens, it will be hard to wipe the S**t eating grin off my face as that wins me two pools, one in which has 85 people in at $20 per clip and the other the office pool.

Still overooking VCU? Have you learned nothing? lol

[SkinsKY]

He can't bother Zeller's hook and he better put his running shoes on

That might be true, but nightmares are a bit extreme. Zeller will score points because he is a good player, but Josh won't be scared of him. Plus, he has been posting 16 and 10 for the tourney, counting the draw with Sully, so it's not like he's been pedestrian. It's definitely a different kind of matchup, but it will look much different than it did in December. Both of our teams are much different than we were back then.

I think it's going to be a great game, and I'm looking forward to it.

[Keino]

Still overooking VCU? Have you learned nothing? lol

Not overlooking them at all. I had Kansas - Ohio State/UConn (depending on the bracket) with Kansas winning it all in every one. VCU has had a nice run but they weren't even the best CAA team this year and Kansas to me is the best team in the country.

My comments are all about my own personal self-interest. I will win an 85 person pool and the office pool with a Kansas over UConn final. That's over $1000 bucks just for picking some teams and its money I could use.

[skinfanjon]

Not overlooking them at all. I had Kansas - Ohio State/UConn (depending on the bracket) with Kansas winning it all in every one. VCU has had a nice run but they weren't even the best CAA team this year and Kansas to me is the best team in the country.

My comments are all about my own personal self-interest. I will win an 85 person pool and the office pool with a Kansas over UConn final. That's over $1000 bucks just for picking some teams and its money I could use.

Just messin with you man. Although, we are off to quite a nice start. Hmm.

Incidentally, I had Kansas to win the tourney on my brackets, too.

[skinfanjon]

WE'RE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IH Brave]

WE'RE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations. At least I can now say my Hoyas were eliminated by a Final 4 team. I'm pulling for VCU. No matter what happens, all you VCU fans can be proud of your basketball team.

[skinfanjon]

Congratulations. At least I can now say my Hoyas were eliminated by a Final 4 team. I'm pulling for VCU. No matter what happens, all you VCU fans can be proud of your basketball team.

Thanks, man. I can't believe that just happened!

[shally]

Butler and now VCU.. how marvelous is that for the NCAA and College B Ball ?

goes to the heart of why it is incredibly dumb not to have a playoff system in college FB

... and i dont want to hear trite arguments of how they are different sports.. yadda yadda... they could make it happen if they can get control from the damn BCS...

[Keino]

As much as I want to congratulate VCU, I keep looking at the dollars that left my household and I am hatin' for the next 24 hours. After that I am sure I will be cheering for VCU to win the whole thing.

[RedskinsDave]

I am definitely pulling for VCU to win it all and turn college basketball on its head. I guess my rooting interests are for UConn and their dbag coach to lose. Of the other three, I will be happy for each of them.

[nicefellow31]

I cannot stand UConn or Kentucky so I will be rooting hard for VCU and their soon to be departing coach Shaka Smart.

[SkinsKY]

Finally back in the final four! I'd like to congratulate Coach Cal on his first appearance. Great ball game from start to finish.

[WarEagle]

Go UK! They must be happy in Lexington.

[IH Brave]

Finally back in the final four! I'd like to congratulate Coach Cal on his first appearance. Great ball game from start to finish.

I didn't realized it had been that long since their last Final 4 appearance. 1998? I swear they seem like they're in contention every year.

[SkinsKY]

harrellson's gonna have nightmares of baby hook shots tommorrow nightNot sure why I quoted this one. ;)

Go UK! They must be happy in Lexington.
Reports are we've already started burning couches and spray painting cars.

I didn't realized it had been that long since their last Final 4 appearance. 1998? I swear they seem like they're in contention every year.
I believe we've lost in the Elite 8 4-5 times since then. Our last two great teams to WVa last year and to Dwyane Wade in 2003. It's been a while. Glad that's gone though.

Full credit to the Heels. They played great, but Henson's 4th foul hurt them a ton. I found out earlier this week that this is the best three point shooting team in the history of the school (based on percentage) and we made it count tonight (12-22). Without that, it's a much different story.

On to Houston. Still looking for title #8 and to avenge our loss to Kemba and some other guys from earlier in the season. I didn't think this team had it in them, but it's a great run.

[BigCountry]

Not sure why I quoted this one. ;)


Reports are we've already started burning couches and spray painting cars.


I believe we've lost in the Elite 8 4-5 times since then. Our last two great teams to WVa last year and to Dwyane Wade in 2003. It's been a while. Glad that's gone though.

Full credit to the Heels. They played great, but Henson's 4th foul hurt them a ton. I found out earlier this week that this is the best three point shooting team in the history of the school (based on percentage) and we made it count tonight (12-22). Without that, it's a much different story.

On to Houston. Still looking for title #8 and to avenge our loss to Kemba and some other guys from earlier in the season. I didn't think this team had it in them, but it's a great run.

Brandon Knight or John Wall? Seems to me it's not a coincidence the former did what the latter could not, with a less talented team on paper. Winner vs Stats imho.

[MONK_in_HOF]

As impressive as VCU's final 4 run has been I am even more impressed that Butler is going for the second year in a row. It would be an amazing feat for Brad Stevens to take Butler to back to back championship games. In the 2 brackets I filled out I had Butler losing round 1. Doh.

I will be pulling hard for VCU to win it all. If not the Rams I hope Butler does it. I can't root for UK or UConn because I think Calipari and Calhoun are the 2 of the most cheating, loathsome coaches in CBB. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other college coaches I find more shady or deplorable.

[dj_stouty]

Had an amazing 4-day weekend in Vegas. It really is the best place in the world to watch the tourney. EVERYONE roots for the underdog and it seemed the case during the VCU/FSU game - which was an amazing finish. I won't forget that one for a long, long time.

We had a pretty big group in Vegas, and ironically, half of us were either VCU or Butler fans (with some Wisconsin fans sprinkled in), so most of us came home happy.

I was on the flight home during the Kansas game...but thanks to some heavy tail winds, we landed 15 minutes early to Richmond and got to watch the final few minutes in the airport bar. HUGE crowd around the TVs to cheer the Rams on to victory.

Oh...and my buddy laid $100 on VCU to win the money line (straight up) against Kansas and pocketed $600 in the process. I thought he was crazy at the time not to take the 11 points, especially after watching Kansas destroy that spread against the Spiders. lol

I was happy for them to make the "First Four", but never in my wildest dreams would I have expected them to go to the "Final Four". Hell, this was the team that didn't even congregate together to watch the selection show and now they are on the sport's biggest stage and a household name! This is the biggest sports moment in this city's history and it will never be outmatched. Gotta enjoy it while we can...

GO RAMS!

[RedskinsDave]

I've been in Vegas for the opening round of games. The best part is hearing a huge crowd go nuts only to realize it was only a team that just lost by 25 points hit a shot at the end to cover the spread.

[MONK_in_HOF]

Had an amazing 4-day weekend in Vegas. It really is the best place in the world to watch the tourney. EVERYONE roots for the underdog and it seemed the case during the VCU/FSU game - which was an amazing finish. I won't forget that one for a long, long time.

We had a pretty big group in Vegas, and ironically, half of us were either VCU or Butler fans (with some Wisconsin fans sprinkled in), so most of us came home happy.

I was on the flight home during the Kansas game...but thanks to some heavy tail winds, we landed 15 minutes early to Richmond and got to watch the final few minutes in the airport bar. HUGE crowd around the TVs to cheer the Rams on to victory.

Oh...and my buddy laid $100 on VCU to win the money line (straight up) against Kansas and pocketed $600 in the process. I thought he was crazy at the time not to take the 11 points, especially after watching Kansas destroy that spread against the Spiders. lol

I was happy for them to make the "First Four", but never in my wildest dreams would I have expected them to go to the "Final Four". Hell, this was the team that didn't even congregate together to watch the selection show and now they are on the sport's biggest stage and a household name! This is the biggest sports moment in this city's history and it will never be outmatched. Gotta enjoy it while we can...

GO RAMS!

Totally agree. Vegas is definitely the best place to watch March Madness. I have been twice. Certainly not the smartest sporting event to bet on, but probably the most fun IMO. I was there for the first 2 weekends the year Mason went to the FF. Really is a great time. I love being in a sportsbook at the end of games watching the divided crowd of people screaming their heads off for whomever they bet on to cover, even if the actual game has already been decided. Certainly ramps the excitement up. Also, both times I went to Vegas for MM there were flocks of ASU and Arizona hotties at our hotel on spring break, so it is kind of hard for me to imagine anywhere on Earth being a better place to watch it.

[Patrick]

Awesome final four ....... UK/UConn (who cares), VCU/Butler. Pulling for VCU but I got the feeling Butler is a team of destiny.

[flave1969]

3 Point shooting was the story of yesterday. Both VCU and Kentucky were excellent from that range. I they keep the hot hands they can make the final.

[wide_awake]

WE'RE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fellow VCU alum here!! :banger:

This truly is UNREAL

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

It was a good one. Looking back I think that dumb foul by Henson at midcourt on an inbounds play was the key. Nothing against Kentucky, but I hope they lose b/c of that cheating rat of a coach theyve got. What would it look like when they take a championship banner out of the rafters a few years down the road?

[BigCountry]

So if Kentucky wins it all do Brandon Knight and Co. stick around to play with Anthony Davis and Marquis Teague and go for back to back?

[SkinsKY]

So if Kentucky wins it all do Brandon Knight and Co. stick around to play with Anthony Davis and Marquis Teague and go for back to back?

I doubt it. A lock out would help though. If they project high enough, Cal will tell them to go. It'll be a business decision.

As far as Wall vs Knight. They're just different players. 2010 was undone from 0-22 shooting from deep. It was just unlucky.

[dj_stouty]

I doubt it. A lock out would help though. If they project high enough, Cal will tell them to go. It'll be a business decision.


Brandon - Just curious...Which of the two Cinderellas you would rather not play in the Finals? You have one that has Finals experience and a reason for vindication...and another that simply won't back down to anybody - no matter how good the opponent.

[smallfish]

Their coach didn't even have the players collectively meet for the selection show because he was convinced they were't going to make it. Overall, I think the team deserved their spot after beating Witchita State and GMU late in the season...as well as play ODU to the wire in the CAA finals.

[SkinsKY]

Brandon - Just curious...Which of the two Cinderellas you would rather not play in the Finals? You have one that has Finals experience and a reason for vindication...and another that simply won't back down to anybody - no matter how good the opponent.

I'm okay with either. We match up well with both. I would still take vcu though. They are on fire, but I'd bank on them losing that as Butler been more consistent for the year. Vcu has a sick three point percentage for the tourney that I don't really think they would be able to get vs us.

After taking west virginia, tOSU, and UNC, I'm glad to just be playing, but I have much more confidence than I had three weeks ago.

[CarMike]

I'm okay with either. We match up well with both. I would still take vcu though. They are on fire, but I'd bank on them losing that as Butler been more consistent for the year. Vcu has a sick three point percentage for the tourney that I don't really think they would be able to get vs us.

After taking west virginia, tOSU, and UNC, I'm glad to just be playing, but I have much more confidence than I had three weeks ago.

Kentucky better hope they hit the 3's against UCONN like they did against UNC. Didn't UCONN beat Kentucky earlier this year? Not that it matters....75-73 and we see how that worked for UNC. ;)

[Keino]

For me Kentucky-Uconn comes down to this: Kemba Walker > Brandon Knight

[RedskinsDave]

It comes down to me picking the lesser of two douche bag coaches. I pick Cal. While he jumped ship at two places facing sanctions, Calhoun is simply not likable unless you're a UConn fan.

[SkinsKY]

Kentucky better hope they hit the 3's against UCONN like they did against UNC. Didn't UCONN beat Kentucky earlier this year? Not that it matters....75-73 and we see how that worked for UNC. ;)

Also, like our first meeting with you guys, neither team is really the same. It's hard to draw too straight a line between Maui and now for either team. We're a much harder matchup than I thought we would be at this point.

For me Kentucky-Uconn comes down to this: Kemba Walker > Brandon Knight

Kemba is a better player than Knight, but I think it's more likely to come down to the support players. I think Harrellson/Oriakhi and Miller/Lamb will be big factors for whoever wins the game. If Kemba's off, UConn can't win. Knight's been off two games (Princeton, tOSU) and we got support to win. We don't have to stop Kemba completely. We just need to keep him from turning on god mode.

[Keino]

Actually you do have to stop Kemba completely. Teams that have beaten UConn this year have done so by taking Walker out of the game and making everyone else beat them. See Louisville.

Dave, honestly based on the criteria you set-forth, I have to say Cal is the bigger of the DBs here. I give Calhoun some minor benefit for producing players like Ray Allen and Rip Hamilton and seeing through his own recruiting violations and allegations of cheating without jumping ship.

[SkinsKY]

Actually you do have to stop Kemba completely. Teams that have beaten UConn this year have done so by taking Walker out of the game and making everyone else beat them. See Louisville.

Dave, honestly based on the criteria you set-forth, I have to say Cal is the bigger of the DBs here. I give Calhoun some minor benefit for producing players like Ray Allen and Rip Hamilton and seeing through his own recruiting violations and allegations of cheating without jumping ship.

If you look at our run this tourney, we've gone the opposite direction in how we handled Sullinger, Zeller/Barnes in those matchups. We've let them score, with minimal help defense, and shutting down the the other players. We made Diebler/Lighty/Buford struggle, so Sully's 21 didn't matter too much. Same with Zeller/Barnes. We disrupted Marshall, were helped by Henson's fouls and we're able to keep the Heels at bay. So with Kemba we just need to keep Kemba in check. We might be able to stop Kemba, but we don't have the bodies to keep running defenders at him. I think the goal is to keep him under 25, and keep the team under 35. I don't think he can drop 30 on us this time around, and I think the task of shutting him down is much more difficult than shutting his teammates down. I think we have advantages everywhere else on the floor.

[Keino]

If you look at our run this tourney, we've gone the opposite direction in how we handled Sullinger, Zeller/Barnes in those matchups. We've let them score, with minimal help defense, and shutting down the the other players. We made Diebler/Lighty/Buford struggle, so Sully's 21 didn't matter too much. Same with Zeller/Barnes. We disrupted Marshall, were helped by Henson's fouls and we're able to keep the Heels at bay. So with Kemba we just need to keep Kemba in check. We might be able to stop Kemba, but we don't have the bodies to keep running defenders at him. I think the goal is to keep him under 25, and keep the team under 35. I don't think he can drop 30 on us this time around, and I think the task of shutting him down is much more difficult than shutting his teammates down. I think we have advantages everywhere else on the floor.

Mark my words. If Kemba scores *25 you guys lose. If he scores 20 or more you guys are in serious trouble. If Cal's strategy is to shut down everyone else and let Kemba get his, you will be going home disappointed. It is the opposite strategy that has worked against UConn this year. This is the time to follow Petino's gameplan.

* Of course if he goes 10 for 30 and scores 25 you guys win, but that means that he was either off, or you committed to running a number of people at him. Only in one of their losses this year did he score over 20 while shooting 50% or better and that was a 3 point loss to Notre Dame.

[CarMike]

Funny tweet:

GaryParrishCBS Gary Parrish
"Somebody just straight up asked Cal on the stage what it's like to coach in his first Final Four. He was not amused."
40 minutes ago

Sorry B, but that's comedy gold IMO.

[SkinsKY]

Mark my words. If Kemba scores *25 you guys lose. If he scores 20 or more you guys are in serious trouble. If Cal's strategy is to shut down everyone else and let Kemba get his, you will be going home disappointed. It is the opposite strategy that has worked against UConn this year. This is the time to follow Petino's gameplan.

* Of course if he goes 10 for 30 and scores 25 you guys win, but that means that he was either off, or you committed to running a number of people at him. Only in one of their losses this year did he score over 20 while shooting 50% or better and that was a 3 point loss to Notre Dame.

I believe that if Walker does make it to 25, it's going to be on one of those tough shooting nights you mentioned. Deandre Liggins, who'll be guarding Walker, is 6'6" with a longer reach and a member of the All-Defensive team. Kemba is six foot. I just don't think he's going to shoot a great percentage. I'm working under the assumption that if he shoots a good percentage, we're sunk regardless of the point total. But I've obviously watched Liggins and he doesn't let people by him, which is when Kemba is at his toughest because he can finish and get to the line.

That said, if Knight can stay within 10 points of Walker's output, I believe we have +10 points in the other positions on the floor. That just seems easier to me than trying to shut him down completely. I think we're both on the same page as far as his ability, but I think Kemba's off nights are based on him being off, not because Louisville, or the other teams, had superior defenders that bothered him, because they don't. I think we've held teams to 15 points below their season averages in the tourney this year, including the indomitable Ohio State (17 below their season average). Kemba Walker is good, but we're a great defensive team also.

It's an interesting matchup because one team is dependent on one player to have a shot at winning. The other is the better overall team who has won with a rotating cast of leading scorers. We're both on huge win streaks, and had to grind out some big wins. It's going to be a great game start to finish, but it's a coin flip game. Anything can happen in a one game series.

But we're favored in Vegas, and Ken Pomeroy has us as winners 58% of the time. :)

[SkinsKY]

Funny tweet:

GaryParrishCBS Gary Parrish
"Somebody just straight up asked Cal on the stage what it's like to coach in his first Final Four. He was not amused."
40 minutes ago

Sorry B, but that's comedy gold IMO.

No offense here. It's funny (I think I made the same joke earlier in the thread). But I also saw it on twitter, so I can't take full credit.

Nice avatar though. ;)

[WarEagle]

Go Kentucky!
And Butler in the Terrible Twos. Wow.

[SkinsKY]

At least we went down swinging. The first half was 2010 West Virginia all over again. And the lack of fouls gassed us in the second half, not taking the under 8 timeout until two minutes left. Not a great game, but if you told me we'd hold UConn to 56 (and Kemba would only have 18), I'd have thought we'd have won by 15. Turns out it came down to Cal's trademark weakness: free throws (4/12). We also fell way too in love with the 3 pointer (27 attempts). We took 13 more FG's than them and still lost. Man, the box score looks brutal.

Tough loss, but a great season by a team that really overachieved the last month or so. In February, I never thought we'd have made it this far. The good news is, most of them will be back when we bring in this next recruiting class.

Go Big Blue.

[shally]

Butler sure looks like a team disciplined enough to win against anyone.. there were several points where their shots werent coming and they could have let VCU run off with the game.. they hung really tough and worked hard for second chance shots..no surprise they are back in the finals

like their chances against Conn

[dj_stouty]

Tremendous run by VCU. The entire state is proud of their efforts. The amount of exposure the school got is almost priceless.

The big question is...can VCU pony up enough $ to keep Shaka?

[Keino]

Tremendous run by VCU. The entire state is proud of their efforts. The amount of exposure the school got is almost priceless.

The big question is...can VCU pony up enough $ to keep Shaka?

I pretty much hate VCU for losing to Butler after costing me $1700 by beating Kansas (found out that the pool I was in was winner take all and Kansas-UConn final would have won me the pool no matter who won).

[CarMike]

I pretty much hate VCU for losing to Butler after costing me $1700 by beating Kansas (found out that the pool I was in was winner take all and Kansas-UConn final would have won me the pool no matter who won).

Damn....

[skinfanjon]

Butler sure looks like a team disciplined enough to win against anyone.. there were several points where their shots werent coming and they could have let VCU run off with the game.. they hung really tough and worked hard for second chance shots..no surprise they are back in the finals

like their chances against Conn

This is exactly right, disciplined is the word. I think they win tonight, too.

[shally]

Tremendous run by VCU. The entire state is proud of their efforts. The amount of exposure the school got is almost priceless.

The big question is...can VCU pony up enough $ to keep Shaka?

depends upon whether he wants a bigger stage

[skinfanjon]

It took me a little bit, but I'm over the loss. I had to work Saturday night and I really wanted to be able to look forward to tonight, hook up with some buddies, and watch VCU in the championship. Alas, it was not to be. Still, what a fantastic run by VCU. Shaka is staying and the program has a higher profile than ever before. And for as long as it stands, there will be a Final FOur banner hanging from the Seigal Center rafters. A Final Four banner! Just amazing. All my sports teams let me down in the end, so for VCU to get that far in the tournament, it's the most fun I've had watching sports since the 05 Skins.

[skinfanjon]

Good God, that was awful.

[WarEagle]

Was that the consolation game?

[SkinsKY]

I switched to WWE Raw at halftime. Pretty sure I made the right choice.

[MONK_in_HOF]

What a turd of a game. I hate seeing cheaters prosper. Hopefully the banner will come down in a few years time.

[IH Brave]

I switched to WWE Raw at halftime. Pretty sure I made the right choice.


I did too. Watching the Rock & Cena book a match for Wrestlemania 28 (plus beat up The Corre) was more exciting than watching Butler and UConn finish the game with a typical Duke-North Carolina halftime score.

[Patrick]

Worse game I've ever seen. .... Neither deserved to win .....

[SkinsKY]

Worse game I've ever seen. .... Neither deserved to win .....

The worst part was knowing that if we had hit just a couple of free throws, or gotten that goal tending call, we could have been in that snoozefest. Unfortunately, we played like they did. We just did it a game too early.

[Dolla Bill]

I can't tell if it was UConn's defense, or Butler's horrid shooting. Either way, that was a terrible game to end a good tournament.

[shally]

I can't tell if it was UConn's defense, or Butler's horrid shooting. Either way, that was a terrible game to end a good tournament.

clearly wasnt UConn's defense as Butler had a ton of open shots and simply went ice cold.. bad time to lose all your shooting skills.. have to wonder if VCU couldnt have given UConn a better game ?

[Dolla Bill]

clearly wasnt UConn's defense as Butler had a ton of open shots and simply went ice cold.. bad time to lose all your shooting skills.. have to wonder if VCU couldnt have given UConn a better game ?

I watched the 1st half of the game and it didn't hit double digits till around the 13 min mark I think. It was a horrible beginning, got a little bit better, then just jumped off a cliff.

I think that VCU could of given a better run, but Butler decided to actually shoot the ball.

[Skinreds]

Just saw this thread now and I know I'm late but damn that run by VCU was the best thing I ever experienced. I'm a senior here at VCU and that was the one of the best feelings ever. It also killed me when we lost to Butler. I guarantee that Championship Game would have been better if we were in it, win or lose.

Here's this video I made that almost got picked up by the networks. They said they were going to use it if we made the Championship.

Basically shows the school spirit (http://bit.ly/e1blQX) - Was asked not to put any music on the track, if you were wondering.