NCAA tourney pics and discussion

[Jedi Master Carr]

Okay March Madness is about to begin.
I will post Thursdays games probably later.
Anybody want to make a pick between Niagara and Florida A&M?
I will pick Niagara.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Florida A&M.

[CMJ]

Damn I woulda picked Niagara had I seen this thread. Oh well.

[CMJ]

I'm gonna do way better in the Round by round pick'm than the brackets. I went with NT all the way for that....which I know is ridiculous...but I can't go against my alma mater! :lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

I'm gonna do way better in the Round by round pick'm than the brackets. I went with NT all the way for that....which I know is ridiculous...but I can't go against my alma mater! :lol
LOL
well there is no team I am biased like that this year. Clemson of course didn't make it and my personal favorite in UConn didn't even come close. I am going with Georgetown because they look so dominant during the Big East Tourney. And I like the matchups they have.

[CMJ]

Pick'm for tommorrow.

Midwest Region
(13) Davidson
(4) Maryland

(12) Old Dominion
(5) Butler


West Region
(11) VCU (27-6)
(6) Duke (22-10)

(15) Weber St.
(2) UCLA

(14) Wright St.
(3) Pittsburgh

(10) Gonzaga
(7) Indiana


East Region
(10) Texas Tech
(7) Boston Coll.

(14) Oral Roberts
(3) Washington St.

(15) Belmont
(2) Georgetown

(11) Geo. Washington
(6) Vanderbilt

(9) Michigan St.
(8) Marquette

(16) Eastern Kentucky
(1) North Carolina

South Region
(11) Stanford
(6) Louisville

(14) Pennsylvania
(3) Texas A&M

(16) Central Conn. St.
(1) Ohio St.

(9) Xavier
(8) BYU (25-8)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I was just going to post them :) Here are the games.

Midwest Region
(13) Davidson
(4) Maryland

(12) Old Dominion
(5) Butler


West Region
(11) VCU (27-6)
(6) Duke (22-10)

(15) Weber St.
(2) UCLA

(14) Wright St.
(3) Pittsburgh

(10) Gonzaga
(7) Indiana


East Region
(10) Texas Tech
(7) Boston Coll.

(14) Oral Roberts
(3) Washington St.

(15) Belmont
(2) Georgetown

(11) Geo. Washington
(6) Vanderbilt

(9) Michigan St.
(8) Marquette

(16) Eastern Kentucky
(1) North Carolina

South Region
(11) Stanford
(6) Louisville

(14) Pennsylvania
(3) Texas A&M

(16) Central Conn. St.
(1) Ohio St.

(9) Xavier
(8) BYU (25-8)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Here are my picks

Midwest Region
(13) Davidson W
(4) Maryland

(12) Old Dominion
(5) Butler W


West Region
(11) VCU (27-6) W
(6) Duke (22-10)

(15) Weber St.
(2) UCLA W

(14) Wright St.
(3) Pittsburgh W

(10) Gonzaga W
(7) Indiana


East Region
(10) Texas Tech
(7) Boston Coll. W

(14) Oral Roberts
(3) Washington St. W

(15) Belmont
(2) Georgetown W

(11) Geo. Washington W
(6) Vanderbilt

(9) Michigan St.
(8) Marquette W

(16) Eastern Kentucky
(1) North Carolina W

South Region
(11) Stanford
(6) Louisville W

(14) Pennsylvania
(3) Texas A&M w

(16) Central Conn. St.
(1) Ohio St. W

(9) Xavier W
(8) BYU (25-8)

[jediSamson]

Midwest Region
(13) Davidson
(4) Maryland win

(12) Old Dominion
(5) Butler win


West Region
(11) VCU (27-6)
(6) Duke (22-10) win by about 20 points (but do hope im wrong)

(15) Weber St.
(2) UCLA win

(14) Wright St.
(3) Pittsburgh win

(10) Gonzaga
(7) Indiana toss up


East Region
(10) Texas Tech
(7) Boston Coll. win

(14) Oral Roberts
(3) Washington St.win

(15) Belmont
(2) Georgetown win

(11) Geo. Washington win
(6) Vanderbilt

(9) Michigan St.
(8) Marquette win

(16) Eastern Kentucky
(1) North Carolina WIN BABY!!!!!!!!!!

South Region
(11) Stanford
(6) Louisville win

(14) Pennsylvania win yeah I know long shot
(3) Texas A&M

(16) Central Conn. St. WIN, first 16 to ever beat a #1(j/k) but would be nice
(1) Ohio St. win

(9) Xavier
(8) BYU (25-8) win

[jediSamson]

JMC, nice ,gutsy call with Davidson over Maryland. Davidson isn't a push over and may be closer than most think. Wouldn't hurt my feelings if they beat Maryland(although they are acc) Davidson had the got sense to want yours truley to play soccer for them (i just didnt have the good sense to accept :( ) so i could live with that upset. They could, IF!!!!! they dont let Maryland run , if they do it'll be a blow out.

[Jedi Master Carr]

yeah I admit it is gutsy. I was trying to find the a major upset from a 2 or 3 seed and that would seems possible. I am sure Ryan will hate me for picking it :p I have to say it isn't personal or anything.

[Ryan Pode]

Midwest Region
(13) Davidson
(4) Maryland Win

(12) Old Dominion Win
(5) Butler


West Region
(11) VCU Win
(6) Duke

(15) Weber St.
(2) UCLA Win

(14) Wright St.
(3) Pittsburgh Win

(10) Gonzaga Win
(7) Indiana


East Region
(10) Texas Tech
(7) Boston Coll. Win

(14) Oral Roberts
(3) Washington St. Win

(15) Belmont
(2) Georgetown Win

(11) Geo. Washington Win
(6) Vanderbilt

(9) Michigan St. Win
(8) Marquette

(16) Eastern Kentucky
(1) North Carolina Win

South Region
(11) Stanford
(6) Louisville Win

(14) Pennsylvania
(3) Texas A&M Win

(16) Central Conn. St.
(1) Ohio St. Win

(9) Xavier
(8) BYU Win

[Ryan Pode]

Stanford is showing why they should have been NIT. 18-12 teams shouldn't be in the NCAA's.

[Ryan Pode]

The commentators in the Davidson v. Maryland game, have spoken more about Kevin Durant than anyone in the game. :\

[jediSamson]

The commentators in the Davidson v. Maryland game, have spoken more about Kevin Durant than anyone in the game. :\Commentators sometimes just irk the heck out of me. Shame they didnt watch the game, there was a pretty darn good freshman by the name of Curry playing( i assume he did well also in 2nd half, only got to watch first half.

[CMJ]

Chalk city so far today....

Maybe that sets it up for us tommorrow!

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2007-03-15/news/american-eagle

:)

[CMJ]

I went 6-2 during the day.

[Ryan Pode]

Curry's first half was amazing. His second half, not so much.

[jediSamson]

wow, this will be the worst bracket i think i have ever had :(

I knew Penn over TX-Am was a long shot but would have bet money Marquette and G.Washington would have stormed to the 2nd round :(

ok, back to the duke game .

[CMJ]

Though I had Duke winning this one, VCU taking it isn't an upset to me. The CAA is a STRONG league, and Duke was down. We had our 2 first "upsets" though with Michigan State and VCU.

[jediSamson]

WOW!!!! never in a million years would I have thought Duke would have gotten put out in the first round, I know they are not the Duke we are use to but WOW!!! Man, to everyone that I said that VCU couldnt beat Duke, I gladly eat Crow!!!!!! And man is it goooooo--od.

My Bracket is getting worse and worse .LOL!!!

[Jedi Master Carr]

I knew Duke was going to win. I knew they were having a down year and they weren't going to fare well, plus VC'U is a pretty good team.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Xavier-BYU was a great game. Eastern Kentucky gave NC some rough few minutes. Also, unless Gonzaga makes a heck of a comeback they will lose. I thought they would pull the upset but they haven't played very consistent all game.

[CMJ]

Xavier/BYU might've been the game of the day.

[CMJ]

Tommorrow's games...

Midwest Region
(10) Georgia Tech
(7) UNLV

(11) Winthrop
(6) Notre Dame


(15) Texas A&M C.C.
(2) Wisconsin


(14) Miami (OH)
(3) Oregon


(9) Purdue
(8) Arizona

(16) Jackson St.
(1) Florida


West Region
(12) Illinois
(5) Virginia Tech

(16) Niagara
(1) Kansas

(9) Villanova
(8) Kentucky

(13) Holy Cross
(4) Southern Ill.

East Region
(13) New Mexico St.
(4) Texas

(12) Arkansas
(5) USC


South Region
(13) Albany
(4) Virginia

(15) North Texas
(2) Memphis

(12) Long Beach St.
(5) Tennessee

(10) Creighton
(7) Nevada

[Ryan Pode]

Midwest Region
(10) Georgia Tech Win
(7) UNLV

(11) Winthrop
(6) Notre Dame Win


(15) Texas A&M C.C.
(2) Wisconsin Win


(14) Miami (OH)
(3) Oregon Win


(9) Purdue Win
(8) Arizona

(16) Jackson St.
(1) Florida Win


West Region
(12) Illinois
(5) Virginia Tech Win

(16) Niagara
(1) Kansas Win

(9) Villanova Win
(8) Kentucky

(13) Holy Cross
(4) Southern Ill. Win

East Region
(13) New Mexico St.
(4) Texas Win

(12) Arkansas
(5) USC Win


South Region
(13) Albany
(4) Virginia Win

(15) North Texas Win
(2) Memphis

(12) Long Beach St. Win
(5) Tennessee

(10) Creighton Win
(7) Nevada

[CMJ]

I went 12-4 on day one.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Midwest Region
(10) Georgia Tech W
(7) UNLV

(11) Winthrop
(6) Notre Dame W


(15) Texas A&M C.C.
(2) Wisconsin W


(14) Miami (OH)
(3) Oregon W


(9) Purdue
(8) Arizona W

(16) Jackson St.
(1) Florida W


West Region
(12) Illinois W
(5) Virginia Tech

(16) Niagara
(1) Kansas W

(9) Villanova W
(8) Kentucky

(13) Holy Cross
(4) Southern Ill. W

East Region
(13) New Mexico St.
(4) Texas W

(12) Arkansas W
(5) USC


South Region
(13) Albany
(4) Virginia W

(15) North Texas
(2) Memphis w

(12) Long Beach St.
(5) Tennessee w

(10) Creighton
(7) Nevada W

[CMJ]

This was off the Dallas Morning News's running blog on the Mean Green(I love the net...how else could I read all this stuff on my boys living half a country away)


Thursday

At 10:45 a.m., the last player on the bus is Mr. Young, who draws teammate chants of "Superstar!" after a morning appearance on ESPN's Cold Pizza.

As the bus pulls into the loading dock at New Orleans Arena, where the team will be available for media interviews before a 45-minute workout, Mr. Jones cautions the players.

"Make sure you don't allow the media to lead you into anything that will give them [the Tigers]bulletin board material. They will try to bait you."

Mr. Jones, it turns out, has no reason for concern. When the bright lights come on, Mean Green players turn on the charm, especially Mr. Watson and Mr. Davis. The players are all too aware that No. 15 seeds are carrying an all-time record of 4-88 into this tournament.

"We're trying to win, but for us to go out there and play well on a national stage, it'll help everything," Mr. Davis says. "It'll help the program, recruiting – all kinds of doors will open up."


The Mean Green's stay in New Orleans may not last long, but they've already turned heads. Of course, the blaring siren of their sheriff-car escort back to the hotel Thursday had something to do with it.

In the lobby, Dr. Bataille, UNT's president, greeted Mr. Jones with a hug and a question.

"So, how do they look?"

His response: "They're so locked in, it's unbelievable."



NEW ORLEANS – The chatter volume rises as the bus turns onto Poydras Street and drones past the hulking silhouette of the Superdome.

It is nearly 11 p.m. The University of North Texas men's basketball team, finally, has arrived.

"I love downtown New Orleans," senior guard Kendrick Davis announces as the bus slows in front of the team hotel on Canal Street. "It's the place to be. But we're on a business trip now, baby."

The Mean Green are in the 65-team NCAA basketball tournament for the second time in school history and the first time since 1988.

They are 18-point underdogs for today's 11:30 a.m. matchup against the 30-3 Memphis Tigers, seeded No. 2 in the South Region. But this is a landmark moment for a school that has long yearned for an identity and a team that earned its NCAA berth by winning a game witnessed by 409 fans.

That was Tuesday in Lafayette, La. The 23-10 Mean Green returned to a conquering-heroes reception on their Denton campus.

Now the bandwagon is overflowing. The team that averaged 2,067 fans at home this season has stoked fervor among its loyal supporters and roused alumni, some 90,000 of whom live in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Denton area.

"When I came, I said we've got to have a national and international presence," says Gretchen Bataille, who in August became UNT's 14th president, though her formal inauguration isn't until next month.

"We're national now. There really are a lot of folks out there watching us. It's publicity; it's awareness; it's bringing our alums back to say, 'I really am proud of my school.' "

With nearly 33,000 students, North Texas is the state's fourth-largest university, yet it is often overshadowed by two nearby private universities, Southern Methodist in Dallas and Texas Christian in Fort Worth.

Founded in 1890 as the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute, North Texas has undergone six name changes, the last in 1988. Its regional profile has rarely been lifted by its athletic teams, which for years were confusingly known both as the Mean Green and the Eagles.

But times are changing under sixth-year athletic director Rick Villarreal, starting with football bowl appearances from 2001 to 2004 – the school's first since 1959.

The women's soccer team earned its first NCAA tournament berths in 2004 and 2005. And three months ago, UNT made headlines with the hiring of Todd Dodge, one of the most successful and innovative high school football coaches in the nation.

"I think athletics serves a lot of purposes on campus, creating spirit, creating an attachment," says Mr. Villarreal, 47. "I think what our basketball team has done is really important in building the university, getting our name out there."



I want to believe! GMG!

[jediSamson]

(10) Georgia Tech Win
(7) UNLV

(11) Winthrop
(6) Notre Dame win, pulling for Winthrop though

(15) Texas A&M C.C.
(2) Wisconsin Win


(14) Miami (OH)
(3) Oregon Win


(9) Purdue
(8) Arizona win

(16) Jackson St.
(1) Florida Win


West Region
(12) Illinois
(5) Virginia Tech Win

(16) Niagara
(1) Kansas Win

(9) Villanova
(8) Kentucky win

(13) Holy Cross
(4) Southern Ill. Win

East Region
(13) New Mexico St.
(4) Texas Win

(12) Arkansas
(5) USC Win


South Region
(13) Albany
(4) Virginia Win

(15) North Texas
(2) Memphis win

(12) Long Beach St.
(5) Tennessee win

(10) Creighton Win
(7) Nevada

[CMJ]

Except for 2 runs we outplayed the #5 team in the nation today. I'm so proud of our team.

[jediSamson]

Except for 2 runs we outplayed the #5 team in the nation today. I'm so proud of our team.As you should be and all their fans should be, was actually better than the score shows.

[Jedi Master Carr]

They played a lot better than some of the big teams like Stanford. Wisconsin is on the ropes right now, that would be a huge upset. Notre Dame lost, though I think Wintrhop will get steam rolled by Oregon.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Orgeon got a closer game than I expected. I thought Miami OH would be a push over considering the way they entered the tournement. Still, I think Oregon will advance pass Winthrop. They play the same style as them and that should be a better match up for them.

[CMJ]

I went 13-3 on day two for 25-7 overall! Here are tommorrow's games....

Midwest Region
(5) Butler
(4) Maryland


West Region
(11) VCU
(3) Pittsburgh

(7) Indiana
(2) UCLA


East Region
(6) Vanderbilt
(3) Washington St.

(7) Boston Coll.
(2) Georgetown

(9) Michigan St.
(1) North Carolina


South Region
(9) Xavier
(1) Ohio St.

(6) Louisville
(3) Texas A&M

[Ryan Pode]

Midwest Region
(5) Butler
(4) Maryland Win


West Region
(11) VCU
(3) Pittsburgh Win


(7) Indiana
(2) UCLA Win


East Region
(6) Vanderbilt
(3) Washington St. Win

(7) Boston Coll.
(2) Georgetown Win

(9) Michigan St.
(1) North Carolina Win


South Region
(9) Xavier
(1) Ohio St. Win

(6) Louisville
(3) Texas A&M Win

[jediSamson]

5) Butler
(4) Maryland Win


West Region
(11) VCU
(3) Pittsburgh Win


(7) Indiana
(2) UCLA Win


East Region
(6) Vanderbilt
(3) Washington St. Win

(7) Boston Coll.win
(2) Georgetown

(9) Michigan St.
(1) North Carolina Win


South Region
(9) Xavier
(1) Ohio St. Win

(6) Louisville win
(3) Texas A&M



Im a little late with this.

[CMJ]

Butler just advanced in a semi upset. To think NT was in the MVC about 30 years ago. It was a monumental mistake to leave....at least when we did.

[CMJ]

A&M survived, for all practical purposes, a road game. Wow....what a contest.

[jediSamson]

Just wanted to state for the record (again) MY BRACKET SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and My ACC has let me down :cry but on the plus side, right or wrong in my predictions i have enjoyed the games :)

[CMJ]

Two great games just ended. Though the teams I was pulling for lost both.

[CMJ]

I go 7-1 today 32-8 overall.

Midwest Region
(7) UNLV
(2) Wisconsin

(11) Winthrop
(3) Oregon

(9) Purdue
(1) Florida


West Region
(5) Virginia Tech
(4) Southern Ill.

(8) Kentucky
(1) Kansas


East Region
(5) USC
(4) Texas


South Region
(5) Tennessee
(4) Virginia

(7) Nevada
(2) Memphis

[Ryan Pode]

Midwest Region
(7) UNLV
(2) Wisconsin Win

(11) Winthrop
(3) Oregon Win

(9) Purdue
(1) Florida Win


West Region
(5) Virginia Tech
(4) Southern Ill. Win

(8) Kentucky
(1) Kansas Win


East Region
(5) USC
(4) Texas Win


South Region
(5) Tennessee
(4) Virginia Win

(7) Nevada Win
(2) Memphis

[jediSamson]

(7) UNLV
(2) Wisconsin Win

(11) Winthrop
(3) Oregon Win

(9) Purdue
(1) Florida Win


West Region
(5) Virginia Tech
(4) Southern Ill. Win

(8) Kentuckywin
(1) Kansas


East Region
(5) USC
(4) Texas Win


South Region
(5) Tennessee
(4) Virginia Win

(7) Nevada
(2) Memph win

[Figrin D'an]

Purdue took Florida to the wall today, but it wasn't quite enough to knock off the Gators. For a program that hit rock bottom 3 years ago, it's good to see things headed in the right direction. Getting back into NCAA tournament, winning a game, and coming close to beating the #1 overall seed is series of big steps from the mess that existed not that long ago.

A lot of young players, now with tourney experience, and some really good talent coming in next year makes me hopeful for the future.

[CMJ]

Another program that's back? UNLV...a mainstay in my youth.

[jediSamson]

Another program that's back? UNLV...a mainstay in my youth.
Wow, I was talking about the Larry Johnson led UNLV the other day and how dominate they were, And although they were on my bracket I never even gave them a second thought this year.

Well My ACC is officially dead (other than UNC) Man, really thought they would fare better than they did. But with the one loss and your gone format I guess anyone can lose at anytime. Have I mentioned that my Bracket was shot to heck?? LOL!!

[Jedi Master Carr]

Wow, I was talking about the Larry Johnson led UNLV the other day and how dominate they were, And although they were on my bracket I never even gave them a second thought this year.

Well My ACC is officially dead (other than UNC) Man, really thought they would fare better than they did. But with the one loss and your gone format I guess anyone can lose at anytime. Have I mentioned that my Bracket was shot to heck?? LOL!!

I still have my final 4 :p. Also I completely forgot Friday and Saturday night to make my picks here, oh well probably would have sucked anyway. I have to say I am shocked there are no real sleepers besides Vanderbelt and UNLV. Butler kind of is but they have been a top 15 team most of the year. Still three mid majors left which is good. I am hoping either Butler or Southern Illinois can make it to the final four.

[CMJ]

I had another 7-1 day. That gets me to 39-9 overall....one of my best years I believe.

[CMJ]

West Region
(4) Southern Ill.
(1) Kansas

(3) Pittsburgh
(2) UCLA


South Region
(3) Texas A&M
(2) Memphis

(5) Tennessee
(1) Ohio St.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think there will be one big upset in this round but I really don't know who it will be. I am really hoping Butler can pull of the upset tomorrow.
(4) Southern Ill.
(1) Kansas W

(3) Pittsburgh
(2) UCLA W


South Region
(3) Texas A&M W
(2) Memphis

(5) Tennessee
(1) Ohio St. W

[jediSamson]

Ohio st, should not even be playing tonight. Oden's foul was flagrant, should have been some foul shots and Xavier's ball which that would have sealed the game. Sad, pathetic officiating, heck even Oden said it was flagrant. And why, does everyhing read "Oden to lead...... Oden has yet to lead, didley-doo heck this Clown didn't even know how the tourny worked.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Have to be proud at how Southern Illinois gave Kansas everything they had. They could have won that game if they had scored on that steal. Oh Oden hasn't impressed me at all. He did nothing special in the win over Xavier and so far he hasn't been a factor. If wasn't for the players around him (Conley, Lewis and Butler) they would be out of this tourney last round.

[CMJ]

Both of the early games were fantastic. Memphis showed alot of guts winning against A&M in what was practically a home game for the Aggies. And SIU went toe to toe with KU for the entire contest.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I was surprised Memphis won. I really haven't felt they were that good coming into this tourney. I figured they played in a weak conference and have been waiting for them to lose. Tennessee is just out hustling OSU right now. OSU won't get lucky twice.

[CMJ]

Memphis now has made the Elite Eight 2 years in a row. They may be from a weak league, but they're for real(hey UNLV played in a middling league when they were at their peak....Gonzaga is in a weak leak too...it can happen). I REALLY am impressed we played them as tough as we did now.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well I just gave them no respect heh. Oh and what a shocker Tennessee is up by 17 points at half time. I sure didn't see that coming. They are running up and down the court with them.

[CMJ]

That Regional Final could be a Civil War. Memphis vs Tennessee? Good lord.

:lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

That Regional Final could be a Civil War. Memphis vs Tennessee? Good lord.

:lol

LOL yeah that could be a heck of a game. One thing could be a game in the 100's with the way those two teams play offense.

[CMJ]

I know those 2 schools don't like each other much. Memphis has been the basketball power in the state ever since they were in the MVC, but Tennessee is the big state school with the huge following. Kinda doesn't make sense, but there it is. I'm sure the Tigers would love nothing better than to knock off the Big Dog.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I know those 2 schools don't like each other much. Memphis has been the basketball power in the state ever since they were in the MVC, but Tennessee is the big state school with the huge following. Kinda doesn't make sense, but there it is. I'm sure the Tigers would love nothing better than to knock off the Big Dog.

Heh that is true.

[Jedi Master Carr]

If Tennesse blows this game they will be walking home.

[CMJ]

Yeah, I'm seeing the game is getting real close on the scoreboard. Obviously, living in LA we have the Bruins game on.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Tennessee is hitting nothing right now which is why OSU is coming back. They are playing horrible to start he second half, shooting bad shots and making some bad passes.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Raftery has lost Oden is no Wilt Chamberland.

[CMJ]

Bruins look like they're gonna hold on. The Kansas/UCLA matchup is gonna be a National Championship worthy tilt.

[Jedi Master Carr]

That should be a great game. I have to say OSU reminds me so much of Uconn last season. They seem to only show up when they feel like it. They will lose like Uconn did last year if they keep playing like that.

[CMJ]

The Panthers hitting 3's and making it interesting....

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well Tennessee might as well walk home. They played horrible in the second half. They didn't deserve to win with the way they played. Oh I hate Bill Raftery what is he an OSU alumn? I think OSU will lose here they are like UConn last year.

[CMJ]

I actually really like Raftery...he's a funnier version of Vitale(who I also like). Both are cheerleaders tho. I went 3-1 tonight, moving to 42-10.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I just thought he got a litle too high on OSU especially comparing Oden to Chamberland now that is an insane comparison.

[CMJ]

The team finds ways to win. It's easy to admire them.

Midwest
(5) Butler
(1) Florida

(7) UNLV
(3) Oregon


East Region
(6) Vanderbilt
(2) Georgetown

(5) USC
(1) North Carolina

[Jedi Master Carr]

Midwest
(5) Butler W I just want Butler to win that would be a huge story
(1) Florida

(7) UNLV
(3) Oregon W


East Region
(6) Vanderbilt
(2) Georgetown W

(5) USC W I think we will have two big upsets tonight.
(1) North Carolina

[CMJ]

I also called 2 upsets tonight...one the same.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I also called 2 upsets tonight...one the same.

Heh you did, so far Butler is giving Florida everything they have. Vanderbelt is giving Georgetown a tougher game than I would have thought.

[CMJ]

I expected both games to be struggles. Looks like Florida is gonna hold on here.

[Jedi Master Carr]

That was a heck of a shot by Green.

[CMJ]

And Georgetown hits the game winner with about 2 seconds to go. This is the most chalk I've ever seen in a tournament. It's possible the Elite 8 matchups will be 1/2, 1/2, 1/2, 1/3.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well USC could beat NC, IMO. That might the only upset. I don't think UNLV will beat Oregon unless the Ducks don't play their game.
I wonder why Vanderbelt didn't call a time out.

[CMJ]

Well I picked both of the late games to be upsets, but at this point I think the faves will win. It's just been insane this year.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think USC will win. NC was the weakest #1, IMO and I think the trojans are a good team, better than their seed. Regardless I don't think all 4 #1 will make it. A couple of those twos (UCLA and Georegtown) have great chances to win. Oregon could beat Florida if they shoot like they did in the Pac 10 final.

[jediSamson]

That was a heck of a shot by Green.

easy shot when you travel, very poor officiating. Speaking of.....ARE THESE PAC-TEN officials????????????? cause it doesnt take a Carolina fan to see just how biased the calls are. Sad, you have the BEST (not the weakest #1 seed) playing a good USC team and they not only have to worry about them, but the officials too, sad,hope billy(the idiot packer)calls it like it is for once. MAn, if Carolina loose's , cause they get beat fine, but loosing due to Biased officiating is wrong. Shame, coach Williams has so much class cause I'd call bs, bs.

[CMJ]

You're looking at the game thru Carolina blue tinted glasses bro. USC is straight whipping UNC right now. I'm not counting the Heels out tho, not after all the faves that have come back from huge deficits and won.

[CMJ]

And I basically called it. The Heels go on a 18-0 run. The game is over. Nothing against the Heels, or the Hoyas, or the Buckeyes, or whoever, but MAN. The tournament has been fun and all, but there's not as much magic when there's this much chalk. Even with the fantastic games.

[CMJ]

I went 2-2 tonight....moving to 44-12.

West Region
(2) UCLA
(1) Kansas


South Region
(2) Memphis
(1) Ohio St.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I agree with you CMJ when all the favorites win it doesn't become as fun. Without cinderella it can be very boring. I think two #1 seeds will lose this weekend, maybe three.
Oh about that travel call, that doesn't called in the paint like almost never. I have see seen many big men from Shaq to Hakeem, etc do the same thing and it never gets called. Jordan even did the same thing. The reason why is it is hard to see. Those referees have like 4 or 5 bodies in between them so it is hard to see from their eyes. Sure when watching on TV iit is easy to catch but you can put in slow motion, so to me I am not surprised it wasn't called.

Here are my picks, or else I will forget tomorrow heh.
(2) UCLA W
(1) Kansas


South Region
(2) Memphis
(1) Ohio St. W (since I have been so down on Memphis watch me lose here lol)

[CMJ]

Well in 2003 all four 1 seeds made the Elite 8 and only one got to the Final Four(Texas who lost to Syracuse a 3 seed in one of the Semis).

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well in 2003 all four 1 seeds made the Elite 8 and only one got to the Final Four(Texas who lost to Syracuse a 3 seed in one of the Semis).

Well that is good to know. I would hate it to be all 4#1. That would be too unpredictable.

[CMJ]

The closest to this year's Elite 8 Matchups I could find was 1993. The matchups were 1/2, 1/2, 1/3 & 1/7. The Final Four that year was 3 one seeds and a two.

That Final Four is remembered for Weber's timeout call in the Championship game against UNC.

[jediSamson]

You're looking at the game thru Carolina blue tinted glasses bro. Me, Carolina blue tinted glasses?? surely you jest ;)

[Jedi Master Carr]

UCLA played some great defense as usual. They will be a tough team to beat, IMO.

[CMJ]

There's a reason before the season started I picked UCLA to win it all. That reason was Ben Howland's defense with almost everyone back from last year.

If they get Florida next Saturday, grudge match.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Either way it will be a rematch of sorts. They know Oregon very well.

[CMJ]

Yep, they went 1-1 vs the Ducks. Oregon won a nailbiter, and UCLA blew them out in the rematch. That would be a great game too.

Both games tommorrow should be great. The KU/UCLA contest was terrific. The final score may not indicate so, but everyone who watched it knows.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah it was a great game. UCLA just pulled away.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am going out on a big whim and pick
Oregon
Georgetown to advance tomorrow.

[CMJ]

I'm gonna go with ....

East
North Carolina

Midwest
Florida

I'd like to be wrong on both. Especially Florida. I'm tired of that school winning everything.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think Georgetown will win. I am going out on a huge limb with Oregon. Georgetown I think has the players to beat UNC.

[CMJ]

Well both underdogs could win. I just don't think they will.

Here's hoping I'm wrong at least once.

[jediSamson]

Georgetown I think has the players to beat UNC.I have to agree, in a one and done situation (which this is) best of series, no way. Gtown's big man(and he is) has started playing somewhat to the level they thought he would. And although Hansbrough sp, and wright are the two BEST(period end of story) players in college ball, thats alot of height to deal with.

[CMJ]

And although Hansbrough sp, and wright are the two BEST(period end of story) players in college ball

End of story? Gotta love those sky blue glasses.

[jediSamson]

Ok guy's are you as sick and tired of me complaining about Greg Oden as I am about hearing how great he is?? EVERY stinking article is making him sound like the second coming of Chamberlin. Articles bragging about him getting the best of a 6'9(6'9,6'9,6'9!!!!!!!!)guy who was in foul trouble the whole game and isnt that good to begin with. WTHeck, have people in the sporting world lost their minds???? or do they just jump on a band-wagon and ride it till the wheels fall off???????And on top of that, if Oden wieghs more than 260 (and im being generous) i'll root for G'town sunday. And one article even stated how SMART Oden was ROTFLMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! ok, im no genius but uh, i'd put my Sat's, TRUE GPA again his anytime, anywhere and again that ain't saying much. STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jediSamson]

End of story? Gotta love those sky blue glasses.

:grin :lol

[CMJ]

Oden is being judged more on his potential than his accomplishments so far I think. I do believe his upside is HUGE. He's a big guy, and has passing great skills. His defense is terrific.

His achilles heel is foul trouble. He's sitting nearly half the game right now. On the other hand, Shaq was ALWAYS in foul trouble in college.

[jediSamson]

wth???? officials decide not to call fouls against the Hoya's!!!!!!!! game shoudl be OVER!!!!!!!!! and anyone watching that game knows it the truth!!!!!!!! OT what a load of crap!!!!!!!! :( :( :(

[Jedi Master Carr]

What a comeback by Georgetown. And don't complain about fouls. NC shot like 30 foul shots. I say the game was fairly called. Georgetown just played amazing down the stretch. They are a team to watch out for too. Darn both games should actually be amazing.

[jediSamson]

How can you go to the final 4 KNOWING the game was given to you??? IF george Town had atleast an ounce of class, dignity they would declare the game null and void . Dont mind the Heels getting beat by and opposing good team, but the game was thrown . Guess the cowardly officials were scared of the crowd. And anyone watching KNOWS im telling it like it is. well guy's College basketball has stooped to a new level. They are now in line with the oscar's, pro wrestling and reality TV. Sad and pathetic.

[jediSamson]

What a comeback by Georgetown. And don't complain about fouls. NC shot like 30 foul shots. I say the game was fairly called. Georgetown just played amazing down the stretch. They are a team to watch out for too. Darn both games should actually be amazing.You didnt watch the game, the fouls called On George Town were fouls!!!!!!!! period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The officials just got scared and or paid off. Tyles last shot, EVEN Billy paker or nance even said George town got away with a foul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CMJ]

You didnt watch the game, the fouls called On George Town were fouls!!!!!!!! period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Typical irrational homer reaction. Every trip down the opposition fouls you, and you never committ any, right?

;)

[jediSamson]

Typical irrational homer reaction. Every trip down the opposition fouls you, and you never committ any, right?

;)Am i wrong????NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You guys can continue to watch this BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but watch it knowing UNC got screwed. And thats a fact you cannot deny

[jediSamson]

who ever wins the championship is a pretender, UNC has yet to be beat by another team in the 2007 Ncaa tournament. ANd thats a fact no one can deny, they can try, but they will be lying to themselves.

[CMJ]

who ever wins the championship is a pretender, UNC has yet to be beat by another team in the 2007 Ncaa tournament. ANd thats a fact no one can deny, they can try, but they will be lying to themselves.


Want some cheese with that whine? I never believed Carolina was the best team, so I'm quite okay with them getting beat.

UNC blew a fairly large 2nd half lead. If they really were as dominating as you claimed, it never should've come down to a call.

[jediSamson]

Want some cheese with that whine? I never believed Carolina was the best team, so I'm quite okay with them getting beat.

UNC blew a fairly large 2nd half lead. If they really were as dominating as you claimed, it never should've come down to a call.Even the sun shines on a dogs ars now and then. And make no mistake, G-town is a very good team, but not good enough to win today without help. But it's good to know that i'm indeed correct, cause everyone is avoiding my main rant, trying to avoid it. Tyler was fouled end of story, and MANY others were not called against G-town when it mattered.

[jediSamson]

Want some cheese with that whine? I never believed Carolina was the best team, so I'm quite okay with them getting beat.

UNC blew a fairly large 2nd half lead. If they really were as dominating as you claimed, it never should've come down to a call.
who's better than UNC???? certainly not a team that needs officials help in making a come back and needing help to send a game in to OT AND in OT favoring the crowd favorites with calls. Anyone wanna prove me wrong, please share. I'm use to being wrong, but not this time.

[Jedi Master Carr]

who's better than UNC???? certainly not a team that needs officials help in making a come back and needing help to send a game in to OT AND in OT favoring the crowd favorites with calls. Anyone wanna prove me wrong, please share. I'm use to being wrong, but not this time.

I am with CMJ on this. I saw the game, to me the refs should not call as many fouls at the end of a game. I think you should let the players decide the game and not the refs. Look I understand your bias here so that is why I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

[jediSamson]

I am with CMJ on this. I saw the game, to me the refs should not call as many fouls at the end of a game. I think you should let the players decide the game and not the refs. Look I understand your bias here so that is why I wouldn't get too worked up about it.Not bias, I call it like it is, anyone who watched the game knows the truth. And I agree 100% the players should decide the outcome of a game not the ref's and if that were the case, the best team in college basketball would be moving on, but instead we have G'town moving on. But such is life. As long as no one leaves UNC to go to the next level (thats a joke, NBA sucks) Even the officials will not stop UNC. And again on the bias, when UNC stomped ARZ in the ground, I was the first to say that UNC got a LOT of calls that were out of the blue, just fyi.

Now, whats worse Is I have to pull for Ohio st :( and hope Oden finally plays like the most dominating player in basketball (LOL!!!!!!!!) and Gotta pull for UCLA, shewwwwwww life is gonna suck till next year :( ;)

[CMJ]

The more you complain, the worse you make yourself look. They didn't even mention your phantom foul in any of the highlights I've seen so far(and you know sports anchors love to editorialize).

[jediSamson]

The more you complain, the worse you make yourself look. They didn't even mention your phantom foul in any of the highlights I've seen so far(and you know sports anchors love to editorialize).well, Nance and Packer called it during the game, which would lead me to believe that certain people didnt really watch the game. And why ruin a great story. After 25 years hoya's get there revenge, blah,blah blah. To bad you dont have ti-vo :(

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am rooting for Georgetown right now. Mainly because unless its Clemson I generally pull for the Big East. I am not sure if they can win, although that Ohio State-Georgetown game should be a classic.

[CMJ]

I've had UCLA since October.

[CMJ]

I'm at 46-14.

Here we go.

(2)Georgetown
(1) Ohio State

(2)UCLA
(1)Florida

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am picking the same teams.
I think Georgetown and UCLA are playing the best right now.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Green played terrible which is why Georgetown lost, IMO. He only took like 6 shots. He is there best player he should have shot three times that many. He was way too passive when he had the ball.

[CMJ]

Decent, if unspectaucular semifinal game.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah the game could have been better. What is funny is other than the fouls on the two big men the refs hardly blew the whistle. Georgetown just didn't play their game for the whole 40 minutes. OSU wasn't dominant just did enough to win.

[CMJ]

Both Centers played great considering they were only in about half the game. :lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

Both Centers played great considering they were only in about half the game. :lol

Lol that is true.

[CMJ]

Afflalo only plays about 6 minutes...gets 3 fouls and no points, and yet UCLA is only down 6.

[CMJ]

And now Florida looks like they're gonna blow UCLA out.

[CMJ]

Florida wins by 10. They were the better team, though I wonder what would've happened if all those Bruins hadn't gotten in early foul trouble.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well it was a really boring day. Plus I dislike both teams so I have nobody to root for lol.

[CMJ]

I don't really care for either school either, but I'm sick of Florida.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well I hate Florida worse so I would probably go with OSU as well. The ironic thing that could happen is OSU was favored in football and lost to Florida and now the opposite could happen.

[CMJ]

That would be ironic. I don't really have a vested interest in the outcome, but I'll watch anyways, because college basketball is my favorite sport, and it's a loooong time till October practice.

[CMJ]

Going with Florida tonight...

[CMJ]

If you ain't a Gator, you're Gator bait.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well at least we know there won't be no three-peat. Florida will lose 6 players next season and maybe even Donvan. They will be in rebuild mode like Duke and Uconn were this year.

[CMJ]

If Oden and Conolley Jr come back I think tOsu is the favorite next year. I know the PG is expected to already, and he and Oden are very close. As unlikely as it may have seemed a few months ago Oden might play as a sophmore.

[Figrin D'an]

If Donovan doesn't take the Kentucky job, he'd better make Florida pay a king's ransom to keep him. His stock is never going to be higher than it is right now, and should he turn down Kentucky, he's basically saying that he's staying at Florida until he retires... he won't get another opportunity to take over one of the legendary programs.

[CMJ]

I think he should stay at Florida, because at Florida he'll never be anything more than a great coach among a slew of great coaches. At Florida, he's creating his own Mount Rushmore...and he's the only face on it.

But yeah, he definitely deserves a pay raise.