1. North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA, Tennessee
2. Georgetown, Duke, Texas, Kansas
3. Wisconsin, Stanford, Xavier, Louisville
4. Notre Dame, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Drake
5. Butler, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Marquette
6. Washington St., Purdue, Clemson, Michigan St.
7. Southern Cal, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Gonzaga
8. UNLV, Arkansas, Texas A&M, BYU
9. Kent St., Mississippi St., Miami FL, Kansas St.
10. Davidson, Baylor, Kentucky, St. Mary's
11. Temple, St. Joseph's, Arizona, South Alabama
12. George Mason, Arizona St., Western Kentucky, Villanova
13. Georgia, San Diego, Siena, Oral Roberts
14. Austin Peay, Cal St.-Fullerton, Cornell, Boise St.
15. Belmont, Winthrop, UMBC, Portland St.
16. Coppin St., Mount St. Mary's, Mississippi Valley St., Texas-Arlington, American
Last Four In: Arizona St., Villanova, South Alabama, Arizona
Last Four Out: Illinois St., Oregon, VCU, Ohio St.
Next Four Out: Virginia Tech, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Ole Miss
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Seeding Update 3-15
1. North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA, Tennessee
2. Georgetown, Duke, Texas, Kansas
3. Wisconsin, Stanford, Louisville, Xavier
4. Butler, Drake, Notre Dame, Connecticut
5. Purdue, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Vanderbilt
6. Marquette, Michigan St., Southern Cal, Washington St.
7. Clemson, BYU, West Virginia, Oklahoma
8. Mississippi St., Arkansas, Texas A&M, Gonzaga
9. Kentucky, Kent St., UNLV, Kansas St.
10. Davidson, Baylor, Miami FL, St. Mary's
11. Arizona, St. Joseph's, South Alabama, Temple
12. Illinois St., Villanova, Western Kentucky, Arizona St.
13. George Mason, San Diego, Siena, Oral Roberts
14. Austin Peay, New Mexico St., Cal St.-Fullerton, Cornell
15. Belmont, American, Winthrop, Portland St.
16. Mississippi Valley St., Northwestern St., Mount St. Mary's, Morgan St., UMBC
Last Four In: South Alabama, Arizona St., Villanova, Illinois St.
Last Four Out: Oregon, VCU, Virginia Tech, Ohio St.
Next Four Out: Ole Miss, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Dayton
2. Georgetown, Duke, Texas, Kansas
3. Wisconsin, Stanford, Louisville, Xavier
4. Butler, Drake, Notre Dame, Connecticut
5. Purdue, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Vanderbilt
6. Marquette, Michigan St., Southern Cal, Washington St.
7. Clemson, BYU, West Virginia, Oklahoma
8. Mississippi St., Arkansas, Texas A&M, Gonzaga
9. Kentucky, Kent St., UNLV, Kansas St.
10. Davidson, Baylor, Miami FL, St. Mary's
11. Arizona, St. Joseph's, South Alabama, Temple
12. Illinois St., Villanova, Western Kentucky, Arizona St.
13. George Mason, San Diego, Siena, Oral Roberts
14. Austin Peay, New Mexico St., Cal St.-Fullerton, Cornell
15. Belmont, American, Winthrop, Portland St.
16. Mississippi Valley St., Northwestern St., Mount St. Mary's, Morgan St., UMBC
Last Four In: South Alabama, Arizona St., Villanova, Illinois St.
Last Four Out: Oregon, VCU, Virginia Tech, Ohio St.
Next Four Out: Ole Miss, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Dayton
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Seeding Update 3-11
1. North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA, Tennessee
2. Kansas, Texas, Duke, Georgetown
3. Xavier, Wisconsin, Louisville, Stanford
4. Connecticut, Purdue, Notre Dame, Drake
5. Indiana, Washington St., Vanderbilt, Butler
6. Clemson, Southern Cal, BYU, Michigan St.
7. Marquette, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Gonzaga
8. Baylor, Mississippi St., Kansas St., Kentucky
9. Kent St., West Virginia, Texas A&M, Miami FL
10. Arizona, Arkansas, UNLV, Davidson
11. South Alabama, Massachusetts, Arizona St., St. Mary's
12. Western Kentucky, Ohio St., Oregon, Syracuse
13. George Mason, San Diego, Utah St., Oral Roberts
14. UC Santa Barbara, Siena, Stephen F. Austin, Cornell
15. Austin Peay, Belmont, Winthrop, American
16. Alabama St., Sacred Heart, Morgan St., Portland St., UMBC
Last Four Out: Illinois St., New Mexico, Villanova, Ole Miss
Next Four Out: VCU, UAB, Dayton, St. Joseph's
2. Kansas, Texas, Duke, Georgetown
3. Xavier, Wisconsin, Louisville, Stanford
4. Connecticut, Purdue, Notre Dame, Drake
5. Indiana, Washington St., Vanderbilt, Butler
6. Clemson, Southern Cal, BYU, Michigan St.
7. Marquette, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Gonzaga
8. Baylor, Mississippi St., Kansas St., Kentucky
9. Kent St., West Virginia, Texas A&M, Miami FL
10. Arizona, Arkansas, UNLV, Davidson
11. South Alabama, Massachusetts, Arizona St., St. Mary's
12. Western Kentucky, Ohio St., Oregon, Syracuse
13. George Mason, San Diego, Utah St., Oral Roberts
14. UC Santa Barbara, Siena, Stephen F. Austin, Cornell
15. Austin Peay, Belmont, Winthrop, American
16. Alabama St., Sacred Heart, Morgan St., Portland St., UMBC
Last Four Out: Illinois St., New Mexico, Villanova, Ole Miss
Next Four Out: VCU, UAB, Dayton, St. Joseph's
Monday, March 03, 2008
Seeding Update 3-3
1: UCLA, North Carolina, Memphis, Tennessee
2: Louisville, Texas, Duke, Kansas
3: Xavier, Georgetown, Stanford, Purdue
4: Notre Dame, Indiana, Wisconsin, Connecticut
5: Butler, Marquette, Vanderbilt, Washington St.
6: Michigan St., Clemson, Drake, Pittsburgh
7: BYU, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, Miami FL
8: Arkansas, Baylor, Southern Cal, Mississippi St.
9: Kansas St., UNLV, St. Mary's, South Alabama
10: Texas A&M, Arizona, West Virginia, Arizona St.
11: Kent St., Davidson, VCU, UAB
12: Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Illinois St., UMass
13: Cornell, New Mexico, Western Kentucky, Siena
14: Cal St. Northridge, Boise St., Oral Roberts, Belmont
15: Austin Peay, American, Portland St., Lamar
16: Alabama St., Robert Morris, Morgan St., UNC Asheville, UMBC
2: Louisville, Texas, Duke, Kansas
3: Xavier, Georgetown, Stanford, Purdue
4: Notre Dame, Indiana, Wisconsin, Connecticut
5: Butler, Marquette, Vanderbilt, Washington St.
6: Michigan St., Clemson, Drake, Pittsburgh
7: BYU, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, Miami FL
8: Arkansas, Baylor, Southern Cal, Mississippi St.
9: Kansas St., UNLV, St. Mary's, South Alabama
10: Texas A&M, Arizona, West Virginia, Arizona St.
11: Kent St., Davidson, VCU, UAB
12: Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Illinois St., UMass
13: Cornell, New Mexico, Western Kentucky, Siena
14: Cal St. Northridge, Boise St., Oral Roberts, Belmont
15: Austin Peay, American, Portland St., Lamar
16: Alabama St., Robert Morris, Morgan St., UNC Asheville, UMBC
Monday, February 11, 2008
Bracket Projection 2-11
South
1. Memphis v. 16. Lamar
8. Baylor v. 9. Florida
4. Wisconsin v. 13. Kent St.
5. Butler v. 12. Syracuse
2. Georgetown v. 15. American
7. St. Mary’s v. 10. Maryland
3. Xavier v. 14. Cal St.-Northridge
6. Washington St. v. 11. UNLV
West
1. UCLA v. 16. Portland St.
8. BYU v. 9. Ohio St.
4. Louisville v. 13. Davidson
5. Texas A&M v. 12. Ole Miss
2. Tennessee v. 15. Austin Peay
7. Arizona v. 10. St. Joseph’s
3. Drake v. 14. Utah St.
6. Marquette v. 11. VCU
East
1. Duke v. 16. Morgan St.
8. Arkansas v. 9. Gonzaga
4. Michigan St. v. 13. Siena
5. Kansas St. v. 12. Oregon
2. Stanford v. 15. Maryland-Baltimore County
7. Clemson v. 10. Dayton
3. Connecticut v. 14. Cornell
6. Indiana v. 11. Oklahoma
Midwest
1. Kansas v. 16. Sacred Heart/Alabama St.
8. Southern Cal v. 9. Vanderbilt
4. Notre Dame v. 13. Oral Roberts
5. Purdue v. 12. South Alabama
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Rhode Island v. 10. Mississippi St.
3. Texas v. 14. UNC-Asheville
6. Pittsburgh v. 11. Arizona St.
1. Memphis v. 16. Lamar
8. Baylor v. 9. Florida
4. Wisconsin v. 13. Kent St.
5. Butler v. 12. Syracuse
2. Georgetown v. 15. American
7. St. Mary’s v. 10. Maryland
3. Xavier v. 14. Cal St.-Northridge
6. Washington St. v. 11. UNLV
West
1. UCLA v. 16. Portland St.
8. BYU v. 9. Ohio St.
4. Louisville v. 13. Davidson
5. Texas A&M v. 12. Ole Miss
2. Tennessee v. 15. Austin Peay
7. Arizona v. 10. St. Joseph’s
3. Drake v. 14. Utah St.
6. Marquette v. 11. VCU
East
1. Duke v. 16. Morgan St.
8. Arkansas v. 9. Gonzaga
4. Michigan St. v. 13. Siena
5. Kansas St. v. 12. Oregon
2. Stanford v. 15. Maryland-Baltimore County
7. Clemson v. 10. Dayton
3. Connecticut v. 14. Cornell
6. Indiana v. 11. Oklahoma
Midwest
1. Kansas v. 16. Sacred Heart/Alabama St.
8. Southern Cal v. 9. Vanderbilt
4. Notre Dame v. 13. Oral Roberts
5. Purdue v. 12. South Alabama
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Rhode Island v. 10. Mississippi St.
3. Texas v. 14. UNC-Asheville
6. Pittsburgh v. 11. Arizona St.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Teams Going In Opposite Directions
Let's start off with the good side of things. One of the feel-good stories so far this year has been New Orleans and their new 30-year old coach, Joe Pasternack, who wanted the head coaching job that other coaches left for assistant gigs down the benches at other, higher-profile schools.
So far, it seems that Pasternack was the perfect guy for the job, as the Privateers have now beaten NC State and Colorado on the road. Add to that four other wins, and UNO is 6-1.
The Privateers are also doing it with senior leadership with guys like Shaun Reynolds, James Parlow, Bo McCalebb and Ben Elias. Parlow and McCalebb are from New Orleans and had their families affected two and a half years ago by Hurricane Katrina.
McCalebb can flat out score on anybody, and even declared in the spring for the draft, before water-testing and coming back to school. He's one of the players at the mid-major level that college basketball diehards know probably doesn't get his due from the national powers that be.
The revelation for UNO this year has been juco transfer Kendall Dykes, who is averaging nearly 15 a game on 52% shooting and is his team's leading rebounder to boot. While Western Kentucky are still the favorites in the Sun Belt, teams like UNO, South Alabama and, yes, North Texas all look like contending for the crown.
On the bad side of things there's Louisville, a team that is really in shambles right now.
The most intriguing game of the many I watched last Saturday was Dayton and Louisville. In the first half, you could have removed the names from the jerseys and it would have been Dayton who looked like the preseason Final Four contenders and Louisville the consensus bubble/NIT team.
The final score wound up 70-65, but was only that close because Dayton had a prolonged cold spell from the floor in the first part of the second half. Brian Roberts of Dayton was simply amazing and went for 28 on 10-17 shooting.
Here were the weird things, both on the Louisville side.
1) Rick Pitino benching PG Edgar Sosa with around 10 minutes remaining and the game very close. This is a Louisville team without David Padgett and Juan Palacios. They suited up just eight scholarship players.
Sure, Sosa was playing poorly, but to bench a key player for the last 10 minutes of the second half on a team with little-to-no depth seemed bizarre.
2) The other is Derrick Caracter, who should have to have his named changed for media purposes to Derrick Caracter 'Issues'. This is a guy that, without Padgett available, absolutely needs to perform for his team to have a chance in a close game. Instead he chooses, on one play in particular, to sulk in the lane after being denied the ball on the right block by good Flyers defense. There were other times where Caracter looked content with being fronted in the post.
He led his team with 16 in that game, but that fails to tell any part of the story.
A couple days ago, it was learned that Caracter has been suspended indefinitely for violating team curfew. So, if you're scoring at home, this is a team whose point guard is in his coach's doghouse (for whatever reason, no one ever knows these things when we're talking about Pitino) and is down to seven scholarship players.
But yet, this is analogous to last December when Louisville was 5-4 and looked to be going nowhere then. Watch out for another 'They've really gotten things together" kind of run in last January and February, even though it seems like a stretch right now.
So far, it seems that Pasternack was the perfect guy for the job, as the Privateers have now beaten NC State and Colorado on the road. Add to that four other wins, and UNO is 6-1.
The Privateers are also doing it with senior leadership with guys like Shaun Reynolds, James Parlow, Bo McCalebb and Ben Elias. Parlow and McCalebb are from New Orleans and had their families affected two and a half years ago by Hurricane Katrina.
McCalebb can flat out score on anybody, and even declared in the spring for the draft, before water-testing and coming back to school. He's one of the players at the mid-major level that college basketball diehards know probably doesn't get his due from the national powers that be.
The revelation for UNO this year has been juco transfer Kendall Dykes, who is averaging nearly 15 a game on 52% shooting and is his team's leading rebounder to boot. While Western Kentucky are still the favorites in the Sun Belt, teams like UNO, South Alabama and, yes, North Texas all look like contending for the crown.
On the bad side of things there's Louisville, a team that is really in shambles right now.
The most intriguing game of the many I watched last Saturday was Dayton and Louisville. In the first half, you could have removed the names from the jerseys and it would have been Dayton who looked like the preseason Final Four contenders and Louisville the consensus bubble/NIT team.
The final score wound up 70-65, but was only that close because Dayton had a prolonged cold spell from the floor in the first part of the second half. Brian Roberts of Dayton was simply amazing and went for 28 on 10-17 shooting.
Here were the weird things, both on the Louisville side.
1) Rick Pitino benching PG Edgar Sosa with around 10 minutes remaining and the game very close. This is a Louisville team without David Padgett and Juan Palacios. They suited up just eight scholarship players.
Sure, Sosa was playing poorly, but to bench a key player for the last 10 minutes of the second half on a team with little-to-no depth seemed bizarre.
2) The other is Derrick Caracter, who should have to have his named changed for media purposes to Derrick Caracter 'Issues'. This is a guy that, without Padgett available, absolutely needs to perform for his team to have a chance in a close game. Instead he chooses, on one play in particular, to sulk in the lane after being denied the ball on the right block by good Flyers defense. There were other times where Caracter looked content with being fronted in the post.
He led his team with 16 in that game, but that fails to tell any part of the story.
A couple days ago, it was learned that Caracter has been suspended indefinitely for violating team curfew. So, if you're scoring at home, this is a team whose point guard is in his coach's doghouse (for whatever reason, no one ever knows these things when we're talking about Pitino) and is down to seven scholarship players.
But yet, this is analogous to last December when Louisville was 5-4 and looked to be going nowhere then. Watch out for another 'They've really gotten things together" kind of run in last January and February, even though it seems like a stretch right now.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
The Hardly-Live Blog: North Texas @ Texas Second Half
11:40 - FG% for the first half: UNT 32%, Texas 50%. Augustin and Abrams each have 14.
11:43 - Keith Wooden returns to start the second half, and his two illegal picks in the first two minutes started to set the tone for the first nine minutes of this game.
11:46 - It is truly amazing how much better Connor Atchley is this season than last. I look at him and wonder if it's even the same guy. He's about nineteen steps quicker as well.
11:50 - 15:54 remaining, and it's 59-37 Texas. Josh White is still playing great, but so are Augustin and Abrams.
11:54 - Keith Wooden is starting to play better down low, and just had a nice offensive rebound, put back and plus one sequence. 61-40, Texas.
11:58 - Josh White is so exciting to watch, and will go in for rebounds at 5-10 to boot.
11:59 - Josh White is former Oklahoma player Quantas White's brother? How did I not know this? Quantas' little brother hits his fourth and fifth threes. Lead goes to sixteen points.
12:01 - White with another 3! That's six! And the lead's just 13! 64-51! Woo!
12:04- Wooden from 15 feet! 11 point game! (I need to stop with the exclamation points!)
12:05 - Wooden again with a tap in! Single digit ball game. UT on an 18-3 run in the last 5 minutes. 64-55, Texas.
12:08 - UT comes back with baskets from Damion James and Abrams, but Wooden puts one in after that, 68-57, Texas.
12:09 - 7:34 remains in this game and it's a slightly manageable 13 points, 70-57, Texas.
12:12 - I can't help but think if only UNT had played better D in the first half...and those turnovers...
12:14 - Augustin and Abrams are beginning to get their unstoppability cloak back, after a bit of a lull when UNT made their run. 76-61, Texas, 5:43 remains.
12:18 - Quincy Williams misses a 14-footer from the baseline, and he's been off tonight, 80-64, Texas with 4:58 to go.
12:20 - Augustin drives and finishes (common theme tonight) and the lead is back to 19 points. Augustin has a Josh White-like 27.
12:21 - This just in: Augustin and Abrams are really good. They've combined for 50 and somehow, after all that UNT work, the lead is to 20.
12:23 - Wooden muscles his way down low for a bucket and he now has 17 in the second half. Lead is still 18 points, but I've seen so many good things out of them in this half.
12:27 - The Longhorns have had about a 90-second possession after some offensive boards, and the game is coming to a close. Final score in Austin, about three and a half hours ago, 88-72, Texas.
Awesome performances by Josh White (all game) and Keith Wooden (second half), but Abrams and Augustin were just so bloody good all the way through.
11:43 - Keith Wooden returns to start the second half, and his two illegal picks in the first two minutes started to set the tone for the first nine minutes of this game.
11:46 - It is truly amazing how much better Connor Atchley is this season than last. I look at him and wonder if it's even the same guy. He's about nineteen steps quicker as well.
11:50 - 15:54 remaining, and it's 59-37 Texas. Josh White is still playing great, but so are Augustin and Abrams.
11:54 - Keith Wooden is starting to play better down low, and just had a nice offensive rebound, put back and plus one sequence. 61-40, Texas.
11:58 - Josh White is so exciting to watch, and will go in for rebounds at 5-10 to boot.
11:59 - Josh White is former Oklahoma player Quantas White's brother? How did I not know this? Quantas' little brother hits his fourth and fifth threes. Lead goes to sixteen points.
12:01 - White with another 3! That's six! And the lead's just 13! 64-51! Woo!
12:04- Wooden from 15 feet! 11 point game! (I need to stop with the exclamation points!)
12:05 - Wooden again with a tap in! Single digit ball game. UT on an 18-3 run in the last 5 minutes. 64-55, Texas.
12:08 - UT comes back with baskets from Damion James and Abrams, but Wooden puts one in after that, 68-57, Texas.
12:09 - 7:34 remains in this game and it's a slightly manageable 13 points, 70-57, Texas.
12:12 - I can't help but think if only UNT had played better D in the first half...and those turnovers...
12:14 - Augustin and Abrams are beginning to get their unstoppability cloak back, after a bit of a lull when UNT made their run. 76-61, Texas, 5:43 remains.
12:18 - Quincy Williams misses a 14-footer from the baseline, and he's been off tonight, 80-64, Texas with 4:58 to go.
12:20 - Augustin drives and finishes (common theme tonight) and the lead is back to 19 points. Augustin has a Josh White-like 27.
12:21 - This just in: Augustin and Abrams are really good. They've combined for 50 and somehow, after all that UNT work, the lead is to 20.
12:23 - Wooden muscles his way down low for a bucket and he now has 17 in the second half. Lead is still 18 points, but I've seen so many good things out of them in this half.
12:27 - The Longhorns have had about a 90-second possession after some offensive boards, and the game is coming to a close. Final score in Austin, about three and a half hours ago, 88-72, Texas.
Awesome performances by Josh White (all game) and Keith Wooden (second half), but Abrams and Augustin were just so bloody good all the way through.
The Hardly-Live Blog: North Texas @ Texas First Half
10:25 PM - Ladies and gentlemen, if you are reading this, you may be reading history. Because, to my knowledge no one has EVER done a live blog of a game three and a half hours after the fact. Have I researched that? Absolutely not. And don't try to doubt me with your fact. Don't even try.
10:28 - So it's undefeated Texas, coming off a win at Pauley Pavilion against mighty UCLA, and North Texas, coming off of a comeback win against New Mexico State that they had to fight hard, 75-72.
10:30 - This game was to appear on FSN Southwest at 10:30. But just as I thought, the Stars probably went into overtime, and FSN is having postgame on a game that about 20 people watched. By the way, I worked with FSN SW for my senior year high school internship, and if I hadn't have lost the tape room number they'd be getting an earful right now.
10:33 - This gives me a chance to say screw you, who ever was doing the radio play-by-play for NMSU on Saturday night. We are NOT North Texas State University. And we haven't been since about 1983.
(Note to any Sun Belt fans: This gets us pissed off beyond almost anything else. Like you didn't know that.)
Of course, UNT's broadcasters were covering the Mean Green football game, which at the Sun Belt level of D-1A means absolutely nothing.
10:36 - If this is STARS postgame, then why am I seeing a Cowboys segment on my TV?
10:38 - And the broadcast is on! If North Texas is to win this game they have to play up-tempo and have Keith Wooden and Quincy Williams control the glass. The last time the Mean Green played against a team with this much talent, it was against Memphis in the NCAA First Round, a game where they hung around for a half and then some.
10:42 - It's almost criminal for me to not mention what Texas has done, how everyone is chipping in and how well they are shooting.
10:43 - Opening tip.
10:44 - First three by Texas, this could happen often. And on the other end three possessions, three turnovers for UNT.
10:46 - 7-0 Texas, Johnny Jones needs a timeout. Connor Atchley with five early ones.
10:48 - Make it four early turnovers for UNT. There's some silly play going on out there and they need to calm down.
10:49 - This...is..not..good. Under 16 timeout, and it's 17-3 Texas. UNT is not closing down on these shooters and Texas is making them pay for it. The Mean Green went down quickly against NMSU, but this is a totally different animal. And Keith Wooden has two early fouls on illegal picks. Ten possessions, six turnovers for UNT. Ken Pomeroy is not pleased.
10:55 - The problem with trying to play uptempo for UNT is that Texas is just as fast as they are in transition defense. And I'm starting to sound like I actually thought UNT would be in this game in the first half.
10:58 - Under 12 timeout and it's 23-8, Texas. Texas is obviously playing well, but UNT can do so much better on defense.
11:00 - Oh come on, guys, it's not like you're Hartford or anything! (Coincidentally, this is UNT's next opponent.) Nine turnovers already. Ben Bell and Collin Dennis don't even have their D games tonight.
11:04 - 29-8 Texas. This could be a horror show before all is said and done.
11:05 - Collin Dennis just got a great steal at midcourt...before missing the layup. Oh dear, Oh dear.
11:07 - Did the announcers just say UT's Dexter Pittman had a body fat percentage of 41 when he stepped on campus??? How do you get a scholarship being that out of shape? Thankfully, for UT, Pittman has lost 70 pounds since then.
11:09 - Josh White converts a four-point play for the Mean Green, 29-12 Texas.
11:12 - Things just a wee bit better for UNT, who are hitting some shots and playing better defense (although it couldn't have been any worse to start), 33-16 Texas.
11:14 - Longhorns have been playing 2-3 zone for much of this game, and UNT isn't able to exploit the holes. Hell, UCLA couldn't crack it either and the pollsters told me they were the number one team in the nation.
11:18 - AJ Abrams is now 5-5 from the floor. 37-18, Texas 4:30 left in the first half.
11:19 - Abrams finally misses a triple, and it's 37-20 with 3:58 left.
11:21 - Josh Bell, commentator X???? That would be Ben Bell. Or perhaps you meant Josh White.
11:24 - Johnny Jones gets T'ed up and basically for just asking why UNT had a foul go against them after DJ Augustin performed a rugby manuever. Ok, maybe not just that.
11:27 - Josh White now has 13 points, and is clearly the best player tonight for UNT. 41-24 Texas with 1:38 left in the half after Rick Barnes takes timeout.
11:29 - Harold Stewart gets an intentional foul called on him for doing nothing with intent seemingly. It's now 46-24 after an Atchley three.
11:31 - End of the first half, and it's 48-26 Texas. Great performance so far by the Longhorns and they are living up to that top-five billing. I don't have the possession stats, but I'd estimate Texas' O-PPP being somewhere in the 1.3 range. The Mean Green's best chance to keep this game close was with rebounding and the transition game, and Texas has more than answered on both fronts.
UNT has, however, been about even for the last 10 minutes in this game. If they can keep that up, play better defense against Augustin and Abrams (tough ask, I know), and have more than just Josh White contribute offensively; that will be a fair showing against one of the best teams in the nation.
10:28 - So it's undefeated Texas, coming off a win at Pauley Pavilion against mighty UCLA, and North Texas, coming off of a comeback win against New Mexico State that they had to fight hard, 75-72.
10:30 - This game was to appear on FSN Southwest at 10:30. But just as I thought, the Stars probably went into overtime, and FSN is having postgame on a game that about 20 people watched. By the way, I worked with FSN SW for my senior year high school internship, and if I hadn't have lost the tape room number they'd be getting an earful right now.
10:33 - This gives me a chance to say screw you, who ever was doing the radio play-by-play for NMSU on Saturday night. We are NOT North Texas State University. And we haven't been since about 1983.
(Note to any Sun Belt fans: This gets us pissed off beyond almost anything else. Like you didn't know that.)
Of course, UNT's broadcasters were covering the Mean Green football game, which at the Sun Belt level of D-1A means absolutely nothing.
10:36 - If this is STARS postgame, then why am I seeing a Cowboys segment on my TV?
10:38 - And the broadcast is on! If North Texas is to win this game they have to play up-tempo and have Keith Wooden and Quincy Williams control the glass. The last time the Mean Green played against a team with this much talent, it was against Memphis in the NCAA First Round, a game where they hung around for a half and then some.
10:42 - It's almost criminal for me to not mention what Texas has done, how everyone is chipping in and how well they are shooting.
10:43 - Opening tip.
10:44 - First three by Texas, this could happen often. And on the other end three possessions, three turnovers for UNT.
10:46 - 7-0 Texas, Johnny Jones needs a timeout. Connor Atchley with five early ones.
10:48 - Make it four early turnovers for UNT. There's some silly play going on out there and they need to calm down.
10:49 - This...is..not..good. Under 16 timeout, and it's 17-3 Texas. UNT is not closing down on these shooters and Texas is making them pay for it. The Mean Green went down quickly against NMSU, but this is a totally different animal. And Keith Wooden has two early fouls on illegal picks. Ten possessions, six turnovers for UNT. Ken Pomeroy is not pleased.
10:55 - The problem with trying to play uptempo for UNT is that Texas is just as fast as they are in transition defense. And I'm starting to sound like I actually thought UNT would be in this game in the first half.
10:58 - Under 12 timeout and it's 23-8, Texas. Texas is obviously playing well, but UNT can do so much better on defense.
11:00 - Oh come on, guys, it's not like you're Hartford or anything! (Coincidentally, this is UNT's next opponent.) Nine turnovers already. Ben Bell and Collin Dennis don't even have their D games tonight.
11:04 - 29-8 Texas. This could be a horror show before all is said and done.
11:05 - Collin Dennis just got a great steal at midcourt...before missing the layup. Oh dear, Oh dear.
11:07 - Did the announcers just say UT's Dexter Pittman had a body fat percentage of 41 when he stepped on campus??? How do you get a scholarship being that out of shape? Thankfully, for UT, Pittman has lost 70 pounds since then.
11:09 - Josh White converts a four-point play for the Mean Green, 29-12 Texas.
11:12 - Things just a wee bit better for UNT, who are hitting some shots and playing better defense (although it couldn't have been any worse to start), 33-16 Texas.
11:14 - Longhorns have been playing 2-3 zone for much of this game, and UNT isn't able to exploit the holes. Hell, UCLA couldn't crack it either and the pollsters told me they were the number one team in the nation.
11:18 - AJ Abrams is now 5-5 from the floor. 37-18, Texas 4:30 left in the first half.
11:19 - Abrams finally misses a triple, and it's 37-20 with 3:58 left.
11:21 - Josh Bell, commentator X???? That would be Ben Bell. Or perhaps you meant Josh White.
11:24 - Johnny Jones gets T'ed up and basically for just asking why UNT had a foul go against them after DJ Augustin performed a rugby manuever. Ok, maybe not just that.
11:27 - Josh White now has 13 points, and is clearly the best player tonight for UNT. 41-24 Texas with 1:38 left in the half after Rick Barnes takes timeout.
11:29 - Harold Stewart gets an intentional foul called on him for doing nothing with intent seemingly. It's now 46-24 after an Atchley three.
11:31 - End of the first half, and it's 48-26 Texas. Great performance so far by the Longhorns and they are living up to that top-five billing. I don't have the possession stats, but I'd estimate Texas' O-PPP being somewhere in the 1.3 range. The Mean Green's best chance to keep this game close was with rebounding and the transition game, and Texas has more than answered on both fronts.
UNT has, however, been about even for the last 10 minutes in this game. If they can keep that up, play better defense against Augustin and Abrams (tough ask, I know), and have more than just Josh White contribute offensively; that will be a fair showing against one of the best teams in the nation.
Patrick Mills, You Star
The seven-month absence of college hoops in our lives is something that, while somewhat necessary, sucks. So I needed a sport to follow in the bright, skin-reddening summertime.
I've gradually soured on baseball for a variety of reasons to the point where I only watch select LCS and World Series games. The one MLB game I have attended in the last three years, a Rangers-Yankees game this past April, happened on the same night as two NBA playoff games. I felt for my friends, who were surely distracted by my constant use of binoculars to look at the TV's in the suites for score updates/live action.
Eventually, I turned to Aussie Rules Football, a sport I was turned on to a few years back by a lovely brunette foreign exchange student from Tasmania and before that by accident watching the now-defunct Fox Sports World channel one night. The clip at the beginning of this post is of that great sport.
After a summer of following the real AFL (please just go away arena football, you're wasting everyone's time and money with this drivel) and the fast-paced exciting game of Aussie Rules, it was in a word, cool, to see the best individual performance of the first month of the college basketball season come from an uber-talented Aussie in Patrick Mills. (Mills, who is from Canberra, probably grew up preferring rugby and rugby league [two different sports] to aussie rules, however.)
If you don't follow St. Mary's, or can't remember why you think you heard the name 'Patrick Mills' on Sportscenter about three weeks back, the freshman (yes, just a frosh) put up 37 against Oregon in just his fourth college game.
It's said that Mills is adored by the aboriginal Australian community, and if you've even so much as watched him play on TV in his young college career, you'll be able to see why.
Programming note: I'll be back later tonight with what I believe to be is the internet's first ever 'Hardly-Live Blog' of a game when my school, North Texas, plays at Texas in a game that is being played as I type.
(This was facilitated by two things: not enough people paying for the $35 bus and ticket package being offered by UNT athletics, and FSN Southwest picking up the game at the 11th hour, but on tape delay at 10:30 CT due to a hockey game 10 people will watch. [Damned state that cares more about football than hoops and damned televised hockey rights.])
Monday, December 03, 2007
Props to Butler
Is it possible that this Butler team is even better than that 29-win, Indiana-Notre Dame-Tennessee-Gonzaga slaying squad? Well, anything's possible and that previous question makes me sound like some windbag on Around The Horn.
The four power-conference teams Butler has beaten probably won't turn out as good as the aforementioned quartet. (Especially after something like this. Sweet revenge for Tommy Amaker!) But the point is this. Butler's shooting was downright unconscious in Alaska and included a 56-possession, 81 points scored game against Texas Tech (that's 1.44 per if you're scoring at home).
On Saturday against Ohio State, their the same could not be said offensively. They shot 25% in the first half, but their defense kept them within reasonable distance at 30-20. Then, the defense went into complete overdrive, forcing turnovers on 38% of Ohio State possessions and holding them to just 16 second-half points.
Butler also 'took what the defense gave them' (hey, I can use cliches, too!) by using Matt Howard to eviscerate the Buckeyes' let's-defend-the-three defense for 23 on 9-for-13.
Butler opens up their conference slate on Thursday against Detroit (of the Mercy variety, and it might fit in this game) and then has the grudge match from last year at Wright State on Saturday.
The four power-conference teams Butler has beaten probably won't turn out as good as the aforementioned quartet. (Especially after something like this. Sweet revenge for Tommy Amaker!) But the point is this. Butler's shooting was downright unconscious in Alaska and included a 56-possession, 81 points scored game against Texas Tech (that's 1.44 per if you're scoring at home).
On Saturday against Ohio State, their the same could not be said offensively. They shot 25% in the first half, but their defense kept them within reasonable distance at 30-20. Then, the defense went into complete overdrive, forcing turnovers on 38% of Ohio State possessions and holding them to just 16 second-half points.
Butler also 'took what the defense gave them' (hey, I can use cliches, too!) by using Matt Howard to eviscerate the Buckeyes' let's-defend-the-three defense for 23 on 9-for-13.
Butler opens up their conference slate on Thursday against Detroit (of the Mercy variety, and it might fit in this game) and then has the grudge match from last year at Wright State on Saturday.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
FINAL Bracket Projection
Midwest
1. Ohio St. (1) v. 16. Central Connecticut St./Florida A&M
8. Villanova v. 9. Georgia Tech
4. Washington St. v. 13. Wright St.
5. Tennessee v. 12. Davidson
2. Texas A&M v. 15. North Texas
7. Southern Cal v. 10. Michigan St.
3. Memphis v. 14. Miami (OH)
6. Marquette v. 11. Winthrop
West
1. UCLA (4) v. 16. Weber St.
8. Vanderbilt v. 9. Indiana
4. UNLV v. 13. Holy Cross
5. Virginia Tech v. 12. Stanford
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Butler v. 10. Syracuse
3. Texas v. 14. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
6. Creighton v. 11. Old Dominion
South
1. Kansas (2) v. 16. Niagara
8. Arizona v. 9. Xavier
4. Maryland v. 13. George Washington
5. Notre Dame v. 12. New Mexico St.
2. Georgetown v. 15. Penn
7. Virginia v. 10. Texas Tech
3. Southern Illinois v. 14. Oral Roberts
6. BYU v. 11. Purdue
East
1. Florida (3) v. 16. Jackson St.
8. Boston College v. 9. Virginia Commonwealth
4. Oregon v. 13. Albany
5. Louisville v. 12. Gonzaga
2. Wisconsin v. 15. Eastern Kentucky
7. Duke v. 10. Kentucky
3. Pittsburgh v. 14. Long Beach St.
6. Nevada v. 11. Kansas St.
Last Four In: Purdue, Kansas St., Old Dominion, Stanford
Last Four Out: Arkansas, Drexel, Air Force, West Virginia
1. Ohio St. (1) v. 16. Central Connecticut St./Florida A&M
8. Villanova v. 9. Georgia Tech
4. Washington St. v. 13. Wright St.
5. Tennessee v. 12. Davidson
2. Texas A&M v. 15. North Texas
7. Southern Cal v. 10. Michigan St.
3. Memphis v. 14. Miami (OH)
6. Marquette v. 11. Winthrop
West
1. UCLA (4) v. 16. Weber St.
8. Vanderbilt v. 9. Indiana
4. UNLV v. 13. Holy Cross
5. Virginia Tech v. 12. Stanford
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Butler v. 10. Syracuse
3. Texas v. 14. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
6. Creighton v. 11. Old Dominion
South
1. Kansas (2) v. 16. Niagara
8. Arizona v. 9. Xavier
4. Maryland v. 13. George Washington
5. Notre Dame v. 12. New Mexico St.
2. Georgetown v. 15. Penn
7. Virginia v. 10. Texas Tech
3. Southern Illinois v. 14. Oral Roberts
6. BYU v. 11. Purdue
East
1. Florida (3) v. 16. Jackson St.
8. Boston College v. 9. Virginia Commonwealth
4. Oregon v. 13. Albany
5. Louisville v. 12. Gonzaga
2. Wisconsin v. 15. Eastern Kentucky
7. Duke v. 10. Kentucky
3. Pittsburgh v. 14. Long Beach St.
6. Nevada v. 11. Kansas St.
Last Four In: Purdue, Kansas St., Old Dominion, Stanford
Last Four Out: Arkansas, Drexel, Air Force, West Virginia
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Say hello to the champions
Specifically, Oregon, George Washington, Jackson State, UNLV, Florida A&M and Miami University. The last two mentioned won their bids at the buzzer.
Florida A&M won it after a tip-in from a halfcourt inbounds pass with 1.1 seconds left. Miami U won after Akron missed the front end of a one-and-one that could have seen them up go up by four, but Miami got the rebound and raced back down to win it when Doug Penno side-stepped an defender to get an open look for a bank shot winner. There was some timing controversy that put .6 on the clock but fortunately didn't really end up mattering.
In those games that weren't as dramatic at 00.0, Oregon put a beatdown on USC thanks to a perfect game from the floor and the line from underrated junior guard Bryce Taylor, who had 32. G-Dub won the A-10 with four guys getting in double figures. Jackson State had 33 from super-scorer Trey Johnson and UNLV withstood 34 from Keena Young to beat BYU on their home floor. I just wish that Mountain West game could have been played in Denver, with no home court to either team (the home team won all three meetings).
Florida A&M won it after a tip-in from a halfcourt inbounds pass with 1.1 seconds left. Miami U won after Akron missed the front end of a one-and-one that could have seen them up go up by four, but Miami got the rebound and raced back down to win it when Doug Penno side-stepped an defender to get an open look for a bank shot winner. There was some timing controversy that put .6 on the clock but fortunately didn't really end up mattering.
In those games that weren't as dramatic at 00.0, Oregon put a beatdown on USC thanks to a perfect game from the floor and the line from underrated junior guard Bryce Taylor, who had 32. G-Dub won the A-10 with four guys getting in double figures. Jackson State had 33 from super-scorer Trey Johnson and UNLV withstood 34 from Keena Young to beat BYU on their home floor. I just wish that Mountain West game could have been played in Denver, with no home court to either team (the home team won all three meetings).
NC State wins again
NC State has now beaten Duke, and the ACC's number two and three seeds on three consecutive nights. They now will go for the one, two, three sweep against North Carolina.
Now, on to a couple of teams that will definitely be in the show.
Notre Dame and Georgetown equally impressed me in that matchup last night. It was truly a top five game this year, along with four others probably involving Texas.
Notre Dame showed that they can force the tempo against a truly elite team (yes, Georgetown is that good) that does not play the high-tempo offensive game. Conversely, for Georgetown, they showed that they can hang in a game when they are not controlling the tempo with what I like to call "The Princeton Offense for Major-Conference Talent". After Notre Dame had their double-digit lead early in the first half, Georgetown decided to run with them and count on the turning point in the game being halftime. That's exactly what the Hoyas ended up doing, playing more of their style in the second half.
It was also a very hard-fought game for being so high-scoring and showed that Notre Dame can play a little defense when it was needed with the Irish down seven late.
The contest, regardless of what happens tonight against Pittsburgh, affirmed my belief that Georgetown can go very deep in the tournament. For Notre Dame, it made me think that, with the right draw, that they could be a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 team.
The next set of games on this oh-so-beautiful day of hoops features a bunch of conference title game with the A10, Pac-10, MEAC, SWAC, MAC and MWC winners all to be decided in the next three hours or so.
Now, on to a couple of teams that will definitely be in the show.
Notre Dame and Georgetown equally impressed me in that matchup last night. It was truly a top five game this year, along with four others probably involving Texas.
Notre Dame showed that they can force the tempo against a truly elite team (yes, Georgetown is that good) that does not play the high-tempo offensive game. Conversely, for Georgetown, they showed that they can hang in a game when they are not controlling the tempo with what I like to call "The Princeton Offense for Major-Conference Talent". After Notre Dame had their double-digit lead early in the first half, Georgetown decided to run with them and count on the turning point in the game being halftime. That's exactly what the Hoyas ended up doing, playing more of their style in the second half.
It was also a very hard-fought game for being so high-scoring and showed that Notre Dame can play a little defense when it was needed with the Irish down seven late.
The contest, regardless of what happens tonight against Pittsburgh, affirmed my belief that Georgetown can go very deep in the tournament. For Notre Dame, it made me think that, with the right draw, that they could be a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 team.
The next set of games on this oh-so-beautiful day of hoops features a bunch of conference title game with the A10, Pac-10, MEAC, SWAC, MAC and MWC winners all to be decided in the next three hours or so.
The Eighth ACC Team?
No, I'm not talking about Florida State. I'm talking about NC State. They are currently up on Virginia Tech, a team they swept in the regular season. If they win, they get UNC in the final to possibly knock a bubble-dweller out.
In other news, I hate Illinois. I can't believe that this pathetic, no offense team will likely be in the tournament. Sure the defense is good, maybe bordering on top 10 in the nation. BUT THEY CAN'T HIT A SHOT!!! AT ALL!!! I can't watch this team or their game with Wisconsin, who is like them but whose offense is like Tennessee's compared to Illinois'. I would be thrilled tomorrow if the committee keeps both them and Air Force out. I'm afraid (not only for my wishes, but the tournament overall) that Illinois will still be in, however.
Kansas State and Purdue, meanwhile, while no one is confusing them with Top 4 seeds, I feel (and the committee should feel) did enough today to challenge elite teams to get in.
I promise to talk about teams that are actually going to be in the field for my next entry.
In other news, I hate Illinois. I can't believe that this pathetic, no offense team will likely be in the tournament. Sure the defense is good, maybe bordering on top 10 in the nation. BUT THEY CAN'T HIT A SHOT!!! AT ALL!!! I can't watch this team or their game with Wisconsin, who is like them but whose offense is like Tennessee's compared to Illinois'. I would be thrilled tomorrow if the committee keeps both them and Air Force out. I'm afraid (not only for my wishes, but the tournament overall) that Illinois will still be in, however.
Kansas State and Purdue, meanwhile, while no one is confusing them with Top 4 seeds, I feel (and the committee should feel) did enough today to challenge elite teams to get in.
I promise to talk about teams that are actually going to be in the field for my next entry.
Albany wins in "The Cathouse"
Vermont had the ball down by one against Albany with 30 seconds left and didn't even get a shot off before turning it over with about five seconds to go. Why? The held the friggin' ball for the last shot.
I will acknowledge that if holding the ball works, the coach looks like a genius. But you're down by one! In that case, even if you want to hold the ball for a little bit of time, you should start the play by 20 seconds have a shot off at the very latest by 10. That way, you can get an offensive rebound or foul if the other team gets the rebound.
All this strategy talk takes away form the fact that Albany went into a really difficult place to play, and allowed their star and conference player of the year to take over. Jamar Wilson had 20, but his most important plays came when he was able to drive and then dish to guys like Jason Siggers (Dallas product) and Carl Ross who were able to hit open jumpers after Vermont collapsed four guys on Wilson.
In other action, UNC is controlling BC and an overrated Jared Dudley, and Purdue and Kansas State are playing their potential top-seeded oppositions close. Memphis won, and Arkansas is beating Mississippi State with under twelve to go.
I will acknowledge that if holding the ball works, the coach looks like a genius. But you're down by one! In that case, even if you want to hold the ball for a little bit of time, you should start the play by 20 seconds have a shot off at the very latest by 10. That way, you can get an offensive rebound or foul if the other team gets the rebound.
All this strategy talk takes away form the fact that Albany went into a really difficult place to play, and allowed their star and conference player of the year to take over. Jamar Wilson had 20, but his most important plays came when he was able to drive and then dish to guys like Jason Siggers (Dallas product) and Carl Ross who were able to hit open jumpers after Vermont collapsed four guys on Wilson.
In other action, UNC is controlling BC and an overrated Jared Dudley, and Purdue and Kansas State are playing their potential top-seeded oppositions close. Memphis won, and Arkansas is beating Mississippi State with under twelve to go.
Quick seeding update
Here's an S-Curve update after the craziness of yesterday and last night:
1: Ohio St., Kansas, Florida, UCLA
2: Texas A&M, Georgetown, Wisconsin, North Carolina
3: Pittsburgh, Memphis, Southern Illinois, Washington St.
4: Maryland, Virginia Tech, UNLV, Texas
5: Oregon, Notre Dame, BYU, Tennessee
6: Marquette, Creighton, Southern Cal, Louisville
7: Nevada, Virginia, Boston College, Duke
8: Villanova, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Butler
9: Xavier, Georgia Tech, Arizona, VCU
10: Michigan St., Syracuse, Indiana, Texas Tech
11: Purdue, Winthrop, Old Dominion, Kansas St.
12: Akron, Davidson, Illinois, Gonzaga
13: George Washington, New Mexico St., Wright St., Vermont
14: Penn, Texas A&M-CC, Oral Roberts, Holy Cross
15: Long Beach St., Belmont, Delaware St., North Texas
16: Miss. Valley St., Central Conn. St., Weber St., Eastern Kentucky, Niagara
1: Ohio St., Kansas, Florida, UCLA
2: Texas A&M, Georgetown, Wisconsin, North Carolina
3: Pittsburgh, Memphis, Southern Illinois, Washington St.
4: Maryland, Virginia Tech, UNLV, Texas
5: Oregon, Notre Dame, BYU, Tennessee
6: Marquette, Creighton, Southern Cal, Louisville
7: Nevada, Virginia, Boston College, Duke
8: Villanova, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Butler
9: Xavier, Georgia Tech, Arizona, VCU
10: Michigan St., Syracuse, Indiana, Texas Tech
11: Purdue, Winthrop, Old Dominion, Kansas St.
12: Akron, Davidson, Illinois, Gonzaga
13: George Washington, New Mexico St., Wright St., Vermont
14: Penn, Texas A&M-CC, Oral Roberts, Holy Cross
15: Long Beach St., Belmont, Delaware St., North Texas
16: Miss. Valley St., Central Conn. St., Weber St., Eastern Kentucky, Niagara
The first of many
The first two of the eleven conference championship games today are underway and Memphis is unsurprisingly leading Houston. Houston just keeps hanging in there though, and are doing it on very tired legs as Tom Penders has hadly made any subs during the three game conference tournament run. However, Houston is in some foul trouble which could lead to a widening of Memphis' current lead, hovering around double digits. Memphis and their penetration to the basket has been good, so they shouldn't have many problems coasting to the win on their home floor.
In a somewhat surprising result after a half, Albany leads Vermont. Just that phrase doesn't surprise me as much as how the Great Danes are doing it by basically out-toughing one of the toughest teams in the country. Albany's post players are crashing the glass in an excellent manner on the nation's top rebounding team. It also helps that Albany has the truly great Jamar Wilson, who has superior quickness to anyone else on the floor (by far) and might just single handedly take this game over.
In a somewhat surprising result after a half, Albany leads Vermont. Just that phrase doesn't surprise me as much as how the Great Danes are doing it by basically out-toughing one of the toughest teams in the country. Albany's post players are crashing the glass in an excellent manner on the nation's top rebounding team. It also helps that Albany has the truly great Jamar Wilson, who has superior quickness to anyone else on the floor (by far) and might just single handedly take this game over.
Bubble-shrinking Friday
And, perhaps, Saturday and Sunday could turn into bubble shrinking days as well.
So much happened yesterday that I don't know where to start. But I will start with a couple of the definite games that watched a couple of spots get eaten up from the at-large pool. In the WAC, Nevada lost again to Utah State, meaning that the Aggies will take on....the Aggies (of New Mexico State) for the auto bid. The game is on NMSU's home floor, where they haven't lost this season, and I would be shocked if Utah State pulled this one out. Nevada's definitely in, but these two losses in about a two-week span may drop their seeding a couple of lines.
George Washington and Rhode Island will play for a dance ticket after the Rams beat Xavier, who is on rockier footing than Nevada, but should still be in.
Yesterday also brought us a few bubble teams capitalizing on their opportunities in their respective conference tournaments.
Kansas State put a defensive beatdown on Texas Tech in a 66-45 win. I have no doubt that the committee was saying to themselves yesterday afternoon, "That's quite a statement." I feel that they should be in now. However, I felt Florida State would be in after beating Clemson Thursday afternoon, and after the uninspired performance against UNC, nothing could be farther from the truth. In short, if the Wildcats stay in the game today against Kansas and don't get blown out, they should be fine.
Purdue slapped Iowa in a similar matter in the Big Ten, and Illinois beat Indiana. If I was on the committee, I would surely have Purdue in right now, and Illinois still out. However, I'm not on the committee (obviously) and I feel that if the Illini don't get thrashed by Wisconsin today that the group of ten will pick them.
The bubble could shrink further in the next 30 hours after NC State has made a surprise run to the ACC semis, one of Arkansas or Mississippi State will play for a Sunday SEC bid, Oklahoma State is in the Big 12 semis after beating an offensively stagnant Texas A&M team. Also, let's not forget that Houston could beat Memphis and take a bid away in the C-USA title game. Will all four of these conferences turn up surprise auto bid winners? Probably not. But could one or two? Don't be surprised.
Today is also my day of marathon blogging starting up in about an hour and a half and not ending until the Big West crowns a champion around 1 am eastern time. Nineteen games will be played today, 17 on national TV, and 11 of which will punch dance tickets. Today is also the the day where so many of the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, ranging from mid-major conference bids to major conference seedings to be officially determined tomorrow.
So much happened yesterday that I don't know where to start. But I will start with a couple of the definite games that watched a couple of spots get eaten up from the at-large pool. In the WAC, Nevada lost again to Utah State, meaning that the Aggies will take on....the Aggies (of New Mexico State) for the auto bid. The game is on NMSU's home floor, where they haven't lost this season, and I would be shocked if Utah State pulled this one out. Nevada's definitely in, but these two losses in about a two-week span may drop their seeding a couple of lines.
George Washington and Rhode Island will play for a dance ticket after the Rams beat Xavier, who is on rockier footing than Nevada, but should still be in.
Yesterday also brought us a few bubble teams capitalizing on their opportunities in their respective conference tournaments.
Kansas State put a defensive beatdown on Texas Tech in a 66-45 win. I have no doubt that the committee was saying to themselves yesterday afternoon, "That's quite a statement." I feel that they should be in now. However, I felt Florida State would be in after beating Clemson Thursday afternoon, and after the uninspired performance against UNC, nothing could be farther from the truth. In short, if the Wildcats stay in the game today against Kansas and don't get blown out, they should be fine.
Purdue slapped Iowa in a similar matter in the Big Ten, and Illinois beat Indiana. If I was on the committee, I would surely have Purdue in right now, and Illinois still out. However, I'm not on the committee (obviously) and I feel that if the Illini don't get thrashed by Wisconsin today that the group of ten will pick them.
The bubble could shrink further in the next 30 hours after NC State has made a surprise run to the ACC semis, one of Arkansas or Mississippi State will play for a Sunday SEC bid, Oklahoma State is in the Big 12 semis after beating an offensively stagnant Texas A&M team. Also, let's not forget that Houston could beat Memphis and take a bid away in the C-USA title game. Will all four of these conferences turn up surprise auto bid winners? Probably not. But could one or two? Don't be surprised.
Today is also my day of marathon blogging starting up in about an hour and a half and not ending until the Big West crowns a champion around 1 am eastern time. Nineteen games will be played today, 17 on national TV, and 11 of which will punch dance tickets. Today is also the the day where so many of the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, ranging from mid-major conference bids to major conference seedings to be officially determined tomorrow.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Brackets as of 3-8
Midwest
1. Ohio St. (1) v. 16. Mississippi Valley St.
8. Kentucky v. 9. Texas Tech
4. Nevada v. 13. Wright St.
5. Maryland v. 12. Old Dominion
2. Georgetown v. 15. Delaware St.
7. Southern Cal v. 10. Georgia Tech
3. Memphis v. 14. Oral Roberts
6. BYU v. 11. Winthrop
West
1. UCLA (4) v. 16. Weber St.
8. Boston College v. 9. Villanova
4. Texas v. 13. Davidson
5. UNLV v. 12. Purdue
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Creighton v. 10. Michigan St.
3. Pittsburgh v. 14. Penn
6. Tennessee v. 11. Stanford
South
1. Kansas (2) v. 16. Eastern Kentucky
8. Butler v. 9. Xavier
4. Virginia Tech v. 13. Holy Cross
5. Notre Dame v. 12. Gonzaga
2. Wisconsin v. 15. Long Beach St.
7. Vanderbilt v. 10. Syracuse
3. Southern Illinois v. 14. Toledo
6. Oregon v. 11. Florida St.
East
1. Florida (3) v. 16. Niagara
8. Arizona v. 9. Indiana
4. Virginia v. 13. Vermont
5. Louisville v. 12. Missouri St.
2. Texas A&M v. 15. North Texas
7. Duke v. 10. Air Force
3. Washington St. v. 14. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
6. Marquette v. 11. Virginia Commonwealth
1. Ohio St. (1) v. 16. Mississippi Valley St.
8. Kentucky v. 9. Texas Tech
4. Nevada v. 13. Wright St.
5. Maryland v. 12. Old Dominion
2. Georgetown v. 15. Delaware St.
7. Southern Cal v. 10. Georgia Tech
3. Memphis v. 14. Oral Roberts
6. BYU v. 11. Winthrop
West
1. UCLA (4) v. 16. Weber St.
8. Boston College v. 9. Villanova
4. Texas v. 13. Davidson
5. UNLV v. 12. Purdue
2. North Carolina v. 15. Belmont
7. Creighton v. 10. Michigan St.
3. Pittsburgh v. 14. Penn
6. Tennessee v. 11. Stanford
South
1. Kansas (2) v. 16. Eastern Kentucky
8. Butler v. 9. Xavier
4. Virginia Tech v. 13. Holy Cross
5. Notre Dame v. 12. Gonzaga
2. Wisconsin v. 15. Long Beach St.
7. Vanderbilt v. 10. Syracuse
3. Southern Illinois v. 14. Toledo
6. Oregon v. 11. Florida St.
East
1. Florida (3) v. 16. Niagara
8. Arizona v. 9. Indiana
4. Virginia v. 13. Vermont
5. Louisville v. 12. Missouri St.
2. Texas A&M v. 15. North Texas
7. Duke v. 10. Air Force
3. Washington St. v. 14. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
6. Marquette v. 11. Virginia Commonwealth
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A special bid; The second phase of Championship Week
What I like to call Act I of Championship Week (plus a few days) is now over. It has left us with a Old Dominion vs. Drexel debate somewhat analogous to the George Mason vs. Hofstra debate a year ago, Missouri State with an identical wait from last year's snub and countless ESPN askings of the question of "Who is this year's George Mason?"
More importantly though, fourteen teams have played their way into the field, the most important to me being North Texas winning the Sun Belt.
If you try and look through this blog, I'm not sure you will find one mention that I go to the University of North Texas. In fact, I think I have made only one passing reference to "my Mean Green" back in January. I just never talk about them on here because I didn't want to overdo this blog with Sun Belt/UNT talk, and have this be a total homer-ass website. But yet, I have been following this team for several years now, and Tuesday night was one of the more special ones I have had as a college hoops fan.
In the numerous amount of games I have attended at the UNT Coliseum (colloquially known as and always referred to as the Super Pit) over the past few years, dating back to when I was in high school, I always (at least once a game) took a look up at the banner saying "NCAA TOURNAMENT 1988". The 1988 is positioned below and to the left side of the text to have the room to put more years up on the banner, and to confidently say, "Yeah, we'll be back."
Games and wins and losses went by and I would always say to myself, "Man, it would be great if we could put up another year up there while I'm here." And two nights ago, after a thrilling and sometimes tense four-game conference tournament run, they earned the right to put another year on that banner.
Now back to Championship Week (plus a few days) and these next two days, usually the second wildest pair of back-to-back days coming behind the first two days of the big dance.
Today (and actually about an hour from now) will feature the most significant 8-9 game in ACC history between Clemson and Florida State. This isn't a play-in game, but it sure as hell is a play-out game. The loser would be well-advised to start lobbying for NIT home games right when the final buzzer sounds. A couple of other bubbilicious games include West Virginia probably needing a win against Louisville in the Garden to get in and Stanford trying to avoid a potential fall out of the field against USC.
More importantly though, fourteen teams have played their way into the field, the most important to me being North Texas winning the Sun Belt.
If you try and look through this blog, I'm not sure you will find one mention that I go to the University of North Texas. In fact, I think I have made only one passing reference to "my Mean Green" back in January. I just never talk about them on here because I didn't want to overdo this blog with Sun Belt/UNT talk, and have this be a total homer-ass website. But yet, I have been following this team for several years now, and Tuesday night was one of the more special ones I have had as a college hoops fan.
In the numerous amount of games I have attended at the UNT Coliseum (colloquially known as and always referred to as the Super Pit) over the past few years, dating back to when I was in high school, I always (at least once a game) took a look up at the banner saying "NCAA TOURNAMENT 1988". The 1988 is positioned below and to the left side of the text to have the room to put more years up on the banner, and to confidently say, "Yeah, we'll be back."
Games and wins and losses went by and I would always say to myself, "Man, it would be great if we could put up another year up there while I'm here." And two nights ago, after a thrilling and sometimes tense four-game conference tournament run, they earned the right to put another year on that banner.
Now back to Championship Week (plus a few days) and these next two days, usually the second wildest pair of back-to-back days coming behind the first two days of the big dance.
Today (and actually about an hour from now) will feature the most significant 8-9 game in ACC history between Clemson and Florida State. This isn't a play-in game, but it sure as hell is a play-out game. The loser would be well-advised to start lobbying for NIT home games right when the final buzzer sounds. A couple of other bubbilicious games include West Virginia probably needing a win against Louisville in the Garden to get in and Stanford trying to avoid a potential fall out of the field against USC.
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