Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[dmb71687]

Why is A&M not in the talks of being a #1? They beat KU, in Lawrence and are 24-4.

I think they need to be in the discussion.

Terrible non-conference schedule if I remember right...

[chiznaz]

Why is A&M not in the talks of being a #1? They beat KU, in Lawrence and are 24-4.

I think they need to be in the discussion.

We're not a big name yet, and we lost to Tech twice.

With that being said, losing twice to Bobby Knight's team is not something of worry about too much. He is one of the best all time.

A&M is going to have a REALLY hard game Wed. night. Durant is going to get his points, but A&M needs to shut down the texas guards, who are very capable of getting to the basket. The Erwin Center is going to be packed with a lot of t-sips wanting a win over A&M.

Just like a couple of people and myself have said, the winner of the Big XII is going to get a 1 seed, unless it's someone other than KU or A&M. With that being said, A&M has a lot of tough games to win to get that. Honestly, KU has a easier path to the 1 seed than A&M (and they rarely lose BigXII games to lesser opponents), and they have the history behind them. We'll see what happens.

[chiznaz]

Terrible non-conference schedule if I remember right...

We played @LSU and @UCLA (Wooden Classic). I know LSU is a joke now, but we scheduled a much tougher schedule than last year.

[dmb71687]

Wow, some serious sour grapes from Wisconsin fans in here.

That was an extremely hard fought game that came down to the final possession. In the end, the team that made plays when it counted won (like Oden's and-1 dunk and obviously Conley's GW layup). I was shocked to see how well our team contained Tucker.

As far as future seeding, thanks to UNC and Florida's losses, barring a loss @ Michigan on Tuesday or an early bouncing from the Big Ten tournament, Ohio State will be a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Yes Wisconsin fans, even a Big Ten Tourney final loss to Wisconsin, I believe, still gives Ohio State a #1 seed. That loss for Wisconsin at Michigan State really hurt. Back to back losses (better watch yourselves again Tuesday v. MSU b/c they're white hot right now), 3 conference losses hurt Wisconsin.

Now, thanks to the falling back of UNC and Florida, a #1 seed hasn't totally slipped out of Bucky's hands but certainly now teams like Kansas and A&M have entered the discussion.

I don't want to hear how Wisconsin "should have" won and how they are still the better team. Bottom line, you take care of business which Wisconsin did not this last week. They had control of their own destiny and lost. Twice. Both on the road, unquestionably very difficult games, but you still have to win your games. Certainly, Ohio State is playing like the better team and has been for about three or four weeks now. 3 conference losses v. 1 conference loss and a the Big Ten Championship.

Big Ten Champion Ohio State Buckeyes

I'm assuming you're talking about me, so I guess I'll respond. Certainly not sour, all I said was it sucks to lose a game because of a one in one free throw. And please, the team who made the bigger plays won? Completely disagree, UW made the key go ahead bucket with 50 seconds left, then made the key stop with 20 seconds left. They made the plays, they got their best free throw shooter to the line to basically seal the game, and he blew it. If that's sour grapes then so be it, but it's also the truth.

[dmb71687]

We played @LSU and @UCLA (Wooden Classic). I know LSU is a joke now, but we scheduled a much tougher schedule than last year.

But you lost both of those games.....

All the other teams in consideration have marquee non-conference wins(besides maybe Ohio State), Texas A&M does not, that's the best answer to the question.

[UNC41]

I'm assuming you're talking about me, so I guess I'll respond. Certainly not sour, all I said was it sucks to lose a game because of a one in one free throw. And please, the team who made the bigger plays won? Completely disagree, UW made the key go ahead bucket with 50 seconds left, then made the key stop with 20 seconds left. They made the plays, they got their best free throw shooter to the line to basically seal the game, and he blew it. If that's sour grapes then so be it, but it's also the truth.

Even if Taylor had hit both of those free throws the game would not have been basically sealed. Twenty seconds left is a lot of time and Ohio St. has three guys I'd feel confident with shooting a three and in that situation it's likely Conley would be able to penetrate to get a two if they wanted to go that route.

But I get you on the being frusterated with free throws. It's the reason UNC lost last night.

[dmb71687]

Even if Taylor had hit both of those free throws the game would not have been basically sealed. Twenty seconds left is a lot of time and Ohio St. has three guys I'd feel confident with shooting a three and in that situation it's likely Conley would be able to penetrate to get a two if they wanted to go that route.

But I get you on the being frusterated with free throws. It's the reason UNC lost last night.

Twenty seconds left is a lot of time, but I'm speaking generally. Ohio State wasn't shooting well from 3 all game, and it's extremely tough for a player to make that shot, basically the do or die shot, miss it and you lose...Basically, I would have loved our chances if were up 3 at that point..

However, I will say, terrible execution with 4 seconds left, Kammron Taylor is the last person that should have been taking the last shot. I don't know if Bo was going for the traditional, give him the chance to make up for his blown opportunity at the free throw line or what, but Taylor never makes good decisions penetrating the ball. Tucker at least would have been able to be athletic enough to get a shot off and get to the rim, possibly drawing a foul. I disagreed with some of the coaching moves often, for the first time in a long time...

[UNC41]

Twenty seconds left is a lot of time, but I'm speaking generally. Ohio State wasn't shooting well from 3 all game, and it's extremely tough for a player to make that shot, basically the do or die shot, miss it and you lose...Basically, I would have loved our chances if were up 3 at that point..

Yes.

Wisconsin would have been in a good position to win had Taylor knocked down both free throws. Your post came off as if they game clinching free throws despite the fact that it would have still been a one posession game.

[dmb71687]

As far as future seeding, thanks to UNC and Florida's losses, barring a loss @ Michigan on Tuesday or an early bouncing from the Big Ten tournament, Ohio State will be a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Yes Wisconsin fans, even a Big Ten Tourney final loss to Wisconsin, I believe, still gives Ohio State a #1 seed. That loss for Wisconsin at Michigan State really hurt. Back to back losses (better watch yourselves again Tuesday v. MSU b/c they're white hot right now), 3 conference losses hurt Wisconsin.



May still give them a 1 seed, but might not give them the Midwest bracket, which is definitely more important...

[Trippin4136]

Ohio St. fans are not only vandals, but they are dumb. :thumbsup

Coming from an Oklahoma fan? :ugh

[HolyCow]

Coming from an Oklahoma fan? :ugh
:thumbsup to you and your awesome sense of humor.

[Trippin4136]

:thumbsup to you and your awesome sense of humor.

:thumbsup for taking the discussion down a peg

[HolyCow]

:thumbsup for taking the discussion down a peg
What discussion? I was just saying it was dumb for OSU fans to storm the court.

Somehow you saw that as an opportunity to stereotype me as stupid since I live in Oklahoma... so I don't see the point here.

[seekupig]

can't we all just get along?

let's get back to the matter at hand..... KU over or under 30 pts. tonite vs. OU.... :D

[chiznaz]

But you lost both of those games.....

All the other teams in consideration have marquee non-conference wins(besides maybe Ohio State), Texas A&M does not, that's the best answer to the question.

Tournys are wanting to schedule them and teams are also wanting to play those teams. A&M put together the LSU and UCLA games last season. A lot of teams wouldn't schedule home/away series with A&M until this year. We've won @KU(first BigXII south team to ever do this) and we won @OSU by 20 on. How many teams win @KU and @OSU in the same year? Winning at Auburn by 29 doesn't look too bad either, even though they are in the middle in the SEC. Oh yeah, we also beat Winthrop by 20 and they're a tourny team more than likely.

A&M defintely has a marquee wins by beating Kansas, and then turning around and dropping 100 on texas during Big Monday. We play well on the road, and we don't play down to our competition. Last time I checked, non-conference marquee wins weren't a requirement. Non-conference scheduling was however.

A&M doesn't have the big wins like UCLA and KU, but we beat one of those teams and lost to the other by 3. UCLA seems to be the only lock as of now, so I still think A&M is deserving of a 1... assuming they win out.

[HolyCow]

can't we all just get along?

let's get back to the matter at hand..... KU over or under 30 pts. tonite vs. OU.... :D
Under!

I really think we will play you tough for abour 35 minutes.

Then you will get away from us.

Something like 77-62...

[UNC41]

Journalists and experts continue to slot UNC as a 1 seed in the East, which is kind of suprising to me. Below is Stuart Mandel from SI's bracket. I kind of like the Heels draw in that bracket to. Tennesee and Texas are teams that could be dangerous, but in the lower half of the bracket they get the 2 and 3 seeds I think they match up best against.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/02/26/road.tourney/2.html

[seekupig]

Journalists and experts continue to slot UNC as a 1 seed in the East, which is kind of suprising to me. Below is Stuart Mandel from SI's bracket. I kind of like the Heels draw in that bracket to. Tennesee and Texas are teams that could be dangerous, but in the lower half of the bracket they get the 2 and 3 seeds I think they match up best against.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/02/26/road.tourney/2.html


looks like my boys will have to start beating people by 60 to get a little respect..... :lol

[UNC41]

looks like my boys will have to start beating people by 60 to get a little respect..... :lol

Would you rather have respect or that draw in the tournament? Now that I look at it, I'd much rather be in the Jayhawks position than UNC's.

[clayj41]

Journalists and experts continue to slot UNC as a 1 seed in the East, which is kind of suprising to me. Below is Stuart Mandel from SI's bracket. I kind of like the Heels draw in that bracket to. Tennesee and Texas are teams that could be dangerous, but in the lower half of the bracket they get the 2 and 3 seeds I think they match up best against.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/02/26/road.tourney/2.html

Yeah, even Lundardi still has UNC as a #1. I don't get it...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

[willthethrill]

Well-placed or misplaced faith in Roy is all I can figure.

[seekupig]

Would you rather have respect or that draw in the tournament? Now that I look at it, I'd much rather be in the Jayhawks position than UNC's.

i hear ya. besides, if Kansas is a #1 seed then it becomes a possibility that they're the first #1 ever to lose to a #16 and i don't want my wife to have to make funeral arrangements for me the week before her birthday.

[seekupig]

anyone want to let Oklahoma know that KU does their layup drills before the game, not during it?

[unccrombie]

solid win for the orange

[seekupig]

And the news keeps getting worse with the revelation that Brian Butch (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=15155) will miss four to six weeks with an elbow injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2780888

anyone think that this will have an impact on the seed Wisconsin gets? it's happened in the past (Kenyon Martin and the Bearcats come to mind).....

[bubba40]

solid win for the orange

It was. They'll be a tough out in the tourney for whoever they play.

[unccrombie]

It was. They'll be a tough out in the tourney for whoever they play.
eh, its up in the air for them. theyre hit or miss

[seekupig]

i'm getting a bit nervous now.... :BANG

[unccrombie]

i'm getting a bit nervous now.... :BANG
things are still 8-10, you're ok

[seekupig]

things are still 8-10, you're ok


both the A&M and DePaul losses were 8-10 with about five minutes to play. KU's achilles heel this year has been closing out games and playing the full 40 minutes. they have a tendancy to put things on cruise control a bit too soon. these saturday/monday games don't help matters either....

[justinandimcool]

Uh oh...

[seekupig]

Uh oh...

zip it. :twenty4





;) :lol

[gbs3769]

Nothing finer than demolishing Georgetown in the Dome. Well, I take that back. Demolishing Georgetown in Manley Field House would be even finer. But that is about it.

I think that should lock us into the tournament.

- Primo

[mizzoudmbfan]

I have all the faith in the world that Wellmer and his whistle will find a way to ensure a jayhawk victory.

[seekupig]

I have all the faith in the world that Wellmer and his whistle will find a way to ensure a jayhawk victory.

Free Throws attempted....

OU - 25
KU - 24

looks pretty fair to me.....

[rconverse]

No one is talking about it now, but Duke is going to win the ACC tourney and pick up a three seed in the tounrey.

Mark it eight, Dude.

[seekupig]

No one is talking about it now, but Duke is going to win the ACC tourney and pick up a three seed in the tounrey.


:lol :lol

[mizzoudmbfan]

looks pretty fair to me.....

Eh, what can I say. I knew there was a 50/50 chance of the refs taking the game over or OU pissing down their leg...looks like Capel and crew are opting for the later.;)

edit: well, maybe not. We shall see.

[rconverse]

:lol :lol

Come on! That prediction is worth at least three :lol's and at least a :monkey

[UNC41]

So Billy Donovan told Dickie V what anyone who has watched Florida over the past two years knows ... Al Horford is better than Joakim Noah. Only he didn't know he was broadcasting it on the radio. :lol :lol :lol

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/govols/article/0,1406,KNS_294_5379473,00.html

[justinandimcool]

No one is talking about it now, but Duke is going to win the ACC tourney and pick up a three seed in the tounrey.

Mark it eight, Dude.


:lol :lol :lol :monkey

[seekupig]

Eh, what can I say. I knew there was a 50/50 chance of the refs taking the game over or OU pissing down their leg...looks like Capel and crew are opting for the later.;)


it's cool, man. you're a Mizzou man, so you have a free pass to talk all the KU shit you want without pissing me off. it's the way it's supposed to be.... :thumbsup :lol

[willthethrill]

So Billy Donovan told Dickie V what anyone who has watched Florida over the past two years knows ... Al Horford is better than Joakim Noah. Only he didn't know he was broadcasting it on the radio. :lol :lol :lol

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/govols/article/0,1406,KNS_294_5379473,00.html
Good find, gotta love dumbass dookie v.

[UNC41]

Good find, gotta love dumbass dookie v.

Listening to him try and back his way out of it during the second phone call is hillarious.

[mizzoudmbfan]

So Billy Donovan told Dickie V what anyone who has watched Florida over the past two years knows ... Al Horford is better than Joakim Noah. Only he didn't know he was broadcasting it on the radio. :lol :lol :lol

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/govols/article/0,1406,KNS_294_5379473,00.html

What a putz.

Kind of reminds me of the Connie Chung/Newt Gengrich's mother incident a few years ago. Well, not exactly, but similar.
For those of you that might not remember here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Chung#Gingrich_interview_controversy)is the story(or at the very least the wikiality) of what happened.

[HolyCow]

I have all the faith in the world that Wellmer and his whistle will find a way to ensure a jayhawk victory.
:thumbsup

The Bobby De Niro wannabe out there had 4 straight killer calls against the Sooners. I am not going to say the officiating call was bad for OU, because I could see how a Jayhawk would think the other way. (See: that incredibly fast 5 second call).

I am just saying that we get one or two of those calls to go our way, and we win.


Valiant effort tonight by my boys. Wish we could have won, but they played their guts out.

[seekupig]

:thumbsup

The Bobby De Niro wannabe out there had 4 straight killer calls against the Sooners. I am not going to say the officiating call was bad for OU, because I could see how a Jayhawk would think the other way. (See: that incredibly fast 5 second call).

I am just saying that we get one or two of those calls to go our way, and we win.


Valiant effort tonight by my boys. Wish we could have won, but they played their guts out.

there were some pretty bad calls both ways, just seems that the ones against OU had more of an impact on momentum and scoring opportunities. either way, good game by the Sooners. i'm actually kind of glad to see KU play and win a close game in a hostile arena. blowing people out can hurt come tournament time if you get into a close game....

[UNLTrpt]

I would have loved losing to Kansas by only 2. Royce want to switch places?

wait that means I'd have to be a Sooner.

blech...what an ugly color of red...

[HolyCow]

I would have loved losing to Kansas by only 2. Royce want to switch places?

wait that means I'd have to be a Sooner.

blech...what an ugly color of red...
You know, Crimson is the color of your blood...

[willthethrill]

Ah red, so cliché.

It will be interesting to see how the Ants poll turns out today. That is, if anybody votes.

[GavMan33]

So I gotta tell you, a few weeks ago, I made a sarcastic comment about how I'd rather be Xavier than North Carolina, because the uncertainty of getting a bid on Selection Sunday makes it fun. But I'm here to say, trying to follow this RPI game is hard work. Since our win @ Dayton over the weekend, we have been everywhere between 31-35 in the RPI (I think we are 33 today). I've looked over the last few years, and there are always teams in the 50s that get in to the tourney as at-larges. But for example, it was North Carolina St. in '05. Obviously they play a much tougher schedule than Xavier does, and so I continue to be worried. Bottom line: I retract my earlier statement, and would much rather be the Tar Heels than I would Xavier.

As for this weekend, it begins my FAVORITE week in all of sports. Conference Championship Week is always wonderful, like Christmas in March. Games on ALL day, EVERYDAY. Automatic bids will start being handed out shortly, and that means the season is upon us. The first conference tournament that I will follow is the MAAC Tournament (opening round games start Friday). The most interesting matchup there is a possible Semi-final matchup between Siena and Marist. Marist beat Siena twice this regular season, both games being decided in Overtime. Marist won the Regular Season championship by beating Siena in the last game of the regular season last weekend. So it should be interesting.

On Saturday, I will be in Philadelphia for Xavier's final regular season game of the year @ LaSalle, and hopefully will be celebrating the school's first Regular Season A-10 Championship since 2003 (David West's Senior season)....

[UNLTrpt]

You know, Crimson is the color of your blood...

"In humans and other hemoglobin-using creatures, oxygenated blood is bright red."

"Deoxygenated blood is a darker shade of red"

That must explain why sooners are far less intelligent than Cornhuskers, they aren't getting enough oxygen to their blood or their head.

In the end, science explains it all.

See royce science is a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

[unccrombie]

women have smaller brains, its science

[seekupig]

It will be interesting to see how the Ants poll turns out today. That is, if anybody votes.

i already sent my poll in........ and i didn't vote Ohio State #1.

[justinandimcool]

Can I participate in the poll thing too?


We should all work on an Ants mock bracket next week. That'll be fun :)

[justinandimcool]

So I gotta tell you, a few weeks ago, I made a sarcastic comment about how I'd rather be Xavier than North Carolina, because the uncertainty of getting a bid on Selection Sunday makes it fun. But I'm here to say, trying to follow this RPI game is hard work. Since our win @ Dayton over the weekend, we have been everywhere between 31-35 in the RPI (I think we are 33 today). I've looked over the last few years, and there are always teams in the 50s that get in to the tourney as at-larges. But for example, it was North Carolina St. in '05. Obviously they play a much tougher schedule than Xavier does, and so I continue to be worried. Bottom line: I retract my earlier statement, and would much rather be the Tar Heels than I would Xavier.

As for this weekend, it begins my FAVORITE week in all of sports. Conference Championship Week is always wonderful, like Christmas in March. Games on ALL day, EVERYDAY. Automatic bids will start being handed out shortly, and that means the season is upon us. The first conference tournament that I will follow is the MAAC Tournament (opening round games start Friday). The most interesting matchup there is a possible Semi-final matchup between Siena and Marist. Marist beat Siena twice this regular season, both games being decided in Overtime. Marist won the Regular Season championship by beating Siena in the last game of the regular season last weekend. So it should be interesting.

On Saturday, I will be in Philadelphia for Xavier's final regular season game of the year @ LaSalle, and hopefully will be celebrating the school's first Regular Season A-10 Championship since 2003 (David West's Senior season)....

:thumbsup So excited.

[willthethrill]

Can I participate in the poll thing too?


We should all work on an Ants mock bracket next week. That'll be fun :)
We should make an Ants group on ESPN or somewhere and see who wins.

[unccrombie]

We should make an Ants group on ESPN or somewhere and see who wins.
like last year? yeah

[justinandimcool]

We should make an Ants group on ESPN or somewhere and see who wins.

Yeah, we did both Yahoo and ESPN last year. If my memory serves me right I think Clay is the defending champ. Bastard.


Big game for Michigan. If they don't win I don't think they're in.

[UNC41]

Week 17 Ants Poll

1. Ohio St. (4)
2. UCLA (1)
3. Kansas
4. Florida
5. Texas A&M
6. Wisconsin
7. UNC
8. Memphis
9. Nevada
10.(tie) Southern Illinois
Georgetown
12. Washington St.
13. Pitt
14. Texas
15. Duke
16. Louisville
17. Butler
18.(tie) Oregon
Notre Dame
20. Virginia Tech
21. Vanderbilt
22. Maryland
23. Marquette
24. USC
25. Virginia

Also Receiving Votes: Air Force, Michigan St.

Participating Voters: UNC41, clayj41, seekupig, willthethrill, justinandimcool

[UNLTrpt]

women have smaller brains, its science

its the greatest movie of all time, and that's no lie.

[GavMan33]

Week 17 Ants Poll

1. Ohio St. (4)
2. UCLA (1)
3. Kansas
4. Florida
5. Texas A&M
6. Wisconsin
7. UNC
8. Memphis
9. Nevada
10.(tie) Southern Illinois
Georgetown
12. Washington St.
13. Pitt
14. Texas
15. Duke
16. Louisville
17. Butler
18.(tie) Oregon
Notre Dame
20. Virginia Tech
21. Vanderbilt
22. Maryland
23. Marquette
24. USC
25. Virginia

Also Receiving Votes: Air Force, Michigan St.

Participating Voters: UNC41, clayj41, seekupig, willthethrill, justinandimcool

Obviously I screwed around too much today and didn't get my poll in. So where is the love for the X-Men? Not even any votes? Damn....

I think we know who voted for UCLA (I'm looking toward you Seekupig). And so you know, I have jumped bigtime onto that Kansas bandwagon. That's a squad right there. I really don't want to have to face them in a 2nd round matchup....

Other teams that I wouldn't want as a second round matchup: Florida, Ohio St., UCLA, North Carolina....Other than that, I would take on all comers....

[HolyCow]

"In humans and other hemoglobin-using creatures, oxygenated blood is bright red."

"Deoxygenated blood is a darker shade of red"

That must explain why sooners are far less intelligent than Cornhuskers, they aren't getting enough oxygen to their blood or their head.

In the end, science explains it all.

See royce science is a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.
*can't think of a comeback......*

*scrambles around room....*




*throat slash*

[dreamingtreeIU]

what is this poll business??? how do i get in on this

[cityondown5]

God this UM/MSU game has to be one of the most poorly officiated games in the history of the NCAA.

[GavMan33]

God this UM/MSU game has to be one of the most poorly officiated games in the history of the NCAA.

Hmmm.....:rolleyes

[GavMan33]

what is this poll business??? how do i get in on this

UNC41 is nice enough to conduct a poll every Tuesday after the AP and Coach's Polls come out. I think he has them due by 5pm EST every Tuesday. But it's mandatory that if you're going to vote, you vote for Xavier to be in the Top 25 ;)

[cityondown5]

Hmmm.....:rolleyes

Did you watch the game? It was terrible! One play Neitzel got knocked to the floor (no call) which led to a UM fast break, and then Walton played great defense and stripped the ball, and WALTON got the foul call. It was just God awful.

Free throw total:
Michigan: 33
MSU: 15

A little one sided?

[dreamingtreeIU]

I'd vote em in anyway....theyre underrated, and theyre my 2nd favorite team behind the hoosiers, and where i woulda went to school if it weren't so expensive





Also, anyone else just see pat summit goin wild ?? that was hilarious






UNC41 is nice enough to conduct a poll every Tuesday after the AP and Coach's Polls come out. I think he has them due by 5pm EST every Tuesday. But it's mandatory that if you're going to vote, you vote for Xavier to be in the Top 25 ;)

[GavMan33]

Did you watch the game? It was terrible! One play Neitzel got knocked to the floor (no call) which led to a UM fast break, and then Walton played great defense and stripped the ball, and WALTON got the foul call. It was just God awful.

Free throw total:
Michigan: 33
MSU: 15

A little one sided?

Ehhh. I had the game on in the background while I do some work. So I was watching it, but not closely enough to see every single play. So I don't know, but I can tell you that it happens, in every arena. Not condoning it, but that's how it goes sometimes. 33-15 is not uncommon....

[justinandimcool]

:lol Pat Summitt


And Tennessee has a shot at this. If they win this it would be hard to give Florida a definite #1 eh?

[GavMan33]

:lol Pat Summitt


And Tennessee has a shot at this. If they win this it would be hard to give Florida a definite #1 eh?

Absolutely it'd be very tough to give Florida a #1 (given they lose in the Semis of the SEC Tourney). But it doesn't matter, I still DEFINITELY do NOT want to face the Gators in the tourney. As the crazy guy that works in the cafeteria at X was saying last year, "You better be careful about going in the swamp, or you gonna get bit!"

[cityondown5]

Ehhh. I had the game on in the background while I do some work. So I was watching it, but not closely enough to see every single play. So I don't know, but I can tell you that it happens, in every arena. Not condoning it, but that's how it goes sometimes. 33-15 is not uncommon....

I'm fully aware with what is and isn't common good/bad officiating, and this was a poorly officiated game.

[cityondown5]

What Pat do Justin?

[GavMan33]

I'm fully aware with what is and isn't common good/bad officiating, and this was a poorly officiated game.

OK, I hope you are able to work past the poorly officiated game, and get yourself an NCAA berth....

[UNLTrpt]

*can't think of a comeback......*

*scrambles around room....*




*throat slash*

:lol

I have to admit, that was one of my more cleaver digs.

and *throat slash* was my invention too. I think.

:thumbsup

you're good people Royce, inbred, but good people.

[GavMan33]

:lol

I have to admit, that was one of my more cleaver digs.

and *throat slash* was my invention too. I think.

:thumbsup

you're good people Royce, inbred, but good people.

:lol I've never been out to the plains parts of the country, otherwise known as Big XII country. But aren't you all inbred out there? Or is it just down in Kentucky and such where you can marry your sister? DISCLAIMER: Not to be taken seriously by anybody, merely making a joke. Please don't take offense....

[justinandimcool]

What Pat do Justin?

She came as a cheerleader and paraded around singing the Tennessee fight song. It was hilarious :lol

[cityondown5]

OK, I hope you are able to work past the poorly officiated game, and get yourself an NCAA berth....

I hope so too.

[justinandimcool]

Absolutely it'd be very tough to give Florida a #1 (given they lose in the Semis of the SEC Tourney). But it doesn't matter, I still DEFINITELY do NOT want to face the Gators in the tourney. As the crazy guy that works in the cafeteria at X was saying last year, "You better be careful about going in the swamp, or you gonna get bit!"

Hah, seriously, no one wants to face Florida, but #2 does make them a tiny tiny tiny bit more vulnerable than if they were a #1. I think right now their inconsistency shows that's where they belong, #2.

[justinandimcool]

Right now I don't think MSU has TOO much to worry about. It'll be a tough call if they lose at Wisconsin (which I hope CBS gives me on Saturday), but hopefully they'll have a good tourney, which I think they will.

[justinandimcool]

Is West Virginia done? I think so.

[GavMan33]

Hah, seriously, no one wants to face Florida, but #2 does make them a tiny tiny tiny bit more vulnerable than if they were a #1. I think right now their inconsistency shows that's where they belong, #2.

Boy, if this continues for Florida, I still wouldn't rule out a #3 for them. It probably wouldn't happen, but losing 3 of 4 right now, if things go the wrong way for them, it could be a 3-seed....

[GavMan33]

Is West Virginia done? I think so.

They lost tonight at Pitt. They are definitely in trouble. Even when they beat UCLA a few weekends ago, UCLA was not at full strength. The committee will look at that. While I think Syracuse helped themselves BIG last night, WVU did not tonight. 4-6 vs. Top 100, and 7-6 on the road/neutral courts doesn't help. Key wins (I believe) are UCLA (not at full-strength), and then two bubble teams with Nova and DePaul. With Cincinnati at home this weekend, that won't be a "resume builder" for them. They will need to win a couple games in the Big East tourney, maybe more....

[justinandimcool]

Boy, if this continues for Florida, I still wouldn't rule out a #3 for them. It probably wouldn't happen, but losing 3 of 4 right now, if things go the wrong way for them, it could be a 3-seed....

For sure. Only if they lose tonight, then against Kentucky, then their first game in the SEC tourney. Georgetown is out to get their #2, but that 17 game win streak looks too good on Florida's resume. But who knows, maybe Florida wants the #3. After all, we know what happened the last time they were a 3 seed.....;)

[justinandimcool]

They lost tonight at Pitt. They are definitely in trouble. Even when they beat UCLA a few weekends ago, UCLA was not at full strength. The committee will look at that. While I think Syracuse helped themselves BIG last night, WVU did not tonight. 4-6 vs. Top 100, and 7-6 on the road/neutral courts doesn't help. Key wins (I believe) are UCLA (not at full-strength), and then two bubble teams with Nova and DePaul. With Cincinnati at home this weekend, that won't be a "resume builder" for them. They will need to win a couple games in the Big East tourney, maybe more....

Yep I think you explained it all. I think they're done, unless they get to the final at least.

[GavMan33]

I hope so too.

So I had to go look. Xavier has some pretty sizeable FT differences throughout the year: 24-12 vs. VCU, 19-7 vs. Nova, 24-9 vs. Bucknell, 36-8 vs. Illinois, 36-20 vs. Temple, 22-4 vs. UMass, 33-10 vs. Dayton. Are those all "badly officiated games"? God I hope not, or else we have NO shot at an at-large bid. The committee takes pretty seriously whether the officiating crew did a good job calling the game, and with those FT differences, it looks like A LOT of Xavier victories were due to very pro-X calls. Crap....:rolleyes

[GavMan33]

For sure. Only if they lose tonight, then against Kentucky, then their first game in the SEC tourney. Georgetown is out to get their #2, but that 17 game win streak looks too good on Florida's resume. But who knows, maybe Florida wants the #3. After all, we know what happened the last time they were a 3 seed.....;)

Yeah, well Clemson has a 17-game winning streak this season too :lol
I hear you though. To me, Xavier will be in somewhere between a 11 and a 7 (depending on what happens in the A-10 Tourney). So we are really going to be on a landmine in terms of who is going to be a potential second round matchup. And I'm praying that we don't get the 8-9 seed, and have to play a 1-seed in the 2nd round....

[dmb71687]

I'm fully aware with what is and isn't common good/bad officiating, and this was a poorly officiated game.

And I thought the game we played at Michigan State was a poorly officiated game. Just as I'm sure a lot of teams think and actually say after coming in the Kohl Center. Big Ten has always been like that, home team will ALWAYS get the questionable calls, it's part of the reason it's the hardest conference to win on the road against.

[GavMan33]

And I thought the game we played at Michigan State was a poorly officiated game. Just as I'm sure a lot of teams think and actually say after coming in the Kohl Center. Big Ten has always been like that, home team will ALWAYS get the questionable calls, it's part of the reason it's the hardest conference to win on the road against.

:thumbsup

May I add a few things. Any good coach has a general rule of thumb: they want to make more FTs than their opponents attempt. In tonight's Michigan/Mich. St. game, the Wolverines made 25 FTs, while the Spartans attempted 15. So Michigan was 25/33, or 76%. Michigan St. was 9/15, or 60%. Hm. One other thing; Michigan St. was whistled for 21 fouls, Michigan for 15. Not too much of a difference at all....

[justinandimcool]

Yeah, well Clemson has a 17-game winning streak this season too :lol
I hear you though. To me, Xavier will be in somewhere between a 11 and a 7 (depending on what happens in the A-10 Tourney). So we are really going to be on a landmine in terms of who is going to be a potential second round matchup. And I'm praying that we don't get the 8-9 seed, and have to play a 1-seed in the 2nd round....

You should be glad if you get an 8 seed for a potential 2nd round matchup against UCLA. They're overrated ;)

You should hope to avoid USC though. I'm sorry if and when we eliminate you ;) ;)

Anyways, I'm not gonna be seeing much of the A-10 where I live, according to my phone only the Championship game on March 10th. Hopefully X is there, I'll be rootin for em. Seriously, after looking at the year they've had a 7 or 8 isn't farfetched at all.

[justinandimcool]

And Tennessee is trying to assrape Florida all the way to a 16 seed right now.

[GavMan33]

You should be glad if you get an 8 seed for a potential 2nd round matchup against UCLA. They're overrated ;)

You should hope to avoid USC though. I'm sorry if and when we eliminate you ;) ;)

Anyways, I'm not gonna be seeing much of the A-10 where I live, according to my phone only the Championship game on March 10th. Hopefully X is there, I'll be rootin for em. Seriously, after looking at the year they've had a 7 or 8 isn't farfetched at all.

:eek What did we just talk about?!?!?! We don't want that #8 seed!!!! Give me the 10, I'll take the 10! :lol

[seekupig]

I think we know who voted for UCLA (I'm looking toward you Seekupig).


it was me. it wasn't as much a vote for UCLA as it was a vote against OSU. i just don't think they're as good as their record indicates and i think they're closer to being the 6th best team in the country than they are to being #1. their record and winning streak wouldn't let me vote that way though.

[GavMan33]

And Tennessee is trying to assrape Florida all the way to a 16 seed right now.

Gregg Gumbel: "And heading to Dayton, Ohio, for the play-in game, is the Virginia Military Institute, under .500, but getting the automatic bid out of the Big South Conference. They will be met there by defending National Champion Florida. After being smoked in Knoxville two weeks ago, they have been relegated to Dayton." :lol :lol

[justinandimcool]

Gregg Gumbel: "And heading to Dayton, Ohio, for the play-in game, is the Virginia Military Institute, under .500, but getting the automatic bid out of the Big South Conference. They will be met there by defending National Champion Florida. After being smoked in Knoxville two weeks ago, they have been relegated to Dayton." :lol :lol

:lol VMI winning the Big South

[justinandimcool]

I hate it when I speak too soon....

[GavMan33]

I hate it when I speak too soon....

Yeah, we'll see. I'm not ready to guarantee the Gators won't be in Dayton just yet :lol

[justinandimcool]

:lol Imagine if that happened and they lost.

[GavMan33]

:lol Imagine if that happened and they lost.

So now I'm curious. What do you think would happen if a team like Arizona St. or Cincinnati somehow won their conference tournament? What kind of a seed do you think they would get? I'm thinking 13ish....

[justinandimcool]

So now I'm curious. What do you think would happen if a team like Arizona St. or Cincinnati somehow won their conference tournament? What kind of a seed do you think they would get? I'm thinking 13ish....

Yeah, 13-14. Penn State with their 199 RPI (I think) probably 15. Hey, it could happen.

[justinandimcool]

Well Florida goes down in double digits...really, no one wants to be #1.

[GavMan33]

Well Florida goes down in double digits...really, no one wants to be #1.

Well, I think unless they win the SEC Tourney, they will not be a #1 (although they may play like one, eventually, maybe). How about tOSU, UNC, Wisconsin, and UCLA....

[seekupig]

Dukie V seems to believe that Florida needs to lose against Kentucky and lose in the SEC tournament to lose a #1 seed.... :confused

[UNC41]

Dukie V seems to believe that Florida needs to lose against Kentucky and lose in the SEC tournament to lose a #1 seed.... :confused

He also believes Horford is better than Noah. (off camera)

[seekupig]

Well, I think unless they win the SEC Tourney, they will not be a #1 (although they may play like one, eventually, maybe). How about tOSU, UNC, Wisconsin, and UCLA....

i just don't see two teams from a very average Big 10 both getting #1 seeds. i think it'll be one of them, but not both.

[chiznaz]

i just don't see two teams from a very average Big 10 both getting #1 seeds. i think it'll be one of them, but not both.

I'll say it for you, because I know you want to AND it's the truth.

Florida losing just put Kansas in the drivers seat for a 1 seed(and deservingly so). A&M is going to have to win @Austin and the BigXII tourny for a 1 seed.




edit: Also, BYU is playing some really good basketball right now. I think they might be able to do something in the tourny

[GavMan33]

i just don't see two teams from a very average Big 10 both getting #1 seeds. i think it'll be one of them, but not both.

OK, I'm OK with that. Then I'd go with Kansas, who as I said earlier, I'm really liking that squad right now after watching them a few times. That team can play....

[justinandimcool]

Wisconsin loses to MSU then Kansas is almost guaranteed a #1.

[unccrombie]

He also believes Horford is better than Noah. (off camera)
hes right in that regard. however florida really did play themselves out of a #1. as long as unc beats dook itll be unc, osu, ucla, and wisconsin (as long as they win)

[gbs3769]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7_e1xa6PXY

- Primo

[bubba40]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7_e1xa6PXY

- Primo

:rolleyes

22-6 > 21-8 (overall record)

12-3 > 10-5 (conference record)

RPI of 17 > RPI of 47

SOS of 30 > SOS of 51

A likely #2-#4 seed > just got off the bubble

[gbs3769]

:rolleyes
Our complete domination of Georgetown continues.

We have now won 7 of the last 8 games in the series and 7 of the last 8 in the Dome.

"...and Georgetown still sucks."

- Primo

[bubba40]

Our complete domination of Georgetown continues.

We have now won 7 of the last 8 games in the series and 7 of the last 8 in the Dome.

"...and Georgetown still sucks."

- Primo

Sweet. You're still Syracuse. And we'll see who gets farther in the tournament. If you think SU has a better team than GU this year, you're delusional.

[gbs3769]

Sweet. You're still Syracuse. And we'll see who gets farther in the tournament. If you think SU has a better team than GU this year, you're delusional.
We have a more talented team than Georgetown. We just aren't as consistent Georgetown. That has been the plague of this Senior class since they arrived on campus. Inconsistency.

Who knows, what is going to happen, but Syracuse sure is peaking at the right time.

- Primo

[bubba40]

We have a more talented team than Georgetown. We just aren't as consistent Georgetown. That has been the plague of this Senior class since they arrived on campus. Inconsistency.

Who knows, what is going to happen, but Syracuse sure is peaking at the right time.

- Primo

I'll agree with all of that, with the significant exception of the first sentence. To that: :ugh

[GavMan33]

We have a more talented team than Georgetown. We just aren't as consistent Georgetown. That has been the plague of this Senior class since they arrived on campus. Inconsistency.

Who knows, what is going to happen, but Syracuse sure is peaking at the right time.

- Primo

Yeah, maybe. But look who they've beaten during their 5-game win streak? St. John's, South Florida, UConn. You will see much better teams in the NCAAs (and, to me, after the other night, the Orange have their tickets punched). Providence is a decent team, but not the kind of team you'll see in the Big Dance. So yeah, bigtime victory beating GTown like that (albeit at home), but Syracuse SHOULD have won 4 of those 5....

[UNC41]

We have a more talented team than Georgetown. We just aren't as consistent Georgetown. That has been the plague of this Senior class since they arrived on campus. Inconsistency.

Who knows, what is going to happen, but Syracuse sure is peaking at the right time.

- Primo

Georgetown has more talent.

[gbs3769]

Georgetown has more talent.
See, I still feel that Syracuse has a more talented team but they don't play up to their potential, hence Georgetown has the better team.

- Primo

[bubba40]

I think that if you take Syracuse out of the Dome and/or NY, they loose a lot of the gusto.

[UNC41]

See, I still feel that Syracuse has a more talented team but they don't play up to their potential, hence Georgetown has the better team.

- Primo

Nichols has better numbers than anyone on Georgetown, but I think Green and Hibbert are more talented than anyone Cuse has. I don't think the Orange have enough of a talent advantage everywhere else to make up for that.

[dmb71687]

Georgetown is FAR more talented....

Green and Hibbert alone give the Hoya's the edge. People look way to far into wins at home like that.

[unccrombie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7_e1xa6PXY

- Primo
mmm delicious

[seekupig]

Then I'd go with Kansas, who as I said earlier, I'm really liking that squad right now after watching them a few times. That team can play....

well, in today's bracketology, Lunardi has KU as a #2 seed still with a potential second round matchup with Xavier who just moved up into the #10 spot...... :lol :lol

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

[unccrombie]

I think that if you take Syracuse out of the Dome and/or NY, they loose a lot of the gusto.
this has been known for years...but that goes back to consistency

[twosteppn36]

:rolleyes

22-6 > 21-8 (overall record)

12-3 > 10-5 (conference record)

RPI of 17 > RPI of 47

SOS of 30 > SOS of 51

A likely #2-#4 seed > just got off the bubble


72 > 58

[bubba40]

72 > 58

I'm talking about this season.
And yes, Green and Hibbert are both more talented than anyone on Syracuse. That includes Paul Harris.

[dreamingtreeIU]

well, in today's bracketology, Lunardi has KU as a #2 seed still with a potential second round matchup with Xavier who just moved up into the #10 spot...... :lol :lol

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology



He also has texas playing Indiana, that would be an intense matchup. We have no one that could stop Durant. Our big guys are slow, and the next biggest are 6'6 shooters

[bubba40]

He also has texas playing Indiana, that would be an intense matchup. We have no one that could stop Durant. Our big guys are slow, and the next biggest are 6'6 shooters

Texas could win it all (a la Carmelo's 'Cuse), or they could get blown out in the first round.

[willthethrill]

Texas could win it all (a la Carmelo's 'Cuse), or they could get blown out in the first round.
Carmelo also had Hakim Warrick and Gerry McNamara.

Durant has Augustin and Abrams.

[UNLTrpt]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

:BANG :BANG :BANG :BANG :BANG :BANG

I HATE our play by play guy.

[dreamingtreeIU]

Welcome to the Roderick Wilmont show on espn2

[justinandimcool]

What the FUCK is up with Indiana.

[HolyCow]

Hey Mario Boggan, that head butt was classy.

But what was even more classy, was the fact that O State fans started chanting your name for it.

Well done Pokes.

[justinandimcool]

Indiana was close to dying right there.

And yes Royce, I officially hate Boggan after that move.

[justinandimcool]

Iowa could be the team watching their tourney hopes die right now...hurray for ESPN bonus coverage

[clayj41]

Indiana was close to dying right there.

And yes Royce, I officially hate Boggan after that move.

It was a scary moment. Thank God they pulled it out!

[justinandimcool]

Iowa goes down to the worst major conference team. They're done.

[HolyCow]

And yes Royce, I officially hate Boggan after that move.
The fact the fans chanted his name is the most embarassing part.

I bet nothing happens to him either. Longar got suspended two games for a LEGAL move... we'll see what happens with this. I don't know if Bobby Huggins is quite the bully as Bob Knight.

[justinandimcool]

^ ESPN reports he's suspended against Baylor.

[HolyCow]

^ ESPN reports he's suspended against Baylor.
One game... hmm....

[justinandimcool]

38 points for Scottie Reynolds.

[justinandimcool]

One game... hmm....

Must say he has good timing, being gone against Baylor of all teams. Although it would be ultimate money if they got upset.

[HolyCow]

38 points for Scottie Reynolds.
I wish he was at OU.

[willthethrill]

Amazing games going on right now. I can't decide whether to pull against dook or watch the lone star matchup.

[willthethrill]

I'm still reserving judgment on Oden because of his hand, but who has the killer instinct in their game, he or Durant? Oden plays very peacefully, and maybe that's good in some situations, but I like a player who's going to compete and LOOKS like he's going to compete. Durant is only 2 inches shorter you know...

[SmoothD41]

holy shit what a shot what a shot by Law. Looks like OT in Texas.

[justinandimcool]

FUCKING SHIT. I just woke up my house. Acie fucking Law.

[willthethrill]

This is so awesome, Big 12 has had some really freakin' entertaining games this year.

[HolyCow]

what a ballgame.

[seekupig]

This is so awesome, Big 12 has had some really freakin' entertaining games this year.

but they're a mediocre conference, and don't you forget it..... :thumbsup :)

[justinandimcool]

Okay. Law isn't human. He's just not. Amazing.


I'm picking A&M to win the national title. Law is just fucking unbelievable in crunchtime.

[HolyCow]

Okay. Law isn't human. He's just not. Amazing.


I'm picking A&M to win the national title. Law is just fucking unbelievable in crunchtime.
He gets my vote for player of the year.

Give Durant the Adrian Peterson treatment.

[justinandimcool]

How the fuck do you not call something that BLATANT!?!??!

[justinandimcool]

Doesn't matter. I've already decided the Aggies are gonna be my horse for at least the Final Four. Probably top 3, if not the most entertaining game of the year. Game coulda gone both ways.

[seekupig]

i'd like to thank aTm for pushing UT to 2OT. hopefully that helps the Jayhawks clinch the BigXII on saturday..... :thumbsup

[willthethrill]

but they're a mediocre conference, and don't you forget it..... :thumbsup :)
Oh I know, but it's still entertaining sometimes.

ACC rulz teh house. :violent

[justinandimcool]

but they're a mediocre conference, and don't you forget it..... :thumbsup :)


Everyone but Kansas, A&M, and Texas right?

[seekupig]

Everyone but Kansas, A&M, and Texas right?

sure. can't wait for the Big XII / PAC 10 challenge next year..... wonder why KU isn't part of it..... :rolleyes ;)

[justinandimcool]

sure. can't wait for the Big XII / PAC 10 challenge next year..... wonder why KU isn't part of it..... :rolleyes ;)

lolz. Pac-10's gonna get killed. Except for USC of course ;)

[justinandimcool]

Well, I'm officially on the wagon.

[willthethrill]

Well, I'm officially on the wagon.
Wow, I see. Every official spot used to show it too.

[justinandimcool]

Yep. I've liked A&M ever since I first saw them play this year, I never thought I'd still like em this much in March. They may not be that big or that athletic, but hey, I'm all for shots in the dark in the tourney :p
It's officially March in the East Coast. What a month. :multi

[clayj41]

A&M is a very scary team. I could see them making a very deep run in the tournament depending on their draw.

[chiznaz]

I just got back into College Station from Austin about an hour ago.

I am so emotionally drained after that game. Even the texas fans were. I had the casual t-shirt fan trying to taunt me and my group, but that's about it. By far one of the best basketball games I have ever been too. Acie Law is so damn good, it's unreal. I really hope he gets BigXII POY, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him split it with Durant. Both a 1st team All Americans.

I won't even go into some of the calls in that game, but I think overall the refs taking these BigXII games have been pretty bad. I know A&M plays real aggressive and as a result will generally have more fouls, but texas made more foul shots than we attempted. They also weren't even in the double bonus at the END OF 2OT. The OU-ut game was pretty bad too if I remember right. It's like Durant has these ref groupies that have huge man crushes on him.

Either way, ut played a awesome game. Augustin is a incredibly quick PG is almost impossible to keep out the paint. He draws some very good fouls, and very few people in the country can stay in front of him. The biggest X factor for texas was the way Damion James played.

I hope everyone sees how talented this team is. The only reason we're this good is because of Billy Gillispie. He recruits the state of texas like no other and has single handedly built this program. Born and raised here and now coaching an awesome texas school. He brought a defensive mentality to this team and I know it's going to pay off.:D


i'd like to thank aTm for pushing UT to 2OT. hopefully that helps the Jayhawks clinch the BigXII on saturday..... :thumbsup

I know if t.u. wins, it will be a three way tie and we'll all be co-champs, but I really hope yall "go Nebraska" all over texas if you know what I mean. ;)

[HolyCow]

I won't even go into some of the calls in that game, but I think overall the refs taking these BigXII games have been pretty bad. I know A&M plays real aggressive and as a result will generally have more fouls, but texas made more foul shots than we attempted. They also weren't even in the double bonus at the END OF 2OT. The OU-ut game was pretty bad too if I remember right. It's like Durant has these ref groupies that have huge man crushes on him.



Durant is getting calls and it is pissing me off. It cost us the UT game.

And not calling an intentional on Augustin at the end of the game was a crime. He just reached out and grabbed Law's jersey.

[41ravens]

damn it! i knew i should've watched that game. stupid Lost...

anyways, it's officially march now, so i guess i have to step my college bball level up a notch. very disappointing season for Zona. lost all of the close ones that could've gone either way and then the unc ass kicking. they should still get in, but it'll be by the skin of their nuts. they're just so inconsistent. i can see them drawing an 8-10 seed, which means they'll play either a 1 or 2 in the second round. and the only one of the projected 1-2 seeds i can see them beating is wisconsin.

as for the tourney, i can't remember a year where there was this many good teams going into it. there's probably 10 teams that you could make a legitimate argument to win it all. should be a fun march.

[GavMan33]

OK, a few thoughts after backreading a little bit, because I haven't been here in about 24 hours :lol

:BANG That's for what Seekupig had to say earlier about Xavier having a potential 2nd-round matchup with KU. SHIT! Thank Goodness that it's very difficult to predict matchups.

I was able to duck out of a prior obligation a bit early, and got to my buddy's house for the 2nd half of the Villanova/UConn game last night. How about that Scottie Reynolds? A Freshman?!?!?! This really is the Year of the Freshmen. Wow. 40 points huh? What are the chances he stays 4 years? I hate to think that EVERYBODY now has to leave school early.

NOW. The GAME OF THE YEAR! We had so much fun watching this one. Honestly, after Law hit that first shot to send it into OT, I was having so much fun, I j ust wanted them to keep playing till 3 or 4 in the morning EST. Unbelievable game. I wasn't really rooting for anyone, but it did help quite a bit when the pairings come out on Selection Sunday. I think I'd only seen A&M play once this year, they are GOOD. More than Law, is that big white shooter who kept knocking down 3s. They sure are good.

Is there a way we can stop complaining about calls? Yeah, there was probably an Intentional that should've been called late in 2OT. I believe there was 1.4 seconds on the clock. Law did a great job though. To make the first FT was the first part. I've never seen this before; immediately when Law caught the ball for the second FT, he threw it. That was GREAT to throw it before everybody was set, and gave another shot to tie the game.

Conference Championship Week inching ever so closer....:D

[GavMan33]

damn it! i knew i should've watched that game. stupid Lost...

anyways, it's officially march now, so i guess i have to step my college bball level up a notch. very disappointing season for Zona. lost all of the close ones that could've gone either way and then the unc ass kicking. they should still get in, but it'll be by the skin of their nuts. they're just so inconsistent. i can see them drawing an 8-10 seed, which means they'll play either a 1 or 2 in the second round. and the only one of the projected 1-2 seeds i can see them beating is wisconsin.

as for the tourney, i can't remember a year where there was this many good teams going into it. there's probably 10 teams that you could make a legitimate argument to win it all. should be a fun march.

:thumbsup

[uncDMBfan]

teams that I dont want my heels to play against in the tourney...
Kansas, Texas, Maryland...bring on the rest

OK st. and texas was game of the year, don't forget about that one...
last night was awesome, but not like the first okst/texas

[GavMan33]

So. Someone wanna explain to me how a squad like UNLV is projected to go so high in the tournament?

I'm going to compare them to Xavier, just for argument's sake. UNLV did have a 10-game winning streak earlier this year. But they've also lost to UC-Santa Barbara, and a team in Arizona that is really struggling. Now I know you'll say wins with BYU, San Diego St., Air Force, etc. But those are conference games. So all those teams are just beating up on each other. And they do have a good win @ Nevada.

It just doesn't add up to me that a team like Xavier is a 10-seed, while a team like UNLV is projected as a 4-seed right now. Hm. I'd welcome any explanations....

[willthethrill]

teams that I dont want my heels to play against in the tourney...
Kansas, Texas, Maryland...bring on the rest

OK st. and texas was game of the year, don't forget about that one...
last night was awesome, but not like the first okst/texas
That's almost debatable. Yea, the 3OT was insane, but you saw two POY candidates sqaure off, two 1st team all-americans battle shot for shot, and this game had a lot more on the line. Not to mention it ALMOST went right into the 1st hour of March. :bounce :bounce

[dmb71687]

So. Someone wanna explain to me how a squad like UNLV is projected to go so high in the tournament?

I'm going to compare them to Xavier, just for argument's sake. UNLV did have a 10-game winning streak earlier this year. But they've also lost to UC-Santa Barbara, and a team in Arizona that is really struggling. Now I know you'll say wins with BYU, San Diego St., Air Force, etc. But those are conference games. So all those teams are just beating up on each other. And they do have a good win @ Nevada.

It just doesn't add up to me that a team like Xavier is a 10-seed, while a team like UNLV is projected as a 4-seed right now. Hm. I'd welcome any explanations....

You just kind of explained it yourself. UNLV has marquee wins, Xavier, if I remember correctly doesn't even have a win in the RPI top 50, or was it 100?

You can't expect anything in single digits as an atlarge without ONE single marquee win..

[GavMan33]

You just kind of explained it yourself. UNLV has marquee wins, Xavier, if I remember correctly doesn't even have a win in the RPI top 50, or was it 100?

You can't expect anything in single digits as an atlarge without ONE single marquee win..

For the record, Xavier is 2-2 vs. the RPI Top 50 (wins vs. Villanova and Illinois, and losses to Creighton and Alabama). And 8-3 vs. #s 51-100 (wins vs. #59 VCU, #60 Kansas St., #58 UMass).

We're hanging our hat right now on wins vs. Nova, VCU, Illinois, and Kansas St. (and UMass to an extent). So yeah, none of those teams were ranked when we played them, nor are ranked right now. But I'd like to think the sheer number of them (and the fact that they are all possible at-large teams) plays a factor.

UNLV has a very high RPI at 12 (Xavier's is 33). Their two good out-of-conference wins are vs. Nevada and Texas Tech. The three teams that have NCAA hopes from their conference (though I kind of think SDSU has to win the conference tourney to get in), they are 3-3 against. I consider that "beating up on one another" to raise their RPI.

You make a good point with no real "marquee wins" for Xavier, and that's probably true. So maybe I don't have as much of a problem with Xavier's 10-seed as I do with UNLV's 4-seed. I can think of a lot more teams that belong in the Top 16 in college basketball than UNLV....

(And for the record, I seem to be picking on the Runnin' Rebels a lot, but I'm sure there are more teams like this....)

[willthethrill]

For the record, Xavier is 2-2 vs. the RPI Top 50 (wins vs. Villanova and Illinois, and losses to Creighton and Alabama). And 8-3 vs. #s 51-100 (wins vs. #59 VCU, #60 Kansas St., #58 UMass).

We're hanging our hat right now on wins vs. Nova, VCU, Illinois, and Kansas St. (and UMass to an extent). So yeah, none of those teams were ranked when we played them, nor are ranked right now. But I'd like to think the sheer number of them (and the fact that they are all possible at-large teams) plays a factor.

UNLV has a very high RPI at 12 (Xavier's is 33). Their two good out-of-conference wins are vs. Nevada and Texas Tech. The three teams that have NCAA hopes from their conference (though I kind of think SDSU has to win the conference tourney to get in), they are 3-3 against. I consider that "beating up on one another" to raise their RPI.

You make a good point with no real "marquee wins" for Xavier, and that's probably true. So maybe I don't have as much of a problem with Xavier's 10-seed as I do with UNLV's 4-seed. I can think of a lot more teams that belong in the Top 16 in college basketball than UNLV....

(And for the record, I seem to be picking on the Runnin' Rebels a lot, but I'm sure there are more teams like this....)
I don't see UNLV getting a 4 seed, especially with the way some teams are coming on: Maryland, Louisville, Texas, VT (although I sure hope they lose tonight), and others. Plus, the committee might find it pretty tough to seed UNLV over dook, no matter where that seeding may be.

[GavMan33]

A little something I found on YouTube, obviously put together by Xavier's X-treme Fans. Thought you guys might find it entertaining....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rX1ZCVXOnE&mode=related&search=

[GavMan33]

So before all the ACC fellas come in here and own it tonight, and because I seem to be the "Resident A-10" guy here, I hope you're watching this game on ESPN2. GW @ Charlotte. Not quite like the Texas/A&M game from last night, but still a good game nonetheless....

[justinandimcool]

That A-10 game was exciting, but I'm not impressed by either team. :/

Virginia Tech proved that they are just an average team that happens to be near the top, while Virginia proved that they are a lock for the sweet 16. A great team performance all around.

And UNC is getting another hard night, but GT is playing nothing short of solid. I'd be happy if they pulled this one out and got a berth. They're playing with the sense of urgency all bubble teams should possess :thumbsup

[UNC41]

I'm about ready to give up on this team.

[dreamingtreeIU]

u could root for your home team.....minnesota???

[UNC41]

I could also drink my own cum, but that's not happening. And the Gophers are not my home team.

[dreamingtreeIU]

then who is? ur location is MN

[unccrombie]

carolina is back to sucking, great

[justinandimcool]

Turnovers and horrible interior defense. tsk tsk.

And on the other channel it looks like Memphis is finally getting a fight from UTEP. Let's see what they're made of in crunch time.

Update says Nevada is close to being upset as well. Hot damn. These teams are practically giving away high seeds.

[justinandimcool]

Here they come...

[UNC41]

then who is? ur location is MN

Born and raised in North Dakota.

[justinandimcool]

lolz. way to go GT, leaving the door wide open. MAKE FREE THROWS HEELS!

[UNC41]

If talent was the problem I could live with it, but it's not. There's arguably more talent on the team than anywhere in the nation. It's desire, passion, will. There is no excuse for a team to struggle with defense, rebounding and free throws at this point in the season. Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[justinandimcool]

Kudos to Memphis for putting their game away, and even more kudos to GT. They've gotta be in now, the only team hotter than them in the ACC is Maryland.

As far as UNC goes, you're exactly right Bry. They've come up absolutely dry on intangibles to a point where it's costing them games. I'm sure Roy will whip em into shape, but apparently not until some teams get some bids at their expense. If they lose to Duke they could be looking at a 3 seed, eh?

[dreamingtreeIU]

dangerous three seed if thats the case.......could be a carmello syracuse style 3 seed......or i guess FLA last yr

[justinandimcool]

3 seed is never bad, but hey, for UNC we all expected them to be a 2 at least. However if they get themselves together and put on a good showing the rest of the way there's no need for 3 talk.

Nevada lost. Only the 3rd of the season, shouldn't hurt them that bad. Wish I could've seen more than the last 3 seconds.

[justinandimcool]

Are you guys getting UCLA/WSU? Should be a good one. Has been so far.

They're not even showing the USC/Washington game here and I'm pissed, but hopefully a Cougar victory over the bRUINS makes up for it.

[dreamingtreeIU]

im getting it on fsn midwest.....should help me stay up late to get my sleep back on schedule

[UNC41]

Roy did his best coaching job as a college basketball coach last year. He's doing his worst this year. I'm finally convinced their depth is part of the problem and the bench needs to be shortened to 8 or 9. Some of his lineup combinations are just horrible for the team and his refusal to call a TO during runs by opposing teams has hurt the Heels badly more than once.

There is still time for this team to get it together and make a run because of its insane amount of talent, but it needs to come together starting Sunday. I think from every game on out Lawson and Hansbrough need to each play at least 32 minutes. I wouldn't mind trying Ginyard starting over Ellington and having a guy who can fill it up like Wayne come off the bench after Ginyard is able to set a defensive tone. Here's how I think the depth chart should look for the rest of March.

PG - Lawson, Frasor
SG - Ellington, Ginyard
SF - Terry, Green
PF - Wright, Thompson
C - Hansbrough, Thompson

[justinandimcool]

Roy did his best coaching job as a college basketball coach last year. He's doing his worst this year. I'm finally convinced their depth is part of the problem and the bench needs to be shortened to 8 or 9. Some of his lineup combinations are just horrible for the team and his refusal to call a TO during runs by opposing teams has hurt the Heels badly more than once.

There is still time for this team to get it together and make a run because of its insane amount of talent, but it needs to come together starting Sunday. I think from every game on out Lawson and Hansbrough need to each play at least 32 minutes. I wouldn't mind trying Ginyard starting over Ellington and having a guy who can fill it up like Wayne come off the bench after Ginyard is able to set a defensive tone. Here's how I think the depth chart should look for the rest of March.

PG - Lawson, Frasor
SG - Ellington, Ginyard
SF - Terry, Green
PF - Wright, Thompson
C - Hansbrough, Thompson

I believe this team can win with any lineup Roy decides to put out there. The only problem as it is apparent in the past few losses is execution. Defensively and offensively. Like you said it's not a talent issue, and it may be a lineup issue. But at the end of the day they're just not making smart passes, they're not rotating consistently well, and they're not making free throws.

[unccrombie]

they're simply not playing and underestimating their competition, fuckin ridiculous

[GavMan33]

I could also drink my own cum, but that's not happening. And the Gophers are not my home team.

:lol :lol That's some funny shit Bryan. Why not North Dakota St. baby! Best D-1 Independent in quite some time! If my memory serves me correctly they are joining the Horizon League, is that right? Seriously though, UNC is just the team you picked up when you were young growing up?

[mizzoudmbfan]

I could also drink my own cum, but that's not happening.

Don't knock it till you've tried it brah.

[GavMan33]

Roy did his best coaching job as a college basketball coach last year. He's doing his worst this year. I'm finally convinced their depth is part of the problem and the bench needs to be shortened to 8 or 9. Some of his lineup combinations are just horrible for the team and his refusal to call a TO during runs by opposing teams has hurt the Heels badly more than once.

There is still time for this team to get it together and make a run because of its insane amount of talent, but it needs to come together starting Sunday. I think from every game on out Lawson and Hansbrough need to each play at least 32 minutes. I wouldn't mind trying Ginyard starting over Ellington and having a guy who can fill it up like Wayne come off the bench after Ginyard is able to set a defensive tone. Here's how I think the depth chart should look for the rest of March.

PG - Lawson, Frasor
SG - Ellington, Ginyard
SF - Terry, Green
PF - Wright, Thompson
C - Hansbrough, Thompson

I don't know much about Carolina this season, but I do know coaches do not like to make changes in the way they make their lineups, ESPECIALLY at this point in the year (barring injury). So I highly doubt Coach Williams will be changing anything up at this point. As little as I know about Carolina, I know Hansbrough has to be on the floor, so if he's not already on the floor for 32 minutes, then :eek .

I did just get home from having a drink, and turned on the UCLA/Wash St. game. 16 min. left, I'll probably watch the end of it, then head to bed. I don't wanna miss another game like last night, MAN that was exciting.

Two more things. UVA bigtime win tonight over a good VT team. Whoever said it above, maybe VTech is one of those high seeds primed for an upset. We'll see.

Back to the FT discussion that I tried to make last night. GT was 10/15 from the FT line tonight, for 67% from the line. UNC was 26/38 from the line, 68%! But I don't see anyone in here complaining about poor officiating. It's possible to be a huge free throw difference and NOT be poor officiating....

[Bartender#41]

My dark horse team is going to be maryland. I could honestly see them making it to the elite 8 no matter who they have to face to get there. Ohio state is the best of the top 5 imo

[UNC41]

:lol :lol That's some funny shit Bryan. Why not North Dakota St. baby! Best D-1 Independent in quite some time! If my memory serves me correctly they are joining the Horizon League, is that right? Seriously though, UNC is just the team you picked up when you were young growing up?

I went to UND, so NDSU is not an option. They can beat Marquette and Wisconsin, but all I have to say is, "Fuck the Bison, fuck the Bison, fuck the Bison in the ass. Raise your glasses, kick their asses, fuck the Bison in the ass.

You're right about UNC though. It was the 1993 Final Four that got me hooked. Literally every single person i knew was going for Michigan and the Fab Five, so I went out and bought a North Carolina hat where you adjust the size by the two strings hanging out the back. For some reason I fell in love with everything about the program during that game and they weren't just some team I wanted to win the national championship.

[seekupig]

i've seen most UNC games this year, and i've thought all along that their problem was too much talent. sounds stupid, but i heard something the other day that confirmed what i was thinking..... there's never been a national champion that played more than ten players regular minutes.

i just don't think anyone gets into a rhythm when the people around you are changing at every stop of the clock. i think the Heels would be well served to cut their rotation down a bit and keep the lineups on the court together in a little bit longer stretches. the idea behind what Roy is doing is to wear people down, but it's obvious that's not working the way it should. their defense can't stop anyone the way they're playing right now and it puts a lot of pressure on them to score nearly every time down the court. hard to do without any chemistry on the floor. just my two cents....

[seekupig]

Ohio state is the best of the top 5 imo

no offense, but have you watched them play?

[Bartender#41]

they're simply not playing and underestimating their competition, fuckin ridiculous

Dude i have been feeling the way you do since late january... Arizona (the school i go to) has sooo much talent but they can't play well together. Your team dominated us and i lost all hope in the cats

[UNC41]

i've seen most UNC games this year, and i've thought all along that their problem was too much talent. sounds stupid, but i heard something the other day that confirmed what i was thinking..... there's never been a national champion that played more than ten players regular minutes.

i just don't think anyone gets into a rhythm when the people around you are changing at every stop of the clock. i think the Heels would be well served to cut their rotation down a bit and keep the lineups on the court together in a little bit longer stretches. the idea behind what Roy is doing is to wear people down, but it's obvious that's not working the way it should. their defense can't stop anyone the way they're playing right now and it puts a lot of pressure on them to score nearly every time down the court. hard to do without any chemistry on the floor. just my two cents....

Kentucky in 96? I agree with what you're saying though.

[justinandimcool]

aaand USC goes down to Washington. Thank god it wasn't televised. Washington State next and a bad showing at the tourney could put us at bubble range. But not too much to worry about at all.

[Bartender#41]

no offense, but have you watched them play?

Although they did lose to florida, wisconsin, and UNC earlier on in the season, they are the only team of those 4 thats playing well now... They beat wisconsin which was a HUGE win. I dont see them making it to the final four however but right now they are the best team as indicated by the polls.

And as for ur ? I watched them play wisconsin as well as florida and UNC earlier in the season but other than that no.

[dreamingtreeIU]

does anyone know how to make the URL in your signature have a different title....like i want mine to say "shows ive gone to" but i can't figure it out, ive been looking for a few minutes and didnt wanna waste a thread on this

[GavMan33]

I went to UND, so NDSU is not an option. They can beat Marquette and Wisconsin, but all I have to say is, "Fuck the Bison, fuck the Bison, fuck the Bison in the ass. Raise your glasses, kick their asses, fuck the Bison in the ass.

You're right about UNC though. It was the 1993 Final Four that got me hooked. Literally every single person i knew was going for Michigan and the Fab Five, so I went out and bought a North Carolina hat where you adjust the size by the two strings hanging out the back. For some reason I fell in love with everything about the program during that game and they weren't just some team I wanted to win the national championship.

I see, I see sir. No NDSU for you, good enough. Out of curiosity, does UND play D-1 hoop? Conference, or Independent? Never actually heard of them. I know there's a South Dakota St. (also Independent I believe).

As for that 1993 Final Four, that's my first memory of college basketball, is that Donald Williams and Eric Montross UNC team. Was Rick Fox there too in 93? Who was the guy's name, Lynch? And of course, like you said, vs. the Fab Five. I did a report on the Fab Five the next year (it was elementary school, I wish things were that easy nowadays). The Fab Five truly changed the way hoop was played, and the way that hoop players were portrayed. The played the game with a certain swagger that it had never been played before.

But they're a great example, and it almost always holds true. Freshmen CANNOT lead teams to championships, usually. Carmelo did it, I know Mike Bibby won a title at Arizona as a Frosh. But they're very few and far between. Jay Williams at Duke, his frosh season, lost in the Sweet 16 (I believe to Florida, and wow, that Duke team was good). But frosh don't typically lead their teams to championships, so I balk at throwing myself behind Ohio St. and Texas. Just my two cents....

[seekupig]

IBut they're a great example, and it almost always holds true. Freshmen CANNOT lead teams to championships, usually. Carmelo did it, I know Mike Bibby won a title at Arizona as a Frosh. But they're very few and far between. Jay Williams at Duke, his frosh season, lost in the Sweet 16 (I believe to Florida, and wow, that Duke team was good). But frosh don't typically lead their teams to championships, so I balk at throwing myself behind Ohio St. and Texas. Just my two cents....

don't remind me.... :BANG . the best Kansas team i've ever seen......

about the freshmen thing, though. i think we'll see more of that in the future with the one and done thing starting. along with that though, i think we'll also start seeing more of the big upsets in the first round (Bradley, Bucknell, etc.. :lol ). these young and talented teams that get high seeds are very prone to upsets by smaller schools full of upper classmen that are conference champions and have been playing together for three or four years.

[UNC41]

I see, I see sir. No NDSU for you, good enough. Out of curiosity, does UND play D-1 hoop? Conference, or Independent? Never actually heard of them. I know there's a South Dakota St. (also Independent I believe).

As for that 1993 Final Four, that's my first memory of college basketball, is that Donald Williams and Eric Montross UNC team. Was Rick Fox there too in 93? Who was the guy's name, Lynch? And of course, like you said, vs. the Fab Five. I did a report on the Fab Five the next year (it was elementary school, I wish things were that easy nowadays). The Fab Five truly changed the way hoop was played, and the way that hoop players were portrayed. The played the game with a certain swagger that it had never been played before.

But they're a great example, and it almost always holds true. Freshmen CANNOT lead teams to championships, usually. Carmelo did it, I know Mike Bibby won a title at Arizona as a Frosh. But they're very few and far between. Jay Williams at Duke, his frosh season, lost in the Sweet 16 (I believe to Florida, and wow, that Duke team was good). But frosh don't typically lead their teams to championships, so I balk at throwing myself behind Ohio St. and Texas. Just my two cents....

UND is D1 in hockey now and making the jump to everything else next year.

Rick Fox graduated a year or two before the national championship team. You're thinking of George Lynch. He was the absolute glue to tht team and the reason why they cut down the nets.

I get what you're saying about youth, but I don't think the argument is as strong as it once was. Florida may have not had many freshmen last year, but the core of that team was very inexperienced. Their sophomores last year had only played two tournament games and Horford and Noah combined for 0 points in those two games.

[Trippin4136]

no offense, but have you watched them play?

What is the problem with the way Ohio State plays? What, they shoot too many 3s? They get a little lazy/complacent on defense? Oden doesn't get enough touches? Other than that, what's the beef with the Buckeyes?

While you think little of them, everyone else in the top 10 continues to lose to very inferior talent while Ohio State keeps winning its games. Say what you will about the Big Ten, but you don't see Ohio State losing to middle of the pack conference teams like many of the other Top 10s.

[unccrombie]

What is the problem with the way Ohio State plays? What, they shoot too many 3s? They get a little lazy/complacent on defense? Oden doesn't get enough touches? Other than that, what's the beef with the Buckeyes?

While you think little of them, everyone else in the top 10 continues to lose to very inferior talent while Ohio State keeps winning its games. Say what you will about the Big Ten, but you don't see Ohio State losing to middle of the pack conference teams like many of the other Top 10s.
you've played all home game lately. the only team you should have lost to was PSU, twice. maybe MSU, but you played well that game. and by the way, that beef you speak of, is why you lose tourney games. so it's big

[Trippin4136]

you've played all home game lately. the only team you should have lost to was PSU, twice. maybe MSU, but you played well that game. and by the way, that beef you speak of, is why you lose tourney games. so it's big

I understand that. I just find it kind of funny that people are so quick to write them off while the other conten