Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[unccrombie]

I've got'em in with UNC, Florida and KU. :BANG

Yea, 3 #1s, but this is one of the most top-heavy years that I can ever remember. There's only about 8-11 teams that have any shot at winning it.
unc out to texas, cmon

[clayj41]

i know, but i cant keep puttin #1s in my final 4 :lol

That's why I left UNC out...:(

I don't feel good about it though.

[chiznaz]

Alright. My hesitant Final Four is Florida, UCLA, North Carolina, Texas A&M.

Florida vs UNC

UNC wins is all.



Edit: and yes I'm a homer:)

Edit#2: St. Louis was the hardest to pick for me.

[justinandimcool]

Ok no more looking back. Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M

2 days of debate right got me there...I'm gonna lose :BANG

[HolyCow]

One more thing. Yall have a 13 knocking off a 4 anywhere?
I thought about Davidson over Maryland... but I decided not to.

I have a 14 over a 3 though. :evil

[justinandimcool]

I thought about Davidson over Maryland... but I decided not to.

I have a 14 over a 3 though. :evil

So do I :evil

[unccrombie]

Ok no more looking back. Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M

2 days of debate right got me there...I'm gonna lose :BANG

MD? terrible choice IMO
I thought about Davidson over Maryland... but I decided not to.

I have a 14 over a 3 though. :evil

oral roberts, represent! :D

[chiznaz]

Ok no more looking back. Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M

2 days of debate right got me there...I'm gonna lose :BANG

Ok no more looking back. Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M

2 days of debate right got me there...I'm gonna lose :BANG

Haha. I got Davidson going to the sweet 16 as my crazy pick. I say the beat Maryland, then top Old Dominion.

I told you the St. Louis region was hardest for me to pick:)

[UNLTrpt]

ok so far for the NIT pick em I have:

clayj41
GavMan33
HolyCow
Willthethrill
gbs3769

come on guys, I want at least 10.

Here's the linky linky: http://www.antsmarching.org/forum/showpost.php?p=5745492&postcount=16942

[unccrombie]

ok so far for the NIT pick em I have:

clayj41
GavMan33
HolyCow
Willthethrill
gbs3769

come on guys, I want at least 10.

Here's the linky linky: http://www.antsmarching.org/forum/showpost.php?p=5745492&postcount=16942
booo the nit

[UNLTrpt]

booo the nit

it's for fun dammit.

HAVE FUN!

[unccrombie]

it's for fun dammit.

HAVE FUN!
lol ill have fun, but on my own terms

[SoRight24]

it's for fun dammit.

HAVE FUN!

Don't try to tell me what to do.

;) :lol

[cwsrule88]

so far im think final 4 as florida, kansas, gtown, and texas a & m. i had the hardest time with nevada vs memphis. i want to pick nevada cause i think they can do it but then im haunted by that lost to montana last year :(

[dmbmuskie]

so far im think final 4 as florida, kansas, gtown, and texas a & m. i had the hardest time with nevada vs memphis. i want to pick nevada cause i think they can do it but then im haunted by that lost to montana last year :(

I like Fazekas leading the way.

[GavMan33]

lol ill have fun, but on my own terms

Speaking of....

Sulking in the corner at a wedding draws attention to yourself, in a negative way. Draw attention to yourself, but on your own terms....

[cwsrule88]

I like Fazekas leading the way.

thats it im flipping a coin, best out of 7 matchup :lol

[unccrombie]

Speaking of....

Sulking in the corner at a wedding draws attention to yourself, in a negative way. Draw attention to yourself, but on your own terms....
:thumbsup

i wasn't sulking...

[GWDMB]

Very tight game. I like Nova- best free throw shooting team in the country. Always good in close games.

:thumbsup I'm pretty sure Nova is gonna win that game.

I thought hard about picking Davidson over Maryland, but didn't do it. We'll see how that turns out.

[UNLTrpt]

Don't try to tell me what to do.

;) :lol

lol ill have fun, but on my own terms

:mad

[GavMan33]

it's for fun dammit.

HAVE FUN!

Hey, I'd do anything for this sandbaggin' son of a bitch! You old sailor you! Hey, what do you like better? Christmas or March?

Dan: (raises his hand)

Bob: Mr. Handsome Dan

Dan: Uhhh, March Madness! (pumps his fist like a madman)

[willthethrill]

unc out to texas, cmon
I picked UNC in 2005. It worked. I didn't pick them to make the Final 4 last year. That happened. Say what you will, but I will be a homer.

[willthethrill]

Hey, I'd do anything for this sandbaggin' son of a bitch! You old sailor you! Hey, what do you like better? Christmas or March?

Dan: (raises his hand)

Bob: Mr. Handsome Dan

Dan: Uhhh, March Madness! (pumps his fist like a madman)
I don't even wear a belt.

...beltless.

[justinandimcool]

1) Mississippi St. def. 8) Mississippi Valley St.
4) Bradley def 5) Providence
3) Michigan def. 6) Utah St.
2) Florida St def. 7) Toledo

1) Mississippi St. def 4) Bradley
2) Florida St. def. 3) Michigan

2) Florida St. def. 1) Mississippi St



1) West Virginia def. 8) Delaware St.
5) Alabama def 4) UMASS
6) NC St. def 3) Drexel
2) Oklahoma St. def. 7) Marist

5) Alabama def 1) West Virginia
2) Oklahoma St. def 6) NC State

2) Oklahoma St def. 5) Alabama



1) Air Force def. 8) Austin Peay
4) Georgia def 5) Fresno St.
6) Hofstra def. 3) Depaul
2) Kansas St. def. 7) Vermont

1) Air Force def. 4) Georgia
2) Kansas St. def. 6) Hofstra

1) Air Force def 2) Kansas St.


1) Clemson def. 8) East Tennessee St.
5) Appalachian St. def. 4) Ole Miss
6) San Diego St. def. 3) Missouri St.
2) Syracuse def. 7) South Alabama

1) Clemson def 5) Appalachian St.
2) Syracuse def. 6) San Diego St.

2) Syracuse def. 1) Clemson



2) Florida St. def. 2) Oklahoma State
2) Syracuse def. 1) Air Force

2) Florida St. def. 2) Syracuse 68-60

[GavMan33]

I picked UNC in 2005. It worked. I didn't pick them to make the Final 4 last year. That happened. Say what you will, but I will be a homer.

2005 was a good year for me. As I remember, I had 3 #1s and #4 Louisville in my Final Four that year; as usual, Coach Izzo and Michigan State found a way to screw me. I'm really thankful that they are in the 8/9 game this time around. I'm picking Marquette in that one, because even if the Spartans win, they will go out in the next round to the #1. Now as for the 8/9 winner playing the #1 in the South Regional....;)

[UNLTrpt]

Hey, I'd do anything for this sandbaggin' son of a bitch! You old sailor you! Hey, what do you like better? Christmas or March?

Dan: (raises his hand)

Bob: Mr. Handsome Dan

Dan: Uhhh, March Madness! (pumps his fist like a madman)

:confused

:lol

[GavMan33]

I don't even wear a belt.

...beltless.

There he is! It's the big guy! Get in here! :lol

[willthethrill]

Why don't you try getting jacked off under the table in front of the whole damn family and have some real problems, jackass. Hey, what were they like anyway? They looked pretty good, are they real? Are they built for speed or comfort? What'd you do with them? Motorboat? You play the motorboat?

Damn I love Vince Vaughn.

[SoRight24]

Wedding Crashers + beer pong + weed = one hell of a night.

[41ravens]

kansas, oregon, unc, a&m

kansas over unc

book it.



as of today.

[41ravens]

justin, where are you my pac-10 brother? what's your take on wazzou? i have oru with the upset, but i don't like it.

[justinandimcool]

justin, where are you my pac-10 brother? what's your take on wazzou? i have oru with the upset, but i don't like it.

I don't understand all this hoopla about Oral Roberts. The only thing they've done this season is what? Beat Kansas in their first game? Washington State has a defense that is on par if not better than UCLA when it's at it's best, and even on a bad day they still have guys with quick hands that play a solid man to man. Not to mention a great perimeter shooter and solid playmaker in Low. I take WSU in a heartbeat, and I have them beating Vandy after that. They won't have an answer to Hibbert and Green so I have them going down against Georgetown. But they're one of the top 15 solid teams in the country IMO, if they play like they have all season, no way they're out by the second round to ORU/Vandy.

Of course, this is March Madness, where I'm always wrong ;)

[41ravens]

here you go, dan. it's a winner.

1) Mississippi St. def. 8) Mississippi Valley St.
5) Providence def 4) Bradley
3) Michigan def. 6) Utah St.
2) Florida St def. 7) Toledo

1) Mississippi St. def 4) Providence
3) Michigan def 2) Florida St.

3) Michigan def. 1) Mississippi St



1) West Virginia def. 8) Delaware St.
5) Alabama def 4) UMASS
6) NC St. def 3) Drexel
2) Oklahoma St. def. 7) Marist

5) Alabama def 1) West Virginia
2) Oklahoma St. def 6) NC State

2) Oklahoma St def. 5) Alabama



1) Air Force def. 8) Austin Peay
4) Georgia def 5) Fresno St.
3) DePaul def 6) Hofstra
2) Kansas St. def. 7) Vermont

1) Air Force def. 4) Georgia
2) Kansas St. def. 6) DePaul

2) Kansas St. def 1) Air Force


1) Clemson def. 8) East Tennessee St.
5) Appalachian St. def. 4) Ole Miss
6) San Diego St. def. 3) Missouri St.
2) Syracuse def. 7) South Alabama

1) Clemson def 5) Appalachian St.
2) Syracuse def. 6) San Diego St.

2) Syracuse def. 1) Clemson



3) Michigan def. 2) Oklahoma State
2) Syracuse def. 2) Kansas St.

3) Michigan def. 2) Syracuse 72-66

[41ravens]

I don't understand all this hoopla about Oral Roberts. The only thing they've done this season is what? Beat Kansas in their first game? Washington State has a defense that is on par if not better than UCLA when it's at it's best, and even on a bad day they still have guys with quick hands that play a solid man to man. Not to mention a great perimeter shooter and solid playmaker in Low. I take WSU in a heartbeat, and I have them beating Vandy after that. They won't have an answer to Hibbert and Green so I have them going down against Georgetown. But they're one of the top 15 solid teams in the country IMO, if they play like they have all season, no way they're out by the second round to ORU/Vandy.

Of course, this is March Madness, where I'm always wrong ;)

true that.

this year sucks.

[dmbmuskie]

I finally got through my whole bracket, and I was really close to having all 4 1 seeds making it to Atlanta. I ended up picking Texas over UNC, but that is still up in the air.

I love the thought of Oden vs Durant in the national semi.

[UNLTrpt]

here you go, dan. it's a winner.

you're in.

[41ravens]

this sucks. i only have 1's, 2's and 3's in my elite 8. you know one or two lower seeds are gonna sneak in, but i just can't see where.

[dmbmuskie]

this sucks. i only have 1's, 2's and 3's in my elite 8. you know one or two lower seeds are gonna sneak in, but i just can't see where.

This is why girls always win these things. They pick nonsense, which ends up working out for them. If Stanford makes the elite 8, you know some girl you know will be happy because she likes the tree.

[41ravens]

This is why girls always win these things. They pick nonsense, which ends up working out for them. If Stanford makes the elite 8, you know some girl you know will be happy because she likes the tree.

word. i'm thinking of having my girlfriend fill one out just so i might have shot at winning the pool at work.

[dmbmuskie]

word. i'm thinking of having my girlfriend fill one out just so i might have shot at winning the pool at work.

I'd like to have my girlfriend fill one out too. She's much more likely to figure out this year's George Mason than I.

"George Mason, he sounds nice. I'll pick him"

[Davenumber40]

"Tubby's our basketball coach. He's done a great job of representing the platform of Kentucky basketball. We'll always look to make adjustments to the things we've got to do to get better. Tubby and I will do that collectively."
-- Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart

from espn

But he did make it sound like he would make Tubby fire his assistants. That's step one towards firing.

[dmbinchicago]

Oral Roberts sucks and will get blown out by WSU. Any time they've played a decent team (except KU last November), they've gotten beat.

Final Four:
Florida over UCLA
Georgetown over OSU

Finals:
Georgetown over Florida

[UNLTrpt]

I'd like to have my girlfriend fill one out too. She's much more likely to figure out this year's George Mason than I.

"George Mason, he sounds nice. I'll pick him"

or your mom fill one out.

We had a plumber named George...he was such a nice guy. Did good work too. Pick him.

[41ravens]

girlfriend picks:

oregon, kansas, arkansas, louisville

kansas over arkansas in the final

noteables: kansas is the only #1 that survives the second rd.; xavier, butler, texas tech all in the elite 8; belmont upsets gtown in the opening round.

she filled it out in under 3 minutes.

[41ravens]

all right, i think i'm finally done myself.

oregon, kansas, unc, texas a&m

kansas over unc

noteables: (second rd) odu over maryland, nevada over memphis, gw over oru. nothing too crazy...all 1's, 2's and 3's in the elite 8. oh well, i think it's that kind of year.

[HolyCow]

girlfriend picks:

oregon, kansas, arkansas, louisville

kansas over arkansas in the final

noteables: kansas is the only #1 that survives the second rd.; xavier, butler, texas tech all in the elite 8; belmont upsets gtown in the opening round.

she filled it out in under 3 minutes.
Mine is filling hers out tonight. I will let you all know.

And also, my mother will be filling one out for the first time ever. She didn't even know what I was talking about when I asked her. It should be interesting.

[GavMan33]

girlfriend picks:

oregon, kansas, arkansas, louisville

kansas over arkansas in the final

noteables: kansas is the only #1 that survives the second rd.; xavier, butler, texas tech all in the elite 8; belmont upsets gtown in the opening round.

she filled it out in under 3 minutes.

Damn boy, I'm jealous. That's one smart woman you got there. By all means, don't let her go, she's a keeper ;)

[willthethrill]

Thad Matta's strongest selling point on the recruiting trail:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2795525

[chiznaz]

Good Acie Law IV article by Scoop Jackson.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jackson/070312&sportCat=ncb



Then, in a 98-96 two-overtime loss that might go down as the second-most "Elizabeth, I'm coming home" game of the season, Law's "This is what I do!!!" 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in regulation tied it and then his even-deeper three with 26 seconds left forced a second overtime. Law played all 50 minutes and finished with 33 points, three more than Durant.

No (further) disrespect to Durant, but in the Big 12 -- the best conference in college basketball, where it had an entire season of March Madness play -- Law averaged 6.3 points in the last four minutes of games, shooting 75 percent from the field, 83 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line.

Bookmark that last line. Please.

[GavMan33]

So I couldn't sleep, so I'm browsing Tournament teams. How about this, a team I'm considering for a major 1st round upset:

This team lost @ Coastal Carolina and @ Chicago St. earlier this season. They also had a 39-point loss @ Bradley, barely beat lowly St. Bonaventure by two points, and had back-to-back losses to Marshall and Bowling Green. They actually scheduled Chicago St. (an independent) twice this season, beating them the 2nd time by 1 point.

That's right. This team is Wright State. Can you believe it? I can't believe this is the same team :eek

[GWDMB]

all right, i think i'm finally done myself.

oregon, kansas, unc, texas a&m

kansas over unc

noteables: (second rd) odu over maryland, nevada over memphis, gw over oru. nothing too crazy...all 1's, 2's and 3's in the elite 8. oh well, i think it's that kind of year.

As much as this soon to be GW graduate would love to see that happen. As someone who's seen them play 16 times this year, I'm not picking them to get past Vandy.

[chiznaz]

So I couldn't sleep, so I'm browsing Tournament teams. How about this, a team I'm considering for a major 1st round upset:

This team lost @ Coastal Carolina and @ Chicago St. earlier this season. They also had a 39-point loss @ Bradley, barely beat lowly St. Bonaventure by two points, and had back-to-back losses to Marshall and Bowling Green. They actually scheduled Chicago St. (an independent) twice this season, beating them the 2nd time by 1 point.

That's right. This team is Wright State. Can you believe it? I can't believe this is the same team :eek


wright state's opponents also only average 4pts less than their scoring average:thumbsdow

[GavMan33]

all right, i think i'm finally done myself.

oregon, kansas, unc, texas a&m

kansas over unc

noteables: (second rd) odu over maryland, nevada over memphis, gw over oru. nothing too crazy...all 1's, 2's and 3's in the elite 8. oh well, i think it's that kind of year.

That's what I have right now in my 2nd round too. I'm glad I'm not the only person who's crazy....

[GavMan33]

"There are a few teams that have earned the respect as historically elite programs, & SYRACUSE is among them.

These schools have perrenially BETTER players than most of College Basketball, & therefore should not be subjected to the standards of away games like most schools.
These elite teams have earned the RIGHT to schedule mostly home games through MANY years of building up their program & hard work by the school & coaching staffs.
Their reward should be an automatic invite to the NCAA Tourney with 20 or more wins for the season....
It's THAT SIMPLE!!!
Anything else, & the system rewards programs that can't get their crap together for more than 2 years in a row.... That's NOT how to BUILD strength, it promotes Socialism...."

Can somebody help me out understanding this?

[thehoss]

bob, big weekend in gf coming up. gf is playing saturday at 9am, solllllld out, standing room only. great bill for that day too, gf, peekskill, then bishop maginn and then mount vernon rounds off the morning session. gf looks should have an easy 1st game, but peekskill will most likely beat them in the finals. we shall see.. as for that quote..hahaha. ill look at it alittle later

[thestand]

Fuck, my nazi filter on campus blocks both yahoo and espn pools. So I can't do any work on them from here.

[gbs3769]

Can somebody help me out understanding this?
There are a lot of whack jobs on the Syracuse.com forums.

I don't pay attention to most of them. But sometimes the boards are fun to read.

- Primo

[UNC41]

Good Acie Law IV article by Scoop Jackson.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jackson/070312&sportCat=ncb

I was huge on Scoop Jackson about a year ago. I still enjoy his writing, but some of the things he does just to spice it up annoys me, like claim the Big 12 is the best conference in the nation. Yes, it's the best at the top. We're talking about a four bid conference though. It's not the best in the nation.

[UNLTrpt]

make your NIT picks by tonight...or die

http://www.antsmarching.org/forum/showpost.php?p=5745492&postcount=16942

:D

[GavMan33]

There are a lot of whack jobs on the Syracuse.com forums.

I don't pay attention to most of them. But sometimes the boards are fun to read.

- Primo

:lol

I love that you know exactly where I came up with that, well done once again Primo! I sure am glad you're not like all those whiners on there. You're upset that Syracuse didn't get in, and surely have a right to be. But you don't come on here and blather about conspiracy theories and launching a NCAA investigation on what kind of money was thrown around to make sure Syracuse was excluded.

We've said it before, but this seems like a good spot to say it again. I sure am glad, while we have differing opinions on this board (Primo and I "Exhibit A"), nobody is an idiot about things. This board has a bunch of well-educated posters, and it makes this place a lot of fun to hang out in.

If there were one of those little icons that had us toasting a beer together, that would go here. Unfortunately there isn't. So, cheers to you all.

[willthethrill]

Anything else, & the system rewards programs that can't get their crap together for more than 2 years in a row.... That's NOT how to BUILD strength, it promotes Socialism...."

My favorite part. :lol

I'm a not a big fan of the UNC boards either. This board kicks so much more ass, everybody makes more sense.

[41ravens]

That's what I have right now in my 2nd round too. I'm glad I'm not the only person who's crazy....

just wait till sunday night and we can come in here and laugh at everyone who called us crazy.

honestly, though, i pondered over that 4 team bracket for a while and finally said, "fuck it". oru has like 8 seniors on their team and a great backcourt. it's now or never for em.

and gw was just for shits and grins.

[UNLTrpt]

"There are a few teams that have earned the respect as historically elite programs, & SYRACUSE is among them.

These schools have perrenially BETTER players than most of College Basketball, & therefore should not be subjected to the standards of away games like most schools.
These elite teams have earned the RIGHT to schedule mostly home games through MANY years of building up their program & hard work by the school & coaching staffs.
Their reward should be an automatic invite to the NCAA Tourney with 20 or more wins for the season....
It's THAT SIMPLE!!!
Anything else, & the system rewards programs that can't get their crap together for more than 2 years in a row.... That's NOT how to BUILD strength, it promotes Socialism...."

Can somebody help me out understanding this?

that is the biggest bunch of cock and bull that I have ever read.

Nebraska is so weird (understatement, I know). We've got two "factions" if you will. They're more about football (what a surprise) than basketball but it really centers around one figure, the Athletic Director. One message board is all "The AD has got to go, he should have never fired Solich, blah blah blah" The other message board "I support the AD, Solich needed to go, I wanna have the AD's baby, etc etc etc." I really can't stand either one of them because the positive message board will never be critical of the AD no matter how much he's fucked up the athletic department. The other one is all gloom and doom and a 10 point non-conference win in football is unthinkable and unacceptable.

[gbs3769]

If there were one of those little icons that had us toasting a beer together, that would go here. Unfortunately there isn't. So, cheers to you all.
Although I do love the conspiracy theory about how the NIT needs big market teams for their games. I mentioned it on the Syracuse.com boards but I don't really believe it.

I post under the same name (gbs3769) on those boards as I do here. So if you run into any of my posts, that is me.

All I really want, is for the commissioner of the committee to come out and explain exactly what got a team like Illinois or Arkansas or Stanford in over Syracuse. There are plenty of what ifs, plenty of reasons why one team might be selected over another, but I really want to know how they broke it down.


And yes, cheers to people who don't believe in all those conspiracy theories. The thing I hate more than those conspiracy theories are the guys on there who talk about boycotting the game. That does us no good at all. People should show up and support the team because the team got completely jobbed and it is just so unfair to the Seniors to have to end their careers on such a low note.

Hopefully there is a good turnout. Supposedly they have already sold over 3500 print at home tickets and who knows how many will-call tickets. That is awesome! I only hope that more and more people go to the game and support the team.

- Primo

[UNLTrpt]

Primo, for me it all comes down to scheduling.

Syracuse non con: played 1 tournament team...Penn at home.

Illinois non con: played 4 tournament teams...3 on the road.

I still think Syracuse should be in but couldn't the non-con have something to do with it?

[unccrombie]

Primo, for me it all comes down to scheduling.

Syracuse non con: played 1 tournament team...Penn at home.

Illinois non con: played 4 tournament teams...3 on the road.

I still think Syracuse should be in but couldn't the non-con have something to do with it?
wichita st and osu were tourney and ranked team at the time. so your theory is dead

[gbs3769]

Primo, for me it all comes down to scheduling.

Syracuse non con: played 1 tournament team...Penn at home.

Illinois non con: played 4 tournament teams...3 on the road.
Penn and Holy Cross.

We are 2-0 against non-conference tournament teams.

Illinois is 1-3 against non-conference tournament teams.

Just food for thought.

- Primo

[UNLTrpt]

Penn and Holy Cross.

We are 2-0 against non-conference tournament teams.

Illinois is 1-3 against non-conference tournament teams.

Just food for thought.

- Primo

my bad on Holy Cross.

Illinois played Maryland, Arizona, Butler and Xavier. You're telling me that a 2-0 record against 2 automatic qualifiers looks better than playing Maryland, Arizona, Butler and Xavier? Even though they were only 1-3?

All I'm saying is that if the Cuse plays a non-con like Illinois then we're not having this argument and even if they go 1-3 like the Illini did, they might be in.

[gbs3769]

All I'm saying is that if the Cuse plays a non-con like Illinois then we're not having this argument and even if they go 1-3 like the Illini did, they might be in.
But, if you look at the non-conference schedule at the time the games were played, Oklahoma State and Wichita Sate were both of the caliber of Arizona and Maryland and Butler. We also played the biggest tournament snub in Drexel.

Sure we didn't go on the road for all of those games, but we did play a good non-conference schedule. One that at the time the games were played, was just as good as Illinois.

- Primo

[darbini]

Syracuse beat Penn yes, but it was also Penn's 2nd game of the year.
Syracuse started the season with 7 wins in a row(two tourn teams), then lost 3 of the next 5(no tourn teams out of the 5), they lose again 3 games later to PITT only to come out the next game and beat Marquette; they are both tourn teams. After winning 3 in a row(one tourn team) they go and lose 4 of the next 5 games(played one tourn team in that stretch and lost). Syracuse then wins the next 5 games(fifth win against G'Town) only to finish off the season losing 2 out of the last 3(both tourn teams). They were too inconsistent to make it to the tournament IMO and do not belong, at least not ahead of some others that didn't make it.

[darbini]

One that at the time the games were played, was just as good as Illinois.

- Primo


Ehhhh, that's always something that is way too hard to determine, let alone count on. Were they good early on and got worse, or were they really not as good as people thought and were given too much credit?

[UNLTrpt]

But, if you look at the non-conference schedule at the time the games were played, Oklahoma State and Wichita Sate were both of the caliber of Arizona and Maryland and Butler. We also played the biggest tournament snub in Drexel.

Sure we didn't go on the road for all of those games, but we did play a good non-conference schedule. One that at the time the games were played, was just as good as Illinois.

- Primo

ok. I'll give you OSU. but Wichita St.? come on Primo its the MVC.

[HolyCow]

Stanford is the main team that does not deserve to be in.

[clayj41]

Stanford is the main team that does not deserve to be in.

Eh, they beat some pretty good teams....granted most of them were at home (UCLA, Oregon, USC, Washington St, Texas Tech) but they also beat Virginia on the road. They did lose 4 or their last 5 and 6 of their last 9, but most of that can be attributed to playing in the rough and tumble Pac 10. I would put them in over Arkansas.:shrug

[Trippin4136]

Hey all, I'm down in Florida for Spring Training this week, but if you all want to see my picks for the Tournament click on my portal's link in my signature. I don't know when I'll get back on here this week, but if you've got any comments feel free to PM me or just comment on the site!

Good luck to everyone's team this weekend :thumbsup

[SoRight24]

UNC-Weber State game is on ESPN Classic.

:BANG :BANG

[clayj41]

UNC-Weber State game is on ESPN Classic.

:BANG :BANG

I refuse to put it on there!:lorraine

[HolyCow]

Eh, they beat some pretty good teams....granted most of them were at home (UCLA, Oregon, USC, Washington St, Texas Tech) but they also beat Virginia on the road. They did lose 4 or their last 5 and 6 of their last 9, but most of that can be attributed to playing in the rough and tumble Pac 10. I would put them in over Arkansas.:shrug
I think people get caught up in who you beat.

I think it is about who you lost to.

[SoRight24]

Classic has hated us for years. ;)

[Davenumber40]

Out of curiosity, what are Stanford's, Illinois's, Arkansas's, and Syracuse's SOS?

I honestly believe Syracuse probably deserved to make the tournament but any year you lose more than 10 games you really put yourself in danger.

The biggest snub I can remember is Utah St. a few years ago they were 25-3 and ranked in the top 25 but didn't get in. The last team in that year was 21-8 BYU, with a less than impressive SOS and next to no road wins.

[clayj41]

I think people get caught up in who you beat.

I think it is about who you lost to.

Eh, both are important but even the elite teams lost to a lot of subpar opponents.

[41ravens]

Hey all, I'm down in Florida for Spring Training this week, but if you all want to see my picks for the Tournament click on my portal's link in my signature. I don't know when I'll get back on here this week, but if you've got any comments feel free to PM me or just comment on the site!

Good luck to everyone's team this weekend :thumbsup

don't know if you care, but in your second rd you have xavier beating osu. might want to change that, being that osu is your champ and all. ;)

[UNLTrpt]

I should really make some NIT picks shouldn't I? :lol

[Davenumber40]

I just looked up the SOS.

Syracuse- 46
Purdue- 44
Illinois- 24
Stanford- 32
Arkansas- 10

[SoRight24]

Fuck you, Harold Arceneaux.

[UNC41]

Stanford is the main team that does not deserve to be in.

Arkansas.

[UNC41]

Fuck you, Harold Arceneaux.

Easy with the curse words. And don't say fuck while you're at it.

[clayj41]

I just looked up the SOS.

Syracuse- 46
Purdue- 44
Illinois- 24
Stanford- 32
Arkansas- 10

Yeah, I knew the Arkansas SOS was high.

[SoRight24]

My bad.

Got caught up in the moment. ;)

[Davenumber40]

The overall RPI:

Syracuse-50

4 teams in the top 40 didn't make the tourny: Airforce (30), Missouri St. (36), Bradley (38), and Drexel (39).

7 teams outside the top 40 got at-large bids: Purdue (42), Vandy (46), USC (47), Ga. Tech. (52), Texas Tech. (53), Virginia (55), and Stanford (63).

[UNLTrpt]

1) MISSISSIPPI ST. (18-12) defeats 8) Mississippi Valley St. (18-14)
4) BRADLEY (21-12) defeats 5) Providence (18-12)
3) MICHIGAN (21-12) defeats 6) Utah St. (23-10)
2) FLORIDA ST. (20-12) defeats 7) Toledo (19-12)

Bradley defeats Mississippi St.
Michigan defeats Florida St.

Michigan defeats Bradley


1) WEST VIRGINIA (22-9) defeats 8) Delaware St. (21-11)
5) Alabama (20-11) defeats 4) UMASS (23-8)
3) DREXEL (23-8) defeats 6) NC St. (18-15)
2) OKLAHOMA ST. (22-11) defeats 7) Marist (24-8)

West Virginia defeats Alabama
Oklahoma St. defeats Drexel

West Virginia defeats Oklahoma St.

1) AIR FORCE (23-8) defeats 8) Austin Peay (21-11)
4) GEORGIA (18-13) defeats 5) Fresno St. (22-9)
6) Hofstra (22-9) defeats 3) DEPAUL (18-13)
2) KANSAS ST. (22-10) defeats 7) Vermont (25-6)

Air Force defeats Georgia
Kansas St. defeats Hofstra

Kansas St. defeats Air Force

1) CLEMSON (21-10) defeats 8) East Tennessee St. (24-9)
4) OLE MISS (20-11) defeats 5) Appalachian St. (25-7)
3) MISSOURI ST. (22-10) defeats 6) San Diego St. (21-10)
2) SYRACUSE (22-10) defeats 7) South Alabama (20-11)

Clemson defeats Mississippi
Syracuse defeats Missouri St.

Syracuse defeats Clemson

Final Four:
West Virginia defeats Michigan
Syracuse defeats Kansas St.

Final: West Virginia defeats Syracuse

Still time to join the NIT pick 'em challenge. 1 hour before the 1st tip.

Link in my sig...that's not my myspace profile.

[Davenumber40]

Arkansas vs. Syracuse on NCAA teams:

Arkansas
4-6 (2-3 on the road)

Syracuse
5-5 (1-2 on the road)

Maybe road games were the key factor for Syracuse. They played a really weak Big East schedule, even playing only 3 NCAA teams on the road for the entire season. I understand that this isn't completely their fault (though they could have scheduled more BCS schools in non-conference games). But, when you play a schedule like that, 22-10 puts you in a dangerous place.

[UNC41]

Arkansas vs. Syracuse on NCAA teams:

Arkansas
4-6 (2-3 on the road)

Syracuse
5-5 (1-2 on the road)

Maybe road games were the key factor for Syracuse. They played a really weak Big East schedule, even playing only 3 NCAA teams on the road for the entire season. I understand that this isn't completely their fault (though they could have scheduled more BCS schools in non-conference games). But, when you play a schedule like that, 22-10 puts you in a dangerous place.

Arkansas went 7-9 in the SEC West. That should end their argument right there.

[Davenumber40]

In the Buffalo Bills Region:

1) MISSISSIPPI ST. (18-12) vs. 8) Mississippi Valley St. (18-14)
4) BRADLEY (21-12) vs. 5) Providence (18-12)
3) MICHIGAN (21-12) vs. 6) Utah St. (23-10)
2) FLORIDA ST. (20-12) vs. 7) Toledo (19-12)

Mississppi St. vs. Providence
Utah St. vs. FSU

Miss. vs. FSU

In the Chicago Cubs Region:

1) WEST VIRGINIA (22-9) vs. 8) Delaware St. (21-11)
4) UMASS (23-8) vs. 5) Alabama (20-11)
3) DREXEL (23-8) vs. 6) NC St. (18-15)
2) OKLAHOMA ST. (22-11) vs. 7) Marist (24-8)

W. Virginia vs. Alabama
Drexel vs. OK St.

W. Virginia vs. Drexel



In the Golden State Warriors Region:

1) AIR FORCE (23-8) vs. 8) Austin Peay (21-11)
4) GEORGIA (18-13) vs. 5) Fresno St. (22-9)
3) DEPAUL (18-13) vs. 6) Hofstra (22-9)
2) KANSAS ST. (22-10) vs. 7) Vermont (25-6)

Airforce vs. Fresno St.
Hofstra vs. Vermont

Airforce vs. Hofstra

In the St. Louis Blues Region:
1) CLEMSON (21-10) vs. 8) East Tennessee St. (24-9)
4) OLE MISS (20-11) vs. 5) Appalachian St. (25-7)
3) MISSOURI ST. (22-10) vs. 6) San Diego St. (21-10)
2) SYRACUSE (22-10) vs. 7) South Alabama (20-11)

Clemson vs. Ole Miss
Miss. St. vs. S. Alabama

Ole Miss vs. S. Alabama


The Final 4:

Flor. St. vs. Drexel
Airforce vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss vs. Drexel 72-66

[UNLTrpt]

Final: West Virginia defeats Syracuse

Shite, I forgot the rules in my own god damn tournament

67-60 final score

[clayj41]

Arkansas went 7-9 in the SEC West. That should end their argument right there.

:thumbsup That's the way I look at it.

[UNLTrpt]

1. West Virginia defeats 3. Missouri St.

- Primo

Primo can I get a final score?

[Davenumber40]

Arkansas went 7-9 in the SEC West. That should end their argument right there.

But they scheduled 5 tournament teams non conference. The point is I don't know that it's a slam dunk arguement.

[seekupig]

i haven't filled out a single bracket yet. hell, i haven't even looked at one for more than three minutes at a time yet.

i think i'll wait until tomorrow night so i don't have to second guess myself and keep changing it. i've found that my initial thought process is much better than the end result is, so i'm not going to submit it until i don't have time to change it again.....

[darbini]

Arkansas made it to the final of the SEC tournament, Syracuse didn't come close to theirs. 2 of Arkansas' losses came against Florida, lost by 4 at Texas, won against Vanderbilt twice, 5 non-conference tournament teams played, etc. I believe they deserved it more than Syracuse, and it's unfortunate some people can't see that. 7-9 wasn't their record in the SEC West, it was in the SEC.


All I know is that I have Florida in the finals winning it again just like I did last year with my bracket!! Woo-Hoo!!

[UNLTrpt]

and that's that. The NIT pick 'em entry period is officially done. I'll have results after todays games.

[darbini]

I have Arkansas beating USC in the 1st round, they are playing extremely well right now and have 4 starters averaging double figures, and 4/5 average 4+ rebounds a game. They are quite similar to the Florida team of last year.

[willthethrill]

I have Arkansas beating USC in the 1st round, they are playing extremely well right now and have 4 starters averaging double figures, and 4/5 average 4+ rebounds a game. They are quite similar to the Florida team of last year.
Boo, we don't like the SEC :violent









Just kidding, we could use the balance. ;)

[dmbmuskie]

I have Arkansas beating USC in the 1st round, they are playing extremely well right now and have 4 starters averaging double figures, and 4/5 average 4+ rebounds a game. They are quite similar to the Florida team of last year.

Except that the talent level is completely different.

[GavMan33]

Illinois, I think we can all agree, had to be one of the Last Four In. So let's take a look at their nonconference:

They played Austin Peay (who I believe is an NIT team?), they played Jackson St. (an NCAA team), they played Florida A&M (an NCAA team), and they played Miami (OH) (also an NCAA team). You want big boys? Well first, they went to Bradley. Then they played Maryland and then went to Arizona. Lastly, they went to Missouri, and then played Xavier in Cincinnati. I'd say that's a pretty solid nonconference schedule, especially for a BCS Conference team. So I counted 6 NCAA team in the nonconference.

Syracuse. They played Penn (an NCAA team out of the Ivy League), and Holy Cross (winners of the Patriot League). Wichita St. and Oklahoma St. did not pan out (both losses). I also discount the argument for the game vs. Drexel, because I would say Drexel is in line for an at-large before the Orange. Also played teams like Colgate, Baylor, Hofstra, and St. Bonaventure. Two NCAA teams in the nonconference.

That said, I was sure the win vs. Georgetown a few weeks back punched their ticket to the dance. Wins @ Marquette and vs. Villanova were big early in the Big East schedule. I'm not sure, but I think those three wins account for all of their Top 50 wins. They won five in a row late, culminating in the win over the Hoyas, but the other four were St. John's, South Florida, UConn, and Providence. I would say the unbalanced schedule has a lot to do with the 10-6 Big East record. Throw in a loss @ St. John's and a loss @ UConn, and I can see the omission or the Orange....

Bumping this because I think there was some misinformation on the last page....

[unccrombie]

for all the su/sense of humor fans out there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWhu2pFo_8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebarstoolsports%2Ecom%2F

[41ravens]

for all the su/sense of humor fans out there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWhu2pFo_8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebarstoolsports%2Ecom%2F

:lol

that's awesome.

[41ravens]

i have yet to see an analyst who has picked the same champ as me (kansas). and you know what? that makes me feel really good about my pick. everyone has florida. why are people getting a huge boner over florida all of the sudden? won it last year, same guys, experience...blah, blah, blah. am i the only one who thinks florida is going to be the first of the #1's to get bounced?

[unccrombie]

i have yet to see an analyst who has picked the same champ as me (kansas). and you know what? that makes me feel really good about my pick. everyone has florida. why are people getting a huge boner over florida all of the sudden? won it last year, same guys, experience...blah, blah, blah. am i the only one who thinks florida is going to be the first of the #1's trounced?
g'town for me ;)

[GavMan33]

Let me just say this. OK, Old Dominion, Illinois, Purdue, Arkansas, etc. The team that is IN that shouldn't be is Stanford. I'm having a hard time believing that in a year when a record 104 Division I teams won more than 20 games, that a team that won 18 games can be included as an at-large selection. I struggle with this....

EDIT: I believe that a lot of teams could win a game or two in this tournament, not just the 65 selections. So Stanford of course could win some games, but I don't think they should be in the pool....

[dmbmuskie]

Let me just say this. OK, Old Dominion, Illinois, Purdue, Arkansas, etc. The team that is IN that shouldn't be is Stanford. I'm having a hard time believing that in a year when a record 104 Division I teams won more than 20 games, that a team that won 18 games can be included as an at-large selection. I struggle with this....

EDIT: I believe that a lot of teams could win a game or two in this tournament, not just the 65 selections. So Stanford of course could win some games, but I don't think they should be in the pool....

A lot of experts think Stanford could make a nice run because of their size. I cannot see them getting past AandM.

[darbini]

i have yet to see an analyst who has picked the same champ as me (kansas). and you know what? that makes me feel really good about my pick. everyone has florida. why are people getting a huge boner over florida all of the sudden? won it last year, same guys, experience...blah, blah, blah. am i the only one who thinks florida is going to be the first of the #1's to get bounced?


I had Florida last year to win the tournament b/c of their style of play in that they gave themselves a great chance to win. All 5 of their starters average double figures, they have probably one of the best 6th men in the country(Chris Richard) and they have more assist than turnovers. Only two teams had more assists than turnovers last year, the NCAA Champion Gators and the NIT Champion Gamecocks. Coincidence? I don't think so. They play as a team, probably better than any other team has in the last 15 years or so. By having so many players that produce, any one of them is likely to take over a game, or at least add that extra spark. How many teams have more than 3 sparks on their team?
This year Florida has had a huge bullseye on their back and have done extremely well, maybe beter than what people thought. They lost to Kansas in overtime with Brewers' winning shot going off the rim, and lost by 4 to FSU with Brewer out. After that they won their next 17 games(I think tied for 2nd longest in the nation) and won the SEC regular season. They didn't come out with the correct mindset and were a little flat in the folowing games but after watching them tear through the SEC tourney they are poised and ready for another run at the title. I don't think people are getting a huge boner all of the sudden, they've just been using their other head. I hope the Gators win it again, it would solidify them as one of the best college teams of all time.<--Can ayone agree on that? I could!:D

[SoRight24]

for all the su/sense of humor fans out there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWhu2pFo_8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebarstoolsports%2Ecom%2F

:lol :lol

Was that taken from one of their Non-Conference games this year?

[41ravens]

<---- all right, i'm all suited up and ready for the tourney. please don't let me down too bad this year, fellas.

[justinandimcool]

If Niagara holds on here I'm 1/1! :multi

[41ravens]

fuck niagra. gimme famu. the way they got in was phenomenal.

[willthethrill]

How many teams have more than 3 sparks on their team?
UNC and Kansas come to mind.

[darbini]

UNC and Kansas come to mind.

Exactly: very few teams do, that's one of the reasons they are #1 seeds


Sidenote: Anyone find it funny that in Jakes article he has Florida winning the whole thing? What's funny is that his reasoning was too many seniors, too much UF. Well there are only 3 seniors on Florida's team, only one (Humphrey) is a starter and the other(Richard) is their 6th man(switches with Horford and Noah). The third one averages 1.8 minutesa a game.

[UNLTrpt]

1) Air Force def. 8) Austin Peay
4) Georgia def 5) Fresno St.
3) DePaul def 6) Hofstra
2) Kansas St. def. 7) Vermont

1) Air Force def. 4) Georgia
2) Kansas St. def. 6) DePaul

2) Kansas St. def 1) Air Force

Hey just want to make sure here Adam, You want Depaul beating Hofstra right?

[unccrombie]

:lol :lol

Was that taken from one of their Non-Conference games this year?
could be, my friend sent it to me :lol

[UNLTrpt]

could be, my friend sent it to me :lol

I remember seeing that commercial last year but that looks like an NCAA tourney game to me. And a younger Jimmy Beohiem(sp?)

[mizzoudmbfan]

I know its a little late dock me a point or two if you see fit. I filled this out earlier(obviously, I have Michigan going down in the first round) I just didn't submit it.

In the Buffalo Bills Region:

1) MISSISSIPPI ST. (18-12) def. 8) Mississippi Valley St. (18-14)
4) Providence (21-12) def. 5) Bradley (18-12)
3) Utah State (21-12) def. 6) Michigan (23-10)
2) FLORIDA ST. (20-12) def. 7) Toledo (19-12)

MSU defeats Providence
FSU defeats Utah State

FSU defeats MSU

In the Chicago Cubs Region:

1) WEST VIRGINIA (22-9) def. 8) Delaware St. (21-11)
4) UMASS (23-8) def. 5) Alabama (20-11)
3) NCSU (23-8) def. 6) Drexel (18-15)
2) OKLAHOMA ST. (22-11) def. 7) Marist (24-8)

WVU def UMASS
NC State def tOSU

WVU def NC State

In the Golden State Warriors Region:

1) AIR FORCE (23-8) def. 8) Austin Peay (21-11)
4) Fres SU (18-13) def. 5) Georgia (22-9)
3) DEPAUL (18-13) def. 6) Hofstra (22-9)
2) KANSAS ST. (22-10) def. 7) Vermont (25-6)

Air Force def Fresno
Depaul def KSjUco

Depaul def Air Force

In the St. Louis Blues Region:
1) CLEMSON (21-10) def. 8) East Tennessee St. (24-9)
4) OLE MISS (20-11) def. 5) Appalachian St. (25-7)
3) MISSOURI ST. (22-10) def. 6) San Diego St. (21-10)
2) SYRACUSE (22-10) def. 7) South Alabama (20-11)

Ole Miss def Clemson
Syracuse def SMS

'Cuse def Ole Miss


The Final 4:

Buffalo Bills region vs. Chicago Cubs Region

WVU def FSU

Golden St. Warriors region vs. St. Louis Blues Region

'Cuse def Depaul

Final:

WVU - 74
'Cuse - 68

[UNLTrpt]

I'll allow it.

You won't win anyway. Missery never wins anything.

[UNC41]

I had Florida last year to win the tournament b/c of their style of play in that they gave themselves a great chance to win. All 5 of their starters average double figures, they have probably one of the best 6th men in the country(Chris Richard) and they have more assist than turnovers. Only two teams had more assists than turnovers last year, the NCAA Champion Gators and the NIT Champion Gamecocks. Coincidence? I don't think so. They play as a team, probably better than any other team has in the last 15 years or so. By having so many players that produce, any one of them is likely to take over a game, or at least add that extra spark. How many teams have more than 3 sparks on their team?
This year Florida has had a huge bullseye on their back and have done extremely well, maybe beter than what people thought. They lost to Kansas in overtime with Brewers' winning shot going off the rim, and lost by 4 to FSU with Brewer out. After that they won their next 17 games(I think tied for 2nd longest in the nation) and won the SEC regular season. They didn't come out with the correct mindset and were a little flat in the folowing games but after watching them tear through the SEC tourney they are poised and ready for another run at the title. I don't think people are getting a huge boner all of the sudden, they've just been using their other head. I hope the Gators win it again, it would solidify them as one of the best college teams of all time.<--Can ayone agree on that? I could!:D

Florida doesn't even play hands down the best team ball this year, so the bolded part is a big stretch. The Gators are really good because they have championship experience and four first round draft picks, three of who are lottery selections.

[justinandimcool]

Anyone else here just totally not see the point of watching the NIT unless you're a fan of the participants?

[justinandimcool]

Annddd woooo Niagara! 1/1 :D

[willthethrill]

Florida doesn't even play hands down the best team ball this year, so the bolded part is a big stretch. The Gators are really good because they have championship experience and four first round draft picks, three of who are lottery selections.

Sounds familiar. :rolleyes

Of course, you could probably say the same thing about all the #1 seeds, future drafts included.


NC State is down 4 with 6 to play. That'll help me a lot, a bunch of y'all picked 'em to go far.

[willthethrill]

Anyone else here just totally not see the point of watching the NIT unless you're a fan of the participants?
The fans of the schools don't. The Michigan game had like 3 people at it.

[seekupig]

They lost to Kansas in overtime with Brewers' winning shot going off the rim


one thing to keep in mind..... Kansas has gotten A LOT better since that game, i don't think the same thing can be said about the Gators....

[41ravens]

Hey just want to make sure here Adam, You want Depaul beating Hofstra right?

hell yeah. should i not?

[seekupig]

if a team loses in the first round (Drexel) of the NIT, do they lose their right to bitch about being snubbed?

[UNLTrpt]

hell yeah. should i not?

just making sure. You got the seeds mixed around (I think) so I wanted to make sure.

[41ravens]

just making sure. You got the seeds mixed around (I think) so I wanted to make sure.

oh. my bad. yeah, gimme depaul...i'm feelin' crazy.

[unccrombie]

if a team loses in the first round (Drexel) of the NIT, do they lose their right to bitch about being snubbed?
not really, cuz at that point, i wouldn't care about the nit if i was a player

[seekupig]

not really, cuz at that point, i wouldn't care about the nit if i was a player

why play? you can turn down a bid if you want to.....

[justinandimcool]

why play? you can turn down a bid if you want to.....

Yeah, I think the players care about playing well as a sign respect to the game of basketball itself, but I think all these participants, even the NIT winner, still feel have that "whoopie, we accomplished nothing compared to what we would've had we made the tournament" feeling.

[seekupig]

Yeah, I think the players care about playing well as a sign respect to the game of basketball itself

IMO playing well as a sign of respect would mean playing hard. not playing because you feel sorry for yourself..... just my two cents....

[unccrombie]

Yeah, I think the players care about playing well as a sign respect to the game of basketball itself, but I think all these participants, even the NIT winner, still feel have that "whoopie, we accomplished nothing compared to what we would've had we made the tournament" feeling.
as someone who has been in the situation, thats not the feeling i had (to your first point at least)

[UNLTrpt]

I think Nebraska is proud of their NIT tourney title.

[UNLTrpt]

NIT Pick em results: Day 1

clayj41- 5pts
mizzoudmbfan- 5pts
HolyCow- 5pts
Willthethrill- 5pts
gbs3769- 5pts
41ravens- 5pts
GavMan33- 4pts
UNLTrpt- 4pts
Davenumber40- 3pts

[justinandimcool]

NIT Pick em results: Day 1

clayj41- 5pts
mizzoudmbfan- 5pts
HolyCow- 5pts
Willthethrill- 5pts
gbs3769- 5pts
41ravens- 5pts
GavMan33- 4pts
UNLTrpt- 4pts
Davenumber40- 3pts

I don't appreciate being disqualified.

[justinandimcool]

1) Mississippi St. def. 8) Mississippi Valley St.
4) Bradley def 5) Providence
3) Michigan def. 6) Utah St.
2) Florida St def. 7) Toledo

1) Mississippi St. def 4) Bradley
2) Florida St. def. 3) Michigan

2) Florida St. def. 1) Mississippi St



1) West Virginia def. 8) Delaware St.
5) Alabama def 4) UMASS
6) NC St. def 3) Drexel
2) Oklahoma St. def. 7) Marist

5) Alabama def 1) West Virginia
2) Oklahoma St. def 6) NC State

2) Oklahoma St def. 5) Alabama



1) Air Force def. 8) Austin Peay
4) Georgia def 5) Fresno St.
6) Hofstra def. 3) Depaul
2) Kansas St. def. 7) Vermont

1) Air Force def. 4) Georgia
2) Kansas St. def. 6) Hofstra

1) Air Force def 2) Kansas St.


1) Clemson def. 8) East Tennessee St.
5) Appalachian St. def. 4) Ole Miss
6) San Diego St. def. 3) Missouri St.
2) Syracuse def. 7) South Alabama

1) Clemson def 5) Appalachian St.
2) Syracuse def. 6) San Diego St.

2) Syracuse def. 1) Clemson



2) Florida St. def. 2) Oklahoma State
2) Syracuse def. 1) Air Force

2) Florida St. def. 2) Syracuse 68-60


I hate you Dan :lorraine

[UNLTrpt]

I hate you Dan :lorraine

:eek

sorry

I'll get ya in. my bad

[UNLTrpt]

Revised NIT pick 'em results Day 1:

*all apologies to Justin*

clayj41- 5pts
mizzoudmbfan- 5pts
HolyCow- 5pts
Willthethrill- 5pts
gbs3769- 5pts
41ravens- 5pts
justinandimcool- 5pts
GavMan33- 4pts
UNLTrpt- 4pts
Davenumber40- 3pts

[UNC41]

Sounds familiar. :rolleyes

Of course, you could probably say the same thing about all the #1 seeds, future drafts included.

That's exactly my point. All of the top teams in the tournament are loaded with talent and Florida hasn't done anything at all this year to distinguish themselves as better than those other teams.

[UNC41]

I'm actually liking who the Heels are becoming an underdog to Georgetown and Texas.

[41ravens]

I'm actually liking who the Heels are becoming an underdog to Georgetown and Texas.

well, i have them beating both on their way to the championship game...where they lose to kansas. but still, i have 'em there.

[41ravens]

and for anyone who needs a basketball fix before tomorrow, the suns and mavs play tonight on espn.

[darbini]

one thing to keep in mind..... Kansas has gotten A LOT better since that game, i don't think the same thing can be said about the Gators....

After the loss to Kansas the Gators won 18 of their next 19, had a little down time and lost 3 of 4, then finished it off with 4 straight wins. Are you saying that the Gators got worse as the season went on? Kansas also plays in the Big 12, try to keep that in mind.:D

[seekupig]

After the loss to Kansas the Gators won 18 of their next 19, had a little down time and lost 3 of 4, then finished it off with 4 straight wins. Are you saying that the Gators got worse as the season went on? Kansas also plays in the Big 12, try to keep that in mind.:D

not at all, i'm just saying that the Kansas team that beat Florida is a lot better now than they were, while Florida hasn't gotten any better or worse. i actually think KU is better than Florida at this point....

[willthethrill]

After the loss to Kansas the Gators won 18 of their next 19, had a little down time and lost 3 of 4, then finished it off with 4 straight wins. Are you saying that the Gators got worse as the season went on? Kansas also plays in the Big 12, try to keep that in mind.:D
13 wins in the SEC ain't exactly more impressive than 14 in the Big 12. They're about equal conferences this year. The Big 12 has 3 teams that could win a title. The SEC has 1.

[willthethrill]

not at all, i'm just saying that the Kansas team that beat Florida is a lot better now than they were, while Florida hasn't gotten any better or worse. i actually think KU is better than Florida at this point....

Me too, and that's why I picked 'em to beat Florida. :thumbsup

[darbini]

13 wins in the SEC ain't exactly more impressive than 14 in the Big 12. They're about equal conferences this year. The Big 12 has 3 teams that could win a title. The SEC has 1.

You really think that Texas and Texas A&M have a chance of winning the title? You're crazy. Kansas for sure, but come on.

[seekupig]

just finished my bracket. didn't think about it, just picked the first thing that came to my mind...... :lol

ELITE EIGHT -

South.... Maryland vs. Oregon

West.... Kansas vs. Indiana

East.... UNC vs. Georgetown

Midwest.... Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

FINAL FOUR -

Kansas vs. Maryland

UNC vs. Texas A&M

FINALS -

UNC vs. Kansas

CHAMPION - :D :D :D

[willthethrill]

You really think that Texas and Texas A&M have a chance of winning the title? You're crazy. Kansas for sure, but come on.
It's about who gets hot at the right time (just ask Florida). Texas and A&M have the horses to do it if everything falls into place (just ask Florida).

[willthethrill]

just finished my bracket. didn't think about it, just picked the first thing that came to my mind...... :lol

ELITE EIGHT -

South.... Maryland vs. Oregon

West.... Kansas vs. Indiana

East.... UNC vs. Georgetown

Midwest.... Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

FINAL FOUR -

Kansas vs. Maryland

UNC vs. Texas A&M

FINALS -

UNC vs. Kansas

CHAMPION - :D :D :D
Go ACC and Big 12!

Similar final for me, different outcome. ;)

[UNC41]

You really think that Texas and Texas A&M have a chance of winning the title? You're crazy. Kansas for sure, but come on.

You would have been just as crazy to pick Florida winning it last year. And no, the SEC was not a vastly superior, if at all, conference to the Big 12 this year.

[41ravens]

just finished my bracket. didn't think about it, just picked the first thing that came to my mind...... :lol

ELITE EIGHT -

South.... Maryland vs. Oregon

West.... Kansas vs. Indiana

East.... UNC vs. Georgetown

Midwest.... Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

FINAL FOUR -

Kansas vs. Maryland

UNC vs. Texas A&M

FINALS -

UNC vs. Kansas

CHAMPION - :D :D :D

interesting. i have 3 of those in my final 4 (i have oregon instead of maryland). and we have the same championship. i do, however, have indiana and tennessee losing in the first round.

[Davenumber40]

The top teams in the Big 12 were better than the top teams in the SEC, but the SEC was better top to bottom.

That said, SEC teams have a history of early tournament exits.

[clayj41]

just finished my bracket. didn't think about it, just picked the first thing that came to my mind...... :lol

ELITE EIGHT -

South.... Maryland vs. Oregon

West.... Kansas vs. Indiana

East.... UNC vs. Georgetown

Midwest.... Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

FINAL FOUR -

Kansas vs. Maryland

UNC vs. Texas A&M

FINALS -

UNC vs. Kansas

CHAMPION - :D :D :D

I've got Kansas winning it all in the pool where I'm actually playing for money.

[seekupig]

I've got Kansas winning it all in the pool where I'm actually playing for money.

don't be mad at me when they get bounced in the second round.... :lol :lol

[GavMan33]

So my picks are done. And yes, I have a 2007 Elite Eight appearance for the Musketeers. Unfortunately, we couldn't get it done in the Regional Final in front of a very partial Texas A&M crowd, and Acie Law IV finally puts away the Cinderella. It's gonna happen. Just wait and see....:D

[dmbmuskie]

I'm close to filling out my bracket in ink, and I have very very few upsets. I think the new NBA age rule is going to hurt the cinderella teams.

[clayj41]

don't be mad at me when they get bounced in the second round.... :lol :lol

Sorry, but I'll have no one else to lay blame on. Be prepared for a shit storm coming your way.:lol

[UNC41]

I've got Kansas winning it all in the pool where I'm actually playing for money.

So your wallet outweighs your heart, huh. :violent

I'm sure it won't when it comes down to who to cheer for.

[seekupig]

So your wallet outweighs your heart, huh. :violent

I'm sure it won't when it comes down to who to cheer for.

the only thing i can see that seperates KU from UNC (a little bit) is KU's ability to play their opponents style. UNC has struggled in their losses with teams that have been able to slow it down a bit.

that being said, KU vs. UNC would be a game for the ages with all of the stories that tie the two schools, not to mention what the pace of the game will be.....

[clayj41]

So your wallet outweighs your heart, huh. :violent

I'm sure it won't when it comes down to who to cheer for.

:thumbsup Yeah, I've got UNC winning it all in our Ants pool. Everyone knows, bragging rights on this site are more important than money.:D

[seekupig]

i'm only doing one bracket this year. i'm tired of having ten different sheets in front of me for my different pools. just realized ESPN has an "import picks" option so you can do one pool and import that bracket into your other pools..... :thumbsup

[seekupig]

:thumbsup Yeah, I've got UNC winning it all in our Ants pool. Everyone knows, bragging rights on this site are more important than money.:D

after the past two seasons, my personal well being outweighs everything.

second round or bust...... :lol

[clayj41]

after the past two seasons, my personal well being outweighs everything.

second round or bust...... :lol

That's a good motto...:lol

[seekupig]

notable first round upsets in my bracket..... :lol

Midwest

12 Old Dominion over 5 Butler
11 Winthrop over 6 Notre Dame
10 Georgia Tech over 7 UNLV (don't really think this is an upset)

West

none

East

14 Oral Roberts over 3 Washington St.

South

none


i've got a lot more in the second round, but i've got to keep something secret until tomorrow.... :lol

[seekupig]

the stickied "march madness" thread on the front page certainly seems to be taking off.....

[clayj41]

notable first round upsets in my bracket..... :lol

Midwest

12 Old Dominion over 5 Butler
11 Winthrop over 6 Notre Dame
10 Georgia Tech over 7 UNLV (don't really think this is an upset)

West

none

East

14 Oral Roberts over 3 Washington St.

South

none


i've got a lot more in the second round, but i've got to keep something secret until tomorrow.... :lol

Midwest:
Old Dominion over Butler
Winthrop over Notre Dame

West:
VCU over Duke

East:
George Washington over Vanderbilt

South:
None in the first round

[colorgreen what]

I've got some hope that Butler kicks some ass in the tourney. They might jsut make it to the sweet sixteen again. Man, I can't wait until tomorow. I'm also keeping my eye on Vandy and Kentucky. Go Wildcats!

[clayj41]

the stickied "march madness" thread on the front page certainly seems to be taking off.....

I've thought about posting in it. I feel safer in here though...:lol

[clayj41]

I've got some hope that Butler kicks some ass in the tourney. They might jsut make it to the sweet sixteen again. Man, I can't wait until tomorow.

They very well could, but I've got them losing in the first round...:shrug

[GWDMB]

East:
George Washington over Vanderbilt

Thats what I like to see Clay! Way to support a fellow ant's soon to be alma mater.

[seekupig]

Midwest:
Old Dominion over Butler
Winthrop over Notre Dame

West:
VCU over Duke

East:
George Washington over Vanderbilt

South:
None in the first round

i want it to happen, but i just can't pick against K in the first round. he'll find a way to win one, then they'll bow out. not a bad pick though, if it doesn't happen it shouldn't hurt you in the big picture. :thumbsup

[colorgreen what]

They very well could, but I've got them losing in the first round...:shrug

I've got hope in Butler, but not sure if I have faith. I bite my nails down to the skin every time I watch their games.

[clayj41]

Thats what I like to see Clay! Way to support a fellow ant's soon to be alma mater.

I then have them beating Washington St. before losing to Georgetown in the Sweet 16.:)

[clayj41]

i want it to happen, but i just can't pick against K in the first round. he'll find a way to win one, then they'll bow out. not a bad pick though, if it doesn't happen it shouldn't hurt you in the big picture. :thumbsup

Exactly, I've got VCU losing in the second round anyway.

[GWDMB]

I then have them beating Washington St. before losing to Georgetown in the Sweet 16.:)

I would be more than ok with bowing out to our cross-town rival in the Sweet 16. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

[UNLTrpt]

Here's the thing about Duke-VCU.

Pick Duke...you're happy either way.

[clayj41]

Here's the thing about Duke-VCU.

Pick Duke...you're happy either way.

I'm happier if they lose in the first round and I predict it.:D

[dmbmuskie]

I have Duke in the sweet 16.

I think Coach K will simply just out coach people in the first two rounds. They also had a great non conference record.

[seekupig]

I think Coach K will simply just out coach people in the first two rounds. They also had a great non conference record.

playing a crappy schedule will do that to a team (Clemson).......

[dmbmuskie]

Duke beat Air Force, Davidson, Indiana, Georgetown, Holy Cross, and Gonzaga. It's not a great resume, but those are all quality teams.

[41ravens]

Midwest:
Old Dominion over Butler
Winthrop over Notre Dame

West:
VCU over Duke

East:
George Washington over Vanderbilt

South:
None in the first round

all right, i'll bite...

Midwest:
ODU over Butler
Winthrop over ND
G Tech over UNLV

West:
none

East:
GW over Vandy
ORU over WSU

South:
LB St. over Tenn.
Stanford over Loui.

i agree with dustin. i want vcu, just cause it'd be funny, but duke should at least win one game. i have them bowing out in the 2nd rd to pitt anyways.

and for the ants pool, as you'll all find out tomorrow, i was a complete homer and picked zona to the final four. in my "main" bracket, i have oregon beating florida to advance. that's the only thing i picked differently.

[UNC41]

I have Duke in the sweet 16.

I think Coach K will simply just out coach people in the first two rounds. They also had a great non conference record.

While I'm not very high on Pitt, Aaron Gray should abuse any big man on Duke's roster.

[darbini]

It's about who gets hot at the right time (just ask Florida). Texas and A&M have the horses to do it if everything falls into place (just ask Florida).

Florida is extremely hot right now, probably the hottest team in the tourney with Memphis and Kansas. They got hot last year at the right time and they're set to do it again.

You would have been just as crazy to pick Florida winning it last year. And no, the SEC was not a vastly superior, if at all, conference to the Big 12 this year.

I picked Florida to win the whole thing last year in my bracket and that didn't seem to crazy. I also had LSU in the Final Four. They got hot at the right times and played great basketball. I never said the SEC was vastly superior to the Big 12, only that it was a better conference.


I feel like I'm back in the college football thread and everyone thinks Michigan and tOSU should have a rematch, 41-14 bitches muahaha! Just sucks the SEC doesn't get represented as much on here. I have Arkansas beating USC first round.

ACC
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
Big 12

[UNC41]

Florida is extremely hot right now, probably the hottest team in the tourney with Memphis and Kansas. They got hot last year at the right time and they're set to do it again.

I picked Florida to win the whole thing last year in my bracket and that didn't seem to crazy. I also had LSU in the Final Four. They got hot at the right times and played great basketball. I never said the SEC was vastly superior to the Big 12, only that it was a better conference.

Any team that wins its conference tournament is hot. I'm not saying Florida isn't, but many others are as well.

I know you picked Florida last year, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone other than Florida fans who did. So, like I said, Texas A&M and Texas are no more outlandish picks to win it all than Florida was last year.

[dmbmuskie]

While I'm not very high on Pitt, Aaron Gray should abuse any big man on Duke's roster.

Aaron Gray is the most over rated player in the country.

[SoRight24]

Aaron Gray is the most over rated player in the country.

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[UNC41]

Aaron Gray is the most over rated player in the country.

Josh McRoberts.

[SoRight24]

Josh McRoberts.

McRoberts sucks, but he has more skill than Gray.

I don't know what the big deal about Gray is.

[dmbmuskie]

McRoberts sucks, but he has more skill than Gray.

I don't know what the big deal about Gray is.

He's 7 foot tall.

McRoberts is over rated too.

People in Pittsburgh worship Gray. It's sick.

[cwsrule88]

my final picks (still liable to about 700 changes between now and tomorrow morning)

elite 8
florida vs oregon
kansas vs ucla
unc vs g town
ohio st vs texas a & m

final 4
florida vs kansas
g town vs texas a & m

championship
florida over g town

[GWDMB]

So my girlfriend's little brother called me today. He goes, "wanna join a NCAA pool for 5 bucks? Usually we get about 200 people to go in on it so the winner gets about $1,000."

THE KID IS LIKE 14 AND HE'S ORGANIZING THOUSAND DOLLAR GAMBLING POOLS???!!!!

What is wrong with America?

[UNC41]

So my girlfriend's little brother called me today. He goes, "wanna join a NCAA pool for 5 bucks? Usually we get about 200 people to go in on it so the winner gets about $1,000."

THE KID IS LIKE 14 AND HE'S ORGANIZING THOUSAND DOLLAR GAMBLING POOLS???!!!!

What is wrong with America?

That's awesome.

[GWDMB]

That's awesome.

Thats a hell of a lot of money. Though I kinda forgot that when I was in high school me and my friends would do one that usually ended up being about 500 bucks. This was like 5 years ago so I guess $1,000 isn't that much of a stretch.

[bubba40]

Aaron Gray is the most over rated player in the country.

He was so awesome in the BE championship game.









:rolleyes







:D

[willthethrill]

all right, i'll bite...

Midwest:
ODU over Butler
Winthrop over ND
G Tech over UNLV

West:
none

East:
GW over Vandy
ORU over WSU

South:
LB St. over Tenn.
Stanford over Loui.


You bite, I'll munch.

Midwest:
Winthrop over ND
G Tech over UNLV

West:
Illinois in the 16
dook over VCU (upset in my mind ;) )

East:
Arkansas over USC
I almost picked Oral Roberts before realizing they suck.

South:
A&M in Final 4.

[GoLdpHiShDMB]

I grew up with Charron Fisher from Niagra:thumbsup

lets go

[chiznaz]

I'm pumped to see everyone's bracket in the Tourny Challenge tomorrow:)

[justinandimcool]

I'm so excited, it hurts. :multi

[bubba40]

I'm so excited, it hurts. :multi

:thumbsup :multi :hump :bounce :hump

[justinandimcool]

My NCAA College Hoops for XBOX, simulated Final Four:

Pittsburgh vs Notre Dame
Texas vs Ohio State

Pitt beats OSU 61-39 in the final

It also has Niagara beating Kansas and EKU beating UNC :lol

[seekupig]

I grew up with Charron Fisher from Niagra:thumbsup

lets go

:thumbsdow :thumbsdow :thumbsdow :D

[SmoothD41]

so what games is everyone getting tomorrow?

In Indy, i believe we're getting:

1220 - Texas Tech/BC
240 - Butler/ODU
710 - Cent. Conn/Ohio State
955 - Indiana/Gonzaga

[SoRight24]

Damn, I just looked and realized that I have 2 entries in the ESPN Ants Challenge.

I have no clue why, but they are both EXACTLY the same. So no, I'm not trying to cheat. :)

[seekupig]

so what games is everyone getting tomorrow?

In Indy, i believe we're getting:

1220 - Texas Tech/BC
240 - Butler/ODU
710 - Cent. Conn/Ohio State
955 - Indiana/Gonzaga


here on tobacco road..... we get all of them.... free of charge. :D

http://wral.com/sports/story/1231460/

[SmoothD41]

here on tobacco road..... we get all of them.... free of charge. :D

http://wral.com/sports/story/1231460/

thats awesome

[UNLTrpt]

Damn, I just looked and realized that I have 2 entries in the ESPN Ants Challenge.

I have no clue why, but they are both EXACTLY the same. So no, I'm not trying to cheat. :)

I THINK, that it's not two entries. I think they pull your's aside at the bottom and show you what it is. Is that what your's is? In the field and then a bar and then your name again in bold?

[dmbmuskie]

I'm in. I really don't like my picks.

[seekupig]

I'm in. I really don't like my picks.

i haven't talked to anyone that does..... :lol

[dmbmuskie]

i haven't talked to anyone that does..... :lol

I ended up just going with my first impressions of the bracket.

I have OSU and Kansas in the final, but I really don't think that will happen.

I've also got Texas in the final 4, but I can see them shitting the bed and losing to NMSU.

[clayj41]

here on tobacco road..... we get all of them.... free of charge. :D

http://wral.com/sports/story/1231460/

I truly hate you...:p

[dmbmuskie]

Who's skipping school or work tommorrow?

[clayj41]

My NCAA College Hoops for XBOX, simulated Final Four:

Pittsburgh vs Notre Dame
Texas vs Ohio State

Pitt beats OSU 61-39 in the final

It also has Niagara beating Kansas and EKU beating UNC :lol

I did the same thing for CBB '07 on 360...

Final Four:

Florida
UCLA
UNC
Ohio St.

Fairly realistic if you ask me, although I'm sure if I simulated it again there would be totally different results. They did have some notable upsets such as Wright St. over Pitt, Illinois over Va. Tech, GW over Vandy, Stanford over Louisville, and North Texas over Memphis.

[clayj41]

Who's skipping school or work tommorrow?

I'm on spring break...:D

[UNC41]

Who's skipping school or work tommorrow?

I'm going to miss the first day of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 12 years tomorrow. I'm uber bummed about it.

[GavMan33]

Wow. Just about 13 hours until the first games....Can you feel the excitement?:bounce

And for the record, I hate my picks too. The only pick I like is the one where I have Xavier in the Elite Eight. If have an A&M/Kansas final, but the chances of that are so slim....I can't wait!

[UNC41]

I'm in the hating my picks club. Right now I've got three 1's in the Final Four, but I think that may change by tomorrow.

[dmbmuskie]

Wow. Just about 13 hours until the first games....Can you feel the excitement?:bounce

And for the record, I hate my picks too. The only pick I like is the one where I have Xavier in the Elite Eight. If have an A&M/Kansas final, but the chances of that are so slim....I can't wait!

It's nice to see you pick with your heart instead of your head.

[dmbmuskie]

I'm in the hating my picks club. Right now I've got three 1's in the Final Four, but I think that may change by tomorrow.

I think a lot of people have that. I think we'll get atleast 2.

[clayj41]

I think a lot of people have that. I think we'll get atleast 2.

:thumbsup I see that happening. I've got 3 in my Ants pool I believe...

[UNC41]

I think a lot of people have that. I think we'll get atleast 2.

I really, really want to put UCLA in there over Kansas, but can't bring myself do it.