First thing's first, anybody who knows me knows that I was quite disappointed with how that Packers @ Cardinals game turned out. As a Packer fan I can say I wasn't entirely ticked off that they didn't call the face mask on that final play in overtime. Yeah, it would have continued the game on the personal foul but really when that kind of play is happening you will almost never see that call made. The same way you will rarely see a foul on a desperation heave in the final seconds of a game in the NBA. I was, however, very disappointed in the missed pass by Aaron Rodgers that sailed right over the head of a wide open Greg Jennings who had nobody behind of him and would have won the game had Rodgers hit him. That was the toughest part of overtime for me, despite the incredibly rare ending.
Ok, with that behind us we can move on to the week ahead of us. There are some very interesting games this weekend that could prove to provide a fruitfully entertaining NFL weekend instead of the 3 out of 4 duds that were the wild card round. Let's take a look at each game by game...
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
We'll start with the victors of last week's lone thriller, the Cardinals take their high powered passing game to The Big Easy. Waiting for them there is the also high flying attack of the Saints led by gun slinger Drew Brees. For me, this matchup boils down to one thing. Defense. Wait...what?!?! Yes, that is right friends...defense. After last week's game for Arizona it has become abundantly clear that when two offenses are clicking it boils down to which defense makes that one big play. I also think that, despite the stats saying otherwise the Saints have a more solid defense. Or at least more consistent, as Arizona seems to be off and on from week to week depending on where they are playing and the level of team they are playing. So I think the combination of playing on the road and against a very good Saints team (regardless of their recent struggles that are being plugged in the media) I give the edge to New Orleans in this one.
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
The second Saturday game finds the favorite home team Colts hosting a Baltimore team that is coming of a good old fashioned beat down of New England in round one. So, the real question of the week seems to be if the Ravens can keep their momentum rolling or if they are going to have a let up at the wrong time as the Colts will take advantage of any miscues. Perhaps Ray Rice isn't the league MVP but he has to be the Baltimore MVP as I don't think any single player is as important to their team as this little guy with a big engine has been this year. He is tough to bring down despite his small frame and when he gets into space he is even harder to catch. He is not nearly as dynamic, but he reminds me a little of Barry Sanders in that regard. Everyone seems to think that the Colts are gonna win this game. I am not so convinced. I saw a very confident Ravens team on both sides of the ball against the Patriots and I think we are going to see the same team this weekend. I am not saying this is going to be another walk for Baltimore but I have to say, I am confident this team can take down the Colts. I am going to take the Ravens based on their defense and their running game. I think they'll make a conscious effort to take the air out of the ball and control the clock on the ground.
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
As a Packer fan I have an intense rooting interest in this one and I wouldn't feel right picking a winner as there is absolutely no way I could be objective with Captain Flip Flop quarterbacking the Vikings. I'll just throw a couple of points out that affect my opinion of this game. The Cowboys are actually playing well at the right time for once in Wade Phillips' career. I hate both of these teams but my hate for the Vikings (and Bears) trumps any hate I have for a non-divisional opponent. My dad is a Vikings fan and after this weekend I really want to return the phone call I got from him. I think that is about all I've got, besides GO COWBOYS (I will never say that again I am pretty sure).
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
New Jersey's B squad has a long flight but will surely enjoy the weather when they arrive in my current city of residence. That might be the only thing they enjoy on the weekend though. San Diego is clearly the better team in most aspects of the game. The Jets defense is better overall, especially with the best defensive back left in the playoffs (now that Defensive POY Charles Woodson is out) on their side in Revis. Even with the Jets' stout defense I find it hard to believe that they are going to be able to stop all the weapons the Chargers have including LT, Sproles, Gates, and Jackson. Not to mention that Phillip Rivers is playing out of his mind this year, like every other year, for that matter. We really shouldn't be surprised at this fact anymore. Despite Eli Manning's ring the Chargers got the better end of that deal in my opinion because the Giants won their Superbowl because of their defensive front while if the Chargers win a Superbowl this year it will be in large part to Rivers. I just think the Chargers are going to score more than the Jets offense with a rookie QB is going to be able to keep up with. If I were a betting man, I would take the Chargers in a close game for about a half with San Diego pulling away late.
Hope everyone enjoyed the first round of the playoffs and enjoys the second round a lot more than I liked the first weekend. Chargers are my rooting interest with the Packers out, so I will take this opportunity to apologize to San Diego Charger fans now since my teams haven't won a championship since the Packers Superbowl victory in 1996.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Life of an Out of Market Fan...
As someone who has developed an almost inexplicable love for the Green Bay Packers while living in California I have come to accept my plight as an out of market fan. Since I rent a room in a person's house and that person doesn't have directTV I am unable to subscribe to NFL sunday ticket. This means that if I want to watch a Packer game during a week that we are not nationally televised I have two options. I can go spend money I don't necessarily have at a local bar that does have NFL sunday ticket or I can site glued to my laptop searching through countless live feeds on the internet trying to find a serviceable stream of the game.
Most of these feeds get shut down mid game which only adds to the frustration. There are always the games that we, as fans, "must" see. Today's game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers was one such game. Being from a town in northern California most of my friends and family are fans of the Squared Sevens and I follow them casually as long as they aren't playing my Packers. When these teams play I feel doubly compelled to watch the game so I can interact with friends and family that will also be watching the game. So, do I go to the bar or do I search for the stream?
This really wasn't a question for me as I knew I wasn't leaving the house. I've been sick all week and there is no way I was going to a bar to spend money nor drink beer nor possibly infect others with my cold. This meant that I needed to find a stream of the game and needed to find it fast. I have a couple go to sites that I check for the games, the most reliable of which is JTV, which is a site I am on at least once a weekend if the Packers aren't nationally televised. Then there are the apps that stream feeds you can use but those require downloads and sometimes registration and sometimes come with risks. This Sunday I was scouring JTV for the Packer game and found only one, which was an audioless feed of someone with a web came pointed at their TV set. It was better than nothing. Then that feed was shut down before half time leaving me with nothing and sending me back to the search engines. I eventually found a decent feed on an application player (TVU) and was happy watching this feed for the rest of the first half. Then this feed was taken down and I was once again cast asunder with no hope in sight.
Eventually I found my last feed of the day through extensive search engine research and couldn't even tell you where I found it nor probably find it again myself (probably should have bookmarked that for future reference, damn). Anyhow, the point of all of this...to any out of market fans out there, I feel your pain and I am in the same boat as you. It is a crappy, warped, and leaky excuse for a schooner but at least we have the faith to keep it afloat.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Most of these feeds get shut down mid game which only adds to the frustration. There are always the games that we, as fans, "must" see. Today's game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers was one such game. Being from a town in northern California most of my friends and family are fans of the Squared Sevens and I follow them casually as long as they aren't playing my Packers. When these teams play I feel doubly compelled to watch the game so I can interact with friends and family that will also be watching the game. So, do I go to the bar or do I search for the stream?
This really wasn't a question for me as I knew I wasn't leaving the house. I've been sick all week and there is no way I was going to a bar to spend money nor drink beer nor possibly infect others with my cold. This meant that I needed to find a stream of the game and needed to find it fast. I have a couple go to sites that I check for the games, the most reliable of which is JTV, which is a site I am on at least once a weekend if the Packers aren't nationally televised. Then there are the apps that stream feeds you can use but those require downloads and sometimes registration and sometimes come with risks. This Sunday I was scouring JTV for the Packer game and found only one, which was an audioless feed of someone with a web came pointed at their TV set. It was better than nothing. Then that feed was shut down before half time leaving me with nothing and sending me back to the search engines. I eventually found a decent feed on an application player (TVU) and was happy watching this feed for the rest of the first half. Then this feed was taken down and I was once again cast asunder with no hope in sight.
Eventually I found my last feed of the day through extensive search engine research and couldn't even tell you where I found it nor probably find it again myself (probably should have bookmarked that for future reference, damn). Anyhow, the point of all of this...to any out of market fans out there, I feel your pain and I am in the same boat as you. It is a crappy, warped, and leaky excuse for a schooner but at least we have the faith to keep it afloat.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Week 11 Fantasy Football Predictions (Rivalry Week Edition)
In this, the second week of the NFL’s Thursday night football we find only two matchups in our league that slid by the day with scores untouched. Let’s start with one of these fresh little babies…
Da Bears (5-5) vs. Brownies (4-6)
This rivalry matchup is classic and pits two fantasy owners that couldn’t be different against each other. Few, if any, talk more trash than our loveably arrogant GDS while Thomas is one of the league’s quietest GMs on the message boards. Is confidence in ones self enough to take down our points leader in rivalry week? Brees has a gem of a matchup playing in Tampa, Manningham against Atlanta is also favorable, and Shiancoe should get his projected ten against the Seahawks. Ochocinco faces Oakland where defensive secondary is the only bright spot, Forsett is in Minnesota and Garcon is banged up and in Baltimore…yikes. You’ll notice I didn’t throw Gates into either category and that is because I feel like he is unique in that his matchup is tough against the Broncos but Champ Bailey will be on VJ most of the game which means Gates should be the primary target in that game so he will likely do quite well. Thomas has his Vikings (Harvin, AP, Rice, and Benedict Arnold) playing Seattle, Colston will accompany Brees to Tampa and Crabtree is in Green Bay…You gotta like those matchups if you are Thomas and I gotta like Thomas in this one.
Root Marm (5-5) vs. Errant Dog (6-4)
These two GMs have a long history dating back to the Cedar Meadows days and have brought their rivalry to the streets of Long Beach in the present day. Two of our most devout Niner faithful will not cheer for the same teams on this day as both of these teams needs this win desperately. The Missbehavin Mutts’ tough draws are Addai in Baltimore and Coles against the Raider secondary. Everyone else should do quite well, especially Gore against the Packers where good line play isn’t a readily used phrase. Privers has a tough draw going to the mile high city and Cotch plays the Pats. Jermichael Finley is an interesting play for Wes considering he is coming off injury and has never been considered our (the Packers) starting TE. His ability for big plays is unquestioned though. Cedric the Entertainer being out is a bit disappointing and I don‘t see Scott doing what CB would have…for this reason, I am going to take Adam in this matchup making it that much tougher for Wes to hold on to his playoff spot.
Team Pavlik (7-3) vs. Bulletproof Tiger (2-8)
This is a real rumble…or would be if it were circa 2002, we were in Millville, intoxicated, and there were only one bowl of home made mac and cheese left. Does this battle of old friends and fellow kings fans meet the intensity of the aforementioned scenario? In a word…no. Flacco against Indy, Forte and Hester against Philly, and Carlson in Minnesota aren’t great matchups. Ryan Moats just got demoted behind Steve Slaton again and I doubt Austin and Breaston have the ability to overcome those troubles. Big Ben is in KC, Marshall plays a soft SD secondary, Sims-Walker hosts Buffalo, Sjax hosts Arizona, and Ricky Williams already went supernova on Carolina. All that means Braylon and Olson having tough draws aren’t a big deal and Vimel will win this in a walk. He will mostly likely celebrate by pounding 3-7 shots of 151 and then yelling at you to punch him in the face until you refuse so much that he gets fed up and starts wailing on his own face with closed palms. That kind of intensity is hard to match, and Owen’s fantasy team just doesn’t have the stomach for it.
C-minus (4-6) vs. Late Bloomer (8-2)
This is where I would build up the match between Randy and Hank, the alter egos of Collin and Rob respectively. That being said, I have been forced to side step that point due to this: C-minus
November 18, 2:17 pm
This could be my KO from playoff chances. Every week from here on out is must win.
Late Bloomer
November 18, 7:41 pm
I wish I could help you out this week Collin...but I think it would look kinda obvious if I benched Manning and Clark. Also, Hank takes no prisoners...you can't control that guy.
Late Bloomer
November 20, 5:15 pm
I rescind my previous post...as it seems I have already clinched a playoff spot, I have decided to rest some of my key players. You know, don't want to risk injury. GL HF
Then Rob took out Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, and Chris Johnson…This is an abomination and I’m over it. I’m not even going to make a prediction because this angers me so much.
Totalitarian Utopia (3-7) vs. Out of first round (4-6)
Dan said it best witih, “This is the red headed step child of rivalry matchups.” These two have known each other for a while now and while Stills’ brash ‘anything goes’ mentality has at times clashed with Doug’s wholesome innocence it is hardly enough to warrant a rivalry for many. Nonetheless they meet here, in this battle for…uhhh…I guess they still have playoff hopes (Doug more so than Stills). The mythical societies have great matchups save TJ in NE while Doug has Burleson in Minn as his toughest draw. The draws seem pretty even and that makes me want to pick this based on roster, which means Stills is at a disadvantage. I have to believe that Doug wins this game and keeps his slim chances alive for another week.
San Diego Booyans! (6-4) vs. Selena Y Los Dinos (6-4)
This very well could be the game of the week as both of these owners come in with the same record and fight for south side pride. Their bad blood can be traced back to their days running around the tough south side streets of Redding and balling on the mean courts of Bonny View. Which former Bobcat will make the other their prey? My WRs continue to be an abomination and with Dwayne Bowe suspended for four games it certainly doesn’t help anything. The SF defense won’t be easy on Rodgers and Baltimore will try to keep the Indy passing attack in check (Austin Collie included). DW had a solid game on Thursday but was it enough for me to pull out the victory? Ken’s draws are easily more favorable than mine with Keller in NE the lone toughy. I think DW will out duel Moreno but with Holmes in KC, Fitz @STL, Schaub hosting Tennessee, and MJD in upstate New York I have this funny feeling like I am in real trouble. Hopefully we get a miracle from someone, cause I am gonna need it. Ken should win this first annual battle, though the rivalry will be far from over as south siders never know when to quit.
Purple People Eaters (3-7) vs. Life and Limb (7-3) *Game of the Week*
This was supposed to be a rivalry game between two of the league’s top teams as indicated from last year’s performances. Dan has held up his end of the bargain while Galen has run into a string of bad luck all year. This game makes or breaks Galen’s season (as will each game for the rest of the regular season). VJ in Denver is Galen’s toughest draw as Champ Bailey will be with him most, if not all, of the night. Everything else is peachy though, and I do mean peachy. For Dan, Hassy and Housh are in Minnesota where they play football indoors. Reggie Wayne plays the Ravens but will undoubtedly continue to do his thing. Andre Johnson gets Tennessee and will have a good time with that. These really are the most evenly matched rosters this week despite their records being inverted. In the spirit of keeping his season alive, and because I really think he has a good shot at it, I am taking Galen in a squeaker.
There you have it. This concludes our rivalry week edition of the predictions and I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s hard fought battles…except for Collin and Robbies’ which is an abomination of gamesmanship. Is it possible for them both to lose? Anyway, enjoy the games tomorrow and Monday everybody. Squared Sevens visit the increasingly colder tundra of Lambeau Field this weekend, both teams fighting for their outside chances of making a wildcard bid.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Predictions for My Fantasy Football League
Well, as maybe three of you may have noticed there was no week 9 edition of the predictions column. While I know this is heart breaking there is a good reason for it…well, a reason at least. Friday night I went out with some co-workers for an after work happy hour at a local bar which turned into a let’s all keep partying and hanging out night. This leads me to Saturday where I found myself slightly hungover with a friend and we decided we needed greasy food and college football, since OSU was in the midst of dispatching PSU and I needed to watching it live for sanity reasons. We decided that a bar was the perfect place to satiate both these needs and promptly discovered that the bar we had decided upon had specials on buckets of Coors Lights running all day. This was good and bad news, of course. Long story short I started drinking at 1pm Saturday and eventually Steve Larson came out of hiding and managed to get thrown out of a bar we migrated to later in the evening and lost my ATM card. That Steve Larson guy is a real ass and makes my life hard to live sometimes. Needless to say, I am gonna go ahead and lay low this weekend. Perhaps sleep a lot, go for a walk on the beach or in lovely Balboa Park but I can assure you Steve Larson is grounded. On that note let’s turn our attention back to our lovely league of fantastical proportions. None of you may recall that when we last left the predictions column I was coming off of a shitty week 7 on the picks side and was needing a rebound. Well let’s see how I faired in week 8 with the predictions. I took my Booyans to avoid being consumed by discolored humans, Tigers to maul idealistic dictators, That silver bullet to pierce some doggies, Bears to be ruthless and soul-less killing machines against elderly women, Tardy fruition to take place all over Selena’s grill, Pavlik to KO the poop stains, and the gaudy mansions to trump a modest goal. With that all being said I am happy to announce that week 8 was, with myself, Owen, Collin, Thomas, Robbie, Vimel, and Dan all winning…my first UNDEFEATED week of the season! Talk about a rebound week. With that nice showing we boost the overall record to 34-22 coming off what we will call the column’s bye week. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!
As we know this is the first week of the rest of our season…and by that I mean that this is the first week a select few get to watch Thursday night games on NFL Network. In honor of this, let’s start with the two teams that this Thursday’s game had the most impact on…
Bulletproof Tiger (2-7) vs. Errant Dogs (5-4)
Each team had three positions going on Thursday and if I had to pick a winner of the day it would be Owen as he saw 45 points from Forte, Hester, and Gould while Adam got 44 and a quarter from Gore, VD, and the Squared Seven defense. If you would have asked me Wednesday who’s three I would have taken I would have Sain scoffed in your face and taken them misbehaving mutts. Shows how much I know I guess; I’m about as qualified at this stuff as Eric Karabel. Does this new information mean that Owen is the favorite to win this matchup now? Well, let’s take a look shall we. Flacco plays in Cleveland, Breaston against the Seahawks (listed as probable), Austin @ Lambeau (where defense is a forget term) and Carlson in the Arizona desert are all a great start for Owern to keep the momentum rolling. Only Cribbs against the Ravens is a poor draw for him. The Mosseseseses have tough draws for Adam’s puppies but Randy is usually a good show despite the draw. Ryan in NC is favorable and Mason should cancel out most of Flacco in Cleveland. I must admit I voted for Adam before the Thursday nighter and I am not convinced the good start for Owen is enough for me to change it. Mutts in a closer win then originally thought.
Too Many Grandmas (5-4) vs. Purple People Eaters (2-7)
Next we find ourselves with two teams that have had polar opposite seasons. Wes got off to a nice start to the year and Owen Daniels was a very large part of that. With OD out of commission the Grandmas have stumbled of late and hope to clot their thinned blood’s flow. On the other hand we have Galen, who has been the poster child for bad luck as his team was at one time second in the league in points (now sitting seventh) yet find themselves at merely 2-7. Are these teams headed in opposite directions? Brady plays in Indy where it will be a gritty game but he will likely fair well in my opinion. Kevin Smith in Minnesota and Vincent Jackson against the Iggles are the tough draws for the PPEs. Boldin against Seattle, Barber in GB, Shockey in the Gateway City, and Celek in my area are all good news for the squad. For Wes’ AARP groupies Privers, Pettigrew, Calvin Johnson, and Cedric the Entertainer all have impeccably tough draws. Is Roddy in NC, Cotch-itch hosting the Jags and Pierre Thomas in the STL enough to overcome? Methinks not so much. I am going with Galen in this one, though it should be close…and Galen doesn’t have a great track record with close weeks this season. Nevertheless, the winds of change are blowing my friends and this matchup is a clear indicator.
Team Pavlik (6-3) vs. C-minus (4-5)
This is a crucial game for both of these teams fighting for position in the playoff picture. Vimel was the only one in this matchup with players playing Thursday night and mustered nearly 29 points from a trio of Greg Olsen, Chicago’s D, and Charles Tillman. Basically they are who we thought they were as Denny Green might say of these Bears. Big Ben with Cincy, Mike Sims-Walker in New Jersey B, and Sjax hosting the Saints are the bad while Brandon Marshall in the nation’s capital, Michael Turner in NC and Braylon hosting the Jags are the good for Vimfuck. CP9 and Hines Ward play against each other in Pittsburgh, LT hosts Philly, and the lone Steve Smith for Collin this week hosts Atlanta to round out the tough draws for C-money. The good includes Witten in GB, Reggie in STL, and a rejuvenated Chambers in the East Bay (I think, he’s a spotty play but if he scores 10 FP it’s a win for Collin). I voted for Collin before Thursday and I am sticking to my guns based on what I have in front of me. Also, a special note to Vimel and his Cowboys: We need this week’s game like mammals need oxygen so please do me a favor and tank it on your trip to Lambeau cause you guys can afford a loss and still make the playoffs. The reality is if we lose this game our season is lost…also, if your D-line could find it in their hearts to not kill Aaron Rodgers as they blow through our disgusting excuse for an O-line I would greatly appreciate it.
Brownies (3-6) vs. Out of the first round (4-5)
This is either going to really put Scip in a real hole for the season or make the playoff picture incredibly cloudy. Brees plays a cupcake as he goes to STL, Bess has a favorable matchup against the Buccs, Shiancoe against the Lions and Marshawn in Tennessee are also quite favorable for GDS. Caldwell is an upgrade with Chris Henry out but playing in Pitt is less than favorable. I have to say I like Romo and Doug’s Packers to score well as I see that game being a who can score last affair. Welker will get his catches as usual and Burleson is in AZ, which isn’t exactly known as a defensive stopper. Despite Brees’ easy week I think Doug’s OOFRs have what it takes to lock this thing down. I really wish I had more to say about this matchup because it really is incredibly meaningful as both teams have a chance at the playoffs still but I words have escaped me for some reason. I apologize and will try to do better with the next matchup…
Da Bears (5-4) vs. Selena Y Los Dinos (5-4)
This is by no means a make or break week for either of these teams but the winner is clearly awarded the inside track to a playoff spot as they come in with the same record. This would be the game of the week if it weren’t for our final matchup to be named later due to it’s importance but there are some key elements that make it lose a little luster in mine eye. The first of those elements being the Texans on bye meaning no Schaub for Kenbo88 and VY instead getting the start. At least he’s playing a poor team. I also don’t dig that Thomas’ team lives or dies by the Vikings (so far living the lifestyle of the rich and famous) and the Vikes are hosting the Lions this week. That doesn’t bode well for anybody in Michigan or Ken. The only question mark for Thomas is whether TO will play or not. All signs point to yes as he practiced today. TO has been, well, horrid by his standards but at least plays one of, if not the, worst pass defense in the league to date this week. Based on these findings I can’t help but assume Thomas is going to win this week in a game that would be close if, perhaps, both teams were at full strength but Ken putting all his eggs in Schaub’s basket and having to go to VY for a week is all bad.
Late Bloomer (7-2) vs. Totalitarian Utopia (3-6)
Somehow we have gone from one of the best matchups of the week to arguably the worst. Not the worst in the sense that both teams are terrible but in the sense this thing is looking pretty one sided. Stills has a miraculous three wins while Rob has quietly become the toast of the league with the best record and second most points. This should be a quick review then. Manning to Clark has been epic this season but finds a tough draw with the Pats but all the others for the Bloomers are good as gold. Stills’ matchups are looking pretty good themselves but Mendenhall and Miller are a little rocky against the Bengals and on an even playing field he basically has no shot at toppling Rob. This won’t be close and as Stills said in the posts, is perfect for a good laugh.
San Diego Booyans! (6-3) vs. Sierra Nevada Estate (6-3) *Game of the Week*
I know what you’re thinking, “Oh great, Jon gave himself the game of the week again…what a prick.“ Well, shut your pie hole whilst I explain. Dan and I enter this week as second and third in the league by record (second and sixth by points) and that record happens to be the same. In addition, Dan has inexplicably carried a deep seeded hatred for my teams throughout the years. Perhaps he fears my incredible genius and talent prospecting prowess. Maybe he is threatened by my ability to consistently field teams that appear immensely pedestrian by name power but manage to make the playoffs year in and year out. Might it be that he is still bitter I control a seemingly insurmountable lead in our epic one on one basketball series? Who can say, really? Enough set up, let’s take a look at the matchup. Hasselbeck and Housh should fair well in AZ, Jackson and McCoy will have fun in SD but that is the extent of the good matchups for DY. Wayne will get his for sure, but it’s a tough draw against the Pats, Stewart is with my boy DW at home with the Falcons and Fred Davis plays the Broncos. I have already said that I think GB vs. Dal will be a who can score last game and that is why I have put in the constantly underperforming RW and I think AR will have one heck of a game at home. Bowe is shady in Oakland with their secondary but he’s the best WR in that city for the weekend. Holt is a trash heap, but should at least get 8 to 9 which is all I have come to expect from him and anything else is just gravy. And then there is Ray Ray in Cleveland on Monday, that is probably going to be the reason I win. Yahoo projects him at 26.33 which is a bit lawl-able but I like his chances. I also like my chances and that is why I am officially jinxing myself against Dan this week in what is the perfect almost rivalry game to get me ready for rivalry week next week.
To the right is a snapshot of our current league standings. I am the San Diego BooYans! in SECOND PLACE!
I am getting a raging clue for our upcoming playoffs. They are rapidly approaching and I can’t wait. That being said I am looking forward to this week and next week as well, unless the Packers lose this week in which case I will add mid-April to my list of things I am looking forward to (the NFL draft is held in mid April for those of you that are slow with the uptake). Good luck this week my friends, Daniel Young excluded of course.
As we know this is the first week of the rest of our season…and by that I mean that this is the first week a select few get to watch Thursday night games on NFL Network. In honor of this, let’s start with the two teams that this Thursday’s game had the most impact on…
Bulletproof Tiger (2-7) vs. Errant Dogs (5-4)
Each team had three positions going on Thursday and if I had to pick a winner of the day it would be Owen as he saw 45 points from Forte, Hester, and Gould while Adam got 44 and a quarter from Gore, VD, and the Squared Seven defense. If you would have asked me Wednesday who’s three I would have taken I would have Sain scoffed in your face and taken them misbehaving mutts. Shows how much I know I guess; I’m about as qualified at this stuff as Eric Karabel. Does this new information mean that Owen is the favorite to win this matchup now? Well, let’s take a look shall we. Flacco plays in Cleveland, Breaston against the Seahawks (listed as probable), Austin @ Lambeau (where defense is a forget term) and Carlson in the Arizona desert are all a great start for Owern to keep the momentum rolling. Only Cribbs against the Ravens is a poor draw for him. The Mosseseseses have tough draws for Adam’s puppies but Randy is usually a good show despite the draw. Ryan in NC is favorable and Mason should cancel out most of Flacco in Cleveland. I must admit I voted for Adam before the Thursday nighter and I am not convinced the good start for Owen is enough for me to change it. Mutts in a closer win then originally thought.
Too Many Grandmas (5-4) vs. Purple People Eaters (2-7)
Next we find ourselves with two teams that have had polar opposite seasons. Wes got off to a nice start to the year and Owen Daniels was a very large part of that. With OD out of commission the Grandmas have stumbled of late and hope to clot their thinned blood’s flow. On the other hand we have Galen, who has been the poster child for bad luck as his team was at one time second in the league in points (now sitting seventh) yet find themselves at merely 2-7. Are these teams headed in opposite directions? Brady plays in Indy where it will be a gritty game but he will likely fair well in my opinion. Kevin Smith in Minnesota and Vincent Jackson against the Iggles are the tough draws for the PPEs. Boldin against Seattle, Barber in GB, Shockey in the Gateway City, and Celek in my area are all good news for the squad. For Wes’ AARP groupies Privers, Pettigrew, Calvin Johnson, and Cedric the Entertainer all have impeccably tough draws. Is Roddy in NC, Cotch-itch hosting the Jags and Pierre Thomas in the STL enough to overcome? Methinks not so much. I am going with Galen in this one, though it should be close…and Galen doesn’t have a great track record with close weeks this season. Nevertheless, the winds of change are blowing my friends and this matchup is a clear indicator.
Team Pavlik (6-3) vs. C-minus (4-5)
This is a crucial game for both of these teams fighting for position in the playoff picture. Vimel was the only one in this matchup with players playing Thursday night and mustered nearly 29 points from a trio of Greg Olsen, Chicago’s D, and Charles Tillman. Basically they are who we thought they were as Denny Green might say of these Bears. Big Ben with Cincy, Mike Sims-Walker in New Jersey B, and Sjax hosting the Saints are the bad while Brandon Marshall in the nation’s capital, Michael Turner in NC and Braylon hosting the Jags are the good for Vimfuck. CP9 and Hines Ward play against each other in Pittsburgh, LT hosts Philly, and the lone Steve Smith for Collin this week hosts Atlanta to round out the tough draws for C-money. The good includes Witten in GB, Reggie in STL, and a rejuvenated Chambers in the East Bay (I think, he’s a spotty play but if he scores 10 FP it’s a win for Collin). I voted for Collin before Thursday and I am sticking to my guns based on what I have in front of me. Also, a special note to Vimel and his Cowboys: We need this week’s game like mammals need oxygen so please do me a favor and tank it on your trip to Lambeau cause you guys can afford a loss and still make the playoffs. The reality is if we lose this game our season is lost…also, if your D-line could find it in their hearts to not kill Aaron Rodgers as they blow through our disgusting excuse for an O-line I would greatly appreciate it.
Brownies (3-6) vs. Out of the first round (4-5)
This is either going to really put Scip in a real hole for the season or make the playoff picture incredibly cloudy. Brees plays a cupcake as he goes to STL, Bess has a favorable matchup against the Buccs, Shiancoe against the Lions and Marshawn in Tennessee are also quite favorable for GDS. Caldwell is an upgrade with Chris Henry out but playing in Pitt is less than favorable. I have to say I like Romo and Doug’s Packers to score well as I see that game being a who can score last affair. Welker will get his catches as usual and Burleson is in AZ, which isn’t exactly known as a defensive stopper. Despite Brees’ easy week I think Doug’s OOFRs have what it takes to lock this thing down. I really wish I had more to say about this matchup because it really is incredibly meaningful as both teams have a chance at the playoffs still but I words have escaped me for some reason. I apologize and will try to do better with the next matchup…
Da Bears (5-4) vs. Selena Y Los Dinos (5-4)
This is by no means a make or break week for either of these teams but the winner is clearly awarded the inside track to a playoff spot as they come in with the same record. This would be the game of the week if it weren’t for our final matchup to be named later due to it’s importance but there are some key elements that make it lose a little luster in mine eye. The first of those elements being the Texans on bye meaning no Schaub for Kenbo88 and VY instead getting the start. At least he’s playing a poor team. I also don’t dig that Thomas’ team lives or dies by the Vikings (so far living the lifestyle of the rich and famous) and the Vikes are hosting the Lions this week. That doesn’t bode well for anybody in Michigan or Ken. The only question mark for Thomas is whether TO will play or not. All signs point to yes as he practiced today. TO has been, well, horrid by his standards but at least plays one of, if not the, worst pass defense in the league to date this week. Based on these findings I can’t help but assume Thomas is going to win this week in a game that would be close if, perhaps, both teams were at full strength but Ken putting all his eggs in Schaub’s basket and having to go to VY for a week is all bad.
Late Bloomer (7-2) vs. Totalitarian Utopia (3-6)
Somehow we have gone from one of the best matchups of the week to arguably the worst. Not the worst in the sense that both teams are terrible but in the sense this thing is looking pretty one sided. Stills has a miraculous three wins while Rob has quietly become the toast of the league with the best record and second most points. This should be a quick review then. Manning to Clark has been epic this season but finds a tough draw with the Pats but all the others for the Bloomers are good as gold. Stills’ matchups are looking pretty good themselves but Mendenhall and Miller are a little rocky against the Bengals and on an even playing field he basically has no shot at toppling Rob. This won’t be close and as Stills said in the posts, is perfect for a good laugh.
San Diego Booyans! (6-3) vs. Sierra Nevada Estate (6-3) *Game of the Week*
I know what you’re thinking, “Oh great, Jon gave himself the game of the week again…what a prick.“ Well, shut your pie hole whilst I explain. Dan and I enter this week as second and third in the league by record (second and sixth by points) and that record happens to be the same. In addition, Dan has inexplicably carried a deep seeded hatred for my teams throughout the years. Perhaps he fears my incredible genius and talent prospecting prowess. Maybe he is threatened by my ability to consistently field teams that appear immensely pedestrian by name power but manage to make the playoffs year in and year out. Might it be that he is still bitter I control a seemingly insurmountable lead in our epic one on one basketball series? Who can say, really? Enough set up, let’s take a look at the matchup. Hasselbeck and Housh should fair well in AZ, Jackson and McCoy will have fun in SD but that is the extent of the good matchups for DY. Wayne will get his for sure, but it’s a tough draw against the Pats, Stewart is with my boy DW at home with the Falcons and Fred Davis plays the Broncos. I have already said that I think GB vs. Dal will be a who can score last game and that is why I have put in the constantly underperforming RW and I think AR will have one heck of a game at home. Bowe is shady in Oakland with their secondary but he’s the best WR in that city for the weekend. Holt is a trash heap, but should at least get 8 to 9 which is all I have come to expect from him and anything else is just gravy. And then there is Ray Ray in Cleveland on Monday, that is probably going to be the reason I win. Yahoo projects him at 26.33 which is a bit lawl-able but I like his chances. I also like my chances and that is why I am officially jinxing myself against Dan this week in what is the perfect almost rivalry game to get me ready for rivalry week next week.
I am getting a raging clue for our upcoming playoffs. They are rapidly approaching and I can’t wait. That being said I am looking forward to this week and next week as well, unless the Packers lose this week in which case I will add mid-April to my list of things I am looking forward to (the NFL draft is held in mid April for those of you that are slow with the uptake). Good luck this week my friends, Daniel Young excluded of course.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Back on the Horse...
Ok, I must admit that I have been completely lazy over the last 6 months which has resulted in me neglecting my want and need to write. This is a complete shame as there have been some great sports action over that time frame as well. Hopefully those select few that have found my blog back then will appreciate the return to form.
As you know the World Series is currently in full swing. Ya know, if the "world" only spans from New York to Philadelphia. I should preface anything that may come in regards to said series by saying I don't necessary like either team, and down right loathe the Yankee's ability to, and general willingness to, outbid everyone else for the best players. I guess that means I am pulling for the Phillies. Currently the Yankees lead the series 3 games to 2 and game 6 is being played as I type this. The score sits at 7-3 in the bottom of the 7th meaning the Yanks have a pretty good shot at wrapping this thing up tonight.
In other sports news, the NBA season is just over a week old. I think the surprise of the season for me so far is the Phoenix Suns. I fully expected them to be completely middle of the road but they were cruising along and undefeated until they ran into the (my) Orlando Magic tonight. Both teams left the game 4-1 after the Magic coasted to a 122-100 victory behind Dwight Howard's 25 points, and Jameer Nelson's double-double. There are still 2 teams clinging to perfection and they are the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. Both teams are pumping on all cylinders right now, especially the Celts who are averaging a staggering 101 points for with only 80 points against. That's a scary thought as a fan of the Magic who also reside in the east, yikes.
The NFL is entering week 9 and there are still 2 teams in that league hanging on to perfection as well. The Indianapolis Colts have looked extremely strong in their run to 7-0 and have done so without their second best WR in Anthony Gonzalez who is expected back in the next week or two. However, it is the New Orleans Saints who get the most media play about going undefeated through the entirety of the season as their schedule is pretty easy for the remainder of the season. Their toughest remaining games include hosting New England in week 12 and going to Atlanta in week 14. That isn't to say their 2 remaining games with Carolina and home game against Dallas will be easy, but it is to say that the other 4 games that include 2 with Tampa Bay as well as the Rams and Redskins will be. I don't think it will happen, I should admit I am pulling for it to happen though as I can't stand the '72 Dolphins and their open disdain for any team that comes remotely close to their record. Serious, has any team or individual for that matter made you resent their accomplishment more than this team and Don Shula? I wasn't even alive when it happened but I appreciate the fact that no other team has done it (though that is arguable as the Patriots have a small claim to that record [unless you ask a '72 Dolphins member]). Maybe it's just me, but I want someone to end their stupid champagne party of arrogance.
I think that pretty much covers the recap of where I stand with everything since I've been out of the writing habit. I have hopes to post an entry twice a month at minimum, and hopefully more frequent when the mood or inspiration should strike.
Until that time, keeping cheering sports fans.
As you know the World Series is currently in full swing. Ya know, if the "world" only spans from New York to Philadelphia. I should preface anything that may come in regards to said series by saying I don't necessary like either team, and down right loathe the Yankee's ability to, and general willingness to, outbid everyone else for the best players. I guess that means I am pulling for the Phillies. Currently the Yankees lead the series 3 games to 2 and game 6 is being played as I type this. The score sits at 7-3 in the bottom of the 7th meaning the Yanks have a pretty good shot at wrapping this thing up tonight.
In other sports news, the NBA season is just over a week old. I think the surprise of the season for me so far is the Phoenix Suns. I fully expected them to be completely middle of the road but they were cruising along and undefeated until they ran into the (my) Orlando Magic tonight. Both teams left the game 4-1 after the Magic coasted to a 122-100 victory behind Dwight Howard's 25 points, and Jameer Nelson's double-double. There are still 2 teams clinging to perfection and they are the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. Both teams are pumping on all cylinders right now, especially the Celts who are averaging a staggering 101 points for with only 80 points against. That's a scary thought as a fan of the Magic who also reside in the east, yikes.
The NFL is entering week 9 and there are still 2 teams in that league hanging on to perfection as well. The Indianapolis Colts have looked extremely strong in their run to 7-0 and have done so without their second best WR in Anthony Gonzalez who is expected back in the next week or two. However, it is the New Orleans Saints who get the most media play about going undefeated through the entirety of the season as their schedule is pretty easy for the remainder of the season. Their toughest remaining games include hosting New England in week 12 and going to Atlanta in week 14. That isn't to say their 2 remaining games with Carolina and home game against Dallas will be easy, but it is to say that the other 4 games that include 2 with Tampa Bay as well as the Rams and Redskins will be. I don't think it will happen, I should admit I am pulling for it to happen though as I can't stand the '72 Dolphins and their open disdain for any team that comes remotely close to their record. Serious, has any team or individual for that matter made you resent their accomplishment more than this team and Don Shula? I wasn't even alive when it happened but I appreciate the fact that no other team has done it (though that is arguable as the Patriots have a small claim to that record [unless you ask a '72 Dolphins member]). Maybe it's just me, but I want someone to end their stupid champagne party of arrogance.
I think that pretty much covers the recap of where I stand with everything since I've been out of the writing habit. I have hopes to post an entry twice a month at minimum, and hopefully more frequent when the mood or inspiration should strike.
Until that time, keeping cheering sports fans.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Man Ram and the 'Roids
Breaking news of Manny Ramirez testing positive for performance enhancing drugs and being suspended 50 games by the offices of major league baseball.
The Dodgers have the best record in the league and just set the record for consecutive home wins to open a season (13). Reportedly a minor league outfielder has already been contacted for call up and the Dodgers are going to have to try and fill the offensive production lost with Manny at home.
I am not going to say I knew this was coming as Manny has no history of performance enhancing drugs in the past. However, I will note that he has been off personality wise for a while and this news in no way shocks me in hindsight. How someone can be that absurdly productive and that off the wall personality wise and not be on something seems a little far fetched.
We will have to wait and see how Manny tries to explain this. I am sure it will ride somewhere along the lines of the unknowing Barry Bonds argument but could stem from the Sammy Sosa I only did it once camp (referring to Sosa's corked bat discovered in game). Only time will tell, should be interesting news coming from LA for baseball fans in the next few hours/days.
The Dodgers have the best record in the league and just set the record for consecutive home wins to open a season (13). Reportedly a minor league outfielder has already been contacted for call up and the Dodgers are going to have to try and fill the offensive production lost with Manny at home.
I am not going to say I knew this was coming as Manny has no history of performance enhancing drugs in the past. However, I will note that he has been off personality wise for a while and this news in no way shocks me in hindsight. How someone can be that absurdly productive and that off the wall personality wise and not be on something seems a little far fetched.
We will have to wait and see how Manny tries to explain this. I am sure it will ride somewhere along the lines of the unknowing Barry Bonds argument but could stem from the Sammy Sosa I only did it once camp (referring to Sosa's corked bat discovered in game). Only time will tell, should be interesting news coming from LA for baseball fans in the next few hours/days.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How Anti-climactic?
Real anti-climactic...
That NCAA national title game was over halfway through the first half. It was a dominating performance of near perfect basketball for the Tar Heels. Not much more to say than that. Michigan State has a better chance for next year in all likeliness as North Carolina will lose Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansborough, and probably Wayne Ellington. Ellington was the most outstanding player of the final four.
Congrats to Chapel Hill.
That NCAA national title game was over halfway through the first half. It was a dominating performance of near perfect basketball for the Tar Heels. Not much more to say than that. Michigan State has a better chance for next year in all likeliness as North Carolina will lose Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansborough, and probably Wayne Ellington. Ellington was the most outstanding player of the final four.
Congrats to Chapel Hill.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Final Four
The final four teams are set. The best game in the elite eight was far and away the Pitt versus Villanova game. It ended on a last second running shot in the lane by Villanova to advance them to the final four. It was simply incredible and if you missed it catch it on ESPN Classic in the next couple days...It'll be there I'm sure.
The Bracket looks like this:
The matchups in the final four are interesting. Starting with the Michigan State/Connecticut game we find a couple of smash mouth teams. Michigan State likes to slow ya down (like the rest of the Big Ten Conference, just better). UConn's Hasheem Thabeet will likely cause the Spartans to shoot a lot of jumpers which they are obviously going to have to hit to have a chance. The Huskies seem more able to get up and down the floor than Michigan State. However, there should be something said about the locale of the game. Michigan State doesn't have far to go to get to Detroit's Ford Field where the final four and national championship games will be played. This is essentially a home game for MSU and that could be a factor. That being said I still like UConn to take this game and play for the title.
The other game is a contrast of styles between Villanova and North Carolina. Villanova is a run and gun, spread you out, blow by you type of team. North Carolina, while not averse to running, will likely try to slow the game down and use their sive advantage with Hansborough and company in the paint. The team that imposes their style on the other will win this game and I think it is easier to slow a game down than to consciously speed it up. That leads me to believe that North Carolina will be playing for the nets in the national championship game.
That's my prediction for the final four, UNC will play UConn in the national championship game.
The Bracket looks like this:
The matchups in the final four are interesting. Starting with the Michigan State/Connecticut game we find a couple of smash mouth teams. Michigan State likes to slow ya down (like the rest of the Big Ten Conference, just better). UConn's Hasheem Thabeet will likely cause the Spartans to shoot a lot of jumpers which they are obviously going to have to hit to have a chance. The Huskies seem more able to get up and down the floor than Michigan State. However, there should be something said about the locale of the game. Michigan State doesn't have far to go to get to Detroit's Ford Field where the final four and national championship games will be played. This is essentially a home game for MSU and that could be a factor. That being said I still like UConn to take this game and play for the title.
The other game is a contrast of styles between Villanova and North Carolina. Villanova is a run and gun, spread you out, blow by you type of team. North Carolina, while not averse to running, will likely try to slow the game down and use their sive advantage with Hansborough and company in the paint. The team that imposes their style on the other will win this game and I think it is easier to slow a game down than to consciously speed it up. That leads me to believe that North Carolina will be playing for the nets in the national championship game.
That's my prediction for the final four, UNC will play UConn in the national championship game.
Friday, March 27, 2009
1 great game, 1 decent game, and 2 crappers
Let's start with the crappers.
The first crapper was obviously Louisville versus Arizona. This game was controlled wire to wire by the Cardinals who simply smothered Arizona in every possible way. Chase Budinger scored a game high 22 points and Jordan Hill added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats. These efforts weren't enough to even keep it close against Louisville who had five players in double figures lead by the 19 points of Earl Clark. The final score was 103-64. Every player that saw the floor for Louisville scored at least 2 points in this game...ouch.
The other crapper is still being played but that certainly doesn't mean it isn't over. North Carolina is man handling Gonzaga by a score of 95 to 68 with 4:22 left in the game. Lawson is clearly getting healthier and Hansborough had another double-double, big whoop. See ya next year 'Zags have a nice summer vacation.
The decent game tonight was actually the game I was most excited for. Though my excitement stemmed mostly for the opportunity to see Syracuse knock off Oklahoma so that needed to happen for me to really enjoy this game. Jonny Flynn did his part scoring 22 points for the Orangemen and Andy Routins was the only other Orange in double figures with 12. That sounds like I probably didn't enjoy the game...Tony Crocker scored 28 points and the widely considered player of the year, Blake Griffin, had a 30 point 14 rebound double-double...now I know I didn't enjoy this game. The final score was 84 to 71. Good run for Syracuse at the end of the year but they were no match down low for Mr. Griffin.
Now for the great game! The rematch between Kansas and Michigan State. In the first game Michigan State edged Kansas by a narrow margin. Would the Jayhawks reap their revenge on the Spartans this time around? Sherron Collins was certainly trying to make it happen with his 20 point scoring effort and Cole Aldrich had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. They got little else from their teammates though. Michigan State's Goran Sutan scored 20 points with 9 rebounds and 5 steals to compliment Kalin Lucas' 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. The 6 additional turnovers the Jayhawks had proved to be a deciding factor down the stretch. The game was then sealed as Kansas missed a late free throw that fell into the hands of a Spartan with less than 20 seconds left. This was the game of the night and none of the other games even came close.
The bracket heading into the weekend games, where the final four teams will be decided, looks like this:
See ya tomorrow for the games sports fans.
The first crapper was obviously Louisville versus Arizona. This game was controlled wire to wire by the Cardinals who simply smothered Arizona in every possible way. Chase Budinger scored a game high 22 points and Jordan Hill added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats. These efforts weren't enough to even keep it close against Louisville who had five players in double figures lead by the 19 points of Earl Clark. The final score was 103-64. Every player that saw the floor for Louisville scored at least 2 points in this game...ouch.
The other crapper is still being played but that certainly doesn't mean it isn't over. North Carolina is man handling Gonzaga by a score of 95 to 68 with 4:22 left in the game. Lawson is clearly getting healthier and Hansborough had another double-double, big whoop. See ya next year 'Zags have a nice summer vacation.
The decent game tonight was actually the game I was most excited for. Though my excitement stemmed mostly for the opportunity to see Syracuse knock off Oklahoma so that needed to happen for me to really enjoy this game. Jonny Flynn did his part scoring 22 points for the Orangemen and Andy Routins was the only other Orange in double figures with 12. That sounds like I probably didn't enjoy the game...Tony Crocker scored 28 points and the widely considered player of the year, Blake Griffin, had a 30 point 14 rebound double-double...now I know I didn't enjoy this game. The final score was 84 to 71. Good run for Syracuse at the end of the year but they were no match down low for Mr. Griffin.
Now for the great game! The rematch between Kansas and Michigan State. In the first game Michigan State edged Kansas by a narrow margin. Would the Jayhawks reap their revenge on the Spartans this time around? Sherron Collins was certainly trying to make it happen with his 20 point scoring effort and Cole Aldrich had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. They got little else from their teammates though. Michigan State's Goran Sutan scored 20 points with 9 rebounds and 5 steals to compliment Kalin Lucas' 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. The 6 additional turnovers the Jayhawks had proved to be a deciding factor down the stretch. The game was then sealed as Kansas missed a late free throw that fell into the hands of a Spartan with less than 20 seconds left. This was the game of the night and none of the other games even came close.
The bracket heading into the weekend games, where the final four teams will be decided, looks like this:
See ya tomorrow for the games sports fans.
What time is it?!
Game time, WHOOP!
Arizona and Louisville up first, hopefully the 'Cats can figure out the press and at least make a game of it.
Arizona and Louisville up first, hopefully the 'Cats can figure out the press and at least make a game of it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tiger Supremacy
Missouri and Memphis battled tonight for the title of Tiger supremacy...oh, and a trip to the elite eight. Missouri was up big and the game looked like a route at times. All five Missouri Tigers scored in double figures including Leo Lyons' double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Nobody could have expected that this game between two teems that run full court presses for much of the game would be so high scoring either. The final was 102-91. Senior Robert Dozier finished his career at Memphis with a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds to compliment sensational freshman Tyreke Evans scoring 33 on the night. But alas, it wasn't enough as Missouri ran away with it and earns the right to take on UConn in the next round.
The Duke and Villanova game just wrapped up as well. This was a great game for twenty minutes. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils they play forty minute games. A three point game at halftime turned ugly as the Duke offense continued to stall throughout the second half with the pressure of the 'Nova defense. Duke standout, Gerald Henderson, struggled all game finishing with 7 points on 1 of 14 from the floor...not the way you want to finish out your year. Highlights for the Wildcats include Dante Cunningham's double-double (14 points 11 rebounds) and Reggie Redding's 11 points with 9 rebounds and some amazingly stiffling defense on Henderson all game. A truly remarkable performance from Villanova in this one and if they play like this in the next round they could quite easily take down the Pittsburgh Panthers.
The tournament bracket looks like this:
More games tomorrow night to decide the remaining four spots in the elite eight. See you then.
The Duke and Villanova game just wrapped up as well. This was a great game for twenty minutes. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils they play forty minute games. A three point game at halftime turned ugly as the Duke offense continued to stall throughout the second half with the pressure of the 'Nova defense. Duke standout, Gerald Henderson, struggled all game finishing with 7 points on 1 of 14 from the floor...not the way you want to finish out your year. Highlights for the Wildcats include Dante Cunningham's double-double (14 points 11 rebounds) and Reggie Redding's 11 points with 9 rebounds and some amazingly stiffling defense on Henderson all game. A truly remarkable performance from Villanova in this one and if they play like this in the next round they could quite easily take down the Pittsburgh Panthers.
The tournament bracket looks like this:
More games tomorrow night to decide the remaining four spots in the elite eight. See you then.
Xavier/Pitt
Great game as a fan with no tie to either team. Pitt's Levance Fields hit a huge (and deep) three with just under two minutes to play to give his Panthers a 1 point lead. On the ensuing possession for the Musketeers DeJuan Blair poked the ball away leading to Fields picking up the ball on the run and laying it in on the other end for a 3 point lead. Xavier would be fouled at the other end and make 1 of 2 free throws. Pitt knocked down their two free throws after securing the rebound on the second free throw miss from Xavier. The three point attempt to tie the game hit back iron for the Musketeers and fell into the hands of a Panther. For the first time ever Pitt will advance to the Elite 8.
The Panthers will play the winner of the Villanova and Duke game to be played in a matter of minutes.
The Panthers will play the winner of the Villanova and Duke game to be played in a matter of minutes.
Sweet 16, Day 1
The first two games are winding down in this year's sweet 16 action.
The Purdue versus UConn game was never out of hand but after a well played first half that saw Purdue's Robbie Hummel keeping the Boilermakers in it with the jumper. Hummel would finish with 17 points and JaJuan Johnson had 13 as well. UConn was just too much for the overmatched Big Ten team down low though. Hasheem Thabeet tallied 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks clearly controlling the paint. Three other Huskies finished in double figures including another double-double for Stanley Robinson. UConn advanced fairly easily by a final score of 72-60.
The more heatly contested of the two early games was that of Pittsburgh and Xavier. Close games are becoming a theme of this year's tournament for the top seeded Panthers of Pitt. Pittsburgh actually trailed at the half by 8 points and Xavier has kept them on the run all game. There is still 3:46 left in this game at the moment and the two teams are tied at 52. More to come at game's end.
The Purdue versus UConn game was never out of hand but after a well played first half that saw Purdue's Robbie Hummel keeping the Boilermakers in it with the jumper. Hummel would finish with 17 points and JaJuan Johnson had 13 as well. UConn was just too much for the overmatched Big Ten team down low though. Hasheem Thabeet tallied 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks clearly controlling the paint. Three other Huskies finished in double figures including another double-double for Stanley Robinson. UConn advanced fairly easily by a final score of 72-60.
The more heatly contested of the two early games was that of Pittsburgh and Xavier. Close games are becoming a theme of this year's tournament for the top seeded Panthers of Pitt. Pittsburgh actually trailed at the half by 8 points and Xavier has kept them on the run all game. There is still 3:46 left in this game at the moment and the two teams are tied at 52. More to come at game's end.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
NIT Update
The first NIT game of the night found Norte Dame hosting Kentucky. A hard fought game between two pretty evenly matched teams. The Wildcats were paced by the 21 points of Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson also had 18 points and 7 rebounds for UK. The Fighting Irish's Luke Harangody wasn't ready to end their season though. Harangody's double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds lead Notre Dame who had three other players in double figures. The final was 77-67 in favor of the home Irish.
The second game to decide the final member of the foursome that would travel to New York was between San Diego State and Saint Mary's. The Aztecs are the only number one seed left in the NIT and hosted the Gaels in San Diego for this one. It was a rout early as the Aztecs found themselves up by as much as 16 at times in the first half. The teams headed to the locker room with SDSU up 11 at the half. Saint Mary's was down but certainly not out. They would battle back to tie the game late in the second half. Patty Mills lead the Gaels' attack with his 18 points and 5 assists. Diamon Simpson's 11 points and 14 rebounds along with Omar Samhan's 10 points and 12 rebounds were the games only double-doubles.
The Aztecs were lead by the 17 points of Billy White off the bench. Ryan Amoroso added 12, Kyle Spain had 11 and Lorrenzo Wade chipped in 10 for SDSU. Richie Williams was the story of this game though. The biggest man on the court stood all of 5 foot 10 inches. Williams was constantly in the pocket of Patty Mills forcing one of the best point guards to commit 5 turnovers. Williams, a 65% free throw shooter, also found 4 of his 8 points from the line with the game's outcome hanging squarely in the balance. This was a great game by both teams but as the clock ticked to zeroes it was the host fans joyously storming the court as the Aztecs nipped the Gaels 70-66.
The top seeded San Diego State team will face the lowest remaining seed in Baylor, a 3 seed. In the other semi-final in Madison Square Garden Notre Dame will take on Penn State, both teams are 2 seeds. These should be some great games coming up on March 31st.
Sorry gotta do it.
S-D-S-U...AZTECS FIGHT!
Bracket looks like this.
The second game to decide the final member of the foursome that would travel to New York was between San Diego State and Saint Mary's. The Aztecs are the only number one seed left in the NIT and hosted the Gaels in San Diego for this one. It was a rout early as the Aztecs found themselves up by as much as 16 at times in the first half. The teams headed to the locker room with SDSU up 11 at the half. Saint Mary's was down but certainly not out. They would battle back to tie the game late in the second half. Patty Mills lead the Gaels' attack with his 18 points and 5 assists. Diamon Simpson's 11 points and 14 rebounds along with Omar Samhan's 10 points and 12 rebounds were the games only double-doubles.
The Aztecs were lead by the 17 points of Billy White off the bench. Ryan Amoroso added 12, Kyle Spain had 11 and Lorrenzo Wade chipped in 10 for SDSU. Richie Williams was the story of this game though. The biggest man on the court stood all of 5 foot 10 inches. Williams was constantly in the pocket of Patty Mills forcing one of the best point guards to commit 5 turnovers. Williams, a 65% free throw shooter, also found 4 of his 8 points from the line with the game's outcome hanging squarely in the balance. This was a great game by both teams but as the clock ticked to zeroes it was the host fans joyously storming the court as the Aztecs nipped the Gaels 70-66.
The top seeded San Diego State team will face the lowest remaining seed in Baylor, a 3 seed. In the other semi-final in Madison Square Garden Notre Dame will take on Penn State, both teams are 2 seeds. These should be some great games coming up on March 31st.
Sorry gotta do it.
S-D-S-U...AZTECS FIGHT!
Bracket looks like this.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
NIT Update
Half of the Final four has been decided...er...for the NIT that is.
Baylor played the played at Auburn tonight in what was a very good game. Back and forth the Bears and Tigers would go all night. Baylor was lead by LaceDarius Dunn's 19 and 9 in addition to Kevin Rogers' 15 and 12 double-double. Auburn had three players in double figures lead by Korvotney Barber's 11 points and 13 rebounds. His effort wasn't enough to overcome the Bears though as Auburn lost the game 74-76 after missing their attempt to tie in the final seconds.
Penn State and Florida also met tonight in a fight to get to Madison Square Garden on the 31st. This game was certainly not as exciting as the first game but didn't lack its moments either. Florida had three players in double digits lead by Erving Walker's 16 and Alex Tyus' 15. The real star of this game was a Nittany Lion though. His name, Jamelle Cornley. Cornley scored a game high 23 points and collected a game high 12 rebounds. A total of four players for Penn State scored in double digits but Cornley was certainly the alpha lion of the pride.
The updated tournament bracket looks like this:
San Diego State will host Patty Mills and the St. Mary's Gaels tomorrow night and Kentucky will travel to take on Notre Dame to decide the other half of the NIT final four.
Let's go Aztecs! :)
Baylor played the played at Auburn tonight in what was a very good game. Back and forth the Bears and Tigers would go all night. Baylor was lead by LaceDarius Dunn's 19 and 9 in addition to Kevin Rogers' 15 and 12 double-double. Auburn had three players in double figures lead by Korvotney Barber's 11 points and 13 rebounds. His effort wasn't enough to overcome the Bears though as Auburn lost the game 74-76 after missing their attempt to tie in the final seconds.
Penn State and Florida also met tonight in a fight to get to Madison Square Garden on the 31st. This game was certainly not as exciting as the first game but didn't lack its moments either. Florida had three players in double digits lead by Erving Walker's 16 and Alex Tyus' 15. The real star of this game was a Nittany Lion though. His name, Jamelle Cornley. Cornley scored a game high 23 points and collected a game high 12 rebounds. A total of four players for Penn State scored in double digits but Cornley was certainly the alpha lion of the pride.
The updated tournament bracket looks like this:
San Diego State will host Patty Mills and the St. Mary's Gaels tomorrow night and Kentucky will travel to take on Notre Dame to decide the other half of the NIT final four.
Let's go Aztecs! :)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Late games escalate quickly
...I mean, they really got out of hand fast.
USC fell to Michigan State which was no surprise really. The Trojans made a game of it though and only lost by a score of 74-69. Taj Gibson fouling out with over 4 minutes to play was huge as the Trojans missed his defensive presence down low late in this game. Four USC players finished in double digits lead by Dwight Lewis' 19 and DeMar DeRozan's 18. Four Spartans also finished with double digits lead by Travis Walton's 18. Walton hit a number of key jumpers down the stretch simply not allowing his team to fall behind late. Michigan State will play the Kansas Jayhawks in the round of 16.
Marquette and Missouri turned out to be one hell of a game. At one point this looked like a run away win for the Tigers of Mizzou as they had a 16 point lead for a while. The Golden Eagles battled all the way back to tie the game late but made a key mistake on an inbound play stepping over the end line with the ball and turning it over. Then, down four with 4.4 seconds left a desperation three, and a questionable no call on the shot, fell short of everything and the ball came crashing to the floor out of bounds taking Marquette's tournament hopes with it. Marquette's Jerel McNeal was sensational in the comeback effort scoring 30points. His teammate Wesley Matthews added 24 points and Lazar Hayward chipped in a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Five Missouri Tigers scored in double digits lead by Leo Lyons' 18. Kim English produced 17 off the bench. Missouri will take on Memphis in a battle for Tiger supremacy.
Perhaps the biggest roller coaster of a game was that of Siena and Louisville. At first it was the Cardinals that looked in control and well on their way to the next round. Then after a strenuous effort by the Saints they found themselves up 5 late in the second half. Unable to hold on to their lead, however, Siena trailed by 4 with 14 seconds to play. Louisville hit just enough of their free throws down the stretch to stave off the upset bid. For Siena, Edwin Ubiles cashed in for 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the team. Two double-doubles for Louisville are the main reason they will move on as Earl Clarks 12 points and 12 rebounds were only outdone by Terrence Williams' 24 points and 15 rebounds. The Cardinals will face the Arizona Wildcats in the sweet 16.
After all of the second round has been completed the updated bracket looks like this:
USC fell to Michigan State which was no surprise really. The Trojans made a game of it though and only lost by a score of 74-69. Taj Gibson fouling out with over 4 minutes to play was huge as the Trojans missed his defensive presence down low late in this game. Four USC players finished in double digits lead by Dwight Lewis' 19 and DeMar DeRozan's 18. Four Spartans also finished with double digits lead by Travis Walton's 18. Walton hit a number of key jumpers down the stretch simply not allowing his team to fall behind late. Michigan State will play the Kansas Jayhawks in the round of 16.
Marquette and Missouri turned out to be one hell of a game. At one point this looked like a run away win for the Tigers of Mizzou as they had a 16 point lead for a while. The Golden Eagles battled all the way back to tie the game late but made a key mistake on an inbound play stepping over the end line with the ball and turning it over. Then, down four with 4.4 seconds left a desperation three, and a questionable no call on the shot, fell short of everything and the ball came crashing to the floor out of bounds taking Marquette's tournament hopes with it. Marquette's Jerel McNeal was sensational in the comeback effort scoring 30points. His teammate Wesley Matthews added 24 points and Lazar Hayward chipped in a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Five Missouri Tigers scored in double digits lead by Leo Lyons' 18. Kim English produced 17 off the bench. Missouri will take on Memphis in a battle for Tiger supremacy.
Perhaps the biggest roller coaster of a game was that of Siena and Louisville. At first it was the Cardinals that looked in control and well on their way to the next round. Then after a strenuous effort by the Saints they found themselves up 5 late in the second half. Unable to hold on to their lead, however, Siena trailed by 4 with 14 seconds to play. Louisville hit just enough of their free throws down the stretch to stave off the upset bid. For Siena, Edwin Ubiles cashed in for 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the team. Two double-doubles for Louisville are the main reason they will move on as Earl Clarks 12 points and 12 rebounds were only outdone by Terrence Williams' 24 points and 15 rebounds. The Cardinals will face the Arizona Wildcats in the sweet 16.
After all of the second round has been completed the updated bracket looks like this:
Games keep on rolling
Number 1 seeded Pittsburgh looked like it was going to have another struggle on their hands as they were tied at the half with Oklahoma State. The Panthers asserted themselves over the Cowboys in the second half on their way to an 84-76 win. Fields had 13 points and 9 assists to compliment Blair's double-double of 10 points 12 boards for Pitt. The star of the game was Sam Young for the Panthers who dropped 32 points and collected 8 rebounds and 3 blocks on the game. Oklahoma State was balanced in their point production having 5 players in double figures...unfortunately those were the only 5 players that scored for the team. Pittsburgh will play Xavier in the sweet 16 as the Musketeers took down Wisconsin today as well.
Wisconsin put up another good effort trying to advance again after many doubted their even being in the field. The final score was 60-49 in favor of Xavier, however. Xavier will be hard pressed to tackle the top ranked Panthers in the next round.
Upstate New York continues to party as Syracuse's run in the tournament continues. The Orangemen took down the Arizona State Sun Devils 78-67 today. The zone that Syracuse employs forced the Sun Devils to shoot from the outside often. Ty Abbot and Rihards Kuksiks both hit 6 three pointers for ASU but James Hardin and Derek Glasser missed all 10 of their combined attempts. Abbot and Rihards both finished with 20 points each. Eric Devendorf paced the Orange with his 21 points and the team had a total of 5 players in double figures to secure the win. Syracuse will attempt to keep up with the Griffin's and Oklahoma in their sweet 16 match-up next week.
Bringing some good news to the state of Arizona is that of the university's Wildcats. Arizona beat Cleveland State 71-57 and never looked back after crafting a 10 point halftime lead. Cleveland State's bid for a sweet 16 spot was denied by a team many believe to be the last at large team invited to the tournament. Nice Wise lead all scorers with 21 on the game for the Wildcats. Arizona will face the winner of the Louisville versus Siena game to be played in today's nightcap.
Another perennial tournament terror moved on today as well. Kansas had little trouble dispatching the Dayton Flyers by a final of 60-43. Cole Aldrich continues his absurdly dominate play throwing in a triple double today that included 10 blocks to go along with his 13 points and 200 rebounds. Yowza! Aldrich will lead his Jayhawks into battle against the winner of the Michigan State and USC game being played as I type.
Games being played right now are Marquette and Missouri in addition to the afformentioned USC and MSU game. Marquette got their star point guard (James) back tonight which would be a huge lift for them against a very tough Missouri team. Should be a good game either way.
Siena versus Louisville was scheduled to tip off at 5:20pm EST (2:20pm PST) but tipped a bit late of that. They are less than a minute underway in that game. Louisville shouldn't have any problems smothering the Saints of Siena with their high pressure defense.
Wisconsin put up another good effort trying to advance again after many doubted their even being in the field. The final score was 60-49 in favor of Xavier, however. Xavier will be hard pressed to tackle the top ranked Panthers in the next round.
Upstate New York continues to party as Syracuse's run in the tournament continues. The Orangemen took down the Arizona State Sun Devils 78-67 today. The zone that Syracuse employs forced the Sun Devils to shoot from the outside often. Ty Abbot and Rihards Kuksiks both hit 6 three pointers for ASU but James Hardin and Derek Glasser missed all 10 of their combined attempts. Abbot and Rihards both finished with 20 points each. Eric Devendorf paced the Orange with his 21 points and the team had a total of 5 players in double figures to secure the win. Syracuse will attempt to keep up with the Griffin's and Oklahoma in their sweet 16 match-up next week.
Bringing some good news to the state of Arizona is that of the university's Wildcats. Arizona beat Cleveland State 71-57 and never looked back after crafting a 10 point halftime lead. Cleveland State's bid for a sweet 16 spot was denied by a team many believe to be the last at large team invited to the tournament. Nice Wise lead all scorers with 21 on the game for the Wildcats. Arizona will face the winner of the Louisville versus Siena game to be played in today's nightcap.
Another perennial tournament terror moved on today as well. Kansas had little trouble dispatching the Dayton Flyers by a final of 60-43. Cole Aldrich continues his absurdly dominate play throwing in a triple double today that included 10 blocks to go along with his 13 points and 200 rebounds. Yowza! Aldrich will lead his Jayhawks into battle against the winner of the Michigan State and USC game being played as I type.
Games being played right now are Marquette and Missouri in addition to the afformentioned USC and MSU game. Marquette got their star point guard (James) back tonight which would be a huge lift for them against a very tough Missouri team. Should be a good game either way.
Siena versus Louisville was scheduled to tip off at 5:20pm EST (2:20pm PST) but tipped a bit late of that. They are less than a minute underway in that game. Louisville shouldn't have any problems smothering the Saints of Siena with their high pressure defense.
Tournament day 4
Syracuse and Arizona State are already well underway. The Orangemen lead ASU at the half by a score of 41-32 and look as though they are picking up where they left off continuing their hot play of late. Jonny Flynn already has 5 assists at half for Syracuse. Also for the Orange, Devendorf and Onuaku already have double digit points with 11 and 10 respectively. Rautins has 2 three pointers and 8 points off the bench.
For the Sun Devils, Rihards Kuksiks has poured in 15 first half points and Ty Abbot has 8 but that is the extent of the production on that side. ASU is going to need to find some scoring in the second half if they hope to have a chance here.
Four more games are scheduled to start before noon on the west coast:
(4) Xavier v. (12) Wisconsin - Xavier is the better team in this one but the Badgers were able to slow the game down in their first round game against Florida State and will likely try to do the same here. Pace of the game should dictate who is ultimately victorious.
(3) Kansas v. (11) Dayton - Dayton is a dangerous team as they get scrappy play in the paint from their bigs and can shoot the equalizing three pointers. I wouldn't be surprised if Dayton showed up and gave the Jayhawks all they can handle and more in this one. Kansas doesn't impress me.
(13) Cleveland State v. (12) Arizona - Cleveland State beat arguably the most purely talented team in the ACC in the first round in Wake Forest and if they can pull that off they should be able to give the Wildcats of Arizona some fits. Arizona is wild at times but have been playing their best basketball in the tournament. I still like Cleveland State here.
(1) Pittsburgh v. (8) Oklahoma State - The Cowboys played tough in their first round game against Tennessee needing every minute of that game to advance. The Panthers of Pitt didn't find easy going of it in their first game either and it will be interesting to see who has what left in the tank after playing their tough games only a full day removed. I think Dejuan Blair will prove too much to handle down low and that means Pitt moves on.
The updated bracket looks like this after last night's games became final.
For the Sun Devils, Rihards Kuksiks has poured in 15 first half points and Ty Abbot has 8 but that is the extent of the production on that side. ASU is going to need to find some scoring in the second half if they hope to have a chance here.
Four more games are scheduled to start before noon on the west coast:
(4) Xavier v. (12) Wisconsin - Xavier is the better team in this one but the Badgers were able to slow the game down in their first round game against Florida State and will likely try to do the same here. Pace of the game should dictate who is ultimately victorious.
(3) Kansas v. (11) Dayton - Dayton is a dangerous team as they get scrappy play in the paint from their bigs and can shoot the equalizing three pointers. I wouldn't be surprised if Dayton showed up and gave the Jayhawks all they can handle and more in this one. Kansas doesn't impress me.
(13) Cleveland State v. (12) Arizona - Cleveland State beat arguably the most purely talented team in the ACC in the first round in Wake Forest and if they can pull that off they should be able to give the Wildcats of Arizona some fits. Arizona is wild at times but have been playing their best basketball in the tournament. I still like Cleveland State here.
(1) Pittsburgh v. (8) Oklahoma State - The Cowboys played tough in their first round game against Tennessee needing every minute of that game to advance. The Panthers of Pitt didn't find easy going of it in their first game either and it will be interesting to see who has what left in the tank after playing their tough games only a full day removed. I think Dejuan Blair will prove too much to handle down low and that means Pitt moves on.
The updated bracket looks like this after last night's games became final.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Second round action
The most interesting finish so far was that of Purdue's win over Washington. The game came down to the wire for the Boilermakers who made just enough late free throws to take the 76-74 victory over the Huskies of UW.
Washington was down by considerable margins early in this game and for them to battle back took quite an effort. They had 3 players recording 20 points or more in Jon Brockman and Quincy Pondexter who both had triple doubles and freshman Isiah Thomas, who was the main reason for the comeback scoring 24 and using his quick dribble penetration to cause problems in the lane in the second half.
Keaton Grant recorded a double-double off the Purdue bench to help stave off the late surge from the Huskies and JaJuan Johnson was a man all game scoring 22 points on 9 of 16 shooting and adding 4 blocks on the defensive end.
Purdue will face another pack of Huskies in the sweet 16, this time it is the top seeded Connecticut Huskies.
The other game currently being played is that between Oklahoma and Michigan. The Wolverines had hung tough all game but clearly rang out of gas toward the very end of the game. Blake Griffin was a beast as usual recording a double-double that included 33 points and 16 rebounds. Willie Warren and Austin Johnson also added double figure scoring for the Sooners with 16 and 12 respectively.
CJ Lee, Manny Harris, and DeShawn Sims all scored 11 points for Michigan. Anthony Wright added 14 off the bench but there was just no answer for arguably the best player in the country in Griffin.
The Sooners await the winner of the Arizona State and Syracuse game to be played tomorrow.
Other less interesting results include North Carolina's win over LSU (though if Lawson hadn't returned in this game and played so well in the second half this game was on pace to be far more interesting than it actually turned out), UConn blowing out Texas A&M, Memphis smothering Maryland with defensive pressure, and UCLA coming up well short of Villanova.
The evening session of play pits Texas against Duke and Western Kentucky battles Gonzaga. Both could, and should, be highly contested match-ups and anything can happen. If I were a betting man I would take the higher seeds in Duke and Gonzaga, but I have heard good arguments for Western Kentucky and Texas as well. Should be fun, enjoy.
Washington was down by considerable margins early in this game and for them to battle back took quite an effort. They had 3 players recording 20 points or more in Jon Brockman and Quincy Pondexter who both had triple doubles and freshman Isiah Thomas, who was the main reason for the comeback scoring 24 and using his quick dribble penetration to cause problems in the lane in the second half.
Keaton Grant recorded a double-double off the Purdue bench to help stave off the late surge from the Huskies and JaJuan Johnson was a man all game scoring 22 points on 9 of 16 shooting and adding 4 blocks on the defensive end.
Purdue will face another pack of Huskies in the sweet 16, this time it is the top seeded Connecticut Huskies.
The other game currently being played is that between Oklahoma and Michigan. The Wolverines had hung tough all game but clearly rang out of gas toward the very end of the game. Blake Griffin was a beast as usual recording a double-double that included 33 points and 16 rebounds. Willie Warren and Austin Johnson also added double figure scoring for the Sooners with 16 and 12 respectively.
CJ Lee, Manny Harris, and DeShawn Sims all scored 11 points for Michigan. Anthony Wright added 14 off the bench but there was just no answer for arguably the best player in the country in Griffin.
The Sooners await the winner of the Arizona State and Syracuse game to be played tomorrow.
Other less interesting results include North Carolina's win over LSU (though if Lawson hadn't returned in this game and played so well in the second half this game was on pace to be far more interesting than it actually turned out), UConn blowing out Texas A&M, Memphis smothering Maryland with defensive pressure, and UCLA coming up well short of Villanova.
The evening session of play pits Texas against Duke and Western Kentucky battles Gonzaga. Both could, and should, be highly contested match-ups and anything can happen. If I were a betting man I would take the higher seeds in Duke and Gonzaga, but I have heard good arguments for Western Kentucky and Texas as well. Should be fun, enjoy.
NIT Update
The only NIT game has already been completed. Baylor dismantled Virginia Tech by a score of 84-66. The Hokies couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in this thing shooting only 32% from the field. Baylor, on the other hand, couldn't miss. The Bears shot 61% on the game. This was a huge reason they won the game as most of their shots were ridiculously high percentage shots in the paint.
The result has been recorded and added to the NIT bracket (below) and the Baylor Bears will take on Auburn in the next round.
The result has been recorded and added to the NIT bracket (below) and the Baylor Bears will take on Auburn in the next round.
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