Madness has begun

[basketcase]

Today is conference tournament thursday (seems every day has a name now); many of the big teams and the bubble teams have the chance to make their statements or burst.

Projections for #1 seeds are Florida, Arizona, Villanova, and Whichita State.

I agree with the first two but even though undefeated is a big deal, a mid major conference and weak non-conference schedule in my mind puts them at a lower seed. Villanova hasn't impressed me that much with the new Big East not being as strong as it used to be and they lost today to Seaton Hall.

Michigan and Kansas would be my replacements (with their Canadian content).

Selection Sunday is coming up but even before that, lots of basketball to watch.

 

[blackrock13]

My head says Whitchita State, my heart says Syracuse.

 

[basketcase]

Seems like a few teams have made some statements today for high seeds.

Pitt wins by 29
San Diego State wins by 34
Arizona wins by 32
Louisville wins by 61 I guess the bench didn't see too much PT today (edit - actually checked and the whole team played minutes - only 1 guy played less than 10).

Meanwhile, Kansas had to go to OT to win (though OK State is good when they have it together) and #3 Villanova lost to Seaton Hall. Old Dominion is likely out after their big loss today, South Carolina pulled off a second straight upset. Mizou beat Texas A&M in an exciting 2OT game.

 

[K Douglas]

Villanova losing threatens their #1 seed status. We'll wait and see what happens. Love the March Madness.

Since my team is out for it seems the 4th or 5th straight year, I'm cheering for Syracuse (Tyler Ennis) and Wichita State (Nick Wiggins and Chadrack Lufile are both from the GTA). Gotta love their nickname - the Shockers.

 

[basketcase]

Toronto's Melvin Ejim has a strong game beating KU and Wiggins. Probably means Kansas won't get that 4th #1.

Ejim also won the Big 12 Player of the year, Wiggins won Big 12 Rookie Award.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/baske...ins_claim_yearend_honours_in_ncaa_big_12.html

 

[maurice93]

Wisconsin has controlled the 4th #1 seed since Villanova went down. If they don't win the B10, then it will be a total ??

 

[K Douglas]

There are a tremendous amount of impact Canadian raised players in the NCAA. I think this will only get better in years to come, especially with the improvement of the Raptors franchise.

 

[basketcase]

Stuaskas was named big 10 player of the year.
http://www.freep.com/article/20140313/COL38/303130042/nik-stauskas-michigan-basketball-big-ten

Daniel Mullings at NM State gets the WAC Player of the year. I like Mullings. He stayed in Canada at a a school that is not a basketball powerhouse and still did well.
Khem Birch at UNLV gets the Mountain West Defensive honours and Sim Bhullar gets the same in the WAC.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/e...jim-daniel-mullings-conference-023935931.html

Canada has really come into its own.

 

[mjg1]

Michigan as 2 seed is a little high, while MSU and Louisville are seeded too low. The Spartans are getting healthy at the right time, and could win it all. But I am picking Florida to win it, can't wait to see all those upsets.

On a sad note, I think Michigan will be one the high seeds to lose early in their second game. I am a Michigan fan, and have followed the team all year, so I have my reasons.

Go Blue!

 

[mynameisearl11]

My Final Four: FLA,MCST,LOUV and OKST. On OKST,Marcus Smart is on a mission to win it all!
Champion: MCST over OKST
First Round potential upset victims: Okla,Umass and Saint Louis. Pay attention to the Group of Death - the Midwest Region - whoever get out of the region will be dead tired to play in the Final Four!

 

[K Douglas]

Funny how I always seem to get a cold this time of year (1st day of MM) and have to call in sick

Alot of the experts are picking Mich St to win it all. I'm not down with that at all. Yes they are a very good team from a tough conference and are senior laden. But their past 10 games haven't been exactly stellar. Here are my final 4 picks

South - Florida Gators. 32-2 and haven't lost since December 2. That is total domination any way you look at it.
East - Iowa State Hawkeyes. I watched their conference tourney championship and really liked their makeup. Led by Toronto product Melvin Ejim they are a very focused squad.
West - I go off the rails a bit and select the 6 seed Baylor Bears, another Big 12 member. It's the weakest bracket so just a shot in the dark.
Midwest - Louisville Cardinals. All 3 of their losses in 2014 have been to ranked teams - twice Memphis and once Cinci. Senior guards are a key.

Championship. Florida over Louisville 72-66.

 

[Dawgger]

K Douglas ...Surprised you don't have a device at work you can catch the games on. I picked Michigan State and thought I would be one of a small group, I am surprised at how much support they are receiving.
Michigan State over Wichita state 67-62. There's a "shocker" for you!

 

[K Douglas]

K Douglas ...Surprised you don't have a device at work you can catch the games on. I picked Michigan State and thought I would be one of a small group, I am surprised at how much support they are receiving.
Michigan State over Wichita state 67-62. There's a "shocker" for you!

I do. But I like to go out to a bar and watch the games with my buddies. We do it every year. I am cheering for the Shockers since my team is not in the tourney.

 

[Simon Snow Blower]

What a game by Dayton. I'm sure Ohio State busted up a lot of brackets today.

 

[mynameisearl11]

What a game by Dayton. I'm sure Ohio State busted up a lot of brackets today.

Mercer screwed up lots of brackets today...Can't wait for next year! LOL

 

[K Douglas]

Mercer screwed up lots of brackets today...Can't wait for next year! LOL

No kidding. I'm mad because I had Tennessee beating Duke in the 2nd round and then I changed it back. I did have Michigan beating them in the 16 though so not too bad. I went 15 for 16 yesterday only one I had wrong was St Joes over Conn.

So far today not as fortunate. Have already lost 2 - damn you New Mexico!

 

[basketcase]

I'm 3 for 8 so far today. Not my best year but who really gets upset when Duke loses. Barely even had a chance to look at the scores before now though so can't comment on the games themselves.

Some amazing games yesterday though (I went 13/16 for what it's worth). I was really impressed with the two Canucks from NM State in their game. First time I saw them this year (I'll admit I have never been a fan of Sim seeing him as just big but he's really worked on his fitness and mobility - not NBA ready game but then again, he is 7'5).

 

[good to go]

Glad to see Duke and coach k get knocked out.

 

[basketcase]

UNC really looks to have their heads in the tournament at game end.

Horrible free throw shooter puts them ahead with 3.5s, get his own rebound on the second, goes to the line again and seals it.

 

[basketcase]

Wow. SF Austin beats VCU. (I actually picked this one). I will admit though that I changed channels when VCU was up 4 with 1 Austin possession left. Major brain cramp from VCU fouling a 3 point shot with 3 seconds left when a make would still have meant a VCU win. And 1, makes the shot - another overtime and VCU is out.



(and #1 seed Virginian is down to the 16 at half. Could history be in the making?)