Thursday NCAA Tournament Live In-Games Thread

[Walter]

As of this typing, 9 1/2 hours till tip off!!! :D:D

Talk about the games here. If you're at work and can't see the action, we'll let you know what's going on.

[mycarman]

I'll be the first douchebag to throw in my F4... Lou/Mem/Nova/OK

anyways, I can't wait for this. I'd take the next 4 days of games over pretty much any bowl game, and just slightly less fun to me than the draft

[Centurion]

My F4:

Duke over Gonzaga
Memphis over Michigan St.

Winner:
Duke over Memphis

Also, should be noted that I have Temple in the Elite 8.

PS, I'm a Duke Fan

[tbod10]

I have Louisville, UNC, Pitt, and Memphis in my Final Four with Louisville beating UNC in the finals. I really, really hope that Lawson is healthy enough to play effectively or else UNC won't make it out of the Sweet 16.

I'll be in Philly watching UConn, BYU vs. A&M, UCLA vs. VCU, and Nova vs. American. Good luck to everybody in their brackets, and here's hoping I get to see at least 1 buzzer beater/upset today! My bet is VCU if anything for the games I'm seeing. Overall, I think it's WKU over Illinois will be the upset today. Illinois possibly not having Chester Frazier really hurts them.

[ryanwest]

Only upset I'm hoping for today isn't really an upset. Butler over LSU.

[Walter]

LSU up 9-1 early on... CBS should be showing CS-Northridge being up 7-2 over Memphis

[Walter]

Northridge now up 8-2... come on CBS!

[ryanwest]

butler looks like a young team...wait....they r.

[Walter]

Butler turning the ball over like crazy. They're way too young. 11-3 LSU

[ryanwest]

id love memphis to lose. i got them out at the sweet 16 anyways.

[Walter]

Shawn Vanzant... sounds like some starving painter.

[Walter]

Ugh CBS won't stop showing this LSU-Butler debaclation

[Walter]

Wow Butler finally hits a shot

[Walter]

Matt Howard, conference player of the year, is now on the bench with 2 fouls

[ryanwest]

wow. refs are calling everything.

[ryanwest]

byu down early. cme on mormons

[Walter]

I don't know about that traveling, he never had control

[Walter]

Memphis finally has the lead

[ryanwest]

gordon hayward...who looks like he is 15....saves a basket for butler.

[Walter]

Wow, Texas A&M is 8/8 from the floor

[Walter]

CS-Northridge up 17-16 on Memphis

[Walter]

Ugliest three attempt ever by Tasmanian Mitchell

[ryanwest]

for as bad as butler is playing...they r only down 4.

[Walter]

LSU is playing really stupid offense. Trent Johnson just staring into space

[Walter]

Trent Johnson reminds me of Herm Edwards. He somehow puts together a competitive team but he's the biggest dumbass ever.

[Walter]

Ugh A&M up 26-11

[ryanwest]

byu have hit back to back 3s. if they get hot...they can comeback.

[Walter]

I actually miss Billy Packer criticizing everyone. Kellogg is too nice.

[Walter]

LOL well A&M has to miss some shots first. I think they're shooting like 90 percent from the field

[Walter]

LSU on fire now, up 25-18. Memphis up 26-20, establishing control

[ryanwest]

if matt howard was in...butler would prolly be winning.

[Walter]

Love LSU cheerleaders.

[Walter]

Texas A&M Field Goals: 14-16, 87%

[ryanwest]

byu needs to keep them off the boards....down 11

[Walter]

Look at this...

Texas A&M FGs: 14-17, 82%
Texas A&M 3-PT FGs: 2-5, 40%

That means every 2-point attempt has gone in for them.

[Dusty]

Okay Memphis needs to pick it up, I have them going all the way. If they loose this game my bracket is messed up like no other.

[Walter]

BYU down 8 now

[Walter]

Okay Memphis needs to pick it up, I have them going all the way. If they loose this game my bracket is messed up like no other.

Memphis will win by 15+ they sometimes start slowly but rip teams apart in the 2nd half.

[ryanwest]

Memphis will win by 15+ they sometimes start slowly but rip teams apart in the 2nd half.

Plus Northridge isn't very good.

[ryanwest]

Gordon Hayward is going to be awesome in about 2 years. I'm talking better than Steph Curry.

[Walter]

Wow buzzer three by Butler. LSU by 6

[ryanwest]

If BYU keeps it within 10 going into half, they have to be satisfied. Considering A&M is shooting 71% right now.

[ryanwest]

BYU...6/8 from 3.

40-30. 2 mins left.

[Dusty]

Memphis will win by 15+ they sometimes start slowly but rip teams apart in the 2nd half.

I hope so I just don't want them to give northridge confidence like NE did with New York

[Walter]

Memphis up 33-31! Tyreke Evans has missed 11 mins with foul trouble

[ryanwest]

Memphis has to hit shots to get their press set up. Thats everything Memphis is about.

[ryanwest]

BYU only down 12....I wish they could have gotten it to single digits.

[Walter]

BYU-A&M 42-30 at half. Will A&M miss some shots in the 2nd half??

[ryanwest]

A&M is: 13 of 18 for 2FG
BYU is: 5 of 22 for 2FG

[Walter]

Memphis by 3 at the half

[Walter]

A&M is: 13 of 18 for 2FG
BYU is: 5 of 22 for 2FG

LOL that's disgusting

[ryanwest]

Memphis is 7-12 from the FT line....memories of last year?

[ryanwest]

LOL that's disgusting

In reverse though:

A&M is: 4 of 11 from 3
BYU is: 6 of 9 from 3 (one of the missed was a half court shot.)

[ryanwest]

Pretty sad that the 8/9 games are supposed to be the closest yet between the 3, the 2/15 game is the closest.

[Coherent]

F4: UNC, Pitt, Mizzo, Kansas

Finals: UNC over Mizzo 78-72

I'm hoping BYU makes a comback

[jmlinden7]

How is Memphis/CSU-Northridge so close?

[ryanwest]

Memphis isn't hitting shots, so they aren't getting into their press.

[Walter]

How is Memphis/CSU-Northridge so close?

Three of Memphis' players have been in foul trouble. Poor foul shooting too

[Walter]

There was no reason to call that fould on Norad. These refs are ridiculous

[yem123]

anyone know where to listen to any of the games on internet radio?

[ryanwest]

Big Three. Butler down 41-38.

[Walter]

Uh oh, Butler to within 3

[Walter]

LSU's lead down to one!

[ryanwest]

You can watch them online. And just listen to the audio.

[Coherent]

Memphis is actually not that good imo, they are a top 4 seed but not a 2 seed, because they are young, and evans is pretty overrated. Next year they will be very good though, they are getting like 3, 5 star recruits .

[yem123]

You can watch them online. And just listen to the audio.
the video thing is blocked at my office... i might be able to sneak in a radio feed though.

[ryanwest]

Unless Evans leaves. Then all bets are off.

[ryanwest]

There options on that site for audio/video, but if that site is blocked then I have no idea.

[ryanwest]

Wow. I'm watching the A&M-BYU game online, and the refs are just as bad. I wonder why?

[Coherent]

Unless Evans leaves. Then all bets are off.

Evans could use another year in college, but I doubt he will stay. They will be getting Demarcus Cousins, Xavier Henery, and possibly John Wall, each are the top prospects at their positions, so it looks bright for them, but unfortunatly these are probably all one-and-done players

[ryanwest]

Northridge down 1. Butler takes first lead.

[Walter]

Butler takes the lead!

[Walter]

LSU back up by 2

[Walter]

BYU draws to within 9 with 15 mins left

[flaming thumbtack]

BYU rallying

[ryanwest]

Wow. What a 3 by Thorton.

[flaming thumbtack]

or not

[ryanwest]

Man. If BYU could hit wide open shots they would be winning.

[ryanwest]

I think UNC can beat both these teams by more than 15 without Lawson. Pretty easily.

[ryanwest]

Northridge ties it!

[Walter]

Jesus, Memphis and Northridge tied at 40

[jmlinden7]

CSU is up by 3! Memphis can't shoot for their lives..

[Coherent]

Wtf, how is Cal-N still in this game, dude Memphis better not lose lol.

[Coherent]

I'm more about getting the final 4 right than the rest, but I had Memphis in the elite 8 so this kinda sucks lol.

[yem123]

just found an audio feed... damn this memphis northridge game is ridiculous!


i have memphis losing in the finals, if they lose now, i am DONE. would be a terribly early exit!

[Walter]

BREAKING NEWS


Jim Calhoun will not coach No. 1 seed UConn vs. Chattanooga today in Philadelphia because of illness, and sources tell Mike Freeman Calhoun's absence might last longer than the weekend.

[Walter]

Memphis down 4... Northridge aparently doesn't miss from three

[Coherent]

UConn will breeze by them, but once they get to the 4 or 5 seeds they may need him

[Walter]

Memphis down 6

[jmlinden7]

CSU now leading 62-56.

[Walter]

These officials blow

[Coherent]

64-61 Csn

[Coherent]

Roburt Sallie is just draining everything for Memphis

[ryanwest]

CSN needs to suck it up. This is where Memphis is going to thrive.

[Walter]

Big three by LSU... Tigers by 5

[ryanwest]

Memphis has 3 guys in Foul Trouble:
Evans has 3, Dozier has 3, Taggart has 3.

[bills_red]

Lets go LSU!

[ryanwest]

If Memphis didn't have Roburt Sallie right now, they would be losing by 30.

Sallie has 29 points, 8/13 from 3.

[flaming thumbtack]

is the Memphis game on TV anywhere? I've got the other 2, but that one sounds better than the the other ones.

[ryanwest]

I'm watching it online. Antonio Anderson is getting hot for Memphis. 67-64. 6:02 to play.

[ryanwest]

CSN has went ice cold. Hasn't hit a shot in awhile. They are getting open 3s.

[flaming thumbtack]

WOW that is a pretty feed, i am used to Justintv, which is **** quality

[bills_red]

LSU up 6 with 2:00 to go

[Walter]

Phew Memphis building its lead

[Coherent]

Finally Memphis takes control.

[ryanwest]

Antonio Anderson hasn't missed.

[Walter]

Howard just fouled out

[Cicero]

LSU up 6 with 2:00 to go

Damn it I wanted them to lose for no other reason than to see one less homer post by supremworldemperor.

[bills_red]

Yes, LSU is going to win

[Walter]

Memphis up 7!

[yem123]

Sallie is my hero!

[bills_red]

Damn it I wanted them to lose for no other reason than to see one less homer post by supremworldemperor.

hahha, that is true

[Walter]

Memphis up 10! Maybe they'll cover the spread lol

[LovemyBills]

LOL Ryan, nice BYU pick there. A&M dominated this game

[Cicero]

That's game.

[ryanwest]

Sallie has 10 3s.

[flaming thumbtack]

walt, what were your plays for the 1st round?

[ryanwest]

LOL Ryan, nice BYU pick there. A&M dominated this game

I figured BYU would shoot them out of the gym. They haven't hit open shots.

[bills_red]

WOW, Butler another 3

[ryanwest]

Butler won't go away.

[Cicero]

Come onnnn Butler

[bills_red]

yes LSU pulls it out

[Walter]

What the hell was that pass? LSU wins

[flaming thumbtack]

LSU wins, 1-1 so far!!!

[bills_red]

well looks like I'll be 2-1

[Walter]

walt, what were your plays for the 1st round?

Against the spread:

http://walterfootball.com/collegebasketballpicks.php

Bracket:

http://walterfootball.com/marchmadness.php

[ryanwest]

Well..I'm 1-2 today.

[Walter]

BYU draws to within 13!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Walter]

I'm never picking BYU to win a tournament game ever again. A&M's young, so I thought the Cougars would win with their experience. So much for that

[flaming thumbtack]

well looks like I'll be 2-1

me too, screw you A&M!!! (not too worried they will get clobbered by uconn anyway)

[Cicero]

You can watch all of the first round games here by the way...
http://mmod.ncaa.com/

[Walter]

What an embarrassing performance by BYU

[Walter]

Yeah, these 8-9 games are meaningless coinflips anyway

[ryanwest]

Did anyone pick N.Iowa?

[Cicero]

Nope.

[flaming thumbtack]

no

[bills_red]

lets go purdue

[ryanwest]

Well thats good. They aren't looking very good.

[flaming thumbtack]

my 5-12s are VCU, arizona, perdue and florida state

[Cicero]

I'm about to pass out from exhaustion, but I have to see my Heels start to dominate before I can get a couple hours of sleep.

[ryanwest]

my 5-12s are VCU, arizona, perdue and florida state


Um..VCU is the 6-11 matchup.

[Walter]

Purdue epically debacling N. Iowa

[ryanwest]

I hope I get California-Maryland. I think that game is going to be fun to watch.

[ryanwest]

Lol. All these Purdue players are tired....they aren't used to running up and down the floor this much. Shows you how 'slow' the Big Ten is.

[bills_red]

Purdue epically debacling N. Iowa

yep, looks like they will kill'em

[Walter]

Northern Iowa with a run, down 7 now

[flaming thumbtack]

Um..VCU is the 6-11 matchup.

oops, meant western KY

[Walter]

You're right, Ryan, Purdue needs a break. This is too fast for them.

[bills_red]

cheerleaders almost got ran over

[ryanwest]

I really hope they change this game. It is really boring.

[ryanwest]

This game does show how good of defense the Big Ten plays though.

[Cicero]

3 seconds and UNC is up 2-0 :)

[Walter]

LOL Radford up 8-6 on UNC. What's going on today?

[Walter]

LOL Radford up 8-6 on UNC. What's going on today?

Never mind, CBS' mistake. 6-3 UNC

[Cicero]

LOL Radford up 8-6 on UNC. What's going on today?

This feed is behind that far? Ok Ok good.

[Walter]

WTF... CBS' featured game is Connecticut-Chattanooga?

[Cicero]

Eyelids....so.....heavy.

[ryanwest]

WTF... CBS' featured game is Connecticut-Chattanooga?

Wow. East influence there? Hopefully Cal starts knocking down shots.

[Cicero]

Come on UNC I need to sleep!!!!

[Walter]

Chattanooga looks competitive

[flaming thumbtack]

I got, cal-maryland, looks like a good game

[Cicero]

Alright, UNC looks fine I'll be able to sleep comfortably. Be back for the UW game.

[ryanwest]

Jerome Randle looks really good.

[ryanwest]

Come on Chattanooga, beat UConn. 16-13.

[Walter]

Chattanooga looks pretty good so far.

[ryanwest]

I was looking at the brackets...Matt has an all Big East final 4.

[ryanwest]

God I hope I get Clemson-Mich and not Texas-Minnesota tonight.

[PHLBarney]

Chattanooga has too many fouls. For the next 10 minutes UConn will be shooting 2. Price is on. Thabeet only has 1 foul. Its going to be a long 10 min for Chatt.

[Walter]

CBS finally transitioning away from UConn-Chattanooga. Thank God.

[ryanwest]

CBS finally transitioning away from UConn-Chattanooga. Thank God.

Walter, Purdue-UNI isn't much better.

[PHLBarney]

I have MD in this one.

I hope that I dont have to watch one Big Ten or Duke game.

[bills_red]

MD v CAL game looks good.

[ryanwest]

Walter, Purdue-UNI isn't much better.

I take that back. UNI would be within 2 if they didn't take away a shot because of a charge.

[bills_red]

man UNI is coming back

[Walter]

man UNI is coming back

Sluggish Big Ten team too tired.

[Walter]

It seems like Maryland has been up by 2 or 3 the entire game

[bills_red]

CAL 3 point shooting is sucking ass

[ryanwest]

Cal down 3 at half. Only shooting 23% from 3. Either they are missing easy shots or Maryland is doing a good job defending them.

[ryanwest]

CAL 3 point shooting is sucking ass

they shoot very well from 3. If they start hitting them, its over for Maryland.

[ryanwest]

Anybody think Davidson would be a lot closer than Chattanooga is against UConn?

[supremeworldemperor]

sorry, I had a class right after the game, so I didn't have a good opportunity to celebrate.

Bring on the Tar Heels!

[ryanwest]

UNI making a run. Hope they win.

[Walter]

Anybody think Davidson would be a lot closer than Chattanooga is against UConn?

They would have beaten A&M too... I've been arguing this for a while. The NCAA didn't put the best 34 at-larges in the tournament.

[bills_red]

UNI making a run. Hope they win.

no

[ryanwest]

They would have beaten A&M too... I've been arguing this for a while. The NCAA didn't put the best 34 at-larges in the tournament.

Yeah...watch Davidson-St. Mary's meet in the NIT championship. LOL.

[ryanwest]

UNI is a 3 away from blowing this open.

[PHLBarney]

Big 2 minutes comin up for UNI here.

[Matt McGuire]

I have purdue in my sweet 16 so they better not lose

[ryanwest]

Why doesn't Northern Iowa have its best player in? Hello...you have 2 minutes left, you're down 8.

[ryanwest]

Huge 3 by UNI

Purdue missing FTs down the stretch. Could be a classic.

[ryanwest]

What a horrible call by the Ref! You have to swalllow your whistle on that.

[ryanwest]

UNI would be winning right now. Refs have costed them this game if they lose.

[bills_red]

YES!!!!! Purdue wins it.

[Walter]

Goooo Cal! This game has been so close throughout

[ryanwest]

Chattanooga hasn't scored in the 2nd half yet.

[Matt McGuire]

Maryland up by 8 on a 9-0 run...I am killing my picks today. I think it would be sick to get my entire bracket right even though id on't think I entered it in any big contest.

[Matt McGuire]

Walter, you can't pick against Gary Williams...he is the most underrated coach in college basketball.

plus Maryland's uniforms are awesome.

[supremeworldemperor]

I have Maryland in the Elite Eight. I'm perfect so far, but that won't last.

Since I know you care, you can follow my bracket at my super awesome blog, World of Hunter (http://worldofhunter.blogspot.com)

[bills_red]

CAL getting ass kicked now

[ryanwest]

I've never seen such bad officiating in the tournament. I hope this changes.

[Walter]

I can't believe how dumb Cal has played in the last 6 minutes

[supremeworldemperor]

I also picked North Carolina to advance (only to LOSE to tha Bayou Bengals! Yes, I have LSU beating North Carolina and losing to Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen. Can only go so far.)

and UConn. I have UConn advancing to.

[ryanwest]

I can't believe how dumb Cal has played in the last 6 minutes

That too.

[Matt McGuire]

You guys don't understand how much better the ACC is than the Pac 10 this year. That is why Maryland is kicking butt.

[ryanwest]

Wow. California played like crap.

[supremeworldemperor]

I'm still perfect.

I picked Mississippi State to beat Washington. Watch out!

[LovemyBills]

YES a game to bridge the early games and the late games. LETS GO WASHINGTON!

[supremeworldemperor]

Let's go Mississippi State!

[LovemyBills]

damn Miss. St. finally scored a FG

[LovemyBills]

Miss. St. is no match

[ryanwest]

Well, at least one of my sleepers is looking good. Washington putting it to Miss State.

[LovemyBills]

Pondexter is lighting it up

[ryanwest]

I just like aggresive, come at you defenses and thats exactly what Washington is.

If they win, Purdue-Washington should be fun. Purdue doesn't like uptempo though and Washington loves it. Whoever controls the pace will win.

[ryanwest]

Huskies up 38-27 at half. Miss State is getting frustrated by their defense.

[Matt McGuire]

This is why I hate 65 team tourneys with automatic bids.

MSU got hot and they don't deserve to be here.

Have the committee select the top 32 teams who actually have a chance to win this (we know that no 9+ seed will) so we can have a more fair tournament...but it will never happen because they generate more money, like the BCS.

lol I just realized i picked all Big East teams for my final 4.

[ryanwest]

This is why I hate 65 team tourneys with automatic bids.

MSU got hot and they don't deserve to be here.

Have the committee select the top 32 teams who actually have a chance to win this (we know that no 9+ seed will) so we can have a more fair tournament...but it will never happen because they generate more money, like the BCS.

lol I just realized i picked all Big East teams for my final 4.

I totally disagree Matt. I think we should have autobids. If their were no autobids you would lose viewers because a lot of people watch just for the little guys. Whats the point of having 330+ division I schools if not all of them have a chance to make it?

You would never have Valparaiso. You would never have Davidson last year, or George Mason 3 years ago. No one would be rooting for WKU tonight. You would have Penn State v. Louisville. St. Mary's v. UNC. Creighton v. UConn. None of that would be as fun to watch as watching Northridge almost upsetting Memphis. (Or when they actually do).

At least the tournament is a playoff system. Not made up of computer rankings. People actually discuss what seeds each team will get. They don't plug their "stats" into a computer and just click enter.

[ryanwest]

The tournament is demanding enough. Win 6 consecutive games. No other sport has a demand that high.

[Matt McGuire]

I totally disagree Matt. I think we should have autobids. If their were no autobids you would lose viewers because a lot of people watch just for the little guys. Whats the point of having 330+ division I schools if not all of them have a chance to make it?

You would never have Valparaiso. You would never have Davidson last year, or George Mason 3 years ago. No one would be rooting for WKU tonight. You would have Penn State v. Louisville. St. Mary's v. UNC. Creighton v. UConn. None of that would be as fun to watch as watching Northridge almost upsetting Memphis. (Or when they actually do).

Whats the point? Um giving student athletes scholarships to get an education...yeah I am pretty sure that is it.

Look, the upsets are fun, but my tournament theory is a tournament should include the least amount of teams that can practically win the Championship. Putting teams in a tourney isn't about upsets or Cinderellas, but about who can win it all?

College Basketball: 32
College Football: 8
NFL: 12 (perfect)
NBA: 16 (too many), I'd go with 8.
MLB: 4 (perfect)

I think that extra game really hurts the really good teams with bad depth and I think having those #9+ seeds are completely pointless.

I am in the minority, don't argue against me please I know what you will say before you say it and I understand I have a very unpopular opinion

Look, everyone debates: Arizona or St. Mary's...but neither team has a chance to win it all anyways, so it really doesn't matter.

[ryanwest]

College basketball is different Matt. Most athletes who get scholarships leave early anyways. So the point really isn't that. Players can leave after one year.

It is the point of winning the national championship.

Who's to say a team doesn't have a chance? George Mason went to the Final Four as an 11 seed. Lost to the national champs and gave them their closest game.

Wisconsin did it as a 9 seed. Davidson gave Kansas their toughest game as a 10 seed. Its going to happen.

I don't understand why people want to change the NCAA tournament? Its a single elimination tournament that brings in a lot of revenue for 65 teams of different variety.

No one wants to see the Big East get 11 teams in, or the ACC get 9 teams in. That's what the regular season is for.

If you cut it down to 32 teams, who are you taking out, whats your deciding factor on who gets in?

[ryanwest]

Alright, I'm done arguing Matt. Lets just enjoy the March Madness!

[Matt McGuire]

No Ryan. Do you want to make a bet on a #9 or worse seed winning the national championship.

I will give you 40/1 odds. I put down $400 this year, you put down $10. Let's go.

[Matt McGuire]

If you cut it down to 32 teams, who are you taking out, whats your deciding factor on who gets in?

You take the 32 best teams and that is the committe's decision. Based on that, 1-8 seeds from this year's tournament only get in.

[ryanwest]

I don't think it will happen this year. I'm just stating it has happened before and there is a possibility of it happening again. Teams have came close.

I'm done though Matt. I just want to enjoy the basketball.

You have your opinion and I have mine. It is a done deal.

[Matt McGuire]

I am not done.

Teams have come close, but that's not my point. CAN YOU WIN IT?

A tournament isn't about coming close. I love the little guys in the tournament, but if you are good enough in the regular season and you schedule up in non-conference and play well, you definitely deserve a top 32 bid.

[PHLBarney]

What is everyone thoughts on the next set of games.

Villanova -15 vs American o/u 127.5
Texas -4.5 vs Minnesota o/u 127
Clemson -4.5 vs Michigan o/u 138.5
Gonzaga -14 vs Akron o/u 133

[ryanwest]

So you're saying Davidson deserves a top bid? Even though they lost every tough game in non-conf play?

[Walter]

A No. 9 or 10 seed will win it eventually

[Walter]

What is everyone thoughts on the next set of games.

Villanova -15 vs American o/u 127.5
Texas -4.5 vs Minnesota o/u 127
Clemson -4.5 vs Michigan o/u 138.5
Gonzaga -14 vs Akron o/u 133

Villanova line seems kinda low doesn't it? They're playing at home!

[Matt McGuire]

So you're saying Davidson deserves a top bid? Even though they lost every tough game in non-conf play?

I barely watch basketball, that isn't my decision it would be the committees.

[ryanwest]

It would hard to narrow the field down to less than 10% of the entire field into a tournament. You would leave too many teams out. Teams would never schedule the Davidson's, Creighton's, the George Mason's because a loss would mean too much.

Thus those schools would never have a chance. And shouldn't have a basketball program.

Conference tournaments give teams a chance to start over. Overcome injuries, chemistry problems, or anything else that may cause a team to have a bad year. Basketball is different. One player can carry an entire team.

[LovemyBills]

John Belein is from my town. I really want Michigan to do well.

[ryanwest]

Anyone have a coverage map. I'm really hoping I don't get Minnesota - Texas. That game is going to be boring.

[Walter]

I would love to see the NBA go to a 32-game season. Every game would mean so much. I'd watch every night. The NBA could also run a one-and-done mid-season tournament (teams w/ best records could get byes) and the team that wins that tournament could get an automatic playoff berth.

[Matt McGuire]

I completely agree with Walter. A shorter season would mean really awesome, meaningful prime time games, though I think the mid-season tournament is pretty stupid.

[Matt McGuire]

Washington cheerleaders are very hot

[Cicero]

I'm still perfect.

I picked Mississippi State to beat Washington. Watch out!

Fail.

I've been too lazy to get out of bed until now ha.


Washington cheerleaders are very hot

Of course.

[ryanwest]

Lets just have a 320 team tournament during the college basketball season.

Play a best of 3 series.

(for the record...I'm kidding)

[Matt McGuire]

No I say lets do a 512 team tournament and allow the best high school teams too.

[Walter]

though I think the mid-season tournament is pretty stupid.

Not in the slightest. It would be really fun to watch and all the fans would get into it. It'd draw huge ratings. You could run it instead of the dreadful All-Star game, but still have some of the festivities like the Slam Dunk contest, 3-point contest, celebrity game, etc. during the week.

[ryanwest]

No I say lets do a 512 team tournament and allow the best high school teams too.

Ha. Thats funny.

Funny thing is...the best college basketball team could beat the worst pro basketball team.

this is not the case in football.

[Matt McGuire]

But it is stupid because one of the best teams would win that tournament (let's say a top 10 team in the NBA wins it) and they have an extremely likely chance of getting a playoff bid anyways, so I find it redundant.

[supremeworldemperor]

there goes my perfect bracket. Oh well. I didn't have Mississippi State going deep, so it doesn't kill it.

[Matt McGuire]

Ha. Thats funny.

Funny thing is...the best college basketball team could beat the worst pro basketball team.

this is not the case in football.

That is completely ridiculous. Sacramento would obliterate Pittsburgh. You are talking about grown men against boys with a far more talented bench and so much more size.

[ryanwest]

You're telling me UNC can't beat the Clippers? Louisville couldn't beat em? NBA is different because all of these guys could come in and contribute on an NBA team. See: Anthony, Carmelo; Wade, Dwayne; Durant, Kevin; Rose, Derrick

I'm telling you its a close game. NBA players don't play defense. (for the most part)

College football v. pro football would be a complete drubbing.

[Matt McGuire]

No UNC can't beat the Clippers. UNC might have 1 NBA starter on their roster in Ty Lawson. The Clippers would throttle Louisville.

The NBA is on a different level athletically, size-wise, and strength-wise. Plus they are far more intelligent players about the game and have better coaches.

[Walter]

But it is stupid because one of the best teams would win that tournament (let's say a top 10 team in the NBA wins it) and they have an extremely likely chance of getting a playoff bid anyways, so I find it redundant.

Sometimes it would be redundant; sometimes not. But I don't find anything stupid when you get the fans involved, and rake in money and ratings in this economy.

[Matt McGuire]

BCS
Money: check
Ratings: check
Fans involved: I guess so

What's the problem Walter? Money is raked in and they get ratings?

[LovemyBills]

LETS GO WOLVERINES! I'm surprised they made it in, but lets beat Clemson!

[ryanwest]

YES! I got Clemson/Mich!

[Walter]

BCS
Money: check
Ratings: check
Fans involved: I guess so

What's the problem Walter? Money is raked in and they get ratings?

Unfairly Decides Championship: Check