If for some unknown reason you are reading this blog, but do not have your television on, TURN IT ON. In a tournament full of incredible games, the knockdown, dragout war between Kansas State and Xavier lands firmly at the top of the heap.
And it's not even over.
Oh, and Gus Johnson is calling it.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Butler Did It!
An incredible 11-0 run in the last 4 minutes of the game, which bookended a 12-1 to start the game, just put Butler 1 win away from a dream Final Four in their hometown of Indianapolis. Oh, and it sent another #1 seed packing.I haven't been high on Syracuse and, in fact, thought that without Arinze Onuaku, they wouldn't get past the first weekend of the Tournament. But I didn't expect them to lose tonight. Neither of the 'Cuse's two critical weaknesses -- turnovers and defensive rebounding -- plays into Butler's strengths. But apparently the Orange didn't need a lot of help coughing the ball up. The 18-7 turnover disparity was the first key to Butler's win. It meant that the Bulldogs took 4 more shots from the field and 7 more from the free throw line. Gotta shoot to score.
The second key stat, equally odd, was Butler's 16-for-28 shooting inside the arc. The Bulldogs typically rely on threes, and per usual, they shot a boatload tonight. But they only hit 25% from downtown. They more than made up for it by poking their way into the seams of Syracuse's zone. Missing Onuaku didn't help.
Take heart, Syracuse fans. You have plenty of company in the Big East comfort room, where your rivals from DC, Philly, and Pittsburgh have been licking their wounds. And don't say we didn't warn you:
The March has said all season long that this is a down year across the board in college hoops, and that the tournament would be chaotic, um, madness as a result. With Kansas down, there are some happy folks in Lexington, Syracuse, and Durham, but they best beware. The Madness has barely begun.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Close Encounters
The March is taking in tonight's slate of games at Dave & Buster's in downtown Providence, where we have been joined by . . . the Tennessee basketball team. Bobby Maze, the Vols' resident drama queen, sat directly to my right, until he decided that he could not stand my foul stench and decided to sit next to Srinivas. (More likely, he wanted a better view of the Duke game to cheer on his buddy Nolan Smith.) The evidence:
Word on the street is that the Villanova team will be in later this evening.
UPDATE: Srinivas adds (courtesy of his Facebook page):
Word on the street is that the Villanova team will be in later this evening.
UPDATE: Srinivas adds (courtesy of his Facebook page):
Srinivas Ayyagari
I'm sitting next to Vol guard Bobby Maze at the bar. He has a *stack* of D&B arcade tickets. HELLO? NCAA VIOLATION! Also fighting urge to heckle J.P. Prince to his face.
39 minutes ago
Srinivas Ayyagari
Bobby Maze just bounced from the bar to elsewhere in D&B's, but not before engaging in a literally *10 second long* handshake/combo/ritual with one of his boys. Not exaggerating at all. Multiple people watching openmouthed.
36 minutes ago
Admissions Day
Dear Messrs. Thomas, Farokhmanesh, Pondexter, and Smith:
Thank you for your applications. We have enjoyed reviewing them and are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for admission to our storied institution.
We are also delighted to inform you that this is one of our largest single-day admission classes ever.
Welcome.
Sincerely,
The March History Books
Thursday, March 18, 2010
South Region: First Round Preview
We're just a few hours from tip in Providence and elsewhere. Here's my last regional preview.
1-Duke*
16-Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Okay, I'll say it: This is a good Duke team, and I think they're Final Four bound. (Now let's see if this jinx works.)
8-California
9-Louisville*
I'm not that high on Louisville, and this is a good matchup for Cal, but I'm picking the Cards on principle. I hope they teach the Selection Committee a thing or two. Either way, I think Duke is headed to the Sweet 16. (That should do it.)
5-Texas A&M
12-Utah State*
An Agricultural War descends on Spokane as the Aggies of Texas take on the Aggies of Utah. This is another 5-12 matchup that is a much closer call than the seeding suggests. In the past 5 years, I've twice put my faith in Utah State to pull an upset from a double-digit seed. They came agonizingly close last year, but haven't gotten over the hump. On the flip side, it's been two years in a row that A&M has confounded me by defeating an offensively-efficient team from Utah in the Tournament's first round (BYU twice, for those keeping score). Third time's the charm? An experienced senior point guard, a potent inside-outside attack, a venue not too far from home, and a matchup with another team that prefers a slower pace may be enough to get Utah's Aggies over the hump. At the end of the day, I'm picking with my heart on this one.
4-Purdue*
13-Siena
Yes, Purdue is without Robbie Hummel and just got pasted by Minnesota by 27 points. Yes, Siena has won first round tournament games two years in a row. No, that does not mean you can chalk this up as an upset. The key to the Boilers' post-Hummel offense is Jajuan Johnson. In the two games they've lost in the last few weeks, his relatively low FG% has stood out. It's not clear that the Saints match up well against him. An upset wouldn't be a surprise, but this is not necessarily the sure pick that many seem to think it is.
3-Baylor*
14-Sam Houston State
Baylor is playing some pretty good basketball. Their ball-handling and defensive rebounding leave a bit to be desired, but Sam Houston State is not likely to exploit these weaknesses.
6-Notre Dame*
11-Old Dominion
An upset here would be no surprise, but it's tough to pick against the Irish the way they've been playing of late. For once, Mike Brey seems to have figured things out defensively. The Irish will have to contain ODU's inside game and control their own glass.
7-Richmond*
10-St. Mary's
This might be the most intriguing matchup of the first round, and the March will be there live and in person. Richmond's methodical Princeton offense versus St. Mary's high-powered inside-out attack. Both teams like to shoot the 3, and both defend the 3 well. If someone can get the upper hand from beyond the arc, they could be in the driver's seat, but if not, it may come down to rebounding, turnovers, and which team is more successful scoring underneath (Richmond with its cutting and passing, or St. Mary's with Samhan in the post). It's a pick 'em. I'll go with the team that has the shorter travel distance and the mascot more likely to frighten small children.
2-Villanova*
15-Robert Morris
I don't think Nova deserved a 2 seed, but here they are, facing an overmatched Robert Morris team.
1-Duke*
16-Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Okay, I'll say it: This is a good Duke team, and I think they're Final Four bound. (Now let's see if this jinx works.)
8-California
9-Louisville*
I'm not that high on Louisville, and this is a good matchup for Cal, but I'm picking the Cards on principle. I hope they teach the Selection Committee a thing or two. Either way, I think Duke is headed to the Sweet 16. (That should do it.)
5-Texas A&M12-Utah State*
An Agricultural War descends on Spokane as the Aggies of Texas take on the Aggies of Utah. This is another 5-12 matchup that is a much closer call than the seeding suggests. In the past 5 years, I've twice put my faith in Utah State to pull an upset from a double-digit seed. They came agonizingly close last year, but haven't gotten over the hump. On the flip side, it's been two years in a row that A&M has confounded me by defeating an offensively-efficient team from Utah in the Tournament's first round (BYU twice, for those keeping score). Third time's the charm? An experienced senior point guard, a potent inside-outside attack, a venue not too far from home, and a matchup with another team that prefers a slower pace may be enough to get Utah's Aggies over the hump. At the end of the day, I'm picking with my heart on this one.
4-Purdue*
13-Siena
Yes, Purdue is without Robbie Hummel and just got pasted by Minnesota by 27 points. Yes, Siena has won first round tournament games two years in a row. No, that does not mean you can chalk this up as an upset. The key to the Boilers' post-Hummel offense is Jajuan Johnson. In the two games they've lost in the last few weeks, his relatively low FG% has stood out. It's not clear that the Saints match up well against him. An upset wouldn't be a surprise, but this is not necessarily the sure pick that many seem to think it is.
3-Baylor*
14-Sam Houston State
Baylor is playing some pretty good basketball. Their ball-handling and defensive rebounding leave a bit to be desired, but Sam Houston State is not likely to exploit these weaknesses.
6-Notre Dame*
11-Old Dominion
An upset here would be no surprise, but it's tough to pick against the Irish the way they've been playing of late. For once, Mike Brey seems to have figured things out defensively. The Irish will have to contain ODU's inside game and control their own glass.
7-Richmond*10-St. Mary's
This might be the most intriguing matchup of the first round, and the March will be there live and in person. Richmond's methodical Princeton offense versus St. Mary's high-powered inside-out attack. Both teams like to shoot the 3, and both defend the 3 well. If someone can get the upper hand from beyond the arc, they could be in the driver's seat, but if not, it may come down to rebounding, turnovers, and which team is more successful scoring underneath (Richmond with its cutting and passing, or St. Mary's with Samhan in the post). It's a pick 'em. I'll go with the team that has the shorter travel distance and the mascot more likely to frighten small children.
2-Villanova*
15-Robert Morris
I don't think Nova deserved a 2 seed, but here they are, facing an overmatched Robert Morris team.
East Region: First Round Preview
The March has arrived in Providence. Here's an early morning preview of the East Region first round.
1-Kentucky*
16-ETSU
I'm looking forward to seeing UK go down, but it's not going to happen here.
8-Texas*
9-Wake Forest
The Selection Committee has a sense of humor. I like Texas to come out of this matchup of volatile underachievers, but really, anything could happen. Expect a tough battle under the basket.
5-Temple*
1-Kentucky*
16-ETSU
I'm looking forward to seeing UK go down, but it's not going to happen here.
8-Texas*
9-Wake Forest
The Selection Committee has a sense of humor. I like Texas to come out of this matchup of volatile underachievers, but really, anything could happen. Expect a tough battle under the basket.
5-Temple*12-Cornell
Might be the most fascinating first-round matchup in the entire Tournament. First there's Fran Dunphy matching wits with his former assistant Steve Donahue in an unlikely Ivy coach versus former Ivy coach matchup. Then there's the unstoppable force versus immovable object nature of the matchup, as the best 3-point shooting team in the country takes on the second-best three-point defense in the country. Who will budge? Finally, the favorite is the team who got pounded by Kansas by 30 points on its own floor, and the underdog is the team who nearly upset Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse. It's a legitimate upset pick, but in the end, I suspect that master bests pupil.
4-Wisconsin*
13-Wofford
The Badgers tend to be much better at home than on the road, and they've also tended to underperform in the Tournament when given a high seed. Throw in Wofford's strong form, and there's an outside chance at an upset. But I wouldn't bet on it.
3-New Mexico*
14-Montana
The last time Steve Alford took a team to a 3 seed, it ended with a buzzer-beating defeat. The prospect of facing Anthony Johnson (and his teammates) might giving poor Steve flashbacks. With their star guard and capable 3-point shooting, Montana is probably the most likely 14 seed upset. But it's not clear that their defense is strong enough to pull it off.
6-Marquette
11-Washington*
This looks like a good matchup for the Huskies. They attack the basket and rebound the offensive glass well -- areas where Marquette's defense is weakest. And Washington denies the 3-point shot that Marquette relies on. Marquette may be the better team, but Washington may win this game.
7-Clemson*
10-Missouri
80 minutes of hell? A fascinating game that will feature two teams of Tigers who liberally employ the full-court press diagrammed to the left. Clemson seems less equipped to take what they dish out, with a questionable turnover rate. But they may be able to make up for these missed shots with second-chance points -- Missouri is woeful on the defensive glass. Clemson has also been effective at stifling the 3-point shot, from which Missouri gets about 30% of its points. On top of all that, Mizzou just hasn't been the same since Justin Safford went down with an ACL injury.
2-West Virginia
15-Morgan State
The 'Eers may outscore Morgan State on second chance points alone.
Might be the most fascinating first-round matchup in the entire Tournament. First there's Fran Dunphy matching wits with his former assistant Steve Donahue in an unlikely Ivy coach versus former Ivy coach matchup. Then there's the unstoppable force versus immovable object nature of the matchup, as the best 3-point shooting team in the country takes on the second-best three-point defense in the country. Who will budge? Finally, the favorite is the team who got pounded by Kansas by 30 points on its own floor, and the underdog is the team who nearly upset Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse. It's a legitimate upset pick, but in the end, I suspect that master bests pupil.
4-Wisconsin*
13-Wofford
The Badgers tend to be much better at home than on the road, and they've also tended to underperform in the Tournament when given a high seed. Throw in Wofford's strong form, and there's an outside chance at an upset. But I wouldn't bet on it.
3-New Mexico*
14-Montana
The last time Steve Alford took a team to a 3 seed, it ended with a buzzer-beating defeat. The prospect of facing Anthony Johnson (and his teammates) might giving poor Steve flashbacks. With their star guard and capable 3-point shooting, Montana is probably the most likely 14 seed upset. But it's not clear that their defense is strong enough to pull it off.
6-Marquette
11-Washington*
This looks like a good matchup for the Huskies. They attack the basket and rebound the offensive glass well -- areas where Marquette's defense is weakest. And Washington denies the 3-point shot that Marquette relies on. Marquette may be the better team, but Washington may win this game.
7-Clemson*10-Missouri
80 minutes of hell? A fascinating game that will feature two teams of Tigers who liberally employ the full-court press diagrammed to the left. Clemson seems less equipped to take what they dish out, with a questionable turnover rate. But they may be able to make up for these missed shots with second-chance points -- Missouri is woeful on the defensive glass. Clemson has also been effective at stifling the 3-point shot, from which Missouri gets about 30% of its points. On top of all that, Mizzou just hasn't been the same since Justin Safford went down with an ACL injury.
2-West Virginia
15-Morgan State
The 'Eers may outscore Morgan State on second chance points alone.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
West Region: First Round Preview
Last post before heading off for Providence, which the March will be reaching late tonight. A quick preview of the first round in the West. The most interesting pod here is the 4-5-12-13; I could honestly see any of those teams coming through to the Sweet Sixteen.
1-Syracuse*
16-Vermont
I certainly don't think it will happen, but I give Vermont a shooter's chance of pulling an upset over a Syracuse team that has lost two straight and will be without Arinze Onuaku. The senior-laden Catamounts' team plays fairly good defense and can exploit the Cuse's poor defensive rebounding. The big problem for Vermont is their poor 3-point shooting, which could doom them against Syracuse's vaunted zone defense.
8-Florida State*
9-Gonzaga
FSU should win on the strength of defense and rebounding, but could be done in by turnovers. If they do win, I give them fair odds of upsetting an Onuaku-less Syracuse team in the second round.
4-Vanderbilt
13-Murray State*
Upset Special. Murray State is a pretty complete, pretty balanced team. They have a couple weaknesses (defensive rebounding, turnovers) that Vanderbilt is not well-equipped to exploit. The Racers have a good enough chance that it's fun to pick them.
5-Butler*
12-UTEP
This may be the most wide open pod. This matchup poses problems for both teams. UTEP is foul-prone, and Butler lives at the charity stripe. On the other hand, the Bulldogs could have a lot of trouble with the Miners' primary offensive weapon, Derrick Caracter (as they did with Greg Monroe in the loss to Georgetown). I'm gonna stick with the Bulldogs here, but mostly because I find it too close to call, and I just want them to win.
3-Pittsburgh*
14-Oakland
Expect Pitt to continue its fine late season form and set up a potential rematch of last year's great Sweet Sixteen tilt against Xavier.
6-Xavier*
11-Minnesota
Minnesota can light it up from downtown, but Xavier has been stifling opponents' 3-point shooting all year.
7-BYU*
10-Florida
BYU has let me down before, but they really are underseeded here, and they're facing a Florida team that stumbled ass backwards into the Tournament.
2-Kansas State*
15-North Texas
Their ferocious rebounding and ability to get to the free throw line makes it hard to upset Kansas State.
1-Syracuse*
16-Vermont
I certainly don't think it will happen, but I give Vermont a shooter's chance of pulling an upset over a Syracuse team that has lost two straight and will be without Arinze Onuaku. The senior-laden Catamounts' team plays fairly good defense and can exploit the Cuse's poor defensive rebounding. The big problem for Vermont is their poor 3-point shooting, which could doom them against Syracuse's vaunted zone defense.
8-Florida State*
9-Gonzaga
FSU should win on the strength of defense and rebounding, but could be done in by turnovers. If they do win, I give them fair odds of upsetting an Onuaku-less Syracuse team in the second round.
4-Vanderbilt
13-Murray State*
Upset Special. Murray State is a pretty complete, pretty balanced team. They have a couple weaknesses (defensive rebounding, turnovers) that Vanderbilt is not well-equipped to exploit. The Racers have a good enough chance that it's fun to pick them.
5-Butler*
12-UTEP
This may be the most wide open pod. This matchup poses problems for both teams. UTEP is foul-prone, and Butler lives at the charity stripe. On the other hand, the Bulldogs could have a lot of trouble with the Miners' primary offensive weapon, Derrick Caracter (as they did with Greg Monroe in the loss to Georgetown). I'm gonna stick with the Bulldogs here, but mostly because I find it too close to call, and I just want them to win.
3-Pittsburgh*
14-Oakland
Expect Pitt to continue its fine late season form and set up a potential rematch of last year's great Sweet Sixteen tilt against Xavier.
6-Xavier*
11-Minnesota
Minnesota can light it up from downtown, but Xavier has been stifling opponents' 3-point shooting all year.
7-BYU*
10-Florida
BYU has let me down before, but they really are underseeded here, and they're facing a Florida team that stumbled ass backwards into the Tournament.
2-Kansas State*
15-North Texas
Their ferocious rebounding and ability to get to the free throw line makes it hard to upset Kansas State.
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