LSAClassOf2000

March 26th, 2015 at 7:29 PM ^

My own picks, which now reflect only two of the pools I am in - the two I still have some hope in when it comes to winning some cash....

- Notre Dame (I had a pregame tossup feel about this one though, but not so much now)

- Wisconsin

- Kentucky

- Arizona

Having now revealed my actual picks in those brackets, someone goes down. That seems to be the way that goes for me. 

Avant's Hands

March 26th, 2015 at 7:32 PM ^

This is a tough game for Wichita and the only reason I picked against them. Playing Kansas is something these guys have wanted for years. They get a decisive win there and now you have to turn around and play a team that's almost the opposite of Kansas. I would be very impressed if they could win those two back to back.

Qmatic

March 26th, 2015 at 7:52 PM ^

I have really enjoyed watching this core of Wichita St the past 3 years of VanFleet, Baker, and Cotton (and Early the past two years).

It's crazy that they were primarily an underclassmen led mid-major team two years ago, and a lot of people forget they had a 10 point second half lead vs Louisville. Man, if only they could have held on that game...

Mweasel

March 26th, 2015 at 8:12 PM ^

I made a bet that Kentucky will lose in the tournament...I know they've got all kind of size and athleticism...but they play fairly sloppy and I can't see them beating 4 quality opponents in a row.

Mr. Yost

March 26th, 2015 at 8:19 PM ^

High level basketball being played...the other game is very good as well.

Like I said, all four games today are better than anything we'll see tomorrow.

Mr. Yost

March 26th, 2015 at 8:34 PM ^

But these matchups even on paper are all better than anything tomorrow.

You have the Fast/Slow storyline, the favorite mid-major over the ACC tournament champion, The pressing, fouling, tough, pitbull type team versus the undefeated powerhouse, then a coach going against his former program which is a Sweet 16 mainstay the past 5 years.

More importantly, you're talking about great TEAMS. Outside of WVU, all of these are REALLY good teams. And WVU plays a style that makes their matchup intriuging.

Last week there were a TON of close games, but there weren't as many high level basketball games. SMU/UCLA was a close game with a crazy ending. These two games tonight are MUCH better basketball games thus far.

Just because games are close doesn't make the play any good. This is high level/elite basketballright now.

Avant's Hands

March 26th, 2015 at 8:41 PM ^

Oh, I agree completely. On paper, there is no comparison. Luckily, these first two games are living up to it (assuming WSU doesn't completely die right now). But it's perfectly conceivable that Kentucky and Arizona come out and blow away their opponents. 

I do think you are underestimating Utah, who I believe to be underseeded. I also think Cat Barber is a lot of fun to watch and it could be interesting to watch him bring the ball up if and when Louisville goes to a press. 

Avant's Hands

March 26th, 2015 at 8:35 PM ^

ND back to making every shot they take. They seem to be very streaky. Wichita seems to be guarding inside and forcing ND to shoot. I don't understand. It works if ND is off, but they are hitting again and Wichita isn't guarding the shooters at all.

Michigan4Harbaugh

March 26th, 2015 at 8:35 PM ^

I rewatched the Michigan vs Kentucky game from the Elite Eight last year earlier. Was quite enjoyable, but also quite heart wrenching as well. I know that it is all water under the bridge now, but a few key things happened in that game that I picked up watching it again.

There were two 5 min plus droughts that really hurt us, and we were out rebounded heavily. Even with those two things going against us, that game was ours and here's why. In the first half, Marcus Lee was not called for touching the ball while it was already in the cylinder, and thus gave them 2 pts.

Also, Caris LeVert hit a 3 pointer which was called a 2. The review clearly showed LeVert just behind the line. So that is 3 pts right there taken from us. After we tied the game at 72-72, Kentucky had the ball with about 25 sec left. Team fouls were only 5 for us.

So Michigan would have fouled them and ran time off the clock. Even if they made both FTs, we would have still been up 1 pt with not much time left. That's game, set, match, and moving on to face Wisconsin. Sorry for the long post, but it's hard to accept a loss that really shouldn't have been. Next season can't get here fast enough. GO BLUE!!

Michigan4Harbaugh

March 26th, 2015 at 8:43 PM ^

I rewatched the Michigan vs Kentucky game from the Elite Eight last year earlier. Was quite enjoyable, but also quite heart wrenching as well. I know that it is all water under the bridge now, but a few key things happened in that game that I picked up watching it again.

There were two 5 min plus droughts that really hurt us, and we were out rebounded heavily. Even with those two things going against us, that game was ours and here's why. In the first half, Marcus Lee was not called for touching the ball while it was already in the cylinder, and thus gave them 2 pts.

Also, Caris LeVert hit a 3 pointer which was called a 2. The review clearly showed LeVert just behind the line. So that is 3 pts right there taken from us. Michigan should have been up 75-72. Kentucky had the ball with about 25 sec left. Team fouls were only 5 for us.

So Michigan would have fouled them and ran time off the clock. Even if they made both FTs, we would have still been up 1 pt with not much time left. That's game, set, match, and moving on to face Wisconsin. Sorry for the long post, but it's hard to accept a loss that really shouldn't have been. Next season can't get here fast enough. GO BLUE!!

Avant's Hands

March 26th, 2015 at 8:52 PM ^

WSU playing horrible defense today after being solid all season. Have to guard the 3 point line against ND, but preferable without leaving their center wide open.

Perkis-Size Me

March 26th, 2015 at 9:01 PM ^

If Wisconsin loses tonight, the last shred left of my bracket is long gone. And if ND wins, then I guess I'm becoming a huge Kentucky fan.

Ugh, could you all imagine the unlikely, but still potential possibility of an MSU-ND title game? At that rate it couldn't possibly be a worse year for Michigan fans.




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Black Socks

March 26th, 2015 at 9:15 PM ^

I've watched the NCAA long enough to know, that when you play UNC you are also playing the refs.  It's usually good for about 8 points.