Non-Duke Sweet 16 Discussion

[airowe]

Even though UNI is only a 1 point underdog, it will still be considered an upset if they win. And I think they will not only is Lucas out, but Roe and Allen are banged up as well. I think Ali and crew rides the mojo at least one more game.

Do you guys see any others? Washington with an experienced tourney coach and a great guard in Pondexter? Can Samhan and St. Mary's take down Udoh and Baylor in Houston? How about Cornell over UK? Maybe not smart vs stupid, but good vs evil.

[sdotbarbee]

I would love for Cornell to take out UK, but I don't think they can. I am going to say St. Marys and No. Iowa make it to the Elite 8.:D

[DeBlueDevil]

Honestly, I really truly think that Cornell beat Kentucky tonight. If they can get through the emotional first 5-10 minutes without finding themselves routed....they will win. It's basically a home game for them up in syracuse the place will be rockin. I think they will frustrate Kentucky and will upset them.

This is a veteran Cornell team who stood toe to toe with Kansas whom I still think is a better team than Kentucky....in Rock Chalk Jayhawk Kansas. They're fundamental and they RARELY make mistakes. That team is dangerous and I'm taking them to beat Kentucky tonight. Sometimes all the potential star power doesn't mean you'll win...see Fab Five

[NM Duke Fan]

It really wouldn't surprise me to see any or all of the 4 above mentioned teams win, I really don't see seeding as that big of an indicator right now as to the outcomes. It is about matchups, and in these matchups, the lower-seeded teams have some real strengths, and the higher-seeded teams may or may not successfully adapt to the rather unusual energies being thrown their way.

[Kedsy]

Sometimes all the potential star power doesn't mean you'll win...see Fab Five

I'm not sure the Fab Five is such a good example. They were together for two years and made the NCAA final game both years (where they lost to teams that had just as much starpower as they did, if not more).

[jipops]

I'm not sure the Fab Five is such a good example. They were together for two years and made the NCAA final game both years (where they lost to teams that had just as much starpower as they did, if not more).

Yeah, big difference between a program like Cornell and the likes of Duke and UNC.

[juise]

Butler off to an early 19-12 lead against the 'Cuse. Syracuse has 12 points and 9 turnovers. Let's see if they can put it together.

[pfrduke]

Butler off to an early 19-12 lead against the 'Cuse. Syracuse has 12 points and 9 turnovers. Let's see if they can put it together.

Turnovers have been a bugaboo for Syracuse all season. If anything would come back to bite them, that would be it.

[DevilHorns]

Ok, so obviously we want Cuse to fall to Butler.

The question is, do we want WVU to fall to Washington? The reasoning here is WVU likely has the best chance against KY (may not be true now that WVU has lost their best 3 point shooter and PG). What do you guys think? I do not like WVU, but I think we matchup better against them than KY.

Of course, if the Big Red does what I want them to do, than all of this doesn't matter.

[mgtr]

I would be in favor of WVU losing to the local Y-league team. I don't like hugger-mugger, and I don't like his team.

[juise]

Wow. Butler can do no wrong in the last 3 minutes.

[superdave]

I'm watching a #1 seed fall to a mid major in a close game...on my lap top. CBS should not be allowed within a mile of any sporting event. At least Espn thinks like fans.

[wiscodevil]

wow, thoroughly unimpressed by both teams in this one.

[ice-9]

I think we want WVU to win -- otherwise it'll just be too easy for Kentucky. Wake would be the highest seed they had to beat!!

Down goes Syracuse...

[David]

Wow. I thought they had that game under control and then a total collapse...

[Indoor66]

Well, Syracuse just lost to Butler!

[NYDukie]

Aside from these two free throws he just had, and missed one of, where has he been the last 10 minutes of this game? It just seems for that a guy thought of as a 1st team All American and lottery pick this June, he was pretty non-existant. And to me that is inexcusable...just my two cents.

[oldnavy]

Ok, so now my bracket is worth less than the paper it is printed on!

[OldPhiKap]

Let's go Cornell!!!!!!

[airowe]

Well, Syracuse just lost to Butler!

Yeah, I had that in my brackets but definitely didn't see it coming...

[arydolphin]

I'm guessing that Butler's Elite 8 game will be the first game on Saturday, if you're thinking about TV coverage. Even though it's a great story, the more compelling game would be WVU (if they hold onto the lead) vs. Cornell/UK and that game would be second.

[cptnflash]

Starting to look like the real national championship might be Duke/Kentucky in the semis.

[Mudge]

FOR A TRIP TO THE FINAL FOUR IN INDIANAPOLIS... er, eh, I mean, Gordon Hayward and the BUTLER BULLDOGS are playing for a trip to the FINAL FOUR IN INDIANAPOLIS!!! HOOOOSIERS!!!

[airowe]

It's hard to follow all these threads getting combined...

[NYDukie]

Starting to look like the real national championship might be Duke/Kentucky in the semis.

A bit presumptuous don't you think given the upsets so far and that the the non-BCS schools are playing a major part in all this?

[Greg_Newton]

Starting to look like the real national championship might be Duke/Purdue in the regional semis.

Fixed to appease the Gods. Whew, that was close!

[DukeGirl4ever]

Glad to see Butler win...gotta root for the underdog in all non-Duke games, but....
WHAT WAS JIM BOEHEIM THINKING?
Why do you put Andy Rautins in the game with 4 fouls AFTER a time-out when you know you are going to foul immediately when the ball is in-bounded?

I am sure he was banking on a steal and quick 3, but you have to play percentages.

[NYDukie]

Fixed to appease the Gods. Whew, that was close!

Must have been a UNC poster...LOL

[BulldogDancer81]

AHHHHH!!!! Butler Bulldogs Elite Eight Baby! I don't think I will stop smiling for a very very long time.

Now come on Duke get it done against Purdue tomorrow!

[mgtr]

Wow - K-State looks like a pro team vs a HS team tonight. Mighty smoooooth. Presumably they don't always play this well, or they would be a 1 seed instead of a 2.

[OldPhiKap]

Charge, Wall!!! Le's Go Ivy!!!

[Underdog5]

They should putting way more defensive pressure on this team.

[DevilHorns]

They should putting way more defensive pressure on this team.

True for the beginning of the game. But now KY is playing lock-down D. Pretty impressive.

Cornell needs to feed the big guy more!

[loran16]

You know, I think Cornell here is a good example of why Duke doesn't rest it's key guys.

Cornell keeps all its starters in, 10-2 lead. Cornell starts to rotate out starters (first Foote, then Whitman) and now UK is in control.

KEEP YOUR GUYS IN, YOU NEED THEM. Seriously, do they really need to rest so freaking much? NO one's in foul trouble yet.

[BigZ]

If Duke does end up playing Kentucky than I say play a Zone Defense. Force UK to shoot to win the game. They aren't a good outside shooting team.

[superdave]

I hate Kentucky. I'm enjoying watching Cornell foul hard whenever possible. Too bad Cornell cant stop them inside.

[BigZ]

Cousins in my opinion is the best player on Kentucky. I'd fear him a lot more than Wall, I would just play off Wall b/c he is a lousy shooter.

[ChrisP]

I'll be impressed if Cornell manages to keep the margin under 12 by halftime the way they're playing (and the way KU is playing D). If they can't keep it under 10-12, I don't see any way they can win. I know they COULD get hot from 3 but I don't see it happening.

[arydolphin]

Zone is a good idea against Kentucky, but Cornell just doesn't have the size inside to match up with Kentucky when they go to the zone and get spread out. You can play man-to-man on UK, you just have to sag off of everyone on the perimeter and dare UK to beat you from the outside. They were able to hit their jumpers vs. Wake, that's why that game was a blowout.

[loran16]

For the record, Kentucky is reaching in like crazy and there's no call. It's painful.

Also, the commentator (PBP guy, not Bilas) is terrible. "WHAT A BLOCK! oh wait, goaltend." Idiot.

[Bluedog]

For the record, Kentucky is reaching in like crazy and there's no call. It's painful.

Also, the commentator (PBP guy, not Bilas) is terrible. "WHAT A BLOCK! oh wait, goaltend." Idiot.

Uh, that "PBP guy" is the legendary Dick Enberg. Although I realize some people think he's past his prime....I personally like him still.

Cornell obviously can't get into a running game with Kentucky. They need to get open looks and hit their 3's, which they're not doing. Not sure why they're trying to go inside to Foote so much; he seems overmatched despite getting lucky a couple of times.

[BigZ]

Cornell is losing this game on the offensive end. Their half court D has been good enough to win but they are missing way too many shots and turning the ball over a lot which gives UK easy points.

[arydolphin]

For the record, Kentucky is reaching in like crazy and there's no call. It's painful.

Also, the commentator (PBP guy, not Bilas) is terrible. "WHAT A BLOCK! oh wait, goaltend." Idiot.

The play-by-play guy is Dick Enberg, safe to say he's lost a few mph off of his fastball in the past few years. He gets lots of names wrong, especially when he's doing basketball.

[BigZ]

Good thing against UK is I don't think they have anyone who can stop Singler at all. They are basically a team of just Guards and Power Forwards.

[DukeGirl4ever]

This game confirms why I hate Kentucky....they are "hot-dogging" it every time they have a dunk, acting like a bunch of punks.

And any respect I had for Ashley Judd is now lost.

[ChrisP]

I hate UK too, but this is getting embarrassing for Cornell...

[dukelifer]

Cornell is losing this game on the offensive end. Their half court D has been good enough to win but they are missing way too many shots and turning the ball over a lot which gives UK easy points.
Cornell is done in this half- can't hit anything and UK has extreme confidence now. The only chance is a miracle second half shooting half. Off to bed- seen enough.

[ChrisP]

Just sayin'

[Billy Dat]

I had no idea was this deep. After Wall, Cousins, Patterson, Bledsoe and Orton, the still have Miller, Ramon Harris, Liggins. They run so effectively that many breaks come from simple missed shots, not turnovers. They look tough.

[dukelifer]

I had no idea was this deep. After Wall, Cousins, Patterson, Bledsoe and Orton, the still have Miller, Ramon Harris, Liggins. They run so effectively that many breaks come from simple missed shots, not turnovers. They look tough.

Everyone though UK might lose focus- but their focus has gotten better. Four guys are looking for huge NBA paydays and that is as much motivation as they need. If someone can get them in a close game- who knows. But right now the players are on a mission to get to the FF.

[DevilHorns]

KY has better on the ball defense than I expected. I guess the few times I caught them in the regular season they just looked very relaxed.

Cornell isn't taking advantage of the curl screens where you can hoist up a shot with about 1 second of breathing room. They are simply passing the ball far too much and therefore either turning it over, or getting a worse shot.

[Billy Dat]

Clemente of KSU is like a quicker Juan Dixon, if that's even possible.

[jipops]

Wow, UK looks amazing. Their defense has shut down all perimeter looks for Cornell and they're turning all the long rebounds into easy fast break points.

UK looks like the best team in the tournament now.

[theAlaskanBear]

Clemente of KSU is like a quicker Juan Dixon, if that's even possible.

Yeah, thats a great comparison.

[dukemsu]

Anyone else notice World Wide Wes right behind Ashley Judd?

dukemsu

[pfrduke]

Anyone else notice World Wide Wes right behind Ashley Judd?

dukemsu

Lot of future (current?) clients in that game - why wouldn't he be there?

[AlaskanAssassin]

Nope, noticed Drake though. They got celebs in the house.

[Billy Dat]

This KState/Xavier game is being played really hard. Frank Martin is such a character...anyone catch the clip of his halftime speech? He is definitely from the Patton school.

KState has been a team I've enjoyed all year, but this one is hotly contested right now.

[theAlaskanBear]

This KState/Xavier game is being played really hard. Frank Martin is such a character...anyone catch the clip of his halftime speech? He is definitely from the Patton school.

KState has been a team I've enjoyed all year, but this one is hotly contested right now.

I'm rooting for Xavier. I get to see them play UNC Charlotte every year.

[Billy Dat]

From the stuff I've read, WW Wes even has a relationship with K because he's close with some of the guys on Team USA, especially Lebron, DWade, Chris Paul.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Nope, noticed Drake though. They got celebs in the house.

HAHAHA he hasn't even released an album yet.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

OMG this game is crazy

[Billy Dat]

Clemente! This game is great!

[dukemsu]

From the stuff I've read, WW Wes even has a relationship with K because he's close with some of the guys on Team USA, especially Lebron, DWade, Chris Paul.

Wes is everywhere, but he's probably more tied to Cal than anyone else.
He'll also have a big say over the hire at Oregon.

dukemsu

[basket1544]

Clemente! This game is great!

Crawford!!

[superdave]

Wes is everywhere, but he's probably more tied to Cal than anyone else.
He'll also have a big say over the hire at Oregon.

dukemsu

Reminds me of the wrestler One Man Gang.

[dukemsu]

Reminds me of the wrestler One Man Gang.

Wes is unavoidable.

dukemsu

[Billy Dat]

Pullen or Clemente for the shot here?

[basket1544]

Clemente.
Umm I mean Pullen.

[dukemsu]

X still in good shape. KSU not a free throw shooting team.

dukemsu

[Billy Dat]

PULLEN!

Nice response by Xavier, though, to get the quick score and timeout. That kind of execution is a tribute to their coaching as they are a young team.

[BigZ]

What happened to UK's offense. They were dominating.

[ice-9]

Oh my for K-State. Coach must be going ballistic.

[AlaskanAssassin]

will the icing trick work?

[basket1544]

Never ever foul a player in the last seconds of the game. Never stop the clock and let the losing opponent put points on the board.

[theAlaskanBear]

GOING TO OT BABY! Go X!

[juise]

Win or lose, Frank Martin will have someone's head for that foul (Merriewether or an official... or both). He is a frightening man.

[jipops]

Len Elmore has to be loving this. Now he really has a chance to harp on an official's decision for the next 20-30 minutes. It's all he really ever wants to do anyways.

[ivydevil]

Gus Johnson got a good game to call! (That's him, right?)

[pfrduke]

Gus Johnson got a good game to all! (That's him, right?)

Yep. The folks in SLC have seen some good basketball tonight. And Gus has been pretty much vintage.

[ChrisP]

Dang, I think Elmore has some money on K-State, he would NOT shut up about that "foul" before the foul in the act of shooting! Jeez, dude, give it a REST! I thought it didn't look like much of a foul even in slo-mo and thus even LESS like a foul in real time. The way the refs have been letting them play in every tourney game I've watched, I'm not at all surprised that they didn't call that little wave a foul. Lenny needs to shut it!

[pfrduke]

Xavier is simply unconscious from outside.

[jipops]

Dang, I think Elmore has some money on K-State, he would NOT shut up about that "foul" before the foul in the act of shooting! Jeez, dude, give it a REST! I thought it didn't look like much of a foul even in slo-mo and thus even LESS like a foul in real time. The way the refs have been letting them play in every tourney game I've watched, I'm not at all surprised that they didn't call that little wave a foul. Lenny needs to shut it!

I'm telling you, this is his MO every single game. And not just the Duke games. He is almost exclusively focused on officiating, far more that than the actual play on the floor. He must have been wronged by some refs back in his playing days.

[A-Tex Devil]

First. This K-State/XU game is awesome. Tough, well played guys hitting tough shots, etc. I have watched K-State several times this year. They are for real. Xavier is really good as well.

KSU has been ridiculously hosed tonight by the officials. And I don't usually apologize for Frank Martin, believe me. The first half was much worse, but the end of the game play was just horrendous officiating. They called the ticky tack foul and let the jersey grab by Clemente before the shot go. Bad Bad Bad.

Holy hell Xavier is unconcsious. Double OT

[juise]

This is UNREAL!!!

[rotogod00]

Unbelievable!!!!!!

[ivydevil]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Live and die by the three!!!!!!!!

[DevilHorns]

That 3 was from the coach K symbol. Holy crap we're going to 2OT!

[ice-9]

BANG!!!!!!!!!!!

[Billy Dat]

This is sick!

"An instant classic on the corner of Stockton and Malone Drive!!!!"...the immortal Gus Johnson!!!

[basket1544]

I know it's been said many times before but I hope this game never ends.

[jipops]

I wish the UK-Cornell game was as good.

[rotogod00]

and gus is making the game even more exciting that it is...if that's possible

[ivydevil]

I wish Elmore could just let Gus talk for the rest of the game. He makes it three times more exciting.

[A-Tex Devil]

Is this the best played game of the tourney so far? I think so.

[rotogod00]

i'd say so

[juise]

Is this the best played game of the tourney so far? I think so.

I think it has surpassed UMD-MSU as the most exciting. I definitely think it has the best accumulation of outstanding individual performances.

[Billy Dat]

It's been amazing because it's about makes instead of misses, made plays instead of mistakes. They've got to be getting tired, let's see who can execute?

[Spret42]

I want Gus Johnson to be on call for the last 5 minutes of every close basketball game played from now until the day of reckoning.

[mehmattski]

I would say that no matter the outcome of the KSU/X game, the real winner is Butler, playing in less than 40 hours...

[ivydevil]

Len's talking about the officials again. "flopper"...that's a fun word.

[rotogod00]

I would say that no matter the outcome of the KSU/X game, the real winner is Butler, playing in less than 40 hours...

great point

[rotogod00]

"turns, squares, got it!"

[A-Tex Devil]

Pullen!!! Just when you think he's off tonight. These teams are making some plays, huh?

[Billy Dat]

PULLEN!

Last team with the ball wins?

[rotogod00]

2-for-1 here for k st

[A-Tex Devil]

As ridiculous of a character as he is, when Frank Martin took the KSU job it was pretty much thought of as a stop gap so MIchael Beasley would still come when Huggins left. But the guy, even though I don't like his schtick, is a pretty good coach.

"Bam! He's in shape!!"

[rotogod00]

unbelievable shot-making by both teams

[Greg_Newton]

I want Gus Johnson to be on call for the last 5 minutes of every close basketball game played from now until the day of reckoning.

Haha seriously. He is so awesome.

It's even funnier listening to the contrast between him and Elmore. A few seconds of Elmore rambling monotone, then Gus jumps in with a scream like he's not even listening (which I don't blame him for!).

I think one of them is having more fun than the other...

[A-Tex Devil]

Haha seriously. He is so awesome.

It's even funnier listening to the contrast between him and Elmore. A few seconds of Elmore rambling monotone, then Gus jumps in with a scream like he's not even listening (which I don't blame him for!).

I think one of them is having more fun than the other...

I hate that Elmore says "Times Out". I mean, I know it's technically correct but it's time outs man. Time outs.

[rotogod00]

on line, but short

[Billy Dat]

They got a good look, just the wrong shooter.

[A-Tex Devil]

Confession: I am in a $10 pool with over 650 entries where I have DUke beating KSU in the final game. I am guaranteed at least 2nd if that game just happens, regardless of who wins. So, yeah. Go creepy eyebrow guy and Abe Lincoln Beard, go!

[rotogod00]

They got a good look, just the wrong shooter.

40% on the year. just hasn't taken many shots tonite... a little cold

[Billy Dat]

40% on the year. just hasn't taken many shots tonite... a little cold

good call

[rotogod00]

great, great game. and thanks gus!

[Jmac1970]

I just went to look up Gus Johnson's wiki page after hearing him call this game and it is already updated to reflect tonight's game as one of his great end game calls.

What a remarkable game.

[DevilHorns]

What an awesome game. So many clutch free throws and 3s. Both of these teams deserved to win. Oh well. Thats the bracket for ya.

[Billy Dat]

Fantastic! Now the interminable wait until 10PM tomorrow. Catch you guys then.

[cptnflash]

I have come to the conclusion that we are the last line of defense standing between Kentucky and a national championship. If we lose before the Final Four, I think they waltz to the title. If we get there, hopefully it's 1991 all over again (i.e., in the semifinal game we beat a team filled with NBA talent that hasn't played a close game all tournament).

[cptnflash]

I just went to look up Gus Johnson's wiki page after hearing him call this game and it is already updated to reflect tonight's game as one of his great end game calls.

What a remarkable game.

And what a pleasure to listen to Gus Johnson! He even made Len Elmore sound a little better, particularly by cutting off Len's rambles when important game action was occurring. What do we have to do to get Gus to work more ACC games?

[Billy Dat]

I have come to the conclusion that we are the last line of defense standing between Kentucky and a national championship. If we lose before the Final Four, I think they waltz to the title. If we get there, hopefully it's 1991 all over again (i.e., in the semifinal game we beat a team filled with NBA talent that hasn't played a close game all tournament).

Without looking ahead too much, unlike 91 Vegas, 2010 UK has played a ton of close games where the outcome was up for grabs in the final 3 minutes...and they've won all but 2. They are a really battle tested team.

[A-Tex Devil]

Kentucky has beaten ETSU, Wake and Cornell. If we beat Purdue tomorrow by more than 10 or so, how have they been more impressive than us? WVU wil give them fits, and if we are fortunate enough to get to the final four, bring them on.

[cptnflash]

Kentucky has beaten ETSU, Wake and Cornell. If we beat Purdue tomorrow by more than 10 or so, how have they been more impressive than us? WVU wil give them fits, and if we are fortunate enough to get to the final four, bring them on.

Fair point... for all the hand wringing about how easy our bracket was, Kentucky has thus far had some breaks in terms of upsets in the Midwest and has not had to play a high seed. That will change on Saturday, so maybe they won't look quite so formidable. But man, have they ever dominated so far. They made Wake look like a play-in team, and tonight they absolutely shut down a Cornell team that lit up Temple and Wisconsin on the offensive end. They are loaded with NBA-ready talent and have a wily, slick, (corrupt?) coach. Serious 1991 parallels developing here.

[tommy]

I want Gus Johnson to be on call for the last 5 minutes of every close basketball game played from now until the day of reckoning.

Amen, brother. Best in the business, hands down.

On a related topic, has anyone been in the car listening to tournament and had to listen to CBS radio, where the color man is Bill Frieder? Man, he is awful. Besides having a really annoying, raspy voice, this guy is so tired, so out of touch with the game, and all he does is either second what the PBP guy says, or state "opinions" that are so obvious they don't warrant even mentioning. Things like, "in order to come back, they're going to have to get some stops and then on the offensive end, they're going to have to make some shots." You know, real insightful stuff like that. Is this guy really the best CBS can find??

[MChambers]

Amen, brother. Best in the business, hands down.

On a related topic, has anyone been in the car listening to tournament and had to listen to CBS radio, where the color man is Bill Frieder? Man, he is awful. Besides having a really annoying, raspy voice, this guy is so tired, so out of touch with the game, and all he does is either second what the PBP guy says, or state "opinions" that are so obvious they don't warrant even mentioning. Things like, "in order to come back, they're going to have to get some stops and then on the offensive end, they're going to have to make some shots." You know, real insightful stuff like that. Is this guy really the best CBS can find??

Yes, I've heard him and I completely agree with you. He's awful.

[JohnGalt]

And what a pleasure to listen to Gus Johnson! He even made Len Elmore sound a little better, particularly by cutting off Len's rambles when important game action was occurring. What do we have to do to get Gus to work more ACC games?

I was wondering if anyone else found Len's commentary excruciating. He would not shut up about how Denis Clemente fouled Holloway and the refs didn't call it, but then called it when he was shooting.

What I fail to understand is this...the refs SHOULD have called a foul on Danny Clemente and it SHOULD have be been intentional which would have given the ball right back to Xavier. So why was Len crying so much?

He was AWFUL last night...

[theAlaskanBear]

I was wondering if anyone else found Len's commentary excruciating. He would not shut up about how Denis Clemente fouled Holloway and the refs didn't call it, but then called it when he was shooting.

What I fail to understand is this...the refs SHOULD have called a foul on Danny Clemente and it SHOULD have be been intentional which would have given the ball right back to Xavier. So why was Len crying so much?

He was AWFUL last night...

I usually try to stick up for Len, but he really was HORRIBLE last night. Also, in OT he spent 2 minutes talking about a non-call on a block/charge situation. Hey Len,, porque no te calles and let Gus call the game. It was a GREAT game.

[tele]

And what a pleasure to listen to Gus Johnson! He even made Len Elmore sound a little better, particularly by cutting off Len's rambles when important game action was occurring. Did seem to help Elmmore, a few times it even sounded like Elmore was enjoying the game!

[Spret42]

http://www.gusjohnsongetsbuckets.com/

I GET BUCKETS!!!!!!!!

[JohnGalt]

I usually try to stick up for Len, but he really was HORRIBLE last night. Also, in OT he spent 2 minutes talking about a non-call on a block/charge situation. Hey Len,, porque no te calles and let Gus call the game. It was a GREAT game.

That was another awful one. I agree with you that normally he's tolerable, but for whatever reason, last night was atrocious. I found myself wanting to tell him to shut up so I could watch the game.

Regardless, great game...what a joy to watch. Kansas State won the game because of conditioning. Did you see how tired Xavier was at the end? KState just had more legs at the end of the game...

[soccerstud2210]

I was wondering if anyone else found Len's commentary excruciating. He would not shut up about how Denis Clemente fouled Holloway and the refs didn't call it, but then called it when he was shooting.

What I fail to understand is this...the refs SHOULD have called a foul on Danny Clemente and it SHOULD have be been intentional which would have given the ball right back to Xavier. So why was Len crying so much?

He was AWFUL last night...

seriously. he is one of THEE most annoying and frustrating commentators to listen to. and he kept saying "TIMES out" and then right before the break gus emphasized TIME out haha my buddies and i were dying laughing

[gofurman]

seriously, U K is starting to worry me. I have 2 objectives - no UK win as I very much dislike what I suspect of Calipari. or a Duke win. That's it.
- Last year was tough as all I wanted was either Duke win or no UNC win... well that stunk. If they blow out WVU I am losing hope here guys

[superdave]

seriously, U K is starting to worry me. I have 2 objectives - no UK win as I very much dislike what I suspect of Calipari. or a Duke win. That's it.
- Last year was tough as all I wanted was either Duke win or no UNC win... well that stunk. If they blow out WVU I am losing hope here guys

UK looked great defesnively at times. But Cornell was overmatched. WVU wont be.

[Mal]

I thought it was interesting last night to think about how important matchups and styles are. During the period in the first half where it seemed like Kentucky was taking the ball away from children and running the fast break a hundred miles an hour, all I could think was "There is absolutely NO WAY this would be happening to Wisconsin." And yet, Cornell about ran Wisconsin out of the gym. That's a great thing about college ball.

And yes, it's possible a part of me was thinking that about Wisconsin because Cornell was making Kentucky look like the Globetrotters, and I don't wish to get buzzsawed if we win two more games. But any game between us and UK would have a totally different complexion. They're really good, and for the most part I was impressed with how hard they work on the defensive end, their decisionmaking and their size/speed combo, but Cornell made them look a lot more invincible than they really are.

To those of you talking announcing teams, I have to think the combo of Gus Johnson and Len Elmore is one of the worst tandems CBS could have come up with. They're the equivalent of a glass of vinegar to go along with a bowl of cake frosting. One's nothing but bitter, the other's nothing but the sugar of manufactured excitement. Individually they both drive me up the wall, and together they didn't work much better for this humble poster.

[dukelifer]

seriously, U K is starting to worry me. I have 2 objectives - no UK win as I very much dislike what I suspect of Calipari. or a Duke win. That's it.
- Last year was tough as all I wanted was either Duke win or no UNC win... well that stunk. If they blow out WVU I am losing hope here guys

A lot of things have to happen to UK to win- but they are looking better than I thought. Yesterday Cousins was having some issue with his back.

[Wander]

Kentucky's the scariest team left, no doubt, but did you guys who are afraid that UK is going to run right through this whole thing by 20 points a game actually watch this one or just look at the final score? Kentucky had 40 points with five minutes left in the game - their halfcourt offense was really unimpressive.

I'm not saying Duke will beat Kentucky or even should beat Kentucky - honestly, I don't have a ton of confidence we'll beat Baylor - if you watched the Cornell game and came away thinking that we CAN'T beat UK, then as Seth Greenberg would say, you're certifiably insane.

[JohnGalt]

A lot of things have to happen to UK to win- but they are looking better than I thought. Yesterday Cousins was having some issue with his back.

Anyone would after that Cornell kid (forgive me, I can't remember exactly whom) completed that Brett-Farveesque below the knees tackle at halfcourt.

Needless to say...well done, sir.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Anyone would after that Cornell kid (forgive me, I can't remember exactly whom) completed that Brett-Farveesque below the knees tackle at halfcourt.

Needless to say...well done, sir.

I hope this was meant in jest - I hate seeing anyone on any team injured. I would love to meet UK in the Final Four and I would love to beat them, but I want to beat them at full strength.

Most classless maneauver I've seen by fans (yes, including Maryland fans) was when I was at a sports bar where there were about 100 App State fans watching their football team play against LSU. LSU's starting RB was on the field for about ten minutes with a nasty knee injury early in the game and the App State fans were overjoyed.

Made me sick to my stomach.

I think cheering injuries and complaining about referrees is classless. Play the game straight up, win or lose.

[JohnGalt]

I think cheering injuries and complaining about referrees is classless. Play the game straight up, win or lose.

I enjoy physical play. Referees too often have a tendency to micromanage and, thus, ruin the flow of the game. If the Cornell player's maneuver was dirty, it would have been whistled; it was not.

My post was certainly written in jest. Cousins could have tweaked his back at any number of places in the game, most notably when Foote body slammed him later on in the 2nd half.

I'll agree with you about cheering injuries as being classless, but not so much with regard to complaining about the refereeing. All too often poor/inconsistent officiating unequivocally changes the outcome of the game. It deserves attention and it is our duty as fans to provide it.

[Saratoga2]

There was one call where the Washington player was called for blocking that was fairly clearly an offensive foul. It resulted in the Washington coach getting a technical foul and turned into a 4 point play. In a tight game, referees can make a significant difference with one bad call. I think WVa would have won the game in any case, but it definitely put Washington in a very difficult position.

Lets hope our refs do a good job tonight.

[greybeard]

UK looked great defesnively at times. But Cornell was overmatched. WVU wont be.

I agree.

I also think that WVa is as athletic as UK and shoots much better. However, if they turn it over anywhere near like they did last night, forgetaboutit--UK will run anyone to death if they can turn them over. On the other hand, Washington's press was intense and effective; I don't know if UK has that in its arsenal. I suspect we will find out, because they will certainly deploy one.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Looks like Turner is trying to do to much.

[_Gary]

Darn. Baylor looks extremely strong right now. If they prevail (and right now as it stands I don't see anyway they lose this game) they will be a very hard out in the Elite Eight. And of course they will have the crowd with them on Sunday.

Gary

[DevilHorns]

Darn. Baylor looks extremely strong right now. If they prevail (and right now as it stands I don't see anyway they lose this game) they will be a very hard out in the Elite Eight. And of course they will have the crowd with them on Sunday.

Gary

Eh, been watching the game... In all honesty how much of this baylor playing great vs st. mary's playing absolutely terribly. Im going with the latter.

[JohnGalt]

Eh, been watching the game... In all honesty how much of this baylor playing great vs st. mary's playing absolutely terribly. Im going with the latter.

I bet St. Mary's just can't keep their eyes off Tweety's Shawn Kemp.

I sure can't, haha.

[_Gary]

Eh, been watching the game... In all honesty how much of this baylor playing great vs st. mary's playing absolutely terribly. Im going with the latter.

Hope you're right. The thing that gets me is how well this team is shooting, especially from 3. I'd have thought playing in this type of stadium would have had an adverse affect on any team's shooting. But Baylor seems right at home.

BTW, this game is so over.

[Underdog5]

Hope you're right. The thing that gets me is how well this team is shooting, especially from 3. I'd have thought playing in this type of stadium would have had an adverse affect on any team's shooting. But Baylor seems right at home.

BTW, this game is so over.

STM isn't helping Baylor shoot 60% from 3. I've been afraid of this Baylor team since the brackets came out. Solid scoring guards complemented by long front line. Hoping they shoot themselves dry tonight and mean reversion works in our favor if we play them.

[DevilHorns]

Hope you're right. The thing that gets me is how well this team is shooting, especially from 3. I'd have thought playing in this type of stadium would have had an adverse affect on any team's shooting. But Baylor seems right at home.

BTW, this game is so over.

So many times have I watched St. Mary's drive into the zone just to ditch it out, then cycle it around the perimeter for 20 seconds, then with 5 seconds left put up a prayer shot. Thats not good offensive basketball. I'm not sure if I'd say its good defense, since there have been opportunities to even put up shots, just the Gaels are too scared to pop em. Im not discounting that Baylor is good, they are definitely that, but I think the fact that St. Marys has come back down to reality is more representative of this game. And Samhan is missing every shot he's taking, high quality or not.

[jipops]

I can certainly see why so many writers have picked Baylor to come out of this region. They look balanced and dominant and their defense is looking very strong these days. If our guys come out with a win tonight, Sunday may be tough to watch.

[BigZ]

This just means Baylor has used it's hot hand in the round of 16. They will be cold next game.

[MChambers]

We don't have to worry about the Baylor-St. Mary's game going into overtime.:)

[MChambers]

Apparently Turner can't be called for charging. Kind of unbelievable.

[_Gary]

If Ohio State wins this game I'm going to officially declare them the luckiest team in the tourney. They've lived on the edge so often, and it seems like every team that plays them suddenly goes brain dead and makes stupid, stupid decisions down the stretch.

[ice-9]

Looks like Tennessee is going to win this one. This means that the highest possible seed to emerge from this OMG SO HARD Midwestern Bracket is a 5 seed missing its best player.

[DevilHorns]

Tennessee takes it. wow. what a great game.

PS - anyone notice the Tennessee bench player run on the court before the time was out? tsk tsk tsk.

[BigZ]

Tennessee takes it. wow. what a great game.

PS - anyone notice the Tennessee bench player run on the court before the time was out? tsk tsk tsk.

I'm just glad they didn't call a foul there b/c that was a clean block. Turner was actually going to shoot that ball one handed.

[Spam Filter]

Yeah, but part of the discussion about a region being tough is that the lower seeds in the region are all really good and capable of beating the top seeds.

I don't think having a lower seed come out of a region discredit the claim that the region is stacked. It actually proves it.

[DevilHorns]

I'm just glad they didn't call a foul there b/c that was a clean block. Turner was actually going to shoot that ball one handed.

Agreed. What a great game by Chism.

And for kicks, how many airballs from 3 point land did Tennessee toss up? I think at least 3. Now thats a wow.

[_Gary]

I can certainly see why so many writers have picked Baylor to come out of this region. They look balanced and dominant and their defense is looking very strong these days. If our guys come out with a win tonight, Sunday may be tough to watch.

The thing that impresses me most about Baylor is their zone. They are so long and athletic that it's going to make for tough sledding if Duke gets by Purdue (and note I'm not assuming that at all).

[OldPhiKap]

This just means Baylor has used it's hot hand in the round of 16. They will be cold next game.

I love the way you think!

I did not see much of that game (we had TN) but the game looked like a mismatch.

[ice-9]

Yeah, but part of the discussion about a region being tough is that the lower seeds in the region are all really good and capable of beating the top seeds.

I don't think having a lower seed come out of a region discredit the claim that the region is stacked. It actually proves it.


I disagree.

NO ONE was saying this region was stacked because it had Northern Iowa, Tennessee or Ohio. EVERYONE was saying the region was stacked because it had Kansas, Ohio State, Georgetown and Maryland.

All of whom lost.

Truly, wouldn't ANY other 1 seed have wished to be in Ohio State's position in the Sweet 16? Having to defeat a good but certainly not great Tennessee team to face a crippled 5 seed or mid major 9 seed?

I know I'd rather have that path than Baylor in Houston.

[Deslok]

Though the 2 highest seeded teams left in the region are missing their best players(MSU to injuries, and UT to erm criminal problems which Pearl, unlike say Calhoun, actually dismissed them from the team).

[mgtr]

What is the chance that WVa takes out Kentucky? They seem to have a reasonable shot.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

That's another thread^ this one should be closed.