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pfrduke
03-23-2017, 07:53 PM
Because yes, basketball is still happening.

weezie
03-23-2017, 08:07 PM
Who cares?

ugh...

pfrduke
03-23-2017, 09:03 PM
Oregon sneaks through again, following up a nail-biting win over URI with a nail-biting win over Michigan. At least this one was without last-minute refereeing controversy.

moonpie23
03-23-2017, 09:36 PM
gonzaga watching WV wind up that big fist...

rsvman
03-23-2017, 09:53 PM
The Gonzaga game is entertaining.

BigZ
03-23-2017, 10:00 PM
Wow longest review ever

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-23-2017, 10:04 PM
Wow longest review ever

Terrible break in rhythm

BigZ
03-23-2017, 10:04 PM
This 45 year old is draining threes for wvu

moonpie23
03-23-2017, 10:07 PM
big exchange there on the steal under the basket..............big time shot to put the zags in a good place...

moonpie23
03-23-2017, 10:08 PM
Wow longest review ever

justice winslow says "hey"

BigZ
03-23-2017, 10:08 PM
This feels like 2014 where a high seed sneaks in and wins the tournament

UNCfan
03-23-2017, 10:10 PM
what a swing in momentum in the WVU game

BigZ
03-23-2017, 10:11 PM
Wow lol terrible final possession

moonpie23
03-23-2017, 10:11 PM
wow....what a finish.....3 misses and then don't even get it off in time.....

huggy is mad

Troublemaker
03-23-2017, 10:12 PM
If you don't foul in that situation (and I prefer fouling), that was the best defense you could play to deny a good look at the 3.

MCFinARL
03-23-2017, 10:13 PM
wow...what a finish....3 misses and then don't even get it off in time....

huggy is mad

Yes, anticlimactic ending to a very close game.

rsvman
03-23-2017, 10:15 PM
Ridiculously bad officiating near the end cost west Virginia the game, imo.
That and horrible end-game management.

kshepinthehouse
03-23-2017, 10:16 PM
Horrible last possession for WVU. Didn't want them to win anyway. They fouled a bunch and a bunch more of their fouls weren't called.

brevity
03-23-2017, 10:24 PM
This feels like 2014 where a high seed sneaks in and wins the tournament

Except the best Connecticut comp was Michigan, which lost tonight.

I hope enough of you have cooled off over the past few days and can try to enjoy the best postseason of the best sport. Sixteen -- now fourteen -- teams you can watch, holding some preferences but probably no real allegiances. Ignore the remnants of your bracket and it will feel even more pure.

If you can't watch Bob Huggins lose like that and not feel some joy in your heart, well, I don't know what to tell you.

BigZ
03-23-2017, 10:26 PM
Butler needs to win so I don't have to root for Kentucky. I'd rather root for Cal than Lavar

moonpie23
03-23-2017, 10:27 PM
i can only root for whoever is playing unc....

kshepinthehouse
03-23-2017, 10:28 PM
Ridiculously bad officiating near the end cost west Virginia the game, imo.
That and horrible end-game management.

West Virginia had a lot of fouls called on them and still was getting away with murder. I'm not sure how the refs screwed Gonzaga.

rsvman
03-23-2017, 10:57 PM
West Virginia had a lot of fouls called on them and still was getting away with murder. I'm not sure how the refs screwed Gonzaga.

In the last three minutes? The refs screwed West Virginia, not Gonzaga. I don't have a dog in this hubby, but there were at least three blatant fouls that went uncalled, ask of them benefiting Gonzaga, and a ticky-tack non-foul called on West Virginia, and the final margin was three points.

If I were a West Virginia fan, I'd be complaining that the refs got paid off.

devildeac
03-23-2017, 11:11 PM
In the last three minutes? The refs screwed West Virginia, not Gonzaga. I don't have a dog in this hubby, but there were at least three blatant fouls that went uncalled, ask of them benefiting Gonzaga, and a ticky-tack non-foul called on West Virginia, and the final margin was three points.

If I were a West Virginia fan, I'd be complaining that the refs got paid off.

It was very difficult rooting for Huggins but I had them picked in the office pool to beat Gonzaga. :o

devildeac
03-23-2017, 11:15 PM
7288

I just hope that's berry's leg...

flyingdutchdevil
03-23-2017, 11:16 PM
Frank mason is amazing. He's also the only Kansas player without a criminal record.

Troublemaker
03-23-2017, 11:17 PM
I love watching this Kansas team. Great speed and sharing of the ball. Spread offense. They're like a much better, much quicker, version of Duke if we had point guards.

devildeac
03-23-2017, 11:21 PM
Frank mason is amazing. He's also the only Kansas player without a criminal record.

Ahh, but, has he tripped anybody?

:rolleyes::mad:

flyingdutchdevil
03-23-2017, 11:22 PM
Ahh, but, has he tripped anybody?

:rolleyes::mad:

I said criminal record. Not public execution via ESPN (thanks Seth, Jay, and Dana!)

brevity
03-23-2017, 11:41 PM
Watching the aftermath of Purdue-Kansas. My goodness. How many albino snakes had to die for Dana Jacobson's jacket?

weezie
03-23-2017, 11:50 PM
Geeesh, Coach Buzz chatting with the Thursday night crew is cringe-making. Ernie looks like he lost a bet.

brevity
03-24-2017, 12:10 AM
Plan your Saturday accordingly.

NCAA March Madness (https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/845124023830786048) @marchmadness

#Elite8 Saturday

6:09 pm ET: Gonzaga vs Arizona/Xavier on @TBSNetwork

8:49 pm ET: Kansas vs Oregon on @TBSNetwork

9:04 PM - 23 Mar 2017

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 01:05 AM
Really tough, impressive upset by 11-seed Xavier over Arizona. It was a game of runs, and they made the last one; 9-0 to end the game.

gofurman
03-24-2017, 01:05 AM
i can only root for whoever is playing unc...

Right. I've got a dog in this fight. Butler. Then ucla or UK. Then hopefully Kansas takes out UK or unc. Also, I hope USC gets killed by Baylor to show them that, hey, home court does matter !!! IE, as soon as the Cocks left their home they lost. Justifies our loss some. Or the gamecocks win the natty meaning maybe we were great??? Some people like that. At least that means unc and UK didn't win.

I don't get not watching just bc Duke lost. Life's too short for that. Sure, it kills me Duke is out. ESP now that Villanova and is out and Xavier knocked out Arizona. But Baylor and Florida and Gonzaga and the guys on the other side (KU etc) ..someone woulda probably beat us

Jus' FYI. Three ever so close games tonight. Great entertainment - it's very close once in the second weekend though I hope KU keeps killing as a hope to kill unc or uk

Nugget
03-24-2017, 02:41 AM
highly enjoyable, well-played Xavier-Arizona game. Lots of grit, toughness and big-time plays by both teams.

Very happy that either Zags or Xavier will get the monkey off their back and reach the Final Four.

BigZ
03-24-2017, 05:33 AM
I'm going to pick a Kansas-Wisconsin final.

Saratoga2
03-24-2017, 07:15 AM
Ridiculously bad officiating near the end cost west Virginia the game, imo.
That and horrible end-game management.

I agree. These close games can be decided by the officials even though by and large they are trying to do the right thing. In the end it was poor end of game management that cost WVA any chance of coming back. Both teams played well and the questionable calls near the end take nothing away from the Gonzaga win.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 07:19 AM
i love seeing sean miller lose....

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 07:55 AM
highly enjoyable, well-played Xavier-Arizona game. Lots of grit, toughness and big-time plays by both teams.

Very happy that either Zags or Xavier will get the monkey off their back and reach the Final Four.

Both teams were very tough. It's funny that this game will now get rolled up into a mass of "Arizona disappointments" or "Sean Miller disappointments"; afterall, they lost in the S16 to an 11-seed. But, man, having watched the game, I don't think they have much to hang their heads over.

UNCfan
03-24-2017, 08:10 AM
Miller thinks he will be the next UNC coach. Not sure I like that idea.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2017, 08:47 AM
Miller thinks he will be the next UNC coach. Not sure I like that idea.

Sean? Or Archie?

UNCfan
03-24-2017, 08:53 AM
Sean? Or Archie?

Sean

MChambers
03-24-2017, 08:59 AM
Sean

His postseason record would be perfect for UNC. But why would UNC look at Sean Miller?

chris13
03-24-2017, 08:59 AM
Dear God. Kansas is winning by an average of 30 points a game, and while one of those was the 38 point blowout of 16 seed UC Davis, they've now beaten Michigan State by 20 and Purdue by 32. Hard to see Oregon beating them in Kansas City.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2017, 09:00 AM
Sean

Was sort of joking...

Yes, I am fine with either.

chriso
03-24-2017, 09:49 AM
His postseason record would be perfect for UNC. But why would UNC look at Sean Miller?

Wasn't Xavier a preseason top 15 team who underperformed during the regular season? Paging Tom Izzo. :)

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 09:54 AM
His postseason record would be perfect for UNC. But why would UNC look at Sean Miller?

He's a really good coach and a really good recruiter. Arizona is the third recruiting powerhouse in college ball right now. He'll keep knocking, and he'll break down the door to the Final Four eventually.

CDu
03-24-2017, 09:54 AM
Wasn't Xavier a preseason top 15 team who underperformed during the regular season? Paging Tom Izzo. :)

Xavier had a major injury to one of their star players that sank their February. They've since rebounded apparently. But they lost 6 straight games in late-February/early-March after losing Sumner to injury.

chriso
03-24-2017, 09:57 AM
Xavier had a major injury to one of their star players that sank their February. They've since rebounded apparently. But they lost 6 straight games in late-February/early-March after losing Sumner to injury.

I like Xavier. And that's some rebound! And I agree Miller's done a great job with Arizona. They are right there every year. Eventually they will make the FF.

weezie
03-24-2017, 09:57 AM
Was sort of joking...

Yes, I am fine with either.

Sean just had his contract extended to 2020. That kind of gave me some anxiety relief since I wouldn't want him down the road. Even after last night's terrible last three minutes of the game.
Holy moly, did they collapse. Trier= ball hog.

Troublemaker is right, Miller is a fine coach and recruiter but just can't quuiiiiite get the smart players at point guard.

It is "finally" dawning on me that the college game has been awful this year. Between the caliber of court play and the referee overreach, it's been pretty lame.

devildeac
03-24-2017, 10:17 AM
Go Bulldogs!

CDu
03-24-2017, 10:19 AM
Sean just had his contract extended to 2020. That kind of gave me some anxiety relief since I wouldn't want him down the road.

Well, barring sanctions, I don't think Williams will retire before 2020 anyway. So I don't think that extension would preclude him from being the next UNC coach.

flyingdutchdevil
03-24-2017, 10:20 AM
I'll be tuned in. Not so much for the next game.

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 10:27 AM
I'll be tuned in. Not so much for the next game.

No risk, no reward. You might miss out on Butler beating UNC.

Hey, it COULD happen. Probably very few people gave fellow Big East team Xavier a chance against Arizona last night, for example.

Besides Kansas, the seed next to a team's name has mattered very little in this tournament. All the games look like they're played between evenly-matched teams.

But agreed that UK-UCLA (which is the late game, actually, not UNC-Butler) might be great entertainment.

Saratoga2
03-24-2017, 10:39 AM
So far we have a 1 seed and three 2 seeds gone. Gonzaga just got by last night. Kansas had a very good second half. Tonight, Kentucky will have their hands full while UNC has the most favorable match but who knows this year. Be interesting to see what USC does against Baylor, while Wisconsin and Florida looks pretty even based on current play.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 10:42 AM
here's hoping that the unc players think that their baby blue jerseys will get them past that "little mid major" school.....


Butler isn't afraid of them.....

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 07:37 PM
here's hoping that the unc players think that their baby blue jerseys will get them past that "little mid major" school....


Butler isn't afraid of them....

Butler getting killed right now- not sure they can stop UNC

slower
03-24-2017, 07:39 PM
Butler getting killed right now- not sure they can stop UNC

Did any of us really expect any other result?

devildeac
03-24-2017, 07:41 PM
Did any of us really expect any other result?

Well, Butler did beat 'Nova twice so I expected better from them. Playing like 6 week old puppies now. :mad:

Rich
03-24-2017, 07:45 PM
Well, Butler did beat 'Nova twice so I expected better from them. Playing like 6 week old puppies now. :mad:

'Nova and UNC two very different skill sets, but still long way to go.

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 07:47 PM
Did any of us really expect any other result?

Not me. They are on fire. Luke Maye is dominating this team.

rsvman
03-24-2017, 07:54 PM
It's pathetic.

Rich
03-24-2017, 07:55 PM
Baylor now successfully attacking SC defense with drives and dishes. Something we didn't do. Thornwell 1 for 5. Figures.

rsvman
03-24-2017, 07:55 PM
Thornwell playing like crap right now. Can't hit the broad side of a barn.

devildeac
03-24-2017, 07:56 PM
Baylor now successfully attacking SC defense with drives and dishes. Something we didn't do. Thornwell 1 for 5. Figures.

And refs actually just called a travel on SC:rolleyes: .

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-24-2017, 07:56 PM
I mean if Britt is gonna hit shots, forget about it. This is pathetic. Butler does nothing but miss three pointers.

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 07:57 PM
It's pathetic.

Carolina has somehow become the best 3 point shooting team in the country

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 07:57 PM
I wish there were a third game to watch.

devildeac
03-24-2017, 07:57 PM
Thornwell playing like crap right now. Can't hit the broad side of a barn.

He keeps looking at the Baylor unis:eek: .

devildeac
03-24-2017, 07:58 PM
I wish there were a third game to watch.

DVR of the 2017 ACCT championship game?:rolleyes:

ncexnyc
03-24-2017, 08:00 PM
Why does Butler put their big man beyond the arc, only to have him pump fake and then pass? Either drive it to the hoop or take the wide open shot.

devildeac
03-24-2017, 08:00 PM
I mean if Britt is gonna hit shots, forget about it. This is pathetic. Butler does nothing but miss three pointers.

Maybe they can shoot 20/28 FG and 21/23 FT in the 2nd half. :mad:

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-24-2017, 08:01 PM
DVR of the 2017 ACCT championship game?:rolleyes:
Exactly.

the cheating bums may win tonight but they won't win it all. And when they don't, they'll have nothing to remember of this season except that we beat them twice and we are ACC champs.

Furniture
03-24-2017, 08:01 PM
Not me. They are on fire. Luke Maye is dominating this team.

Luke Maye sucks. Roy plays too short of a bench and he can't develop bigs. Bigly.

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 08:08 PM
SC is playing well. They are a really good defensive team.

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 08:08 PM
Exactly.

the cheating bums may win tonight but they won't win it all. And when they don't, they'll have nothing to remember of this season except that we beat them twice and we are ACC champs.

Well, it would be nice if they finished short of the FF, too. Go UCLA (or, ugh, Kentucky)

Doria
03-24-2017, 08:09 PM
Carolina has somehow become the best 3 point shooting team in the country

Ugh, I'm sorry I turned it on, but I'm hoping that they either revert to mean in the 2nd half, or that they get it all out of their systems in this game.

Baylor/SC is a terrible, terrible game. Don't know which one is worse to watch--the Baylor unis or the game itself.

rsvman
03-24-2017, 08:12 PM
Well, it would be nice if they finished short of the FF, too. Go UCLA (or, ugh, Kentucky)

Kentucky beats UNC routinely. I think I have to root for Kentucky because I feel like I can trust then to beat UNC. I'm not sure I can trust UCLA.

Maybe if they had Steph Curry at the point.......

Rich
03-24-2017, 08:14 PM
Ugh, I'm sorry I turned it on, but I'm hoping that they either revert to mean in the 2nd half, or that they get it all out of their systems in this game.

Baylor/SC is a terrible, terrible game. Don't know which one is worse to watch--the Baylor unis or the game itself.

SC defense doing to Baylor what they did to us, but scoring in first half.

edunnjr
03-24-2017, 08:15 PM
South Carolina's defense is the best I've seen this year , by a mile!

Rich
03-24-2017, 08:16 PM
Kentucky beats UNC routinely. I think I have to root for Kentucky because I feel like I can trust then to beat UNC. I'm not sure I can trust UCLA.

Maybe if they had Steph Curry at the point....

Having to root for Ky to beat UNC so they can go to Final Four is nauseating.

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 08:17 PM
Ugh, I'm sorry I turned it on, but I'm hoping that they either revert to mean in the 2nd half, or that they get it all out of their systems in this game.

Baylor/SC is a terrible, terrible game. Don't know which one is worse to watch--the Baylor unis or the game itself.

Baylor is playing poorly. SC about to double them up.

Doria
03-24-2017, 08:37 PM
Baylor is playing poorly. SC about to double them up.

Oh, man. I looked away for like five minutes (okay, probably 30 minutes). When I last watched, it was basically tied at about 19 points. SC was up ~3-4, but not anything like that margin.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 08:39 PM
gamecocks smacking baylor around some ...

Rich
03-24-2017, 08:41 PM
Having to root for Ky to beat UNC so they can go to Final Four is nauseating.

Carolina up by 20. This ones over.

BigZ
03-24-2017, 08:41 PM
Go Kentucky. Enough w Lavar

ncexnyc
03-24-2017, 08:43 PM
If the ACC was the most overrated conference, can we say the SEC was the least appreciated?

A-Tex Devil
03-24-2017, 08:45 PM
Scott Drew is so bad. Seriously. He can recruit, and his defensive system, while a waste of his players' talent is tough to crack. But in a one game or in game situation, he's just bad.

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 08:46 PM
If the ACC was the most overrated conference, can we say the SEC was the least appreciated?

But the ACC may be the home of the National Champion.

eddiehaskell
03-24-2017, 08:47 PM
UNC throwing everything in.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 08:48 PM
gamecocks up by 20, baylor can't hit anything...

slicing them up exactly like they did us - baylor players looking at the refs kinda like we did...

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 08:50 PM
gamecocks up by 20, baylor can't hit anything...

slicing them up exactly like they did us

yeah, they're forcing me to switch back to butler because somehow that game is slightly more competitive

WHOneedsSOX
03-24-2017, 08:57 PM
Some great games yesterday besides the Kansas one. These first two today are boring. That UCLA-Kentucky game though might be the game of the tournament. Can easily see both teams scoring into the high 90's.

ncexnyc
03-24-2017, 08:58 PM
Can someone please check Butler's diaper, because they're really stinking up the joint.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 08:58 PM
butler cuts the lead in half.....have they got the mustard???????

eddiehaskell
03-24-2017, 09:00 PM
Stupid plays from Butler...not really impressed with Lewis.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 09:08 PM
refs allowing MMA ball on this game.....just like our game with them.....


if the officials continue to allow USC to play like this, they could go to the 4....

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 09:13 PM
Stupid plays from Butler...not really impressed with Lewis.

Luke Maye was the X factor - amazing

Furniture
03-24-2017, 09:22 PM
Luke Maye was the X factor - amazing

Payback to all of those Duke fans that said he is sheet and mocked him for the last couple of years...

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 09:25 PM
holy biscuits.....the refs are letting USC do ANYTHING.........it's like they want cinderella to win...



and i'm a GAMECOCK!!!!!

eddiehaskell
03-24-2017, 09:28 PM
USC buzzsaw. At least we know a legit team beat us.

Olympic Fan
03-24-2017, 09:36 PM
I have no problem with South Carolina beating Baylor ... one of the dirtiest programs in college basketball.

I'm not wasting any anger on Butler's ineffectiveness against UNC. I knew that one was a gimmie. Sunday is the moment to see the Cheats fall (then we'll be done with two of the dirtiest programs in the tournament).

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 09:36 PM
ok.....usc is bringing the heat up 20 with 1:55 to go.....


they are RELENTLESS.....

they are going to be trouble for anyone else left...

UNCfan
03-24-2017, 09:38 PM
Luke Maye was the X factor - amazing

Chad Ford has Maye at 13 in his latest Mock Draft.

Rich
03-24-2017, 09:39 PM
ok....usc is bringing the heat up 20 with 1:55 to go....


they are RELENTLESS....

they are going to be trouble for anyone else left...

Well, didn't they split with Florida this year? Tough to play against a conference opponent who knows your system.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2017, 09:41 PM
USC buzzsaw. At least we know a legit team beat us.

This makes me feel incrementally better about our loss.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 09:43 PM
their defense is a definite punch in the mouth....

Saratoga2
03-24-2017, 09:46 PM
their defense is a definite punch in the mouth...

Yes, but it was our defense that let us down. We scored 81 on their defense, other than the turnovers we were reasonably effective

devildeac
03-24-2017, 09:47 PM
Chad Ford has Maye at 13 in his latest Mock Draft.

That means roy will convince him to stay around 3-4 years:rolleyes:.

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 09:47 PM
Well, didn't they split with Florida this year? Tough to play against a conference opponent who knows your system.

True. The SEC must be annoyed that the NCAA couldn't place the top 4 SEC teams in separate regions. (In general, they kind of did a bad job with separating conference teams this season, imo).

As a Duke fan, I wouldn't have minded them moving SC out of Fla's region (and thus out of the Greenville pod), either. But, alas, didn't happen, and teams have to be able to play all kinds of styles (even football) to win.

jipops
03-24-2017, 09:52 PM
This UK-UCLA game is key if you don't want to see a cheat title. I think UK is the only team that can't stand in their way. Otherwise the cheats waltz their way to another banner.

Rich
03-24-2017, 09:54 PM
True. The SEC must be annoyed that the NCAA couldn't place the top 4 SEC teams in separate regions. (In general, they kind of did a bad job with separating conference teams this season, imo).

As a Duke fan, I wouldn't have minded them moving SC out of Fla's region (and thus out of the Greenville pod), either. But, alas, didn't happen, and teams have to be able to play all kinds of styles (even football) to win.

I've tried to stop complaining about it, but having SC essentially play a home game in Round 2 against a 2 seed is a travesty and completely goes against the whole point of the pod system, which was specifically implemented to give the 1 and 2 seeds a close to home advantage the first two rounds.

Troublemaker
03-24-2017, 10:07 PM
Yes, but it was our defense that let us down. We scored 81 on their defense, other than the turnovers we were reasonably effective

Duke's offense stunk, too. I don't care what the final stats say. We battled strength-on-strength, and SC's defense destroyed our offense in the first half. Then they destroyed our defense in the second half. In castle terms, they crossed the moat and blew up our strong outer wall in the first half. Then they crunched our soft inner wall in the second half.


This UK-UCLA game is key if you don't want to see a cheat title. I think UK is the only team that can't stand in their way. Otherwise the cheats waltz their way to another banner.

Why can't UCLA outscore UNC? Duke did it twice...

dukelifer
03-24-2017, 10:18 PM
This UK-UCLA game is key if you don't want to see a cheat title. I think UK is the only team that can't stand in their way. Otherwise the cheats waltz their way to another banner.

Not sure waltz - if they beat UCLA and Kansas and Zaga - that is a pretty impressive run

pfrduke
03-24-2017, 10:21 PM
All I know is that if UNC ends up in the final four with South Carolina, Xavier, and Oregon I'm going to break something.

CDu
03-24-2017, 10:22 PM
Not sure waltz - if they beat UCLA and Kansas and Zaga - that is a pretty impressive run

Yeah, Kansas is no joke. They appear to be playing better than anyone right now.

eddiehaskell
03-24-2017, 10:34 PM
Chad Ford has Maye at 13 in his latest Mock Draft.13th from schools on Tobacco Road?

Newton_14
03-24-2017, 10:49 PM
uncCheat is going to be in trouble no matter which of these teams win tonight. UCLA is way better than I knew. Their front line dunking like crazy... those dudes can play... and they are down 3 at the half to an equally great UK team. I don't think I've seen uncCheat or Duke play at the level UK/UCLA is playing tonight and Kansas played last night. This is a higher level of play than anything we watched in the ACC this season imo... and I thought Oregon looked very good last night as well. Butler was overmatched as we all knew. I am convinced if Duke had the South 1 Seed and uncCheat the East 2 Seed, South Carolina is still playing in the Elite 8 tomorrow and Duke would be playing in the Elite 8 Saturday and would lose to whoever wins this UK/UCLA game..

my two cents fwiw...

Bluedog
03-24-2017, 11:03 PM
I am convinced if Duke had the South 1 Seed and uncCheat the East 2 Seed, South Carolina is still playing in the Elite 8 tomorrow and Duke would be playing in the Elite 8 Saturday and would lose to whoever wins this UK/UCLA game..

my two cents fwiw...

Arkansas could have very easily beaten UNC if one or two calls went their way at the end. It was basically a toss up, so likely would have been a tough game and possible loss for us as well....

subzero02
03-24-2017, 11:08 PM
ucla and kentucky are about to make the score keeper pass out....

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2017, 11:12 PM
ucla and kentucky are about to make the score keeper pass out...

Reminds me of the intensity of the first 30 minutes of Kansas/MSU. Really fun basketball.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2017, 11:14 PM
Only 4 straight Bruin wins can save my bracket from ignominy.

subzero02
03-24-2017, 11:15 PM
Arkansas could have very easily beaten UNC if one or two calls went their way at the end. It was basically a toss up, so likely would have been a tough game and possible loss for us as well...

The SEC definitely had more high quality teams than they were given credit for. I really wish Kevin Martin had stayed in kansas.

sagegrouse
03-24-2017, 11:39 PM
The SEC definitely had more high quality teams than they were given credit for. I really wish Kevin Martin had stayed in kansas.

Kevin Martin was in Kansas as recently as November: "Nov 10, 2016 - Kevin L. Martin is charged after Kansas City, Kan., police say they found him passed out in a running car."

Frank Martin, however, took the South Carolina job.

moonpie23
03-24-2017, 11:55 PM
UK closing escrow...

subzero02
03-24-2017, 11:56 PM
I love how the UCLA fans with seats behind the UCLA bench have essentially all left. Great show of support for your team....

brevity
03-24-2017, 11:57 PM
Final: Kentucky 86, UCLA 75. Overheard in Memphis...

Reporter: "I noticed that Stephen Curry took Davidson to the Elite 8, but your son Lonzo can't even do that with UCLA."

LaVar Ball: "Okay, but if you put LaMelo on the Dallas Mavericks next season and Seth Curry at Chino Hills High School, LaMelo will work with Harrison Barnes to perfect the Big Baller brand, but Seth will just win a state championship and attend another prom."

vick
03-25-2017, 12:00 AM
For all the deserved talk about how the ACC has underperformed in the tournament, barring an Oregon upset tomorrow, I believe the best wins for the PAC-12 by seed will be against #6 seeds SMU and Cincinnati. Not exactly proving the computers' skepticism about the conference wrong.

gam7
03-25-2017, 12:18 AM
So, I know it's very early, but I am going to go ahead and add Mike White to the watchlist for the Bradley K. Stevens Award For Coaches Duke Fans Convince Themselves Would Be A Great Fit For Duke But Who Will Not Actually Coach At Duke In The Next Decade.

Wander
03-25-2017, 12:32 AM
That last shot to force overtime was lucky, but great coaching by Wisconsin to come back. Really good decisions on which possessions to intentionally foul and when to just play defense.

brevity
03-25-2017, 12:34 AM
Verne Lundquist experiencing major déjà vu before that last play, with 2.1 seconds left in regulation. Overtime.

Doria
03-25-2017, 12:49 AM
Wow, tie with under 30 seconds left in OT. The second pair of games have been great.

Stray Gator
03-25-2017, 12:53 AM
Go Gators!!!

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-25-2017, 12:54 AM
Holy cow. What a game. I thought Cal had jinxed Florida with his post game comments but they pulled it out anyway.

Doria
03-25-2017, 12:55 AM
Feel pretty bad for Wisconsin, losing it that way. Great shot, though.

Furniture
03-25-2017, 12:55 AM
Should Wisconsin have missed the last FT? Wow!

SoCalDukeFan
03-25-2017, 12:57 AM
Should have missed the free throw.

But great shot to force OT by Wisconsin and great show to win for Florida.

Dick

brevity
03-25-2017, 12:57 AM
Congratulations to the SEC for definitely putting one team in the Final Four.

No matter who wins the title, if One Shining Moment doesn't include Showalter's 3 and Chiozza's 3 from this game, CBS is doing it wrong.

gofurman
03-25-2017, 01:03 AM
Congratulations to the SEC for definitely putting one team in the Final Four.

No matter who wins the title, if One Shining Moment doesn't include Showalter's 3 and Chiozza's 3 from this game, CBS is doing it wrong.

I think USC Gamecocks definitely wanted Wisconsin. The Gators have seen the Cocks twice this year (split games) and will not be surprised by their D. Gators won the last game by 10+ though it was at Florida.

gam7
03-25-2017, 01:04 AM
Congratulations to the SEC for definitely putting one team in the Final Four.

No matter who wins the title, if One Shining Moment doesn't include Showalter's 3 and Chiozza's 3 from this game, CBS is doing it wrong.

Here's hoping they put two teams in the Final Four.

In post-game, Mike White admitted he probably should have fouled, up 3 with a few seconds left at end of regulation (even though kenpom thinks you have a marginally better chance of winning if you play it straight up, which they did. And they ended up winning.

gam7
03-25-2017, 01:06 AM
I think USC Gamecocks definitely wanted Wisconsin. The Gators have seen the Cocks twice this year (split games) and will not be surprised by their D. Gators won the last game by 10+ though it was at Florida.

But they may be surprised by their O.

BigZ
03-25-2017, 03:13 AM
Looking at the bracket Dukes lose is even worse. I think we handle Baylor and Florida easily then we get either Gonzaga or Xavier

Steven43
03-25-2017, 03:27 AM
So, I know it's very early, but I am going to go ahead and add Mike White to the watchlist for the Bradley K. Stevens Award For Coaches Duke Fans Convince Themselves Would Be A Great Fit For Duke But Who Will Not Actually Coach At Duke In The Next Decade.

How do you know who will or will not coach at Duke in the next decade? For that matter, I don't believe Brad Stevens is completely out of the running. Let's say Coach K stays at Duke another 3-4 years. Let's also say that the Celtics best season in the next four is this one, with each subsequent season being just a bit worse than the one before. What if he gets disillusioned with coaching in the NBA, decides he wants to give college another try, and Duke offers him a 7-year guaranteed contract that would pay him significantly more than he is making as coach of the Celtics? I believe Coach K makes more than Stevens right now. Clearly Duke can come up with the necessary money to go after a high-profile guy like Stevens.

Anyway, I don't expect it to happen. I just think it is within the realm of possibility, that's all. However, my current money is on Chris Collins.

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 07:21 AM
Wow, tie with under 30 seconds left in OT. The second pair of games have been great.

The last game was too late for me but 25 years since Laettner had two Laettner moments in one game- wow.

subzero02
03-25-2017, 08:08 AM
The last game was too late for me but 25 years since Laettner had two Laettner moments in one game- wow.

it was worth the sleep deprivation.... I am glad I stayed up for it.

MChambers
03-25-2017, 08:36 AM
He's a really good coach and a really good recruiter. Arizona is the third recruiting powerhouse in college ball right now. He'll keep knocking, and he'll break down the door to the Final Four eventually.

I agree, but am wondering more about UNC going outside the family.

Troublemaker
03-25-2017, 08:51 AM
I agree, but am wondering more about UNC going outside the family.

Ah, gotcha. I think all other programs are rooting for them to give it to Hubert Davis instead of going outside the family. (Hubert might be great, but we'll roll the dice on him.)

ChillinDuke
03-25-2017, 09:14 AM
I've tried to stop complaining about it, but having SC essentially play a home game in Round 2 against a 2 seed is a travesty and completely goes against the whole point of the pod system, which was specifically implemented to give the 1 and 2 seeds a close to home advantage the first two rounds.

I learned recently (didn't verify myself) that the Greenville pod was a relocation of a NC-based pod due to HB2. If true, that explains the SC issue. The pod should have, IMO, been treated as if it was still in NC. And so I'm now more OK with the whole situation.

- Chillin

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-25-2017, 09:37 AM
I learned recently (didn't verify myself) that the Greenville pod was a relocation of a NC-based pod due to HB2. If true, that explains the SC issue. The pod should have, IMO, been treated as if it was still in NC. And so I'm now more OK with the whole situation.

- Chillin

The relocation is definitely the result of HB2.

Rich
03-25-2017, 11:06 AM
I learned recently (didn't verify myself) that the Greenville pod was a relocation of a NC-based pod due to HB2. If true, that explains the SC issue. The pod should have, IMO, been treated as if it was still in NC. And so I'm now more OK with the whole situation.

- Chillin

Yes, that's absolutely true. But SC should have been moved to another pod. There were 3 other 7 seeds that could've played in Greeenville. As another poster said, the NCAA had an interest in keeping SC in Greenville for ticket sales, especially if a Duke-SC game panned out as it did, but in my mind that defeats the whole purpose of the pod system. Why should Duke be punished because the state of NC implemented a law that goes against NCAA policy?

brevity
03-25-2017, 11:47 AM
As another poster said, the NCAA had an interest in keeping SC in Greenville for ticket sales...

I'll go further. South Carolina was going to play in Greenville no matter what. The Selection Committee probably had them as a 5 seed in 4-seeded Duke's pod. Then they became a 6 when Duke moved up to the 3 seed line, and then a 7 when Duke won the ACC Tournament.

I'm inclined to believe that winning the SEC Tournament would not have made a difference, based on what happened to the Big Ten Tournament champ, 7-seeded Michigan (who was going to be in Indianapolis after 5 seeds Iowa State and Minnesota were placed in Milwaukee).

It's a complete 180 for the NCAA. Before it was all about the seeding, and to hell with geography. Now it's all about geography, and to hell with the seeding.

UNCfan
03-25-2017, 12:46 PM
to be fair, they went 3-6 over their last 9 games. no one gave them a chance in the game. this year, more than ever, it appears the NCAA set up a ton of games to have extra drama.

Duke would either play SC in SC or Wojo in the 2nd round. Duke was also in line to meet SMU where you would face a former Duke player.

Seemed like the committee was producing a reality show

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-25-2017, 01:08 PM
Seemed like the committee was producing a reality show

Aren't they?

Olympic Fan
03-25-2017, 01:22 PM
Just thought I'd ask -- now that we're down to eight teams, which one(s) would you be comfortable with cutting down the nets.

Okay, I think we all agree that the Cheats winning is the worst possible outcome. And personally, I think Kentucky getting the title would be almost (not quite) as bad.

On the other side, I wouldn't mind Florida too much because of the Mike White/Kevin White connection. Plus, we beat them, so that would be nice. On the other hand, it would be the third title for Florida this century, tying them with Duke and UConn for the most 21st Century championships.

Xavier would be a great underdog story. And South Carolina wouldn't be so bad for me. For all the problems I have with the matchup, none of it is their fault. The played a strong game -- as physical as the refs allowed and beat us. I'm pretty neutral over Oregon. I don't blame them for beating us last year. They earned it. I guess Brooks' late 3 does leave a bad taste.

I wouldn't like to see Kansas win. Kansas has been the most consistent program in the country over the last 30 years or so -- the only program that's been more consistent than Duke. The one thing holding them back is the fact that they've won just one title since 1988 (when they were cheating) and just two in the modern era. A couple of more championships and they could challenge Duke's status as the best program in the modern (64-team NCAA era).

I have less reason to pull against Gonzaga ... but I am. I guess it comes down to the perception that they are always overrated because they win a couple of tough games early, then dominate a weak conference. So far this tournament, everything has broken their way -- the officials gave them a huge break in the Northwestern game. The officials definitely helped them at the end of the West Virginia game. Then Arizona -- the one team in that region that DEFINITELY beats them -- gets upset by Xavier, giving the Zags a gift route to the Final Four.

Still, only a title by the Cheats or by Kentucky would really crush me. I wouldn't like Kansas or Gonzaga, but I could live with it. Any of the other four would be fine.

So out of the remaining teams, who do you most want to win ... and lose?

Doria
03-25-2017, 01:53 PM
Just thought I'd ask -- now that we're down to eight teams, which one(s) would you be comfortable with cutting down the nets.

Okay, I think we all agree that the Cheats winning is the worst possible outcome. And personally, I think Kentucky getting the title would be almost (not quite) as bad.

On the other side, I wouldn't mind Florida too much because of the Mike White/Kevin White connection. Plus, we beat them, so that would be nice. On the other hand, it would be the third title for Florida this century, tying them with Duke and UConn for the most 21st Century championships.

Xavier would be a great underdog story. And South Carolina wouldn't be so bad for me. For all the problems I have with the matchup, none of it is their fault. The played a strong game -- as physical as the refs allowed and beat us. I'm pretty neutral over Oregon. I don't blame them for beating us last year. They earned it. I guess Brooks' late 3 does leave a bad taste.

I wouldn't like to see Kansas win. Kansas has been the most consistent program in the country over the last 30 years or so -- the only program that's been more consistent than Duke. The one thing holding them back is the fact that they've won just one title since 1988 (when they were cheating) and just two in the modern era. A couple of more championships and they could challenge Duke's status as the best program in the modern (64-team NCAA era).

I have less reason to pull against Gonzaga ... but I am. I guess it comes down to the perception that they are always overrated because they win a couple of tough games early, then dominate a weak conference. So far this tournament, everything has broken their way -- the officials gave them a huge break in the Northwestern game. The officials definitely helped them at the end of the West Virginia game. Then Arizona -- the one team in that region that DEFINITELY beats them -- gets upset by Xavier, giving the Zags a gift route to the Final Four.

Still, only a title by the Cheats or by Kentucky would really crush me. I wouldn't like Kansas or Gonzaga, but I could live with it. Any of the other four would be fine.

So out of the remaining teams, who do you most want to win ... and lose?

Wow, your logic is almost exactly mine! Yes, obviously Carolina is worst option, followed closely by KY. Again, your logic is mine with respect to KS. Too much success there for me to root for them. And I hold 1993 and 2007 (?) against them. Also agree about Florida. I don't really have anything against them, but too much tourney success. Still, if it comes down to it, I wouldn't be upset if they won or anything.

I can't pull for SC. As I posted in another thread, I respect the logic that says better to lose to the eventual champs, but I just want to see them crushed. I also hold last year against Oregon. It's very irrational, but there it is... And I hate their uniforms.

I would like to Xavier to win, though it's extremely unlikely. But I have no particular grudge against Gonzaga, so I'd be okay with them winning, as well.

Olympic Fan
03-25-2017, 02:04 PM
Wow, your logic is almost exactly mine! Yes, obviously Carolina is worst option, followed closely by KY. Again, your logic is mine with respect to KS. Too much success there for me to root for them. And I hold 1993 and 2007 (?) against them. Also agree about Florida. I don't really have anything against them, but too much tourney success. Still, if it comes down to it, I wouldn't be upset if they won or anything.


Not sure what you're talking about. We didn't face Kansas either year.

Duke and Kansas do have a very significant head-to-head history in the NCAA:

1986 -- Duke beat Kansas in the semifinals in Dallas to reach the title game

1988 -- Kansas beat Duke in the semifinals in Kansas City. It was a lot like last Sunday's game -- a road game in the NCAA Tournament,

1991 -- Duke beat Kansas in the title game for the school's first championship

2000 -- Duke beat Kansas in the second round in Winston-Salem

2003 -- Kansas beat Duke in the Sweet 16 in Anaheim

No particular grudge against Kansas for either of the two losses. And we are 3-2 in NCAA play against them (2-1 in the Final Four).

BTW: I agree wit a point you made in another thread. We need to pull for Kansas today, just in case UNC beats Kentucky Sunday. It's a small sample size, but Kansas seems to be Roy's Kryptonite.

Doria
03-25-2017, 02:09 PM
Not sure what you're talking about. We didn't face Kansas either year.

Duke and Kansas do have a very significant head-to-head history in the NCAA:

1986 -- Duke beat Kansas in the semifinals in Dallas to reach the title game

1988 -- Kansas beat Duke in the semifinals in Kansas City. It was a lot like last Sunday's game -- a road game in the NCAA Tournament,

1991 -- Duke beat Kansas in the title game for the school's first championship

2000 -- Duke beat Kansas in the second round in Winston-Salem

2003 -- Kansas beat Duke in the Sweet 16 in Anaheim

No particular grudge against Kansas for either of the two losses. And we are 3-2 in NCAA play against them (2-1 in the Final Four).

BTW: I agree wit a point you made in another thread. We need to pull for Kansas today, just in case UNC beats Kentucky Sunday. It's a small sample size, but Kansas seems to be Roy's Kryptonite.

I wasn't sure about the 2007, and I was thinking of 2003. I am not sure where I got the other year, but I was thinking about 1988. Thanks for the corrections! I'm "working" right now, too, so maybe I just zoned out and got the numbers wrong. But thanks again for the help!

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 04:20 PM
Just thought I'd ask -- now that we're down to eight teams, which one(s) would you be comfortable with cutting down the nets.

Okay, I think we all agree that the Cheats winning is the worst possible outcome. And personally, I think Kentucky getting the title would be almost (not quite) as bad.

On the other side, I wouldn't mind Florida too much because of the Mike White/Kevin White connection. Plus, we beat them, so that would be nice. On the other hand, it would be the third title for Florida this century, tying them with Duke and UConn for the most 21st Century championships.

Xavier would be a great underdog story. And South Carolina wouldn't be so bad for me. For all the problems I have with the matchup, none of it is their fault. The played a strong game -- as physical as the refs allowed and beat us. I'm pretty neutral over Oregon. I don't blame them for beating us last year. They earned it. I guess Brooks' late 3 does leave a bad taste.

I wouldn't like to see Kansas win. Kansas has been the most consistent program in the country over the last 30 years or so -- the only program that's been more consistent than Duke. The one thing holding them back is the fact that they've won just one title since 1988 (when they were cheating) and just two in the modern era. A couple of more championships and they could challenge Duke's status as the best program in the modern (64-team NCAA era).

I have less reason to pull against Gonzaga ... but I am. I guess it comes down to the perception that they are always overrated because they win a couple of tough games early, then dominate a weak conference. So far this tournament, everything has broken their way -- the officials gave them a huge break in the Northwestern game. The officials definitely helped them at the end of the West Virginia game. Then Arizona -- the one team in that region that DEFINITELY beats them -- gets upset by Xavier, giving the Zags a gift route to the Final Four.

Still, only a title by the Cheats or by Kentucky would really crush me. I wouldn't like Kansas or Gonzaga, but I could live with it. Any of the other four would be fine.

So out of the remaining teams, who do you most want to win ... and lose?

I don't think they will win but I would like to see Gonzaga or Xavier win it- a team out of the traditional powers. I expect however for either Kansas or UNC to win it. Of those two- I will pick Kansas.

NM Duke Fan
03-25-2017, 05:06 PM
Yes, perhaps Gonzaga can play a tougher schedule going forward. I believe, however, that the program and coach have some really admirable qualities, as well as the current players and the committment to defense. I am realistic they are not the favorites, but I hope they pull it out. At least they have a reasonable chance of making the 4 finally, but we will see. In any case, I picked Kansas to win in all in my bracket, and so far they have not dissapointed. I just can't root for Kentucky emotionally, although Calipari does have one OAD dominant team after another playing good to even great defense. Makes me wonder if there are some lessons there ...

brevity
03-25-2017, 07:00 PM
Some kind words from DBR about Xavier and Gonzaga as contenders, but no words about them while they play each other. Lonely first half.

NM Duke Fan
03-25-2017, 07:49 PM
Gonzaga overall has played quite well. But Collins with 4 and Karnowski 3. They have blown a few big leads this year, time to keep trying to expand this nice lead, maybe a well-timed 3 or two.

JNort
03-25-2017, 08:03 PM
Just thought I'd ask -- now that we're down to eight teams, which one(s) would you be comfortable with cutting down the nets.

Okay, I think we all agree that the Cheats winning is the worst possible outcome. And personally, I think Kentucky getting the title would be almost (not quite) as bad.

On the other side, I wouldn't mind Florida too much because of the Mike White/Kevin White connection. Plus, we beat them, so that would be nice. On the other hand, it would be the third title for Florida this century, tying them with Duke and UConn for the most 21st Century championships.

Xavier would be a great underdog story. And South Carolina wouldn't be so bad for me. For all the problems I have with the matchup, none of it is their fault. The played a strong game -- as physical as the refs allowed and beat us. I'm pretty neutral over Oregon. I don't blame them for beating us last year. They earned it. I guess Brooks' late 3 does leave a bad taste.

I wouldn't like to see Kansas win. Kansas has been the most consistent program in the country over the last 30 years or so -- the only program that's been more consistent than Duke. The one thing holding them back is the fact that they've won just one title since 1988 (when they were cheating) and just two in the modern era. A couple of more championships and they could challenge Duke's status as the best program in the modern (64-team NCAA era).

I have less reason to pull against Gonzaga ... but I am. I guess it comes down to the perception that they are always overrated because they win a couple of tough games early, then dominate a weak conference. So far this tournament, everything has broken their way -- the officials gave them a huge break in the Northwestern game. The officials definitely helped them at the end of the West Virginia game. Then Arizona -- the one team in that region that DEFINITELY beats them -- gets upset by Xavier, giving the Zags a gift route to the Final Four.

Still, only a title by the Cheats or by Kentucky would really crush me. I wouldn't like Kansas or Gonzaga, but I could live with it. Any of the other four would be fine.

So out of the remaining teams, who do you most want to win ... and lose?

I'm fine with any of them except UNC. Prefer not to see UK either but it's better than UNC.

My choice overall would be SC only because they beat us but I wouldn't mind seeing Kansas though

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 08:09 PM
Looks like the Zags will get their final four. Need them to be stout in case UNC is in their path.

subzero02
03-25-2017, 08:10 PM
I'm fine with any of them except UNC. Prefer not to see UK either but it's better than UNC.

My choice overall would be SC only because they beat us but I wouldn't mind seeing Kansas though

Oregon or Gonzaga.... a team from out West hasn't won since Arizona in 1997

vick
03-25-2017, 08:21 PM
I'm truly puzzled why people have had so much trouble recognizing the reality that Gonzaga has been one of the best teams in the country this year. I mean, compare their performance against common opponents with Arizona:

Santa Clara

Gonzaga: +9 neutral, +31 away, +35 home
Arizona: +8 neutral

Gonzaga 17 points better

Washington

Gonzaga: +27 home
Arizona: +11 home, +8 away

Gonzaga 17.5 points better (~14.5 adjusted for home court)

Saint Mary's

Gonzaga: +23 home, +10 away, +18 neutral
Arizona: +9 neutral

Gonzaga 8 points better

Xavier

Gonzaga: +24 neutral
Arizona: -2 neutral

Gonzaga 26 points better

Plus virtually every computer poll, the deeper tournament run, and head-to-head. But somehow we're supposed to believe Arizona "definitely" would beat them? It's weird.

NM Duke Fan
03-25-2017, 08:22 PM
Gonzaga destroys the spread and wins by 24, liked what I saw overall. Happy for them their first FF! The opponent had good guard play but overall was overmatched. I wonder if they would prefer to see SC or Florida as their opponent? Maybe we will see a Gonzaga-Kansas final ...

JNort
03-25-2017, 08:26 PM
Oregon or Gonzaga... a team from out West hasn't won since Arizona in 1997

Eh I'd rather it stay dominated by the East

rsvman
03-25-2017, 08:44 PM
Gonzaga was lucky to be in the elite eight to begin with, being the beneficiaries of some pretty horrendous officiating in both of their prior two games. They played well tonight, but losing to BYU at home and all but losing to Northwestern prove that they have not been and are not now a juggernaut.

Could they win it all? Sure. If they play like they did tonight they will be a tough out. But in half their games even in this tournament, they have been anything but invincible.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-25-2017, 08:45 PM
Gonzaga will be in for a surprise if they meet UNC, Kansas, or Kentucky.

Wander
03-25-2017, 08:48 PM
Plus virtually every computer poll, the deeper tournament run, and head-to-head. But somehow we're supposed to believe Arizona "definitely" would beat them? It's weird.

Gonzaga is better than Arizona this year. Period, end of story. It's absurd that anyone still believes otherwise.

BigZ
03-25-2017, 09:06 PM
Hate to root for Kansas but I want hardest path for UNC

chrishoke
03-25-2017, 09:15 PM
Hate to root for Kansas but I want hardest path for UNC

Good point.

NM Duke Fan
03-25-2017, 09:23 PM
Gonzaga is better than Arizona this year. Period, end of story. It's absurd that anyone still believes otherwise.

Agreed! And better than most teams when looking at all the various metrics as well. I think they can play with anybody IF they play as well as tonight, and their two fine big men had foul trouble. No they are not a juggarnaut, all teams have some weaknesses. With Kansas probably the fewest. All they are going to have to do is beat SC or FL and they are in the championship game. I suspect they might take those odds ... My bet for the most likely championship game is Kansas vs. Gonzaga.

NM Duke Fan
03-25-2017, 09:36 PM
Kansas must make major half time adjustments, few saw this score coming!

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 09:37 PM
Kansas must make major half time adjustments, few saw this score coming!

Hard to win when the other team shoots 60%.

rsvman
03-25-2017, 09:37 PM
Oregon getting every soft bounce available off the rim in the first half.
Kansas's big man is killing them. Missing shots, fumbling passes. I feel like Kansas is the better team but they are down double digits at the half.

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 10:05 PM
Oregon getting every soft bounce available off the rim in the first half.
Kansas's big man is killing them. Missing shots, fumbling passes. I feel like Kansas is the better team but they are down double digits at the half.
Kansas will need a miracle. They are down big.

hallcity
03-25-2017, 10:05 PM
Hate to root for Kansas but I want hardest path for UNC

You sure Oregon isn't the hardest path?

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 10:06 PM
kansas in serious trouble...

chriso
03-25-2017, 10:07 PM
Gonzaga will be in for a surprise if they meet UNC, Kansas, or Kentucky.

Are you referring to the fact that Kansas is now down 16 to Oregon? :) Seriously I'm shocked.

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 10:12 PM
Gonzaga will be in for a surprise if they meet UNC, Kansas, or Kentucky.

South Carolina in for a surprise if they meet Duke or Baylor...

DukieInKansas
03-25-2017, 10:18 PM
This is not the Kansas I'm used to seeing. Pulling for a huge comeback.

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 10:21 PM
This is not the Kansas I'm used to seeing. Pulling for a huge comeback.

not happening tonight......kansas out of sync.....ducks on a mission....

Doria
03-25-2017, 10:37 PM
Wow, worst I've seen KS look all year, and I've caught a few of their games from various points in the season.

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 10:46 PM
kansas going down....

grad_devil
03-25-2017, 10:46 PM
kansas going down...

Road game didn't seem to bother Oregon very much...

cptnflash
03-25-2017, 10:48 PM
Ok Oregon, you better win the next game too.

A-Tex Devil
03-25-2017, 10:49 PM
I'll be honest, Oregon seems like a team that can handle UNC. Doesn't mean they will, but they have the pieces.

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 10:56 PM
Wow. Zags, Oregon either SC or Florida - probably SC and either of two blue bloods. Amazing.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-25-2017, 10:57 PM
I got one of my final four!

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 10:58 PM
I'll be honest, Oregon seems like a team that can handle UNC. Doesn't mean they will, but they have the pieces.

bell won't he intimidated at the rim.......keep the holes at bay inside.....

YmoBeThere
03-25-2017, 11:04 PM
"The west is the best" - Jim Morrison

Skydog
03-25-2017, 11:08 PM
Bell's performance was incredible.. 8 sweet blocks, 7 offensive boards, 6 defensive boards, 4 assists and 11 points on only 6 shots. "He owned the paint."

rsvman
03-25-2017, 11:08 PM
Bell an amazing run protector tonight.
Kansas shooting was abysmal. Seriously bad.

I wonder if Oregon can beat Kentucky?

Furniture
03-25-2017, 11:12 PM
I got one of my final four!

Me too. That win put me to the top of the DBR bracket challenge as well!!!

https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/group/87310

I will lose that spot tomorrow when UK beat UNC. I don't mind! :-)

ipatent
03-25-2017, 11:17 PM
Bill Self is lucky to have the Kansas fanbase, and not the Kentucky one. We know how that would be.

brevity
03-25-2017, 11:19 PM
That Coca-Cola commercial -- with the Kansas fan shutting the door on powerless Kentucky fans -- seems cruel now that Kansas has lost. But once Kentucky is eliminated (next week, please), I reserve the right to change my mind.

Oregon and Gonzaga playing in Phoenix. For those of you with East Coast bias, realize that your entire belief system has been entrusted to UNC and three SEC teams. That must suck for you.

Sunday games:

2:20pm ET South Carolina-Florida III
5:05pm ET Kentucky-North Carolina II

tteettimes
03-25-2017, 11:20 PM
Best team left..........CHEATS
HATE IT-----but that's what it looks like to me......only stopper is Ky Jelly
Winner will probably win the Natty......jmho
Gthcgth

rsvman
03-25-2017, 11:25 PM
Best team left......CHEATS
HATE IT-----but that's what it looks like to me...only stopper is Ky Jelly
Winner will probably win the Natty...jmho
Gthcgth

I think both Kentucky and Oregon are better teams than UNCheat.

dukelifer
03-25-2017, 11:28 PM
I think both Kentucky and Oregon are better teams than UNCheat.

Carolina has shown that they can wilt in the second half. But they are capable of getting a lot of points. They go as Berry goes.

devildeac
03-25-2017, 11:35 PM
Hard to win when the other team shoots 60%.

Or 71.4% on 20/28 shooting. :(

subzero02
03-25-2017, 11:41 PM
Bell an amazing run protector tonight.
Kansas shooting was abysmal. Seriously bad.

I wonder if Oregon can beat Kentucky?

I truly hope we get to find out and that the answer is a resounding yes.....

subzero02
03-25-2017, 11:44 PM
Bill Self is lucky to have the Kansas fanbase, and not the Kentucky one. We know how that would be.

yeah, kentucky would be selfless for a change....

BigZ
03-25-2017, 11:44 PM
I'm down for a South Carolina vs Oregon final

moonpie23
03-25-2017, 11:59 PM
I'm down for a South Carolina vs Oregon final

go cocks....

duke4ever19
03-26-2017, 12:09 AM
I'm down for a South Carolina vs Oregon final

I bet CBS is hoping this matchup doesn't happen. I probably wouldn't even watch the whole game.

BigZ
03-26-2017, 02:03 AM
If Duke is out I root for a really low seed that way it's like there is no real best team

brevity
03-26-2017, 02:09 AM
NCAA March Madness‏ @marchmadness

All-West Region Team

Johnathan Williams, Most Outstanding Player
Jordan Mathews
Nigel Williams-Goss
Trevon Bluiett
J.P. Macura

7:38 PM - 25 Mar 2017 (https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/845827275887140867)

All-Midwest Region Team

Jordan Bell – Most Outstanding Player
Tyler Dorsey
Dillon Brooks
Frank Mason III
Josh Jackson

8:19 PM - 25 Mar 2017 (https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/845837663475257344)

Saratoga2
03-26-2017, 08:50 AM
I truly hope we get to find out and that the answer is a resounding yes....

[/U] Graham of KU had a night where no shot would go in. This is after scoring 29 earlier in the tourney. Was it the defense of Oregon? To some extent maybe, but it must also have been something in his head. Why does a junior, with lots of experience and having succeeded so well in prior games all of a sudden come up unable to be effective?

In a way, Kennard, while certainly better than Graham in his last tournament game, I believed he wasn't himself in either of the tournament games. I think he tended to defer to Grayson more than he should have and of course the South Carolina defense was outstanding. Even on a wide open shot for 3 from the corner in that game, he shot an air ball. You wonder why a kid with so much ability has issues in tournament games. Some will say he had none, but just look at the games again if that's how you see it. I truly hope he returns and takes a leadership role on the team next year.

Indoor66
03-26-2017, 09:05 AM
[/U] Graham of KU had a night where no shot would go in. This is after scoring 29 earlier in the tourney. Was it the defense of Oregon? To some extent maybe, but it must also have been something in his head. Why does a junior, with lots of experience and having succeeded so well in prior games all of a sudden come up unable to be effective?

In a way, Kennard, while certainly better than Graham in his last tournament game, I believed he wasn't himself in either of the tournament games. I think he tended to defer to Grayson more than he should have and of course the South Carolina defense was outstanding. Even on a wide open shot for 3 from the corner in that game, he shot an air ball. You wonder why a kid with so much ability has issues in tournament games. Some will say he had none, but just look at the games again if that's how you see it. I truly hope he returns and takes a leadership role on the team next year.

I don't understand the consternation about single performances (or even stretches of performances) by 18 - 22 year olds. I am up and down all the time and I have a LOT more experience at the game of life than these kids. Heck, I have had bad days, bad weeks, bad months and bad years. IMO, we need to cut them a little slack.

devildeac
03-26-2017, 09:19 AM
I'm down for a South Carolina vs Oregon final

The NCAvianA Championship. :o

Atlanta Duke
03-26-2017, 10:04 AM
I bet CBS is hoping this matchup doesn't happen. I probably wouldn't even watch the whole game.

Agreed CBS has to be pulling hard for the winner of UNC-UK to make it to the championship game.

Ratings have been great so far

The 2017 tournament is far from over, but it is already the second-most watched in 24 years, averaging 9.5 million viewers. That is a 10% jump over the 2016 tournament. Ratings-wise, it is tied as the second-highest-rated tourney since 1991, averaging a 6.5 rating. That is an 8% increase over last year’s tournament.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/03/24/ncaa-tournament-ratings-increase/99582104/

But Oregon-Gonzaga or Oregon-Florida/South Carolina would be a hard sell

chriso
03-26-2017, 10:18 AM
Agreed CBS has to be pulling hard for the winner of UNC-UK to make it to the championship game.

Ratings have been great so far

The 2017 tournament is far from over, but it is already the second-most watched in 24 years, averaging 9.5 million viewers. That is a 10% jump over the 2016 tournament. Ratings-wise, it is tied as the second-highest-rated tourney since 1991, averaging a 6.5 rating. That is an 8% increase over last year’s tournament.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/03/24/ncaa-tournament-ratings-increase/99582104/

But Oregon-Gonzaga or Oregon-Florida/South Carolina would be a hard sell

As a west coaster I'm pulling hard for the Zags. Gonzaga Kentucky would be epic. Can't like the Ducks as I'm from Washington but darn that win over Kansas was impressive. I've been to the Oregon campus and there is some serious money invested in the sports program. That has to help with recruiting. The basketball arena is amazing. The KU loss made me realize how hard it is to make the Final Four, for anyone. Unless you're steamrolling everyone you really need to be lucky. :) Glad Alford is staying at UCLA and think the IU hire is a good one. Random thoughts I know. Go Duke !

curtis325
03-26-2017, 10:33 AM
The NCAvianA Championship. :o

Fowl on you. Two free throws.

Indoor66
03-26-2017, 12:30 PM
Fowl on you. Two free throws.

But a bird in the hand and all that stuffing....🐦

DukieInKansas
03-26-2017, 02:13 PM
Best team left......CHEATS
HATE IT-----but that's what it looks like to me...only stopper is Ky Jelly
Winner will probably win the Natty...jmho
Gthcgth

Wasn't this the same thought last year? Let's wait and see how it plays out. Not giving them anything yet.

wavedukefan70s
03-26-2017, 02:54 PM
I can not believe what the gamecocks are getting away with vs florida.that isnt basketball its rugby.

Skydog
03-26-2017, 03:05 PM
...UCLA is way better than I knew. Their front line dunking like crazy... those dudes can play... and they are down 3 at the half to an equally great UK team. I don't think I've seen uncCheat or Duke play at the level UK/UCLA is playing tonight and Kansas played last night. This is a higher level of play than anything we watched in the ACC this season imo...
...


During the first half of that game I had the exact same thought - this game is being played at a higher level than anything I've seen in the ACC this season. Or being played anywhere for that matter. There were often 2 or 3 beautiful plays made during single possessions, with great offense getting countered by great defense and vice-versa. Too bad UCLA petered out toward the end - it had the makings of an "instant classic" up until that point.

brevity
03-26-2017, 03:28 PM
Halftime. Florida 40, South Carolina 33. Overheard in the Florida locker room:

"Defensive assignments. Hayes, I'm putting you on Notice."

subzero02
03-26-2017, 04:06 PM
Kotsar is pretty good in transition and of course, has a strong game when he posts on the bloc.

rsvman
03-26-2017, 04:15 PM
Halftime. Florida 40, South Carolina 33. Overheard in the Florida locker room:

"Defensive assignments. Hayes, I'm putting you on Notice."

I see what you did there.




I was thinking down by seven....The Gamecocks have them right where they want them.

brevity
03-26-2017, 04:26 PM
How about that. I was watching an SEC basketball game, and an SEC basketball game broke out.

I like how CBS' abbreviation for South Carolina in their Game Trends update bar is "SCAR".

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2017, 04:37 PM
Now a big missed traveling call could cost FL the game...

WHOneedsSOX
03-26-2017, 04:39 PM
Florida just completely fell apart. How many turnovers the final 2 minutes? Bad shots. Bad fouls. Why foul down 2 with 53 seconds left?

ns7
03-26-2017, 04:39 PM
Now a big missed traveling call could cost FL the game...

Florida got an extra possession earlier on a missed OOB call.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2017, 04:41 PM
Florida got an extra possession earlier on a missed OOB call.
True

arnie
03-26-2017, 04:44 PM
Same outcome against Fla as against Duke. SC wore both teams out. Can Cinderella win out?

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2017, 04:45 PM
Same outcome against Fla as against Duke. SC wore both teams out. Can Cinderella win out?
Their nonstop intensity is impressive.

Indoor66
03-26-2017, 04:45 PM
Time for two Birds in the final game!

rolm
03-26-2017, 04:47 PM
More proof that the selection committee did Duke no favors by having SC as our #7 and essentially giving them home crowd advantage.

Karl Beem
03-26-2017, 04:49 PM
Fl 0 for 14 from 3 2nd half.

subzero02
03-26-2017, 04:49 PM
I see what you did there.




I was thinking down by seven...The Gamecocks have them right where they want them.

and winning by 7 again....

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-26-2017, 04:51 PM
Props to SC. Makes me feel a bit better about our loss.

dukelifer
03-26-2017, 04:51 PM
Same outcome against Fla as against Duke. SC wore both teams out. Can Cinderella win out?

No way. But an impressive run. Three teams that have effectively never been in a final four and two of the winningest programs in NCAA history looking for the last berth. Basketball gods rarely reward first timers.

brevity
03-26-2017, 04:51 PM
This feels like 2014 where a high seed sneaks in and wins the tournament


Except the best Connecticut comp was Michigan, which lost tonight.

I was wrong. Nothing says 2014 like a 7 seed beating the 3 and 4 seeds to win the East Regional in Madison Square Garden.

Hootie and his many Blowfish move on to Phoenix. At least we get to see Frank Martin model another suit from the Wimp Sanderson XL Collection.

DukieInKansas
03-26-2017, 04:51 PM
and winning by 7 again...

Is that playing true to their seed?

Troublemaker
03-26-2017, 04:53 PM
More proof that the selection committee did Duke no favors by having SC as our #7 and essentially giving them home crowd advantage.

Yeah, but we need to play better regardless. If it had been a one or two possession game, I'd feel better about complaining.

SC is a very good team, and there's no shame in losing a road game to them.

However, Duke needs to put forth a better team. All things considered -- the ACC's overratedness, Duke's kenpom ranking, the fact that Duke was a 6-man team without a point guard or center [and Duke was outscored on the season when 7th man Giles was on the court]-- Duke was not a top-10 team this season. This program can do better than that. And we will.

arnie
03-26-2017, 04:54 PM
No way. But an impressive run. Three teams that have effectively never been in a final four and two of the winningest programs in NCAA history looking for the last berth. Basketball gods rarely reward first timers.

Hope you're wrong, but I can see their offense folding under the bigger lights.

Troublemaker
03-26-2017, 04:57 PM
Hope you're wrong, but I can see their offense folding under the bigger lights.

Which would be okay with me. We should obviously be rooting for Gonzaga to be in the championship game.

rolm
03-26-2017, 04:59 PM
Yeah, but we need to play better regardless. If it had been a one or two possession game, I'd feel better about complaining.

SC is a very good team, and there's no shame in losing a road game to them.

However, Duke needs to put forth a better team. All things considered -- the ACC's overratedness, Duke's kenpom ranking, the fact that Duke was a 6-man team without a point guard or center [and Duke was outscored on the season when 7th man Giles was on the court]-- Duke was not a top-10 team this season. This program can do better than that. And we will.

SC was a matchup nightmare for us. I think if we had played them in the sweet 16 in NY we would have not only played better but would have been better prepared for their defense, with more time to prepare. My bigger issue is that SC was under-seeded. This team is playing like a top 4 seed.

rsvman
03-26-2017, 05:00 PM
I'm rooting for South Carolina now. I hope they win it all.

kAzE
03-26-2017, 05:04 PM
I'm rooting for South Carolina now. I hope they win it all.

So . . . we played a Final Four team in the round of 32. On basically their home court. As a #2 seed. What the @$*@&?

At this point, I think I might have rather played Kansas or UNC on a neutral court.

MaxAMillion
03-26-2017, 05:06 PM
SC was a matchup nightmare for us. I think if we had played them in the sweet 16 in NY we would have not only played better but would have been better prepared for their defense, with more time to prepare. My bigger issue is that SC was under-seeded. This team is playing like a top 4 seed.

They are playing like a higher seeded team but they did not end the season playing like this. No one (including the selection committee could have seen this coming). I didn't like the game being in South Carolina, but I had no idea they would be playing like Louisville from a couple of years ago. Not sure they can beat UK or UNC so I will root for Gonzaga.

sagegrouse
03-26-2017, 05:06 PM
So . . . we played a Final Four team in the round of 32. As a 2 seed. What the @$*@&?

I knew USC would win when I saw they were down seven at the half.

rsvman
03-26-2017, 05:07 PM
A month ago, who would've thought that the lowly SEC would be getting two teams into the final four!

Stray Gator
03-26-2017, 05:08 PM
If the officials continue to allow Martin's Maulers to play this style of "bump-and-bruise-'em" defense with impunity, it's going to be difficult for any college team to beat them. "Freedom of movement" was supposed to be a point of emphasis this year, but somehow it got left behind in the regular season. I applaud their intensity of effort, but the amount of physical contact they create is so excessive that IMO what we're seeing from this South Carolina team in the postseason bears little resemblance to the game of basketball as it is intended to be played. That being said, if the officials permit them to get away with it, I suppose you can't blame them for taking advantage.

Dukehky
03-26-2017, 05:08 PM
Holy Hell I don't think there's a bigger Kentucky fan on the planet for the next few hours than the one typing this post right now.

Somebody get Justin Jackson and Fatty Kennedy Meeks the hell out of my life forever.

kAzE
03-26-2017, 05:09 PM
They are playing like a higher seeded team but they did not end the season playing like this. No one (including the selection committee could have seen this coming). I didn't like the game being in South Carolina, but I had no idea they would be playing like Louisville from a couple of years ago. Not sure they can beat UK or UNC so I will root for Gonzaga.

I think South Carolina is going to spank Gonzaga.

eddiehaskell
03-26-2017, 05:10 PM
Seems like that 1 seed was a little more valuable than some thought. Perhaps we could've been a little more rested/ready after having 4-5 days to prepare for SC.

rthomas
03-26-2017, 05:13 PM
Now would be a good time for Trump's deregulation of the EPA water standards to happen simultaneously on the sidelines of both Kentucky and North Carolina. Both teams spend the next two hours on the toilet.