Selection show open thread

[pfrduke]

Reading through the AQs in alphabetical order is silly.

[Bluedog]

Is it just me or was the sound completely out of sync with the video?

[duke4ever19]

Is it just me or was the sound completely out of sync with the video?

I'm getting that too.

[Chard]

Is the audio out of sync for anyone else?

[CameronCrazy'11]

OMG guys, literally the only thing you don't need to reveal is the automatic qualifiers.

[weezie]

I agree. I just said in another thread that this show is goofy.

Way to smush all the suspense out of it.

[Chard]

OMG guys, literally the only thing you don't need to reveal is the automatic qualifiers.

Tell us something we don't know, TBS.

[weezie]

I'm not buying anything advertised in the commercials. That'll show CBS/TBS. :)

[Danke Shane]

So all this air time that is being spent towards reading off this list of automatic qualifiers... they are going to end up needing to re-discuss all these teams when they get to be brackets?

[Bluedog]

ASU is in!

[CameronCrazy'11]

We made it!!!!

[Bull City Proud]

Is it just me or was the sound completely out of sync with the video?

Yes it’s out of sync

[pfrduke]

This is an awful format and they should never do it again.

[Bluegrassdevil1]

This experiment is brutal.

[Coballs]

This show is absolutely horrible. They've managed to screw it up in every way possible. Too bad the bracket wasn't leaked this year.

[weezie]

...they are going to end up needing to re-discuss all these teams when they get to be brackets?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! More yapping!

[duke4ever19]

No Louisville.

[weezie]

Alphabetically!

[WHOneedsSOX]

Oh my goodness this thing is 2 hours??

[Bluedog]

Not surprised about ND.. But I don't think Ok deserved to get in either. They've been bad lately.

[duke4ever19]

No Notre Dame!

[duke2x]

Telling the AL bids to start will turn off a lot of TVs at 6:15. I liked that CBS had more confidence in the IQ of the audience. When that last 6-11 match showed and you weren't there, you knew.

Louisville is out. ND is out.

[Chard]

Notre Dame and Louisville not in. Not surprised. Syracuse? Yeah, I'm surprised.

[subzero02]

So all this air time that is being spent towards reading off this list of automatic qualifiers... they are going to end up needing to re-discuss all these teams when they get to be brackets?

Yes, this is a load of long winded BS...

[pfrduke]

Full season clearly valued over recent performance, at least in terms of getting in.

[Son of Mojo]

This thing is sucking my will to live........so bad.

[weezie]

They need a live thread here. Some person I'm related to by marriage has dozed off already.

[Bluedog]

Cuse in so not all ACC bubbles burst.

[DukieInKansas]

Just tuned in. Did they say who were the 1 seeds?

[BigZ]

lol Louisville is way better than Syracuse

[pfrduke]

We all watch a lot of ACC basketball. Does anyone here think Syracuse is better than Louisville or Notre Dame?

[weezie]

W x y z

[Bluegrassdevil1]

We all watch a lot of ACC basketball. Does anyone here think Syracuse is better than Louisville or Notre Dame?

The Cuse won in the Yum Center. Only game between the teams.

[Bluedog]

We all watch a lot of ACC basketball. Does anyone here think Syracuse is better than Louisville or Notre Dame?

Nope. Seems like they've abandoned the "eye test" which they used to talk about.

[DU82]

They said UVa overall #1, Xavier is a one seed.

[CameronCrazy'11]

Just tuned in. Did they say who were the 1 seeds?

No, but they did announce the automatic qualifiers.

[Chard]

Did he just spill the beans on Xavier getting a #1 seed? Whoops!

[CDu]

We all watch a lot of ACC basketball. Does anyone here think Syracuse is better than Louisville or Notre Dame?

Not a chance. Really odd selection.

[richardjackson199]

We all watch a lot of ACC basketball. Does anyone here think Syracuse is better than Louisville or Notre Dame?

No.

Louisville, Notre Dame, and Ok State would all have been much more dangerous in tourney than Syracuse

they must be rewarding Boeheim for leaving him out in past

[duke4ever19]

He just revealed that Xavier is a No.1 seed. I think he was supposed to keep that a secret till after the commercial break.

[juise]

I have been running around with kids, so haven’t heard every word. I thought it was really odd that they mentions UVA and Xavier as #1 seeds and was wondering if they had announced the #1’s earlier. Glad to come here and confirm that it’s just poor execution of a poor format.

[gotoguy]

Shout out from the studio crowd for the Georgia State Eagles

[weezie]

Ok, now I'm getting a bit dizzy. Where's my abacus?

[juise]

Bobby and Jim bringing up the caboose.

[gotoguy]

Xavier out west. To see Arizona?

[DukieInKansas]

Go, Davidson.

[Bluedog]

Wow UVa not given any favors for being #1 overall.

(After top half of bracket).

[duke4ever19]

Virginia's bracket is fire.

[JBDuke]

UVA got screwed - Kentucky as their #5 and Arizona as their #4. Good luck, Hoos!

[UrinalCake]

Holy crap that’s a brutal half region for UVA

[juise]

UVA got no favor there.

[Furniture]

Went to chat. It’s open...

[Bluedog]

I'm sure UVa would switch places with the 2 seed in a heartbeat.

[richardjackson199]

Virginia's bracket is fire.

Poor UVA!

[pfrduke]

If it holds, Arizona - Kentucky is a great second round game.

If it holds, UVA - Cincinnati would not be pretty to watch.

[fisheyes]

No ACC school in Nashville

[gotoguy]

UK Zona match up to advance elite 8

[CameronCrazy'11]

We are not in UVA's or Villanova's bracket. I like that a lot.

[El_Diablo]

Purdue #2 in the East....interesting.

[Chard]

UVA gets tournament champions in the #4 and 5. No favors from the committee.

[richardjackson199]

Duke's 3 is Michigan or Michigan State

[DarkstarWahoo]

Good lord. They call us the #1 overall seed and then give our 2 seed an easier path. Garbage.

[freshmanjs]

Purdue #2 in the East...interesting.

So, Duke and UNC get midwest and west. This may be a case where getting the least preferred geo is actually an advantage.

[UrinalCake]

Looks like our 1 will be either Kansas or Xavier. I can live with that.

[duke4ever19]

Good lord. They call us the #1 overall seed and then give our 2 seed an easier path. Garbage.

I sincerely feel bad for you guys. You don't have to play all of them, but that side of the bracket looks strong.

[JBDuke]

Good lord. They call us the #1 overall seed and then give our 2 seed an easier path. Garbage.

Agreed. Your 4/5 teams are killers.

[BigZ]

UVA bracket much tougher than Novas

[duke2x]

This group is not thinking RPI-only with the Purdue and UK seeds. It is also not thinking geography-only based on AZ and TX Tech. I'll let you know if I like it in a minute.

[Troublemaker]

Please give us Xavier and MSU out West....

[Bluedog]

Good lord. They call us the #1 overall seed and then give our 2 seed an easier path. Garbage.

Yep. I'm sure we'd be pissed if the same thing happened to us. Not easy for sure but UVa can do it.

[CameronCrazy'11]

We might have a better 3 seed than 1 in our region.

[richardjackson199]

Kansas / Duke / Michigan / Auburn

Xavier / UNCheat / Michigan State / Gonzaga

[Bluedog]

I think we want MSU over Michigan, right? Gotta win before that anyways.

[dukelifer]

UVA bracket much tougher than Novas

Seems like a tough path for them- we shall see.

[subzero02]

Duke's 3 is Michigan or Michigan State

Wow... my guess is it'll be the wolverines

I was wrong... Sparty yet again...

[DukieInKansas]

I don't want to be in KU's bracket.

[DarkstarWahoo]

Yep. I'm sure we'd be pissed if the same thing happened to us. Not easy for sure but UVa can do it.

And Zona plays packline lite. They’ll be ready.

Upon further reflection, I think we beat Kentucky pretty easily. Hopefully they’ll knock out Arizona for us.

[pfrduke]

So Auburn and Wichita State go to San Diego and Arizona goes to Boise. Makes sense.

[DukieInKansas]

I don't want to be in KU's bracket.

Crap!

[Bluedog]

Can't complain. Let's do it!!

Interesting we got Pittsburgh meaning UNC finished ahead of us but got the West.

[Eternal Outlaw]

As soon as Oklahoma showed up at 10, knew we were the 2. They badly want to see if a star can beat us on their own for a juicy headline

[dukelifer]

I don't want to be in KU's bracket.

They are in it

[hsheffield]

darn it: we're going to have to play Michigan St to go to the final four

and play Hurley's RI team

[pfrduke]

And Zona plays packline lite. They’ll be ready.

Upon further reflection, I think we beat Kentucky pretty easily. Hopefully they’ll knock out Arizona for us.

Is the South regional in Atlanta? Not an ideal place to play Kentucky.

[scottdude8]

We avoided Michigan and Nova. This is a HUGE win IMHO. We took MSU without Bagley and we can do it with him.

[TKG]

I don't want to be in KU's bracket.

Frankly, I am more concerned about the 15 seed in our region! 😜

[subzero02]

Rhode Island in the 2nd round... at least we aren't playing in Rhode Island thus year. We need a healthy Duval

[WHOneedsSOX]

Selfishly I wanted Duke to come to LA since I live here.

[weezie]

barf.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Where are first two rounds for us?

[MarkD83]

Duke won't make it to the sweet 16. Ugh

[DU82]

Where are first two rounds for us?

Pittsburgh. Any 'Hoos fan want tickets to Charlotte?

[Bluedog]

As soon as Oklahoma showed up at 10, knew we were the 2. They badly want to see if a star can beat us on their own for a juicy headline

Rhode island should beat them. They're more fundamentally sound. But Trae Young factor always gives them a chance.

[Dukehky]

Where are first two rounds for us?

Pittsburgh. This is total crap.

[ns7]

UNC's draw is a joke again

[GeneBanksManCrush]

I'm a bit worried about getting past Michigan State again. Then again let's just be sure we get that far.

[dukelifer]

Duke won't make it to the sweet 16. Ugh

why?

[MarkD83]

Unc will make it to final four. Ugh

[Bluedog]

UNC has a lot of weak teams in their region but that also means less chance of upsets which makes it harder. A&m/Providence then Michigan not easy. But yeah top half looks pretty weak. Xavier/Gonzaga/Ohio St compared to UVa/Kentucky/Zona? Wow.

[gotoguy]

where is our game ?
Missed that part

[UrinalCake]

Cakewalk for the CHeats

[WHOneedsSOX]

Huh? If Joel Berry gets UNC to the final 4 he'll go down as a better college player than Christian Laettner??

[dukelifer]

Unc will make it to final four. Ugh
Likely - but Michigan is a tough matchup.

[MarkD83]

why?

They won't be able to handle trae young

[WHOneedsSOX]

When does Duke play? Forgot to check that part.

[MarkD83]

Mostly I am trying the reverse jinx

[Bluedog]

They won't be able to handle trae young

Ok is 2-8 their last 10. If we can't beat them, don't deserve to be in Sweet sixteen. I think they lose to RI anyways.

[duke4ever19]

They won't be able to handle trae young

We will dominate that weak OU team. I've watched 10+ OU games recently. They aren't good.

[KandG]

Price of losing to UNC painfully clear just now with the brackets. UNC gets the weakest number 1 (by a landslide) and a more manageable region (though Michigan is an interesting dark horse). Duke has a horribly loaded region.

[hsheffield]

who thinks UNC is going back to the FF?

[UrinalCake]

They won't be able to handle trae young

I suspect we’ll let Young get his and shut down everybody else. Seems like a formula for beating them.

[DukieInKansas]

Frankly, I am more concerned about the 15 seed in our region! 😜

Always worry about the game we are playing but I have to live and work among jayhawks.

[pfrduke]

They won't be able to handle trae young

Want to put a pie on it? We make the second weekend you get me a pie, we don’t I get you one.

[dukelifer]

They won't be able to handle trae young

Maybe- but they have been faltering of late- and I don't think they will win that first game.

[sbroc012]

Rhode island seems underseeded. Aren't they a top 20 team in the rankings?

[Bluedog]

Price of losing to UNC painfully clear just now with the brackets. UNC gets the weakest number 1 (by a landslide) and a more manageable region (though Michigan is an interesting dark horse). Duke has a horribly loaded region.

Uva has a tougher course than Duke. I wouldn't trade with them. We shouldn't complain. Just win baby!

[dukelifer]

Always worry about the game we are playing but I have to live and work among jayhawks.
Nothin- trying living in Chapel Hill

[ns7]

UNC has the weakest #1. UNC is the weakest #2 seed. They did draw the second toughest #3 seed. And Gonzaga is the toughest #4 seed.

[El_Diablo]

So we were lower on the seed list than UNC, yet they got shipped out West over us.

[DukieInKansas]

Nothin- trying living in Chapel Hill

Very true.

[DU82]

So we were lower on the seed list than UNC, yet they got shipped out West over us.

Balance the brackets.

[MCFinARL]

Uva has a tougher course than Duke. I wouldn't trade with them. We shouldn't complain. Just win baby!

I agree. I can't believe what a hard road UVA got for a #1 overall seed. Yikes!

[CameronCrazy'11]

Rhode island seems underseeded. Aren't they a top 20 team in the rankings?

25th in AP Poll, so appropriately seeded as a 7.

[scottdude8]

Takeaways (from a Duke and Michigan fan's perspective)

I thought for sure Duke and Michigan were gonna end up as 2 and 3 in the same bracket. Disaster averted.
That bracket sets up BEAUTIFULLY for Michigan. The Wolverines can take out UNC (we're a completely different team from the matchup early in the season) and Mo Wagner is a perfect matchup nightmare for their bigs.
I'm calling Michigan vs. Gonzaga in the West Regional Final. Xavier got screwed getting Gonzaga as the four seed out west (think what happened when we faced Arizona out west in 2011).
All that happiness aside, it's BS that Michigan got seeded below MSU and doesn't get to play in Detroit. I'll take that if it means avoiding Duke, but by EVERY metric except for number of losses Michigan had a far superior resume to MSU.
UNC beat us, got rewarded with the higher 2 seed, and ended up with a much harder bracket while having to travel out West. That makes me smile.
I said it earlier, but I'll emphasize it here: Duke avoided Nova as our 1 seed and Michigan as our 3 seed. I think that's a big win, even if the location isn't the best and Rhode Island is a tough matchup in the second potentially.

[weezie]

Watch espn, they're at least looking at the brackets. And nothing says college basketball like U2 ?

[Devilwin]

Our draw is ok. Michigan waiting on Heels.

[SCMatt33]

Terrible breaks for us. Clearly playing Q1 games was a be all, end all for the committee. For UNC to to have that spot they had to be 5 overall, which means not only were they they a double digit loss 2 seed, which I'm not sure has happened before, they were the top 2 seed with a home loss to wofford. Luck of the league schedule gonna be a huge thing from here on out as some teams will be Q1 if you go to their place, but Q2 if you play them at home

[DukeWarhead]

Won’t be easy. Just hope UNC doesn’t coast to FF. Gotta play hard.

[JBDuke]

So we were lower on the seed list than UNC, yet they got shipped out West over us.

But they got the first weekend in Charlotte, and they got the weakest #1 seed.

[Troublemaker]

Unc will make it to final four. Ugh


Likely - but Michigan is a tough matchup.

Likely, as in >50% chance? Sounds like we have the makings of a bet, dukelifer.

You win if UNC makes the Final Four, since they are likely to do so.

I win if they don't make the Final Four.

Name your stakes. Do you like beer or pie?

[kako]

If Duke plays RI, they at least have some history since they played in last season. And Duke is pretty different 1 year later, so there's less book on us. But RI is a really good team and can take it to Duke. I'm rooting for OU to upset. Duke can handle them much easier. Duke should still beat RI, but Duval back would be helpful for his defense.

Later in the bracket, not looking forward to MSU again. Izzo's teams play well in March. But there are a lot of games to play to get there.

Will have to look up Iona. Did not see them play this year.

[dukelifer]

Uva has a tougher course than Duke. I wouldn't trade with them. We shouldn't complain. Just win baby!

The other half is not bad- but UVa will need to battle to get to that final 8 game. UVa will feel the pressure.

[WVDUKEFAN]

Oklahoma? In the tournament? What a sham. I was really hoping I wasn't going to have to hear the words "TRAE YOUNG" ever again.

[duke2x]

Price of losing to UNC painfully clear just now with the brackets. UNC gets the weakest number 1 (by a landslide) and a more manageable region (though Michigan is an interesting dark horse). Duke has a horribly loaded region.

It's not that easy. Providence is very capable of beating UNC in Charlotte. Michigan should be favored if they make it to the Sweet 16. If it ends up UNC-XU, we won't be happy.

This group did use a S-curve for the top 2 seeds over geography.

[subzero02]

I suspect we’ll let Young get his and shut down everybody else. Seems like a formula for beating them.

I really don't expect to see Oklahoma but, you never know.

[DarkstarWahoo]

The other half is not bad- but UVa will need to battle to get to that final 8 game. UVa will feel the pressure.

Yeah, Cincy and Tennessee don’t worry me.

[Furniture]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA

[wallyman]

Worst part for us is playing Thursday, not Friday. Bracket not too bad. Sending healing vibes toward Duval’s ankle.

[weezie]

K coming on espn but probably a time tease.

[scottdude8]

A couple people have said this, and it certainly seems to be true: the committee cared more about the quality of your wins than what losses you had. That seems to imply it's better for a team to play a whole schedule of Top 50 RPI teams and go .500 than play a more typical schedule.

And of course, that "losses don't matter" seemed to hold everywhere... except for comparing Michigan and Michigan State. Ugh.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Price of losing to UNC painfully clear just now with the brackets. UNC gets the weakest number 1 (by a landslide) and a more manageable region (though Michigan is an interesting dark horse). Duke has a horribly loaded region.
I refuse to go to IC but I would bet good money they are saying the same thing in reverse.

[Troublemaker]

Takeaways (from a Duke and Michigan fan's perspective)

I thought for sure Duke and Michigan were gonna end up as 2 and 3 in the same bracket. Disaster averted.
That bracket sets up BEAUTIFULLY for Michigan. The Wolverines can take out UNC (we're a completely different team from the matchup early in the season) and Mo Wagner is a perfect matchup nightmare for their bigs.
I'm calling Michigan vs. Gonzaga in the West Regional Final. Xavier got screwed getting Gonzaga as the four seed out west (think what happened when we faced Arizona out west in 2011).
All that happiness aside, it's BS that Michigan got seeded below MSU and doesn't get to play in Detroit. I'll take that if it means avoiding Duke, but by EVERY metric except for number of losses Michigan had a far superior resume to MSU.
UNC beat us, got rewarded with the higher 2 seed, and ended up with a much harder bracket while having to travel out West. That makes me smile.
I said it earlier, but I'll emphasize it here: Duke avoided Nova as our 1 seed and Michigan as our 3 seed. I think that's a big win, even if the location isn't the best and Rhode Island is a tough matchup in the second potentially.



I more or less agree, scottdude8. The only thing I don't like about Michigan's bracket is that the 6 seed Houston is very good.

As for Duke, after the first two brackets were revealed, we basically did about as well as we could. I would not trade MSU for Michigan.

[Bluedog]

Jay Bilas just said he thought MSU should be a 2... But didn't say what 2 to bump. And that Zona should be a 2 or 3. Also, Rece doesn't understand how the brackets work as he assumed s-curve with "weakest 1 and best 2."

[dairedevil]

I’ve given up trying to understand the rationale of the selection committee. It is interesting listening to them justify who got in. I’ve never heard them try to explain region selections and seeding.

ACC gets 9 teams in the tourney and 4 are in the same region? How do they explain that?

[camion]

If Duke plays RI, they at least have some history since they played in last season. And Duke is pretty different 1 year later, so there's less book on us. But RI is a really good team and can take it to Duke. I'm rooting for OU to upset. Duke can handle them much easier. Duke should still beat RI, but Duval back would be helpful for his defense.

Later in the bracket, not looking forward to MSU again. Izzo's teams play well in March. But there are a lot of games to play to get there.

Will have to look up Iona. Did not see them play this year.

Maybe K should ring up McKillop Davidson. I believe Davidson played RI three times this year and beat them twice.

And yes, I'm also a Davidson fan. :)

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

But they got the first weekend in Charlotte, and they got the weakest #1 seed.
The only thing I was worried about was playing in the same venue with the cheats in R1/2 and having the equivalent of a road game. I’ll take Pittsburgh. Bring on the field!

[WHOneedsSOX]

Jay Bilas just said he thought MSU should be a 2... But didn't say what 2 to bump. And that Zona should be a 2 or 3. Also, Rece doesn't understand how the brackets work as he assumed s-curve with "weakest 1 and best 2."

He also said Michigan State is better than Duke implying Duke shouldn't be a 2 seed.

[GeneBanksManCrush]

Sporting News already has us as the favorite to win the region. http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/march-madness-stats-ncaa-tournament-2018-midwest-region-kansas-duke-michigan-state-auburn/nnnixca74vv317ch5lamc0np3

[dukelifer]

Likely, as in >50% chance? Sounds like we have the makings of a bet, dukelifer.

You win if UNC makes the Final Four, since they are likely to do so.

I win if they don't make the Final Four.

Name your stakes. Do you like beer or pie?
I will bet a pie- only because you usually win your pie bets and nothing makes me happier not to see them in the FF. If I am correct about their route and mistaken about your pie dominance- at least I will have a pie to eat. We cannot forget that among active coaches, Roy is right behind K in NCAA FF appearances.

[gotoguy]

eating pizza. what a joke

[juise]

I’m pretty annoyed that Carolina wins ended up vastly outweighing their 10 losses. But Duke just had to beat them on Friday and didn’t. So that’s that.

I know everyone is in love with Arizona. Ayton is a beast, but let’s be honest about UA has been doing for the last few months. They just beat up a conference that had one other tourney team and one bubble team. Yes, they have more talent than many of the 4’s. I have watched several of their recent games and I think UVA will stifle their offense. If the Hoos have an average offensive game, they’ll be fine.

[scottdude8]

I more or less agree, scottdude8. The only thing I don't like about Michigan's bracket is that the 6 seed Houston is very good.

As for Duke, after the first two brackets were revealed, we basically did about as well as we could. I would not trade MSU for Michigan.

My thoughts exactly. Michigan getting screwed out of playing in Detroit I think also got us out of a Duke-Michigan matchup.

[scottdude8]

eating pizza. what a joke

Yeah for all the talk about fixing it, this has been a PAINFULLY awkward selection show. Having a studio audience with only a few dozen people, none of which seem to be real college basketball fans, was a dumb idea. Whoever had that idea needs to be fired, lol.

[Dukehky]

My thoughts exactly. Michigan getting screwed out of playing in Detroit I think also got us out of a Duke-Michigan matchup.

The only thing Michigan runs is high pick and roll. That would not work as well against the zone.

MSU is super good.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Going back between CBS and ESPN....Barkley totally nailed the Committee Chair Rasmussen on Oklahoma...had him babbling a bit....

[jmck214]

Maybe K should ring up McKillop Davidson. I believe Davidson played RI three times this year and beat them twice.

And yes, I'm also a Davidson fan. :)

URI also gifted Davidson two of those wins by missing free throws. The game at Davidson last week URI led by 7 with 35 seconds left and lost somehow. URI plays a 4 guard and sometimes 5 guard lineup. Very favorable matchup for duke as long as carter and Bagley stay out of foul trouble

[scottdude8]

The only thing Michigan runs is high pick and roll. That would not work as well against the zone.

MSU is super good.

Ummm... not sure how much Michigan basketball you've watched this year. We've played a handful of zone teams and won those games too, adjusting accordingly. We basically only ran a high pick and roll against Purdue specifically because that was the best matchup to get Haas out of the paint guarding Wagner outside. Don't forget that Michigan historically, and this year too, is one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the country. That bodes well against a zone.

Hence why I'm glad we don't have to worry about that matchup!

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Going back between CBS and ESPN...Barkley totally nailed the Committee Chair Rasmussen on Oklahoma...had him babbling a bit...
Did he ask him to spell Intheannapolis?

[dukelifer]

The only thing Michigan runs is high pick and roll. That would not work as well against the zone.

MSU is super good.

But K seems to beat Izzo most of the time.

[SoCalDukeFan]

This selection show was about as bad as it could be. Sound was not synched to the picture. Announcing the automatics first just too up time.

Bad job by the committee. USC finishes 2nd in the Pac 12, 2 in the tournament, RPI in the 30's. ASU finishes 9th in the conference, 8-10, RPI in the 60's and they get in. I think UNC got a very easy road, Villanova very tough.

SoCal

[BigZ]

Can State beat Kansas?

[wavedukefan70s]

I refuse to go to IC but I would bet good money they are saying the same thing in reverse.

Actually most of the posts I have read have been favorable towards their bracket.they believe no big teams.only providence and Michigan so I have read.

[weezie]

...I know everyone is in love with Arizona. Ayton is a beast, but let’s be honest about UA has been doing for the last few months. They just beat up a conference that had one other tourney team and one bubble team. Yes, they have more talent than many of the 4’s. I have watched several of their recent games and I think UVA will stifle their offense. If the Hoos have an average offensive game, they’ll be fine.

I hear all that. Not exactly in "love" with AZ but if their other big Ristic plays as well as he has been in the past month or so, well, look the hell out. That is one heck of a big front line, holy moly, two big, thick, sure footed men.

[BigZ]

Can ESPN fire Joey Brackets now?

[scottdude8]

Actually most of the posts I have read have been favorable towards their bracket.they believe no big teams.only providence and Michigan so I have read.

Interesting. I'm betting they're remembering them kicking Michigan's butt back in November and ignoring who we've become since. Let's just say I hope that matchup comes to fruition. (I'll take an earlier UNC upset too).

[richardjackson199]

I will bet a pie- only because you usually win your pie bets and nothing makes me happier not to see them in the FF. If I am correct about their route and mistaken about your pie dominance- at least I will have a pie to eat. We cannot forget that among active coaches, Roy is right behind K in NCAA FF appearances.

Another great pie bet Trouble!

Cheats have to make the Final 4 for you to lose. Cheats got a nice draw, and they trounced Michigan already. But taking the field against one team to make FF seems like a good bet. If UVA makes Elite 8 I win my pie bet. This admittedly could be tougher than I would have thought.

[Danke Shane]

It feels like both Duke and MSU resided in the top 5 for large stretches of the year. Also, weren’t they both ranked top 5 headed into the conference tournaments? Seems a bit harsh for a sweet 16 game, especially as a repeat matchup...

[WHOneedsSOX]

Serious question, does the committee actually watch almost every game or do they just look at numbers?

[weezie]

Can State beat Kansas?

I say no. ks by 12

"Over the next two hours...Coach K..." Sheesh

[CameronCrazy'11]

Michigan State probably underrated as a 3, but Kansas a little overrated as a 1. No egregiously underseeded teams in our path. A tough road for sure, but I'll take it.

[freshmanjs]

Michigan State probably underrated as a 3, but Kansas a little overrated as a 1. No egregiously underseeded teams in our path. A tough road for sure, but I'll take it.

UNC was clearly seeded above Duke, despite all the protestations on this board...

[Troublemaker]

I will bet a pie- only because you usually win your pie bets and nothing makes me happier not to see them in the FF. If I am correct about their route and mistaken about your pie dominance- at least I will have a pie to eat. We cannot forget that among active coaches, Roy is right behind K in NCAA FF appearances.

**handshake**



I know everyone is in love with Arizona. Ayton is a beast, but let’s be honest about UA has been doing for the last few months. They just beat up a conference that had one other tourney team and one bubble team. Yes, they have more talent than many of the 4’s. I have watched several of their recent games and I think UVA will stifle their offense. If the Hoos have an average offensive game, they’ll be fine.

Right, plus Zona would be playing UVA on the East Coast. I'm guessing performance deterioration for time-displaced teams works in both directions. I know in the NFL at least, West Coast teams playing a 1pm game on the East Coast perform horribly.


The only thing Michigan runs is high pick and roll. That would not work as well against the zone.

MSU is super good.

Michigan would obviously run zone offense against a zone. They have an offensive genius for a head coach and would have the long week to prepare for a S16 matchup. Plus, he himself has played zone in the past (albeit usually 1-3-1).

MSU is very good but they turn the ball over a ton (which our zone is good at forcing) and they don't turn people over on the other end defensively. That sounds like a team Duke might be interested in playing. Although obviously I would've preferred it to be later on.

[CameronCrazy'11]

UNC was clearly seeded above Duke, despite all the protestations on this board...

I think most, including me, were arguing that they shouldn't be, not that they wouldn't be. I'm not really that concerned with UNC right now.

[scottdude8]

**handshake**

Michigan would obviously run zone offense against a zone. They have an offensive genius for a head coach and would have the long week to prepare for a S16 matchup. Plus, he himself has played zone in the past (albeit usually 1-3-1).



Michigan has actually gone to a 2-3 at times this season as a change of pace defense, actually a 2-3 that looks very similar to ours.

I'll always be here to add unnecessary Michigan facts to the conversation! Lol.

[juise]

But K seems to beat Izzo most of the time.

It would be really interesting to see some stats on non-Con teams Duke has played the most in the last X years and how many times Duke has met teams in the tournament. Since I have left Duke in 2004, this has the possibility of being the 4th meeting between Duke/MSU in the tourney. I can’t think of any other team Duke has played more than once (probably missing one). Obviously, if you go back another 10 years or so, there are some obvious ones like UCon(n).

[scottdude8]

Woohoo, JayWill agrees with me on Zaga v. Michigan in the West finals! Definitely putting that down in my bracket in permanent marker now :)

[Natty_B]

I’m happy Duke doesn’t have to play the 7/10 winner in their state. Unlike last year.

[juise]

Just saw this on Twitter:


Kenpom rankings for top 4 seeds by region:

South: 1, 4, 11, 21

East: 2, 5, 12, 20

Midwest: 9, 3, 6, 16

West: 14, 7, 10, 8

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Not a huge fan of our bracket but it could be worse. I think the committee split the baby by giving UNC the Charlotte pod but then sending them out west.

The show is awful. Keep it simple. The sound being out of sync was horrible, audience was pointless, and too many people. And dont waste all the money on the big set - all you need is a desk.

What were Lunardi's final picks at 5:59 pm? I'm guessing he missed a bunch. But no one will remember that next year...

[wavedukefan70s]

Pulling for charleston over auburn for the upset.

[CameronCrazy'11]

Someone posted the ranked list on twitter. We were #6 overall, UNC #5.

[Natty_B]

Not a huge fan of our bracket but it could be worse. I think the committee split the baby by giving UNC the Charlotte pod but then sending them out west.

The show is awful. Keep it simple. The sound being out of sync was horrible, audience was pointless, and too many people. And dont waste all the money on the big set - all you need is a desk.

What were Lunardi's final picks at 5:59 pm? I'm guessing he missed a bunch. But no one will remember that next year...

Did anybody else catch the UNC fanboy with the Lehigh and Mercer sign in the live studio audience? That fan base sure is (redacted due to posting guidelines).

[DU82]

I think most, including me, were arguing that they shouldn't be, not that they wouldn't be. I'm not really that concerned with UNC right now.

The correct answer is "I don't give a sh-- about Carolina right now."

[dragoneye776]

Just saw this on Twitter:


Kenpom rankings for top 4 seeds by region:

South: 1, 4, 11, 21

East: 2, 5, 12, 20

Midwest: 9, 3, 6, 16

West: 14, 7, 10, 8

The two seeds play the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 6th ranked teams. Guess who got the 6?

[gam7]

Just saw this on Twitter:


Kenpom rankings for top 4 seeds by region:

South: 1, 4, 11, 21

East: 2, 5, 12, 20

Midwest: 9, 3, 6, 16

West: 14, 7, 10, 8

We have the lowest kenpom rated 7 seed (#49) and second lowest kenpom rated 10 seed (#47) in midwest.

[CameronCrazy'11]

The correct answer is "I don't give a sh-- about Carolina right now."

Thanks Roy!

[jipops]

Someone posted the ranked list on twitter. We were #6 overall, UNC #5.

That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. None. Zero.

10 losses including a loss to Wofford. 2 seed, #5 overall. Absolutely ridiculous.

[kako]

Like most, I hated this selection reveal. If it's not broke, don't fix it. It wasn't broken before, but it is now. Announcing the automatic bids was silly. The way they announced the at-large teams in alphabetical order didn't make much sense.

I get that money drives things, and they want to get advertising dollars. Money talks. So if they want to extend the show, then maybe just maybe do this:

Reveal the 1 seeds. Then reveal who they are playing. Discuss those matchups.
Reveal the 2 seeds. Then reveal who they are playing. Discuss those matchups.
etc.

But they don't have to go in absolute order. If you want to increase drama, then hold off of the matchups for the at-large Dayton games or any games involving the lowest seeded at-large seeds. That increases the drama for the bubble teams.

This may not be a great idea, but I think it's better than what they did. But feel free to throw rocks.

[Troublemaker]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYCzO4gVQAAZ7Jg.jpg

[SirIronDuke]

I feel really bad for the Notre Dame team... bounced out by Davidson today and final team out...

Hard to justify Syracuse making it when ND beat Cuse at Carrier Dome with both Bonzie and Farrell out..

I don't get some of the ND hate on the board at times. ND is the worthy opponent we used to think Carolina was before we knew Carolina cheated for 18 years. I still believe Duke and ND match up well as **worthy** rivals in all dimensions (academics, athletics, endowment, worldview, alumni networks, graduation rates of true student-athletes) and I subscribe some of the ND scorn to the beginning seeds of that growing rivalry. I look forward to the rivalry continuing to grow..

[duke4ever19]

Bilas and company seem confident that Mich St. meets Kansas.

Bilas says there's no metric that has Mich. St 9th, however, the Spartans are listed 10th on Bracket Matrix.

[juise]

For those not already watching ESPN right now, K is about about to be interviewed (just about 7:30PM Eastern).

[scottdude8]

So based on the overall seeding, it seems like we got MSU because the top 3 seed got location preference, ie the Midwest for them. Not sure why that’s the way they did the 3 seeds but not the 2 seeds (top 2 seed, UNC, goes out west to play worst 1 seed). Bilas is right, the committee needs to make up their minds and be consistent and transparent throughout. Weird.

[84Duke]

So one (or possibly both) of Duke and Michigan State are not getting past the Sweet Sixteen this year. Our first matchup was #1 vs. #2.

[Henderson]

No complaints about where we are. We had this thing 48 hours ago and flubbed it.

[OldPhiKap]

No whining here, gotta beat who they give us. Let’s go Duke!

[ehdg]

Coach K about to be on the Selection show on TBS right after this commercial. It's 7:40 EST.

[gocanes0506]

ND, SU, OU, and Texas didn’t deserve to be there. Only ND was left out.

It seems like all the number 2 seeds have an easier route than the number 1. I think the Midwest is balanced between the top 2.

Wonder if the freshmen can put it together for 3 weeks. Haven’t done it so far this year. Got the talent to go all the way but the inconsistency to be bounced in the first weekend. Hopefully the RI blue doesn’t scare them into awful play, like that other school did.

[Duke31122]

I like our draw. Could we potentially have a tough Sweet 16 matchup? Yes, but at that time your playing a good team, a hot team, or both. This Duke team has been tested throughout the entire year. Like K said, we are much more prepared for the tournament than we were a month ago. I believe we will see a motivated Duke team, one because we just lost a tough game, but now we are playing for it all.

Overall the draw isn’t bad. The South and East are loaded to me. We got the 3rd best #1 seed and we have more talent than anyone in the country. If we come together for 40 minutes, no one will want to play us.

You gotta think how many people are looking and saying “Dang we drew Duke in our bracket”

[kako]

I don't get some of the ND hate on the board at times. ND is the worthy opponent we used to think Carolina was before we knew Carolina cheated for 18 years. I still believe Duke and ND match up well as **worthy** rivals in all dimensions (academics, athletics, endowment, worldview, alumni networks, graduation rates of true student-athletes) and I subscribe some of the ND scorn to the beginning seeds of that growing rivalry. I look forward to the rivalry continuing to grow..

Reasons I don't like ND:

1. Digger Phelps. Lot of reasons, but particularly how he recruited Gene Banks. You can google that story.
2. The way ND whined about losing to Duke in the '78 FF. Talk to Dennard about that (find the youtube on it).
3. Carryover ND football hate. Touchdown Jesus - really? Invoking Christ as being on your side is a bit arrogant.
4. Did I mention Digger Phelps? So glad he's not on ESPN anymore.

That being said, I wouldn't mind if K picked Brey to succeed him. I don't think it will happen, but there are worse choices being discussed from time to time.

[BlueandWhite]

I sincerely feel bad for you guys. You don't have to play all of them, but that side of the bracket looks strong.

Really sorry for your Wahoos - your team earned the ACC title and #1 overall seed, they didn’t deserve that half of their bracket as a reward.

[wavedukefan70s]

Virginia's bracket looks rough to me.

[WakeDevil]

I feel really bad for the Notre Dame team... bounced out by Davidson today and final team out...

Hard to justify Syracuse making it when ND beat Cuse at Carrier Dome with both Bonzie and Farrell out..

I don't get some of the ND hate on the board at times. ND is the worthy opponent we used to think Carolina was before we knew Carolina cheated for 18 years. I still believe Duke and ND match up well as **worthy** rivals in all dimensions (academics, athletics, endowment, worldview, alumni networks, graduation rates of true student-athletes) and I subscribe some of the ND scorn to the beginning seeds of that growing rivalry. I look forward to the rivalry continuing to grow..

There is no rivalry with Notre Dame. Send them to the Big Ten where they belong. While we are at it, send Syracuse and BC back to the Big East.

[weezie]

Cal is a piece of work. And yes, I know some one here will point out some other things he's also a piece of.

But he certainly loves the interviews.

[DarkstarWahoo]

Notre Dame didn’t deserve to get in. For all the talk about how long they had to play without Colson and, sometimes, Farrell, they lost to Ball State and Indiana with those guys, and got their doors blown off by Michigan State and Duke, with those guys. They lack quality wins. They beat Wichita in Maui, but other than that, it's Syracuse, VT, and that's about it.

[Bluedog]

I clearly don't understand the bracketing rules. If UNC was overall #5, why didn't they get the East bracket? Does somebody have a good answer? West would be their lowest preference geographically and I understand they can't get South because of UVa. I get that the top four lines need some balancing, but I wouldn't have thought based on the teams selected, that would have come up but I haven't done the math admittedly.

[weezie]

Well, well...espn running vignettes featuring Bilas, Rece Davis and so far, one with Laettner.

Nice house Christian!

[subzero02]

I clearly don't understand the bracketing rules. If UNC was overall #5, why didn't they get the East bracket? Does somebody have a good answer? West would be their lowest preference geographically and I understand they can't get South because of UVa. I get that the top four lines need some balancing, but I wouldn't have thought based on the teams selected, that would have come up but I haven't done the math admittedly.

They still get to play their first games in Charlotte so they received a geographically preferable location from that standpoint.

[kako]

Clemson gets screwed game-wise.

The last game of the first round, starting Friday no earlier than 10PM ET in San Diego playing NMSU, who is more acclimated to the timezone and will likely have more fans in attendance.

12-5 matchup. I see the vultures circling...

[Bluedog]

They still get to play their first games in Charlotte so they received a geographically preferable location from that standpoint.

Yes, understand that. Honestly, I'm glad we're in Pittsburgh over Charlotte as UVA fans would NOT be cheering for Duke, let me tell you. Of course, not as vociferously as UNC fans. But not happy to be playing Thursday over Friday so that's the downside of Pittsburgh.

Although Nova fans obviously won't be cheering for Duke either. I mean, we often get road-like games in the NCAA tournament, so I guess not unexpected. If we're good enough to get to Omaha, can't imagine many Duke fans out there...

[MCFinARL]

Cal is a piece of work. And yes, I know some one here will point out some other things he's also a piece of.

But he certainly loves the interviews.

Yes, he does. And I have to admit he is entertaining, perhaps because he is so obviously full of.....work. :)

[gocanes0506]

Clemson is primed for upset.

To get back to UVA. Having to potentially see Tennessee and Kentucky in Atlanta? Geez.

[Pghdukie]

Would like to see Duke game in Pittsburgh but game time is essential. Anyone have any info Day or Night session ?

[MCFinARL]

Yes, understand that. Honestly, I'm glad we're in Pittsburgh over Charlotte as UVA fans would NOT be cheering for Duke, let me tell you. Of course, not as vociferously as UNC fans. But not happy to be playing Thursday over Friday.

Yes, I agree. Though it may be counterintuitive, I'm not convinced Charlotte has been/would have been a great location for us. Pittsburgh is in the same time zone, and the people in the stands who aren't Iona fans are likely to be pretty neutral in our first round game (except for underdog bias).

[UrinalCake]

I clearly don't understand the bracketing rules. If UNC was overall #5, why didn't they get the East bracket?

That would have put them in Villanova’s region, rather than Xavier who is the weakest #1. We’ve debated on these boards many times whether you’d rather play a tougher opponent close to home or vice versa; the Selection Committee chose to stick with a straight S curve and put the weakest #1 with the strongest #2.

[MCFinARL]

Oooh, weird audio on ESPN makes John Bielein sound like a zombie.

[OldPhiKap]

Oooh, weird audio on ESPN makes John Bielein sound like a zombie.

Sometimes a glitch in the Matrix reveals the truth.

[tbyers11]

Duke plays 2nd game TH afternoon. Approx 2:45 ET tip on CBS with Kevin Harlan/Reggie Miller/Dan Bonner on the call

Matt Norlander twitter (https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/972984486152540165)

[weezie]

...UVA fans would NOT be cheering for Duke, let me tell you. Of course, not as vociferously as UNC fans... Although Nova fans obviously won't be cheering for Duke either. I mean, we often get road-like games in the NCAA tournament, so I guess not unexpected. If we're good enough to get to Omaha, can't imagine many Duke fans out there...

I agree. That's bedrock at Duke and I think all our players learn to love it. I wouldn't be surprised if K factors that type of toughness in a kid when he recruits.

[Turk]

Cal is a piece of work. And yes, I know some one here will point out some other things he's also a piece of.

But he certainly loves the interviews.

Coach Vitale with an epic rant on Okla State getting hosed. I don't think I've ever heard him aggressively go after anyone like he attacked the committee.

I was thoroughly entertained by Cal's bit - and I actually thought it was complete reversal of character from earlier years when he had the best team in the country and tried to do the Deano "we're not very good" act. I heard a coach saying he was pretty happy with his team.

Jay Wright and Jaylen Brunson were a cliche snooze fest.

[KandG]

Would like to see Duke game in Pittsburgh but game time is essential. Anyone have any info Day or Night session ?

Looks like Duke plays at 2:45pm on Thursday afternoon, per ESPN.

[subzero02]

https://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1

Game times and channels... for half of the bracket. Unfortunately, our half is the one currently excluded. It will be updated soon. It looks like they are setting the time for a new match up every few minutes. It looks like our match up will be the last game time that is set... go figure.

[Listen to Quants]

We have the lowest kenpom rated 7 seed (#49) and second lowest kenpom rated 10 seed (#47) in midwest.Yup. Going by a rough points per 100, RI is overseeded by about 2 points and MSU underseeded by 2. A wash as far as Duke is concerned, with the slight advantage that the overseeded opponent will be played first (if everybody plays to seed), giving the underseeded (potential) opponent another game to get upset in. Not bad, not great.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Coach Vitale with an epic rant on Okla State getting hosed. I don't think I've ever heard him aggressively go after anyone like he attacked the committee. .

Yeah, his rant was as much against Oklahoma as it was pro OK State, or almost.....but he on ESPN and Barkley on TBS absolutely nailed the committee on Oklahoma.

Now of course Oklahoma will be able to play the ultimate "we've been dissed" card.......between that, and the law of averages vis a vis Michigan State, my normal pre NCAA paranoia is on high alert.

[duke2x]

Would like to see Duke game in Pittsburgh but game time is essential. Anyone have any info Day or Night session ?

2:45 Thursday is what I heard during a telephone conversation. This needs confirmation. Saturday should be whatever time TBS/TNT/TruTv wants. This is not a pod for good Nielsen ratings.

I regularly go up to Pittsburgh to see Duke play football and basketball (except this last January :( when we won easy). It's going to be a neutral site like Jacksonville in 2010. Duke isn't going to travel well to Pittsburgh compared to any site on the I-85/I-95 corridor. VT fans are probably the only school that might. Normally you hope for a neutral-apathetic site, but this group is so inconsistent outside Cameron. Any team in our Pittsburgh pod can win.

[weezie]

Absolutely Turk. It was actually funny. Bilas with his "butler" line.

[Steven43]

UVA got screwed - Kentucky as their #5 and Arizona as their #4. Good luck, Hoos!

UVA would only have to play one of Arizona or Kentucky. So what’s the big deal?

[HereBeforeCoachK]

UVA would only have to play one of Arizona or Kentucky. So what’s the big deal?

Those teams are better than a 4 and a 5, and the number 1 seed in the country should not be bracketed with the best 4,5 match up out there. Kentucky is playing great now, and they won't have the weight of expectations on them, a real relief for UK. Arizona meanwhile is going to have a mega chip on their shoulders due to the whole 100 thousand dollar affair. Things like that can galvanize a team and can make a real difference.

[TexHawk]

UVA would only have to play one of Arizona or Kentucky. So what’s the big deal?

Agreed, I have no idea why UVA should be scared of either of those teams. Both coaches are better known for recruiting talented players, then rolling the ball out, hoping for the best. They are far from tacticians. UVA should be licking their chops.

I get not wanting to play UK in Atlanta, but Anthony Davis isn't walking through that door. A not-very-good freshman PG against UVA's defense? Please.

[subzero02]

https://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1

The bracket game times and channels for the first round and first matchups have been set. We play at 245pm on CBS.

[weezie]

UVA would only have to play one of Arizona or Kentucky. So what’s the big deal?

Agreed! I doubt the hoo players are scaredy. They've played well, they're ready. Don't fret about them.

[TexHawk]

Those teams are better than a 4 and a 5, and the number 1 seed in the country should not be bracketed with the best 4,5 match up out there. Kentucky is playing great now, and they won't have the weight of expectations on them, a real relief for UK. Arizona meanwhile is going to have a mega chip on their shoulders due to the whole 100 thousand dollar affair. Things like that can galvanize a team and can make a real difference.

By what measure? KP has UK as the 3rd best 5 seed (a hair ahead of Clemson), and Zona as the worst 4 seed.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Agreed, I have no idea why UVA should be scared of either of those teams. Both coaches are better known for recruiting talented players, then rolling the ball out, hoping for the best. They are far from tacticians. UVA should be licking their chops.

I get not wanting to play UK in Atlanta, but Anthony Davis isn't walking through that door. A not-very-good freshman PG against UVA's defense? Please.

Uh, you seen UK's guard play the last handful of games?

[UrinalCake]

So can someone explain to me why UNC was ranked ahead of us last season? Did the NCAA just arbitrarily change their minds about what matters, and it just so happens to exactly benefit the CHeats?

[richardjackson199]

So can someone explain to me why UNC was ranked ahead of us last season? Did the NCAA just arbitrarily change their minds about what matters, and it just so happens to exactly benefit the CHeats?

Because last season UNCheat won the ACC regular season, and the ACC was the best conference last season. That loss in Cameron to NC State at the hands of Dennis Smith really killed us last year.

[TexHawk]

Uh, you seen UK's guard play the last handful of games?

Have you seen UVA's defense all season?

UK has won 13 games in 2018. In every win, they have scored 74 points or more.
UK has lost 7 games in 2018. In every loss, they failed to break 66 points.

UVA has given up more than 74 points twice in 2 YEARS, and both of those games went to overtime.

[juise]

Because last season UNCheat won the ACC regular season, and the ACC was the best conference last season. That loss in Cameron to NC State at the hands of Dennis Smith really killed us last year.

So you’re saying that the regular season matters more than head-to-head and tournament. Got it. Oh, wait...

[WakeDevil]

UVA would only have to play one of Arizona or Kentucky. So what’s the big deal?

It means they are almost certain to play one of them.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Have you seen UVA's defense all season?

UK has won 13 games in 2018. In every win, they have scored 74 points or more.
UK has lost 7 games in 2018. In every loss, they failed to break 66 points.

UVA has given up more than 74 points twice in 2 YEARS, and both of those games went to overtime.

I have tremendous respect for UVa - I also know they have a terrible NCAAT history. They have to prove they can break through that wall. They've not done it yet. And really, that matters in the NCAA. And your 74 points in every win stat is wrong, at least as of the SEC tournament. They won a game in the 60s and 40s.

[UrinalCake]

Because last season UNCheat won the ACC regular season, and the ACC was the best conference last season. That loss in Cameron to NC State at the hands of Dennis Smith really killed us last year.

But we won the ACCT tournament and had the most top-25 wins in the country. This year they lost to Wofford and that is just ignored.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

By what measure? KP has UK as the 3rd best 5 seed (a hair ahead of Clemson), and Zona as the worst 4 seed.

Ken Pom doesn't take into effect who's playing how right now, and they don't take into effect the emotional effects of being singled out by the NCAA. If you don't think galvanizing dynamics like that can't dominate an NCAA tournament, I would submit that perhaps you are putting too much stock in analytics and not paying enough attention to the mental/emotional factors.

Emotional/mental factors are magnified in a sudden death one and done situation.

[UrinalCake]

Looks like Duke plays at 2:45pm on Thursday afternoon, per ESPN.

Is that 2:45 as in 2:45, or 2:45 meaning 3:15?

[duke4ever19]

Is that 2:45 as in 2:45, or 2:45 meaning 3:15?

Yeah, since it's not the first game in Pittsburgh, it could possibly be 3:00 or later.

[TexHawk]

I have tremendous respect for UVa - I also know they have a terrible NCAAT history. They have to prove they can break through that wall. They've not done it yet. And really, that matters in the NCAA. And your 74 points in every win stat is wrong, at least as of the SEC tournament. They won a game in the 60s and 40s.

Yep, missed that. They scored 62 on Georgia the other day, a team that plays slow with a good defense. (Not as slow or with as good a defense as UVA though.)

Totally agree that UVA needs to prove it. Totally agree that they could lose to Kentucky, the game would be in Atlanta after all. But if it were to happen, something would have to happen that hasn't happened in YEARS (UVA giving up a lot of points) or very rarely (UK winning when not scoring points).

[Stray Gator]

Yeah, since it's not the first game in Pittsburgh, it could possibly be 3:00 or later.

Actually, the first game at PPG Paint Arena is set to tip at noon -- which means probably 5-10 minutes after the hour -- so I think we can expect that the Duke-Iona game should start very close to the scheduled time of 2:45 p.m. Stated another way, I wouldn't count on the kind of delays we customarily see when a second televised game is scheduled to start just two hours after the first game tips off. For the NCAA Tournament, the schedules already account for the normal runover length of the preceding game as well as the amount of time required for warm-ups between games.