NCAA 2018 Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight

[brevity]

Thursday, March 22

South Region (Atlanta)

(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (7) Nevada 7:07pm ET, CBS
(9) Kansas State vs. (5) Kentucky 9:37pm ET, CBS

West Region (Los Angeles)

(7) Texas A&M vs. (3) Michigan 7:37pm ET, TBS
(9) Florida State vs. (4) Gonzaga 10:07pm ET, TBS


Friday, March 23

Midwest Region (Omaha)

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke 9:37pm ET, CBS

East Region (Boston)

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue 9:57pm ET, TBSu

[-jk]

Thursday, March 22

South Region (Atlanta)

(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (7) Nevada 7:07pm ET, CBS
(9) Kansas State vs. (5) Kentucky 9:37pm ET, CBS

West Region (Los Angeles)

(7) Texas A&M vs. (3) Michigan 7:37pm ET, TBS
(9) Florida State vs. (4) Gonzaga 10:07pm ET, TBS


Friday, March 23

Midwest Region (Omaha)

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke 9:37pm ET, CBS

East Region (Boston)

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue 9:57pm ET, TBS

One of these days is not like the other!

-jk

[OldPhiKap]

Thursday, March 22

South Region (Atlanta)

(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (7) Nevada 7:07pm ET, CBS
(9) Kansas State vs. (5) Kentucky 9:37pm ET, CBS

West Region (Los Angeles)

(7) Texas A&M vs. (3) Michigan 7:37pm ET, TBS
(9) Florida State vs. (4) Gonzaga 10:07pm ET, TBS


Friday, March 23

Midwest Region (Omaha)

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke 9:37pm ET, CBS

East Region (Boston)

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue 9:57pm ET, TBSu

Thanks for getting this in one single post, brevity. This is handy.

[luburch]

Trying to decide who to roll with in survivor. Waffling between Loyola and Gonzaga :confused::confused:

[BD80]

Interesting Sweet 16.

More 5 seeds than any other seed. (no 12/5 "upsets" this year)

As many 7, 9, and 11 seeds as 1, 2, or 3 seeds.

One 4 seed.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Re: South Region... avg seed of 8 has to be by far the highest avg seed ever for a regional.

[Wander]

What great shape we're in. I wonder if we're heading towards a de facto championship game in the semi-final of the right side of the bracket.

Has there ever been a region where the 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed all miss the Sweet 16?

[gocanes0506]

Thursday, March 22

South Region (Atlanta)

(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (7) Nevada 7:07pm ET, CBS
(9) Kansas State vs. (5) Kentucky 9:37pm ET, CBS

West Region (Los Angeles)

(7) Texas A&M vs. (3) Michigan 7:37pm ET, TBS
(9) Florida State vs. (4) Gonzaga 10:07pm ET, TBS


Friday, March 23

Midwest Region (Omaha)

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke 9:37pm ET, CBS

East Region (Boston)

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue 9:57pm ET, TBSu

My guess:

ATL
Kentucky (really bad game 20-25+ point differential)
Nevada, close game 5-8 points

LA
Michigan really close game 1-4
Gonzaga good game, 7-11 points

Omaha
Kansas (could go either way) 2-6 points
Duke decent game 11-15 points

Boston
Nova (could go either way) 2-6 points
TT, good game 7-11 points

[DavidBenAkiva]

Ken Pomeroy, beloved college basketball statistician, posted (https://kenpom.com/blog/sweet-16-probabilities-2/) his updated Sweet 16 Probabilities early this morning.




Team
Elite 8
Final 4
Final
Champion


Villanova
72.5%
48.5%
31.1%
23.3%


Duke
81.1%
54.0%
28.8%
20.4%


Gonzaga
68.9%
40.0%
25.9%
10.7%


Purdue
61.1%
26.3%
13.7%
8.7%


Michigan
62.3%
32.7%
20.0%
7.8%


Kentucky
63.6%
37.7%
17.8%
5.8%


Kansas
53.9%
22.2%
8.5%
4.8%


Nevada
56.9%
27.6%
11.4%
3.2%


Clemson
46.1%
17.5%
6.1%
3.2%


West Virginia
27.5%
12.4%
5.1%
2.8%


Texas Tech
38.9%
12.8%
5.2%
2.8%


Texas A&M
37.7%
15.1%
7.3%
1.9%


Loyola Chicago
43.1%
18.2%
6.4%
1.5%


Florida State
31.1%
12.2%
5.6%
1.3%


Kansas State
36.4%
16.4%
5.6%
1.3%


Syracuse
18.9%
6.3%
1.4%
0.5%

[budwom]

^ he's that mustard fella...:)

[uh_no]

What great shape we're in. I wonder if we're heading towards a de facto championship game in the semi-final of the right side of the bracket.

Has there ever been a region where the 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed all miss the Sweet 16?

asked myself the same question last night.

While it LOOKS that way, one can't underestimate the difficulty of beating lower seeded teams anymore.

Uconn '14
Butler '10/'11
UK '14
Sweden '80
USA '16

Kentucky and Michigan are still very dangerous teams. 538 gives UK ~ 1/3 chance of winning the title game should they get there. That's an underdog, for sure, but not huge odds.

[moonpie23]

UK can finally STFU about "the easiest cakewalk to the final four" for duke's 2015 title....Cheats too

[elvis14]

UK can finally STFU about "the easiest cakewalk to the final four" for duke's 2015 title...Cheats too

The irony is that UNCheat was gifted as easy a path as they could have this year....and blew it.

As for 2015: Utah, Gonzaga, MSU, Wisconsin

All 4 of those teams were pretty good that year but as we know, in this day and age rhetoric and BS can overcome facts.

[uh_no]

UK can finally STFU about "the easiest cakewalk to the final four" for duke's 2015 title...Cheats too

eh. everyone always complains that everyone else's title run was "easy." Turns out if you play more tough teams, there's an increased chance you'll lose one of them....so you're more likely to find a champion among "top" teams who had an "easy" road to the title than a difficult one.

You can only beat whose in front of you. Worrying what anybody else says about who the 2015 team played....several years later...is kinda silly IMO. You might as well try to wrestle a pig.

[gocanes0506]

Ken Pomeroy, beloved college basketball statistician, posted (https://kenpom.com/blog/sweet-16-probabilities-2/) his updated Sweet 16 Probabilities early this morning.




Team
Elite 8
Final 4
Final
Champion


Villanova
72.5%
48.5%
31.1%
23.3%


Duke
81.1%
54.0%
28.8%
20.4%


Gonzaga
68.9%
40.0%
25.9%
10.7%


Purdue
61.1%
26.3%
13.7%
8.7%


Michigan
62.3%
32.7%
20.0%
7.8%


Kentucky
63.6%
37.7%
17.8%
5.8%


Kansas
53.9%
22.2%
8.5%
4.8%


Nevada
56.9%
27.6%
11.4%
3.2%


Clemson
46.1%
17.5%
6.1%
3.2%


West Virginia
27.5%
12.4%
5.1%
2.8%


Texas Tech
38.9%
12.8%
5.2%
2.8%


Texas A&M
37.7%
15.1%
7.3%
1.9%


Loyola Chicago
43.1%
18.2%
6.4%
1.5%


Florida State
31.1%
12.2%
5.6%
1.3%


Kansas State
36.4%
16.4%
5.6%
1.3%


Syracuse
18.9%
6.3%
1.4%
0.5%



Like the odds for Duke but that is serious board material for Kansas. Underdogs in their region, 3 hours from home? Also, not heavily favored over the number 5 team. They should be plenty motivated. The last 2 games for Duke definitely impressed the experts.

Where is that other school on the list? Is it a misprint? Or did I miss something :p

[mr. synellinden]

Amazing that one of those teams in the West/South will be playing for the title on Monday night. And if it weren’t for a prayer buzzer beater by Michigan, there would be no top 3 seeds left in that side of the bracket. Some might call it Madness.

[Troublemaker]

What great shape we're in. I wonder if we're heading towards a de facto championship game in the semi-final of the right side of the bracket.

Has there ever been a region where the 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed all miss the Sweet 16?

Nah. Too many good teams left on that side of the bracket who, in a single-elimination tournament, can certainly win one game for the championship.

[Troublemaker]

Amazing that one of those teams in the West/South will be playing for the title on Monday night. And if it weren’t for a prayer buzzer beater by Michigan, there would be no top 3 seeds left in that side of the bracket. Some might call it Madness.

If you look back through the years using this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_Division_I_Men%27s_Basketball_Tournam ent_Final_Four_participants

...I think you'll see that it's not that rare for 3-seeds or lower to be in the title game.

It's been the case 50% of the time since 2000 by my count.

[robed deity]

UK can finally STFU about "the easiest cakewalk to the final four" for duke's 2015 title...Cheats too

Looking at kenpom numbers, Duke faced #'s 2,7,8, and 15. Admittedly, these are post tournament. But if anything, that seems like a relatively tough road.

[-jk]

courtesy of Bovada:

2018 NCAA Championship - Odds to Win
Duke 13/4
Villanova 9/2
Gonzaga 7/1
Kentucky 7/1
Michigan 8/1
Kansas 17/2
Purdue 16/1
West Virginia 16/1
Texas Tech 22/1
Clemson 25/1
Nevada 25/1
Texas A&M 25/1
Kansas State 28/1
Florida State 40/1
Loyola Chicago 50/1
Syracuse 66/1

Regional Odds
Odds to win the Midwest Region
Duke 2/3
Kansas 2/1
Clemson 8/1
Syracuse 18/1

Odds to win the West Region
Gonzaga 7/5
Michigan 7/4
Texas A&M 4/1
Florida State 8/1

Odds to win the South Region
Kentucky 5/6
Nevada 7/2
Kansas State 9/2
Loyola Chicago 11/2

Odds to Win the East Region
Villanova 1/1
West Virginia 15/4
Purdue 4/1
Texas Tech 9/2

[mr. synellinden]

If you look back through the years using this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_Division_I_Men%27s_Basketball_Tournam ent_Final_Four_participants

...I think you'll see that it's not that rare for 3-seeds or lower to be in the title game.

It's been the case 50% of the time since 2000 by my count.

Sure. But how many of those times was it guaranteed by the start of the sweet 16? Possibly never.

[Turk]

Trying to decide who to roll with in survivor. Waffling between Loyola and Gonzaga :confused::confused:

Gonzaga is boring without that big Polish sasquatch they had last year. Gotta roll with Gryffindor and Sister Jean!! How is this a hard choice?

[gocanes0506]

We are 3-3 over the last 10 years in the sweet sixteen game. Nova, Oregon, and Arizona are the 3 losses. Victories over Michigan State, Utah, and Purdue.

in the the E8 game after those 3 victories we are 2-1. One loss was to Louisville. Both victories led to Championships.


As far as I can tell we have only played one ACC foe in the tournament before Friday. It was a Final Four win over Maryland in 2001. We've played now ACC teams a bunch but not when they were conference foes.
Duke is 2-0 over Cuse in the tournament. 66' and 98'

[COYS]

Looking at kenpom numbers, Duke faced #'s 2,7,8, and 15. Admittedly, these are post tournament. But if anything, that seems like a relatively tough road.

Yeah, the "easy" path to the title is a quick way for fans of other teams to try to diminish winning the NCAAT, which is difficult no matter who you are. I think people point to 2015 because Duke faced a team that generally hasn't gotten a lot of national media attention (Utah) and a team that, rightly or wrongly, had a reputation for flaming out in the tournament and is not from a major conference (Gonzaga). In reality, those two teams were excellent. Duke did catch a break by being on the opposite side of the bracket from Wiscy/Kentucky and therefore getting to play a Spartan team that was clearly not as good. But, hey, sometimes it happens like that.

People said the same thing about Duke's 2010 title run, which I think was even harder. Duke did get a little lucky by facing a Purdue team in the Sweet 16 that had lost its best player (Robbie Hummell) to knee injury. But other than that, Duke had a really tough road. I remember being nervous about facing California in the second round . . . a team that was 14th in KenPom, had a scary-good offense. That was a Sweet 16-level test that Duke passed with flying colors in the second round. Duke even had to play two de facto away games in that run, including beating Baylor in Houston and then beating Butler in Butler's hometown. While all the media attention was focused on a potential Duke-UK battle in the semi-final, people forgot that West Virginia had been just as good as Kentucky throughout most of the season even if the Mountaineers didn't have the same name recognition. Some might recall that there were many who thought WVU should've been given the #1 seed that went to Duke. The fact that Duke beat the crap out of California and WVU didn't mean that Duke's path was easy. It just meant that Duke was really good.

That said, Duke's path to the Elite Eight this year really is about as "easy" as we could have hoped. We had a reasonable 2/15 game. We faced one of the worst 7-seeds in the second round. And we will face the worst team remaining in the tournament in the Sweet 16. Nothing is given, of course. Duke really needs to take care of business. But I wouldn't sweat it when people who claim that Duke's path has been "easy," so far. It is, quite frankly, exactly as we fans would have designed it if we had been given a chance. Still gotta win the games on the court, though!

[Truth&Justise]

Yeah, the "easy" path to the title is a quick way for fans of other teams to try to diminish winning the NCAAT, which is difficult no matter who you are.

Yeah, it can make sense to complain about an "easy" path to a particular round, but it never makes sense to say that about the champion.

In any given year, maybe there's a team whose opening pod was full of over-seeded late-season collapsers, or maybe carnage in another part of the region made for an "easy" route to the final four. But once a team wins a championship? All that talk should go out the door. Everybody lost to somebody who lost to somebody who eventually lost to the champion. That's the beauty of the bracket. You think their route was easy? Well then, you should have beaten one of those "easy" teams.

[UrinalCake]

I think the year that people complain about Duke’s path was 2010 because we didn’t have to face Kentucky and then played Butler in the final. Nobody remembers that that game was played ten minutes from Butler’s campus, or that they lost their best player and then went back to the Finals the following year, or that we also had to face Baylor in Houston in an earlier round.

I’ve already heard CHeat fans complaining that we get to play Syracuse in our next game. They forget that two years ago they played a double digit Syracuse team in the Final Four!

[uh_no]

I think the year that people complain about Duke’s path was 2010 because we didn’t have to face Kentucky and then played Butler in the final. Nobody remembers that that game was played ten minutes from Butler’s campus, or that they lost their best player and then went back to the Finals the following year, or that we also had to face Baylor in Houston in an earlier round.

I’ve already heard CHeat fans complaining that we get to play Syracuse in our next game. They forget that two years ago they played a double digit Syracuse team in the Final Four!

They just lost to a tx AM team which didn't even get votes in the last AP poll. As I said. wrestling with pigs.

[clutch299]

Has there ever been a region where the 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed all miss the Sweet 16?

No, there has not. According to CBS yesterday.

[Listen to Quants]

Nah. Too many good teams left on that side of the bracket who, in a single-elimination tournament, can certainly win one game for the championship.
Yes indeed. If we take the KenPom numbers, there is only a one-quarter chance of even seeing the 'de-facto championship' game (Duke v Villanova). Many a slip 'twixt cup and lip.

[arnie]

courtesy of Bovada:

2018 NCAA Championship - Odds to Win
Duke 13/4
Villanova 9/2
Gonzaga 7/1
Kentucky 7/1
Michigan 8/1
Kansas 17/2
Purdue 16/1
West Virginia 16/1
Texas Tech 22/1
Clemson 25/1
Nevada 25/1
Texas A&M 25/1
Kansas State 28/1
Florida State 40/1
Loyola Chicago 50/1
Syracuse 66/1

Regional Odds
Odds to win the Midwest Region
Duke 2/3
Kansas 2/1
Clemson 8/1
Syracuse 18/1

Odds to win the West Region
Gonzaga 7/5
Michigan 7/4
Texas A&M 4/1
Florida State 8/1

Odds to win the South Region
Kentucky 5/6
Nevada 7/2
Kansas State 9/2
Loyola Chicago 11/2

Odds to Win the East Region
Villanova 1/1
West Virginia 15/4
Purdue 4/1
Texas Tech 9/2

You left out the Holes’ odds😸

[elvis14]

Just wanted to give you all a heads up. Anyone that's planning on going to any of the sweet sixteen games keep in mind that they have instituted a dress code this year centered around footwear. Sneakers, flats, boots, dress shoes, sandals, all OK but....no Heels.

Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week. Please remember to tip your wait staff.

[AGDukesky]

You left out the Holes’ odds😸

Zero point zero

[devildeac]

Just wanted to give you all a heads up. Anyone that's planning on going to any of the sweet sixteen games keep in mind that they have instituted a dress code this year centered around footwear. Sneakers, flats, boots, dress shoes, sandals, all OK but...no Heels.

Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week. Please remember to tip your wait staff.

They're a bit late with this. Shoulda been in effect for the last 2-3 years. :mad:

[Truth&Justise]

I think the year that people complain about Duke’s path was 2010 because we didn’t have to face Kentucky and then played Butler in the final. Nobody remembers that that game was played ten minutes from Butler’s campus, or that they lost their best player and then went back to the Finals the following year, or that we also had to face Baylor in Houston in an earlier round.

I’ve already heard CHeat fans complaining that we get to play Syracuse in our next game. They forget that two years ago they played a double digit Syracuse team in the Final Four!

Yeah, this argument hinges on people underrating Butler...STILL! Years after the fact, after Hayward made an NBA all-star team, after they got back to the finals WITHOUT HAYWARD, after Brad Stevens has had NBA success...people still see the word "Butler" and discount them. They were a GREAT team.

[mr. synellinden]

Zero point zero

Mr. Blutarsky ... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5s11NAM7vI)

[duke79]

Zero point zero

LOL, to be more exact, I think their odds are: zero point zero zero

[Fish80]

LOL, to be more exact, I think their odds are: zero point zero zero

Not necessarily... Heels may refuse to admit they lost, show up to round of 16 and play anyway. Heel lawyers win case against NCAA, Heels go to final four. Yikes, that's a bad scenario.

[Reddevil]

Zero point zero

Tarheels kwenda nyumbani means tarheels going home in Swahili. Of course you knew that right heels? No? Why not?

[sagegrouse]

Sure. But how many of those times was it guaranteed by the start of the sweet 16? Possibly never.

Probably never. When #11 VCU made the Final Four in 2011, #10 Florida State and #12 Richmond were in the same regional./ But the regional also included #1 Kansas.

[JasonEvans]

Yeah, this argument hinges on people underrating Butler...STILL! Years after the fact, after Hayward made an NBA all-star team, after they got back to the finals WITHOUT HAYWARD, after Brad Stevens has had NBA success...people still see the word "Butler" and discount them. They were a GREAT team.

One of the best rules of picking a winner in basketball is "pick the team with the best individual player." Well, in that game there is no question at all that the best player in the game was Gordon Hayward. No one else in that game has had anywhere close to his NBA career (Mason is second but you can make a solid argument that Shelvin Mack is third... he's at least alongside Lance and Singler as the third best pro from that game).

[DukieInBrasil]

They just lost to a tx AM team which didn't even get votes in the last AP poll. As I said. wrestling with pigs.

are they hot buttered pigs? pigs in a blanket? pigs on the wing? pigs in a poke? 3 little piggies?
Inquiring minds want to know...

[devildeac]

are they hot buttered pigs? pigs in a blanket? pigs on the wing? pigs in a poke? 3 little piggies?
Inquiring minds want to know...

I'm more interested in pulled, chopped or sliced.

[uh_no]

I'm more interested in pulled, chopped or sliced.

that depends on if you're in eastern or western pennsylvania

[DukieInBrasil]

I'm more interested in pulled, chopped or sliced.

mmmmm....bacon


One of the best rules of picking a winner in basketball is "pick the team with the best individual player." Well, in that game there is no question at all that the best player in the game was Gordon Hayward. No one else in that game has had anywhere close to his NBA career (Mason is second but you can make a solid argument that Shelvin Mack is third... he's at least alongside Lance and Singler as the third best pro from that game).

great point, but in addition to that, Duke also put MP1 in the league (still there), Andre Dawkins (cup o'tea only), and Nolan Smith. We will never know, but i continue to believe that Jon Scheyer would have made a damn fine player in the NBA had he not had his eye poked out (slight exaggeration). Zoubek may have been able to carve out a minor role had he not gotten injured in pre-season camp as well. So even though Duke may not have had the single best player on the court, they had more total pro potential spread amongst its players than did Butler.

[Saratoga2]

Tarheels kwenda nyumbani means tarheels going home in Swahili. Of course you knew that right heels? No? Why not?

The Heels got the tar beaten out of them! See ya next year.

[ns7]

Yeah, the "easy" path to the title is a quick way for fans of other teams to try to diminish winning the NCAAT, which is difficult no matter who you are. I think people point to 2015 because Duke faced a team that generally hasn't gotten a lot of national media attention (Utah) and a team that, rightly or wrongly, had a reputation for flaming out in the tournament and is not from a major conference (Gonzaga). In reality, those two teams were excellent. Duke did catch a break by being on the opposite side of the bracket from Wiscy/Kentucky and therefore getting to play a Spartan team that was clearly not as good. But, hey, sometimes it happens like that.

People said the same thing about Duke's 2010 title run, which I think was even harder. Duke did get a little lucky by facing a Purdue team in the Sweet 16 that had lost its best player (Robbie Hummell) to knee injury. But other than that, Duke had a really tough road. I remember being nervous about facing California in the second round . . . a team that was 14th in KenPom, had a scary-good offense. That was a Sweet 16-level test that Duke passed with flying colors in the second round. Duke even had to play two de facto away games in that run, including beating Baylor in Houston and then beating Butler in Butler's hometown. While all the media attention was focused on a potential Duke-UK battle in the semi-final, people forgot that West Virginia had been just as good as Kentucky throughout most of the season even if the Mountaineers didn't have the same name recognition. Some might recall that there were many who thought WVU should've been given the #1 seed that went to Duke. The fact that Duke beat the crap out of California and WVU didn't mean that Duke's path was easy. It just meant that Duke was really good.

That said, Duke's path to the Elite Eight this year really is about as "easy" as we could have hoped. We had a reasonable 2/15 game. We faced one of the worst 7-seeds in the second round. And we will face the worst team remaining in the tournament in the Sweet 16. Nothing is given, of course. Duke really needs to take care of business. But I wouldn't sweat it when people who claim that Duke's path has been "easy," so far. It is, quite frankly, exactly as we fans would have designed it if we had been given a chance. Still gotta win the games on the court, though!

These are great points.

Here are some numbers on 2010 and 2015 by the Bart Torvik ranks of the teams we played
2010: 233, 14, 12, 8, 6, 15
2015: 188, 30, 7, 8, 13, 3

If anyone tells you that Duke had an easy path in 2010, you can tell them that Duke beat 5 top 15 teams in the tournament that year.

For comparison, here is UNC's path last year
2017: 218, 35, 25, 7, 12, 1

They did play Gonzaga in the championship, so they earned it in the end, but their path to the championship was likely one of the easier roads to a final.

[CDu]

These are great points.

Here are some numbers on 2010 and 2015 by the Bart Torvik ranks of the teams we played
2010: 233, 14, 12, 8, 6, 15
2015: 188, 30, 7, 8, 13, 3

If anyone tells you that Duke had an easy path in 2010, you can tell them that Duke beat 5 top 15 teams in the tournament that year.

For comparison, here is UNC's path last year
2017: 218, 35, 25, 7, 12, 1

They did play Gonzaga in the championship, so they earned it in the end, but their path to the championship was likely one of the easier roads to a final.

To be fair, one of those top-15 teams in 2010 was a shell of itself in the tourney. Purdue had just lost its best player for the year before the tournament. But, yeah, we played Baylor in Houston and Butler in Indianapolis. And West Virginia (though their best player tore his ACL in our game) and Cal. It wasn’t an easy schedule. It was easier than it could have been, but not easy.

[devildeac]

that depends on if you're in eastern or western pennsylvania

Roasted pork sammiches (and cheesesteaks) in the east. Chipped ham barbecue (:rolleyes::confused:) in the west.

[Neals384]

Here's the record of the SW16 teams in the regular season when they faced other SW16 teams.




W
L
PCT


Duke
3
0
1.000


Villanova
1
0
1.000


Kansas
10
1
0.909


Purdue
2
1
0.667


Texas Tech
5
3
0.625


Florida State
2
2
0.500


Kentucky
2
2
0.500


Texas A&M
2
2
0.500


West Virginia
4
6
0.400


Michigan
1
2
0.333


Clemson
1
3
0.250


Syracuse
1
3
0.250


Kansas State
0
7
0.000


Gonzaga
0
1
0.000


Nevada
0
1
0.000


Loyola Chicago
0
0

[phaedrus]

To be fair, one of those top-15 teams in 2010 was a shell of itself in the tourney. Purdue had just lost its best player for the year before the tournament. But, yeah, we played Baylor in Houston and Butler in Indianapolis. And West Virginia (though their best player tore his ACL in our game) and Cal. It wasn’t an easy schedule. It was easier than it could have been, but not easy.

As I recall, though, Hummel’s injury was accounted for in Purdue’s seed. While they had the resume of a 2 or 3, they ended up with a 4 or 5 - meaning that we faced them earlier in the tournament than we otherwise would have.

[UrinalCake]

And West Virginia (though their best player tore his ACL in our game)

My (somewhat fuzzy) memory tells me that the injury happened with only three or four minutes left in the game and Duke winning by almost 10. So it is likely we would have won anyways. I remember Zoubek came over and drew a charge, the WVU player got hurt, and Bob Huggins yelled something like "they get every call!" I also remember the player's last name was Butler, which was notable because our next game was against Butler the team.

Funny that I can recall all of these details, yet I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday :confused:

[COYS]

My (somewhat fuzzy) memory tells me that the injury happened with only three or four minutes left in the game and Duke winning by almost 10. So it is likely we would have won anyways. I remember Zoubek came over and drew a charge, the WVU player got hurt, and Bob Huggins yelled something like "they get every call!" I also remember the player's last name was Butler, which was notable because our next game was against Butler the team.

Funny that I can recall all of these details, yet I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday :confused:

I think that Duke was winning by something more like 20 at the time. The injury was extremely unfortunate, but it in no way affected the outcome. That game had been decided long before. Duke was completely unstoppable that game. I think it’s safe to say that it was the second best game that Duke played that entire season (nothing beats 82-50 and while the beat down of Maryland in Cameron and the emergence of Zoubek was fun, the stakes just weren’t as high). No one would’ve beaten us that day.

Also, I definitey recall that the committee had taken Robbie Hummel’s injury into account when seeding Purdue at 4. That team still had some talent. I won’t lie and say it was the most difficult Sweet 16 test, ever, but it was an appropriately tough draw for a 1 seed in the Sweet 16 and hardly a gimme.

[CDu]

As I recall, though, Hummel’s injury was accounted for in Purdue’s seed. While they had the resume of a 2 or 3, they ended up with a 4 or 5 - meaning that we faced them earlier in the tournament than we otherwise would have.

Yes, although I would argue that even a 4/5 was probably a bit too high. They were probably more like a top-25 or top-30 team (so a 6 or 7 seed) without Hummel, not a top-15 team (4 seed).

Again, though, it isn’t like our draw was easy. We still got a top-15 team in Cal in round 2, a top-10 team in the Elite-8 essentially on the road, and a top-5 team in West Virginia. And we played a top-15 team on the road in the title game.


My (somewhat fuzzy) memory tells me that the injury happened with only three or four minutes left in the game and Duke winning by almost 10. So it is likely we would have won anyways. I remember Zoubek came over and drew a charge, the WVU player got hurt, and Bob Huggins yelled something like "they get every call!" I also remember the player's last name was Butler, which was notable because our next game was against Butler the team.

Funny that I can recall all of these details, yet I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday :confused:

Butler got hurt with about 9 minutes left, with us up by 15 and them with the ball. So, yes, we were likely to win, but it was far from decided.

[Neals384]

My (somewhat fuzzy) memory tells me that the injury happened with only three or four minutes left in the game and Duke winning by almost 10. So it is likely we would have won anyways. I remember Zoubek came over and drew a charge, the WVU player got hurt, and Bob Huggins yelled something like "they get every call!" I also remember the player's last name was Butler, which was notable because our next game was against Butler the team.

Funny that I can recall all of these details, yet I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday :confused:

Sorry, you can't qualify for memory care unless you forget what you had for lunch TODAY. (True, they asked my Dad. No, he had no idea.)

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Here's the record of the SW16 teams in the regular season when they faced other SW16 teams.




W
L
PCT


Duke
3
0
1.000


Villanova
1
0
1.000


Kansas
10
1
0.909


Purdue
2
1
0.667


Texas Tech
5
3
0.625


Florida State
2
2
0.500


Kentucky
2
2
0.500


Texas A&M
2
2
0.500


West Virginia
4
6
0.400


Michigan
1
2
0.333


Clemson
1
3
0.250


Syracuse
1
3
0.250


Kansas State
0
7
0.000


Gonzaga
0
1
0.000


Nevada
0
1
0.000


Loyola Chicago
0
0




Thank you for arranging by percentage of wins instead of number of wins. :)

Man, this actually makes me more nervous about Kansas. Yikes.

[rasputin]

Here's the record of the SW16 teams in the regular season when they faced other SW16 teams.




W
L
PCT


Duke
3
0
1.000


Villanova
1
0
1.000


Kansas
10
1
0.909


Purdue
2
1
0.667


Texas Tech
5
3
0.625


Florida State
2
2
0.500


Kentucky
2
2
0.500


Texas A&M
2
2
0.500


West Virginia
4
6
0.400


Michigan
1
2
0.333


Clemson
1
3
0.250


Syracuse
1
3
0.250


Kansas State
0
7
0.000


Gonzaga
0
1
0.000


Nevada
0
1
0.000


Loyola Chicago
0
0




Gee, where are the Cheaters on this list?

[A-Tex Devil]

Thank you for arranging by percentage of wins instead of number of wins. :)

Man, this actually makes me more nervous about Kansas. Yikes.

I'll be interested to see how the Big 12 does. The volume of games for Big 12 among Sweet 16 numbers are skewed because the Big 12 gets a double round robin and the ACC does not. That said, even non-con, KU had just a ridiculous schedule this year and managed it pretty well (other than the two losses to Okie St and the home loss to Az St.). All of the Big 12 teams left have massive weaknesses, and you can argue that K State is the weakest team remaining in the tourney. I wouldn't be stunned if they all lost Thu/Fri. That said, I think KU and even Tech could win it all. I just don't see WVU getting by 'Nova. That's a horrible matchup for WVU, but Huggy Bear has surprised before (2010).

[Ian]

If I were Nova my concern is that even if I beat WV, my perimeter players would have taken such a beating physically that they will not recover quickly enough to be spry for the next game, especially if the next game is against another team with very physical defense like TTech.

[DukieInKansas]

I'll be interested to see how the Big 12 does. The volume of games for Big 12 among Sweet 16 numbers are skewed because the Big 12 gets a double round robin and the ACC does not. That said, even non-con, KU had just a ridiculous schedule this year and managed it pretty well (other than the two losses to Okie St and the home loss to Az St.). All of the Big 12 teams left have massive weaknesses, and you can argue that K State is the weakest team remaining in the tourney. I wouldn't be stunned if they all lost Thu/Fri. That said, I think KU and even Tech could win it all. I just don't see WVU getting by 'Nova. That's a horrible matchup for WVU, but Huggy Bear has surprised before (2010).

And KU beat WVU 3 times and KSU 3 times - twice in the season and once in the conference tournament. That is a big part of their 10 wins.

[brevity]

The Sweet 16 games start tonight (with the South and West Regions).

First, a few links.

Andy Katz, now of NCAA.com, ranks the 16 teams (https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-03-19/sweet-16-ranked-ncaacoms-andy-katz). Duke, Kansas, and Clemson are in the Top 5, all ahead of Kentucky. The bottom 3 are Nevada, Loyola-Chicago, and Kansas State.

Myron Medcalf, still at ESPN, reseeds the Sweet 16 (http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22825232/ncaa-tournament-reseeding-sweet-16) because he hates overachieving teams and everyone who filled out a bracket. Duke and Clemson are in the Top 3, Kansas is #10, and Kansas State is again at the bottom.

From The Sporting News, CBS defends their exploitation of crying kids in their telecast (http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/march-madness-2018-cbs-crying-kids-schedule-ncaa-tournament-tnt-tbs-trutv/lwzr0mkta5l1huqabga40zmc). Not the players when they lose, the actual children in the stands. My reaction quickly goes from "Well, they're learning a valuable lesson after expectations and disappointment early in life" to "I feel like the camera is lingering on this for too long." Crying Duke Kid from the 2004 ACC Tournament has to be at least college age now, right? What's his opinion? Is he on DBR?

Awful Announcing had its readers rank the broadcasting teams so far in the NCAA Tournament (http://awfulannouncing.com/ncaa/2018-ncaa-tournament-broadcaster-rankings.html). They liked that Jim Nantz was there to announce UMBC's win over Virginia, but they felt the broadcast "lacked that one moment we'll remember." Four of their top five broadcasting teams made it to the next round, as you'll see below.

Second, the announcers by region.

South (Atlanta), Thursday: Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Lisa Byington
West (Los Angeles), Thursday: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dan Bonner, Dana Jacobson
East (Boston), Friday: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Allie LaForce
Midwest (Omaha), Friday: Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, Bill Raftery, Tracy Wolfson

Third, a team name/mascot breakdown of the Sweet 16.

DBR Chat, which was pleasant last weekend, but not in a Jim Nantz milquetoast way, had a continuing discussion about the Chinese Year of the Dog, NCAA Tournament mascots, and the never-ending struggle between cats and dogs.

Felines (4): Kansas State Wildcats, Kentucky Wildcats, Villanova Wildcats, Clemson Tigers
Canines (4): Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (wolf mascot), Nevada Wolf Pack, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Texas A&M Aggies (rough collie mascot)
Bipeds (5): Florida State Seminoles, West Virginia Mountaineers, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Purdue Boilermakers, Duke Blue Devils
Other Animals (2): Michigan Wolverines, Kansas Jayhawks
Fruit (1): Syracuse Orange

Fourth, there will be chat Thursday and Friday nights.

The games Thursday are Loyola-Chicago vs. Nevada, Texas A&M vs. Michigan, Kansas State vs. Kentucky, and Florida State vs. Gonzaga. That's a four dog night.

[brevity]

The next two days:

Friday, March 23

Midwest (Omaha) Region

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas, 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke, approx. 9:37pm ET, CBS

East (Boston) Region

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova, 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue, approx. 9:57pm ET, TBS

Saturday, March 24

South (Atlanta) Region
(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (9) Kansas State, 6:09pm ET, TBS

West (Los Angeles) Region
(9) Florida State vs. (3) Michigan, approx. 8:49pm ET, TBS

[pfrduke]

The next two days:

Friday, March 23

Midwest (Omaha) Region

(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas, 7:07pm ET, CBS
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke, approx. 9:37pm ET, CBS

East (Boston) Region

(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova, 7:27pm ET, TBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue, approx. 9:57pm ET, TBS

Saturday, March 24

South (Atlanta) Region
(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (9) Kansas State, 6:09pm ET, TBS

West (Los Angeles) Region
(9) Florida State vs. (3) Michigan, approx. 8:49pm ET, TBS

Seed totals for the eight teams left on the right side of the bracket: 30
Seed totals for the four teams left on the left side of the bracket: 32

[brevity]

The next two days:

Saturday, March 24

South (Atlanta) Region
(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (9) Kansas State, 6:09pm ET, TBS

West (Los Angeles) Region
(9) Florida State vs. (3) Michigan, approx. 8:49pm ET, TBS

Sunday, March 25

East (Boston) Region
(3) Texas Tech vs. (1) Villanova, 2:20pm ET, CBS

Midwest (Omaha) Region
(2) Duke vs. (1) Kansas, approx. 5:05pm ET, CBS

[cakerace]

I had the most vivid dream last night: With only two seconds left, Grayson was driving for the tying basket, when at the last possible instant he flicked the ball to AOC in the corner, who proceeded to drain the game-winning shot. The vision startled me so much I woke straight up without even realizing who was our opponent, but it must be a future game, as I don’t recall that particular GA assist happening previously. I don’t usually dream in color, but it seems Grayson was wearing blue… My question is, do I completely alter my eating habits, or should I double up on that catfish-anchovy pizza I was enjoying during the Syracuse game, at least until April 3rd??? If this was some supernatural insight, and not just the product of something I ate, I predict Duke's wild 2018 ride isn't over yet...

[NM Duke Fan]

I am astonished at this Loyola Chicago team that is blowing out Kansas State: Such teamwork, discipline, leadership, fundamentals, defense, etc. Really reminds me of the Duke teams of the early 90's with lots of upperclassmen. Wow! They can compete with anybody if they continue this level of being locked in, what a great and inspriing story and so good for college basketball.

[jv001]

I am astonished at this Loyola Chicago team that is blowing out Kansas State: Such teamwork, discipline, leadership, fundamentals, defense, etc. Really reminds me of the Duke teams of the early 90's with lots of upperclassmen. Wow! They can compete with anybody if they continue this level of being locked in, what a great and inspriing story and so good for college basketball.

But if I'm not mistaken we owe them one. :cool:GoDuke!

[Indoor66]

Yep. Kansas City in 1963.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Loyola flat out looks like the better team.

[NM Duke Fan]

Loyola flat out looks like the better team.

If they play like this they can definitely defeat Michigan or Fl State ... or ?

[dukelifer]

Loyola flat out looks like the better team.
Of course K State is a 9 seed. Loyola is fun to watch but they are a couple of miracles from watching this from home. They have had a magical run.

[MChambers]

I am astonished at this Loyola Chicago team that is blowing out Kansas State: Such teamwork, discipline, leadership, fundamentals, defense, etc. Really reminds me of the Duke teams of the early 90's with lots of upperclassmen. Wow! They can compete with anybody if they continue this level of being locked in, what a great and inspriing story and so good for college basketball.
It’s a great show, although Webber is an amazingly bad announcer.

[wavedukefan70s]

I am astonished at this Loyola Chicago team that is blowing out Kansas State: Such teamwork, discipline, leadership, fundamentals, defense, etc. Really reminds me of the Duke teams of the early 90's with lots of upperclassmen. Wow! They can compete with anybody if they continue this level of being locked in, what a great and inspriing story and so good for college basketball.

They will not beat FSU or michigan.

[Wander]

If they play like this they can definitely defeat Michigan or Fl State ... or ?

They can easily win their first Final Four game, which wouldn't even be surprising. Harder to imagine them winning the title game, but upsets happen.

[MChambers]

They will not beat FSU or michigan.

Loyola is #34 in Pomeroy while FSU is #27. Loyola has a good chance against FSU. Michigan would be tougher, but not out of the question.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

An eleven seed has never advanced to the final in the previous three final four appearances. Having said that, the Loyola team I saw today looks totally capable of beating FSU.

[dukelifer]

They will not beat FSU or michigan.

Never say never in this tourney - but usually size wins out. But what a great story. Good for college basketball.

[wavedukefan70s]

An eleven seed has never advanced to the final in the previous three final four appearances. Having said that, the Loyola team I saw today looks totally capable of beating FSU.

I disagree.regular season fsu maybe.i do not believe they can take the physical pounding Leonard Hamilton teams impose.i don't think they are built for it.i believe fsu is athletic enough to give them fits.i do however think Michigan is better than fsu.

[sagegrouse]

Yep. Kansas City in 1963.

Louisville. KC was 1964.

[rsvman]

I'll make this prediction right here, right now. Loyola will lose their first game in the Final Four, regardless of opponent, and some news organization somewhere will lead with this headline: Custer's Last Stand.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Is Kenny the biggest punk homer announcer ever? He said at halftime he knows who’s the better team but that he was picking KU. Barkley didn’t hesitate to say Duke. And Clark deferred.

Why is it that the Duke guys can be thoughtful and professional but the Duke haters are such knuckleheads? /rhetorical question

[Troublemaker]

I'll make this prediction right here, right now. Loyola will lose their first game in the Final Four, regardless of opponent, and some news organization somewhere will lead with this headline: Custer's Last Stand.

While historically inaccurate, would be interesting if the opponent were the Seminoles

[rsvman]

While historically inaccurate, would be interesting if the opponent were the Seminoles

Right now it sure doesn't look like that will be the case. That was a dagger corner three. Seminoles have been pretty lame on offense. Not sure how much of it is due to outstanding defense and how much to boneheaded decisions.

[dukelifer]

I disagree.regular season fsu maybe.i do not believe they can take the physical pounding Leonard Hamilton teams impose.i don't think they are built for it.i believe fsu is athletic enough to give them fits.i do however think Michigan is better than fsu.

They are. FSU shooting so poorly in this one.

[Bluedog]

It's not over...FSU making a comeback.

[dukelifer]

It's not over...FSU making a comeback.

Just not enough. Hard to believe that Michigan will lose to Loyola with a week of rest- so Michigan is the likely opponent on the other side in the Championship game.

[Bluedog]

I seriously do not understand FSU at the end of this game. What team does NOT foul with 10 seconds left down 4 and just let's them run it out without an attempt to steal??? Crazy. Also, you've got to know who is a poor FT shooter and LET them take the inbounds. Instead of fouling a 50% FT shooter, you choose a 90% one? Mind boggling. FSU fought hard though, so don't mean to be totally down on them, but I just didn't understand the decision making. Having no TOs didn't help certainly.

[rsvman]

Made no sense at all. Jacking up impossible shots when a drive to the basket would have sufficed was also mind-boggling.

[wallyman]

I seriously do not understand FSU at the end of this game. What team does NOT foul with 10 seconds left down 4 and just let's them run it out without an attempt to steal??? Crazy. Also, you've got to know who is a poor FT shooter and LET them take the inbounds. Instead of fouling a 50% FT shooter, you choose a 90% one? Mind boggling. FSU fought hard though, so don't mean to be totally down on them, but I just didn't understand the decision making. Having no TOs didn't help certainly.

Florida’s offense was painful to watch and their inability to foul the right guy was baffling. They had no business going to the Final Four.

[Wander]

Florida’s offense was painful to watch

Not as painful as watching Hamilton completely awkwardly squirming around a non-answer for why they didn't try fouling in the last 12 seconds.

[duke4ever19]

Leonard Hamilton very defensive with a sensible question about fouling with 11-12 seconds on the clock.

That just tells me he knows he screwed up.

[Bluedog]

Not as painful as watching Hamilton completely awkwardly squirming around a non-answer for why they didn't try fouling in the last 12 seconds.

Wow, that was awkward.... He said "what do you want us to do? The game was over." I agree that didn't COST them the game, but it was their only chance to win at that point. Yeah the shot before that was likely worse.

[Bluedog]

Leonard Hamilton very defensive with a sensible question about fouling with 11-12 seconds on the clock.

That just tells me he knows he screwed up.

I disagree with the last sentence. I don't think he thinks he screwed up based on his answer. He sounded incredulous that somebody would think it was even worth the attempt at that point. The ball was also right by the FSU bench at that point so clearly nobody was shouting to foul.

[duke4ever19]

I disagree with the last sentence. I don't think he thinks he screwed up based on his answer. He sounded incredulous that somebody would think it was even worth the attempt at that point. The ball was also right by the FSU bench at that point so clearly nobody was shouting to foul.

Disagree.

Watch his body language. He looked like he was about to leave the interview. I genuinely thought he was about to walk away. He caught himself and then diverted it into coach-speak. If he had nothing to defend (if he was satisfied with how the last sequence went) he would have just answered the question. He wasn't comfortable here. he knows he should have called for a foul there and I will be surprised if he doesn't admit it at some point.

Right now he's at the news conference diverting the questions about the time left into "we could have done something earlier in the game." But notice that this isn't an answer to that question. He's changing a direct question about why he didn't foul, into, "That's not what lost us the game." But the question isn't "Is that what lost you the game?" It's, "Why didn't you foul there?" His waffling here is obvious. He knows he messed up.

[sbroc012]

Disagree.

Watch his body language. He looked like he was about to leave the interview. I genuinely thought he was about to walk away. He caught himself and then diverted it into coach-speak. If he had nothing to defend (if he was satisfied with how the last sequence went) he would have just answered the question. He wasn't comfortable here. he knows he should have called for a foul there and I will be surprised if he doesn't admit it at some point.

Fouling at that point is purely on the player recognizing the situation. Remember that FSU was out of timeouts since 2 minutes left. To me it simply showed a lack of preparation or basketball knowledge in that situation. Hamilton was defending the player.

[duke4ever19]

Fouling at that point is purely on the player recognizing the situation. Remember that FSU was out of timeouts since 2 minutes left. To me it simply showed a lack of preparation or basketball knowledge in that situation. Hamilton was defending the player.

Hamilton was also right in front of the play. He can't yell, "FOUL!" there? Go back and watch that sequence. It's bizarre.

[Bluedog]

Hamilton was also right in front of the play. He can't yell, "FOUL!" there? Go back and watch that sequence. It's bizarre.

Now, I agree with you there! ;) I think he was almost walking away because he thought it was a ridiculous question that was short-sighted, not because he thought he screwed up. (But reasonable minds can disagree.)

It's also possible that after he gets asked the same question four times in Post game interviews, he'll start to question himself. But I don't think he was doing that in that moment.

[duke4ever19]

Now, I agree with you there! ;) I think he was almost walking away because he thought it was a ridiculous question that was short-sighted, not because he thought he screwed up. (But reasonable minds can disagree.)

Absolutely, but Hamilton has to go to bed tonight knowing the whole basketball world is saying, "Leonard! There's a Final Four on the line and you don't try to prolong the game with 11-12 seconds left, down by four?"

After watching UVA vs Louisville a few weeks ago, Hamilton doesn't get a pass from me by dodging the question. There was much more on the line tonight than a conference win and he either failed to understand what was happening, or he failed to communicate his wishes to his players. Either way, he failed.

Edit: By the way, this is a man who coaches in the same conference with UVA and Louisville. That UVA vs. Louisville game alone should gives him every reason to try and do something miraculous. No one would blame him for trying, but everyone will blame him if he doesn't try. That is what's happening tonight.

[sbroc012]

Hamilton was also right in front of the play. He can't yell, "FOUL!" there? Go back and watch that sequence. It's bizarre.

Definitely bizarre and odd. But as a coach it's your job to have taught your team what to do in that situation. What sticks out to me more than anything was how Robinson got to the foul line the possession before. They denied the worst free throw shooter when he was diving to the inbounder. Based on Hamilton's comment about recognizing the two players to foul from Michigan (Simpson being one) tells me his players did not execute and don't understand situational basketball. That's the glaring take away I have from it all. I have always been under the impression that FSU recruits long fast athletes and turns them into basketball players, and when you do that those types of players are behind in truly understanding basketball. I can take an athlete and teach him how to dribble, shoot, and pass, it takes a true basketball player to understand the ins and outs of the game.

[Troublemaker]

The point spread for the game was Michigan by 4 / 4.5 / 5, depending on when you looked. I'm guessing Coach Ham had the 4 and was thankful for the push :-)

[NM Duke Fan]

Just not enough. Hard to believe that Michigan will lose to Loyola with a week of rest- so Michigan is the likely opponent on the other side in the Championship game.

Actually, it is NOT hard for me to believe that Michigan will lose to Loyola with a week of rest. From what I have seen of this tournament it could be very competitive game, and Loyola plays with enormous discipline, maturity, teamwork, basketball IQ, has great coaching and obviously has been good at pulling out close games. If they play like they did in this last game watch out! I am rooting for them to be in the national championship game. Having watched and played decades of games since the sixties I really like what I see from this TEAM. It is not at all a long shot and it would be great for the game of college basketball!

[MChambers]

Actually, it is NOT hard for me to believe that Michigan will lose to Loyola with a week of rest. From what I have seen of this tournament it could be very competitive game, and Loyola plays with enormous discipline, maturity, teamwork, basketball IQ, has great coaching and obviously has been good at pulling out close games. If they play like they did in this last game watch out! I am rooting for them to be in the national championship game. Having watched and played decades of games since the sixties I really like what I see from this TEAM. It is not at all a long shot and it would be great for the game of college basketball!

If you look at the Recent rating in Sagarin, Loyola is #2 in the country at 98. Of course, Michigan is #1, at 98.8. Should be a good game.

[dukelifer]

Actually, it is NOT hard for me to believe that Michigan will lose to Loyola with a week of rest. From what I have seen of this tournament it could be very competitive game, and Loyola plays with enormous discipline, maturity, teamwork, basketball IQ, has great coaching and obviously has been good at pulling out close games. If they play like they did in this last game watch out! I am rooting for them to be in the national championship game. Having watched and played decades of games since the sixties I really like what I see from this TEAM. It is not at all a long shot and it would be great for the game of college basketball!
Loyola has a chance but they are stepping up in weight class. Michigan is really good and can score the ball. It will take an A+ effort. I will root for them regardless.

[Bay Area Duke Fan]

Yep. Kansas City in 1963.

1963 Final Four was in Louisville. Kansas City was 1964.

[Ggallagher]

My apologies if this has already been posted somewhere else.

I thought it was pretty neat after the Loyola game last night when Coach Moser was giving out thanks and appreciation. He mentioned his two mentors Rick Majerus and Tony Barone. I had forgotten the details of Tony's coaching career and wasn't aware there was a connection with Moser. Nice to hear a Duke guy getting a shout out then.

[CDu]

Five top-10 caliber teams (Texas Tech is #11, but were saddled with some losses due to injury) and Loyola (top-30).

The good news is that Duke's path to the title will still look similar to what a 1 seed's path might look: 15, 7, 11, 1, 1 (or 3), 3 (or 11). So even though we didn't get a 1 seed, we still got a comparable path. It's just that the 1 seeds that we would theoretically face would happen in the Elite 8 and Final Four 4 rather than Final Four and championship.

Here's hoping we get three more wins, starting with a big first step today!

[curtis325]

Duke may or may not make the Final Four, but they have already achieved the Elite Eight and yesterday advanced to the Sublime Seven and then the Stupendous Six. I'm predicting an advance today to the Fabulous Five. Thats a pretty good run without even a dribble. If they do get by Kansas, I'm also predicting an advance to the Terminal Three.

Let's go Duke! Keep it going!

[Saratoga2]

Loyola has a chance but they are stepping up in weight class. Michigan is really good and can score the ball. It will take an A+ effort. I will root for them regardless.

I had Loyola moving on once but found it hard to pick them advancing further. They are a good team although play a little recklessly when in the lead. Were giving some of it away yesterday at a high rate but their offense did continue to score enough points to hold KS at bay. They are likely to be in a closer game next time out and that style of pllay may do them in.

[uh_no]

Duke may or may not make the Final Four, but they have already achieved the Elite Eight and yesterday advanced to the Sublime Seven and then the Stupendous Six. I'm predicting an advance today to the Fabulous Five. Thats a pretty good run without even a dribble. If they do get by Kansas, I'm also predicting an advance to the Terminal Three.

Let's go Duke! Keep it going!

oof. agree with your analysis of our chances.

[freshmanjs]

Five top-10 caliber teams (Texas Tech is #11, but were saddled with some losses due to injury) and Loyola (top-30).



Those rankings include tournament games, so it's almost a tautology.

[CDu]

Those rankings include tournament games, so it's almost a tautology.

Four of those teams were top-10 pre-tourney, and the fifth (Texas Tech) was 13th. It is not a tautology.

When you are already top-10, the first 3-4 games of the NCAA tournament don't move the needle too much. Villanova moved up 1 spot. Duke moved up 1 spot. Michigan moved up 2 spots. Texas Tech has moved up 2 spots.

[cptnflash]

Well so much for the hope that someone else might take care of Villanova for us. This game is already over.

[AGDukesky]

Well so much for the hope that someone else might take care of Villanova for us. This game is already over.

Hope Duke gets all the calls that Nova gets

[AGDukesky]

If Tech could make a layup this game would be tight

[sbroc012]

If Tech could make a layup this game would be tight

This is the time to beat Nova too. Only 20 percent from 3 today. Doesn't look like Texas Tech has the offense to get it done.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

This is the time to beat Nova too. Only 20 percent from 3 today. Doesn't look like Texas Tech has the offense to get it done.

Ain't happening. Nova is about to advance.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Ten points and one minute. We all know this is impossible. :)

[sbroc012]

Ain't happening. Nova is about to advance.

That was obvious when I posted it. One could have hoped for a miracle 8-0 run.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

That was obvious when I posted it. One could have hoped for a miracle 8-0 run.

Whoever goes to the championship game from the right side of the bracket will have earned it.

[sbroc012]

Whoever goes to the championship game from the right side of the bracket will have earned it.

Yea I mentioned that upthread I think. Right side played out to be a brutal stretch from the elite eight to the final four. I would be concerned that the right side of the bracket's final four game might be a war and cause the winner to be tired and struggle on the Monday night game.

[DU82]

Nova wins fairly handily, although TTech made a run towards the end.

This means that the Final Four will be an all former champions bracket.

[MrPoon]

Don’t know where else to post this, but Jay Wright makes about 2.5m, Danny Hurley at UConn now makes about 3m, Chris Holtmann at OSU makes 3m. If I was a team with big aspirations.......

[uh_no]

Don’t know where else to post this, but Jay Wright makes about 2.5m, Danny Hurley at UConn now makes about 3m, Chris Holtmann at OSU makes 3m. If I was a team with big aspirations...

I'm sure

a) jay wright has huge incentives, like most coaches do
b) will have plenty of negotiating power if and when he wants it