(NOTE: This is all opinion. If you want real UK basketball analysis, go to A Sea of Blue, which does it far better than I ever could.)
I was trying to explain Kentucky basketball to a Canadian friend, trying to pin down exactly why it was so big, what the history and the dynasty of it all was. I remembered an exchange in 2010: The Year We Make Contact. Here's the dialogue (thanks SciFlicks):
Heywood Floyd (Roy Scheider): Buy you a drink. Great stuff this bourbon. Comes from a land called Kentucky.
Tanya Kirbuk (Helen Mirren): I didn't know you brought liquor on board. It is forbidden.
Floyd: Think I'd set foot on this tub sober? C'mon try it. You can't beat the taste of alcohol and plastic.
Kirbuk: You think I was wrong to send Max?
Floyd: Doesn't matter what I think.
Kirbuk: You think I was wrong.
Floyd: Yep.
Kirbuk: So what else do they do in Kentucky?
Floyd: They have a big, big horse race, they play very good basketball, they have babies like everyone else.
Kirbuk: That sounds like a nice place.
Floyd: Never been there.
And that's it. Two strangers, one Russian, are trying to re-activate an insane computer, and they talk about a place they've never been to. Immediately, basketball takes the company of the world's most famous horse race and one of the finest spirits ever to be distilled. And it's "very good" basketball.
That's what Kentucky basketball is. It's what any dynasty is, it's the encapsulation of an entire sport, the highs and lows. It's the distilled essence of competition, purer than any bourbon. The New York Yankees are baseball (even though I'm partial to the Big Red Machine). The Celtics are the NBA. For any sport, there is one, or at most a few, archetypical teams. And for college basketball, Kentucky is arguably the archetype not only for its successes, but its failures.
Kentucky was slow to integrate. The Texas Western title game was the crystallization of that battle, as was Tubby Smith's tenure a form of denunciation of that part of its history. Kentucky had its shame in both point shaving and the violations of the 80's. Kentucky was the thrill of victory seven times, and the de facto image of the agony of defeat at the hands of Duke. Kentucky had its phoenix-like rebirth from each of these disgraces. Kentucky has heralded both the professional (Pat Riley) and the common man (John Pelphrey). Kentucky has been there, done that and will do it again. "On, On U of K" is more than a mis-lyriced fight song (seriously, football lyrics? At Kentucky?), it's how Kentucky operates.
I'm not going to get into the gossip about Kentucky's current situation, other than to say Billy Donovan would be a perfect fit on so many levels. That doesn't mean I think he'll leave Florida, it's just what I think. Kentucky will get the best coach for the job.
Now, however, is not Kentucky's time to shine. There's a Final Four to be played. I'm picking Florida, true to my SEC roots, against Georgetown for the title. Game on.
March 26, 2007
March 22, 2007
And if someone mentions Pat Riley ONE MORE TIME...
I've had time to sit and think, and I think this is the best situation for all parties. Tubby goes to a place where his name won't be said in the same breath as "I'd like to see" and "dead", Minnesota gets a darn fine coach, and Kentucky...gets to spend an assload on a coach that may recruit better than Smith did. It still feels so odd, the helm of Bluegrass Basketball, vacant. And I've heard all the rumors about who'll be crazy enough to take the job.
Billy Donovan? Would YOU leave your own empire? Maybe so, especially since basketball is still second fiddle to football down in Gainesville. Still, I doubt it.
Rick Pitino? Hahahahahaha...seriously, way to piss off the entire state of Kentucky. I don't see it.
Crean/Gillespie/Few/Barnes/etc? The coach'll probably come from one of these names. I'd take Gillespie out of the bunch, personally.
Mike Brey? I don't want to have to swallow my emergency cyanide pill.
Dark horses? Hell, there's a few that make some semblance of sense. Travis Ford at EKU? Well, we'd have a team free throw percentage of 98.4% and could occasionally go 34-36 as a team for three pointers, but we'd also act like a bunch of whiny bitches. That's right, Ford, I saw you coach live when you were at Campbellsville.
Sean Sutton? Doubtful, but there is a wicked symmetry to it. Granted, there's an even more obscure symmetry to Gillespie at TAMU, but I'm just a sucker for patterns.
One last thought: you guys that are saying Tubby couldn't win at Minnesota, because, dear Lord, he couldn't win at Kentucky? What the hell, people? He won at TULSA and GEORGIA, for crying out loud. He'll do just fine.
Billy Donovan? Would YOU leave your own empire? Maybe so, especially since basketball is still second fiddle to football down in Gainesville. Still, I doubt it.
Rick Pitino? Hahahahahaha...seriously, way to piss off the entire state of Kentucky. I don't see it.
Crean/Gillespie/Few/Barnes/etc? The coach'll probably come from one of these names. I'd take Gillespie out of the bunch, personally.
Mike Brey? I don't want to have to swallow my emergency cyanide pill.
Dark horses? Hell, there's a few that make some semblance of sense. Travis Ford at EKU? Well, we'd have a team free throw percentage of 98.4% and could occasionally go 34-36 as a team for three pointers, but we'd also act like a bunch of whiny bitches. That's right, Ford, I saw you coach live when you were at Campbellsville.
Sean Sutton? Doubtful, but there is a wicked symmetry to it. Granted, there's an even more obscure symmetry to Gillespie at TAMU, but I'm just a sucker for patterns.
One last thought: you guys that are saying Tubby couldn't win at Minnesota, because, dear Lord, he couldn't win at Kentucky? What the hell, people? He won at TULSA and GEORGIA, for crying out loud. He'll do just fine.
Gopher The Glory
As is being reported everywhere, Tubby Smith has taken the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota. I have a few questions swirling in my head right now.
Why? It's Kentucky, and you're leaving for Minnesota? But, he had to have a good reason. He supposedly left of his own volition, but I still wonder. Was he being pressured to leave? Maybe so. Who are we gonna get? Hell if I know.
The truth is, he won't be under the microscope every damn second at Minnesota. 20+ win seasons will be welcomed, and if he never wins a title? Good damn show. He's a fine coach. Hell, a great coach and a great person.
May Kentucky and my brothers in Big Blue fandom get who they deserve.
Why? It's Kentucky, and you're leaving for Minnesota? But, he had to have a good reason. He supposedly left of his own volition, but I still wonder. Was he being pressured to leave? Maybe so. Who are we gonna get? Hell if I know.
The truth is, he won't be under the microscope every damn second at Minnesota. 20+ win seasons will be welcomed, and if he never wins a title? Good damn show. He's a fine coach. Hell, a great coach and a great person.
May Kentucky and my brothers in Big Blue fandom get who they deserve.
Sweet 16 Into Elite Eight, Into Final Four
Here are my picks for this weekend:
1 Kansas v 4 Southern Illinois
The Salukis have some sweet D, but so does Kansas. KU is the fastest team in all of college basketball. Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers can play some great D, they let you think you have an open shot before the block it. If SIU was playing any other team (or any other #1 seed) I'd give them a chance. But Kansas is too good, and they have been the most impressive team so far.
2 Memphis v 3 Texas A&M
God hates me. Why else would he have A&M and Kansas playing at the same time? No one really knows how good Memphis is, but I don't think they can overcome what will be a road game in San Antonio. Aggies advance.
2 UCLA v 3 Pitt
I want UCLA to lose so Kansas can walk into the Final Four...but I don't know if Pitt is good enough to win. Pitt was overseeded this year, still the game should be great. UCLA advances.
1 Ohio St v 5 Tennessee
Bruce Pearl is a freak. No shit. I blame him for making Pat Summit coming out in a cheerleader outfit. God punishes Pearl by allowing O-H, I-O advance.
1 Florida v 5 Butler
Uh, Butler shouldn't be playing. Florida walks.
2 Georgetown v 6 Vanderbilt
I enjoy Vandy's spunk, but they cannot hang with Georgetown.
3 Oregon v 7 UNLV
As a rule, you have to go against Pac-10 teams. Run Rebs!
1 UNC v 5 USC
Pac-10 sucks, I cannot believe they got by Texas. UNC rolls.
ELITE EIGHT:
1 Kansas v 2 UCLA
I cannot go against Kansas until they show me weakness. Rock Chalk!
1 Ohio St v 3 Texas A&M
What? Is this a football game? Acie Law scores a million points. Ohio St goes back to crying about the BCS Championship versus Florida.
1 Florida v 7 UNLV
Ugh, Florida goes to the Final Four, like we all knew.
1 UNC v 2 Georgetown
I don't know, I had Texas winning this bracket. It doesn't matter, A&M is winning this side of the bracket.
1 Kansas v 4 Southern Illinois
The Salukis have some sweet D, but so does Kansas. KU is the fastest team in all of college basketball. Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers can play some great D, they let you think you have an open shot before the block it. If SIU was playing any other team (or any other #1 seed) I'd give them a chance. But Kansas is too good, and they have been the most impressive team so far.
2 Memphis v 3 Texas A&M
God hates me. Why else would he have A&M and Kansas playing at the same time? No one really knows how good Memphis is, but I don't think they can overcome what will be a road game in San Antonio. Aggies advance.
2 UCLA v 3 Pitt
I want UCLA to lose so Kansas can walk into the Final Four...but I don't know if Pitt is good enough to win. Pitt was overseeded this year, still the game should be great. UCLA advances.
1 Ohio St v 5 Tennessee
Bruce Pearl is a freak. No shit. I blame him for making Pat Summit coming out in a cheerleader outfit. God punishes Pearl by allowing O-H, I-O advance.
1 Florida v 5 Butler
Uh, Butler shouldn't be playing. Florida walks.
2 Georgetown v 6 Vanderbilt
I enjoy Vandy's spunk, but they cannot hang with Georgetown.
3 Oregon v 7 UNLV
As a rule, you have to go against Pac-10 teams. Run Rebs!
1 UNC v 5 USC
Pac-10 sucks, I cannot believe they got by Texas. UNC rolls.
ELITE EIGHT:
1 Kansas v 2 UCLA
I cannot go against Kansas until they show me weakness. Rock Chalk!
1 Ohio St v 3 Texas A&M
What? Is this a football game? Acie Law scores a million points. Ohio St goes back to crying about the BCS Championship versus Florida.
1 Florida v 7 UNLV
Ugh, Florida goes to the Final Four, like we all knew.
1 UNC v 2 Georgetown
I don't know, I had Texas winning this bracket. It doesn't matter, A&M is winning this side of the bracket.
March 20, 2007
The Big Ten Sucks
The Big Ten sucks big time.
This year, and including last, the Big Ten has had 12 bid total. Out of those 12 teams, only one had gotten to the Sweet 16.
In comparison, the Missouri Valley had has six bids and three Sweet 16 teams (with worse seeds than the Big Ten).
The Big Ten Big Time Sucks.
This year, and including last, the Big Ten has had 12 bid total. Out of those 12 teams, only one had gotten to the Sweet 16.
In comparison, the Missouri Valley had has six bids and three Sweet 16 teams (with worse seeds than the Big Ten).
The Big Ten Big Time Sucks.
March 18, 2007
My Bracket Picks...and how much they suck
Highlights and lowlights from my bracket picks after two rounds:
* Bobby Knight ruined any chance of a perfect bracket when the first game ended and Texas Tech lost to Boston College. This is the earliest time for my bracket to be fucked in the history of my life.
* Texas' loss on Sunday ended the chances of me getting all Final Four picks to advance to the Sweet 16 in my life. (Which is also badass of me)
* I still have both of my championship picks alive (hell yeah).
* The first two days werent very good, but the picks didn't cost much as the winners I picked, I also had losing in the second round.
* At best, I have 11 of 16 sweet 16 picks, at worst, I have 9.
* Kansas is still in, and has looked very good in their first two rounds, I could get the national champion right since Maryland last won...which is also the last time I won a bracket pick.
* The Big 12 has two teams still alive, while the ACC and Big Ten have only one, as does the Missouri Valley.
* Because of SIU's advancing to the Sweet 16, it marks the second time in two years where the Mo Valley has had an equal number of teams in the Sweet 16 as the ACC. Last year the Valley got four teams to the tournament, the same as the ACC, but the Valley has done it with lower seeds, playing tougher seeds.
* As a rule, I usually pick against Big Ten teams, and awesomely, it's paid off for me, as only one Big Ten team has advanced, and last year zero Big Ten teams advanced to the second weekend.
* Bobby Knight ruined any chance of a perfect bracket when the first game ended and Texas Tech lost to Boston College. This is the earliest time for my bracket to be fucked in the history of my life.
* Texas' loss on Sunday ended the chances of me getting all Final Four picks to advance to the Sweet 16 in my life. (Which is also badass of me)
* I still have both of my championship picks alive (hell yeah).
* The first two days werent very good, but the picks didn't cost much as the winners I picked, I also had losing in the second round.
* At best, I have 11 of 16 sweet 16 picks, at worst, I have 9.
* Kansas is still in, and has looked very good in their first two rounds, I could get the national champion right since Maryland last won...which is also the last time I won a bracket pick.
* The Big 12 has two teams still alive, while the ACC and Big Ten have only one, as does the Missouri Valley.
* Because of SIU's advancing to the Sweet 16, it marks the second time in two years where the Mo Valley has had an equal number of teams in the Sweet 16 as the ACC. Last year the Valley got four teams to the tournament, the same as the ACC, but the Valley has done it with lower seeds, playing tougher seeds.
* As a rule, I usually pick against Big Ten teams, and awesomely, it's paid off for me, as only one Big Ten team has advanced, and last year zero Big Ten teams advanced to the second weekend.
March 16, 2007
NCAA Tournament: Day 1 Recap
Twelve out of sixteen's not too shabby for Day One, especially since my four bad picks wouldn't have made it past the second round. If I was doing picks round by round, I'd change my Vandy-WSU and Louisville, TAMU picks. Hell, I'd have Lousivlle making the Elite Eight or Final Four.
Oh, and thanks for losing the one time I want you to win, Duke. I'm glad to know you can even screw that up for me.
Oh, and thanks for losing the one time I want you to win, Duke. I'm glad to know you can even screw that up for me.
March 14, 2007
Dress SNAFU
Florida, Ohio State and Arizona will be sporting new uniforms for the Big Dance, all provided by Nike's new "System of Dress". These uniforms are the clothing equivalent of a mullet: business up top, party down below. They wouldn't look so silly if the shorts were less baggy. Or if Nike didn't pull a Final Fantasy and give the Florida jersey ALLIGATOR PATTERNS AND ONLY ONE SLEEVE.
Is this the next big thing, uniforms modeled after mascots? Does this mean that any Wildcat team now has to wear cat ears? And what kind of fit will the NCAA have over Native American mascots NOW?
Is this the next big thing, uniforms modeled after mascots? Does this mean that any Wildcat team now has to wear cat ears? And what kind of fit will the NCAA have over Native American mascots NOW?
March 12, 2007
The Fertile Court: Birthplace of Basketball
I hated Kansas in graduate school.
Well, that's not entirely true. I attended grad school with a guy who had liberal views on personal hygeine and personal space, and he loved Kansas. He would often tell us stories about how he'd been asked by Roy Williams to be a walk-on, even though his game was like Communism: good on paper. Every tournament season, he'd have KU going all the way, and bash Kentucky if only to get under my skin. We've long since moved on, me, him and Roy, and I find myself appreciative of the great city of Lawrence once more.
How can I hate, or even mildly dislike, a team whose history is that of the game itself? How can I hate a team whose most famous coach produced both Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp? I can't. So, it's time to come clean, publically. I'm a Jayhawk fan.
Just not in the second round.
Well, that's not entirely true. I attended grad school with a guy who had liberal views on personal hygeine and personal space, and he loved Kansas. He would often tell us stories about how he'd been asked by Roy Williams to be a walk-on, even though his game was like Communism: good on paper. Every tournament season, he'd have KU going all the way, and bash Kentucky if only to get under my skin. We've long since moved on, me, him and Roy, and I find myself appreciative of the great city of Lawrence once more.
How can I hate, or even mildly dislike, a team whose history is that of the game itself? How can I hate a team whose most famous coach produced both Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp? I can't. So, it's time to come clean, publically. I'm a Jayhawk fan.
Just not in the second round.
Worthless Gambling Tool: Pete's NCAA Bracket
I've seen the bracket, I've given myself a chance to mull it over, and I'm ready to make my picks and voice my complaints. I fared pretty well last year (two of the Final Four picks), but this year just feels odd to me.
Round One
1-16 Seeds
Yeah, a 16 seed will beat a 1 seed one year, but I'll look like a fool until that year, trying to predict one. So, Florida, Kansas, UNC and OSU all advance to the second round.
2-15 Seeds
This is just as vanilla as the 1 seeds. Wisconsin, UCLA, Georgetown and Memphis all win.
3-14 Seeds
Oregon, Pitt, WSU and TAMU all go on. Man, I can't believe I'm picking by the numbers this much.
4-13 Seeds
Maryland, SIU, Texas and Virginia all win as well. Okay, this is ridiculous. There has to be at least two upsets in the 3-4 seeds. Miami over Oregon? Albany beating Virginia?
5-12 Seeds
Only one upset here, as Arkansas beats USC. Butler, Virginia Tech and Tennessee move on. I really should have one more here. Maybe Illinois over Virginia Tech?
6-11 Seeds
Duke and Louisville play it by the numbers. Winthrop upsets Notre Dame (but nobody else in the world) and George Washington beats Vanderbilt.
7-10 Seeds
I only have one "by the numbers" winner here, Nevada over Creighton. Texas Tech, Gonzaga and Georgia Tech all pull off the "upsets".
8-9 Seeds
All upsets here are in number only. Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan State and Xavier move on.
Round Two
To show you what kind of Grade A Moron you're dealing with, I'll go ahead and pick all my games. Remember when the regions were, you know, regional? I miss that.
St. Louis
Florida over Arizona
Butler over Maryland
Oregon over Winthrop
Wisconsin over Georgia Tech
San Jose
Kansas over Kentucky (ZOMG TUBBY LOST TO A ONE SEED LETS FIRE HIM)
SIU over Virginia Tech
Pitt over Duke
UCLA over Gonzaga
East Rutherford
MSU over UNC (first one seed to lose!)
Arkansas over Texas (no good reason. Seriously.)
WSU over George Washington
Georgetown over Texas Tech
San Antonio
OSU over Xavier in the Battle For Ohio Basketball Supremacy
Tennessee over Virginia
TAMU over Louisville (in Lexington, of all things!)
Memphis over Nevada
Round Three
St. Louis
Florida over Butler
Wisconsin over Oregon
San Jose
Kansas over SIU
Pitt over UCLA
East Rutherford
MSU over Arkansas
Georgetown over WSU
San Antionio
Tennessee over OSU (Greg Oden calls Bruce Pearl "Bill Bixby", proving he's 30 years old)
TAMU over Memphis
Elite Eight
Florida over Wisconsin
Pitt over Kansas
MSU over Georgetown
TAMU over Tennessee
Final Four
Florida over Pitt
MSU over TAMU
Championship Game
Florida over MSU
Final Thoughts
I was uncertain about a lot of teams, so I picked the high seeds early on in the tourney. This is absolute poison, but I did make sure to have some 5-12 and 7-10 upsets. At least one 3- or 4- seed will lose in the first round.
MSU and Pitt in the Final Four? Yes, it's insane. But UNC could very well grind to a halt against MSU, who could out-physical Georgetown later down the stretch. And Pitt...it's a hunch.
Maybe Syracuse should've been in. I think they had a good schedule, but would it have killed them to play more road games? And why is Louisville allowed to play in Lexington in the second round? That's an abhorration to God and man both.
Round One
1-16 Seeds
Yeah, a 16 seed will beat a 1 seed one year, but I'll look like a fool until that year, trying to predict one. So, Florida, Kansas, UNC and OSU all advance to the second round.
2-15 Seeds
This is just as vanilla as the 1 seeds. Wisconsin, UCLA, Georgetown and Memphis all win.
3-14 Seeds
Oregon, Pitt, WSU and TAMU all go on. Man, I can't believe I'm picking by the numbers this much.
4-13 Seeds
Maryland, SIU, Texas and Virginia all win as well. Okay, this is ridiculous. There has to be at least two upsets in the 3-4 seeds. Miami over Oregon? Albany beating Virginia?
5-12 Seeds
Only one upset here, as Arkansas beats USC. Butler, Virginia Tech and Tennessee move on. I really should have one more here. Maybe Illinois over Virginia Tech?
6-11 Seeds
Duke and Louisville play it by the numbers. Winthrop upsets Notre Dame (but nobody else in the world) and George Washington beats Vanderbilt.
7-10 Seeds
I only have one "by the numbers" winner here, Nevada over Creighton. Texas Tech, Gonzaga and Georgia Tech all pull off the "upsets".
8-9 Seeds
All upsets here are in number only. Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan State and Xavier move on.
Round Two
To show you what kind of Grade A Moron you're dealing with, I'll go ahead and pick all my games. Remember when the regions were, you know, regional? I miss that.
St. Louis
Florida over Arizona
Butler over Maryland
Oregon over Winthrop
Wisconsin over Georgia Tech
San Jose
Kansas over Kentucky (ZOMG TUBBY LOST TO A ONE SEED LETS FIRE HIM)
SIU over Virginia Tech
Pitt over Duke
UCLA over Gonzaga
East Rutherford
MSU over UNC (first one seed to lose!)
Arkansas over Texas (no good reason. Seriously.)
WSU over George Washington
Georgetown over Texas Tech
San Antonio
OSU over Xavier in the Battle For Ohio Basketball Supremacy
Tennessee over Virginia
TAMU over Louisville (in Lexington, of all things!)
Memphis over Nevada
Round Three
St. Louis
Florida over Butler
Wisconsin over Oregon
San Jose
Kansas over SIU
Pitt over UCLA
East Rutherford
MSU over Arkansas
Georgetown over WSU
San Antionio
Tennessee over OSU (Greg Oden calls Bruce Pearl "Bill Bixby", proving he's 30 years old)
TAMU over Memphis
Elite Eight
Florida over Wisconsin
Pitt over Kansas
MSU over Georgetown
TAMU over Tennessee
Final Four
Florida over Pitt
MSU over TAMU
Championship Game
Florida over MSU
Final Thoughts
I was uncertain about a lot of teams, so I picked the high seeds early on in the tourney. This is absolute poison, but I did make sure to have some 5-12 and 7-10 upsets. At least one 3- or 4- seed will lose in the first round.
MSU and Pitt in the Final Four? Yes, it's insane. But UNC could very well grind to a halt against MSU, who could out-physical Georgetown later down the stretch. And Pitt...it's a hunch.
Maybe Syracuse should've been in. I think they had a good schedule, but would it have killed them to play more road games? And why is Louisville allowed to play in Lexington in the second round? That's an abhorration to God and man both.
March 11, 2007
Final Thoughts
The bracket is about to be released in 15 mins. So here are my final thoughts before we see:
#1 Seeds: Ohio St (#1 overall), Kansas, UNC, and....um, I'm just going to go with Georgetown.....sure.
Bubble: Everyone fucked my school over. I hate a lot of schools right now, it's time for Missouri State to fire Barry Hinson and AD Bill Rowe--do me proud President Nietzel (a Kentucky guy).
Kansas just won an outstanding Big 12 Championship game versus Texas. Rock Chalk.
I'm predicting KU to go all the way, again.
#1 Seeds: Ohio St (#1 overall), Kansas, UNC, and....um, I'm just going to go with Georgetown.....sure.
Bubble: Everyone fucked my school over. I hate a lot of schools right now, it's time for Missouri State to fire Barry Hinson and AD Bill Rowe--do me proud President Nietzel (a Kentucky guy).
Kansas just won an outstanding Big 12 Championship game versus Texas. Rock Chalk.
I'm predicting KU to go all the way, again.
March 8, 2007
Big 12, Allen Fieldhouse South...Reed Arena North?
The Big 12 tournament got underway today, and so far the only upset was #9 Oklahoma over #8 Iowa St (Baylor leads Mizzou by 13 at half).
When the games were played in Kansas City's Kemper Arena, Kemper became known as Allen Fieldhouse East becuase of KU's dominance in both the Big 8/12 tournaments and their run in the NCAA tournament (Danny Manning's 1988 team won the Final Four there).
Texas A&M doesn't have nearly any mounmental achievements in any building in basketball. But with the hectic life that is conference tournament times, an all-chalk Big 12 final could be a match up of number one seeds (as could the Big Ten's final) as UCLA lost to Cal today. (Sorry Pac 10, you don't get your own article)
Again all times are central.
Game 5: #1 Kansas v #9 Oklahoma -- Friday 11:30
Speaking of the 1988 National Championship, here's the rematch. For the past several years Oklahoma and Kansas have been the two most successful programs in the confernce, with each reaching a Final Four. Kansas has won the Big 12 four times, while OU is in second with three victories, while only two of the ten championship games have not featured at least one of these teams (both made it 1998 and 2002). So it's odd for a Big 12 fan like myself to see this game come so early in the weekend. Oh well. The two teams met not too long ago in Norman, just a short drive to OKC, with Kansas taking a two-point victory. It's Kansas' desire to be a number one seed v Oklahoma's home court advantage (although KU fans travel very well, see game v Flordia in Las Vegas). Brandon Rush scores a million, KU wins.
Game 6: #5 Texas Tech v #4 Kansas St -- 2:00
Tech should be in the tournament, K-State will be fighting for a spot with this game. Win and the Wildcats probably get into the tournament, and some how the Big 12 gets five teams. The teams met in Manhattan earlier in the season, with Tech pulling off a huge win by 10. I don't see Bobby Knight leaving any doubt in the minds of the selection committee. Tech wins big.
Game 7: #2 Texas A&M v #7 Oklahoma St -- 6:00
Oklahoma State really needs a good run in the tournament to get a good conversation as an at-large, beating A&M would sure put them back into major consideration. Aggies are just too good, as shown by the Aggies sweep over OSU by a combined score of 133-95. Aggies end OSU's at-large hopes, even with what should be a home-court advantage for OSU.
Game 8: #3 Texas v #11 Baylor/#6 Missouri -- 8:20
Baylor should be in this game, and I'm glad for the Bears, with their partial death penalty last season, they're starting to put together a team which can compete in this league. Sadly, the Mizzou-Baylor game isn't over yet, so I need to talk about Mizzou. Mizzou sucks, and hopefully a loss to Baylor ends their entire season. Oh, Texas is just too good for either team. Texas routs. By the way, did you see that Texas-KU game? Too sweet.
Ruben's Semifinal Match Ups or RSMUs
#1 Kansas v #5 Texas Tech
#2 Texas A&M v #3 Texas --OMG!!!11!!11!!1!
When the games were played in Kansas City's Kemper Arena, Kemper became known as Allen Fieldhouse East becuase of KU's dominance in both the Big 8/12 tournaments and their run in the NCAA tournament (Danny Manning's 1988 team won the Final Four there).
Texas A&M doesn't have nearly any mounmental achievements in any building in basketball. But with the hectic life that is conference tournament times, an all-chalk Big 12 final could be a match up of number one seeds (as could the Big Ten's final) as UCLA lost to Cal today. (Sorry Pac 10, you don't get your own article)
Again all times are central.
Game 5: #1 Kansas v #9 Oklahoma -- Friday 11:30
Speaking of the 1988 National Championship, here's the rematch. For the past several years Oklahoma and Kansas have been the two most successful programs in the confernce, with each reaching a Final Four. Kansas has won the Big 12 four times, while OU is in second with three victories, while only two of the ten championship games have not featured at least one of these teams (both made it 1998 and 2002). So it's odd for a Big 12 fan like myself to see this game come so early in the weekend. Oh well. The two teams met not too long ago in Norman, just a short drive to OKC, with Kansas taking a two-point victory. It's Kansas' desire to be a number one seed v Oklahoma's home court advantage (although KU fans travel very well, see game v Flordia in Las Vegas). Brandon Rush scores a million, KU wins.
Game 6: #5 Texas Tech v #4 Kansas St -- 2:00
Tech should be in the tournament, K-State will be fighting for a spot with this game. Win and the Wildcats probably get into the tournament, and some how the Big 12 gets five teams. The teams met in Manhattan earlier in the season, with Tech pulling off a huge win by 10. I don't see Bobby Knight leaving any doubt in the minds of the selection committee. Tech wins big.
Game 7: #2 Texas A&M v #7 Oklahoma St -- 6:00
Oklahoma State really needs a good run in the tournament to get a good conversation as an at-large, beating A&M would sure put them back into major consideration. Aggies are just too good, as shown by the Aggies sweep over OSU by a combined score of 133-95. Aggies end OSU's at-large hopes, even with what should be a home-court advantage for OSU.
Game 8: #3 Texas v #11 Baylor/#6 Missouri -- 8:20
Baylor should be in this game, and I'm glad for the Bears, with their partial death penalty last season, they're starting to put together a team which can compete in this league. Sadly, the Mizzou-Baylor game isn't over yet, so I need to talk about Mizzou. Mizzou sucks, and hopefully a loss to Baylor ends their entire season. Oh, Texas is just too good for either team. Texas routs. By the way, did you see that Texas-KU game? Too sweet.
Ruben's Semifinal Match Ups or RSMUs
#1 Kansas v #5 Texas Tech
#2 Texas A&M v #3 Texas --OMG!!!11!!11!!1!
March 6, 2007
Always Go With The Faceguard: The ACC Tournament
If I were a superhero, my weakness would be utterance of the phrase "1992 East Regional Final". It's more lethal to me than Kryptonite to Superman, except it only comes in one color: Duke Blue. With that out of the way, expect me to be biased in picking the ACC Tourney winners. But hey, what kind of fan would I be without a little fire?
Did you see that Tyler Hansbrough's gonna play in a faceguard? Reminds me of the Pistons a few years ago when they won the whole thing.
Day 1
[8] Clemson vs. [9] Florida State
[5] Maryland vs. [12] Miami
[7] Duke vs. [10] North Carolina State
[6] Georgia Tech vs. [11] Wake Forest
Day 1 Picks
Florida State over Clemson. They both have about the same number of wins, FSU is 24th in SOS to Clemsons 43rd. Clemson has two more wins and one more ACC road win (though three ain't necessarily great), and they did sweep the regular season vs. FSU. However, I always think it's very difficult to beat a team three times in one season, and that sways me to the Flaming Spears. Huckleberry Hound's Heels will put out the flames on Friday.
Maryland over Miami. The 'Canes beat Maryland earlier this year, and that's not happening again. Four wins in conference play, three of them against ranked opponents? That's nice, but Maryland's got a sour taste in their mouths. BC may wash that out of their mouths on Day 2.
Duke over North Carolina State. I can't let personal hatred of the Marlboro Stripesuckers get in the way of evidence this compelling: the Wolfpack stunk on ice in both non-home games and against the RPI Top 50. Not that Duke was much better, but at least they could win on the road. Until they get Cavalier'd in the second round.
Georgia Tech over Wake Forest. Both teams stunk on the road while Georgia Tech fared slightly better against better foes. They'll take two of three from the Satan's Little Preachers and move on to play Virginia Tech.
Day 2 predictions on Thursday night after all Day 1 games are done.
Did you see that Tyler Hansbrough's gonna play in a faceguard? Reminds me of the Pistons a few years ago when they won the whole thing.
Day 1
[8] Clemson vs. [9] Florida State
[5] Maryland vs. [12] Miami
[7] Duke vs. [10] North Carolina State
[6] Georgia Tech vs. [11] Wake Forest
Day 1 Picks
Florida State over Clemson. They both have about the same number of wins, FSU is 24th in SOS to Clemsons 43rd. Clemson has two more wins and one more ACC road win (though three ain't necessarily great), and they did sweep the regular season vs. FSU. However, I always think it's very difficult to beat a team three times in one season, and that sways me to the Flaming Spears. Huckleberry Hound's Heels will put out the flames on Friday.
Maryland over Miami. The 'Canes beat Maryland earlier this year, and that's not happening again. Four wins in conference play, three of them against ranked opponents? That's nice, but Maryland's got a sour taste in their mouths. BC may wash that out of their mouths on Day 2.
Duke over North Carolina State. I can't let personal hatred of the Marlboro Stripesuckers get in the way of evidence this compelling: the Wolfpack stunk on ice in both non-home games and against the RPI Top 50. Not that Duke was much better, but at least they could win on the road. Until they get Cavalier'd in the second round.
Georgia Tech over Wake Forest. Both teams stunk on the road while Georgia Tech fared slightly better against better foes. They'll take two of three from the Satan's Little Preachers and move on to play Virginia Tech.
Day 2 predictions on Thursday night after all Day 1 games are done.
Aggies, Jayhawks To Meet In Oklahoma City For Big 12 Championship
The Big 12 Championship begins on Thursday in Oklahoma City. For only the fourth time in 11 years, the tournament will not take place in Kansas City. Which is bullshit. The tournament should always stay in Kansas City. After this trip to OKC, the tournament will move back to KC to be played in the new Sprint Center. Hopefully, the conference will respect the new arena, plus the history of the Big 12 and Big Eight by staying there, forever.
The conference only sports three NCAA locks as of right now, each capable to sealing a protected seed in the tournament this weekend (Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas). The league also has two bubble teams who can use a lot of help. Being a student of a bubble team, let's hope they both fail.
All times central, first and quarterfinal rounds on ESPNU, sems on ESPN2, Champonship on ESPN.
Game 1: #8 Iowa St v #9 Oklahoma 12:30--Winner plays #1 Kansas
To be honest, I had forgotten Iowa St even had a basketball team. They pretty much died to me when Jamaal Tinsley and the #2 Cyclones lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Hampton a few years back. Either way, I think OU get's a big home fan boost and wins.
Game 2: #5 Texas Tech v #12 Colorado 3:00--Winner plays #4 Kansas St
Some people would tell you Tech is already in the NCAA tournament, and why wouldn't they be? They went 3-0 over Kansas (possible #1 seed) and Texas A&M (possible #2) the committee doesn't really like to ignore that kind of information. Plus 20 wins with an SOS of 19? Damn. Pretty good Tech. I was originally going to root for Colorado, but I'm going to need you to knock out K-State in the second round to prevent them from getting a bid. Eh, wait. I still don't think Tech is really all that good. This is still the team who lost to Baylor, Mizzou, OU, and Nebraska. Still, in Lubbock, they did destroy Colorado. Fine, Tech wins.
Game 3: #7 Oklahoma St v #10 Nebraska 7:00--Winner plays #2 Texas A&M
OSU has played themself out of the NCAA tournament and probably off the bubble. With their loss yesturday at Nebraska, they officially will end the season without a true road win. No lie. I am not shitting you about this. I don't really know what's going on with this team, yes, they can win on neutral territory. So yes, they can make a run for the automatic bid, but I can't have that. Real guess: OSU wins. I'm going to root for a Nebraska win, although I don't see OSU getting past A&M in the next round anyway, and I don't think a neutral win over Nebraska get's them in.
Game 4: #6 Missouri v #11 Baylor 9:20--Winner plays #3 Texas
Neither of these teams has a shot at the tournament. Go BEARS!
The conference only sports three NCAA locks as of right now, each capable to sealing a protected seed in the tournament this weekend (Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas). The league also has two bubble teams who can use a lot of help. Being a student of a bubble team, let's hope they both fail.
All times central, first and quarterfinal rounds on ESPNU, sems on ESPN2, Champonship on ESPN.
Game 1: #8 Iowa St v #9 Oklahoma 12:30--Winner plays #1 Kansas
To be honest, I had forgotten Iowa St even had a basketball team. They pretty much died to me when Jamaal Tinsley and the #2 Cyclones lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Hampton a few years back. Either way, I think OU get's a big home fan boost and wins.
Game 2: #5 Texas Tech v #12 Colorado 3:00--Winner plays #4 Kansas St
Some people would tell you Tech is already in the NCAA tournament, and why wouldn't they be? They went 3-0 over Kansas (possible #1 seed) and Texas A&M (possible #2) the committee doesn't really like to ignore that kind of information. Plus 20 wins with an SOS of 19? Damn. Pretty good Tech. I was originally going to root for Colorado, but I'm going to need you to knock out K-State in the second round to prevent them from getting a bid. Eh, wait. I still don't think Tech is really all that good. This is still the team who lost to Baylor, Mizzou, OU, and Nebraska. Still, in Lubbock, they did destroy Colorado. Fine, Tech wins.
Game 3: #7 Oklahoma St v #10 Nebraska 7:00--Winner plays #2 Texas A&M
OSU has played themself out of the NCAA tournament and probably off the bubble. With their loss yesturday at Nebraska, they officially will end the season without a true road win. No lie. I am not shitting you about this. I don't really know what's going on with this team, yes, they can win on neutral territory. So yes, they can make a run for the automatic bid, but I can't have that. Real guess: OSU wins. I'm going to root for a Nebraska win, although I don't see OSU getting past A&M in the next round anyway, and I don't think a neutral win over Nebraska get's them in.
Game 4: #6 Missouri v #11 Baylor 9:20--Winner plays #3 Texas
Neither of these teams has a shot at the tournament. Go BEARS!
March 5, 2007
The Two-Bracket System: Catlanta Edition
I've mentioned the two-bracket system before: my "fantasy" bracket wherein Kentucky always wins the NCAA Tournament, and my "real" bracket wherein I know better. There have been a few exceptions to this system (1996-1998, where U.K. seemed invincible), but more often than not it's gotten me through the tourney season.
This brings us to the pairings for the SEC Tournament and my "real" bracket. Remember how I said 'Bama or Vandy should win the whole thing to make their cases for Selection Sunday? We can throw 'Bama out the window right now, as far as I'm concerned. The pairings (with conference divisions and seeds):
Day 1
[W5] Alabama vs. [E4] Kentucky
[E6] South Carolina vs. [W3] Arkansas
[E5] Georgia vs. [W4] Auburn
[W6] LSU vs. [E3] Tennessee
Day 1 Picks
Yeah, it'd figure I'd have to choose one over the other so soon. Kentucky over Alabama: Good defenses can stop Alabama, and Tubby Smith builds defenses. That's my story, at least. So, Alabama's out early and probably won't make it into the NCAA Tournament.
Arkansas over South Carolina. Their best win was against Vandy, and they have a somewhat decent RPI (60 vs. SoCar's 83, even though I don't like comparing RPIs that low). Stan Heath's squad had a down season after last year's 22-win campaign, but he should've learned a bit from Tom Izzo. It'll be a grind, it'll be ugly, but it should be a win.
Georgia over Auburn. Not a lot to say here. Both teams were horrible on the road, but Georgia should have somewhat of a homecourt advantage. They've beat a few good (or possibly overranked) teams, and should dispatch Auburn.
Tennsee over LSU. LSU dropped fast, and don't look to have much good in them now. Both teams have recently beaten Florida, but Tennessee seems to have done more in the past five or so games. Bruce, can you wear something other than the Dreamsicle blazer for the Big Dance? The reds on my TV are starting to oversaturate.
Day 2 predictions after all of Day 1's games are done, meaning I'll have ample opportunity to eat crow. Later today/tonight, the ACC.
This brings us to the pairings for the SEC Tournament and my "real" bracket. Remember how I said 'Bama or Vandy should win the whole thing to make their cases for Selection Sunday? We can throw 'Bama out the window right now, as far as I'm concerned. The pairings (with conference divisions and seeds):
Day 1
[W5] Alabama vs. [E4] Kentucky
[E6] South Carolina vs. [W3] Arkansas
[E5] Georgia vs. [W4] Auburn
[W6] LSU vs. [E3] Tennessee
Day 1 Picks
Yeah, it'd figure I'd have to choose one over the other so soon. Kentucky over Alabama: Good defenses can stop Alabama, and Tubby Smith builds defenses. That's my story, at least. So, Alabama's out early and probably won't make it into the NCAA Tournament.
Arkansas over South Carolina. Their best win was against Vandy, and they have a somewhat decent RPI (60 vs. SoCar's 83, even though I don't like comparing RPIs that low). Stan Heath's squad had a down season after last year's 22-win campaign, but he should've learned a bit from Tom Izzo. It'll be a grind, it'll be ugly, but it should be a win.
Georgia over Auburn. Not a lot to say here. Both teams were horrible on the road, but Georgia should have somewhat of a homecourt advantage. They've beat a few good (or possibly overranked) teams, and should dispatch Auburn.
Tennsee over LSU. LSU dropped fast, and don't look to have much good in them now. Both teams have recently beaten Florida, but Tennessee seems to have done more in the past five or so games. Bruce, can you wear something other than the Dreamsicle blazer for the Big Dance? The reds on my TV are starting to oversaturate.
Day 2 predictions after all of Day 1's games are done, meaning I'll have ample opportunity to eat crow. Later today/tonight, the ACC.
March 4, 2007
MVC Championship
Creighton won. The number 1 seed has failed to win the tournament for the ninth time. I hate college basketball right now.
SEC Regular Season Windown
EDIT: I originally posted this before I read the first two posts. I'm the third guy, Kentucky-born and educated in Alabama. I bleed both blue and red, and am the logical choice to cover the SEC and the ACC. Before I read the first two posts, I'd already managed to profess my love for Pat Summit and my distaste for Notre Dame. A good sign, yeah?
I'm not in a good mood. Kentucky lost to Florida for the sixth consecutive time. They might as well do it twice more so Notre Dame doesn't have the record. UK still gets in the tourney, even if just for their name. That's not entirely fair, but they generally do well in the NCAAs.
Alabama...look, you've got to prove Tuscaloosa has more than football, ribs and white bread. Getting spanked by Mississippi State isn't the way to do it. Will you get in? Some people say no, but you guys did beat Kentucky, swept five-and-eleven-in-conference-play LSU and rocked through the non-conference games against traditional powerhouses Texas Southern and Coppin State. Roll on, Tide, roll on.
Florida's in. So in, I might as well call them Flori-duh. Possible one seed.
Kentucky's in, so I'll continue the "two-bracket" tradition in office pools.
The SEC West? Ole Miss and MSU being tied for first at 8-8? Good luck with that.
The SEC East? You gotta make a case for Tennessee (how about that Pat Summit? I love that woman) and Vanderbilt ("Arena by M.C. Escher") before you write Kentucky in.
So, three-to-six teams from the SEC, though six is pushing it to me. It was a heckuva down year. But hey, Duke sucked too. There I go, being an optimist. And we have the SEC tourney for teams to make strong cases. Here's hoping Vandy or 'Bama win it.
Tomorrow, the ACC!
I'm not in a good mood. Kentucky lost to Florida for the sixth consecutive time. They might as well do it twice more so Notre Dame doesn't have the record. UK still gets in the tourney, even if just for their name. That's not entirely fair, but they generally do well in the NCAAs.
Alabama...look, you've got to prove Tuscaloosa has more than football, ribs and white bread. Getting spanked by Mississippi State isn't the way to do it. Will you get in? Some people say no, but you guys did beat Kentucky, swept five-and-eleven-in-conference-play LSU and rocked through the non-conference games against traditional powerhouses Texas Southern and Coppin State. Roll on, Tide, roll on.
Florida's in. So in, I might as well call them Flori-duh. Possible one seed.
Kentucky's in, so I'll continue the "two-bracket" tradition in office pools.
The SEC West? Ole Miss and MSU being tied for first at 8-8? Good luck with that.
The SEC East? You gotta make a case for Tennessee (how about that Pat Summit? I love that woman) and Vanderbilt ("Arena by M.C. Escher") before you write Kentucky in.
So, three-to-six teams from the SEC, though six is pushing it to me. It was a heckuva down year. But hey, Duke sucked too. There I go, being an optimist. And we have the SEC tourney for teams to make strong cases. Here's hoping Vandy or 'Bama win it.
Tomorrow, the ACC!
March 3, 2007
Valley Semifinals: Bradley, Mo State out; At-Large Hopes Questioned
Saturday of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament saw more chalk. #1 SIU beats #4 Bradley, and #2 Creighton defeated #3 Mo State.
SIU 53, Bradley 51
In by far the most exciting game of the day, SIU made a charge late to out Bradley in a rematch of last year's Valley Championship. Jamaal Tatum scored 20 for SIU, and Matt Shaw made a desperation tip in with a little over three seconds left (in what Mitch Holthus, FSN commentator, and the voice of the Kansas City CHIEFS, called "The Shawshank Redemption") to give SIU the two point victory. A desperation shot from just past half-court for Bradley flew far out of sight.
Creighton 75, Mo State 58
In what could have been an exciting game, Nate Funk (who by the way was allowed a second senior year because of a medical redshirt exemption when he hurt himself during regular season play last year) lit up the Bears defense for 35 points. Not to be out done, Blake Ahearn scored 20...with five points in the second half alone, way to lead the team Blake. The Bears forgot you were actually supposed to put the ball into the basket, and when you pass, you're supposed to throw it somewhere where a teammate is in the general area.
The losses for BU and Mo State will seriously (more so for Mo State) put their at-large hopes in question. It'll be a long week for both teams.
Tomorrow: Ruben will give his subjective opinions and rankings on the mascots of the Big 12 and Missouri Valley.
Sometime this week, I'm sure: We'll actually go over all of the major confernece tournaments, and a bubble watch.
SIU 53, Bradley 51
In by far the most exciting game of the day, SIU made a charge late to out Bradley in a rematch of last year's Valley Championship. Jamaal Tatum scored 20 for SIU, and Matt Shaw made a desperation tip in with a little over three seconds left (in what Mitch Holthus, FSN commentator, and the voice of the Kansas City CHIEFS, called "The Shawshank Redemption") to give SIU the two point victory. A desperation shot from just past half-court for Bradley flew far out of sight.
Creighton 75, Mo State 58
In what could have been an exciting game, Nate Funk (who by the way was allowed a second senior year because of a medical redshirt exemption when he hurt himself during regular season play last year) lit up the Bears defense for 35 points. Not to be out done, Blake Ahearn scored 20...with five points in the second half alone, way to lead the team Blake. The Bears forgot you were actually supposed to put the ball into the basket, and when you pass, you're supposed to throw it somewhere where a teammate is in the general area.
The losses for BU and Mo State will seriously (more so for Mo State) put their at-large hopes in question. It'll be a long week for both teams.
Tomorrow: Ruben will give his subjective opinions and rankings on the mascots of the Big 12 and Missouri Valley.
Sometime this week, I'm sure: We'll actually go over all of the major confernece tournaments, and a bubble watch.
March 2, 2007
MVC Quarterfinal Part 2: All Chalk; Creighton, Mo State Advance
Suprisingly, the Valley tournament has only had one upset so far: ISU Blue (#10) over ISU Red (#7). The quarterfinals followed chalk as the top four seeds will face off in the semifinals on saturday.
Creighton 59, Indiana St. 38
I didn't really watch most of the game as I spent most of it judging boring Oratory in the Southwest District Missouri State High School Activities Association for Speech and Debate. Creighton blew it up.
Mo State 67, Wichita State 64
Possibly the most exciting game of the day. The Bears built a seven point lead, lost it, and got it back at the end as the Shockers will most likely be done for the season.
Creighton swept Mo State in the season series. This game is huge as it could very well be a play-in game for the NCAA tournament. Should be exciting. Game is at 4 p.m. I think.
Creighton 59, Indiana St. 38
I didn't really watch most of the game as I spent most of it judging boring Oratory in the Southwest District Missouri State High School Activities Association for Speech and Debate. Creighton blew it up.
Mo State 67, Wichita State 64
Possibly the most exciting game of the day. The Bears built a seven point lead, lost it, and got it back at the end as the Shockers will most likely be done for the season.
Creighton swept Mo State in the season series. This game is huge as it could very well be a play-in game for the NCAA tournament. Should be exciting. Game is at 4 p.m. I think.
MVC Quarterfinals Part 1: SIU Rolls, Bradley Ends UNI's Season?
Southern Illinois 71, Drake 59
Jamaal Tatum and Matt Shaw each score 19 points to lead the Salukis over Drake in the first game of MVC Quarterfinal play inShit St. Louis. It appeared SIU's offense decided to warm up for semifinal play by embarrassing Drake. The Salukis defense played like themselves, the offense was surprisingly good.
Bradley 51, Northern Iowa 48
Bradley's Will Franklin hit a three pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining to give Bradley a 51-48 win over UNI. The intense game was filled with both sides fighting rough for most of the day. Bradley began the game with an 11-2 run, and continued to dominated play until halfway into the first half. UNI had to fight uphill for most of the game until Grant Stout (I hate him) hit a three with just over two-minuets to play to give the Panthers a 48-46 lead. The Panthers couldn't control the lead as J.J Tauai scored to tie the game up with :58 seconds to play. UNI's loss could possibly end the season for the team who began with high hopes. NIT-ology currently has UNI as a seven seed in the 32-team tournament.
Bradley's win sets up a rematch of last year's Valley Championship against SIU. In the game last season, Bradley used the championship appearnce loss to propell the team in to the NCAA Sweet 16. The teams spilt the regular season, with Bradley winning at home 48-46, and the Salukis taking the second game 60-50. I guess you can say the Braves have the season edge as they did beat SIU-Edwardsville 74-58. Right? That makes sense, right guys? Sure it's not SIU-Carbondale, the DI school, but it's still an SIU school...right? It counts. Anyway, the last few times SIU had been the number one seed, they have lost in the semifinals. This Bradley team can play with the Salukis, and it should be an interesting game to start saturday. For my own personal rooting interest, Bradley wins 1000-5. The game begins at 1:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Midwest.
Jamaal Tatum and Matt Shaw each score 19 points to lead the Salukis over Drake in the first game of MVC Quarterfinal play in
Bradley 51, Northern Iowa 48
Bradley's Will Franklin hit a three pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining to give Bradley a 51-48 win over UNI. The intense game was filled with both sides fighting rough for most of the day. Bradley began the game with an 11-2 run, and continued to dominated play until halfway into the first half. UNI had to fight uphill for most of the game until Grant Stout (I hate him) hit a three with just over two-minuets to play to give the Panthers a 48-46 lead. The Panthers couldn't control the lead as J.J Tauai scored to tie the game up with :58 seconds to play. UNI's loss could possibly end the season for the team who began with high hopes. NIT-ology currently has UNI as a seven seed in the 32-team tournament.
Bradley's win sets up a rematch of last year's Valley Championship against SIU. In the game last season, Bradley used the championship appearnce loss to propell the team in to the NCAA Sweet 16. The teams spilt the regular season, with Bradley winning at home 48-46, and the Salukis taking the second game 60-50. I guess you can say the Braves have the season edge as they did beat SIU-Edwardsville 74-58. Right? That makes sense, right guys? Sure it's not SIU-Carbondale, the DI school, but it's still an SIU school...right? It counts. Anyway, the last few times SIU had been the number one seed, they have lost in the semifinals. This Bradley team can play with the Salukis, and it should be an interesting game to start saturday. For my own personal rooting interest, Bradley wins 1000-5. The game begins at 1:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Midwest.
March 1, 2007
Missouri Valley Tournament -- St. Louis
The Missouri Valley Conference tournament began tonight in St. Louis, with two play-in games between the bottom for teams in the ten team conference. The Valley decided to call their men’s tournament Arch Madness. I can see this conversation taking place:
Valley1: So, we’re moving the tournament to St. Louis, we need a good name.
Valley2: I know, March Madness.
Valley1: No, moron. That’s already use. The name has to be cool, hip, and relevant to the city of St. Louis.
Valley2: Hmmm, what says St. Louis? Do they have any kind of landmark?
Valley1: Well, they have the Gateway Arch, but how can we use the arch in our name?
Valley2: This is tough.
Valley1: We should probably call an ad agency or something.
Clever or not, the tournament has taken on substantial meaning the past few seasons as the Valley is positioning itself to become the major mid-major basketball conference. Last season, the Valley sent four the NCAA tournament, with an additional two receiving home games in the NIT. The beginning of the season brought a lot of expectations for the conference, and the teams produced in a big way with wins over big name teams such as Wisconsin, Syracuse and LSU.
Entering conference play, the nation knew the conference had some good teams top to bottom, with even the smaller guys being able to pick up some big wins (Ind. State over Butler). Perhaps the strength of the Valley was too good as most teams were unable to truly separate themselves from the cluster fuck it become. The Valley cannibalized itself, and it will seem to hurt the overall post-season aspirations of the conference. As of now, the only school who has become a true lock is Southern Illinois. When was the last time a conference within the top six of overall RPI (according to Kenpom.com) only had one lock entering the conference tournament? Probably never. Thus is the case, and the Valley Tournament has become the last chance for schools to solidify their resume for the NCAA. For Valley commissioner Doug Elgin, the number of teams who truly need a good performance to make the NCAA is too high.
While last year I spent a weekend drunk with press credentials to the tournament (if you can ever score those, take them and enjoy the entire weekend), which was sweet. I got to see every game from press row, sitting next to reporters from the Kansas City Star and New York Times. The Valley puts on a great show for its press, and VIP. Outstanding free food, a conference suite is open after the games. They didn’t even really check out credentials, which was awesome as I brought along my friend Bryan. When we walked into the suite, the main host was like, “there is the food, there is the free wine, and here’s the free beer. Help yourself.” Free beer for two college students? Yes please.
This year I wasn’t able to get credentials as I don’t have a job freelancing for anyone. Which sucks, but still fun all the same. I had a chance to go to the games, but really, it’s like the Seinfeld episode when Jerry explains to Elaine how he can’t sit in coach, and let Elaine sit in first class. He can’t, he won’t. Jerry would know what he is missing, and it’s tough on him. The same is true with me. After sitting in press row during the Valley tournament last year, I can’t and I won’t, sit in the stands. It’s tough.
All game times are central, with each game being shown on Fox Sports Midwest, get yourself to a bar with access and watch. All RPI numbers are from Ken Pomeroy.
Game 3, Friday 12:00 p.m. -- #1 Southern Illinois v #9 Drake
SIU (RPI: 5, SOS: 34, vs RPI-Top 50: 7-2)
The Salukis of Southern Illinois have positioned themselves to become a protect seed with their level of play. Not surprisingly, SIU was able to pick of most the major awards from the conference with Jamaal Tatum winning the Larry Bird MVC Player of the Year award, and head coach Chris Lowery being named the coach of the year. The Salukis style of play is defense, with three players named to the all-defensive team.
SIU should be at least a four seed in the NCAA, with a three very likely. A tournament win in St. Louis could propel the team to a two seed. Winning will take some work, as the top seed has failed to win the conference tournament since 1998. The motivation to win to make a final statement has been weak for the top seed in most years, can Lowery get his players motivated enough to chase a two seed? We’ll see.
#9 Drake (16-14, 6-12. RPI: 115, SOS: 85, v RPI top-50: 0-8)
Drake and Evansville put on a great show in Game 1 to open the Valley Tournament, winning 101-96 in OT. Drake set a new record for three-pointers in the tournament. Their reward will be to play SIU tomorrow at noon. Drake doesn’t have a chance for an at-large to either the NCAA or NIT. The Bulldogs started the Valley season losing eight of their first ten. Congrats to Drake for making it to the quarterfinals over a tough Evansville team.
Game:
SIU should have no problem with the Bulldogs. If the Salukis are going to stumble this weekend, there’s about a three percent chance it will come in the quarterfinals. SIU swept Drake by a combined score of 15 points, which is more indicative of SIU defense power than Drake’s ability to hang. If Drake, the Valley’s worst team in three-point percentage, can somehow come up big behind the arch, then we may see an upset here.
Game 4. Friday 2:35 p.m. -- #4 Bradley v #5 Northern Iowa.
Bradley (19-11, 10-8. RPI: 42, SOS: 23, v RPI top-50: 1-7)
Last year’s Sweet 16 team didn’t return for the 2006-07 season. The Braves’ season can be called overachieving, as most Braves fans would’ve been happy with just staying out of the play-in games. Yet somehow the Braves have managed to win 10 games in conference, not an easy feat, and are squarely on the bubble, though most would say they are out looking in right now. Obviously, winning the tournament is the main goal for the Braves, but getting to championship Sunday for a second year in a row, would put Bradley back into the conversation of last four in/out, although the committee looks very hard at your record against RPI top-50, and 1-7 isn’t that great.
Northern Iowa (18-12, 9-9. RPI: 74, SOS: 80, v RPI top-50: 4-5)
If Bradley’s season can be called overachieving, then welcome to underachieving Valley team B (team A will be introduced later). For most of the season last year, the Panthers were the team to beat in the conference, they had compiled the most impressive victories, stormed thru much of the conference, but fell apart in the end. A tie breaker gave UNI a six seed in the tournament (probably the best six seed the Valley will ever hard) and a quarterfinal date with #3 Missouri St. The game became the most anticipated Valley quarterfinal game in history. Sadly, the game was a flop, but the Panthers won, in what was almost a play-in game for the NCAA.
This season has been a major disappointment for the Panthers with first year coach Ben Jacobson (not the star play from last season’s UNI squad). Non-conference losses include Washington, Loyola-Chicago, and an ass kicking at Nevada in BracketBuster play (the game looked a lot better when first announced).
The Panthers didn’t post any important non-conference wins (the best was against #81 Bucknell), but did manage to secure some big wins in conference. A home win against SIU, and road victories over Missouri St. and Bradley. Those wins won’t carry UNI very far as one nine stretch of Valley games, the Panthers went 1-8, only picking up the game against Evansville. A Valley championship appearance should solidify UNI’s standing in the NIT.
The Game
Bradley was swept by UNI in the regular season, losing by 11 and eight points in the game. With the Braves seeking the NCAA, look for Bradley to rebound and win a close game.
Game 5. Friday -- #2Creighton v #7/#10 Ill. State/Ind. State.
Creighton (19-10, 13-5. RPI: 30, SOS: 29, v RPI top-50: 5-3)
The Bluejays are a tough team to get a handle on. The start the season with a 6-4 record, with all four losses being true road games against Nebraska, Dayton, Fresno St. and Hawaii. Then begin the Valley with a serious comeback win at home against Missouri St, then lose another road game against Indiana St. Their first road win came against Evansville 14 games into the season. The Bluejays were swept by SIU, split with some of the Valley’s worse teams, but they did sweep a Missouri State squad, yet took a damaging loss at home against Drexel in the BracketBuster. Creighton finished the season going 2-3 including the loss to Drexel, and one to Ill. St. The falter at the end has moved Creighton from lock status to the right side of the bubble. Creighton should get into the NCAA by just showing up in St. Louis, but a win in the quarterfinals would make most CU fans feel pretty safe.
#7 Illinois State (15-15, 6-12. RPI: 127, SOS: 89, v RPI top-50: 1-8)
#10 Indiana State (12-17, 5-13. RPI: 139, SOS: 53, v RPI top-50: 3-8)
Ill. St (ISU Red) and Ind. St. (ISU Blue) play the late game on Thursday night for the chance to play Creighton in the quarterfinals. I was planning on updating this after the game on Thursday, but I’m going out to the bars tonight, and I don’t think I’ll be up in time to post before the first game on Friday, so you’re getting it now.
ISU Red won a three game tiebreaker over Evansville and Drake to become the seven seed in the Valley tournament. ISU Blue was just won game behind. Really, neither ISU Red nor Blue have a shot to make the NCAA or NIT, so profiling the teams isn’t necessary. I feel it is important to note ISU Blue was able to knock off Butler by seven points, so obviously they have potential to do some damage in the tournament.
ISU Red was able to win a game against Creighton, but didn’t produce meaningful wins over non-conference opponents.
ISU Blue did start the Valley season hot, after an opening loss to Mo State, they ran off six straight wins, including four in-conference games, and one game over Creighton. After that, Blue wasn’t able to get anything going except for a home win against UNI.
The two teams should put on a competitive game for the fans following the adventure which was Evansville-Drake, it’ll be interesting to see who wins.
The Game:
Creighton split the season with both ISU Red and Blue, losing both while serving as the visiting teams. A loss for the Bluejays, and at-large hopes could be smashed. A win sets up an important game against Mo State (should they beat WSU), in what some could see as a play-in game for the NCAA. Bluejays don’t lose focus, and I’ll say win a close one against ISU.
Game 6. Friday 8:35 p.m. -- #3 Missouri State v #6 Wichita St.
Missouri State (21-9*, 12-6. RPI: 37, SOS: 40, v RPI top-50: 3-5)
Mo State (do not call this team MSU, that’s reserved for Michigan St) has had a very interesting season. If the Bears do not make the NCAA tournament, they will have no one to blame but themselves. Last year could justifiably be seen as a problem from the selection committee, but the Bears have shot themselves in the foot with some of their losses. Many times during the season the Bears have built double digit leads in the second half and have blown the game. A loss* to St. Louis was the first, followed by an important road game against Creighton. The Bears problems with closing games can be seen as the major fault of head coach Barry Hinson. Rumors have swirled around Hinson and his job security. Hinson, along with Director of Athletics Bill Rowe, should definitely feel as if his job is in question if he cannot get the Bears to the NCAA. The Bears do have a marquee win over Wisconsin, but failed to pick up any wins against the Valley’s top two teams, and failed to stop a strong Winthrop team at home, a game in which Hinson displayed his newest defense, titled “Don’t Guard When They Are Behind The Arch,” or DGWTABTA.
For a second year in a row, the Bears have done a great job against the Valley’s bottom teams, going 12-2 against the bottom seven teams. At this point, the Bears are extremely solidly in the NCAA than a year ago, but you should expect the Bears to take a mentality of “We must win the Valley in order to get into the NCAA.”
* Missouri State’s record says a loss to St. Louis, in which SLU tipped the ball in at the buzzer to beat the Bears. After the referees reviewed the play, they ruled the tip as good. It was then found out the tape feed the refs looked at was from Mediacom (who broadcast the game back to Springfield, Mo.) had the wrong clock. The true clock from theKeil Savvis Scottrade Center, showed the tip wasn’t good, and shouldn’t have counted. The Valley and the Bears have made sure the NCAA selection committee knows this, and the Bears record will accurately reflect the game, and be 22-8.
Here’s a video of the tip, around 40 second in, the buzzer sounds, and you can hear the horn and see the tip wasn’t good. Past that, the video shows the reaction by the fans after the refs ruled it good.
#6 Wichita State (16-14, 8-10. RPI: 91, SOS: 70, v RPI top-50: 3-6)
If Northern Iowa was underachieving team B, then Wichita would be team A. Wichita began the season by going 8-0, including at the time big wins over Syracuse and LSU, both on the road. The problem for the Shockers began in the Las Vegas Invitational with losses to New Mexico and USC. It continued with back to back losses to open the Valley season. Losing six of seven, the Shockers were unable to pick up any key wins against the Valley’s top three, with the exception of a win at home against Creighton.
Last season’s Sweet 16 team is a shell of its former self, losing the last four games to Drake, Appalachian St (Appalacha is not a state, neither is Wichita for that matter), Mo State and Creighton. The Shockers could possibly get to the NIT by getting to the Valley championship, but their basketball season should end this weekend.
The Game
The Bears swept the Shockers, and should have little problem in their third game of the season with the attitude Mo State should have this weekend.
Valley1: So, we’re moving the tournament to St. Louis, we need a good name.
Valley2: I know, March Madness.
Valley1: No, moron. That’s already use. The name has to be cool, hip, and relevant to the city of St. Louis.
Valley2: Hmmm, what says St. Louis? Do they have any kind of landmark?
Valley1: Well, they have the Gateway Arch, but how can we use the arch in our name?
Valley2: This is tough.
Valley1: We should probably call an ad agency or something.
Clever or not, the tournament has taken on substantial meaning the past few seasons as the Valley is positioning itself to become the major mid-major basketball conference. Last season, the Valley sent four the NCAA tournament, with an additional two receiving home games in the NIT. The beginning of the season brought a lot of expectations for the conference, and the teams produced in a big way with wins over big name teams such as Wisconsin, Syracuse and LSU.
Entering conference play, the nation knew the conference had some good teams top to bottom, with even the smaller guys being able to pick up some big wins (Ind. State over Butler). Perhaps the strength of the Valley was too good as most teams were unable to truly separate themselves from the cluster fuck it become. The Valley cannibalized itself, and it will seem to hurt the overall post-season aspirations of the conference. As of now, the only school who has become a true lock is Southern Illinois. When was the last time a conference within the top six of overall RPI (according to Kenpom.com) only had one lock entering the conference tournament? Probably never. Thus is the case, and the Valley Tournament has become the last chance for schools to solidify their resume for the NCAA. For Valley commissioner Doug Elgin, the number of teams who truly need a good performance to make the NCAA is too high.
While last year I spent a weekend drunk with press credentials to the tournament (if you can ever score those, take them and enjoy the entire weekend), which was sweet. I got to see every game from press row, sitting next to reporters from the Kansas City Star and New York Times. The Valley puts on a great show for its press, and VIP. Outstanding free food, a conference suite is open after the games. They didn’t even really check out credentials, which was awesome as I brought along my friend Bryan. When we walked into the suite, the main host was like, “there is the food, there is the free wine, and here’s the free beer. Help yourself.” Free beer for two college students? Yes please.
This year I wasn’t able to get credentials as I don’t have a job freelancing for anyone. Which sucks, but still fun all the same. I had a chance to go to the games, but really, it’s like the Seinfeld episode when Jerry explains to Elaine how he can’t sit in coach, and let Elaine sit in first class. He can’t, he won’t. Jerry would know what he is missing, and it’s tough on him. The same is true with me. After sitting in press row during the Valley tournament last year, I can’t and I won’t, sit in the stands. It’s tough.
All game times are central, with each game being shown on Fox Sports Midwest, get yourself to a bar with access and watch. All RPI numbers are from Ken Pomeroy.
Game 3, Friday 12:00 p.m. -- #1 Southern Illinois v #9 Drake
SIU (RPI: 5, SOS: 34, vs RPI-Top 50: 7-2)
The Salukis of Southern Illinois have positioned themselves to become a protect seed with their level of play. Not surprisingly, SIU was able to pick of most the major awards from the conference with Jamaal Tatum winning the Larry Bird MVC Player of the Year award, and head coach Chris Lowery being named the coach of the year. The Salukis style of play is defense, with three players named to the all-defensive team.
SIU should be at least a four seed in the NCAA, with a three very likely. A tournament win in St. Louis could propel the team to a two seed. Winning will take some work, as the top seed has failed to win the conference tournament since 1998. The motivation to win to make a final statement has been weak for the top seed in most years, can Lowery get his players motivated enough to chase a two seed? We’ll see.
#9 Drake (16-14, 6-12. RPI: 115, SOS: 85, v RPI top-50: 0-8)
Drake and Evansville put on a great show in Game 1 to open the Valley Tournament, winning 101-96 in OT. Drake set a new record for three-pointers in the tournament. Their reward will be to play SIU tomorrow at noon. Drake doesn’t have a chance for an at-large to either the NCAA or NIT. The Bulldogs started the Valley season losing eight of their first ten. Congrats to Drake for making it to the quarterfinals over a tough Evansville team.
Game:
SIU should have no problem with the Bulldogs. If the Salukis are going to stumble this weekend, there’s about a three percent chance it will come in the quarterfinals. SIU swept Drake by a combined score of 15 points, which is more indicative of SIU defense power than Drake’s ability to hang. If Drake, the Valley’s worst team in three-point percentage, can somehow come up big behind the arch, then we may see an upset here.
Game 4. Friday 2:35 p.m. -- #4 Bradley v #5 Northern Iowa.
Bradley (19-11, 10-8. RPI: 42, SOS: 23, v RPI top-50: 1-7)
Last year’s Sweet 16 team didn’t return for the 2006-07 season. The Braves’ season can be called overachieving, as most Braves fans would’ve been happy with just staying out of the play-in games. Yet somehow the Braves have managed to win 10 games in conference, not an easy feat, and are squarely on the bubble, though most would say they are out looking in right now. Obviously, winning the tournament is the main goal for the Braves, but getting to championship Sunday for a second year in a row, would put Bradley back into the conversation of last four in/out, although the committee looks very hard at your record against RPI top-50, and 1-7 isn’t that great.
Northern Iowa (18-12, 9-9. RPI: 74, SOS: 80, v RPI top-50: 4-5)
If Bradley’s season can be called overachieving, then welcome to underachieving Valley team B (team A will be introduced later). For most of the season last year, the Panthers were the team to beat in the conference, they had compiled the most impressive victories, stormed thru much of the conference, but fell apart in the end. A tie breaker gave UNI a six seed in the tournament (probably the best six seed the Valley will ever hard) and a quarterfinal date with #3 Missouri St. The game became the most anticipated Valley quarterfinal game in history. Sadly, the game was a flop, but the Panthers won, in what was almost a play-in game for the NCAA.
This season has been a major disappointment for the Panthers with first year coach Ben Jacobson (not the star play from last season’s UNI squad). Non-conference losses include Washington, Loyola-Chicago, and an ass kicking at Nevada in BracketBuster play (the game looked a lot better when first announced).
The Panthers didn’t post any important non-conference wins (the best was against #81 Bucknell), but did manage to secure some big wins in conference. A home win against SIU, and road victories over Missouri St. and Bradley. Those wins won’t carry UNI very far as one nine stretch of Valley games, the Panthers went 1-8, only picking up the game against Evansville. A Valley championship appearance should solidify UNI’s standing in the NIT.
The Game
Bradley was swept by UNI in the regular season, losing by 11 and eight points in the game. With the Braves seeking the NCAA, look for Bradley to rebound and win a close game.
Game 5. Friday -- #2Creighton v #7/#10 Ill. State/Ind. State.
Creighton (19-10, 13-5. RPI: 30, SOS: 29, v RPI top-50: 5-3)
The Bluejays are a tough team to get a handle on. The start the season with a 6-4 record, with all four losses being true road games against Nebraska, Dayton, Fresno St. and Hawaii. Then begin the Valley with a serious comeback win at home against Missouri St, then lose another road game against Indiana St. Their first road win came against Evansville 14 games into the season. The Bluejays were swept by SIU, split with some of the Valley’s worse teams, but they did sweep a Missouri State squad, yet took a damaging loss at home against Drexel in the BracketBuster. Creighton finished the season going 2-3 including the loss to Drexel, and one to Ill. St. The falter at the end has moved Creighton from lock status to the right side of the bubble. Creighton should get into the NCAA by just showing up in St. Louis, but a win in the quarterfinals would make most CU fans feel pretty safe.
#7 Illinois State (15-15, 6-12. RPI: 127, SOS: 89, v RPI top-50: 1-8)
#10 Indiana State (12-17, 5-13. RPI: 139, SOS: 53, v RPI top-50: 3-8)
Ill. St (ISU Red) and Ind. St. (ISU Blue) play the late game on Thursday night for the chance to play Creighton in the quarterfinals. I was planning on updating this after the game on Thursday, but I’m going out to the bars tonight, and I don’t think I’ll be up in time to post before the first game on Friday, so you’re getting it now.
ISU Red won a three game tiebreaker over Evansville and Drake to become the seven seed in the Valley tournament. ISU Blue was just won game behind. Really, neither ISU Red nor Blue have a shot to make the NCAA or NIT, so profiling the teams isn’t necessary. I feel it is important to note ISU Blue was able to knock off Butler by seven points, so obviously they have potential to do some damage in the tournament.
ISU Red was able to win a game against Creighton, but didn’t produce meaningful wins over non-conference opponents.
ISU Blue did start the Valley season hot, after an opening loss to Mo State, they ran off six straight wins, including four in-conference games, and one game over Creighton. After that, Blue wasn’t able to get anything going except for a home win against UNI.
The two teams should put on a competitive game for the fans following the adventure which was Evansville-Drake, it’ll be interesting to see who wins.
The Game:
Creighton split the season with both ISU Red and Blue, losing both while serving as the visiting teams. A loss for the Bluejays, and at-large hopes could be smashed. A win sets up an important game against Mo State (should they beat WSU), in what some could see as a play-in game for the NCAA. Bluejays don’t lose focus, and I’ll say win a close one against ISU.
Game 6. Friday 8:35 p.m. -- #3 Missouri State v #6 Wichita St.
Missouri State (21-9*, 12-6. RPI: 37, SOS: 40, v RPI top-50: 3-5)
Mo State (do not call this team MSU, that’s reserved for Michigan St) has had a very interesting season. If the Bears do not make the NCAA tournament, they will have no one to blame but themselves. Last year could justifiably be seen as a problem from the selection committee, but the Bears have shot themselves in the foot with some of their losses. Many times during the season the Bears have built double digit leads in the second half and have blown the game. A loss* to St. Louis was the first, followed by an important road game against Creighton. The Bears problems with closing games can be seen as the major fault of head coach Barry Hinson. Rumors have swirled around Hinson and his job security. Hinson, along with Director of Athletics Bill Rowe, should definitely feel as if his job is in question if he cannot get the Bears to the NCAA. The Bears do have a marquee win over Wisconsin, but failed to pick up any wins against the Valley’s top two teams, and failed to stop a strong Winthrop team at home, a game in which Hinson displayed his newest defense, titled “Don’t Guard When They Are Behind The Arch,” or DGWTABTA.
For a second year in a row, the Bears have done a great job against the Valley’s bottom teams, going 12-2 against the bottom seven teams. At this point, the Bears are extremely solidly in the NCAA than a year ago, but you should expect the Bears to take a mentality of “We must win the Valley in order to get into the NCAA.”
* Missouri State’s record says a loss to St. Louis, in which SLU tipped the ball in at the buzzer to beat the Bears. After the referees reviewed the play, they ruled the tip as good. It was then found out the tape feed the refs looked at was from Mediacom (who broadcast the game back to Springfield, Mo.) had the wrong clock. The true clock from the
Here’s a video of the tip, around 40 second in, the buzzer sounds, and you can hear the horn and see the tip wasn’t good. Past that, the video shows the reaction by the fans after the refs ruled it good.
#6 Wichita State (16-14, 8-10. RPI: 91, SOS: 70, v RPI top-50: 3-6)
If Northern Iowa was underachieving team B, then Wichita would be team A. Wichita began the season by going 8-0, including at the time big wins over Syracuse and LSU, both on the road. The problem for the Shockers began in the Las Vegas Invitational with losses to New Mexico and USC. It continued with back to back losses to open the Valley season. Losing six of seven, the Shockers were unable to pick up any key wins against the Valley’s top three, with the exception of a win at home against Creighton.
Last season’s Sweet 16 team is a shell of its former self, losing the last four games to Drake, Appalachian St (Appalacha is not a state, neither is Wichita for that matter), Mo State and Creighton. The Shockers could possibly get to the NIT by getting to the Valley championship, but their basketball season should end this weekend.
The Game
The Bears swept the Shockers, and should have little problem in their third game of the season with the attitude Mo State should have this weekend.
Best Fight Songs
In part due to Ruben's misguided ranking of "The Aggie War Hymn" over "The Victors", it's time to consider fight songs (this also lets use break in the -ology part of our name).
So what is it that makes a good fight song? In order:
So, what are some examples of good fight songs? (Audio of all of these fight songs can be found at http://fightmusic.com.)
"The Victors" is a good fight song. Musically, it's punchy. It's full of pomp, and it evokes a team moving its way down the field. Lyrically, it talks about Michigan as champions and celebrates the school. "Fight On USC" is a classic. So is the "Notre Dame Victory Song" and all of the service academy fight songs. "Fight For LSU" is wonderful. My favorite fight song, however, is "Mighty Oregon." Just listen to it.
Now, there are a number of fight songs that sound great, but the lyrics are just terrible. I'm particularly annoyed with made up words. If you have to make up words to fill out your fight song, you're not inspired enough. In this category go Illinois ' "Oskee Wow Wow" and the Aggie War Hymn, among others.
What fight songs are just bad? I'll tell you what: the worst part about watching Florida stick 41 points on Ohio State was having to listen to "Orange And Blue." You know what else made the national championship game stink? When I wasn't listening to Florida's, I occasionally had to listen to one or the other of Ohio State's two crappy fight songs. Penn State's fight song also irritates me.
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about Rocky Top: sometimes it sounds good, other times it irritates me.
At some point later I'll talk mascots, and weep some more for the lack of the Drinkin' Lincoln in Urbana.
So what is it that makes a good fight song? In order:
- Sound: The most important thing about a fight song is the music, if only because most exposure to it comes from the tubas of the marching band.
- Lyrics: A fight song should evoke something lyrically. I'm not looking for Dylanesque lyrics, here, but something about the school and its tradition ought to have been able to inspire a lyricist to put evocative words to the music. What should the lyrics evoke? I'm flexible on this. Hating on a rival is good, but I think that's best left for later verses. It helps here if the title of the fight song is punchy, but that's less important.
- Reaction: The point of a fight song is to inspire pride, of course, and so what the fight song impels the fans to do is a factor. I would argue, though, that it's very slight due to the other factors that influence its perception. For example, if the Big House weren't a big hole in the ground, listening to 107,000+ Michigan fans pump their fists in the air as they shout Hail! would be a lot more impressive. Additionally, a fight song doesn't necessarily have to be uptempo to be good, which would hurt the reaction factor.
So, what are some examples of good fight songs? (Audio of all of these fight songs can be found at http://fightmusic.com.)
"The Victors" is a good fight song. Musically, it's punchy. It's full of pomp, and it evokes a team moving its way down the field. Lyrically, it talks about Michigan as champions and celebrates the school. "Fight On USC" is a classic. So is the "Notre Dame Victory Song" and all of the service academy fight songs. "Fight For LSU" is wonderful. My favorite fight song, however, is "Mighty Oregon." Just listen to it.
Now, there are a number of fight songs that sound great, but the lyrics are just terrible. I'm particularly annoyed with made up words. If you have to make up words to fill out your fight song, you're not inspired enough. In this category go Illinois ' "Oskee Wow Wow" and the Aggie War Hymn, among others.
What fight songs are just bad? I'll tell you what: the worst part about watching Florida stick 41 points on Ohio State was having to listen to "Orange And Blue." You know what else made the national championship game stink? When I wasn't listening to Florida's, I occasionally had to listen to one or the other of Ohio State's two crappy fight songs. Penn State's fight song also irritates me.
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about Rocky Top: sometimes it sounds good, other times it irritates me.
At some point later I'll talk mascots, and weep some more for the lack of the Drinkin' Lincoln in Urbana.
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