The Afternoon Drive

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters, the 3 O'Clock Stretch, the Noon Nibbles, and the Daily Roundup
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John Eisenberg of the Baltimore Sun says that positive results for steroids could curb the negative backlash.

Liz Clarke says that Sean May has come into his own at North Carolina.

Ellis Miles of Louisville turns the game of basketball inside out.

McCants opening up, and growing up.

The 3 O'Clock Stretch: Self Hate in Illini Land

From the Chicago Sun and Jay Mariotti - Former Illinois players are piling on the current team, and Deron Williams is not happy about it. What a bunch of punks! They had their opportunity to win, blew it, and now they want to start talking about what they “would have done” against this current group of players. Pathetic.

For those who are in St.Louis and want practice times and hotel addresses where the players are staying, Respublica Blog has the scoop.

Ken Pomeroy on UNC’s defensive “liabilities.”

The Noon Nibbles

The Big 5 Basketblog Bloggers:

Why all of the backhanded slaps at Bucknell? Hoops Time Blog has an idea. Get over there!

HeelsSoxSteelers says its killing time! White dudes from West Virginia, Duke, and Felton's alleged threat to leave during the MattyD era. Get over there!!

Chris's Sports Blog addresses yesterday's questions from PTI. This is a fun read. Get over there!!!

Another good read on former FSU quarterback Adrian McPherson from the Sports Prof Blog. Get over there!!!!

Your head piece: Extreme Sports and assumption of risk. The Sports Law blog brings it again. Get over there!!!!!

More Headlines:

Kevin Blackistone on the work of the late Johnnie Cochran in reshaping hiring practices in the NFL.

From the NY Post: What’s up, Doc? Get those resumes corrected, dear readers.

Coach Patino is living it up at Louisville.

Former Virgina standout Dawn Staley is one of the hottest properties in college coaching circles. Can Temple keep her?

Jason Clarke of the LA Times says that Carolina’s Roy Williams works hard to keep the fire burning. He wants to win the big prize, and is not too shy to say so

"My buddies all keep telling me that I should just shut my trap about it … just stop bringing so much attention to it by always talking about it," Williams said. "They tell me that I'm just opening myself up to criticism and failure because I openly state how much I want it.
"But I do want it. I do desperately want to win one."

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

Don't forget about the Carnival of the Hoopsters
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The Headlines:

The House may waste some more of our money and add the NFL to the steroids query. What a circus. Here is the transcript from last nights 60 Minutes report.

Does the Duke kiss-up start when kids are in school now? Duke recruit Josh McRoberts steals MVP from Oklahoma State recruit, leading scorer, and clearly the most talented player on the floor, Gerald Green, in last nights Burger Game. Having said that......McRoberts and Duke recruit Greg Paulus are gooooooooooooooooooooooodddddddddd together.

Maryland's Gary Williams says that chemistry issues dogged his Terps from the start.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer says that with Felton, Carolina always has a Ray (get it, "Ray") of hope. Without him, they have demonstrated signs of frustration, incompetence, and collapse. In sum, he's important.

Sean May does it for the ladies. Ha-Ha

Untested Coaches spice up the Final Four: Get those tickets for family and friends out of the way early.

Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press says there is a good reason Michigan State center Paul Davis does not smile: he worries

He worries about messing up. He worries about letting people down. You judge a man less on the face he makes than on the one he hides, and what Paul Davis hides is a fear of failing expectations. "My first two years, even earlier this year, I worried about making even one mistake," he says. "I thought I had to have the perfect game, every game.

Louisville star Garcia motivated by the memory of his slain brother.

David Noel knows his role and has found a level of comfort in the Carolina program.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer says that even though the college basketball capital of the world is North Carolina, the state is unlikely to ever get another Final Four.

Who says that Carolina doesn’t have die hard fans? This dude takes it a little too far for my taste, but still pretty cool.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald sun says that even though Sean May is happy to be in the Final Four facing former Burger game opponent Paul Davis, the end goal is to win it all.

Doug Doughty of the Roanoke News says that there will be big changes at Virginia next year.

(Month Old) Draft Projection

Talk has shifted for many of us to next year. I got this link (hat tip: Illini Wonk) that projects the 2005 NBA Draft. I'm sure things have changed a lot since this was posted but it does have some bad news for Carolina fans. Marvin Williams was projected#1.

And here are some rankings for the NCAA Tournament teams that you might not have seen yet.

As Promised

Yesterday I promised to cover Turtle-head Fred Funk.

Here's some of what the blogosphere had to say:

1) Funk me? FUNK YOU!
2) Funk Dat!!
3) Short hitters rejoice. (That's a problem you shouldn't discuss in public, I think.

So there was a lot of praise out there for the Maryland grad. But somehow this guy couldn't be please. He called it a disaster.)

Meanwhile, here's a review of golf courses in the Maryland/Virginia area.

Ask and the BasketBlog delivers. Just a li'l late.

Curse of PTI?

We'll know for sure this weekend as yet another ACC coach tempts the fates. Roy Williams is the guest on Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.

So far five ACC coaches have appeared and lost within a week of the appearance. What now?

The Afternoon Drive

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters, The Daily Roundup, The Noon Nibbles, and the 3 O'Clock Stretch
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Should Billy Packer just retire. The folks over at the Underscorebleach Blog certainly think so. Good read.

Robyn Norwood of the LA Times on the Illinois talented guard trio

Bonds alleged mistress tells her tale. Barry, Barry, Barry…..

Former FSU quarterback Andrian McPherson wows Dolphins in workout. This kid made an enormous mistake, was taken under the wing of Steve DeBerg, and has apparently gotten himself together. Does he deserve the second chance he has gotten?

What is most important for UVa: Good young coach or an elite name who can bring the $$$?

Some observers are convinced that an up-and-comer would do little to energize prospective donors, making it difficult for U.Va. to raise the rest of the money needed for the new arena. Moreover, a low-profile coach might not generate the interest needed to fill a gym that will have nearly twice the seating capacity of University Hall. Athletic Director Craig Littlepage, according to this camp, must "hit a home run" and hire a well-known coach with a history of success at the elite level.

Take it to the comments section.

The 3 O'Clock Stretch: G.O.A.T

Pat Summit and her Vols are back in the Final Four. Folks, what this lady has done is remarkable. The Basketblog wants you to consider these accomplishments. Thanks to Birkel for finding this info:

16 Final Fours -- That has to be an overall record.

4 straight Final Fours

That's impressive!!!

If she averages 30 wins a year for the next 4 years she's got 1000 total wins. That hardly seems out of the question, IMO.

In fact, if she coaches 'til she's mid-60's (another 10-12 years) she could end her career with 1250+ wins. Un-frickin'-breakable.

That is bananas. We believe that she is now the greatest coach alive….period. For those who want to argue about the historic competitive nature of the women’s game vs. the men’s game, why not just break it down over the last 10 years where, at least at the top (top10 teams), the women have been as competitive as the men. In 8 of those 10 years, her teams have either played for, or won, the National Championship. Her accomplishments unmatched in that time period by any male coach. This is a great link for more info on the NCAA's winningest coach, Pat Summit.

Don't agree....take it to the comments section.

The Noon Nibbles

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters and the Daily Roundup
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The Big Five Basketblog Bloggers:

The SportsProf on Billy Beane and the ESPN the Magazine story on "MoneyBall". Get over there!

Your head piece: From the Sports Law Blog, Supreme Court broadens the scope of Title IX to protect whistleblowers. Get over there!!

Ken Pomeroy brings you nine notable predictions from his site that he made at the beginning of the season. Some were good, some....not so much. Entertaining! Get over there!!!

From the great Big Ten Wonk, we present "The Redemptive Power of Michigan State vs. Carolina", as well as other interesting musings. Get over there!!!!

From the Fire Karl Dorrell blog, we are happy to report that easy Jim Harrick is back in coaching with Ed O'Bannon as his top assistant. Get over there!!!!!

More Headlines:

Don’t forget tonight’s Burger Game on ESPN at 7:00. The ACC is well represented.

No rush for UVa in their pursuit of Tubby Smith.

Panthers may be in trouble as steroids rears its ugly head in local NFL franchise. Will the fans trust in the franchise be jeopardized by these allegations? Take it to the comments section.

Sean May: The junior, whose father played for Indiana, has no regrets about choosing North Carolina.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The Headlines:

Maryland drops decision to South Carolina in NIT Semifinal. South Carolina was in a similar position as Maryland this year in that they were both erratic in their play. Last night, the 'Cocks looked pretty good and Maryland just couldn't buy a basket down the stretch.

Nolan Hayes of the Durham Herald Sun says that the Lady Tar Heels have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and come back better than ever next season. Wow....that's a big statement. Those girls were pretty dang good this year.

Coach Tom Izzo says that high expectations for Tar Heels put the pressure squarely on Carolina. Let the head games begin!

From the Providence Journal, Kevin McNemara says that this Final Four trip was not in the cards for Patino and Louisville.

Though bittersweet, Bill Self says that he has no regrets leaving Illini.

North Carolina's Jawad Williams is hurt and his production is way off. This story from the Charlotte Observer explains just how much. The Heels would be in much better shape if he could just get his production back to 12 pts a game for the Final Four.

Neil Amato of the Durham Herald Sun says that this Final Four trip for the Heels makes the effort worthwhile.

Why is finishing fourth in college basketball such an accomplishment while finishing fourth in college football might get you fired or, at least, just not noticed at all.

In college football, unlike basketball, coaches who finish fourth in the country sometimes get fired. If you don't believe it, ask Frank Solich. Nebraska canned the former Cornhuskers coach after the 2003 season, less than two years after Solich's team lost a national-title game in the Rose Bowl. In golf, until winning the Masters last year, Phil Mickelson never got much for finishing fourth in major tournaments except fat checks and a reputation as a choke artist. In the NBA, using a local example, former Bulls coach Doug Collins lost his job back in 1989 after finishing fourth in the league and losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. Yet in college basketball, qualifying for the sport's championship semifinal usually puts a coach in line for a raise, not a pink slip. Bonuses usually come in the six-figure range.

MSU assistant coach Doug Wojik will get to face his recruits when the Spartans play North Carolina this Saturday. Is it odd to anyone that Wojik bounced back so quickly and will be the head coach at Tulsa next year and Matt has still not found his way back?

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says that at North Carolina, expectations come with the territory.

Caulton Tudor says, as always, the shooting guard position will decide Carolina's fate in the national semifinals on Saturday. I don't know why on earth that is the case at UNC, but history seems to pretty much prove that theory out.

Asterisks and Baseball

As some of you know, the BasketBlog would appreciate you using asterisks instead of the actual letters that complete the spelling of curse words. Damn and Damnit are fine, of course. But some others, especially the ones that relate to bodily functions are not ones we'd like used in this space. (And just so you know, I curse worse than most sailors in private life. I could make Tara Reid blush with the way I curse... in private.)

So if you want to use the "F-word" kindly don't. Or at least place asterisks in place of letters like cartoons do. The BasketBlog appreciates your consideration in that matter.

But there's an even more pressing matter that deals with asterisks. And it has to do with whether Babe Ruth must have an asterisk next to his name for his continual flaunting of the law. Which law? Well the Volstead Act, of course. Duh!! (Are you trying to convince us you knew what that law was before reading somebody else's blog? -- Editor. Mind your own business. -- Birkel.)

According to Modern Drunkard Magazine (Do you have a subscription? -- Editor. Enough already. -- Birkel.)

[Ruth] was a first-class rummy—built like a keg and twice as hard. The Bambino, still considered by many to be the best to ever have stepped onto a baseball field, drank like five backsliding Baptists. If his teammates are to be believed, he was capable of draining a bathtub full of beer and two bottles of rye in a single sitting.

So that darned Babe Ruth may need an asterick. (Hat Tip: The Skeptical Optimist in this post)

What will we ever do with the cheaters and crooks who litter the baseball record book?

So Illinois is the #1 #1?

UPDATE: I did not realize that the Illini Wonk took a swipe at the ACC Conference yesterday. The battle has been joined, good sir. And well joined.

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That may be the opinion of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee but we at the BasketBlog would like to offer a retort.

1) Illinois' beach sucks. Look, I lived in Michigan for 5 years and I know their beach freezes for nearly half the year. The other half of the year it's too cold for decent swimming. Let's face facts, North Carolina has the best beach among the states that are homes to the schools playing this weekend. Hands down Illinois' got nothing on Carolina in this category.

2) The winters in Champagne*, Illinois are crappy. And Lansing, Michigan is no prize. Louisville, Kentucky may not be that bad in the winter but I'll take Chapel Hill every time, thank you very much.

3) They don't actually make champagne there. (Isn't that false advertising or something?) Besides, champagne comes from France and they haven't won a war in a long time. Can we really expect a team that plays in a French-named city to win the big one? Ditto Louisville which was named for a French king. Doesn't bode well.

There's more so click it. There's a picture too!!

4) UNC has at least four NBA first round picks. Illinois has one for sure and maybe another. MSU? I don't even have the foggiest but maybe 2 or 3, I guess. Louisville? Maybe 2, maybe.

5) Illinois can't even decide which city it wants to claim. Is it Champagne* or is it Urbana? Make up your darned mind. I have a small mind and this is driving me batty.

6) Sean May.

7) Phil Ford, Worthy, Perkins, Jordan, Kenny Smith, JR Reid, Vincanity, Jamison, Stackhouse, 'Sheed, McAdoo and Brad Daugherty (not ex-coach Matt Doherty), et al
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Kendall Gill, Dick Butkus and The Manhattan Project

8) The sky is Carolina Blue.

I'm sure there are lots of others that I'm forgetting. I trust our readers will help me think of more. Take that Big Ten Wonk, Illini Girl and Illini Wonk.

ADDED: Hopefully we'll see more pictures like this after Monday. (Hat Tip: Cal Tech Girl)



*I know how to spell the city's name. But it's not funny spelled the correct way. Just FYI.

Results from the Poll

We had a poll last week that asked which of the #1 seeds would lose over the last weekend. Here are the results:

Washington 35
Duke 25
Illinois 11
UNC 5
None of the Above 3

So we did pretty well in that one. Thanks to all who voted and don't forget to vote in our next poll. The topic will relate to the Final Four, I'm pretty sure.

Afternoon Drive

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters, the Noon Nibbles, and the Daily Roundup.
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Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe on the ease of the current 3 point shot in college basketball.

John Feinstein says that college basketball might be better than ever.

Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post says that the weekend of March 14, 1981 still maintains its place among the greatest upset weekends in NCAA tournament history.

Rich Hoffman of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that in the college game, the Coach is king. Hmmmmmmm, ask Matt Doherty about that.

The Sports Economist brings you an interesting piece on the future of the minor leagues, NBA style.

Patino molds a unified team. These Cards are going to be a tough out.

The Noon Nibbles

Don't forget about the Carnival of the Hoopsters and the Daily Roundup
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The Sports Economist examines the production function of the US Soccer Team in Mexico

Coach K overkill? Fans are complaining but rival coaches aren’t saying a thing.

As Maryland gets ready to take on the other USC tonight in the NIT Semis’, Dave Odom puts his memory of the Terps to work

JA Adande on his journey through the Dance

The rants and raves of Jerry Fraley of the Dallas News. First up: There is only one Dean in college hoops. Don’t agree? Take it to the comments section. Let the fireworks begin!!!

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

Don't forget the Carnival of Hoopsters
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The Big Five Basketblog Docket:

King Kaufman on this weekends incredible NCAA Tournament games. Get over there!

Wow....the folks over at StateFansNation are at it again. By the way, anti Herb Pack Fans, that was TWO games in the Dance you weren't supposed to win this year, not one. Don't get it twisted, Charlotte would have finished ahead of you guys in the ACC this year. Geeezzz. Nevertheless, that site is excellent. Get over there!!

The Big 10 Wonk has a message for all of you Big 10 haters out there on his front page (plus, a great breakdown of Big 10 involved games and outstanding links). Get over there!!!

Kobe Bryant, this weekends Regionals, The Africa Channel on Direct TV, and the diminishing marginal utility of technological infrastructure. This is your daily head piece from the great Straight Bangin'. Get over there!!!!

The Sports Prof does it again: Hiring your next coach from the ranks of the assistants at the elite programs may not be the best move. Excellent stuff. Get over there!!!!!

The Headlines

Out of sync and shooting blanks, Tar Heel women bow out of NCAA, losing to Baylor 72-63.

Blue Devils can't overcome #1 LSU and drop decision 59-49.

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer says that Matt Doherty should be given his due in the success of these Tar Heels.

Laura Vecsey of the Baltimore Sun on the disappeared John Gilchrist. The Basketblog must agree: the Terps already look better without him.

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal says that these Tar Heels have not yet tapped their true potential and swim in the dangerous waters of expectations.

Apparently, Patrick Sparks of Kentucky called Billy Packer a bad name to his face right after hitting his big three on Sunday. For his part, Packer says he didn't hear it and Sparks is playing coy. Hmmmmmm.

Jeff Carlton of the Greensboro News and Record says that UNC has had the easier road to the Final Four.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says that UNC v. Michigan State could be the game of the weekend.

Get ready for bad news, Carolina fans.....Marvin is apparently feeling the draft as an age restriction seems imminent. Hat tip to YoCo on this story from the New York Daily Press. Story is about half way down the page.

Neil Amato of the Durham Herald Sun says that winning the National Championship is not the biggest goal for Coach Roy Williams

"I think he wants to win a national championship, but I don't think that's his greatest desire," said Buddy Baldwin, who remains in close contact with Williams after coaching him in high school. "I think his greatest desire is to put a team out there and they bust their tail every time for 40 minutes. That's what he wants. If he wins, that's great. If he gets beat, it doesn't hurt."

The Afternoon Drive

The Afternoon Drive

Head Piece: TJ Graham and the Sports Law Blog bring you a nice read on the next generation of sports cheating: “corrective” surgery.

A bloggers reaction to Barry Bonds

Tim Cowlishaw on Kentucky’s loss to Michigan State

Kevin Blackistone: There is nothing these Cardinals can’t handle.

Villanova coaches and players have moved on after “The Call.”

The 3 O'Clock Stretch: A Look Back

By Guest Contributor, Daren Rhyne

Who knew three regional games would go to overtime? Who knew Michigan State would come out of the Austin region? Most people did predict a UNC vs. Illinois final, but who knows what'll happen this weekend? The way the action is unfolding this year we could be in for a Louisville vs. Michigan State final. Who knows? Illinois, Louisville, and UNC have all been patient, and now Weber, Pitino, and Williams's systems are all respectively sinking in with their players and all will be in St. Louis this weekend.

Michigan State's journey is different.

Two years ago, Michigan State head coach recruited highly touted McDonald's All American, Brandon Cotton. Brandon was injured early his Freshman year, and never felt comfortable at Michigan State. He transferred to Detroit Mercy where he now averages just over 20 points a game. In 2001, Izzo lost Freshman Zach Randolph and Sophomore Jason Richardson to the NBA Draft. A year later, Sophomore Marcus Taylor received bad advice from an agent and opted for the NBA Draft. He now plays in the NBDL.

So this year's team is comprised of seniors Anderson, Tobert, and Hill, who are complemented by Juniors Paul Davis and Maurice Ager, and talented sophomore Shannon Brown. They've lacked solid point guard play b/c of Cotton's transfer and Taylor's early departure for the past couple of years. This year, freshman Drew Neitzel has developed into a steady point guard for the Spartans. Their scrappy style of play will pose a formidable challenge for the UNC Tar Heels on Saturday at 8:47 p.m. UNC's defensive effort will have to improve dramatically if they want to continue to advance. They are giving up too many perimeter shots and allowing guards to drive through the lane at will. Roy Williams has a week to make adjustments. He has no shortage of talent to work with. I hope Carolina can come out and play like the UNC team that blitzed Maryland by 34 and went up by 50 on UVa in Charlottesville (even though it was UVa who goes up on any ACC team by 50 on their home court?).

Read the rest by clicking.

The outcome of the Louisville vs. Illinois game will largely depend on who's hot from behind the three point arc. Louisville will depend on the three more than the Fighting Illini. Illinois appears to be a team of destiny after overcoming a 15 point deficit vs. Arizona in less than four minutes. My gut tells me to go with Illinois in this game, but Louisville's team has been through a lot in the past few years (as stated in my earlier commentary) and they're not afraid of any team or situation.

Pitino's not a bad coach either. He's taken three teams to the Final Four (Providence, Kentucky, and now Louisville). Speaking of coaches, how about the coaches in the Final Four this year. Tom Izzo (4th Final Four appearance this yr.;1 National Title), Roy Williams (5th Final Four appearance-4 with Kansas; now 1 with UNC), Rick Pitino (5th Final Four appearance- 1 with Providence, 3 with Kentucky (incl. 1 national championship in '96), and now 1 with Louisville), and Bruce Weber (First Final Four appearance) who received an offer from Illinois due to the Roy Williams effect....Roy left Kansas, Bill Self left Illinois to head to Kansas, and Bruce Weber left Southern Illinois and landed the Illinois job.

Personally, I wish Bruce Weber's spot could've been filled by Lute Olson, Arizona's head coach. Lute's taken every class of his players to the Final Four since 1988 except this year's graduating class. In that run, he coached the likes of Steve Kerr, basketball and baseball standout Kenny Lofton, Sean Rooks, Jud Buechler, Sean Elliott, Chris Mills, Damon Stoudamire (Salim's older cousin), Khalid Reeves, Mike Bibby, Micheal Dickerson, Miles Simon, Jason Gardner, Luke Walton, Loren Woods, and the unforgettable Eugene Edgerson. Salim Stoudamire and Channing Frye won't have the chance to ever experience a Final Four and that's a shame. "They got into the party but couldn't get into the VIP". They both have brighter days ahead.

As I reflect on the past two weeks of action, I get chills. I picture the Niagara guard crying his eyes out as he went to the sideline towards the end of their first round game against Oklahoma, the West Virginia team embracing each other after they defeated Wake Forest in the second round, the Delaware State band as they jammed by playing Luther Vandross's classic hit "Never Too Much", Michigan State's Maurice Ager as he threw down a monstrous slam on the Spartans way to defeating Duke in the Sweet 16, and Jawad Williams, Jackie Manuel, and Melvin Scott's faces after they knew they were headed to St. Louis (these are the same guys that endured UNC's 8-20 season in their Freshman season). There have been highs and lows, tears of joy and sorrow, and hugs of consolation and congratulation. I have one last memory and this dates back to 1996. The late Al McQuire (former coach of Marquette) danced with the Syracuse team after they defeated Kansas in the Elite Eight. Not too long after that, Al passed away of cancer. Al was passionate about the game and had fun commentating. He brought great insight, humor, and life to the game. Ultimately, that's what College Basketball is all about....passion.

Different teams in the dance have different measuring sticks for success. Oakland and Deleware State were happy to make the tournament. UNC, Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky entered the tournament wanting to win the whole thing. Wherever you are, stop for a second, stand up and clap your hands....these STUDENT-Athletes have brought us great moments....they deserve to be saluted....Stay Tuned for more this week on CBS.

The Noon Nibbles

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters and the Daily Roundup
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MATCH-UP: North Carolina vs. Michigan State

MATCH-UP: Louisville vs. Illinois

The Final Four is going to have a hard time matching the excitement of the Regional games

Michael Wilbon asks, simply, can it get any better?

AJ Adande points out that even in defeat, there was a redeeming quality about the Kentucky players

He missed. Then he found himself right back on the bench, his head hanging down while Michigan State guard Shannon Brown made two free throws to put the Spartans ahead by three. Then Sparks looked back up."If Coach put me in, I was going to try to be ready, so I tried to stay in the game," Sparks said. "I was disappointed that I didn't hit the free throws, but you've got to stay in the game and come back and keep trying to help your team out."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

Don't forget the Carnival of the Hoopsters
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The Big 5 Basketblog Docket

Ken Pomeroy says that if Michigan State controls their turnovers, UNC could be in for a long night. Get over there!

Mr. Madurzak gives a great breakdown of the top 4 games from this weekend. We see you, D! Get over there!!

YoCo has some pending questions for you and, just because he cares, an Ode to Roy. Get over there!!!

Food for thought from the Sports Economist on the Michigan State v. Kentucky game: Why not foul the opposing team when you are ahead? Hmmmmmm.....Get over there!!!!

Your Head Piece for the day is from the Sports Prof regarding an article by Selena Roberts of the NY Times that suggests the NCAA Tournament has lost its' grasp on the younger generation. Good article (reg. req) and an excellent breakdown by the good Professor. Get over there!!!!!

The Headlines

How 'bout those Heels! Carolina overcomes gritty Wisconsin team and punches ticket for St. Louis.

Apparently, the 'May Boys' have a tradition of playing in Final Fours : Dad Scott (Indiana title team), Brother Scott Jr (Indiana Runner Up), and now Sean.

Caulton Tudor says that 'Ol Roy should be proud of this accomplishment, no matter what comes next.

Commentary/Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer/ McCants delivers in nick of time. The speed with which McCants slid under that screen was absolutely mind blowing. You just have to shake your head at that kids ability sometimes and wonder about the long term possibilities.

Commentary/Lenox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal/ Missed sleep and fatherly words has positive effect on May

"Normally, he doesn't tell me how proud of me he is," Sean May said. "Before this game, he said: 'Son, I'm proud of you, and you've done a lot, and you've come a long way. Let's not stop there. Let's keep going.’” Sean May took a breath. "It shocked me at first," he said. "I just said: 'Hey, Dad, thanks. I love you, and I'm going to get it done.'" He got it done, and Carolina got back to the Final Four.

For this senior class, yesterday's victory is the first step in their final journey back to the top.

A day of pain and pleasure for Carolina's Raymond Felton.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer says that a majestic Final Four has now taken shape.

The Syracuse Notebook: Williams has near fainting spell after the game.

Carnival of the Hoopsters

This week there are two categories of Hoopsters. The first is from the Sweet Sixteen and the second is from the Elite 8. The numbers represent the tournament seed of each team. The winners have an asterick by their number. We hope you enjoy it.
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Welcome Galley Slaves readers. Take a look around the front page if you like.
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Overall Coverage
Good Stuff. And a post about Murray Head who did "One Night in Bangkok' -- cool. Finally, here's BigTenWonk crowing about the conference's Sweet 16 success. At the ACC's expense. We're not mad at ya. Hard luck here.

Are the games badly broadcast? The BasketBlog's take. And this post asks whether CBS stinks. Was Maryland paying for ads? That may be a bridge too far. Deacon thinks it was okay. But CBS has some issues. Even more CBS issues.

Blogspheric Predictions
-OR-
Holding People Accountable
Predictions here. Discussing the games here too. And here. This guy has a theory for next year's brackets. Who has the tougher mascots? Some more predictions. Not worse than most.) And here he's scoring the games at home. Chess and basketball? Okay, we guess.) The BasketBlog refuses to discuss our predictions. They weren't that good. *sigh*

Sweet Sixteen
Chicago Bracket
1*) Illinois
The top-ranked team gets the most press. What does the best Illinois blog have to say? Here's your answer. Previewing the Elite 8 matchup. Enjoying the Tourney--so far. Pensive fans are fun. Praising the propensity to pass. Too much for UW-M. Random thoughts. (Or why having to work Saturday stinks.) Illini Girl says it's a SWEET Sixteen. Objective facts. The BasketBlog doubts it.
12) University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Why are Illinois fans still angry? Hatred? This guy says yes. Sounds awfully harsh.
Stewie in your banner gets a link. Rooting for a UNC UM-W final does not. At least it beats the NBA. Sweet but not elite. The greatest season in UM-W history.

2) Oklahoma State
The BasketBlog's take. MSM misses another one. Celebrating the Olson/Sutton coaching matchup. More on older coaches. Cute kid pics and a basketball fan. We're there.
3*) Arizona
Hating the NBA. Loving the 'Cats. His boyfriend is watching the game. Ed's wife understands the feeling. Conflicted--Is it love or hate? Too close to call. Favorite team moving forward.
Sportsaholic still Jones-ing. Salim hits a big one. More love. Salim Stoudamire is better than JJ Redick, says this guy -- reluctantly.

Albuquerque Bracket
1) Washington
Why did the zone work against U-Dub? Seemingly upset with the result. The BasketBlog sends its condolences.
4*) Louisville
Best overall coverage. Start here. Interesting stuff. UK fan rooting for Louisville. Blasphemy.

6) Texas Tech
Bob Knight called for the firing of another coach. How bush league is that? Very according to the BasketBlog. Bob Knight for President? Who knows? The BasketBlog thinks he'd lose the secretary vote? And finally, why Bob Knight wins. Just not this time.
7*) West Virginia
Wake Forest fan and BasketBlog contributor Ben stuggles with last week's loss.
Meanwhile, the BasketBlog loves Pittsnogle.
Running the gamut. Happy WVU fan. Pointing to the afternoon's game against Louisville. Did they have to burn the couches? And why did it make the Drudge Report? Another take on the couches.
Kinda pulling for WVU, we guess.
Pittsnogle watch. Everybody loves Pittsnogle. Seriously.

Syracuse Bracket
1*) UNC - CH
The BasketBlog's LiveBlogging. First half. Second half.
Handicapping the games while pulling for UNC. Still pulling for UNC. Letters to Coach Roy Williams. What's a dominatrix to do? All the way, baby. Carolina stops the bleeding on Bloody Friday.
NCAA officials suck and Marvin Williams should stay in school. Plus more.
This guy's not a fan. Hating UNC.
5) Villanova
Pulling for 'Nova 'cause I can't stand UNC. (Not the same guy.) Now this blogger has a stomach ache.
Worst call ever at the end of 'Nova/UNC? The BasketBlog asks "What about the 1972 Olympics?" Hating that traveling call. Bias? And a Pittsnogle mention. Analyzing the refs, FT shooting and more.

6*) Wisconsin
I don't care but some do or why professors are hard to please. Pulling for the Badgers. Congrats to the Badgers. Similar congrats. Bragging - 3 Big Ten teams in the Elite 8. Sadly none of them are Big Blue.
10) North Carolina State
The BasketBlog's LiveBlogging. First half. Second half.
NC State fans are happy. But confused by their coach.
Ode to Julius Hodge from the Georgia Tech guy. Interesting. In Julius Hodge we trust. Okay by us. Pulling for NC State? I guess so. By accident, him too. Is it a bad year for the ACC? There's still hope.

Austin Bracket
1) Duke
LiveBlogging. First half. Second half.
Liveblogging with a Coach K thing, maybe. Coach K praise? Keeping score--midway through the games. Asking the right question: What happened to JJ?
Plenty of Duke hatred to go 'round. I hate you Billy Packer. Not exactly a fan here either.
5*) Michigan State
Covering the whole Big Ten(11). Counting the Big 10 teams in the Elite 8.
Not exactly a basketball fan, I think.
More network criticism: Thanks, CBS, for showing me the boring game.

2*) Kentucky
UVa fans hope Coach Tubby Smith looks their way.
Prediction: Kentucky versus Louisville final. (Sorry about that.) Hack-a-Bogut pays dividends. Happy about the win--Bogut's not all that. Talkin' smack about Bogut. The BasketBlog asks: "Is that deserved?"
6) Utah
Utah tried to win. But I'm still in my pool 'cause they didn't. (We hope you win.) Will Bogut translate in the NBA? (We think they speak English in Australia.--The BasketBlog) And who knows better than a random guy on the internet? Australians for Australian 7 footers.

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Elite Eight
General Commentary
ADDED: We missed a great post by the Sportsaholic summing the weekend's games. We regret the oversite.
Random Questions.
The Sports Pundit says it's the best weekend -- ever. The Sports Frog agrees. Best two games ever? Maybe. This guy just loves the effort. And more folks enjoying the games. Law school is boring but at least she got one of eight in her pool.
This guy calls the games choke jobs. That's pretty harsh.
Michigan hater pulling for the Big Ten(11). (The BasketBlog abhors UofM hating. FYI)

Chicago Bracket
#1* Illinois versus #3 Arizona
The BasketBlog's LiveBlogging here.
The fan base is excited. Here too. More emotions. Sad. She dared them. They accepted the challenge. This one was anxious but then okay. Taking a break from Psych homework.
Reactions: Holy expletive deleted. Unbelievable. They agree. The BasketBlog agrees. Divine intervention? The BasketBlog withholds judgment. Dee Brown believes. Basketball mirrors life, or something. Best win ever!! Photos of the comeback.
Illinois thread gone wrong. I think they mean vaunted. Vaulting seems like it'd be illegal somehow.
Plans: Painting STL orange and blue. The BasketBlog wonders if that's legal? Arizona expletive deleted ups.
Angry at Arizona. More anger here.

Albuquerque Bracket
#4* Louisville versus #7 West Virginia
The BasketBlog's LiveBlogging.
Game preview. A Texas Tech blogger LiveBlogging the first half. Dinner gets in the way of the game. Sorry about that. Ramblin's of a fan home from spring break. Backing the alma mater. Congrats. Rubbing it in is not nice. But the BasketBlog understands.
Rick Pitino is pretty good. This guy agrees but then he lives in Lexington, KY.
Unhappy WVU fan eating to cure the pain. Random thoughts. Darn it, kinda. Pulling for the underdogs. Getting drunk, criticizing Louisville, the U, the city, everything.
Speculating about WVU's coach moving.

Syracuse Bracket
#1* UNC - Chapel Hill versus #7 Wisconsin
Pre-game stats here.
The BasketBlog's Liveblogging. First half. Second Half.
It's all about the office pool. Pool news here too. A recap here. Troubling times: Dissertation or Basketball. Dissertation. Basketball.... Happy Carolina fan here. McCants' crossover: he's unimpressed. Interesting.
Somebody please help this guy. He's lost his 'peeps'.
This guy is pulling for Wisconsin even though he's got UNC in his bracket. Bo Ryan resemble anybody? Not exactly a 'love of the game' post. One wins, one loses.
Photo of the Badger drinking gets a link. Always.

Austin Bracket
#2 Kentucky versus #5* Michigan State
The BasketBlog's take
You want pre-game stats. Here you go. This post is slightly less numbers-based: hoping for the Louisville/UK final. Go State?The BasketBlog thinks he meant Michigan State. She's a basketball fan. Happy Easter and a hearty Yeah for Michigan State. Big Ten(11) powerful. Happy about the win.
A pretty good season comes to an end. Taking it hard. The BasketBlog understands the pain. Great game though. Ashley Judd's thoughts.
Loving the game -- the one he missed.

The NIT
Georgetown fans still behind their team. Maryland fans too. And here.

Kentucky vs MSU

As a UofM alum I cannot pull for the Spartans. GO BLUE!!

And I must admit that I would like to see a Final Four that consists of one team from CUSA (Big East next year), one from the Big Ten(11), one from the ACC and one from the SEC. That would be kinda sweet. But this is yet another very good Elite 8 game. With 3 to play it's a 6 point MSU lead, 72-66. I didn't expect this much scoring, frankly. But there you go.

WELL: It's a FT shooting contest. MSU is a good FT shooting team.

MSU had a lead but Kentucky made a furious comeback.

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!

Let the teams play. This is in overtime. Stop it.

FINALLY: We're on to our third OT. Good. I want more hoops.

ALL TIED: With one minute to go these teams have settled nothing. 81-81. Craziness.

Congrats to MSU, 94-88 winners over Kentucky.

UNC vs Wisconsin LiveBlogging second half

SETTING THE STAGE
WVU was shooting lights out in the first half but the better team still won. Wisconsin shot lights out in the first half... I'm just saying.... And at least this game isn't called by Billy Packer. Most annoying broadcaster with a job. (Mommy, please make the bad man stop talking about basketball!!) I like Bill Raftery however.

TIP: Wisconsin starts with the ball. Good step out to a double team leads to a TO. Ball to May. Nice turn to the lane but a miss. Again the weak side D is having lapses. The threat of the three (7-15 in the first half) may be part of the reason. Old fashioned three point play. Missed UNC shot. Shot clock violation on Wisconsin stops a run out by Noel (who might've fouled the jump shooter). Another in and out shot and UNC hasn't scored after 2 minutes. Foul on Manuel in the post. 49-44 Wisconsin. And there's the answer. May gets the ball on a great look. And1. Carolina's off the schnide (sp?). Steal by Noel. 3 from McCants. Marvin miss. May rebound. Reverse layup by McCants. Things are as they should be. 52-49 Wisconsin.

TO BADGERS: Trying to stem the tide and keep the crowd out of it. (Random Thought: May's footwork is often overlooked. It shouldn't be.) May rebounds the miss. Held ball and UNC retains possession. McCants misses another 18 footer. (Doesn't he realize he can get that shot any time he wants it? Why take it early in the shot clock. Rotate the ball and get a better look. Feed the post McCants.) Badger miss and it leads to the under 16 TVTO.

TO THE POST: May gets fed the ball and gobbles up the interior defense. A steal by Marvin and he feeds the big man. Yummy. Missed FT. But May already has 23 points and 8 rebounds. That's why he was the ACC BasketBlog POY, baby!! Nice D by May leads to a fast break layup by Felton. Wisconsin isn't getting shots in its comfort zone. Felton misses a 3. (Is he hurt? That would be a bad thing for the 'Heels chances.) Wisconsin gets a 5 on 4 layup. And then a 5 on 5 layup.

UH OH: Nice pass to the post from May. The deuce makes it 60-53. 'Til a 3. Another great pass from May. The pace is incredible. (Are your fingers sore? -- Editor Nope. -- Birkel) Both teams score buckets. Still no interior help D from Carolina. What gives? I've never seen them play so poorly in the post. It's confusing.

There's more plus some of the BasketBlog's musings if you click the link.

TVTO: One FT. And then poor rebounding leads to a Wilkinson gimme. 64-61 UNC. Felton with a jumper. Finally some help D on the post. Miss and a Carolina rebound. Wisconsin with a wide-open three and the lead is only 2. Charge on David Noel. Why is he dribbling? That's not his game. Good D from Wisconsin who is playing very tough and efficient ball. May misses a rebound (WTF?) But Felton gets it and looks for May on the break and he scores a gimme. 68-64 Carolina.

ANOTHER: Three, that is. Carolina played great D but a loose ball led to a 3. Two McCants threes? What is that? Noel makes it okay by getting a put back for 2. Turnover on Wisconsin. ANALYSIS: McCants almost seems to be reverting back to his sophomore ways. He must recognize that is a very, very, very bad thing.

70-67 UNC: They've had the lead almost the whole game but haven't put it away. Now's winning time.

OUT OF THE TVTO: May fought hard in the post but his effort was matched by Wilkinson. Good D. Felton still scores a jumper. Matched by Tucker who is really hurting the 'Heels. Why does Marvin take a 3? He can get that shot any time he wants it... but he shouldn't ever want it. Play teh %'s big fella.

1 AND 1: The 'Heels are in the bonus so Wisconsin will be shooting FTs. Not good. It's a 1 point game. Felton to the hole but he made a bad interior pass to May. Tie up. Possession arrow to Wisconsin. 30 second TO.

GOOD O: Both teams run good sets but neither can score. Four straight possessions. Under five minutes 72-71 UNC. Turnover on Wisconsin. Great re-post by May. Good for 2 off glass. Wilkinson hits a baseline jumper and it's still incredibly close. Whewwww!!

3 TO GO: 74-73 UNC. May gets the defensive rebound. Time out Carolina.

FELTON: That looked like a bad pass. But Marvin caught it and drew a foul on the attempt. To the line for 2. Final TVTO (barring Overtime).

NOTE TO BAND MEMBERS: Have something better to say than "Let's Go Red." over and over.

AFTER THE TVTO: Two FT's good from Marvin. 3 point Carolina lead. And a great steal by McCants. Carolina looks to run its offense. Foul on May by Wilkinson with about 6 on the shot clock. FTs to follow. Good. Good. 78-73 Carolina. Terrific help D that time. Block. Wow! Big alley-oop! Goodness gracious. Again Carolina is running the clock. McCants for 3 from the top of the key under 10 left on the shot clock. Answered by Wisconsin. 81-78 UNC. TO Wisconsin with 55 seconds to go.

UNDER 1: These are some of the best Elite 8 games, as a group, ever. Wisconsin is now fouling so they can get Carolina into the bonus. It makes sense. They've now given their 6th team foul. Felton took a shot in the mouth. Almost took a swing with hiw 'bow. That's not what the BasketBlog likes to see. To the FT line. Good. Good. 83-78 UNC.

5 POINT LEAD: Long (and bad) 3 point attempt. Rebound by, who else, Sean May. Foul on Wisconsin with 34.5 to go. But as we learned yesterday it's not over 'til we see triple-O's on the board. Felton hits both FTs. 85-78 UNC. Timeout 'Heels.

7 POINT LEAD: Foul on Marvin. Why? Wisconsin shooting FTs. 28.7 to go. Tucker gets his fourth foul. Wisconsin can't lose him. He's been very good. Felton again good from the stripe. Wisconsin takes their last TO after a quick layup. 21.7 to play and it's 87-82. McCants gets the ball and hits 1 of 2. 88-82 UNC. And the 'Heels are going to Saint Louis.

ANALYSIS: Wisconsin played with great heart and resolve. A 25 win season and an Elite 8 berth make for a praise-worthy season. Wilkinson may not've filled the stat sheet but he was quite good today. He stuck with the program when he could've left early and really looked to be the leader on the floor.

Wisconsin seemed tougher than Carolina. Perhaps they have to be given their overall talent level. And Carolina needs to control the little mental lapses they had to allow Wisconsin back into the game. That'll cost them against a team like Illinois or Louisville.

But let me go out on a limb. Kentucky and Michigan State are good teams but they don't have the weapons to match Carolina. Of course, either of them could beat UNC. But neither can beat them consistently. (Isn't that the beauty of the one-and-done Tourney? -- Editor Yep. -- Birkel) The BasketBlog would rather see Kentucky, as UNC has already faced them once. But you gotta say UK versus MSU is a pick-'em game given the Big 10(11)'s performance to date.

It's been fun.

Hopefully everyone will be healthy by next Saturday.

UNC vs Wisconsin LiveBlogging first half

TIMEOUT: Wisconsin needs one. With 17:03 left in the first it's only 10-5 UNC. But the 'Heels are 5 of 6 from the field. The firepower in this game is obvious so Wisconsin better keep this game in the 60's or low 70's. Right now the pace favors Carolina. Big. Time.

POST-UP: Nice Wilkinson drop step to split the double team. Carolina answers with another 2. But another easy Wisconsin post-up. And then a Felton jumper from the FT line extended. And a Noel steal and lay. 16-9 UNC. Great spin move by Tucker (W). Held ball leads to the first TVTO.

IT CONTINUES: Carolina continues to score at will. (He'll probably be peeved. -- Editor. That's not funny. Birkel.) Foul on Tucker. May off glass from 16 feet. Tough angle but it was pure. 20-11. How can you lose Wilkinson in the post? He's the one dangerous Badger. Then a miss by Carolina and a 3 from Wisconsin closes the lead to 4. A jumper by Jawad Williams from the heart of the lane. (Where's the vaunted Wisconsin D?) Missed shot by Wisconsin and then a charge call on Felton. Tough call. Good idea by Wisconsin's PG. Seems to be the only way to slow the 'Heels. 2nd TVTO.

D, D & DISH: Nice play from Wisconsin. McCants hits a long three. May with a rebound. Suction. Cup. Hands. McCants hit a nasty crossover but couldn't get the short jumper to fall. 1 of 2 from the line gives UNC an 8 point lead. UNC switches to a zone D to stop the dribble penetration. Smart move as Wisconsin was sneaking to the weak side baseline for easy looks. To the FT line for 1 of 2 for Wisconsin. McCants just took a 19 foot jumper. Step back and take the 3, big guy.

BIGS: Marvin Williams just rebounded and dribble up the court. Passed and got it back. Jumper no good but who ran the floor and grabbed the rebound? Sean May. Drew a foul. Another UNC miss. They're returning to earth with the shooting %. But Wisconsin is not makig them pay. Nice 18 foot jumper by May from the key. Charge on May. Hmmm. We'll call it good D from Wilkinson, kinda.

The rest is available below the fold.

FALL OFF: The drop from Felton to Quentin Thomas is big. He missed May on the break. But May stays with the play and gets great post position. Trapped Wilkinson on his hip. Drop step. Dunk.

PATIENCE: Wisconsin responded to the first double digit deficit of the game by running their offense. It pays off with a 3 from the wing.

THE PACE: It's turned in Wisconsin's favor. Offensive foul on Fleton? I thought that was on Marvin Williams. It was on Marvin. Spot-up 3 from Wisconsin answered by a nice step back 3 from Felton. Tucker (W) does a good job on an offensive rebound. 10 footer in the lane )off back iron, the glass and through). Foul on Wisconsin holding Marvin. No answer for that athletic big guy. 33-27 UNC.

NOEL: I think it was Noel who hit a little tipoff a May miss. It was. Good ball rotation form Wisconsin leads to another 3. Answered by a Scott three. Noel with a rebound off the Wisconsin miss. Carolina gets the ball to May again. Good. And Wisconsin hits another 3. But this one was well-guarded. 40-33 UNC.

TVTO: Marvin was fouled and will go to the line for a 1 and 1 when we come back. And we're back. Good. And good. 42-33 UNC. The pace has increased over the last couple minutes. That's to UNC's advantage. McCants got to the lane easily (li'l push off?) and elevated for a short jumper. Nice pass out of the post from Wilkinson. McCants misses a three. Baseline move by Wisconsin leads to yet another layup. Then another McCants miss. It's 44-37. Felton is on the bench so he won't get his third personal. You can feel the difference for Carolina.

1:34 TO PLAY: A couple of FTs makes it 44-39 UNC. And a tie up for Wisconsin but Carolina keeps the ball. Steal by Wilkinson. Another beat to the baseline for Wisconsin. Where's Carolina's interior D?

2 FOR 1: Carolina gets a quick one from May that doesn't go. A long three by Wisconsin ties the score at 44. Goodness. With 19.9 to play in the first it's all tied. Carolina doesn't get a good shot after taking their 30 second TO.

ANALYSIS: We've settled nothing so far and Wisconsin has shown an ability to score the ball beyond what I'd've expected after watching loads of Big Ten ball over the last few years. Of course, it was 44-33 for a reason. Carolina is more skilled. But when the better team doesn't put the other team away things are usually up for grabs. UNC missed an opportunity to hurt Wisconsin's energy and enthusiasm. Now they're in for a dog fight.

Who knows what will happen now? The BasketBlog has its suspicions but we're risking no predictions at this point.

Sunday Daily Roundup

I'm filling Ed's shoes (much larger than mine) so I hope you'll forgive both the paucity and the big words. He'll be back to offer the Noon Nibbles. And I'll be here to LiveBlog the games later this afternoon.

************************************************************************************

Carolina blowout? Maybe. But Wisconsin will try to slloowww it down. Either way, the Charlotte Observer says Carolina is ready. The BasketBlog hopes so. Carolina's seniors deserve mad props--and a Final Four..

Illinois recap. Apparently Illinois still believed down 15 with 4 to play. The BasketBlog's take: DUH.

Louisville recap. But they lose an assistant. Game plan? What game plan?

Kentucky-MSU preview.

Duke redux. Dascnezo's take on Duke's season. Was Duke exposed?

NC State redux. It's a feature, not a bug.

Maryland's in the NIT. Do they still play the NIT? The Washington Times thinks so.

Duke women get it done.

Carolina Women's game recapped here. For only the fourth time in NCAA history one school's Men and Women have won 30 games each. (Two of those times it was Duke. This time it's UNC.) UNC is ready to play on the lower-seeded team's court. I raised the same issue below.

Coaches (and players) running on empty this time of year. The Tournament is draining.

This ain't good. These reports are always slightly depressing.

Pat Summitt is good. And still climbing.

Meanwhile, in the NBA, former UNC center Brendan Haywood is out for the Wizards.

Way off the main page: Johns Hopkins beat UVa. But Maryland wins. The sport: lacrosse. You know, just for kicks or something. And 'cause I know Ed wouldn't've covered it. So there.

Carolina's Women's Team

Let me make sure I get this right. UNC is the #1 seed in their region. Arizona State is the #5 seed in that same region. And the games are being played where, again? That's right, they're being played in Tempe, AZ.

What kind of sense does that make? Either

1) Put the teams on a neutral court
-or-
2) Give the higher seeded team the home games

What's the good of having a great season only to play an away game in the NCAA Women's Tournament?

Do any of you understand this? Me neither.

Oh, Carlina is ahead at the half. But it's closer than it oughta be.

In related news, Duke is going to play LSU in the regional final.

UPDATE: Carolina won too. Now they get a determined Baylor team.

AZ versus IL

In this game we'll see some scoring, me thinks.

This is just another efficient performance by Illinois. They're really quite good. And 'Zona seems like a solid opponent with lots of the pieces to make a championship run. But the leadership factor seems squarely in Illinois' favor. And don't forget that they're playing for their coach who lost his mother a couple of weeks ago. They're past the 4 minute TVTO. And Illinois just isn't giving 'Zona anything easy. Not consistently anyway.

MORE: Halftime is almost over.

AND I'M BACK: Sporadically, I would guess. 'Zona by 5, 49-44. This looks to go down to the wire.

4 TO GO: Arizona has a 15 point lead. I must admit I'm a bit shocked. A 3 cuts the lead to 12 but Salim Stoudemire (sp?) keeps getting the 'Cats good looks. And Illinois is fouling in the low post. Nobody else has been able to expose Illinois' frontcourt. Perhaps SS is getting them looks because Illinois' guards can't stay in front of him to create ball pressure. But then I don't know. I've been periodically flipping to HBO to watch Angelina Jolie. 'Cause I can.

3 TO GO: The number one #1 isn't quitting. Dee Brown with a rebound and putback to slice the lead to 9. The block with just under 2 to go was huge. Steal and Luther Head gets an easy one. 77-70 and a TO on the floor.

HOLY COW!!: A couple of steals and Illinois ties the game at 80. TO Arizona with 31.2 to play. I guess this explains why Illinois has only lost one game all year. Goodness!! Could we get two overtime games today? Yep, we can!!

And the overtime begins. Click to see what I've typed.


Tomorrow will have a hard time matching today. I don't really truly care about these games but it's high quality, high energy stuff.

What with the back and with the forth this game is fun. Great energy from both sides on the defense end. But especially from Illinois. These guys are stealing the ball and the crowd is going nuts for them. The Illini had a 90-84 lead after another Luther Head steal but 'Zona gets a lay. And1. (Bill Murray in the stands looking pensive.)

1:11 TO GO: Frye blocks the ball OOB. And finally Williams (IL) misses. Great offensive rebound of the SS miss. Layup cuts the lead to 90-89. These guys are tired!! Rest on Monday fellas.

LAST POSSESSION: In the next to last possession Luther Head couldn't beat his man off the dribble so the lead stayed at 1. Now 'Zona has a chance to hit the last shot for the win. SS will likely get the ball in hopes of a repeat of the AZ-OSU matchup. Deep. Breath.

WTF?: That was a terrible last possession for AZ. So Illinois advances. Whew!!

Can Carolina become the other #1 seed to advance to St. Louis? We'll know tomorrow.

WVU versus Louisville

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It is the ACC BasketBlog. But then let's fact it: There's only one game right now. And WVU is winning it. The problem I have with the way WVU has played is that they didn't finish the game in the first half. It was theirs for the taking if they'd've just had one more defensive stop or one more offensive rebound. But they've let Louisville hang around. So now with 6:41 to play it's a 10 point WVU lead that may not be enough. At this point in the Tournament you have to put opponents away. (Of course banking 25 footers helps the cause!!)

MEANWHILE: Maryland will be playing at MSG for a chance to win a national title. Good on ya, Terrapins. I guess that means mid-majors still fear the Turtle.

CONCLUSION: 3:47 to play and we get a TVTO. 3 point West Virginia lead and Garcia is gone due to fouls. Lead cut to one but then Pittsnogle (I now realize there is only one 'g'.) bounces a three off front rim... straight up... and in. REEEE---Diculous. Tied with 38.2 to play. 77-77. The shot clock is still running. Block. Missed jumper by Dean. And they're going to OverTime!! I think WVU's already done the OT thing.

Click to read the OT coverage.


OT BEGINS: Back and forth and it's now tied at 82. This is what NCAA basketball is supposed to be. The heart. The hustle. The love shown a teammate. The respect shown an opponent.
/waxing philosophic.

MORE: So now Louisville has a 5 point lead and is shooting FTs. It appears to be over with 1:05 to go. If WVU loses they have only themselves to blame. They had control of the game early. All the emotion and a comfortable lead. But they let Louisville keep it close enough at the end of the first half. One FT good. Then a big block by Louisville. It seems like the 20 point comeback is complete with 51.4 to play.

It's tough to watch a gritty team like WVU lose. The BasketBlog hopes Louisville appreciates the moment.

Will they play Arizona or Illinois next Saturday? We'll know in a bit.

The Daily Roundup: Saturday

The Weekend Bloggers
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Is there anybody who does it better than the BigTenWonk? Well, maybe the Basketblog, but of course we would say that. Excellent breakdown of last nights games. Go get it!

Things a State fan must not say from StateFansNation. Go get it!!

The value of a missed shot by Ken Pomeroy. Go get it!!!

YoCo brings you the best info on the coaching searches currently underway in the College Basketball universe. Go get it!!!!

From Blathering, we ring you "Once point from miserable failure."

Finally, if you haven't seen Dummocrats, this is a great way to pick our winners in the Dance next year. This is a keeper. Go get it!!!!!!

The Headlines
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Fortunate UNC left to carry ACC Flag. Really, it couldn't have gotten any closer to an L.

Bob Forde of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that the 'Cats almost put the breaks on the fast Heels.

Even in defeat, Rich Hoffman of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that last nights game was a memory maker.

McCants making plays on both sides of the ball. The Heels need it.

NC State lets the season slip away but this SportsPundit is a Julius Hodge convert

On leaving the court he said his thoughts were these:"I was just thinking there is no reason for me to hang my head," he said. "I did all I possibly can in my four years at N.C. State. It has been great for me, great learning experiences, and good times, bad times, but throughout it all, we were always together as a team. We gave it our all. We played until our jerseys were soaked, our legs were sore and we were exhausted."And we played hard, and that's all you can do in the end."

Frank Dascenzo says that Duke was finally out hustled and out hassled.

Duke finally overmatched and in the end, comes up short against the Spartans.

Lenox Rawlings says that old mistakes and habits die hard for the Pack.

Tim Cowlishaw on Izzo finally catching up with Coach K.

Very nice read by Kevin Blackistone on Louisville freshman Juan Palacios and his life changing experience.

Michael Wilbon says that Arizona shooting guard Staudamire is the real deal and now, we all know it.