MCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Game 208 - (10) Syracuse vs. (1) Virginia
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at United Center in Chicago, IL
TBS
I didn't think Syracuse deserved to even be an at-large team, and now the 10th-best team in the ACC is headed to the final four.
The path was a bit easier for the Orangemen, who were fortunate to avoid No. 2 Michigan State in the round of 32 and No. 3 Utah in the Sweet 16, but they were still an 11 seed that came back to beat Gonzaga in the regional semifinal, then erased a 16-point lead in the final nine minutes to stun top seed Virginia 68-62.
Also, after the game ended Kevin Harlan said "Syracuse, back from the dead on Easter Sunday", so we can't let him get away with that.
March 27 at United Center in Chicago, IL
TBS
I didn't think Syracuse deserved to even be an at-large team, and now the 10th-best team in the ACC is headed to the final four.
The path was a bit easier for the Orangemen, who were fortunate to avoid No. 2 Michigan State in the round of 32 and No. 3 Utah in the Sweet 16, but they were still an 11 seed that came back to beat Gonzaga in the regional semifinal, then erased a 16-point lead in the final nine minutes to stun top seed Virginia 68-62.
Also, after the game ended Kevin Harlan said "Syracuse, back from the dead on Easter Sunday", so we can't let him get away with that.
Game 207 - (7) Tennessee women vs. (4) Syracuse
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD
ESPN
Syracuse point guard Alexis Peterson is always fun to watch and she was fantastic Sunday (29 points, six assists), leading her team to an 89-67 victory and the school's first trip to the final four.
This is the first of what will become many seasons of closely following the womens tournament, so I don't have a ton of knowledge of past years. I'm still going to guess this has been the craziest in history:
1. There were a pair of 4 vs. 7 regional finals (Washington, Syracuse's semifinal opponent upset fourth-seeded Stanford to also reach the final four for the first time).
2. Top seeds Notre Dame and South Carolina were heavy favorites to the get to Indianapolis, but were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Stanford & Syracuse, respectively.
3. A pair of No. 2 seeds (Arizona State & Maryland) were knocked out in the round of 32.
And this all happened on one side of the bracket.
* It was a big day for the Scoochie Smith All Stars as well. We'd like to officially welcome Syracuse's Isabella Slim to the team and make her a tri-captain.
March 27 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD
ESPN
Syracuse point guard Alexis Peterson is always fun to watch and she was fantastic Sunday (29 points, six assists), leading her team to an 89-67 victory and the school's first trip to the final four.
This is the first of what will become many seasons of closely following the womens tournament, so I don't have a ton of knowledge of past years. I'm still going to guess this has been the craziest in history:
1. There were a pair of 4 vs. 7 regional finals (Washington, Syracuse's semifinal opponent upset fourth-seeded Stanford to also reach the final four for the first time).
2. Top seeds Notre Dame and South Carolina were heavy favorites to the get to Indianapolis, but were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Stanford & Syracuse, respectively.
3. A pair of No. 2 seeds (Arizona State & Maryland) were knocked out in the round of 32.
And this all happened on one side of the bracket.
* It was a big day for the Scoochie Smith All Stars as well. We'd like to officially welcome Syracuse's Isabella Slim to the team and make her a tri-captain.
Game 206 - (2) Villanova vs. (1) Kansas
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
March 26 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Games 204 & 205: Final 4 & 1 more step
205 - (2) Oklahoma vs. (1) Oregon
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim. CA
CBS
204 - (5) Florida State women vs. (1) Baylor
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 26 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
ESPN
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim. CA
CBS
204 - (5) Florida State women vs. (1) Baylor
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 26 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
ESPN
Game 203 - (5) Indiana vs. (1) North Carolina
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 25 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Not sure how much more we're going to hear from Steve Smith this season, so I thought it was important to once more count how many times he says the word "basketball".
Steve(ph?)en...
First half: said 17 times
Second half: said 9 times
Total: 26
Notable "basketballs"
"Throwing the basketball ahead"
"He's putting the basketball close to your shoulder"
"Yogi could've gotten the basketball"
Other game watched:
(11) Gonzaga vs. (10) Syracuse
(4) Stanford women vs. (1) Notre Dame
March 25 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Not sure how much more we're going to hear from Steve Smith this season, so I thought it was important to once more count how many times he says the word "basketball".
Steve(ph?)en...
First half: said 17 times
Second half: said 9 times
Total: 26
Notable "basketballs"
"Throwing the basketball ahead"
"He's putting the basketball close to your shoulder"
"Yogi could've gotten the basketball"
Other game watched:
(11) Gonzaga vs. (10) Syracuse
(4) Stanford women vs. (1) Notre Dame
Game 202 - (7) Washington women vs. (3) Kentucky
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 25 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
ESPN
The remarkable run for the Huskies continued Friday night.
All American Kelsey Plum scored 23 points and handed out seven assists, while Chantel Osahor was fantastic (19 points, 17 rebounds, five assists). Still, the story of the night was Talia Walton.
The redshirt-senior scored 30 points on 14-of-25 shooting and Kentucky's defense, which allowed nearly 50 percent shooting overall, had no answer for her. She used the baseline like it was a comfortable spot in her driveway, often using pretty fadeaway or pull up jumpers as the seventh-seeded Huskies won 85-72.
Washington has now defeated No. 2 Maryland in the round of 32 and the third-seeded Wildcats, who absurdly were playing a regional semifinal game in Lexington (University of Kentucky location, main campus: Lexington) despite the fact that Maryland also resided in the region.
Another amazing thing about Washington, headed to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2001, is that it basically played with five players. The starters (the big three + Alexus Atchley and Katie Collier) were all on the court for what seemed like the entire 40 minutes. Two reserves got a total of a few minutes of action.
Other game watched:
(7) Wisconsin men vs. (6) Notre Dame
March 25 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
ESPN
The remarkable run for the Huskies continued Friday night.
All American Kelsey Plum scored 23 points and handed out seven assists, while Chantel Osahor was fantastic (19 points, 17 rebounds, five assists). Still, the story of the night was Talia Walton.
The redshirt-senior scored 30 points on 14-of-25 shooting and Kentucky's defense, which allowed nearly 50 percent shooting overall, had no answer for her. She used the baseline like it was a comfortable spot in her driveway, often using pretty fadeaway or pull up jumpers as the seventh-seeded Huskies won 85-72.
Washington has now defeated No. 2 Maryland in the round of 32 and the third-seeded Wildcats, who absurdly were playing a regional semifinal game in Lexington (University of Kentucky location, main campus: Lexington) despite the fact that Maryland also resided in the region.
Another amazing thing about Washington, headed to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2001, is that it basically played with five players. The starters (the big three + Alexus Atchley and Katie Collier) were all on the court for what seemed like the entire 40 minutes. Two reserves got a total of a few minutes of action.
Other game watched:
(7) Wisconsin men vs. (6) Notre Dame
Game 201 - (4) Duke vs. (1) Oregon
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 24 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
TBS
Other game watched:
(5) Maryland vs. (1) Kansas
March 24 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
TBS
Other game watched:
(5) Maryland vs. (1) Kansas
Game 200 - (3) Miami vs. (2) Villanova
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 24 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Our 200th game turned into a night of counting how many times Grant Hill called Bill Raftery "Coach", which to me seems fitting.
Total times said: 24
First half: 14
Notable: "He's the x-factor, Coach"
Second half: 10
Notable: "They keep getting better, Coach"
It was also important to note when (certainly not "if") the announcing crew mentioned for the first time
* Jay Wright's attire/looks - 4:34 left in second half (wow! that's late) (and sadly no one said "GQ Jay", which I think if left out of a Villanova broadcast is now a $140 fine)
* The Masters - 5:31 left in first half
* How lucky Jim Nantz is to be announcing the Masters - midway through second half
* The complete nonsense term "dribble drive" - 11:00 left in second half
Other game watched:
(3) Texas A&M vs. (2) Oklahoma
March 24 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Our 200th game turned into a night of counting how many times Grant Hill called Bill Raftery "Coach", which to me seems fitting.
Total times said: 24
First half: 14
Notable: "He's the x-factor, Coach"
Second half: 10
Notable: "They keep getting better, Coach"
It was also important to note when (certainly not "if") the announcing crew mentioned for the first time
* Jay Wright's attire/looks - 4:34 left in second half (wow! that's late) (and sadly no one said "GQ Jay", which I think if left out of a Villanova broadcast is now a $140 fine)
* The Masters - 5:31 left in first half
* How lucky Jim Nantz is to be announcing the Masters - midway through second half
* The complete nonsense term "dribble drive" - 11:00 left in second half
Other game watched:
(3) Texas A&M vs. (2) Oklahoma
Game 199 - Georgia Tech at San Diego State
NIT quarterfinals
March 23 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Just a quick message from commentator Sean Farnham:
"The student section is the lifeline to the energy of the building."
Wow!
March 23 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Just a quick message from commentator Sean Farnham:
"The student section is the lifeline to the energy of the building."
Wow!
Game 198 - (9) Duquesne women at (1) Connecticut
NCAA tournament second round
March 21 at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT
ESPN2
Well, that certainly got out of hand in a hurry.
Duquesne trailed by just three early in the second quarter, but went 1-for-18 from the field at one stretch during the opening half and the Huskies cruised to a 97-51 victory.
That's 71 consecutive wins for Connecticut.
Breanna Stewart was already a phenomenal player before Monday WHEN SHE BLOCKED THREE SHOTS ON THE SAME POSSESSION. Stewart, one of three Huskies with at least 20 points, blocked two in the paint, then the third came on the perimeter as the shot clocked expired. One of the greatest single-possession defensive achievements I've ever witnessed.
Other games watched:
(5) Florida State vs. (4) Texas A&M
(7) Washington vs. (2) Maryland
March 21 at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT
ESPN2
Well, that certainly got out of hand in a hurry.
Duquesne trailed by just three early in the second quarter, but went 1-for-18 from the field at one stretch during the opening half and the Huskies cruised to a 97-51 victory.
That's 71 consecutive wins for Connecticut.
Breanna Stewart was already a phenomenal player before Monday WHEN SHE BLOCKED THREE SHOTS ON THE SAME POSSESSION. Stewart, one of three Huskies with at least 20 points, blocked two in the paint, then the third came on the perimeter as the shot clocked expired. One of the greatest single-possession defensive achievements I've ever witnessed.
Other games watched:
(5) Florida State vs. (4) Texas A&M
(7) Washington vs. (2) Maryland
Game 197 - (7) Tennessee women at (2) Arizona State
NCAA tournament second round
March 20 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, AZ
ESPN
Other games watched:
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (3) Texas A&M (mens)
(8) St. Joseph's vs. (1) Oregon (mens)
March 20 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, AZ
ESPN
Other games watched:
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (3) Texas A&M (mens)
(8) St. Joseph's vs. (1) Oregon (mens)
Game 196 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (6) Notre Dame
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
Mute mix
Fair/Selfish, Cold and Composed - Ben Folds Five
Soul Love/Moonage Daydream/Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Summertime/Body and Soul - John Coltrane
All the Way from Memphis/Whizz Kid - Mott the Hoople
I Know/Dogs Got a Bone - Beta Band
It Ain't Necessarily So/When Malindy Sings - Freddie Roach
11:59/In the Flesh/Denis - Blondie
Back in my Arms Again/My World is Empty Without You - Supremes
Standing Outside the Fire/Rodeo - Garth Brooks
Coming For You/Chained To You - Von Grey
Going to California/When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
West County/Nemo's Dream/Bonnie & Slyde - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Other games watched:
(6) West Virginia women at (3) Ohio State
(6) DePaul women at (3) Louisville
(10) VCU vs. (2) Oklahoma
March 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
Mute mix
Fair/Selfish, Cold and Composed - Ben Folds Five
Soul Love/Moonage Daydream/Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Summertime/Body and Soul - John Coltrane
All the Way from Memphis/Whizz Kid - Mott the Hoople
I Know/Dogs Got a Bone - Beta Band
It Ain't Necessarily So/When Malindy Sings - Freddie Roach
11:59/In the Flesh/Denis - Blondie
Back in my Arms Again/My World is Empty Without You - Supremes
Standing Outside the Fire/Rodeo - Garth Brooks
Coming For You/Chained To You - Von Grey
Going to California/When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
West County/Nemo's Dream/Bonnie & Slyde - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Other games watched:
(6) West Virginia women at (3) Ohio State
(6) DePaul women at (3) Louisville
(10) VCU vs. (2) Oklahoma
Game 195 - (13) San Francisco women at (4) Stanford
NCAA tournament first round
March 19 at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, CA
ESPN2
This one got out of hand towards the end of the first half and into the second (Stanford won 85-58) so some Connecticut talk started.
Here's commentator Mary Murphy on how to beat the three-time national champion Huskies, who won their 70th consecutive game in Saturday's first round:
"You have to play very, very well."
Thanks, Mary.
Other games watched:
(9) Providence vs. (1) North Carolina (mens)
March 19 at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, CA
ESPN2
This one got out of hand towards the end of the first half and into the second (Stanford won 85-58) so some Connecticut talk started.
Here's commentator Mary Murphy on how to beat the three-time national champion Huskies, who won their 70th consecutive game in Saturday's first round:
"You have to play very, very well."
Thanks, Mary.
Other games watched:
(9) Providence vs. (1) North Carolina (mens)
Game 194 - (9) Butler vs. (1) Virginia
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
March 19 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Game 193 - (5) Indiana vs. (4) Kentucky
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
CBS
Tyler Ulis was great for Kentucky - 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but unfortunately for the Wildcats he didn't get nearly enough help in a 73-67 loss.
Indiana, which will play in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012-13, was excellent in its two-point shooting, making 19-of-31 from inside the arc. Thomas Bryant had 19 points and Yogi Ferrell added 18.
It's been some turnaround for Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. Crean went 28-66 in his first three seasons in Bloomington, but is 120-52 in his past five seasons, which now includes three Sweet 16 appearances.
March 19 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
CBS
Tyler Ulis was great for Kentucky - 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but unfortunately for the Wildcats he didn't get nearly enough help in a 73-67 loss.
Indiana, which will play in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012-13, was excellent in its two-point shooting, making 19-of-31 from inside the arc. Thomas Bryant had 19 points and Yogi Ferrell added 18.
It's been some turnaround for Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. Crean went 28-66 in his first three seasons in Bloomington, but is 120-52 in his past five seasons, which now includes three Sweet 16 appearances.
Games 191-192: Tourney rolls on
192 - (12) Yale vs. (4) Duke
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
A nice, solid group of basketball phrases & general nonsense from the broadcast team during this 71-64 Duke win:
"Skill set"
"Leave it out here on the floor"
"Got his hand in the cookie jar"
"Feathery touch"
"Dribble drive"
"Taking the air out of the ball" (said twice)
"You have to believe in yourself"
191 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
After this 70-56 win by Stephen F. Austin (and with No. 11 seed Northern Iowa knocking off sixth-seeded Texas late Friday), eight teams seeded 10th or lower won first-round games.
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
A nice, solid group of basketball phrases & general nonsense from the broadcast team during this 71-64 Duke win:
"Skill set"
"Leave it out here on the floor"
"Got his hand in the cookie jar"
"Feathery touch"
"Dribble drive"
"Taking the air out of the ball" (said twice)
"You have to believe in yourself"
191 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
After this 70-56 win by Stephen F. Austin (and with No. 11 seed Northern Iowa knocking off sixth-seeded Texas late Friday), eight teams seeded 10th or lower won first-round games.
Game 190 - (15) Middle Tennessee vs. (2) Michigan State
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
Other games watched:
(15) Cal State Bakersfield vs. (2) Oklahoma
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
Other games watched:
(15) Cal State Bakersfield vs. (2) Oklahoma
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
Games 188-189: High seeds fall
NCAA Tournament second round
189 - (13) Hawaii vs. (4) California
March 18 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA
TBS
The Pac 12 ladies and gentleman!
That's five teams from the conference (Cal, Arizona, Oregon State, USC & Colorado) already eliminated from the tournament.
188 - (10) Syracuse vs. (7) Dayton
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
A lower seed - Syracuse - winning 70-51 and a Steve Smith "basketball" count. What a way to start the day.
First half: said eight times
Second half: 9
Total: 17
Notable
"That's a good basketball play."
Thanks, Steve!
"High basketball IQ play."
"Comfortable with the basketball."
Other games watched:
(10) VCU vs. (7) Oregon State
(15) UNC Asheville vs. (2) Villanova
March 18 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA
TBS
The Pac 12 ladies and gentleman!
That's five teams from the conference (Cal, Arizona, Oregon State, USC & Colorado) already eliminated from the tournament.
188 - (10) Syracuse vs. (7) Dayton
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
A lower seed - Syracuse - winning 70-51 and a Steve Smith "basketball" count. What a way to start the day.
First half: said eight times
Second half: 9
Total: 17
Notable
"That's a good basketball play."
Thanks, Steve!
"High basketball IQ play."
"Comfortable with the basketball."
Other games watched:
(10) VCU vs. (7) Oregon State
(15) UNC Asheville vs. (2) Villanova
Game 187 - (11) Gonzaga vs. (6) Seton Hall
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
TruTV
Steve Lappas:
"What do they say, 'who brings you to the dance'?"
No. That's not what they say.
Other games watched:
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(9) Providence vs. (8) USC
March 17 at Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
TruTV
Steve Lappas:
"What do they say, 'who brings you to the dance'?"
No. That's not what they say.
Other games watched:
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(9) Providence vs. (8) USC
Game 186 - (16) Florida Gulf Coast vs. (1) North Carolina
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Florida Gulf Coast was down just 41-40 at halftime, but during the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half were out-scored 25-6 and Carolina won 83-67.
Still waiting on that first No. 16 over a No. 1.
Let's take a quick look at some Reggie Miller Nonsense from this game and Virginia-Hampton from earlier in the day:
"Loosey goosey"
"Playing with house money"
"Human pogo stick"
"Keep your head on a swivel"
Other games watched:
(14) Buffalo vs. (3) Miami
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
March 17 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Florida Gulf Coast was down just 41-40 at halftime, but during the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half were out-scored 25-6 and Carolina won 83-67.
Still waiting on that first No. 16 over a No. 1.
Let's take a quick look at some Reggie Miller Nonsense from this game and Virginia-Hampton from earlier in the day:
"Loosey goosey"
"Playing with house money"
"Human pogo stick"
"Keep your head on a swivel"
Other games watched:
(14) Buffalo vs. (3) Miami
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
Game 185 - (12) Yale vs. (5) Baylor
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
Other games watched:
(16) Austin Peay vs. (1) Kansas
(12) Arkansas Little Rock vs. (5) Purdue
(16) Hampton vs. (1) Virginia
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
Other games watched:
(16) Austin Peay vs. (1) Kansas
(12) Arkansas Little Rock vs. (5) Purdue
(16) Hampton vs. (1) Virginia
Games 183-184: Day 1
NCAA Tournament second round
184 - (9) Connecticut vs. (8) Colorado
March 17 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
TNT
183 - (13) UNC Wilmington vs. (4) Duke
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
We opened my favorite day of the NCAA Tournament with a "Coach K" count of seven, though just two came after halftime in Duke's 93-85 win in the West Region.
I expected much more from this announcing team & in particular, Chris Webber.
Luckily, Ian Eagle provided the first of what I'm hoping is dozens of ridiculous sentences over the next few weeks:
"Plumlee, the plumber, with the flush!"
Other games watched:
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
184 - (9) Connecticut vs. (8) Colorado
March 17 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
TNT
183 - (13) UNC Wilmington vs. (4) Duke
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
We opened my favorite day of the NCAA Tournament with a "Coach K" count of seven, though just two came after halftime in Duke's 93-85 win in the West Region.
I expected much more from this announcing team & in particular, Chris Webber.
Luckily, Ian Eagle provided the first of what I'm hoping is dozens of ridiculous sentences over the next few weeks:
"Plumlee, the plumber, with the flush!"
Other games watched:
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
Game 182 - (11) Tulsa vs. (11) Michigan
NCAA Tournament first four
March 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Pardon me, Mike Gminski?
On Tulsa: "they just run downhill at you."
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Tulsa freshman guard Sterling Taplin
March 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Pardon me, Mike Gminski?
On Tulsa: "they just run downhill at you."
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Tulsa freshman guard Sterling Taplin
Game 181 - (11) Wichita State vs. (11) Vanderbilt
NCAA Tournament First Four
March 15 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Riley LaChance hit a jumper with 8:42 that got Vanderbilt to within 50-48 and it seemed like we were headed for a great finish. Instead, that turned out to be the Commodores' last field goal of the night in a 70-50 loss.
Vandy missed its final 13 shots (not that they excelled from the free-throw line down the stretch either: 2-for-5) and Wichita State will play No. 6 seed Arizona Thursday in Providence.
Wichita had a 16-0 run stretched out over the end of the first half and beginning of the second and led 41-30 at one point. Nice job by Vandy to get within two, but the Commodores disappeared over the final nine minutes.
Once again, Wichita looks like a dangerous tournament team, though the possibility of an Arizona/Miami combination of opponents to get to the Sweet 16 seems daunting.
There's a good chance that's the final time I use the word "daunting".
March 15 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Riley LaChance hit a jumper with 8:42 that got Vanderbilt to within 50-48 and it seemed like we were headed for a great finish. Instead, that turned out to be the Commodores' last field goal of the night in a 70-50 loss.
Vandy missed its final 13 shots (not that they excelled from the free-throw line down the stretch either: 2-for-5) and Wichita State will play No. 6 seed Arizona Thursday in Providence.
Wichita had a 16-0 run stretched out over the end of the first half and beginning of the second and led 41-30 at one point. Nice job by Vandy to get within two, but the Commodores disappeared over the final nine minutes.
Once again, Wichita looks like a dangerous tournament team, though the possibility of an Arizona/Miami combination of opponents to get to the Sweet 16 seems daunting.
There's a good chance that's the final time I use the word "daunting".
Game 180 - (3) Missouri State women vs. (1) Northern Iowa
Missouri Valley championship
March 13 at IWireless Center in Moline, IL
espn3.com
March 13 at IWireless Center in Moline, IL
espn3.com
Games 177-179: Championships won
179 - (3) Seton Hall vs. (1) Villanova
March 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Fox Sports 1
178 - (2) Virginia vs. (1) North Carolina
March 12 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
177 - (4) Troy women vs. (2) Little Rock
March 12 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
March 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Fox Sports 1
178 - (2) Virginia vs. (1) North Carolina
March 12 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
177 - (4) Troy women vs. (2) Little Rock
March 12 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
Game 176 - (3) Vermont at (1) Stony Brook
America East championship
March 12 at USB Sports Complex in Stony Brook, NY
ESPN
Stony Brook had never been to the NCAA Tournament and it looked like that drought would continue on Saturday morning.
Vermont led 48-33 about five minutes into the second half and you could hear a seawolf drop onto a catamount.
But Jameel Warney was absolutely fantastic. The senior scored 43 points - 23 of which came over the final 15 minutes - on 18-of-22 shooting, and sent the Seawolves to the NCAAs for the first time in school history.
I don't know much about translating college size into NBA size, but Warney is 6-8, 260, so small forward? He's already got an NBA post game that continues to develop and is also an excellent defender (America East DPOY). Before he graduates to the pros, though, Worley certainly gives the new America East champions (maybe a 14-seed?) a shot at a first-round upset.
March 12 at USB Sports Complex in Stony Brook, NY
ESPN
Stony Brook had never been to the NCAA Tournament and it looked like that drought would continue on Saturday morning.
Vermont led 48-33 about five minutes into the second half and you could hear a seawolf drop onto a catamount.
But Jameel Warney was absolutely fantastic. The senior scored 43 points - 23 of which came over the final 15 minutes - on 18-of-22 shooting, and sent the Seawolves to the NCAAs for the first time in school history.
I don't know much about translating college size into NBA size, but Warney is 6-8, 260, so small forward? He's already got an NBA post game that continues to develop and is also an excellent defender (America East DPOY). Before he graduates to the pros, though, Worley certainly gives the new America East champions (maybe a 14-seed?) a shot at a first-round upset.
Games 174-175 - Finding two finalists
175 - (3) Long Beach State vs. (2) Cal Irvine
174 - (4) UCSB vs. (1) Hawaii
Big West semifinals
March 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
ESPNU
174 - (4) UCSB vs. (1) Hawaii
Big West semifinals
March 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
ESPNU
Game 173 - (5) Connecticut vs. (4) Cincinnati
American quarterfinals
March 11 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL
ESPN
Not too often do I find myself agreeing with something Mike Patrick says. I don't have anything against him as an announcer, just never remember saying "you know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!"
But at some point during the third overtime of this ridiculous, four-OT classic won by Connecticut 104-97, Patrick said "this has been special."
You know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!
Just the end of the third overtime by itself would've made this game extremely memorable: Cincinnati snaps a tie with an Octavius Ellis offensive rebound kick out to Kevin Johnson for a go-ahead 3-pointer with .8 seconds left, then Jalen Adams banked in an absurd, running three from about 60 feet to send it to the fourth OT.
(Real quick - was just double-checking some things on the play-by-play and Cincinnati's web site has instead of Adams (jersey #2) hitting the 3-pointer it's Briana Pulido, who wears #2 on the women's team. The Connecticut women are so good they are contributing to victories by the men's team!)
Cincinnati's Troy Caupain was outstanding (37 points in a ridiculous 56 minutes), the Connecticut duo of Adams (22 points, 8-for-16 FG) and Daniel Hamilton (32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists with only one turnover in 55 minutes) were fantastic. So many big shots and defensive stops. It was a pleasure to watch & easily the best of our first 173 games.
March 11 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL
ESPN
Not too often do I find myself agreeing with something Mike Patrick says. I don't have anything against him as an announcer, just never remember saying "you know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!"
But at some point during the third overtime of this ridiculous, four-OT classic won by Connecticut 104-97, Patrick said "this has been special."
You know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!
Just the end of the third overtime by itself would've made this game extremely memorable: Cincinnati snaps a tie with an Octavius Ellis offensive rebound kick out to Kevin Johnson for a go-ahead 3-pointer with .8 seconds left, then Jalen Adams banked in an absurd, running three from about 60 feet to send it to the fourth OT.
(Real quick - was just double-checking some things on the play-by-play and Cincinnati's web site has instead of Adams (jersey #2) hitting the 3-pointer it's Briana Pulido, who wears #2 on the women's team. The Connecticut women are so good they are contributing to victories by the men's team!)
Cincinnati's Troy Caupain was outstanding (37 points in a ridiculous 56 minutes), the Connecticut duo of Adams (22 points, 8-for-16 FG) and Daniel Hamilton (32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists with only one turnover in 55 minutes) were fantastic. So many big shots and defensive stops. It was a pleasure to watch & easily the best of our first 173 games.
Game 172 - (8) Michigan vs. (1) Indiana
Big 10 quarterfinals
March 11 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
It must be at any point in the Earth's history because Indiana lost early in the Big 10 Tournament.
Kameron Chatman drained a 3-pointer in the corner with .2 seconds left and Michigan stunned the top-seed Hoosiers 72-69.
Chatman's three was the 18th and final lead change (also 11 ties) in a back-and-forth game that may have put Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Indiana's league tournament woes continue as the loss dropped them to 11-19 all-time in the event and just 4-10 in the last 10 tournaments.
* Derrick Walton picked up his 12th assist on Chatman's shot, which set the single-game tournament record.
* Let's get a few quick Basketball Phrases:
"Help side fundamentals/random nonsense"
"Bracketology"
"Sit at the big boy table"
"Stretch five"
"Screen the screener"
"Use it or lose it timeout"
"Elephant in the room"
"Glue players"
March 11 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
It must be at any point in the Earth's history because Indiana lost early in the Big 10 Tournament.
Kameron Chatman drained a 3-pointer in the corner with .2 seconds left and Michigan stunned the top-seed Hoosiers 72-69.
Chatman's three was the 18th and final lead change (also 11 ties) in a back-and-forth game that may have put Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Indiana's league tournament woes continue as the loss dropped them to 11-19 all-time in the event and just 4-10 in the last 10 tournaments.
* Derrick Walton picked up his 12th assist on Chatman's shot, which set the single-game tournament record.
* Let's get a few quick Basketball Phrases:
"Help side fundamentals/random nonsense"
"Bracketology"
"Sit at the big boy table"
"Stretch five"
"Screen the screener"
"Use it or lose it timeout"
"Elephant in the room"
"Glue players"
Game 171 - (6) Georgia State vs. (7) Texas State
Sun Belt first round
March 10 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
March 10 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
Game 170 - (10) Georgia Tech vs. (2) Virginia
ACC quarterfinals
March 10 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
March 10 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Games 168-169: MAC doubleheader
MAC quarterfinals
169 - (12) Bowling Green vs. (4) Central Michigan
168 - (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Akron
March 10 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
espn3.com
One of my favorite parts of this pair of MAC games - won by Akron and Bowling Green by a combined five points - was the sponsor: visitmyrtlebeach.com.
168 - (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Akron
March 10 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
espn3.com
One of my favorite parts of this pair of MAC games - won by Akron and Bowling Green by a combined five points - was the sponsor: visitmyrtlebeach.com.
Game 167 - (11) Florida State vs. (6) Virginia Tech
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Dan Shulman is one of the top play-by-play men around and Jay Bilas just knows a ton of basketball.
But I still had to count some of the silly things they said during this 96-85 Virginia Tech win. Let's take a look:
"Activity level" - said four times
"Paint touch(es)" - (7)
"Leaking out" - (2)
"Body seeking" - (1)
"Bouncy" - (1)
"Energy" - (6)
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Dan Shulman is one of the top play-by-play men around and Jay Bilas just knows a ton of basketball.
But I still had to count some of the silly things they said during this 96-85 Virginia Tech win. Let's take a look:
"Activity level" - said four times
"Paint touch(es)" - (7)
"Leaking out" - (2)
"Body seeking" - (1)
"Bouncy" - (1)
"Energy" - (6)
Games 165-166 - Early afternoon hoops
166 - (7) Florida A&M women vs. (2) North Carolina A&T
MEAC quarterfinals
March 9 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
165 - (9) Syracuse vs. (8) Pittsburgh
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
MEAC quarterfinals
March 9 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
165 - (9) Syracuse vs. (8) Pittsburgh
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Game 164 - (7) Cal State Northridge women vs. (6) Cal Poly
Big West first round
March 8 at Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA
espn3.com
Conference tournament season has brought out the best in the Scoochie Smith All Stars. Seems like we add at least one new member each day.
Please welcome Cal Poly freshman guard Breezi Holt.
March 8 at Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA
espn3.com
Conference tournament season has brought out the best in the Scoochie Smith All Stars. Seems like we add at least one new member each day.
Please welcome Cal Poly freshman guard Breezi Holt.
Game 163 - (2) Fairleigh Dickinson at (1) Wagner
Northeast championship
March 8 at Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, NY
ESPN
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Fairleigh Dickinson freshman guard Stephan Jiggetts
The team
March 8 at Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, NY
ESPN
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Fairleigh Dickinson freshman guard Stephan Jiggetts
The team
Game 162 - (13) Wake Forest vs. (12) N.C. State
ACC first round
March 8 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
It was nice to go from Musberger/Fraschilla to real announcers just a few short hours later.
Doris Burke is one of ESPN's best analysts and Sean McDonough is a really good play-by-play man and has been for a long time.
Let's do a comparision to see which DUO comes out on top:
Category No. 1: actually are good announcers
Burke/McDonough (1-0)
2: provide information/analysis instead of old anecdotes/cliches & high school/prep school-name-dropping
Burke/McDonough (up 2-0)
3: actual sense of humor
Burke/McDonough (3-0)
4: mentions gambling and/or point spreads during broadcasts
Musberger/Fraschilla (3-1)
5: not sexist
Burke/McDonough (4-1)
"Well you know, the total was 157!"
- fake Brent Musberger quote
March 8 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
It was nice to go from Musberger/Fraschilla to real announcers just a few short hours later.
Doris Burke is one of ESPN's best analysts and Sean McDonough is a really good play-by-play man and has been for a long time.
Let's do a comparision to see which DUO comes out on top:
Category No. 1: actually are good announcers
Burke/McDonough (1-0)
2: provide information/analysis instead of old anecdotes/cliches & high school/prep school-name-dropping
Burke/McDonough (up 2-0)
3: actual sense of humor
Burke/McDonough (3-0)
4: mentions gambling and/or point spreads during broadcasts
Musberger/Fraschilla (3-1)
5: not sexist
Burke/McDonough (4-1)
"Well you know, the total was 157!"
- fake Brent Musberger quote
Game 161 - (3) BYU vs. (2) Gonzaga
West Coast semifinals
March 7 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
About midway through the first half, play-by-play old man Brent Musberger started talking about how BYU's Kyle Collinsworth learned fluent Russian. Right after the 'n' in Russian is when the idiocy began.
Fran Fraschilla, are you available for (a stupid) comment?
"Well, you know the saying - if you know three languages, you're trilingual, if you know two languages, you're bilingual and if you know one, you're American."
Idiot Brent Musberger (new full legal name): "ain't that the truth."
It's hard to find the words to respond.
Hang on, let me look again
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP.
Now, I know that response was only in one language and I am (American), but Musberger pulled off a rare/historic feat with this exchange. He managed to make the response even stupider than the original statement. I didn't think that was possible.
Also:
I would bet my Fran Fraschilla Coaching Clinic - June 8, 1992 - VHS (retail value: 7 popcorn kernels) there are at least several million people in this country who can speak more than one language. And let's not forget the millions of people here from other countries who have no doubt LEARNED ENGLISH.
IDIOT UPDATE
Musberger strikes yet again in the second half. When talking about watching Jennifer Azzi coach the San Francisco women's team into the WCC final:
"And she did a great job, Fran. It was a boy's coaching job."
And that's when you put the mute on and get rid of these sexist (Musberger), ignorant old men.
March 7 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
About midway through the first half, play-by-play old man Brent Musberger started talking about how BYU's Kyle Collinsworth learned fluent Russian. Right after the 'n' in Russian is when the idiocy began.
Fran Fraschilla, are you available for (a stupid) comment?
"Well, you know the saying - if you know three languages, you're trilingual, if you know two languages, you're bilingual and if you know one, you're American."
Idiot Brent Musberger (new full legal name): "ain't that the truth."
It's hard to find the words to respond.
Hang on, let me look again
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP.
Now, I know that response was only in one language and I am (American), but Musberger pulled off a rare/historic feat with this exchange. He managed to make the response even stupider than the original statement. I didn't think that was possible.
Also:
I would bet my Fran Fraschilla Coaching Clinic - June 8, 1992 - VHS (retail value: 7 popcorn kernels) there are at least several million people in this country who can speak more than one language. And let's not forget the millions of people here from other countries who have no doubt LEARNED ENGLISH.
IDIOT UPDATE
Musberger strikes yet again in the second half. When talking about watching Jennifer Azzi coach the San Francisco women's team into the WCC final:
"And she did a great job, Fran. It was a boy's coaching job."
And that's when you put the mute on and get rid of these sexist (Musberger), ignorant old men.
Game 160 - (2) East Tennessee State vs. (1) Chattanooga
Southern championship
March 7 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
ESPN
March 7 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
ESPN
Game 159 - (13) Norfolk State women vs. (4) Coppin State
MEAC first round
March 7 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
Just a few basketball phrases/weirdness from color commentator Christy Winters Scott:
"She's done a really good job of being consistent with her team"
"Pick and slip"
"Head on a swivel"
"They're coming into this tournament thinking three things: grit, grind and defense"
"Playing not to lose"
"High post presence"
And finally -
"It was a perfectly-timed pass, just not the correct pass to make"
Pardon?
March 7 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
Just a few basketball phrases/weirdness from color commentator Christy Winters Scott:
"She's done a really good job of being consistent with her team"
"Pick and slip"
"Head on a swivel"
"They're coming into this tournament thinking three things: grit, grind and defense"
"Playing not to lose"
"High post presence"
And finally -
"It was a perfectly-timed pass, just not the correct pass to make"
Pardon?
Games 157-158: Getting closer
158 - (3) Siena vs. (2) Iona
157 - (5) Fairfield vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC semifinals
March 6 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
ESPN
I think my favorite part of watching the MAAC Tournament has been the I LOVE NY commercials.
Twice the New York Islanders are shown playing hockey and each highlight they're being scored on.
It's just wonderful stuff.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
What the all stars lacked was a coach. Now they've got one in Monmouth's King Rice
157 - (5) Fairfield vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC semifinals
March 6 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
ESPN
I think my favorite part of watching the MAAC Tournament has been the I LOVE NY commercials.
Twice the New York Islanders are shown playing hockey and each highlight they're being scored on.
It's just wonderful stuff.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
What the all stars lacked was a coach. Now they've got one in Monmouth's King Rice
Games 155-156 - NCAA bids
156
Big South championship
(4) NC Asheville vs. (2) Winthrop
March 6 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
ESPN
155
Southern championship
(2) Mercer women vs. (1) Chattanooga (2)
March 6 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
Big South championship
(4) NC Asheville vs. (2) Winthrop
March 6 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
ESPN
155
Southern championship
(2) Mercer women vs. (1) Chattanooga (2)
March 6 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
Game 154 - (7) Portland vs. (2) Gonzaga
West Coast quarterfinals
March 5 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
March 5 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
Game 153 - (8) Austin Peay vs. (2) UT-Martin
Ohio Valley championship
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
That's about as impressive as it gets for a lower-seeded team in a conference tournament. No. 8 seed Austin Peay shot 51 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range, including hitting 9-of-14 in the second half, and claimed its fourth tournament victory in as many days, 83-73 to win the OVC title.
Austin Peay, which came into the tournament with a 14-17 record, then defeated the Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 seeds, now heads into the NCAA Tournament as a probable No. 16 seed and possible first-four participant, but also as a very dangerous team.
Freshman Jared Savage hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts to lead the Governors.
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
That's about as impressive as it gets for a lower-seeded team in a conference tournament. No. 8 seed Austin Peay shot 51 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range, including hitting 9-of-14 in the second half, and claimed its fourth tournament victory in as many days, 83-73 to win the OVC title.
Austin Peay, which came into the tournament with a 14-17 record, then defeated the Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 seeds, now heads into the NCAA Tournament as a probable No. 16 seed and possible first-four participant, but also as a very dangerous team.
Freshman Jared Savage hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts to lead the Governors.
Game 152 - Georgia State at Louisiana-Monroe
March 5 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe, LA
ESPN
It's not often we get two STATS WE DON'T NEED in three days. But look at what we have HERE:
And we've also obtained an exclusive photo from this one, a 91-78 Louisiana-Monroe victory:
ESPN
It's not often we get two STATS WE DON'T NEED in three days. But look at what we have HERE:
And we've also obtained an exclusive photo from this one, a 91-78 Louisiana-Monroe victory:
Game 151 - (4) Eastern Kentucky women vs. (2) Belmont
Ohio Valley championship
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
OVC Digital Network
Old(er?erer? how old is a computer when it's considered 'old'?) computer, so sometimes during online STREAMING the screen freezes. It's a megahurtz problem; I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the game froze for the 11th time with a couple minutes left, so: hugs!
I'm really, really enjoying the assistant coach to the left of the almost-hug. He looks like he was cut and pasted from the other bench.
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
OVC Digital Network
Old(er?erer? how old is a computer when it's considered 'old'?) computer, so sometimes during online STREAMING the screen freezes. It's a megahurtz problem; I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the game froze for the 11th time with a couple minutes left, so: hugs!
I'm really, really enjoying the assistant coach to the left of the almost-hug. He looks like he was cut and pasted from the other bench.
Game 150 - (3) Morehead State vs. (2) UT-Martin
Ohio Valley semifinals
March 4 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPNU
This Ohio Valley Tournament is what makes college basketball, and in particular this part of the college basketball season, so fantastic.
With UT-Martin's 83-70 victory, the Skyhawks are in the OVC final for the first time in the program's Division 1 history. That's a history that began in 1992 and before coach Heath Schroyer arrived last season, there had only been three winning seasons. Shroyer is 2-for-2 in that department and UT-Martin can go its first-ever NCAA Tournament with a win in Saturday's final.
As for the other finalist, Austin Peay won a thriller, 97-96 in overtime over top seed Belmont.
The Governors, 14-17 coming into the tournament (now 17-17), are the first No. 8 seed to advance to the OVC title game. The Clarksville, Tennessee school is trying to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 2007-2008.
Now, to the nonsense
Rick Hollenberg and Mark Adams are enthusiastic announcers who both seem to love not just the sport of basketball, but in particular college basketball, especially Adams. I love that in an announcing team.
They also are prone to silliness.
* Adams said "the miracle on Martin" six different times, but thankfully only once said "he was a manimal!"
* Hollenberg: "Cinderella lives in Nash Vegas!"
I don't have any idea what/where Nash Vegas means/is.
March 4 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPNU
This Ohio Valley Tournament is what makes college basketball, and in particular this part of the college basketball season, so fantastic.
With UT-Martin's 83-70 victory, the Skyhawks are in the OVC final for the first time in the program's Division 1 history. That's a history that began in 1992 and before coach Heath Schroyer arrived last season, there had only been three winning seasons. Shroyer is 2-for-2 in that department and UT-Martin can go its first-ever NCAA Tournament with a win in Saturday's final.
As for the other finalist, Austin Peay won a thriller, 97-96 in overtime over top seed Belmont.
The Governors, 14-17 coming into the tournament (now 17-17), are the first No. 8 seed to advance to the OVC title game. The Clarksville, Tennessee school is trying to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 2007-2008.
Now, to the nonsense
Rick Hollenberg and Mark Adams are enthusiastic announcers who both seem to love not just the sport of basketball, but in particular college basketball, especially Adams. I love that in an announcing team.
They also are prone to silliness.
* Adams said "the miracle on Martin" six different times, but thankfully only once said "he was a manimal!"
* Hollenberg: "Cinderella lives in Nash Vegas!"
I don't have any idea what/where Nash Vegas means/is.
Game 149 - (8) Rider vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC quarterfinals
March 4 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
espn3.com
March 4 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
espn3.com
Game 148 - (8) Longwood vs. (1) High Point
Big South quarterfinals
March 4 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
espn3.com
High Point had a truly unique situation coming into the Big South Tournament. The Panthers have been either the No. 2 seed (2015) or top seed (2013, 2014, 2016) the last four years, yet hadn't won a tournament game since February, 2012.
Also: the Panthers lost the league's player of the year, John Brown, to an injury before the tournament began, THEN lost second-leading scorer Adam Weary to a leg injury a few minutes into Friday's game.
Despite being a top seed and expected to advance past a No. 8 seed, the 89-78 victory was a big one for High Point. Of course, color commentator Ralph Patterson said "that big elephant's off their backs," so it wasn't a perfect day.
More confusing animal talk from Patterson: "his teammates call him the billy goat because he's so tough inside."
* I've got to also mention that this "madness" madness has got to end. Before tip-off, play-by-play man Evan Lepler said "they call it 'Creek Madness'".
March Madness, Arch Madness, Midnight Madness, Motor City Madness, Music City Madness, Creek Madness
March 4 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
espn3.com
High Point had a truly unique situation coming into the Big South Tournament. The Panthers have been either the No. 2 seed (2015) or top seed (2013, 2014, 2016) the last four years, yet hadn't won a tournament game since February, 2012.
Also: the Panthers lost the league's player of the year, John Brown, to an injury before the tournament began, THEN lost second-leading scorer Adam Weary to a leg injury a few minutes into Friday's game.
Despite being a top seed and expected to advance past a No. 8 seed, the 89-78 victory was a big one for High Point. Of course, color commentator Ralph Patterson said "that big elephant's off their backs," so it wasn't a perfect day.
More confusing animal talk from Patterson: "his teammates call him the billy goat because he's so tough inside."
* I've got to also mention that this "madness" madness has got to end. Before tip-off, play-by-play man Evan Lepler said "they call it 'Creek Madness'".
March Madness, Arch Madness, Midnight Madness, Motor City Madness, Music City Madness, Creek Madness
Game 147 - (10) Drake vs. (7) Missouri State
Missouri Valley first round
March 3 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
Fox Sports
"Confidence is contagious, so is shooting!"
March 3 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
Fox Sports
"Confidence is contagious, so is shooting!"
Game 146 - (4) Florida Gulf Coast at (1) North Florida
Atlantic Sun semifinals
March 3 at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL
ESPN
STATS WE DON'T NEED
March 3 at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL
ESPN
STATS WE DON'T NEED
Game 145 - (8) UNC Greensboro women vs. (1) Mercer
Southern Conference quarterfinals
March 3 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
espn3.com
After an 11-0 run to start the game and a 21-16 lead after one quarter, UNC Greensboro looked ready to pull a huge upset.
But there's a reason the Spartans didn't win after December 31 and dropped their final 15 games as Mercer out-scored the No. 8 seed 24-4 in the second and cruised to a 75-53 victory.
A handful of reasons why Mercer, trying to win a conference title for the first time since 1992, rolled into the semis:
* The Bears' bench out-scored UNCG's 36-3.
* Sydni Means was outstanding for the Bears, providing 10 points, eight assists and six steals.
* Lucy Mason led the league in scoring during the regular season and is UNCG's all-time leading scorer, but the senior guard was held to 13 points on just 4-of-12 shooting.
* Kahlia Lawrence, who was second in scoring, was held to nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, yet the Bears still won by 22.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We finish up with a pair of new all stars in Shon Kitchens from Mercer and UNCG's Jazmine Missouri.
March 3 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
espn3.com
After an 11-0 run to start the game and a 21-16 lead after one quarter, UNC Greensboro looked ready to pull a huge upset.
But there's a reason the Spartans didn't win after December 31 and dropped their final 15 games as Mercer out-scored the No. 8 seed 24-4 in the second and cruised to a 75-53 victory.
A handful of reasons why Mercer, trying to win a conference title for the first time since 1992, rolled into the semis:
* The Bears' bench out-scored UNCG's 36-3.
* Sydni Means was outstanding for the Bears, providing 10 points, eight assists and six steals.
* Lucy Mason led the league in scoring during the regular season and is UNCG's all-time leading scorer, but the senior guard was held to 13 points on just 4-of-12 shooting.
* Kahlia Lawrence, who was second in scoring, was held to nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, yet the Bears still won by 22.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We finish up with a pair of new all stars in Shon Kitchens from Mercer and UNCG's Jazmine Missouri.
Game 144 - Arkansas at Alabama
March 2 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL
SEC Network
We spent an evening listening to Joe Dean Jr. in early-February and he was back Wednesday in Arkansas' 62-61 win.
Joe?
"He uses the banking board!"
"Sluffing off!"
(Banking board?)
(Sluffing?)
3-pointer goes in: "Playing a little string music!"
and
"Avery Johnson a former NBA star."
NO.
Ball stuck in between the backboard and the rim, part 3!
* Now including slightly-amused guy in bottom, right corner!
SEC Network
We spent an evening listening to Joe Dean Jr. in early-February and he was back Wednesday in Arkansas' 62-61 win.
Joe?
"He uses the banking board!"
"Sluffing off!"
(Banking board?)
(Sluffing?)
3-pointer goes in: "Playing a little string music!"
and
"Avery Johnson a former NBA star."
NO.
Ball stuck in between the backboard and the rim, part 3!
* Now including slightly-amused guy in bottom, right corner!
Game 143 - (13) LSU women vs. (12) Alabama
SEC first round
March 2 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL
SEC Network
March 2 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL
SEC Network
Game 142 - (6) Lipscomb at (3) Jacksonville
Atlantic Sun Conference quarterfinals
March 1 at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville, FL
espn3.com
What a quarterfinal round for two of the three lowest seeds in the A Sun Tournament as Lipscomb got a career-high 35 points from J.C. Hampton and won 92-89 in overtime just minutes after No. 7 seed Stetson finished off its upset of second-seeded NJIT.
This tournament seems to have opened up nicely for top seed and defending champion North Florida.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
It's taken nearly the entire season, but we were finally able to add Lipscomb's Eli Pepper to the team.
Pepper was a huge reason why the Bison were able to pull off the upset. The freshman forward took a charge with two seconds left in regulation (it was really close and could've been a block, which would've meant a go-ahead basket + a free throw for Josh Adeyeye & the Dolphins) that sent the game into overtime. Then Pepper, who scored 15 points, converted a lay-up with 1:22 to go in the extra session that put the visitors up for good.
March 1 at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville, FL
espn3.com
What a quarterfinal round for two of the three lowest seeds in the A Sun Tournament as Lipscomb got a career-high 35 points from J.C. Hampton and won 92-89 in overtime just minutes after No. 7 seed Stetson finished off its upset of second-seeded NJIT.
This tournament seems to have opened up nicely for top seed and defending champion North Florida.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
It's taken nearly the entire season, but we were finally able to add Lipscomb's Eli Pepper to the team.
Pepper was a huge reason why the Bison were able to pull off the upset. The freshman forward took a charge with two seconds left in regulation (it was really close and could've been a block, which would've meant a go-ahead basket + a free throw for Josh Adeyeye & the Dolphins) that sent the game into overtime. Then Pepper, who scored 15 points, converted a lay-up with 1:22 to go in the extra session that put the visitors up for good.
Game 141 - (7) Stetson at (2) NJIT
Atlantic Sun Conference quarterfinals
March 1 at Fleisher Athletic Center in Newark, NJ
espn3.com
The finest month of the sporting year tipped off on Tuesday night as freshman Derick Newton was outstanding (28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds) and Divine Myles added 21 points as Stetson pulled a huge upset, 82-67.
I'll argue with anyone at Happy China Buffet ($6.95 lunch buffet, Monday-Friday) that the NCAA Tournament is by far our country's greatest sporting event, but nearly as enjoyable and exciting is the two weeks of conference tournaments. I love four-game days, brackets, upsets, small conference championship games, the moment you turn on an ACC semifinal game and realize that, yes, that is still Dick Vitale. And Clemson somehow.
Everything that is good about sports is on display during these league tournaments.
And as much as I love watching the national championship game each year, it's also a sad day because I then have to wait seven months for college basketball and almost 11 for a conference tournament game.
But that doesn't matter now. What matters is the 11-21 Hatters won their first A Sun tournament game since 2013.
Is Hatters the best nickname in college athletics?
* One, final thing. Play-by-play man Matt Provence said "the Highlanders the last few games with more charges than American Express" so we can't let him get away with that.
March 1 at Fleisher Athletic Center in Newark, NJ
espn3.com
The finest month of the sporting year tipped off on Tuesday night as freshman Derick Newton was outstanding (28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds) and Divine Myles added 21 points as Stetson pulled a huge upset, 82-67.
I'll argue with anyone at Happy China Buffet ($6.95 lunch buffet, Monday-Friday) that the NCAA Tournament is by far our country's greatest sporting event, but nearly as enjoyable and exciting is the two weeks of conference tournaments. I love four-game days, brackets, upsets, small conference championship games, the moment you turn on an ACC semifinal game and realize that, yes, that is still Dick Vitale. And Clemson somehow.
Everything that is good about sports is on display during these league tournaments.
And as much as I love watching the national championship game each year, it's also a sad day because I then have to wait seven months for college basketball and almost 11 for a conference tournament game.
But that doesn't matter now. What matters is the 11-21 Hatters won their first A Sun tournament game since 2013.
Is Hatters the best nickname in college athletics?
* One, final thing. Play-by-play man Matt Provence said "the Highlanders the last few games with more charges than American Express" so we can't let him get away with that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)