Irish were run out of the building by FSU, I really thought we'd have a Purdue vs ND Sweet 16 game in San Antonio. But both teams were just hammered last night. Over all though an excellent year for the Irish. I was hoping we'd go .500 in the Big East and hopefully snag a tournament berth. I didn't foresee Hansborough having the kind of year he had this year.
Big time props to the WW BB team that nearly pulled one off against the Mighty Dookies. I quit being an avid follower of M BB after Johnny Orr left in the late 70's and was replaced by Frieder and later Fisher who I thought ran dirty, undisciplined programs. THe NCAA agreed re Fisher I do not know if Beilein will ever be able to recruit a team that wins an NCAA but the players he puts on the floor have heart, play hard and smart, and do quaint things like graduate. It is a little ironic considerig the hoopla over the Fab 5 documentry where embarassing, imflamatory comments about Duke black players were made by players who viewed M as a bus stop/gift store on the way to the NBA, that we are now coached by a man who views Duke and Coach K as a model to emulate, not denigrate. That is good news.
I thought Michigan gave Duke a great game. Actually I was rooting for Michigan, even though I picked Duke to win in the Pickem contest. They are a young team and with some more favorable recruits, they should be stronger next year. The experience they have gained this season will be helpful next year.
While nobody from here on out has an easy route to the championship, Ohio State really has to beat some traditional powers to get there. They have to beat Kentucky in the Sweet 16, they likely will have to beat North Carolina in the Elite 8 and then beat Kansas in the Nat'l Semi-Final to get to the Championship game. They'd better bring their big boy sneakers.
Looking at the brackets now, it would appear Kansas has the best chance to advance to the final four. Unfortunately just because you have a higher seed, does not necessarily mean success. We are 5-0 vs Kentucky in NCAA Tournament competition. That can not go on forever! The bracket busters will have a more difficult road here on out through the tournament.
Well played my friend! 8) They certainly have to run the gauntlet. If they continue to shoot as they have, they have a good shot. A poor shooting night by a few and some foul trouble will be the ticket home..... Speaking of graduating.....well done young men! http://www.osu.edu/O-H-I-O/index.php?item=15685
OSU is on a quarter system not semesters....last week was the end of winter quarter - and always much more importantly for the students....the beginning of spring break!!!
Man...lost three of my Elite 8 picks last night...only have two possibilities left...I could be wiped out after tonight. Oh, well...had a nice evening doing one last Elkhart pub crawl with Gerry's grandson.
Arizona sure took it to Duke in the second half. Charles Barkley called that one. But he also said Wisconsin would win and that the Gators didn't deserve a number 2 seed.
I wonder what the brackets will look like later this evening? Exciting time of the year for college basketbal fans. One game and out is the name of the game. I just hope we are still standing. :roll:
I hope Ohio State is standing tall at the end also. I win first place in the 24 player money pool I'm in if the Buckeyes come through. 8)
So according to the ESPN talking heads VCU didn't belong in the tournament and Florida was seeded to high. Go figure.
Disappointing loss for the Buckeyes, but give credit to Kentucky. Great defense by both teams, but we shot our lowest field goal percentage of the year at 32.8%. Game was nip and tuck with numerous lead changes throughout the game. Kentucky was very athletic and nailed us with 11 blocked shots. Only good news is that Sully says he is returning next year. 34-3 still an amazing season for Ohio State.
They were saying that this was a bad matchup for Ohio State in terms of style of play. Exciting game though and as you said a great season for Ohio State. Good news about Sullinger, however he won't be the first kid to say that right after the season ended in the tourney and then later changed his mind. In our contest, the McCords have zoomed up the standings. I remember thinking at one point I was going to take a good natured (of course) poke at LadyVol for being in next to last place....good thing I didn't! My bracket is down to Kansas. I had UConn, UNC and Kansas make it to the elite 8, but only Kansas to the FF.