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NCAA tournament first round, Day 1 thread
2008-03-20 04:00
by Bob Timmermann

Starting about 9:20 am PT, the NCAA men's basketball tournament starts its first round with a game between #14 Georgia and #3 Xavier in Washington DC. That will be a West regional game.

The rest of your schedule (all times PT):

9:25 am - #16 Portland State vs #1 Kansas in Omaha (Midwest)

9:30 am - #12 Temple vs #5 Michigan State in Denver (South)

11:30 am - #11 Kentucky vs #6 Marquette in Anaheim (South)

about 11:50 am - #11 Baylor vs #6 Purdue in Washington (West)

about 11:55 am - #9 Kent State vs #8 UNLV in Omaha (Midwest)

about noon - #13 Oral Roberts vs #4 Pittsburgh in Denver (South)

about 2:00 pm - #14 Cornell vs #3 Stanford in Anaheim (South) [You can watch this game on TV in the Bay Area and greater metropolitan Ithaca area. Or online.]

4:10 pm - #11 Kansas State vs #6 Southern California in Omaha (South)

4:10 pm - #15 Belmont vs #2 Duke in Washington (West)

4:20 pm - #13 Winthrop vs #4 Washington State in Denver (East)

4:25 pm - #9 Texas A&M vs #8 Brigham Young in Anaheim (West)

about 6:40 pm - #14 Cal State Fullerton vs #3 Wisconsin in Omaha (South)

about 6:40 pm - #10 School located in Tucson vs #7 West Virginia in Washington (West)

about 6:50 pm - #12 George Mason vs #5 Notre Dame in Denver (East)

about 6:55 pm - #16 Mississippi Valley State vs #1 UCLA in Anaheim (West)

If you're hear before tipoff of the Georgia-Xavier game, you can still join the Griddle's contest here. It's group 38980 and password "griddle"

Because of an odd workweek, I have today off and get to experience the long day of basketball. I have loaded up on yogurt and bananas to give me something to snack on during the day.

I haven't attended an NCAA men's basketball tournament game in person since 1986 when I saw two first round games of the West Regional at the Long Beach Arena. In the first game, #1 seed St. John's, led by Walter Berry beat #16 seed Montana State, which had upset Montana and Larry Krystkowiak in the Big Sky Conference tournament (that season the Big Sky Conference used a three point line that is shorter than the present line). In the second game, #8 seed Auburn, led by Chuck Person, beat the #9 seed school from Tucson, 73-63. Auburn would beat St. John's in the next round and UNLV in the Sweet Sixteen, before losing to eventual champion Louisville in the West Final.

The Tucson school's fans were quite annoying and I've probably been irritated for 22 years by that night.

I was still a student at UCLA and when I got back to my dorm, I had missed dinner and I didn't really have the energy or wherewithal to go find food. So I ate the only food I had in my room, Oreos. If you are familiar with Oreo packaging, let's just say that "I did a line" of Oreos. I spent much of the next day in the bathroom.

I have not eaten an Oreo since then.

And I should have posted this earlier to set the tone:

Comments (394)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-03-20 07:35:46
1.   ToyCannon
Lucky for you, you didn't do a line of Fig Newtons. I'd hate to go through life not eating another one.
2008-03-20 08:00:33
2.   Penarol1916
I have not eaten a Fig Newton in almost 25 years.
2008-03-20 08:07:35
3.   Suffering Bruin
I've got chips, root beer... and a kid with a fever.

(sigh)

Yeah, I'll be watching cartoons and video games for most of the day.

2008-03-20 08:36:35
4.   Bob Timmermann
93 entries now. Can we push for 106 in the next 40 minutes?
2008-03-20 09:06:26
5.   underdog
You could switch to Newman-O's. MMmmmm. Although I once ate too many Ginger-O's and felt a bit ill myself.

Welp, I've got to be at the office for most of the day. Is CBS showing the games for free online again this year? Maybe it'd be better for me if they're not.

2008-03-20 09:07:35
6.   underdog
Never mind, I have the answer: Yes, they are.

http://tinyurl.com/24pj4p

2008-03-20 09:17:20
7.   ToyCannon
6
Cool, I started at 105,000 and every 30 seconds it lets 9,000 general admission folks in. I love the VIP teaser. By the time I get in my companies web filter should have it blocked.
2008-03-20 09:18:00
8.   Bob Timmermann
Looks like we will get to 97. Although I believe you can migrate an existing Yahoo bracket over to the Griddle group.
2008-03-20 09:28:19
9.   trainwreck
I am already bored of this Kansas game.
2008-03-20 09:29:27
10.   Kevin Lewis
That reminds me of the ingredient they put in Pringles that could cause "anal leakage". They were not kidding. Do not eat more than two or three chips, or you will be in trouble.

That too was in college

2008-03-20 09:32:22
11.   Bob Timmermann
9
When I was a lad, all NBC would show in L.A. was West region games until the regional finals.

Of course, when I was a wee lad, UCLA won all the time, so it wasn't as if people were very interested in the Midwest or the Mideast regionals.

I miss the Mideast region.

2008-03-20 09:35:20
12.   Andrew Shimmin
Huh. The MMOD player knows how to expand a widescreen video feed to fill a widescreen monitor. I wonder when MLBAM will figure that out. Are VIP signups closed out? I'm a VIP; it was free to signup for it, earlier this week.
2008-03-20 09:41:32
13.   Kevin Lewis
Is anyone watching the Xavier game? If Georgia wins this, I will be in trouble for the next couple of rounds
2008-03-20 09:41:53
14.   trainwreck
Georgia beating Xavier would definitely hurt my bracket.
2008-03-20 09:45:47
15.   Bob Timmermann
Since I'm watching on TV, I'm beholden to Kansas and Portland State.
2008-03-20 09:49:53
16.   ToyCannon
Will the Bulldogs ever lose again?
2008-03-20 09:51:31
17.   trainwreck
Looks like Kansas is going to put up more points on the Vikings than UCLA did.
2008-03-20 09:58:21
18.   Bob Timmermann
UCLA didn't have Collison against Portland State. Love had a 22 pts, 13 reb game against PSU.
2008-03-20 10:07:25
19.   Kevin Lewis
Okay, I know it is the first half, but Xavier has me worried
2008-03-20 10:09:56
20.   Kevin Lewis
not a good way to end the half Xavier
2008-03-20 10:18:28
21.   bhsportsguy
Way back in the day, a big basketball game (usually the Lakers in the playoffs) meant a 5 pack of KFC and a tall Coors Light in a can.

Fortunately, those days are past now.

2008-03-20 10:30:21
22.   Kevin Lewis
I got to learn about the Colonel on Alton Brown's "Feasting on Asphalt" yesterday. I picked up the season with a gift card, and I have been loving it. I know KFC is nothing like how it started, but I was impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit of the Colonel.
2008-03-20 10:32:18
23.   Eric Stephen
21
Coors Light is so much better in a bottle anyway.
2008-03-20 10:34:00
24.   trainwreck
Did you know the Colonel puts a rare addictive chemical that makes you crave his chicken fortnightly?
2008-03-20 10:39:21
25.   Eric Stephen
24
That chemical is delicious! :)
2008-03-20 10:40:16
26.   Eric Stephen
OK, so how many here are like me and had Xavier losing to UCLA in the regional final?
2008-03-20 10:41:40
27.   Bob Timmermann
Not me.

You can check all 97 brackets now.

2008-03-20 10:42:50
28.   trainwreck
26
Raises hand.
2008-03-20 10:43:48
29.   Eric Stephen
27
I could, but my productivity is already at a low point today!
2008-03-20 10:44:55
30.   ToyCannon
I'm a sucker for KC and his biscuits.

26
I wanted so badly to pick the Bulldogs but just didn't have the stomach. How silly of me, it is not like anything is at stake other then pride and I would be having so much fun right now.

2008-03-20 10:47:03
31.   Bob Timmermann
I eat KFC on my dad's birthday. It was one of his favorite foods. It was the Timmermann family picnic food.
2008-03-20 10:51:02
32.   ToyCannon
I have a cat whose favorite food is the KFC biscuit. At 19 he is on his last legs so when he refuses to rip into a KFC biscuit we will know his time is near.
2008-03-20 10:51:33
33.   Penarol1916
24. I hate the Colonel with his wee beady eyes!!
2008-03-20 10:52:23
34.   Andrew Shimmin
26- I did. In one of my other brackets, I had them losing to BYU in the regional final.
2008-03-20 10:54:34
35.   Bob Timmermann
At the Pac-10 tournament, KFC was a sponsor and during one timeout, a guy dressed up like the Colonel would come out and the cheerleaders from the schools were supposed to do the chicken dance. USC and UCLA's cheerleaders would not do the chicken dance.
2008-03-20 10:56:49
36.   trainwreck
I haven't had KFC since they got rid of the trans-fat. I hope that did not ruin it.
2008-03-20 10:58:19
37.   Eric Stephen
35
"Song Girls", Bob. Song Girls.
2008-03-20 10:59:04
38.   Daniel Zappala
34 You had BYU not only beating UCLA but beating Texas A&M too? What kind of a maniac are you?
2008-03-20 10:59:30
39.   Kevin Lewis
The Pentavert at a place called the Meadows.

May, turn off the bay city rollers

2008-03-20 11:00:50
40.   Andrew Shimmin
38- It was my "BYU goes all the way," bracket. I would have had to come up with a different name if I'd had them losing to A&M, or UCLA.
2008-03-20 11:01:11
41.   Daniel Zappala
In most brackets I have Xavier beating Georgia, because their overall numbers for the season are bad and I figured their magic had run out. Only sometimes did I pick them to beat Duke. I have learned not to pick against teams I hate, just because I hate them, so I usually sent Duke to the regional finals against UCLA.
2008-03-20 11:01:28
42.   Kevin Lewis
this game is getting crazy
2008-03-20 11:02:24
43.   Daniel Zappala
40 And you had a BYU goes all the way bracket because .... ?

I will admit I have a "Pac-10" bracket, where the final four is WSU, USC, UCLA, and Stanford. But I figured with so many brackets I had one I could throw away.

2008-03-20 11:03:12
44.   bhsportsguy
37 and Dance team, Bob Dance team or is it Dance squad.

I know those young ladies are not the cheerleaders.

One of my friends at those games (a Stanford alum) complained that the gloves and ballet costumes that the Stanford cheerleaders were wearing made them appear high schoolish.

2008-03-20 11:05:22
45.   Andrew Shimmin
43- I didn't vote for Romney, so I needed some different way of showing my solidarity with the Mormon people. I inquired about converting to the faith, but was told they were all full. They were willing to wait-list me, though, so I've got that going for me.
2008-03-20 11:05:52
46.   Penarol1916
I do my brackets according the geographical biases of the people I'm in with. With my college friends out on the east coast, I usually pick the Big East and ACC teams to drop out earlier than otherwise. At work, in Chicago, I'm very anti-Big 10 and Big 12. Because I assume most the entries in the griddle contest are from Dodger Though commentators, I tended to be more anti-Pac 10.
2008-03-20 11:06:50
47.   Kevin Lewis
that 3 was crazy
2008-03-20 11:07:21
48.   bhsportsguy
Speaking of cookies, I always liked the Vanilla Swiss cookies, I think now they are called Vanilla Oreos which is just wrong.
2008-03-20 11:09:14
49.   Bob Timmermann
UCLA calls the women who are there for ogling purposes the "Dance Team."
http://www.spirit.ucla.edu/current_squad/home.aspx
The mascot (Joe Bruin) did do the chicken dance.

And USC has "the World Famous USC Song Girls"
http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/IMREC/spirit/song/thesquad/thesquad.html

2008-03-20 11:13:08
50.   Daniel Zappala
45 You can come to church with me any time. Just don't talk about hating children.

46 Awesome strategy.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-03-20 11:13:40
51.   Andrew Shimmin
You know who also has cheerleaders? The Dodgers' single-A affiliate.

http://www.ie66ers.com/66ers/dance/

I heard a rumor that Bob's planning some kind of minor league game for a group of local stat-head baseball-haters. So, that's something to keep in mind.

2008-03-20 11:13:48
52.   Daniel Zappala
So apparently Georgia can't shoot any more?
2008-03-20 11:14:26
53.   Eric Stephen
I always thought those fudge striped cookies were underrated.
2008-03-20 11:15:07
54.   Daniel Zappala
I have my own cookie factory at home.
2008-03-20 11:15:18
55.   Bob Timmermann
Georgia, your pumpkin is idling outside the east entrance to the Verizon Center.
2008-03-20 11:15:52
56.   trainwreck
I have to say that this is the best UCLA Dance Team that I have seen.
2008-03-20 11:16:07
57.   Eric Stephen
Craig Bolerjack sounds as if he has money on Xavier.
2008-03-20 11:16:57
58.   Bob Timmermann
51
You became a stat-hating nerd? Welcome to the brotherhood. The secret initiation process will be in a few months. One of the parts is called "Crossing the Desert" and another is "The Leap of Faith."
2008-03-20 11:16:58
59.   old dodger fan
26 Yep.

I have a bad feeling about picking BYU to beat A&M.

Anybody else have Texas beating Stanford in the Sweet 16?

2008-03-20 11:17:11
60.   Penarol1916
50. I'll let you know the first time it works and I ever win anything.
2008-03-20 11:17:37
61.   trainwreck
Is the play-by-play guy a fan of Xavier?
2008-03-20 11:18:05
62.   Andrew Shimmin
50- Yeah, I think my child-hating didn't help. Also my smoking. I told the guy I'd brought enough to share, but that didn't seem to do the trick. Really, I think it was the doctrinal changes that I tried to negotiate for that got demoted to the wait-list. And, come to think of it, the list looked a little perfunctory, like maybe he was just trying to get me out the door. . .
2008-03-20 11:18:39
63.   Bob Timmermann
56
You're too young to remember the 1980 squad. My brother was a mascot that year and we got season football tickets that year to sit with the rest of the cheerleaders families.

Then again, I was 14. It didn't take much.

2008-03-20 11:19:09
64.   Bob Timmermann
59
I think most people think Texas will beat Stanford.
2008-03-20 11:20:39
65.   Bob Timmermann
Christine of the USC Song Girls says:

Favorite Memory on the squad so far: Traveling with the basketball team to Spokane, Washington for the NCAA tournament.

What happens in Spokane, stays in Spokane I guess.

2008-03-20 11:21:23
66.   Kevin Lewis
59

Yes, I do.

I am craving KFC. I haven't eaten there for a few years now.

2008-03-20 11:23:58
67.   Daniel Zappala
59 You should talk to the lone Griddle BYU fan before picking BYU.
2008-03-20 11:25:26
68.   Daniel Zappala
62 Lots of people stop smoking when they join. Heck, I stopped drinking. But of course you should stop for your own health, regardless. You wouldn't want to set a bad example for Little Andrew, who you know will come someday when you get over your child-hating ways.
2008-03-20 11:27:48
69.   Eric Stephen
I have Marquette beating Stanford in Round 2.
2008-03-20 11:28:21
70.   Bob Timmermann
A lot of people who hate children still have them since the production costs are low.

Maintenance costs are what will kill you.

2008-03-20 11:31:42
71.   Andrew Shimmin
the production costs are low.

This has not been my experience.

But I will say that no way does my hypothetical kid get called Little Andrew. He'd be Mingus.

2008-03-20 11:33:26
72.   Daniel Zappala
69 I think Stanford gets by Marquette but gets beat handily by Texas. Stanfords bigs should play well against a smaller Marquette team.
2008-03-20 11:33:34
73.   Kevin Lewis
This game is looking just about done
2008-03-20 11:34:27
74.   Daniel Zappala
You've seen those charts showing personal debt has skyrocketed in recent years? Purely due to the costs associated with having kids.
2008-03-20 11:34:51
75.   Kevin Lewis
Bliss looks like an angry individual
2008-03-20 11:35:26
76.   Kevin Lewis
74

Or just buying things we don't need, especially for children

2008-03-20 11:38:17
77.   Bob Timmermann
Every kid needs his or her own ivory backscratcher.
2008-03-20 11:40:03
78.   Kevin Lewis
My brackets are perfect right now. This will not last long
2008-03-20 11:40:20
79.   Kevin Lewis
and pacifier
2008-03-20 11:41:22
80.   bhsportsguy
The 1980 UCLA dance team would have probably featured Julie Hayak who later became Miss USA.

I recall (or maybe this is an urban legend) that there were complaints about their racy attire around that same time period.

56 That was the consensus at the Pac-10 tournament. Also, dance team members take much more difficult majors than football/basketball players. You learn those things by attending those football breakfasts. But then you also have to deal with Geoff Strand.

2008-03-20 11:42:05
81.   Andrew Shimmin
Anybody else feeling really old, reading every one of the cheerleaders Bob linked to calling Harry Potter their favorite book?

UCLA's Sabrina gets extra credit for squeezing in Mitch Albom (!) and James Frey (!!!) with Harry Potter.

2008-03-20 11:47:20
82.   Daniel Zappala
78 My wife's bracket is perfect too.
2008-03-20 11:48:02
83.   Daniel Zappala
Oh wait, sorry, she picked Temple, so it's not.
2008-03-20 11:49:31
84.   Bob Timmermann
Go figure, Kentucky and Marquette is the most frequent matchup in NCAA tournament history. This is their 10th matchup.

If UCLA plays BYU in the second round, it would be their fifth meeting, but UCLA's most frequent opponent has been USF at 6.

2008-03-20 11:51:25
85.   Bob Timmermann
80
Julie Hayek's mom sat with my mom at the Coliseum in 1980.
2008-03-20 11:52:49
86.   old dodger fan
Stanford's opponent on Saturday is now playing.
2008-03-20 11:53:24
87.   Marty
Stupid Xavier.
2008-03-20 12:17:07
88.   Kevin Lewis
Is it just me, or are refs not calling the free throw violations these days? People are crossing the line way before the shot
2008-03-20 12:19:51
89.   Bob Timmermann
88
Are you referring to the shooters or to the rebounders?
2008-03-20 12:20:23
90.   Kevin Lewis
rebounders
2008-03-20 12:20:41
91.   Kevin Lewis
maybe I don't understand the rule all that well
2008-03-20 12:21:03
92.   underdog
Today is a multi-tasking, ADD kind of day for me. NCAA tourney + 1,000 different work tasks, plus planning a soccer game tonight then back to the NCAA tourney + work, repeat until eyes blink too rapidly and pupils dilate.
2008-03-20 12:23:29
93.   Bob Timmermann
The rebounders can leave once the ball leaves the shooter's hands.

The refs usually don't call it unless you are in way early.

2008-03-20 12:23:41
94.   Kevin Lewis
I have a softball league that starts next week through my church. We have not met for a practice yet...the first game will be very interesting
2008-03-20 12:24:26
95.   Kevin Lewis
Kent St and UNLV

Ugly basketball at its finest

2008-03-20 12:26:53
96.   Daniel Zappala
How did Kent State even get a #9 seed if they're losing 22-6 to UNLV of all teams?
2008-03-20 12:27:53
97.   Daniel Zappala
93 I always thought you had to wait until the ball hit the rim or backboard.
2008-03-20 12:29:06
98.   underdog
I know, I picked against UNLV because I knew my UCSB squad had beaten them! Figured, how good could they be? But I guess Kent State hasn't shown up yet.
2008-03-20 12:29:53
99.   Bob Timmermann
Kent State had nine turnovers in the first five minutes of the game.
2008-03-20 12:29:57
100.   blue22
My perfect bracket is going up in flames. Stupid Vegas.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-03-20 12:30:57
101.   Kevin Lewis
Yea, Kent St. will undo the perfect bracket for me. They are taking terrible shots, but who knows, the second half can always turn things around
2008-03-20 12:31:40
102.   Bob Timmermann
Kent State is 4 for 20 from the field.
2008-03-20 12:38:19
103.   blue22
Baylor is not helping me either.

Is talking about your bracket on par with talking about your fantasy team? It's more socially acceptable to comment about your bracket, right?

2008-03-20 12:39:12
104.   Penarol1916
97. I thought that was only for the shooter. I will say, so far, it is not looking so good for my anti-Big Ten bracket.
2008-03-20 12:39:26
105.   Bob Timmermann
It's socially acceptable here.
2008-03-20 12:42:03
106.   Bob Timmermann
Kent State was 5 for 23 in the first half, but the alltime record for field goal futility in the opening rounds is Tennessee Tech's 18 for 82. That's 22%. Kent State is at 21%, although it is likely Kent will shoot better in the second half.
2008-03-20 12:42:17
107.   blue22
105 - True, I had forgotten that we're all in the same contest together. I'll make sure and let everyone know how I'm doing in my work pool after the day's over. Or not.
2008-03-20 12:52:25
108.   ToyCannon
Temple gave me what is sure to be the 1st of many losses. I really don't care about the rest of you but I'll be bummed if my 16 year old nephew beats me.
2008-03-20 12:56:48
109.   underdog
10 points in the first half.

Nice.

I'd hate to be a witness to the coach's halftime speech.

2008-03-20 12:56:49
110.   Bob Timmermann
Last year's winner missed 10 of the 63 games.
2008-03-20 13:00:08
111.   ToyCannon
Sure, never panic until an Elite 8 is taken from the field.
2008-03-20 13:00:21
112.   Daniel Zappala
I usually miss 9 in the first round.
2008-03-20 13:02:54
113.   Bob Timmermann
Villanova scored 10 points in a half in the 1939 semifinals.

But that was 1939. The record for futility over all in the first two rounds is 32 by Wisconsin against Missouri State in 1999.

2008-03-20 13:07:38
114.   gibsonhobbs88
Well so far - Only Temple losing to Michigan St. is my only malady. I didn't have Temple advancing to the Sweet 16 so it's okay, no real harm done. Like Toy Cannon says - in the first round only panic if an Elite 8 or Final Four team in yur bracket goes down in flames.
2008-03-20 13:08:40
115.   ToyCannon
Kent State just scored 10 points in 5 minutes. I think they can break 32 as UNLV will lose interest in a few minutes.
2008-03-20 13:12:15
116.   Daniel Zappala
The problem for Kent State is they've scored 16 points in the second half, but so has UNLV, and they are still down by 21.
2008-03-20 13:12:33
117.   Bob Timmermann
BYU will have a chance this year to gain an extra year on Missouri for the enviable record of "Most years in the NCAA tournament without making the Final Four."

BYU is making its 23rd appearance. Missouri is at 21.

2008-03-20 13:13:37
118.   ToyCannon
I'm shocked at how many of you picked Michigan State over Pitt. Don't you know Bobby Knight knows more about basketball in his pinky then all of us combined?
2008-03-20 13:18:56
119.   Bob Timmermann
67 of the 97 entries got the first three games correct.
3 people missed two games.
1 person missed all three.

However, that last entry is blank, so I may just delete it.

2008-03-20 13:24:59
120.   Bob Timmermann
One of the sponsors during the NCAA tournament is 3M and they are advertising the privacy screens that we have on the public computers at work.

Those things are not cheap.

2008-03-20 13:30:17
121.   Daniel Zappala
On one of my Yahoo brackets I have all three games right plus the UNLV over Kent State game. So I'm good.
2008-03-20 13:30:46
122.   Daniel Zappala
The key to feeling good about your bracket is to have enough of them so that one is bound to be right.
2008-03-20 13:37:49
123.   Eric Stephen
I'm with Jay Bilas. If Kentucky fouls a guy (51% free throw shooting big man) away from the ball, that should be an intentional foul. That screams of hack-a-Shaq.
2008-03-20 13:37:49
124.   ToyCannon
Weisman + 1
2008-03-20 13:45:12
125.   bhsportsguy
Upset specials are not working so far. Dropped 2 now.
2008-03-20 13:50:40
126.   Bob Timmermann
43 entries have UCLA winning it all.
2008-03-20 13:50:55
127.   ToyCannon
Kent State does enough to escape embarrassment.
2008-03-20 13:51:52
128.   ToyCannon
126
I hope they do but I didn't pick them because as someone said this is a pac10 crowd. Good to see Eric sticking with Texas.
2008-03-20 13:56:20
129.   Eric Stephen
128
Eric E went with Texas. Although I have them making the Final 4 too.
2008-03-20 13:59:44
130.   ToyCannon
129
Of course it was Eric E, we all know the San Diego Eric Stephen is blind to the shortcomings of USC.
2008-03-20 14:10:59
131.   trainwreck
I had to go do a job interview. If I get the job, I clearly won't be working with the biggest sports fans around.
2008-03-20 14:11:30
132.   Indiana Jon
126 How many have Tennessee? That may be my chance to pass 43 entries.
2008-03-20 14:12:12
133.   Bob Timmermann
We are down to just 28 clean sheets.
2008-03-20 14:12:56
134.   Andrew Shimmin
132- Just you and one other entry.
2008-03-20 14:13:00
135.   trainwreck
I have Tennessee losing in the second round. I am gambling big time on Butler.
2008-03-20 14:13:12
136.   Bob Timmermann
There are two entries picking Tennessee?

Does anyone object to me getting rid of the blank entry? I want the person who is in last place to have earned it.

2008-03-20 14:13:38
137.   Indiana Jon
133 Purdue's win will soon lower that to about 18 I predict.
2008-03-20 14:14:23
138.   Andrew Shimmin
The other Tennessee picker (SEC Fan) has Vanderbilt winning the Midwest.
2008-03-20 14:15:22
139.   Indiana Jon
135 I'm probably the biggest Butler fan here, but they better play perfect to beat Tennessee.
2008-03-20 14:15:51
140.   Bob Timmermann
A few of the 28 entries lost a game.

But Suffering Bruin, the defending champ, is threatening to become the Joakim Noah of the Griddle NCAA Tournament pool.

He's 7 for 7.

2008-03-20 14:16:18
141.   trainwreck
139
True, but they crushed the Volunteers last year.
2008-03-20 14:18:08
142.   Indiana Jon
Wow, 23 of the 28 picked Purdue. Thought there were more Big Ten haters here than that. I hope you guys are at least with me in picking Arkansas to destroy Indiana.
2008-03-20 14:19:30
143.   Indiana Jon
141 It's a shame that Butler was given such a poor seed and have to play the #1 RPI team in the second round. They are better than several 4, 5, and 6 seeds.
2008-03-20 14:20:13
144.   Bob Timmermann
24 clean sheets through 7 games.
2008-03-20 14:20:39
145.   Bob Timmermann
Or it could be 23.
2008-03-20 14:21:29
146.   blue22
Only two brackets were alone in choosing their champion:

Juice Blog (Scott I assume) picked Georgetown.
Ocelotsideshow picked Wisconsin (but they have 1 2-seed and 3-3 seeds in the Final 4).

2008-03-20 14:23:21
147.   blue22
146 - Oops, I misread. Louisville (Adam K) and USC (by USC; creative :) ) were also unique.
2008-03-20 14:23:29
148.   Indiana Jon
145 24 is correct. I think the blank entry is the cleanest sheet of them all.
2008-03-20 14:24:17
149.   trainwreck
I believe I did well last year. I hope I don't end up the UCLA to Suffering Bruin's Florida.
2008-03-20 14:24:29
150.   Daniel Zappala
126 I figured my best chance at winning this year was to pick UCLA to go to the championship game but lose.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-03-20 14:30:11
151.   Bob Timmermann
I will leave the blank bracket in place because when I try to remove it, it tells me that I should only be doing that for people I accuse of cheating or crashing the party.
2008-03-20 14:30:33
152.   ToyCannon
146
Only two of us picked Pitt.

149
It would be to much to bear if SB was smart, tall, good looking, put the giggles in the ladies at the library, and was good at winning March Madness.

2008-03-20 14:30:39
153.   Indiana Jon
Until last year, our local CBS station would show all the games simultaneously on the digital channels (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4). As of last year, they've stopped doing that and now usually either show us the local team or the worst possible game they could pick in any time slot. I'm just curious, does anyone's CBS station still show all the games simultaneously? It was great except for carrying all those TV's to the same room each March.
2008-03-20 14:31:36
154.   ToyCannon
151
Your worried about accusing a blank entry of cheating?

Be wary of the Rainmaker

2008-03-20 14:33:05
155.   ToyCannon
I've never seen Cornell play basketball before. It would give my sister-in-law great pleasure if I was watching them again on Friday.
2008-03-20 14:33:22
156.   blue22
152 - Another unique champ I missed: mehmattski was the only one that picked Duke as well.

I'm beginning to think it was a bad idea to start this analysis/train of thought.

2008-03-20 14:33:35
157.   Bob Timmermann
The Stanford-Cornell game is on CSTV, which is now CBS College Sports. And you have to pay extra to see it. So I just have it on the computer.
2008-03-20 14:33:35
158.   Indiana Jon
151 I promise not to crash the party. It's just to much of a risk to take when there is an Oregon State t-shirt on the line.
2008-03-20 14:34:09
159.   Bob Timmermann
158
There's a book too!
2008-03-20 14:35:45
160.   El Lay Dave
152 At least SB doesn't have a great speaking voice. Oh, wait.
2008-03-20 14:36:05
161.   trainwreck
157
I get it. It is one terrible channel, unless you like to watch colleges you did not know existed or see Trev Alberts wear sweaters.
2008-03-20 14:37:29
162.   Indiana Jon
159 Yes, but that's the reason I haven't cheated, not the reason I'm not crashing the party.
2008-03-20 14:39:06
163.   Indiana Jon
161 But unbelievably, they now offer this channel in HD!
2008-03-20 14:39:33
164.   El Lay Dave
151 Is it much of a reach to consider a blank sheet to sort of crashing the party? Is that like bringing nothing to the pot luck?
2008-03-20 14:40:12
165.   El Lay Dave
163 To better appreciate the sweater's fibers?
2008-03-20 14:40:38
166.   trainwreck
Well there's one thing Suffering Bruin will never have...

A dinosaur!

2008-03-20 14:43:04
167.   Suffering Bruin
166 My birthday is June 16th.
2008-03-20 14:44:26
168.   Indiana Jon
165 Some of the colleges you didn't know existed are so small it takes high def to see them.
2008-03-20 14:46:21
169.   Bob Timmermann
The Atlantic 10 is on CSTV. That's a substantial conference.
2008-03-20 14:47:21
170.   Bob Timmermann
Brook Lopez with 2 fouls in the first half? These must not be Pac-10 refs. They have granted him immunity.
2008-03-20 14:49:09
171.   Andrew Shimmin
Dear NCAASports.com,

I know what you're up to. Don't pretend that you're interested in whether I'm enjoying the game. Just admit that you're trying to boot me off, and give my connection to somebody else. Do you know who I am? I'm a VIP, bub. Go kill Bob's feed, if you need the spot.

Disgruntledly,
Andrew Shimmin

2008-03-20 14:50:20
172.   Bob Timmermann
I believe Stanford-Cornell is the only first round matchup where each team's nickname is a color and neither nickname ends in S.
2008-03-20 14:53:46
173.   Humma Kavula
If Eric Enders had done his mascot vs. mascot thing this year, who would have won this game?
2008-03-20 14:55:28
174.   Bob Timmermann
Cornell would have won because Big Red is better than just Cardinal.

Because it's big.

2008-03-20 14:56:11
175.   trainwreck
That tree should lose ever single mascot battle.
2008-03-20 14:57:34
176.   Bob Timmermann
I think Oregon State could have hung around with Cornell.
2008-03-20 14:57:58
177.   blue22
175 - I dunno, it's a mean tree when drunk.
2008-03-20 14:59:37
178.   ToyCannon
1 hour and 10 minutes until Eric Stephen starts to squirm.
2008-03-20 15:01:09
179.   Andrew Shimmin
I just got a great idea for what to do about the super-delegate situation!

http://www.abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/Obama%20Bracket.JPG

2008-03-20 15:04:21
180.   Daniel Zappala
Obama's bracket looks very similar to mine. This could be a major issue.
2008-03-20 15:09:25
181.   trainwreck
I will give credit to Barack for actually picking a winner instead of worrying about offending people.
2008-03-20 15:09:50
182.   Eric Stephen
178
Bite your tongue! Actually, I'll be going "dark" in about an hour, as I am recording the game at home and will not be home until a little after 5pm.

And, for the record, thanks to some chili cheese fries I had at lunch, the squirming has started early.

2008-03-20 15:11:09
183.   Indiana Jon
For those of you that have watched games on mlb.com, how does the quality there compare to the quality on ncaa.com?
2008-03-20 15:16:01
184.   Eric Stephen
I just looked at the scenario generator, and DXMachina and I have the same 1st round picks except for Arizona (me) vs. West Virginia (him).
2008-03-20 15:17:06
185.   mehmattski
Hey everyone... nothing too exciting in the tournament so far. Hopefully there will be some upsets tonight. Currently Stanford is handily beating Cornell in what we Duke students like to refer to as the "Safety School Matchup"...

/ducks for cover.

;-)

2008-03-20 15:23:00
186.   Andrew Shimmin
183- The mlb.tv games I've watched have been significantly less herky-jerky (especially the archived games). But when the baseball games are being shown in wide screen format, the player won't scale up to full screen, the way it's doing with the NCAA games.
2008-03-20 15:29:28
187.   bobsbrother
But is it coincidence with a major primary looming in Pennsylvania that Obama picked Pitt? I think not.
2008-03-20 15:30:03
188.   underdog
Poor Cornell. Hardly even knew what hit them. I knew I shouldn't have picked them to win it all!
2008-03-20 15:30:41
189.   bobsbrother
By the way, Iowa leads after the first session at NCAA wrestling, followed by Central Michigan.
2008-03-20 15:30:48
190.   bhsportsguy
I watched Stanford play 4 times in a week, I don't know if Brook Lopez had 3 fouls total during those games.

But then, I don't know if Stanford made 7 three-pointers during those games either.

2008-03-20 15:34:00
191.   Indiana Jon
184 Weird. I didn't notice the generator until you said something, so then I had to try it. DXMachina is also the closest to me, although we picked 3 games differently. USC-K State, Baylor-Purdue, and Drake W. Kentucky.
2008-03-20 15:39:58
192.   Eric Stephen
194
The generator is a sweet tool. It really comes in handy the further we delve into the tournament.
2008-03-20 15:40:40
193.   Eric Stephen
Weird
2008-03-20 15:40:52
194.   Eric Stephen
192
Hey, Eric of the past, what are your thoughts on the scenario generator?
2008-03-20 15:41:15
195.   Indiana Jon
192 Until it tells you there is no hope left.
2008-03-20 15:42:18
196.   Indiana Jon
Darn, I missed an opportunity for a great 194. Had to read your own post didn't you?
2008-03-20 15:45:35
197.   mehmattski
191 My picks are extra unique- If i fill it with all my picks, no one comes within 70 points of me. Being the only one to pick Duke to win it all will do that...

According to the scenarios, if all my picks are perfect, except Kansas beats Duke in the final, I win by one point. If Duke wins it all, I win. All other scenarios, it looks like others have a better chance.

2008-03-20 15:50:06
198.   Indiana Jon
197 51 points for me over second place, which is Bob!
2008-03-20 15:53:57
199.   Indiana Jon
I have mixed feelings on this year's tournament. I'm in this pool with quite a few UCLA fans, so it would probably help me for UCLA to lose. However, I have drawn their name out of a hat in the office pool, so them winning would mean a gain of $320. I have to wonder if the combo of the book, the t-shirt and the sidebar is worth more than that.
2008-03-20 15:55:54
200.   mehmattski
Suffering Bruin can tell us how much the Sidebar is worth. As my friend would say "that's great, want a cookie?" So if it's worth a cookie, that could be $2 or $3 right there, for a good cookie.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-03-20 16:01:07
201.   bhsportsguy
194 Bye Eric.
2008-03-20 16:02:54
202.   Eric Stephen
201
I'm going dark. Jack Bauer out.
2008-03-20 16:07:01
203.   bhsportsguy
It will be a fast turnaround at the Honda Center, they have to clear out all the fans, clean the aisles and rows, empty the trash, clean the bathrooms and then set up for the second set of games. Plus they probably have more people arriving for the UCLA portion.
2008-03-20 16:09:30
204.   underdog
One of the people currently in first place in my g/f's workplace pool - which we created a bracket together for - calls herself Irish Annie or something and has Notre Dame winning the whole thing. Somehow I'm no longer worried about her as much as some of the other people.
2008-03-20 16:10:23
205.   trainwreck
203
Do they really clean the bathrooms between games? I have yet to be at a stadium or arena where it looks like they clean the bathrooms at all.
2008-03-20 16:10:32
206.   El Lay Dave
199 Oregon St. T-Shirt - $20.
Japanese Baseball Card Book - $25.
One year of Griddle Sidebar recognition - priceless.
2008-03-20 16:14:04
207.   bhsportsguy
205 I just threw that in there. They must empty the trash at some point.
2008-03-20 16:15:30
208.   trainwreck
I just realized this is Mayo against his best buddy in Bill Walker. Former high school teammates.
2008-03-20 16:15:59
209.   Bob Timmermann
206
The t-shirt and book prices are reversed although you can get the book on Amazon now for $5.
2008-03-20 16:20:16
210.   blue22
208 - Wasn't K-State a possibility for Mayo when Huggins was still coaching there, or am I misremembering that? Mayo and Beasley together would be a nice tandem, for the one year at least.
2008-03-20 16:21:39
211.   trainwreck
210
Yeah, he was considering K-State. Originally, Walker and him wanted to be on the same team. The story goes that Mayo set his sights on LA after awhile. He sent out a feeler to UCLA and was rebuffed, while Tim Floyd was more than happy to take him.
2008-03-20 16:24:25
212.   Bob Timmermann
These are not the good USC home jerseys. Even the gold ones would be an improvement on these.
2008-03-20 16:34:51
213.   El Lay Dave
206 They were just wild guesses. The other one is dead-on, of course.
2008-03-20 16:43:21
214.   Indiana Jon
K State looks good so far, considering Beasley's foul problems.
2008-03-20 16:44:29
215.   trainwreck
I can't believe I am typing this, but get it together Trojans!
2008-03-20 16:49:20
216.   underdog
I'm already regretting picking USC.
2008-03-20 16:51:58
217.   trainwreck
The Trojans and Cougars are not making me confident that my bracket will stay perfect.
2008-03-20 16:53:18
218.   trainwreck
BYU that is. Although, Wazzu is not looking too hot either.
2008-03-20 17:02:21
219.   Bob Timmermann
Wazzu tends to play better in the second half.
2008-03-20 17:03:18
220.   trainwreck
The Pac-10 bias is not looking to good right now.
2008-03-20 17:04:19
221.   Bob Timmermann
I believe the Pac-10 is undefeated in the NCAA tournament.
2008-03-20 17:04:21
222.   bhsportsguy
215 The year that USC played Texas in the Rose Bowl, I had a 4-way parlay bet, I think for $25. It was UCLA and the over in their bowl game matched up with USC and the over the Rose Bowl. Thanks to the Blade (Brandon Breazell), I won the first part of the parlay. I probably would have won the second part had Reggie Bush not decided to start making hand-offs while running down the field and if USC could stop Vince Young.

I swore never to bet with USC again.

2008-03-20 17:06:24
223.   bhsportsguy
I realize Duke is up by 7 but 35 points for Belmont at halftime.
2008-03-20 17:07:51
224.   bhsportsguy
Eric S. will not be happy when he starts watching his tape.
2008-03-20 17:07:51
225.   trainwreck
223
Hopefully that means that Duke has a lot of trouble with teams called the Bruins.
2008-03-20 17:08:14
226.   Indiana Jon
I just realized the ncaa.com feed is not live.
2008-03-20 17:10:12
227.   bhsportsguy
225 Has Tim Floyd taken off his tie completely yet?
2008-03-20 17:11:55
228.   trainwreck
Floyd gets a technical foul called on him:

Over/Under: 1

2008-03-20 17:14:28
229.   Bob Timmermann
The new president of the University of California is the current president at the University of Texas, Mark G. Yudof.

Despite what people in Berkeley will tell you, the president of the University of California has his office in Oakland.

2008-03-20 17:14:56
230.   underdog
Pools and brackets aside, I would be amused if Belmont beats Duke. I would even say, in Nelson-esque voice, "Hah. Hah."
2008-03-20 17:16:09
231.   bhsportsguy
229 I know I have gone down this road but why does Berkley campus get to be called just University of Califonia?
2008-03-20 17:16:51
232.   underdog
231 First one gets dibs. I believe that's the deal.
2008-03-20 17:18:29
233.   mehmattski
230 The same Hah-Hah I will be saying when UCLA loses to Texas A&M?
2008-03-20 17:18:46
234.   Bob Timmermann
231
Because Berkeley THINKS it can.

But the University in Berkeley is not THE University of California.

http://www.berkeley.edu/about/

2008-03-20 17:19:47
235.   trainwreck
229
Better than the North Berkeley/Richmond border.
2008-03-20 17:24:44
236.   underdog
233 Sure. Mmm-hm. If it comes to that, I'd do it quickly and then run from here.
2008-03-20 17:28:28
237.   Daniel Zappala
We must have a strong west-coast bias in my family. My 8-year-old daughter picked UCLA, Stanford, USC, and North Carolina for her final four. She only picked NC because she thought it read North California.

My 12-year-old son probably has the only final four with UCLA, Stanford, USC, and Boise State.

I don't think either has ever watched a college basketball game.

2008-03-20 17:34:37
238.   trainwreck
237
At least, you have taught them well.

I will leave someone else to joke about which teams your other 16 children picked.

2008-03-20 17:39:32
239.   Bob Timmermann
Winthrop hasn't scored in the first 6:30 of the second half.
2008-03-20 17:41:22
240.   trainwreck
Scoring to open a half is overrated. Just ask BYU.
2008-03-20 17:43:42
241.   trainwreck
Can Belmont pull off a Hampton?
2008-03-20 17:43:48
242.   Indiana Jon
Belmont ties it up.
2008-03-20 17:44:45
243.   El Lay Dave
242 With 10 minutes to go.
2008-03-20 17:45:45
244.   El Lay Dave
My first two lower seed picks are in the current games - K-State and Texas A&M. Nervous time.
2008-03-20 17:46:23
245.   Bob Timmermann
241
I thought it was a Richmond.
2008-03-20 17:49:32
246.   Bob Timmermann
Or a Coppin State or a Santa Clara.
2008-03-20 17:50:52
247.   trainwreck
245
Hampton beat Iowa State in 01.
2008-03-20 17:52:56
248.   Bob Timmermann
247
I'm an old school guy when it comes to 2-15 upsets.
2008-03-20 17:53:46
249.   Bob Timmermann
Wazzu has outscored Winthrop 25-4 in the second half.
2008-03-20 17:54:31
250.   trainwreck
Tim Floyd needs to immediately petition the NCAA to move to 6 personal fouls.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-03-20 17:56:47
251.   trainwreck
Anyone else not surprised Frank Martin (K-State head coach) used to be a bouncer? He looks like he could destroy Bruce Pearl.
2008-03-20 18:00:12
252.   Indiana Jon
I am now getting the Duke game. Thanks CBS, I wasn't watching USC-K State anyway, no problem.
2008-03-20 18:00:20
253.   Bob Timmermann
Second half:
Wazzu 29
Winthrop 5
2008-03-20 18:01:13
254.   trainwreck
Wow, Paulus was completely out of bounds on that one.
2008-03-20 18:05:15
255.   Bob Timmermann
38-8 in the second half for Wazzu-Winthrop.
2008-03-20 18:05:57
256.   trainwreck
255
You pretty much nailed the Wazzu is a second half team analysis.
2008-03-20 18:06:35
257.   JoeyP
Almost time to usher in the Lil' Romeo era at USC.
2008-03-20 18:08:38
258.   Bob Timmermann
256
Yes, but that's taking it to extremes.
2008-03-20 18:08:38
259.   blue22
252 - You could be in my situation here in Seattle. Guess which game I'm getting right now.
2008-03-20 18:08:45
260.   Indiana Jon
243 With 2 minutes to go.
2008-03-20 18:09:02
261.   Andrew Shimmin
Alright Belmont. Pretty funny, but knock it off.
2008-03-20 18:09:38
262.   Bob Timmermann
I'd feel a lot better about Belmont's chances if Steve Nash were on the team.
2008-03-20 18:09:51
263.   trainwreck
Was that Vince Gill jumping up and down?
2008-03-20 18:10:20
264.   KG16
What's Belmont's fight song? Because I'd really like to start singing it pretty soon.

Stupid USC, I had them winning their region.

2008-03-20 18:10:20
265.   Indiana Jon
I will be happy to lose an elite 8 team, if its Duke.
2008-03-20 18:12:03
266.   Indiana Jon
K State never should have been an 11 seed. Beasley is just a monster.
2008-03-20 18:13:12
267.   trainwreck
I got Duke going to Sweet 16, but I have USC going to Elite 8.

Whoops.

2008-03-20 18:13:45
268.   Bob Timmermann
Usually smaller schools like Belmont don't have fight songs.

Even bigger schools that don't have football teams don't have them.

2008-03-20 18:14:06
269.   KG16
267 - if it's any consolation, the only people who have Belmont beating Duke in their brackets are the players from Belmont.
2008-03-20 18:14:19
270.   Indiana Jon
I am seconds from being very very happy, or not so much.
2008-03-20 18:14:35
271.   Bob Timmermann
But Belmont does have one. I'm on the case.
2008-03-20 18:15:25
272.   JoeyP
Big shot by Henderson!
2008-03-20 18:15:53
273.   madmac
I recall saying Duke was overrated and shouldn't be a #2 seed
2008-03-20 18:16:00
274.   KG16
this is a pretty good finish... it'd be great if Belmont hits one now.
2008-03-20 18:16:59
275.   Bob Timmermann
Basketball players named Gerald Henderson always ruin things for me.
2008-03-20 18:17:12
276.   Indiana Jon
USC has nothing to be ashamed of, Kansas State was a better team all year. They just got screwed by the seedings.
2008-03-20 18:17:22
277.   trainwreck
Well this is anti-climactic.
2008-03-20 18:18:17
278.   Bob Timmermann
Wazzu won by 31.
2008-03-20 18:19:00
279.   trainwreck
278
They need to give half of that to USC.
2008-03-20 18:19:10
280.   JoeyP
Duke should miss.
2008-03-20 18:19:42
281.   Bob Timmermann
Winthrop scored 11 points in the second half and that wasn't even the worst half of the day!
2008-03-20 18:20:20
282.   Indiana Jon
Belmont needs a Laettner.
2008-03-20 18:22:12
283.   Bob Timmermann
I believe there are still 23 clean sheets after the Wazzu and Duke wins.
2008-03-20 18:22:24
284.   trainwreck
I am gonna go get some pizza and beer for the UCLA game.
2008-03-20 18:22:38
285.   Andrew Shimmin
My bracket remains pristine.

I have a competition in me: I want no one else to win that t-shirt.

2008-03-20 18:22:57
286.   Indiana Jon
Down to five clean brackets.
2008-03-20 18:25:15
287.   Bob Timmermann
I now count 5 clean sheets factoring in K State's win.
2008-03-20 18:26:03
288.   Daniel Zappala
One of my five brackets at Yahoo is clean.
2008-03-20 18:26:04
289.   Bob Timmermann
286
People count faster in Indiana.
2008-03-20 18:27:00
290.   Bob Timmermann
I'm ahead of my brother.
2008-03-20 18:31:09
291.   Bob Timmermann
Of the 5 clean sheets, 4 have picked the Aggies.
2008-03-20 18:33:08
292.   Indiana Jon
289 We also shoot better.
2008-03-20 18:34:55
293.   Indiana Jon
291 If those 4 survive, they are split 2-2 on Notre Dame-George Mason.
2008-03-20 18:40:30
294.   Daniel Zappala
Tied with Bob in 65th place!
2008-03-20 18:42:35
295.   Andrew Shimmin
It hurt my heart to pick Notre Dame, but Pomeroy hasn't let me down, yet.

Is Pomeroy a person, or a computer?

2008-03-20 18:44:21
296.   Bob Timmermann
No one has ever seen Ken Pomeroy. He could be a composite of several other commercial figures.
2008-03-20 18:45:02
297.   Indiana Jon
Amazingly, all four unblemished brackets have picked Arizona. I don't believe we'll see a perfect record tonight.
2008-03-20 18:47:14
298.   Bob Timmermann
I guess the Miami Dolphins will be happy.
2008-03-20 18:48:20
299.   Andrew Shimmin
297- Well sure, but, then, you didn't think picking Baylor was a bad idea, either. Eh?
2008-03-20 18:49:42
300.   Andrew Shimmin
I think if I had more practice winning at things, I wouldn't be such a jerk about it.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-03-20 18:49:53
301.   Indiana Jon
299 I had no choice. In this area of the state it is always mandatory to pick against Purdue. I might not win this thing, but i do have some morals.
2008-03-20 18:52:22
302.   Daniel Zappala
300 When trying to rub it in, please navigate to my other Yahoo bracket:

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/1708685

2008-03-20 18:53:57
303.   El Lay Dave
285 I'm one of the Geo. Mason / Arizona daily double folks. If we're both Daniel Plainview, this could be one ugly, violent contest!
2008-03-20 18:55:06
304.   El Lay Dave
301 As a UCLA basketball fan, there was no way I was going to pick USC and Notre Dame, so a couple of my upset choice were preordained.
2008-03-20 18:58:11
305.   Andrew Shimmin
302- My "BYU wins it all" bracket is looking pretty rough, just now. I had Baylor, USC, and Kent State in that one, too.

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/1738879

2008-03-20 18:59:26
306.   Bob Timmermann
I can go picture in picture now. KDOC is showing the Fullerton-Wisconsin game and KCBS is showing the unnameds-Mountaineers game.
2008-03-20 18:59:33
307.   Indiana Jon
304 The odds of me picking Purdue were the exact same odds as me picking the Yankees to win the World Series. Notice I didn't pick Kentucky either, same odds.
2008-03-20 19:06:15
308.   El Lay Dave
Well, Geo. Mason is down by 16 with less than 9 minutes elapsed. That is not giving me comfort.
2008-03-20 19:06:51
309.   El Lay Dave
This is my ONLY bracket. Griddle or bust!
2008-03-20 19:09:51
310.   Andrew Shimmin
The white guy who isn't Kevin Love has crossed me for the last time.
2008-03-20 19:10:19
311.   trainwreck
Perfect timing. I forgot how terrible shopping at this time is.
2008-03-20 19:21:08
312.   Suffering Bruin
USC done taught me a lesson. I had them going to the regional finals, upsetting GeoTown.
2008-03-20 19:23:22
313.   Bob Timmermann
Little known fact, according to the UCLA media guide, Nikola Dragovic is the only player ever to wear 41 for UCLA.
2008-03-20 19:26:59
314.   trainwreck
313
Too bad he won't be wearing it next year.

I bet he goes back to Europe.

2008-03-20 19:28:00
315.   Daniel Zappala
305 You should see my bracket with Davidson winning it all, the one where I picked purely by record over the past 12 games.
2008-03-20 19:28:05
316.   trainwreck
Awesome, got to see UCLA play for almost 10 minutes.
2008-03-20 19:30:32
317.   Bob Timmermann
Quick survey:
Greatest Memphis (or Memphis State) basketball player ever?

Does Keith Lee win out for longevity or does Penny Hardaway win out for actually being really good?

2008-03-20 19:31:07
318.   Eric Stephen
I just got done watching that wretched Midwest 6-11 game. I choose to look at the positive, that I'm 11-1 right now.

Of course, the "1" was scheduled to lose to Tennessee in San Antonio.

There's still time for the Lakers and Lost to make up for the bad start to the evening.

2008-03-20 19:32:49
319.   trainwreck
317
Penny, but I have no idea who Keith Lee is.
2008-03-20 19:32:53
320.   Bob Timmermann
Or is it Larry Finch?
2008-03-20 19:33:29
321.   Bob Timmermann
319
Sigh....
2008-03-20 19:35:08
322.   Sam DC
Not real interested in watching Mason get blown out, CBS folks. Hopefully you can get on the stick during the second half.

I was at a divey bar earlier -- The Tune Inn -- where a friend works (they have satellite with all games). Many Duke alums in attendance.

So close to that wonderful moment where me and my band of friends could cheer their misery!

2008-03-20 19:36:51
323.   Bob Timmermann
Isn't George Mason a school of "local interest" for people in DC?

At least I have the option of switching over to the CSUF-Wisconsin game which is on KDOC.

2008-03-20 19:37:39
324.   trainwreck
321
After doing a little research, I don't feel so bad since his senior year started in the year I was born.
2008-03-20 19:39:27
325.   Sam DC
In other news from the bar, a young really good looking couple came in on a date. They were both tall and skinny and well dressed. Remember, the place is a total dive.

So, he starts to order a veggie burger, but then pauses. "Is it good?" The toothless, 70 year old waiter says "I don't eat crap like that." Metrosexual guy gets the veggie burger.

Then the gal orders steak and eggs and the waiter practically hugs her.

And in more news from the bar, a family walks in, not often seen in the Tune Inn. They had come directly from the airport to the bar, because the mom used to hang out there 20 years ago. Now she was bringing her five kids and husband to see the place and it was their first stop in the city.

Amusing evening. Except for Belmont.

2008-03-20 19:40:27
326.   Sam DC
323 I guess so, though no one would have said that before their one big run.
2008-03-20 19:41:00
327.   Bob Timmermann
Keith Lee is the alltime leading scorer for Memphis at 2408 pts.
2008-03-20 19:41:07
328.   trainwreck
325
It is always heartwarming when you are at a bar and you see people bring their infant babies in.
2008-03-20 19:43:57
329.   Eric Stephen
325
That's a great story.

Which was the worse Gerald Henderson moment?

1) Game 2, 1984 Finals: Sr. steals pass from Worthy, Lakers give away game in a series they'd lose in 7 games

2) The final coast to coast basket by Jr. tonight, crushing the hearts of America.

2008-03-20 19:45:14
330.   Bob Timmermann
329
The first one was worse.

Nobody expected Belmont to beat Duke. And more people hate the Celtics than hate Duke.

2008-03-20 19:48:04
331.   trainwreck
Yes! Get to see UCLA again for a little bit.
2008-03-20 19:49:07
332.   Eric Stephen
330
I'm not sure if more people hate the Celtics than Duke.

The Celts might have the advantage in that there are more NBA fans than the NCAA, but in terms of percentage of fan hatred, Duke has got to be near the top of the heap. Also, Duke has been so good more recently while the Celtics have been dormant for 20 years.

That said, I hate the Celtics more than Duke.

2008-03-20 19:50:14
333.   trainwreck
Well that was fun.
2008-03-20 19:51:02
334.   Daniel Zappala
Nice. I lost one game on my clean bracket at ESPN and went from 1st place to 427401.
2008-03-20 19:51:08
335.   trainwreck
332
Yeah, most young people haven't experienced a good Celtic team to hate.

Plus, they don't smack their hands on the floor.

2008-03-20 19:51:39
336.   Eric Stephen
Bob, I just noticed all the links above don't just go to some generic Yahoo or ESPN team page. Kudos to you for the thorough linkage.
2008-03-20 19:52:57
337.   Eric Stephen
Putting my Celtic hatred aside, props to them for helping the Lakers with their great week in Texas.
2008-03-20 19:53:11
338.   El Lay Dave
Fullerton only down 2 at the half. Huh.
2008-03-20 19:53:47
339.   Bob Timmermann
336
Thanks.
2008-03-20 19:53:57
340.   Eric Stephen
Lakers couldn't stop a team record overall winning streak in Houston...can they stop a team record home winning streak in Utah?

The Jazz have won 19 straight in their whiny arena.

2008-03-20 19:55:34
341.   Bob Timmermann
I remember Gerald Henderson the Elder being one of those players who didn't like moving from Boston to Seattle because he felt the NBA Western Conference was "soft" and the East played "real" basketball.
2008-03-20 19:55:51
342.   Indiana Jon
317 No love for Elliot Perry?
2008-03-20 19:56:36
343.   Eric Stephen
341
Even more evidence to tip the hatred scales toward Senior!
2008-03-20 19:56:47
344.   Bob Timmermann
342
No.
2008-03-20 19:57:31
345.   trainwreck
338
They are Big West tested.
2008-03-20 19:58:29
346.   Eric Stephen
342
Didn't he wear the high socks?
2008-03-20 19:59:39
347.   Eric Stephen
Lakers 8 for 9 to start in Utah. 18-7.
2008-03-20 19:59:54
348.   trainwreck
Apparently, Alfred Aboya got his ankle tweaked a bit.

Injury Gods, you wanna back off a little here please.

2008-03-20 20:00:13
349.   mehmattski
I can finish the first day in first place with a West Virginia win over Arizona. Picking against Pac-10 teams helps in this west-coast biased pool...
2008-03-20 20:00:50
350.   Indiana Jon
344 But he actually improved during his 4 years at Memphis, had a better NBA career than Lee, and had a comparable career to Jerry Sichting. How can you not love this guy?

Yes, this Notre Dame game is starting to bore me.

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-03-20 20:01:17
351.   Indiana Jon
346 Yep!
2008-03-20 20:01:34
352.   El Lay Dave
320 Wasn't Larry Kenon the top player, and Finch a strong second-banana, for the Memphis (State) team that lost to the Walton-led Bruins in the finals?
2008-03-20 20:02:01
353.   Bob Timmermann
346
I suppose he did.
http://tinyurl.com/2kk9uu
2008-03-20 20:02:07
354.   Indiana Jon
349 Agreed.
2008-03-20 20:02:53
355.   Bob Timmermann
352
But Finch went on to a distinguished career as a corrupt Memphis basketball coach.
2008-03-20 20:03:22
356.   El Lay Dave
Geo. Mason, or my anti-ND leanings, is/are killing me here.
2008-03-20 20:04:44
357.   Eric Stephen
349
Picking against Pac-10 teams helps in this west-coast biased pool...

Guilty as charged. I had the Pac-10 going 6-0 in the first round, with 4 in the Sweet 16, 3 in the Elite 8, and UCLA (champ) and USC in the Final 4.

Arizona is only down 1 at half. Could still be a very good 4-1 day for the Pac-10.

2008-03-20 20:05:58
358.   Eric Stephen
356
I picked Notre Dame, but I did really liked a sign I saw last week that said, "This year's George Mason is George Mason!"
2008-03-20 20:06:30
359.   Indiana Jon
344 How about William Bedford then?
2008-03-20 20:06:56
360.   trainwreck
355
Kind of unnecessary to say corrupt before Memphis basketball coach.
2008-03-20 20:07:00
361.   Bob Timmermann
I should retract my statement about Larry Finch. He wasn't let go because he cheated. He just didn't win enough.

He suffered a stroke recently.

2008-03-20 20:13:27
362.   trainwreck
Sweet, did not realize Laker game was on TNT.
2008-03-20 20:18:38
363.   Hallux Valgus
357 There is a bracket that has the PAC 10 representative in every spot in the Final 4, including USC winning it all.
2008-03-20 20:21:18
364.   mehmattski
I, by contrast, have zero Pac-10 teams in the final four. Two ACC and Two Big XII.
2008-03-20 20:22:28
365.   Bob Timmermann
I only picked one Pac-10 team in the Final Four in UCLA. I don't think I went out on a limb there.
2008-03-20 20:24:31
366.   trainwreck
364
You need to put Miami in the Final Four to make Billy Packer happy.
2008-03-20 20:26:31
367.   Indiana Jon
365 Not at all. The west has by far the weakest 2-5 seeds.
2008-03-20 20:30:38
368.   Eric Stephen
To bring this back to baseball, there was a Orel Hershiser reference on the TNT broadcast of the Laker game.

Jerry Sloan was hired in 1988, and they ran a montage of 1988 highlights.

2008-03-20 20:33:06
369.   trainwreck
368
How did you like the close up(+ audio) of Jerry Sloan swearing like a sailor?
2008-03-20 20:35:02
370.   KG16
369 - given the way the Jazz have been playing tonight, I wouldn't be surprised if Sloan was using all 7 words you can't say on TV
2008-03-20 20:39:32
371.   Indiana Jon
Down to two clean sheets.
2008-03-20 20:40:07
372.   Eric Stephen
369
Yeah, Sloan and coaches' mics are a wonderful combination!
2008-03-20 20:41:27
373.   Bob Timmermann
It's up to the unnameds to decide if there will be a tie for first at the end of the first day.
2008-03-20 20:43:16
374.   Indiana Jon
I don't think there is any doubt there will be a tie for 1st at the end of the day. The question is how many teams will be tied.
2008-03-20 20:43:42
375.   Andrew Shimmin
Dear Chase Budinger,

It's not illegal to hit a basket, once in a while.

Just so you know.

Your pal,
Ham Fighter Nation

2008-03-20 20:46:49
376.   trainwreck
Now they are talking about Vero Beach. And Mike Fratello is saying Tommy is one of the greatest people ever in sports.
2008-03-20 20:47:38
377.   Eric Stephen
Dick Stockton and Mike Fratello are turning TNT into Dodger Thoughts Deseret Edition.

Also, apparently Dick Stockton has never seen photos of a cliche baseball wedding where everyone lines to make a bat tunnel.

2008-03-20 20:47:39
378.   Andrew Shimmin
Bill James says UCLA's lead is 100% safe. Let's pickup the Arizona game, CBS.
2008-03-20 20:51:01
379.   Eric Stephen
Oh boy that was a travel on Luke.
2008-03-20 20:51:32
380.   El Lay Dave
375 This is what you get when you root for Arizona teams; just watch your D-backs go down in flames this season. I should have put AZ on my list with USC and ND.
2008-03-20 20:52:33
381.   Andrew Shimmin
380- What's it like being in third place in this tournament? Fun?
2008-03-20 20:53:09
382.   Eric Stephen
Dear CBS:

I'm OK with switching from the 62-29 UCLA game to watch a closer game.

Thanks,

Eric

2008-03-20 20:55:27
383.   Indiana Jon
And then there were none.
2008-03-20 20:55:36
384.   Eric Stephen
2 Pac-10 loses mar my bracket.
2008-03-20 20:56:06
385.   ToyCannon
Ouch-GM and Arizona take me down a notch.

Tell me again why Bayless is a top 4 pick?

2008-03-20 20:56:27
386.   ToyCannon
ASU would have won.
2008-03-20 20:56:41
387.   Bob Timmermann
The shot clock era record for fewest points in an NCAA tournament game is 32.
2008-03-20 20:58:16
388.   Eric Stephen
Probably some karma involved from Jerry Rice whoring himself out so much in the last few years.
2008-03-20 21:00:27
389.   Bob Timmermann
I was putting links for all the teams in tomorrow's games and my browser crashed before I could save them.

And I'm not going to look for them all over again.

2008-03-20 21:01:36
390.   El Lay Dave
381 Basketball is a trifle; baseball is for oil men, you will agree.
2008-03-20 21:06:52
391.   El Lay Dave
387 No longer.
2008-03-20 21:10:42
392.   trainwreck
385
I do not think there is a chance he would go that high. He is probably a lottery pick though. He is a pure scorer in a point guards body. He will never be a good enough passer or run an offense well.
2008-03-20 22:13:29
393.   KG16
I've been playing around with the ESPN lottery mock draft thingy lately, I notice Kevin Love is not considered a top 14 pick. Beasley tends to go first, Mayo around 6 (to the Clippers usually). Bayless they have going to the Knicks at 5.
2008-03-20 22:39:50
394.   underdog
Gack, what an awful flipping day I had in all three of the brackets I'm in. Utterly awful. Saving grace is none of my top 8 teams fell at least, and I know these things can turn around by the time the second round ends, but yikes.

I hate Notre Dame.

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