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NCAA tournament second round, Day 3 thread (plus totally unrelated Japan update)
2008-03-22 04:00
by Bob Timmermann

For those wondering, the opening round game was Day 0.

Happy birthday to gpellamjr, Daniel Zappala, and my niece Genny!

The games dwindle down to just eight. All times PT.

11:10 am - #7 West Virginia vs #2 Duke in Washington (West). The early game on Saturday traditionally runs without any other games going on. So everybody gets to see loveable underdog Duke take on West Virginia coached by the warm and cuddly Bob Huggins.

1:20 pm - #11 Kansas State vs #3 Wisconsin in Omaha (Midwest). The Wildcats have a lot of young talent that you may never see in college basketball. Wisconsin has a lot of guys who will likely be back, and yet you will never remember their names.

about 1:40 pm - #6 Purdue vs #3 Xavier in Washington (West) - Did you know Purdue went 15-3 in the Big 10? Did you know Xavier won the Atlantic 10 regular season title? If you didn't, now you do. Purdue is in West Lafayette, Indiana, but does anyone care about Lafayette, Indiana? The latter has more people in it. I want respect for Lafayette.

3:40 pm - #5 Notre Dame vs #4 Washington State in Denver (East) - Expect to hear the words "underrated" and "overachievers" to be used a lot during this game.

3:45 pm - #6 Marquette vs #3 Stanford in Anaheim (South) - A matchup between two schools that I have visited in person! What are the odds?

about 3:50 pm - #8 UNLV vs #1 Kansas in Omaha (Midwest) - Why is UNLV called the Runnin' Rebels when the state of Nevada was created during the Civil War to give the Republicans two more votes in the Senate? Then again, why is my mom's high school in St. Louis, an all girls Catholic school called Notre Dame, called the Rebels as well?

about 6:10 pm - #5 Michigan State vs #4 Pittsburgh in Denver (South) - Expect lots of fouls to be called in this game. If not, expect a lot of guys to be on the floor with injuries. Another matchup between two schools that I have visited in person. What are the odds? For today, I guess it's one in four.

about 6:15 pm - #9 Texas A&M vs #1 UCLA in Anaheim (West) - The last time these two teams met was last season. And it was in Anaheim. UCLA has played a team from Texas three times in the NCAA tournament, beating Houston twice and losing to Texas Tech. A&M has never played a team from California in the NCAA tournament.

Los Longhorns leads the bracket contest with 25 winners out of the first 32, but his forecasted runnerup, Connecticut, is out, so he's likely not going to win. 12 entries are one point behind.

In the world of baseball, at the Tokyo Dome, Boston beat Hanshin 6-5 and Oakland beat Yomiuri 4-3.

Also today, the Division III men's final tip off at 1 pm and it will feature Amherst and Washington. That game will be played in Salem, VA.  Messiah will play Howard Payne in the D-III women's final in Holland, MI at 3 pm.

Messiah has been known to have good comeback qualities this time of year.

 

Comments (288)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-03-22 07:58:24
1.   Daniel Zappala
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Your great-grandfather's name was originally Zuzinjak, not Zuzenak.
2008-03-22 08:09:27
2.   Bob Timmermann
You're welcome.

And thanks for the info about the spelling. My grandmother believed that the spelling had been changed to make it easier for Americans to pronounce.

2008-03-22 09:52:40
3.   Indiana Jon
I care about Lafayette, Indiana. It's a nice little town. For those of you that didn't know, that's where Dog 'N Suds root beer was originated. They still have a few in town. They also have a great Irish pub called Nine Brothers which serves some of the best fish and chips I've ever had. Stop by and have a Smithwick's on tap if you get the chance.
2008-03-22 11:08:16
4.   Vishal
Messiah has been known to have good comeback qualities this time of year.

[groan]

2008-03-22 11:24:42
5.   Indiana Jon
Bob, are you working? Can we expect an upset or two today?
2008-03-22 11:31:32
6.   trainwreck
I miss Belmont.
2008-03-22 11:34:01
7.   Bob Timmermann
I'm working until 4 today, but I won't be home until around 6 as I have stuff to do.
2008-03-22 11:55:25
8.   Indiana Jon
I just can't get into this Duke game. I'm waiting to see K State, but I just realized I will be watching it on the computer since they play at the same time as Purdue.
2008-03-22 11:55:46
9.   Ken Arneson
The odds of anyone visiting Marquette are as remote as Marquette itself.
2008-03-22 11:56:33
10.   Bob Timmermann
The early game on the first Saturday invariably involves Duke or North Carolina. And it rarely is interesting.
2008-03-22 11:57:42
11.   Bob Timmermann
9
Marquette closed its bookstore before I could get in and buy a t-shirt. So instead I went and bought some souvenirs at the college Golda Meir attended.
2008-03-22 12:17:52
12.   gpellamjr
Oh, Bob! How did you know?

You may be alright after all!

2008-03-22 12:26:20
13.   Bob Timmermann
12
Alright?
2008-03-22 12:26:42
14.   Indiana Jon
I figured on a Saturday, it would be a little more lively around here.
2008-03-22 12:29:14
15.   Bob Timmermann
Saturdays on Baseball Toaster are always pretty slow. Mainly because we are mostly people who like to avoid doing work.
2008-03-22 12:29:45
16.   trainwreck
Maybe if Duke starts losing things will pick up.
2008-03-22 12:32:41
17.   trainwreck
Alexander forces a lot of bad shots.
2008-03-22 12:35:16
18.   Greg Brock
I'd like Duke to lose, but I never want anything good to happen for Bob Huggins.

Quandry.

2008-03-22 12:36:30
19.   trainwreck
Good, good. Call some more fouls on Singler.
2008-03-22 12:36:59
20.   bhsportsguy
18 Maybe he can get fired during the game.
2008-03-22 12:38:27
21.   trainwreck
20
A heart attack is more likely.
2008-03-22 12:38:50
22.   trainwreck
19
Nice, they did exactly as I said. That's what happens when you spurn UCLA, Singler!
2008-03-22 12:38:56
23.   bhsportsguy
Hitting threes now. {19] Prophet.

Maybe they can bring in Taylor King.

2008-03-22 12:39:03
24.   Greg Brock
20 I'd bank on a coronary.
2008-03-22 12:39:40
25.   bhsportsguy
21 I thought about that but I did not want to wish that on anyone.
2008-03-22 12:40:34
26.   bhsportsguy
Are Pac-10 officials working this game?
2008-03-22 12:41:23
27.   bhsportsguy
Where is Gus Johnson (he's in Denver)?
2008-03-22 12:41:45
28.   Greg Brock
Duke delenda est
2008-03-22 12:44:27
29.   bhsportsguy
28 Bob was surprised that I did not know that John Adams defended the soldiers who shot the colonists at the Boston Massacre, is that fact covered in U.S. History in high school?
2008-03-22 12:46:34
30.   Greg Brock
29 I tell my students, but as US History in high school generally starts around Reconstruction (they cover the founding in World History or junior high) it's not in the curriculum.
2008-03-22 12:48:02
31.   Bob Timmermann
I am also a history geek so I might have picked that up on my own.
2008-03-22 12:48:41
32.   Greg Brock
Let me clarify. It's not that we don't talk about the founding, we just don't spend a lot of time on it. Maybe the first week of instruction.
2008-03-22 12:49:55
33.   Daniel Zappala
Am I supposed to remember anything from my high school history class? I can't even remember some things from college classes!
2008-03-22 12:52:59
34.   Bob Timmermann
Since bhsportsguy doesn't know his history, he is doomed to repeat the events from 1770 and he too will order British soldiers to open fire on a mob in Boston.
2008-03-22 12:53:00
35.   Indiana Jon
Well, finding Duke down by 6 points makes this a bit more interesting. Glad I came back to it.
2008-03-22 12:55:10
36.   Indiana Jon
I agree with Bh, that is a somewhat unknown fact. I even polled the people at work and only 1 of 12 knew that it was John Adams. That made me fill a bit better about knowing. It also means its either an obscure fact or I work in a dumb office. Either way, I can deal with it.
2008-03-22 12:57:00
37.   bhsportsguy
Cross-Checking foul. At least no sticks at the head.
2008-03-22 12:58:29
38.   bhsportsguy
Does anyone think that Franklin actually ad-libbed the famous remark about all hanging separately, it just seems to perfect a thing to say.
2008-03-22 12:58:56
39.   Bob Timmermann
I'm waiting to see how the Alien and Sedition Acts get portrayed.
2008-03-22 12:59:44
40.   Greg Brock
39 I don't know if you're kidding or not, but I really am looking forward to that.
2008-03-22 13:00:52
41.   Bob Timmermann
Ben Franklin was the 18th Century's Yogi Berra when it came to quotes.
2008-03-22 13:02:23
42.   trainwreck
Man, Bay Area school system is terrible.
2008-03-22 13:04:38
43.   Bob Timmermann
I guess I'll put up a thread about the Alien and Sedition Acts one of these days.
2008-03-22 13:09:17
44.   Greg Brock
I still have nightmares about back-door cuts from Princeton.
2008-03-22 13:10:04
45.   Indiana Jon
Looks like Duke is finished. If Zappala was here, he might call this one.
2008-03-22 13:10:44
46.   Bob Timmermann
If UCLA were to lose today, the West region could be as weak as it was the year when Wisconsin went to the Final Four.
2008-03-22 13:11:02
47.   trainwreck
45
As long as there are guys in black and white striped shirts, Duke is not finished.
2008-03-22 13:13:34
48.   Greg Brock
Good. Now go raze Durham and pour salt in the soil.
2008-03-22 13:13:46
49.   Bob Timmermann
The Big East is headed for a 9-1 record.
2008-03-22 13:14:56
50.   Bob Timmermann
8-1 I meant.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-03-22 13:15:08
51.   Indiana Jon
47 If they can't get a rebound they are. .
2008-03-22 13:16:02
52.   Indiana Jon
The Big East and Big 12 have looked very good in this tournament.
2008-03-22 13:16:40
53.   Bob Timmermann
Wouldn't Cuba Gooding and Michael Jordan wear underwear of greatly differing sizes?
2008-03-22 13:18:04
54.   Bob Timmermann
Don't tell Billy Packer that the Big East is good. It disturbs him.
2008-03-22 13:18:47
55.   Indiana Jon
If I had to lose an Elite 8 team, this would have been my choice.
2008-03-22 13:20:44
56.   Indiana Jon
Duke's great tradition and pride are about to give them a rush?
2008-03-22 13:21:05
57.   Daniel Zappala
Just checking in, and yes, Indiana Jon, Duke is finished. Hallelujah.
2008-03-22 13:22:01
58.   Indiana Jon
57 Thanks. I thought they were in 45 , but I wanted confirmation.
2008-03-22 13:22:49
59.   Daniel Zappala
(Of course, this messes up my bracket, because I went with my theory that I don't pick against someone just because I don't like them. Of course, I ignored the fact that Duke was overrated this year. I need to revise that theory.)
2008-03-22 13:23:45
60.   trainwreck
Take that Ed Singler! Not letting your son play for us, ya jerk.
2008-03-22 13:26:39
61.   Greg Brock
The critics will say that Duke hasn't been a factor in five years.
2008-03-22 13:29:48
62.   Bob Timmermann
Duke is turning into what UCLA was for much of the 1990s, except for 1995.

A declining great power that flames out early in the tournament.

2008-03-22 13:30:09
63.   bhsportsguy
According to Bill James, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling and butter is getting hard.
2008-03-22 13:30:50
64.   Greg Brock
Stop fouling.

It's couch burning time in Morgantown!

2008-03-22 13:31:21
65.   bhsportsguy
60 Well another opponent that UCLA is familiar with (and lost to) is now a potential opponent.
2008-03-22 13:31:48
66.   Penarol1916
59. That's kind of like what I did, only I purposely pick teams I don't like to go far. I like hedging my emotions. I believe I did the same thing for the World Cup bracket contest on The Griddle and put myself in the uncomfortable spot of cheering for France in the finals.
2008-03-22 13:32:08
67.   trainwreck
65
Thankfully, they do not run the same system.
2008-03-22 13:32:34
68.   bhsportsguy
Coach K has a lot of time to prepare for the Olympics.
2008-03-22 13:35:48
69.   Indiana Jon
Yahoo is very slow updating after the Duke game.
2008-03-22 13:37:08
70.   Daniel Zappala
Both Love and Singler should have played for the Ducks.
2008-03-22 13:38:31
71.   bhsportsguy
70 Just trying to stir up trouble. It's your birthday so Trainwreck won't drive out to Utah and hunt you down.
2008-03-22 13:41:09
72.   Bob Timmermann
It takes twice as long for Yahoo to update because each game is worth two points!
2008-03-22 13:42:06
73.   Bob Timmermann
5th Outfielder has caught Los Longhorns for the lead.
2008-03-22 13:43:43
74.   Daniel Zappala
71 I'm in favor of a regional recruiting system. Oregon player stay and play at Oregon State or UO. Only players from Kentucky can play for Kentucky. In large states like California, the athletes have to be split up according to a school boundary system. UCLA gets the west side of LA, USC gets the east side. UCI and Cal State Fullerton get to split up Orange County.

Localizing athletics will lead to better rivalries and more parity.

2008-03-22 13:44:41
75.   Indiana Jon
Can you see the updates or did you just run scenario generator?
2008-03-22 13:47:43
76.   Indiana Jon
74 What about non-state schools like Notre Dame, would they just get territory too? I don't think there would be enough Catholic players in northern Indiana to fill a team.
2008-03-22 13:48:23
77.   Bob Timmermann
74
So in this regional battle between UCLA and USC who gets Fairfax High?
2008-03-22 13:48:47
78.   Bob Timmermann
75
The latter.
2008-03-22 13:49:27
79.   trainwreck
Fairfax should definitely belong to UCLA. But to be fair, USC can have Renardo Sidney.
2008-03-22 13:50:55
80.   bhsportsguy
77 Who gets the SFV, CSUN?
2008-03-22 13:50:55
81.   bhsportsguy
77 Who gets the SFV, CSUN?
2008-03-22 13:51:24
82.   Bob Timmermann
Question for academics or people who do grading of any kind.

After work, I'm picking up a bunch of scholarship applications. I'm going to being reading essays, looking at high school accomplishments, letters of recommendation, etc.

What's the best way to make sure that:
1) I don't overrate the first ones I read
2) I don't underrate the first ones I read.

I've found that there is an initial "wow" factor, but then it becomes hard to slot everyone to where they should go. I have to rank the candidates.

2008-03-22 13:53:02
83.   Daniel Zappala
Private religious schools will divide the country regionally, but can only take devout members of their faith. You can't just declare you're Catholic, go to mass on Easter and Christmas, and then go to Notre Dame. You have to have served as an altar boy at least 2 years and go to mass not just on Sundays but also occasionally the 6:30 a.m. mass.
2008-03-22 13:53:43
84.   Greg Brock
82 Use a rubric. I can email you one, if you like.
2008-03-22 13:53:55
85.   trainwreck
83
Re-read them.
2008-03-22 13:55:42
86.   Bob Timmermann
I will glad accept a rubric. I can't re-read all the applications because there is a group and we sharing the copies, so once I'm done with a set I have to give them to someone else.

I've never had a rubric. We do get a scoresheet with a point scale.

2008-03-22 13:55:46
87.   Daniel Zappala
Virginia definitely gets Fairfax High School. Oh you mean the one in LA? Definitely closer to UCLA, so they get it.
2008-03-22 13:56:19
88.   trainwreck
I guess I need K-State to win. Just to screw over the people that had Wisconsin going far.
2008-03-22 13:58:11
89.   Daniel Zappala
A rubric would definitely be good. I will often glance through a pile to get a feel for how they look overall before I grade anyone in detail.
2008-03-22 13:59:09
90.   Indiana Jon
So what about all the private high schools that recruit nationally, like Oak Hill Academy, etc.? Couldn't they just move to an area owned by a major school and then recruit for them?
2008-03-22 14:00:50
91.   Daniel Zappala
90 They don't get to do that either. I went to a Catholic school, and believe me, I'm fed up with the nonsense that goes into transferring kids around who play sports well. You get the kids that are in your neighborhood.
2008-03-22 14:01:12
92.   trainwreck
90
No one would go to Oak Hill if they were forced to go to a school in Virginia.
2008-03-22 14:01:56
93.   Indiana Jon
Yahoo appears to be stuck or broken. On the overall score, the update has been made to 33 games, but the percentile just say updating. On the group page, nothing is updating.
2008-03-22 14:02:47
94.   Indiana Jon
92 True, but other private schools would pop up quickly in LA, Chapel Hill, Lexington, etc.
2008-03-22 14:02:57
95.   Greg Brock
Bob, I sent you a persuasive essay rubric.
2008-03-22 14:05:42
96.   Indiana Jon
I would really like to see Beasley as a Pacer. After the Jermaine O'Neal years, it would be great to see a player that was actually good.
2008-03-22 14:06:33
97.   Greg Brock
If we use Daniel's system, players like Michael Beasley will not be able to fulfill their lifetime dream of playing at traditional basketball powerhouses like Kansas State.

College basketball is better when Kansas State is good.

2008-03-22 14:06:56
98.   trainwreck
Danny Granger is good. Shawne Williams can be good if he gets the proper coaching.
2008-03-22 14:08:06
99.   Daniel Zappala
Michael Beasley should have been a Terrapin!
2008-03-22 14:09:05
100.   Indiana Jon
98 I agree, but we need a big rebounder and inside force. They are not those.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-03-22 14:11:40
101.   Greg Brock
99 He still can. He can transfer and play at two different colleges, leaving him only four behind the number of high schools he "attended."
2008-03-22 14:14:20
102.   trainwreck
With Daniel's system, Rhode Island would have to give up basketball and I would have felt really bad for Carlos Boozer.

What about international players?

2008-03-22 14:18:29
103.   Bob Timmermann
K State made the Final Four in 1948, 1951 and 1958. Back then, the conference was just the Big Seven back in those days.

K State really needs to go back to the mismatched purple jerseys and shorts.
http://tinyurl.com/yppw6m

2008-03-22 14:19:06
104.   Bob Timmermann
Trajan Langdon could have put Alaska Anchorage on the map!
2008-03-22 14:19:28
105.   Indiana Jon
102 They would all have to attend Florida International.
2008-03-22 14:20:18
106.   Greg Brock
Funny. I almost made a Trajan Langdon comment.

We never can quite get Trajan Langdon out of our collective consciousness, can we?

2008-03-22 14:22:06
107.   Bob Timmermann
106
I believe Freud wrote about the Trajan Langdon Effect.
2008-03-22 14:24:32
108.   Indiana Jon
I would once again like to stress, as I have all week, how weak the 2-5 seeds in the West are. I feel it is necessary to stress it out, while there is still one in the tournament. I don;t believe that will last more than another 105 minutes.
2008-03-22 14:26:12
109.   trainwreck
Can we call JJ Reddick, Langdon Jr.?
2008-03-22 14:27:58
110.   Indiana Jon
7 teams are tied for the lead in the overall Yahoo standings. One of them has picked Kansas St. as the champion. I predict he does not stay on top.
2008-03-22 14:34:27
111.   Bob Timmermann
I would like to say that going through the SI Valut can be addictive.
2008-03-22 14:35:42
112.   Indiana Jon
111 For a second you had me very confused.
2008-03-22 14:36:10
113.   Bob Timmermann
It's weird to read about 1981 and Isiah Thomas is just a kid and not hated by basketball fans in several states and U.S. overseas territories yet.
2008-03-22 14:36:47
114.   Bob Timmermann
It's so addictive that it affects your slepping.
2008-03-22 14:38:47
115.   Indiana Jon
113 I should read that. It would predate my hatred of that unnamed (as you would say) school.
2008-03-22 14:39:58
116.   Sam DC
1. In this context, what is a rubric?
2. I have had to do what you are doing Bob. I did it by pulling 10 at random, going over them several times to make a ranking I was very confident with, then slotting the rest in on a single read.
3. I'm tied for second?
2008-03-22 14:40:33
117.   Bob Timmermann
115
In 1981 there were a lot of upsets in the first two rounds and then once the tournament got to the Sweet Sixteen, almost all the games were blowouts with the exception of the one day in my life I rooted for Danny Ainge.
2008-03-22 14:41:19
118.   Indiana Jon
I would also like to mention that if K State loses to Wisconsin today, I have no problem with that. They should have had the 6 seed that was given to Oklahoma, so losing to a 3 seed was their predetermined destination.
2008-03-22 14:42:54
119.   Greg Brock
116 It breaks an essay or paper into components, and assigns point values from 1 to 4 for each component.

Thesis, organization, supporting evidence, etc.

2008-03-22 14:43:40
120.   Indiana Jon
I remember as a ten year old thinking that Knight's system hindered the abilities of Isiah. I now know that he was only teaching him to play the game correctly, which benefited him in the future.
2008-03-22 14:46:51
121.   Bob Timmermann
119
There is also a section for "gumption."
2008-03-22 14:48:01
122.   trainwreck
Walker did not deserve that T.
2008-03-22 14:49:47
123.   Daniel Zappala
I may be in 48th place, but if everything else breaks my way, I can still win.
2008-03-22 14:54:28
124.   Indiana Jon
I may start today 0-3, but it will be a satisfying 0-3 as Duke and Purdue losses would be extremely pleasing to my soul.
2008-03-22 14:55:28
125.   Indiana Jon
In other news, our Yahoo group page has still not updated which is beginning to frustrate me.
2008-03-22 14:57:28
126.   Bob Timmermann
Sam is actually tied for 3rd.

The Scenario Generator has the correct standings.

2008-03-22 14:57:50
127.   Bob Timmermann
Also, yesterday, not all the groups I was in updated at the same time.
2008-03-22 14:59:23
128.   Daniel Zappala
With 10 minutes left, I'm calling the game for Wisconsin.
2008-03-22 15:00:13
129.   Bob Timmermann
Sam DC would go into first place by himself temporarily if both Wisconsin and Purdue win.
2008-03-22 15:04:34
130.   trainwreck
Javy Lopez retired. Not sure if that is Griddle worthy, but it may.
2008-03-22 15:05:51
131.   Bob Timmermann
Fun with Google Maps. I was checking to see what directions it would tell me to take from Downtown L.A. to Arcadia.

110 North to 101 South to 10 East to 605 North and then back to the 210 West.

I'm not going that way.

2008-03-22 15:06:37
132.   Bob Timmermann
130
Javy Lopez has retired several times. I can just reuse an old post.
2008-03-22 15:09:17
133.   Indiana Jon
128 I have to hope this is another UConn call.
2008-03-22 15:09:45
134.   Penarol1916
124. An Indiana man who hates both the Hoosiers and the Boilermakers, now THAT is interesting.
2008-03-22 15:11:05
135.   Bob Timmermann
134
He only likes Butler, Indiana State, Evansville, and, of course, IUPUI.
2008-03-22 15:12:19
136.   trainwreck
What about Ball State?
2008-03-22 15:12:52
137.   Bob Timmermann
136
Greg Brock likes Ball State because it's in Muncie. And Greg Brock is a Muncie man!
2008-03-22 15:14:19
138.   trainwreck
Well that was an incredibly stupid play.
2008-03-22 15:15:28
139.   trainwreck
They need to put Beasley in the post.
2008-03-22 15:15:39
140.   Indiana Jon
135 Don't spread the rumors now. It's really just Butler and Notre Dame. My Indiana State days were short lived in the late '70s.
2008-03-22 15:16:32
141.   Indiana Jon
137 Is he from Muncie? Hillary was there this week.
2008-03-22 15:17:29
142.   Indiana Jon
What's up with the Purdue players and their tights?
2008-03-22 15:18:26
143.   Penarol1916
140. Notre Dame? Even the hardcore Catholics I know in Indiana are not Notre Dame fans, unless they actually work there. It's like you've blown my mind about the entire state.
2008-03-22 15:19:49
144.   Indiana Jon
143 I'm also a Dodgers fan. That's not real normal in Southern Indiana either.
2008-03-22 15:23:42
145.   Bob Timmermann
144
What about Valparaiso?
2008-03-22 15:24:32
146.   Indiana Jon
Its great to know that with 4 of my Sweet 16 out, and none of them in yet, I still have a mathematical chance to win this thing by 41 points! I appreciate you all being equally as bad as I am so far.
2008-03-22 15:25:38
147.   Indiana Jon
45 No, not Wabash, Depauw, Ivy Tech, IPFW or Anderson College either.
2008-03-22 15:26:27
148.   Bob Timmermann
Washington wins the D-III championship, 90-68 over Amherst.

No need to use the SAT tiebreaker in lieu of overtime for that one.

2008-03-22 15:27:03
149.   Indiana Jon
Although I have considered becoming a Franklin College fan. They need fans and are eyeing a return to the Fuzzy Vandivier days when they were among the elite in the nation.
2008-03-22 15:30:13
150.   Indiana Jon
Yahoo has updated for the Duke game!!!!!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-03-22 15:35:59
151.   Bob Timmermann
When Texas A&M played at Oklahoma back on March 1, the Aggies didn't score until 16:12 had elapsed on the clock.
2008-03-22 15:43:28
152.   Bob Timmermann
One of the entries tied for second has West Virginia going to the Elite Eight. Watch out for Purple Pulchritude.
2008-03-22 15:50:40
153.   trainwreck
I am surprised I am not getting the Stanford game.
2008-03-22 15:51:36
154.   trainwreck
Nevermind. Now I am.
2008-03-22 15:53:40
155.   trainwreck
Please do not lose this game, Xavier.
2008-03-22 15:54:06
156.   Indiana Jon
I'll be getting Notre Dame after Purdue is finished. I will keep an eye on Wash St for those of you with the west coast bias.
2008-03-22 15:57:16
157.   Bob Timmermann
156
The Griddle is loaded with Wazzu fans.

I'm still waiting for one to identify himself. Or for anyone to give me positive proof that they've been in Pullman, Washington.

2008-03-22 15:58:42
158.   Indiana Jon
155 The upsets should continue. Bob is not home yet.
2008-03-22 15:59:29
159.   Indiana Jon
157 Are you saying Butler may have more fans here?
2008-03-22 16:01:10
160.   trainwreck
All it takes is one fan to beat Wazzu.
2008-03-22 16:01:34
161.   Linkmeister
Supposedly we get the Wazoo game, which will please the locals since Derrick Low is from the Aloha State.
2008-03-22 16:05:16
162.   Sam DC
126 Well bah humbug to you too. Any kids lose their pets you think we should know about?
2008-03-22 16:07:29
163.   Indiana Jon
Although I can't seem to get a Sweet 16 team right yet, I am not discouraged. I could still win if Tennessee is my only final four team and they don't win it all.
2008-03-22 16:09:25
164.   Indiana Jon
Daniel should be calling this one for Xavier any second now.
2008-03-22 16:21:34
165.   bhsportsguy
160 Are you watching the UCLA game at home or will you go out? I am debating this right now.
2008-03-22 16:27:24
166.   bhsportsguy
Of all the games that I would want to watch, Kansas vs. UNLV is not the one I would choose.
2008-03-22 16:29:29
167.   trainwreck
165
I will watch at home, though I am supposed to be going to a 21st birthday party. I may show up to that late.
2008-03-22 16:30:20
168.   trainwreck
I missed Trent Johnson having an insane brain fart. He just got consecutive T's and was tossed.
2008-03-22 16:32:20
169.   bhsportsguy
168 Really, way to go Pac-10 Coach of the Year.
2008-03-22 16:33:36
170.   bhsportsguy
Stanford may not make it back, they don't appear to be the kind of team that comes back.
2008-03-22 16:35:51
171.   bhsportsguy
Brook has as many points as fouls, not a good sign.
2008-03-22 16:39:04
172.   Vishal
fly, golden eagles! :)
2008-03-22 16:43:35
173.   Indiana Jon
UNLV is staying right with Kansas too.
2008-03-22 16:45:38
174.   Sam DC
I don't think I'm going to be tied for third for very long.
2008-03-22 17:01:12
175.   Indiana Jon
I seem to be getting progressiveley worse each day.
2008-03-22 17:05:26
176.   Andrew Shimmin
I now suspect that Robin Lopez got his hair cut short, and that his brother is wearing a bouncy wig.
2008-03-22 17:06:05
177.   Indiana Jon
This place is quiet tonight.
2008-03-22 17:18:31
178.   Indiana Jon
The Irish are trying to come back, but they just don't look very good today. Is Wash St normally a good defensive team?
2008-03-22 17:20:30
179.   bhsportsguy
Washington State plays a slowdown style but also depends on the 3-pointer. That style can be difficult if you don't face them that much.
2008-03-22 17:21:07
180.   Vishal
178 yes, from what i understand.
2008-03-22 17:21:25
181.   bhsportsguy
177 Bob is on his way home, UCLA fans are getting ready for their game.
2008-03-22 17:25:18
182.   ryu
Come on Stanford! Represent the Pac-10!
2008-03-22 17:26:34
183.   trainwreck
I expected to come back and see Stanford down by double digits.
2008-03-22 17:33:15
184.   Vishal
182 eh, ucla and wazzu can represent the league well enough :)
2008-03-22 17:42:23
185.   Daniel Zappala
WSU is a very good defensive team -- that's what they've been known for lately.

Please don't blow it this year, Stanford.

2008-03-22 17:43:08
186.   Bob Timmermann
Bob has his Zankou chicken and is ready to go.

Wazzu is a pretty good defensive team and I would think Notre Dame isn't used to their style.

2008-03-22 17:44:56
187.   Vishal
b.s. foul
2008-03-22 17:45:48
188.   bhsportsguy
186 Woo, lots of garlic there. Glad I'm not sitting in your section.
2008-03-22 17:46:21
189.   bhsportsguy
187 Cal fan.
2008-03-22 17:46:43
190.   Daniel Zappala
Is Stanford always this bad at rebounding?
2008-03-22 17:46:55
191.   trainwreck
186
I had to look up what Zankou chicken.
2008-03-22 17:48:12
192.   bhsportsguy
191 I know about it but I have never had it.
2008-03-22 17:48:38
193.   trainwreck
*was
2008-03-22 17:48:56
194.   Daniel Zappala
I hereby call this game for Marquette.
2008-03-22 17:49:28
195.   bhsportsguy
Alfred Aboya, love him, but he would tackled that guy and gotten a foul.
2008-03-22 17:50:01
196.   Daniel Zappala
Sloppiest under-10-seconds play I've seen.
2008-03-22 17:50:07
197.   bhsportsguy
Free basketball?
2008-03-22 17:50:45
198.   Indiana Jon
I would be just fine with Stanford losing here.
2008-03-22 17:52:17
199.   Indiana Jon
197 Yes
2008-03-22 17:53:10
200.   bhsportsguy
UCLA game will not start until 7.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-03-22 17:53:32
201.   Bob Timmermann
3-way tie for first after the Wazzu win.
2008-03-22 17:53:35
202.   trainwreck
Ugggh, not overtime.
2008-03-22 17:54:00
203.   ryu
200 Why?
2008-03-22 17:54:49
204.   Bob Timmermann
When a coach is ejected in the first half, can he talk to his team at halftime?
2008-03-22 17:57:24
205.   bhsportsguy
203 Depends how long this OT will last, maybe closer to 6:45.
2008-03-22 17:57:54
206.   trainwreck
204
That is what I was wondering. I assume they do.
2008-03-22 17:58:58
207.   Sam DC
204 No? I'd vote no.
2008-03-22 17:59:15
208.   Daniel Zappala
Drats, that nearly went in.
2008-03-22 18:00:48
209.   Daniel Zappala
You don't suppose Stanford could start playing defense on McNeal?
2008-03-22 18:01:09
210.   ryu
205 Oh, didn't realize Stanford-Marquette was in Anaheim. Thanks.

Time to adjust my dinner schedule.

2008-03-22 18:05:14
211.   Vishal
sigh.
2008-03-22 18:05:42
212.   Daniel Zappala
I can't believe he made that shot!
2008-03-22 18:06:02
213.   Sam DC
Recognizing that this game is far from over, I hope Jon's had a chance to watch, preferable with #3 snuggle up sleeping right under his chin.
2008-03-22 18:06:34
214.   Daniel Zappala
211 You really hate Stanford so much you root for them to lose every game, even when it has no bearing on Cal? If their positions were reversed, I'd be rooting for Cal just so the Pac-10 reputation improved.
2008-03-22 18:06:46
215.   Daniel Zappala
Whew. I'm glad that prediction was wrong.
2008-03-22 18:06:53
216.   Bob Timmermann
2-way tie for first.
2008-03-22 18:09:08
217.   Jon Weisman
213 - I saw the last 18 seconds of overtime - that's it.

I just read a lot of very negative comments in this thread about Stanford. They must have done something right.

2008-03-22 18:09:24
218.   Bob Timmermann
An ejected player or coach is required to sit in the locker room until the game is over. So I doubt the officials could keep Trent Johnson from talking to his team at the time.
2008-03-22 18:11:25
219.   Bob Timmermann
217
Hey, no commenting! You have to bond with your son. Don't make me dust off the Harry Chapin songs!
2008-03-22 18:11:34
220.   bhsportsguy
Are UNLV games still taken off the board in Vegas. If so, now everyone at the Sportsbooks can go to the restroom.
2008-03-22 18:13:28
221.   Bob Timmermann
220
There's ALWAYS something to bet on.
2008-03-22 18:15:32
222.   Vishal
217 haha, sorry jon. i think they were mostly from me. no hard feelings :)

p.s. i'm late to the party, but hearty congratulations on your latest little one!!!

2008-03-22 18:16:16
223.   Daniel Zappala
217 The Lopez twins played very well. I have little faith that they will go much farther this year, but I'll try to be more positive for your sake. I set my expectations low for this one because I've seen too many early losses over the years.
2008-03-22 18:18:28
224.   Bob Timmermann
If you're a Stanford fan, I would pray for Miami.
2008-03-22 18:20:05
225.   Bob Timmermann
So what sort of chance would Wazzu have against North Carolina?

I would assume not much of one.

2008-03-22 18:22:46
226.   Eric Enders
These games would be much more interesting if Vin Scully were calling them because he'd tell us the meaning behind all the tattoos these guys have.

Chris Douglas-Roberts has "Tina" tattooed on his neck. I wonder if Tina is still around?

Mario Chalmers has "$1" tattoed on his shoulder.

2008-03-22 18:24:14
227.   Eric Enders
225 Carolina's a paper tiger and I like Wazzu to at least play them close.
2008-03-22 18:25:21
228.   trainwreck
225
It will be very interesting to see Baynes and Cowgill against Hansbrough and Thompson.
2008-03-22 18:26:12
229.   trainwreck
226
Maybe he really likes cocaine.
2008-03-22 18:26:58
230.   trainwreck
Douglas-Roberts that is.
2008-03-22 18:28:53
231.   Bob Timmermann
I spoke (actually e-mailed) to my college basketball rules expert, aka my brother, and he said ejected coaches can talk to their teams at halftime. He's covered enough college basketball that he's seen everything.

He's even seen a team play with just four guys on the court because one guy forgot he was in the game.

2008-03-22 18:31:50
232.   trainwreck
I am going to this party early now, so I don't miss parts of UCLA game.
2008-03-22 18:32:18
233.   Greg Brock
Tom Izzo gives underwhelming pep talks.
2008-03-22 18:32:25
234.   trainwreck
Good mojo for the Bruins!
2008-03-22 18:33:32
235.   Bob Timmermann
I don't want to wait for the end of this Michigan State game. Can't Mitch Albom just tell me how it came out?
2008-03-22 18:35:12
236.   Eric Enders
By the way, I guess it's obvious now, but the over wins.
(Last week I'd posted a 1.5 over-under for Trent Johnson technical fouls in the NCAA Tournament.)

Over-under for points scored by UCLA and ATM: 122.

Of course, I'm just making that up. I have no idea what the real number is. But it will be a low-scoring affair.

2008-03-22 18:37:47
237.   Bob Timmermann
236
The latest over/under I found is 126.5

My UT alum friend at work has wished me well for the A&M game. For a woman who is very calm, very rational, very erudite, she hates A&M with a passion that is quite surprising.

2008-03-22 18:40:23
238.   Indiana Jon
I'll take the over.
2008-03-22 18:40:34
239.   Daniel Zappala
I've seen enough of NC beating Pac-10 teams that I would pick them over WSU every time.
2008-03-22 18:43:33
240.   ToyCannon
220
Could have sworn I bet on UNLV during last years March Madness while I was in Vegas but I wouldn't bet on it.

That was a heck of a shot by Brook Lopez to win the game. Stanford had two nice comebacks and I was glad to see the backup coach got the win.

Hoping for Pitt to give me a reason to continue visiting here.

Can't wait to watch Curry tomorrow.

2008-03-22 18:44:44
241.   Greg Brock
I prefer that to throwing up three pointers all day.
2008-03-22 18:45:28
242.   Bob Timmermann
UNC is 3-3 against Pac-10 schools in the NCAA tournament.
0-2 against the unnameds, 1-1 against UCLA, and 1-0 against both Cal and Stanford.
2008-03-22 18:47:20
243.   Bob Timmermann
Change UNC's record to 4-3. They also have a win over USC last year.
2008-03-22 18:49:21
244.   Greg Brock
Rebounding is going to be a big problem today.
2008-03-22 18:54:41
245.   Daniel Zappala
Can someone explain the technicals for Stanford? Their coach got ejected? How? Why? Does he have a history of this?
2008-03-22 18:56:21
246.   Bob Timmermann
Johnson complained about a foul call before a TV timeout and one ref T'd him. Then he decided to plead his case to a different ref and he was out of the coaching box both times, so he got a second T.

Stanford had three technicals fouls during the season according to the wire service report, although they didn't specify if they were all on Johnson.

2008-03-22 19:00:47
247.   Bob Timmermann
We should give a tip of the cap to Wazzu for making their first trip to the Sweet Sixteen. The Cougars finished second in 1941, but there were only eight teams in the tournament then.
2008-03-22 19:04:55
248.   ToyCannon
Seniors making their presence felt for Wazzu. My Cougar friend is quite happy, he lives in Husky land and this will help him endure.
2008-03-22 19:05:28
249.   bhsportsguy
247 So how do they serve Zankou chicken, do you have to get a half of chicken and what sides do you get?
2008-03-22 19:08:29
250.   Bob Timmermann
249
I got a 1/4 chicken, dark meat. It came with garlic sauce, hummus, tomatoes, some pickled vegetable thingees, two peppers, and two pitas.

If you get a half chicken you don't get the hummus or the pickled vegetable thingees. You can also get shawarma or kabob.

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-03-22 19:13:32
251.   Greg Brock
The Josh Shipp Experience continues.
2008-03-22 19:16:53
252.   Bob Timmermann
The LA Times website still refers to Josh Shipp in the subhead of Plaschke's column as a senior.
2008-03-22 19:16:58
253.   Daniel Zappala
Really? First time for WSU? Good for them!

Bob, I've put that chicken place on my list of things to try when I visit LA in April. Problem is that my list is getting very long. Like I never visited the Norton Simon museum! I need to go there. Also the Huntington Library, the Getty, and I need to take my son to the Peterson Automotive museum. A Dodger game ... dim sum ... El Cholo ... too many places to get to.

2008-03-22 19:23:25
254.   Bob Timmermann
You can combine Zankou with a trip to the Huntington or Norton Simon. Unless you're going to take all the kids out for the English tea at the Huntington.
2008-03-22 19:30:44
255.   bhsportsguy
252 Question, Josh Shipp is in 4th year of school, so if you follow the traditional path, he is a senior. But since he red-shirted 2 years ago, he's a junior as far as eligibility goes.
2008-03-22 19:48:21
256.   Greg Brock
This is pleasant.
2008-03-22 19:53:27
257.   Indiana Jon
If UCLA can't come back, my entire West bracket will be closed out. At least I will be able to focus my concerns in other regions.
2008-03-22 19:57:24
258.   Daniel Zappala
The good news for UCLA is they're a very good defensive team. That helps when you need to come back.
2008-03-22 20:02:12
259.   Greg Brock
The bad news is that it's been a layup drill for A&M.
2008-03-22 20:03:36
260.   Daniel Zappala
The good news is I haven't called this game for A&M. UCLA is only down by 5.
2008-03-22 20:04:13
261.   Daniel Zappala
If you look back earlier, when I was being negative about Stanford's chances ... I was taking my cue from Greg Brock.
2008-03-22 20:12:21
262.   Greg Brock
Do I really have to spend another year watching Josh Shipp? Can't he declare and go play in Italy or something?
2008-03-22 20:12:37
263.   Bob Timmermann
Howard Payne beat Messiah to win the D-III women's title. Howard Payne went 33-0.
2008-03-22 20:19:56
264.   Indiana Jon
Pittsburgh is finished.
2008-03-22 20:21:40
265.   Bob Timmermann
Who turned Kevin Love into Hakeem Olajuown all of a sudden?
2008-03-22 20:26:54
266.   Bob Timmermann
The under bets for the UCLA-A&M game are looking pretty good.
2008-03-22 20:32:32
267.   Bob Timmermann
3-way tie for first in the Griddle bracket contest and there won't be a change atop the leaderboard no matter who wins the last game of the day.
2008-03-22 20:34:16
268.   Indiana Jon
It appears that it is helping to listen to Pomeroy.
2008-03-22 20:35:55
269.   Bob Timmermann
Kevin Love is blocking shots like a non-stoned Jelani McCoy.
2008-03-22 20:37:24
270.   Greg Brock
269 Is there such a thing?
2008-03-22 20:40:01
271.   Bob Timmermann
Kevin Love's blocked shots reminded of the day I thought Greg Foster would be the next great UCLA center.
2008-03-22 20:42:30
272.   Bob Timmermann
Did Westbrook's dunk count?
2008-03-22 20:44:33
273.   Andrew Shimmin
CBS thought so. So does Yahoo!
2008-03-22 20:45:58
274.   bhsportsguy
Its a good thing is that Collison and Love showed up tonight.

They better win it all this year since those two are not going to be here next year.

Now I can relax until next Thursday.

Josh, you better start shooting again when you get back to UCLA

2008-03-22 20:46:33
275.   Greg Brock
Whew.
2008-03-22 20:47:35
276.   Jon Weisman
A close call for a top-seeded UCLA team in the second round. Go figure.

And yes, I'll be up all night.

2008-03-22 20:48:53
277.   Bob Timmermann
It looked to me that Westbrook didn't get the shot off in time, but it's all academic now.
2008-03-22 20:49:21
278.   Bob Timmermann
276
Oh, the cat's in the cradle with the silver spoon...
2008-03-22 20:51:36
279.   Bob Timmermann
In 1992 UCLA had an easy second round win as a #1 seed, beating Lousville by 16. Then they played a #12 seed in the Sweet Sixteen in New Mexico State.

Then they faced Indiana in the regional final.

That didn't end well.

2008-03-22 20:58:43
280.   bhsportsguy
277 I think the spread was 10.5 points so the books don't care.
2008-03-22 21:01:23
281.   bhsportsguy
278 Jon's new Dodger is wearing all blue.
When will get a new TV, Dad?
As soon as my blog gets more ads,
as soon as my blog gets more ads.
2008-03-22 21:24:47
282.   Jon Weisman
Which game in Hoosiers did Hackman get tossed from?
2008-03-22 21:34:42
283.   Daniel Zappala
That shot by UCLA should not have counted, according to my Tivo, but it doesn't really matter.
2008-03-22 21:47:37
284.   Greg Brock
Westbrook's basket has since been taken away.
2008-03-22 21:49:50
285.   Bob Timmermann
Hackman got kicked out of a regular season game.
2008-03-22 21:51:47
286.   Greg Brock
I think it was against Terhune.

But that's only because it's the one team I remember from that movie.

2008-03-22 21:58:39
287.   Greg Brock
Oolitic High
2008-03-22 22:07:11
288.   Eric Enders
271 Of course, Foster actually ended up playing 13 years in the NBA after transferring to a school that knew how to use him.

As much as I hate Aggy, I was rooting for them to win because that would have completely cleared the boards in the west. It would have been pretty sweet to see San Diego or Western Kentucky in the Final Four.

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