2012-2013 College Basketball

[capt. scotty]

Go ahead and give McGary the tournament MVP

One of the best Final 4's ever! A couple of low % 3 makes by Michigan, a couple of ?? calls for Michigan, and they move on. Both games could have gone either way. I really don't see any conference being a dominant power.

Looking forward to Monday, Go Cards!

They held Carter-Williams who was arguably one of the hottest players in the tournament to just TWO points and also held James Sutherland to just FIVE, 3 of which came on a 3-pointer in the last minute!

Im not surprised to see Cuse where they are, they have as good of a starting lineup as anyone, watching them often struggle in conference play was alarming, but theyve put it together and look good. Theyll go as far as MC-W and Southerland take them.

Yup.   

Im honestly surprised the game was as close as it was with how bad both of them played. Must have been that vaunted Cuse zone!

[capt. scotty]

I am thankful for Michigan as I've bet them each round and they've covered each round.  That tells me the public and Vegas continually underrate them.  They don't have a real superstar but four of their starters will be 1st round picks (McGary, Hardaway, Robinson, and Burke) and a great coach in Bielein yet every one picks against them. 

I like Michigan +4 and think they will win outright.  They have done an extraordinary job adjusting to new defenses coming from the straight up man to man of the Big 10.  Having played VCU already will benefit them in their short preparation time for Louisville.

Michigan 73-Louisville 70

Agreed. I didnt bet the Florida game, but took Michigan every other game, although the Kansas game was more as a hedge. I like them +4 tomorrow, and also wouldnt be surprised if they won outright. Michigan was the worst possible matchup for VCU, and the same can be said for Louisville but no one seems to be bringing that up again now. The Shockers handled the press great for 35 minutes, and thats why they were winning much of the game.

I was also surprised how noticeable not having Ware was, his loss really limits their ability to keep their guards fresh and the press as active. They definitely will need Russ Smith to have another big game if theyre gonna win IMO. If he gets less than 15pts, heck maybe even 20pts, I dont see Louisville winning. I was impressed Louisville was able to win with Dieng being so quiet, although just his presence on the court effects the other teams play on the interior even without him putting up stats. Him vs McGary should be fun to watch.

[Tracy 2112]

yep, everyone is saying Michigan now but no one had them winning their bracket; funny how that works 

[Tired Eyes]

There are only 4 teams left in both of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, and half of them are from Louisville, Kentucky!

Congrats to Louisville on getting to the national title game in both the men's and women's tournaments in the same year.  They're only the 3rd school to do that.  Duke lost both games in 1999 and UConn won both games in 2004.
Three of the four combined finalists are from the Big East.
Five of the eight combined Final Four teams were from the Big East.
Is there really still an argument over which conference is best in hoops?

[Ruckus]

yep, everyone is saying Michigan now but no one had them winning their bracket; funny how that works 

well i had them in my final four in all my brackets (bet them each round) and had Louisville going out in the elite 8 so what am I supposed to do. 

Hey Scotty.  I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Hope it's a good game.

[capt. scotty]

There are only 4 teams left in both of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, and half of them are from Louisville, Kentucky!

Congrats to Louisville on getting to the national title game in both the men's and women's tournaments in the same year.  They're only the 3rd school to do that.  Duke lost both games in 1999 and UConn won both games in 2004.
Three of the four combined finalists are from the Big East.
Five of the eight combined Final Four teams were from the Big East.
Is there really still an argument over which conference is best in hoops?

You didnt just use womens bball to make an argument for best basketball conference, right?! 

[Tired Eyes]

There are only 4 teams left in both of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, and half of them are from Louisville, Kentucky!

Congrats to Louisville on getting to the national title game in both the men's and women's tournaments in the same year.  They're only the 3rd school to do that.  Duke lost both games in 1999 and UConn won both games in 2004.
Three of the four combined finalists are from the Big East.
Five of the eight combined Final Four teams were from the Big East.
Is there really still an argument over which conference is best in hoops?

You didnt just use womens bball to make an argument for best basketball conference, right?! 

I surely did.  The "Wizard of Westwood" himself, John Wooden, said that the women play the game the right way.
If you want to disagree with Coach Wooden about basketball, go right ahead...

[capt. scotty]

Hey Scotty. I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Of course theyll have a few turnovers due to the press, thats inevitable, but Michigan averages the least TO's/game in NCAA I believe. Wouldnt surprise me if they go to that 2 PG set early, but settle with their typical guys. I think Hardaway, Stauskas, GR III can all handle well enough. Like I said earlier, I also think losing Ware hurts their press and LVilles ability to keep their guards fresh.

[capt. scotty]

There are only 4 teams left in both of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, and half of them are from Louisville, Kentucky!

Congrats to Louisville on getting to the national title game in both the men's and women's tournaments in the same year.  They're only the 3rd school to do that.  Duke lost both games in 1999 and UConn won both games in 2004.
Three of the four combined finalists are from the Big East.
Five of the eight combined Final Four teams were from the Big East.
Is there really still an argument over which conference is best in hoops?

You didnt just use womens bball to make an argument for best basketball conference, right?! 

I surely did.  The "Wizard of Westwood" himself, John Wooden, said that the women play the game the right way.
If you want to disagree with Coach Wooden about basketball, go right ahead...

They do play fundamentally sound bball, I wont argue with that, but the same 10 teams are the best every year. Same teams get the best players/recruits every year, and those best players stay 4 years unlike mens bball. Literally this is the first time Ive ever heard someone use women's bball to support an argument for mens bball, but if that makes you think the Big East is the best, then by all means.

Also, the Big East wont exist next year so enjoy it while it lasts! Well, maybe it will still exist in womens bball, cant say Ive followed it that closely 

[Tired Eyes]

There are only 4 teams left in both of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, and half of them are from Louisville, Kentucky!

Congrats to Louisville on getting to the national title game in both the men's and women's tournaments in the same year.  They're only the 3rd school to do that.  Duke lost both games in 1999 and UConn won both games in 2004.
Three of the four combined finalists are from the Big East.
Five of the eight combined Final Four teams were from the Big East.
Is there really still an argument over which conference is best in hoops?

You didnt just use womens bball to make an argument for best basketball conference, right?! 

I surely did.  The "Wizard of Westwood" himself, John Wooden, said that the women play the game the right way.
If you want to disagree with Coach Wooden about basketball, go right ahead...

They do play fundamentally sound bball, I wont argue with that, but the same 10 teams are the best every year. Same teams get the best players/recruits every year, and those best players stay 4 years unlike mens bball. Literally this is the first time Ive ever heard someone use women's bball to support an argument for mens bball, but if that makes you think the Big East is the best, then by all means.

Also, the Big East wont exist next year so enjoy it while it lasts! Well, maybe it will still exist in womens bball, cant say Ive followed it that closely 

Notre Dame is moving to the ACC in basketball so the ND-UConn rivalry will likely cease to exist. 
Two of the number one seeds made the Final Four in the women's tournament.  That's just one more than in the men's tournament so not much difference there.
For all the talk about parity in men's hoops, where is the Mid-Major team that has won a title?  Oh yeah...there isn't one.  Michigan won in 1989 and Louisville won in 1980 and 1986.  So whoever wins tonight, it will be a team that has already won.
A 16 seed beat a 1 seed some years back in the women's tournament (Harvard over Stanford).  A 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed in the men's tournament.

[ericm]

I certainly have enjoyed the Big East while it lasted, and will miss it. I would think any fan of college BBall would too. Love it or hate it, the conference was good for the game.

In the Big East's 34 years of existence, its teams have made 16 Final Four appearances, the most of any conference during that time. Georgetown, Syracuse, Villanova and UConn have combined to win six national championships during that same span, which is only bested by the ACC's 10 titles. They also were the first conference ever to send three teams to a Final Four in 1985 in Georgetown, St. John's, and Villanova. 

I'll be pulling for Louisville tonight to make it seven,and put a fitting cap on the Great Big East!

[LBSUNFLWR]

[Tracy 2112]

In the Big East's 34 years of existence, its teams have made 16 Final Four appearances, the most of any conference during that time. Georgetown, Syracuse, Villanova and UConn have combined to win six national championships during that same span, which is only bested by the ACC's 10 titles.

I don't know where you get your stats, but the  Final 4 # is wrong and the SEC also has 6 titles. Here are the official stats for the past 32 years.

http://statsheet.com/mcb/ncaatourneys/report_conf_appearances

Final 4's since 1980

ACC-29
Big 10- 20
SEC- 18
Big East- 18

Championships since 1980

ACC-10
SEC-6
Big East- 6
Big 10- 4

When I think of basketball championships, I think ACC or Big East. Those 2 conferences are clearly the best 2 over the past few decades. When the Big East emerged in the mid 80's as a powerhouse, it was a magical time and the Big East tournament was ALWAYS the best!

[capt. scotty]

Hey Scotty. I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Of course theyll have a few turnovers due to the press, thats inevitable, but Michigan averages the least TO's/game in NCAA I believe. Wouldnt surprise me if they go to that 2 PG set early, but settle with their typical guys. I think Hardaway, Stauskas, GR III can all handle well enough. Like I said earlier, I also think losing Ware hurts their press and LVilles ability to keep their guards fresh.

It didn't seem to bother Louisville too much the day Ware broke his leg. If I remember correctly, LOUISVILLE STOMPED ON DUKE'S DICKS IN THE SECOND HALF (Without Ware), AND WON BY 22 POINTS! Each game is different, though. We will just have to wait and see.

They played 25 minutes in that game without Ware. Theyll play 40 minutes tonight without him. Not like he was one of their 5 best players, so its not a big loss and doesnt diminish their chances much, but it could end up being the difference.

[ericm]

In the Big East's 34 years of existence, its teams have made 16 Final Four appearances, the most of any conference during that time. Georgetown, Syracuse, Villanova and UConn have combined to win six national championships during that same span, which is only bested by the ACC's 10 titles.

I don't know where you get your stats, but the  Final 4 # is wrong and the SEC also has 6 titles. Here are the official stats for the past 32 years.

http://statsheet.com/mcb/ncaatourneys/report_conf_appearances

Final 4's since 1980

ACC-29
Big 10- 20
SEC- 18
Big East- 18

Championships since 1980

ACC-10
SEC-6
Big East- 6
Big 10- 4

When I think of basketball championships, I think ACC or Big East. Those 2 conferences are clearly the best 2 over the past few decades. When the Big East emerged in the mid 80's as a powerhouse, it was a magical time and the Big East tournament was ALWAYS the best!

Wow. When I saw that  16 number, I thought it was low for the BE,and especially as being the most for any conference. I really didn't give it much more thought as it was from a Big East Site. Hard to believe they would screw up their own numbers, but they obviously have.  Fluffing them as bing the most of any conference is one thing, but they didn't even have their appearance number right    I guess it's possible they hadn't updated to include L'Ville, and Cuse from this year, but no matter, they still screwed the rest up.

Thanks for the link, and listing the correct #'s.    I definitely agree about their emergence, and Tourney. 

[Tracy 2112]

Hey Scotty. I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Of course theyll have a few turnovers due to the press, thats inevitable, but Michigan averages the least TO's/game in NCAA I believe. Wouldnt surprise me if they go to that 2 PG set early, but settle with their typical guys. I think Hardaway, Stauskas, GR III can all handle well enough. Like I said earlier, I also think losing Ware hurts their press and LVilles ability to keep their guards fresh.

It didn't seem to bother Louisville too much the day Ware broke his leg. If I remember correctly, LOUISVILLE STOMPED ON DUKE'S DICKS IN THE SECOND HALF (Without Ware), AND WON BY 22 POINTS! Each game is different, though. We will just have to wait and see.

They played 25 minutes in that game without Ware. Theyll play 40 minutes tonight without him. Not like he was one of their 5 best players, so its not a big loss and doesnt diminish their chances much, but it could end up being the difference.

Well, we'll know pretty soon! I won't be surprised if either team wins. My head says Louisville, but something in my gut says Michigan may be a team of destiny (or a team that used up their 9 lives).

[Ruckus]

Hey Scotty. I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Of course theyll have a few turnovers due to the press, thats inevitable, but Michigan averages the least TO's/game in NCAA I believe. Wouldnt surprise me if they go to that 2 PG set early, but settle with their typical guys. I think Hardaway, Stauskas, GR III can all handle well enough. Like I said earlier, I also think losing Ware hurts their press and LVilles ability to keep their guards fresh.

It didn't seem to bother Louisville too much the day Ware broke his leg. If I remember correctly, LOUISVILLE STOMPED ON DUKE'S DICKS IN THE SECOND HALF (Without Ware), AND WON BY 22 POINTS! Each game is different, though. We will just have to wait and see.

They played 25 minutes in that game without Ware. Theyll play 40 minutes tonight without him. Not like he was one of their 5 best players, so its not a big loss and doesnt diminish their chances much, but it could end up being the difference.

Well, we'll know pretty soon! I won't be surprised if either team wins. My head says Louisville, but something in my gut says Michigan may be a team of destiny (or a team that used up their 9 lives).

All I hope for is a good game not decided by a 50/50 call in the last minute.

Regardless of the outcome, what a sports year for Louisville  

[Tracy 2112]

Hey Scotty. I do think the press will give them trouble because neither Burke nor Albrecht are really quick with the ball.  The advantage they do have is Mcgary can handle for a big and their wings are good finishers if they are able to get numbers.  While the two point guard set worked against VCU, having Albrecht and Burke on the court over the course of the game really takes away from the Michigan O.

Of course theyll have a few turnovers due to the press, thats inevitable, but Michigan averages the least TO's/game in NCAA I believe. Wouldnt surprise me if they go to that 2 PG set early, but settle with their typical guys. I think Hardaway, Stauskas, GR III can all handle well enough. Like I said earlier, I also think losing Ware hurts their press and LVilles ability to keep their guards fresh.

It didn't seem to bother Louisville too much the day Ware broke his leg. If I remember correctly, LOUISVILLE STOMPED ON DUKE'S DICKS IN THE SECOND HALF (Without Ware), AND WON BY 22 POINTS! Each game is different, though. We will just have to wait and see.

They played 25 minutes in that game without Ware. Theyll play 40 minutes tonight without him. Not like he was one of their 5 best players, so its not a big loss and doesnt diminish their chances much, but it could end up being the difference.

Well, we'll know pretty soon! I won't be surprised if either team wins. My head says Louisville, but something in my gut says Michigan may be a team of destiny (or a team that used up their 9 lives).

All I hope for is a good game not decided by a 50/50 call in the last minute.

Regardless of the outcome, what a sports year for Louisville  

Here's to Ruckus winning the cool dimes he dropped on Michigan and Louisville winning the title 

[capt. scotty]

If Dieng is consistently allowed to goaltend, gonna be a long night for UM.

Nice start from Burke though.

[capt. scotty]

What a 1st half. Shouldve put Burke back in there for the last 2-3 minutes, but hindsight is 20/20, right Tracy?