Monday, March 26, 2007
Peyton does SNL
Just had to make sure everyone saw this clip from last weekend's SNL. Now, I've never been a huge Peyton Manning fan. I enjoy his commercials, though, and his appearance on Saturday Night Live was pretty good. He's no JT, but he's a good host. The best skit of the night, by far, was the United Way Commercial. I highly recommend checking it out.
My Picks
First, let me congratulate OC on the best post I've seen in a while. Gottlieb is so smug I can't even handle him. However, he did make great decisions in his short stint as Notre Dame basketball "student-athlete". After my 2 for 2 performance yesterday, I am only one game behind a very nervous OC. He's really feeling the heat from my Tiger-like charge. On to the picks:
#2 UCLA over #1 Florida
I have many reasons for this pick. 1) I despise Billy Donovan and Frenchy Noah. Despise. 2) I have UCLA winning this exact matchup in my bracket, and see no reason to change the pick. 3) UCLA wants revenge from last season, as Florida beat the Bruins in last year's championship game. 4) OC picked Florida. UCLA 64, UF 58.
#2 Georgetown over #1 Ohio State
I know what you must be thinking right now, that I am crazy banking my title hopes on one game and agreeing with OC. However, I really can't pick against Georgetown in this one. Both teams have proven that they can win the close game, but I think Georgetown has played better opponents (UNC over Memphis, Vanderbilt over Tennessee, BC over Xavier). Both centers are foul-prone, but I think Hibbert has more control and will be on the court more than Oden. Finally, if Georgetown beats UCLA in the final, I win House bragging rights. Hoyas 81, OSU 72.
Stay tuned for more posts this week, hopefully including a much awaited Top Ten list from CM.
#2 UCLA over #1 Florida
I have many reasons for this pick. 1) I despise Billy Donovan and Frenchy Noah. Despise. 2) I have UCLA winning this exact matchup in my bracket, and see no reason to change the pick. 3) UCLA wants revenge from last season, as Florida beat the Bruins in last year's championship game. 4) OC picked Florida. UCLA 64, UF 58.
#2 Georgetown over #1 Ohio State
I know what you must be thinking right now, that I am crazy banking my title hopes on one game and agreeing with OC. However, I really can't pick against Georgetown in this one. Both teams have proven that they can win the close game, but I think Georgetown has played better opponents (UNC over Memphis, Vanderbilt over Tennessee, BC over Xavier). Both centers are foul-prone, but I think Hibbert has more control and will be on the court more than Oden. Finally, if Georgetown beats UCLA in the final, I win House bragging rights. Hoyas 81, OSU 72.
Stay tuned for more posts this week, hopefully including a much awaited Top Ten list from CM.
Gottlieb
sniv·el [sniv-uhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -eled, -el·ing or (especially British) -elled, -el·ling, noun
–verb (used without object)
1. to weep or cry with sniffling.
2. to affect a tearful state; whine.
3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose: She sniveled from the cold.
4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose: Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.
–verb (used with object)
5. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.
–noun
6. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.
7. a light sniffle, as in weeping.
8. a hypocritical show of feeling: a sentimental snivel.
9. mucus running from the nose.
10. snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; sniffles (usually prec. by the).
Final Four Picks
So i threw away two games today betting on non-basketball factors, but we have a great race going on now. At least there's still a Gtown Prep alum still alive in the tourney TH is one game back with 3 to play. I guarantee i win this one. Now for the picks:
Gtown v. Ohio State
The winner of this goes on to win the whole thing in my opinion. I think it will come down to which big man can stay out of foul trouble. Neither of them seems to realize that when you get fouls, you ride the pine. Gtown has also had two nail-biting victories, and im not sure how to take that. Either they are the team of destiny, or these past two games have drained their tank, i dont know which. Im taking Gtown because of my highschool ties, 80-76.
Florida v. UCLA
Humphries rips nets. Horford turns men into little boys. Noah has a hot mom and roars at the top of his lungs at every opportunity. Corey Brewer really is 6'9" and slashes like someone a foot shorter. If you see el ay doesn't shoot the absolute lights out, Florida handles them easy with their overall superior talent. UF 74-UCLA 68.
The only question remains, does TH choose the two teams i have losing to increase his chances or does he have the confidence to choose only one different team, relying on the big show to overtake me? We shall see.
Gtown v. Ohio State
The winner of this goes on to win the whole thing in my opinion. I think it will come down to which big man can stay out of foul trouble. Neither of them seems to realize that when you get fouls, you ride the pine. Gtown has also had two nail-biting victories, and im not sure how to take that. Either they are the team of destiny, or these past two games have drained their tank, i dont know which. Im taking Gtown because of my highschool ties, 80-76.
Florida v. UCLA
Humphries rips nets. Horford turns men into little boys. Noah has a hot mom and roars at the top of his lungs at every opportunity. Corey Brewer really is 6'9" and slashes like someone a foot shorter. If you see el ay doesn't shoot the absolute lights out, Florida handles them easy with their overall superior talent. UF 74-UCLA 68.
The only question remains, does TH choose the two teams i have losing to increase his chances or does he have the confidence to choose only one different team, relying on the big show to overtake me? We shall see.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
NBA = Fun Police
So my boy Agent Zero decided to make a friendly bet with two fans that if he had the chance to hit a game winner against Portland, he would make it. Unfortunately his last second shot came up short, and the Wiz Kids lost another one to Portland. The suits in the NBA office heard about this from Gilbert's blog, and immediately reprimaded him, and erased any mention of the wager from the blog. (Article from SI.com linked below.)
I realize that betting must be avoided in the NBA, but where do Stern and co. draw the line about keeping things fun and entertaining versus becoming the fun Nazis. We're talking about a player who has singlehandedly generated more buzz this year about the NBA than any other single player has since King James first came on the scene. Basketball players across the country are now yelling hibachi after their shots. Wizards jerseys are selling like hotcakes. We're also talking about ten dollars. Ten dollars is such a small fraction of most NBA players' salaries i'd have to find a calculator to figure it out. He makes a nominal bet with a couple fans, and now he's getting heat for it? The NBA needs to use more common sense in matters like this and realize just whats going on here. Arenas is keeping things fun, keeping the fans involved and still carrying a top team in the East on his back. The NBA needs to count its blessings that it has stars like Arenas around to keep some personalities in the game of pro basketball.
Article Link : http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/03/25/bc.bkn.wizards.arenasbe.ap/index.html
My Picks
As I told OC last evening, I haven't heard the fat lady yet. She may be warming up, but she hasn't started to sing. I may be down three, but with five games to go I feel pretty good. After checking OC's picks, I couldn't be happier. (Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself.) Anyway, here we go:
MIDWEST REGION
#1 Florida over #3 Oregon
Actually, this was a toss-up for me, and I basically decided just to take whoever OC didn't. However, I definitely feel better about having Florida, a team that has won 14 straight postseason games. That's impressive. Also, they have been there before, and I honestly feel we haven't seen them at full speed yet. Look out Ducks. 83-71 Gators.
EAST REGION
#2 Georgetown over #1 UNC
Again, really happy OC picked UNC. They have been playing very well, and Georgetown did struggle a bit with Vanderbilt. However, I feel that every champion needs at least one scare before the Final Four, and Georgetown definitely got that against a very underrated Vandy squad. Hansbrough struggles to contain Hibbert and Green, and the Hoyas win 73-68.
We'll see how these games turn out, but I just hope they are more exciting than yesterdays. Back later when I'm only down one game.
MIDWEST REGION
#1 Florida over #3 Oregon
Actually, this was a toss-up for me, and I basically decided just to take whoever OC didn't. However, I definitely feel better about having Florida, a team that has won 14 straight postseason games. That's impressive. Also, they have been there before, and I honestly feel we haven't seen them at full speed yet. Look out Ducks. 83-71 Gators.
EAST REGION
#2 Georgetown over #1 UNC
Again, really happy OC picked UNC. They have been playing very well, and Georgetown did struggle a bit with Vanderbilt. However, I feel that every champion needs at least one scare before the Final Four, and Georgetown definitely got that against a very underrated Vandy squad. Hansbrough struggles to contain Hibbert and Green, and the Hoyas win 73-68.
We'll see how these games turn out, but I just hope they are more exciting than yesterdays. Back later when I'm only down one game.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
OC's Sunday Game Picks
After going two for two tonight, and TH going 0 for 2, I'm sitting happily on a three game edge in our Madness prediction contest. I decided to get these picks up early so my opponent has ample time to consider his options for tomorrow.
Gtown v. UNC
Up until last round's performance, I would have picked Gtown in this match-up. However, the way UNC played, combined with the draining victory by Georgetown forces me to choose UNC. Hansbrough's toughness with carry the Heels onto Atlanta, 77-70.
Oregon v. Florida
This pick has nothing to do with basketball. Im choosing the Ducks because their cheerleaders are simply flawless. The more points they score, the more times CBS will show their cheerleaders. I realize I leave the door open here for TH with this pick, but so be it. I want it to at least be interesting, Ducks 69 - Gators 68.
Gtown v. UNC
Up until last round's performance, I would have picked Gtown in this match-up. However, the way UNC played, combined with the draining victory by Georgetown forces me to choose UNC. Hansbrough's toughness with carry the Heels onto Atlanta, 77-70.
Oregon v. Florida
This pick has nothing to do with basketball. Im choosing the Ducks because their cheerleaders are simply flawless. The more points they score, the more times CBS will show their cheerleaders. I realize I leave the door open here for TH with this pick, but so be it. I want it to at least be interesting, Ducks 69 - Gators 68.
Part Four...
8:10 -- RS rejoins the group after a shopping excursion. Also, JC has joined the group. RS takes Collison for the second half, JC takes my boy Julian Wright. If Chalmers gets shut out again, I have to drink two full beers. If he doesn't score, I'm sending him a garbage bag full of shit.
8:13 -- JS questions the existence of Djibouti. I berate him for his foolishness before telling him that Djibouti does, in fact, exist. Silly JS.
8:19 -- Second half about to begin. CM: Colin Falls exudes excitement. Great word, great alliteration.
8:22 -- Chalmers gets blocked. Afflalo scores his 11th point.
8:23 -- CHALMERS SCORES!!!! No more chugging for this guy.
8:24 -- Afflalo hits another three, he now has 14. Rush has 11, Collison still has 7, Wright with four, and Chalmers finally joined the party with 2. Commercial numbers haven't changed.
8:25 -- The group as a whole is taking shots at Ty Willingham's coaching. Also, jabs are being thrown at Brady Quinn's Freshman/Sophomore year fade ball that was always a threat to kill a fan in the end zone. Good times.
8:27 --JC taking heat for wearing a headband AND a hat. CM: What were you thinking?
8:28 -- Two points for Wright. He then steals a pass and is fouled. Goes to the line (he's terrible from the line).
8:30 -- HD taking heat for his class participation. And...we have an AT&T COMMERCIAL! I'VE TAKEN THE LEAD. Also, JC took Holiday Inn with Dwayne Robertson from Mighty Ducks as the rodeo guy. RS took the Lowe's commercial I hate with a passion.
8:31 -- Back to the game with Wright at the line. This should be good. Misses the first BADLY. I've never seen him hit a foul shot. Misses the second. CM: Oh, you Buffoon!
8:33 -- CM: The only player on UCLA I like is Afflalo because he reminds me of yours truly. HD: Because he misses a lot of shots?
8:34 -- I am taking heat for calling UCLA a boring team. If I had a dollar every time this was mentioned, I wouldn't be reading this block.
8:35 -- Afflalo scores again and JS misses another call. Truly amazing. He's wasted about a beers worth of drinking. In other news, Rush and Collison are scoreless this half.
8:37 -- As I'm typing that last statement, Rush drains a three. 14 points. Out of bounds on UCLA. CM: Thats the way to make a call...EMPHATICALLY!!
8:38 -- More inappropriate comments by the group. The beer is starting to set in. Gotta love it.
8:41 -- The Jim Nantz commercial again. God he creeps me out.
8:44 -- Rush scores again. Ties Afflalo for the lead with 16 points. But then Afflalo drains a three to retake the league. And then another three. 22 points.
8:46 -- Collison just misses a bunny to stay scoreless in the second half. RS is hating life right now.
8:49 -- UCLA up 8 as Afflalo scores again. JS must be mentally retarded. Commercial time.
8:55 -- Really long commercial breaks lately. However, none of our commercials have aired. Now, the group is discussing which animated character is the hottests of all time. Jasmine from Alladin is the consensus #1, with one anonymous member advocating Nala from Lion King. Time to move on.
8:58 -- Collison breaks his scoring drought with a contested 28-footer as the shot clock expires. However, JP jumps into the game with Russell Robinson.
9:05 -- Robinson gets fouled, hits one of two. 11 Points. Chalmers continues to shit the bed. Also, the group is now openly rooting against HD and his Bruins.
9:06 -- Robinson just drew two fouls in about 15 seconds. He now has four and JP is in danger of the foul out rule.
9:07 -- Madness during the game. CM: "WHAT IS AFFLALO DOING?!" Collison to the line. Hits both, 12 points. CM questions the authority of the call by RS.
9:10 -- Rush scores two more points, 18 total.
9:11 -- Afflalo gets fouled...one and one. JS really excited about 24 and 25 coming up. First: good. Misses the second.
9:12 -- Kansas misses a bunny, game is pretty much over. Collison hits the first foul shot. And the second. RS gives all 27 drinks to CM.
9:13 -- Wright cleans up some garbage, 8 points total. Game still over.
9:15 -- CM makes a new rule. If your player gets Player of the Game, you give out ten drinks. Rush is named it, and he gives them to RS. Then, JS gives his ten to CM for Afflalo.
9:18 -- Prince A Moute finishes the game with a dunk. UCLA 68, Kansas 55. My bracket is right, my pick is wrong. OC is now up 3 games on me with 5 left in the Tournament. Not looking good. Chalmers sucks so much I can't even write about him. What a loser.
Great time watching the games today. Back tomorrow for Sunday picks.
8:13 -- JS questions the existence of Djibouti. I berate him for his foolishness before telling him that Djibouti does, in fact, exist. Silly JS.
8:19 -- Second half about to begin. CM: Colin Falls exudes excitement. Great word, great alliteration.
8:22 -- Chalmers gets blocked. Afflalo scores his 11th point.
8:23 -- CHALMERS SCORES!!!! No more chugging for this guy.
8:24 -- Afflalo hits another three, he now has 14. Rush has 11, Collison still has 7, Wright with four, and Chalmers finally joined the party with 2. Commercial numbers haven't changed.
8:25 -- The group as a whole is taking shots at Ty Willingham's coaching. Also, jabs are being thrown at Brady Quinn's Freshman/Sophomore year fade ball that was always a threat to kill a fan in the end zone. Good times.
8:27 --JC taking heat for wearing a headband AND a hat. CM: What were you thinking?
8:28 -- Two points for Wright. He then steals a pass and is fouled. Goes to the line (he's terrible from the line).
8:30 -- HD taking heat for his class participation. And...we have an AT&T COMMERCIAL! I'VE TAKEN THE LEAD. Also, JC took Holiday Inn with Dwayne Robertson from Mighty Ducks as the rodeo guy. RS took the Lowe's commercial I hate with a passion.
8:31 -- Back to the game with Wright at the line. This should be good. Misses the first BADLY. I've never seen him hit a foul shot. Misses the second. CM: Oh, you Buffoon!
8:33 -- CM: The only player on UCLA I like is Afflalo because he reminds me of yours truly. HD: Because he misses a lot of shots?
8:34 -- I am taking heat for calling UCLA a boring team. If I had a dollar every time this was mentioned, I wouldn't be reading this block.
8:35 -- Afflalo scores again and JS misses another call. Truly amazing. He's wasted about a beers worth of drinking. In other news, Rush and Collison are scoreless this half.
8:37 -- As I'm typing that last statement, Rush drains a three. 14 points. Out of bounds on UCLA. CM: Thats the way to make a call...EMPHATICALLY!!
8:38 -- More inappropriate comments by the group. The beer is starting to set in. Gotta love it.
8:41 -- The Jim Nantz commercial again. God he creeps me out.
8:44 -- Rush scores again. Ties Afflalo for the lead with 16 points. But then Afflalo drains a three to retake the league. And then another three. 22 points.
8:46 -- Collison just misses a bunny to stay scoreless in the second half. RS is hating life right now.
8:49 -- UCLA up 8 as Afflalo scores again. JS must be mentally retarded. Commercial time.
8:55 -- Really long commercial breaks lately. However, none of our commercials have aired. Now, the group is discussing which animated character is the hottests of all time. Jasmine from Alladin is the consensus #1, with one anonymous member advocating Nala from Lion King. Time to move on.
8:58 -- Collison breaks his scoring drought with a contested 28-footer as the shot clock expires. However, JP jumps into the game with Russell Robinson.
9:05 -- Robinson gets fouled, hits one of two. 11 Points. Chalmers continues to shit the bed. Also, the group is now openly rooting against HD and his Bruins.
9:06 -- Robinson just drew two fouls in about 15 seconds. He now has four and JP is in danger of the foul out rule.
9:07 -- Madness during the game. CM: "WHAT IS AFFLALO DOING?!" Collison to the line. Hits both, 12 points. CM questions the authority of the call by RS.
9:10 -- Rush scores two more points, 18 total.
9:11 -- Afflalo gets fouled...one and one. JS really excited about 24 and 25 coming up. First: good. Misses the second.
9:12 -- Kansas misses a bunny, game is pretty much over. Collison hits the first foul shot. And the second. RS gives all 27 drinks to CM.
9:13 -- Wright cleans up some garbage, 8 points total. Game still over.
9:15 -- CM makes a new rule. If your player gets Player of the Game, you give out ten drinks. Rush is named it, and he gives them to RS. Then, JS gives his ten to CM for Afflalo.
9:18 -- Prince A Moute finishes the game with a dunk. UCLA 68, Kansas 55. My bracket is right, my pick is wrong. OC is now up 3 games on me with 5 left in the Tournament. Not looking good. Chalmers sucks so much I can't even write about him. What a loser.
Great time watching the games today. Back tomorrow for Sunday picks.
Part Three...UCLA-Kansas
7:06 -- Welcome to Kansas-UCLA. Player picks: I got Mario Chalmers. CM took Brandon Rush (great pick). JS has Arron Afflalo. HD refuses to play because he can't have Afflalo. Weak HD. Commercial picks: I'm taking AT&T/Cingular. CM sticks with the Masters. JS stays with UPS and HD took Enterprise Rental Car.
7:09 -- The white stiff with a great dunk off an alley-oop! Rush is the only player on the board with two foul shots.
7:10 -- Julian Wright just scored...I really wanted to take him but decided against it. Foul on Chalmers. Son of a bitch, not again.
7:12 -- Afflalo nails a three for five total points. I'm getting abused. Wright scores again, I feel like an idiot.
7:13 -- CM: "Blog it. Kansas has terrible cheerleaders."
7:15 -- Masters commercial. CM 1, everyone else 0. Also, an Enterprise commercial, but HD is stubborn and won't play any games with us.
7:17 -- AT&T/Cingular commercial. Good pick by me. Although, their commercials really bother me.
7:18 -- CM rips an AIG commercial with a little girl. "Shouldn't you worry about shutting the hell up?"
7:19 -- HD has a legit rooting interest in this game, as he is from Cali. Also, loves the Pac-10.
7:21 -- CM makes another cock-block joke. It just never gets old. HD getting upset at his Bruins for playing soft.
7:22 -- B enters the room, criticizing us for not exercising. He seems bitter about something, I hope everything is okay. B: "We won three games. They were 7-ft. Russians." CM: "You mean 7-ft Retards?"
7:24 -- Chalmers makes a great steal, then dribbles it off his foot.
7:26 -- B questions how much beer we drank. CM: "Let's not count, it makes me feel bad." B and HD are verbally battling. B: God, we are not friends. HD: I don't befriend losers, so obviously we aren't friends. B: Fine, I'm defriending you on facebook.
7:27 -- Masters commercial. That's two for them, one for AT&T, and none for UPS.
7:28 -- Rush just blocked Afflalo...4 drinks for JS. KU up 16-14.
7:29 -- Chalmers just made a great pass, leading to a fake call by me. Damn it. Still need Chalmers to score.
7:31 -- CM makes another jab at JS's date. I really can't wait for this party.
7:32 -- UCLA makes a run to take a 21-20 lead. First shot of Bill Walton in the crowd. Gotta love how he rips his son while announcing. CM and HD are commenting on it...very enjoyable. Also gotta love the UCLA cheerleaders.
7:35 -- (Inapporpriate comments being made by the group.)
7:40 -- Point update: Rush has 9, Afflalo has 5, Chalmers with zero. For the second straight game, I'm sweating it out nearing halftime. Should have went with Wright.
7:45 -- 7 fouls in a row have been called on Kansas. Shady? I think so. Still no points for Chalmers.
7:47 -- UCLA makes a little run to cut the KU lead to 1. Chalmers gets fouled and looks limpy.
7:49 -- Point totals haven't changed in 10 minutes. The room is cheering for me to get shut out here and chug my second beer. Afflalo hits a two, JS misses another call. 7 points.
7:53 -- Luc Richard M'bah A Moute is apparently a prince in Cameroon. Good for him. Afflalo gets his 9th point of the night on a fast break layup. UCLA 32-29.
7:54 -- 1:33 to go. Chalmers continues to miss shots. I hate this game.
7:56 -- Chalmers continue to pass the ball to Rush on fast breaks. I want to kill him.
7:57 -- Chalmers just gets blocked with 21 seconds to go. I hate Mario Chalmers. CM: I'm gonna enjoy watching this.
7:59 -- UCLA nails a buzzer-beating three to take a 35-31 Halftime Lead. Back for the second half.
7:09 -- The white stiff with a great dunk off an alley-oop! Rush is the only player on the board with two foul shots.
7:10 -- Julian Wright just scored...I really wanted to take him but decided against it. Foul on Chalmers. Son of a bitch, not again.
7:12 -- Afflalo nails a three for five total points. I'm getting abused. Wright scores again, I feel like an idiot.
7:13 -- CM: "Blog it. Kansas has terrible cheerleaders."
7:15 -- Masters commercial. CM 1, everyone else 0. Also, an Enterprise commercial, but HD is stubborn and won't play any games with us.
7:17 -- AT&T/Cingular commercial. Good pick by me. Although, their commercials really bother me.
7:18 -- CM rips an AIG commercial with a little girl. "Shouldn't you worry about shutting the hell up?"
7:19 -- HD has a legit rooting interest in this game, as he is from Cali. Also, loves the Pac-10.
7:21 -- CM makes another cock-block joke. It just never gets old. HD getting upset at his Bruins for playing soft.
7:22 -- B enters the room, criticizing us for not exercising. He seems bitter about something, I hope everything is okay. B: "We won three games. They were 7-ft. Russians." CM: "You mean 7-ft Retards?"
7:24 -- Chalmers makes a great steal, then dribbles it off his foot.
7:26 -- B questions how much beer we drank. CM: "Let's not count, it makes me feel bad." B and HD are verbally battling. B: God, we are not friends. HD: I don't befriend losers, so obviously we aren't friends. B: Fine, I'm defriending you on facebook.
7:27 -- Masters commercial. That's two for them, one for AT&T, and none for UPS.
7:28 -- Rush just blocked Afflalo...4 drinks for JS. KU up 16-14.
7:29 -- Chalmers just made a great pass, leading to a fake call by me. Damn it. Still need Chalmers to score.
7:31 -- CM makes another jab at JS's date. I really can't wait for this party.
7:32 -- UCLA makes a run to take a 21-20 lead. First shot of Bill Walton in the crowd. Gotta love how he rips his son while announcing. CM and HD are commenting on it...very enjoyable. Also gotta love the UCLA cheerleaders.
7:35 -- (Inapporpriate comments being made by the group.)
7:40 -- Point update: Rush has 9, Afflalo has 5, Chalmers with zero. For the second straight game, I'm sweating it out nearing halftime. Should have went with Wright.
7:45 -- 7 fouls in a row have been called on Kansas. Shady? I think so. Still no points for Chalmers.
7:47 -- UCLA makes a little run to cut the KU lead to 1. Chalmers gets fouled and looks limpy.
7:49 -- Point totals haven't changed in 10 minutes. The room is cheering for me to get shut out here and chug my second beer. Afflalo hits a two, JS misses another call. 7 points.
7:53 -- Luc Richard M'bah A Moute is apparently a prince in Cameroon. Good for him. Afflalo gets his 9th point of the night on a fast break layup. UCLA 32-29.
7:54 -- 1:33 to go. Chalmers continues to miss shots. I hate this game.
7:56 -- Chalmers continue to pass the ball to Rush on fast breaks. I want to kill him.
7:57 -- Chalmers just gets blocked with 21 seconds to go. I hate Mario Chalmers. CM: I'm gonna enjoy watching this.
7:59 -- UCLA nails a buzzer-beating three to take a 35-31 Halftime Lead. Back for the second half.
Part Two...
5:54 -- Welcome back. Beer two. Oden scores quickly...7 points.
5:58 -- Bad call early, Thad Matta is redder than his guys uniforms. CM: Nothing better than day-time drinking.
6:00 -- CDR quickly on the board in the second half. 6 points total.
6:02 -- Oden scores again, 9 points. Uh-Oh...third foul on Oden.
6:04 -- CDR scores again, 8 points. CM: 8 sips of Brew-sauce. What a weird kid.
6:05 -- Hunt scores again. CM: "YEAH! WHOOO!" JS: I would love Memphrica to win this one.
6:06 -- We all agree that the two guys from Cingular suck. CM is watching Alpha Dog on youtube and quoting lines. Thanks for that buddy.
6:07 -- CM: "If I were a CEO, I'd steal everything I could. No regrets. I'm calling my shot tonight with your date, JS. Like Ruth. I'm gonna shake hands with my date, maybe give her a pound, and then swoop in." He's really turned it up this half.
6:09 -- Forgot to mention this earlier, but it has to be said. Outside of ND's performance, the most disappointing thing about this tournament is by far the unattractiveness of the North Carolina cheerleaders. Very upsetting.
6:10 -- CDR fouls Lewis. Hits the first. CM: JS drink 10. Lewis hits the second. CM: Add 11 to that buddy. 21 big ones. Lewis 11, Oden 9, CDR 8. The last two have three fouls each. Shaping into quite the battle here.
6:12 -- CDR with a great move to take the lead. 10 points. Next possession: CDR gets fouled...almost makes the circus shot. First shot: good. Second shot: good. 12 points. Really excited I didn't switch players at halftime.
6:14 -- New rule...fouling out costs you a full beer. Please don't foul out CDR.
6:16 -- This is becoming a really good game. I like Lundquist a lot, but really miss GuJo right now.
6:21 -- Just took a little break to watch the end of the Division II Championship game from earlier. I don't know if words can explain it...truly amazing last 30 seconds. Check it out.
6:23 -- Two more for CDR. 14 total now. Lewis 11, Oden 9. Make that 11 as he gets fouled on a layup. One more to come. INTENTIONAL on CDR. That's four. Son of a bitch. Oden hits the first, misses the second bonus shot. 12 points. CDR to the bench.
6:25 -- This ref must have OSU in the office pool. It's getting ridiculous.
6:26 -- Oden with a thunderous dunk. JS misses the call. 15 points (I thought 14) for Oden as he takes the lead over the foul-benched CDR.
6:29 -- Beer three. Nice to be able to open our fridge without getting knocked out by the smell. JS: I want to hook up with three different dates, including my own. CM: Not gonna happen. (Inappropriate comment).
6:31 -- Masters commercial. CM is the first to hit, but its only 5 seconds because it wasn't Tiger. No Chevy or UPS in a while.
6:32 -- Still no CDR. I'm thinking he'll be back around the 5-minute mark (It's 7 minutes to go right now). Butler hits from outside the arena! OSU up 5. Looks like my boy's coming back in a little earlier than I thought.
6:33 -- Dorsey from Memphrica is a beast. He's huge. CDR back in the game, misses a layup because he sensed Oden, who then scores his 17th point of the game. CDR still with 14, Lewis 13.
6:35 -- CDR trying to take over, but OSU is doubling him. Really missing GuJo right now. Lewis hits a three to Rafferty's delight. 16 points.
6:37 -- Great comment by Lundquist: Dorsey just missed. From. Point. Blank. Foul on Oden, that's four. Dorsey is a terrible foul shooter. Terrible.
6:40 -- Welcome to the room HD. Grab a beer sir.
6:41 -- Memphrica cuts it to 7 with 3:15 to go. Andre Allen fouls with zero points out on a cheap foul. Again, someone has OSU in the office pool. CM: "Nice game, Andre. 0.0"
6:44 -- CDR fouls out with 14 points. Guarentees me last place also. What a choke job by CDR. Just goes to show you, never trust a guy with two first names (let alone three). Lewis to the line. Hits the first. Hits the second. 18 points. Oden has 17.
6:46 -- 2:09 to go, Memphis down 10. Not looking good. OSU has made 8 foul shots in a row, Thanks Verne.
6:48 -- Lewis hits two more foul shots. 20 points. Oden still with 17. This one's over. OSU has now won 21 in a row and finally didn't have to escape a team.
6:52 -- HD questions weather he wants to play the game if it's this serious. JS: It's drinking in 823, of course its serious. College statement of the game. Good job JS.
6:55 -- OSU punches its ticket to Atlanta 92-76. Memphis out in the Elite Eight two years in a row. Might be Calipari's last game for Memphis (Kentucky?).
6:56 -- Final Tally: Lewis 20, Oden 17, CDR 14. CDR also fouls out. Commercial Tally: Masters 1, Chevy 0, UPS 0.
Be back for the UCLA-KU game after my beer punishment. Stay tuned.
5:58 -- Bad call early, Thad Matta is redder than his guys uniforms. CM: Nothing better than day-time drinking.
6:00 -- CDR quickly on the board in the second half. 6 points total.
6:02 -- Oden scores again, 9 points. Uh-Oh...third foul on Oden.
6:04 -- CDR scores again, 8 points. CM: 8 sips of Brew-sauce. What a weird kid.
6:05 -- Hunt scores again. CM: "YEAH! WHOOO!" JS: I would love Memphrica to win this one.
6:06 -- We all agree that the two guys from Cingular suck. CM is watching Alpha Dog on youtube and quoting lines. Thanks for that buddy.
6:07 -- CM: "If I were a CEO, I'd steal everything I could. No regrets. I'm calling my shot tonight with your date, JS. Like Ruth. I'm gonna shake hands with my date, maybe give her a pound, and then swoop in." He's really turned it up this half.
6:09 -- Forgot to mention this earlier, but it has to be said. Outside of ND's performance, the most disappointing thing about this tournament is by far the unattractiveness of the North Carolina cheerleaders. Very upsetting.
6:10 -- CDR fouls Lewis. Hits the first. CM: JS drink 10. Lewis hits the second. CM: Add 11 to that buddy. 21 big ones. Lewis 11, Oden 9, CDR 8. The last two have three fouls each. Shaping into quite the battle here.
6:12 -- CDR with a great move to take the lead. 10 points. Next possession: CDR gets fouled...almost makes the circus shot. First shot: good. Second shot: good. 12 points. Really excited I didn't switch players at halftime.
6:14 -- New rule...fouling out costs you a full beer. Please don't foul out CDR.
6:16 -- This is becoming a really good game. I like Lundquist a lot, but really miss GuJo right now.
6:21 -- Just took a little break to watch the end of the Division II Championship game from earlier. I don't know if words can explain it...truly amazing last 30 seconds. Check it out.
6:23 -- Two more for CDR. 14 total now. Lewis 11, Oden 9. Make that 11 as he gets fouled on a layup. One more to come. INTENTIONAL on CDR. That's four. Son of a bitch. Oden hits the first, misses the second bonus shot. 12 points. CDR to the bench.
6:25 -- This ref must have OSU in the office pool. It's getting ridiculous.
6:26 -- Oden with a thunderous dunk. JS misses the call. 15 points (I thought 14) for Oden as he takes the lead over the foul-benched CDR.
6:29 -- Beer three. Nice to be able to open our fridge without getting knocked out by the smell. JS: I want to hook up with three different dates, including my own. CM: Not gonna happen. (Inappropriate comment).
6:31 -- Masters commercial. CM is the first to hit, but its only 5 seconds because it wasn't Tiger. No Chevy or UPS in a while.
6:32 -- Still no CDR. I'm thinking he'll be back around the 5-minute mark (It's 7 minutes to go right now). Butler hits from outside the arena! OSU up 5. Looks like my boy's coming back in a little earlier than I thought.
6:33 -- Dorsey from Memphrica is a beast. He's huge. CDR back in the game, misses a layup because he sensed Oden, who then scores his 17th point of the game. CDR still with 14, Lewis 13.
6:35 -- CDR trying to take over, but OSU is doubling him. Really missing GuJo right now. Lewis hits a three to Rafferty's delight. 16 points.
6:37 -- Great comment by Lundquist: Dorsey just missed. From. Point. Blank. Foul on Oden, that's four. Dorsey is a terrible foul shooter. Terrible.
6:40 -- Welcome to the room HD. Grab a beer sir.
6:41 -- Memphrica cuts it to 7 with 3:15 to go. Andre Allen fouls with zero points out on a cheap foul. Again, someone has OSU in the office pool. CM: "Nice game, Andre. 0.0"
6:44 -- CDR fouls out with 14 points. Guarentees me last place also. What a choke job by CDR. Just goes to show you, never trust a guy with two first names (let alone three). Lewis to the line. Hits the first. Hits the second. 18 points. Oden has 17.
6:46 -- 2:09 to go, Memphis down 10. Not looking good. OSU has made 8 foul shots in a row, Thanks Verne.
6:48 -- Lewis hits two more foul shots. 20 points. Oden still with 17. This one's over. OSU has now won 21 in a row and finally didn't have to escape a team.
6:52 -- HD questions weather he wants to play the game if it's this serious. JS: It's drinking in 823, of course its serious. College statement of the game. Good job JS.
6:55 -- OSU punches its ticket to Atlanta 92-76. Memphis out in the Elite Eight two years in a row. Might be Calipari's last game for Memphis (Kentucky?).
6:56 -- Final Tally: Lewis 20, Oden 17, CDR 14. CDR also fouls out. Commercial Tally: Masters 1, Chevy 0, UPS 0.
Be back for the UCLA-KU game after my beer punishment. Stay tuned.
Stream of Consciousness
I am an avid reader of the Sports Guy on espn.com. Thus, I decided to try doing a play by play commentary on the thoughts of both myself and always entertaining roommate.
4:40 -- Game time. CM has a weird man-crush on Jim Nantz. Very strange. Beer one. JS and RS wrestling on the couch.
4:42 -- Everyone picks a player...when they score, you give out drinks. I have Douglas-Roberts. CM takes Ron Lewis. JS takes Oden.
444 -- CM: Memphis is broke. OSU: 20 game win streak. Memphis: 25...interesting stat.
445 -- Memphis is really struggling...haven't scored in the first three minutes (0-5 FG).
447 -- Game modified...now you give out total points. Tally: Oden 2, Lewis 2, CDR 0. Memphis: 0-7, 3 TOs. CM is giddy with happiness. New game: pick a commercial.
4:50 -- RS not drinking. I take "This is our Country". CM: Masters "win for the ages". JS: Chevy commerical with celebs. First "Great Odin's raven" line is dropped. Memphis cuts it to 4. Oden 3, Lewis 4, cdr 0.
4:55 -- Just youtubed Tiger's 16th hole of the 2005 masters...goosebumps. CDR called for the offensive foul...the officials are trying to get me drunk. CDR takes a breather...terrible pick by me.
4:58 -- CM vows to steal JS's date tonight...should be an interesting matchup. Lewis scores...6, Oden 3, cdr zip.
4:59 -- Meckes agrees with me...great announcing team. JS wants Morgan Freeman because "people love his voice." lewis scores...7, 3, 0. Then Oden scores for memphis...JS drinks two out of shame. But then he makes up for it with a punishing dunk. 5 points for the 41-year old freshman.
5:02 -- CM: I'm pretty sure Hummers can't turn into submarines.
5:06 -- Wow, I should have picked Hunt...hes got about 10 points. CDR still scoreless.
5:08 -- King's Bbuffet just isn't sitting well with me. The health department nailed that one. JS has to drink for an incorrect call. Othella Hunter is not Greag Oden it turns out.
5:10 -- CM: Rafftery is gonna give Conley a BJ by the end of the game. Still no commercial results.
5:11 -- First Jim Nantz commercial...really annoyed by that guy. Real close talker...really creepy guy. Love the NCAA commercial with the Michigan hockey goal...awesome.
5:14 -- WHY DIDNT I PICK HUNT! 16 points! JS: first time in tourney history all elite eight teams are top four seeds. Interesting fact.
5:15: CDR draws a foul, goes to the line...hoping to break the scoreless streak. Misses the first. 5 minutes til I chug a beer for his scoreless half. Misses the second. Starting to sweat a bit.
5:16 -- CDR draws second foul...probably gonna sit the rest of the half. Damn it. CM: God that girl from Oklahoma is a hoss (talking about a womens bball player).
5:17 -- Lighty from OSU can jump out of the arena. Rafferty might be giving a lot of bj's after the game.
5:19 -- This Lowe's commercial with the bball fans is driving me crazy.
5:20 -- I HATE THE UPS GUY. Commercial game changed...pick a company...i stick with chevy. JS: UPS to spite me...Meckes: Masters promos.
5:22 -- Antonio Anderson catches an elbow...bleeding like a stuck pig. None of our guys have scored recently...Thanks for pointing that out CM.
5:24 -- Rafferty has a legit man crush on Conley. Lewis hits another bucket...9 points. I mistakenly call Meckes on an error. Oops.
5:27 -- cm continues threatening to hook up with JS's date. inapporpriate comments are being made. i can't publish them.
5:28 -- CDR ON THE BOARD! HUMONGOUS DUNK. 9, 5, 2
5:29 -- Does it get any better than when Michael Bolton sings "When a Man Loves a Woman?"
5:30 -- CM: My mommy thinks I have a problem. JS and myself: You do have a problem.
5:31 -- Memphis down three...3.2 left in the First. Memphis misses a desperation heave at the buzzer to tie it up. 41-38 OSU at half.
Taking a break for halftime...back for the second half.
4:40 -- Game time. CM has a weird man-crush on Jim Nantz. Very strange. Beer one. JS and RS wrestling on the couch.
4:42 -- Everyone picks a player...when they score, you give out drinks. I have Douglas-Roberts. CM takes Ron Lewis. JS takes Oden.
444 -- CM: Memphis is broke. OSU: 20 game win streak. Memphis: 25...interesting stat.
445 -- Memphis is really struggling...haven't scored in the first three minutes (0-5 FG).
447 -- Game modified...now you give out total points. Tally: Oden 2, Lewis 2, CDR 0. Memphis: 0-7, 3 TOs. CM is giddy with happiness. New game: pick a commercial.
4:50 -- RS not drinking. I take "This is our Country". CM: Masters "win for the ages". JS: Chevy commerical with celebs. First "Great Odin's raven" line is dropped. Memphis cuts it to 4. Oden 3, Lewis 4, cdr 0.
4:55 -- Just youtubed Tiger's 16th hole of the 2005 masters...goosebumps. CDR called for the offensive foul...the officials are trying to get me drunk. CDR takes a breather...terrible pick by me.
4:58 -- CM vows to steal JS's date tonight...should be an interesting matchup. Lewis scores...6, Oden 3, cdr zip.
4:59 -- Meckes agrees with me...great announcing team. JS wants Morgan Freeman because "people love his voice." lewis scores...7, 3, 0. Then Oden scores for memphis...JS drinks two out of shame. But then he makes up for it with a punishing dunk. 5 points for the 41-year old freshman.
5:02 -- CM: I'm pretty sure Hummers can't turn into submarines.
5:06 -- Wow, I should have picked Hunt...hes got about 10 points. CDR still scoreless.
5:08 -- King's Bbuffet just isn't sitting well with me. The health department nailed that one. JS has to drink for an incorrect call. Othella Hunter is not Greag Oden it turns out.
5:10 -- CM: Rafftery is gonna give Conley a BJ by the end of the game. Still no commercial results.
5:11 -- First Jim Nantz commercial...really annoyed by that guy. Real close talker...really creepy guy. Love the NCAA commercial with the Michigan hockey goal...awesome.
5:14 -- WHY DIDNT I PICK HUNT! 16 points! JS: first time in tourney history all elite eight teams are top four seeds. Interesting fact.
5:15: CDR draws a foul, goes to the line...hoping to break the scoreless streak. Misses the first. 5 minutes til I chug a beer for his scoreless half. Misses the second. Starting to sweat a bit.
5:16 -- CDR draws second foul...probably gonna sit the rest of the half. Damn it. CM: God that girl from Oklahoma is a hoss (talking about a womens bball player).
5:17 -- Lighty from OSU can jump out of the arena. Rafferty might be giving a lot of bj's after the game.
5:19 -- This Lowe's commercial with the bball fans is driving me crazy.
5:20 -- I HATE THE UPS GUY. Commercial game changed...pick a company...i stick with chevy. JS: UPS to spite me...Meckes: Masters promos.
5:22 -- Antonio Anderson catches an elbow...bleeding like a stuck pig. None of our guys have scored recently...Thanks for pointing that out CM.
5:24 -- Rafferty has a legit man crush on Conley. Lewis hits another bucket...9 points. I mistakenly call Meckes on an error. Oops.
5:27 -- cm continues threatening to hook up with JS's date. inapporpriate comments are being made. i can't publish them.
5:28 -- CDR ON THE BOARD! HUMONGOUS DUNK. 9, 5, 2
5:29 -- Does it get any better than when Michael Bolton sings "When a Man Loves a Woman?"
5:30 -- CM: My mommy thinks I have a problem. JS and myself: You do have a problem.
5:31 -- Memphis down three...3.2 left in the First. Memphis misses a desperation heave at the buzzer to tie it up. 41-38 OSU at half.
Taking a break for halftime...back for the second half.
Saturday Picks
Ohio State v. Memphis
Conley and Oden mature a little and stay out of foul trouble this game, and Ohio State edges out Memphis, 77-74.
UCLA v. Kansas
After playing a little below my expectations, and because TH took Kansas I'm going with UCLA. UCLA has to shoot the lights out and hope Kansas is off, but im hoping they pull it off, 71-69.
Conley and Oden mature a little and stay out of foul trouble this game, and Ohio State edges out Memphis, 77-74.
UCLA v. Kansas
After playing a little below my expectations, and because TH took Kansas I'm going with UCLA. UCLA has to shoot the lights out and hope Kansas is off, but im hoping they pull it off, 71-69.
Picks for Today
First, let me publicly berate Tim Floyd, whose unacceptable note-tossing received a technical and not only killed any hope for his team, but also cost me the spread. Thanks Jackass. Georgetown gutted out a great win over a tough Vanderbilt team in the best game of the night. Also, I felt like a genius for the first 34 1/2 minutes of the USC choke job, but with a coach like Tim Floyd, you can't expect to win games like that. OC takes the lead by a game going four for four last night. Onto the picks for today:
SOUTH REGION
#2 Memphis over #1 Ohio State
Ohio State should have lost BOTH of its last two games, but somehow managed to gut it out. Memphrica, on the other hand, has beaten two very good teams and have now won something like 25 games in a row. Chris Douglas-Roberts, along with his three first names, is really helping his draft stock by playing unconsciously. Should be an entertaining game, but I like the Tigers 83-78.
WEST REGION
#1 Kansas over #2 UCLA
Although I have UCLA in the championship in my bracket, they have been playing like crap. Kansas is determined to make up for their first round upset losses the past two tournaments and are playing with a chip on their shoulder. Also, it should be noted that both teams shoot very poorly from the line, something that could become a big factor in the outcome. Kansas wins 67-58.
SOUTH REGION
#2 Memphis over #1 Ohio State
Ohio State should have lost BOTH of its last two games, but somehow managed to gut it out. Memphrica, on the other hand, has beaten two very good teams and have now won something like 25 games in a row. Chris Douglas-Roberts, along with his three first names, is really helping his draft stock by playing unconsciously. Should be an entertaining game, but I like the Tigers 83-78.
WEST REGION
#1 Kansas over #2 UCLA
Although I have UCLA in the championship in my bracket, they have been playing like crap. Kansas is determined to make up for their first round upset losses the past two tournaments and are playing with a chip on their shoulder. Also, it should be noted that both teams shoot very poorly from the line, something that could become a big factor in the outcome. Kansas wins 67-58.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Picks for Tonight's Games
Day One of the Sweet Sixteen produced four pretty exciting games, with three coming down to the last shot of the game. Hopefully Day Two will be the same. Yesterday I went 3-1, missing only the A&M loss to Memphis. OC went 2-2, also missing the A&M game along with picking Pitt over UCLA. On to the picks:
MIDWEST REGION
#1 Florida over #5 Butler
In the first game of the night, the Butler Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators. So far, I have picked against Butler in both of their previous games. However, I just think Florida is too deep for A.J. Graves and company. I look for Butler to keep it close for the first 25-30 minutes of the game, but in the end I think the Gators will cover the 10-point spread 83-70.
#7 UNLV over #3 Oregon
This game pains me, because deep down I know I should be picking Notre Dame in this game (had they not layed a fat egg against Winthrop). Oh well, it happens. I like UNLV in this game for two reasons: 1) I think they are VERY good and love the way they play basketball and 2) I really don't like the Pac-10. This should be a pretty high scoring game, and I like UNLV to win 76-67.
EAST REGION
#2 Georgetown over #6 Vanderbilt
This is a very intriguing game. I love Vanderbilt. I think they are a really good team, and are obviously talented enough to beat anyone in the country. SEC Player of the Year Derrick Byers is one of the best players left in the Tournament and could cause fits for the Hoyas. Georgetown, on the other hand, is one of the teams in America right now, with two future lottery picks in Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. I've seen a ton of their games and they really play solid basketball. This was the toughest game of the round for me to pick, but since I have G'Town winning it all, I gotta go with the Hoyas 69-67.
#5 USC over #1 UNC
I know earlier I said that I hate the Pac-10, but I'm making this pick based mostly on this article about the recruitment of future USC freshman O.J. Mayo. This guy might turn out to be the most eccentric player in the history of the game, OR he is quite the visionairy. We'll see in a couple years. Anyway, I haven't been high on the Tar Heels all year. They are very talented and very deep, but I just have a feeling. I really think USC can beat UNC. Thus, I'm going with the Trojans in the upset of the tournament, 79-73.
Stay tuned for OC's picks.
MIDWEST REGION
#1 Florida over #5 Butler
In the first game of the night, the Butler Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators. So far, I have picked against Butler in both of their previous games. However, I just think Florida is too deep for A.J. Graves and company. I look for Butler to keep it close for the first 25-30 minutes of the game, but in the end I think the Gators will cover the 10-point spread 83-70.
#7 UNLV over #3 Oregon
This game pains me, because deep down I know I should be picking Notre Dame in this game (had they not layed a fat egg against Winthrop). Oh well, it happens. I like UNLV in this game for two reasons: 1) I think they are VERY good and love the way they play basketball and 2) I really don't like the Pac-10. This should be a pretty high scoring game, and I like UNLV to win 76-67.
EAST REGION
#2 Georgetown over #6 Vanderbilt
This is a very intriguing game. I love Vanderbilt. I think they are a really good team, and are obviously talented enough to beat anyone in the country. SEC Player of the Year Derrick Byers is one of the best players left in the Tournament and could cause fits for the Hoyas. Georgetown, on the other hand, is one of the teams in America right now, with two future lottery picks in Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. I've seen a ton of their games and they really play solid basketball. This was the toughest game of the round for me to pick, but since I have G'Town winning it all, I gotta go with the Hoyas 69-67.
#5 USC over #1 UNC
I know earlier I said that I hate the Pac-10, but I'm making this pick based mostly on this article about the recruitment of future USC freshman O.J. Mayo. This guy might turn out to be the most eccentric player in the history of the game, OR he is quite the visionairy. We'll see in a couple years. Anyway, I haven't been high on the Tar Heels all year. They are very talented and very deep, but I just have a feeling. I really think USC can beat UNC. Thus, I'm going with the Trojans in the upset of the tournament, 79-73.
Stay tuned for OC's picks.
More Thoughts on Thursday's games
Well Day One of the Sweet Sixteen has passed, and I am up one game on Mr. OC in our pick 'em contest. Maybe next time OC won't rely on Aaron "I look like a caveman" Gray. I didn't really watch any of that game, but I have heard it was hard to watch...what with missed layups, not a lot of offense, and just the general sleeziness of the two coaches. If I struck a match in South Bend, would Jamie Dixon's hair catch on fire? He reminds me of Gordon Bombay in Mighty Ducks 2 when he feels coaching the USA Junior Hockey Team makes him cool enough to promote the "Air Bombay Loafer".
In the game I did watch from start to finish, one of the biggest choke jobs in recent memory, Tennessee shot the lights out to build a 20 point first half lead only to go into sleep mode and blow the game versus Ohio St. I have always thought Bruce Pearl was a great coach, but I didn't agree with the way he managed the second half of that game. On a positive note, Ron Lewis is really putting himself on some draft boards with the tournament he is having. The Memphis-OSU game should really be a fun one to watch. Picks for tonight's games coming soon.
In the game I did watch from start to finish, one of the biggest choke jobs in recent memory, Tennessee shot the lights out to build a 20 point first half lead only to go into sleep mode and blow the game versus Ohio St. I have always thought Bruce Pearl was a great coach, but I didn't agree with the way he managed the second half of that game. On a positive note, Ron Lewis is really putting himself on some draft boards with the tournament he is having. The Memphis-OSU game should really be a fun one to watch. Picks for tonight's games coming soon.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Thoughts from the first set of games
The first two games have ended, and I went one for two. Kansas held off a very game Southern Illinois squad that held Kansas to right around 60 (like I said they needed to). Then, Memphis got some questionable calls in their favor to outlast Texas A&M 65-64. Now for some thoughts:
* Julian Wright's dunk that clearly came after the shot-clock had expired came up big at the end of the game, as most people watching the game probably thought. Too bad that situation isn't reviewable (when everything else seems to be).
* Bill Self's wife bothers me. Not much to look at, and seems to really overreact and celebrate whenever Kansas does something well. Really annoying.
* Kansas's poor foul shooting will cost them later in the tournament. They shoot 65% as a team and missed several key FT's down the stretch (most importantly Wright missing both with 2.2 to go and leaving the door open).
* I really miss Gus Johnson this round. He would have made both games tonight seem like life and death. Meanwhile, James Brown sounds like he's calling bingo at a nursing home.
* Chris Douglas-Roberts playing was a huge factor in the game...Memphis could not have won this game without him. On a side note, he might be the only player in college basketball with three first names.
* A&M gave up four offensive rebounds in the last twenty seconds...unacceptable if you want to win the game. However, had the Fourth made his bunnie twenty seconds earlier, it wouldn't have mattered.
* In the end, I went 1 for 2 in the early games, and I lost a Final Four team with A&M. Thanks Acie.
Stay tuned for picks tomorrow and comments on late games.
* Julian Wright's dunk that clearly came after the shot-clock had expired came up big at the end of the game, as most people watching the game probably thought. Too bad that situation isn't reviewable (when everything else seems to be).
* Bill Self's wife bothers me. Not much to look at, and seems to really overreact and celebrate whenever Kansas does something well. Really annoying.
* Kansas's poor foul shooting will cost them later in the tournament. They shoot 65% as a team and missed several key FT's down the stretch (most importantly Wright missing both with 2.2 to go and leaving the door open).
* I really miss Gus Johnson this round. He would have made both games tonight seem like life and death. Meanwhile, James Brown sounds like he's calling bingo at a nursing home.
* Chris Douglas-Roberts playing was a huge factor in the game...Memphis could not have won this game without him. On a side note, he might be the only player in college basketball with three first names.
* A&M gave up four offensive rebounds in the last twenty seconds...unacceptable if you want to win the game. However, had the Fourth made his bunnie twenty seconds earlier, it wouldn't have mattered.
* In the end, I went 1 for 2 in the early games, and I lost a Final Four team with A&M. Thanks Acie.
Stay tuned for picks tomorrow and comments on late games.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
#3 Texas A & M vs. #2 Memphis
AC Law takes over this game, and the next round of the tourney. A & M over Memphrica, 70-66. ( I had more of an explanation but forgot to save it, thus the abbreviated pick explanation. )
#5 Tennessee vs. #1 Ohio State
9:57 Tip-off. Although it may impede on my face time at the bars, i have to see the Lofton/Conley matchup. I think this will be the best guard matchup in the entire tournament. I wont speculate as to who comes out on top of that matchup, (although Lofton has the experience and the scoring onus on his side) if Conley can minimize Lofton's scoring and tire him out while he's on the defensive end, the Oden factor will push OSU onto victory. I don't see UT having any inside presence whatsoever on offense. Oden will also decrease the slashing opportunities for Tennessee. Unless Bruce Pearl opts for a orange-body paint suit as distraction, the Buckeyes will be too much for the Vols. OSU in a barnburner, 86-79.
#2 UCLA vs. #3 Pitt
In the 9:40 game, I'm somewhat torn. I don't know too much about these teams, but i feel like UCLA peaked too early, and hasn't played together as a full team for long enough to go much further. On top of that, i feel like the 7-footer inside for Pitt, Aaron Gray, is due for a double-double and a dominating performance. Pitt wins in a close one and pulls the upset, 65-62.
#1 Kansas vs. #4 Southern Illinois
As my betting record in Cabo reveals, I am no whiz when it comes to picking college games. However, I am willing to put my picks over the next two days up against Hershey's.
Southern Illinois Kansas matchup at 7:10. Kansas has been the most surprising team in this tournament, and while Southern Illinois has played will, Kansas is too hot right now to be slowed down. This game will be the least entertaining as Kansas will jump out early with their far superior athletes and never look back. Kansas wins 79-67 in a boring contest.
Southern Illinois Kansas matchup at 7:10. Kansas has been the most surprising team in this tournament, and while Southern Illinois has played will, Kansas is too hot right now to be slowed down. This game will be the least entertaining as Kansas will jump out early with their far superior athletes and never look back. Kansas wins 79-67 in a boring contest.
Sweet 16 Picks--Thursday
The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament were relatively boring with very few upsets, and with the exception of Saturday, not even a lot of close finishes. However, that looks to change this weekend, as we really have a great couple of games going on the next two days. Thus, OC and I decided to look into the crystal ball and offer our picks for the games. First with Thursday:
WEST REGION
#1 Kansas over #4 Southern Illinois
The first game of the night kicks off with two of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far. I hate to use cliches, but this is the case of the Irresistable Force vs. the Immovable Object, as Kansas has only trailed once (by two vs. Kentucky) and SIU has been playing suffocating defense. SIU needs to keep this low scoring, in the 60s, just to have a chance, but in the end I think Kansas is just playing to well, and should win 71-62.
#2 UCLA over #3 Pitt
This game probably will probably be about as fun to watch as grass growing, as both teams rely on great defense and efficient offense. It's also the battle of the Used Car Salesman, as Greasy Jamie Dixon takes on his mentor, Ben Howland. I look for UCLA to win this game 61-54.
SOUTH REGION
#3 Texas A&M over #2 Memphis
I still don't know what to think about Memphis. They've looked really good so far in the tournament, and have won something like 23 in a row. However, there best player, Chris Douglas-Roberts, was injured late in the game with Nevada and may not be ready to play. Also, Coach John Calipari is a notorious choker. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has the most clutch player in the Tournament in point guard Acie Law IV now that Colin Falls has been eliminated. Thus, I'm picking A&M in a high-scoring, very close game, 83-77.
#1 Ohio St. over #5 Tennessee
This game is a rematch from the regular season, won by Ohio State by two. In that game, UT kept it close by drawing 41-year old freshman Greg Oden out of the paint and opening up the middle, a strategy Xavier used to perfection last Saturday. I think this has great upset potential, and wouldn't be shocked at all to see a Rocky Top victory. However, Ohio State's professionals will carry them over the top 71-68.
Back tomorrow with Friday's games.
WEST REGION
#1 Kansas over #4 Southern Illinois
The first game of the night kicks off with two of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far. I hate to use cliches, but this is the case of the Irresistable Force vs. the Immovable Object, as Kansas has only trailed once (by two vs. Kentucky) and SIU has been playing suffocating defense. SIU needs to keep this low scoring, in the 60s, just to have a chance, but in the end I think Kansas is just playing to well, and should win 71-62.
#2 UCLA over #3 Pitt
This game probably will probably be about as fun to watch as grass growing, as both teams rely on great defense and efficient offense. It's also the battle of the Used Car Salesman, as Greasy Jamie Dixon takes on his mentor, Ben Howland. I look for UCLA to win this game 61-54.
SOUTH REGION
#3 Texas A&M over #2 Memphis
I still don't know what to think about Memphis. They've looked really good so far in the tournament, and have won something like 23 in a row. However, there best player, Chris Douglas-Roberts, was injured late in the game with Nevada and may not be ready to play. Also, Coach John Calipari is a notorious choker. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has the most clutch player in the Tournament in point guard Acie Law IV now that Colin Falls has been eliminated. Thus, I'm picking A&M in a high-scoring, very close game, 83-77.
#1 Ohio St. over #5 Tennessee
This game is a rematch from the regular season, won by Ohio State by two. In that game, UT kept it close by drawing 41-year old freshman Greg Oden out of the paint and opening up the middle, a strategy Xavier used to perfection last Saturday. I think this has great upset potential, and wouldn't be shocked at all to see a Rocky Top victory. However, Ohio State's professionals will carry them over the top 71-68.
Back tomorrow with Friday's games.
The Blog
Welcome to After Hours with Hershey and OC. OC and I decided that we needed a place to offer our thoughts on various aspects of life (interesting stories, commentary on sports, under the radar mocking of others, or general ranting and raving) and thus are starting a blog. Also, we plan on allowing guest commentaries, notably a weekly Top-Ten list from the one and only C-Meck. Anyone interested in becoming a guest commentator, or anyone having a good idea for a post, please let us know. Postings should begin shortly.
#3 Texas A & M vs. #2 Memphis
In this 7:27 tip-off, Memphis is finally exposed for the overrated team they are. They play one of their toughest and well-coached opponents this season in A & M. A & M dominates the half-court game with Kavalouskus (sp?) inside, and AC Law IV steps up and carries the Aggies to a sound 6 point victory. A & M wins 75-69.
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