Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We'll Be Right Back...
Both Rob and I have work today. Actually, I'm here now. We'll be back tonight putting a nice little bow on yesterday's festivities as well as looking ahead to games coming up. Yesterday wasn't what this blog was designed for, it was designed to run until One Shining Moment gets blasted through the Oil Drum in Indy come April. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Our D-Day
We're mortals, we crashed. We apologize. This is it- Rob and I. Mike's back in NYC. Dan is back home. Katie is now our support staff. Here it is what we look like before we storm the beaches of Normandy:
Memphis vs. Kansas
There were soaring highs and crashing lows. Now we've reached equilibrium, and we're ready for a final run to the finish. The best part of this game: Dick Vitale. We've been waiting all night and day to hear this guy's voice. Nothing not to love about this match: Elliot Williams and a Memphis squad the country is sleeping on against a Kansas squad that still has a lot to prove after a bumpy offseason.
We've got chicken wings, pizzas, and alcohol. Two are left: Big Dan and Rob. Let's take this baby to closing time!
---
Big Dan is currently taking a shower to wash off the grime of the previous 23 hours. No hot water in the apartment. The kid just yelled that there are warmer showers in Siberia. The Michigan State vs. Gonzaga game was an absolute thriller. The final minutes were better than any basketball we've seen all day. Lucas can take the ball to the hole.
The plane I took back from Vegas offered Satellite television by Directv. ESPNClassic was showing an old ACC game: North Carolina against Clemson. A young man by the name of Jordan was balling for the 'Heels. But Dick Vitale described a Clemson player as not having "the white man's disease." I don't think were going to hear that one on television again any time soon.
---
I really like Josh Pastner, looks like a guy meant to coach. The guy played ball for Lute Olson. His wiki page describes him "as a tireless recruiter for Calipari" which means he probably got his hands a little dirty. If he stays clean as a head coach, or just clean enough, I think we're going to see good things out of Pastner. Two of my favorite coaches battled earlier tonight: Izzo and Few.
Memphis had trouble with the deep ball last year, and it appears three point country is going to be out of reach again. They don't look confident shooting from deep. They're going to have to rely on athleticism to get to the whole, and their length to play great defense.
Cole Aldrich missing teeth. Really nasty looking. Doesn't make him any more intimidating, just looks like he got pulled out of the circus to play ball for the Jayhawks.
Where is this guy now: Brandon Rush.
The former Jayhawk champion is averaging 7 points and 4 boards for the Pacers in the league. Excellent college player; he was a difference maker in the finals game against Memphis.
---
In the last decade, we've been lucky to see some excellent championship teams. Teams with great athletes, skill, and depth. I don't get the same vibe from this Kansas team that I got from a team like Florida that mixed great outside shooting with two excellent big men, and a swing guy like Brewer. The 2005-06 Gators were my national champion pick that March because, even as a three seed, they had more weapons than any other tournament team--including UConn. I don't get that vibe at all from this KU squad.
Of course I say all of this after picking them to make the Final Four.
---
Andy Katz is clearly about to crash and burn. Sounds like he's about to fall asleep on the set, mid sentence.
---
I really thought Memphis was going to put more points on the board than this.
---
We're at 48-44 with 4 and change left on the clock. Both teams are pretty inept on offense. Marcus Morris is absolutely covered in tattoos, more than you can believe. ESPN is advertising nice double header: Syracuse vs. California and North Carolina vs. Ohio State. Very solid matches.
Wow, Memphis is trying hard to get a bucket under the hoop. Its not working out, Mack just dished the ball out of bounds. And Kansas just knocked the ball out of bounds on the other end. Its ugly in St. Louis.
This is a gutty game by Memphis. All the credit to them hanging tough and then forcing KU use their last timeout on the inbound!
What an intense ending. That ball went everywhere but down. Only a half of hoops left.
We've got chicken wings, pizzas, and alcohol. Two are left: Big Dan and Rob. Let's take this baby to closing time!
---
Big Dan is currently taking a shower to wash off the grime of the previous 23 hours. No hot water in the apartment. The kid just yelled that there are warmer showers in Siberia. The Michigan State vs. Gonzaga game was an absolute thriller. The final minutes were better than any basketball we've seen all day. Lucas can take the ball to the hole.
The plane I took back from Vegas offered Satellite television by Directv. ESPNClassic was showing an old ACC game: North Carolina against Clemson. A young man by the name of Jordan was balling for the 'Heels. But Dick Vitale described a Clemson player as not having "the white man's disease." I don't think were going to hear that one on television again any time soon.
---
I really like Josh Pastner, looks like a guy meant to coach. The guy played ball for Lute Olson. His wiki page describes him "as a tireless recruiter for Calipari" which means he probably got his hands a little dirty. If he stays clean as a head coach, or just clean enough, I think we're going to see good things out of Pastner. Two of my favorite coaches battled earlier tonight: Izzo and Few.
Memphis had trouble with the deep ball last year, and it appears three point country is going to be out of reach again. They don't look confident shooting from deep. They're going to have to rely on athleticism to get to the whole, and their length to play great defense.
Cole Aldrich missing teeth. Really nasty looking. Doesn't make him any more intimidating, just looks like he got pulled out of the circus to play ball for the Jayhawks.
Where is this guy now: Brandon Rush.
The former Jayhawk champion is averaging 7 points and 4 boards for the Pacers in the league. Excellent college player; he was a difference maker in the finals game against Memphis.
---
In the last decade, we've been lucky to see some excellent championship teams. Teams with great athletes, skill, and depth. I don't get the same vibe from this Kansas team that I got from a team like Florida that mixed great outside shooting with two excellent big men, and a swing guy like Brewer. The 2005-06 Gators were my national champion pick that March because, even as a three seed, they had more weapons than any other tournament team--including UConn. I don't get that vibe at all from this KU squad.
Of course I say all of this after picking them to make the Final Four.
---
Andy Katz is clearly about to crash and burn. Sounds like he's about to fall asleep on the set, mid sentence.
---
I really thought Memphis was going to put more points on the board than this.
---
We're at 48-44 with 4 and change left on the clock. Both teams are pretty inept on offense. Marcus Morris is absolutely covered in tattoos, more than you can believe. ESPN is advertising nice double header: Syracuse vs. California and North Carolina vs. Ohio State. Very solid matches.
Wow, Memphis is trying hard to get a bucket under the hoop. Its not working out, Mack just dished the ball out of bounds. And Kansas just knocked the ball out of bounds on the other end. Its ugly in St. Louis.
This is a gutty game by Memphis. All the credit to them hanging tough and then forcing KU use their last timeout on the inbound!
What an intense ending. That ball went everywhere but down. Only a half of hoops left.
The Othe Battle of Carolina / Pitt vs. Binghamton
It's 10-2 in the first half and the Dukies look comfortable with the ball. We still have six hours left from 55 Wyckoff, so don't start making other plans just yet. 5 Hour Energy drinks were just downed. They don't taste bad, let's see if they can take us through to the finish.
Pitt is taking it to Binghamton hard in the other ESPN game. Binghamtown tried to build a program with big school transfers: they paid the price, drug deals and suspensions have left the roster depleted. You don't win with dudes named Greer Wright, that's for damn sure.
Oh my god, we had our first Hank Gathers reference after Big Dan and I popped five hour energy drinks.
Quick Observations:
1) Kyle Singler's hair is long. We know Jay Bilas loves the body, but what about the hair?
2) Mark Macon does not look like a happy man. He's inherited a troubled program and is going to take it nowhere. Sorry bud.
3) Coach K is starting to look old. Random observation--more wrinkles every year. He was one of those dudes that always looked the same--like Spurrier--but its caught up to him now. The years are evident on the face.
A name I like: Ashton Gibbs. Sounds like a legit name. I can hear Ian Eagle screaming "Ashton Gibbs, razzle dazzle" on a Friday afternoon in March. Good news for Pitt. Bad news for Binghamton tonight.
---
I want to see a good Duke team. I'm ready for it. I'm sick of seeing Coach K take an early exit every March. I want the Blue Devils to take this baby all the way to the title game. There it is, a college basketball confession. A fan is usually with Duke or against them, but Coach K is a class act, and I miss seeing the dude in the Final Four.
---
The Jersey Connection:
Duke is rocking four players from New Jersey. Ben Zoubek, the hulking giant, Lance Thomas, unerachiever, Jordan Davidson, and Casey Peters--the two unknowns.
Pitt is taking it to Binghamton hard in the other ESPN game. Binghamtown tried to build a program with big school transfers: they paid the price, drug deals and suspensions have left the roster depleted. You don't win with dudes named Greer Wright, that's for damn sure.
Oh my god, we had our first Hank Gathers reference after Big Dan and I popped five hour energy drinks.
Quick Observations:
1) Kyle Singler's hair is long. We know Jay Bilas loves the body, but what about the hair?
2) Mark Macon does not look like a happy man. He's inherited a troubled program and is going to take it nowhere. Sorry bud.
3) Coach K is starting to look old. Random observation--more wrinkles every year. He was one of those dudes that always looked the same--like Spurrier--but its caught up to him now. The years are evident on the face.
A name I like: Ashton Gibbs. Sounds like a legit name. I can hear Ian Eagle screaming "Ashton Gibbs, razzle dazzle" on a Friday afternoon in March. Good news for Pitt. Bad news for Binghamton tonight.
---
I want to see a good Duke team. I'm ready for it. I'm sick of seeing Coach K take an early exit every March. I want the Blue Devils to take this baby all the way to the title game. There it is, a college basketball confession. A fan is usually with Duke or against them, but Coach K is a class act, and I miss seeing the dude in the Final Four.
---
The Jersey Connection:
Duke is rocking four players from New Jersey. Ben Zoubek, the hulking giant, Lance Thomas, unerachiever, Jordan Davidson, and Casey Peters--the two unknowns.
Dunph! JT3!
Some how we survived the UALR/Tulsa game, or as I'll forever refer to it as "The Pillow Fight Of The Hardwood". We get to see what should be a decent game of Temple and Georgetown, short shorts and grey undershirts optional. We'll always miss John Chaney for the potential of this...
---
G'Town poppin' in new unis. First basket of the game is the 1,000th point of the day, all with minimal help from Monmouth.
Is Mike Patrick saying, "He's not a Ewing" an insult or a compliment? Does that mean he'll avoid blow jobs in a strip club? Or he'll be clutch if he makes the league? I need answers.
Why do I get every offensively challenged game to blog about? I might as well be watching a Rutgers/Princeton tussle from 1915.
Temple with the black unis in remembrance of the circles under Chaney's eyes.
There's as many points as turnovers, 8 at the 11:12 mark in the first half. Wow. Just... wow.
This game is on pace for a 32-20 slugfest. I think their football teams would score that in the first half. Alert Elias! We need some stats on this.
Mike Patrick, "Somebody check the rims". More or less sums up this game up to this point. This is the basketball gods daring us to doze off.
Is big JT melting? Is he trying to look like a Hoya himself? It's scary.
Gotta love the white guy every team has on their roster Always fun to watching the bumble and stumble.
Slightly more interesting game now. The scene in the living room is awesome: Mike half dead on one couch, Rob hood up listening to DMB wearing Wayfarers, Dan looking like he'd rather be anywhere else, and me smelling like a hobo.
And John Burr calls the and one with 5:09 left. His hair is fantastic, the way it bounces as he jogs, the way it shines in the bright lights of the Big East. They really are follicles to behold.
3:30 left. Media whistle. G'Town down 2 coming in with the ball.
HUGE illegal screen call. Gigantic. Gives the Hoyas the ball down 1 with 105 ticks left.
Owls get it back on a carry. Good, tight game in DC.
Timeout, Dunph. 81 seconds left, Owls with the ball and the lead. Here's where the #20 team in the country can show it by eeking one out.
G'Town ball and a timeout. 55.1 and 25 on the shot clock. A miss and Temple board means the Owls have to prove their meddle on the charity stripe. Monroe is rather underwhelming.
ATROCIOUS last possession by the Hoyas but a Temple miss! Timeout G'Town, down 1, 17.2 to go.
Monroe must have heard the critiques from 55 and gets the go ahead score. G'Town up 1 with 6.5 for Temple to work with. Plenty of time.
WOW. Great defense my G'Town. Jump ball goes to the Hoyas. Monroe forced the tie up. Really proving us wrong.
Great, great stuff. Sloppy game but fun ending. The 5 hour energy shots just rolled out. Making the last big push.
---
G'Town poppin' in new unis. First basket of the game is the 1,000th point of the day, all with minimal help from Monmouth.
Is Mike Patrick saying, "He's not a Ewing" an insult or a compliment? Does that mean he'll avoid blow jobs in a strip club? Or he'll be clutch if he makes the league? I need answers.
Why do I get every offensively challenged game to blog about? I might as well be watching a Rutgers/Princeton tussle from 1915.
Temple with the black unis in remembrance of the circles under Chaney's eyes.
There's as many points as turnovers, 8 at the 11:12 mark in the first half. Wow. Just... wow.
This game is on pace for a 32-20 slugfest. I think their football teams would score that in the first half. Alert Elias! We need some stats on this.
Mike Patrick, "Somebody check the rims". More or less sums up this game up to this point. This is the basketball gods daring us to doze off.
Is big JT melting? Is he trying to look like a Hoya himself? It's scary.
Gotta love the white guy every team has on their roster Always fun to watching the bumble and stumble.
Slightly more interesting game now. The scene in the living room is awesome: Mike half dead on one couch, Rob hood up listening to DMB wearing Wayfarers, Dan looking like he'd rather be anywhere else, and me smelling like a hobo.
And John Burr calls the and one with 5:09 left. His hair is fantastic, the way it bounces as he jogs, the way it shines in the bright lights of the Big East. They really are follicles to behold.
3:30 left. Media whistle. G'Town down 2 coming in with the ball.
HUGE illegal screen call. Gigantic. Gives the Hoyas the ball down 1 with 105 ticks left.
Owls get it back on a carry. Good, tight game in DC.
Timeout, Dunph. 81 seconds left, Owls with the ball and the lead. Here's where the #20 team in the country can show it by eeking one out.
G'Town ball and a timeout. 55.1 and 25 on the shot clock. A miss and Temple board means the Owls have to prove their meddle on the charity stripe. Monroe is rather underwhelming.
ATROCIOUS last possession by the Hoyas but a Temple miss! Timeout G'Town, down 1, 17.2 to go.
Monroe must have heard the critiques from 55 and gets the go ahead score. G'Town up 1 with 6.5 for Temple to work with. Plenty of time.
WOW. Great defense my G'Town. Jump ball goes to the Hoyas. Monroe forced the tie up. Really proving us wrong.
Great, great stuff. Sloppy game but fun ending. The 5 hour energy shots just rolled out. Making the last big push.
Arkansas Little Rock @ Tulsa--Bring it on...
ESPN has taken 55 Wyckoff to Tulsa for one of today's less interesting matches. The fighting Bill Clinton's against the Golden Hurricanes. Really, does anyone know Little Rock for anything other than Slick Willy? (By the way, the former President paid a visit to Rutgers last month). We're off to an exciting start: 2-2, and the ball already got stuck in the rim once. Doug Wojcik looks like a Marine on the bench for Tulsa, I expect to see a well disciplined team on the court against UALR (airport call sign?) today.
---
Big Dan is releasing the gas in the living room right now, and its not making a 10-7 football score any more appealing at the Donald W. Reynolds center. Go up to any American with a one hundred dollar bill, ask them about Donald W. Reynolds--you are all but certain to get a blank stare.
For those who are curious: Donald W. Reynolds lived to 87. He obviously played some kind of role for the Tulsa basketball program, but he also built an economic school at Arkansas Little Rock. And yes...time has elapsed but the defenses are holding strong. Still 10-7.
By the way, how bad does 55 Wyckoff want to hear Andy Katz yell "We'll do it live!!!" on the set at ESPN? Nothing better than watching Republicans struggle to keep their poop together.
Last but not least:
Safety in the game. 10-9. 10:15 to go in the half.
---
When Tulsa is taking it to the Lewinski's 17-12, it's time to sing along to music videos.
So far:
The crowd in Tulsa encouraged us to sing "Hey Baby," but we're doing a little Ricky Martin right now. Where is that Brazilian giant on the Hawai'i bench to give us a little southern hemisphere spice when we need it.
Thanks to all of our followers. We're a bunch of tired d-bags, but we'll do our best to keep our sanity.
Dan Mal gives us fashion sense: Doug Wojcik's tie is too long. We discovered yesterday that Dan Mal is 33.33% queer eye for the straight guy, so Wojcik should take his advice. Update: Dan Mal has discovered that our hot neighbor is not wearing underwear. Don't expect him to make a move...he's taken ladies.
---
Tulsa gives us the whitest player of the day: Steven Idlet of the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Steven looks like a good guy, but he's got the build of a Hickory High stud playing for Gene Hackman. Shave the burns Steven, you'll draw a few more coeds to the dorm room.
2:30 on Tuesday and I'm watching Tulsa and Arkansas Little Rock...I've graduated from college folks, I have a degree. What is wrong with me?
Guest to 55, Tylerneski, notes that the Hampton Inn commercial is nothing special. He routinely makes shots off the roof bounce. He is also the captain of a Rutgers rec team: Jesus Shuttlesworth. His game reminds me of Rudy Gay. He's long and strong, but has kind of a line drive nature to his shot.
---
At the risk of being esoteric, we give you a little more of the UALR (I flew them home from Vegas)/Tulsa game.
What school would you rather attend?
Pro's of UALR:
-The black road jerseys are pretty sweet. Darth Vaders of the hardwood.
-Good food. I've never been to Little Rock, but I assume they're throwing down some good pulled pork.
-Mike Huckabee, we might be Democrats, but the guy's pretty sweet. No property tax and he plays the guitar. He's invited to 55, as long as he brings a six string.
Cons of UALR:
-Doesn't Ryan Mallet drive drunk on highways across Arkansas?
-A night of heavy drinking might bring you into bed with Paula Jones. Ok...whitewater scandal, too much innuendo for this former English major.
-We're not going to lie, we didn't know they had a basketball team until this afternoon.
Pro's of Tulsa
-If you're going to be a hurricane, might as well be golden. Ask R. Kelly.
-Tulsa was named one of America's most liveable large cities. I hate unliveable cities.
-We're scared to say anything bad about a city represented by Wojcik...this guy could smack the silly out of all of us.
Cons of Tulsa
-Tornadoes, I've got a lot of cool sports crap, including a Bobby Thigpen autograph, that I don't want blowing across the Southwest.
-The city is the buckle of the bible belt. The bible got thumped by Clemson today. If you don't worship the Tiger, you're at risk of getting bit.
-Golden Hurricane. Just talk to R. Kelly's cousin...or Stifler in American Pie 2. It works both ways.
---
We're gearing up for the second half in Tulsa. The 25-20 score at half means the 125 over/under is a joke. If this game goes over, any reader can name my first born son. Seriously, my girlfriend is well aware of what I'm doing today, and understands that anything can happen. Bless her heart for putting up with days like today.
This is a tough game to analyze. The over/under tells me neither team is performing to their potential. Are we watching two good defenses, or two underwhelming offenses? This question gets to the heart of my national title pick: Purdue. Purdue loves to play sloppy games like this, but their players have the talent to score with the Washington's of the world--as evident last March. Toss them in a gritty defensive battle, and they will ugly the crap out of the game. Ask them to score, and they'll give you a solid 75-80 points.
Dayton is a poor man's Purdue. An athlete like Chris Wright can play with anyone in the country. The Flyers scored 90 the other night against Creighton, but they can win the ugly defensive games too. What won't fly for the Flyers this March: another 40 point performance like last year's second round loss to Kansas.
---
I don't like to pick on cheerleaders, but Tulsa is sending out a squad that reminds me of the girls that live upstairs--and that's after fire alarm kept them up all morning.
As for the game, we're at 34-24 with 12 and change left in the second half. I don't think we'll see either team this March. Tulsa is getting better looks at the hole, more open cuts to the basket. But Tulsa/Memphis is not even a game at this point. Forget a Tulsa run this March.
---
We've traveled long and far since that 12 AM UCLA game that we cruised through like nothing. I think offenses across the time zones have disappointed today. We've seen some good defenses, but few really strong offensive performances. Clemson was balanced, but its tough to say that they looked ready to compete in the ACC based on a relatively balanced performance against Liberty. Villanova put up 100 last night, we haven't seen an offensive assult of that level today.
---
A sorry is necessary for fans of these two schools, but this game sucks.
---
77 points with 5:54, looks like I will be naming my own child.
---
Big Dan's girlfriend Katie: "Crap, I have the GRE's tomorrow." That a girl Katie. We know you'll do great, so why spend the last night studying. Watch some college hoops and get drunk with your boys.
---
Download:
"I'll Be in the Sky" by B.o.B.
and
"Breakeven" by The Script
---
55 Wyckoff's attendance got a boost:
Tylerneski has returned with his girlfriend Deanna. Is she taunting us with pizza? Yes. Is she ready to offer final four picks? Maybe. Lets see what the present girlfriends have to offer:
Deanna:
UConn
Rutgers (What a homer!)
Duke
Villanova
National Champ: UConn (Her boyfriend tampered with the selection process)
Katie:
Louisville
USC (really?)
Notre Dame
Pitt
National Champ: Louisville
---
#23 hits a three for UALR, but we're still not reminded of Michael Jordan. The game goes final: 59-45, Tulsa. That was a tough game, but alcohol got us through. Didn't our old pal Billy the Snake say that after every Kentucky game?
---
Big Dan is releasing the gas in the living room right now, and its not making a 10-7 football score any more appealing at the Donald W. Reynolds center. Go up to any American with a one hundred dollar bill, ask them about Donald W. Reynolds--you are all but certain to get a blank stare.
For those who are curious: Donald W. Reynolds lived to 87. He obviously played some kind of role for the Tulsa basketball program, but he also built an economic school at Arkansas Little Rock. And yes...time has elapsed but the defenses are holding strong. Still 10-7.
By the way, how bad does 55 Wyckoff want to hear Andy Katz yell "We'll do it live!!!" on the set at ESPN? Nothing better than watching Republicans struggle to keep their poop together.
Last but not least:
Safety in the game. 10-9. 10:15 to go in the half.
---
When Tulsa is taking it to the Lewinski's 17-12, it's time to sing along to music videos.
So far:
The crowd in Tulsa encouraged us to sing "Hey Baby," but we're doing a little Ricky Martin right now. Where is that Brazilian giant on the Hawai'i bench to give us a little southern hemisphere spice when we need it.
Thanks to all of our followers. We're a bunch of tired d-bags, but we'll do our best to keep our sanity.
Dan Mal gives us fashion sense: Doug Wojcik's tie is too long. We discovered yesterday that Dan Mal is 33.33% queer eye for the straight guy, so Wojcik should take his advice. Update: Dan Mal has discovered that our hot neighbor is not wearing underwear. Don't expect him to make a move...he's taken ladies.
---
Tulsa gives us the whitest player of the day: Steven Idlet of the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Steven looks like a good guy, but he's got the build of a Hickory High stud playing for Gene Hackman. Shave the burns Steven, you'll draw a few more coeds to the dorm room.
2:30 on Tuesday and I'm watching Tulsa and Arkansas Little Rock...I've graduated from college folks, I have a degree. What is wrong with me?
Guest to 55, Tylerneski, notes that the Hampton Inn commercial is nothing special. He routinely makes shots off the roof bounce. He is also the captain of a Rutgers rec team: Jesus Shuttlesworth. His game reminds me of Rudy Gay. He's long and strong, but has kind of a line drive nature to his shot.
---
At the risk of being esoteric, we give you a little more of the UALR (I flew them home from Vegas)/Tulsa game.
What school would you rather attend?
Pro's of UALR:
-The black road jerseys are pretty sweet. Darth Vaders of the hardwood.
-Good food. I've never been to Little Rock, but I assume they're throwing down some good pulled pork.
-Mike Huckabee, we might be Democrats, but the guy's pretty sweet. No property tax and he plays the guitar. He's invited to 55, as long as he brings a six string.
Cons of UALR:
-Doesn't Ryan Mallet drive drunk on highways across Arkansas?
-A night of heavy drinking might bring you into bed with Paula Jones. Ok...whitewater scandal, too much innuendo for this former English major.
-We're not going to lie, we didn't know they had a basketball team until this afternoon.
Pro's of Tulsa
-If you're going to be a hurricane, might as well be golden. Ask R. Kelly.
-Tulsa was named one of America's most liveable large cities. I hate unliveable cities.
-We're scared to say anything bad about a city represented by Wojcik...this guy could smack the silly out of all of us.
Cons of Tulsa
-Tornadoes, I've got a lot of cool sports crap, including a Bobby Thigpen autograph, that I don't want blowing across the Southwest.
-The city is the buckle of the bible belt. The bible got thumped by Clemson today. If you don't worship the Tiger, you're at risk of getting bit.
-Golden Hurricane. Just talk to R. Kelly's cousin...or Stifler in American Pie 2. It works both ways.
---
We're gearing up for the second half in Tulsa. The 25-20 score at half means the 125 over/under is a joke. If this game goes over, any reader can name my first born son. Seriously, my girlfriend is well aware of what I'm doing today, and understands that anything can happen. Bless her heart for putting up with days like today.
This is a tough game to analyze. The over/under tells me neither team is performing to their potential. Are we watching two good defenses, or two underwhelming offenses? This question gets to the heart of my national title pick: Purdue. Purdue loves to play sloppy games like this, but their players have the talent to score with the Washington's of the world--as evident last March. Toss them in a gritty defensive battle, and they will ugly the crap out of the game. Ask them to score, and they'll give you a solid 75-80 points.
Dayton is a poor man's Purdue. An athlete like Chris Wright can play with anyone in the country. The Flyers scored 90 the other night against Creighton, but they can win the ugly defensive games too. What won't fly for the Flyers this March: another 40 point performance like last year's second round loss to Kansas.
---
I don't like to pick on cheerleaders, but Tulsa is sending out a squad that reminds me of the girls that live upstairs--and that's after fire alarm kept them up all morning.
As for the game, we're at 34-24 with 12 and change left in the second half. I don't think we'll see either team this March. Tulsa is getting better looks at the hole, more open cuts to the basket. But Tulsa/Memphis is not even a game at this point. Forget a Tulsa run this March.
---
We've traveled long and far since that 12 AM UCLA game that we cruised through like nothing. I think offenses across the time zones have disappointed today. We've seen some good defenses, but few really strong offensive performances. Clemson was balanced, but its tough to say that they looked ready to compete in the ACC based on a relatively balanced performance against Liberty. Villanova put up 100 last night, we haven't seen an offensive assult of that level today.
---
A sorry is necessary for fans of these two schools, but this game sucks.
---
77 points with 5:54, looks like I will be naming my own child.
---
Big Dan's girlfriend Katie: "Crap, I have the GRE's tomorrow." That a girl Katie. We know you'll do great, so why spend the last night studying. Watch some college hoops and get drunk with your boys.
---
Download:
"I'll Be in the Sky" by B.o.B.
and
"Breakeven" by The Script
---
55 Wyckoff's attendance got a boost:
Tylerneski has returned with his girlfriend Deanna. Is she taunting us with pizza? Yes. Is she ready to offer final four picks? Maybe. Lets see what the present girlfriends have to offer:
Deanna:
UConn
Rutgers (What a homer!)
Duke
Villanova
National Champ: UConn (Her boyfriend tampered with the selection process)
Katie:
Louisville
USC (really?)
Notre Dame
Pitt
National Champ: Louisville
---
#23 hits a three for UALR, but we're still not reminded of Michael Jordan. The game goes final: 59-45, Tulsa. That was a tough game, but alcohol got us through. Didn't our old pal Billy the Snake say that after every Kentucky game?
Things Got Weird!
Why did we try that????
Oh man...hope the friendships don't get awkward.
Final Four:
Big Dan
Michigan State
West Virginia
Kansas
Kentucky
National Champ: Michigan State
Rut in Big East: 9
Tyler
UConn
Kansas
Kentucky
UNC
National Champ: Kansas
Rut in Big East: 13
Dan Mal
Texas
Kansas
Kentucky
Duke
National Champ: Duke
Rut in Big East: 13
Mike
Kansas
Purdue
Michigan
Kentucky
National Champ: Kansas
Rut in Big East: 11
Rob
Purdue
Dayton
West Virginia
Kansas
National Champ: Purdue
Rut in Big East: 11
Oh man...hope the friendships don't get awkward.
Final Four:
Big Dan
Michigan State
West Virginia
Kansas
Kentucky
National Champ: Michigan State
Rut in Big East: 9
Tyler
UConn
Kansas
Kentucky
UNC
National Champ: Kansas
Rut in Big East: 13
Dan Mal
Texas
Kansas
Kentucky
Duke
National Champ: Duke
Rut in Big East: 13
Mike
Kansas
Purdue
Michigan
Kentucky
National Champ: Kansas
Rut in Big East: 11
Rob
Purdue
Dayton
West Virginia
Kansas
National Champ: Purdue
Rut in Big East: 11
Kid Tested, Forde Approved
Pat Forde just gave us recognition on his Twitter, espn4d. This makes all the missed classes, work, stomachaches, and the inability to function tomorrow completely worthwhile. What a guy.
Chili, Monster & Vodka, And ONIONS!
The Monster and Traveller's Club Vodka have been broken out. The chili is simmering and Bill Raftery is bringing us Siena and Northeastern. This is a VERY good Siena team and should win, but we all win for being able to see them nationally this early in the year. We're all a bit more chipper after a little bit of much needed sleep and some good games should lead to some good blogging.
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Little Dan just got in from a run and bringing the distinct smell of sweat to all the other odors floating through the house. It's what we keep him around for.
Northeastern with a little 5 point spurt after 3.5 minutes of 0 ball. 5-2 Northeastern at the first media timeout.
Vinny Lima from the basketball power house of Cape Verde pushes the Northeastern to 7-2 How do you tell a kid to come from tropical Africa to Boston, especially in the winter?
Siena missing some bunnies and in general not playing well. Very unlike them, but I'm sure they'll break out of their funk.
A look at Siena after a time out shows a guy in a vest, rolled up dress shirt, and arm tattoos on their bench? Did he come to the game on a Harley? His he a Hell's Angel they use for security?
20-6 at the under 8 media timeout with Northeastern holding the edge. Surprising to say the least.
Acrobat? Scuba diver? Basketball player? Does he knit on the side? Fantastic stuff there.
Bad defense by Siena. Bad offense by Siena, Coach Fran looks like someone poop in his cereal and took his lunch money.
Lovin' the ONIONS shirt that was given to Raftery, I'd like one, but I want it to specify they're Vidalias instead of Pearls.
Ubiles: 10. The rest of Siena: 2. Saints need to find some offensive help soon which they just did in the form of a Jackson 3. 20-15 Northeastern.
Little Dan just gawked at our attractive (hey, Katie!) neighbors. She had shorts that would better fit a 3 year old than a 21 year old. College is good. On a rather unrelated note my stomach has a war being waged between mozz sticks, beer, vodka, coffee, Monster, chili, aspirin...
We're looking at a very uneventful first half. A lot of missed shots by both teams.
26-20 NE at the half. Great awareness to get that floater of a buzzerbeater off in time. That's what they go to a smart folks school.
Little Dan just said he was "being taken advantage of" and seemed to like it. That's how you get the second half underway.
What's with the yellow men's 3 point line? It's nearly impossible to see even in HD. Poor planning, County of Albany.
Siena takes the lead! Siena takes the lead! 28-27 on a nice step through reverse. This might be where Siena finds their stride and pulls away.
And Siena is off and running. A great debate has erupted: Are you comfortable pooping in front of your significant other. Rob isn't... though he's chiming in on this from the toilet down the hall. The rest of us are. We missed the 12PM photo update so we'll get that up as soon as Rob is finishing getting his money's worth.
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Hey, this is Rob filling in for Dan while he works on his computer. Siena is not looking like the Sweet 16 team some think they can be--they look a little banal on offense. The tarped seats are giving me a strong Florida Marlins vibe. Landshark Stadium kind of a thing going on up in Albany. We've also noticed the presence of alcoholic beverages at the Siena game. We've got our own little cocktail hour going strong in New Brunswick.
Siena is keeping an elf on their bench. Special assistant to the head coach or something. Elves have a storied history in basketball going back to Vinny Del Negro. They make excellent field generals but tend to be poor in the low post. Buckets on a three for the Siena Saints, 48-40.
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Little Dan just got in from a run and bringing the distinct smell of sweat to all the other odors floating through the house. It's what we keep him around for.
Northeastern with a little 5 point spurt after 3.5 minutes of 0 ball. 5-2 Northeastern at the first media timeout.
Vinny Lima from the basketball power house of Cape Verde pushes the Northeastern to 7-2 How do you tell a kid to come from tropical Africa to Boston, especially in the winter?
Siena missing some bunnies and in general not playing well. Very unlike them, but I'm sure they'll break out of their funk.
A look at Siena after a time out shows a guy in a vest, rolled up dress shirt, and arm tattoos on their bench? Did he come to the game on a Harley? His he a Hell's Angel they use for security?
20-6 at the under 8 media timeout with Northeastern holding the edge. Surprising to say the least.
Acrobat? Scuba diver? Basketball player? Does he knit on the side? Fantastic stuff there.
Bad defense by Siena. Bad offense by Siena, Coach Fran looks like someone poop in his cereal and took his lunch money.
Lovin' the ONIONS shirt that was given to Raftery, I'd like one, but I want it to specify they're Vidalias instead of Pearls.
Ubiles: 10. The rest of Siena: 2. Saints need to find some offensive help soon which they just did in the form of a Jackson 3. 20-15 Northeastern.
Little Dan just gawked at our attractive (hey, Katie!) neighbors. She had shorts that would better fit a 3 year old than a 21 year old. College is good. On a rather unrelated note my stomach has a war being waged between mozz sticks, beer, vodka, coffee, Monster, chili, aspirin...
We're looking at a very uneventful first half. A lot of missed shots by both teams.
26-20 NE at the half. Great awareness to get that floater of a buzzerbeater off in time. That's what they go to a smart folks school.
Little Dan just said he was "being taken advantage of" and seemed to like it. That's how you get the second half underway.
What's with the yellow men's 3 point line? It's nearly impossible to see even in HD. Poor planning, County of Albany.
Siena takes the lead! Siena takes the lead! 28-27 on a nice step through reverse. This might be where Siena finds their stride and pulls away.
And Siena is off and running. A great debate has erupted: Are you comfortable pooping in front of your significant other. Rob isn't... though he's chiming in on this from the toilet down the hall. The rest of us are. We missed the 12PM photo update so we'll get that up as soon as Rob is finishing getting his money's worth.
---
Hey, this is Rob filling in for Dan while he works on his computer. Siena is not looking like the Sweet 16 team some think they can be--they look a little banal on offense. The tarped seats are giving me a strong Florida Marlins vibe. Landshark Stadium kind of a thing going on up in Albany. We've also noticed the presence of alcoholic beverages at the Siena game. We've got our own little cocktail hour going strong in New Brunswick.
Siena is keeping an elf on their bench. Special assistant to the head coach or something. Elves have a storied history in basketball going back to Vinny Del Negro. They make excellent field generals but tend to be poor in the low post. Buckets on a three for the Siena Saints, 48-40.
"You gotta love a train" Clemson @ Liberty
"1 efforts, 2 efforts, 3 efforts. Liberty is the little train that could. You've gotta love a train." I'm not sure who this color guy is, but he's fired up and ready to provide us with a few hours of material. He could have counted "efforts" in this living room a few hours ago: "one efforts, two efforts." But times have changed at 55. I just woke up from a two hour crash, and the Dans are currently down. Its Rob and Mike holding down the fort.
Clemson has come out very strong in this one. "The train is on the tracks, and the train is Clemson" according to our favorite ESPN color commentator. Oliver Purnell is one serious looking train conductor. You don't board the Clemson train without a ticket--that's for sure.
Sign Watch: Liberty is losing points for a sign that said "Heck Yeah!" Weak sauce.
---
57 seconds left in the half, Clemson is winning 41-17, and the Liberty fans are loving it. I've never seen so much enthusiasm from a crowd down by over twenty points. Sort of like watching an expansion franchise's first game. The score doesn't matter, all that matters is that the team is playing. Kind of refreshing, but a little too creepy. I like a little disappointment from routed home crowds.
Liberty is giving us a few interesting dudes: a massive faux hawk being supported by about ten pounds of gel, a mop headed kid with shoulder acne worse than mine (that never happens), and a skinny Eminem looking guy. How'd you like to see this crew stroll into the campus chapel.
Jay Williams is now in the halftime studio. Digger Phelps is passed out snoringin a hallway somewhere in ESPN studios. Andy Katz is still kicking, but still talking about the Cal State Fullerton/UCLA game. I swear that game was forever ago. I think they're just showing a recording of Katz from 2 AM, and pulling it off as live.
---
Who needs a shower more right now: Andy Katz, the shoulder acne kid on Liberty, or me? The case: Katz has been caked with so much make up over the past twelve hours that his pores haven't felt oxygen since UCLA was undefeated. The shoulder acne kid has a whole head of greasy hair, the obvious acne, and he's been sweating on the court--nothing good about that. Me...I haven't showered since Sunday night.
---
Canadians have bought the Pontiac Silverdome according to Mike. I say they host an annual college basketball invitational. Bring in all the Michigan schools, and take it from there.
If attendance is low, just import Adrian Branch to do the play-by-play, he's been creating excitement in this dud of a game. And then fill a few bus loads of Liberty fans. They'd get fired up for a snail if it put on a Liberty jersey.
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Trevor Booker is fired up--doing everything he can to silence the Flame's crowd, a futile task. A 12 point, 11 rebound day looks pretty solid. Adrian Branch is a tough critic, Clemson missed an open three pointer and Branch twice declared "You gotta hit that." I remind you that Clemson has a 29 point lead.
We've decided that the wild crowd is a result of Liberty's strict student life rules. The sexual frustration on the Christian campus has resulted in, according to Dan, some very unwholesome behavior in the stadium concourses. "Heck Yeah!"
The faux hawk dude is also wearing some high socks that look stupid on the court. Its impossible to watch this much basketball without a quirky white guy or two surfacing. They're all over the basketball landscape.
---
This game does not excite the minds of men. One of the worst games of the day. Despite Adrian Branch's cockeyed optimism and love for Liberty, they are crashing and burning on every play. Getting the ball across the court is a sysiphean task. Clemson is more athletic, more disciplined, not as faux hawked, and ripping Liberty apart.
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Liberty Lunatics are pretty lame. Lunatics don't ride tricycles.
A Liberty fan in the front row was banging thundersticks while a Clemson player hoisted a three. When the shot went in, the fan dropped his thundersticks and hung his head. They had a chance to make up a 35 point deficit, but that fan doesn't think they have a shot at 38.
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ESPN is pushing their encyclopedia hard. Dan asks: what's thicker, that book or the code of conduct for Liberty students?
Is Clemson the real deal? They looked good today. Strong defense, decent outside shooting, and they played with authority under the hoop. Holding an opponent to less than 40 points for 40 minutes is impressive, no matter the quality of that opponent.
That's a ball game folks. Thanks. We're going to pass off the blog to Dan.
Clemson has come out very strong in this one. "The train is on the tracks, and the train is Clemson" according to our favorite ESPN color commentator. Oliver Purnell is one serious looking train conductor. You don't board the Clemson train without a ticket--that's for sure.
Sign Watch: Liberty is losing points for a sign that said "Heck Yeah!" Weak sauce.
---
57 seconds left in the half, Clemson is winning 41-17, and the Liberty fans are loving it. I've never seen so much enthusiasm from a crowd down by over twenty points. Sort of like watching an expansion franchise's first game. The score doesn't matter, all that matters is that the team is playing. Kind of refreshing, but a little too creepy. I like a little disappointment from routed home crowds.
Liberty is giving us a few interesting dudes: a massive faux hawk being supported by about ten pounds of gel, a mop headed kid with shoulder acne worse than mine (that never happens), and a skinny Eminem looking guy. How'd you like to see this crew stroll into the campus chapel.
Jay Williams is now in the halftime studio. Digger Phelps is passed out snoringin a hallway somewhere in ESPN studios. Andy Katz is still kicking, but still talking about the Cal State Fullerton/UCLA game. I swear that game was forever ago. I think they're just showing a recording of Katz from 2 AM, and pulling it off as live.
---
Who needs a shower more right now: Andy Katz, the shoulder acne kid on Liberty, or me? The case: Katz has been caked with so much make up over the past twelve hours that his pores haven't felt oxygen since UCLA was undefeated. The shoulder acne kid has a whole head of greasy hair, the obvious acne, and he's been sweating on the court--nothing good about that. Me...I haven't showered since Sunday night.
---
Canadians have bought the Pontiac Silverdome according to Mike. I say they host an annual college basketball invitational. Bring in all the Michigan schools, and take it from there.
If attendance is low, just import Adrian Branch to do the play-by-play, he's been creating excitement in this dud of a game. And then fill a few bus loads of Liberty fans. They'd get fired up for a snail if it put on a Liberty jersey.
---
Trevor Booker is fired up--doing everything he can to silence the Flame's crowd, a futile task. A 12 point, 11 rebound day looks pretty solid. Adrian Branch is a tough critic, Clemson missed an open three pointer and Branch twice declared "You gotta hit that." I remind you that Clemson has a 29 point lead.
We've decided that the wild crowd is a result of Liberty's strict student life rules. The sexual frustration on the Christian campus has resulted in, according to Dan, some very unwholesome behavior in the stadium concourses. "Heck Yeah!"
The faux hawk dude is also wearing some high socks that look stupid on the court. Its impossible to watch this much basketball without a quirky white guy or two surfacing. They're all over the basketball landscape.
---
This game does not excite the minds of men. One of the worst games of the day. Despite Adrian Branch's cockeyed optimism and love for Liberty, they are crashing and burning on every play. Getting the ball across the court is a sysiphean task. Clemson is more athletic, more disciplined, not as faux hawked, and ripping Liberty apart.
---
Liberty Lunatics are pretty lame. Lunatics don't ride tricycles.
A Liberty fan in the front row was banging thundersticks while a Clemson player hoisted a three. When the shot went in, the fan dropped his thundersticks and hung his head. They had a chance to make up a 35 point deficit, but that fan doesn't think they have a shot at 38.
---
ESPN is pushing their encyclopedia hard. Dan asks: what's thicker, that book or the code of conduct for Liberty students?
Is Clemson the real deal? They looked good today. Strong defense, decent outside shooting, and they played with authority under the hoop. Holding an opponent to less than 40 points for 40 minutes is impressive, no matter the quality of that opponent.
That's a ball game folks. Thanks. We're going to pass off the blog to Dan.
Mike's In - Niagara v. Drexel
Just want to start off this post by stating one thing - 27 World Championships. Life is very sweet when one's team wins the World Series. The sun shines brighter, food tastes better, the 4,5 train always comes by when you need it most. Every day is a national holiday.
Great atmosphere in the Niagara gym. I don't think these students have much to look forward to while attending school in Upstate NY. Why not just go to a school like Rollins in Florida? Why waste the proverbial best 4 years of one's life in Niagara, NY? (Sorry for the hate, you guys still have a better bball team than my alma mater).
Do these kids enjoy freezing their asses off? Maybe they all have a thing for the Falls? However, I'm giving the NU student body credit. They're definitely making the best of this ESPN showcase and are all decked out in purple and shaking their white pom-poms. Has an SEC football game feel - if they played those in gyms that fit about 3,000 people. I'm also curious as to what percentage of the Niagara student body is intoxicated at this hour. I'm guessing it's <25%.
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Sports Marketing and Branding Note: Is Jordan Brand aware that Drexel is sporting the Jumpman logo on their warmup shirts? Kinda tarnishes any aura the brand had. I mean, is Drexel really that great of a program?
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Katie M. is now in the house. That makes 2 females in the apt now (Geetha has been alseep in Rob's room since the beginning of the madness). Katie is a Yankees fan, so its a much welcomed addition to the crew.
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One reason to like Niagara University:
I found this beauty on a "Niagara University" Google Image Search. Apparently, she was a contestant on American Idol and was a DI athlete at NU. Very nice, I like. NU is running Drexel out of the gym and are up 12 at half. End scene.
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Jon Schiambi looks like someone gave him a noogie at halftime. And I had no idea Laphonso Ellis was calling college hoops games. Man, he was quite a talent back in the day. Maybe he can score some points for the his alma mater's (ND) football team.
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Everyone is still asleep and I just dozed off for a few minutes. ESPN just showed a student studying and Schiambi asked, "Why does any student schedule classes this early?" Because they enjoy torturing themselves?
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Clemson is playing in the next game. Mmmmm, power conference hoops. Let's see how the Tigers rebound this season after getting bounced by Michigan in last year's NCAA first round. Even with MSU and Purdue leading the way in the Big Ten (11), the Wolverines are definitely capable of making a run at the conference title. I have a big-time man crush on the game of Manny Harris and UM is ready to take the next big step under NCAA Tourney Wizard, John Beilein.
Drexel has made this a game with 10 minutes to go. Definitely a much better flow in this matchup than in the Saint Peter's-Monmouth tilt. Even though I love the power conference game, the energy of the small school team and gym is great TV.
---
I knew the name Bilal Benn sounded familiar. Transfer from Villanova.
Oh man, Clemson is playing Liberty University next. Trying to refrain from any Jerry Falwell jokes.
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Niagara is about to win this game. College basketball fans everywhere just cursed Drexel because they fouled with .8 seconds left in the game while down 6. Final Score after the final FT, Niagara 76-Drexel 69.
Now we're off to Lynchburg, Va for the Clemson-Liberty game. Don't get too excited in the crowd and touch a co-ed, Liberty students. Uncle Jerry is watching. It's been a pleasure guest blogging for my good friends at 55 Wyckoff. End Scene.
OK, enough with the baseball talk. At the moment, the crew is in a serious bacon and egg coma, sans myself. Torsiello ended up making me the best plate of burned eggs and bacon I've ever had. No lie. We're about to tip-off the Niagara-Drexel game, and we have a brand-name coach in Bruiser Flint roaming the sidelines. Quite the upgrade from the Northern Colorado-Hawaii (yawn) and Monmouth-Saint Peter's games. Hopefully, a we'll also have a better brand of basketball. Sorry small NJ schools, that 6am game was tough to watch.
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Do these kids enjoy freezing their asses off? Maybe they all have a thing for the Falls? However, I'm giving the NU student body credit. They're definitely making the best of this ESPN showcase and are all decked out in purple and shaking their white pom-poms. Has an SEC football game feel - if they played those in gyms that fit about 3,000 people. I'm also curious as to what percentage of the Niagara student body is intoxicated at this hour. I'm guessing it's <25%.
Shameless Niagara plug - Go to PURPLEEAGLESSTORE.COM to get your awesome NU swag today! I'm sure if you need an umbrella, you can find one with the NU logo stamped on it there.
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Sports Marketing and Branding Note: Is Jordan Brand aware that Drexel is sporting the Jumpman logo on their warmup shirts? Kinda tarnishes any aura the brand had. I mean, is Drexel really that great of a program?
---
Katie M. is now in the house. That makes 2 females in the apt now (Geetha has been alseep in Rob's room since the beginning of the madness). Katie is a Yankees fan, so its a much welcomed addition to the crew.
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One reason to like Niagara University:
I found this beauty on a "Niagara University" Google Image Search. Apparently, she was a contestant on American Idol and was a DI athlete at NU. Very nice, I like. NU is running Drexel out of the gym and are up 12 at half. End scene.
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Jon Schiambi looks like someone gave him a noogie at halftime. And I had no idea Laphonso Ellis was calling college hoops games. Man, he was quite a talent back in the day. Maybe he can score some points for the his alma mater's (ND) football team.
---
Everyone is still asleep and I just dozed off for a few minutes. ESPN just showed a student studying and Schiambi asked, "Why does any student schedule classes this early?" Because they enjoy torturing themselves?
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Clemson is playing in the next game. Mmmmm, power conference hoops. Let's see how the Tigers rebound this season after getting bounced by Michigan in last year's NCAA first round. Even with MSU and Purdue leading the way in the Big Ten (11), the Wolverines are definitely capable of making a run at the conference title. I have a big-time man crush on the game of Manny Harris and UM is ready to take the next big step under NCAA Tourney Wizard, John Beilein.
Drexel has made this a game with 10 minutes to go. Definitely a much better flow in this matchup than in the Saint Peter's-Monmouth tilt. Even though I love the power conference game, the energy of the small school team and gym is great TV.
---
I knew the name Bilal Benn sounded familiar. Transfer from Villanova.
Oh man, Clemson is playing Liberty University next. Trying to refrain from any Jerry Falwell jokes.
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Niagara is about to win this game. College basketball fans everywhere just cursed Drexel because they fouled with .8 seconds left in the game while down 6. Final Score after the final FT, Niagara 76-Drexel 69.
Now we're off to Lynchburg, Va for the Clemson-Liberty game. Don't get too excited in the crowd and touch a co-ed, Liberty students. Uncle Jerry is watching. It's been a pleasure guest blogging for my good friends at 55 Wyckoff. End Scene.
Hour Six: Monmouth vs. St. Peters
A small gymnasium in Jersey City is rocking at six in the morning for the Peacocks of St. Peter's. The announcers are blaming sloppy play in the game's opening minutes on the adrenaline rush of playing on national television--I'm going to blame it on the quality of the teams, and the absent shadow on the sun dial.
We're down to three on Wyckoff: Mike bit the dust when Hawai'i started their pregame shoot around, or about the time Rutgers transfer Justin Sofman got off the Monmouth bus in Jersey City. Dude, if you were still at Rutgers, you'd be sleeping right now.
I hate my life every time ESPN states how far we are into the marathon. We'd be better off with a Casino approach. No windows, no clocks, just basketball and our computers.
Sign Watch: Wow, St. Peter's students are falling short with the signs. One says "LOL." Seriously? At least the St. Mary's kids had the guts to tell us we have STD's. But please, next time engage the modern lexicon: STI. It could be worse, BYU would use VD's, and I expect a sign that says "You have sins on your genitals" during the Liberty game.
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We've battled hard for Andy Katz's attention, but we're falling short. The twitter messages received only a vague reference to loyal basketball fans in New Jersey. The guy clearly forgets what its like to be telling bad jokes on no sleep.
Bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches are in the works. The irish coffee doesn't quite have the same impact on my energy level that it did six hours ago. I need to borrow a little zest from this Saint Peter's squad. They've come out gunning, and have a 15-7 lead. Monmouth is laying a Mike out there. Not sure if that means we're due for a strong second half from the team from South Jersey.
Two bits of news: smoke from the bacon set off our fire alarm. The girls upstairs loved that little bit, didn't they? Also, the tiniest bit of sun has given the sky a blue tint. We've survived the night.
---
A "Good Morning America" weather update. Don't insult us. The outdoor world doesn't exist unless our heat breaks, thus disturbing our warm and stuffy womb of disgusting college basketball adoration.
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5:53 left in the half, and we still haven't established any characters in this game. Where are the Samham's, Aussies, and sweaty Carter Blackburns? Dan Mal noted the inescapable feeling that we're watching a high school game. I can't tell if its the wood bleachers or the matted walls about six feet behind the hoops. This could lead to another discussion about hottest high school chicks from Bush's first term.
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Dan Mal is preparing for a nap. Sleep is the most dangerous game, and Dan is conceding to it's deadly hand. Excuses given for Dan Mal's nap: "I want to run later," "I want this to be a productive day," "I want to make it to the bar later tonight."
Excuses debunked:
"I want to run later"
--That's what we bought the five hour energy drinks for.
"I want this to be a productive day"
--He's already had around five beers, and its 6:50 AM. Don't lie.
"I want to make it to the bar later tonight."
--I thought it was supposed to be a productive day...
Side note: Mike has predicted that Joe Lunardi will be at the center of ESPN's next sex scandal. A man gets lonely in a bracket-cave.
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The second fire alarm is going off. This one is upstairs. The girls are going to hate us for a few weeks.
Our kitchen looks like a scene from "Backdraft." We were a grease fire away from a bad day. Instead we're all going to smell like bacon smoke. Mike has declared he can't breathe in the kitchen. Big Dan appears to have steel lungs--figures--he is the Big Cat, impervious to all obstacles.
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They've got the giggles in the ESPN studio. Hubert Davis is having a good time, Jay Bilas is being Jay Bilas, but Digger follows every outburst of laughter with a nervous smile that seems to hint he can't hold out much longer. He'll be crashing on the floor of Dr. Lou's office in the Bristol Studios before you know it.
We've been operating under a "no baseball talk" rule all morning. Mike is tempting the margins of the rule by wearing a "Phil Hughes is God" t-shirt. What I'd pay for a t-shirt that says "Gordon Beckham is God's maker."
But back to basketball: Jay Bilas is loving Kyle Singler. Complimenting his "body" every time they show a Duke highlight. I don't remember Singler being large, but we're being told that the Duke star has slimmed down, and looks good on and off the court. Easy Jay...it's a long day, too early to start making things awkward.
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Seth Davis responds to Tweets. I knew I liked that guy. His insight is always some of the best available on a weekend afternoon in February and March. I can't wait for some CBS weekend games.
There is a player in this game with the last name Bacon, it would only be appropriate if he set the court on fire:
Justin Sofman just had a nice little bucket on a drive to the basket. It's not Salma, but hey, it might get a round of applause on SportsCenter. One of the best compliments I've heard for a college hoops player came from Scott Van Pelt, who called Greg Oden a "father"--in the dominating basketball sense. Like the d-bag dad who slams his toddler's stuffed basketball back into the crib and screams "in your face!"
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The broadcasters have informed us of showers in the Ohio Valley. Good to know. I'll be sure to stay in Jersey this afternoon.
Sofman with a three. Has this game found the character it was missing in the first half? He just missed a three leading to a Bacon dunk in transition. Competing characters? I like where this is headed.
We're down to three on Wyckoff: Mike bit the dust when Hawai'i started their pregame shoot around, or about the time Rutgers transfer Justin Sofman got off the Monmouth bus in Jersey City. Dude, if you were still at Rutgers, you'd be sleeping right now.
I hate my life every time ESPN states how far we are into the marathon. We'd be better off with a Casino approach. No windows, no clocks, just basketball and our computers.
Sign Watch: Wow, St. Peter's students are falling short with the signs. One says "LOL." Seriously? At least the St. Mary's kids had the guts to tell us we have STD's. But please, next time engage the modern lexicon: STI. It could be worse, BYU would use VD's, and I expect a sign that says "You have sins on your genitals" during the Liberty game.
---
We've battled hard for Andy Katz's attention, but we're falling short. The twitter messages received only a vague reference to loyal basketball fans in New Jersey. The guy clearly forgets what its like to be telling bad jokes on no sleep.
Bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches are in the works. The irish coffee doesn't quite have the same impact on my energy level that it did six hours ago. I need to borrow a little zest from this Saint Peter's squad. They've come out gunning, and have a 15-7 lead. Monmouth is laying a Mike out there. Not sure if that means we're due for a strong second half from the team from South Jersey.
Two bits of news: smoke from the bacon set off our fire alarm. The girls upstairs loved that little bit, didn't they? Also, the tiniest bit of sun has given the sky a blue tint. We've survived the night.
---
A "Good Morning America" weather update. Don't insult us. The outdoor world doesn't exist unless our heat breaks, thus disturbing our warm and stuffy womb of disgusting college basketball adoration.
---
5:53 left in the half, and we still haven't established any characters in this game. Where are the Samham's, Aussies, and sweaty Carter Blackburns? Dan Mal noted the inescapable feeling that we're watching a high school game. I can't tell if its the wood bleachers or the matted walls about six feet behind the hoops. This could lead to another discussion about hottest high school chicks from Bush's first term.
---
Two years ago, Justin Sofman was told his name will one day be mentioned on national television at 6:37 AM--and not on SportsCenter. What thoughts went through his head? "Crap, am I going to get busted robbing a bank?" Perhaps...but more likely, "I'm going to date Salma Hayek." Look at this poop eating grin, he totally thought he was going to bag a celebrity:
---Dan Mal is preparing for a nap. Sleep is the most dangerous game, and Dan is conceding to it's deadly hand. Excuses given for Dan Mal's nap: "I want to run later," "I want this to be a productive day," "I want to make it to the bar later tonight."
Excuses debunked:
"I want to run later"
--That's what we bought the five hour energy drinks for.
"I want this to be a productive day"
--He's already had around five beers, and its 6:50 AM. Don't lie.
"I want to make it to the bar later tonight."
--I thought it was supposed to be a productive day...
Side note: Mike has predicted that Joe Lunardi will be at the center of ESPN's next sex scandal. A man gets lonely in a bracket-cave.
---
The second fire alarm is going off. This one is upstairs. The girls are going to hate us for a few weeks.
Our kitchen looks like a scene from "Backdraft." We were a grease fire away from a bad day. Instead we're all going to smell like bacon smoke. Mike has declared he can't breathe in the kitchen. Big Dan appears to have steel lungs--figures--he is the Big Cat, impervious to all obstacles.
---
They've got the giggles in the ESPN studio. Hubert Davis is having a good time, Jay Bilas is being Jay Bilas, but Digger follows every outburst of laughter with a nervous smile that seems to hint he can't hold out much longer. He'll be crashing on the floor of Dr. Lou's office in the Bristol Studios before you know it.
We've been operating under a "no baseball talk" rule all morning. Mike is tempting the margins of the rule by wearing a "Phil Hughes is God" t-shirt. What I'd pay for a t-shirt that says "Gordon Beckham is God's maker."
But back to basketball: Jay Bilas is loving Kyle Singler. Complimenting his "body" every time they show a Duke highlight. I don't remember Singler being large, but we're being told that the Duke star has slimmed down, and looks good on and off the court. Easy Jay...it's a long day, too early to start making things awkward.
---
Seth Davis responds to Tweets. I knew I liked that guy. His insight is always some of the best available on a weekend afternoon in February and March. I can't wait for some CBS weekend games.
There is a player in this game with the last name Bacon, it would only be appropriate if he set the court on fire:
Justin Sofman just had a nice little bucket on a drive to the basket. It's not Salma, but hey, it might get a round of applause on SportsCenter. One of the best compliments I've heard for a college hoops player came from Scott Van Pelt, who called Greg Oden a "father"--in the dominating basketball sense. Like the d-bag dad who slams his toddler's stuffed basketball back into the crib and screams "in your face!"
---
The broadcasters have informed us of showers in the Ohio Valley. Good to know. I'll be sure to stay in Jersey this afternoon.
Sofman with a three. Has this game found the character it was missing in the first half? He just missed a three leading to a Bacon dunk in transition. Competing characters? I like where this is headed.
---
There is a Rutgers-esque collection of NIT banners behind the hoop in St. Pete's gym. It must be a New Jersey thing.
---
If the tiny gym didn't make this game feel like a battle between New Jersey prep kids, the 38-25 score surely reminds me of a high school basketball game from back when Colin Powell was secretary of state.
---
There are three stages of tired:
Stage 1: (my current stage) Yawns are frequent. Eyes are heavy.
Stage 2: (Big Dan's stage) Curled up in a ball. Feeling miserable.
Stage 3: (Dan Mal's stage) Sleeping peacefully under a warm blanket.
Mike is feeling chipper after napping during last game.
---
Sign Watch: "Child Please." I'm thinking so hard for meaning...and coming up with so little.
---
We knew this game was going to be a grinder, but this is absolutely miserable. The quality of play is hovering somewhere around "less than basketball." The announcers are as quiet as this living room. I can't imagine the crowd is feeling too much better, I'll give them credit though. They've brought a Texas high school homecoming enthusiasm to the middle of Jersey City.
---
College basketball > Rob. My thoughts are flowing like Monmouth's offense. Which means I'm averaging about a thought every ten minutes. 56-34 in the single worst college basketball game I've ever watched. How bad does the Monmouth coaching staff want to be home. Sleepless and losing by 18. Worse than a tragedy. At least Romeo fell in love before his demise. Sofman and his Monmouth teammates have dreadful from start to finish...like spending the day with a tired and grumpy Digger Phelps.
---
I'm out. Mike's in. Enjoy. Thanks.
Aloha!
Dan taking over for Rob for Hawai'i/Northern Colorado. I know NOTHING about either team but will by 6AM. We have a rooting interest here in NCU though. While in Vegas a NCU swimmer hit on Mike in the MGM Casino. We think she graduated last year, but after about seven White Russians we can't remember her name to verify.
---
What's with the Hawai'i's court having the same tribal tattoo across it's lane that I see daily at the Jersey Shore in July. The difference is they have a real connection to it.
Northern Colorado's jerseys look like something a JV team would get handed down to them from a varsity team in high school.
James Earl Jones moonlights as a Hawai'i's coach. I thought baseball was more his game.
Apparently everyone but Pupule Natives are asleep. We all took offense. On a house note, Mike is rallying in a big way. Impressive.
Mr. Miyagi in the stands?
Our first technical foul immediately followed by a test of the emergency alert system. What the hell is that about?
Oop there it is. If that Gheorghe Muresan on the Hawai'i sideline? Is Billy Crystal there as well?
I just added two more cups of coffee and another meal to the quest for a triple double bringing my totals 5 cups of coffee, 2 beers, and 3 meals. A gigglefest just broke out here as well with the other Dan turning purple from coughing.
This first half is dragging on and on and on. Attention on the game in minimal.
"4th & 2. Go for it." sign behind the Rainbow Warriors' bench. The islands are bringing some great signs to this marathon.
Halftime. Closing in the Boardwalk Bash in Jersey. Exciting times.
Back in the Land of Leis. Let's either hope for an exciting second half or a half on fast forward.
How old is this stock footage of Hawai'i? 1993? It feels like I just won a trip to the islands on Wheel of Fortune and they're showing me where I'm staying.
Did the stat guy for ESPN fall asleep?
Carter Blackburn making it seem like we went to sleep. The thought never crossed our mind. Game still tight, but I can't take anymore WSU/Herbstreit commercials.
Hawai'i is totally gassed. NCU going to go home with a dub.
That sound you just heard was my foot easing into my mouth.
What a bomb of a 3. That was shot from the mainland.
And another! Hawai'i is hanging around and making this fun. Two point game with 22.1 on the clock.
Huge miss on the back end of the double bonus... what a roll! NCU pushes it to 4... 5.
Ballgame. Great effort by the Rainbow Warriors in a 6 point loss.
---
What's with the Hawai'i's court having the same tribal tattoo across it's lane that I see daily at the Jersey Shore in July. The difference is they have a real connection to it.
Northern Colorado's jerseys look like something a JV team would get handed down to them from a varsity team in high school.
James Earl Jones moonlights as a Hawai'i's coach. I thought baseball was more his game.
Apparently everyone but Pupule Natives are asleep. We all took offense. On a house note, Mike is rallying in a big way. Impressive.
Mr. Miyagi in the stands?
Our first technical foul immediately followed by a test of the emergency alert system. What the hell is that about?
Oop there it is. If that Gheorghe Muresan on the Hawai'i sideline? Is Billy Crystal there as well?
I just added two more cups of coffee and another meal to the quest for a triple double bringing my totals 5 cups of coffee, 2 beers, and 3 meals. A gigglefest just broke out here as well with the other Dan turning purple from coughing.
This first half is dragging on and on and on. Attention on the game in minimal.
"4th & 2. Go for it." sign behind the Rainbow Warriors' bench. The islands are bringing some great signs to this marathon.
Halftime. Closing in the Boardwalk Bash in Jersey. Exciting times.
Back in the Land of Leis. Let's either hope for an exciting second half or a half on fast forward.
How old is this stock footage of Hawai'i? 1993? It feels like I just won a trip to the islands on Wheel of Fortune and they're showing me where I'm staying.
Did the stat guy for ESPN fall asleep?
Carter Blackburn making it seem like we went to sleep. The thought never crossed our mind. Game still tight, but I can't take anymore WSU/Herbstreit commercials.
Hawai'i is totally gassed. NCU going to go home with a dub.
That sound you just heard was my foot easing into my mouth.
What a bomb of a 3. That was shot from the mainland.
And another! Hawai'i is hanging around and making this fun. Two point game with 22.1 on the clock.
Huge miss on the back end of the double bonus... what a roll! NCU pushes it to 4... 5.
Ballgame. Great effort by the Rainbow Warriors in a 6 point loss.
The Wild One: SDSU vs. St. Mary's
I was looking down at my keyboard when ESPN switched to St. Mary's from the UCLA game. Terry Gannon welcomed the crowd with "we've got a wild one." I looked up expecting a close game, perhaps an exciting--dare I say wild--score. 29-9, St. Mary's. What passes for wild these days... This is certainly not Denise Richards caliber of 'wild.'
Best Sign of the Day: "You Have STD's" Freaking Brilliant. Subtle too--scribbled on a piece of notebook paper. The best material is always understated.
---
What draws Australians to St. Mary's? Can the Gaels' Aussies get together to form a Men at Work tribute band? Mary's at Work? Stick around...we've got twenty two more hours of this.
---
55 visitor Dan Mal compared Omar Samhan to the menacing Monstars from "Space Jam." Hard to disagree:
Best Sign of the Day: "You Have STD's" Freaking Brilliant. Subtle too--scribbled on a piece of notebook paper. The best material is always understated.
---
What draws Australians to St. Mary's? Can the Gaels' Aussies get together to form a Men at Work tribute band? Mary's at Work? Stick around...we've got twenty two more hours of this.
---
55 visitor Dan Mal compared Omar Samhan to the menacing Monstars from "Space Jam." Hard to disagree:
Samhan is thankfully not from Australia--he'd kill the buzz for our tribute band.
How long before high school nostalgia breaks out at Wyckoff Street? Two hours and forty six minutes. Facebook pictures of girls who hit their peak attractiveness in pre-Katrina America are being analyzed more than the Gaels' 42-19 Cortez-esque raping of the Aztecs.
---
And then there were four. T-Goods, is checking out until lunch time. We'll miss his discussion starters: "favorite war," "favorite historical figure," and, of course, "top five hottest girls from the high school class of '05."
---
Did ESPN send an intern to ask Bob Knight if he'd be willing to participate in the marathon festivities with Digger and Bilas? I'd say chopped meat, but that's better suited to describe the interns sent to work for Steve Phillips.
---
Steve Fisher once coached the Fab Five, now he's getting killed by Omar Samhan. Life works in funny ways...just ask Mike Jarvis.
---
ESPN continues to flaunt those two night games...I feel like I'm crossing the Delaware River and seeing a billboard for California. We'll get there eventually, we just have to stomach a few more washed up coaches, and semi-bored broadcasters.
---
Random observations:
Saint Mary's is attempting to mimic Notre Dame's parking lot end zones with their own little parking spaces behind the base lines. Is that a touchdown Mary I see behind the hoop? Nope...it's an Australian flag--no joke. I guess that explains the migration trend.
I'm kind of tired of holiday commercials. It's not even Thanksgiving! Can a man watch college basketball at 3:23 AM without thinking about how much he's going to drop on christmas presents next month?
San Diego State is making this a game. The more athletic of the two teams also made better adjustments at the half.
---
And then there were three...briefly. Mike crashed, but he rebounded. We're looking for a strong second 21 hours from Mikey Solid.
Hey Andy Katz--we just hit up your Twitter. Give us a free plug!
---
I was about to make fun of Saint Mary's for living in the Patrick Mills era--then I realized Rutgers gets caught up romanticizing the days of Quincy Douby. At least Mills made a tourney, no offense to Q.
---
Omar Samhan: 15 points, 16 rebounds. Possible nicknames: "Enter Sam-man" or "The Sam-man Can?" We've seen him make some nice passes in the low post, he just had a sweet block, but he has yet to dunk. Give us a Sam-slam!
---
Big Dan's going for the triple double:
10 cups of coffee (each with a blast of liqueur), 10 beers, 10 meals. He's at 3 cups of coffee, 2 beers, 2 meals.
---
Who is Bill Kurelic, and why is his name all over ESPN's bottom line? How does one get "in the know" when it comes to college recruiting? Does this Kurelic guy sit in a dark room next to Joe Lunardi's bracket-cave and dial up high school parents across the fifty states? If Lunardi writes up his brackets on pizza boxes, Kurelic draws up his recruiting lists on Primanti Bros. sandwich wrappers.
---
The final 66 seconds--Mary's easily covered their 7 point spread. And for those who took the over on dorky Gaels' fans wearing Kanye West glasses: congrats, there was one pair sighted in the crowd, exceeding the over/under of none.
---
Game over. Thanks. Stay tuned for Hawaii hosting Northern Colorado.
A Riveting Train Wreck
Offense was optional in the UCLA-Cal State Fullerton double overtime scrum to tip off the marathon. CSF somehow squeaked by the Bruins even while making a WNBA game looking like an offensive explosion on the hardwood. There were a couple of nice jams on the CSF side of the floor, but anything other within three feet seemed to be prove wildly challenging. UCLA has a lot of work to do if they want to even sniff Cal/UDub's feet in the standings come March.
Rob's prediction, which was his lock, was as bad as Bob Burton's comb over.
The picture of the first two hours is Dan lamenting the spilling of coffee liquor and milk while making some Irish coffee. Great capture by Tyler:
Rob's prediction, which was his lock, was as bad as Bob Burton's comb over.
The picture of the first two hours is Dan lamenting the spilling of coffee liquor and milk while making some Irish coffee. Great capture by Tyler:
Double Overtime
Cal State Fullerton and UCLA...neither team can shoot, and neither team can win. Blog updates of the St. Mary's vs. San Diego State game will begin when one of these teams decides its time for bed.
55 Wyckoff is still going five deep. A pizza was devoured, beers have been cracked, and right now a pot of coffee is making the rounds. The last thing anyone wants to see at 2:17 AM is an air ball, just ask the poor guy who emptied his wallet on the UCLA money line.
We're going to get real sick of these little updates from the kids trying to watch 24 hours of college basketball in a UCLA dorm room. As Dan pointed out: "It's the first game d-bags!" What a bunch of amateurs--obviously sprinting the first leg of the marathon. 55 is prepared to last the long haul, unlike Andy Katz, who obviously didn't show up to play tonight--he looks about as lively as UCLA's offense.
55 Wyckoff is still going five deep. A pizza was devoured, beers have been cracked, and right now a pot of coffee is making the rounds. The last thing anyone wants to see at 2:17 AM is an air ball, just ask the poor guy who emptied his wallet on the UCLA money line.
We're going to get real sick of these little updates from the kids trying to watch 24 hours of college basketball in a UCLA dorm room. As Dan pointed out: "It's the first game d-bags!" What a bunch of amateurs--obviously sprinting the first leg of the marathon. 55 is prepared to last the long haul, unlike Andy Katz, who obviously didn't show up to play tonight--he looks about as lively as UCLA's offense.
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Monday, November 16, 2009
The $155 Day
We've returned from our weekend break--Dan (Scarlet Knights' head manager) spent his time prepping the Rut for their victory over Marist, Rob enjoyed a weekend wedding in Vegas--and we're all set for one hell of a night, day, and another night. Trips to the grocery store and liquor depot drained $150 from the collective Wyckoff wallet.
Essentials:
Energy drinks
Vodka
Coffee
Chips
Soda
Beer
Nothing more than what Bobby Gonzalez consumes on a bus ride to Newark. And speaking of cracked out coaches, Andy Katz compared tomorrow morning's 6 AM game between Monmouth and St. Pete's to a practice with John Chaney--which makes the more enjoyable Gonzaga/Michigan State game sort of like a typical UCLA practice with Steve Lavin, and the Kansas/Memphis thriller should be as fun as a go with Lavin's hot wife.
Maybe we'll catch a glimpse of more coaches wives between bags of potato chips tomorrow afternoon. Until then, take a nap and get ready for bacon and egg sandwiches at midnight. Peace.
Essentials:
Energy drinks
Vodka
Coffee
Chips
Soda
Beer
Nothing more than what Bobby Gonzalez consumes on a bus ride to Newark. And speaking of cracked out coaches, Andy Katz compared tomorrow morning's 6 AM game between Monmouth and St. Pete's to a practice with John Chaney--which makes the more enjoyable Gonzaga/Michigan State game sort of like a typical UCLA practice with Steve Lavin, and the Kansas/Memphis thriller should be as fun as a go with Lavin's hot wife.
Maybe we'll catch a glimpse of more coaches wives between bags of potato chips tomorrow afternoon. Until then, take a nap and get ready for bacon and egg sandwiches at midnight. Peace.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
We Don't Like Paying Tolls Either But You Don't See Us Doing This
Mizz... er, South Orange Community College (Seton Hall) forward Keon Lawrence has been suspended indefinitely following a motor vehicle accident on the Garden State Parkway WHILE DRIVING DRUNK AND THE WRONG WAY. Lawrence struck another driver who suffered non-life threatening injuries while he suffered severe lacerations after pulling a mid-highway U-turn just south of the Sayreville Toll Plaza. The legal limit in Jersey is .08 so impaired driving was a given as was impaired sexual performance, at least according to Wikipedia. I'd venture to guess we'll never see Keon in a SHU jersey in a regular season game. More than likely the next uniform we'll see him in is a Middlesex County Jail get-up.
SOCC forward Keon Lawrence before his date with windshield glass.
Here's to being glad everyone is alive and to the speediest of recoveries.
Note: We know it's late, but it's an important event especially with SOCC predicted to contend for a NCAA bid.
SOCC forward Keon Lawrence before his date with windshield glass.Here's to being glad everyone is alive and to the speediest of recoveries.
Note: We know it's late, but it's an important event especially with SOCC predicted to contend for a NCAA bid.
Cupcakes Aren't Supposed To Be An Appetizer
A recap of last night’s Top 25 action and a look ahead at tonight’s lone skirmish.
-#25 Syracuse cruised by Robert Morris, 100-60 in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Andy Rautins scored 22, including seven treys for the Orange. Despite getting smacked, RMU head guy Mike Rice is one of the hottest young commodities in the coaching world. With Big East ties from his assistant days at Marquette and Pitt look for his name to be tossed around if any of the Big East hot seats get hotter.
-An overmatched North Carolina Central University squad got ran out of the Dean Dome and back to their Durham campus by #4 North Carolina, 89-42. The Heels cleaned up their sloppy play from their opening win against FIU and strung together a 21-0 run on the D-1 transitional Eagles.
-#12 California struggled once again with team it was supposed to handle. While the final score showed Cal won by 34 over Detroit, it doesn’t show that Titans had the game close, trailing by a score of 50-44 in the second half. This comes on the heel of squeaking by Murray State 75-70 on Monday. Cal’s next game is a de facto road game against ‘Cuse in The Garden a week from today.
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A slow Thursday night in the land of giants as only #17 Ohio State is action against James Madison in Columbus, OH. Thad Matta and Co. look to avenge a 27 year old loss to the Dukes behind basketball player/manchild Evan Turner. The Dukes are a little thin due bad tickers and joints so look for tOSU to balance the all-time series at one apiece.
-#25 Syracuse cruised by Robert Morris, 100-60 in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Andy Rautins scored 22, including seven treys for the Orange. Despite getting smacked, RMU head guy Mike Rice is one of the hottest young commodities in the coaching world. With Big East ties from his assistant days at Marquette and Pitt look for his name to be tossed around if any of the Big East hot seats get hotter.
-An overmatched North Carolina Central University squad got ran out of the Dean Dome and back to their Durham campus by #4 North Carolina, 89-42. The Heels cleaned up their sloppy play from their opening win against FIU and strung together a 21-0 run on the D-1 transitional Eagles.
-#12 California struggled once again with team it was supposed to handle. While the final score showed Cal won by 34 over Detroit, it doesn’t show that Titans had the game close, trailing by a score of 50-44 in the second half. This comes on the heel of squeaking by Murray State 75-70 on Monday. Cal’s next game is a de facto road game against ‘Cuse in The Garden a week from today.
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A slow Thursday night in the land of giants as only #17 Ohio State is action against James Madison in Columbus, OH. Thad Matta and Co. look to avenge a 27 year old loss to the Dukes behind basketball player/manchild Evan Turner. The Dukes are a little thin due bad tickers and joints so look for tOSU to balance the all-time series at one apiece.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Schedule And The Picks
Here is the schedule for that fateful day not too far away. We picked games in an alternating fashion, with Dan getting the first pick because he rigged the "Is it one fingers or two behind my back" game. We only picked the games we'll be able to watch thanks to Cablevision not carrying ESPNU or ESPN360 prompting us to wonder what we pay $120 a month for. Picks, with comments:
Tue., Nov. 17 Midnight Cal State Fullerton at UCLA, ESPN
Rob picked UCLA. Until Kurt Suzuki tries on some basketball shorts, I'm sticking with the Bruins.
2 a.m. San Diego State at St. Mary's, ESPN
Dan picked SDSU. No Patty Mills? Big problem.
4 a.m. Northern Colorado at Hawaii, ESPN
Rob picked Hawaii. I'm searching for a witty line but knowing I'll be up at 4am to watch this game makes me cry.
6 a.m. Monmouth at St. Peter's, ESPN
Dan picked Monmouth. A Jersey Shore battle close to my home... that 17 people will end up seeing.
8 a.m. Drexel at Niagara, ESPN
Rob picked Drexel. Philly will be looking for post World Series redemption. Why not Drexel?
10 a.m. Clemson at Liberty, ESPN
Dan picked Clemson. The only thing scaring Clemson about Liberty is the potential of Jerry Falwell's ghost appearing.
Noon Northeastern at Siena, ESPN
Dan picked Siena. This could be a sneaky good game but Siena should be too much.
2 p.m. Arkansas Little-Rock at Tulsa, ESPN
Dan picked Tulsa. This is ESPN daring us to fall asleep mid-afternoon.
4 p.m. Temple at Georgetown, ESPN
Dan picked Georgetown. Greg Monroe won't need to be on the lookout Nehemiah Ingram in a Hoyas win.
5:30 p.m. O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic: Binghamton at Pittsburgh, ESPN2
Rob picked Pitt. Still too strung out from the brief Corey Chandler era to topple Pitt.
6 p.m. Dick's Sporting Goods NIT: TBD (probably UNC-C) at Duke ESPN
Rob picked Duke. The less cool battle for North Carolina. Duke looks a little a better in this one.
7:30 p.m. Hall of Fame Showcase: Arkansas vs. Louisville (from St. Louis), ESPN2
Rob picked Louisville. Does Arkansas have any hot interns to work in Pitino's office? Don't think so. The 'Ville wins.
8 p.m. Gonzaga at Michigan State, ESPN
Dan picked Michigan State. Sparty shows why they could be the best in the country. Izzo doesn't smile.
10 p.m. Hall of Fame Showcase: Memphis vs. Kansas (from St. Louis), ESPN
Dan picked Kansas. Memphis better hope that Mangino and Co. board the flight to St. Louis with the hoops squad.
11:30 p.m. Dick's Sporting Goods NIT: TBD (probably TCU) at Arizona State*, ESPN2
Rob picked ASU. Lost Hardens, Horned Frogs... way too many phallic insinuations in this game.
Tue., Nov. 17 Midnight Cal State Fullerton at UCLA, ESPN
Rob picked UCLA. Until Kurt Suzuki tries on some basketball shorts, I'm sticking with the Bruins.
2 a.m. San Diego State at St. Mary's, ESPN
Dan picked SDSU. No Patty Mills? Big problem.
4 a.m. Northern Colorado at Hawaii, ESPN
Rob picked Hawaii. I'm searching for a witty line but knowing I'll be up at 4am to watch this game makes me cry.
6 a.m. Monmouth at St. Peter's, ESPN
Dan picked Monmouth. A Jersey Shore battle close to my home... that 17 people will end up seeing.
8 a.m. Drexel at Niagara, ESPN
Rob picked Drexel. Philly will be looking for post World Series redemption. Why not Drexel?
10 a.m. Clemson at Liberty, ESPN
Dan picked Clemson. The only thing scaring Clemson about Liberty is the potential of Jerry Falwell's ghost appearing.
Noon Northeastern at Siena, ESPN
Dan picked Siena. This could be a sneaky good game but Siena should be too much.
2 p.m. Arkansas Little-Rock at Tulsa, ESPN
Dan picked Tulsa. This is ESPN daring us to fall asleep mid-afternoon.
4 p.m. Temple at Georgetown, ESPN
Dan picked Georgetown. Greg Monroe won't need to be on the lookout Nehemiah Ingram in a Hoyas win.
5:30 p.m. O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic: Binghamton at Pittsburgh, ESPN2
Rob picked Pitt. Still too strung out from the brief Corey Chandler era to topple Pitt.
6 p.m. Dick's Sporting Goods NIT: TBD (probably UNC-C) at Duke ESPN
Rob picked Duke. The less cool battle for North Carolina. Duke looks a little a better in this one.
7:30 p.m. Hall of Fame Showcase: Arkansas vs. Louisville (from St. Louis), ESPN2
Rob picked Louisville. Does Arkansas have any hot interns to work in Pitino's office? Don't think so. The 'Ville wins.
8 p.m. Gonzaga at Michigan State, ESPN
Dan picked Michigan State. Sparty shows why they could be the best in the country. Izzo doesn't smile.
10 p.m. Hall of Fame Showcase: Memphis vs. Kansas (from St. Louis), ESPN
Dan picked Kansas. Memphis better hope that Mangino and Co. board the flight to St. Louis with the hoops squad.
11:30 p.m. Dick's Sporting Goods NIT: TBD (probably TCU) at Arizona State*, ESPN2
Rob picked ASU. Lost Hardens, Horned Frogs... way too many phallic insinuations in this game.
The First Bracketology
Like Moses appearing before his followers with the Ten Commandments, a bearded and sleep deprived Joe Lunardi has descended a mountain of preseason polls and prognostications to give the pilgrims of college hoops a stone tablet engraved with the first Bracketology of the season. Lunardi gets a chance to redeem himself every week...but 55 Wyckoff is going to take a stand. We're calling Lunardi out for a few sins:
Texas as a one seed
In the words of Dan: "Barnes somehow turned Kevin Durant into a sweet sixteen loss." Texas is a competitive team year in and year out, so the logic follows that more talent will mean even better results in March. Not so fast. We're willing to bet the 'Horns lose a pair of games to Kansas, and take losses in out of conference games against Michigan State and UConn. Sorry Lunardi, better ask the burning nylon for a new tablet.
Dayton as a seven seed
Have a little faith in the Davids of the world. Xavier and St. Joes have parlayed strong records in the atlantic-10 conference into decent seeds in the big dance. Dayton should be able to do the same. The Flyers return a nucleus that upset West Virginia last March. The preseason hype means that another strong regular season and a good showing in the conference tournament could get Dayton a fifth seed--perhaps even better.
Tennessee the three seed
Bruce Pearl's tenure at Tennessee is like a college basketball version of the River Phoenix story. The Vols burst onto the scene like hot stuff in 2006. A few hits ensued, but the rockstar lifestyle is starting to wear down Pearl's sweaty orange jacket. The team looked slower last year. Tennessee could turn it around and be a one seed, or, more likely, they'll barely sneak into the dance. Welcome to the hot seat Mr. Pearl.
Stay tuned for 55's full predictions during Tuesday's marathon.
Texas as a one seed
In the words of Dan: "Barnes somehow turned Kevin Durant into a sweet sixteen loss." Texas is a competitive team year in and year out, so the logic follows that more talent will mean even better results in March. Not so fast. We're willing to bet the 'Horns lose a pair of games to Kansas, and take losses in out of conference games against Michigan State and UConn. Sorry Lunardi, better ask the burning nylon for a new tablet.
Dayton as a seven seed
Have a little faith in the Davids of the world. Xavier and St. Joes have parlayed strong records in the atlantic-10 conference into decent seeds in the big dance. Dayton should be able to do the same. The Flyers return a nucleus that upset West Virginia last March. The preseason hype means that another strong regular season and a good showing in the conference tournament could get Dayton a fifth seed--perhaps even better.
Tennessee the three seed
Bruce Pearl's tenure at Tennessee is like a college basketball version of the River Phoenix story. The Vols burst onto the scene like hot stuff in 2006. A few hits ensued, but the rockstar lifestyle is starting to wear down Pearl's sweaty orange jacket. The team looked slower last year. Tennessee could turn it around and be a one seed, or, more likely, they'll barely sneak into the dance. Welcome to the hot seat Mr. Pearl.
Stay tuned for 55's full predictions during Tuesday's marathon.
What The Hell Is This?
So, this blog is blossoming out of ESPN essentially laying down the ultimate challenge. On November 17, the sports network is broadcasting 24 hours of live college basketball. I know, its like asking Chris Farley to do a speed ball. We will be watching all the games, straight through, and chronicling what we think about the games, random thoughts, and keeping track of everything we eat and drink. We’ll also be making predictions on all the games, maybe even some season predictions--and whatever else comes to mind. The marathon begins at 12:00 AM with UCLA taking on Cal State Fullerton.
An Introduction, Of Sorts
We are people with too much time on our hands. Dan is a fifth year senior at Rutgers in New Brunswick. Rob is a recent graduate of Rutgers who isn’t exactly sure of what he’s doing next. Both have an unhealthy obsession with college sports.
Rob left and Dan right in Vegas 2009.
Rob left and Dan right in Vegas 2009.
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