Monday, April 9, 2012
Holding Everything Up
The Final Four has passed and there's still no word where the NCAA East Regional for 2013 will be held, or when they will even announce it. ESPN's Andy Katz reported last week that Madison Square Garden is trying to find room on it's schedule for the NCAA's, but in doing so, it's holding up the NBA and NHL from making their schedules for the Knicks and Rangers(those are in the preliminary stages). If the scheduling concerns can't be cleared up soon, the NCAA maybe forced to hastily move the East Regional to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. That should be done by the June meetings of both the Division I Men's Basketball Committee and the Championships/Sports Management Council. But if June passes and no word has come out, you can pretty much assume it will be at the Garden.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Crowding out the NCAA's?
Chris Myers(No, not that one) of 1500 ESPN in the Twin Cities is reporting that the arrival of both the Big Ten Hockey Conference and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, not to mention the permanence of the WCHA, may make it unlikely, if not prevent outright the NCAA hoops tournament from ever considering the Twin Cities for 2nd/3rd round games ever again(Unless the Metrodome or whatever replaces it is available). Read it here:
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Myers_Changes_afoot_but_college_hockey_tourneys_likely_to_stay_031512
If this is indeed the case, the NCAA's promise of early round action may go unheeded, but simply because the arenas in question have chosen to go the safe route of guaranteed attendance, rather than having unfamiliar audiences.
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Myers_Changes_afoot_but_college_hockey_tourneys_likely_to_stay_031512
If this is indeed the case, the NCAA's promise of early round action may go unheeded, but simply because the arenas in question have chosen to go the safe route of guaranteed attendance, rather than having unfamiliar audiences.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Bracket Watch's tourney predictions
Now that the field is settled, it's time to reveal my picks for how the tournament will go.
Notable 2nd Round Upsets: (S14) South Dakota State over (S3) Baylor, (W12) Long Beach State over (W5) New Mexico, (E12) Harvard over (E5) Vanderbilt
Sweet 16 Teams:
South: Kentucky, Wichita State, UNLV, Duke
West: Michigan State, Louisville, Murray State, Missouri
East: Syracuse, Harvard, Cincinnati, West Virginia
Midwest: North Carolina, Michigan, San Diego State, Kansas
National Semifinals:
Kansas over Syracuse
Kentucky over Missouri
National Championship:
Kentucky 88
Kansas 73
The rest of the bracket will not be divulged, so one cannot gain a competitive advantage against me.
Notable 2nd Round Upsets: (S14) South Dakota State over (S3) Baylor, (W12) Long Beach State over (W5) New Mexico, (E12) Harvard over (E5) Vanderbilt
Sweet 16 Teams:
South: Kentucky, Wichita State, UNLV, Duke
West: Michigan State, Louisville, Murray State, Missouri
East: Syracuse, Harvard, Cincinnati, West Virginia
Midwest: North Carolina, Michigan, San Diego State, Kansas
National Semifinals:
Kansas over Syracuse
Kentucky over Missouri
National Championship:
Kentucky 88
Kansas 73
The rest of the bracket will not be divulged, so one cannot gain a competitive advantage against me.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Knee Jerk to the field
Well now that the dust has settled, a take on what the committee did well, and did not.
Top Seeds
Kentucky and Syracuse were the obvious top choices for the top line, joined this weekend by North Carolina and Michigan State. The placement of Kentucky in the South was a minor surprise. Sure, St. Louis is closer to Lexington than Atlanta is, but the Wildcats are a natural fit for the South region. This placement forced North Carolina(3rd on the seed list) to go to St. Louis, rather than the Spartans. On the second line, Kansas stayed in the Midwest region, and Missouri, 8th overall and the lowest of the 2 seeds, was put in with the weakest #1 Michigan State(and the Tigers had 30 wins overall).
The Bubble
The lack of bid poachers(until last weekend) meant that more mediocre resumes made it in. Like South Florida, who played rather badly vs. the Big East establishment. The most questionable inclusion was that of Iona, who made it in despite losing in the Metro Atlantic semifinals. By far the most controversial exclusion was that of Washington. The Huskies won the Pacific-12 regular season title outright, but consecutive losses(the last to Oregon State by 2 in the Pacific-12 tournament) combined with bad OOC numbers and a poorer overall showing by the rest of the conference, left the Huskies with an apparent unwanted first. As in being the first BCS 6 outright regular season champion to not get an at-large. Also missing out was Drexel who was hurt by the Colonial's unbalanced slate, as well as the Dragons' own unimpressive ooc fixture list. For the record, Oral Roberts was the NCAA's own last team left out, meaning that the good folks down in Olean, NY will be at the receiving end of some very angry F U notes from Tulsa. Miami(FL), Nevada, Mississippi State and Seton Hall were also left behind.
Questionable placements
Apart from the having the awkward situation of having North Carolina in the Midwest(which allows the ACC to complete the "Completing the Top seed rounds"), the biggest beef could be Ohio State's placement in Pittsburgh. With the real possibility of facing a well-supported West Virginia in the 3rd round. Seed wise, I'm sure Creighton and Murray State are well underseeded. Overseeds, Xavier as a 10 looks primed for an easy defeat at the hands of Notre Dame.
My personal performance
After missing three last year, I missed out on only Iona, having Drexel in instead. In seeding, 52 of 67 were within +/-1 seed, with 30 exactas. I was also able to correctly guess 5 games(Mississippi Valley State vs. Western Kentucky; MVSU/WKU vs. Kentucky; Indiana vs. New Mexico State; New Mexico vs. Long Beach State(albeit with incorrect seeds); and Duke vs. Lehigh).
Well tomorrow, I'll be making out my predictions on how the actual games will turn out. So til then, tootaloo.
Top Seeds
Kentucky and Syracuse were the obvious top choices for the top line, joined this weekend by North Carolina and Michigan State. The placement of Kentucky in the South was a minor surprise. Sure, St. Louis is closer to Lexington than Atlanta is, but the Wildcats are a natural fit for the South region. This placement forced North Carolina(3rd on the seed list) to go to St. Louis, rather than the Spartans. On the second line, Kansas stayed in the Midwest region, and Missouri, 8th overall and the lowest of the 2 seeds, was put in with the weakest #1 Michigan State(and the Tigers had 30 wins overall).
The Bubble
The lack of bid poachers(until last weekend) meant that more mediocre resumes made it in. Like South Florida, who played rather badly vs. the Big East establishment. The most questionable inclusion was that of Iona, who made it in despite losing in the Metro Atlantic semifinals. By far the most controversial exclusion was that of Washington. The Huskies won the Pacific-12 regular season title outright, but consecutive losses(the last to Oregon State by 2 in the Pacific-12 tournament) combined with bad OOC numbers and a poorer overall showing by the rest of the conference, left the Huskies with an apparent unwanted first. As in being the first BCS 6 outright regular season champion to not get an at-large. Also missing out was Drexel who was hurt by the Colonial's unbalanced slate, as well as the Dragons' own unimpressive ooc fixture list. For the record, Oral Roberts was the NCAA's own last team left out, meaning that the good folks down in Olean, NY will be at the receiving end of some very angry F U notes from Tulsa. Miami(FL), Nevada, Mississippi State and Seton Hall were also left behind.
Questionable placements
Apart from the having the awkward situation of having North Carolina in the Midwest(which allows the ACC to complete the "Completing the Top seed rounds"), the biggest beef could be Ohio State's placement in Pittsburgh. With the real possibility of facing a well-supported West Virginia in the 3rd round. Seed wise, I'm sure Creighton and Murray State are well underseeded. Overseeds, Xavier as a 10 looks primed for an easy defeat at the hands of Notre Dame.
My personal performance
After missing three last year, I missed out on only Iona, having Drexel in instead. In seeding, 52 of 67 were within +/-1 seed, with 30 exactas. I was also able to correctly guess 5 games(Mississippi Valley State vs. Western Kentucky; MVSU/WKU vs. Kentucky; Indiana vs. New Mexico State; New Mexico vs. Long Beach State(albeit with incorrect seeds); and Duke vs. Lehigh).
Well tomorrow, I'll be making out my predictions on how the actual games will turn out. So til then, tootaloo.
Bracket Watch '12 - FINAL projection and seed list
With the final games of the early afternoon now complete, here is my FINAL projection of the season, as well as my seed list which will go first.
Seed List
1-Kentucky
2-Syracuse
3-North Carolina
4-Michigan State
5-MISSOURI
6-Ohio State
7-Kansas
8-Duke
9-Baylor
10-Marquette
11-Wisconsin
12-FLORIDA STATE
13-Michigan
14-Indiana
15-MURRAY STATE
16-VANDERBILT
17-LOUISVILLE
18-Georgetown
19-UNLV
20-Wichita State
21-SAINT MARY'S
22-Cincinnati
23-Temple
24-CREIGHTON
25-Gonzaga
26-NEW MEXICO
27-MEMPHIS
28-Notre Dame
29-San Diego State
30-Florida
31-Iowa State
32-Kansas State
33-Virginia
34-Alabama
35-Purdue
36-HARVARD
37-Connecticut
38-LONG BEACH STATE
39-Saint Louis
40-California
41-West Virginia
42-Southern Mississippi
43-Brigham Young
44-Colorado State
45-VCU
46-Xavier
47-Texas
48-North Carolina State
49-South Florida
50-Drexel(Last at-large)
51-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
52-COLORADO
53-NEW MEXICO STATE
54-SAINT BONAVENTURE
55-DAVIDSON
56-LOYOLA(MD)
57-MONTANA
58-BELMONT
59-OHIO
60-DETROIT
61-LEHIGH
62-UNC ASHEVILLE
63-LAMAR
64-LONG ISLAND
65-NORFOLK STATE
66-VERMONT
67-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
68-WESTERN KENTUCKY
Just missing:
69-Seton Hall
70-Washington
71-Mississippi State
72-Iona
73-Northwestern
74-Mississippi
75-Oral Roberts
76-Nevada
77-Arizona
THE BRACKET
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-SAINT BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-FLORIDA STATE vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-VANDERBILT vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia
Seed List
1-Kentucky
2-Syracuse
3-North Carolina
4-Michigan State
5-MISSOURI
6-Ohio State
7-Kansas
8-Duke
9-Baylor
10-Marquette
11-Wisconsin
12-FLORIDA STATE
13-Michigan
14-Indiana
15-MURRAY STATE
16-VANDERBILT
17-LOUISVILLE
18-Georgetown
19-UNLV
20-Wichita State
21-SAINT MARY'S
22-Cincinnati
23-Temple
24-CREIGHTON
25-Gonzaga
26-NEW MEXICO
27-MEMPHIS
28-Notre Dame
29-San Diego State
30-Florida
31-Iowa State
32-Kansas State
33-Virginia
34-Alabama
35-Purdue
36-HARVARD
37-Connecticut
38-LONG BEACH STATE
39-Saint Louis
40-California
41-West Virginia
42-Southern Mississippi
43-Brigham Young
44-Colorado State
45-VCU
46-Xavier
47-Texas
48-North Carolina State
49-South Florida
50-Drexel(Last at-large)
51-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
52-COLORADO
53-NEW MEXICO STATE
54-SAINT BONAVENTURE
55-DAVIDSON
56-LOYOLA(MD)
57-MONTANA
58-BELMONT
59-OHIO
60-DETROIT
61-LEHIGH
62-UNC ASHEVILLE
63-LAMAR
64-LONG ISLAND
65-NORFOLK STATE
66-VERMONT
67-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
68-WESTERN KENTUCKY
Just missing:
69-Seton Hall
70-Washington
71-Mississippi State
72-Iona
73-Northwestern
74-Mississippi
75-Oral Roberts
76-Nevada
77-Arizona
THE BRACKET
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-SAINT BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-FLORIDA STATE vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-VANDERBILT vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia
Bracket Watch '12 - Selection Sunday, Part 2
Now in case St. Bonaventure is successful in winning the Atlantic 10 title, here's what the bracket would look like:
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Harvard
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-ST. BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia
Last four in the field: Texas(48), South Florida(49), North Carolina State(50), Drexel(51)
First four left out: Seton Hall(52), Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55)
Next six left out: Northwestern(56), Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(62), Nevada(63)
Now, once the early games are finished, I'll be back to post the final projection. It's likely, but not a guarantee, that one of these two provisional brackets will end up being the last projection of the season. It will also be accompanied by the final seed list too. So I'll see you all this afternoon.
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. Drexel
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Harvard
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-ST. BONAVENTURE
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-VCU
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Virginia vs. 9-Kansas State
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/Drexel
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Xavier
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Florida vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-COLORADO
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-West Virginia
Last four in the field: Texas(48), South Florida(49), North Carolina State(50), Drexel(51)
First four left out: Seton Hall(52), Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55)
Next six left out: Northwestern(56), Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(62), Nevada(63)
Now, once the early games are finished, I'll be back to post the final projection. It's likely, but not a guarantee, that one of these two provisional brackets will end up being the last projection of the season. It will also be accompanied by the final seed list too. So I'll see you all this afternoon.
Bracket Watch '12 - Selection Sunday
Well, here it is at the last. This is the day where everyone will know who's in and who didn't make the cut. Since there is a bid stealer in our midst, I've created two brackets based on what happens today. This one depicts the status quo, in which Xavier wins the Atlantic 10.
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Drexel vs. Seton Hall
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. South Florida
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Kansas State
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-COLORADO
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-West Virginia
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/South Florida
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-XAVIER
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Florida vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Drexel/Seton Hall
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
Last four in the field: North Carolina State(48), South Florida(50), Drexel(51), Seton Hall(52)
First four left out: Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55), Northwestern(57)
Next five left out: Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(61), Nevada(62)
In a moment, the St. Bonaventure variation.
Final Four pairings
Midwest(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. South(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Drexel vs. Seton Hall
Wednesday: NORFOLK STATE vs. VERMONT; North Carolina State vs. South Florida
MIDWEST Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky vs. 16-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-San Diego State vs. 9-Kansas State
Albuquerque
4-Michigan vs. 13-COLORADO
5-LOUISVILLE vs. 12-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Omaha
2-Kansas vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-Gonzaga vs. 10-Connecticut
Nashville
3-Florida State vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Temple vs. 11-West Virginia
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State vs. 16-NORFOLK STATE/VERMONT
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-North Carolina State/South Florida
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Omaha
2-MISSOURI vs. 15-DETROIT
7-NEW MEXICO vs. 10-LONG BEACH STATE
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-XAVIER
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-NEW MEXICO STATE
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Colorado State
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-MEMPHIS vs. 10-California
Louisville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Cincinnati vs. 11-Brigham Young
SOUTH Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina vs. 16-LAMAR
8-Florida vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Drexel/Seton Hall
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-OHIO
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Saint Louis
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-SAINT MARY'S vs. 11-Southern Mississippi
Last four in the field: North Carolina State(48), South Florida(50), Drexel(51), Seton Hall(52)
First four left out: Washington(53), Mississippi State(54), Iona(55), Northwestern(57)
Next five left out: Mississippi(58), Oral Roberts(59), Arizona(60), Miami(FL)(61), Nevada(62)
In a moment, the St. Bonaventure variation.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Questions and answers on what to expect
Who's the last #1?
If all indications are correct, Kentucky, Syracuse, and North Carolina should be good to go for the top line. But after that, it's a tossup between two Big Ten and two Big 12 teams. Kansas has been on fire recently, but it lost to Baylor in the Big 12 semis. Missouri lost out on the Big 12 regular season title, but won the conference tournament in it's last duties as a basketball-playing member. Michigan State has done surprisingly well against a killer non-conference slate, not to mention surviving a difficult Big Ten. Same with Ohio State, who defeated the likes of Duke. Who will get it? I still say Kansas, but it would not shock me to see one of the other three up there with a 1 next to it.
Who does the bubble have to root against?
UC Santa Barbara, tonight, and St. Bonaventure, tomorrow. By my account, both Long Beach State have done enough to earn at-large status. But they can help the bubble out by winning their respective conference games.
Where does Kentucky go?
Most of the season, most bracketologists had the Wildcats going to the South Regional in Atlanta. But recently, some, not all, have put the Wildcats in St. Louis for the Midwest Regional. In terms of mileage, Lexington is about 40 miles closer to St. Louis than to Atlanta. And with the emergence of North Carolina, it looks more or less likely Kentucky will go to St. Louis for regional play(much to the disgust of our Kansas readership, the Jayhawks would be shipped out west to Phoenix. Syracuse, the other lock for a 1, looks to be a lock for Boston).
Will anyone get all 68 teams right?
Not likely, but certainly possible.
Well that's all from me for tonight. See you tomorrow, and don't forget to turn your clocks ahead an hour before you sleep.
If all indications are correct, Kentucky, Syracuse, and North Carolina should be good to go for the top line. But after that, it's a tossup between two Big Ten and two Big 12 teams. Kansas has been on fire recently, but it lost to Baylor in the Big 12 semis. Missouri lost out on the Big 12 regular season title, but won the conference tournament in it's last duties as a basketball-playing member. Michigan State has done surprisingly well against a killer non-conference slate, not to mention surviving a difficult Big Ten. Same with Ohio State, who defeated the likes of Duke. Who will get it? I still say Kansas, but it would not shock me to see one of the other three up there with a 1 next to it.
Who does the bubble have to root against?
UC Santa Barbara, tonight, and St. Bonaventure, tomorrow. By my account, both Long Beach State have done enough to earn at-large status. But they can help the bubble out by winning their respective conference games.
Where does Kentucky go?
Most of the season, most bracketologists had the Wildcats going to the South Regional in Atlanta. But recently, some, not all, have put the Wildcats in St. Louis for the Midwest Regional. In terms of mileage, Lexington is about 40 miles closer to St. Louis than to Atlanta. And with the emergence of North Carolina, it looks more or less likely Kentucky will go to St. Louis for regional play(much to the disgust of our Kansas readership, the Jayhawks would be shipped out west to Phoenix. Syracuse, the other lock for a 1, looks to be a lock for Boston).
Will anyone get all 68 teams right?
Not likely, but certainly possible.
Well that's all from me for tonight. See you tomorrow, and don't forget to turn your clocks ahead an hour before you sleep.
Bracket Watch '12 - Saturday Night
Sorry about the lateness of my projections today, I was a bit busy. Here's my latest update as of 6:30 PM this evening(not considering the Pacific-12 and Big 12 finals). Seeds Only(no bracket until tomorrow).
1-Kentucky(Midwest), Syracuse(East), North Carolina(South), Kansas(West)
2-Michigan State, Missouri, Ohio State, Duke
3-Baylor, Marquette, Wisconsin, Florida State
4-Michigan, Indiana, MURRAY STATE, Vanderbilt
5-Louisville, Georgetown, Unlv, Wichita State
6-SAINT MARY'S, Cincinnati, Temple, CREIGHTON
7-Gonzaga, Florida, San Diego State, New Mexico
8-Notre Dame, MEMPHIS, Iowa State, Kansas State
9-Virginia, Alabama, Purdue, HARVARD
10-Connecticut, Long Beach State, Saint Louis, California
11-West Virginia, Southern Mississippi, Xavier, Brigham Young
12-Colorado State, Texas, VCU, Washington(First Four), NC State(First Four)
13-South Florida(First Four), Drexel(First Four), Arizona, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE, DAVIDSON
14-LOYOLA(MD), New Mexico State, MONTANA, BELMONT
15-Akron, DETROIT, LEHIGH, UNC ASHEVILLE
16-LAMAR, LONG ISLAND, NORFOLK STATE(First Four), VERMONT(First Four), Mississippi Valley State(First Four), WESTERN KENTUCKY(First Four)
First four in line for a bid: Mississippi State(52), Seton Hall(53), Iona(54), Northwestern(55)
Next three left out: Mississippi(56), Oral Roberts(59), Nevada(60)
1-Kentucky(Midwest), Syracuse(East), North Carolina(South), Kansas(West)
2-Michigan State, Missouri, Ohio State, Duke
3-Baylor, Marquette, Wisconsin, Florida State
4-Michigan, Indiana, MURRAY STATE, Vanderbilt
5-Louisville, Georgetown, Unlv, Wichita State
6-SAINT MARY'S, Cincinnati, Temple, CREIGHTON
7-Gonzaga, Florida, San Diego State, New Mexico
8-Notre Dame, MEMPHIS, Iowa State, Kansas State
9-Virginia, Alabama, Purdue, HARVARD
10-Connecticut, Long Beach State, Saint Louis, California
11-West Virginia, Southern Mississippi, Xavier, Brigham Young
12-Colorado State, Texas, VCU, Washington(First Four), NC State(First Four)
13-South Florida(First Four), Drexel(First Four), Arizona, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE, DAVIDSON
14-LOYOLA(MD), New Mexico State, MONTANA, BELMONT
15-Akron, DETROIT, LEHIGH, UNC ASHEVILLE
16-LAMAR, LONG ISLAND, NORFOLK STATE(First Four), VERMONT(First Four), Mississippi Valley State(First Four), WESTERN KENTUCKY(First Four)
First four in line for a bid: Mississippi State(52), Seton Hall(53), Iona(54), Northwestern(55)
Next three left out: Mississippi(56), Oral Roberts(59), Nevada(60)
Friday, March 9, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - Friday Bracket
Close games, burst bubbles, overtime games, double overtime games, triple overtime games, hysterics abound. Man that had to be the wildest Thursday in Championship Week history. And all of this is captured in the latest projection based on what's going on. And if that doesn't get your attention, then I don't know what will.
Final Four pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Xavier vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. Lamar(Southland); Mississippi State vs. Drexel
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Norfolk State/Lamar
8-Cincinnati vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Tennessee
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-Stony Brook or Vermont(America East)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 13-Mississippi State/Drexel
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Washington
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Alabama
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Louisville vs. 11-Texas
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Xavier/South Florida
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-California(Pacific-12)
Portland
3-Marquette vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Colorado State
Line Adjustments:
Up 1 seed line: Harvard: Xavier/South Florida winner
Down 1 seed line: Alabama, Tennessee
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Xavier(48), Mississippi State(50), South Florida(51), Drexel(52)
First four left out: Seton Hall(53), Northwestern(54), North Carolina State(55), Iona(56)
Next four left out: Miami(FL)(57), Arizona(58), Oregon(59), Oral Roberts(61)
Also under consideration: Central Florida, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Marshall, Mississippi, Middle Tennessee, Minnesota
Important Note for Saturday
As you may already know, I'll be attending the Minnesota State High School Boy's Hockey Championships on Saturday, so if it's possible to do so, I'll have a bracket up early that day. If not, the next projection will be on Sunday morning, with the final one to be revealed after the early games are played.
Final Four pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Xavier vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. Lamar(Southland); Mississippi State vs. Drexel
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Georgetown vs. 12-VCU
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Norfolk State/Lamar
8-Cincinnati vs. 9-Kansas State
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Tennessee
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-Stony Brook or Vermont(America East)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 13-Mississippi State/Drexel
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Washington
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-UNC ASHEVILLE
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Alabama
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Louisville vs. 11-Texas
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Xavier/South Florida
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-California(Pacific-12)
Portland
3-Marquette vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Colorado State
Line Adjustments:
Up 1 seed line: Harvard: Xavier/South Florida winner
Down 1 seed line: Alabama, Tennessee
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Xavier(48), Mississippi State(50), South Florida(51), Drexel(52)
First four left out: Seton Hall(53), Northwestern(54), North Carolina State(55), Iona(56)
Next four left out: Miami(FL)(57), Arizona(58), Oregon(59), Oral Roberts(61)
Also under consideration: Central Florida, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Marshall, Mississippi, Middle Tennessee, Minnesota
Important Note for Saturday
As you may already know, I'll be attending the Minnesota State High School Boy's Hockey Championships on Saturday, so if it's possible to do so, I'll have a bracket up early that day. If not, the next projection will be on Sunday morning, with the final one to be revealed after the early games are played.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - Thursday Update
Jeff Hathaway gave it away during his Indy presser, Peyton Manning is replacing him as chairman of the selection committee-NO WAIT! That wasn't it.... Kentucky and Syracuse will be #1 seeds. As for the rest of the field, they're going to have to wait. But in the meantime, with enough results out there to be an influence, here's a freshly updated look at the field of 68.
Final Four Pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Tennesse vs. Xavier
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Colorado State vs. Texas
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Norfolk State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-VCU
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-HARVARD
Portland
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Colorado State/Texas
5-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-DETROIT
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-California
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Cincinnati
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Northwestern
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State
Line adjustments: None today
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Colorado State(48), Texas(50), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Oregon(54), Seton Hall(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Iona(57), Miami(FL)(59), Arizona(60), Central Florida(62)
Also under consideration: Oral Roberts, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Middle Tennessee, Marshall
Final Four Pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Norfolk State(Mid-Eastern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Tennesse vs. Xavier
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Colorado State vs. Texas
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Norfolk State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-VCU
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-LEHIGH
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-HARVARD
Portland
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Alabama
Albuquerque
4-Indiana vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Unlv vs. 12-Brigham Young
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-MONTANA
6-Wichita State vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Colorado State/Texas
5-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-DETROIT
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-California
Pittsburgh
3-Michigan vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-LONG ISLAND
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Cincinnati
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Northwestern
Louisville
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-Connecticut
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State
Line adjustments: None today
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Colorado State(48), Texas(50), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Oregon(54), Seton Hall(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Iona(57), Miami(FL)(59), Arizona(60), Central Florida(62)
Also under consideration: Oral Roberts, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Middle Tennessee, Marshall
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Four sites in play for 2013 East Regional
The NCAA is ready to name a host site for the 2013 East Regional, and it will be held in New York. City, State, or Metropolitan Area, now that's the challenge. As reported by the Newark Star-Ledger, Madison Square Garden is in the mix, as are the Prudential Center in Newark and the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The fourth entrant is the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and if Greg Shaheen's words are to be taken as the gospel, it could very well be the favorite.
Also taken from the article, the NCAA was preparing to name the site last June, but at the last moment held it back. Now whether or not it was related to the on-going renovation of MSG, or the logistics of moving the NIT somewhere else, that is unkown. The naming of the site is expected soon, perhaps as late as the Final Four.
Also taken from the article, the NCAA was preparing to name the site last June, but at the last moment held it back. Now whether or not it was related to the on-going renovation of MSG, or the logistics of moving the NIT somewhere else, that is unkown. The naming of the site is expected soon, perhaps as late as the Final Four.
Bracket Watch '12 - Wednesday Update
Sorry for the lack of commentary today, I'm a little bit busy.
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi, La Salle
Bid Ranges for teams not already qualified playing tonight:
Robert Morris: First Four
Lehigh: 15-16
Weber State: 15
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern) vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY; Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Mississippi Valley State/WESTERN KENTUCKY
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-HARVARD
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-DETROIT
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi, La Salle
Bid Ranges for teams not already qualified playing tonight:
Robert Morris: First Four
Lehigh: 15-16
Weber State: 15
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - Tuesday Update
Monday Night was the most exciting night of this championship week thus far, as the four bids were decided by either three points or in overtime. We also saw Oral Roberts fall by a point and thus out of the field entirely, and we also witnessed Western Kentucky continue to pull a Rally Squirrel by beating back Denver. What does this all mean? Read on:
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Savannah State(Mid-Eastern) vs. North Texas(Sun Belt); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Savannah State/North Texas
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-South Dakota State(Summit)
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Savannah State(Mid-Eastern) vs. North Texas(Sun Belt); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-SAINT MARY'S vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 11-Connecticut^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Savannah State/North Texas
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-DAVIDSON
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-South Dakota State(Summit)
5-Unlv vs. 12-Texas/South Florida
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-CREIGHTON vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Long Island(Northeast)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-VCU
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-LOYOLA(MD)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(48), South Florida(49), Tennessee(51), Xavier(52)
First four left out: Drexel(53), Seton Hall(54), Oregon(55), North Carolina State(56)
Next four left out: Arizona(57), Iona(58), Miami(FL)(59), Oral Roberts(62)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee
Monday, March 5, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - The Stretch Run
Well, it's six days until Selection Sunday, and that means Bracket Watch goes into daily projection mode, with updates every day(except possibly Saturday, but except for those who have followed the blog over the years, you know that I'll try to post some sort of update that day). And here is the first bracket of the week:
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-St. Mary's vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Drexel(Colonial)^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Long Island/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Denver(Sun Belt)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Texas/South Florida
5-Unlv vs. 12-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Connecticut^
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Loyola(MD)(Metro Atlantic)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Drexel(Up 1 seed line)
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Connecticut(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(50), South Florida(51), Tennessee(52), Xavier(53)
First four left out: VCU(54), Seton Hall(55), Oregon(56), North Carolina State(57)
Next four left out: Arizona(58), South Dakota State(59), Iona(60), Miami(FL)(61)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee
Potential seed ranges for teams not yet qualified:
Fairfield: 15-16
Western Carolina: 16
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four Pairings
Tuesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Texas vs. South Florida
Wednesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Tennessee vs. Xavier
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Mississippi Valley State
8-Iowa State vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-MURRAY STATE vs. 13-Nevada(Western Athletic)
5-St. Mary's vs. 12-Northwestern^
Greensboro
2-Duke vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Louisville vs. 10-Southern Mississippi
Louisville
3-Michigan vs. 14-BELMONT
6-CREIGHTON vs. 11-Drexel(Colonial)^
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-North Carolina(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Long Island/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Alabama
Portland
4-Indiana vs. 13-Colorado State^
5-Georgetown vs. 12-Brigham Young^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Denver(Sun Belt)
7-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 10-Cincinnati
Nashville
3-Wisconsin vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Florida vs. 11-Washington(Pacific-12)^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC ASHEVILLE
8-Virginia vs. 9-Harvard(Ivy)
Albuquerque
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Texas/South Florida
5-Unlv vs. 12-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-West Virginia
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Purdue
Nashville
4-Florida State vs. 13-Tennessee/Xavier
5-Wichita State vs. 12-Connecticut^
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-California^
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Loyola(MD)(Metro Atlantic)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Mississippi State^
Line adjustments(for conference and hosting conflicts):
Drexel(Up 1 seed line)
Harvard(Up 1 seed line)
Cincinnati(Down 1 seed line)
Connecticut(Down 1 seed line)
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Texas(50), South Florida(51), Tennessee(52), Xavier(53)
First four left out: VCU(54), Seton Hall(55), Oregon(56), North Carolina State(57)
Next four left out: Arizona(58), South Dakota State(59), Iona(60), Miami(FL)(61)
Also under consideration: St. Joseph's, Central Florida, Dayton, Middle Tennessee
Potential seed ranges for teams not yet qualified:
Fairfield: 15-16
Western Carolina: 16
Friday, March 2, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - Friday Bracket Update
And now for something completely different, a Friday bracket. Enjoy at your own risk.
Note: ^Indicates team on the bubble.
Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Arizona vs. Colorado State
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Seton Hall vs. North Carolina State
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Iowa State
Nashville
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Connecticut*
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Louisville vs. 10-California*
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)*
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)*
5-Unlv vs. 12-Mississippi State*
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Southern Mississippi*
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Brigham Young
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Florida State vs. 13-Arizona/Colorado State
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Harvard(Ivy)
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia*
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Washington(Pacific-12)
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Seton Hall/NC State
5-Michigan vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)*
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Cincinnati*
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Texas*
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Arizona(49), Seton Hall(51), Colorado State(52), North Carolina State(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Northwestern(55), Oregon(56), Miami(FL)(57),
Next four left out: Virginia Commonwealth(58), St. Joseph's(60), Central Florida(61), South Dakota State(63)
Also under consideration: Dayton, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Buffalo, Wagner
Note 2: Should VMI upset UNC Asheville in the Big South final, the Keydets would be slotted into the first four and Stony Brook would be moved out of it.
Note: ^Indicates team on the bubble.
Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwestern); Arizona vs. Colorado State
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); Seton Hall vs. North Carolina State
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Iowa State
Nashville
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Connecticut*
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Louisville vs. 10-California*
Albuquerque
3-Baylor vs. 14-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Long Beach State(Big West)*
WEST Regional
Greensboro
1-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-Kansas State vs. 9-Purdue
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)*
5-Unlv vs. 12-Mississippi State*
Columbus
2-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 15-Akron(Mid-American)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Southern Mississippi*
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Notre Dame vs. 11-Brigham Young
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Florida State vs. 13-Arizona/Colorado State
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-South Florida
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Montana(Big Sky)
7-Memphis(Conference USA) vs. 10-Harvard(Ivy)
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-Florida vs. 11-West Virginia*
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Virginia vs. 9-Washington(Pacific-12)
Nashville
4-Vanderbilt vs. 13-Seton Hall/NC State
5-Michigan vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)*
Pittsburgh
2-Ohio State vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Cincinnati*
Columbus
3-Marquette vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Texas*
Last four in the field(by seed list number): Arizona(49), Seton Hall(51), Colorado State(52), North Carolina State(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Northwestern(55), Oregon(56), Miami(FL)(57),
Next four left out: Virginia Commonwealth(58), St. Joseph's(60), Central Florida(61), South Dakota State(63)
Also under consideration: Dayton, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Buffalo, Wagner
Note 2: Should VMI upset UNC Asheville in the Big South final, the Keydets would be slotted into the first four and Stony Brook would be moved out of it.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Bid Poaching
What is bid poaching? It's a situation where a team not normally considered a candidate for an at-large selection beats a team who is for the automatic berth. That forces the team who lost to be chosen for an at-large in order to get in. So who are this year's bid poachers? Read on.
Atlantic Coast: Maryland
Atlantic 10: LaSalle, Massaschusetts, or St. Joseph's
Big East: Pittsburgh
Big Ten: Illinois or Iowa
Big 12: Oklahoma State
Colonial: George Mason, Old Dominion, or Delaware
Conference USA: Tulsa
Missouri Valley: Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, or Northern Iowa
Mountain West: Wyoming
Ohio Valley: Tennessee State
Pacific-12: Oregon
Southeastern: Tennessee
West Coast: Loyola Marymount
Who's yours? Post a comment.
Atlantic Coast: Maryland
Atlantic 10: LaSalle, Massaschusetts, or St. Joseph's
Big East: Pittsburgh
Big Ten: Illinois or Iowa
Big 12: Oklahoma State
Colonial: George Mason, Old Dominion, or Delaware
Conference USA: Tulsa
Missouri Valley: Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, or Northern Iowa
Mountain West: Wyoming
Ohio Valley: Tennessee State
Pacific-12: Oregon
Southeastern: Tennessee
West Coast: Loyola Marymount
Who's yours? Post a comment.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - 13 Days to go
For those of you who want a piece that just gushes about what a great day Saturday was in the college basketball landscape, you are sadly quite mistaken. Not that I would have done one, but most sites already have. No, you'll just get the latest projections.
Note: ^Indicates bubble team.
Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwest); Seton Hall vs. Northwestern
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); South Florida vs. Miami(FL)
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-Memphis vs. 9-Purdue
Albuquerque
4-Baylor vs. 13-Seton Hall^/Northwestern^
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-Arizona^
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-California^
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Mississippi State^
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Kansas State vs. 9-West Virginia^
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
5-Nevada-Las Vegas vs. 12-Long Beach State(Big West)^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Weber State(Big Sky)
7-Virginia vs. 10-Washington(Pacific-12)
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Louisville vs. 11-Brigham Young^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Iowa State^
Nashville
4-Michigan vs. 13-South Florida^/Miami(FL)^
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)^
Greensboro
2-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Connecticut^
Nashville
3-Florida vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Texas^
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Cincinnati^
Columbus
2-Marquette vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Southern Mississippi^
Pittsburgh
3-Ohio State vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Florida State vs. 11-Harvard(Ivy)^
Notes: The following teams were moved a seed line to fit the principles:
St. Mary's(Up 1)
Texas(Up 1)
West Virginia(Up 1)
Florida State(Down 1)
Long Beach State(Down 1)
Washington(Down 1)
Last four in the field(by seed list): Seton Hall(49), Northwestern(50), South Florida(52), Miami(FL)(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Colorado State(55), Central Florida(56), St. Joseph's(58)
Next four left out: Oregon(59), Virginia Commonwealth(60), North Carolina State(61), South Dakota State(64)
Also considered: Louisiana State, Maryland, Massachusetts, Wyoming
Note: ^Indicates bubble team.
Final Four pairings:
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
First Four pairings:
Tuesday: Long Island(Northeast) vs. Mississippi Valley State(Southwest); Seton Hall vs. Northwestern
Wednesday: Stony Brook(America East) vs. Savannah State(Mid-Eastern); South Florida vs. Miami(FL)
SOUTH Regional
Louisville
1-Kentucky(Southeastern) vs. Long Island/Mississippi Valley State
8-Memphis vs. 9-Purdue
Albuquerque
4-Baylor vs. 13-Seton Hall^/Northwestern^
5-St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. 12-Arizona^
Greensboro
2-North Carolina vs. 15-Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
7-Notre Dame vs. 10-California^
Louisville
3-Indiana vs. 14-Middle Tennessee(Sun Belt)
6-San Diego State(Mountain West) vs. 11-Mississippi State^
WEST Regional
Columbus
1-Michigan State(Big Ten) vs. 16-Texas-Arlington(Southland)
8-Kansas State vs. 9-West Virginia^
Portland
4-Georgetown vs. 13-Oral Roberts(Summit)^
5-Nevada-Las Vegas vs. 12-Long Beach State(Big West)^
Omaha
2-Missouri vs. 15-Weber State(Big Sky)
7-Virginia vs. 10-Washington(Pacific-12)
Albuquerque
3-Wichita State(Missouri Valley) vs. 14-Nevada(Western Athletic)
6-Louisville vs. 11-Brigham Young^
EAST Regional
Pittsburgh
1-Syracuse(Big East) vs. 16-UNC Asheville(Big South)
8-Alabama vs. 9-Iowa State^
Nashville
4-Michigan vs. 13-South Florida^/Miami(FL)^
5-Murray State(Ohio Valley) vs. 12-Drexel(Colonial)^
Greensboro
2-Duke(Atlantic Coast) vs. 15-Bucknell(Patriot)
7-Temple(Atlantic 10) vs. 10-Connecticut^
Nashville
3-Florida vs. 14-Davidson(Southern)
6-Gonzaga vs. 11-Texas^
MIDWEST Regional
Omaha
1-Kansas(Big 12) vs. 16-Stony Brook/Savannah State
8-New Mexico vs. 9-Saint Louis
Portland
4-Wisconsin vs. 13-Iona(Metro Atlantic)
5-Vanderbilt vs. 12-Cincinnati^
Columbus
2-Marquette vs. 15-Valparaiso(Horizon)
7-Creighton vs. 10-Southern Mississippi^
Pittsburgh
3-Ohio State vs. 14-Akron(Mid-American)
6-Florida State vs. 11-Harvard(Ivy)^
Notes: The following teams were moved a seed line to fit the principles:
St. Mary's(Up 1)
Texas(Up 1)
West Virginia(Up 1)
Florida State(Down 1)
Long Beach State(Down 1)
Washington(Down 1)
Last four in the field(by seed list): Seton Hall(49), Northwestern(50), South Florida(52), Miami(FL)(53)
First four left out: Xavier(54), Colorado State(55), Central Florida(56), St. Joseph's(58)
Next four left out: Oregon(59), Virginia Commonwealth(60), North Carolina State(61), South Dakota State(64)
Also considered: Louisiana State, Maryland, Massachusetts, Wyoming
Friday, February 24, 2012
Bracket Watch '12 - Friday Seed List
Latest seed list projections after Thursday night's games:
Notes: *Indicates conference leader; ^Indicates bubble team.
1: Kentucky*(South), Syracuse*(East), Michigan State*(Midwest), Kansas*(West)
2-Duke*, North Carolina, Ohio State, Missouri
3-Michigan, Baylor, Marquette, Wichita State*
4-Florida, Indiana, Georgetown, UNLV
5-Wisconsin, Florida State, Murray State*, Vanderbilt
6-Gonzaga, St. Mary's*, Louisville, Temple*
7-San Diego State, Notre Dame, Virginia, Creighton
8-Kansas State, New Mexico*, California*, Harvard*
9-Connecticut^, Saint Louis, Memphis*^, Alabama^
10-Southern Mississippi^, West Virginia^, Arizona^, Mississippi State^
11-Long Beach State*^, Iowa State^, Purdue^, Cincinnati^
12-Brigham Young^, Seton Hall^, Oral Roberts*^, Washington^
13-Texas^(First Four), Northwestern^(First Four), Middle Tennessee*^, Drexel*^, Colorado State^(First Four), Xavier^(First Four)
14-Nevada*, Davidson*, Iona*, Belmont*
15-Akron*, Valparaiso*, Weber State*, Bucknell*
16-UNC Asheville*, Texas-Arlington*, Long Island*(First Four), Stony Brook*(First Four), Savannah State*(First Four), Mississippi Valley State*(First Four)
Last four in the field: Texas(49), Northwestern(50), Colorado State(53), Xavier(54)
First four left out: Miami(FL)(55), Oregon(56), North Carolina State(57), Central Florida(58)
Next four left out: South Florida(59), Louisiana State(61), Virginina Commonwealth(62), South Dakota State(64)
Under consideration(by conference): Maryland, Dayton, LaSalle, Massachusetts, St. Joseph's, Iowa, Minnesota, George Mason, Marshall, Tulsa, Wyoming, Colorado, Stanford
Notes: *Indicates conference leader; ^Indicates bubble team.
1: Kentucky*(South), Syracuse*(East), Michigan State*(Midwest), Kansas*(West)
2-Duke*, North Carolina, Ohio State, Missouri
3-Michigan, Baylor, Marquette, Wichita State*
4-Florida, Indiana, Georgetown, UNLV
5-Wisconsin, Florida State, Murray State*, Vanderbilt
6-Gonzaga, St. Mary's*, Louisville, Temple*
7-San Diego State, Notre Dame, Virginia, Creighton
8-Kansas State, New Mexico*, California*, Harvard*
9-Connecticut^, Saint Louis, Memphis*^, Alabama^
10-Southern Mississippi^, West Virginia^, Arizona^, Mississippi State^
11-Long Beach State*^, Iowa State^, Purdue^, Cincinnati^
12-Brigham Young^, Seton Hall^, Oral Roberts*^, Washington^
13-Texas^(First Four), Northwestern^(First Four), Middle Tennessee*^, Drexel*^, Colorado State^(First Four), Xavier^(First Four)
14-Nevada*, Davidson*, Iona*, Belmont*
15-Akron*, Valparaiso*, Weber State*, Bucknell*
16-UNC Asheville*, Texas-Arlington*, Long Island*(First Four), Stony Brook*(First Four), Savannah State*(First Four), Mississippi Valley State*(First Four)
Last four in the field: Texas(49), Northwestern(50), Colorado State(53), Xavier(54)
First four left out: Miami(FL)(55), Oregon(56), North Carolina State(57), Central Florida(58)
Next four left out: South Florida(59), Louisiana State(61), Virginina Commonwealth(62), South Dakota State(64)
Under consideration(by conference): Maryland, Dayton, LaSalle, Massachusetts, St. Joseph's, Iowa, Minnesota, George Mason, Marshall, Tulsa, Wyoming, Colorado, Stanford
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The next go-round of sites
With one site still stubbornly being witheld for 2013, I figure that it's okay to guess what schools and arenas are likely to be chosen for the 2014 and 2015 tournaments, which will be awarded sometime this fall. Remember, not all of these combinations are likely to be used, and some of them might not even submit bids.
2014
First Four(March 18-19)
UD Arena
Dayton, OH
University of Dayton
Second and Third Rounds
March 20/22
Times-Union Arena
Albany, NY
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Siena College
Taco Bell Arena
Boise, ID
Boise State University
Save Mart Center
Fresno, CA
Fresno State University
FedEx Forum
Memphis
University of Memphis
March 21/23
United Center
Chicago
Big Ten Conference
Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oklahoma City
Big 12 Conference
PNC Center(Future name of RBC Center)
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University
Alamodome
San Antonio
UTSA
Regionals
March 27/29
East Regional
Verizon Center
Washington, DC
George Mason University
West Regional
Rose Garden
Portland, OR
University of Oregon
March 28/30
Midwest Regional
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul
OR
Target Center
Minneapolis
OR
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis
University of Minnesota
South Regional
Amway Center
Orlando
Stetson University and/or University of Central Florida
2015
First Four(March 17-18)
UD Arena
Dayton
University of Dayton
Second and Third Rounds
March 19/21
Honda Center
Anaheim
Big West Conference
Pepsi Center
Denver
University of Colorado
XL Center
Hartford, CT
University of Hartford
Bradley Center
Milwaukee
Marquette University
March 20/22
Wells Fargo Arena
Des Moines, IA
Drake University
Thompson-Bolling Arena
Knoxville, TN
University of Tennessee
Verizon Arena
North Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas-Little Rock
Carrier Dome
Syracuse
Syracuse University
Regionals
March 26/28
East Regional
If Madison Square Garden gets the 2013 East Regional:
Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte
Davidson College and University of North Carolina, Charlotte
If another site is chosen for the 2013 East Regional:
Madison Square Garden
New York
St. John's University and Big East Conference
West Regional
University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale, AZ
Arizona State University
March 27/29
Midwest Regional
Ford Field
Detroit
University of Detroit
South Regional
Reliant Stadium
Houston
University of Houston and Rice University
Notes on some sites
Of the five sites that were not selected from the last round of Final Four finalists, only the Twin Cities area has not received a preliminary round selection for 2011-16. Exacerbaiting this are three other conflicts. 1: Xcel Energy Center is likely to remain host to a college hockey tournament for the forseeable future, likely the Big Ten Confernce(in rota with Detroit, possibly Chicago) and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference(in years when the Big Ten is elsewhere). This will most likely keep the X from hosting 2nd and 3rd round games, but regionals should be fine.
2: The Minnesota State High School League might have no fallback option for either the Girls' or Boys' basketball tournaments if Target Center is offered.
And 3: The Metrodome maybe replaced by a new Vikings Stadium(likely with a fixed roof), which may make it unusable due to construction nearby(if not on the actual site). Of course if a stadium is approved(and has a roof), the new digs would certainly get a Final Four or two. But if it isn't, and other conflicts aren't resolved, then the promise of early-round action will be left unfufilled.
2014
First Four(March 18-19)
UD Arena
Dayton, OH
University of Dayton
Second and Third Rounds
March 20/22
Times-Union Arena
Albany, NY
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Siena College
Taco Bell Arena
Boise, ID
Boise State University
Save Mart Center
Fresno, CA
Fresno State University
FedEx Forum
Memphis
University of Memphis
March 21/23
United Center
Chicago
Big Ten Conference
Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oklahoma City
Big 12 Conference
PNC Center(Future name of RBC Center)
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University
Alamodome
San Antonio
UTSA
Regionals
March 27/29
East Regional
Verizon Center
Washington, DC
George Mason University
West Regional
Rose Garden
Portland, OR
University of Oregon
March 28/30
Midwest Regional
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul
OR
Target Center
Minneapolis
OR
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis
University of Minnesota
South Regional
Amway Center
Orlando
Stetson University and/or University of Central Florida
2015
First Four(March 17-18)
UD Arena
Dayton
University of Dayton
Second and Third Rounds
March 19/21
Honda Center
Anaheim
Big West Conference
Pepsi Center
Denver
University of Colorado
XL Center
Hartford, CT
University of Hartford
Bradley Center
Milwaukee
Marquette University
March 20/22
Wells Fargo Arena
Des Moines, IA
Drake University
Thompson-Bolling Arena
Knoxville, TN
University of Tennessee
Verizon Arena
North Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas-Little Rock
Carrier Dome
Syracuse
Syracuse University
Regionals
March 26/28
East Regional
If Madison Square Garden gets the 2013 East Regional:
Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte
Davidson College and University of North Carolina, Charlotte
If another site is chosen for the 2013 East Regional:
Madison Square Garden
New York
St. John's University and Big East Conference
West Regional
University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale, AZ
Arizona State University
March 27/29
Midwest Regional
Ford Field
Detroit
University of Detroit
South Regional
Reliant Stadium
Houston
University of Houston and Rice University
Notes on some sites
Of the five sites that were not selected from the last round of Final Four finalists, only the Twin Cities area has not received a preliminary round selection for 2011-16. Exacerbaiting this are three other conflicts. 1: Xcel Energy Center is likely to remain host to a college hockey tournament for the forseeable future, likely the Big Ten Confernce(in rota with Detroit, possibly Chicago) and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference(in years when the Big Ten is elsewhere). This will most likely keep the X from hosting 2nd and 3rd round games, but regionals should be fine.
2: The Minnesota State High School League might have no fallback option for either the Girls' or Boys' basketball tournaments if Target Center is offered.
And 3: The Metrodome maybe replaced by a new Vikings Stadium(likely with a fixed roof), which may make it unusable due to construction nearby(if not on the actual site). Of course if a stadium is approved(and has a roof), the new digs would certainly get a Final Four or two. But if it isn't, and other conflicts aren't resolved, then the promise of early-round action will be left unfufilled.
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