Random Thoughts

1.) Vikings Stadium

No chance the Arden Hills plan goes through. The fact that there is about $240 million needed still to improve infrastructure around the stadium that no one is paying for tells me that there is 0% chance of the Arden HillsStadium being built. In fact, I think the Vikes are bluffing and are trying to get Minneapolis/Hennepin County to put up more money to build a new stadium on the Metrodome site.

I think that the Metrodome site is the best site to build a new Vikings stadium on (well other than the farmer's market site by Target field, but there's no chance of that happening because of property costs) because the infrastructure is all there and it keeps it downtown. Construct a new stadium on the Metrodome site, and while that's happening, the Vikings can put up some cash for TCF bank Stadium to be fixed to play in winter and to serve beer.

I also don't really think the state of Minnesota should be contributing anything since we're already running with around a $5 billion deficit. Why not get a TV network to give a lot of money since they are the ones who will profit a lot from them? Name it Fox Sports Field or something like that. Put up a statue of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Just Kidding. Or Zygi Wilf could probably do it all himself since he is loaded. Well we all know that's not how it works and let's just say I'm glad I don't live in Ramsey County.

PS: I'm not saying I don't want a new Vikings stadium, I'm just saying it needs to be done right.

PSS: I'm also not sure how upset I'd be if the Vikings moved to LA.

2.) NBA Draft

How rigged is the NBA Draft? The fact that you didn't even see the balls in the lottery machine pretty much says it all. David Stern just walked out with the envelopes and whaddya know? The T'wolves continue their unbelievable streak of losing in the lottery. And....the Cavs, with their 2.8% chance of the #1 somehow get it. So....lose Lebron, get the #1 pick. Weird.

I was really hoping that the Pups (T'wolves) got the #1 so we could take Kyrie Irving, because we all know how much we like taking point guards in the draft (see T'wolves draft picks 2009). Now hopefully Kahn (Kaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn) doesn't completely blow this draft and takes Derrick Williams. I'm not holding my breath though.

Speaking of David Kahn...he basically accused the NBA of rigging the draft (duh). David, its the elephant in the room, you don't need to point it out to everyone and you're not doing yourself any favors when undoubtedly the T'wolves have a lottery pick next year. Not only will David Stern fine the pants off you for your moronic comments, but you have guaranteed that since the draft is rigged, that we'll never get that elusive #1 pick.

Side note: if Ricky Rubio signs with the Wolves this summer I'll be very surprised.

Actual quote from RR:

"I'm Ricky Rubio I'm not like anyone else."

Ok, but you play in Europe. Pretty sure some D-1 NCAA Teams are better than the garbage you play in Europe.

And while on the topic of the NBA, I'm hoping the finals are Chicago/Oklahoma City.

3.)

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0PfKSTR2g

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AA4KDOlNzI

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Igui65gY5M

Thanks for reading.

The Return of the Muse

Alright Musers, I've been away for awhile but have no fear I have returned.  Since my last post Kemba won the national title and my Jayhawks lost the Morii to the NBA.  Josh Selby decided it was in his best interest to go pro even though he performed in one game... in DECEMBER.  It is probably one of the dumbest decisions of all time but I wish him luck in the d-league/Russia. 

Did anybody get a chance to watch Tiger Woods last Sunday?  I think we are finally going to get the Tiger of old and if that's the case, golf on TV just got way better.  You have to feel bad for Rory Mcilroy though, he completely collapsed on Sunday and lost his chance at the coveted green jacket.  He's young and he'll eventually win a major.  If I were a betting man (which I am) I would bet Tiger wins himself a major this year.


Now for my NHL playoff predictions.  I know the playoffs have already started and since I have watched exactly zero games this season I am going to pick Buffalo vs Detroit in the finals with Detroit raising Lord Stanley's cup in the end. 

NBA 1st round playoff predictions: Plenty of great match-ups in the first round with a lot of potential for upsets.  We'll start off with the western conference.

San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies: Coach Pop has done a great job with this veteran lineup that has led him to the promised land numerous times.  Tim Duncan is one of the all-time greats but how long can he play for?  Tony Parker is one of the best in the league and if he finds Duncan down low then this series will be over quickly.  The Spurs had a scare on Wednesday when Manu Ginobli hurt his elbow in a game that was meaningless and he didn't need to play in.  The Spurs say he'll be ok for the playoffs so that will be good for the Spurs.  I don't think Memphis can hang with the Veteran lineup of San Antonio and the Spurs advance to the second round in five games. 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets: This is a nightmare matchup for OKC.  Ever since getting rid of Carmelo, the Nuggets have been on a tear with their new lineup.  OKC has one of the best players in the league with Kevin Durant and another great player named Russel Westbrook.  Durant and Westbrook are one of the best 1-2 punches in the league and most teams have a difficult time containing both of them.  I like Oklahoma City to win in 7.

Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trailblazers: I smell another first round exit for the fighting Nowitzki's.  Portland is going to give Dallas so much trouble inside and out and I don't think this series is going to be close.  When Jason Kidd's corpse is your point guard it won't be easy winning games.  This series comes down to Dirk.  If Dirk shoots lights out from all over the floor then Dallas will have a chance, but the offensive combo of Brandon Roy (Portland fans are praying he stays healthy throughout the playoffs) and Lamarcus Aldridge is going to be too much for the Mavericks to handle.  Portland will send Dallas home in 5 and leave Mark Cuban wondering what went wrong, again, for the 4th time. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Hornets: The Lakers seem to get better as the playoffs go along and without David West the Hornets don't have a chance in hell of winning this series and there's one reason: Kobe Bryant.  Kobe is one of the greatest to ever do it and it'll be over quick.  I'd be surprised to see the Hornets win a game.  Chris Paul is fantastic but I doubt he can put up the offensive numbers to keep up with Kobe and Pau Gasol.  Kobe and the Lake show in 4.

Now on to the Eastern Conference.
Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers: Derrick Rose, without a doubt, has been the best player in the league this year.  With the addition of Boozer the Bulls are the best team in the league this year and for good reason.  There is no way the Bulls are going to lose to the Pacers unless Reggie Miller comes back and plays like he did in his prime.  Rose, Boozer, and Joakim Noah are going to be way too much for Danny Granger and his squad.  Bulls in 5.  On a side note, I wanted Lebron to go to Chicago last summer but I'm thankful he didn't because this is Derrick Rose's team and Lebron would have messed up the chemistry and probably stopped the team from buying into Coach Thibodeau's defensive philosophy. 

Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks: Dwight Howard is a physical specimen but he needs to start playing like one.  If he had half the offensive game that Kevin Mchale had, he'd be one of the greatest centers of all time.  He's out there on the court playing to have fun.  Having fun doesn't win you titles, look at Lebron's Cleveland teams.  Where did fun ever get them?  If Dwight played like Shaq in his early Laker days no team would be able to stop him.  He has so much potential but he has to start playing pissed off.  I think the Magic are going to be too much for the Hawks in this series and I like Orlando in 6.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: It's funny to me that the Nuggets have the third highest winning percentage since the all-star break ever since they got rid of Carmelo and they're doing all of this with the players New York was so willing to get rid of for Melo and Chauncey Billups.  Melo and A'mare are a good combination but they will not be good enough to beat Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo.  Those 4 have been here before and won the title.  They have the playoff experience as a team and that will be their edge as they beat the Knicks in 5.  If Miami wins, then Boston will get another chance to knock Lebron out of the playoffs (we can only hope).

Miami vs Philadelphia 76ers: Lebron, D Wade, Chris Bosh will be way too much for a very young and inexperienced Philly squad.  It's nice to see Philly in the playoffs though, and I look forward to seeing this team's future down the road with Doug Collins leading the helm.  With how much I hate Lebron, I would love to pick Philly in an upset but the Heat are clicking at the right time and they could be dangerous for the other 15 playoff teams.  Lebron and company win in 4. 

Again I want to apologize for being gone these past couple weeks.  I'm going to try and keep up regularly.  Thanks to those who read and there will be another post this weekend on the media's treatment of athletes. 

2 down, 2 to go

I've said it before and I'll say it again: March Madness is the best sporting event ever.  If your team isn't playing, you have no money on the game, the game is down to the wire and you're not excited then you aren't a true sports fan.  Both games today were down to the wire and filled with pure excitement.  That's what this tournament is about and what continues to make the tourney spectacular.  Alright recap time and then predictions for the last 2 games of the elite 8.

Recap
Butler-Florida
The Butler just keeps on doing it.  Down by 11 at one point they kept playing their game and clawed back into this one.  Florida had the big lead but it seemed like they took the foot off the gas and stopped attacking Butler.  It is becoming a ritual in these games for teams to have terrible endgame strategy.  The 1-4 Iso where the point guard dribbles around and launches an off balance 25 footer as the clock expires is terrible and I've seen it about 6 times during the past 2 weeks.  Why not try and do get a better look by running around screens and trying to create a mismatch.  Also, why wait so late to get the shot off because it gives you no chance for an offensive rebound/tip in.  It's just poor coaching... I'm talking to you Billy Donovan.  I realize you won back-to-back titles but that roster was filled with NBA players.  Whatever, I'm done complaining about terrible end game execution.  Butler advances to the final 4.  I picked Butler to win and therefore they covered the spread.  I'm 5-3-1 against the spread this weekend. 

Uconn-Arizona
11 teams entered and now 1 remains in the round of 4.  Uconn has done the Big (L)East proud by being the only team out of the 11 to move into the final weekend of the tournament.  As great as Kemba has been this season, Jeremy Lamb (freshman) has been playing out of his mind and was clutch for the Huskies down the stretch tonight. A big factor in the first half of this game was when Derrick Williams picked up his second foul with about ten minutes left in the 1st half.  He re-entered the game with roughly 6:20 left in the half and about 30 seconds later picked up the 3rd and had to sit the remainder.  If Williams didn't miss so much time in the first half I feel like this game would have ended differently since after his departure Connecticut rattled off a 22-7 run.  At the end though, Derrick Williams and Jamelle Horne had great looks at the game winning 3 pointers but just couldn't get the shots to fall.  Uconn narrowly escapes and pushes me to 5-4-1 ats.  Another impressive thing about Uconn is they have won 9 games in 19 days.  Can the run continue?

Predictions
Kansas(-11.5)-VCU
My Kansas Jayhawks back in the elite 8 again with a test against a team many people didn't think deserved a spot in the tournament.  Kansas is shooting an astounding 51% from the field this season which ranks first in the country.  If they can continue that shooting against an undermatched vcu team, then there's no reason they can't win. 
Vcu is very thin in the front court and with Kansas' depth the Morii and T-Rob should be able to feast in the paint.  Their best player is arguably forward Jamie Skeen who is their leading scorer and rebounder but at 6'9'' he'll have a tough time battling for rebounds against the double-double machines.  Joey Rodriguez, guard for vcu, is a 5'10'' scrapper who has the ability to fill it up a stat sheet but he'll have a tough guy guarding him in either Tyshawn Taylor or Brady Morningstar.  Vcu's major strength is definitely their back court and the depth they have in the guard position but they'll have to battle Kansas' depth at that position as well.
This game for Kansas is big because of the stakes, obviously, but being the last #1 seed standing they don't want to get eliminated the game before the final 4.  The Morii need to shoot better than they did last game but with Vcu's lack of depth in the front court and the Morii's high shooting percentage should lead to some easy looks in the paint.  The key for this game though has to be the guard play.  I believe Tyshawn has to be the X factor for the hawks.  He must continue his high level of play and limit the turnovers against these pesky rams. Taylor must also distribut the ball well especially if he can get the ball to Morningstar and Reed for open looks from behind the arc.  If the scrappy Reed and Morningstar can knock down their looks then the Rams will be in big trouble. The bench play will also be key for Kansas because they have the depth to tire out the Rams and push this game in the Jayhawks favor.  I like Kansas to win but even though they've won their tourney games by an average of 18 points, I'm taking Vcu to cover the spread. As my favorite Jayhawk of all time, Darnell Jackson, once said "We say, let your nuts hang".  Play loose and have fun out there Jayhawks and there's no reason you won't win.  Rock Chalk Jayhawk.


Unc-Kentucky(-1)
The last game of the elite 8 comes down to 2 of the bluebloods of college basketball.  2 of the most storied programs in college basketball will battle it out for the final spot of the Final Four.  Roy Williams vs John Calipari.  I'm interested to see if Roy gets flustered early with a big Kentucky and doesn't call a timeout a la a 40-12 run in 08 against a Kansas team.  Two very evenly matched teams filled with upper classmen and dynamite freshmen.  I think Kentucky will have the confidence after knocking off the overall number 1 seed on Friday and I like Kentucky to win.  It's a tough decision because this game could go either way. 


Alright guys, thanks again for reading and I am excited for a big day of basketball tomorrow.  Enjoy the games!

Better to be Elite than Sweet

Well Musers welcome back to another edition of Morehouse's Muse.  I hope everybody had the chance to watch some basketball tonight.  2 great games and 2 blowouts were featured in the closing night of the round of 16.  I'm gonna give you a recap of the action today and a look at our first Elite 8 games.

Recap
Marquette-UNC
Marquette put up a fight in this one... right up to the under 4 timeout in the first half.  It was all UNC from there on out as they rattled off an 19-0 run thus ending Marquette's surprising run in the tournament. Tyler Zeller had a double-double and definitely got some help from his teammates as the 81-63 indicates how close this game really never was.  I picked Marquette here and in the round of 16 I am 3-2 ats.

KU-Richmond
How about giving it up for Brady Morningstar and Thomas Robinson.  Clutch players tonight while the Morii brought their B games.  It's ok that they did bring their B games because Kansas' role players filled the stat sheet while Richmond couldn't find an answer.  Their Princeton offense was no match for Kansas' defense and Richmond's offense was no match for Ku's defense.  There was all this talk about how Richmond's zone defense with man principles was gonna be able to keep Ku from scoring.  Guess that didn't work out to well for them and we'll now see Ku back in the elite 8.  Please God let us make it to the Final Four. I picked Richmond to cover the 10.5 points but like I said yesterday I would gladly lose the spread pick for a blowout win.  There was a cute little scuffle before the game that apparently Richmond started, proving you don't want to wake a sleeping dragon.  3-3 ats

Kentucky-Ohio St
I am not upset that the number one overall seed is out of the tournament.  Trust me.  Am I happy that it was against Coach Slimeball, no, but I'll take it any way I can get it.  I feel like Jared Sullinger is gonna finish off the "freshmen 15" tonight when he gets back to Columbus.  Watch out buffets.  Like I said yesterday, if O-Bye-O State didn't shoot lights out from three they would be in trouble.  Guess I was right there since they shot 6-16 from 3.  Enjoy those free tattoos.  Brandon Knight hit the clutch game winning basket with time dwindling off the clock and Ohio State couldn't convert on their 3 point attempt.  The difference maker in this game had to be Josh Harrellson battling Jared Sullinger.  I also found it hilarious when Harrellson chucked the ball as hard as he could off of Sullinger's fat ass while falling out of bounds.  Enjoy your tumultuous offseason Buckeyes.  Oh yeah, by the way, I don't buy Sullinger saying he's coming back next year. I forgot to pick this game yesterday in my post so i'm at 3-3-1 (the 1 will be called a no contest)

VCU-Florida St
Another great game in the best sporting event in the world.  Back-and-forth for the majority of the game and with VCU up 3 Chris Singleton hit a massive shot to tie the game.  Vcu couldn'c convert on the other end and Florida State had, I believe, 2 timeouts and he doesn't burn one.  This leads to Florida State dribbling around for a few seconds and not even getting a shot off WHEN THE GAME WAS TIED AND YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO WIN.  Terrible end game execution and that led to VCU stealing this win in overtime.  4 games played for the commonwealth so far and if there are any people still doubting whether or not they should be in the tourney, SHUT UP.  They belong and they have proved it.  They've beaten Pac-10, Big-10, Big East and an ACC team en route to the Elite 8.  Let us hope they're done knocking off big time conference teams because they got my Jayhawks on Sunday.  I picked Vcu to win which automatically means they covered their 3.5 point underdog status.  4-3-1

Predictions
Butler-Florida(-4)
I don't know how to pick against Butler right now.  I just hope Matt Howard has written his Oscar acceptance speech for all the flops these past couple of weeks.  Florida has been playing well lately even though that Jimmer game wasn't as big of a challenge as the score indicated. The gators proved they could stop one guy but I don't think they can stop the very even Butler Bulldogs.  They are such a well balanced team and I'm officially picking them as the first team into the Final 4.

UCONN(-3)-Arizona
Boy oh boy do we have a matchup here.  2 guaranteed lottery picks battling it out for a spot in the Final 4.  How impressive is Kemba Walker? The Knicks need this kid on their roster next year, he's already proven he can shine in Madison Square garden so why not go out and get him.  Derrick Williams played the role of Superman against Duke but will the Wildcats have enough to stop Kemba.  I say no and we'll be seeing Kemba in the Final 4.  Uconn covers the 3 points as well.

Alright Musers, thanks again for those who read the post.  I hope we all enjoy the games tomorrow.  I'll get another post done tomorrow for the Sunday games.  I just have to say one last thing to Ohio State: I hope your football coach gets fired.  That would really make your offseason suck.
 

Is this Heaven?

Quick question: Is anyone really upset that Duke is gone from the tournament? Didn't think so.  The first half of the sweet 16 is gone and there were 4 unbelievable games tonight.  Will tomorrow's games be able to match the intensity we saw today? I feel like God is on my side during this year's tournament since Wisconsin, Puke, K State and Missouri are all at home for the remainder.  Is this Heaven? Nope it's March Madness, which might as well be Heaven. The only disappointing thing is that there is no more Jimmer, I guess I'm going to have to switch my man crush to Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams.  On to the recap of today and predictions for tomorrow.

Uconn-Sdsu
Uconn scored 74 points tonight, Kemba and Jeremy Lamb had 60 of those.  When 2 people are having that kind of production it'll be hard to stop anybody.  The underrated factor of this game was Sdsu's bench production since they only accounted for 7 points.  You gotta have some production from your bench to try and counter the Kemba's.  Steve Fisher just got a little too much Kemba to handle and now he is on his way home probably reminiscing about the Fab Five days.  I picked Conn to win by the 1.5 spread and they did, so far I'm 1-0 this week

Byu-Florida
Jimmer introduced himself to the world last year in a double overtime thriller against Florida and one year later he went to overtime with the Gators again.  This time he came up short and really killed his team down the stretch.  I've been one of Jimmer's biggest fans this season but watching him singlehandedly shoot his team out of the tournament was vastly disappointing.  3-15 from 3 and 11-29 from the field on the night and taking ridiculous shots that only Jimmer can.  It just seemed like he got worn out and maybe possibly had a calf injury.  The biggest star of the game in my opinion was Alex Tyus with his 19 point 17 rebound effort against a weak Byu frontcourt led the gators to the elite 8.  Let us all take a moment of silence for Jimmer's college career... Heres hoping to a successful NBA career. I did pick BYU +3 but they were unable to fight off the gator chomp pushing me to 1-1 this week.

Arizona-Duke
Derrick. Williams.  Arguably the best pro prospect in the tourney carried his team in the first half keeping them in the game only trailing 6 at half.  It was all Arizona in the second half, Duke took a sucker punch and couldn't gain any steam after Williams nailed a buzzer beating three to end the half.  Throughout the game I couldn't help but think Duke was getting taken advantage worse than Andy did while he spent his time in Shawshank.  At least we won't have to hear about Dukie V gush over how perfect Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and the Plumlee's are.  Arizona was 8.5 point dogs for the game and I picked them to win so now 2-1 for the sweet 16.

Butler-Wisconsin
Did I hear right during this game that Mike Bruesewitz, the big ginger with the perm, gets said perm done from his Mom? If so that makes me hate Wisconsin even more.  Being from Minnesota I will never root for the University of Wisconsin.  On Wisconsin... On to what, mediocrity, disappointment, Jeffrey Dahmer look-a-like contests? At least you still have football... oh wait you guys lost to TCU in the Rose Ball, I will give you this though the Jump Around thing is pretty cool.  If Wisconsin would have pressed a little bit earlier they could of turned things around and possibly won this game.  Due to their mediocre conference and slow Big Ten style of play they couldn't stop the non-cinderella, hot shooting Butler Bulldogs.  Watch out Florida, these dawgs aren't sneaking up on anyone.  Butler covered the +5 spread and pushed me 3-1 ATS for the first day of the Sweet 16.

Predictions
Unc(4.5)-Marquette
I still don't trust Carolina's freshmen.  Harrison Barnes has shown flashes of brilliance this year and Kendall Marshall has been a stud starting at point.  The question is, when will these freshmen finally get nervous and play like freshmen.  After a close game against Washington I just don't know if I trust Carolina to get past Marquette here.  I'm thinking Marquette wins this one and continues their surprise run in the tournament.  Players to watch in this game are Harrison Barnes for Unc and for Marquette it's gotta be Jimmy Butler.

Kansas(10.5)-Richmond
The Jayhawks played incredibly well against Illinois and I think they're gonna keep this run alive against  the Spiders of Richmond.  The one thing I don't like in this game is KU getting 10.5 points.  If Kansas can win by double digits I'll be ecstatic but I just don't see it happening.  The bigs for Kansas are going to have to dominate the boards and continue to shoot lights out if Ku is going to win.  Another question mark for the Hawks is the free throw shooting and even though it's been better as of late it's still a question mark.  Players to watch are the Morii for Kansas and Justin Harper for Richmond.  KU wins but they don't cover the spread.

Ohio St(-6)-Kentucky
Ohio State proved me wrong when they throttled George Mason last weekend and they have a tough challenge against another freshmen led team in Kentucky.  Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones are fantastic players and growing before our eyes.  If Knight and Jones can continue their maturation process I don't see why they can't upset the overall number one seed.  If Ohio State shoots a ridiculous percentage from behind the arc tomorrow they will win hands down but if the lights aren't on they will be on their way back to the local tattoo parlor and trading in their Big Ten hardware for some fresh ink.  Players to watch this game will be Jared Sullinger vs. Terrence Jones.  2 freshmen battling it out for boards will be an interesting matchup.

Florida St(3.5)-VCU
Both teams continue to surprise everyone and I honestly haven't watched enough of either team to make an informed decision.  I'm giving the edge to VCU simply based on their coach's name: Shaka.

Alright Musers, I'll get back at ya tomorrow night.  Enjoy the games and Thanks for reading.

Sweet 16, Thursday games

The 2nd weekend of the best sporting event in the world is upon us and no one could be more excited than me.  But first there are a couple of things that happened this week that I'd like to touch upon. Bruce Pearl was dismissed this week from Tennessee and no one is really surprised.  Pearl is leaving Tennessee in a massive mess and their sanctions will come this summer.  Good luck finding a coach willing to take that program over.  Today Mike Anderson left Methzou to become the coach at his alma mater, Arkansas.  I have nothing against Anderson even though he used to coach at Missou.  He's a respectable guy that is well deserving of a job that is not Missouri. I saw today that Geno Auriemma is upset that the Uconn women's basketball team can't sell out a stadium, he even calls their fans "fair-weather".  Umm Geno, it's women's basketball... of course you're not selling out games.
Disclaimer: I am not an expert at picking against the spread, it's just something I enjoy doing.  If you take my picks, well then you're probably a moron. Now, on to the games.

UCONN(-1.5)-SDSU
I wasn't too impressed with San Diego State on Saturday.  Kawhi Leonard had a terrible game against Temple and they escaped in double overtime. I think Uconn will be too much for Sdsu to handle.   Uconn has been on a tear lately and I don't look for Kemba to cool off now.  SDSU played Jimmer 3 times this year, lost twice and the Huskies are a little better overall than the Jimmers.  Uconn to cover the 1.5.

BYU(+3)-Florida
Jimmer got the best of the Gators in the tournament last year when he introduced himself to the world.  This year the Gators have to be ready for him.  In the Cougars last game it wasn't just Jimmer, the whole team was doing work against Gonzaga.  If that continues then the Gators will have a tough time knocking Jimmer down.  For Florida to be successful Parsons, Tyus, and Saturday's hero Erving Walker will have to have very big games.  I like BYU +3 and (-250) to not fall into temptation while in the Big Easy.

Duke(-8.5)-Arizona
Two close games for these two teams last Sunday.  I think this game is going to be a lot closer than people believe.  Pac-10 player of the year Derrick Williams will be looking to make up for his bad outing vs Texas.  I don't trust Duke's outside shooting and if they aren't hitting then they will be on their way back home tomorrow night.  Arizona is going to have the home-crowd advantage and if Duke doesn't have fans to influence the refs then they aren't going to be getting the calls.  Arizona covers the 8.5 by winning the game narrowly.

Butler(+5)-Wisconsin
Wisconsin narrowly edged Kansas State and Butler got past Pittsburgh in a game filled with questionable fouls.  Both teams grind it out but I don't know how you can pick against Butler right now.  They're on fire and I wouldn't be surprised if they got past Wisconsin here, and then took down Florida/Byu for their second consecutive final four appearance.  I can't pick against Butler right now but I got Butler (+5) and the win.  Please Butler, dispose of Wisconsin.

Here's a word to Lawrence Taylor.  It's not the institution of prostitution that got you an underage girl, it's the fact that you're involved in prostitution in the first place.  It's a shame he's not getting major jail time for this.

Alright I'll talk to ya'll later.

Oh, how SWEET it is!!!

Alright guys, this post is a recap of the final day of the weekend.  The 2nd and 3rd (1st and 2nd) rounds are done and damn what a weekend it was. Tons of upsets, mixed in with the Big East forgetting that the tournament started this weekend.  I think Charles Barkley summed it up best during the halftime showing of the KU game.  Kenny Smith said "Marquette beating Syracuse proves how deep the Big East is and Barkley responded with "No, it proved how overrated Syracuse and the Big East are as a whole".  11 teams in the tournament and only 2 remain after the first weekend.  Not what you would call the best showing from the best conference in basketball. On to the recap:

Washington-North Carolina

The first game of the day turned out to be a fantastic one.  I was sure Roy Williams was going to find a way to lose this game once it started but that wasn't the case.  The end-game execution of Washington was terrible.  I couldn't believe Venoy Overton hoisted a 3 from half court while he still had about 3 seconds.  He most definitely could have gotten a few more steps and a better look at the 3.  All five starters for Carolina scored in double figures and with that kind of production it's hard to lose. I picked UW to cover the four points and they only lost by 3.  1-0 against the spread.

Duke-Michigan

Duke was 25% from 3, no production from Seth Currry and barely won by 2.  I didn't expect Michigan to come anywhere close to beating Duke and they proved me wrong.  After a missed free throw Michigan had a great look with a runner that they couldn't convert.  Duke was favored by 11.5, won by 2 so naturally I fall to 1-1 against the spread.

Ohio State- George Mason

Ohio State must've been pissed about what I wrote about them yesterday (jk) because they came out like a team that had a fire lit under their asses.  This game was close up until the opening tip and that's really about it.  I had George Mason covering the 11 points and they weren't even close.  I should have switched my spread picks around when it came to Puke and Ohio State.  Some douche thought it would be funny to comment on this spread pick in the comment section.  We welcome comments but if you're going to do it please don't use the f-bomb and come at me personally.  It's a blog, it's just my opinion of what I would do.  I am in no way shape or form and expert on sports, it's just something I enjoy talking about.  Against the spread I was 1-2 at this point.

Texas-Ariona

Wow, what a game.  Out of the 2 players I picked to have a big game Tristan Thompson showed his freshman status during this game.  Derrick Williams wasn't much of a factor during the early part of the contest but had the biggest play of they day for Arizona when he converted an and one with little time left after a horrible 5 second call.  J'covan Brown was Texas' only possible saving grace in the game.  It surprises me the Rick Barnes has Dogus Balbay starting over him but that's why I'm not a coach. Brown drove in the lane and there was some contact but I don't think enough for a foul to be called.  On the rebound, Gary Johnson made a huge mistake by not trying to tip the ball and instead brought it down and never got a chance to take it back up.  I picked Texas -6 and they lost one which brings my total to 1-3.  It's safe to say I would've lost a ton of money in Vegas betting these games.

VCU-Purdue

I didn't get a chance to watch this game because of KU being on but from the looks of the box score Purdue didn't put up too much of a fight.  Or VCU is still really pissed off about everybody ripping them  and saying they didn't even deserve to be in the tournament.  Point proven Rams.  And of course I was one of those people that didn't believe and VCU and picked Purdon't by 9.  Now falling to 1-4

Marquette-Syracuse

Once again I didn't get to see any of this game except for the over-and-back call at the end of the game.  I disagree with the call and if you didn't see it check it out.  The officiating has been very iffy this season and it might be time for these guys to visit a clinic and learn the rules all over again.  I really thought Syracuse was playing great lately and I thought they would've been able to cover 4.5.  1-5 against the spread.

Florida State-Notre Dame

Totally misread this game.  I misread Florida State's defense and while they aren't gonna win you any beauty pageants they came through and beat one of the Big East's best.  It doesn't hurt when Notre Dame goes 7-30 from behind the line.  ND really cooled off from their hot shooting regular season, didn't expect that and picked ND to cover 5.5.  1-6 against the spread.

KU-Illinois

Congratulations to my KANSAS JAYHAWKS.  1 year ago today they lost to Northern Iowa and fitting on the 1 year anniversary they beat Bill Self's old team to advance to another round of 16. Going into the game I was really nervous but the Jayhawks quickly put my worries to rest in the first half.  Once again though they didn't play a full 40 minutes and allowed Illinois to narrow the lead to as close as 2 in the second half.  The Morrii continued their beastly play by each posting double-doubles and Tyshawn Taylor is finally playing consistently at the level we fans expect of him.  I hope Bruce Weber enjoyed the funeral we held for him and his sweet 16 hopes.  By the way, did any one see the icy handshake between Self and Weber.  Looked like Bill was rolling his eyes at Bruce.  I thought this game would be tighter and picked UI to cover 8.5 but I'd rather have a win than get a spread pick right.1-7 against the spread, again proving why I am not a professional gambler.

That about wraps up this post.  Thanks to everybody who has read it so far and we'll be back with a game by game breakdown for the Sweet 16.

ROCK CHALK!