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What Might Have Been
By Yoni Cohen on Thu Mar 17, 2005 at 06:51:13 PM EST
After 12 games, 11 of 347 Bloggers Bracket participants remain perfect.
Arizona overcame a sluggish first half to defeat Utah State. Ditto for Wake Forest against Chattanooga. In a tremendous game, Nevada beat Texas. Daniel Gibson's ill-advised three pointer with under a minute left cost the Longhorns a valuable opportunity. Though Gibson on the next possession made a greater interior pass, it was too little, too late.
Finally, a one-dimensional Gonzaga squad (read: Adam Morrison) held on to beat Winthrop. Folks who last saw Ronny Turiaf play early in the year were gravely disappointed by his lack of quickness and agility. Unless his body fully recovers, I don't expect to see Ronny in the NBA next year.
The loss shouldn't, however, dim Gregg Marshall's bulb. I expect the current Winthrop coach to fly the coop this summer. Maybe to Tennessee. Maybe to Virginia. Maybe elsewhere.
The only change CBS Sports made in its announcing teams for the NCAA Tournament this year compared to last is that Jay Bilas replaces Matt Guokas as Dick Enberg's partner.
"Jay is someone who is immersed in the sport of college basketball for ESPN," said Sean McManus, the president of CBS Sports, which televises the tournament. Bilas received clearance from ESPN to work CBS tournament games.
By Yoni Cohen on Thu Mar 17, 2005 at 10:24:17 AM EST
The Purple Eagles are within striking distance. But they're also less athletic than the Sooners. Going on a 9-0 run has taken a good deal of their energy...If they fall into a double-digit second half deficit, forget about it.
By Yoni Cohen on Thu Mar 17, 2005 at 10:15:02 AM EST
Wisconsin-Milwaukee is taking it to Alabama. No surprise there. Ed McCants is having a big first half. So too is Kennedy Winston. But the Tide star can't do it alone. Upset Likelihood: High.
Eastern Kentucky is keeping it close against Kentucky. Tubby looks pissed. Expect the 'Cats to run away from EKU early in the second half. Upset Likelihood: Low.
Niagara is finding ways to score against Oklahoma. Problem is, they're not finding ways to defend. The Sooners have been able to score at will against the Purple Eagles. Upset Likelihood: Low-Medium.
Pacific is outdoing a disappointing Pittsburgh team in Albuquerque. But the Panthers have too much talent not to keep it close in the second half. Upset Likelihood: Low-Medium.
By Yoni Cohen on Thu Mar 17, 2005 at 07:30:27 AM EST
An hour and a half before tipoff, we have 320 entrants in the First Annual "Bloggers Bracket!" Very, very cool.
First place nets $50, second $25 and third $10. If you haven't yet made your picks, do so now!
Looking for a good read before tipoff? Check out Ryan Kobliska's very impressive number-crunching at Hawkeye Hoops. Ryan has compiled a wonderful list of "Players to Watch" by region (Austin, Syracuse, Albuquerque and Chicago), based on offensive efficiency, rebounds per 40 minutes, pass rating, steals per defensive possession, blocks per 40 minutes, three point rate, and free throw rate. Enjoy!
