The Madness is upon us!

[Penfold]

Welcome to March, the greatest month of the year for me. It's all about the NCAA this month, and conference tournaments are starting up. We'll have our first automatic bids to the Big Dance as of tomorrow. Who will be standing tall as the national champions on April 3? I'm pulling for Duke, but the great thing about this time of year is that anyone can do it.

Edit: And of course, as soon as I change my avatar, Duke drops one to Florida State. :angry

[Natalie]

haha, FSU beat Duke.

I don't particularly care in the real world, but I did go to FSU and my boyfriend is a huge Duke fan so i thought it was cool.

Go Noles, try not to get put out in the first round!

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

haha, FSU beat Duke.

I don't particularly care in the real world, but I did go to FSU and my boyfriend is a huge Duke fan so i thought it was cool.

Go Noles, try not to get put out in the first round!

Ah yes. Who is my favorite team? Anyone playing Duke!

My final four picks:
Duke (grrrrr)
UConn
Villanova
Gonzaga

Assuming none of them end up in the same bracket, of course.
I'm a UCLA fan, but I think we're a year away from being a final four team.

[omicron]

Don't forget Texas A&M defeated Texas. :)

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Don't forget Texas A&M defeated Texas. :)

And why should we care about that? :)

[omicron]

because Texas was #7 and A&M is like 4th in the conference. Nothing like a good upset. :)

Omi

[Penfold]

I am quite excited that my alma mater, Appalachian State, beat the regular season champion Georgia Southern in the Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinals today. As an 8 seed in a league that only gets one bid, always good to make it past that big opponent. Though I suppose if they win the whole thing, they'll be eligible to be beat up by Duke or UConn in the first round...assuming they don't lose the play-in game, that is.

And I was wrong about when the first ones would be in. Tomorrow, the Atlantic Sun, Big South, and Ohio Valley will have their championships. Pennsylvania could clinch the Ivy League tonight if they win and Princeton loses.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

IN:
Belmont,
Pennsylvania
Winthrop
Murray State

The reason the NCAA tournament is the greatest sporting event in the world, is that it is the only such event that matches the big guys with the little guys, and sometimes the little guys win. I just love it, and I hope one day that some little school, like a Winthrop, makes it all the way to the finals, and stuns the world. Although I would hope it wouldn't involve my UCLA Bruins getting knocked off by them . . . d'oh. I should be careful what I wish for! :)

[Penfold]

Two more in:
Davidson (Southern)
Southern Illinois (Missouri Valley)

Although it looks like most people are expcting the MVC to have multiple bids, being a strong mid-major this year.

I changed my avatar, not of shame, but because Duke is on a two-game losing streak since I started using it. I'm not superstitious, but I ain't taking any more chances.

[Penfold]

And now Gonzaga has clinched, though just barely (68-67).

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

And now Gonzaga has clinched, though just barely (68-67).

LMU had their chance. Some SEC team is probably real lucky Gonzaga won, as I suspect this year they are going to be dissed by the selection committee. Oh, please put your Duke logo back, I NEED them to be jinxed! :)

[Penfold]

HahaHA, no. I'd put up a UNC avatar, but I have a feeling the jinx spirits would not appreciate my attempt to beat the system.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

HahaHA, no. I'd put up a UNC avatar, but I have a feeling the jinx spirits would not appreciate my attempt to beat the system.

I think both you and I have a common enemy here, UConn. Put up their logo!

[Penfold]

I'll give you that one. Something we can unite behind.

Iona, UNC-Wilmington, Oral Roberts, UW-Milwaukee, and South Alabama are in as well.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I'll give you that one. Something we can unite behind.

Iona, UNC-Wilmington, Oral Roberts, UW-Milwaukee, and South Alabama are in as well.

GO IONA!

(I'm not a fan, just love the school's name, I mean I O N A. Sounds like some sports journalist misspelled Iowa).

[Cuchulainn]

GW lost. That means the A-10 will now get two teams into the dance, which knocks off a bubble team. All I have to say is THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE!!! Let's go St. Joe's.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

GW lost. That means the A-10 will now get two teams into the dance, which knocks off a bubble team. All I have to say is THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE!!! Let's go St. Joe's.

UConn lost today, too. Jeesh, this years tourney is up for freaking grabs!

[Cuchulainn]

And with Uconn's lose that means when (not if) 'Nova wins the Big East Championship they will be ranked #1 in the last poll of the season.:)

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

And with Uconn's lose that means when (not if) 'Nova wins the Big East Championship they will be ranked #1 in the last poll of the season.:)

Could be. I still think there is a lot of bias in rankings, and that the tournament takes care of that!

[Cuchulainn]

I also think that when (not if :D ) Villanova wins the Big East tournament that it should be a lock for them to be the #1 seed in the Philadelphia/Washington D.C. region.

[Cuchulainn]

Wow, in the A-10 tournament the highest seed left is the #5 seed, St. Joe's.

THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE!!!

Let's go St. Joe's! Win the A-10 and get into the NCAA Tournament.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I also think that when (not if :D ) Villanova wins the Big East tournament that it should be a lock for them to be the #1 seed in the Philadelphia/Washington D.C. region.

One would think so, but the NCAA selection committee has not shown in recent years that they have the slightest lick of sense, so God only knows who will get in this year, and where they'll be seeded. I hate the NCAA, because they are a tyrannical organization that does NOT put the welfare of student athletes ahead of the money these kids generate for their schools.

[Penfold]

So who are the #1 seeds? I think Duke, UConn, and Villanova are locks no matter what happens, but will the other one be Gonzaga or Memphis?

My boys may have that #1 seed locked up, but dang it, they need to start playing a little better. Glad we squeaked by Miami today, but they don't get any easier from here on out. :angry

[omicron]

I don't think Duke is a lock, esp if they tank it in the tourney. Don't forget about THE Ohio State University or Texas.

Omi

[neglet]

I think if the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Tourney, they're a lock for a #1 seed.

[Penfold]

Here's what ESPN is saying will be the top four seeds per region:

WASHINGTON, DC:
1 UConn
2 Gonzaga
3 UNC
4 Washington

OAKLAND
1 Memphis
2 Ohio State
3 Pittsburgh
4 UCLA

ATLANTA
1 Duke
2 Illinois
3 LSU
4 Iowa

MINNEAPOLIS
1 Villanova
2 Texas
3 Tennessee
4 Boston College

Of course, we won't know officially until Sunday, but I'm going to say they've got these about right...maybe the regions will be different, but I think the seeding is on. OSU has had a great season, but I don't think they're quite up to a #1 seed. Gonzaga has mostly been leaning on Adam Morrison all year, I don't think they'll be #1. Duke, UConn, and Villanova have all had good enough seasons that I don't think the last few games of the season mattered much, they've got 'em locked up. But it doesn't really matter what seed you are...in a tournament where anything can happen and usually does, we'll see. If UNC wins today, though, I'm going to say they'll be a #2 instead of a #3.

Edit: And they didn't. Good job BC.

GO DUKE!

[Penfold]

If anyone wants to join a Cinescape Tournament Pickem group on Yahoo, I created a group for us. Here's the info:

Group ID#: 38928
Group Name: Cinescape at the Dance
Group Password: madness

[Penfold]

And the field is set.

ATLANTA
1 Duke vs 16 Southern
8 George Washington vs 9 UNC-W
5 Syracuse vs 12 Texas A&M
4 LSU vs 13 Iona
6 WVU vs 11 Southern Illinois
3 Iowa vs 14 Northwestern St
7 California vs 10 NCSU
2 Texas vs 15 Penn

OAKLAND
1 Memphis vs 16 Oral Roberts
8 Arkansas vs 9 Bucknell
5 Pitt vs 12 Kent St
4 Kansas vs 13 Bradley
6 Indiana vs 11 SDSU
3 Gonzaga vs 14 Xavier
7 Marquette vs 10 Alabama
2 UCLA vs 15 Belmont

WASHINGTON DC
1 UConn vs 16 Albany
8 Kentucky vs 9 UAB
5 Washington vs 12 Utah St
4 Illinois vs 13 Air Force
6 Michigan St vs 11 George Mason
3 UNC vs 14 Murray St
7 Wichita St vs 10 Seton Hall
2 Tennessee vs 15 Winthrop

MINNEAPOLIS
1 Villanova vs 16 Monmouth/Hampton
8 Arizona vs 9 Wisconsin
5 Nevada vs 12 Montana
4 Boston College vs 13 Pacific
6 Oklahoma vs 11 UW-Milwaukee
3 Florida vs 14 South Alabama
7 Georgetown vs 10 UNI
2 Ohio St vs 15 Davidson

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

This is one of the toughest years I remember for trying to pick someone, so I just went through a process of elimination and came up with this predicted final four:

Duke
UConn
Kansas
Florida

With Duke winning it all. I hate them.

[Penfold]

With Duke winning it all. I hate them.

:D

I'm going with Villanova, personally.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

In case you're wondering, I'm not a jinx with my picks. I've watched a lot of college BB this year, and one thing I've learned about the NCAA tourney, is that senior laden teams dominate, and I think Duke fits the profile this year.

However, they aren't a truly dominant team and can be had during the tournament. Like I said, this year is a real tough one, and the folks at CBS really dissed the tournament selection committee, and Billy Packer's raving about how certain conferences have done during other years was pathetic. I mean, they base each year on what the teams have done THAT YEAR. Taking prior years into account is ludicrous, and Packer should know that.

[syphon2006]

I've got a league for everyone

Provider: Yahoo
League:Texans Tournament 06
Password: texans06
ID: 112697

[Penfold]

The big day is here! Monmouth beat Hampton Tuesday for the right to get thumped by Villanova, but now the real fun begins. By the end of tomorrow, 32 more teams will have gone home with tears in their eyes.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I signed up with the NCAA March Madness On Demand, so I can watch every game on my computer. I've got Seton Hall/Wichita St. queued up on my PC, and on CBS I've got BC/Pacific. I'll go from game to game on the net. It is free, so if any of you want to, go to www.ncaasports.com/mmod and sign up. Choose the VIP option if it offers it. I did and got queued up for the Seton Hall game in 1 minute.

[Adam54]

I did that too Kirk, and thank God...the snowstorm here wiped out the Directv (at least til the tech guy comes tomorrow), so I'm without TV during March Madness!!! ARGH!!!

[Adam54]

Great, great, GREAT game with BC and Pacific! Very nerve wracking and tense, especially since BC is in the final four in most every bracket I've done.

What a way to start! Plus UW-Milwaukee beats Oklahoma in the first upset of the day, and Wichita State looked VERY impressive over Seton Hall. Wouldn't surprise me in the least to see them sneak past Tennesee (barring an upset) Saturday.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Well, here's my impressions so far:
A: The Big East should not have had 8 teams in the tourney, and it is apparent that conference was probably overrated, by everyone including me.

B: The SEC is probably better than thought.

C: Look out for the UCLA Bruins!

[Penfold]

Two 12 seeds advance, the biggest upsets so far. Some struggles for Tennessee, Gonzaga, and BC. I watched SDSU shoot themselves in the foot against Indiana, extending Mike Davis' career another game. Stinking Steve Fisher needs to teach his players how to think...I still harbor a grudge against Chris Webber for the phantom timeout in 1993.

[omicron]

I thought for SURE Xavier was going to beat Gonzaga. That really blew my Oakland bracket. :(

Omi

[neglet]

After several years of trying to predict the "crazy" upsets, I realized that on average I would score better if I just went with the seeds in the first round. (And I wouldn't get so pissed off if I picked the wrong ones.) So that's what I did this year, except for the 8/9 matchup, which is usually a tossup.

It'll be just my luck if my new "strategy" nets me fewer points this year. :ohwell: Still, so far only lost one of my sweet 16 and none of my Elite 8, so I'm not complaining yet.

[southpaw]

GO TARHEELS!

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

If anything, I believe it might be a lesson this year that perhaps the top teams from "mid-major" conferences are better than the lesser teams from the major conferences. This means that each season the selection commitee should not reward the teams that finish freaking 8th in their damn conference with a tourney bid. I really thought the Big East was truly powerful, but after yesterday I realize the truth. Too many teams get by on reputation rather than results.

[Penfold]

Goodbye Iowa, and goodbye 12.5% of my Elite Eight.

:angry

[Penfold]

And with Kansas' exit, I've lost two Elite Eight teams.

As usual after the first round, my bracket is busted.

[omicron]

Welp, thanks to Xavier and Kansas, my Oakland bracket it totally busted.

omi

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

. . . and the Bruins survive! Whew, that Alabama team is tough. So, going into tomorrow's 2nd round games my tournament pool final four are still alive. Florida, Duke, UCLA and UConn were the picks I made in the pool. I didn't pick it in my head that way, as I had Kansas ahead of UCLA, but fortunately in the pool I picked UCLA.

[Penfold]

And after another wild day, we have our Sweet Sixteen.

ATLANTA
1 Duke vs 4 LSU
2 Texas vs 6 West Virginia

OAKLAND
1 Memphis vs 13 Bradley
2 UCLA vs 3 Gonzaga

WASHINGTON, DC
1 UConn vs 5 Washington
7 Wichita St vs 11 George Mason

MINNEAPOLIS
1 Villanova vs 4 Boston College
3 Florida vs 7 Georgetown

And how about the big surprises...Bradley and George Mason! Sorry Southpaw (not really though). George Mason is doing well, but only because Jack Bauer isn't playing...

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

6 of my elite 8 teams, and all of my final 4 teams are still alive in my pool. That is a best case scenario as far as I'm concerned, given the uncertainty going into this year's tourney.

By the way, has this been a truly awesome tournament so far? I mean, there has been some spectacular play by most of the teams, and some high drama at the end of so many of the games. Just a great freaking tournament so far!

[neglet]

What a weird tournament it's been so far ... 6 of the Sweet Sixteen are lower than #4 seeds, which seems way above average, and the Big Ten became the Big Choke this year: none of their teams made the Sweet 16. When's the last time that happened? (And what's that gnashing noise I hear all the way from Texas? Could it be someone we know chewing buckeye nuts? :wink:)

Oh well. I still have three of my Final Four in play, so at least I shouldn't finish last in the pool.

[omicron]

To Negs: :tongue:

At least they made the Dance, instead of the Not Invited Tournament. Their loss does mess up my final four and championship game.

Omi

[Son of Gilbert]

I like where I'm at in my Brackets...11 of the sweet sixteen

[syphon2006]

I got 9 out of my 16 in it still...

[Penfold]

Sigh...oh well.

[Cuchulainn]

And Duke is the first #1 seed to go out.

[syphon2006]

Well my National Champion is gone. Did anyone else see that choke job by my former boy JJ? LSU impressed me, big baby is like a mini shaq. Well since my brackets been busted, im going for the huskies of UCONN. The player of the year award should now go to Adam Morrison.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

U C L A !!!!!

My Bruins! My Bruins!

What HEART! What GRIT!

I AM SO FREAKING PROUD RIGHT NOW.

U C L A FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!

My heart goes out to Adam Morrison, though.

[The Sym]

U C L A !!!!!

My Bruins! My Bruins!

What HEART! What GRIT!

I AM SO FREAKING PROUD RIGHT NOW.

U C L A FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!

My heart goes out to Adam Morrison, though.


Calm down V 1.673849.... don't get your Huygens caught in a fancy... UCLA still must face Memphis, which I think is the most dangerous team in the tournament since the 91 UNLV RunningRebels.





...and to adam morrison.... nigh nigh nee nigh niiigghhh. :tongue:

[Penfold]

Elite Eight Time...by tomorrow, we'll have a Final Four:

ATLANTA: 2 Texas vs. 4 LSU (sob)
OAKLAND: 1 Memphis vs. 2 UCLA
WASHINGTON DC: 1 UConn vs 11 George Mason
MINNEAPOLIS: 1 Villanova vs. 3 Florida

[Cuchulainn]

Man, that 'Nova/ BC game was tight. But the Wildcats were able to pull it out. Go 'Nova.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Man, that 'Nova/ BC game was tight. But the Wildcats were able to pull it out. Go 'Nova.

This is the greatest NCAA tournament I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. I'm watching LSU/Texas right now, and ITS going into OT!

Just a bunch of awesome games between such evenly matched, and mixed styles, teams. I have Villanova as one of my final 4 teams, so I was glad they won that one.

[Son of Gilbert]

Just a bunch of awesome games between such evenly matched, and mixed styles, teams.


I hate say this but I feel that the NBA is to thank for this. Since they take the elite prep players in the land this leaves a more even pool for colleges to pull from and due scholarship limitnot one team can not load up with blue chippers as easy as in the past. Thank you Moses Malone for being ahead of your time.

[Penfold]

Yep, this is a good 'un. Any one of the teams left could take it all...maybe not George Mason, but let's not count them out yet.

And since LSU beat my boys, I'm glad they're in the Final Four. Can't stand in the way of destiny.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

UCLA

WE'RE BACK!

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I hate say this but I feel that the NBA is to thank for this. Since they take the elite prep players in the land this leaves a more even pool for colleges to pull from and due scholarship limitnot one team can not load up with blue chippers as easy as in the past. Thank you Moses Malone for being ahead of your time.

Yes, the NBA has hurt college basketball, since the best players tend to leave school early. But that's ok as far as I'm concerned.

[Penfold]

The NBA hasn't hurt anyone except the players that skip out on the college game. I'm a big proponent of players staying in school for four years, for the education AND for the chance to play basketball the way it's supposed to be played. But I have to give the NBA credit for weeding out the "talented" players who really are more suited for the flash of the pros anyway.

[The Sym]

UCLA

WE'RE BACK!



I hope they win it all.

[The Sym]

The NBA hasn't hurt anyone except the players that skip out on the college game. I'm a big proponent of players staying in school for four years, for the education AND for the chance to play basketball the way it's supposed to be played. But I have to give the NBA credit for weeding out the "talented" players who really are more suited for the flash of the pros anyway.

I agree with the highlighted statement. As for the way the game should be played, IMO you need to wake up and open your eyes. The game has evolved. If the game was still played the way it was played in the late 50's, the 60's, the 70's, hell even the 80's... attendance and fan viewership(if that's a word) would go down. There is nothing wrong with the game today. Todays youth have taken the game to new heights, much like has the ABA brough excitement and forced the NBA to evolve or die. The same can be said about Dr. J, Magic, and Bird, whom dominated the late 70's and all of the 80's... they changed the way the game is played. Credit MJ & Pistol Pete for changing the way the indiviual game is played. There are more 23's in the league now(if you understand what I'm saying).

Everything evolves... you wouldn't be caught driving 2006 Ford Model K would you... NO. Why? Because that's old technology. Even Pele said the game of Soccer is alot more faster and the players have alot more skills than when he played.... because the game has evolved. Even Baseball have become such a specialize sport. Back in the day, starting pitchers closed their own game. The 60's brought about the Starting Closer. The 90's brought about the Set-Up Pitchers in the 7th & 8th innings, for the Closer. Starting Pitchers only go six innings for the most part now. The game has become specialized, evolved. So take your head out of what use to be, and open your eyes to what's now... cause you're still in the past.... it's a new day now.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

GEORGE FREAKING MASON!

Now tell me this isn't the greatest NCAA tournament of all time!

[Penfold]

This isn't the greatest NCAA tournament ever played.

Sorry, but you told me to say that. However, I agree...this tournament is incredible. Go George Mason!

The Sym, I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. If all you want it glitz, glamour, and highlight reels, then by all means watch the NBA. But, as the 2004 Olympics proved, while the American pros were more concerned about paychecks and SportsCenter, the rest of the world was working on fundamentals like shooting, defense, and free throws. And the US was humiliated. What I mean when I say that the college game is the way it is supposed to be played is that they have the heart to play basketball, and a team like George Mason can make the Final Four. The behemoths of the game that get all the publicity...UNC, UConn, yes, even my beloved Duke...don't necessarily have success every year because there are teams out there full of players that will never make the pro ranks. Doesn't matter...they're playing because they love to play.

Maybe you did understand my opinion, maybe you didn't. Maybe your idea of basketball is all about the show. That's fine, but I believe there's a lot more to it. I find pro basketball boring because they don't care until the playoffs. My eyes ARE open, and that's what I see. I'm not reminiscing about the past, I'm looking at the present. I don't like what the pro game is, and I prefer college. Maybe it's not as polished, a little rougher, but you can't deny that there is a ton more heart.

[Adam54]

Word, Penfold.

You can actually tell the college kids care about playing the game for the sake of the game.

The pros (not all, there's a select few still worth watching) as a whole seem far more concerned with their individual performance/highlight reel, as opposed to the college players who just want their team to win.

School pride, player pride, and flat out competition spells out why I haven't watched an entire NBA game in at least ten years.

Which is about the time I discovered March Madness, and all that lies before it.

[The Sym]

Of coarse they play with more heart, what else are they playing for...dahhh.

That does not make the game being played better... come on give me a break. Many of you want admit it, so I will do it for you. Many of you don't like the NBA, not just because of the reasons you all gave; but, because those guys make millions playing a game that does not require a degree. It's alright for a kid to make money for an University, but not for himself... so that means they're playing with more heart. :rolleyes:

I have not met ANYONE who makes or was born into millions, that didn't take life in general for granted. I've seen Pre-Med student have the passion in their field of study, for people they wish to help, only to become so distant and much insincerity towards the patients in their care. The same could be said about the education field. Simply look at the educators today. No profession is different, including Professional Basketball Players.

Yes Penfold, I understood completely what you said. You misunderstood my statements... look deeper. I said nothing about a funnest about show or glitz. I simply said , the game has evolved, like most, for the better. Fans of the game now would not be fans of the game then, because the game then would appear to slow, bland, and no entertainment value. That's one of the reason Pistol Pete wow the crowd... he was truely ahead of his time.

The Olympics proved nothing. Factors: the U.S. didn't send it best players, Intl teams play together for years, Intl rules kills defense(OFF has the advantage, which is why Intl players in the NBA can't play defense), there were only two countries who had a better FT%, if memory serves me correctly, and yes, the U.S. shot poorly from the field. Baseball is no different. Itnl players are getting better in all sport the U.S. dominates; however, no one said the USSR Hockey program was producing players who didn't play for the love of the game, when they loss to the U.S. "ONE TIME", like the Olympic Basketball Team loss.

[Penfold]

I'm not discussing this anymore. The quality of play in the NBA is indeed better, it's like have an all-star team for every market. But they don't have the heart, which is what makes the college game better.

Agree to disagree.

[Son of Gilbert]

An All-Star team in New York, have you watch the Knicks lately. The Knicks wouldn't even make it to the Elite Eight.

And both college and the NBA have both benefited, Final word about it:jump2:

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Not to interrupt your discussion of college v.s. pros, but . . .

Bill Raftery and his partner said, during one of today's NCAA games, that they thought this was the greatest tournament of all time in their opinions. They agree with me about that, so I know I'm not the only one who is just thrilled with this year's version of March Madness. This is possibly a once in a lifetime event, so enjoy and savor this, for remembering during those long winter nights ahead.

[Penfold]

Man, just the fact that NO number one seeds made it to the Final Four makes this one for the ages. Billy Packer's probably hating it.

[The Sym]

I'm not discussing this anymore. The quality of play in the NBA is indeed better, it's like have an all-star team for every market. But they don't have the heart, which is what makes the college game better.

Agree to disagree.

NO... I just disagree with your reasons.


Yes V 2.0 this is one of the best Tournaments in a while, but on those long, cold winter nights.... I'm enjoying the last months of the NFL. :wink:

[neglet]

An absolutely great weekend of basketball--why March Madness is just the greatest single event in all sports, bar none.

(And this is said by a diehard football fan--I love football, but nothing compares to the Cinderella stories, close finishes, and wild surprises of the NCAA Basketball Tourney.)

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

NO... I just disagree with your reasons.


Yes V 2.0 this is one of the best Tournaments in a while, but on those long, cold winter nights.... I'm enjoying the last months of the NFL. :wink:

I was being metaphorical. "long, cold winter nights" refers to when you get old.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Ok, official Final Four predictions:

George Mason will be blown out by Florida.

Florida - 88
George Mason - 61

. . . and reality re-asserts itself

The game that is harder to predict . . .

UCLA - 70
LSU - 64

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP:

UCLA - 63
FLORIDA - 60

And the Bruins are . . . baaaaaackkkkk!

[Penfold]

UCLA and Florida in the final. I have to go with UCLA in this one.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Well, I underestimated my Bruins. It is mind-boggling to me how much better they are today than they were a month ago. They've just gotten better and better and better, and it seems they haven't even peaked yet. Just amazing. I think what teams are finding out, and what Florida is going to find out on Monday, is that UCLA is just too deep. They have so many athletes they can throw at you that you end up a step behind them and you're doomed.

[neglet]

Florida is awfully deep, too--but after watching this weekend, I think I have to go with UCLA's excellent defense.

[Penfold]

And it's the Florida Gators!

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

The pain. Oh, the pain . . .