NCAA Tourney games

[Bone Dog]

I don't want to dog the Big 12 conference, but I'm not surprised by their performance in the NCAA tourney so far. I was pretty shocked that Baylor (6-seed) and Texas Tech (7-seed) were seeded higher than their NET ranking would have suggested they be; probably should have been 8 or 9 seeds. West Virginia being given a 4-seed was also very generous by the committee considering their NET Q1 record was only 3-3; probably because they won the Big 12 conference tourney. We'll see how WVU does today against 5-seed Kentucky.

I’ve been dubious of the Big12 most of the season, and not because of OOC matchups. Too many of the conference games I managed to see were lackluster events with very little in the way of defense being played. TCU in particular looked like a paper tiger. However last night’s game against Washington showed something better, especially from Silva. Her mobility on defense and her activity on offense looked better than I’ve seen so far. Miles and Suarez have been playing as well as they had to to win all season. But Miles and Silva seemed to have found a good connection. They were actually impressive, which is a strange thing to say about a transcendent talent like Miles.

WVU has been a scrappy team for most of the season. I’m curious to see if they have upped their game for the postseason or merely regressed to the mean. If they can give Kentucky a game, that will be a positive sign for the conference.

 

[cancontent]

An appreciation post for Braun, Battle and the rest of the Minnesota squad. That team handled coaching changes, injuries and stuck it out their entire college career. Rewarded with a Sweet Sixteen, an accomplishment that hasn't happened in 20 years. Proof that there still are players who believe in sticking with their program. Glad they're seeing the results with this success.

 

[JellyBean]

An appreciation post for Braun, Battle and the rest of the Minnesota squad. That team handled coaching changes, injuries and stuck it out their entire college career. Rewarded with a Sweet Sixteen, an accomplishment that hasn't happened in 20 years. Proof that there still are players who believe in sticking with their program. Glad they're seeing the results with this success.

Well said. Either you wrote Battle's speech the other day or you guys are connected on a deeper level because she talked about what you mentioned. Amaya and Braun and other native Minnesota players talked about staying and building the program. They could have left the Gophers, but they wanted to stay and build a legacy of that homegrown talent staying and helping to build the Gopher program. It was a powerful message and loved that Battle spoke so passionate about staying in Minnesota. Gave me goose bumps.

 

[Bigboote]

An appreciation post for Braun, Battle and the rest of the Minnesota squad. That team handled coaching changes, injuries and stuck it out their entire college career. Rewarded with a Sweet Sixteen, an accomplishment that hasn't happened in 20 years. Proof that there still are players who believe in sticking with their program. Glad they're seeing the results with this success.

I think Plitzuwheit and Minnesota are a great match. I have no idea why she went to WVU for the one year. She belongs in the upper midwest, and she's a great coach. I hope the match continues to blossom.

 

[ABCDFE]

Washington blew it. They should have won that game. It’s apparent to me now how easy that region is. South Carolina to the final four is basically a lock. I think Oklahoma is actually their biggest threat.

Region 4 2 and 3 seeds, very very weak compared to the other regions. SC will can get to FF in their sleep.

 

[bballnut90]

Region 4 2 and 3 seeds, very very weak compared to the other regions. SC will can get to FF in their sleep.

Agreed, though Oklahoma could play spoiler and be a tough challenge for South Carolina. If South Carolina makes it to Phoenix it'll be their 6th straight Final Four which puts them into 2nd place for longest Final Four streak after UCONN (14).

 

[husky98]

Washington blew it. They should have won that game. It’s apparent to me now how easy that region is. South Carolina to the final four is basically a lock. I think Oklahoma is actually their biggest threat.

With all the talent on TCU I'm surprised how bad they look. I wish OU was the 3 seed and got to play Iowa in the Sweet 16, so much more interesting. Also doesn't help I have a painful, unexplainable bias against TCU and Iowa this year...

 

[Floridaduck]

I doubt that anyone expected Oregon to be competitive against Texas on their home floor. The talent and size differential was obvious. Texas shot 37-66 FG and 8-12 3pt. And Booker and Harmon are recognized as elite talent but complimented by Cunningham, Jordan Lee, and Sidberry.
Maybe fewer missed layups, threes, and FT's by Oregon might have kept the difference under 30 but all in all it was a name your score game for the Longhorns.
I'm happy that the Ducks made it to the tourney and won a game but when you are an 8-9 the deck is staked against you in Game 2. As Syracuse, SoCal, and Oklahoma State are likely to find out today.

The trick is to have a better season and a higher placement so that Game 2 is more competitive.

 

[TAK]

I can’t root for TCU. Their home court prevents me from thinking straight.

 

[Geew1992]

Agreed, though Oklahoma could play spoiler and be a tough challenge for South Carolina. If South Carolina makes it to Phoenix it'll be their 6th straight Final Four which puts them into 2nd place for longest Final Four streak after UCONN (14).

OK gave them one of their losses, so why can't they be spoiler

 

[BRS24]

I think you are talking about Crooks? She has one more year of eligibility.

I also don’t see her as a wnba player.

Yup, my bad. No idea why I thought she was a senior.

Just saw that Crooks can declare for the WNBA draft this year. Maybe that's where I got my idea?

What's next for Audi Crooks? Iowa State star noncommittal about future after first-round NCAA Tournament loss

Crooks is eligible to declare early for the WNBA Draft this year, but that is unlikely

www.cbssports.com

 

[cancontent]

Well said. Either you wrote Battle's speech the other day or you guys are connected on a deeper level because she talked about what you mentioned. Amaya and Braun and other native Minnesota players talked about staying and building the program. They could have left the Gophers, but they wanted to stay and build a legacy of that homegrown talent staying and helping to build the Gopher program. It was a powerful message and loved that Battle spoke so passionate about staying in Minnesota. Gave me goose bumps.

Thank you. Wish I could say that's the case but it's more about what I've been observing over the last decade or so with everything going on. We as fans focus a lot on the transfers and overlook those who stay for their full career.

For example, I look at Michigan State and Julia Aryault. After being out a full season and a reduced role during Coach Merchant's last season, she could have transferred out. She gave Coach Fralick a chance and blossomed in her last two seasons. The same could be said about Moira Joiner, Tory Ozment and Theyrn Hallock, excluding her injury this season.

These are only some examples but I'm sure there are plenty more if we dig into the weeds more.

And as I've said many times in different threads, I saw Minnesota being a dark horse to be a lot more competitive than what some were thinking at the start of the season. It's great for the sport and the state of Minnesota.