College Hoops Thread 2011-2012

[The Poet]

So here's a few of the early games on tap for tomorrow:


Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky = As much as I might like to give the Comms a shot at knocking off the 'Cats in Rupp, there's no way in hell I can reasonably do so. UK's been tough enough to win big, and resiliant enough to edge out the squeakers. Meanwhile, Vandy's not been able to put a really good game together all year. If this one's still close with 10 minutes left, I'll be surprised.

Notre Dame vs. St. John's = And though it is true that the young Johnnies have shocked a few people on occasion, I can't give them much better a shot at the Irish, even in MSG.

Virginia Tech vs. Duke = And although I also can't give the Hokies any good chance at the upset in Cameron, it is true that they DID beat UVA in Charlottesville, not to mention at Oak State and Rhode Island too. Plus, Miami shocked the Blue Devils in Durham, while State came a lot closer than was comfortable for K's kids. It's worth watching for a while, just to see what shakes out, but put your money on Dook.

Oklahoma vs. Baylor = The Sooners are also a big underdog here, being a game over .500 all year, and are not a good road team either. On the other hand, althought the Bears haven't collapsed like Illinois has, they have lost 3 of 5 now, and their confidence must be smarting a little. Once more I can't see an upset happening, but you just never know.

Iowa State vs. Kansas State = Did that big win by the Wildcats over Mizzou get them refocused and hyped, or will it make them vulnerable to a pretty good Cyclones team? This by far seems to be our best chance at a close tight contest in the early action tomorrow, and I'd flip a coin on it.


That's the best of the lunchtime fun for Saturday, as I see it anyway. See you later then for other games, and scores from this evening. Until then, enjoy.

[jcruse64]

Watching a great game between Loyola-MD vs Rider right now. 15 lead changes and 13 ties, so far, so LOTS of action!

Butler is down 8 right now; not looking good.

I'll go out on a limb and call the upset tomorrow-dook loses to VT

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by jcruse64

Watching a great game between Loyola-MD vs Rider right now. 15 lead changes and 13 ties, so far, so LOTS of action!

Butler is down 8 right now; not looking good.

I'll go out on a limb and call the upset tomorrow-dook loses to VT

Yeah, that game ended with 17 lead changes, and a Rider win 83-79. I'm a bit surprised the .500 Broncos could take the superior Greyhounds like that, but this is what college hoops is all about. And the result, coupled with Iona's 77-72 victory over Fairfield, gave the Gaels the conference too. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can enjoy games that don't involve the elite schools.

And yeah, Valpo spanked Butler pretty bad last night. I'm guessing we won't see the Bulldogs in the National Championship game again this season.

And as for the Hokies, they are hanging real tough with Dook so far. Then again, so is Vandy at Rupp against your 'Cats, so do you want TWO big upsets to start off the day?


Other close action last night:

Penn 57 - Dartmouth 54 = The Quakers did what they needed to do, even though they had more trouble than I figured. Yet it may have been for nought, considering . . .

Harvard 67 - Princeton 64 = The Crimson revenge their only Ivy loss, albeit barely, and retain the league lead. They've not yet earned their first NCAA bid since . . . lord, was it the Forties maybe? . . . but they are getting closer.

Marquette 61 - West Virginia 60 = The Mountaineers get what seems their umpteenth heartbreaking loss of the year, and see their post-season hopes swirling down the drain. Also, adding insult to injury, seems Buzz Williams tried to start a riot by dancing in front of the WVA student section after the Golden Eagles victory. Even though it was a waltz and not the funky chicken, it shows no class on his part.


Lemme go look at the later games today for a bit, and keep track of the earlir games too. Last time I looked, both Duke and UK were getting more than they want, and St. John's leads the Irish at the half. Back shortly.