NCAA Play-in Games

With 68 teams in the field, 8 of these teams must play what is called a "play-in" game to make it to the tournament. I understand the reasoning behind this is a money grab, and to be honest I don't really care that these games exist. What I do care about is who is forced to play these games.

Last night North Carolina A&T beat Liberty and Saint Mary's beat Middle Tennessee. 

Liberty (15-20) was Big South champions and won the automatic bid.

North Carolina A&T(20-16) was Mid-Eastern champions and won the automatic bid.

Middle Tennessee (28-5) last to Florida International in the semifinals of the Sun Belt tournament.

Saint Mary's (28-6) lost to Gonzaga in the West Coast Finals.

I brought these facts up because these two games boast two very different scenarios for the teams. The first match up of two 16 seeds consists of conference champions. Are they quality teams? No. Liberty has a losing record for crying out loud. The other game teams boast quality resumes and seem to have a strong case to be in the tournament. Saint Mary's should be in the tournament and is capable of beating most. 

Now which game do you think I have issues with? The two conference champions playing an a play-in game or the two quality teams playing to get in?

Let Saint Mary's and Mid Tenn duke it out! There are only so many number of seeds available, and these two teams have arguments for being in and out of the tournament. So let them play to get into the dance. 

For the 16 seeds, neither should be required to fight to get into the tournament. Why? Because they are CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS and have earned that conference's automatic bid. These kids played their hearts out and became bubble busters! This is the highlight of there college lives! They won their small conference and got an invite to the biggest stage in college basketball. So let them play the 1 or 2 seed and try their hardest to have an upset, but don't deny one of them that opportunity by making them compete in a play-in game. A play-in game isn't an automatic bid to the tournament. It is just another loop these teams have to do to convince the selection committee that they deserve to be playing for the NCAA championship. 32 teams, no matter how good or bad their season was, get an automatic bid into the tournament for being their conference champions. So, let NC A&T and Liberty play games in the first round instead of each other, and let those bubble teams play for a spot in the tournament. 

Tsaasifying March Madness

Finally, with the coursework, and major stepping stones towards finishing my degree have been completely, I  can now come back and talk about one of my greatest passions: Sports. 

I say let us start with the NCAA tournament which begins this Thursday (I don't consider the play-in games part of the tournament). Just like last year, I am challenging any readers out there which are few and far between since my sudden exit from last year. 

You can participate at ESPN's Tournament Challenge. 

The Group Name: Tassified Bracket Group

Password: 2013

So please partake in this awesome experience. With no dominate team to spank the bracket as Kentucky did last season, expect this to be one the craziest tournaments ever.Hopefully, I don't lose my national champion in the first round like Mizzu did to me in 2012.    

The Tsaasifying Bracket Challenge

As any sports fan would know, today is selection Sunday, which means March Madness starts Thursday!! I don’t know about the rest of the country, but Thursday I will be doing nothing but watching basketball.

Before that, though, I will be preparing my bracket probably tomorrow at some point.

So for those crazy fans that have to fill out brackets, you are more than welcome to join my bracket group and see how you fare against Brother Saas #2.

I will be using ESPN’s Tournament Challenge as my medium for this group.

So make a bracket and join my group which is called Tsaasify Challenge. My bracket entry will be named Brother Saas #2.

Good Luck!

Weekend Watch (Mar. 9-11, 2012)

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Big East Tournament (Mar 9-10)
Saas-level: Chipotle Saas

Three games have gone to OT, one of which went double overtime. It doesn’t get much better than this. We got the semi’s and the championship game left with four great teams. ‘Cuse stopped the surging Huskies. Marquette was ousted by Louisville. It took Cincinnati two overtimes to put down the Hoyas, and Notre Dame slugged it out in overtime with USF. With two more days with three more games, expect three great games.
Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse

NCAA Men’s Basketball – ACC Tournament (Mar 9-11)
Saas-level: Spaghetti Saas

The first round of the ACC tournament was nothing special. The goodies are coming today with the Miami vs Florida St. game and the NC State vs. Virginia. Duke and North Carolina will cruise to the semis. At the end of this tournament expect another Duke/UNC rematch, but hopefully Duke comes out and plays against the Tar Heels, and makes this one interesting.
Tsaasify Nod: North Carolina

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Big Ten Tournament (Mar 9-11)
Saas-level: Chipotle Saas

Northwestern’s hope of making the dance was shattered yesterday in an overtime defeat to Minnesota. The better story is who wants to claim king to this conference that had a three-way tie for regular season champs. All four games today have potential to be exciting, but the semifinals are where the true challenges will await. The potential for an Ohio State vs. Michigan game and a final with Michigan State sounds too tempting to pass up.
Tsaasify Nod: Michigan State

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Big 12 Tournament (Mar 9-10)
Saas-level: Chipotle Saas

Texas, Baylor, Kansas, and Missouri are left to claim the Big 12 title. Texas just got a solid victory over Iowa St which they are hoping boasts their resume, but I’m more interested in the KU vs Baylor game tonight. I’m curious to see if Baylor can compete on the big stage with the best of the Big 12. Then there is the surprising match-up of the Longhorns and the Tigers. Can Missouri walk away with the title before leaving the conference? There will be some great ball in this tournament.
Tsaasify Nod: Missouri

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Selection Sunday (Mar 11)
Saas-level: Spaghetti Saas

If you care at all about the NCAA Tournament, then you know what selection Sunday is about. I’m curious to see which teams get left out. Where will everyone be seeded? Who has the best chance that isn’t a #1 seed to take a charge to the final four? What mid-major team can be the next Butler? Get your brackets ready, because it is about to get real up in here.

Tsaasify Nod: Kentucky, Syracuse, North Carolina, Missouri

NBA – LA Clippers vs. San Antonio (Mar 9, 8:30PM)
Saas-level: Spaghetti Saas

Can Tony Parker continue this fantastic season, or will Paul and Griffin have something to say about it. The Clippers are on a skid losing two straight and going 4-6 over the last ten. They are going down to Texas to take on the surprisingly good Spurs team who are second in the West.  Plus watching Blake Griffin dunk is always fun.
Tsaasify Nod: San Antonio

TV – The Walking Dead (Mar 11, 9PM, AMC)
Saas-level: Chipotle Saas

Dale is dead! I blame Karl and his mother for Dale’s death. And why is Randall still alive? With the last piece of humanity dead, will the survivors begin to dismantle each other? Shane is looking for a way to take Rick out. Daryl doesn’t even want to be around these people. The whole Greene family is still dealing with their shattered world. Two episodes are left (which is perfect timing because Game of Thrones comes on in April). I expect them to be outrageous.
Tsaasify Nod: Randall will be causing mayhem  

The Best Basketball Tournament (plus some bold predictions)

As I sit here and watch my Lady Mounties get a beat down by Notre Dame, I thought I could talk about perhaps one of my favorite weeks of the year, Champ Week. 

The conference championship tournaments are perhaps even better than the NCAA tournament in terms of drama and incredible games, but I want to talk about perhaps the best conference tournament. 

The Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden is surpassed by no other. Is the Big East the best overall conference? This year, I would say no, but nevertheless their tournament is still the best. 16 teams, 5 days, and 15 games of intense basketball full of upsets and lasting moments. Last year we had Kimba Walker lead UConn through a miraculous journey to a Big East title (and eventually a national title). In 2010, the tournament gave us the unbelievable back to back to back last second victories with West Virginia to claim its first Big East title off the clutch play of Da'sean Butler.

This year, I hope, will be no different. 

So lets take a look into the crystal ball and see what the Big East Tournament will bring us.

First Round (3/6)

DePaul vs. UConn (Noon)

UConn is still trying to secure a bid in the dance. A victory over the worst team in the Big East won't help much, but if they lose to DePaul, they will find Silent Bob throwing them off the train for having no ticket. 

Tsaasify Nod: UConn

Pitt vs. St. John's (2pm)

St. John's is full of freshmen, but freshmen with talent. Pitt has just been disappointing all year (won't find me complaining). If Coach Dixion still wants to make the dance, they will have to start by winning this game, but this is St. John's home court. Could be the first of many great games in the tournament.

Tsaasify Nod: Pitt

Providence vs. Seton Hall (7pm)

Seton Hall is a decent team. Providence, if they weren't playing in the Big East, could be a mid-major champ. But they are still Providence. Expect Seton Hall to bring their best game and redeem themselves after losing to DePaul.

Tsaasify Nod: Seton Hall

Villanova vs. Rutgers (9pm)

I'm not use to Villanova being the 14th seed, but there is a reason for that. As for Rutgers, they have shown huge improvement from last year. Don't underestimate either team. Calling it now. This will be another great game that will go into overtime. 

Tsaasify Nod: Rutgers

Second Round  (3/7) (assuming First round goes according to the Nod)

UConn vs. WVU (Noon)

My Mountaineers want to punch one more victory in their NCAA ticket. UConn needs this win more than WVU. The regular season match-up was a close one in the XL center. Luckily for WVU this is in the Garden. KJ, with his Flyin' WV hair cut, wants to make his senior year count, and to get the Big East POY and All-American honors. Could seeing this going down to the last possession. 

Tsaasify Nod: WVU

Pitt vs. Georgetown (2pm)

Georgetown is perhaps the most underrated team in the Big East. They have a solid squad, and wants to make a statement before selection Sunday, Pitt knows winning the Big East is the only way to advance. First major upset of the Tournament.

Tsaasify Nod: Pitt

Seton Hall vs. Louisville (7pm)

Seton Hall will face a strong Cardinals team. Expect their tournament run to end against UL's press.

Tsaasify Nod: Lousiville

Rutgers vs. South Florida (9pm)

South Florida has been a Big East surprise. Plus, they, just like WVU, want to add another victory to their resume to make sure they make the dance. Winning 12 Big East games should be more than plenty to get an invite. 

Tsaasify Nod: USF

Quarterfinals (3/8)

WVU vs. Syracuse (Noon)

A missed goal-tending call won't determine this game. WVU didn't play 'Cuse with a Melo down low. Plus Syracuse is the elite of the conference. Don't expect that to change Thursday. Still, this will be a good game, especially if Kevin Jones gets hot. 

Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse

Pitt vs. Cincinnati (2pm)

Will PItt run in the tournament continue? Pitt has the talent to make the miracle run, but the Bearcats will have something to say about it. First double overtime game in the tournament. I just hope that I am free that afternoon to watch this game. 

Tsaasify Nod: Pitt

Louisville vs. Marquette (7pm)

I am still absolutely amazed by the Golden Eagles. I wouldn't be surprised if they make a strong run to the NCAA tourney. This match-up will be a great game. I know where I will be that evening. 

Tsaasify Nod: Marquette

South Florida vs. Notre Dame (9pm)

A USF win here will leave no doubt in the selection committee to put them in the tournament, but the Fighting Irish love to play a slow game and solid defense, just like the Bulls. Expect they do it much better. 

Tsaasify Nod: Notre Dame. 

Semi-finals (3/9)

Pitt vs Syracuse (7pm)

The Orange will have none of the Pitt resurgence and bring that stout 2-3 zone to end the Panthers' run. Plus, PItt will be tired from playing the past three days. Their legs won't have the push they need to shoot and beat the zone. 

Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse

Notre Dame vs. Marquette (9pm)

Yes, the Irish beat the Golden Eagles at South Bend. Don't expect that to happen again. This will be a clash in style that even fashion designers would have say something [this line is terrible]. Notre Dame will slow the game down  to a crawl, and Marquette will run and run and run until Notre Dame can't run anymore. Then they will run some more. This may just be the best game of the tournament. Overtime worthy too!

Tsaasify Nod: Marquette

Championship Game (3/10)

Marquette vs. Syracuse (9pm)

If you have invested the time to watch most of this tournament, you will not miss the championship game against the Orange and the Golden Eagles. Last second shot to win the Big East? I feel it in my bones. Great drama to finish the best tournament.

Tsaasify Nod: Marquette

Will I be right in my predictions? I give myself a 50% chance. 

I will be making my bracket next week. If my dedicated readers wish to see how they hold up against Brother Saas #2, you are more than welcome. I will post more on that once the invites are determined.  

Weekend Watch (March 2-4, 2012)

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Louisville vs. Syracuse (Mar. 3, 4PM, CBS)
Saas-Level: Spaghetti Saas

This game has importance for both teams, just for different reasons. Syracuse doesn’t want to fall and lose a potential #1 seed. Louisville is trying to improve their seeding not only in the NCAA tournament, but the Big East tournament. A win against the Orange at the Carrier Dome will no doubt be a statement to the selection committee, but Syracuse has shown they are the elite of the Big East.
Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse

NCAA Men’s Basketball – North Carolina vs. Duke (Mar. 3, 7PM, ESPN)
Saas-Level: Chipotle Saas

So who wants the ACC regular season title, the first seed in the ACC tournament, and potentially a #1 seed in the NCAA dance? Rivers saved the Blue Devils last time from falling to the Tar Heels, but I have a feeling it will turn out differently. This game is completely about seeding and bragging rights. UNC is the better overall team, but if Duke starts shooting well they are extremely hard to beat. Should be a great season finale for the ACC.
Tsaasify Nod: North Carolina

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Georgetown vs. Marquette (Mar. 3, 2PM, ESPN3)
Saas-Level: Chipotle Saas

This game is going to be sweet. Two solid basketball teams playing to finish the season strong, and hopefully for the second seed to the Big East tournament, and perhaps a #2 seed in the dance. Georgetown is a good team but they do lose games that seem odd (Pitt, HALL, WVU), and the Golden Eagles just came off a beat down by Cincinnati.
Tsaasify Nod: Marquette

NCAA Men’s Basketball – West Virginia vs. South Florida (Mar. 3, 12PM, ESPN3)
Saas-Level: Spaghetti Saas, Ole Gold Saas

These two teams will be fighting for an NCAA bid. South Florida got a big win against Louisville Wednesday, but that may not be enough to get a bid. West Virginia is having an average Big East season, but thanks to some quality nonconference wins and strength of schedule they are still in the hunt for a bid, but not very often does a team that goes .500 in conference goes dancing. This is a win or go home scenario for both teams.
Tsaasify Nod: West Virginia 

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Kentucky vs. Florida (Mar 4, 12PM, CBS)
Saas-Level: Spaghetti Saas, Hot Saas

Kentucky is about to complete a perfect SEC season. These young guns have shown they are elite, and Calipari is displaying why this historic program hired him. Now, can they actually do it and go undefeated in the SEC, or can Florida finally show it’s worth and end the Wildcat’s reign on the south east?
Tsaasify Nod: Florida

NCAA Men’s Basketball – Ohio State vs. Michigan State (Mar 4, 4PM, CBS Big Ten Network)
Saas-Level: Chipotle Saas

The rematch of the best two teams in the Big Ten will be a nice end to the regular season, and to tease us for champ week.  The Big Ten regular season championship is still up for grabs. Michigan State also wants a #1 seed in the tourney, and Ohio will be playing for a #2 seed with a win. Ohio state has not been as dominate as I had thought it would be, and Michigan State with Izzo coaching will always put a quality product on the court. Expect another blood bath between these two teams.
Tsaasify Nod: Michigan State

NBA  - New York vs. Boston (Mar 4, 1PM, ABC)
Saas-Level: Spaghetti Saas

Lin and Melo are playing together and are trying to show the world they can win with two clashing styles of play. They did it against Cleveland, but can they muster up the teamwork to do it against the experienced Boston Celtics?  Linsanity will be on the back burner simmering.
Tsaasify Nod: Boston

NBA – Miami vs. LA Lakers (Mar 4, 3:30PM, ABC)
Saas-Level: Chipotle Saas

I feel like everyone has been waiting for this matchup to happen since the All-Star break where Wade fouled Kobe hard causing a nose injury and a concussion.  Will the Lakers retaliate to protect their star? Side note: these two teams are very good, and James is having an outstanding season. Even without the added drama, this is a must watch for the weekend. Expect some outstanding basketball in this game.
Tsaasify Nod: Miami

TV – The Walking Dead (Mar 4, 9PM, AMC)
Saas-Level: Chipotle Saas

With Randell now knowing where the farm is located, his death is to be expected. How will Shane act now that Rick saved his life?  Will Andrea ever be allowed in the presences of the farm house? Why did the two dead, walker-zombie officers have no bites? Does that mean the virus is airborne or spreading by some other means? The season is coming closer to the end, people are going to die.
Tsaasify Nod: Hershel will be slinging a gun around.  

My Most Memorable Sports Moment #1: Wambach’s Header in the 122nd minute to equalize

Let’s take a quick recap of the moments:

#5: Tiger Woods chip on the 16th at the 2005 Masters

#4: Michael Crabtree’s Game Winning Catch to Stun #1 Texas

#3: Tyree’s one-handed helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII

#2: Boise State’s Statement in 2007 Fiesta Bowl

With all the negative parts to the culture of soccer, it does also produce some fantastic drama. The USA women’s soccer team does it best.

Now, you won’t find me going out of my way to watch league games, but when the world cup is on I find myself always watching quality soccer. The 2011 Women’s World cup was probably the best sporting event I have watched in recent memory.

No game better demonstrated this than the quarterfinal match between USA and Brazil. These two teams were considered the best in the world. The Brazilians had Marta, and USA had Wambach and Solo. Now, with Japan the beating the host country in a stunning upset, this match-up had a lot to live up to if it wanted to outdo the awesome story of the Japanese women. Somehow it did just that.

The USA ladies took the lead early with an own-goal on Brazil. Brazil, in the 65^th minute, got a penalty kick and a red card against the US. Solo read the kick perfectly and denied them their goal, but encroachment was called on the US ladies, and the kick was retaken. The equalizer was made by none other than Marta.

Then the Brazilians, in the 92^nd minute, took the lead off of Marta, leaving USA in a tight situation.

Regulation ended and two minutes of extra time was given.  At this point, the US with ten players took an all out assault to try a tie the game up.  The Brazilians were trying to spend time. After a possession switch the ball quickly got down field to Megan Rapinoe down the left side. She crossed it to the right goal post. The ball flew over the goalie and another defender by inches, and was headed by the best header in women’s soccer, Wambach, for the equalizer in the 122^nd minute.

The game went into extra time, and then finally penalty kicks, where the US women won and advanced to the final against Japan. With the way this game was built-up, plus the added controversy over the penalty kick in the 65^th minute, and the red card that put USA down to only 10 players, made this victory unbelievable. I have never been as amazed by a finish as I was by this game. Wambach and Rapinoe put not only soccer, but women’s sports in general, into the forefront of sports. I can’t wait to see what happens at this year’s summer Olympics in London.