Archive for March, 2010
March Madness is Here
Finally it is here, the long awaited month of March the all the great basketball that comes with it. One of the most anticipated months of the year for sports fans and more importantly college basketball fans; the “Big Dance” kicks off
tomorrow with the opening round game. However, the real action begins the 18th with the start of the first round. Whether you are an avid fan or just interested in team mascots the NCAA tournament is always a good time to test your ability to predict who will go home early and who will stick around for another round. If you have yet to fill out your bracket you still have some time left. Use some of our bracket science to help you make those picks that are just too close for comfort.
Bracket Science:
- Historically not a single number one seed has lost during the first round
- Two out of every three tournaments results in the upset of a number three seed during the first round.
- Only 12 number 1 seeds have failed to reach the sweet sixteen.
- 14 seeds have the highest percent chance of an upset, due to their past records, high scoring offenses, strength of schedule
- 5 vs. 12 seed match up during the first round is historically where it no longer pays to give the higher seed an automatic bid to the next round.
- 6 seeds are more likely to advance to the second round than 5 seeds.
- The hardest pick to determine during the first round is 8 vs. 9 seeds; hope you have good luck
- The keys to a 13 seed walking away with a win in the first round are strong defenses, offenses that are consistent, and head coaches that have previous tournament experience.
If you still dont have your bracket CLICK HERE to get one and get in on all the action.
- Launch Player Check out this link to watch the games live on your computer.
Big Games In The Big East
The Big East tournament has reached the semi-finals but not without some upsets and buzzer beaters. The top two seeds, Syracuse and Villanova both lost their first game of the tournament. Syracuse lost to George Town 91-84, the Hoyas reminded the Big East that it’s still got the talent to make every game a dog fight. Marquette topped Villanova 80-76 even without their big time scorer’s. The Golden Eagles match up with fellow upset team George Town in the Semi’s for a battle of the better underdog.
With more on the upset special Notre Dame, downs Pitt with a slow paced sloppy 50-45 victory. Notre Dame was once a NIT-bound team, now after 6 straight wins over quality opponents has proven to be a threatening team to win the Big East and make a run in the Tourney. They are hitting their stride at the right time. They will be facing West Virginia tonight at 9 ET. West Virginia took on Cinnci last night, and it took a buzzer beater to squeak by. Da’Sean Butler’s big shot was icing on top of a crazy day at the Big East tournament.
The Big East has been the best conference tournament to watch thus far but there is more to come and the championship is up for grabs. Look for the action not to let up and tune in for quality college basketball and some prepping for the big dance.
Garciaparra Retires
Nomar Garciaparra retired yesterday as a Boston Red Sox. Garciaparra was a member of the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Oakland A’s. During the middle of his career he was kind of injury prone which hindered his true abilities. Most of Garciaparra’s best years came with the Boston Red Sox where he was regarded as one of the best shortstops in the league. Garciaparra was one of the most versatile players in the league, being able to play shortstop (his primary position), first base, third base, outfield, and even designated hitter with his batting abilities.
Nomar Garciaparra is loved in the baseball world. He was selected to the All-Star game six times, won the Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger award, NL comeback player of the year award, and won the Batting title twice with the Red Sox. Garciaparra finished his career with a .313 batting average, 938 RBI’s, and 229 Home Runs. Garciaparra will be missed by many in baseball, he was a terrific player and a great role model for kids. Garciaparra will join ESPN to be an analyst for Baseball tonight.
