OMDQ will close you out again tonight, and bring you whichever game they're showing. He'll start with Holy Cross-Southern Illinois.

Southern Illinois #4 West Region:

Conference Missouri Valley
Location Carbondale, IL
Coach Chris Lowery (since 2004)
Arena The SIU Arena
Record 27-6 (15-3)
RPI 6
NCAA Appearances 9
NCAA Record 4-9 (.308)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2005

Holy Cross #13 West Region:

Conference Patriot League
Location Worcester, MA
Coach Ralph Willard (since 1999)
Arena Hart Recreation Center
Record 25-8 (13-1)
RPI 62
NCAA Appearances 11
NCAA Record 7-11 (.389)
Last Bid 2003
Last Win 1953



"Here I am
The one that you love
Bloggin' for another day
Understand the one that you love
Loves you in so many ways."

Yes, it's true - I love each and every person who is reading this right now. If I could have you all in My Five, I totally would.

Anyway, now that it's awkward in here, let's do this. If you weren't here last night, my name is Brian, my blog is One More Dying Quail, and I'll be hanging out here until the last whistle of the last game this evening. Please, join me.

9:43 - We have a few minutes before So Ill attempts to represent for the state of Illinois against Holy Cross. My wife asked me earlier, "What the hell is a saluki?", so I thought I'd deal with that now, just in case anyone else was wondering the same thing.

A saluki is a Middle Eastern dog, one of the oldest known breeds. According to Wikipedia, they can outrun any other animal over a three mile course and are the only dog not considered unclean by the Bedouin. Exciting, huh?

If the selection committee had any sense of humor, they would have matched Southern Illinois up with the Albany Great Danes. It would've been the best dog related event since Puppy Bowl III.

9:58 - Sorry about the late start. The gremlins over at Blogger headquarters unplugged some cables or something. Bastards. (I should mention that I stole the gremlins joke from Tom King of the Nashua Telegraph. He uses it every time something electrical goes bad at Holman Stadium, which is often.)

10:00 - This game will not be Tennessee-Long Beach State or Kansas-Niagara; at the 15:34 mark of the first half, it's tied at 4.

10:02 - My fifteen minutes of research on this game revealed an interesting fact (at least to me): Southern Illinois guard Cornelius Christian attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. Don't see that too often. Unfortunately, Christian isn't seen too often either - literally. He's listed on the roster as a freshman, but didn't appear in a game all season.

10:05 - Offensive foul on the Salukis. Holy Cross commits the sympathy offensive foul on the opposite end.

10:06 - Both teams are in the top ten nationally in fewest PPG allowed.

10:07 - A pair of awful shots from Holy Cross, including a wide open ten-footer that hits nothing but glass...if this keeps up, they might not break 40.

10:08 - Holy Cross hits one of two free throws to make it 6-5. So Ill misses badly on the other end, Holy Cross brings the ball up and loses it, So Ill turns it over...we were just told that there are almost as many turnovers as points. Bill Simmons must be delighted right now.

10:09 - Holy Cross gets it inside for an easy two. So Ill finally hits an outside show, with Matt Shaw nailing the three. The Salukis lead, 9-7.

10:12 - They're leaving this incredibly thrilling contest for a look at Arkansas-USC. Arkansas leads early, 7-4. Then it's off to Villanova-Kentucky, tied at 18 (but you're reading Extra P's live-blog, so you already kwow that). And Florida-Jackson State is 9-6. Back to Columbus - woo hoo!

10:14 - Holy Cross has broken it open in our absence - four straight points for an 11-9 lead. At this pace, that might hold up for awhile.

10:15 - Two free throws for the Salukis ties it at 11 with under ten minutes in the first half.

10:16 - Shot clock running down, Holy Cross gets the ball in to Eric Meister for the bucket and the foul. He back rims the free throw, but gets the sympathetic bounce - 14-11, Holy Cross.

10:17 - Southern Illinois with ANOTHER push-off for an offensive foul.

10:20 - "This is the definition of 'half-court grinder'." - Tim Brando

"Half-court grinder" is a euphemism for "shitty offense".

10:21 - Back from the timeout, Holy Cross scores again for a 16-13 lead. After a foul, junior center Tim Clifford enters the game for the Crusaders. I like him because he's a local guy (Walpole, MA) and he wears 00.

10:23 - So Ill turns the ball over, but Holy Cross - surprise, surprise - hands it back. Salukis ball at the eight minute timeout, still trailing 16-13.

10:24 - Might be time to consider a switch to Wordpress. The gremlins are back.

10:26 - "This is the floor that Ohio State plays their home games on, although of course this is not their home arena." - Brando

What? Can somebody explain this to me like I'm a child?

10:28 - Tim Clifford is a big dude, but he looks too friendly to be much of a player. Although he did average almost twelve points and five rebounds this year, so maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about.

10:30 - So Ill goes on a 4-0 run and leads 17-16.

10:31 - Holy Cross guard Keith Simmons averages nearly 18 points a game. He just scored his first tonight, on a game tying free throw.

10:32 - Torey Thomas with a great steal for the Crusaders, leading to a decent shot inside. It doesn't fall, but Simmons is fouled again and drains both freebies. So Ill answers with their first field goal in over four minutes (thanks, TB) to retie it at 19.

10:33 - This hasn't been a well-played game thus far, but it's compelling nonetheless. Neither team has demonstrated a willingness to take over and pull away.

10:34 - Tatum to Shaw for the alley-oop and it's the Salukis by three, 22-19. That play looked like the lobs we used to throw in junior high school, when no one could jump high enough to dunk but we all wanted to look cool anyway.

10:36 - Timeouts suck. We just had one, So Ill scored on a goaltending call when Greg McCarthy took the ball off the rim, and now we're in a TV timeout. Ridiculous. It can't be easy for a less-talented team to deal with the constant starts and stops like that.

10:39 - Bryan Mullins picks off a Holy Cross pass and takes it the distance for two. The Salukis are working on that run I was just talking about. Holy Cross scores a two, then another lob pass nets two more for the Salukis.

10:41 - After a missed three and a foul, two free throws make it 28-23 Southern Illinois.

10:42 - Again the Salukis force a bad shot and fast break it out, but the layup won't go. Holy Cross turns it over on a travel. They can't afford to fall too far behind - the way they're shooting tonight, any deficit over ten will be damn near impossible to overcome.

10:43 - Shaw sinks two free throws to make it 30-23. Meister answers on the other end with a short jump hook in the paint - 30-25.

10:44 - Big play right before the half - Southern Illinois tosses up a wild shot at the last second, Shaw goes up for the rebound and lands on Pat Doherty's foot. He was down for a couple minutes but managed to limp off. At the half, 30-25, So Ill.

10:49 - Run Up The Score! said...If I was playing against Florida, I'd send my most athletic benchwarmer down the lane to kick Joakim Noah in the fucking face. I actually daydreamed about being that benchwarmer about 30 minutes ago.

I had to share it with someone...

I'm proud that you chose to share that with me. You should be doing the Florida game with inner rage like that.

10:50 - Speaking of Florida...who wants some bonus halftime coverage?

10:51 - Florida led by eight just moments ago...Jackson State is on a 9-2 run to cut it to 38-35.

10:52 - Offensive foul on the Gator. I have seen enough offensive fouls tonight to last a lifetime.

10:53 - "The longer Jackson State hangs in there, the more of this neutral crowd they're getting."

It's official - Jackson State is Rocky, Florida is Ivan Drago.

10:54 - Joakim Noah sits. Brewer hits two free throws to push the lead back to six, 41-35.

10:54 - Show of hands...who expected Jackson State to be anywhere near the lead at this point?

10:55 - Excellent defense by State, knocking the ball loose and creating enough chaos to get a breakaway. No payoff, however - the ball is mishandled under the basket and goes out of bounds.

10:56 - Young with a three at the buzzer, but it won't go. Florida leads Jackson State by six at the half, 41-35.

10:59 - Holy shit, this is inspired! The classic moment CBS chooses to show is Laettner's shot against Kentucky in the regional semifinals what, fifteen years ago? The fact that this aired the day after Duke's worst tournament performance since 1996 might mean that CBS is my new favorite network.

11:03 - I know you're all still wondering about salukis, so here you go:



11:10 - Just to be fair, here's a self-styled "crusader". I was gonna say something about his World of Warcraft comments, then I realized that I am live-blogging a basketball game. So yeah...never mind.



11:12 - I made a vow to not commment on this game anymore until someone scored. So Ill finally got on the board at the 16:20 mark. The second half scoring thus far? 1-0.

11:13 - Make that 2-1; it only took four minutes, but Holy Cross scored the first field goal of the second half. They're down four (31-27) at the TV timeout, with "Little" Torey Thomas headed to the line for two shots.

11:16 - Back from the break, Thomas hits both free throws to cut the lead to two. Word on Shaw is that he has a high ankle sprain and probably won't return. Foul away from the ball on So Ill...doesn't matter, though, as they steal it back on the next trip down the floor.

11:19 - Salukis finally hit their first field goal of the half. Celebration time, come on!

11:20 - Beautiful pass from Jamaal Tatum to Tony Boyle for two. He threaded the needle perfectly on that one.

11:23 - Under thirteen minutes to play, Southern Illinois leads by six. And they've done it while scoring a whopping five points in just over seven minutes.

11:25 - Mullins hits the second three of the night for So Ill to make it 38-29. Doherty answers back with a three at the other end. Brando points out that Doherty is only the third Holy Cross player to score a field goal in this game. Torey Thomas becomes the fourth moments later with a breakaway layup that trims the lead back to four, 38-34.

11:27 - This game reminds me a lot of Gonzaga-Indiana last night; the Hoosiers maintained a constant small lead, then extended it to about ten and held it there until the end. So Ill is doing the same thing, although with twelve minutes left they haven't been able to hold the lead above four or five points.

11:31 - The Salukis use a 4-0 "run" to get the lead back to eight.

11:33 - Three Holy Cross field goals trim the lead back to five, 42-37.

11:34 - Brando and Mike Gminski inspire me with a discussion on famous Southern Illinois alumni. They mention Walt Frazier; Wikipedia gives me Brandon Jacobs and Patti McGuire. I'm efforting a McGuire picture as we speak.

No mention of Bill Simmons during a similar Holy Cross discussion.

11:36 - Down six, Holy Cross misses an open layup, gets the rebound, misses again, gets the rebound, then turns the ball over when the player who receives a pass is standing on the end line. Great offensive possession.

11:46 - The last ten minutes just disappeared into the Internets thanks to Blogger. They're fucking sucking shit tonight. Can you tell I'm upset.

11:47 - You should be too - now you have to wait longer for a nice picture of Patti McGuire.

11:48 - Alright, here she is, courtesy of the PMG Appreciation Site:

(Disclaimer: There is some NSFW content - boobies and stuff - when you scroll down in that link. Consider yourselves warned)



11:52 - Holy Cross hits one of two free throws to cut it to 52-46. At the other end, Tim Clifford commits his fifth foul - he's gone with nine points.

"He's a 40% free throw shooter, so that's a victory of sorts." - Brando, after a Holy Cross player made one of two from the line.

11:54 - Clifford weeps.

11:55 - Holy Cross is shooting 32% from the floor. Torey Thomas (1-for-12) and Keith Simmons (0-5) are turning in less than memorable performances.

11:56 - What does "Game Reset" mean?

11:57 - The Salukis lead 55-47 with under two minutes to play.

11:58 - "Tatum, ooping for Falker." - Brando.

11:58 - "That was an alley-oop." - Brando, literally two seconds later.

11:59 - Southern Illinois has the lead up to nine. Holy Cross turns the ball over with 1:29 left. I normally try to remain optimistic at all times, but this one is over. No way the Crusaders score nine points in the next 89 seconds.

12:00 - Looks like about six minutes left in the Arkansas-USC matchup. I'm guessing we'll get kicked over there pretty soon. Villanova-Kentucky is a final (67-58 Kentucky - the Wildcats get Kansas in Round 2) and Florida Jackson State has devolved into a blowout in the second half (112-69 Gators - just went final. RUTS will be happy).

12:03 - Exactly a minute to play, 61-47 Southern Illinois. Holy Cross is pressing but not fouling, which is good - no sense delaying the inevitable.

12:04 - The Salukis will face Virginia Tech in the second round. Will Leitch cannot be pleased.

12:06 - The final is in - Southern Illinois wins it, 61-51. Holy Cross should be satisfied with 51 points, considering how poorly they shot the ball.

12:07 - Simmons weeps.

12:10 - Yup, they're sending us over to USC-Arkansas. It's a close one - 69-54, just over three minutes left.

12:11 - March in New England: on Wednesday we had sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. Today? Six fucking inches of snow.

12:13 - USC's Dwight Lewis might be the least fired up person in this game right now. He just dunked on someone, drew a foul, and looked almost embarassed. I like him.

12:14 - Two minutes to go, Lewis scores again to make it 76-54, and he's ecstatic about it.

12:15 - "Dwight Lewis with another deuce."

Maybe he should see a doctor.

12:16 - extrapolater said...OK, Patti McGuire trumps Ashley Judd. That totally brings back memories of finding my dad's Playboy's under his bed.

I know what you're talking about, E. I commonly refer to those times as "the good old days".

12:17 - Twenty point lead means we get a glowing collage of O.J. Mayo, destined for USC next season. The play-by-play guy made a comment about how James, Oden and Mayo don't LOOK like high school kids. His partner started talking about how they carry themselves differently, play differently, blah blah blah.

No, the difference between them and most high school kids is just what the first guy said: they look like they're pushing thirty.

12:20 - 77-60 USC, final. The Trojans didn't even toss up a token last second shot at the end to try for the even twenty.

12:26 - That does it for Day Two of the tournament. It's been my pleasure to share it with all of you. As always, I am Brian from One More Dying Quail (and for the next 23 1/2 hours, Our Book Of Scrap). Stay drunk.

Extrapolater is on the Wilcats Squared starting 9:30....join him after the jump.

Kentucky #8 West Region:

Conference Southeastern
Location Lexington, KY
Coach Tubby Smith (since 1997)
Arena Adolph Rupp Arena
Record 21-11 (9-7)
RPI 12
NCAA Appearances 48
NCAA Record 99-43 (.697)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2006

Villanova #9 West Region:

Conference Big East
Location Villanova, PA
Coach Jay Wright (since 2001)
Arena Pavilion
Record 22-10 (8-6)
RPI 19
NCAA Appearances 27
NCAA Record 42-27 (.609)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2006


With Kentucky getting a middling seed again this year, most of America is only excited for another chance to see Ashley Judd bounce up and down in a blue t-shirt. And apparently, Villanova fans will be combating that with a lamp. Sorry, but that's advantage-Kentucky.

The winner of this game will meet the Kansas Jayhawks. As a Kansas grad who also happened to grow up in Lawrence, I can't tell you how good it feels to see Kansas with double the score of their first round opponent. It's an absurd level of relief. That leaves us with the defending champs as the only 1 seed still facing a 16.

By the way, since AA gives us full license to shill our hit-whoring hearts out - I have a blog called College Rule Notebook. I'm trying to collect stories about pretty much every school in the U.S. (though I already have an entry from the United Arab Emirates, so let's not think small). I don't have entries for either Kentucky or Villanova, so partisans head over there before the game and hit the survey link. It takes no time at all.

Blah blah blah, Extra P. Where's the game?



Can I tell you how much I despise the Monty Python rip-off commercial for Ensign Mortgage? Yikes, it is bad.

I'd like to join OMDQ in his quest to get Bill Simmons to mention Awful Announcing by saying I just watched KEVIN DURANT play, and I think he will look great in a BOSTON CELTICS jersey next year. And, just for good measure, TOM BRADY.

Nantz and Packer.... oh, joy.

Dwight Perry had to start because they put the wrong Perry in the scoring lineup, so Tubby has his player commit a foul so he can get the other Perry in. Wonder if he'll regret wasting a foul?

We've traded buckets while Blogger is down, so it's Villanova 3, UK 2.

Eesh, a few buckets have fallen while I was trying to figure out why Blogger was down.

With 16 mins left, it's Villanova 9, Kentucky 6.

Meeks hits a three for UK and we're tied.

This is going to be a challenge for me, not being able to fall back on the team nickname as an alternate descriptor.

Long pass and Morris from Kentucky swats it - goaltend.

Nova is pressing early.

With 14:40 left, it's Nova 11, UK 9.

Reynolds is out with two fouls already, that's going to hamper Nova a bit.

The rim is speaking, it's saying "BONG!" a lot.

Then Nardi nails an NBA three, and the rim falls silent. The Wildcats in blue have 14.

A Canadian and a Cajun enter the game. Do they trash talk in French?

UK's Stephenson rams one home. Packer calls it "a pretty good play".

14-11 for Nova, make that 16.

Thomas (the Canadian) gets one to drop and it's 16-13. Under 12:00 break.

The numbers on the Nova jerseys are odd. The 11 looks like the double line on a highway - too close together.

Sheridan blocks Casper and then Cunningham gets to shoot two.

At 11:00 it's 18-13 for Nova.

Thomas looked like he walked, but perhaps it was just a 394 degree pivot.

Villanova has zero offensive rebounds but are leading the game by five. Odd stat.

Bradley nails a three for Kentucky and we're tied at 18! DICK VITALE IS ON FIRE!!!

8:00 left and Perry shortarms a three badly.

This game is kind of chippy - lots of bodies hitting the floor. I like that.

Jackson State is leading Florida. What a beautiful dream.... from National Champs to knocked out by a 16 seed. And all because Joakim Noah is an asshat.

Scramble for the ball, more of that brutal floor crashing action!

With 6:30 left, it's still UK 19, Villanova 18, and nova hasn't scored in six minutes.

I've had two beers and I think I could shoot better than either of these teams. Of course, I'd be winded after two trips up and down the floor, but that's not my point.

Kentucky's on an 8-0 run, but as soon as Nantz says it, Nova scores.

Crawford muscles one inside, and it's 23-20 for UK.

Lukasz Obrzut enters the game for Kentucky. From now on, he's "The Pole".


Well, crap. The most recent round of Blogger malfunctions just ate the last several lines of text I typed. That was not a happy moment. We go to half with Kentucky leading 30-28. I promise, I wrote a whole bunch of stuff.

The main thing I wanted to say was, I expected more out of Nantz & Packer. Not one stupid or dirty-sounding comment yet. The site is called AWFUL Announcing, not COMPETENT BUT BORING Announcing, fellas.

Mike says "Lord save us from another Dickie V. commercial"

I've been watching so much CBS, I don't want to see ANY of these commercials, EVER AGAIN!

Aaargh, of course the Gators have started to toy with Jackson State. I didn't really think they'd lose this early, but a guy can dream.

Hmmm... apparently Christian Laettner once made a shot that people gave a shit about. That must have been a looooong time ago.

I didn't know Cuba Gooding was a Jackson State fan.

One of my local restaurants is advertising their "renowned Hummus". And yet, this is the first time I have heard of said hummus.

Ah, time for a blatant plug. I am Extrapolater, and I also run College Rule Notebook. And we have the finest hummus on the internet.

Ah, finally. Packer: "Randolph Morris on the inside for Kentucky has been too much of a load for Villanova to handle". That's all I got right now.

Nova scores right off to tie things at 30-all.

Kentucky has 7 turnovers to Villanova's 3. Still, not a high number for either team.

Nova scores two. I'd tell you who's hitting the shots, but Nantz and Packer like it when I guess.

Reynolds for Nova got fouled on a three, and hits two shots to make it 34-30 for the Philly school.

Crawford floats across the lane and hits a sort of hook shot to bring Kentucky back within two.

Morris hits one free throw after being fouled by Redding, and Kentucky is still back by one.

Two more free throws and Kentucky leads by one with 17:oo left.

Haven't seen Ashley Judd once. If she skipped this game to make some third-rate romantic comedy, I'll be disappointed. If she skipped it because Kentucky isn't a high seed, I'll be sad.

Bradley has three fouls and has to sit next to Tubby. It's now 37-36, make that 40-36 for UK after a big three. That's the biggest lead of the night for Kentucky.

Kentucky's been on a 10-2 run over the past 3:30.

I'm dying to see the Wildcat mascots rumble. The Villanova version looks kind of fierce, while the Kentucky version looks a little... well.... stoned.

Huh. I didn't know "The Unit" was still on.

14:29 left, and Kentucky steals the ball. Then throws it away. Lots of running, very little scoring at this juncture.

Two full minutes have passed with no scoring.

As a reminder, it's 40-36, make that 42-36. I can always break a stalemate by trying to type the score. Works like a charm.

Kentucky is up by seven, which counts as a heeyuge lead in this game.

Meeks hits a three. It's an eight point lead for Kentucky.

Packer says Kentucky wants to "occupy some clock". I don't think that word means what you think it means.

47-39 for Kentucky still. 8:26 left in the second half. Morris shooting free throws.

Hits two to make it 49-39 Kentucky.

Sumpter hits a three to cut the lead to seven.

Just seven minutes left, and it's 50-42 for Kentucky.

Villanova gets two back on free throws.

Morris is tearing Villanova up inside. Ugh. Is it possible for an AA live-blogger to make the "day in quotes"? I can't believe I just typed that.

This is a remarkably sloppy game. I think Kansas will have a field day with either of these teams if they don't get their offenses working.

54-46 for Kentucky with 5:49 left in the second half.

Nardi barely beats the shot clock on an inbounds pass. Nice, nice poise.

Meeks front-rims a three. Nova rebounds.

Reynolds goes to the line. Morris has four fouls, which alters the rest of the game for Kentucky - he's been their real inside presence. It's 54-50 for UK - Nova is coming back.

Man. Every time something exciting is about to happen (the fast break that just came off) a brutal foul ends it. If the teams weren't above 50 points each, I'd think I was watching the Big 10.

3:08 left, and a59-50 lead for UK.

I just realized I was about two minutes behind game action on my DVR. I really shouldn't drink while live-blogging.

Fortunately, the commercials are so long, I caught up immediately.

Looks like So Ill is finally pulling ahead of the Cross.

I guess I'd rather see Kentucky go on to face Kansas in the second round, because of all the tradition, but good lord, I don't want to see either of these teams play again, in reality.

2:13 left, and it's 59-54 for Kentucky. Villanova gets out the trap on the ensuing possession, and commit a foul to put Thomas on the line.

Tubby is crying for hard fouls to be called. What, and ruin the flow of the game? The pace has be Paleolithic!

Bradley reaches in and gets bashed in the jaw for it. He's lying on the court and gets charged with the foul as well. That's four on him, and Nova gets to shoot with the clock off. 61-56 after the shots.

Press on for Nova. Another wide open shot goes to shit as Morris cups the basketball into his crotch and walks with it. Ugh.

Ah, Packer says "Kentucky gets big again".

Nova's gone ice-cold. They foul Meeks and put the freshman on the line with 1:07 left in the game.

64-56 for Kentucky.

Reynolds and Morris get players of the game. Big shock, as those are the only names I heard called most of the day, except for Meeks.

Sheridan fouls out, we have 51 seconds left. Packer points out that two former Tulsa coaches will match up in the second round - Self and Tubby.

Kentucky goes up 9 and nova wastes too much time passing the ball around. The refs let two Nova players mug the man with the ball and don't blow the whistle. Apparently they're ready to hit the bars. Frankly, so am I.

It's now an eleven point lead for Kentucky after the free throws. And yet we have to endure another time out with 11 seconds left.

Whew, game over in Chicago, and we fly out to the So Ill Holy Cross game. I'll leave that one to OMDQ.

I have been Extra P. See you in the blogosphere.

Sorry everyone.....no preview I was running late. VT is from Virginia and Will from Deadspin went to Illinois......Let's go (after the jump).

VT #5 West Region:

Conference Atlantic Coast
Location Blacksburg, VA
Coach Seth Greenberg (since 2003)
Arena Cassell Coliseum
Record 21-11 (10-6)
RPI 25
NCAA Appearances 7
NCAA Record 5-7 (.417)
Last Bid 1996
Last Win 1996

Illinois #11 West Region:

Conference Big Ten
Location Champaign, IL
Coach Bruce Weber (since 2003)
Arena Assembly Hall
Record 23-11 (9-7)
RPI 34
NCAA Appearances 26
NCAA Record 38-27 (.585)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2006


So I ran into a little snafu at dinner. For some reason it took about 30 minutes to get the bill.

Our score early is Illini 11 VT 5.

A little programming FYI- Extra P is on the Nova/Kentucky game, and OMDQ is on the late game action. For some reason he wants to do the Holy Cross game real bad, so if you're from Mass. join him later on.

Back to the game. 11-8 Illini leads. VT turns it over. Carter misses for Ill. Washington flies through the air for a miss on the other end. Dowdell ties it for VT with a three. VT gets it back and Vasallo nails another one from long distance for the Hookies.

Arnold gets one in close for Ill, and it's a one point lead. 14-13.

Dowdell misses a three. At the under twelve it's a one point Hokie lead.

Brando and Mike Giminski are back on the case for our evening game FYI.

Both teams trade threes, but Illini hits another to follow. Two point lead for Illinois. Carter gets the ball knocked away, and there's a shot clock violation.

19-17 at the under 8 stoppage.

Vasallo with the steal for VT. Washington is out of control again, and he needs to settle down. Ray Pruitt (Thanks Chemical Brother) hits for the Illini. Four point UofI lead.

Arnold in a crowd hits a hook for UofI, and VT misses on the other end. Carter bricks a runner, and Dowdell misses at the other end.

Randle just destroys the entire Tech teams, and throws it down on the break after a spin move.

25-19 Illinois

The Main Event says......Randle looks like a presentable Juwan Howard.

Very true. But he just doesn't have the same box fade.....with this one topping them all.

Illinois' half court defense is forcing some horrible shots by VT. U of I gets the ball on the tie up.

"Randle with the 360 Slamma.....OH FIGHT THA POWER!"- Tim Brando, There are not words to describe how white that sounded.

25-19 U of I with 3 minutes to go.

Wow...I can't tell you how much I hate the Hokies after I just saw that Coke commercial.

Vasallo fouled shooting a jumper with one sec on the shot clock. Bad play by the Illini. But Vasallo gives it right back with an offensive foul. 1:30 to go.

Splash! Carter nails a three and is fouled....plus he has pretty hair!

29-19 with 1:21 left. Dowdell hits, and VT gets a steal but blows a dunk. Crazy sequence at the end, but VT misses at the buzzer.

29-21 Illinois at the half

"You might have to wake up the official scorekeepter"- MG, tell me about it.

We're back, and VT opens up with two straight hoops. The second a nice follow dunk. 4 point lead now.

Dunk from Illinois. Collins picks up an offensive board and will head to the line. He hits both and the lead is four. And Greenberg gets a technical called on him. Stupid stupid move. Illinois hits both.

Gordon going to the line, and he hits both to get the technical points back. Carter banks in a jumper followed by a Vasallo airball. under 16 timeout.

35-29 U of I.

"I'll use the banking board thank you very much"- TB, Is it really called a banking board?

Collins to the line and he misses both. Carter gets an offensive foul at the other end for the Illini. VT misses what seems like 17 shots, and McBride gets a three at the other end.

Dowdell turns it over, and McBride is fouled shooting another three. He'll head to the line.

Vasallo finally hits, and that cuts the lead to 7. 12+ to go.

McBride is hurt and is heading back to the locker room. Expect a VT run here....

Illinois just looks like they want it more....VT looks really tired. The Illini to the line when we get back from the Under 8 minute timeout.

39-32 Ill.

Two throws from Illinois to push it to nine, but Vasallo hits a runner on the other end.

"Seth Greenberg would like to see more deuces like that from Vasallo"- TB, Ewww.

Meachum hits a three, and VT is in trouble....10 to go. VT's offense now consists of Vasallo just chucking shots everytime down the court. Carter hits and the lead is 13.

Vasallo commits a foul, and they look horrible. No one cares on this team at all.

Washington actually decides to play defense and forces a five second call. The defense for Illinois is just smothering though.....VT misses again....they're 31% from the field.

Randle gets an offensive board and is fouled on the put back. 1 of 2 and the lead is fourteen. CBS has the score wrong as it shows only a 13 point lead. VT gets to the line on the other end, but Gordon can only hit 1 of 2 as well.

Under 8....46-35 Illinois. I'm confused. I could have sworn it was a 14 point lead, but whatever.....it's 11.

CBS has the score at 47-35 when we come back.....I still think it's thirteen but oh well it's twelve. Tim and Mike are talking about VT pressing, and yes they should......have started this about 3 minutes ago.

"The New Adventures of Old Christine"- TB
"Well I hope she dances better than old Elaine"- MG

Not bad Mike.....Seinfeld humor always goes over well with this crowd.

Tech is missing the front end of their 1 and 1's and that's not good. 10 point game 7 minutes left. Carter hits one of two for Illinois, and Dowdell travels and turns the ball over.

Steal for VT, and Gordon goes to the line. 6:21 left.

Another steal on the press for VT and Washington will go to the line this time. He can cut the lead to seven......but doesn't. He only hits one of two....eight point lead.

5 turnovers the last seven trips for Illinois, but they score this time with one second left on the shot clock. 10 point game 5 minutes left. Gordon hits and is fouled.....he can cut it to seven. Buuuuuuuuut he of course misses the FT.

Illinois turns it over, and we've gone under 5 minutes. Washington is T'ed up and that was a horrible call. He got popped in the mouth and then gets tangled up with Randle. It was actually an intentional foul.

Randle airballs the Free Throw, and the Basketball Gods make it right with two misses. Randle scores on the return possession, but Washington hits a three to cut the lead back down to seven.

Yet another turnover for Illinois, but Gordon misses the layup. He's had a terrible game.

52-45 under 4 to go.

Illinois breaks the press finally and sets up on offense. Great defensive play by Washington as he blocks a shot and tips it out. Missed layup, but there's a foul on the play. VT to the line after the break.

Despite missing on all my Cinderella's so far (VCU not included) I'm in good shape here. Its almost unbelievable to me that Illinois is playing damn near a home game as the 12 seed. This game is in Columbus (obviously) which is a lot closer to CHampagne than it is to Blackburg. (BD)

Great point. I obviously didn't take this into consideration when I had VT beating Kansas. My brackets are cooked.

Collins hits both and the lead is 5. 3 minutes to go. Illinois gets it across. Illinois gets a new possession after a held ball, and VT can't get a rebound to save their lives. New shot clock

Turnover. VT ball....Washington hits a three! 52-50!!! Two-minutes to go.

"Hookie Hookie High.....this boy from VPI has close the gap"- TB

VT can't get another board, and Illinois is just dominating on the glass. There they go. Vasallo gets one. Timeout Tech. 1:30 to go.

Gordon to the line to probably miss at least one free throw. And of course he misses the first....hits the second. One point game.

Carter misses...Washington with the board. Under a minute.....WASHINGTON HITS THE BANKER!!!!! He's on fire. VT UP ONE!!!!!

53-52.....37.7 secs left.

"The Bank is open late in Ohio....OH HI O."- TB

Carter tries a jumper....he misses, but he was fouled. No call. VT pulls it down. Vasallo to the line. He misses the first, but hits the second. Two point game....

Timeout Illinois.....17.6 left.....54-52.

No timeouts for Illinois.....Randle misses a wide-open three but somehow gets his own miss. OH AND A FOUL.....good call. 1 and 1.....he misses. Tie ball!!!!

And that's game! The Hokies somehow pull out the win in a game that they should have lost.

54-52.....thank Washington for the win Blacksburg. Two more live-blogs left tonight....enjoy!

I'm loving Tennesse for some odd reason, but I also had GW in the Sweet Sixteen, so don't listen to me.

Signal to Noise is back for his second game today. Maybe there'll be a Snoop Dogg sighting as well? Find out after the jump.

Tennessee #5 South Region:

Conference Southeastern
Location Knoxville, TN
Coach Bruce Pearl (since 2005)
Arena Thompson-Boling Arena
Record 22-10 (10-6)
RPI 11
NCAA Appearances 14
NCAA Record 9-15 (.375)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2006

Long Beach State #12 South Region:

Conference Big West
Location Long Beach, CA
Coach Larry Reynolds (since 2002)
Arena The Pyramid
Record 24-7 (12-2)
RPI 87
NCAA Appearances 7
NCAA Record 7-8 (.467)
Last Bid 1995
Last Win 1973


Hey everyone, West Coast correspondent S2N here again. Warning in advance: I may have to bail if this game runs too long -- work at 2:45 Pacific, but you will get the majority of this game, I promise, and three hours should be plenty.

My pick is LBSU, because if you didn't know, I live five minutes from another Big West conference school (GO MUSTANGS!), and you gotta show 'em some love. We're headed out to the game right about now, and the Vols are up 9-5, says Fatty-Boombalatty Greg Gumbel. Off to Columbus after the break!

We're in, and LBSU gets a two via Mark Dawson off the offensive board. Tenn responds with a miss, and a foul on the other end against Juwon Smith, with his second. Vols up by six as we head to break. Players to watch: LBSU guard Aaron Nixon and Vols guard Chris Lofton, of course.

The Vols' forward has lost a contact lens, and Tim Brando is talking about the "incestuous world that is college coaching." Lofton working the ball, moves it over, Cruise is blocked, and Mark Dawson rips it away. Lofton gets the steal, scores with the left, steals the inbound again, and gets another score.

"The Volunteers, annoying you, they're like gnats defensively." - Tim Brando

The Vols are thieving so much right now that the Columbus Police Department is being called out for an incident not involving OSU students or players.

Thank you, I'll be here all the week. And the Vols hit another three after a steal, but LBSU responds with a transition bucket after beating the pressure. Smith hits another jumper. Wayne Chisholm gets an easy bucket down low, and the problem is that LBSU has no one taller than 6'6" on their roster and they're getting abused for easy buckets.

31-14, Vols.

We're being switched to Winthrop-ND right now. Go check out RUTS' live blog until they come back (if at all). I'll keep a score count of the damage here for you.

OK, we're back, Vols up by 13 right now, and they're playing lockdown D and hitting threes.

Zach Landres-Schnur said: damn. i like LBST in this (i'm getting ND/Winthrop here in Seattle), but appearantly they look rather uninpsired.

Yep, pretty much. They're doing the best they can on D, but Tenn is a bigger version of the 49ers. Nixon hits a nice shot, but Tab responds with an easy two. Kejuan Johnson gets a bucket for the Niners and the foul too. (Key-juan. Love that name.)

Six minutes left and the lead is down to single digits, which is always a good sign for an underdog. Tenn's missed the last 5 shots, and Houston is going to the line after getting fouled on the drive. This is how LBSU needs to score, work it off the dribble, don't get flustered, and get those foul shots.


Grimey said: I would like to be frequently updated about the amount of drama in the LBSU. If this isn't possible, I will simply assume "so much."

Man, it's hard out here for a Niner, especially when you got a guy like Duke Cruz going inside on your ass. Kejuan hits a three and pulls it within six for the Niners, tries it again the next time down and the Duke grabs a board. Ramar Smith gets fouled on the other end.


41-35, Vols.

Awful Announcing- said: Carrie Bradshaw is awesome!

Shit, did I miss a Horseface sighting???

The Vols get four points after the second free throw miss and Smith hits a three from the corner after an offensive board. Another steal by Bradshaw, pass to Smith, who drives the lane, scores, and picks up the foul for an old-fashioned three point play. We may be getting swapped out again soon at this rate. Free throw is good. Kejuan Johnson WILL NOT let it go though, and hits another three to make it a ten point game. Jawon Smith hits another two baseline.

"This highlight film isn't going to make a lot of defense teaching reels, but it's been highly entertaining." - Mike Grimminski

Chisholm gets another quick score, and the Vols are up by a dozen. Tennessee's still stealing like crazy and getting points off the turnovers, and it's back to a dozen again. The Vols have 16 points off Niner turnovers, and there's gonna be a lot of drama in the LBSU locker room come halftime.

Bruce Pearl needs to be required to either wear the orange blazer or body paint. His choice.

Halftime. 57-45, Vols.

BD said: This one sounds like it's fun to watch. Got the WIN-ND game over here though. Did you pick LBSU S2N or did you let your Big West bias go?

My bias (noted over at Signal to Noise) stuck with me, BD, but I didn't have LBSU upsetting Virginia or anything like that. Of course, Tennessee could totally screw up my bracket.

That's the first I've ever seen of Mike Giminski. He has a very punchable face. Just sayin'.

Hm. Got Wisky-TAMUCC now, as the Vols are up 67-47. Check out Marco and RUTS' live blogs and I'll be back if this game comes back on.

Score update: 73-51, Vols, about 14 minutes to go. This is getting out of hand. I hope you took the Vols with the spread today. I didn't.

90-62, Vols, 10 to go. Ouch.

Six minutes left, 101-78, Vols. Be back with a final score for you.

Final Score: 121-86, Vols. I just made a couple hundred on my bet for the Over. Thanks for joining me, and I'll probably be back later in the weekend. Join the rest of the guys for more liveblog action, and drop by Signal to Noise for more fun and snark.

We've good a fresh face for this contest as Marco from JCMJ joins us for his first game. It's Alando Tucker.....it's Izzy the Islander.....IT'S MADNESS!!! (After the jump).

Wisconsin #2 Midwest Region:

Conference Big Ten
Location Madison, WI
Coach Bo Ryan (since 2001)
Arena Kohl Center
Record 28-4 (13-3)
RPI 5
NCAA Appearances 12
NCAA Record 16-11 (.593)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win 2005

Texas A&M Corpus Christi #15 Midwest:

Conference Southland
Location Corpus Christi, TX
Coach Ronnie Arrow (since 2004)
Arena Coliseum
Record 25-6 (14-2)
RPI 82
NCAA Appearances 0
NCAA Record 0-0
Last Bid Never
Last Win Never



Hey kids, It's Marco from Just Call Me Juice. You might remember me from such live-blogs as "The Play-In Game", "Ohio State vs Wisconsin" and "Christmas Ape Goes to Summer Camp". I'll be your guide for today's match-up between 2 seed Wisconsin and 15 seed Texas A&M Corpus-Christi. This tournament is still due for a good upset (Duke sucked this year)and TXCC is better than you think, so this has potenital.

When I saw this game on the bracket, I almost picked TXCC because I think this game is set up perfectly for them.....they are the perfect Cinderella team based on mascot, name and the fact they have had a team for only 9 years. Perfect Cinderella story. Not to mention the fact that Wisconsin is reeling and Tucker is their only player capable of scoring


Thank you Extrapolater for the story and picture of the TXCC mascot (above). He kinda looks like that giant head that used to have on MTV back in the day. That mascot is a national story if the Islanders pull off the upset.


Got Winthrop-ND on right now, Winthrop looks better than I thought in the comeback. And Tennessee is all over LBSU. Somewhere, Snoop is crying....or smoking weed.


Notice no one is live-blogging Crieghton-Nevada, which might be one of the better opening round games. I might do double duty and keep you updated on both.


Big snowstrom here in PA today...Noticed that most of the schools got out early from school today. Getting out of school early + Afternoon NCAA Tournament Games = the greatest day ever.


How long before we see the TXCC Mascot in an Sportscenter commerical? And while I'm at it, how did Texas A&M CC come about really. Not enough Texas A&M? I'm waiting on Penn State-Hazleton to the make the Tournament in 2015



And we are ready to tip from Chicago....TexasAMCC comes out strong with the first two buckets to take a 4-0 lead. Wisconsin looks out of whack.


Nice Hawaiian shirts by the TXCC Band



Holy hell.......anthoer 3 by Texas AMCC......It's 10-0.....TXAM is ready to play


17:00 TXCC 10 Wisconsin 0


TXCC looks like theyjust wants it more thus far, jump ball goes to the Islanders. Mitchell already has 6 points for the Islanders


TXCC looks like they are going to press this entire game.....Wisconsin looks complety uncomfortable....still a shut-out....don't want to jinx this one


16:00 TXCC 10 Wisconsin 0


The uniforms, style of play, mascot, nickname, name of college....I love everything about TXCC


I think the Sonic commercial about the Breakfast Burrito and "Charlie" is winning the "Applebees Three Hour Annoying Commercial Award" this year


Not sure what exactly happened to the comment section, blogger has been completely out of whack today, emailed AA to see if he knows whats up


Wisconsin finally makes a bucket, but TXCC responds quickly with a jumper from Daniels


Creighton - Nevada update: Creighton is up 14-13 in a game that looks like it is going down to the wire


TXCC comtinully to outplay and outhustle Wisconsin is every way shape and form. It's now 17-4 follow and and-1 by the Islander. Let's just hope they don't flame out at the end like Davidson yesterday


Did I mention I like the Hawaiian shirts?

12:00 TXCC 17 Wisconsin 4

AA is trying to fix the comments thing.....Blogger is awful today. I had two pots just disappear on my blog. Still 17-4 Islanders


Congrats Wisconsin, you managed to score 4 points in 10 minutes (and counting) against a team from the Southland Conference


2 free throws by TXCC, first points in almost 4 minutes. Basically, this game is the complete opposite of the LBSU-Tennessee game S2N is blogging.


Good lord, the comments are back. If your a Wiscons fan, you havn't missed much. TXCC just hit two straight buckets to extend te lead to 23-7


Wisconsin 2-19 from the floor....just wow


Another miss, the way that Daniels and the Islanders are playing, they might run away with this game


Just thought about this, I'm now really likeing my UNLV Sweet 16 pick


Anyone think Wisconsin can crack double-digits before half?


7:00 TXCC 23 Wisconsin 7


Daniels from TXCC might become the 'It" player of the tournament if this continues, even ahead of Maynor. He's got 3 blocks a few dunks already. He's fun to watch


Bo Ryan's head looks like his head might actually explode


TXCC is doing a great job getting to the line today....


The crowd in Chicago is all about TXCC....steal by Wisconsin and they actually have a chance to crack double figures.


4:00 TXCC 25 Wisconsin 9


WISCONSIN HITS DOUBLE FIGURES.......AT THE 3:54 MARK


Player falls down on the center court decal for aout the third time today...what is the point of that


Wow, Wisconsin puts together back to back baskets following Tucker's three....TXCC calls a panic TO

TXCC 25 Wisconsin 13

God, I love Landry's construction googles


TXCC hasn't hit a shot in 5 mintues, and they are still up 12


Another block by Daniels.....but then the Islanders turn it over again.


This is Wisconsin's chance to swing all of the momentum in their favor heading into the half......and Tucker is fouled and heading to the line


Tucker hits a pair, the lead is down to 10 but Wisconsin has all of the momentum.


Daniels responds with a dunk, I think I've got a man-crush on him


Tucker responds with a bucket to cut the lead to 8 heading into the half. Tucker seems like he may be heating up. Bad news for the Islanders


HALF TXCC 27 Wisconsin 19



Just ventured out into the snow, not so much of a good idea. It's really snowing here in Central Pennsylvania

Let's see if TXCC can hang on to pull the shocker. I'm not so certain following their play in the last 8 minutes


Back to the game (was switched to ND-Wintrhop)


First 3 by Wisconsin of the game, it's now 33-26 TXCC


Technical called on Steiemsma from Wisconsin, still not exactly sure why yet


For the first time this game you can really hear the crowd from Wisconsin...


Two technical free-throws are good for the Islanders....Daniels (my man) hits a jumper form the foul line, TXCC back up double-digits

16:00 TXCC 37 Wisconsin 26


3rd foul on Daniels, this will be a big strench for TXCC to see if they can hold on


Well then, Daniels replacment comes in and has a chance for a three point play. Adn converts...



Tucker hits a three....he's really playing well now


Gotta make a complaint about CBS, we need more shots of Izzy. Seriously, located right behind the basket. Need some close-ups guys


3 by Bohanyen, lead is down to 6, All of the mo is with the Badgers


Bucket by Tucker, place is going nuts. TXCC needs a TO BABY (sorry)


12:00 TXCC 42 Wisconsin 38


I'm back, had to make Charlie go away (tell that's in your head by now)


Billy Packer is loving the Wisconsin comeback. I think he would have had a heart-attack if TXCC ran away with this one

BIG three by Mitchell of TXCC....


TV TO 11:00 TXCC 45 Wisconsin 38



3 by Tucker, he's playing like a man possessed. Lead is down to 4 for the first time today.


Hate to say it, but I can't see TXCC hanging on to win this game


There we go, close up of Izzy....and some god looking TXCC cheerleaders. Honestly, what else could the mascot have been with a nickname like Islanders


Tucker heads to the bench with 3 fouls


BACK TO BACK THREES by Taylor, so much for needing Tucker. Game is tied


10:00 Wiscosin 47 TXCC 47


Two missed free throws by TXCC.....and Wisconsin responds with it's first lead of the game. Izzy needs to summon some island powers to trun this one around


Missed free throws are killing the Islanders right now. When you can hit a field goal, you've got to hit the foul shots to keep it close


What you have to think if yuo are TXCC is that as bad as you are playing right now, you are only down by 2.


God, make some free throws....thats now 4 misses in 5 attempts

8:00 Wisconsin 52 TXCC 50


And we are back, switched to Creighton-Nevada


Googles man blocks Mitchell breakaway lay-up that would have tied it


And we are gone again...


For now Wis 53 TXCC 51

Ok well....Creighton-Nevada is in OT....doesn't look we are going back to Wisconsin-TXCC anytime soon. What I can tell you is that it's 61-56 Wisconsin right now at the under 4:00 TO


Wisconsin looks like they are pulling away (from what I can tell) 65-56 with 3:00 to play


The give a quick flashback to the Wisconsin-TXCC game, Wisconsin is up 68-58 with 1:30 left.....Damn, there goes the major upset. And there goes Izzy becoming a national story


Great OT game between Creighton and Nevada.....Nevada looks like they are going to win this with 10 seconds left


And Wisconsin pulls it out....have to admire both the effort by the Islanders as well as the comeback by the Badgers


And how did Wisconsin manage to score 76 points?


FINAL WISCONSIN 76 Texas A&M Corpus Christi 63

Thank you for all of the comments...I'm off to start the St. Patrick's Day holiday. Don't forget to check out Just Call Me Juice...

I don't know about you, but this is the game I've been waiting for these past two days. I personally don't believe the Winthrop hype, but we shall see right? Common opponent for both teams.....Maryland. Winthrop lost, ND won.

Run Up The Score pulled the right straw and got the Game of the Day (let's keep our fingers crossed). I've got a dollar on a Charlie Weis joke or two.....join him after the jump.

ND #6 Midwest Region:

Conference Big East
Location Notre Dame, IN
Coach Mike Brey (since 2000)
Arena Joyce Athletic Center
Record 24-7 (11-5)
RPI 34
NCAA Appearances 27
NCAA Record 29-31 (.483)
Last Bid 2003
Last Win 2003

Winthrop #11 Midwest Region:

Conference Big South
Location Rock Hill, SC
Coach Gregg Marshall (since 1998)
Arena Winthrop Coliseum
Record 28-4 (14-0)
RPI 69
NCAA Appearances 6
NCAA Record 0-6 (.000)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win Never


Ladies, form a line to my left for makeouts! Dudes, form a line to my right for high fives! I'm Chris from Run Up The Score, and I'll be your guide to Notre Dame vs. Winthrop.

Winthrop, of course, is playing the role of early 21st century Gonzaga -- the mid-major team that everyone thinks will make a run through the tournament. They're not your typical undersized mid-major team, however. They have a 6'10" center (Craig Bradshaw) who can shoot 3's, which could be a problem for puffy Notre Dame freshman center Luke Harangody. They also have a 6'5" guard (Torrell Martin) who can pose some matchup problems. Oh, and they also have The Junkyard Dog:

After Winthrop lost by three in overtime in Madison, Wisc., on Dec. 4, one reporter kept saying the Eagles fought like "junkyard dogs" that day. Since then, they've adopted an action figure of the WWE wrestler of the same name as its motivational mascot -- dog collar and all. They hand out the wrestler to the toughest playing teammate following each game.

As a matter of disclosure, I should point out that the beloved JYD (not to be confused with the Mighty MJD) passed away in 1998 when he fell asleep in his car and hit a tree while returning from his daughter's graduation. He died in (wait for it...) Forest, Mississippi. His chain survives to this day.

Notre Dame? Well, they're Notre Dame. Eminently hateable. This is actually a pretty good team, a fact that seems to be lost on a lot of media types who view Notre Dame as upset cannon fodder. The Irish were pre-season picks to finish 11th in the conference but finished 11-5 in the Big East, although they seem to have a stunning ability to sputter on the road against bad teams (DePaul, South Florida, St. John's). This game is in Spokane, Washington. I believe that qualifies as "away from home". On the other hand, Winthrop has only lost four games all season, three of them at North Carolina (where Winthrop once had a double digit lead), Wisconsin (Winthrop was leading with a minute left in the game), and Texas A&M (that, uhh...that was a 20 point blowout). Winthrop's other loss came at Maryland. So they've been tested and generally held up very well against four teams that are much better (and infinitely more athletic) than Notre Dame.

Sportsbook.com says Notre Dame is a 3.5 point favorite. Leave your opinions, biases, and predictions in the comments section. And why not visit Run Up The Score while you wait? I'll be back for tipoff.

Cheswick says "RUTS - I'm working in the office building across the street from the Arena but can't afford to get in to watch the game. I'm depending on you for a quality blogging!"

Well, then you are totally screwed came to the right place, my friend!

First Half

We're off and running, but CBS is keeping with the airtight Georgia Tech / UNLV game for now. 36.6 seconds left, UNLV by four. Head over to S2N's live-blog for the remainder of that contest, and I'll meed you back here in a few minutes. Deal?

12:12, first half. Notre Dame 13, Winthrop 12.

For some insane reason, CBS now switches us to the last 50 seconds of Memphis vs. North Texas, which is a 13 point game. Why? WHY?

11:35, first half. Notre Dame 15, Winthrop 12. Notre Dame is shooting well (7-14) while Winthrop struggles (5-15). The teams are a combined 1-10 from beyond the arc. Winthrop's Taj McCullough gets the E for Effort so far, as he's missed a three pointer, a two-point jumper, and a dunk within the last minute.

11:42 Winthrop - Taj McCullough misses a dunk
12:15 Winthrop - Taj McCullough misses a jumper
12:45 Winthrop - Taj McCullough misses a three-pointer

And we're FINALLY sent to Spokane, greeted by the underrated Ian Eagle. Notre Dame leads 20-15.

Notre Dame's Russell Carter (17 ppg) finds himself on the bench after picking up his second foul. ND is definitely getting the better of this game so far, as they pick off a lazy pass to the low post and turn itinto a breakaway layup. Winthrop, for whatever reason, doesn't seem very into it yet.

6:33, first half. Notre Dame 24, Winthrop 17. Notre Dame has an astounding seven players on the scoresheet.

Winthrop is finally getting a little testy on defense, but it's not translating into any points. Bradshaw knocks down a three from the wing, and the Eagles turn a Harangody turnover into a layup. That cuts the lead to 2 points, and Torrell Martin miraculously hits a spinning, wrong-footed layup over the Notre Dame big guys for the tie. Timeout, Notre Dame.

2:43, first half. Winthrop 26, Notre Dame 26.

Notre Dame picks up a bucket, and Craig Bradshaw responds by picking up a shady offensive foul for Winthrop.

2:00, first half. Notre Dame 28, Winthrop 26.

McCullough hits a three for Winthrop, and they finally take the lead. ND's sharpshooter, Colin Falls, misses one on the other end and Winthrop holds for the last shot. Jenkins hits a three for Winthrop, and extend their lead as they head for the locker room.

Half Time. Winthrop 32, Notre Dame 28.

Winthrop seemed to find themselves around the 5:00 mark, and Notre Dame suddenly went cold from the field. There was a point where Notre Dame was threatening to pull away -- they certainly had a few chances for a double-digit lead. Winthrop decided to start playing defense, and it eventually led to some open looks on offense. Momentum is definitely with the lower seed at halftime, but that's nothing compared to what's going on in the A&M Corpus Christi / Wisconsin game, where the Badgers still haven't scored yet. Check out Marco's live-blog for that insanity.

Sorry about the comments disappearing for a little while. We know how to fix it now, so stay with us!

We're back for the second half, and get our first on-camera appearance of our announce team. We had a discussion of Eye-an Eagle's name earlier...I think that may have been his only choice. Eee-an Eee-gle somehow sounds more ridiculous. And I love the "Iron Eagle" comparison.

Both teams shot 13-32 from the field in the first half. Weird. And poor.

Winthrop scores out of the gate, and ND misses another three (1 for 12). The Eagles score again in the paint, and Winthrop suddenly has an eight point lead. Make it eleven, as Martin hits a three. Timeout, Irish. We're only 1:30 into the second half, and Notre Dame is reeling as Winthrop is on a 20-2 run going back to the end of the first half.

18:27 remaining. Winthrop 39, Notre Dame 28.

Bradshaw hits Winthrop's fifth consecutive three pointer, and they lead by 14! Russell Carter responds for Notre Dame with a hoop and harm, but misses the free throw. Torrell Martin hits a jumper in the lane for Winthrop, and the Eagles are absolutely destroying Notre Dame. Two more layups for Winthrop, and it's a sixteen point lead.

The only sign of life for Notre Dame right now is Rob Kurz on the offensive glass, but when I tell you it's all Winthrop, it's all Winthrop right now. Craig Bradshaw is showing off his entire game. Long jumpers, baby hooks in the lane, tip-ins -- all around domination. He has 15 points, Torrell Martin has 18 (on 15 shots!), and Notre Dame is 1-14 from three point range. Not good.

14:00 remaining. Winthrop 52, Notre Dame 34.

Update on the other games: Wisconsin is still languishing in the single digits with 7:00+ left in the first half. They trail #15 TAMU-CC, 23-7. Tennessee scored 57 points in the first half against Long Beach, and they lead by 12.

Bradshaw scores again, Winthrop by twenty. Notre Dame, if you can believe this, is actually getting worse from the three point line. That last effort barely grazed the rim. Winthrop is utterly controlling every facet of teh game. Rebounding shooting, defense. Everything. They've outscored Notre Dame 22-6 in the second half and CBS is invoking the Broadcast Mercy Rule as we're switched over to the Wisconsin / Texas A&M - Corpus Christi game. I'll keep you updated on Winthrop / ND, don't worry.

11:40 remaining. Winthrop 54, Notre Dame 36.

A&M-CC is leading Wisconsin by 16, and I just realized that my girlfriend picked them to beat the Badgers. I nearly laughed her out of our apartment and talked her out of it. So if this score holds up, I'm in for a world of piss and vinegar when she gets home tonight.

No change in the Winthrop score, with 10:20 remaining.

We're still watching the Corpus Christi game here in Denver, but I'm happy to report that you're missing absolutely nothing in Spokane. We're in a scoring drought for oth teams, but Notre Dame is making it somewhat of a game. The lead is back down to ten, and I suspect that we'll be going back to the game soon.

8:10 remaining. Winthrop 54, Notre Dame 44.

And wouldn't you know it, we're back in Spokane. Thanks, CBS! Winthrop is apparently struggling from the free throw line (they're in the bonus already), going 1-6 from the line lately. This one isn't over yet, folks.

7:33 remaining. Winthrop 54, Notre Dame 44.

Notre Dame's scoring is coming from two unlikely sources -- unlikely if you look past the fact that they're giant, pasty white guys. Zach Hillesland has ten points, and Rob Kurz is having a mini-Laettner game. He's 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from the free throw line. ND is still 1-15 from three point range, but they've apparently discovered that points are still awarded for shots closer to the basket. They're on a 10-0 run. Tory Jackson makes it a 13-0 run with a three. Kurz picks up his fourth foul on the other end, but Winthrop still can't make a foul shot. They're now 2 for 8.

Colin Falls hits a leaner in the lane for the Irish, and the deficit is still seven. Falls nails a three! Four point lead for Winthrop. Meanwhile, Russell Carter now has four fouls but the best Winthrop can do is 1 for 2 from the line. It's a "one for whatever Notre Dame gets" exchange at this time. Ian Eagle notes that Winthrop is playing not to lose, and he's 100% right. It's a 20-3 run for Notre Dame, and Winthrop is playing exactly like they did for the first ten minutes of the game. They're being outhustled all over the floor, but Taj McCullough unleashes "a man's jam!" (thanks, Ian) for a three point lead.

Russell Carter scores on a finger roll, but Notre Dame is napping on the other end as Bradshaw scores on an easy layup. Inexplicably, Rob Kurz reaches in and slaps Bradshaw's wrist on the shot. A completely unnecessary foul, as Bradshaw was never in danger of missing the attempt. That's five fouls for Kurz, and he'll watch the rest of this contest from the bench. Free throw for Bradshaw when we come back from the break. That's a big loss for Notre Dame.

3:58 remaining. Winthrop 61, Notre Dame 58.

He makes the foul shot, and gets the ball again near the basket on Winthrop's next possession. Bradshaw head fakes, two Notre Dame defenders fly past him, and Bradshaw inexplicably misses the bunny. The Eagles force an awful jump hook on their next possession, and Luke Harangody uses his best over-40 YMCA move for a bucket. Notre Dame leads 63-62!

Bradshaw is left unguarded, and he hits an easy layup. Falls misses a three, and Russell Carter can't convert the offensive rebound. The Eagles nail a three on the other end, and the lead is back to four. It's a crazy, frantic game.

There's always time for comedy when Ian Eagle's in the house, as he notes that ND's Tory Jackson doesn't have any brothers named Tito. Nice. Notre Dame looks to take a charge on defense, but official Ted Valentine comes in with a late call of a blocking foul. Winthrop again misses a foul shot but makes the second.

59.7 seconds remaining. Winthrop 68, Notre Dame 64.

Steal by Winthrop and a breakaway dunk by Bradshaw! Six point lead, and Notre Dame gets all skittish as they launch a contested three pointer. It misses, Winthrop rebounds and Michael Jenkins is fouled. Amazingly, he makes the front half of his two shot foul and the Eagles lead by seven.

28.6 remaining. Winthrop 71, Notre Dame 64.

Jenkins makes the second FT for the eight point lead. Colin Falls misses a three, and Russell Carter fouls out for ND. Winthrop decides this is a good time to make free throws as Phillip Williams hits a pair. That accounts for the final margin, as Winthrop moves on despite trying their absolute hardest to choke this one away.

Full Time. Winthrop 74, Notre Dame 64.

Winthrop will face the winner of Oregon vs. Miami University (that's the one in the MAC) and should have a puncher's chance if they should happen to play the Ducks. We saw the best and worst of Winthrop in this game. They squandered a 20 point lead, and Notre Dame had the lead with roughly 2:00 left in the game. The Irish crapped out from that point forward, just as Winthrop figured out how to convert those pesky unguarded 15-foot shots. Ultimately, Notre Dame's awful long range shooting was their demise (4 for 21), not to mention their previously unnoticed crappy free throws. I had no idea they were 4 for 13 on FT's, even worse than Winthrop's performance from the line.

That's all for now. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, and come visit me at Run Up The Score sometime!

So we're back again today for another set of non-upset games. I'm sorry I couldn't do the Memphis game, but I've brought Izzy the Islander (from TAMCCU) on to watch over me, and keep me in line. He'll be our official mascot for the day.

UVA got a very high seed in my opinion, but as long as Singletary and Reynolds are running the court they can compete with anyone. Albany is no slouch though....Guard Jamar Wilson is going to cause the Cavaliers fits.

Yours truly is on this game, so I'll see you on the Southside after the jump (I hope that song gets stuck your head....Here we are now going to the Southside, blah blah blah as we start to ride).

UVA #4 South Region:

Conference Atlantic Coast
Location Charlottesville, VA
Coach Dave Leitao (since 2005)
Arena John Paul Jones Arena
Record 19-10 (11-5)
RPI 54
NCAA Appearances 15
NCAA Record 21-15 (.583)
Last Bid 2001
Last Win 1995

Albany #13 South Region:

Conference America East
Location Albany, NY
Coach Will Brown (since 2001)
Arena SEFCU Arena
Record 23-9 (13-3)
RPI 88
NCAA Appearances 1
NCAA Record 0-1 (.000)
Last Bid 2006
Last Win Never


"I think Double Digits will Delight their Devotees today"- Clark Kellogg

CK breaks out the alliteration early today. I don't know if I can take another day of this nonsense.

Your announcers.....Tim Brando and Mike Giminski. I predict Giminski flips out after seven Duke jokes from Brando and breaks the scorer's table.

UVA gets the tip, and we're live from a very dark Columbus, Ohio

CAAAAAAAAAIN!!!!! (in the voice of Paul Bearer) gets an easy two for the Cavs.

6-0 UVA as Albany double teams Cain and he dishes for an easy two. Another missed three for the Danes, and UVA is looking strong early. Wilson gets UA on the board with a jumper, but Cain answers with a jumper. If he's hitting from outside the Danes are done.

Under 16 and it's 8-2 UVA.....that went quick.

10-2 UVA, and they hit a three 13-2.

Siggers commits a foul for UA and Tim Brando let's us know that the team's only common opponent was Utah. Another three for UVA....Reynolds hits this time. 14 point lead. Singletary hits a three and the Cavs aren't missing.

Gifford tangles with Cain.....do you think that's one of Kathy Lee and Frank's sons?

19-4 at the under 12 timeout.

CAAAAAIN! with the dunk, and this one is out of hand early. Why do I always get these games?

Siggers with the nice pass for an easy layup. This Siggers kid is about the only one playing for the Danes. 3 for Wilson, and he gets on the board. That woke up UA, but Reynolds sits em right back down with a three for UVA.

CAAAAAAIN!!!!! HE'S YOUR BROOOOOOTTTTHHER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay I'm done with that joke. Reynolds is on fire....5 for 5....as he hits a runner. Siggers hits a fadeaway.

Buuuuuuuut Reynolds again for three! 29-9, and he's got 16. Timeout Danes with 9 minutes to go.

"The buckets are coming up Reynolds wrap in Columbus!"- TB, Umm what?

Ha....great graphic from CBS that shows Reynolds is beating UA by himself 16-11. Make that 18-11 as he hits again. Siggers follows at the other end, and if it wasn't for him they'd be cooked.

We're under 8 minutes.....33-14.

Wilson hits a three for the Danes after the timeout, and if it wasn't for Reynolds they'd be in it.

"They are jumping him hard"- MG, Not sure what he was talking about....that's all that I could hear. I have the mind and humor of a 12 year old.

Singletary just kills Yati with a crossover fadeaway....you could say that's a mismatch. Singletary hits two from the line....the lead is 16.

"Remember my friends....follow the ruuuules"- MG
"Hahahahahahaha"- TB
This was after a Rules of Engagement promo.....maybe I missed the joke.

Lillis blocks a Reynolds three and throws a sick behind the back pass, but his teammate blows the exchange. Singletary is fouled and UVA is in the 1 and 1. He hits one, and UVA gets the O-board on the second one. The Cavs convert and the lead is 19 as we go under 4 minutes.

40-21....3 plus to go.

Reynolds hits two more throws and he has 21....he's tied with Albany again. Extra special thanks to Giminski for continuing to mention this. I'm sure the UofAlbany is amused.

I actually just learned that Yati's name is actually spelled Iati. Kind of like how god's name starts with an "I" in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

20 point lead as we approach a minute to go. Wilson hits a driving layup and goes to the line....about time he looked for his shot. He misses the throw though. Reynolds gets to the line again. 36.4 to go.

Albany 25- JR Reynolds 23....er......UVA 45- Albany 25 at the half.

So apparently ESPN thinks my game is over. Yep 45-25 final....UVA wins it. My live-blogging is done!. (Thanks to Ben for the screen shot)



Albany comes out tough and a player dives through the scorer's table. Good hustle. Soroye hits two and is fouled for UVA....they are just too strong for the Danes. 25 point lead.

Wilson hits the three for UA. "They've got to take this game in 4 minute intervals....try to win each one"- MG. Actually I like that strategy...haven't heard it put that way before.

Verne Lundquist in the Memphis/North Texas game: "This is a team that spurts." (Bad Braves Fan)

Hahahahahaha. I told you I never get the good games.

25 point lead still. "Those tall timbers from Virginia"- TB. Reynolds hits ANOTHER three. Timeout.

Singletary makes a spinning layup and we've got a timeout. 60-30 Wahoos.

That's not good. Singletary and Wilson smack heads together, and both go down hard. Come one Leitao....you're up thirty....let's bench a few guys.

60-32...12:45 left.

Great no look pass to Lillis but he can't finish for the Danes. 62-32 at the under 12 timeout.

It's incredibly tough to live-blog an uninteresting game while trying to create three new previews. Oh well....it's Madness right? Who cares. Sorry for the lack of posting on this game anyway(s).

Wilson and Reynolds trade buckets and we're under 10 minutes to go.

Everyone should head over to S2N's Live-blog....GT and UNLV are tied with 15 minutes left.

Don't look now, but Albany has cut the 30 point lead down to 20. Now if they could only turn into Florida (Wonder Twin Powers Activate....Form of Transexual!)....they'd have a chance.

66-45 with 7 minutes to go.

Wilson from Albany is going to have a pretty big bump on his head. Singletary is perhaps one of the fastest people I've ever seen dribble a ball. The teams trade baskets.....and the lead stays at 21.

WOW! Wilson shows us what this tourney is all about. He goes through five UVA players and gets hammered. He flips up the shot and is fouled....his tail-bone takes the fall. Amazing play.....and the lead is still 20. That's heart.

73-50...under 5 minutes to go.

Reynolds and Singletary have combined for 46 points. Umm yeah....don't think you can win when a team does that to you. Make that 49 as Singletary hits a three.

Great shot of ex-UVA Coach Pete Gillen. He's ironically doing radio for today's game for Westwood One.

Singletary hits again and the backcourt total goes over 50 for the Cavs. 1 minute to go.....

84-57.....Seth Davis says UVA reminds him of the Buckeyes backcourt of Penn and Redd. Good comparison.

Thanks commenters.....I'll see you later in the day.