NCAA Tournament Midwest Region [Archive]

Dr. Funkenstein

March 16th, 2009, 10:08 am

Louisville is the #1 seed here (and overall in the Dance), and joining them are Michigan State, Kansas and Wake Forest, all coming off of disappointing conference tournament showings. Can they rebound, or will this be the upset special region?

Post your predictions, potential upsets and sleepers here.

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 10:12 am

I wouldn't count Wake Forest out of anything!! If there's one thing I know about our guys, they get fired up and angry when they lose games they shouldn't, and will come out fighting!!

Dr. Funkenstein

March 16th, 2009, 10:16 am

Do you mean like when they lost to Georgia Tech, then didn't bother to show up at Miami?

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 10:23 am

Do you mean like when they lost to Georgia Tech, then didn't bother to show up at Miami?

Oh you mean how puke got annihilated the SAME night?? You didn't notice how we came storming back after that I guess. Our guys just went through a tough stretch, but they straightened themselves out.

Dr. Funkenstein

March 16th, 2009, 10:29 am

Oh you mean how puke got annihilated the SAME night?? You didn't notice how we came storming back after that I guess. Our guys just went through a tough stretch, but they straightened themselves out.

Come on...you couldn't have expected me to let that slide ;) If I didn't tweak Wake, you'd think I didn't care :hug:

Oh...FYI...I hate Duke too. Always have. Ever since the late 80's/early 90's when they were always beating Temple in the tournament.

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 10:34 am

:hug: I liked puke back in the early 90's, but then again, I also had a huge crush on Bobby Hurley!! After that though they started acting like a bunch of spoiled rich kids (most dookies are :)) ) and it got on my nerves!! Wake athletes on the other hand act like they know how to behave.

noelle12

March 16th, 2009, 10:40 am

I'm so excited that Louisville is the overall #1 seed. I'm rooting for them to go all the way. I think Rick Pitino is one of the great coaches of college basketball. Go Cards!

murphy

March 16th, 2009, 11:19 am

I see Wake Forest making a decent run, all the way to Elite 8, where they fall to Kansas.

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 11:35 am

I see Wake Forest making a decent run, all the way to Elite 8, where they fall to Kansas.

Nah I don't see the Demon Deacons losing to Kansas!!! We could potentially reach the Final 4, especially with the talent that we have! Of course our ultimate goal is a National Championship!

murphy

March 16th, 2009, 11:55 am

Nah I don't see the Demon Deacons losing to Kansas!!! We could potentially reach the Final 4, especially with the talent that we have! Of course our ultimate goal is a National Championship!

Hey, the Deacons can go to the Final Four, I'm okay with that! They can go to the final game, too...........as long as they lose to Pitt!:mrgreen:

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 12:10 pm

Hey, the Deacons can go to the Final Four, I'm okay with that! They can go to the final game, too...........as long as they lose to Pitt!:mrgreen:

IF Pitt can even get there that is. Of course all we can do right now is just guess.

JimGP20

March 16th, 2009, 12:33 pm

The whole bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/midwest.jpg

iamredbeard

March 16th, 2009, 12:35 pm

Being the unapologetic homer that I am, I gotta go with Sparty. :mrgreen:

snagswolf

March 16th, 2009, 2:03 pm

Robert Morris is going to be the cinderella team this year!

Go Bobby Mo!

MR. MISTER

March 16th, 2009, 6:40 pm

I wouldn't count Wake Forest out of anything!! If there's one thing I know about our guys, they get fired up and angry when they lose games they shouldn't, and will come out fighting!!
Louisville over Fake in the Sweet 16 (if they even get through the first weekend)

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 9:29 pm

Louisville over Fake in the Sweet 16 (if they even get through the first weekend)

If I've told you ONCE, I've told you a thousand times, Wake is NOT "fake!!" I know its some silly poem written by an obvious carowhina fan, but its ridiculous.

MR. MISTER

March 16th, 2009, 10:00 pm

If I've told you ONCE, I've told you a thousand times, Wake is NOT "fake!!" I know its some silly poem written by an obvious carowhina fan, but its ridiculous.
Yeah, whatever ..... :whistle:

NascarGirl2448

March 16th, 2009, 11:13 pm

Yeah, whatever ..... :whistle:

I guess you haven't paid a whole lot of attention to Wake or carowhina, but the carowhina bunch is a LOT more whiney than any Demon Deacon.

Dr. Funkenstein

March 17th, 2009, 8:54 am

If I've told you ONCE, I've told you a thousand times, Wake is NOT "fake!!" I know its some silly poem written by an obvious carowhina fan, but its ridiculous.

Why is it okay for you to call UNC "Carowhina" and Duke "Puke", but the moment someone uses a similarly witty reference to Wake (in this case, "Fake") you get all freaked out?

Relax.

NascarGirl2448

March 17th, 2009, 3:03 pm

Why is it okay for you to call UNC "Carowhina" and Duke "Puke", but the moment someone uses a similarly witty reference to Wake (in this case, "Fake") you get all freaked out?

Relax.

Well for one thing, I've never liked UNC, and dislike the dookies even more!!!

grapabeaux

March 20th, 2009, 2:19 am

From what I've read, Kansas got a tough draw in the first round. North Dakota State is in their first year in D-1, and four years ago, knowing this was going to happen, their freshmen redshirted so that they would get their one shot in their senior year. Long story short, NDSU is a team full of fifth-year seniors, while Kansas has spent the year with a revamped lineup.

Add to that the near-home court advantage (games are in Minnesota, next to North Dakota), and NDSU's three-point prowess (41% as a team), and Jayhawk nation is a little worried about the team getting bounced early.

I think it'll come down to the top two seeds in this bracket (I don't have such hopes for the East) in the regional final.

sgdp

March 20th, 2009, 3:23 am

Louis v Mich, Louis takes it all to the Final 4.

JimGP20

March 21st, 2009, 12:59 am

Wow. How the hell did Fake Whorest even make the tourney? They looked awful. :lol:

MR. MISTER

March 21st, 2009, 1:11 am

Wow. How the hell did Fake Whorest even make the tourney? They looked awful. :lol:
Biggest upset of the Tournament. An embarassment for the ACC.

hsm

March 21st, 2009, 5:37 pm

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! GO STATE!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/kingarthurscourt/Michigan-State-Spartans-NCAA-Colleg.jpg

iamredbeard

March 21st, 2009, 7:52 pm

noelle12

March 22nd, 2009, 9:02 pm

The Cardiac Cards of Louisville strike again. The Siena game was too close. I hope that was a wake-up call, and Louisville takes it all the way.

dannyg79

March 22nd, 2009, 9:45 pm

This region really is going the Cardinals way. They play the #9 seed tomorrow and then their next game gets to play the winner of the #12 and #13 seeds. Might as will put them in the Midwest Conference Reigional Final. Having said that I still got Sparty taking this region.

Arizona will be a tough game. They are a 12 seed because they underachieved this year, but when they are playing well they can play with anyone. I wouldnt put Louisville in the regional final just yet.

iamredbeard

March 22nd, 2009, 9:50 pm

Arizona will be a tough game. They are a 12 seed because they underachieved this year, but when they are playing well they can play with anyone. I wouldnt put Louisville in the regional final just yet.

Well they still should win that game just as Sparty should win theirs. But your rightlet's not get ahead of ourself, games are won on the court, not on paper. I still like Michigan State in that region.

iamredbeard

March 22nd, 2009, 9:50 pm

The Cardiac Cards of Louisville strike again. The Siena game was too close. I hope that was a wake-up call, and Louisville takes it all the way.

The Cardinals won't even get out of the region. ;)

dannyg79

March 22nd, 2009, 10:01 pm

Well they still should win that game just as Sparty should win theirs. But your rightlet's not get ahead of ourself, games are won on the court, not on paper. I still like Michigan State in that region.

I like Louisville, but honestly, I wouldnt be overly surprised by any of them.

iamredbeard

March 22nd, 2009, 10:06 pm

I like Louisville, but honestly, I wouldnt be overly surprised by any of them.

Louisville is the favorites after all they are the overall #1 seed, but being the unapologetic homer that I am I gotta go with Michigan State. I heard on the radio after the game that Sparty is undefeated in Indy, I don't know if that is true or not, but they did win their last national title there so I'm sticking with Michigan State.

iamredbeard

March 22nd, 2009, 10:08 pm

Louisville is the favorites after all they are the overall #1 seed, but being the unapologetic homer that I am I gotta go with Michigan State. I heard on the radio after the game that Sparty is undefeated in Indy, I don't know if that is true or not, but they did win their last national title there so I'm sticking with Michigan State.

In fact, I know that isn't true because the last Big Tournament was held in Indy and Michigan State went 1-1 in this years Big Ten Tourney.

iamredbeard

March 22nd, 2009, 10:14 pm

Just remember this article from last week and thought I'd post in here.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=3989001&sportCat=ncb

noelle12

March 22nd, 2009, 11:52 pm

The Cardinals won't even get out of the region. ;)

I hope you're wrong about that! Louisville has a fantastic defense, but their offense and the free throw shooting can be a little too unpredictable for me. But I'll say it again. Go Cards!

iamredbeard

March 23rd, 2009, 12:33 am

I hope you're wrong about that! Louisville has a fantastic defense, but their offense and the free throw shooting can be a little too unpredictable for me. But I'll say it again. Go Cards!

Well as you can tell I am pulling for Sparty. I think they match up well against the Cardinals. But first things first, both teams have to get through a game before we'll have that matchup.

RedStatePaPa

March 23rd, 2009, 1:20 am

The Midwest is killing my bracket. :evil:

noelle12

March 23rd, 2009, 10:10 am

Well as you can tell I am pulling for Sparty. I think they match up well against the Cardinals. But first things first, both teams have to get through a game before we'll have that matchup.

You guys have a pretty tough game coming up against Kansas. Good luck.

noelle12

March 23rd, 2009, 10:26 am

The Midwest is killing my bracket. :evil:

I feel your pain. The Midwest is my worst bracket too.

iamredbeard

March 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm

You guys have a pretty tough game coming up against Kansas. Good luck.

They handled them before, they should be able to handle them again.

Dragon1963

March 24th, 2009, 8:37 pm

You Louisville fans had better watch out. Arizona is on a roll and may very well roll over your Cardnals.

iamredbeard

March 28th, 2009, 2:20 pm

For the first time since this tournament bracket was announced I am worried about Louisville. After seeing them run wild yesterday I am not so sure that Sparty matches up well against them. :think:

Dragon1963

March 28th, 2009, 8:03 pm

Its easy to run wild when the the refs let you push, shove, and manhandle your opponent around.

Don't get me wrong. Louisville played well enough to win the game, but I thought I was watching PAC-10 referees officiate the game.

iamredbeard

March 29th, 2009, 6:03 pm

As I expected they would, Sparty won the region. Now they gotta make the long hike from East Lansing to Detroit. I my highly biased opinion, I gotta think they will win the whole thing.

Dragon1963

March 30th, 2009, 8:45 am

Now for the last two number one seeds to fall.

Kentucky Thinker

March 30th, 2009, 12:36 pm

Congrats to Izzo and MSU on a perfect game plan to counter the Uavel press. I noticed T-Will, Sosa or none of the other Tards were posing for the cameras Sunday. :)

Dr. Funkenstein

March 30th, 2009, 12:59 pm

Congrats to Izzo and MSU on a perfect game plan to counter the Uavel press. I noticed T-Will, Sosa or none of the other Tards were posing for the cameras Sunday. :)

You're right...they should be more like Kentucky and slip into the NIT as a 2-seed.

dannyg79

March 30th, 2009, 1:02 pm

You're right...they should be more like Kentucky and slip into the NIT as a 2-seed.

Yeah, UK fans dont have a leg to stand on with regards to criticizing Louisville (though Louisville looked like crap yesterday). But, as soon as Coach Cal gets to UK then the UL-UK rivalry is going to whole other level. But as of now, UK isnt worth being in the same discussion with Louisville.

Dr. Funkenstein

March 30th, 2009, 1:03 pm

Yeah, UK fans dont have a leg to stand on with regards to criticizing Louisville (though Louisville looked like crap yesterday). But, as soon as Coach Cal gets to UK then the UL-UK rivalry is going to whole other level. But as of now, UK isnt worth being in the same discussion with Louisville.

It's like watching Mets fans come after the Phillies right now.

dannyg79

March 30th, 2009, 1:13 pm

It's like watching Mets fans come after the Phillies right now.

Exactly. There are times when ya just have to sit back and take your medicine. Now, if UK gets Calipari (which they will), then UK is right with Louisville again. But as of now, and over the last several years, Louisville has easily been the best program in the state. And I like both of them, so I dont criticize UK with any sense of bias against them, I want them both to be good. But no point in not being realistic.

NascarGirl2448

March 30th, 2009, 8:58 pm

As I expected they would, Sparty won the region. Now they gotta make the long hike from East Lansing to Detroit. I my highly biased opinion, I gotta think they will win the whole thing.

Well since both Wake Forest and Xavier are out, I would love to see a Michigan State & UNC rematch for all the marbles, and Michigan State beat the living daylights out of UNC!! GO SPARTANS!

iamredbeard

March 31st, 2009, 3:13 am

Well since both Wake Forest and Xavier are out, I would love to see a Michigan State & UNC rematch for all the marbles, and Michigan State beat the living daylights out of UNC!! GO SPARTANS!

Most of the talking heads are going with UConn in the semi-final matchup. I think MSU watching up very well against UConn, plus they have the added benefit of playing in their home state. I gotta think that Sparty will be playing Monday Night.

MR. MISTER

March 31st, 2009, 7:54 am

Most of the talking heads are going with UConn in the semi-final matchup. I think MSU watching up very well against UConn, plus they have the added benefit of playing in their home state. I gotta think that Sparty will be playing Monday Night.
"Home State advantage" isn't much of a factor in the semi finals at the FF - all tix are distributed evenly among the four schools.

In the finals it might make a difference; but then again, they're not playing in a cozy basketball arena with the crowds right on top of the action.

How did it work for Duke in '92 (or was it '93) playing in Charlotte?....... They lost to Arkansas.

NascarGirl2448

March 31st, 2009, 8:39 am

Most of the talking heads are going with UConn in the semi-final matchup. I think MSU watching up very well against UConn, plus they have the added benefit of playing in their home state. I gotta think that Sparty will be playing Monday Night.

Anybody but UNC is fine with me!!! Although a rematch from December would be ok, as long as MSU beats the daylights out of carowhina.

NascarGirl2448

March 31st, 2009, 8:42 am

How did it work for Duke in '92 (or was it '93) playing in Charlotte?....... They lost to Arkansas.

Actually it was 94 when puke lost to Arkansas. Then again, I remember the game and puke got outplayed, period.

Dr. Funkenstein

March 31st, 2009, 8:43 am

Dr. Funkenstein

March 31st, 2009, 8:45 am

"Home State advantage" isn't much of a factor in the semi finals at the FF - all tix are distributed evenly among the four schools.

In the finals it might make a difference; but then again, they're not playing in a cozy basketball arena with the crowds right on top of the action.

How did it work for Duke in '92 (or was it '93) playing in Charlotte?....... They lost to Arkansas.

The student tickets are distributed evenly. I think it's something like 1600 per school.

Everything else is open for sale...granted, it's out of the price range of the average basketball fan, but I'm sure MSU's going to have a pretty sizable contingent in Ford Field Saturday evening.

NascarGirl2448

March 31st, 2009, 8:58 am

You're rooting for UNC to beat 'Nova?

Damn...I thought we were cool :snooty:

Well I would love to see a rematch of the matchup back in December, but the sooner UNC is out, the better. Really, I'm pulling for MSU to win it all, but anyone but UNC is fine with me!!!

MR. MISTER

March 31st, 2009, 1:36 pm

Well I would love to see a rematch of the matchup back in December, but the sooner UNC is out, the better.
I guess you would've liked it if UNC was out in the first round like wake the Fake was. ;)

Dr. Funkenstein

March 31st, 2009, 1:38 pm

I guess you would've liked it if UNC was out in the first round like wake the Fake was. ;)

Hey...a tournament with no UNC is a happy one for me.

iamredbeard

March 31st, 2009, 1:41 pm

The student tickets are distributed evenly. I think it's something like 1600 per school.

Everything else is open for sale...granted, it's out of the price range of the average basketball fan, but I'm sure MSU's going to have a pretty sizable contingent in Ford Field Saturday evening.

I was going to say something similar but you beat me to it and besides you said it better. ;) There is no doubt in my mind that we will all see plenty of green and white at Ford Field on Saturday.

MR. MISTER

March 31st, 2009, 1:44 pm

Hey...a tournament with no UNC is a happy one for me.
Not likely to happen as long as Roy Williams is there.

The only time they missed it since the field was expanded to 64 was with Matt Dougherty as coach.

NascarGirl2448

March 31st, 2009, 5:32 pm

I guess you would've liked it if UNC was out in the first round like wake the Fake was. ;)

:)) Wake made a lot of progress this year. After going 17 - 13 last year, and not even making either the NCAA or NIT, we finished 24 - 7 this year and made the NCAA, not to mention tied for 2nd in the ACC. Like Coach Gaudio said, the future is bright for this team, not to mention the basketball program at Wake Forest in general.

MR. MISTER

March 31st, 2009, 6:21 pm

I was going to say something similar but you beat me to it and besides you said it better. ;) There is no doubt in my mind that we will all see plenty of green and white at Ford Field on Saturday.
Unfortunately, any excess of green & white [and I still don't think you'll see it Sat night] will probably be in the next county [the upper levels of a football stadium]

IF they get into the championship game, then you'll likely see "plenty of green & white" as Sparty fans grab tickets off disgruntled fans of Sat night's losers.

Carolina, Connecticut and even Villanova have plenty of [pardon the expression] well-heeled fans ready, willing, and able to travel to a Final Four.

I've seen Carolina plenty of times @ Madison Sq Garden and The Meadowlands for pre season/holiday tourneys and the crowd is overwhelmingly Carolina Blue. Even when I saw them play @ Rutgers last year, a good portion of the crowd [in an 8,000 arena] was rooting for Carolina.

iamredbeard

March 31st, 2009, 7:08 pm

Unfortunately, any excess of green & white [and I still don't think you'll see it Sat night] will probably be in the next county [the upper levels of a football stadium]

IF they get into the championship game, then you'll likely see "plenty of green & white" as Sparty fans grab tickets off disgruntled fans of Sat night's losers.

Carolina, Connecticut and even Villanova have plenty of [pardon the expression] well-heeled fans ready, willing, and able to travel to a Final Four.

I've seen Carolina plenty of times @ Madison Sq Garden and The Meadowlands for pre season/holiday tourneys and the crowd is overwhelmingly Carolina Blue. Even when I saw them play @ Rutgers last year, a good portion of the crowd [in an 8,000 arena] was rooting for Carolina.

UConn's head coach has said that he expects to see at least 60,000 of the 75,000 in attendance to be Spartan fans. Although truth be told I think he's exaggerating. Although ESPN did say that the some in the NCAA was glad that Michigan State made the Final Four, because things beings being what they are many didn't think that they would be able to sell out the Final Four this year. I think Michigan State matches up well against Connecticut and I think they'll come out on a high and play well the entire game I like their chances Saturday Night.

MR. MISTER

March 31st, 2009, 9:02 pm

UConn's head coach has said that he expects to see at least 60,000 of the 75,000 in attendance to be Spartan fans. Although truth be told I think he's exaggerating.
I think what he meant was that he expects the majority of the crowd to be against Connecticut and will root for the underdog (MSU) - not that they'll necessarily be decked out in green.

And why not? I root against the Big East on principle - esp this year.

Anyone there for the second game would rather be playing MSU than UConn on Monday night [irregardless of the 30 year anniversary of Magic vs Bird]

iamredbeard

March 31st, 2009, 10:08 pm

I think what he meant was that he expects the majority of the crowd to be against Connecticut and will root for the underdog (MSU) - not that they'll necessarily be decked out in green.

And why not? I root against the Big East on principle - esp this year.

Anyone there for the second game would rather be playing MSU than UConn on Monday night [irregardless of the 30 year anniversary of Magic vs Bird]

Maybe your right. Maybe I am making to much out of Ford Field only being 84 miles from East Lansing. Regardless I think they match of well against UConn. I just happen to think there will be a lot of people in green and white, could be wrong though. Won't be the first time, won't be the last time. I am expecting Michigan State to be on an emotional high considering they are playing so close to home, not to mention that it's the 30th anniversary of their first title. I am expecting them to start off playing well and continue that all game long.

Dr. Funkenstein

April 1st, 2009, 8:59 am

Not likely to happen as long as Roy Williams is there.

The only time they missed it since the field was expanded to 64 was with Matt Dougherty as coach.

I thought that year was Guthridge :doh:

And I know...mostly I meant that I treat the tournament kind of like the '72 Dolphins treat every NFL season. When UNC's gone, I pop the cork :dance:

Also on that list are Florida (just because I'm not a big FSU hoops fan doesn't mean I can't hate Florida across the spectrum, right?), Georgetown, UConn and Duke.

Dr. Funkenstein

April 1st, 2009, 9:00 am