Butler made it back to the NCAA tournament, winning the Horizon League and bringing much joy to 42 contestants, while fellow favorite Oakland (74) took the Summit. We considered requiring our entrants to correctly identify which state Oakland comes from before awarding credit, but decided it would just be too depressing to ask (the correct answer is Michigan, not California, if you're scoring at home; or even if you're alone).
Still, it wouldn't be a pool update unless some small conference nobody who went unselected in our contest earned a bid, and tonight it was Arkansas-Little Rock (0) filling the bill. (We considered requiring our entrants to correctly identify which state Arkansas-Little Rock comes from, as well, but based on our entrants' success in the contest so far we decided even that was too much to hope for.) This brings us up to 4 out of 11 conference champions that were picked by absolutely none of our entrants.
Amazingly, L Schlegel has accurately guessed all 7 of the conference champs who were picked by at least one person, and thus he still leads the pool with 35 points. Canning has six right and sits in 2nd place with 30 points. Full standings may be found through the link on the right hand side of the page.
Princeton beat Penn in its regular season finale, meaning the Tigers (selected by 51) will take on the Crimson of Harvard (chosen by 31) for the Ivy League crown.
Come on back tomorrow for yet another riveting update.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Four more champions...
...and some of our entrants even picked three of them!
St. Peters won the MAAC, bringing up to three the number of conference champions who none of us picked (out of eight winners so far). But we prefer to dwell upon the positive. Eight of us guessed right about Wofford (L Schlegel, Steitz, M Paston 1, M Paston 2, Packman, Kline 3, N Donadio, and S Leach) in the Southern Conference, 20 of us correctly chose Old Dominion to win the Colonial, and almost half of us (39, to be precise) accurately predicted Gonzaga to win the WCC. Meaning out of eight conference champions so far, a majority of us were right about one of them (Belmont, picked by 79). Hey, and one out of eight is better than none out of eight, right? That's positive, isn't it?
Interestingly enough, with only five conference champs who had more than zero votes, we have a contestant (L Schlegel) who hit the jackpot on all five (Belmont, Old Dominion, Gonzaga, Wofford, and Morehead State), and three others (Canning, M Josephs, and Quint) who scored on four out of five. And of course these four individuals lead the pack (with L Schlegel five points ahead of the others). Full standings may be found here.
Two more league finals are set, the Sun Belt, featuring North Texas (selected by just three entrants - ACCBBallFan, Crotts, and the ubiquitous M Josephs) against Arkansas-Little Rock (selected by three fewer, aka zero entrants); and the Summit, where Oakland (chosen by 74 of us) lines up against Oral Roberts (chosen by four - Steitz, E Pogach, Kline 2, and Kline 3). And of course the commissioners are very much looking forward to a play-in game between Oral Roberts and Morehead State.
Ba-dum-bum.
St. Peters won the MAAC, bringing up to three the number of conference champions who none of us picked (out of eight winners so far). But we prefer to dwell upon the positive. Eight of us guessed right about Wofford (L Schlegel, Steitz, M Paston 1, M Paston 2, Packman, Kline 3, N Donadio, and S Leach) in the Southern Conference, 20 of us correctly chose Old Dominion to win the Colonial, and almost half of us (39, to be precise) accurately predicted Gonzaga to win the WCC. Meaning out of eight conference champions so far, a majority of us were right about one of them (Belmont, picked by 79). Hey, and one out of eight is better than none out of eight, right? That's positive, isn't it?
Interestingly enough, with only five conference champs who had more than zero votes, we have a contestant (L Schlegel) who hit the jackpot on all five (Belmont, Old Dominion, Gonzaga, Wofford, and Morehead State), and three others (Canning, M Josephs, and Quint) who scored on four out of five. And of course these four individuals lead the pack (with L Schlegel five points ahead of the others). Full standings may be found here.
Two more league finals are set, the Sun Belt, featuring North Texas (selected by just three entrants - ACCBBallFan, Crotts, and the ubiquitous M Josephs) against Arkansas-Little Rock (selected by three fewer, aka zero entrants); and the Summit, where Oakland (chosen by 74 of us) lines up against Oral Roberts (chosen by four - Steitz, E Pogach, Kline 2, and Kline 3). And of course the commissioners are very much looking forward to a play-in game between Oral Roberts and Morehead State.
Ba-dum-bum.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
More Zero Heroes
Mighty Vermont (selected by 65 of us) has fallen to puny Stonybrook (selected by nobody even associated with one of our entrants). The Stonybrooksterians will play BU (16) for the America East championship.
Also reaching their league final after being completely ignored by our contestants are Lafayette (0) in the Patriot League, who will play Bucknell (74) (who beat Lehigh (0) by 2 points tonight), and St. Peters (0) who smacked Fairfield (63) around and will face off against Iona (13) in the MAAC.
In the Southern Conference, favorite Charleston (66) must play Wofford (18) for the automatic bid. Gonzaga (39) is still playing, but if the Zags hold on to their lead they'll be playing St. Mary's (43) for the WCC crown.
Also reaching their league final after being completely ignored by our contestants are Lafayette (0) in the Patriot League, who will play Bucknell (74) (who beat Lehigh (0) by 2 points tonight), and St. Peters (0) who smacked Fairfield (63) around and will face off against Iona (13) in the MAAC.
In the Southern Conference, favorite Charleston (66) must play Wofford (18) for the automatic bid. Gonzaga (39) is still playing, but if the Zags hold on to their lead they'll be playing St. Mary's (43) for the WCC crown.
You'd have been better off picking Murray as your accountant...
We should have known it would be that kind of year when Murray State (chosen by 57 of us) went down to Tennessee Tech (chosen by none of us) on Friday. But if we didn't know then, we sure know now.
So far, four conference champions have punched their tickets for the big dance, and two of them (UNC-Ashville & Indiana State) were picked by nobody in our contest. Out of 82 contestants, only 18 of us have as many as two right out of four.
The other day we mentioned the chagrin of the five people who chose Liberty (who lost before the pool was due). But now we figure the 77 others who picked Coastal Carolina in the Big South feel pretty much the same way. On the other hand, 79 people accurately selected Belmont as Atlantic Sun champ, but that probably doesn't help Steitz, Mad Leach, or Jr Donadio -- all of whom took ETSU -- feel any better about themselves.
The other winner so far who got any votes in our contest is Morehead State (chosen by 20), who beat Murray-vanquisher Tennessee Tech in the OVC final. In the Colonial, the championship game is set between Old Dominion (taken by 20) and Virginia Commonwealth (picked by three -- Wright, Selig, and D Kornfeld. In the Horizon it's Butler (42) against Milwaukee (16).
Indiana State won the MVC over Missouri State (45) and Wichita State (36), but at least the latter two have a theoretical shot of getting picked at large. As does George Mason (57), who went down to VCU.
In the Northeast, it's LIU (70) against Robert Morris (3 -- E Pogach, ACCBBallFan, & N Donadio), each of which won their semifinal games by 2 measly points over Central Connecticut State (Templeton, M Wanger, & Kline 2) and Quinnipiac (A Ripley, Quint, K Ripley, Wright, Mad Leach, & Steitz), respectively. And, as always, we love saying "Quinnipiac."
In what's probably the second Ivy League race that wasn't decided before the pool was due, if Princeton (chosen by 51) can get by Penn this week they'll play Harvard (taken by 31) in a playoff.
More games tonight. Enjoy.
So far, four conference champions have punched their tickets for the big dance, and two of them (UNC-Ashville & Indiana State) were picked by nobody in our contest. Out of 82 contestants, only 18 of us have as many as two right out of four.
The other day we mentioned the chagrin of the five people who chose Liberty (who lost before the pool was due). But now we figure the 77 others who picked Coastal Carolina in the Big South feel pretty much the same way. On the other hand, 79 people accurately selected Belmont as Atlantic Sun champ, but that probably doesn't help Steitz, Mad Leach, or Jr Donadio -- all of whom took ETSU -- feel any better about themselves.
The other winner so far who got any votes in our contest is Morehead State (chosen by 20), who beat Murray-vanquisher Tennessee Tech in the OVC final. In the Colonial, the championship game is set between Old Dominion (taken by 20) and Virginia Commonwealth (picked by three -- Wright, Selig, and D Kornfeld. In the Horizon it's Butler (42) against Milwaukee (16).
Indiana State won the MVC over Missouri State (45) and Wichita State (36), but at least the latter two have a theoretical shot of getting picked at large. As does George Mason (57), who went down to VCU.
In the Northeast, it's LIU (70) against Robert Morris (3 -- E Pogach, ACCBBallFan, & N Donadio), each of which won their semifinal games by 2 measly points over Central Connecticut State (Templeton, M Wanger, & Kline 2) and Quinnipiac (A Ripley, Quint, K Ripley, Wright, Mad Leach, & Steitz), respectively. And, as always, we love saying "Quinnipiac."
In what's probably the second Ivy League race that wasn't decided before the pool was due, if Princeton (chosen by 51) can get by Penn this week they'll play Harvard (taken by 31) in a playoff.
More games tonight. Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Breaking News -- BYU's Davies case not about beer
No, apparently Brandon Davies was dismissed from BYU's basketball team after he admitted to having sex with his girlfriend, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Here's a link to ESPN if you want to read more.
We're sure everyone who picked BYU to go far and just watched or heard about the Mormons getting hammered in BYU-ville by unranked New Mexico (by 18) feels really good about that so-called Code of Honor. Or at least you probably feel good that you didn't personally sign the BYU honor pledge, so at least you can go out somewhere and drown your sorrows.
Here's a link to ESPN if you want to read more.
We're sure everyone who picked BYU to go far and just watched or heard about the Mormons getting hammered in BYU-ville by unranked New Mexico (by 18) feels really good about that so-called Code of Honor. Or at least you probably feel good that you didn't personally sign the BYU honor pledge, so at least you can go out somewhere and drown your sorrows.
Now comes the fun
Well, the entry deadline has passed and now we know what we have. And what we have is 82 contestants this year.
And already so many things to talk about. For starters, how about BYU starting center Brandon Davies being kicked off the team for violating the BYU honor code (the rumor being he committed the heinous crime of drinking a beer). Not the best news for K Ripley, L Schlegel, or K Sullivan, all of whom went out on a limb for BYU as their national champion, and probably not putting smiles on the faces of the 22 entrants who picked BYU into their Final Four and the 51 contestants who selected the Mormons into their Elite Eight.
In other news, Liberty went down in their conference tournament to High Point last night, a few hours before our contest deadline, much to the presumed chagrin of M Josephs, M Kline, G Rogers, Steitz, and Templeton, who all said, "Give me Liberty" for Big South champion.
Fasten your seat belts. The fun is just beginning.
And already so many things to talk about. For starters, how about BYU starting center Brandon Davies being kicked off the team for violating the BYU honor code (the rumor being he committed the heinous crime of drinking a beer). Not the best news for K Ripley, L Schlegel, or K Sullivan, all of whom went out on a limb for BYU as their national champion, and probably not putting smiles on the faces of the 22 entrants who picked BYU into their Final Four and the 51 contestants who selected the Mormons into their Elite Eight.
In other news, Liberty went down in their conference tournament to High Point last night, a few hours before our contest deadline, much to the presumed chagrin of M Josephs, M Kline, G Rogers, Steitz, and Templeton, who all said, "Give me Liberty" for Big South champion.
Fasten your seat belts. The fun is just beginning.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Here we go!
Hard to believe, but the Pool is back for its 22nd year. Entries are due Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
The link to the entry form is: http://www.davidkedson.com/NCAA.asp
The link to the rules is: http://www.davidkedson.com/Rules.htm
Everybody's welcome. So tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell your pets.
It's Pool time.
The link to the entry form is: http://www.davidkedson.com/NCAA.asp
The link to the rules is: http://www.davidkedson.com/Rules.htm
Everybody's welcome. So tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell your pets.
It's Pool time.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Duke
Well, it's over. Congratulations to Crotty, who won the contest in his first year of trying, but didn't pay so all he'll get is our undying adulation.
Even more congratulations to Biebel, who has won 1st prize in this year's contest, and R Schlegel and Harlan, who win 2nd and 3rd prize, respectively.
There were 59 paying entries in this year's contest, so you all can do the math for yourselves. Checks should be in the mail next week, to Biebel, R Schlegel, and Harlan, as well as Adams, McKillip, and Whiteside, who split the prize for leading after selection of the field.
Full final standings may (as always) be found at the "Standings" link on the right side of the page.
The rumor is that the NCAA will probably irrevocably alter the greatest sporting event on Earth, expanding to 96 teams next year and likely killing the proverbial golden goose. But that's a lament for another day.
Have a great year, everyone.
Even more congratulations to Biebel, who has won 1st prize in this year's contest, and R Schlegel and Harlan, who win 2nd and 3rd prize, respectively.
There were 59 paying entries in this year's contest, so you all can do the math for yourselves. Checks should be in the mail next week, to Biebel, R Schlegel, and Harlan, as well as Adams, McKillip, and Whiteside, who split the prize for leading after selection of the field.
Full final standings may (as always) be found at the "Standings" link on the right side of the page.
The rumor is that the NCAA will probably irrevocably alter the greatest sporting event on Earth, expanding to 96 teams next year and likely killing the proverbial golden goose. But that's a lament for another day.
Have a great year, everyone.
The Omen
We were looking for omens. It's a long drive from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, and on Friday, April 2, we were unsure what the weekend would bring. We crossed Pennsylvania without seeing anything unusual, and left West Virginia in the dust (which felt good). Soon after that, however, the psychic vibes became evident.
Two trucks vied for supremacy in the right and middle lanes, the one with "Baylor" scrawled across its side moving confidently ahead of the one reading "Old Dominion." An RV with "Georgetown" written in large letters seemed to be stuck in first gear as little compact cars with Ohio license plates raced past it.
And then we saw it. A towering pole with a sign in the shape of a crown, and a single word etched inside. And suddenly all our doubts evaporated into the Ohio air. We knew who the champion would be. And all seemed right with the world.
Two trucks vied for supremacy in the right and middle lanes, the one with "Baylor" scrawled across its side moving confidently ahead of the one reading "Old Dominion." An RV with "Georgetown" written in large letters seemed to be stuck in first gear as little compact cars with Ohio license plates raced past it.
And then we saw it. A towering pole with a sign in the shape of a crown, and a single word etched inside. And suddenly all our doubts evaporated into the Ohio air. We knew who the champion would be. And all seemed right with the world.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tag Team Tallies
We don't yet know how the Final Four will play out, of course, but so far nobody could deny it's been the Year of the Upset. So it's only fitting that in our contest we've had a couple of upsets that put even Ohio U over Georgetown to shame: Males (222.10) have scored better than females (216.75), and lawyers (232.0) have outproduced humans (220.46). Perhaps even more surprising, the average Commissioner (226.0) has fared better than the average pool participant (221.31).
How good a year has it been for Duke in 2010? Well, we all know about Duke's Final Four appearance and arch-rival UNC's ignominious descent into the NIT, but adding insult to insult is the fact that those affiliated with Duke lead all institutions with an average score of 242.0 in the contest, while those claiming ties to UNC are dead last with an average of 185.0. Villanova fans outperformed their team, as their 229.33 average is second to Duke, and ahead of Texas (223.0), Vanderbilt (219.0), and Syracuse (213.5).
Despite the inclusion of contest winner Crotty, non-paying entrants (215.81) have once again shown that, by and large, they didn't pay for a reason, trailing paying entrants (222.80) by a hefty margin.
In the official Tag Team competition, the winner is the Friends of Claude, who average 237.0 despite professing their admiration for a dead cat. In second place is Whiteside and his Detractors, with 228.60, and just behind them are the Donadios, who average 225.0, and Urban Engineers, with 219.38.
In yet another upset of epic proportions, the Leach Gang (217.6) finds itself ahead of someone, in this case both the Ripley Believe it or Nots (214.25), and the Kleiman Klan (211.33).
In the Name Game, it's Ed (248.5) in a tight one over Steve (245.5), and Rick (238.0). In the Gospel Division (albeit including some slightly alternative spellings), we have John (234.67) over Luke (225.5), Mark (211.0), and Matthew (200.67). David (221.4) is better than the average Joe (214.5), as well as the average Bob (213.0), Brett (211.5), George (206.0), and Andrew (206.0).
This year's top pool-selecting occupation is the medical field (245.0), followed by business executive and accountant (both at 241.33), IT consultant (238.75), and practicing attorney (231.5). Retired people (219.75) should probably stay that way, and students (218.88) still have a lot to learn. And the only good thing we can say about engineers (217.10) this year is that they're better than those working in the media (212.33).
Children (213.29) have once again proved the age-old adage that they should be seen, but not seen gambling.
It's no coincidence that two of this year's Final Four are from the Midwest, as that region leads all others with a 237.75 average. South Jersey (226.5) leads the Philadelphia PA suburbs (224.55), Western PA (219.4), Philadelphia proper (218.6), and North Jersey (205.0). The deep South (222.63) is a lot better than the Washington/Baltimore Beltway (197.0).
If you want to pick a State to pick pools from, this year we'd recommend Illinois (248.5) and if you can't make it there then Indiana (237.0), Florida (237.0), and Louisiana (236.0) aren't too shabby. Georgia (225.0), Pennsylvania (223.4), and New Jersey (222.2) are slightly above average, while Tennessee (219.0), Michigan (217.0), New York (215.0), and Texas (210.0) are not. And if you're from Virginia (203.0), Maryland (197.0), or Washington DC (183.0), you might as well stick to politics.
This commissioner is off to Indianapolis. Enjoy the Final Four.
How good a year has it been for Duke in 2010? Well, we all know about Duke's Final Four appearance and arch-rival UNC's ignominious descent into the NIT, but adding insult to insult is the fact that those affiliated with Duke lead all institutions with an average score of 242.0 in the contest, while those claiming ties to UNC are dead last with an average of 185.0. Villanova fans outperformed their team, as their 229.33 average is second to Duke, and ahead of Texas (223.0), Vanderbilt (219.0), and Syracuse (213.5).
Despite the inclusion of contest winner Crotty, non-paying entrants (215.81) have once again shown that, by and large, they didn't pay for a reason, trailing paying entrants (222.80) by a hefty margin.
In the official Tag Team competition, the winner is the Friends of Claude, who average 237.0 despite professing their admiration for a dead cat. In second place is Whiteside and his Detractors, with 228.60, and just behind them are the Donadios, who average 225.0, and Urban Engineers, with 219.38.
In yet another upset of epic proportions, the Leach Gang (217.6) finds itself ahead of someone, in this case both the Ripley Believe it or Nots (214.25), and the Kleiman Klan (211.33).
In the Name Game, it's Ed (248.5) in a tight one over Steve (245.5), and Rick (238.0). In the Gospel Division (albeit including some slightly alternative spellings), we have John (234.67) over Luke (225.5), Mark (211.0), and Matthew (200.67). David (221.4) is better than the average Joe (214.5), as well as the average Bob (213.0), Brett (211.5), George (206.0), and Andrew (206.0).
This year's top pool-selecting occupation is the medical field (245.0), followed by business executive and accountant (both at 241.33), IT consultant (238.75), and practicing attorney (231.5). Retired people (219.75) should probably stay that way, and students (218.88) still have a lot to learn. And the only good thing we can say about engineers (217.10) this year is that they're better than those working in the media (212.33).
Children (213.29) have once again proved the age-old adage that they should be seen, but not seen gambling.
It's no coincidence that two of this year's Final Four are from the Midwest, as that region leads all others with a 237.75 average. South Jersey (226.5) leads the Philadelphia PA suburbs (224.55), Western PA (219.4), Philadelphia proper (218.6), and North Jersey (205.0). The deep South (222.63) is a lot better than the Washington/Baltimore Beltway (197.0).
If you want to pick a State to pick pools from, this year we'd recommend Illinois (248.5) and if you can't make it there then Indiana (237.0), Florida (237.0), and Louisiana (236.0) aren't too shabby. Georgia (225.0), Pennsylvania (223.4), and New Jersey (222.2) are slightly above average, while Tennessee (219.0), Michigan (217.0), New York (215.0), and Texas (210.0) are not. And if you're from Virginia (203.0), Maryland (197.0), or Washington DC (183.0), you might as well stick to politics.
This commissioner is off to Indianapolis. Enjoy the Final Four.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Rivals 2010
We like it that the contest means different things for different people. R Wanger's aspiration to win the contest, for example, seems to annually take a backseat to his desire to mercilessly crush his own daughter (K Ripley), son-in-law (P Ripley), and even his one-year-old grandchild (A Ripley)! Without commenting on the psychological health of such goals, this year R Wanger's wish came true as he came in with 244 points, more than 27 points ahead of any of his kinfolk. P Ripley has been heard to lament, "I can't lose to my wife and father-in-law every year, can I???" And we'd like to offer some assurance... but we can't. For the fifth straight year both R Wanger (244) and K Ripley (216) finished significantly ahead of P Ripley (191), with the kicker this year being one-year-old A Ripley (206) also thrashed his old man.
A step up in inter-familial intensity may be seen from Whiteside, who promised to "annihilate" sister-in-law Booth, and delivered, outscoring his relation-by-marriage, 231 to 169. Butscher (230) rashly declared that Whiteside and Booth "have no chance," and he was half right, ending up a mere point behind Whiteside. It's not all felicity for Whiteside, however, as he wasn't even close to co-workers McKillip (266) and Canning (247).
E Leach, the "granddaddy of all the Leaches," has shown that venerability has its compensations, as his 231 points are superior to every other Leach. Second grader Madison Leach (227) stated she is no longer counting on her father, P Leach (217) for tips, and we believe her, as she left her daddy in the dust by ten points. Madison's sister, S Leach also claims she's "smarter than my daddy," but she couldn't back it up with only 186 points. Alien creature Mash Leach (227) fell squarely in the middle of the Leach clan, which we suppose makes sense in a warped sort of way.
In a couple of sibling rivalries, D Kornfeld (219) edged R Kornfeld (217) and Bill Acchione (247) easily handled Bud Acchione (206), while L McAtee (235) smoothly skated by her brother M McAtee (229).
Millan (227) boldly declaimed that Karlsruher (219) was "going down" -- and he was right.
Upstart L Schlegel (241) didn't have enough juice to get past his dad, R Schlegel (258), and commissioner M Josephs (197) probably ought to watch some "Father Knows Best" re-runs himself, as he fell to D Josephs (228) by 31 points. On the other hand, Adams (251) didn't have any trouble dispatching her paternal relative, Coach Doc (229). Mike Paston (232) put the hurt on Matt Maston (185). J Donadio (263) left no doubt who was head of his household, besting both spouse ME Donadio (202), and offspring L Donadio (210). In Kleimanland, it was B Kleiman (215) finishing ahead of both M Kleiman (211), and E Kleiman (208).
M Peloso, who we fear may have to turn in her Duke-loving credentials after refusing to pick the Blue Devils into the Final Four, still managed to sneak by her husband B Peloso, 218 to 215. G Wright (227), in her first time entering the contest, took out her hubby B Wright (215) with points to spare.
Baum somehow managed to lose to himself, 191 to 214.
A step up in inter-familial intensity may be seen from Whiteside, who promised to "annihilate" sister-in-law Booth, and delivered, outscoring his relation-by-marriage, 231 to 169. Butscher (230) rashly declared that Whiteside and Booth "have no chance," and he was half right, ending up a mere point behind Whiteside. It's not all felicity for Whiteside, however, as he wasn't even close to co-workers McKillip (266) and Canning (247).
E Leach, the "granddaddy of all the Leaches," has shown that venerability has its compensations, as his 231 points are superior to every other Leach. Second grader Madison Leach (227) stated she is no longer counting on her father, P Leach (217) for tips, and we believe her, as she left her daddy in the dust by ten points. Madison's sister, S Leach also claims she's "smarter than my daddy," but she couldn't back it up with only 186 points. Alien creature Mash Leach (227) fell squarely in the middle of the Leach clan, which we suppose makes sense in a warped sort of way.
In a couple of sibling rivalries, D Kornfeld (219) edged R Kornfeld (217) and Bill Acchione (247) easily handled Bud Acchione (206), while L McAtee (235) smoothly skated by her brother M McAtee (229).
Millan (227) boldly declaimed that Karlsruher (219) was "going down" -- and he was right.
Upstart L Schlegel (241) didn't have enough juice to get past his dad, R Schlegel (258), and commissioner M Josephs (197) probably ought to watch some "Father Knows Best" re-runs himself, as he fell to D Josephs (228) by 31 points. On the other hand, Adams (251) didn't have any trouble dispatching her paternal relative, Coach Doc (229). Mike Paston (232) put the hurt on Matt Maston (185). J Donadio (263) left no doubt who was head of his household, besting both spouse ME Donadio (202), and offspring L Donadio (210). In Kleimanland, it was B Kleiman (215) finishing ahead of both M Kleiman (211), and E Kleiman (208).
M Peloso, who we fear may have to turn in her Duke-loving credentials after refusing to pick the Blue Devils into the Final Four, still managed to sneak by her husband B Peloso, 218 to 215. G Wright (227), in her first time entering the contest, took out her hubby B Wright (215) with points to spare.
Baum somehow managed to lose to himself, 191 to 214.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The real winners
As we said yesterday, we'd like to lead a big round of applause for Crotty, who solved the intellectual puzzle and won the contest, while not being interested in trivial things such as money.
Most of you, however, are probably more interested in our prizewinners, who are listed below. Note that NOBODY chose Michigan State, Butler, or West Virginia to win it, and only six (6) people took Duke (Biebel, Crotty, Harlan, R Schlegel, R Simon, Tester) as champion. So...
IF DUKE WINS
Crotty** 317
Biebel 305 (wins first prize)
R Schlegel 298 (wins second prize)
Harlan 292 (wins third prize)
IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN DUKE WINS
Crotty** 277
McKillip 266 (wins first prize)
Biebel 265 (wins second prize)
J Donadio 263 (wins third prize)
** -- (gets nothing and likes it)
Congratulations to all the prizewinners.
At least one commissioner is heading to Indianapolis on Friday, but we'll make our best efforts to provide a Rivals update, Tag Team tallies, and All Name teams (and maybe Mascot Trivia -- we'll see) before we leave.
If possible we'll also provide updates on the scene in Indy, which should be wild with Butler playing in the Final Four about seven miles from their campus.
Most of you, however, are probably more interested in our prizewinners, who are listed below. Note that NOBODY chose Michigan State, Butler, or West Virginia to win it, and only six (6) people took Duke (Biebel, Crotty, Harlan, R Schlegel, R Simon, Tester) as champion. So...
IF DUKE WINS
Crotty** 317
Biebel 305 (wins first prize)
R Schlegel 298 (wins second prize)
Harlan 292 (wins third prize)
IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN DUKE WINS
Crotty** 277
McKillip 266 (wins first prize)
Biebel 265 (wins second prize)
J Donadio 263 (wins third prize)
** -- (gets nothing and likes it)
Congratulations to all the prizewinners.
At least one commissioner is heading to Indianapolis on Friday, but we'll make our best efforts to provide a Rivals update, Tag Team tallies, and All Name teams (and maybe Mascot Trivia -- we'll see) before we leave.
If possible we'll also provide updates on the scene in Indy, which should be wild with Butler playing in the Final Four about seven miles from their campus.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Four
Duke and Michigan State will join Butler and West Virginia in Indianapolis, but that didn't stop 49 of our 75 contestants (65.3%) from predicting exactly zero (0) Final Four teams correctly. We had 22 entrants who got one (1) right, and four players (Crotty, D Kedson, Madison Leach, Tester) whose success rate (two (2) accurate selections -- 50%) couldn't pass a fifth grade science test but who look like Einstein compared to the average pool-picker (funny hair and all).
Updated standings may be found at the ubiquitous link on the right side of the page. We'll have more comments tomorrow, but for now we'd like to congratulate Crotty for winning the pool while not paying the entry fee. No matter what happens in Indianapolis next weekend, Crotty will have the most points and someone else will win first prize. Mr. Crotty, at least three entry-fee paying contestants salute you.
We'll break down who and how many tomorrow.
Updated standings may be found at the ubiquitous link on the right side of the page. We'll have more comments tomorrow, but for now we'd like to congratulate Crotty for winning the pool while not paying the entry fee. No matter what happens in Indianapolis next weekend, Crotty will have the most points and someone else will win first prize. Mr. Crotty, at least three entry-fee paying contestants salute you.
We'll break down who and how many tomorrow.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Kingpins keep dropping
Only three teams that were still alive going into the Final Eight games had received more than eight Final Four votes from our group of prognosticators. So naturally, two of them lost today (Kentucky (55), Kansas State(18)).
West Virginia (chosen by 8: Crotty, D Kedson, Madison Leach, M McAtee, Merril, R Perry, Smith, Tester) and Butler (picked by nobody, or at least nobody who chose to enter our contest) are in the Final Four, while two of tomorrow's four teams (Duke (20), Michigan State (2: Templeton, Yolles), Baylor (a very large goose egg), and Tennessee (also the big oh)) will join them.
What's the over/under on the number of "Butler Did It" headlines tomorrow morning? Whatever it is, we're taking the over.
And for those who don't already know, Butler is from Indianapolis, the site of this year's Final Four. So not only did none of our contestants pick them, but now they're the home team!
Smith, the man who tattled on Bill Acchione and Durkin, has slithered into first place, with 258 points. Non-paying entrant Crotty (who even if he wins will get nothing and like it) is right behind with 257, while McKillip (246), Biebel (245), Wanger (244), J Donadio (243), and Nowakowski (241) are clumped up behind the leaders.
This has been one amazing, crazy, unbelievable tournament. Tune in tomorrow for more.
West Virginia (chosen by 8: Crotty, D Kedson, Madison Leach, M McAtee, Merril, R Perry, Smith, Tester) and Butler (picked by nobody, or at least nobody who chose to enter our contest) are in the Final Four, while two of tomorrow's four teams (Duke (20), Michigan State (2: Templeton, Yolles), Baylor (a very large goose egg), and Tennessee (also the big oh)) will join them.
What's the over/under on the number of "Butler Did It" headlines tomorrow morning? Whatever it is, we're taking the over.
And for those who don't already know, Butler is from Indianapolis, the site of this year's Final Four. So not only did none of our contestants pick them, but now they're the home team!
Smith, the man who tattled on Bill Acchione and Durkin, has slithered into first place, with 258 points. Non-paying entrant Crotty (who even if he wins will get nothing and like it) is right behind with 257, while McKillip (246), Biebel (245), Wanger (244), J Donadio (243), and Nowakowski (241) are clumped up behind the leaders.
This has been one amazing, crazy, unbelievable tournament. Tune in tomorrow for more.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Eight
The Final Eight is set, with Duke (chosen by 56 to make the Eight), Michigan State (picked by 18), Tennessee (taken by Freidhof only), and Baylor (liked by absolutely nobody) joining yesterday's advancees.
In perhaps the worst performance in the history of the pool, here's what our contestants thought of the possiblity of the actual Elite Eight moving on to the Final Four:
Kentucky (55 votes for Final Four)
Duke (20)
Kansas State (18)
West Virginia (8)
Michigan State (2 -- Templeton, Yolles)
Butler (nada)
Tennessee (zip)
Baylor (zilch)
Only 26 of us got as many as half of the Final Eight correct, led by Biebel, who was the only entrant who managed more than half (5 of 8), plus 25 who were right on four. There were 29 contestants who got three right, 15 who got only two, and five hapless individuals who managed a measly one apiece (Richardson, Pike, Booth, DaLauro, and Packman).
McKillip has surged into the lead with 246 points, followed closely by Biebel (245), R Wanger (244), and J Donadio (243). Another 18 entrants are within one Final Four pick (20 points) of the leader.
In perhaps the worst performance in the history of the pool, here's what our contestants thought of the possiblity of the actual Elite Eight moving on to the Final Four:
Kentucky (55 votes for Final Four)
Duke (20)
Kansas State (18)
West Virginia (8)
Michigan State (2 -- Templeton, Yolles)
Butler (nada)
Tennessee (zip)
Baylor (zilch)
Only 26 of us got as many as half of the Final Eight correct, led by Biebel, who was the only entrant who managed more than half (5 of 8), plus 25 who were right on four. There were 29 contestants who got three right, 15 who got only two, and five hapless individuals who managed a measly one apiece (Richardson, Pike, Booth, DaLauro, and Packman).
McKillip has surged into the lead with 246 points, followed closely by Biebel (245), R Wanger (244), and J Donadio (243). Another 18 entrants are within one Final Four pick (20 points) of the leader.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Blue Orange
Butler really did it this time, taking out Syracuse and leaving us with only one of our top four votegetters for the Final Four (Kentucky in; Kansas, Syracuse, Villanova out). E Leach and Mahalko scored with Butler into the Final Eight, bringing themselves all the way up to 11th (tied) and 46th place. Nobody has Butler in the Final Four.
Baum and DaLauro just missed with Xavier (along with 12 entrants who had Xavier as their wildcard), as the X-men succumbed in a double OT thriller to Kansas State.
Wanger is our current leader, with 234 points, followed closely by J Donadio (233) and Nowakowski (231). Booth (169) has slid into the cellar, not too far behind Richardson and Matt Paston (175 each).
Baum and DaLauro just missed with Xavier (along with 12 entrants who had Xavier as their wildcard), as the X-men succumbed in a double OT thriller to Kansas State.
Wanger is our current leader, with 234 points, followed closely by J Donadio (233) and Nowakowski (231). Booth (169) has slid into the cellar, not too far behind Richardson and Matt Paston (175 each).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Four Score
Two of our entrants' favored four didn't make it to the Sweet Sixteen (Kansas and Villanova), while nine of us chose a Final Four team that lost on the first day (Booth, who took Texas, and Butscher, Fitch, S Leach, Missy Peloso, A Ripley, Rybaltowski, Sakowski, and Templeton, who chose Georgetown).
Trying to cash in on unorthodox picks are Templeton and Yolles, who believed in Michigan State, Karlsruher, M Kleiman, D Kornfeld, R Kornfeld, Missy Peloso, Richardson, and B Wright, who dared to choose Purdue, and Crotty, D Kedson, Madison Leach, M McAtee, Merril, R Perry, Smith, and Tester, who went with West Virginia.
We have 39 contestants who still have three of their Final Four alive; 33 who have two left; and three who are hanging their hopes on a single team (Matt Paston and Fitch, who have just Syracuse left; and former Duke-lover Missy Peloso, with only Purdue).
All selected teams:
Kansas (73)
Syracuse (61)
Kentucky (55)
Villanova (30)
Duke (20)
Kansas State (18)
Ohio State (15)
Georgetown (8)
West Virginia (8)
Purdue (7)
Michigan State (2 -- Templeton, Yolles)
Gonzaga (Freidhof)
Texas (Booth)
Wake Forest (Matt Paston)
The full Final Four breakdown, showing every contestants' choices, may be found here.
Trying to cash in on unorthodox picks are Templeton and Yolles, who believed in Michigan State, Karlsruher, M Kleiman, D Kornfeld, R Kornfeld, Missy Peloso, Richardson, and B Wright, who dared to choose Purdue, and Crotty, D Kedson, Madison Leach, M McAtee, Merril, R Perry, Smith, and Tester, who went with West Virginia.
We have 39 contestants who still have three of their Final Four alive; 33 who have two left; and three who are hanging their hopes on a single team (Matt Paston and Fitch, who have just Syracuse left; and former Duke-lover Missy Peloso, with only Purdue).
All selected teams:
Kansas (73)
Syracuse (61)
Kentucky (55)
Villanova (30)
Duke (20)
Kansas State (18)
Ohio State (15)
Georgetown (8)
West Virginia (8)
Purdue (7)
Michigan State (2 -- Templeton, Yolles)
Gonzaga (Freidhof)
Texas (Booth)
Wake Forest (Matt Paston)
The full Final Four breakdown, showing every contestants' choices, may be found here.
Eight is Enough
Well, three of our top eight votegetters for the Elite Eight are no longer playing (Kansas, Villanova, Georgetown), while nobody bothered to cast a single vote for any of Northern Iowa, Cornell, Washington, Baylor, or St. Mary's.
There were 52 Final Eight selections that didn't make it out of the first round (including Georgetown (30), Vanderbilt (8), Texas (7), Richmond (Templeton, B Wright), Louisville (Pike), Temple (J Broder), and Oklahoma State (Packman). Special kudos to DaLauro and L McAtee, who both chose a team for their Final Eight (UConn) who ended up playing in the NIT.
There are 19 contestants who still have six of their Final Eight; 29 who have five alive; and 21 with four Elite Eight teams remaining. Five entrants (Pike, Packman, Matt Paston, R Perry, and B Wright) have only three left, with a big shout out to B Wright, who has two of his three remaining Final Eight teams playing each other in their Sweet Sixteen game (Duke and Purdue, but at least he's guaranteed to have one team of his Final Eight, right?). Booth goes one better, with a meager two (2) Final Eight teams left to root for.
Looking to sneak in with an advantage are Baum and DaLauro, who are the only entrants to like Xavier into the Final Eight; E Leach and Mahalko, who think Butler will do it; and Freidhof, who craftily chose Tennessee.
All selected teams:
Kansas (75)
Kentucky (71)
Syracuse (71)
Villanova (64)
Duke (56)
Kansas State (54)
Ohio State (37)
Georgetown (30)
West Virginia (25)
Purdue (23)
Michigan State (18)
Gonzaga (10)
New Mexico (10)
Pittsburgh (10)
Vanderbilt (8)
BYU (7)
Texas (7)
Wisconsin (6)
Xavier (2 -- Baum, DaLauro)
UConn (2 -- L McAtee, DaLauro)
Butler (2 -- E Leach, Mahalko)
Texas A&M (2 -- Fitch, Pike)
Wake Forest (2 -- Matt Paston, Mike Paston)
Richmond (2 -- Templeton, B Wright)
Louisville (Pike)
Missouri (Packman)
Old Dominion (B Wright)
Temple (J Broder)
Tennessee (Freidhof)
Oklahoma State (Packman)
The full Final Eight breakdown, showing every contestants' choices, may be found here.
There were 52 Final Eight selections that didn't make it out of the first round (including Georgetown (30), Vanderbilt (8), Texas (7), Richmond (Templeton, B Wright), Louisville (Pike), Temple (J Broder), and Oklahoma State (Packman). Special kudos to DaLauro and L McAtee, who both chose a team for their Final Eight (UConn) who ended up playing in the NIT.
There are 19 contestants who still have six of their Final Eight; 29 who have five alive; and 21 with four Elite Eight teams remaining. Five entrants (Pike, Packman, Matt Paston, R Perry, and B Wright) have only three left, with a big shout out to B Wright, who has two of his three remaining Final Eight teams playing each other in their Sweet Sixteen game (Duke and Purdue, but at least he's guaranteed to have one team of his Final Eight, right?). Booth goes one better, with a meager two (2) Final Eight teams left to root for.
Looking to sneak in with an advantage are Baum and DaLauro, who are the only entrants to like Xavier into the Final Eight; E Leach and Mahalko, who think Butler will do it; and Freidhof, who craftily chose Tennessee.
All selected teams:
Kansas (75)
Kentucky (71)
Syracuse (71)
Villanova (64)
Duke (56)
Kansas State (54)
Ohio State (37)
Georgetown (30)
West Virginia (25)
Purdue (23)
Michigan State (18)
Gonzaga (10)
New Mexico (10)
Pittsburgh (10)
Vanderbilt (8)
BYU (7)
Texas (7)
Wisconsin (6)
Xavier (2 -- Baum, DaLauro)
UConn (2 -- L McAtee, DaLauro)
Butler (2 -- E Leach, Mahalko)
Texas A&M (2 -- Fitch, Pike)
Wake Forest (2 -- Matt Paston, Mike Paston)
Richmond (2 -- Templeton, B Wright)
Louisville (Pike)
Missouri (Packman)
Old Dominion (B Wright)
Temple (J Broder)
Tennessee (Freidhof)
Oklahoma State (Packman)
The full Final Eight breakdown, showing every contestants' choices, may be found here.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Our bad
We spoke about wildcard scofflaws in an earlier post, and we've given several kudos to Bill Acchione and Durkin for their astute selection of Baylor as their wildcard. Well, thanks to undercover detective Smith, some new information has come to our attention.
Well, actually it's old information, and it originally came from us. Right from our own rules and entry form, both of which contained a link to the AP Top 25 upon which wildcard selections were required to be made, which most clearly showed Baylor to be the #22 ranked team at the time.
What's the lesson here? Well, as the old adage goes, you can fool some of the commissioners all the time, and all of the commissioners some of the time, but eventually someone's going to tattle. We've updated the standings (link on the right) to take those ill-gotten wildcard gains away from Bill Acchione and Durkin, and dispatched a team of Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to their homes.
This brings the total of illegal wildcard choices up to seven (7), the most since 2002.
Well, actually it's old information, and it originally came from us. Right from our own rules and entry form, both of which contained a link to the AP Top 25 upon which wildcard selections were required to be made, which most clearly showed Baylor to be the #22 ranked team at the time.
What's the lesson here? Well, as the old adage goes, you can fool some of the commissioners all the time, and all of the commissioners some of the time, but eventually someone's going to tattle. We've updated the standings (link on the right) to take those ill-gotten wildcard gains away from Bill Acchione and Durkin, and dispatched a team of Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to their homes.
This brings the total of illegal wildcard choices up to seven (7), the most since 2002.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Not so fast
Thanks to Xavier, R Wanger's stay at the top was short-lived. Now it's McKillip, whose selection of Xavier as his wildcard has put him in first place (for now), with 206 points.
There were 21 people who got more than 1 point for their wildcard, having chosen Xavier (12), No Iowa (7), or Cornell (2 -- Brindisi, Cohan).
Booth is still in second-to-last place.
G'night all.
There were 21 people who got more than 1 point for their wildcard, having chosen Xavier (12), No Iowa (7), or Cornell (2 -- Brindisi, Cohan).
Booth is still in second-to-last place.
G'night all.
Who's got Kansas?
Sorry to be absent for the last couple days. I was closeted in a big room with lots of beer and TVs.
Well, we warned the good people of Lawrence, Kansas of their impending doom (as augured by negative omen of Kansas' being a clear favorite of our entrants), and they ignored us to their peril. Our contestants are now a solid 5 for 21 in predicting champion. The Jayhawks were chosen by 28 of us as national champs, 73 of us as a Final Four team, and 75 of us as a Final Eight team. Oops.
Villanova's demise was perhaps less obvious to longtime contest observers, but we would be remiss if we didn't mention that nine of us have the Wildcats as champs (Bill Acchione, Brindisi, J Broder, DeMaso, D Kornfeld, Mash Leach, M Paston, Sakowski, and L Schlegel); 30 of us liked Villanova into the Final Four, and 64 took Villanova into the Final Eight.
The No. Iowa surprise was good news to the seven entrants who had the pesky Panthers as their wild card (Bud Acchione, Booth, E Leach, L McAtee, M Paston, B Peloso, and R Wanger). R Wanger has parlayed his savvy selection into a (possibly temporary) run into first place, where he now stands with 204 points. Booth's choice of No. Iowa has allowed her to scramble into second-to-last place, two points ahead of Madison Leach.
The only other Saturday wild card winners were Bill Acchione and Durkin, who chose Baylor. [EDIT: they only thought they were winners, but now they've been caught red handed.] There are 39 contestants who have a wild card playing today (Sunday, 3/21), having chosen Maryland (17), Xavier (12), Missouri (3), Cornell (2), Georgia Tech (2), and California (1).
Full standings are at the link on the right. Full Elite Eight and Final Four information will be available sometime this week. And of course we'll be looking into Rival performances and the annual Tag Team competitions in the next few days.
More games, starting now...
Well, we warned the good people of Lawrence, Kansas of their impending doom (as augured by negative omen of Kansas' being a clear favorite of our entrants), and they ignored us to their peril. Our contestants are now a solid 5 for 21 in predicting champion. The Jayhawks were chosen by 28 of us as national champs, 73 of us as a Final Four team, and 75 of us as a Final Eight team. Oops.
Villanova's demise was perhaps less obvious to longtime contest observers, but we would be remiss if we didn't mention that nine of us have the Wildcats as champs (Bill Acchione, Brindisi, J Broder, DeMaso, D Kornfeld, Mash Leach, M Paston, Sakowski, and L Schlegel); 30 of us liked Villanova into the Final Four, and 64 took Villanova into the Final Eight.
The No. Iowa surprise was good news to the seven entrants who had the pesky Panthers as their wild card (Bud Acchione, Booth, E Leach, L McAtee, M Paston, B Peloso, and R Wanger). R Wanger has parlayed his savvy selection into a (possibly temporary) run into first place, where he now stands with 204 points. Booth's choice of No. Iowa has allowed her to scramble into second-to-last place, two points ahead of Madison Leach.
The only other Saturday wild card winners were Bill Acchione and Durkin, who chose Baylor. [EDIT: they only thought they were winners, but now they've been caught red handed.] There are 39 contestants who have a wild card playing today (Sunday, 3/21), having chosen Maryland (17), Xavier (12), Missouri (3), Cornell (2), Georgia Tech (2), and California (1).
Full standings are at the link on the right. Full Elite Eight and Final Four information will be available sometime this week. And of course we'll be looking into Rival performances and the annual Tag Team competitions in the next few days.
More games, starting now...
Monday, March 15, 2010
The economy and your wildcard
Word on the street is the Sociology department of a major midwestern university is conducting an in-depth study on the correlation between worldwide economic conditions and wildcard selection in pre-NCAA tournament pools. And while we hesitate to steal their thunder on the eve of their submission to a prominent sociological journal, we feel obligated to post our own findings here:
In early 2008, prior to the unexpected collapse of Bear Stearns, we had three (3) contestants choose illegal wildcards and four (4) who chose wildcards that failed to make the NCAA tournament field. These numbers were fairly representative of the totals for the previous five years (where we had an average of 4.4 illegal wildcards chosen and 4.2 wildcards that didn't make the field).
In 2009, with many of us tightening our belts, it became apparent that more and more of those belts were worn around their owners' heads. Again we had three (3) illegal wildcards, but the number of entrants who picked wildcards that didn't get into the bracket rose to seven (7).
This year, with two years of recession staring us in the face, the wildcard numbers have reached alarming proportions. Five (5) [EDIT: Seven (7)] contestants chose illegal wildcards (as reported previously, those five [EDIT: seven] were Richardson, L Donadio, R Kornfeld, D Kornfeld, and Hubbard [EDIT: add Bill Acchione and Durkin to this slithery collection of individual lawbreakers]), and a mind-boggling thirteen (13) of us wasted our pick on teams who probably didn't even bother to watch yesterday's numerous selection specials. In fact, our fourth and sixth most popular wildcards didn't get invited to play, as Canning, Huffnagle, Mash Leach, Pike, P Ripley, and Rybaltowski chose UConn and Karlsruher, Millan, Sakowski, and Warner took Virginia Tech. Similarly unfortunate were DaLauro (Arizona State), R Perry (Mississippi State), and Freidhof (William & Mary).
The last time it was this bad? You guessed it -- during our last economic recession in 2002, when we had a whopping eleven (11) illegal wildcards and fourteen (14) wildcard teams who watched the tournament on TV. And now that we've beaten the sociologists to the punch we've got at least a decent shot at the Nobel, right?
Some of this year's contestants apparently aren't feeling nearly as much of a pinch. Our most popular wildcard, Maryland (17 votes), is a #4 seed; and Durkin and Bill Acchione are riding high on the hog (or possibly the bear) with their selection of #3 seed Baylor. [EDIT: riding high no longer; the bear market has finally caught up to these two "businessmen."]
Top votegetters:
Maryland (17)
Xavier (12)
Northern Iowa (7)
UTEP (6)
UConn (6)
Virginia Tech (4)
Others:
Missouri (3 -- Brenner, Harlan, Madison Leach)
Cornell (2 -- Brindisi, Cohan)
Georgia Tech (2 -- D Kedson, Tester)
Siena (2 -- Broder, Packman)
Arizona State (1 -- DaLauro)
Florida (1 -- M McAtee)
Mississippi State (1 -- R Perry)
Clemson (1 -- Merril)
California (1 -- L Schlegel)
Louisville (1 -- Fitch)
William & Mary (1 -- Freidhof)
In early 2008, prior to the unexpected collapse of Bear Stearns, we had three (3) contestants choose illegal wildcards and four (4) who chose wildcards that failed to make the NCAA tournament field. These numbers were fairly representative of the totals for the previous five years (where we had an average of 4.4 illegal wildcards chosen and 4.2 wildcards that didn't make the field).
In 2009, with many of us tightening our belts, it became apparent that more and more of those belts were worn around their owners' heads. Again we had three (3) illegal wildcards, but the number of entrants who picked wildcards that didn't get into the bracket rose to seven (7).
This year, with two years of recession staring us in the face, the wildcard numbers have reached alarming proportions. Five (5) [EDIT: Seven (7)] contestants chose illegal wildcards (as reported previously, those five [EDIT: seven] were Richardson, L Donadio, R Kornfeld, D Kornfeld, and Hubbard [EDIT: add Bill Acchione and Durkin to this slithery collection of individual lawbreakers]), and a mind-boggling thirteen (13) of us wasted our pick on teams who probably didn't even bother to watch yesterday's numerous selection specials. In fact, our fourth and sixth most popular wildcards didn't get invited to play, as Canning, Huffnagle, Mash Leach, Pike, P Ripley, and Rybaltowski chose UConn and Karlsruher, Millan, Sakowski, and Warner took Virginia Tech. Similarly unfortunate were DaLauro (Arizona State), R Perry (Mississippi State), and Freidhof (William & Mary).
The last time it was this bad? You guessed it -- during our last economic recession in 2002, when we had a whopping eleven (11) illegal wildcards and fourteen (14) wildcard teams who watched the tournament on TV. And now that we've beaten the sociologists to the punch we've got at least a decent shot at the Nobel, right?
Some of this year's contestants apparently aren't feeling nearly as much of a pinch. Our most popular wildcard, Maryland (17 votes), is a #4 seed; and Durkin and Bill Acchione are riding high on the hog (or possibly the bear) with their selection of #3 seed Baylor. [EDIT: riding high no longer; the bear market has finally caught up to these two "businessmen."]
Top votegetters:
Maryland (17)
Xavier (12)
Northern Iowa (7)
UTEP (6)
UConn (6)
Virginia Tech (4)
Others:
Missouri (3 -- Brenner, Harlan, Madison Leach)
Cornell (2 -- Brindisi, Cohan)
Georgia Tech (2 -- D Kedson, Tester)
Siena (2 -- Broder, Packman)
Arizona State (1 -- DaLauro)
Florida (1 -- M McAtee)
Mississippi State (1 -- R Perry)
Clemson (1 -- Merril)
California (1 -- L Schlegel)
Louisville (1 -- Fitch)
William & Mary (1 -- Freidhof)
The next champeeeen?
As a public service, we routinely make our data available to champagne salespeople so they know who our entrants' favorite is to win it all. It allows them to save time and concentrate on everybody else. The team that has had the most votes for champion in our contest has actually been the champion only five times in our twenty years of existence (a whopping 25% success rate), so the following may give some people in Lawrence, KS, the willies:
Kansas -- 28
Syracuse -- 19
Kentucky -- 12
Villanova -- 9
Duke -- 6
Kansas State -- 1
All #1 or #2 seeds, and nothing too crazy (unless you count P Leach's selection of Kansas State to win it all). Which essentially confirms our earlier suspicions that we're in for one wacky tournament.
Kansas -- 28
Syracuse -- 19
Kentucky -- 12
Villanova -- 9
Duke -- 6
Kansas State -- 1
All #1 or #2 seeds, and nothing too crazy (unless you count P Leach's selection of Kansas State to win it all). Which essentially confirms our earlier suspicions that we're in for one wacky tournament.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The bracket is set
Well, the bracket is set and our hearts are all aflutter. We'll have more later and/or tomorrow, but for now we'll just say we have a three way tie for first place (with 200 points), meaning Adams, McKillip, and Whiteside will split the $100 prize (assuming they all paid, which we haven't checked yet).
Six entrants were within one lousy at-large selection of the leaders: Missy Peloso (198), R Wanger (198), J Donadio (197), R Schlegel (197), Smith (197), and G Wright (197).
Bringing up the rear is Whiteside's whipping girl Booth, with 153 points, followed closely by Madison Leach (156).
Official standing may once again be accessed via the Standings link on the right.
Six entrants were within one lousy at-large selection of the leaders: Missy Peloso (198), R Wanger (198), J Donadio (197), R Schlegel (197), Smith (197), and G Wright (197).
Bringing up the rear is Whiteside's whipping girl Booth, with 153 points, followed closely by Madison Leach (156).
Official standing may once again be accessed via the Standings link on the right.
heartbreak
Mississippi State was, like, a tenth of a second away from winning the SEC. Now the talking heads say they won't even get a bid. It's "heartbreak city," as Dickie V might say, for the players, the coaches, and the university. But what about Baum, Cohan, D Kedson, and R Perry? I mean, they're out five points!
Anyway, Ohio State and Minnesota are still playing, but so far today's winners have been the favorites: Duke (64); Kentucky (58); and Temple (36).
Broder and McKillip are currently tied for first with 102 points, with six teams tied and right behind at 99.
Full standings, blah, blah, blah, on the right.
Anyway, Ohio State and Minnesota are still playing, but so far today's winners have been the favorites: Duke (64); Kentucky (58); and Temple (36).
Broder and McKillip are currently tied for first with 102 points, with six teams tied and right behind at 99.
Full standings, blah, blah, blah, on the right.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
It's South Dakota!
South Dakota beat Houston Baptist tonight to win the inaugural Great West conference championship, in a game that had absolutely no bearing on the NCAA Tournament. Just thought we'd pass that along.
In games that actually matter:
Kansas won the Big 12, as 69 of us said they would;
Vermont secured the automatic bid from the America East conference, much to the delight of 27 of us;
UC-Santa Barbara, picked by 48, won the Big West;
Ohio, predicted by nobody having anything to do with the contest, took the MAC;
Houston, also considered only by people who didn't enter a pool (and probably not very many of them) won the day in Conference USA;
Sam Houston (chosen by 65) beat Stephen F. Austin in the battle of 19th Century Texans also known as the Southland conference;
Morgan State (predicted by 73) took no prisoners in the MEAC;
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (taken by Booth, Brindisi, Canning, DaLauro, ME Donadio, Harlan, D Kedson, E Leach, Missy Peloso, Sakowski, R Wanger, and Merril) played their best hand to win the SWAC;
West Virginia (liked by Canning, Crotty, D Kedson, Templeton, and Tester) emerged victorious in the Big East;
New Mexico State (envisioned by Baum, S Leach, and R Perry) stunned overwhelming favorite Utah State (61).
Washington (wanted by M Josephs, D Kedson, S Leach, and Tester) pulled through in the Pac-10; and
San Diego State (guessed by Baum I, Baum II, and Freidhof) climbed to the top in the Mountain West.
In tomorrow's action, it's Duke (picked by 64) vs. Georgia Tech (picked by no one) in the ACC; Kentucky (58) vs. Mississippi State (Baum I, Baum II, Cohan, D Kedson, R Perry) in the SEC; Ohio State (45) vs. Minnesota (considered by nobody) in the Big 10; and Temple (36) vs. Richmond (15) in the Atlantic 10.
McKillip currently leads the contest with 89 points, followed by J Broder (87) and Missy Peloso (86), while seven additional entrants are right behind with 84. At the other end, Booth (41) is gaining ground on the Leach girls (Samantha Leach (56) and Madison Leach (54)).
Full standings, as always, available through the link on the right.
In games that actually matter:
Kansas won the Big 12, as 69 of us said they would;
Vermont secured the automatic bid from the America East conference, much to the delight of 27 of us;
UC-Santa Barbara, picked by 48, won the Big West;
Ohio, predicted by nobody having anything to do with the contest, took the MAC;
Houston, also considered only by people who didn't enter a pool (and probably not very many of them) won the day in Conference USA;
Sam Houston (chosen by 65) beat Stephen F. Austin in the battle of 19th Century Texans also known as the Southland conference;
Morgan State (predicted by 73) took no prisoners in the MEAC;
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (taken by Booth, Brindisi, Canning, DaLauro, ME Donadio, Harlan, D Kedson, E Leach, Missy Peloso, Sakowski, R Wanger, and Merril) played their best hand to win the SWAC;
West Virginia (liked by Canning, Crotty, D Kedson, Templeton, and Tester) emerged victorious in the Big East;
New Mexico State (envisioned by Baum, S Leach, and R Perry) stunned overwhelming favorite Utah State (61).
Washington (wanted by M Josephs, D Kedson, S Leach, and Tester) pulled through in the Pac-10; and
San Diego State (guessed by Baum I, Baum II, and Freidhof) climbed to the top in the Mountain West.
In tomorrow's action, it's Duke (picked by 64) vs. Georgia Tech (picked by no one) in the ACC; Kentucky (58) vs. Mississippi State (Baum I, Baum II, Cohan, D Kedson, R Perry) in the SEC; Ohio State (45) vs. Minnesota (considered by nobody) in the Big 10; and Temple (36) vs. Richmond (15) in the Atlantic 10.
McKillip currently leads the contest with 89 points, followed by J Broder (87) and Missy Peloso (86), while seven additional entrants are right behind with 84. At the other end, Booth (41) is gaining ground on the Leach girls (Samantha Leach (56) and Madison Leach (54)).
Full standings, as always, available through the link on the right.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Clear the Decks
The Big East and ACC each had one (1) of their top four seeds advance to their conference tournament semifinals, while only two (2) of the top four seeds advanced that far in the Big 10. In the Mountain West, #1 seed New Mexico (chosen by 30) has gone down and #2 seed BYU (chosen by 32) is losing in the 2nd half [EDIT -- BYU lost]. As we've said before, if the conference tournaments are any indication we may be in for a wild ride next weekend.
In today's only conference final, Lehigh (predicted by 58 of us) survived in the Patriot League. New standings are once again available through the link on the right.
Tomorrow's finals include:
America East: Vermont (chosen by 27) vs. BU (just Canning and Madison Leach)
Big 12: Kansas (taken by 69) vs. Kansas State (Baum, Crotty, DeMaso, Freidhof, P Leach)
Big East: Georgetown (Baum, M Josephs, Madison Leach, M Paston, Rybaltowski) vs. West Virginia (Canning, Crotty, D Kedson, Templeton, Tester)
Big West: UC Santa Barbara (picked by 48) vs. Pacific (25) OR Long Beach St. (Brindisi, Pike); [EDIT -- Long Beach won]
Conference USA: UTEP (liked by 55) vs. Houston (nobody)
MAC: Akron (selected by 16) vs. Ohio (zilch)
MEAC: Morgan State (supported by 73) vs. South Carolina State (the big oh)
Mountain West: San Diego State (Baum I, Baum II, Freidhof) vs. BYU (32) OR UNLV (Canning, Cohan, Fitch, D Josephs, M Josephs, S Leach, Richardson, Rybaltowski, R Schlegel, Templeton); [EDIT -- UNLV won]
Pac 10: California (favored by 51) vs. Washington (M Josephs, D Kedson, S Leach, Tester) OR Stanford (zerocity); [EDIT -- Washington won]
Southland: Sam Houston (picked by 65) vs. Stephen F. Austin (Booth, L Donadio, B Kleiman, E Kleiman, M Kleiman, S Leach, Pike)
SWAC: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Booth, Brindisi, Canning, DaLauro, ME Donadio, Harlan, D Kedson, E Leach, Merril, Missy Peloso, Sakowski, Wanger) vs. Texas Southern (a handful of nothin')
WAC: Utah State (predicted by 61) vs. Nevada (Alberts, Brindisi, Coach Doc, M Josephs, P Leach, Richardson) OR New Mexico State (Baum, S Leach, R Perry); [EDIT -- New Mexico State won]
We're not waiting for the western games to complete [EDIT -- but we've now marked them above], but enjoy your weekend. We're less than 42 [EDIT -- 32] hours away from the final bracket.
In today's only conference final, Lehigh (predicted by 58 of us) survived in the Patriot League. New standings are once again available through the link on the right.
Tomorrow's finals include:
America East: Vermont (chosen by 27) vs. BU (just Canning and Madison Leach)
Big 12: Kansas (taken by 69) vs. Kansas State (Baum, Crotty, DeMaso, Freidhof, P Leach)
Big East: Georgetown (Baum, M Josephs, Madison Leach, M Paston, Rybaltowski) vs. West Virginia (Canning, Crotty, D Kedson, Templeton, Tester)
Big West: UC Santa Barbara (picked by 48) vs. Pacific (25) OR Long Beach St. (Brindisi, Pike); [EDIT -- Long Beach won]
Conference USA: UTEP (liked by 55) vs. Houston (nobody)
MAC: Akron (selected by 16) vs. Ohio (zilch)
MEAC: Morgan State (supported by 73) vs. South Carolina State (the big oh)
Mountain West: San Diego State (Baum I, Baum II, Freidhof) vs. BYU (32) OR UNLV (Canning, Cohan, Fitch, D Josephs, M Josephs, S Leach, Richardson, Rybaltowski, R Schlegel, Templeton); [EDIT -- UNLV won]
Pac 10: California (favored by 51) vs. Washington (M Josephs, D Kedson, S Leach, Tester) OR Stanford (zerocity); [EDIT -- Washington won]
Southland: Sam Houston (picked by 65) vs. Stephen F. Austin (Booth, L Donadio, B Kleiman, E Kleiman, M Kleiman, S Leach, Pike)
SWAC: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Booth, Brindisi, Canning, DaLauro, ME Donadio, Harlan, D Kedson, E Leach, Merril, Missy Peloso, Sakowski, Wanger) vs. Texas Southern (a handful of nothin')
WAC: Utah State (predicted by 61) vs. Nevada (Alberts, Brindisi, Coach Doc, M Josephs, P Leach, Richardson) OR New Mexico State (Baum, S Leach, R Perry); [EDIT -- New Mexico State won]
We're not waiting for the western games to complete [EDIT -- but we've now marked them above], but enjoy your weekend. We're less than 42 [EDIT -- 32] hours away from the final bracket.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Big Sky
In last night's action, Montana, considered only by Madison Leach, bested big favorite Weber State (chosen by 64 entrants) in the Big Sky finals, bringing young Madison all the way up into a tie for 34th place. Bob Morris (picked by 51) snuck by fan favorite Quinnipiac (taken by 20).
In perhaps a harbinger of postseason upsets to come, both Syracuse (selected by 39 contestants) and Villanova (favored by 23) went down in their very first 2010 Big East tournament games.
Standings, of course, are reachable through the link on the right.
In perhaps a harbinger of postseason upsets to come, both Syracuse (selected by 39 contestants) and Villanova (favored by 23) went down in their very first 2010 Big East tournament games.
Standings, of course, are reachable through the link on the right.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Butler did it
Three more teams have gotten on the tourney train. Butler was a unanimous selection in the Horizon, North Texas was chosen by 30 entrants in the Sun Belt, and Oakland was picked by 60 contestants in the Summit.
In the Big Sky, overwhelming favorite Weber State (selected by 64) faces off against Montana (taken only by Madison Leach). In the Patriot League, big timer Lehigh (favored by 58) goes up against its traditional rival Lafayette (picked by 9: Canning, Cohan, L Donadio, Huffnagle, D Kornfeld, Madison Leach, MASH Leach, R Perry, and Sakowski).
The news that Mash Leach has once again dipped into the pool is enough to send shivers down many a spine. But that will have to wait and be the subject of another post.
As always, standings are available on the link on the right.
In the Big Sky, overwhelming favorite Weber State (selected by 64) faces off against Montana (taken only by Madison Leach). In the Patriot League, big timer Lehigh (favored by 58) goes up against its traditional rival Lafayette (picked by 9: Canning, Cohan, L Donadio, Huffnagle, D Kornfeld, Madison Leach, MASH Leach, R Perry, and Sakowski).
The news that Mash Leach has once again dipped into the pool is enough to send shivers down many a spine. But that will have to wait and be the subject of another post.
As always, standings are available on the link on the right.
How the standings work
Every single year at least one or two people e-mail us to ask how [fill in your favorite entrant moniker here] could have six correct conference champions and have 30 points while Adams has six correct conference champs but has 33 points. Do the commissioners like Adams better than them? (And every year it's always Adams, for some reason. Isn't that weird?)
So, after 21 years, here is the answer: We get 5 points for every correct conference champion and 3 points for every team we've identified at-large who makes the field.
Still flummoxed? Well, suppose Adams picked Gonzaga to win the WCC and St. Mary's as an at-large team. Well, St. Mary's won, and thus they've made the field, so Adams gets 3 points for that, in addition to the 5 points for each of the six conference champions she has so far selected.
This seeming anomaly goes away, of course, when the entire field is chosen, because then all the people who picked Gonzaga get their 3 points. True, Adams will get 6 points (3 for St. Mary's and 3 for Gonzaga), but that's because she picked two teams who made the field while someone who picked Gonzaga to win the conference and didn't pick St. Mary's at all only picked one.
Still confused? Tough.
So, after 21 years, here is the answer: We get 5 points for every correct conference champion and 3 points for every team we've identified at-large who makes the field.
Still flummoxed? Well, suppose Adams picked Gonzaga to win the WCC and St. Mary's as an at-large team. Well, St. Mary's won, and thus they've made the field, so Adams gets 3 points for that, in addition to the 5 points for each of the six conference champions she has so far selected.
This seeming anomaly goes away, of course, when the entire field is chosen, because then all the people who picked Gonzaga get their 3 points. True, Adams will get 6 points (3 for St. Mary's and 3 for Gonzaga), but that's because she picked two teams who made the field while someone who picked Gonzaga to win the conference and didn't pick St. Mary's at all only picked one.
Still confused? Tough.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Four more
The majority of us guessed right on three of four tonight, although all three were close games. Old Dominion (chosen by 51) eked by William & Mary (selected by 4) in the CAA final, Wofford (favored by 40) edged Appalachian State (taken by 8) in the Southern, and Siena (picked by 74) got by Fairfield (liked by nobody) in the MAAC. The only blowout was by the sole underdog to win: St. Mary's (selected by Canning, D Kedson, M Leach, Paston, Sakowski, and Yolles) kicked Gonzaga's keister in the WCC.
In the Summit conference, Oakland (selected by 60) faces off against IUPUI (taken by 12: Alberts, Booth, DaLauro, Coach Doc, Freidhof, Harlan, D Kedson, S Leach, Merril, Sakowski, Templeton, Tester). In the Sun Belt, it's North Texas (thought highly of by 30) versus Troy (fought for by 5: Claude, L Donadio, Karlsruher, E Leach, B Peloso).
Updated standings are, of course, available via the link on the right.
In the Summit conference, Oakland (selected by 60) faces off against IUPUI (taken by 12: Alberts, Booth, DaLauro, Coach Doc, Freidhof, Harlan, D Kedson, S Leach, Merril, Sakowski, Templeton, Tester). In the Sun Belt, it's North Texas (thought highly of by 30) versus Troy (fought for by 5: Claude, L Donadio, Karlsruher, E Leach, B Peloso).
Updated standings are, of course, available via the link on the right.
No Iowa
Northern Iowa became the 5th team into the tournament, as foreseen by 66 of us. Only D Baum (I & II), Booth, Fitch, M McAtee, Merril, Paston, Richardson, and Templeton thought the MVC tournament would end differently.
Five conferences are down to their Finals. In the America East conference, our favorite Stony Brook (chosen by 44) went down in the semis, leaving Vermont (picked by 27) vs. Boston University (selected only by Canning and M Leach).
Canning and M Leach could look like heroes if they land the perfecta of BU and St. Mary's (chosen by the two of them plus D Kedson, Paston, Sakowski, and Yolles), although history suggests otherwise (at least for M Leach). 69 of us took the safer path and chose Gonzaga in the WCC.
Old Dominion (51) is our favorite in the CAA, with only Friedhof, D Kedson, Templeton, and Tester going with William & Mary.
Everybody except L Schlegel picked Siena in the MAAC, and nobody picked Fairfield. A slight majority (40) picked Wofford in the Southern conference, while Alberts, Booth, ME Donadio, Huffnagle, M Leach, B Peloso, P Ripley, and Sakowski were the only believers in Appalachian State.
Updated standings are available using the link on the right.
Five conferences are down to their Finals. In the America East conference, our favorite Stony Brook (chosen by 44) went down in the semis, leaving Vermont (picked by 27) vs. Boston University (selected only by Canning and M Leach).
Canning and M Leach could look like heroes if they land the perfecta of BU and St. Mary's (chosen by the two of them plus D Kedson, Paston, Sakowski, and Yolles), although history suggests otherwise (at least for M Leach). 69 of us took the safer path and chose Gonzaga in the WCC.
Old Dominion (51) is our favorite in the CAA, with only Friedhof, D Kedson, Templeton, and Tester going with William & Mary.
Everybody except L Schlegel picked Siena in the MAAC, and nobody picked Fairfield. A slight majority (40) picked Wofford in the Southern conference, while Alberts, Booth, ME Donadio, Huffnagle, M Leach, B Peloso, P Ripley, and Sakowski were the only believers in Appalachian State.
Updated standings are available using the link on the right.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Scofflaws
We try, we really do. We write the rules as clearly as we can. We provide links on both the Rules page and the Entry Form which lead to the particular AP Top 25 that governs which teams are ineligible to be Wild Cards. Yet every single year a few entrants figure they can sneak one by us.
Well, after 21 years we've finally had enough. According to our lawyers, this post will serve as legal notice to Richardson (#25 Richmond), L Donadio (#23 Wake Forest), R Kornfeld (#21 Temple), D Kornfeld (#20 Tennessee), and Hubbard (#15 Texas) that we have submitted all your names to the Enforcement Division of the IRS.
Good luck with the audit.
EDIT: Two more wildcard scofflaws have come to light: Bill Acchione and Durkin, who both chose #22 Baylor, bringing the total of bad guys up to seven (7).
Well, after 21 years we've finally had enough. According to our lawyers, this post will serve as legal notice to Richardson (#25 Richmond), L Donadio (#23 Wake Forest), R Kornfeld (#21 Temple), D Kornfeld (#20 Tennessee), and Hubbard (#15 Texas) that we have submitted all your names to the Enforcement Division of the IRS.
Good luck with the audit.
EDIT: Two more wildcard scofflaws have come to light: Bill Acchione and Durkin, who both chose #22 Baylor, bringing the total of bad guys up to seven (7).
First Four In
Four teams have had their ticket punched, and in typical form our contestants were ready for two of them. Cornell clinched the Ivy League, as they were very close to doing before the pool was due, an easy five points for all concerned. Well, for all but Sakowski, who picked Harvard. OVC favorite Murray State also came through, as all of us except Booth, M Leach, S Leach, and L Schlegel predicted.
Only five entrants saw the Music Man and picked Big South winner Winthrop -- Bud Acchione, Cohan, ME Donadio, P Leach, and Rybaltowski. Only one of us (Brindisi) had any inkling that ETSU might outlast Lipscomb, Belmont, and Jacksonville in the Atlantic Sun.
For those like Sakowski who like to eschew the obvious, contest standings may be seen by clicking on the link to the right that says, "Standings."
Only five entrants saw the Music Man and picked Big South winner Winthrop -- Bud Acchione, Cohan, ME Donadio, P Leach, and Rybaltowski. Only one of us (Brindisi) had any inkling that ETSU might outlast Lipscomb, Belmont, and Jacksonville in the Atlantic Sun.
For those like Sakowski who like to eschew the obvious, contest standings may be seen by clicking on the link to the right that says, "Standings."
The Dance Card is filling up....
Congrats to those who had the foresight to take Cornell to win the Ivy. Hopefully it's a 75 way tie for first in the pool.
I don't believe many if anyone had Winthrop to win the Big South. Coastal Carolina and Radford were the favorites in that one.
I don't believe many if anyone had Winthrop to win the Big South. Coastal Carolina and Radford were the favorites in that one.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Upset City Already
For those of you in the pool who weren't up on their Atlantic Sun basketball, the one seeded Lipscomb lost to the eight seeded Kennesaw State. Yikes, some of us are already behind the eight ball.
It has begun
Here we go. 75 brave souls have entered this year's Contest and subjected themselves to our scrutiny. Bwahaha.
Not sure yet how many paid for the privilege.
We'll be going into the details over the next days and weeks, so check back soon for a whole lot of clever remarks and witty repartee (or at least what passes for clever remarks and witty repartee 'round these parts -- your mileage may vary).
Not sure yet how many paid for the privilege.
We'll be going into the details over the next days and weeks, so check back soon for a whole lot of clever remarks and witty repartee (or at least what passes for clever remarks and witty repartee 'round these parts -- your mileage may vary).
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Deadline is Friday
If you want to enter the contest, the deadline is this Friday, February 26.
Here's the entry form if you want to take care of it right now.
Here's the entry form if you want to take care of it right now.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Old enough to drink
Yessir, the Contest is 21 years old this year, and we want to buy it a beer. But it's probably some sort of Interstate Commerce violation, so instead we'll once again be blogging right here about the Contest and college hoops, between now and April 5 (and maybe a couple days after that).
If you've never heard of our PreNCAA Contest, or have forgotten how to play, the Rules are here.
If you're interested in joining the many savvy entrants who have participated over the past two decades, the Entry Form is here.
Any questions? Please contact us at PreNCAAContest@gmail.com.
If you've never heard of our PreNCAA Contest, or have forgotten how to play, the Rules are here.
If you're interested in joining the many savvy entrants who have participated over the past two decades, the Entry Form is here.
Any questions? Please contact us at PreNCAAContest@gmail.com.
Friday, February 12, 2010
It's that time again
Here we go! Yes, we're gearing up for our twenty first contest. The entry form should be ready sometime during the week of February 15, 2010, and the sarcastic banter shouldn't be too far behind.
We bet you can't wait, can you? So check back with us early and often.
We bet you can't wait, can you? So check back with us early and often.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
What the big toe said to the little toe
It's over, and we have a tie for first place between Nowakowski and R Wanger, with 328 points. Third place goes to J Go Owls, with 327 points, but third prize goes to J PHINO, with 326, because J Go Owls chose not to pay. J Marshall also had 326 and also chose not to pay. As reported earlier, the prize for leading after the field was chosen was won by R Schlegel.
The last time we had a tie for first place was 2005, a year in which, oddly enough, North Carolina was champion and a Wanger was one of the contestants who were tied for first (although in 2005 it was K Wanger, now known as K Ripley, who is right now probably kicking herself for choosing to go through childbirth at the time the pool was due). Even stranger, in 2005 the person K Wanger was tied with was Butscher, who in eariler posts we erroneously concluded would be a prizewinner this year.
Official final standings may be found both on the right side of this page, and here.
Kudos to Nowakowski, R Wanger, and J PHINO. Your checks will soon be in the mail.
Thus endeth the 2009 PreNCAA Contest. Please return in February 2010 for more fun and profit.
Enjoy the rest of your year.
The last time we had a tie for first place was 2005, a year in which, oddly enough, North Carolina was champion and a Wanger was one of the contestants who were tied for first (although in 2005 it was K Wanger, now known as K Ripley, who is right now probably kicking herself for choosing to go through childbirth at the time the pool was due). Even stranger, in 2005 the person K Wanger was tied with was Butscher, who in eariler posts we erroneously concluded would be a prizewinner this year.
Official final standings may be found both on the right side of this page, and here.
Kudos to Nowakowski, R Wanger, and J PHINO. Your checks will soon be in the mail.
Thus endeth the 2009 PreNCAA Contest. Please return in February 2010 for more fun and profit.
Enjoy the rest of your year.
Our bad
It was erroneously reported on this blog that if UNC won the title Butscher would be tied for third place. Upon closer inspection it appears Butscher chose Louisville as his national champion, and not UNC as previously believed, which means Butscher in fact is tied for 21st place and will not be among our prizewinners. We regret the error and apologize for any inconvenience and/or misplaced euphoria to which it may or may not have directly or indirectly contributed.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Going Green
Walking to Ford Field yesterday afternoon, we probably saw 50 Michigan State shirts for every one of any of the other three competing teams. A sea of green, if you will. Inside the arena, it was without doubt a home game for the Spartans, with the usual home game result. The second game had a miniscule fraction of the intensity of the first game, but that may have simply been a reflection of Villanova's shooting percentage. If it's any consolation to any Nova Gang members out there, Villanova's band was the best by a large margin.
Depending on the game results, our winners will be:
NORTH CAROLINA
1. Nowakowski 328 (tie)
1. R Wanger 328 (tie)
3**. J Go Owls 327**
3. J PHINO 326 (tie)
3**. J Marshall 326**
MICHIGAN STATE
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
**J Go Owls and J Marshall are non-paying entrants, and thus will get nothing and like it.
The omen-seeking commissioner's son has declared from his perch in a Detroit suburb that everywhere he looks all he can see is Michigan.
Depending on the game results, our winners will be:
NORTH CAROLINA
1. Nowakowski 328 (tie)
1. R Wanger 328 (tie)
3**. J Go Owls 327**
3. J PHINO 326 (tie)
3**. J Marshall 326**
MICHIGAN STATE
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
**J Go Owls and J Marshall are non-paying entrants, and thus will get nothing and like it.
The omen-seeking commissioner's son has declared from his perch in a Detroit suburb that everywhere he looks all he can see is Michigan.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Take your omens as you find them
Sometimes one has to suffer for one's obsessions. This particular commissioner traveled to his 20th Final Four yesterday, a fact that utterly failed to impress the USAirways automatic assistant when it called four hours before the commissioner's scheduled departure time to inform him via pre-recorded message that his flight had been canceled. Humans working at USAirways were similarly unsympathetic, asserting that all other flights to Detroit were booked solid, leading to this hypothetical conversation in the commissioner's about-to-spontaneously-combust brain:
Commissioner: No kidding it's booked solid. It's the friggin' Final Four! You canceled my flight on four hours notice, you can't squeeze me onto another plane?
Unsympathetic USAir employee: Sorry, we're only required to do that if the situation is our fault.
C: I've had a reservation for four months and you canceled it on four hours notice. Who's fault is it?
UUE: Would you like to fly somewhere else?
C: Would you like to move the Final Four somewhere else?
Ultimately, we compromised on tickets to Akron/Canton, Ohio, a mere three and a half hour drive from Detroit, a flight which had the added advantage once we arrived at the Philadelphia airport of being postponed for four hours, making our door-to-door travel time a pleasant ten hours.
But that's not what this story is about.
We finally arrive at Akron and trudge out to our rental car, for which Hertz has compassionately agreed to charge us only $157 since we're picking the car up in Akron and dropping it off in Detroit the next day. The commissioner's eight-year-old son wanders around to the back of the car, to stow his backpack in the trunk, when he stops and calls out in horror, "OH, NO! Daddy come quick!"
We're standing in Ohio on our way to Michigan, but the license plate of our rental car says, "North Carolina."
We'll see what it means tonight. Enjoy the games.
Commissioner: No kidding it's booked solid. It's the friggin' Final Four! You canceled my flight on four hours notice, you can't squeeze me onto another plane?
Unsympathetic USAir employee: Sorry, we're only required to do that if the situation is our fault.
C: I've had a reservation for four months and you canceled it on four hours notice. Who's fault is it?
UUE: Would you like to fly somewhere else?
C: Would you like to move the Final Four somewhere else?
Ultimately, we compromised on tickets to Akron/Canton, Ohio, a mere three and a half hour drive from Detroit, a flight which had the added advantage once we arrived at the Philadelphia airport of being postponed for four hours, making our door-to-door travel time a pleasant ten hours.
But that's not what this story is about.
We finally arrive at Akron and trudge out to our rental car, for which Hertz has compassionately agreed to charge us only $157 since we're picking the car up in Akron and dropping it off in Detroit the next day. The commissioner's eight-year-old son wanders around to the back of the car, to stow his backpack in the trunk, when he stops and calls out in horror, "OH, NO! Daddy come quick!"
We're standing in Ohio on our way to Michigan, but the license plate of our rental car says, "North Carolina."
We'll see what it means tonight. Enjoy the games.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tag Team tenacity
The waters may get muddy, but eventually the dirt settles to the bottom. As has been happening since the dawn of time, lawyers (248.67) have finished below humans (255.1). So it is, so it has been, so it shall ever be. Amen. Spiny anteaters (264.0), of course, have evolved beyond the other competing species.
Also in line with the immutable stars, females (261.5) are better than males (254.69). The No Child (252.20) Left Behind legislation has clearly failed.
The average entrant this year has a score of 254.67, which is a huge drop from last year at this time (290.49). It appears Darwin never studied our contestants. The average commissioner's score is 236.50, which says something but we're not planning to expound upon it. Paid contestants score an average of 257.59, while once again non-paying participants (244.81) have shown they fail to pay for a very good reason.
Among technical professions, accountants (268.33) added things up better than engineers (268.11) and IT Consultants (255.0). Teachers (255.33) apparently only think they know more than students (260.88). The only other professionals worse than practicing attorneys (257.67) are members of the liberal media (249.67), whose slanted coverage has finally come back to haunt them. Retired people (243.33) should stay that way.
Among employers, Urban Engineering (261.0) and Conrail (261.0) are equivalent. They'll be swapping their staff any time now.
Regionally, Central NJ (263.0) beat out the Philadelphia suburbs (261.35) for the high ground. Such as it is. Western PA (257.4) edged the Beltway (253.0) and urban Philadelphia (246.83). If it's true that the South (246.36) is gonna rise again, they better start working on it.
In the turbulent Tag Team tussles, the Marshall Plan (281.5) beat back the Adams Family (275.33) for the spot of honor. The Donadios (263.0) finished ahead of the Ripley-Believe-It-Or-Nots (261.0) and Whiteside and people who don't like him so much (259.67). The D'Zurans (254.5) are safely ahead of the South Philly Playground Guys (248.0), and the Paston Brothers (236.0) are still giving thanks that the Lord created the Leach Gang (228.25).
It's a good year to be a John Doe (277.67). Rick (269.0) and Luke (269.0) tied among names ending in the "k" sound. Bob (265.5), Chris (263.5), David (261.5), Ken (258.5), and Ed (256.0) are above average names, while Brett (245.0), Matt (220.0), and Nick (218.5) should think about getting theirs legally changed.
Also in line with the immutable stars, females (261.5) are better than males (254.69). The No Child (252.20) Left Behind legislation has clearly failed.
The average entrant this year has a score of 254.67, which is a huge drop from last year at this time (290.49). It appears Darwin never studied our contestants. The average commissioner's score is 236.50, which says something but we're not planning to expound upon it. Paid contestants score an average of 257.59, while once again non-paying participants (244.81) have shown they fail to pay for a very good reason.
Among technical professions, accountants (268.33) added things up better than engineers (268.11) and IT Consultants (255.0). Teachers (255.33) apparently only think they know more than students (260.88). The only other professionals worse than practicing attorneys (257.67) are members of the liberal media (249.67), whose slanted coverage has finally come back to haunt them. Retired people (243.33) should stay that way.
Among employers, Urban Engineering (261.0) and Conrail (261.0) are equivalent. They'll be swapping their staff any time now.
Regionally, Central NJ (263.0) beat out the Philadelphia suburbs (261.35) for the high ground. Such as it is. Western PA (257.4) edged the Beltway (253.0) and urban Philadelphia (246.83). If it's true that the South (246.36) is gonna rise again, they better start working on it.
In the turbulent Tag Team tussles, the Marshall Plan (281.5) beat back the Adams Family (275.33) for the spot of honor. The Donadios (263.0) finished ahead of the Ripley-Believe-It-Or-Nots (261.0) and Whiteside and people who don't like him so much (259.67). The D'Zurans (254.5) are safely ahead of the South Philly Playground Guys (248.0), and the Paston Brothers (236.0) are still giving thanks that the Lord created the Leach Gang (228.25).
It's a good year to be a John Doe (277.67). Rick (269.0) and Luke (269.0) tied among names ending in the "k" sound. Bob (265.5), Chris (263.5), David (261.5), Ken (258.5), and Ed (256.0) are above average names, while Brett (245.0), Matt (220.0), and Nick (218.5) should think about getting theirs legally changed.
Rivalactitude
The weeping thing seems to be working for Karlsruher (296, Pitt) who is currently in first place and thus ahead of that pesky Millan (281, UNC), but if UNC wins it all, Karlsruher may really be crying because in that case he'll be conquered by his rival once again.
Whiteside (276, UConn) clings to a 10 point lead over co-worker McKillip (266, UNC), but (again) if UNC wins we may see a change in the pecking order. As seems to be her annual fate, sister-in-law Booth (237, Okla) is eating Whiteside's "shabbalicious" dust.
Also rooting for the boys in baby blue are Joe Mc (263, UNC), who can sneak ahead of daughter McAtee-Gattone (264, Pitt) for the first time ever if UNC wins, and Coach Doc (277 UNC), who can shove aside daughter S Adams (291, UConn) under the same unfortunate circumstance. Alleged Duke-loving M Peloso (273, UNC) can master her husband B Peloso (277, Pitt) if the Heels win, with the added bonus of losing all her credibility and self-respect.
B Peloso is currently fending off archnemesis Sullivan (266, UConn), but he will fail miserably if UConn takes the title. Sullivan already knows she's better than husband D'Zuro (244, Okla), and can claim bragging rights at her next séance with dead mother-in-law Haklar (244, UConn).
R Wanger (288, UNC) has finally bested daughter K Ripley (253, UNC), but he had to beat up on a 10-month pregnant woman to do it. P Ripley (242, UNC) chose the wiser course and bowed to his wife for the third time in their three year marriage.
Children L Schlegel (259, Pitt) and B Kleiman (236, Memphis) made valiant but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to unseat their fathers, R Schlegel (263, Okla) and M Kleiman (237, Pitt) as head poolpicker of the household. In the Donadio home, however, youngins Jr Donadio (279, UConn) and L Donadio (279, UNC) pwn their parents, J Donadio (262, Okla) and ME Donadio (236, Pitt), as well as sibling N Donadio (259, Louis), who at least was able put his mom in a time out.
M Paston (218, Okla) got hammered by a sibling with an unidentified initial (? Paston, 255, UNC). Commissioner M Josephs (233, UConn) is so far behind his dad, D Josephs (283, UNC) that it doesn't matter whether his champion wins or not. P Leach (240, UConn) can pound patriarch E Leach (246, UNC) if UConn wins, but there's no absolutely no hope for the Leach Kids (185, Pitt).
Whiteside (276, UConn) clings to a 10 point lead over co-worker McKillip (266, UNC), but (again) if UNC wins we may see a change in the pecking order. As seems to be her annual fate, sister-in-law Booth (237, Okla) is eating Whiteside's "shabbalicious" dust.
Also rooting for the boys in baby blue are Joe Mc (263, UNC), who can sneak ahead of daughter McAtee-Gattone (264, Pitt) for the first time ever if UNC wins, and Coach Doc (277 UNC), who can shove aside daughter S Adams (291, UConn) under the same unfortunate circumstance. Alleged Duke-loving M Peloso (273, UNC) can master her husband B Peloso (277, Pitt) if the Heels win, with the added bonus of losing all her credibility and self-respect.
B Peloso is currently fending off archnemesis Sullivan (266, UConn), but he will fail miserably if UConn takes the title. Sullivan already knows she's better than husband D'Zuro (244, Okla), and can claim bragging rights at her next séance with dead mother-in-law Haklar (244, UConn).
R Wanger (288, UNC) has finally bested daughter K Ripley (253, UNC), but he had to beat up on a 10-month pregnant woman to do it. P Ripley (242, UNC) chose the wiser course and bowed to his wife for the third time in their three year marriage.
Children L Schlegel (259, Pitt) and B Kleiman (236, Memphis) made valiant but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to unseat their fathers, R Schlegel (263, Okla) and M Kleiman (237, Pitt) as head poolpicker of the household. In the Donadio home, however, youngins Jr Donadio (279, UConn) and L Donadio (279, UNC) pwn their parents, J Donadio (262, Okla) and ME Donadio (236, Pitt), as well as sibling N Donadio (259, Louis), who at least was able put his mom in a time out.
M Paston (218, Okla) got hammered by a sibling with an unidentified initial (? Paston, 255, UNC). Commissioner M Josephs (233, UConn) is so far behind his dad, D Josephs (283, UNC) that it doesn't matter whether his champion wins or not. P Leach (240, UConn) can pound patriarch E Leach (246, UNC) if UConn wins, but there's no absolutely no hope for the Leach Kids (185, Pitt).
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
All Name 2009
First Team, Crazy Long Name Division
Grlenntys Chief Kickingstallionsims, Jr. (Alabama State) (Captain)
Lacedarius Dunn (Baylor)
Chinemelu Elonu (Texas A&M)
Kyievarez Ward (Texas)
Orlando Mendez-Valdez (Western Kentucky)
First Team, Normal Length Name Division
Beloved Rogers (Oral Roberts) (Captain) -- Name of the Year
Grievous Vasquez (Maryland - they call him "General")
Derwin Kitchen (Florida State)
Avery Jukes (Butler)
Idong Ibok (Michigan State)
Third Team
Kwadzo Ahelege (Northern Iowa) (Captain)
Dogus Balbay (Texas)
E'Twaun Moore (Purdue)
Lazar Hayward (Marquette)
Divaldo Mbunga (Montana State)
Third World Team
Zaire Taylor (Missouri) (Captain)
Old Testament Team
Jeremiah Dominguez (Portland State) (Captain)
Isaiah Thomas (Washington)
Solomon Alabi (Florida State)
Marshall Moses (Oklahoma State)
Ishmael Smith (Wake Forest)
Honorable Mention for Religious Connotation
Xavier Gibson (Florida State)
Emanuel Maybin (Binghamton)
Dionte Christmas (Temple) (Holiday Division)
Osiris Eldridge (Illinois State) (Greek Division)
Epiphanny Prince (Rutgers Women) (Women's Division)
Brooklyn Pope (Rutgers Women) (Women's Division -- what's in the drinking water up at Rutgers?)
Spelers of the Yeer
Jrue Holiday (UCLA) (Captain)
Jimmer Fredette (BYU)
Justynn Hammond (Portland State)**
Semaj Inge (Temple) (Backwards Division)
Steffphon Pettigrew (Western Kentucky) (Department of Redundancy Department Division)
**Siblings of the Year: Justynn Hammond apparently has a brother named Christiaan Hammond and another named Uranus Golden. We wonder if Uranus Golden has ever met 2008 Name of the Year winner Yauney Neptune?
Grlenntys Chief Kickingstallionsims, Jr. (Alabama State) (Captain)
Lacedarius Dunn (Baylor)
Chinemelu Elonu (Texas A&M)
Kyievarez Ward (Texas)
Orlando Mendez-Valdez (Western Kentucky)
First Team, Normal Length Name Division
Beloved Rogers (Oral Roberts) (Captain) -- Name of the Year
Grievous Vasquez (Maryland - they call him "General")
Derwin Kitchen (Florida State)
Avery Jukes (Butler)
Idong Ibok (Michigan State)
Third Team
Kwadzo Ahelege (Northern Iowa) (Captain)
Dogus Balbay (Texas)
E'Twaun Moore (Purdue)
Lazar Hayward (Marquette)
Divaldo Mbunga (Montana State)
Third World Team
Zaire Taylor (Missouri) (Captain)
Old Testament Team
Jeremiah Dominguez (Portland State) (Captain)
Isaiah Thomas (Washington)
Solomon Alabi (Florida State)
Marshall Moses (Oklahoma State)
Ishmael Smith (Wake Forest)
Honorable Mention for Religious Connotation
Xavier Gibson (Florida State)
Emanuel Maybin (Binghamton)
Dionte Christmas (Temple) (Holiday Division)
Osiris Eldridge (Illinois State) (Greek Division)
Epiphanny Prince (Rutgers Women) (Women's Division)
Brooklyn Pope (Rutgers Women) (Women's Division -- what's in the drinking water up at Rutgers?)
Spelers of the Yeer
Jrue Holiday (UCLA) (Captain)
Jimmer Fredette (BYU)
Justynn Hammond (Portland State)**
Semaj Inge (Temple) (Backwards Division)
Steffphon Pettigrew (Western Kentucky) (Department of Redundancy Department Division)
**Siblings of the Year: Justynn Hammond apparently has a brother named Christiaan Hammond and another named Uranus Golden. We wonder if Uranus Golden has ever met 2008 Name of the Year winner Yauney Neptune?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Who will win
The contest, that is. Depending on who is the victor in Detroit, our winners will be:
VILLANOVA
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
CONNECTICUT
1. S Adams 331
2. Jr Donadio 319
2**. Dax Gray 319**
3. O'Brien 317
NORTH CAROLINA
1. Nowakowski 328 (tie)
1. R Wanger 328 (tie)
3**. J Go Owls 327**
3. J PHINO 326 (tie)
3**. J Marshall 326**
MICHIGAN STATE
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
** Dax Gray, J Marshall, and J Go Owls are non-paying entrants, so their inclusion in this list is sort of honorary. They obviously have a higher love for college basketball and clearly did not want to cheapen their rooting experience by placing a price on their passion, and for this we admire them. Although presumably O'Brien, Butscher, and J PHINO (all three of whom actually have a chance at real money thanks to Gray's, Marshall's, and Go Owls's unwillingness to fork over a measly ten bucks) admire them a lot more than we do.
VILLANOVA
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
CONNECTICUT
1. S Adams 331
2. Jr Donadio 319
2**. Dax Gray 319**
3. O'Brien 317
NORTH CAROLINA
1. Nowakowski 328 (tie)
1. R Wanger 328 (tie)
3**. J Go Owls 327**
3. J PHINO 326 (tie)
3**. J Marshall 326**
MICHIGAN STATE
1. Karlsruher 296
2. S Adams 291
3. Nowakowski 288 (tie)
3. R Wanger 288 (tie)
** Dax Gray, J Marshall, and J Go Owls are non-paying entrants, so their inclusion in this list is sort of honorary. They obviously have a higher love for college basketball and clearly did not want to cheapen their rooting experience by placing a price on their passion, and for this we admire them. Although presumably O'Brien, Butscher, and J PHINO (all three of whom actually have a chance at real money thanks to Gray's, Marshall's, and Go Owls's unwillingness to fork over a measly ten bucks) admire them a lot more than we do.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Final Four is set
Now we know who'll be driving up to the motor city. What perhaps we hadn't expected is there'll be a home team. Well, four of us expected Michigan State to make it (Jr Donadio, J Go Owls, M Peloso, Pogach), though neither they nor anybody else picked the Spartans to win it all. Fifty five individuals took UNC into their Final Four and 27 of them like them as champs. At least one commissioner has no comment except to say he's not bitter.
Of the 70 people who entered this year's contest only one (1) of us accurately selected as many as three of the Final Four, and that was 20-year participant Joe Mc. This stellar achievement may have been the crown of Joe Mc's contest career but it wasn't good enough to put him ahead of 2-year participant McAtee-Gattone, who still leads her father by a point. Although if UNC wins it all, Joe Mc won't have to be scared to take his daughter's phone calls.
Thirty eight people correctly chose two of the Final Four and 28 were right on only one. Three highly skilled contestants (Paston, Reilly, and the irrepressible Leach Kids) managed a grand total of zero (0) accurate Final Four predictions.
Of the 70 people who entered this year's contest only one (1) of us accurately selected as many as three of the Final Four, and that was 20-year participant Joe Mc. This stellar achievement may have been the crown of Joe Mc's contest career but it wasn't good enough to put him ahead of 2-year participant McAtee-Gattone, who still leads her father by a point. Although if UNC wins it all, Joe Mc won't have to be scared to take his daughter's phone calls.
Thirty eight people correctly chose two of the Final Four and 28 were right on only one. Three highly skilled contestants (Paston, Reilly, and the irrepressible Leach Kids) managed a grand total of zero (0) accurate Final Four predictions.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Some days it feels like the Pitts
Not today, though. Fifty one people had Pitt in the Final Four, but they were all wrong. Instead Joe Mc, Pangolin Palace, and Rybaltowski rule the day with their astute selection of Villanova. Eleven contestants with Pitt as their champion have had their hopes dashed, while nobody considered the possibility that Villanova could win it all.
UConn made it and 45 people said hurrah. Twelve of those happy individuals have UConn going all the way. Only Haklar and the Leach Kids had the temerity to suggest Missouri could make the Final Four.
Greek-quoting weeper Karlsruher maintains a small lead over S Adams, Nowakowski, and R Wanger, but Karlsruher picked Pitt to pommel its peers (i.e., win the championship), so the door is still open.
UConn made it and 45 people said hurrah. Twelve of those happy individuals have UConn going all the way. Only Haklar and the Leach Kids had the temerity to suggest Missouri could make the Final Four.
Greek-quoting weeper Karlsruher maintains a small lead over S Adams, Nowakowski, and R Wanger, but Karlsruher picked Pitt to pommel its peers (i.e., win the championship), so the door is still open.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Eight is Enough
The favorites all won today, meaning not too many people lost anything. Only 16 people had Kansas in the Final Eight and just 4 (Alberts, Brenner, DeMaso, B Kleiman) took them into the Final Four. Nobody had Arizona or Syracuse going anywhere (although three -- McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, G Warner had Arizona as their Wildcard), and just 6 and 2 (R Perry, G Warner) were betting on Gonzaga to reach the Final Eight and Final Four, respectively. None of today's losers are anybody's champion (except maybe their mom's).
For the Final Eight and Final Four, UNC was favored by 69 and 55, Oklahoma by 61 and 39, Louisville by 45 and 23, and Michigan State by 23 and 4 (Jr Donadio, J Go Owls, M Peloso, and Pogach). For champion, it's UNC 27, Oklahoma 10, Louisville 4 (Butscher, N Donadio, Rybaltowski, Wadden), and Michigan State 0.
Die Hard-quoting Karlsruher (256 points) has wept his way to the top spot, followed by S Adams (251), Nowakowski (248), and R Wanger (248). Eighteen other entrants are within one Final Four selection (20 points) of the leader.
With four number one seeds, two number two seeds and two number three seeds in the Final Eight, you might expect our contestants to have nailed it this year. Yeah, right. Only five entrants (Karlsruher, J Go Owls, J Marshall, J Phino, McAtee-Gattone) correctly guessed as many as 7 of the Eight, and two of them were merely non-paying outtakes from the Marshall Plan.
Twenty competitors got 6 of the Eight, 33 got 5, and nine (9) got only four (4) of the Eight (8) right, including both commissioners (M Josephs and D Kedson). Always good to know they're not cheating, right? The Leach Kids, with five accurate Final Eight predictions, look like Little Einsteins compared to R Perry and J Jones (1 & 2), who only managed three (3) proper picks apiece.
For the Final Eight and Final Four, UNC was favored by 69 and 55, Oklahoma by 61 and 39, Louisville by 45 and 23, and Michigan State by 23 and 4 (Jr Donadio, J Go Owls, M Peloso, and Pogach). For champion, it's UNC 27, Oklahoma 10, Louisville 4 (Butscher, N Donadio, Rybaltowski, Wadden), and Michigan State 0.
Die Hard-quoting Karlsruher (256 points) has wept his way to the top spot, followed by S Adams (251), Nowakowski (248), and R Wanger (248). Eighteen other entrants are within one Final Four selection (20 points) of the leader.
With four number one seeds, two number two seeds and two number three seeds in the Final Eight, you might expect our contestants to have nailed it this year. Yeah, right. Only five entrants (Karlsruher, J Go Owls, J Marshall, J Phino, McAtee-Gattone) correctly guessed as many as 7 of the Eight, and two of them were merely non-paying outtakes from the Marshall Plan.
Twenty competitors got 6 of the Eight, 33 got 5, and nine (9) got only four (4) of the Eight (8) right, including both commissioners (M Josephs and D Kedson). Always good to know they're not cheating, right? The Leach Kids, with five accurate Final Eight predictions, look like Little Einsteins compared to R Perry and J Jones (1 & 2), who only managed three (3) proper picks apiece.
Life of Reilly (and others)
Five people lost champions last night, three with Memphis (Reilly, B Kleiman, Pangolin Palace) and two with Duke (R Simon and commissioner D Kedson). Memphis was taken by 48 misguided souls into the Final Eight and 24 into the Final Four. Duke was chosen by 33 for the Eight and 10 for the Four, but at least those entrants' hearts were in the right place. Five people (Booth, Jr Donadio, N Donadio, S Smith, Stanton) took Xavier into the Final Eight, but only Booth had them in her Final Four. Three dice-rollers (Fitch, Haklar, Sadkowski) had Purdue in their Final Eight.
On the good side, 25 people liked Villanova enough to put them in their Final Eight, and three (Joe Mc, Pangolin Palace, Rybaltowski) placed them in their Final Four. Just 13 were wise enough to choose Missouri in their Final Eight, with only two (Haklar, Leach Kids) taking them as far as Detroit.
In probably the most surprising development of the day, UConn (61 in F8, 45 in F4, 12 as champs) and Pitt (68 in F8, 51 in F4, 11 as champs) were both popular and successful.
R Schlegel still clings to the top spot, but five contestants (S Adams, Nowakowski, B Peloso, Butscher, Karlsruher) are within a single Final Eight choice of the leader.
More games tonight.
On the good side, 25 people liked Villanova enough to put them in their Final Eight, and three (Joe Mc, Pangolin Palace, Rybaltowski) placed them in their Final Four. Just 13 were wise enough to choose Missouri in their Final Eight, with only two (Haklar, Leach Kids) taking them as far as Detroit.
In probably the most surprising development of the day, UConn (61 in F8, 45 in F4, 12 as champs) and Pitt (68 in F8, 51 in F4, 11 as champs) were both popular and successful.
R Schlegel still clings to the top spot, but five contestants (S Adams, Nowakowski, B Peloso, Butscher, Karlsruher) are within a single Final Eight choice of the leader.
More games tonight.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tag Team treats
Dogs and cats living together? Mass hysteria? Well, it may not be a disaster of biblical proportions, but it's possible the world has gone topsy-turvy, as lawyers (177.0) currently lead humans (171.44). For the first time in the contest's 20 year history, there are no feline entrants. In fact, proclaiming that "scaly is the new black," the only competitor from the animal kingdom is a scaly anteater, Pangolin Palace (174), who has come down pretty much right in the middle of the lawyers and the people. At least gravity's working in the case of females (173.5) and males (172.32), although clearly children (166.2) have a lot of growing up to do.
Practing attorneys (177.67) currently claim the top occupation as well, barely ahead of accountants (176.67) and members of the media (176.33). Teachers (175.33) know more than students (172.75), and engineers (174.78) solve their problems better than computer professionals (171.67). Retired persons (166.67) appear to have retired for a reason. Among employers, Conrail (176.0) is beating out Urban Engineering (167.67).
In the true Tag Team tallies, the Adams Family (178.67) is currently leading the South Philly Playground Guys (176.0), the D'Zurans (174.5), the Ripley-Believe-It-Or-Nots (174.33) and the Marshall Plan (174.0). Whiteside and his Detractors (173.0) and the Donadios are tied with 173.0, while the only thing keeping the Paston Brothers (166.5) from complete ignominy is the fact that the Leach Gang (158.25) is still in town.
If you're picking pools, the suburbs of Phildelphia (174.81) are where you want to be this year, certainly better than visiting Western PA (173.4), Central NJ (173.0), or urban Philadelphia (168.5). The further south you go, the worse you'll get, as the Beltway (168.0) and the Deep South (163.34) represent the bottom of regional thinking.
In the name game, it's Rick (184.0) on top and Nick (158.5) on the bottom. David (181.5) leads Ed (181.0), Bret/t (180.0), Kevin (178.5) and Bob (178.0), while John (174.33) is edging out Luke (174.0) and Matt (170.0).
Practing attorneys (177.67) currently claim the top occupation as well, barely ahead of accountants (176.67) and members of the media (176.33). Teachers (175.33) know more than students (172.75), and engineers (174.78) solve their problems better than computer professionals (171.67). Retired persons (166.67) appear to have retired for a reason. Among employers, Conrail (176.0) is beating out Urban Engineering (167.67).
In the true Tag Team tallies, the Adams Family (178.67) is currently leading the South Philly Playground Guys (176.0), the D'Zurans (174.5), the Ripley-Believe-It-Or-Nots (174.33) and the Marshall Plan (174.0). Whiteside and his Detractors (173.0) and the Donadios are tied with 173.0, while the only thing keeping the Paston Brothers (166.5) from complete ignominy is the fact that the Leach Gang (158.25) is still in town.
If you're picking pools, the suburbs of Phildelphia (174.81) are where you want to be this year, certainly better than visiting Western PA (173.4), Central NJ (173.0), or urban Philadelphia (168.5). The further south you go, the worse you'll get, as the Beltway (168.0) and the Deep South (163.34) represent the bottom of regional thinking.
In the name game, it's Rick (184.0) on top and Nick (158.5) on the bottom. David (181.5) leads Ed (181.0), Bret/t (180.0), Kevin (178.5) and Bob (178.0), while John (174.33) is edging out Luke (174.0) and Matt (170.0).
Rivalicious
Last year Karlsruher declared he would never lose to Millan again, and backed it up by getting clobbered by 39 points. This year, Karlsruher quoted Plutarch (or maybe it was Alan Rickman in Die Hard: "When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer"), but he's losing to Millan yet again, 191 to 186, so maybe he doesn't have to weep just yet.
Whiteside (176) continues his mastery over sister-in-law Booth (157), but so far is well behind workplace adversary, McKillip (186). K Ripley (163), who annually bests both her husband and father, trails both P Ripley (172) and R Wanger (188) this year. But the rumor is she was in labor with a baby boy when she made her picks, so perhaps that explains it. Between the Paston brothers, "M" (168) leads an undisclosed initial (165).
B Peloso (177) is hanging by a thread over his archnemesis, Sullivan (176), although as usual he trails his Duke-loving wife, M Peloso (183). M Peloso, however, has forever forfeited her Duke-loving credentials by choosing North Carolina to win it all. Sullivan is still ahead of both her husband, D'Zuro (174), and her deceased mother-in-law, Haklar (174).
Joe Mc (163), one of the few competitors to have played in all twenty contests, is for the second consecutive year trailing daughter McAtee-Gattone, who is one of the many competitors to have played in just two. Coach Doc (187) is having similar problems with daughter S Adams (191), and J Donadio (172) is eating the dust of two of his three descendants -- Jr Donadio and Lucia Donadio both have 179 while poor, deprived N Donadio has only 169. Mother ME Donadio (166) is being spanked by all three kids.
Other entrants are having fewer problems with their progeny. Leader R Schlegel (193) is easily handling son L Schlegel (169), while M Kleiman (177) is barely suppressing son B Kleiman (176). D Josephs (183) is once again trouncing son and commissioner M Josephs (173). Leach Gang patriarch E Leach (176) is beating son P Leach (170) and whupping the backsides of his grandchildren, the Leach Kids (135).
Whiteside (176) continues his mastery over sister-in-law Booth (157), but so far is well behind workplace adversary, McKillip (186). K Ripley (163), who annually bests both her husband and father, trails both P Ripley (172) and R Wanger (188) this year. But the rumor is she was in labor with a baby boy when she made her picks, so perhaps that explains it. Between the Paston brothers, "M" (168) leads an undisclosed initial (165).
B Peloso (177) is hanging by a thread over his archnemesis, Sullivan (176), although as usual he trails his Duke-loving wife, M Peloso (183). M Peloso, however, has forever forfeited her Duke-loving credentials by choosing North Carolina to win it all. Sullivan is still ahead of both her husband, D'Zuro (174), and her deceased mother-in-law, Haklar (174).
Joe Mc (163), one of the few competitors to have played in all twenty contests, is for the second consecutive year trailing daughter McAtee-Gattone, who is one of the many competitors to have played in just two. Coach Doc (187) is having similar problems with daughter S Adams (191), and J Donadio (172) is eating the dust of two of his three descendants -- Jr Donadio and Lucia Donadio both have 179 while poor, deprived N Donadio has only 169. Mother ME Donadio (166) is being spanked by all three kids.
Other entrants are having fewer problems with their progeny. Leader R Schlegel (193) is easily handling son L Schlegel (169), while M Kleiman (177) is barely suppressing son B Kleiman (176). D Josephs (183) is once again trouncing son and commissioner M Josephs (173). Leach Gang patriarch E Leach (176) is beating son P Leach (170) and whupping the backsides of his grandchildren, the Leach Kids (135).
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Spartans conquer Trojans
Michigan State edged Southern Cal today in a gripping reenactment of the Peloponnesian War. More pertinent, perhaps, to both the current millennium and our entrants, is that it marked the first time in history that the twelve top seeds in the NCAA tournament all made the Sweet Sixteen.
So most of us should be in pretty good shape. Unless of course you're one of the 12 risk takers to have Marquette in your Final Eight or the 7 cagey contestants to go with Arizona State. Or Rybaltowski, who chose Siena. Or one of the three people whose Final Four includes either Arizona State (George B, Pangolin Palace, B Peloso) or Marquette (Fitch, R Perry, Reilly).
Reilly adds Marquette to his spate of unfortunate decisions, which include Utah and Texas into his Final Eight. Even more impressive is R Perry whose Final Eight has Marquette joining Texas, Washington, Wake Forest, and both Gonzaga and North Carolina (opponents this Friday so only one of which can actually reach the Elite Eight), and whose Final Four consists of Marquette, Wake Forest, Gonzaga, and UNC, meaning the first weekend is barely over and we already know he'll be correct on at most one (1) of the above.
The only Wildcard remaining is Arizona, and thus L McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, and Warner stand alone in receiving more than 1 Wildcard point.
No more games until Thursday, which should give me time to finally produce the Rivals and Tag Team numbers. See ya.
So most of us should be in pretty good shape. Unless of course you're one of the 12 risk takers to have Marquette in your Final Eight or the 7 cagey contestants to go with Arizona State. Or Rybaltowski, who chose Siena. Or one of the three people whose Final Four includes either Arizona State (George B, Pangolin Palace, B Peloso) or Marquette (Fitch, R Perry, Reilly).
Reilly adds Marquette to his spate of unfortunate decisions, which include Utah and Texas into his Final Eight. Even more impressive is R Perry whose Final Eight has Marquette joining Texas, Washington, Wake Forest, and both Gonzaga and North Carolina (opponents this Friday so only one of which can actually reach the Elite Eight), and whose Final Four consists of Marquette, Wake Forest, Gonzaga, and UNC, meaning the first weekend is barely over and we already know he'll be correct on at most one (1) of the above.
The only Wildcard remaining is Arizona, and thus L McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, and Warner stand alone in receiving more than 1 Wildcard point.
No more games until Thursday, which should give me time to finally produce the Rivals and Tag Team numbers. See ya.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thabeet goes on...
Half the Sweet Sixteen was set today, and it was Waterloo for Wildcards. Washington (chosen by 13), LSU (13), Texas (6), and Maryland (1) all went down today, leaving only Arizona (L McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, Warner) and Dayton (Wadden) still alive for Wildcard points.
Final Eight losers included UCLA (picked by 8), Texas (5), Washington (2), and LSU (2). Mahalko and R Perry had the misfortune of picking both Texas and Washington, losing 25% of their Final Eight in one evening. R Perry also had Wake Forest in his Final Eight, so presumably he's not very happy right now. Reilly had Texas today after losing Utah yesterday.
Three people had UCLA in the Final Four (DeVito, D'Zuro, and Haklar), while just J Broder had Texas and Mahalko had Washington.
The standings didn't change today, so I didn't re-post them.
Final Eight losers included UCLA (picked by 8), Texas (5), Washington (2), and LSU (2). Mahalko and R Perry had the misfortune of picking both Texas and Washington, losing 25% of their Final Eight in one evening. R Perry also had Wake Forest in his Final Eight, so presumably he's not very happy right now. Reilly had Texas today after losing Utah yesterday.
Three people had UCLA in the Final Four (DeVito, D'Zuro, and Haklar), while just J Broder had Texas and Mahalko had Washington.
The standings didn't change today, so I didn't re-post them.
Friday, March 20, 2009
B.A.D. day for the A.C.C.
With a small number of already discussed exceptions, more or less every Final Eight and Final Four team chosen by our group is still alive. Except for ACC stalwarts Clemson and Wake Forest, that is. Twenty-five of us chose Wake into the Final Eight and 16 of us liked Clemson, while the teams had three votes each for the Final Four (Clemson: George B, M Josephs, Wanger; Wake: R Perry, Wanger, and of course, the Leach Kids). Wanger deserves special mention for choosing BOTH Wake Forest and Clemson into his Final Four, pretty much scragging his entry by the end of the first round.
Rybaltowski, who took Siena into his Final Eight, must feel pretty good. At least until Sunday. And now that we think about it, there was one other Final Eight fiasco, as Reilly expected Utah to be one of the last eight standing.
Our most popular Wildcard, West Virginia (with 15 votes) went down hard, as did our fifth most popular Wildcard, Utah (5 votes). This leaves 13 people with LSU and 13 with Washington, 6 people with Texas, 3 with Arizona (L McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, G Warner), and 1 each with Dayton (Wadden) and Maryland (R Simon).
Rybaltowski, who took Siena into his Final Eight, must feel pretty good. At least until Sunday. And now that we think about it, there was one other Final Eight fiasco, as Reilly expected Utah to be one of the last eight standing.
Our most popular Wildcard, West Virginia (with 15 votes) went down hard, as did our fifth most popular Wildcard, Utah (5 votes). This leaves 13 people with LSU and 13 with Washington, 6 people with Texas, 3 with Arizona (L McAtee-Gattone, Rodenstein, G Warner), and 1 each with Dayton (Wadden) and Maryland (R Simon).
First day action
Presumably a lot of people who picked Memphis, Villanova, and UCLA breathed a moderately large sigh of relief yesterday, but we had relatively few actual casualties on the first day of the Big Cha Cha.
It was a bad day for George B, who had California as his Wildcard and Clemson in both his Final Eight and Final Four. Fifteen other entrants joined him in choosing Clemson into the Final Eight, but only Wanger and commissioner M Josephs stood with George B in taking the Tigers into the Final Four. P Leach, who was the sole contestant to think Illinois could make the Final Eight, and DeVito, who had Minnesota as his Wildcard, were the only other entrants to lose anything yesterday (at least with respect to the contest).
Still working on Rivals and Tag Team material -- sorry about that.
Enjoy today's games.
It was a bad day for George B, who had California as his Wildcard and Clemson in both his Final Eight and Final Four. Fifteen other entrants joined him in choosing Clemson into the Final Eight, but only Wanger and commissioner M Josephs stood with George B in taking the Tigers into the Final Four. P Leach, who was the sole contestant to think Illinois could make the Final Eight, and DeVito, who had Minnesota as his Wildcard, were the only other entrants to lose anything yesterday (at least with respect to the contest).
Still working on Rivals and Tag Team material -- sorry about that.
Enjoy today's games.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Foursomes
Our favorites for the Final Four include three #1 seeds and a #2, although the #2 is in the same region as one of the #1's, so we won't be right (as if that's a surprise to anybody).
Innovative choices were made by George B (Arizona State and Clemson), M Peloso (Duke and Michigan State), Pangolin Palace (Arizona State and Villanova), and R Wanger (Clemson and Wake Forest). Even more inventive were Haklar (Duke, Missouri, UCLA), R Perry (Gonzaga, Marquette, and Wake Forest), and of course the Leach Kids (Duke, Missouri, and Wake Forest).
Everybody's Final Four selections may be perused here.
All Final Four teams selected are below:
FINAL FOUR
-----------------
North Carolina (55)
Pittsburgh (51)
Connecticut (45)
Oklahoma (39)
Memphis (24)
Louisville (23)
Duke (10)
Kansas (4)
Michigan State (4)
Arizona State (3)
Marquette (3)
UCLA (3)
Villanova (3)
Wake Forest (3)
Clemson (3)
Gonzaga (2)
Missouri (2)
Xavier (1)
Texas (1)
Washington (1)
Innovative choices were made by George B (Arizona State and Clemson), M Peloso (Duke and Michigan State), Pangolin Palace (Arizona State and Villanova), and R Wanger (Clemson and Wake Forest). Even more inventive were Haklar (Duke, Missouri, UCLA), R Perry (Gonzaga, Marquette, and Wake Forest), and of course the Leach Kids (Duke, Missouri, and Wake Forest).
Everybody's Final Four selections may be perused here.
All Final Four teams selected are below:
FINAL FOUR
-----------------
North Carolina (55)
Pittsburgh (51)
Connecticut (45)
Oklahoma (39)
Memphis (24)
Louisville (23)
Duke (10)
Kansas (4)
Michigan State (4)
Arizona State (3)
Marquette (3)
UCLA (3)
Villanova (3)
Wake Forest (3)
Clemson (3)
Gonzaga (2)
Missouri (2)
Xavier (1)
Texas (1)
Washington (1)
Final Eight count
Our top seven choices for the Final Eight are all #1 or #2 seeds, which probably bodes well for an upset-filled tournament.
As you'd expect, a few contestants branched out into creative territory. Haklar, for instance, chose Missouri, Purdue, and UCLA into her Final 8, while Reilly chose Marquette, Texas, and Utah, and commissioner M Josephs liked Clemson, Gonzaga, and Kansas. Other creative souls include Mahalko, who picked Clemson, Texas, and Washington, and Wadden, who went with Gonzaga, Kansas, and LSU. Going one further was R Perry, who picked Gonzaga, Marquette, Texas, and Washington to be four of the last eight teams standing.
But this year's winner for most imaginative Final Eight goes to J Jones (as well as his alter-ego, J Jones (2)), who is already two picks behind everyone else after going with Clemson, UCLA, Florida, and Kentucky. Although he's looking pretty good in the NIT pool.
All Final Eight teams chosen are as below. For a complete breakdown of everybody's choices, try this link.
FINAL EIGHT
------------------
North Carolina (69)
Pittsburgh (68)
Connecticut (61)
Oklahoma (61)
Memphis (48)
Louisville (45)
Duke (33)
Wake Forest (25)
Villanova (25)
Michigan State (23)
Kansas (16)
Clemson (16)
Missouri (13)
Marquette (12)
UCLA (8)
Arizona State (7)
Gonzaga (6)
Texas (5)
Xavier (5)
Purdue (3)
LSU (2)
Florida (2)
Washington (2)
Kentucky (2)
Illinois (1)
Utah (1)
Siena (1)
As you'd expect, a few contestants branched out into creative territory. Haklar, for instance, chose Missouri, Purdue, and UCLA into her Final 8, while Reilly chose Marquette, Texas, and Utah, and commissioner M Josephs liked Clemson, Gonzaga, and Kansas. Other creative souls include Mahalko, who picked Clemson, Texas, and Washington, and Wadden, who went with Gonzaga, Kansas, and LSU. Going one further was R Perry, who picked Gonzaga, Marquette, Texas, and Washington to be four of the last eight teams standing.
But this year's winner for most imaginative Final Eight goes to J Jones (as well as his alter-ego, J Jones (2)), who is already two picks behind everyone else after going with Clemson, UCLA, Florida, and Kentucky. Although he's looking pretty good in the NIT pool.
All Final Eight teams chosen are as below. For a complete breakdown of everybody's choices, try this link.
FINAL EIGHT
------------------
North Carolina (69)
Pittsburgh (68)
Connecticut (61)
Oklahoma (61)
Memphis (48)
Louisville (45)
Duke (33)
Wake Forest (25)
Villanova (25)
Michigan State (23)
Kansas (16)
Clemson (16)
Missouri (13)
Marquette (12)
UCLA (8)
Arizona State (7)
Gonzaga (6)
Texas (5)
Xavier (5)
Purdue (3)
LSU (2)
Florida (2)
Washington (2)
Kentucky (2)
Illinois (1)
Utah (1)
Siena (1)
Wildlife
Picking Wildcards is a tricky business, but some make it trickier than others. This year ten (10) entrants have a zero (0) percent chance of grabbing any Wildcard points, and we're happy to name them here.
In addition to Broder, J Jones, and R Perry, who chose illegal Wildcards, seven contestants chose Wildcards so wild they were not invited to play: Packman (St. Mary's); Ripley (South Carolina); Mahalko (Penn State); Booth (Florida); D Gray (Florida); Stanton (Creighton); and 2007 contest winner and noted Duke-lover M Peloso (Davidson).
In addition to Broder, J Jones, and R Perry, who chose illegal Wildcards, seven contestants chose Wildcards so wild they were not invited to play: Packman (St. Mary's); Ripley (South Carolina); Mahalko (Penn State); Booth (Florida); D Gray (Florida); Stanton (Creighton); and 2007 contest winner and noted Duke-lover M Peloso (Davidson).
Monday, March 16, 2009
Conference call
Last year, not counting the Ivy League, there were only 14 conferences out of 30 where more than half of our group of canny contestants correctly claimed the conference king. As those who know us might guess, we only bring that up because this year we're even worse.
This year (again, not counting the Ivy), there were only 12 conferences out of 30 where more than half of us guessed right. That's a whopping 40%. In contrast, in 14 conferences this year, 11 or fewer of us correctly chose the conference champion:
Morehead State: 11
Purdue: 11
Akron: 10
Louisville: 9
Temple: 9
CS Northridge: 9
Duke: 7
Northern Iowa: 6
Missouri: 5
Portland St: 3
Cleveland St: 1
Mississippi St: 1
Chattanooga: 0
USC: 0
But examining this sort of thing from a group perspective can sometimes be misleading. If you take the time to look at it from an individual perspective you'll find we look truly pathetic. Taking Cornell out of the equation, only two (2) entrants got more than half the conference tournament champions right: Schlegel and Millan, both of whom got 16 of 30. That's 53% accuracy, for those of you failing at home.
But the commissioners want to give credit where credit is due. Reilly, for example was on the money with Louisville, Mississippi State, and Northern Iowa, certainly enough cool picks to make us forget he also chose Boise St., Jackson St., New Mexico, Wis-GB, UC Riverside, and The Citadel. M Josephs (Louisville, Temple, and CS Northridge) and P Leach (Missouri, Temple, and Purdue) also had three snazzy selections and at least as many sorry ones. R Simon did them one better, choosing CS Northridge, Duke, ETSU, and Northern Iowa, along with Boston University, George Mason, Holy Cross, and San Diego St. Moving up the ladder, Sakowski picked five surprise winners (Purdue, Binghamton, ETSU, Morehead State, and Cleveland State) along with a lot more than five not-so-surpise losers (BYU, Charleston, Dayton, G Mason, Holy Cross, Liberty, New Mexico St., Niagara, Nicholls St., Oral Roberts, and Columbia (!)).
J Donadio impressed with Akron, CS Northridge, Duke, Louisville, Morehead St., and Binghamton, but only managed to pick 7 other (non-Ivy) conferences correctly. Pogach picked Akron, Duke, Louisville, ETSU, Binghamton, and Portland State, but only pulled three other (non-Ivy) conference champions out of his you-know-where, in large part because of choices like BYU, George Mason, Holy Cross, Illinois, Illinois St., Jackson St., New Mexico St., Niagara, Oral Roberts, UC Riverside, Troy, and Sacred Heart.
But, as always, we need to genuflect in the general direction of the Leach Kids, who picked CS Northridge, Morehead State, Northern Iowa, and two (2) other non-Ivy conferences correctly. If you're keeping score (and we know you are), that's a total of five correct conference tournament champions out of 30, a mind-numbing 16.7% accuracy. But don't worry, they picked two hyphenated schools from Arkansas (Ark-Pine Bluff and Ark-Little Rock, as well as Boise St., Boston U, Long Island, Montana, Northeastern, Rider, South Carolina St., Southern Utah, Tex A&M-Corpus Christi, and Western Michigan), so it's OK.
Look for a Final Four and Final Eight count on Tuesday, and Rivals round and Tag Team tallies on Wednesday.
Edit (3/18/09): Well, maybe not Wednesday for the Rivals and Tag Team stuff, but I'll get them up as soon as I can -- DK
This year (again, not counting the Ivy), there were only 12 conferences out of 30 where more than half of us guessed right. That's a whopping 40%. In contrast, in 14 conferences this year, 11 or fewer of us correctly chose the conference champion:
Morehead State: 11
Purdue: 11
Akron: 10
Louisville: 9
Temple: 9
CS Northridge: 9
Duke: 7
Northern Iowa: 6
Missouri: 5
Portland St: 3
Cleveland St: 1
Mississippi St: 1
Chattanooga: 0
USC: 0
But examining this sort of thing from a group perspective can sometimes be misleading. If you take the time to look at it from an individual perspective you'll find we look truly pathetic. Taking Cornell out of the equation, only two (2) entrants got more than half the conference tournament champions right: Schlegel and Millan, both of whom got 16 of 30. That's 53% accuracy, for those of you failing at home.
But the commissioners want to give credit where credit is due. Reilly, for example was on the money with Louisville, Mississippi State, and Northern Iowa, certainly enough cool picks to make us forget he also chose Boise St., Jackson St., New Mexico, Wis-GB, UC Riverside, and The Citadel. M Josephs (Louisville, Temple, and CS Northridge) and P Leach (Missouri, Temple, and Purdue) also had three snazzy selections and at least as many sorry ones. R Simon did them one better, choosing CS Northridge, Duke, ETSU, and Northern Iowa, along with Boston University, George Mason, Holy Cross, and San Diego St. Moving up the ladder, Sakowski picked five surprise winners (Purdue, Binghamton, ETSU, Morehead State, and Cleveland State) along with a lot more than five not-so-surpise losers (BYU, Charleston, Dayton, G Mason, Holy Cross, Liberty, New Mexico St., Niagara, Nicholls St., Oral Roberts, and Columbia (!)).
J Donadio impressed with Akron, CS Northridge, Duke, Louisville, Morehead St., and Binghamton, but only managed to pick 7 other (non-Ivy) conferences correctly. Pogach picked Akron, Duke, Louisville, ETSU, Binghamton, and Portland State, but only pulled three other (non-Ivy) conference champions out of his you-know-where, in large part because of choices like BYU, George Mason, Holy Cross, Illinois, Illinois St., Jackson St., New Mexico St., Niagara, Oral Roberts, UC Riverside, Troy, and Sacred Heart.
But, as always, we need to genuflect in the general direction of the Leach Kids, who picked CS Northridge, Morehead State, Northern Iowa, and two (2) other non-Ivy conferences correctly. If you're keeping score (and we know you are), that's a total of five correct conference tournament champions out of 30, a mind-numbing 16.7% accuracy. But don't worry, they picked two hyphenated schools from Arkansas (Ark-Pine Bluff and Ark-Little Rock, as well as Boise St., Boston U, Long Island, Montana, Northeastern, Rider, South Carolina St., Southern Utah, Tex A&M-Corpus Christi, and Western Michigan), so it's OK.
Look for a Final Four and Final Eight count on Tuesday, and Rivals round and Tag Team tallies on Wednesday.
Edit (3/18/09): Well, maybe not Wednesday for the Rivals and Tag Team stuff, but I'll get them up as soon as I can -- DK
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Up on my soapbox
OK, this doesn't really have anything to do with the contest, but indulge me for a moment and consider the following four team resumes, and tell me which one you'd pick for the fourth number one seed (you can only choose one)?
Team A:
RPI: 2
Conference tournament champ? Yes
Conference standings: tie for 2nd
Win-loss: 28-6
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 5-3
Schedule strength: 3
Last 10: 8-2
Team B:
RPI: 7
Conference tournament champ? Yes
Conference standings: 1st
Win-loss: 31-3
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 1-2
Schedule strength: 38
Last 10: 10-0
Team C:
RPI: 8
Conference tournament champ? No (lost in conference quarterfinals)
Conference standings: tie for 2nd
Win-loss: 27-4
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 4-3
Schedule strength: 30
Last 10: 7-3
Team D:
RPI: 5
Conference tournament champ? No (lost in conference semifinals)
Conference standings: 1st
Win-loss: 26-6
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 5-2
Schedule strength: 5
Last 10: 8-2
I know it's not easy, but the only thing for sure is the team you don't pick is team C, right? So what in the world is team C[onnecticut] doing as a number one seed? What possible rationale could the committee have used?
It boggles the imagination.
Team A:
RPI: 2
Conference tournament champ? Yes
Conference standings: tie for 2nd
Win-loss: 28-6
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 5-3
Schedule strength: 3
Last 10: 8-2
Team B:
RPI: 7
Conference tournament champ? Yes
Conference standings: 1st
Win-loss: 31-3
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 1-2
Schedule strength: 38
Last 10: 10-0
Team C:
RPI: 8
Conference tournament champ? No (lost in conference quarterfinals)
Conference standings: tie for 2nd
Win-loss: 27-4
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 4-3
Schedule strength: 30
Last 10: 7-3
Team D:
RPI: 5
Conference tournament champ? No (lost in conference semifinals)
Conference standings: 1st
Win-loss: 26-6
Record vs. RPI Top 25: 5-2
Schedule strength: 5
Last 10: 8-2
I know it's not easy, but the only thing for sure is the team you don't pick is team C, right? So what in the world is team C[onnecticut] doing as a number one seed? What possible rationale could the committee have used?
It boggles the imagination.
The brackets are in
Well, the brackets are set and we're off to the races. Our leader after selection of the field (and winner for the prize thereof) is long-time entrant R Schlegel, with 193 points, barely edging out S Adams, who has 191, and Millan, who has 190. Congratulations Mr. Schlegel.
Full standings may be found using the link on the right hand side of this page, or if you're too lazy to go there then you can try here.
We'll have lots more fun, facts, and fabulosity tomorrow, so tune in then.
Full standings may be found using the link on the right hand side of this page, or if you're too lazy to go there then you can try here.
We'll have lots more fun, facts, and fabulosity tomorrow, so tune in then.
Millan, dahling
Just four more games and then the fabulous selection special. In the meantime, Memphis (picked by all 70 of us), Binghamton (picked by 23), Temple (9), Missouri (5), Alabama State (59), Utah State (63), Louisville (9), and Cal State Northridge (9) strutted down the championship runway yesterday, leaving Millan as our sole leader, with 86 points. Hot on his heels are S Adams, Brenner, Coach Doc, and McKillip, all with 84 points. Bringing up the rear in fine style are the Leach Kids, with 45.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Buy American
American won its 2nd straight NCAA tournament berth and its 2nd all-time. This impressive history led 61 of us to pick the Eagles, making this one of the few results we've been able to properly predict.
Chalk up the Atlantic 10 as one of the much larger group of conferences about which we've had absolutely no clue, with Xavier (chosen by 47) going down to Temple (chosen by 9) and Dayton (picked by 13) losing to Duquesne (picked by nooooooobody). The count of nine contestants still alive in the A-10 matches the 9 who still have an interest in the Big East (all Louisville) and is actually significantly better than the 5 who still have something to say in the Big 12 (all Missouri).
Just two more days until Selection Sunday, so enjoy the ride.
Chalk up the Atlantic 10 as one of the much larger group of conferences about which we've had absolutely no clue, with Xavier (chosen by 47) going down to Temple (chosen by 9) and Dayton (picked by 13) losing to Duquesne (picked by nooooooobody). The count of nine contestants still alive in the A-10 matches the 9 who still have an interest in the Big East (all Louisville) and is actually significantly better than the 5 who still have something to say in the Big 12 (all Missouri).
Just two more days until Selection Sunday, so enjoy the ride.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Life imitates art...
...well, if you can call a commercial for a mediocre wings place "art" then life imitates it. Right down to the refs looking into their magic monitor and waving off the game winning basket at the end of regulation. But Syracuse downing UConn (chosen by 26 entrants) in 6 (!) overtimes wasn't the only disappointment for some of our contestants. Oklahoma (picked by 57), Pitt (32), Sam Houston St. (21), UNLV (18), Miami Ohio (10), Kansas (7), Clemson (6), Arizona (5), NC A&T (4), Kent (4), CS Fullerton (3), Texas Arlington (2), California (1), Rhode Island (1), and Marquette (1) also went down. Hard.
They haven't played the semifinals yet, but only 11 entrants are still alive in the Big East (9 for Louisville, L Schlegel for Villanova, and D Kedson for West Virginia). And only 6 people are still interested in the Big 12 results (5 for Missouri and R Perry for Texas).
More fun tomorrow.
They haven't played the semifinals yet, but only 11 entrants are still alive in the Big East (9 for Louisville, L Schlegel for Villanova, and D Kedson for West Virginia). And only 6 people are still interested in the Big 12 results (5 for Missouri and R Perry for Texas).
More fun tomorrow.
At the buzzer
Two more conference champions determined last night and both of them won by two on shots with mere seconds to play. In the NEC, Robert Morris (selected by 60 entrants) beat Mount St. Mary's (selected by 7). In the Big Sky, Portland State (favored by 3 entrants) beat Montana State (favored by none), much to the delight of Pogach, L Schlegel, and Stanton. Pogach used this unlikely victory to springboard all the way up into a tie for last with the Leach Kids, with 20 points. Stanton used it to keep pace with Brenner and B Peloso at the top, because Stanton also picked Mount St. Mary's. The leaders have 45 points.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Butler didn't... you know
Three more conference champions, including another one nobody saw coming. Well, Sakowski did, cleverly counting on Cleveland State over Butler (chosen by 68). The other two were more in the mainstream, with North Dakota State (53) winning a squeaker over Oakland (chosen only by Alberts, N Donadio and E Leach), and Western Kentucky (57) controlling South Alabama (0).
The Big Sky winner will be yet another surprise (at least to us), as Weber State (65) got knocked out, leaving Portland State (Pogach, L Schlegel, Stanton) against Montana State (nobody) for the league title.
Four more conferences started their tournaments yesterday, but the only entrants who've lost so far in the MAC, MEAC, WAC, and Big East are the Leach Kids, who chose Western Michigan in the MAC, and L Schlegel who tapped Howard in the MEAC.
We have a three-way tie for first, Brenner, B Peloso, and Stanton, each with 40 points, and a one-way tie for last, Pogach, with 15 points, who has somehow managed to fall behind the Leach Kids, who have 20.
The Big Sky winner will be yet another surprise (at least to us), as Weber State (65) got knocked out, leaving Portland State (Pogach, L Schlegel, Stanton) against Montana State (nobody) for the league title.
Four more conferences started their tournaments yesterday, but the only entrants who've lost so far in the MAC, MEAC, WAC, and Big East are the Leach Kids, who chose Western Michigan in the MAC, and L Schlegel who tapped Howard in the MEAC.
We have a three-way tie for first, Brenner, B Peloso, and Stanton, each with 40 points, and a one-way tie for last, Pogach, with 15 points, who has somehow managed to fall behind the Leach Kids, who have 20.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Uh, oh
Check out this video link from the Onion.
Grave implications for the Contest, wouldn't you say? Unless you picked the On-line University of Liverpool, of course.
Grave implications for the Contest, wouldn't you say? Unless you picked the On-line University of Liverpool, of course.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pardon me, Roy, is that the cat who chewed the new shoes?
We've finally seen a conference champion that our entrants favored to win; in fact we've now seen three (Gonzaga, chosen by 67; Siena, chosen by 59, and VCU, chosen by 50). But today's big story is Chattanooga winning the Southern Conference after being chosen by zero (0) of our canny contestants.
We now have a six-way tie for first (Luke and John, Brenner, ME Donadio, B Peloso, Stanton, and last year's winner, Whiteside). We have a two-way tie for last, but both of them are J Jones.
We now have a six-way tie for first (Luke and John, Brenner, ME Donadio, B Peloso, Stanton, and last year's winner, Whiteside). We have a two-way tie for last, but both of them are J Jones.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Down goes Davidson
Another conference champion today, and another one chosen by hardly any of us. Northern Iowa won the MVC and only six contestants weren't surprised (Mahalko, McKillip, Reilly, R Simon, S Smith, and the Leach Kids). Besides Cornell we've yet to see a conference champ that more than half of us thought would win.
And the streak won't be broken in the Southern Conference championship game tomorrow, as overwhelming favorite Davidson (selected by 63) went down to the College of Charleston (selected by 6) in the league semifinals.
Those crazy Leach Kids are tied for first after choosing Northern Iowa and Morehead State, but they shouldn't start counting their winnings yet considering they also went with Northeastern (picked by 6 others), Rider (picked by 2 others), Montana (1 other), and Long Island (nobody else), all of which have already lost. Twelve other entrants are tied with the Kids, while 15 players have only chosen one winner so far and are tied for last.
In probably the first NCAA Division I men's basketball championship of any kind played in the great state of South Dakota, underdog South Dakota State knocked out Oral Roberts (picked by 13 entrants) yesterday. As you might guess, the home team was picked by absolutely nobody in our contest.
In another odd twist of fate, Troy and Sacred Heart both lost today and were both picked by ME Donadio and Pogach, but by nobody else.
And the streak won't be broken in the Southern Conference championship game tomorrow, as overwhelming favorite Davidson (selected by 63) went down to the College of Charleston (selected by 6) in the league semifinals.
Those crazy Leach Kids are tied for first after choosing Northern Iowa and Morehead State, but they shouldn't start counting their winnings yet considering they also went with Northeastern (picked by 6 others), Rider (picked by 2 others), Montana (1 other), and Long Island (nobody else), all of which have already lost. Twelve other entrants are tied with the Kids, while 15 players have only chosen one winner so far and are tied for last.
In probably the first NCAA Division I men's basketball championship of any kind played in the great state of South Dakota, underdog South Dakota State knocked out Oral Roberts (picked by 13 entrants) yesterday. As you might guess, the home team was picked by absolutely nobody in our contest.
In another odd twist of fate, Troy and Sacred Heart both lost today and were both picked by ME Donadio and Pogach, but by nobody else.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
3 more champs
Three more conference champions, and none of them picked by more than half of our contestants. Morehead State (picked by 11) beat Austin Peay (picked by 6) for the OVC crown today. Radford (35) overwhelmed VMI (32) in the Big South, and ETSU (20) slammed Jacksonville (14) in the Atlantic Sun.
Big losers today included Creighton (selected by 88.6% of us, also known as 62 entrants) and Vermont (chosen by 41). We now have a ten-way tie for first place, among John and Luke, Brenner, J Broder, ME Donadio, McAtee-Gattone, P O'Brien, B Peloso, Stanton, Wadden, and 2008 winner Whiteside.
Whiteside antagonist Booth leads a list of 19 entrants who only have one correct conference champion, and that's counting Cornell.
Big losers today included Creighton (selected by 88.6% of us, also known as 62 entrants) and Vermont (chosen by 41). We now have a ten-way tie for first place, among John and Luke, Brenner, J Broder, ME Donadio, McAtee-Gattone, P O'Brien, B Peloso, Stanton, Wadden, and 2008 winner Whiteside.
Whiteside antagonist Booth leads a list of 19 entrants who only have one correct conference champion, and that's counting Cornell.
Friday, March 6, 2009
We have Standings
Now that Cornell has won the Ivy League and one ticket has been punched, we have standings that aren't all zeros. (If you want to see those standings, use the link on the right hand side of the page that says, surprisingly, "Standings.") And believe it or not, we do NOT have a 70-way tie.
No, the safe pick may have been Cornell, who at the time the pool was due had a virtual stranglehold on first place in a league that doesn't hold a tournament, but the Big Red's ascension was not a mathematical certainty, and that opened the door for five of our entrants to show they had the guts to trod the path less traveled (Sakowski went with Columbia, and J Jones, J Jones (2), Joe Mc, and Paston all selected Princeton). Due to their daring and courage we now have a 65-way tie for first, and a five-way tie for last. Thanks, guys.
In other news, Morehead State (chosen by 11 entrants) has knocked off Eastern Kentucky (chosen by 5) and UT-Martin (chosen by 42) in the Ohio Valley Conference, and will go up against Austin Peay (chosen by 6 and vanquisher of Murray State, also chosen by 6) for the OVC crown. Radford (35) will battle VMI (32) for the Big South title, leaving only N Donadio, Sakowski, and Rodenstein (who all chose Liberty) in the lurch. In the Atlantic Sun, ETSU (20) faces off against Jacksonville (14), making losers out of the 33 contestants who took Belmont as well as S Adams (Lipscomb), Coach Doc (Lipscomb), and Jr Donadio (Mercer).
As far as we can tell, pretty much everybody else is still alive in every other conference, with the exception of O'Brien, who took Loyola Marymount in the WCC, and the Leach Kids, who took Long Island in the NEC.
And the beat goes on.
No, the safe pick may have been Cornell, who at the time the pool was due had a virtual stranglehold on first place in a league that doesn't hold a tournament, but the Big Red's ascension was not a mathematical certainty, and that opened the door for five of our entrants to show they had the guts to trod the path less traveled (Sakowski went with Columbia, and J Jones, J Jones (2), Joe Mc, and Paston all selected Princeton). Due to their daring and courage we now have a 65-way tie for first, and a five-way tie for last. Thanks, guys.
In other news, Morehead State (chosen by 11 entrants) has knocked off Eastern Kentucky (chosen by 5) and UT-Martin (chosen by 42) in the Ohio Valley Conference, and will go up against Austin Peay (chosen by 6 and vanquisher of Murray State, also chosen by 6) for the OVC crown. Radford (35) will battle VMI (32) for the Big South title, leaving only N Donadio, Sakowski, and Rodenstein (who all chose Liberty) in the lurch. In the Atlantic Sun, ETSU (20) faces off against Jacksonville (14), making losers out of the 33 contestants who took Belmont as well as S Adams (Lipscomb), Coach Doc (Lipscomb), and Jr Donadio (Mercer).
As far as we can tell, pretty much everybody else is still alive in every other conference, with the exception of O'Brien, who took Loyola Marymount in the WCC, and the Leach Kids, who took Long Island in the NEC.
And the beat goes on.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What counts as Wild these days
Only seven teams have more than one Wild Card vote:
West Virginia -- 15
Washington -- 13
LSU -- 13
Texas -- 6
Utah -- 5
Arizona -- 3
Florida -- 2
While nine other teams have a single voice of support.
More interesting, as always, are the competitors who try to sneak past the Commissioners a Wild Card that appeared in the AP Top 25 that was linked from both the Rules and the Entry Form.
In the public interest we will name these lawbreakers here, but be warned -- these are potentially dangerous individuals. If you happen to see them don't try to apprehend them yourself; notify the authorities immediately and let armed professionals bring these wrongdoers to justice.
That said, be on the lookout for:
J Broder, who chose #25 Florida State as his Wild Card;
J Jones, who chose #8 Memphis; and
R Perry, who chose #5 Louisville.
And then dial 911.
West Virginia -- 15
Washington -- 13
LSU -- 13
Texas -- 6
Utah -- 5
Arizona -- 3
Florida -- 2
While nine other teams have a single voice of support.
More interesting, as always, are the competitors who try to sneak past the Commissioners a Wild Card that appeared in the AP Top 25 that was linked from both the Rules and the Entry Form.
In the public interest we will name these lawbreakers here, but be warned -- these are potentially dangerous individuals. If you happen to see them don't try to apprehend them yourself; notify the authorities immediately and let armed professionals bring these wrongdoers to justice.
That said, be on the lookout for:
J Broder, who chose #25 Florida State as his Wild Card;
J Jones, who chose #8 Memphis; and
R Perry, who chose #5 Louisville.
And then dial 911.
A relatively safe first day
No big upsets on the opening evening of conference tournaments. In fact, only five entrants have lost so much as a single pick, and all of them chose Eastern Kentucky to win the OVC (N Donadio; J Jones; J Jones (2); Kasprzak; Stanton).
Today marks the beginning of the Atlantic Sun, Patriot, and Sun Belt conference tournaments. Enjoy.
Today marks the beginning of the Atlantic Sun, Patriot, and Sun Belt conference tournaments. Enjoy.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Good news for Duke fans
In the 19 years this contest has been running, our contestants have had a favorite for National Champion every single year. And in four of those years, our group of supposedly knowledgeable individuals has actually been correct. That's right, our entrants are on the money in over 21% of their collective championship predictions! Admit it, you're impressed.
We bring this up because this year our contestants have annointed the University of North Carolina as our favorite for National Champion. Which based on our history would make any Duke fan smile.
The breakdown of all our choices for champion are as follows:
UNC -- 27
UConn -- 12
Pitt -- 11
Oklahoma -- 10
Louisville -- 4
Memphis -- 3
Duke -- 2
Clemson -- 1
We bring this up because this year our contestants have annointed the University of North Carolina as our favorite for National Champion. Which based on our history would make any Duke fan smile.
The breakdown of all our choices for champion are as follows:
UNC -- 27
UConn -- 12
Pitt -- 11
Oklahoma -- 10
Louisville -- 4
Memphis -- 3
Duke -- 2
Clemson -- 1
OK, the contest really begins
It turns out we have 70 entrants, including one sent via e-mail we forgot about at the time of the last post. We're not sure how many are paying entrants, because the deadline for payment is later this week. (NOTE: If your intention has been to be eligible for prizes, please read the previous sentence.)
The OVC, Big South, and Horizon conference tournaments begin tonight, so let's all get out there and root for High Point.
The OVC, Big South, and Horizon conference tournaments begin tonight, so let's all get out there and root for High Point.
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