Final Four 2012: Kentucky Wins 8th National Title With 59-50 Win Over Kansas

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Finals, Kentucky Vs. Kansas Recap: Wildcats Hold Off Jayhawks For 8th Title

John Calipari captured his first National Championship on Monday night as the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Kansas Jayhawks, 59-50. Kentucky led by double-digits for a 25-minute span before Kansas went on run at the five minute mark and cut the UK lead to as low as six. While the Cats got a little tight down the stretch, they came up with a few big defensive stops in the final minute to clinch the title.

Doron Lamb was fantastic for Kentucky, consistently hitting from behind the arc to either extend the lead or promptly stop a Kansas threat. He finished with a gam-high 20 points. National Player of the Year Anthony Davis hit only one field goal but he completely controlled the game on defense, grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking six shots en route to the tournament's MOP award. His fellow freshman, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, was the only other Wildcat in double-figures, setting the pace early and then clinching the title with a huge block in the final minute.

It's the eighth title in Kentucky's storied history but the first championship for coach John Calipari.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Finals, Kentucky Vs. Kansas Score Update: Wildcats Dominate First Half, Lead 41-27

The Kentucky Wildcats entered Monday night's National Championship as heavy favorites and they lived up to the billing against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half. UK played suffocating defense and held Kansas to just 33 percent from the floor. They gave up no easy buckets and cruised through the first half with a double-digit lead.

On the offensive end, Kentucky shot 53 percent from the floor to hand the Jayhawks their largest halftime deficit of the season. The Cats did it without getting a single point from Anthony Davis, either, as fellow freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was quiet on Saturday against Louisville, took control early and finished with 11 points. Sophomore Doron Lamb added 12 points on just six shots. While Davis has not scored, he has already grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots, while altering several others.

Kansas will have to get some stops against the ultra-talented Wildcats if they're to have any chance in the second half.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Finals, Kentucky Vs. Kansas Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Kentucky Wildcats and Kansas Jayhawks have battled their way through to the Finals of the 2012 NCAA Tournament and will tip off against each other for the National Championship on Monday evening.

The Jayhawks knocked out of the Tournament early from the previous two NCAA Tournaments, but have been able to make their way to the Finals, powered by most of their players having experienced the previous stinging losses. The two-seeded Jayhawks took out Detroit in the first round, then slipped by Purdue and N.C. State, and then beat a North Carolina team without their starting point guard. In the Final Four the Jayhawks went on a late rally, including a 15-2 run late in the game to get past the Ohio State Buckeyes and advance to the Finals.

The Wildcats earn a one-seed for the NCAA tournament and have shown why the whole way through the tournament thus far. Kentucky has demolished just about every team they have faced so far in the tournament, beating up on Western Kentucky, Iowa State, pulling away from Indiana, and beating up on Baylor. In the Final Four, the Wildcats jumped out to an early lead over the Louisville Cardinals, but the Cardinals battled back and kept the game close until right near the end. Kentucky hit their shots and free throws late in the game to pull out the win.

Game Time: Monday, 9:23 PM ET, April 2, 2012

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV: CBS

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub, and remember to pick up our printable NCAA Tournament bracket.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Final Four 2012, Ohio State Vs. Kansas Final Score: Jayhawks Hang On For 64-62 Comeback Win

In a game that went right down to the wire, the Kansas Jayhawks once again made big plays down the stretch and held on to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 64-62.

Tyshawn Taylor made two clutch free throws late, and Thomas Robinson finished with 19 points and eight rebounds Saturday night to lift the Jayhawks to the come from behind win over Ohio State in the second of Saturday's national semifinal contests. The Jayhawks (32-6) won despite trailing by as many as 13 in this one, and for the entire game only held a lead for a total of 3 minutes, 48 seconds.

William Buford played great in the last game of his collegiate career, scoring 19 points to lead the Buckeyes. Jared Sullinger added 13 points and ten rebounds, but his team fell just a little short.

With the victory Kansas will now face the Kentucky Wildcats in Monday night's title game. The Wildcats defeated Louisville by a score of 69-61 in the early game.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Final Four 2012, Ohio State Vs. Kansas Score Update: Buckeyes Hold 34-25 Lead At Halftime

Led by an aggressive defense effort, the Ohio State Buckeyes have raced to a 34-25 halftime lead over the Kansas Jayhawks in the second National Semifinal game of the evening at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kansas trailed by double digits late in the half before making a run to close the gap and get within striking distance.

Aaron Craft has set the tone for Ohio State defensively was with his relentless on the ball pressure. Craft has two steals in the first half and is making it difficult for the Jayhawks to get into any type of flow offensively. As a team Kansas is only shooting 36.7% from the field, but is managing to hang around due to the efforts of Thomas Robinson and Travis Releford, who have scored 8 and 7 points respectively.

William Buford, who has struggled of late for the Buckeyes, is pacing his team with 8 points at the intermission, burying all 3 of his shot attempts. Jared Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas, and Lenzelle Smith, Jr. each added 7 points for Ohio State.

The winner of this game will meet up with the Kentucky Wildcats in Monday night's title game. The Wildcats defeated Louisville by a score of 69-61 earlier this evening.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 Final Four, Kentucky vs. Louisville: Wildcats Hold Off Cardinals, Win National Semifinal 69-61

Behind the superb pay of freshman Anthony Davis, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Louisville Cardinals by a score of 69-61 to advance to the NCAA Championship game on Monday evening. Davis, recently named the AP National Player of the Year, finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots.

Trailing 35-28 at halftime, Louisville (30-10) later feel behind by as many as thirteen points in the second half before making a valiant run. They managed to tie the game at 49 with a little under ten minutes to play, but in the end Kentucky's superior talent level and skill took over. Guard Darius Miller came off the bench and added 13 points for the Wildcats, who are seeking to win their his first national title under coach John Calipari.

Louisville was bothered by Kentucky's length and defensive intensity all game, and shot just 34.8 percent as a team from the field. Peyton Siva scored 11 points to lead the Cardinals, with Chane Behanan adding ten points and nine rebounds.

Kentucky (37-2) will play the winner of Kansas-Ohio State in Monday night’s title game.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Final Four 2012, Kentucky Vs. Louisville Score Update: Wildcats Hold 35-28 Lead At Halftime

The Kentucky Wildcats jumped out to a quick lead over the Louisville Cardinals, as the Cardinals struggled to sink shots and everything for the Wildcats went in. Kentucky cooled off and the Cardinals were able to collect themselves, but the Wildcats still took a 35-28 lead into halftime.

For the Wildcats, they once again put on a show of dunks thanks to some ally-oops by guys like Anthony Davis, who finished the first half with eight points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague also finished up the first half with eight points each, but the Wildcats shot just 20 percent from the three-point line, hitting on just a single three-point shot.

Louisville was able to weather the early storm by the Wildcats and got the game back to a more manageable score at halftime. Chane Behanan led Louisville in scoring with six points and five rebounds, but the Cardinals spread the ball and their scoring around. Surprisingly, the Cardinals also wound up out rebounding the Wildcats at halftime 15-14, which left Kentucky head coach John Calipari heated as he went into the locker room.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket. For more on this game, check out our 2012 Final Four StoryStream

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Ohio State Vs. Kansas Game Time, TV Schedule, Announcers And More

The late game of the Final Four on Saturday is the less heralded of the two match ups, but most think it might wind up being the better overall basketball game. The matchup pits the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks have been bounced early from the previous two NCAA Tournaments, but have been able to make their way to the Final Four of the 2012 Tournament, powered by most of their players having experienced the previous stinging losses. The two-seeded Jayhawks took out Detroit in the first round, then slipped by Purdue and N.C. State, and then beat a North Carolina team without their starting point guard.

The Ohio State Buckeyes had a much less rough road to the Final Four than the Jayhawks did, with the closest win coming by seven points to the Syracuse Orange in the Elite Eight. In the first round the Buckeyes took out Loyola, then moved on to beat Gonzaga and they beat up on Cincinnati to get to the Elite Eight. Both Ohio State and Kansas are looking for return trips to the Championship Game, but only one will get to make it.

Game Time: 8:49 PM ET, March 31, 2012

Location: Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV Coverage: CBS

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Steve Kerr

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Louisville Vs. Kentucky Game Time, TV Schedule, Announcers And More

The 2012 Final Four tips off with a matchup between the Louisville Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats, commonly referred to as "The Civil War", being as both teams are from Kentucky, The Bluegrass State. Louisville earned a four-seed in the NCAA tournament and made their way through the 2012 NCAA Tournament beating Davidson, narrowly escaping New Mexico, beating up on Michigan State, and needing a big-time comeback against the Florida Gators to move on to the Final Four.

The Wildcats earn a one-seed for the NCAA tournament and have shown why the whole way through the tournament thus far. Kentucky has demolished every team they have faced so far in the tournament, beating up on Western Kentucky, Iowa State, pulling away from Indiana, and beating up on Baylor. Kentucky lost only twice all season, falling to Indiana and Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament and right now look like a team focused on the NCAA Championship.

Saturday's game between the two teams is the fifth time they will match up in the NCAA tournament, splitting the first four games.

Game Time: 6:09 PM ET, March 31, 2012

Location: Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV Coverage: CBS

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Steve Kerr

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Final Four 2012 Game Times, TV Coverage, Live Streaming And More

The 2012 NCAA Tournament heads to New Orleans this weekend, with Saturday's Final Four matchups sure to deliver exciting and intriguing battles on the court. Th early game will see Bluegrass rivals Kentucky and Louisville battle, with the nightcap pitting Kansas against Ohio State.

Here is all you need to know for tonight's Final Four contests:

Game times: First tip is at 6:09 p.m. ET, with the second game scheduled for approx. 8:49 p.m. ET

Location: Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV Coverage: CBS

Announcers: The dulcet tones of Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Steve Kerr will bring the action to the fans.

Live Stream: Available at CBSSports.com, here.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the matchups in New Orleans at the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012: Saturday's Final Four Schedule

The 2012 NCAA Tournament has just four teams and three games remaining, with Saturday's Final Four matchups in New Orleans determining who will play Monday night in the championship game.

The early game on the slate is by no means a normal appetizer, as it pits bitter in-state rivals Kentucky against Louisville. The Wildcats hold the upper hand against the Cardinals currently, having won 18 of the 29 games between the two programs, including a 69-62 victory this season.

The late game is no afterthought, however, as Kansas and big man Thomas Robinson will take on Ohio State and equally talented big Jared Sullinger. The Jayhawks and Buckeyes combined for 62 wins this season, and the two programs have 24 combined Final Four appearances between them.

Here is the schedule for Saturday's two Final Four matchups:

No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 4 Louisville Cardinals, 6:09 p.m. ET, CBS

No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, approx. 8:49 p.m. ET, CBS.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the matchups in New Orleans at the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Final Four Schedule 2012: Louisville Vs. Kentucky, Ohio State Vs. Kansas

Kansas and Kentucky joined Ohio State and Louisville as members of the 2012 Final Four on Sunday, so the field for New Orleans is now set. Here’s the schedule of games that will lead to the crowning of a champion in the NCAA Tournament.

The two Final Four-round games are on Saturday, March 31. At 6:09 p.m., Louisville takes on Kentucky in a battle for state bragging rights. Kentucky is, understandably, a big favorite, with the line currently set at nine points, although Louisville has beaten Marquette, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Michigan State and Florida in the past month, so it’s hard to rule the Cardinals out.

Then at 8:49 p.m., it’s Ohio State vs. Kansas. Ohio State is a 2.5-point favorite. Both knocked off No. 1 seeds in the Elite Eight round, with Ohio State beating Syracuse and Kansas beating North Carolina.

Both games will be broadcast on CBS.

The championship game will be played Monday, April 2.

For all kinds of Final Four information, check out SB Nation’s Final Four StoryStream.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness Bracket 2012: Kansas And Kentucky Join Ohio State And Louisville In The Final Four

The Final Four is complete after two titans of the college basketball landscape filled the final two spots on Sunday afternoon. Kentucky and Kansas, two of the most storied programs in NCAA basketball history, joined Ohio State and Louisville as the last four teams standing in New Orleans. While both have had dramatically different paths this season, the Jayhawks and the Wildcats avoided last minute nail-biters and clinched double-digit victories.

Kentucky completely dismantled Baylor early on, clamping down on the defensive end and shutting down the Bears to take a 20-point halftime lead. The Wildcats let Baylor cut into that deficit but Scott Drew's club never really challenged the No. 1 overall seed down the stretch. Kansas, on the other hand, went back-and-forth with a depleted North Carolina club for much of the game before the Jayhawks went on a run over the final three minutes to seal the win.

There will be plenty to come this week on a Final Four full of drama and storylines. The Battle for Kentucky between two blood rivals will certainly be discussed ad nauseum. But on the other side of the bracket, two goliath BCS schools will provide an excellent nightcap to next Saturday's action. New Orleans will certainly be a party.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament, stay with SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Sunday's Elite Eight Matchups

Two teams, Louisville and Ohio State, are already on their way to the Final Four in New Orleans, and on Sunday two more teams will join them after South and Midwest regional finals.

The first game of the day will pit the No. 1 seed in the South, the Kentucky Wildcats, against the No. 3 seed Baylor Bears. Kentucky and coach John Calipari are considered by many the favorite to win the entire tournament based simply on roster talent alone, but Baylor will be no pushover. While the Wildcats can throw the likes of Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Doron Lamb at opponents, Baylor has size and athleticism in Quincy Acy, Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller.

The late game will see Midwest No. 1 seed North Carolina take on No. 2 seed Kansas. The Tar Heels survived overtime against the No. 13 seed Ohio Bobcats to reach the regional final, but if point guard Kendall Marshall cannot play again Carolina may be in some serious trouble. Big men Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey have been huge all season long for the Jayhawks, and expect an epic battle in the paint when these two teams clash with Carolina's Tyler Zeller and John Henson late Sunday afternoon.

Here is today's regional finals schedule:

Sunday:

South: No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 3 Baylor Bears, 2:20 p.m. ET, CBS
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, 5:05 p.m. ET, CBS

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the Elite 8, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012: Louisville, Ohio State Secure Final Four Berths

After some thrilling Elite 8 action on Saturday, two teams are officially on their way to New Orleans and the Final Four of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals stunned the Florida Gators on Saturday 72-68 in the West regional final, closing the game on a 23-8 run to propel Pitino to his second Final Four appearance at Louisville, and first since 2005. Pitino is now 7-0 against former assistant and protege Billy Donovan, and becomes the first coach to bring three different programs to the Final Four.

In the East region, the Ohio State Buckeyes outlasted Syracuse 77-70 behind the play of big men Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas. Sullinger overcame first-half foul trouble to finish with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Thomas chipped in 14 points and nine boards. This will be Ohio State's first Final Four appearance since 2007, when they lost in the championship game to Florida.

There are now just two slots left in the Final Four, determined by the Sunday matchups below:

Sunday:

South: No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 3 Baylor Bears, 2:20 p.m. ET, CBS
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, 5:05 p.m. ET, CBS

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Florida Vs. Louisville Score: Louisville Advances To Final Four After Comeback

Louisville will represent the Big East in the Final Four after coming back to beat Florida in the NCAA Tournament Saturday.

The Cardinals were down 63-52 with nine minutes left to play, but Louisville outscored the Gators 20-5 after that and ended up winning, 72-68. Chane Benahan’s jumper with 1:12 remaining put Louisville ahead for good. Benahan also made seven straight points for the Cardinals at the beginning of their comeback.

Benahan finished the game with 17 points and seven rebounds. Russ Smith
had 19 points and five boards.

Erik Murphy had 14 points and eight rebounds in defeat for Florida, while Bradley Beal had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Louisville will await the winner of North Carolina vs. Kansas to determine who their Final Four opponent will be. That game takes place Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Syracuse and Ohio State play Saturday at 7:05, while Kentucky and Baylor play Sunday at 2:20.

For more analysis of games as they happen, check out SBNation.com’s NCAA Tournament storystream.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012: Top Seeds Kentucky, North Carolina Advance To Elite Eight

Friday night saw the conclusion of Sweet 16 play in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, and with it the final four teams are now set for Elite Eight action on Sunday.

In the South region, the No. 1 seed Kentucky Wildcats outlasted the No. 4 seed Indiana Hoosiers in a fast-paced offensive battle, 102-90. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist led the way for Kentucky, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 boards. The No. 3 seed Baylor Bears jumped out to an early lead on No. 10 seed Xavier, and held on to win 75-70 after a furious Musketeers comeback.

In the Midwest region, Roy Williams' Tar Heels survived the loss of guard Kendall Marshall (for now), narrowly defeating the upset-minded No. 13 seed Ohio Bobcats 73-65 in overtime. Tyler Zeller was a beast for UNC, scoring 20 points and grabbing 22 rebounds. The No. 2 seed Kansas Jayhawks squeaked past the No. 11 seed North Carolina State Wolfpack, 60-57, thanks to the play of big men Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey. Robinson scored 18 points and notched 15 rebounds, while Withey finished with ten blocked shots in the game.

Game times and TV schedule for Sunday's matchups:

Sunday:

South: No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 3 Baylor Bears, 2:20 p.m. ET, CBS
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, 5:05 p.m. ET, CBS

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Saturday's Elite Eight Matchups

Only eight teams remain in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, with Saturday play in the West and East regions sending the first two teams to the Final Four in New Orleans. The Midwest and South regional finals will be played on Sunday.

The early game on Saturday in the West region will see No. 4 seed Louisville, the Big East Tournament champ, take on Billy Donovan's No. 7 seed Florida Gators. Rick Pitino is 6-0 against his former assistant, and the Cardinals coach will be looking to make his sixth trip to the Final Four and second while at Louisville. Donovan is aiming for his fourth Final Four trip as head man at Florida.

No. 1 seed Syracuse will face No. 2 seed Ohio State in the late game from the East region. Playing without Fab Melo, many thought the Orange would have been bounced from the Dance by this point, but Jim Boeheim's team has survived a few scares and now stand just one victory from New Orleans. Buckeyes big man Jared Sullinger will look to carry his team to the Final Four before likely bolting for the NBA.

Here is the full regional finals schedule:

Saturday:

West: No. 4 Louisville Cardinals vs. No. 7 Florida Gators, 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS
East: No. 1 Syracuse Orange vs. No. 2 Ohio St. Buckeyes, 7:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Sunday:

South: No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 3 Baylor Bears, 2:20 p.m. ET, CBS
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, 5:05 p.m. ET, CBS

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Rest Of Elite 8 Decided On Friday

Half of the Elite 8 was decided on Thursday night with the first four regional semi-final games, and Friday will decide the other half of the bracket. Here is the schedule of games that will be played on Friday and where you can find them.

The first game of the night is No. 10 Xavier against No. 3 Baylor at 7:15 pm ET. You can find that game on CBS.

Next up is the highest remaining seed, the No. 13 Ohio Bobcats, against No. 1 seed north Carolina at 7:47 pm, that game can be seen on TBS.

The third game of the evening is the juiciest matchup, a rematch between No. 4 Indiana and No. 1 overall seed Kentucky. That game starts at 9:45 and can be seen on CBS.

The final game of the evening is No. 11 N.C. State agains No. 2 Kansas. That game starts at 10:17 pm and can be found on TBS.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Scores: Florida Beats Marquette, Joins Elite Eight

Florida beat Marquette 68-58 Thursday in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Elite Eight.

The two teams generally played a tight first half, but Florida scored nine straight points before time expired, to take a 36-30 lead. Erik Murphy and Bradley Beal kept scoring in the second half to make life tough for Marquette, with Beal's three-pointer with about 14 minutes remaining extending the Gators' lead to 12. Marquette mounted a comeback bid from there, but Kenny Boynton hit key foul shots down the stretch to prevent the Golden Eagles from getting too close.

Beal finished with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Jae Crowder had 15 points and seven rebounds for Marquette, but the Golden Eagles struggled with shooting throughout the game, at just 30.8 percent.

Here's video of Beal's performance.

Florida will play Louisville in the Elite Eight. That game will take place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Fellow members of the Elite Eight so far include Ohio State and Syracuse. The rest of the games in the Sweet 16 round will take place Friday night.

For more NCAA Tournament action, check out SB Nation's college basketball hub.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Ohio State Vs. Cincinnati Result: Ohio State Advances To Elite Eight With 81-66 Win

Well, so much for a Cincinnati/Syracuse all-Big-East matchup in the East regional. Syracuse advanced, but the Bearcats lost 81-66 to Ohio State Thursday night.

The Buckeyes took a 37-25 lead into the second half. Cincinnati came out of the gate strong and tied the game at 41 with 15 minutes left to play, then built a four-point lead on Yancy Gates' foul shot with 11-and-a-half minutes remaining. Ohio State went on a 17-1 run from there, though, and by the time it was over, the Bearcats' chances of winning were pretty much gone.

Deshaun Thomas scored 26 points for Ohio State, and Jared Sullinger had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Cashmere Wright had 18 points for Cincinnati in the loss.

Ohio State joins Syracuse and Louisville as teams that have made the Elite Eight so far. Either Marquette or Florida will join them by the end of the night Thursday.

For more Sweet 16 action, head over to SB Nation's college basketball hub, where you can find plenty of real-time analysis of the games.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Louisville Vs. Michigan State Score: Cardinals Win, Join Syracuse In NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

After Syracuse’s victory over Wisconsin earlier Thursday night, the Big East sent its second team to the Elite Eight as No. 4 Louisville toppled No. 1 Michigan State, 57-44.

The first half mostly stayed close, but Louisville opened a five-point lead when Jared Swopshire hit a three-pointer with three seconds left before halftime. Michigan State never held a lead after that, and Louisville opened an 11-point lead with nine minutes left to play.

Chane Benahan led the Cardinals with 15 points and nine rebounds. Gorgui Dieng had nine rebounds and seven blocks. Draymond Green had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Michigan State.

Two more Big East teams have games Thursday night, as Cincinnati faces Ohio State and Marquette takes on Florida. It remains possible that the Elite Eight will feature two matchups of Big East teams — Louisville would face Marquette if Marquette wins, and Cincinnati would take on Syracuse.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation’s Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation’s NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of live analysis.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Wisconsin Vs. Syracuse: Score One For Big East As Syracuse Advances To Elite Eight

Syracuse will represent the Big East in the Elite Eight after squeaking by Wisconsin Thursday night, 64-63.

Syracuse built a lead early on, with Scoop Jardine hitting a three-pointer with two and a half minutes left in the first half to put the Orange up 33-23. Wisconsin closed the lead to 33-27 at the half, however, then came charging out of the gate in the second half as Jordan Taylor hit two three-pointers in the first two minutes as the Badgers cut the lead to one.

C.J. Fair helped Syracuse build its lead back to seven with a series of jumpers, but Wisconsin wouldn’t go away, and a three by Ben Brust gave Wisconsin a three-point lead with eight minutes left. Dion Waiters’ layup gave the Orange a 60-59 lead with six minutes to go, however, and both teams struggled to score as the game came to an end.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation’s Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation’s NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Printable NCAA Bracket 2012: Start Fresh With Updated Sweet 16 Bracket

The NCAA Tournament gets back into action on Thursday with four of the eight Sweet 16 games. If you're anything like me, you can barely see who is playing underneath all the red x's and cross-outs on your bracket. Luckily, the guys at SB Nation have you covered with a brand spanking new updated printable bracket so you can follow the Sweet 16 in style.

The 2012 Printable NCAA Tournament Bracket is updated and available now. View the full Sweet 16 TV schedule.

The Sweet 16 kicks off on Thursday with games from the East and West regions. The Midwest and South regions will get back into action on Friday.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 Sweet 16 Printable Bracket And Schedule: Four Big East Teams Play Thursday

Here's the schedule of NCAA Tournament games for Thursday. There are four games, all of which feature Big East teams. Three of those Big East teams are playing Big Ten teams, so even if Pitt, WVU and Penn State aren't still alive (Pitt and Penn State didn't make the tournament to begin with, obviously), their conferences can fight it out by proxy.

No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Syracuse, 7:15 p.m., CBS (Boston)
No. 4 Louisville vs. No. 1 Michigan State, 7:47 p.m., TBS (Phoenix)
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 2 Ohio State, 9:45 p.m., CBS (Boston)
No. 7 Florida vs. No. 3 Marquette, 10:17 p.m., TBS (Phoenix)

After Thursday's action, it would be possible for two pairs of Big East teams (Syracuse and Cincinnati in the East Region, Louisville and Marquette in the West) to face off in the Elite Eight.

Xavier vs. Baylor, Ohio vs. North Carolina, Indiana vs. Kentucky, and NC State vs. Kansas will take place on Friday.

A full, printable bracket, updated for the Sweet 16, can be found here.

For more NCAA Tournament action, check out SB Nation's March Madness hub.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Big East, Big Ten Battling For Conference Supremacy

The Big East and Big Ten Conferences have been the best in College basketball all year long, but without very much competition between them, it would be difficult to really say for sure who is the best. They have continued their dominance so far in the NCAA tournament with strong showings through the first two rounds. According to our Big East Coast Bias blog, the second weekend of the tournament will give the two conferences a chance to really find out who is better.

The Big East has four teams still in the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16, but so does the Big 10. Five Big East teams have been sent packing so far, while only two Big 10 teams have been ousted. So, which conference has more to boast about so far? To add to the intrigue, the conferences go head to head in three upcoming games: Syracuse vs. Wisconsin, Michigan St. vs. Louisville and Ohio St. vs. Cincinnati.

The Big East won a National Championship with the University of Connecticut last year, but some of their headliners had disappointing seasons, while Big Ten teams surprised with their dominance. The second weekend of the tournament will be the the best opportunity for one conference or the other to get bragging rights until next season.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket Update: Sunday Results Have Sweet 16 Set

After an eventful first four days of the 2012 NCAA Tournament, the Sweet 16 is finally set, and I'm sure it looks nothing like the bracket you filled out. Here are all of the matchups that will kick off the second weekend of the tournament next weekend.

The big upset on Sunday was No. 11 seed N.C. State defeating No. 3 seed Georgetown. The Wolfpack will advance on to face the No. 2 seed Kansas Jayhawks in the round of 16. The top part of the Midwest regional features the highest remaining seed in No. 13 Ohio, which will face the region's top seed North Carolina later this week.

The East region is a little bit more chalk, with Cincinnati's upset of Florida State the only thing from preventing a 1-2-3-4 sweet sixteen. The Bearcats will face No. 2 seed Ohio State in the next round, while No. 1 seed Syracuse will face No. 4 seed Wisconsin.

The West region also has only one team that is not one of the top four of the region. No. 7 seed Florida moved on and will face No. 3 seed Marquette while No. 1 seed Michigan State gets No. 4 seed Louisville.

The South region faces a pretty juicy rematch as the tournament's top overall seed Kentucky will face No. 4 seed Indiana, a team that has already beaten them once this year. Meanwhile No. 3 seed will face No. 10 seed Xavier to complete the field of sixteen.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Tournament StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 Sunday Scores And Results: N.C. State, Ohio Make It To The Sweet 16

The field for the 2012 NCAA Tournament is beginning to thin, as the third round has concluded and we move on to the Sweet Sixteen. After some surprising upsets early such as Lehigh taking down Duke and Ohio making their way to the Sweet Sixteen, we should get some interesting match ups later in the week.

No. 11 N.C. State takes down No. 3 Georgetown, 66-63: In one of a few upsets on the day, the Georgetown Hoyas went down to the N.C. State Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon. The Hoyas trailed at halftime and looked as if they'd complete the come back and win the game, but the Wolfpack held on to complete the upset and move on to the next round.

No. 1 North Carolina cruises past No. 8 Creighton, 87-73: The North Carolina Tar Heels played it a bit close early on with Creighton, but pulled away at the end. The win did not come with loss however, as the Tar Heels may have lost point guard Kendall Marshall for the Tournament with a fractured wrist.

No. 1 Michigan State gets past No. 9 St. Louis, 65-61: The Spartans were pushed to the end by the St. Louis Billikens, but they were able to hold on for the win to move on to the Sweet Sixteen.

No. 7 Florida pounds No. 15 Norfolk State, 84-50: While it looked like we might get another Cinderella team with the Norfolk State Spartans, that was quickly put to rest early on by a 25-0 run by the Florida Gators, who routed the Spartans on Sunday afternoon.

No. 13 Ohio takes out No. 12 South Florida, 62-56: South Florida led Ohio at halftime, but the Bobcats were able to rally back against the Bulls and pull the upset to make it to the next round.

No. 2 Kansas wins on a collapse by No. 10 Purdue, 60-63: The Purdue Boilermakers all but had the upset wrapped up, if not for a handful of terrible possessions in the final minute of the game. The Jayhawks held on to pick up the 63-60 victory.

No. 10 Xavier rallies to beat No. 15 Lehigh, 70-58: The other team who looked like it might be a Cinderella was Lehigh, who took out Duke. Lehigh held the lead at halftime, but Xavier finally wore them down and pulled out the win.

No. 6 Cincinnati holds on to beat No. 3 Florida State, 62-56: The Noles held a one-point lead at halftime, but careless turnovers in the second half let Cincinnati take the lead late and hold on to move into the Sweet Sixteen.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on the games as they happen.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness Schedule 2012: Complete Game Time & TV Info For Sunday

The Third Round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament continues on Sunday afternoon with Georgetown tipping off against N.C. State at noon. The Third Round started on Saturday and will finish up on Sunday evening to determine who will be moving on to the Elite Eight on Thursday. Here is the complete schedule of games being played on Sunday, and where you can find them:

No. 11 N.C. State Vs. No. 3 Georgetown, 12:15 p.m., CBS

No. 9 St. Louis Vs. No. 1 Michigan State, 2:45 p.m., CBS

No. 8 Creighton Vs. No. 1 North Caroline, 5:15 p.m., CBS

No. 15 Norfolk St. Vs. No. 7 Florida, 6:10 p.m., TNT

No. 13 Ohio Vs. No. 12 South Florida, 7:10 p.m., TBS

No. 15 Lehigh Vs. No. 10 Xavier, 7:45 p.m., TRU

No. 10 Purdue Vs. No. 2 Kansas, 8:40 p.m., TNT

No. 6 Cincinnati Vs. No. 3 Florida State, 9:40 p.m., TBS

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012, Gonzaga Vs. Ohio State Score Final Score: Buckeyes Hold On To Advance 73-66

Coming out of halftime the Ohio State Buckeyes held a two-point lead over the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the jumped out to a double-digit lead at one point, thwarting plenty of Gonzaga shots at the basket including this block of a dunk.

The Zags were able to collect themselves however and pull back and tie the game before Ohio State took another lead with under a minute left in the game. With a five point lead under a minute left, the Buckeyes were able to force Gonzaga to begin fouling to put them on the free throw line to hold on to their lead and win.

Jared Sullinger wound up having a big second half for the Buckeyes, finishing up the game with 18 points and four rebounds, hitting on all of his three-point shots. Deshaun Thomas also picked up 18 points while Aaron Craft picked up a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists.

For Gonzaga, it was too little too late as Elias Harris led the way with 16 points with Gary Bell Jr. adding another 15 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The Buckeyes move on to the next round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament with their 73-66 win as they head to Boston, MA for their next game on Thursday.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

ANIMATED: Jared Sullinger Steals An Inbound Pass

As the Ohio State Buckeyes have taken the lead over the Gonzaga Bulldogs and started to build it, one of the big reasons has been Gonzaga turnovers. Ohio State guard Jared Sullinger was able to intercept a Gonzaga inbound pass, timing his jump perfectly.

The Buckeyes were able to add some points right after the turnover, but the Bulldogs might want to be a little more careful when trying to pass the ball back in bounds with the full court press on.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Gonzaga Vs. Ohio State Score Update: Buckeyes Lead 39-37 At Halftime

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are trying to pull the upset over the Ohio State Buckets in the third round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Early in the game Gonzaga pulled out to a lead and held it for much of the first half. The Buckeyes began sinking their three-point shots however and got back into the game, taking a lead right before the half.

The Bulldogs played well in the first half, but will need to defend the three-point shot better in the second half of the game. Sam Dower led Gonzaga in scoring with nine points off the bench with six rebounds. Elias Harris and Kevin Pangos also added seven points each for the Bulldogs.

For the Buckeyes, Aaron Craft led the way in the first half with 10 points with 7 assists and 2 steals while Deshaun Thomas led the way in scoring with 12 points, hitting on two of his three three-point shot attempts.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

ANIMATED: Ohio State Is Really Good At The Rubix Cube

Here was an Ohio State basketball player before the game, who was able to complete a Rubix Cube insanely fast.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012, Syracuse Vs. Kansas State Final Score: Orange Knock Out Wildcats 75-59

The Syracuse Orange exited halftime against the Kansas State Wildcats with just a 25-24 lead in the third round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament, but quickly were able to pull ahead in the second half of the ballgame. The Orange were able to hold a double-digit lead for much of the second half, pulling away to a near 20 point lead towards the end of the game to a 75-59.

Dion Walters led the Orange in scoring with 18 points off the bench while Scoop Jardine picked up 16 points and 8 assists in the game. James Southerland also added 15 points off the bench with Rakeem Christmas picking up 11 rebounds and 8 points.

For the Wildcats Rodney McGruder led the team in scoring the loss with 17 points while Jordan Henriquez picked up a double-double with 12 points with 17 rebounds. Angel Rodriguez also picked up 12 points as K-State gets knocked out in Round 3 of the NCAA Tournament. The Orange will now move on to Round 4.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament, Syracuse Vs. Kansas State Score Update: Wildcats Trail 25-24 At Halftime

The Syracuse Orange are taking on the Kansas State Wildcats in Round 3 of the 2012 NCAA Tournament without center Fab Melo, but Kansas State was also surprised with one of their star players being deemed ineligible right before Saturday's game. Senior forward Jamar Samuels was ruled out just prior to the start of the game according to a release by the school.

Breaking: #K-State starting F Jamar Samuels out due to "eligibility concern" according to Kansas State athletics release. #NCAA

— Jerry Micco (@PG_JerryMicco) March 17, 2012

Samuels is K-State's second leading scorer, so it will have an impact on the Wildcats going forward. It evens it out a bit in this matchup, since Syracuse is also missing Fab Melo. At halftime, the Orange lead the Wildcats 25-24. The teams have battled back and forth with 'Cuse taking the early lead, but K-State battled back and brought it within a point by halftime.

Guard Dion Walters leads Syracuse in scoring at halftime with 11 points off the bench while Kris Joseph has added eight points. The Wildcats have out rebounded Syracuse at halftime 25-15, but trail with Jordan Henriquez picking up 11 rebounds and 6 points at halftime. Rodney McGruder leads the way with seven points while Will Spradling has added five points.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Complete Game Time & TV Info For Saturday

Chin up, everyone. West Virginia may be out of the 2012 NCAA Tournament, but there is no less intrigue as to who will take home the national championship at the end of this long, crazy road. Friday featured two historic upsets and plenty more drama and excitement to go around. The unpredictable nature of the event is, of course, what makes it so tantalizingly watchable.

To that end, the Round of 32 kicks off on Saturday. We have your viewing guide right here to the full slate of the day's games.

Saturday's games will feature Thursday's winners duking it out to determine who enters the Sweet 16 as we get one day closer to crowning a national champion.

Syracuse. vs. Kansas St., 12:15 p.m. on CBS
Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Len Elmore and Reggie Miller

Ohio St. vs. Gonzaga, 2:45 p.m. (tentative) on CBS
Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Len Elmore and Reggie Miller

Marquette vs. Murray St., 5:15 p.m. on CBS
Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery

Wisconsin vs. Vanderbilt, 6:10 p.m. on TNT
Announcers: Spero Dedes and Bob Wenzel

Indiana vs. VCU, 7:10 p.m. on TBS
Announcers: Brian Anderson and Dan Bonner

Kentucky vs. Iowa St., 7:45 p.m. (tentative) on CBS
Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery

Baylor vs. Colorado, 8:40 p.m. (tentative) on TNT
Announcers: Spero Dedes and Bob Wenzel

Louisville vs. New Mexico, 9:40 p.m. (tentative) on TBS
Announcers: Brian Anderson and Dan Bonner

Click here for a full, printable 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket.

For more on the entire March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more recaps, previews and news updates.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Gonzaga Vs. Ohio State: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off of extremely convincing wins in their first NCAA Tournament games, and both will be extremely confident of repeat performances heading into Saturday's game. Gonzaga might not have the athleticism or experience of their Big Ten opponents, but they certainly have plenty of talent and they proved in their game against West Virginia that they're a solid defensive team capable of hanging with power conference teams.

Star freshman Kevin Pangos had a good game with 13 points, but Gonzaga spread it around against WVU and was not overly reliant on him. OSU's win over Loyola was a different story. Deshaun Thomas was clearly their top performer with 31 points, and Gonzaga will get a heavy dose of both him and Jared Sullinger inside.

Game Date/Time: Saturday, March 17, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania

TV: CBS

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more recaps, previews and news updates.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Syracuse Vs. Kansas State: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

The Kansas State Wildcats play the Syracuse Orange in Saturday's first game at the CONSOL Energy Center at 12:15 p.m. The Wildcats, coming off a 70-64 victory over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Thursday, play the Orange, who became the latest No. 1 seed to survive a scare from a No. 16 seed after defeating the UNC-Ashville Bulldogs on Thursday, 72-65.

The loss of Fab Melo for Syracuse is apparent as the Bulldogs had a lead as late as six minutes remaining in the second half. The Orange came back and won thanks to 12 points and eight rebounds from forward Kris Joseph and 11 points from guard Scoop Jardine. Reserve forward James Southerland led the Orange with 15 points off the bench and 8 rebounds.

The Wildcats on the other hand had a huge second round game from guard Rodney McGruder, who scored 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Forward Jordan Henriquez and guard Angel Rodriguez also were in double figures, with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

The game tips off at 12:15 p.m. and television coverage will be provided on CBS.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness Bracket 2012: Bloggers React To Losses By WVU, UConn

Here are a couple reactions from SB Nation blogs regarding West Virginia's loss to Gonzaga and the performance of the Big East in general. The Smoking Musket calls the Mountaineeers' performance a "sad end to a disappointing season" and notes that the game was unfortunate for the departing Kevin Jones, one of the Big East's top players (if not its best player) this season:

It was a sad ending to a great career for Kevin Jones, the player who put this team on his shoulders throughout the year notching double-doubles night in and night out, only with little support most nights.

Big East Coast Bias, meanwhile, notes that UConn's loss to Iowa State could begin big changes for the program.

The team is facing a ban on postseason play next year, and Hall of Fame head coach Jim Calhoun’s status is in question. After 26 years on Connecticut’s sidelines, health issues and dim prospects for another championship in the short run, the loss to Iowa St. that ended UConn’s reign also could mark Calhoun’s last NCAA tournament game.

For much more on the first full day of March Madness, check out SB Nation's StoryStream. Here's a full printable bracket..

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket: Complete Schedule Of Games On Friday

There were 16 games on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and Friday brings 16 more. Here is the complete schedule of games for Friday and where you can find them.

No. 11 Texas Vs. No. 6 Cincinnati, 12:15 pm, CBS

No. 11 North Carolina State Vs. No. 6 San Diego State, 12:40, tru TV

No. 9 Alabama Vs. No. 8 Creighton, 1:40 pm, TBS

No. 10 Virginia Vs. No. 7 Florida, 2:10 pm, TNT

No. 14 St. Bonaventure Vs. No. 3 Florida State, 2:45 pm, CBS

No. 14 Belmont Vs. No. 3 Georgetown, 3:10 pm, tru TV

No. 16 Vermont Vs. No. 1 North Carolina, 4:10 pm, TBS

No. 15 Norfolk State Vs. No. 2 Missouri, 4:40 pm, TNT

No. 9 Saint Louis Vs. No. 8 Memphis, 6:50 pm, TBS

No. 15 Lehigh Vs. No. 2 Duke, 7:15 pm, CBS

No. 13 Ohio Vs. No. 4 Michigan, 7:20 pm, TNT

No. 10 Purdue Vs, No. 7 Saint Mary's, 7:27 pm, tru TV

No. 16 LIU Brooklyn Vs. No. 1 Michigan State, 9:20 pm, TBS

No. 10 Xavier Vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, 9:45 pm, CBS

No. 12 South Florida Vs No. 5 Temple, 9:50 pm, TNT

No. 15 Detroit Vs. No. 2 Kansas, 9:57 pm, tru TV

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012: Ohio State Victory Caps Day Of Few March Madness Upsets

No. 2 Ohio State defeated No. 15 Loyola (Maryland) in the final Thursday game of the NCAA Tournament at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The Buckeyes will advance to face No. 7 Gonzaga, which beat West Virginia earlier in the day.

Ohio State won 78-59 in a game that was delayed by a broken net. Deshaun Thomas had 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Jared Sullinger had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

As I type this late Thursday night, we're still waiting for Colorado vs. UNLV to end, but Ohio State's victory was typical of a day in which the higher seeds usually came out on top. True, No. 1 Syracuse needed help from the refs to avoid what could have been a stunning upset by UNC-Asheville, but the only team to pull off an upset on Thursday was No. 12 seed and 2011 Cinderella team VCU, which beat No. 5 Wichita State, 62-59. (Higher-seeded teams Murray State, Kansas State, Louisville, Wisconsin, Marquette, New Mexico, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Gonzaga, Baylor, Iowa State and Indiana were also all winners.)

Here's a full printable NCAA Tournament bracket.

For much more NCAA Tournament action, check out SB Nation's StoryStream.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Results Could Lead To More Questions About Big East

Syracuse. West Virginia. Connecticut. Not that Pittsburgh sports fans are overly invested in the fate of the Big East anymore, but for the second consecutive year, the conference risks triggering a national discussion about whether its basketball teams are overrated.

Big East teams are again very well-represented in March Madness (there are nine). But they posted mediocre performances in the early rounds of last year's NCAA Tournament, leading to a ton of gloating and concern-trolling from fans of rival conferences. The fact that UConn ended up winning the national championship quelled a lot of that talk. But this year, we might start to hear it again.

First, there was Syracuse's much-discussed matchup against No. 16 seed UNC-Asheville, in which the Orange rode some very weird officiating to a 72-65 victory. Then there was No. 10 seed West Virginia, which sleepwalked its way to a 77-54 loss to No. 7 Gonzaga. Then there was UConn, last year's champion, which lost to Iowa State, 77-64, in a game that was never all that close.

Okay, true -- Syracuse actually did win. So did No. 3 Marquette, which trounced No. 14 BYU, 88-68. No. 4 Louisville did beat No. 13 Davidson 69-62, although maybe not by the decisive margin you'd hope for. And there's an entirely new crop of Big East schools (Cincinnati taking on Texas, Georgetown against Belmont, Notre Dame playing Xavier, South Florida taking on Temple) who will be in action on Friday. If you're a Big East fan, you're probably hoping they do well, in part because they ought to -- all except USF are higher seeds. If there are a couple more upsets in Friday's games, the mockery from last season will be deafening yet again.

For more Big East basketball, check out Big East Coast Bias. For all you need to know about March Madness, check out SBNation.com's storystream.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Bracket 2012, Gonzaga Vs. West Virginia Final Score: Bulldogs Coast To 77-54 Win

Well, Drexel is probably kind of mad! The West Virginia Mountaineers looked like a bubble team whose bubble should have burst on Thursday night. In front of a favorable crowd, against a team that had to travel from Washington and over four time zones, the Mountaineers were completely outclassed. The Gonzaga Bulldogs were the better team from whistle to whistle, and they're moving on with a 77-54 win.

WVU's 33 percent shooting performance represents an improvement from the first half to the second half; they were shooting 23 percent at the break. Though they shot the ball a little better, they didn't exactly up their game on defense, allowing Gonzaga to score just as easily in the second half as they did in the first. Three Zags scored in double figures off the bench and the team shot 56 percent from the floor, which included a 9-of-17 shooting performance from behind the arc.

Gonzaga moves on to face the winner of the late game between Ohio State and Loyola.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Gonzaga Vs. West Virginia Score: Bulldogs Cruising At Halftime, 39-21

Due to the West Virginia Mountaineers' big conference status and Pittsburgh's proximity to their Morgantown campus, they actually entered their game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs as favorites even though they're the No. 10 seed. Those who decided to throw down their hard-earned money on the Zags and take the points won't be too happy with their decision ... because they didn't take Gonzaga straight-up. They're absolutely creaming WVU, and they're leading 39-21 at halftime.

The Mountaineers are shooting an absolutely woeful 23 percent from the floor. That pretty much tells the entire story of how this half has gone. Gonzaga is shooting 50 percent from the floor, they're 6-of-10 from three-point land, and they're winning the rebounding battle. It's a pretty comprehensive beating thus far.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness Bracket 2012, Syracuse Vs. UNC Asheville Final Score: Bulldogs Come Up Short, Cuse Wins 72-65

The UNC-Asheville Bulldogs did a fantastic job of competing with the Syracuse Orange for the duration of their game, but they just couldn't quite execute often enough on offense and on the boards to pull off the stunning upset. They scored often enough to hang with Syracuse and played outstanding defense, but their star Matt Dickey was just 1-12 from the field, leading to the Orange's 72-65 win.

Fab Melo's absence didn't affect Syracuse on the boards, as they grabbed a fantastic 15 offensive rebounds. They didn't shoot the ball particularly well, but did a great job of converting on second chance opportunities.

Kris Joseph, Scoop Jardine and Brandon Triche all shot the ball poorly, so it was the 'Cuse bench that guided them to the narrow win. As a unit, they scored 31 points on 12-19 shooting. UNC-A had three players score in double figures, but they couldn't overcome Dickey's struggles.

With the Bulldogs trailing by four points late in the second half, Scoop Jardine went to the free throw line and missed, but he was made to retake because of a lane violation. Except it wasn't a lane violation on UNC-A. See for yourself.

Asheville overcame that and got it back within one possession on multiple occasions. On one of those occasions, inexplicably, Triche deflected the ball out of bounds. The referees missed this and gave the ball to the Orange, forcing them to foul to extend the game. They were unable to get back into the game, and Syracuse went on to win. The crowd booed the officials ferociously on a repeated basis in the final minute.

Syracuse advance the Kansas State Wildcats who, after watching this game, will be confident that they are capable of an upset.

Here's SB Nation's printable NCAA Tournament bracket.

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Syracuse Blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and more.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

UNC-Asheville Vs. Syracuse Halftime Score: No. 16 Bulldogs Lead 34-30

The UNC-Asheville Bulldogs are halfway to pulling off the NCAA Tournament's first ever upset of a No. 1 seed by a No. 16 seed. The Syracuse Orange are without Fab Melo, but his absence isn't the reason they're struggling. Bizarrely, their rebounding is the only reason the score is currently close. Asheville has shot the ball extremely well while the Orange have struggled with their shooting, but they're only down 34-30 at halftime because of their rebounding.

Syracuse have an incredible 10 offensive rebounds and they're currently living off of second chance points. They're shooting just 39 percent from the floor. Asheville are in good shape, though; the built this lead even though their best player, Matt Dickey, has just five points.

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Syracuse Blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and more.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Scores, Kansas State Vs. Southern Mississippi: Rodney McGruder Powers Wildcats Win, 70-64

The Kansas State Wilcats used a late run to win a close game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles on Thursday in the opening round of the 2012 NCAA tournament. The Wildcats won by a final score of 70-64.

Kansas State scored six points on free throws in the final minutes of play to extend a three-point lead and close out the game.

Southern Mississippi had no answer for Rodney McGruder. The Wildcats' junior guard scored 30 points, only the third time in his career. He was 11-of-17 from the field. That helped Kansas State get to the 50 percent mark from the field, compared to just 36 percent for Southern Mississippi.

Neil Watson led the Golden Eagles with 16 points, one of three players in double figures.

Kansas State will advance to play the winner of the game between Syracuse and UNC-Asheville.

For more on Kansas State basketball, visit SB Nation's Kansas State blog, Bring on the Cats.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Scores, Kansas State Vs. Southern Mississippi: Wildcats Lead 30-27 At The Half

The Kansas State Wildcats have a three-point lead over the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in their first-round game of the 2012 NCAA tournament. The Wildcats lead 30-27.

Kansas State is the eighth seed and Southern Mississippi is the ninth seed in the East regional. Their game is one of two first-round games taking place in Pittsburgh.

Rodney McGruder is pacing the Wildcats with a stunning total of 18 points in the first half. McGruder is 6-of-11 from the field. The Wildcats are out-shooting their opponents, hitting 44 percent of their field goals versus 33.3 percent for the Golden Eagles.

The winner of this game will take on the winner of the game between Syracuse and UNC Asheville.

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Kansas State blog, Bring on the Cats.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: First Day Of Games In Pittsburgh Features West Virginia

Thursday will be a very busy day at the CONSOL Energy Center as the NCAA Tournament gets underway with four second round games. So if you have about nine hours to kill today, you can park yourself in front of the old television and catch some good basketball. here is the schedule for games that will be played in Pittsburgh today.

The first game of the day starts at 12:40 pm and features the No. 8 8/9 nine game between Kansas State and Southern Miss. You can find that game on tru TV.

Up next is the top seed in the region Syracuse taking on UNC-Asheville at 3:10 pm. That game is also on tru TV.

The third game of the day features No. 10 seed West Virginia, who should have a pretty sizable home court advantage when they take on the No. 7-seeded Gonzaga. That game starts at 7:20 and will air on TNT.

The final game of the day has the No. 2 seed Ohio State taking on No. 15 seed Loyola (MD). That game starts at 9:50 and can also be seen on TNT.

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Ohio State blog Along the Olentangy. For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Ohio State Vs. Loyola: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The No. 2 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes are getting set to tip off against the Loyola Greyhounds in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes come into the game with four sophomore starters and are coming off a loss to the Michigan State Spartans in the finals of the Big 10 Tournament. Prior to that loss, the Buckeyes had won four games in a row and will be looking to knock off the No. 15 seed Loyola Greyhounds.

The Greyhounds are entering the game against the Buckeyes with a four-game winning streak, including winning the MAAC Championship game and will be looking to pull the rare No. 15 seed upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Loyola didn't fair well during the regular playing against higher tier ranked basketball teams, but in the NCAA Tournament anything can happen.

Game Date/Time: Thursday, March 15, 9:50 p.m. ET

Location: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: TNT

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Ohio State blog Along the Olentangy. For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Syracuse Vs. UNC Asheville: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Syracuse Orange are set to tip off against UNC Asheville on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Orange are coming off a loss to Cincinnati in the Big East Conference Tournament, but will look to move to the next round of the East Region with a win over No. 16 seed UNCA.

The UNC Asheville Bulldogs will try to be the first No. 16-seeded team to ever knock off a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, as they come off mowing right through the Big South Conference Tournament, capping it off with an 80-64 victory over VMI. The Bulldogs lost only twice in conference play this season, but will be facing a much stiffer opponent in Syracuse.

Game Date/Time: Thursday, March 15, 3:10 p.m. ET

Location: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: TruTV

For more on Syracuse basketball, visit SB Nation's Syracuse Blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation Pittsburgh, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness 2012, Gonzaga Vs. West Virginia: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The West Virginia Mountaineers tip off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a match up against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Mountaineers are coming off a loss in the first round of the Big East Tournament to Connecticut. Prior to the loss in the tournament, the 'Eers were on a two-game winning streak. Earning a No. 10 seed in the East Region of the Tournament, West Virginia will try to pull the upset near their home state against the Zags.

Gonzaga, on the other hand, earned a No. 7 seed for the 2012 NCAA Tournament and also lost in the conference tournament to Saint Mary's. Prior to the loss in their conference tournament, the Bulldogs were on a four-game winning streak. While Gonzaga is the favorite in the matchup, seed wise, it should be a tough game.

Game Date/Time: Thursday, March 15, 7:20 p.m. ET

Location: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: TNT

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket. Brackets on the brain? Us too! Play Yahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Predictions: President Obama's Bracket Has North Carolina Winning It All

President Barack Obama’s March Madness bracket has Kentucky, Ohio State, North Carolina and Missouri heading to the Final Four, with Kentucky and UNC advancing to the championship game and UNC winning it all. There aren’t any Big East teams in his Final Four, which unfortunately makes sense after Fab Melo’s ineligibility hurt Syracuse’s chances.

Obama has Syracuse and Marquette getting to the Sweet 16, with No. 3-seeded Georgetown surprisingly losing to No. 11-seeded NC State in its second game. As for West Virginia, Obama has the Mountaineers beating Gonzaga in their first game, then losing to No. 2 seed Ohio State in the second.

Obama has Harvard, where he went to law school, losing in its first game, which is unsurprising. But that got me thinking about other top schools. Georgetown gets upset by NC State, while Baylor knocks out Duke in the Sweet 16 round. Notre Dame is upset in its first game. Perhaps Obama is trying to ward off charges of elitism? Probably not — UNC is a pretty darn good school, for example — but expect someone to take that ball and run with it.

Here’s a full printable NCAA Tournament bracket. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for much more March Madness action.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012 And Schedule: Final Two Play-In Games Scheduled For Wednesday

For most people the 2012 NCAA Tournament gets underway on Thursday, when half the field starts play. But the Tournament actually started on Tuesday with two play-in games, and there are two more to be played on Wednesday. Both games will be available to watch on tru TV.

The first game starts at 6:40 pm and features two teams playing for the right to play North Carolina on Friday. Lamar and Vermont both have the same amount of out of conference wins, but the Catamounts have two more Conference wins.

The second game is between South Florida and Cal and starts at 9:10 pm. Both of these teams sort of backed into the NCAA tournament, but USF played in the Big East and has one of the toughest defenses in all of College Basketball. They should likely be favored in this one.

Here's a full printable bracket.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. Brackets on the brain? Us too! Play Yahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament 2012 Schedule And Bracket: Pittsburgh Regional Games

The City of Pittsburgh will be hosting games in the first two rounds of the 2012 NCAA Tournament at the CONSOL Energy Center, and the games kick off on Thursday with the next round to be played on Saturday. Here are the four games that will be played on Thursday and the match ups that could be produced.

The first game of the day kicks off at 12:40 pm ET time and features the eight/nine matchup of Kansas State and Southern Miss. You can find that game on tru TV. The winner of that game has the unfortunate duty of advancing to take on. . .

Most likely Syracuse. They're the No. 1 seed in this bracket and they play on Thursday at around 3:10 ET against the No. 16 seed UNC-Asheville. That game will also be played on tru TV.

The ten/seven matchup that starts at 7:20 pm and can be seen on TNT might get the most interest in Pittsburgh since it will feature a local team, the West Virginia Mountaineers. WVU will be the No. 10 seed as they face Gonzaga for the right to advance to face. . .

The winner of No. 2 seed Ohio State vs. No. 15 seed Loyola (MD). That game starts at 9:50 pm and can also be seen on TNT.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket. Brackets on the brain? Us too! PlayYahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket: West Virginia Vs. Gonzaga Game Time, Tv Schedule And More

The West Virginia Mountaineers got a little bit of a break in their NCAA Tournament selection as they will only have to travel a short distance for their second round game (their first) against the Bulldogs of Gonzaga on Thursday. While Gonzaga has to travel most of the way across the Country, West Virginia just has to hop on a bus and drive about 90 minutes. It should also help them with the crowd, and it is assumed that they will have a pretty significant home court advantage.

Here is all the TV information for the game:

Game date/time: Thursday, March 15, approximately 7:20 p.m. ET

Location: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

TV: TNT

Announcers: Kevin Harlan / Len Elmore / Reggie Miller / Marty Snider

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket. Brackets on the brain? Us too! PlayYahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Printable NCAA Bracket 2012: Pick West Virginia To Win The National Championship In Style

The West Virginia Mountaineers are into the field of 68 for the 2012 NCAA Tournament, so it's your turn to pick them to go on an improbable run to the Final Four. And SB Nation gives you the opportunity to do it in style.

Presenting the SB Nation 2012 NCAA Tournament printable bracket, for all of your office pool and personal bragging needs. So now when you promise people that you had that amazing upset picked out a mile away, you'll finally have proof.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college hoops hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Hoyas recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on West Virginia and their tournament run, visit The Smoking Musket. Brackets on the brain? Us too! Play Yahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Tournament Times And TV Information: Gonzaga Vs. WVU To Play Thursday Night

Here is the schedule and TV information for the first few rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Most important for our purposes are the games involving WVU and the city of Pittsburgh. Several East Region games will be played in town.

Kansas State and Southern Mississippi will play at CONSOL Energy Center at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 (truTV). After that's over, Syracuse will take on UNC-Asheville, also in CONSOL and on truTV.

West Virginia will play Gonzaga, meanwhile, at 7:20 p.m. on Thursday on TNT. When that's done, TNT will air Ohio State vs. Loyola Maryland. If WVU wins against Gonzaga, it will face the OSU / Loyola Maryland winner.

Here's the bracket for the entire East Region.

EAST

No. 1 Syracuse vs. UNC Asheville, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 So. Miss, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola (Md.), Thursday 3/15/12
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, Friday 3/16/12

Don't forget that you can find a printable March Madness bracket at SB Nation. There's also an electronic bracket at Yahoo!

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Printable Bracket

SB Nation has a brand-new NCAA Tournament bracket available here. It's perfect for penciling in your picks before dominating your office's March Madness pool. You can also fill out a bracket electronically at Yahoo!

West Virginia is the lone representative of the Pittsburgh region in this year's tournament. (And that's if you count Morgantown as being part of the Pittsburgh region, which a lot of Pittsburghers might take issue with.) The No. 10-seeded Mountaineers will play No. 7 Gonzaga in their first game, which will be held along with several other games in the East Region, at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The tournament features eight other Big East teams besides WVU: Syracuse, Marquette, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Cincinnati, South Florida, Louisville and UConn.

Be sure to check out SB Nation's roster of college blogs, which will keep you hooked in with NCAA Tournament news. SB Nation's WVU Mountaineers blog is The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Full 2012 NCAA Bracket: Big East Represented By Nine Teams

Here's the full March Madness bracket. Pitt and West Virginia are both leaving the Big East in the near future, and while those schools won't miss the Big East from a football perspective, this year's bracket shows that, despite some grousing about its performance last year, the Big East is still the most highly-regarded college basketball conference. This year's field features nine Big East teams: No. 1 Syracuse, No. 3 Marquette, No. 3 Georgetown, No. 4 Louisville, No. 6 Cincinnati, No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 9 UConn, No. 10 West Virginia, and No. 12 South Florida. (The only Big East school with a reasonable tournament case that got left out was Seton Hall.) No other conference got more than six teams.

SOUTH
No. 1 Kentucky vs. Miss. Valley St./Western Kentucky , Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Iowa State vs. No. 9 UConn, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Wichita State vs. No. 12 VCU, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 13 New Mexico State, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Lehigh, Friday 3/16/12
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Xavier, Friday 3/16/12
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 South Dakota State, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 6 UNLV vs. No. 11 Colorado, Thursday 3/15/12

WEST
No. 1 Michigan State vs. LIU, Friday 3/16/12
No. 8 Memphis vs. No. 9 Saint Louis, Friday 3/16/12
No. 5 New Mexico vs. No. 12 Long Beach State, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Louisville vs. No. 13 Davidson, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Missouri vs. No. 15 Norfolk State, Friday 3/16/12
No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 Virginia, Friday 3/16/12
No. 3 Marquette vs. No. 14 BYU/Iona, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 6 Murray State vs. No. 11 Colorado State, Thursday 3/15/12

EAST
No. 1 Syracuse vs. UNC Asheville, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 So. Miss, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola (Md.), Thursday 3/15/12
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, Friday 3/16/12

MIDWEST
No. 1 North Carolina vs. Lamar/Vermont, Friday 3/16/12
No. 8 Creighton vs. No. 9 Alabama, Friday 3/16/12
No. 5 Temple vs. No. 12 Cal/South Florida, Friday 3/16/12
No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 13 Ohio, Friday 3/16/12
No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 15 Detroit, Friday 3/16/12
No. 7 Saint Mary's vs. No. 10 Purdue, Friday 3/16/12
No. 3 Georgetown vs. No. 14 Belmont, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 11 NC State, Friday 3/16/12

Here's a printable bracket.

For much more Selection Sunday coverage, head over to SBNation.com's tournament StoryStream.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Bracket: West Virginia Would Salivate At Possible WVU Vs. Ohio State Matchup

WVU's East Region bracket features two other Big East teams, No. 1 Syracuse and No. 6 Cincinnati. But the items that will be of the most interest to West Virginia fans are as follows.

First, WVU's first game, against No. 7-seeded Gonzaga, will be in Pittsburgh, at CONSOL Energy Center. Second, there's a decent chance that WVU will play the Ohio State Buckeyes in their second game. The WVU / Ohio State rivalry has been under-explored because WVU is in the Big East (the Big 12 next year) and Ohio State is in the Big Ten. But if the two teams do get to face each other, fans on both sides, and especially the West Virginia side, will be psyched. One only needs to look at a recent Facebook meme about how West Virginians see the rest of the U.S. to see why. The state of West Virginia will have a ton of fun rooting against Ohio State, should WVU make it to that point.

No. 1 Syracuse vs. UNC Asheville, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 So. Miss, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola (Md.), Thursday 3/15/12
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, Friday 3/16/12

For more on West Virginia basketball, check out The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

March Madness Bracket 2012: West Virginia's Tournament Landscape Includes Ohio State, Cincinnati, Syracuse

Here's a look at the East Region bracket of the 2012 NCAA Tournament, where WVU will be playing as a No. 10 seed.

No. 1 Syracuse vs. UNC Asheville, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 So. Miss, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola (Md.), Thursday 3/15/12
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, Friday 3/16/12

West Virginia's opening game against Gonzaga will be in Pittsburgh. If they do upset the Bulldogs, they'll likely have to face No. 2-seeded Ohio State, which won't be easy, but which should certainly be a fun matchup regionally -- West Virginians certainly don't hold Ohio State in especially high esteem.

In the unlikely event that the Mountaineers get through to the Sweet Sixteen, life doesn't get much easier, as their next opponent might be Florida State, which is coming off wins against Duke and UNC, or Cincinnati, which recently beat Syracuse and Marquette. And if they get through three rounds, they still might have top-seeded Syracuse to deal with. In other words, WVU has a tough road ahead, as everyone does, and as mid-seeded teams especially do.

For more on WVU basketball, check out The Smoking Musket. Also be sure to check out Yahoo! Tourney Pick 'Em.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket Update: WVU To Be No. 10 Seed, To Face Gonzaga

The 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket and field has been announced, and the West Virginia Mountaineers will receive a No. 10 seed in the East region. The Mountaineers' first opponent will be Gonzaga, and they will play on March 15 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. If West Virginia wins their first matchup, they will likely face No. 2 LSU.

The Mountaineers earned the No. 10 seed after finishing in eighth place in a deep Big East during the regular season. Led by Kevin Jones, the Mountaineers finished 19-12 in the regular season before losing in overtime to Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. The Mountaineers' at-large profile includes wins over Kansas State, Georgetown and Cincinnati.

Here's a look at the East Region of the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket:

No. 1 Syracuse vs. UNC Asheville, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 So. Miss, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola (Md.), Thursday 3/15/12
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia, Thursday 3/15/12
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure, Friday 3/16/12
No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, Friday 3/16/12

For more on West Virginia, visit The Smoking Musket. For more coverage of West Virginia in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, visit REGIONAL SITE'S STORYSTREAM. Click here for a link to our NCAA bracket 2012.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Bracket 2012: West Virginia To Play Gonzaga In First Game

After landing the No.10 seed in the East Region in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, the West Virginia Mountaineers will be playing No. 7-seeded Gonzaga to kick things off in their first game. The Mountaineers were thought to be on the right side of bubble heading into selection Sunday and received an at-large bid from the tournament's selection committee after turning in a 19-13 record during the regular season.

The Mountaineers were once thought to be a lock for the tournament, but a rocky month of February put them on the bubble as March approached. A win at South Florida, a fellow Big East bubble team, in the regular season finale was a huge boost for their resume. They bowed out of the Big East Tournament in the first round but will get a shot to continue their postseason in the big dance against Gonzaga.

Gonzaga has 25-6 record and lost in the finals of the West Coast conference tournament against St. Mary's.

The game will be played at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh on March 15. If WVU should win, they would likely have to play No. 2 Ohio State in the second round.

For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college basketball hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh for more Mountaineers recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on WVU, check out The Smoking Musket.

Brackets on the brain? Us too! Play Yahoo! Tourney Pick'em and be a part of the craziest month of college basketball. It is fun, easy, and free

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Projected As No. 10 Seed

The day has finally arrived. Selection Sunday for the 2012 NCAA Tournament is here, but before the official selection committee announces the actual bids and seeding, let's take a look at the projection for the West Virginia Mountaineers from Chris Dobbertean of SB Nation and Blogging The Bracket.

After bouncing around all week between a No. 10 and No. 11 seed, Dobbertean's Sunday bracket projection slots the Mountaineers as a No. 10 seed in the Midwest Region, facing No. 7 seed UNLV.

Full bracket projections below:

Teams that have clinched automatic bids appear in all caps.

An explanation of the Last Four In and First Four Out, along with a few more teams, follows the rundown.

For more bracketology, check out Blogging The Bracket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NCAA Selection Sunday 2012: Time, TV Schedule And More

The Road to the Final Four is about to begin, as today is finally NCAA Selection Sunday. CBS Sports is once again anchoring the coverage of this event, as pairings for the 2012 NCCA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament will be announced live. The Selection Show airs tonight from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Eastern, after which we will know which 68 teams have made the tournament field and are going to the Big Dance.

Hosts for the show include CBS Sports’ Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony and Seth Davis. They will host the even live from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. NY. Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg and Turner Sports’ Steve Kerr plan on joining Gumbel, Anthony and Davis via satellite from the site of the Big Ten Championship at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Additionally, Jeff Hathaway, Chairman of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, will join the coverage from Indianapolis, Ind. to provide an in-depth look into the selection process. He will also answer questions as to who got in and why certain teams were left out.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: Where Should WVU Hope To Land?

Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology has West Virginia as a No. 10 seed. Not that the exact matchups matter much, but the Mountaineers are in the East region, playing San Diego State (yes, East region) in the first round. If they won that game, they'd probably have to play No. 2-seeded Duke.

Again, the specific matchups aren't important. But given that West Virginia will make the NCAA Tournament at all (which obviously is more of a likelihood than a certainty at this point), it would be nice to see the Mountaineers make it as a No. 11 or a No. 12 seed as opposed to a No. 9 or a No. 10. They'll face a tougher first-round matchup that way, but they won't have to play a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the second.

Anyway, 10 Big East schools make it, including WVU: Syracuse (1), Georgetown (3), Marquette (3), Louisville (4), Notre Dame (5), Cincinnati (8), UConn (9), South Florida (12) and Seton Hall (13). Regardless of the outcome of Saturday night's Big East championship game between Cincinnati and Louisville, it would be a bit surprising to see Cincinnati ranked so low after beating Marquette, Georgetown and Syracuse in the 10 days.

For more bracketology, check out Blogging The Bracket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Jumps To No. 11 Seed

The folks over at SB Nation have been updating their 2012 Bracketology page each day this week, as conference tournaments results seem to shift teams and seeding daily, if not hourly. In fact, Friday's edition has the West Virginia Mountaineers as a No. 12 seed, but Saturday's post has West Virginia jumping to a No. 11 seed, taking on No. 6 seed Wichita State.

You can find the complete bracketology below.

Teams that have clinched automatic bids appear in all caps.

An explanation of the Last Four In and Last Four Out follow the rundown.

For more on Big East basketball, check out Big East Coast Bias. For West Virginia sports, there's The Smoking Musket. For more NCAA Tournament action, head to Blogging The Bracket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Still Projected As No. 12 Seed

The guys over at SB Nation have been putting out a new edition of their 2012 Bracketology each day this week as the Conference tournaments are sure to change the field as they continue on. They've released their Friday edition, and not much has changed.

West Virginia still comes in at a No. 12 seed, but their opponent has changed. They were scheduled to play Florida State on Thursday but now the No. 5 seed they are projected to play is Murray State, owners of a near perfect record.

Here is the complete bracketology.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Drops To No. 12 Seed, Seton Hall Falls Out Of Tournament

The guys over at SB Nation have come out with Thursday's version of their 2012 Bracketology, and West Virginia has moved down to the bottom fringe of at large bids. A loss to UConn on Wednesday afternoon has caused them to drop down to spots, from a No. 10 seed down to a No. 12 seed.

That may not sound good, but a No. 12 might be a little bit easier to manage. We all know that there is always at least one 5-12 upset, and if they do get through, they'd have a better matchup in the second round.

Another change is that Seton Hall has fallen out of the tournament following their loss to Louisville in the Big East Tournament on Wednesday. They have been replaced as an at large team by the University of Texas.

Here is the complete Bracketology.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracketology: WVU, UConn, Seton Hall, USF Among Big East Teams Seeking To Improve Standing

Chris Dobbertean’s latest post on the NCAA Tournament bracket looks similar to other brackets he’s published recently, with West Virginia still hugging at No. 10 seed, but that will change as conference tournaments continue.

Dobbertean notes that Tuesday’s results in the Big East Tournament might have had a bigger impact if they had been different.

Connecticut opened the Big East Tournament with a needed win over DePaul (You can read that sentence as, “If the Huskies had lost, they would be finished.”), while Seton Hall obliterated Providence in its must-win. That means that Wednesday’s at-large pool is identical to Tuesday’s.

Right. If you’re even close to being a bubble team, you don’t get to lose to DePaul. Anyway, West Virginia, UConn and Seton Hall are all most likely in at this point. One Big East team that remains perilously close to the bubble is South Florida, which takes on Villanova on Wednesday. That’s a very winnable game — Villanova has had an awful time in Big East play this season — but it’s a game the Bulls badly need to win.

For more NCAA Tournament action, head to Blogging The Bracket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Still Earns No. 10 Seed

The guys over at SB Nation are busy trying to predict the upcoming NCAA Tournament field, and they've come out with a new edition of their bracketology that is sure to be obsolete by this time tomorrow; Thursday at the latest.

As you can see, West Virginia still earns a No. 10 seed, but that could all change dramatically with their performance in the Big East Conference Championship, which gets started Tuesday in New York.

As for Pitt and Penn State, it looks like they'll have to win their conference tournaments to earn a spot in the field, but that doesn't really come as much of a surprise.

Here is the complete Bracketology from SB Nation.

After the rundown, I'll have a look at the Last Four In and Last Four Out for Tuesday, which are remarkably similar to Monday, thanks to the absence of major conference action.

For more on Big East basketball, check out Big East Coast Bias. For West Virginia sports, there's The Smoking Musket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology: WVU A No. 10 Seed, Big East Has 10 Teams In Latest NCAA Tournament Bracket

Chris Dobbertean’s latest bracket has West Virginia as a No. 10 seed. Joining the Mountaineers as Big East representatives are Syracuse (1), Georgetown (3), Marquette (3), Louisville (6), Notre Dame (6), Cincinnati (9), UConn (10), Seton Hall (12) and USF (12, from the First Four). The Big East’s 10 teams make it the most-represented conference; the Big Ten is next, with eight, although obviously, Penn State isn’t one of those.

It looks like WVU’s spot in March Madness is pretty safe, although the Mountaineers will want to put in a good performance against UConn (or DePaul, and if it’s DePaul, they’d better win) in the Big East Tournament to solidify their status.

Long Island is listed as the Northeast Conference’s representative, although Robert Morris can snag that spot (a 15 seed, so good luck in March Madness) with a win over LIU in the Conference Championship.

For more NCAA Tournament action, head over to Blogging The Bracket.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Bracketology 2012: West Virginia Bumps Up To No. 10 Seed In Latest Projections

In the latest bracket projection by SB Nation's Chris Dobbertean, the West Virginia Mountaineers have jumped up to a No. 10 seed after the team's critical win over South Florida on Saturday.

Dobbertean has the Mountaineers playing the New Mexico Lobos in Omaha, Nebraska as a part of the South Region of the bracket. The Lobos are currently 24-6 and finished the regular season tied with No. 23 San Diego State for the Mountain West regular season championship.

West Virginia can greatly improve its chances of getting a better seed with a solid performance in the Big East Tournament. The Mountaineers will play the winner of the DePaul-UConn opening round game Wednesday at noon.

For more on the Mountaineers, make sure to visit The Smoking Musket. For more bracket projections leading up to Selection Sunday, head on over to Blogging The Bracket. For all the latest college basketball news, please visit the SB Nation NCAA Basketball Hub Page.