March Madness Basketball [Winner: chiefsfan4ever]

[flexmaster33]

bracket and scoreboards updated through Saturday...#13 Wisconsin (the last team in) pulled off another surprise beating UNLV 81-74 thanks to a big game from their star center. Yours truly dropped out after a decisive loss to #2 South Carolina...well played shoop. He took 6 of the 7 maps. Finally #1 Hofstra advanced after Florida failed to find the correct stadium (defaulted on missed turns in each of the 7 maps).

Four spots left to fill...although #4 Buffalo is assured one of those just waiting for a final score.

[plash.ricrem]

CCN caught up to Coach Ricrem following his team's tight win over Cal (87-71). He was sipping his pattened flask as we asked him some questions:

CCN: So what was the key to pulling this one out?
PR: First I'd like to give all the credit to Cal. Coach Blinkadyblink really had his team fired up from the start. They refused to go away without a fight, and my guys got a bit frustrated down the stretch as Cal dug itself in in an effort to pull this one out. As far as the key to winning this matchup was, it was a combination of good pg play and some epic play down on the blocks by our big men. And our ability to get to the free throw line was also key. I mean the FG's were pretty much even, but this game was won at the line where we went 15-21 while Cal only went 4-5.

CCN: You said that before the tourney you were concerned about your pg play, what happened to change that?
PR: Well we got a bit lucky when the day before the game, recently graduated senior (and 4th all time leading scorer in UVM history) Mike Trimboli came back and apparently has another semester of eligibility left, so he suited up and was a breath of fresh air.

CCN: What about plays down on the blocks, it seemed your interior players were really looking forward to this physical match up?
PR: Yeah, I was a bit surprised we were able to abuse them on the blocks so easily. I was stunned our big freshman Ben Crenca (center) was able to go off for as many points as he did (not usually my best map).

CCN: Any thoughts as to your weaknesses? it seemed Maurice Joseph (SG) got abused as did Evan Fjeld (SF).
PR: We were playing man to man instead of our usual 1-3-1 zone today, which limited the ability of our post players to get over and provide help defense. Also Cal's SF was prone to stepping out and taking those mid range jumpers and draining them with ease. As far as Mojo goes, yeah he got lit up a bit, but the key was limiting the SG's touches (only 5-7 from the floor and no free throws) which helped.

CCN: Thoughts on your upcoming match up with either Iowa State or Syracuse?
PR: I'm sure it'll be a war either way. Iowa state also has a phenomenal PG, so that may be the matchup to watch.

[flexmaster33]

Scoreboards and brackets updated through Sunday night...looks like I'll start up the Sweet 16 matchups Monday afternoon for those that are set.

[flexmaster33]

Bracket and scoreboards are updated through the second round...they will stay for a day or two, then be replaced with Sweet 16 scoreboards.

Sweet 16 games will go out later today or Wednesday morning...sorry got hit with a couple busy days at work.

[sportsgod24]

The South bracket looks like it could actually be real. Not really for the others. Anyway, Phi Slamma Jamma is back!!

[flexmaster33]

Sweet 16 games have been sent...also tourney stats have been posted through 2 rounds of action...you can check it out in the post underneath the boxscores.

[drunkmonkey]

USC just finished embarrassing SEMO in the sweet 16. Redhawk fans knew it was too good to last.

[Electricksabers]

Great Tourney, having a blast.

Quick question. Is it more beneficial to turn in cards or not turn in cards. I looked over the scoring, but I am not sure.

Thanks

[flexmaster33]

You want to turn in cards...not only will they help you get the armies needed to win the map, but they are also tied into the # of 3-point attempts each player puts up. The more armies on cards, the more 3-point attempts, so yes, turning in cards is always a good thing.

[Electricksabers]

Cool, thanks for the quick response.

[flexmaster33]

I must say the formula is working out exactly as I had envisioned, and the majority of the players (especially those remaining) are playing the games smartly. Well done everyone.

I'm a bit busy with work, life and other CC tourneys right now, but will bring this basketball concept back in some form in the near future (next month or two).

[flexmaster33]

also impressed with the fast play in this tourney...makes my job at TO easier.

Those who like more complex sports tourneys and real-time action (or at least checking in to your account several times a day) can keep an eye out for an NCAA football tourney that I will release soon (finishing the details)...it will be a mix of doubles and singles play, so you'll need a partner.

[Electricksabers]

also impressed with the fast play in this tourney...makes my job at TO easier.

Those who like more complex sports tourneys and real-time action (or at least checking in to your account several times a day) can keep an eye out for an NCAA football tourney that I will release soon (finishing the details)...it will be a mix of doubles and singles play, so you'll need a partner.

Can I sign up here? If so I'm in... J/K i'll look for it in the other forum

[Johnny Rico]

Flex, loved the write-up at the start. Got a good laugh from your quote, "hack them like crazy - break their arms if you have to, we're losing anyway." Fun tournament so far. I'll try to avenge you and knock out Shoop this round

[flexmaster33]

Scoreboards and bracket updated through early-morning Thursday action...sorry only had time to score the West and Midwest Regions so far.

Cincinnati relies on its backcourt and a sneaky fast win on CCU to knock off #1 Hofstra by a 69-60 count -- the second #1 to go down so far. Also, #2 USC advances with an 85-69 win over SE Missouri State.

[plash.ricrem]

A quick CCN peek in at the Iowa State v. Vermont match has shown that Coach Ricrem has apparently emptied the contents of his flask into the teams water dispenser in hopes of jump starting his lethargic squad who find themseleves on the verge of an insurmountable comeback. He only response was a maniacal cackle when questioned as to what was in the flask. At the moment the cyclones are blowing the catamounts off the court led by State's all american point guard. It seems that unless things turn around in the second half, this has the potential to be a very one sided affair.

[flexmaster33]

Brackets and scoreboards updated through Friday night...#4 Cincy, #2 USC and #8 Houston have advance to the Elite 8 so far.

[chiefsfan4ever]

A quick CCN peek in at the Iowa State v. Vermont match has shown that Coach Ricrem has apparently emptied the contents of his flask into the teams water dispenser in hopes of jump starting his lethargic squad who find themseleves on the verge of an insurmountable comeback. He only response was a maniacal cackle when questioned as to what was in the flask. At the moment the cyclones are blowing the catamounts off the court led by State's all american point guard. It seems that unless things turn around in the second half, this has the potential to be a very one sided affair.

It's ok. I shoot my guys up with steroids before each game. There's no shame in losing.

[flexmaster33]

Scoreboards are updated through Monday evening...only a couple remain active, and it appears that #13 Wisconsin is about to play "Giant-killer" once more. Nice run coacheberhardt...can the Badgers win the title?

[jwahl2]

Indeed an impressive run for the #13 seed...but dont forget about those other double digit seeds putting up a tough fight...like Miami....yes Miami of OH not FL....

[flexmaster33]

Indeed an impressive run for the #13 seed...but dont forget about those other double digit seeds putting up a tough fight...like Miami....yes Miami of OH not FL....

Yes indeed...it appears the Redhawks will also be advancing as a No. 10, putting on the finishing touches in their Sweet 16 tight victory.

[jwahl2]

Yeah our Haiti map is closing in on 20 rounds....yikes what a battle!

[flexmaster33]

no doubt...especially on a small map...those are lucky to go 10 rounds most times.

[jwahl2]

holy smokes...the 21 round marathon on Haiti is over....thats gotta be a nominee for best individual matchup so far....a slugfest back and forth

[jwahl2]

oh I stand corrected a 22 round slugfest