Hat of Integrity - No Chalk

Those of you who listen to Mike and Mike in the Morning are probably familiar with the Sheet of Integrity, the annual NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament projection of the show hosts. Not to be outdone, I am releasing my own tournament projections. Because while it is tired and cliché, could I really call myself a blogger without letting the world know my two cents on the 2013 NCAA Tournament, notwithstanding my lack of knowledge of the college game or the teams relative to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee?

Midwest Region

The Midwest Region is home to the Louisville Cardinals, the top seed in the tournament. Louisville is a solid, quality ballclub with a coach in Rick Pitino who, in my opinion, should already be in the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, I think the #1 overall seed is too high. Louisville has a style of play that appears to try to out-physical their opponents, but, more times than not in closer games, resorts to the jumper. I don't think they can win the whole thing with that style. The Cardinals' success is going to hinge on senior standout point guard Peyton Siva (10 PPG, 6 APG). It's now or never and he knows it.


I have Michigan State advancing from this region. Like Louisville, they have a cream of the crop coach in Tom Izzo. Like Louisville, the Spartans stake their claim in the paint but unlike Louisville, they have the bodies to do it for 40 minutes and win games. Their key player is junior guard Keith Appling (14 PPG, 4 APG) and I think he is at a point in which he can lead his team through the bracket.

Win or lose, expect Pitino to be among the best dressed at the Big Dance. 1

South Region

Kansas is the top seed in the region and that should surprise nobody. Bill Self is another elite head coach in the college ranks. Guard Ben McLemore (16 PPG, 5 RPG) may be getting more of the headlines in 2013 (and might not be playing in college in 2014) but Kansas will continue to advance in the later rounds is senior Jeff Withey (14 PPG, 8 RPG) dominates in the middle like he has all season. Kansas could win the entire tournament, but I have them losing to Michigan.

Michigan is consistently inconsistent but steps its game up for the big games. Their backcourt play (when it is “on”) takes away Kansas’ strength down low. It is a gamble of a pick and if I am wrong, do not be surprised to see Kansas cutting down the nets on April 8^th in Atlanta.

My pick out of this region is Georgetown. Georgetown has been on fire in the last month. What sold me on the Hoyas was how they simply manhandled Syracuse twice in the regular season, including once in the Carrier Dome where the Orange never lose. Hoyas forward Otto Porter, Jr.(16 PPG, 7 RPG) has been playing out of his mind of late, scoring in double figures in 18 consecutive games. Georgetown controls the game as well as any team and every player on the court is a capable offensive contributor. Their “test” will likely be a Sweet 16 matchup with Florida and/or a Regional Final contest against Kansas (if I am wrong about Michigan winning a possible KU-UM matchup).

John Thompson, II led the Hoyas to a championship in 1984. Can current coach John Thompson, III carry the torch? 2

West Region

To paraphrase NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, “Straight chalk, homie!” 

I expect a #1 Gonzaga vs #2 Ohio St. contest in the West Regional Final. I expect the Buckeyes of OSU to advance because, frankly, I am not sold on West Coast Conference basketball and its utter lack of defense and physical play. That doesn't mean Gonzaga isn't very good. And players like senior forward Elias Harris (15 PPG, 7 RPG) will enable the Bulldogs to zip through the earlier rounds. But this semi-Cinderella will meet the stroke of midnight should it cross paths with Deshaun Thomas (20 PPG, 6 RPG) and the physical, athletic, and deceptively quick Buckeyes.

Upset special: Ole Miss to the Sweet 16.

Straight chalk! 3

East Region

I also have chalk coming out of the region, but I see potential for a few minor upsets in the second and third rounds of the tournament in this bracket (the rounds of 64 and 32, respectively). I have been proclaiming the Indiana Hosiers to be fool's gold all year long, and thought I had some ammunition when they were upset by Butler in November. However, the Hosiers have proven, with their total body of work, that they deserve to be the #1 seed in the region. The household name on this team is sophomore forward Cody Zeller (17 PPG, 8 RPG), but I think the x-factor for IU is guard Victor Oladipo (14 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 StlPG, 44% - 3 pt. pct.). Oladipo can do everything…EVERYTHING on both ends of the floor and is why the Hosiers have a chance at a championship this season.

The Miami Hurricanes have made doubters out of the believers that “The U” was just a flash-in-the-pan team on a regular season hot streak. They won the ACC regular season title. They won the ACC tournament. Their 1-2 punch of guard Shane Larkin (15 PPG, 4 APG, 4 RPG, 2 StlPG) and 6’11” center Kenny Kadji (13 PPG, 7 RPG, 68% FG, 36% 3 pt. pct.) has been all but unstoppable all season. The Miami-Indiana matchup, should it happen, will be a meeting of flight (Indiana) versus fight (Miami). At high levels of basketball, I think fundamentals like rebounds and points in the paint win out which is why I think Miami would have the slightest advantage against the speedy, sharp-shooting Hosiers.

Victor Oladipo of Indiana has the inside track on the Player of the Year award. 4

FINAL FOUR

I have OSU beating MSU and Georgetown U. beating “The U” for an Ohio State-Georgetown Championship Game, with the Hoyas emerging victorious. But that is a L..O..N..G way away. My personal “Sheet of Integrity” could easily be headed for the shredder by this time next week. So take my braket with a grain…better yet…a shaker of salt and enjoy March Madness!

To be settled in Atlanta.... 5

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Must See Sports – Fourth Weekend of February 2013

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 4-2
2013 Advantage/Disadvantage Record: 7-5 

College basketball is heating up and NBA teams are making their playoff runs. It’s a good time to be a hoops fan. Last but not least, NASCAR’s big race is this Sunday, with one sexy lady on the pole!

Saturday, February 23

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#11 Georgetown Hoyas at #8 Syracuse Orange

One of the biggest losses to the college basketball world by the breakup of the traditional Big East powerhouses will be the end of the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry. These two teams have been consistently ranked among the best in college basketball and have put on some shows for the fans over the years.

This year should be no exception and both teams have a realistic shot at a top three regional seed in the NCAA Tournament in March.  A win on Saturday should put the winner into the top 10 and in sole possession of first place in the Big East. Going into the Carrier Dome with a lot at stake, Gerogetown sophomore forward Otto Porter, Jr. (15 PPG, 7 RPG) will need to be on his “A” game to solve the Syracuse 2-3 and come away with the road win.

Syracuse is a team that never rebuilds, just reloads. Its biggest challenges have usually come in March. However, to be best positioned for March, the in conference battles in February are what make or break them.  Junior power forward C.J. Fair (14 PPG, 7 RPG) is having the best year of his career. He is an absolute menace in the paint on both sides of the court. I think the Orange’s key player, Fair, brings more to the table than Georgetown’s Porter and I think the Orange are more solid from top to bottom, not to mention at home, where they are unbeaten in conference play this season.

Advantage: Syracuse

C.J. Fair 1

Sunday, February 24

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#4 Michigan State Spartans at #18 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State came very close to pulling off a huge upset in overtime at Michigan earlier this month. Since then, the Buckeyes have hit some major speed bumps, losing three of their last five and the two wins coming over teams with losing conference records. Ohio State junior forward Deshaun Thomas (20 PPG, 6 RPG) has brought it during the funk and has to continue to grind it out if the Buckeyes are to defend their home court against Michigan and not risk falling out of the top 25.

I’ve suggested, all season, that MSU has come close to turning a corner all season, but have gotten flat tires just before reaching the intersection. Sandwiched in between close losses to #1 Indiana on January 27^th and again Wednesday night, the Spartans have knocked off ranked conference rivals Minnesota and Michigan. Michigan State was riding a five game winning streak, including 11 of their last 12, before losing to the #1 team in the country on Wednesday evening. MSU will go as far as junior guard Keith Appling (14 PPG, 4 APG, 4 RPG) can take them. Appling has to continue to show up big in big games. Six point and three point outputs in the games against Indiana two nights ago and in January, respectively, won’t cut it for a team leader in the Big Ten.

Advantage: Michigan State

The only think worse than having Deshaun Thomas score on you is him doing so with his nuts in your face. 2

NBA

Memphis Grizzlies at Brooklyn Nets

Memphis got off to a blazing hot start and is still fourth in the Western Conference. They’ve consistently been one of the better teams in the West during the last three seasons, thought they have a low profile. The Nets have gone from cellar dweller to contender over the course of two seasons with shrewd acquisitions by owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The Nets are also in fourth place in the East.

Point guard Deron Williams (17 PPG, 8 APG) and center Brook Lopez(19 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 BlkPG) have been the key cogs in the Nets machine, though their role players make them one of the toughest teams in the league to score against and one of the better teams on second chance points and points in the paint. Memphis is also a very tough, physical team with a stingy defense. I’ve yet to come to a conclusion on this team’s long term viability following the trade of Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors, however.

The Grizzlies are power forward Zach Randolph’s (16 PPG, 12 RPG) team, in my opinion. But going to Brooklyn against a hot team currently riding a four game winning streak may be more than the Grizzlies can handle. Expect a good, tough, matchup.

Advantage: Nets

Brook Lopez in "beast mode". 3

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder

A return of guard Derrick Rose to the Bulls this season could make this a Finals preview. If there was ever a question as to how well coached Tom Thibodeau’s Bulls are, those questions were answered in the first half of this season.

Former league MVP Derrick Rose has not played a minute of basketball since injuring his knee in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, yet the Bulls are just a game and a half back of the Indiana Pacers in the Central division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls strength is their defense, and center Joakim Noah (12 PPG, 12 RPG, 2 BlkPG) has held the D and the team on his shoulders in Rose’s absence. If Rose comes back this season, watch out!

I think that the Thunder are the best team in the Western Conference, in spite of being four games back of the first place San Antonio Spurs in the West. Led on the floor by small forward Kevin Durant (29 PPG, 8 RPG, 5 APG) and point guard Russell Westbrook (23 PPG, 8 APG, 5 RPG), the Thunder have no glaring weaknesses in any aspect of their game and are capable of outscoring any opponent they face. Durant is having an MVP caliber season, though he is likely to fall short of LeBron James (27 PPG, 8 RPG, 7 APG, 2 StlPG) in MVP voting if present trends continue. I think the Bulls will make the Thunder work for the win, but in OKC, the Thunder are too much for the Rose-less Bulls.

Advantage: Thunder

Kevin Durant is becoming the MVP bridesmaid of the league. 4

NASCAR

Daytona 500

Danica Patrick won the pole in Daytona 500 qualifying. Now if only she can win a NASCAR race. While I will decline to engage in the limitless sophomoric jokes I could make about “Danica Patrick getting the ‘pole’ at Daytona,” I cannot ignore the tremendous amount of attention that NASCAR’s signature event is receiving this year because one of its most marketable (and hottest) racers has the top pole position.

NASCAR wins whether Danica wins or not. Behind Patrick in order of starting position are Jeff Gordon, and NASCAR bad boys Kyle Busch & Kevin Harvick. This is a win-win because auto racing enthusiasts have big name stars in the top positions and casual fans will get a racing-related heavy dose of, arguable, the most recognizable face in the sport.

Tune in to Fox at noon central time!  

"Hey, Beavis! Danica Patrick got the 'pole'! Uhh huh huh!" 5

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Must See Sports - First Week of March 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 1-6

Must See Sports 2012 record: 30-22

Nostradamus I am NOT! Whatever roll I was on went up in smoke last week. Time to pick myself up and try again!

Saturday, March 3

NCAA Men’s Basketball

North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils

Duke beat North Carolina on an Austin Rivers three point shot at the buzzer. North Carolina had a hearty lead in the final three minutes of the game. They haven’t forgotten and they are coming to Cameron Indoor to take one.

Both teams are on fire. Both teams only had one loss in the month of February (VERIFY). This game, most likely, will decide the ACC regular season champion.

On paper, North Carolina is the stronger team – better ball handlers and movers…much tougher under the glass (though Duke is good), with the second highest scoring offense in the country at 83 points per game. Still, Duke, by all measures, is in the same league as UNC, statistically. Duke is at home and they have simply gotten the better of the Tar Heels over the last four years.

Advantage: Duke

If you are a fan of either team, this image of Austin Rivers says enough. 5

(12) Georgetown Hoyas at (7) Marquette Goolden Eagles

This game could decide the runner up in the Big East. That will be significant because of seeding in the Big East Tournament. Big East Tournament seeding will be significant because the performance of every team, without a mascot called the “Orange”, will probably have its tournament seeding (or tournament invitation) influenced by Big East Tournament performance.

The winner of this game will lock up the second seed in the Big East. Marquette could have lockup up 2nd place, themselves, by extending their five game winning streak with a win over Cincinnati last night. But the Golden Eagles fell behind early and never recovered. Marquette will need a big effort from Jae Crowder (17 PPG, 8 RPG) to put the lid on Georgetown.

The Hoyas are waiting for Hollis Thompson (13 PPG, 6 RPG) to snap out of his sleepwalk. Thompson has not scored more than 13 points in a game since February 1. However, the Hoyas' Jason Clark (15 PPG, 4 RPG) has helped cover ground when Thompson has been so-so. Clark has scored in double figures in each Georgetown victory since late December.

In spite of Marquette's hiccup against Cincy, they will be at home and they have been more consistent over the course of the Big East schedule. If I had to place a wager, it would be on the Golden Eagles.

Advantage: Marquette 

Sunday, March 4

NBA

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers

This is as star studded a game as one will see all weekend. The Heatles vs. The Lake Show…Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace against The King, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. L.A….Staples Center…stars sitting courtside…oh yeah, it’s ON!

Scroll to 1:23. You have to see it to believe it. 7

The Lakers have been nipping at the heels of the Pacific Division leading Los Angeles Clippers for the last month. They’re going to probably continue nipping after this game. The Lakers are very physical with a solid defense. Their offense, in the clutch, is often not so solid.

The Lakers have not been able to get a firm handle on ball movement all year. Bryant can help move the ball, leading the team in assists. He can put up a lot of points. He cannot do both. LeBron James can do both. So can Dwyane Wade. And the Heat are on fire right now, pun intended.

Advantage: Heat

D. Wade should prepare for payback from..."The Black Mamba-aaaaaaa-ah!". 6

Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

Chicago is on fire. They have been all year. After withstanding late challenges from the San Antonio Spurs last night, and, of all teams, the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night, the Bulls have a championship contender-esque quality about themselves, just a half game back of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

The 76ers, on the other hand, are a resurgent group of no names. They might be the first professional team in many years for whom the casual fan could name the head coach (Doug Collins) before any of the players, like Andre Iguodala (12 PPG, 6 RPG, 5 APG) and "Sweet" Lou Williams (16 PPG, 4 APG). Regardless, the Sixers are for real, in first place in the Atlantic Division.

What is also real is Philly's latest slump. The Sixers, after blowing a comfortable, late lead last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, owners of the NBA's best record, have lost six of their last seven games. Most of those losses were against teams that we can expect to see playing in May. Still, the Sixers are in a bit of a fragile state and the Bulls are poised to take advantage.

Advantage: Bulls

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose and the Bulls may bend, but won't break. 4

NCAA Men’s Basketball

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators

If you have read my opinions on Florida Gator basketball over the last two years, you need not read further because you know what I am about to say. If you aren’t familiar with my take on Gator hoops, you’re probably in the vast majority. Kentucky is going to win this game.

Besides the fact that Kentucky looks invincible, their team, whose starters may all be in the NBA one day (three next year, for certain), is gelling. Kentucky fell behind the 8-ball earlier in the year at Indiana and lost. Since then, they trailed Tennessee on the road by eight in the second half and Mississippi State by double digits at halftime. They rallied to win both games.

Florida is still Florida. They are very hard to beat unless their opponent is ranked higher than they are. I expect no difference in this regular season finale.

Advantage: Kentucky

Anthony Davis (14 PPG, 10 RPG, 66%, 5 BlkPG) 3

(11) Ohio State Buckeyes at (5) Michigan State Spartans

SHOWDOWN. Michigan State snapped Ohio State’s 39 game home winning streak last month. The Spartans continued to ride a big winning streak of their own following that win. The winner of this game will have the top Big Ten regular season record.

I think Michigan State is a more balanced team and playing better team defense right now. They are also at home. I like the Spartans for this game and the Big Ten regular season championship.

Advantage: Michigan State

Michigan State's Draymond Green (16 PPG, 10 RPG, 4 APG), left, and Ohio State's Jared Sullinger (17 PPG, 9 RPG), right. 2

Monday, March 5

NBA

Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder


The incumbent at the front-runner.... OKC has the best record in the league, and has for much of the year. The Mavericks are in sixth place in the Western Conference, but in large part because they stumbled out of the gates early in the season. They've also stumbled of late, losing three in a row. The Thunder have won six straight and are at home. By the way, Dirk Nowitzki (20 PPG, 7 APG) had to leave last night's game after just 10 minutes played with back problems. 


Advantage: Thunder

Looks like Dirk (left) and his back took a real pounding from Marc Gasol (right) and the Grizzlies. 1

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Big East Race - Things Just Got Interesting

Syracuse locked up the Big East regular season championship and the top seed in the conference tournament quite some time ago. Marquette comfortably sat in second place after this past weekend. While the #3 and #4 seeds, which would receive first and second round byes in the 2012 Big East Tournament, were still available to several teams, Notre Dame, who was riding a nine game winning streak prior to last Saturday, had a leg up on Georgetown for the third seed. Georgetown appeared to be hanging on to the fourth spot and the two round bye. Then last night happened.

Georgetown freshman Otto Porter slices past three Notre Dame defenders en route to the basket. 1

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

The once blazing hot Notre Dame Fighting Irish has little pieces of them left all over the Verizon Center, getting obliterated by 18 points at Georgetown. Notre Dame was never really in the game. After the game, Big East fans were left with a host of possibilities that could shift several teams up or down by several seeds between now and the end of the regular season this Sunday.

As of this morning, there are five teams - Cincinnati, Louisville, South Florida, Notre Dame, and Georgetown, who, collectively, could be seeded anywhere between the #2 seed (ensuring a two round bye and a favorable quarterfinals matchup) and the #7 seed, forced to compete in the round of 16 with unfavorable matchups being likely in the subsequent rounds. Marquette, currently in second place, could fall to as low as fourth place with back-to-back losses against Cincinnati and Georgetown to close out the regular season.

The Bearcats are currently in sixth place. They could still finish third after Saturday. 2

RACE TO THE FINISH

Like last year, there is tremendous concentration at the top of the Big East. Like last year, the Big East, who sent nine teams (including eventual champion, 9th place regular season finisher Connecticut) to the NCAA Tournament last year, could be the conference leader in teams invited to the Big Dance. And like last year, all of the questions, except for where Syracuse can expect to be seeded in the March Madness, will have to be sorted out by the results in the Big East Tournament.

The tournament cannot start until the regular season finishes are settled. Five Big East games will be played in the next five games to decide six different seeds. Get your popcorn ready!

The Big East race is as explosive as the Daytona 500 was last night! 3

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Must See Sports - Fourth Week of February 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 4-3

Must See Sports 2012 record: 29-16


Thursday, February 23

NBA

New York Knicks at Miami Heat

It is the last night before the All-Star break and Linsanity takes it show on the road to face the Heatles. This should be good. Unfortunately for Jeremy Lin (15 PPG, 6 APG) and the Knicks, the Heat are healthy and almost impossible to beat at home. I don't see the Knicks being the fly in the ointment.

The Heat have wrestled first place in the East away from the Bulls. The Knicks improved, overnight, with the rise of Lin. Even Carmelo Anthony (22 PPG, 6 RPG) back in the lineup (on a limited basis thus far) I think the King (28 PPG, 8 RPG, 7 APG) will keep his Eastern Conference crown through the weekend.

Advantage: Heat

Yeah right! Maybe the Micheal Jordan who just turned 49 is posing as Jeremy Lin (which would probably still be pretty damn good)! The "Linning" is in jeopardy tonight at the Heatles World Tour. 1 

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#4 Duke Blue Devils at #16 Florida State Seminoles

Big ACC matchup. The winner pulls into a tie with #7 North Carolina for first place in the conference. The loser is behind the eight ball in the ACC race.

Duke is the superior team on paper, except for one caveat: Florida State beat Duke earlier this year. In addition, the Seminoles are on fire, winners of 10 of their last 11. FSU limped into conference play and since then has been a force to be reckoned with. the Noles have been winning with defense, defense, defense. Bernard James (10 PPG, 8 RPG), the 27 year old senior forward has brought his maturity and leadership to the forefront, grabbing six rebounds and blocking three or more shots in his last three games.

Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski has his machine rolling. Duke has won seven of eight and its one-two punch of Austin Rivers (15 PPG, 3 RPG), who made the game winning shot at North Carolina, and Seth Curry (14 PPG, 3 RPG) has made the Blue Devils very difficult to keep up with. Still, Florida State had the Blue Devils' number in on-the-floor matchups last month. They're hot and they're at home. I like them in an upset.

Advantage: Florida State  

Duke hero of the first North Carolina game, Austin Rivers (son of Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers). 2

Saturday, February 25

NCAA Basketball

#3 Missouri Tigers at #5 Kansas Jayhawks

BIG rematch in the Big XII. Kansas let a late lead slip at Missouri, powered by the demonically focused shooting of Mizzou senior Marcus Denmon (17 PPG, 5 RPG). The Jayhawks can ill-afford a relapse. The winner takes over sole possession of first place in the conference and is in the driver's seat to win the regular season Big XII title.

Were it not for teams from the state of Kansas, the Tigers would be only have one loss this season, but not because of the Jayhawks. Kansas State and coach Frank Martin have swept Missouri, beating them, for the second time in this season, last night. Perhaps some of that mojo will travel cross-state from Manhattan to Lawrence. Kansas is riding a five game winning streak. Junior forward Thomas Robinson (18 PPG, 12 RPG) has been a major factor in the hot streak. In fact, Robinson, with one more rebound against Kansas State and two more boards against Texas Tech, would be riding a streak of seven consecutive games with a double-double.

Kansas lost a heartbreaker last time. They are at home. However they are not Kansas State and I can't wrap my mind around Missouri losing back-to-back games. It hasn't happened all year.

Advantage: Missouri

Can recent history repeat itself? 3

Sunday, February 26

NBA

2012 NBA All-Star Game

Western Conference All-Stars at Eastern Conference All-Stars from Orlando, Florida


I enjoy the NBA All Star game. I love watching the best in the game partake in pure, unadulterated offense. Alley oops, trick dunks...everything a basketball fan could want to see and long as that fan does not want to see defense. Whatever the over/under is, bet the "over"!

4

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#15 Wisconsin Badgers at #9 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State was as hot as any team could be and, two weeks ago, appeared to be a lock for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. A loss to Michigan State and a loss to Michigan later, and a sense over urgency has cast its shadow over Columbus, Ohio.

The Badgers have been a model of consistency against any team without a ranking in front of its name, 18-1 against unranked opponents. Their 2-6 record against ranked opponents, including Ohio State, does not bode well. In addition, their team leader and top scorer, Jordan Taylor (14 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG) continues to struggle with shooting. Taylor's field goal percentage is under 40%  on the season, including an abysmal, combined 7 for 25 from the field in his last two games.

Wisconsin could propel itself back into the Big Ten regular season race with a win. However, the Buckeyes are at home, where a loss is extremely rare. Unless Taylor has a breakthrough and snaps out of his season long shooting slump, I think the Buckeyes get back on track in this conference matchup.

Advantage: Ohio State


Monday, February 27


NCAA Men’s Basketball

#18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at #8 Georgetown Hoyas

The Big East isn’t the concentrated powerhouse it was last year. That doesn’t mean they aren’t really good. Nobody is likely to catch Syracuse, but seedings in the Big Dance and Big East tournament are still at stake. An Irish win will keep them in second place with Marquette, holding the regular season tiebreaker. Georgetown, currently 2 games back of Notre Dame and Marquette, can vault itself back into the race for Big East runner up with a win.

The secret to Notre Dame’s success has been good ball movement and taking care of the basketball. Multi-faceted players like sophomore guard Jerian Grant (13 PPG, 5 APG) patiently set up scoring opportunities and don’t turn the ball over very much. The Irish are currently riding a nine game winning streak. During that streak, beginning with the stunning upset over then-#1 Syracuse, Grant has scored in double figures in all of those games, with five or more dimes in seven of those games.

Georgetown is somewhat living off of their name. The Hoyas got off to a red hot start, but appear to have cooled in conference play. They’ve lost two of their last four. The loss in overtime to #2 Syracuse was understandable. The drubbing they took at Seton Hall is not. Want to figure out how the Hoyas’ night will go? Watch Hollis Thompson (13 PPG, 6 RPG). When the junior forward scored 15 or more points, the Hoyas are 8-1. Four of their five losses on the season have come when Thompson does not break that threshold. A big game from the big man will go a long way in helping his team win.

Bottom line? The Irish are hot. The Hoyas are not. Thompson has not exceed that 15 point threshold since February 1st.

Advantage: Notre Dame

Notre Dame's Jerian Grant, left and Pat Connaughton (7 PPG, 5 RPG), right. 5

Tuesday, February 28

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#6 Michigan State Spartans at #24 Indiana Hosiers

Michigan State is playing its best basketball of the season when it counts the most, late in the season. After a head-scratching, low scoring loss to Big Ten bottom feeder Illinois at the hands (almost single handedly) of Illini guard Brandon Paul (15 PPG, 5 RPG), the Spartans have ripped off six straight wins and not looked back.

The streak includes wins over archrival #22 ranked Michigan, a shocker at #3 Ohio State, and #17 Wisconsin. Illinois has not won since upsetting MSU. Michigan senior forward Draymond Green (16 PPG, 10 RPG) has stepped his game up in February, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds during Michigan State’s undefeated month.

Indiana is an enigma. They are as streak a ranked team and one can find. They have won four of their last five after having lost five of the prior seven, which came on the heels of a 15-1 start to the season. That fast start included wins over (rankings at the time) #1 Kentucky, #2 Ohio State, and #13 Michigan, with the lone loss coming against #17 Michigan State. Since then, the Hosiers have dropped games to unranked Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Its last win over a ranked opponent was January 5th.

Expect a solid performance from the consistent freshman forward, Cody Zeller (16 PPG, 7 RPG). Expect Michigan State to keep on rolling.

Advantage: Michigan State


Wednesday, February 29

NBA

Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

Happy Leap Year...Day...I suppose!

The young versus the old…. Vitality versus experience…. It’s Chicago at San Antonio.

The Spurs are doing the same old thing with the same old starters and the same old coach. There’s a good reason. They usually experience the same result: winning!

The second evening back from the All-Star break brings us the blockbuster matchup of the teams with the second best records in their respective conferences. The Spurs had their 11 game winning streak snapped by the Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday. Did I say “snapped”? I meant “vaporized” in a 40 point blasting at The Rose Garden. However, Tim Duncan (14 PPG, 9 RPG, 33 MPG) and Tony Parker (20 PPG, 8 APG) did not play; they rested. They’ll be getting even more rest this weekend. Bulls fans need not get too excited.

While the Spurs, whose starters average age is 29, have to make adjustments for lengthening of the tooth, the Bulls have a stockpile of young guns. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose (22 PPG, 8 APG, age 23) is back from his back injury and appears to be close to his old, dominant form. In spite of Rose’s extended absence, Chicago has still won nine of its last 11 games. On paper, I think the Bulls are a slightly better team, on any given night. However, since the Spurs are at home and will be very well rested, I like San Antonio in this contest.

Advantage: Spurs

San Antonio: WINNING! 6

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Must See Sports – Fourth Week of January 2012

Last week's advantage/disdvantage record: 3-2 

Must See Sports 2012 record: 10-9

Well, Hat Trick readers, this is the first weekend in quite some time but, unfortunately, won’t be the last, that there won’t be any meaningful football games. This is the sports gods way of transitioning us in to the NBA season and prepping us for the pulse-pounding drama of March Madness.

Thursday, January 26

NCAA Men's Basketball

#17 Indiana Hosiers at #25 Wisconsin Badgers

This Big Ten matchup could possibly determine an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament in March. Minimally, it will have an impact on seeding for the Big Ten Tournament.  The Badgers have been inconsistent in conference play. The dropped three of their first four in Big Ten play, then reeled off four in a row, beating (then) #25 Illinois on Sunday. Their star player, Jordan Taylor (14 PPG, 4 APG, 4 RPG), continues to lead the team in scoring, but he is shooting less than 40% from the field and is four points below his per game average from 2011.

The Hosiers have also had ups and downs. After getting off to a blazing hot 15-1 start, with wins over #1 Kentucky and #2 Ohio State, Indiana went into the tank, losing three in a row before snapping their losing streak last Sunday at home against a grieving Penn State team (legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno died Sunday morning). The Hosiers were ranked as high as #8 earlier this month, but have fallen to #17.

Junior forward Christian Watford (13 PPG, 6 RPG), who averaged 16 points per game last season, has not scored more than 13 points in his last five games, including an abysmal 1 for 7, four point performance in a loss to Minnesota. Watford needs to pick up his more typical share of the weight and lend a hand to freshman sensation forward Cody Zeller (15 PPG, 6 RPG) to snap Indiana out of its funk.

This game could tip either way, but is at Wisconsin. The Badgers have more experience playing together and the Badgers appear to have bottomed out of their early January slump while the Hosiers may still be finding their way.

Advantage: Wisconsin    

Indiana's stunning upset over #1 Kentucky feels like a L..O..N..G time ago in Hosier Country. 1

Friday, January 27

NBA 

New York Knicks at Miami Heat

The Knicks 2012 season is not starting off as many had expected. Losers of 7 of their last 8, the Knicks have found themselves in a deep hole, five games back of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Atlantic Division (less than 20 games into the season) and in 10^th place in the Eastern Conference. Their issue is depth. Carmelo Anthony (24 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG) and Amare Stoudemire (17 PPG, 8 RPG) are holding up their ends, but there are no other consistent high performers in the starting lineup. The Knicks do not get enough second chance points and are not moving the ball around enough on offense to keep pace with their opponents. Point guard Baron Davis’ arrival to the lineup, possibly in February, may provide a spark.

The Miami Heat are in first place in the Southeast Division and, for the most part, are performing exactly as expected. Averaging 105 points per game, the Heat are having no trouble putting points on the board. Dwyane Wade’s (20 PPG, 5 APG) status continues to be day-to-day, as he has not played since January 13 with an ankle injury. Interestingly, the Heat have won five of their last six, starting with Wade’s first game missed. Wade traveled with the team to last night’s win at Detroit, but did not play. That could be a sign that Wade could return for Friday’s game.

Advantage: Heat

I'm not suggesting the Heat are better off without Dwyane Wade, just that they can manage. 2

Saturday, January 28

NCAA Men's Basketball 

#16 Mississippi State Bulldogs at #13 Florida Gators

Big matchup in the SEC.  Those of you who read regularly probably think I like to pick on the Gators. Not true. I think they are good but not great and it seems like every time they have a chance to win a game that could launch them to an elite level, they prove me right.

Winners of three straight, all SEC games, the Gators and junior guard Kenny Boynton (18 PPG) continue to try to prove me wrong. Boynton and his senior partner in the backcourt, point guard Erving Walker (13 PPG, 5 APG) lead a Gators team averaging 82 points per game.  The Bulldogs will have their hands full.

MSU, like Florida, is just two games back of Kentucky for first place in the SEC. Sharp shooting junior forward Arnett Moultrie (16 PPG, 11 RPG) and point guard Dee Bost (16 PPG, 4 APG) have carried the Bulldogs off to their strong start. State’s strong defensive presence and muscle under the boards could pose a challenge for the Gators. But, as I said, I am no Gator hater. They are at home and while the Bulldogs are good, they are not quite the caliber of team that give the Gators serious problems.

Advantage: Florida

Florida's Erving Walker has quietly been the Gators' "1a" to Kenny Boynton's "1". 3

Sunday, January 29

NFL

2012 Pro Bowl

NFC vs AFC

The NFL’s best face off from Honolulu, Hawaii. You can expect to see many of your favorite start players. What you will not see is anything that resembles real football. There are a plethora of rule restrictions, rightfully so, to aid in player safety. Expect the final score to resemble a college basketball or Arena Football League game.

NFL Football!!! This is far from it. 4

Monday, January 30

Yours truly turns 37 on Monday, another year older, another year gone (not so sure about “wiser”).  I plan on celebrating the day with some hoops action, should I have any time in front of the tube.

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers

The team with the best record in the NBA heads west to take on the team creating the most buzz in this NBA season. The Okalhoma City Thunder have just kept rolling, winners of 10 out of their last 11. Kevin Durant (26 PPG, 7 RPG) is making a good run at yet a third straight scoring title, though he will have some stiff competition from Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. The Thunder have the best record in the league.

The Clippers received a ton of preseason hype with the acquisition of point guard Chris Paul (18 PPG, 8 APG). So far, they have lived up to it. The Clippers are in first place in the Pacific Division. I could not tell you the last time they were in first place after the first 15 games of the season. If Lob City is to remain in first place, they will need to win the tough games, though.

That includes this game against the Thunder. Still, while the Clippers have been impressive, they are still new to success and their play leaves some consistency to be desired. One night they score over 100 points; the next night they cough up 100 points against an inferior opponent. Earlier in the month, they beat the Heat and Lakers in successive games. Shortly after, they are taken behind the woodshed, losing by 29 points at Utah. Oklahoma City is not a sexy town or a big television market, but their basketball team is very good and has been playing at a high level for several seasons now.

Advantage: Thunder

The Durantula vs Blake Griffin - should be GOOD! 5

Wednesday, February 1

#19 Connecticut Huskies at #10 Georgetown Hoyas

The defending national champion Huskies have gotten off to a bumpier-than-normal start after the departure of Kemba Walker to the NBA. The Huskies are in eighth place in the Big East. Of course, they finished ninth in the 16 team Big East in 2011 and won the NCAA tournament. Sophomore Jeremy Lamb (17 PPG, 4 RPG), who came on strong during last year’s March Madness has ascended to a bona fide team leader. His facilitating and shooting ability in concert with the Huskies smart but physical style of play defensively are the Huskies’ strong suit.

Georgetown is another team that comes close to cracking into the top tier since last season, but has often been stopped at the gates of the NCAA’s Big Boys Club.  Hollis Thompson (14 PPG, 5 RPG) has helped the Hoyas, 2^nd place in the Big East, keep chase with the blazing hot Syracuse Orange (21-1 overall, 8-1 Big East). This will be Georgetown’s toughest challenge since an early January loss to Marquette. It will also be a tune up before their showdown with #4 Syracuse one week after this game.

Advantage: Georgetown  

Lamb with the jam! 6

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Memorable NCAA Tournament Games

With the start of the 2011 Men’s Final Four less than 24 hours away, I thought I would share my personal favorite moments of NCAA tournaments past. None of these are particularly obscure moments. I am sure a number of you will say, “Oh, I remember that!” or “I heard about that!” or “That is one of my favorite moments, too!”

New memories and moments are made every year. With the ebb and flow of this year’s tournament, I expect there to be some drama. Something could easily happen to crack into my top 5 at this time next year. As for the tournaments that are frozen in time via videos and photographs, here is The Daily Hat Trick Top Five Tournament Moments.


Honorable Mention

Bo Kimble’s One Handed Free Throw Shots

Loyola Marymount’s Bo Kimble shot his first free throws of each game in the 1990 NCAA Tournament left handed, in memory of the late Hank Gathers. Gathers collapsed and died from a heart condition during a game earlier in the month. Bo Kimble went 3 for 3 in his left handed tribute shots during the tournament.

Bo Kimble 1

Number 5

1985 NCAA Final Four – National Championship Game

Villanova Wildcats 66 Georgetown Hoyas 64 FINAL

Villanova, coached by Rollie Massimino, leads his team to, arguably, the biggest upset in Final Four history and one of the biggest upsets in the history of sports, denying Gerogetown coach John Thompson and future Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing a repeat National Championship. The Wildcats shot 79% from the field, only missing one field goal in the second half. Eighth seeded Villanova was the lowest overall seed ever to win the NCAA Tournament.

Rollie Massimino

Number 4

1983 Final Four – National Championship Game

North Carolina State Wolfpack 54 Houston Cougars 52 FINAL

Lorenzo Charles of N.C. State dunks the ball for the win in the final two seconds, pulling off a huge upset over Akeem Olajuwan, Clyde Drexler, and the Houston Cougars, known as Phi Slamma Jamma. N.C. State’s coach, the late, great Jim Valvano, rushes on to the court immediately after the game, an iconic image in the history of college basketball.

Number 3

1982 Final Four – National Championship Game

North Carolina Tar Heels 63 Georgetown Hoyas 62 FINAL

This game was loaded with future NBA All-Stars and Hall of Famers. The Hoyas, coached by John Thompson, had a seven foot freshmen center named Patrick Ewing. The Tar Heels, coached by dean Smith, featured Sam Perkins, James Worthy, and some freshman named Michael Jordan, who hit the game’s winning shot.

North Carolina's game winning shot by Michael Jordan. He'd turn out to be a decent NBA player, too. 3

Number 2

1991 Final Four – National Semifinal Game

Duke Blue Devils 79 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 77 FINAL

This game was one of the most anticipated rematches in college basketball history. UNLV had obliterated Duke in the 1990 National Championship Game. Duke, a year more experienced, was poised for payback. The game saw countless lead changes before ending with Vegas’ final possession resulting in forward Larry Johnson hesitating to take an three point shot with a clean look at the basket and instead passing to Anderson Hunt for a last second, off balance miss from behind the arc. The game marked the end of an era as UNLV would be on probation the following year and never regain the dominant status it had in college basketball at that time.

The end of an era 4

Number 1

1992 East Regional Final

Duke Blue Devils 104 Kentucky Wildcats 103 Final - Overtime

In my opinion, this was the greatest college basketball game ever played. The Kentucky Wildcats program, coming off of recent NCAA sanctions, had begun reasserting itself as one of the premier programs in the country under coach Rick Pitino. Duke, coached by Mike Krzyzewski, was seeking to repeat at National Champions. The game went into overtime. After several lead changes, Kentucky’s Sean Woods makes a go-ahead shot off of the backboard with 2.1 seconds remaining. The rest is history. I doubt that many of you reading this piece are seeing the following for the first time:

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Stop! Bracket Time!

1

It is that time of year again: March Madness! It is a tournament of 68 teams of young men from all around the country leaving every ounce of passion out on the court for one shining moment. In my opinion, it is one of the rare times of the year, in major sporting events, in which the purity of competition of sport and love of a game shine through our television sets.

There is no money involved. The vast majority of the participants have no chance of playing in the NBA. The few who have such an opportunity are surrounded by those who do not. Nonetheless, these young men all share the common bond of their universities and their teams.

The sports writers and pollsters are irrelevant once the tournament commences. There is a clear and definite winner. The players truly leave everything on the court.

Without further delay, here is a bird’s eye view of the tournament brackets with the two cents of yours truly.

EAST REGION

Site of Regional Final: Newark, New Jersey

Quality of Region (1st-4th best): 2nd

Top Seed: Ohio State Buckeyes
Best Player: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
X-factor Team: Syracuse Orange
Potential Pivotal matchup: Syracuse Orange vs North Carolina Tar Heels
Most Likely to Advance to the Final Four: North Carolina Tar Heels


The top seed in the tournament, Ohio State, is the favorite of many to advance from this region. However, North Carolina has elevated its play, particularly in the final month of the season, concluding the regular season with a win of the archrival Duke Blue Devils. Harrison Barnes is outstanding and appears to get better in every game. And the Heels, having overcome substantial deficits multiple times in the ACC Tournament, know how to play from behind, if necessary.

The wild card in this region is the Syracuse Orange. I have not been able to get a handle on this team all season and I do not expect some omen of predictability to kick in during March Madness. There have been times when the Orange appeared poised to climb to the top of the Big East and they laid an egg. There have been other moments in which the Orange appeared ready to tank and they pulled out a major win.

The Orange are on a potential collision course with North Carolina, assuming both teams advance to the Sweet 16 round in Newark. While I do not expect Syracuse to lose to Indiana State in the second round (the traditional first round), I would not drop dead of a heart attack from a second round Orange loss to either Xavier or Marquette. At the same time, I expect North Carolina to advance from this region, but I think that Syracuse could beat them. Syracuse, in this tournament environment, is unpredictable to me. That will make the East Region a fun one to watch.



Ohio State's Jared Sullinger 2


WEST REGION

Site of Regional Final: Anaheim, California
Quality of Region (1st-4th best): 3rd
Top Seed: Duke Blue Devils
Best Player: Kemba Walker, Connecticut
X-factor Team: Connecticut Huskies
Potential Pivotal matchup: Connecticut Huskies vs Duke Blue Devils
Most Likely to Advance to the Final Four: Duke Blue Devils, most likely tournament winner.

Duke is the defending champion and are no less talented this year than last. The “X factor” for the Blue Devils, I believe, is the health and performance of freshman phenom Kyrie Irving. Irving has been out of the lineup since December with a toe injury. A return of Irving at or near his full performance potential could make Duke unstoppable. I think that Duke will win the NCAA Tournament when the nets are cut down for the final time at the Final Four in Houston on April 4th.


Kemba Walker --> money!

 Connecticut is another team that I cannot predict, long term. Like Syracuse, I think that UConn (another roller coaster like Big East team) could either win or lose in the rounds of 32, 16, or 8. I expect the Huskies to face Duke in the Elite Eight and while Duke would be a heavy favorite, I could never write off Connecticut star Kemba Walker nor could I ever…EVER (ever, ever, ever, ever, ever) write off Connecticut Head Coach Jim Calhoun. I am not that stupid!

Coach Calhoun: "My best advice to you? Shut up!"

SOUTHWEST REGION

Site of Regional Final: San Antonio, Texas

Quality of Region (1st-4th best): 1st

Top Seed: Kansas Jayhawks

Best Player: Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame
X-factor Team: Georgetown Hoyas
Potential Pivotal matchup: Georgetown Hoyas vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Most Likely to Advance to the Final Four: Kansas Jayhawks, most likely tournament runner up.

Kansas and the Flying Morris Twins (Markieff and Marcus) are too good to fail. Okay…those are famous last words of many a Bracketologist. But I do think the Jayhawks are as much of a sure bet as one may find in this year’s tournament. They could potentially face Louisville and either Georgetown or Notre dame en route to the Final Four, but, as I said, this team has more collective talent than any other team in the bracket, and has made fewer mistakes throughout the season.

Georgetown is the wild card in this bracket and (big surprise) they are also a Big East team. One may take my prior remarks about Connecticut and Syracuse and say “ditto” for Georgetown. This team is capable of swinging in either direction in the second, third and Regional Semifinal rounds. Unlike Syracuse or Connecticut, I think that Georgetown, and anyone else in the bracket will hit a KU wall in the Regional Finals. Still, the Hoyas are capable of either beating or being beaten by Purdue in the third round or Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 round.



Notre Dame's Ben Hansbrough 5



SOUTHEAST REGION

Site of Regional Final: New Orleans, Louisiana

Quality of Region (1st-4th best): 4th

Top Seed: Pittsburgh Panthers

Best Player: Jimmer Fredette, BYU Cougars

X-factor Team: St. John’s Red Storm

Potential Pivotal matchup: St. John Red Storm vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Most Likely to Advance to the Final Four: Wisconsin Badgers

“WISCONSIN” you say? Yes! Wisconsin. I think that Pittsburgh is the most likely of the #1 seeds to be rubbed out, possibly early in the tournament. The Panthers were dropped in their first game in the Big East Tournament by UConn. They only lost 5 times prior to the Big Dance, but three of those losses were in the past month, all against some of the better quality Big East opponents. Its only recent wins against ranked competition were against Villanova, a team limping into the NCAA Tournament by any standard.

The Wisconsin Badgers, on the other hand, have been quietly getting the job done. Led by Jordan Taylor, the Badgers became a bright blip on my radar when they handed #1 ranked Ohio State its first loss of the season. The Badgers only lost once in the month of February. Wisconsin is limping into the Dance after being obliterated by Ohio State in their rematch in the regular season finale and losing to Penn State, 36-33, in the ugliest shooting performance in a major conference tournament I can recall in my entire life.

Badgers coach Bo Ryan is too good of a coach and Wisconsin has too much talent to curl up in its shell and not prepare to make a statement that the last two games were anomalies. One may think picking Wisconsin is a leap of faith, but I am not feeling too much intestinal or testicular fortitude by doing so.

The wild card in this region is the St. John’s Red Storm. I promise that I did not roll out of bed this morning and decide to hype up the Big East by saying that the conference would have one of its teams represent the “X factor” in every bracket. However, the conference sent 11 teams to the field of 64, representing more than a sixth of the participants. The reason a conference would have such an unprecedented level of representation is because the conference is very competitive and teams have been capable of winning or losing to their better opponents on any given night.

The Red Storm recorded big wins against then #9 Connecticut, #4 Pittsburgh, and #14 Villanova in February and has proven it has the mettle for tough opponents. Should St. John’s win in the second round, it will likely face the BYU Cougars and the Jimmer Show, as in Player of the Year candidate Jimmer Fredette. With the absence of Brandon Davies from the Cougar lineup, I think that BYU is ripe for a minor upset. I think that the Red Storm could beat Florida, whom I have never been completely sold on this season, and I think they could match up well against Wisconsin or Pittsburgh, whom St. John’s has already beaten this season.


Jimmer 4



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