There’s no need to note how bad last night’s game was. There’s no need to note Butler couldn’t hit the ocean if they fell out of a boat, so there’s really no need to note Butler made 12 field goals the entire game shooting 18.8% from the field.* There’s no need to note UConn didn’t exactly play that much better, but they are the 2011 National Champions and that’s really all that matters at the end of the day. Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s face it, you probably forgot the NCAA final game was tonight. We certainly did. Sure, Opening Day and the Man taking control of our souls on a Monday had something to do with it. But mostly we just wanted to move on from the horror that has been our selection skills.

However, with one of the most memorable March Madnesses in recent history about to come to a close, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give our picks for the final game. By now, you should be familiar with the main players. Representing Hickory High, Coach Brad Stevens and Gordon Hayward look to lead the Bulldogs to the promised land, with a home crowd rooting them on. Representing South Bend Central are Coach K and his clan of crew cut robotic basketball drones, trained in the fundamental arts of pick setting, bounce passes, three pointers and general on-court doucebaggery.

Who will hoist the trophy tonight in Indianapolis? Well, just read below to find out.

Duke – they were the one #1 seed many expected to sent packing by the end of the first weekend. Call it a favorable draw, luck or guidance from Dr. James Naismith himself, but the Blue Devils find themselves 40 minutes away from their fourth national title. They’re heavy favorites and for good reason. Coach K’s bunch is shooting the ball well and playing even better defense. If the experts are right, Duke’s size in the post will be the deciding factor with Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas proving to be too much. But, as a great man once said (Chris Berman), this is why we play the game.

Butler is the most improbable title contender since ‘Nova in 1985 when they shocked the world by beating then-powerhouse Georgetown. No one really expects the “mid-major” from Indiana to actually win, but lest we forget, B.U. touts the nation’s longest winning streak at 25 straight. And the last three have come against Syracuse, Kansas State and Michigan State. This means the last thing this team is lacking is confidence. To win, the Bulldogs must crash the boards and knock down open shots. Sounds simple, but this is the biggest stage in college basketball. Nothing is guaranteed. Read the rest of this entry »

Four teams. Two spots.  With the Mountaineers & Bulldogs awaiting their foes in the Final Four, it’s time to start coming to the realization that this magical ride is almost over.  At this point, you can pretty much throw statistics out the window and the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Read the rest of this entry »

Our picks have been all over the place and wrong more often than not.  But like the weatherman predicting rain for 17th consecutive day without a cloud in the sky, we carry on.  The games have been entertaining throughout and we can always take solace in the fact that we concentrate most of our energy on music around here.  With a trip to the Final Four on the line, all teams involved will need to bring their A-games today, because as we’ve seen all tournament long, anything can happen. Read the rest of this entry »

Two number ones heading back to class, one coasted on Thursday, which leaves one left to play. If this tournament has proved anything – picking the Final Four is about as accurate as Craig Sager’s wardrobe choices. Judging from last night, we’ve hopefully got more upsets and overtime thrillers to come. The only question is who? Follow The Crew as we attempt to look like geniuses, with the all-too-real chance we look like fools come night’s end. Read the rest of this entry »

Even those of us strung out in Texas in the midst of deafening Hip-Hop managed to keep one eye on The Tourney last weekend. And for hoops fans, it couldn’t have gone better. Comebacks, overtimes, buzzer beaters and a few mammoth upsets made for a wild first two rounds. Today the Madness continues. To adequately prepare you for another weekend of your ass parked on the couch, the TSS Crew pick the Elite 8 and preview the match-ups. Read the rest of this entry »

Between SXSW, this great weather most of country is experiencing and the NCAA Tournament, there haven’t been many complaints around the TSS headquarters. Sunday’s games represent the end of the first weekend of the tournament and a return to “real life.” At least until the games start back up next Thursday. By the stroke of midnight tonight, the Sweet 16 will be set in stone. Enough of the intros though, we all know the deal around here. Less talking, more predicting. Read the rest of this entry »

“Hey Mike… How my bracket look?”

Hopefully yesterday was favorable towards you & your bracket. But if your like most people (99.7% of the world) & had Georgetown advancing far in the tournament, just take solace that everyone is still on equal footing. But if you were one of those starry-eyed dreamers who had Richmond going far, just go sit in the corner. Congratulations are in order for Murray State & Ohio as well, for pulling off the upsets no one saw coming except for their student bodies.

Murray State FTW!

We’re here to do it again, licking our wounds from yesterday & throwing our two cents in the ring.  Take a look at how we see the day unfolding and prepare for tip-off. Read the rest of this entry »

Gladiators! © Maximus

How does one type up goosebumps? How does one convey a pee-pants level of excitement? How does one write the feeling of wanting to puke, but in a good way, without sounding putrid? I’ll tell you how…

Three words: One Shining Moment.

Tonight’s game at Ford Field in Detroit is sure to be a nail-biter; with two teams who have been here often and are practised in cutting little pieces of net down at the end. Now allow MZ and I to bloviate on why our favored team should and will walk away with the key to the city, the crown to the throne and the trophy to Bragging Rights for one year’s time. Read the rest of this entry »