March Madness: 2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown

March 14, 2009 By 9 Comments
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

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March Madness 2009 - NCAA Tournament TV Schedule, Announcers, Spreads, DatesThis past weekend, I posted four individual posts that break down each of the four brackets that comprise the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Look over to the right in the sidebar and you will find links to each one, plus links to all of the NCAA Tournament history posts that we have done for the men and women.

Each region breakdown filled in with as much information as is available. The tables you see in this post are the same ones in those posts, so the updates will occur simultaneously. I will input information as soon as it is available for as soon as I find it. So if something is missing, but you know where the info is — please leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it.

Below, you will find tables for each of the four regional brackets plus the Final Four. Each table lists the matchup, the start time, the date, the announcers, and the point spread for each of the 64 games that will take place over the next three weeks. Just bookmark the post and come back to it anytime you want/need information.

March Madness 2009 - NCAA Tournament TV Schedule, Announcers, Spreads, Dates

Before we jump into the tables, your 2009 NCAA Tournament Quick Preview:

And now, the breakdown tables for the Final Four and each of the four regions in the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

(Note: All spreads are as of 3/16 and provided by Sportsbook.com via DocSports. Follow the link for the most current spreads. Announcer schedules courtesy of Awful Announcing.)

2009 Final Four TV Schedule, Site, Announcers, Spread

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FINAL FOUR          
1 Midwest #2 Michigan State def. West #1 UConn 82-73 April 4 6:07 PM Detroit, MI Nantz-Kellogg UConn -4.5
2 South #1 North Carolina def. East #3 Villanova 83-69 April 4 8:47 PM Detroit, MI Nantz-Kellogg UNC -7.5
             
  NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME          
3 South #1 North Carolina def. Midwest #2 Michigan State 89-72 April 6 9:21 PM Detroit, MI Nantz-Kellogg UNC -7.5

March Madness 2009 - NCAA Tournament TV Schedule, Announcers, Spreads, Dates

Midwest Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 Louisville def. #16 Morehead St 74-54 Fri, 3/20 7:10 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery LOU -20 1/2
2 #9 Siena def. #8 Ohio State 74-72 Fri, 3/20 9:40 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery OSU-3.5
             
3 #13 Cleveland St. def. #4 Wake Forest 84-69 Fri, 3/20 9:40 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel WFU -8
4 #12 Arizona def. #5 Utah 84-71 Fri, 3/20 7:10 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel AZ -1
             
5 #2 Michigan St. def. #15 Robert Morris 77-62 Fri, 3/20 9:50 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -17
6 #10 USC def. #7 Boston College Fri, 3/20 7:20 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore USC -2
             
7 #3 Kansas def. #14 N. Dakota St. 84-74 Fri, 3/20 12:30 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore KU -10
8 #11 Dayton def. #6 West Virginia 68-60 Fri, 3/20 3:00 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore WVU -8.5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 Louisville def. #9 Siena 79-72 Sun, 3/22 5:20 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery UL -11 1/2
10 #12 Arizona def. #13 Cleveland State 71-57 Sun, 3/22 2:40 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel AZ -3 1/2
             
11 #2 Michigan State def. #10 USC 74-69 Sun, 3/22 5:00 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -4 1/2
12 #3 Kansas def. #11 Dayton 60-43 Sun, 3/22 2:30 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore KU -7 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 Louisville def. #12 Arizona 103-64 March 27 7:07 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore UL -9 1/2
14 #2 Michigan State def. #3 Kansas 67-62 March 27 9:37 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -2 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #2 Michigan State def. #2 Louisville 64-52 March 29 2:20 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore UL -7

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South Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 North Carolina def. #16 Radford 101-58 Thu, 3/19 2:50 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UNC -27
2 #8 LSU def. #9 Butler 75-71 Thu, 3/19 12:20 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg LSU -2 1/2
             
3 #4 Gonzaga def. #13 Akron 77-64 Thu, 3/19 7:25 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner GON -11.5
4 #12 Western Kentucky def #5 Illinois 76-72 Thu, 3/19 9:55 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner ILL -4
             
5 #2 Oklahoma def. #15 Morgan St. 82-54 Thu, 3/19 9:40 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski OU -16.5
6 #10 Michigan def. #7 Clemson 62-59 Thu, 3/19 7:10 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski CLEM -5.5
             
7 #3 Syracuse def. #14 Stephen F. Austin 59-44 Fri, 3/20 12:15 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel SYR -12.5
8 #6 Arizona St. def. #11 Temple 66-57 Fri, 3/20 2:45 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel ASU -5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 North Carolina def. #8 LSU 84-70 Sat. 3/21 5:45 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UNC -11 1/2
10 #4 Gonzaga def. #12 Western Kentucky 83-81 Sat. 3/21 8:10 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner GON -10 1/2
             
11 #2 Oklahoma def. #10 Michigan 73-63 Sat. 3/21 5:50 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski OU -6 1/2
12 #3 Syracuse def. #6 Arizona State 78-67 Sun, 3/22 12:10 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel SU -1 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 North Carolina def. #4 Gonzaga 98-77 March 27 9:57 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg UNC -8 1/2
14 #2 Oklahoma def. #3 Syracuse 84-71 March 27 7:27 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg OU -1 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #1 North Carolina def. #2 Oklahoma 72-60 March 29 5:05 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg UNC -6.5

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East Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 Pittsburgh def. #16 E. Tenn. St. 72-62 Fri, 3/20 2:55 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery PIT -20
2 #8 Oklahoma St. def. #9 Tennessee 77-75 Fri, 3/20 12:25 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery TENN -2
             
3 #4 Xavier def. #13 Portland St. 77-59 Fri, 3/20 7:25 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel XU -11
4 #12 Wisconsin def. #5 Florida State 61-59 Fri, 3/20 9:55 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel FSU -3
             
5 #2 Duke def. #15 Binghamton 86-62 Thu, 3/19 9:40 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg DUKE -21.5
6 #7 Texas def. #10 Minnesota 76-62 Thu, 3/19 7:10 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UT -4
             
7 #3 Villanova def. #14 American U. 80-67 Thu, 3/19 7:20 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas VU -17
8 #6 UCLA def. #11 VCU 65-64 Thu, 3/19 9:50 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UCLA -7
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 Pittsburgh def. #8 Oklahoma State 84-76 Sun, 3/22 2:50 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery PITT -8 1/2
10 #4 Xavier def. #12 Wisconsin 60-49 Sun, 3/22 2:20 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel XAV -3 1/2
             
11 #2 Duke def. #7 Texas 74-69 Sat, 3/21 8:15 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg DUKE -7 1/2
12 #3 Villanova def. #6 UCLA 89-69 Sat, 3/21 1:05 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas NOVA -2 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 Pittsburgh def. #4 Xavier 60-55 March 26 7:27 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery PITT -7 1/2
14 #3 Villanova def. #2 Duke 77-54 March 26 9:57 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery DUKE -2 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #3 Villanova def. #1 Pittsburgh 78-76 March 28 7:05 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery PITT -2

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West Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 UConn def. #16 Chattanooga 103-47 Thu, 3/19 3:00 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UConn -20.5
2 #9 Texas A&M def. #8 BYU 79-66 Thu, 3/19 12:30 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas BYU -2
             
3 #4 Washington def. #13 Mississippi St. 71-58 Thu, 3/19 5:00 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner NL
4 #5 Purdue def. #12 Northern Iowa 61-56 Thu, 3/19 2:30 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner PU -8.5
             
5 #2 Memphis def. #15 Cal St. Northridge 81-70 Thu, 3/19 12:25 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski MEM -19
6 #10 Maryland def. #7 California 84-71 Thu, 3/19 2:55 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski CAL -1
             
7 #3 Missouri def. #14 Cornell 78-59 Fri, 3/20 3:00 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MIZZOU -13
8 #6 Marquette def. #11 Utah State 58-57 Fri, 3/20 12:30 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MARQ -4.5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 UConn def. #9 Texas A&M 92-66 Sat, 3/21 3:35 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UConn -10 1/2
10 #5 Purdue def. #4 Washington 76-74 Sat, 3/21 5:40 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner WAS -1 1/2
             
11 #2 Memphis def. #10 Maryland 89-70 Sat, 3/21 3:20 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski MEM -9 1/2
12 #3 Missouri def. #6 Marquette 83-79 Sun, 3/22 4:50 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MIZZOU -3 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 UConn def. #5 Purdue 72-60 March 26 7:07 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas UConn -6 1/2
14 #3 Missouri def. #2 Memphis 102-91 March 26 9:37 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas MEM -4 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #1 UConn def. #3 Missouri 82-75 March 28 4:40 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas UConn -5

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column, TV and Betting Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, March Madness

MMA Roundup: Lesnar, Mir, Evans, Shamrock, Other Shamrock, Diaz and more

March 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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MMA Weekly Roundup - UFC 100 PreviewMan oh man, what a week it has been in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Any week in which we have both Shamrock brothers in the news is a week I consider good…ish.

Let’s start with the news from the reigning champions of MMA, the UFC.

UFC 100 would be a huge event no matter what was on the card. The number 100 is a milestone many tried to keep MMA from reaching. Just think back to the late 90′s, when John McCain was petitioning to get MMA banned in the US, the UFC was just getting out of it’s “No Holds Barred” era, and many people viewed the sport as “human cock fighting”. Say what you will about the Feritta brothers, Dana White, and the TapouT Crew (one of whom passed away this week), but without them MMA would have never made it this far.

Just over a month ago it seemed White and company planned on relying on the number “100″ itself to sell the event. They shot down rumors of all titles being on the line that night, they made clear the superfight of our generation between Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre wouldn’t happen, and they had planned to have Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir have their rematch to unify the Heavyweight title at UFC 98. Well what a difference a month makes.

None of this is “official” yet, but the current plans for UFC 100 have Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping facing off in the traditional battle of Ultimate Fighter coaches, GSP is supposed to defend his title against Thiago Alves, and of course the much delayed rematch between Frank Mir and Brock Lesnar for the unification of the UFC Heavyweight Title.

While the UFC is trying to make UFC 100 something special, they still had a UFC 98 that was missinMMA Weekly Roundup - UFC 100 Previewg a main event. It was initially announced that if Quintin “Rampage” Jackson defeated Keith Jardine at UFC 96 he would face off with “Sugar” Rashad Evans for the UFC’s Light Heavyweight Title. Rampage defeated Jardine, had a face off with Evans immediately following the fight, and promptly had to pull out of the fight.

It appears Rampage will be undergoing surgery on his jaw to fix an injury suffered during training for his bout against Wanerlei Silva last December. Now Evans is set to face off against Lyoto Machida. While it is much to early to make predictions, I can tell you that the champion is the early underdog in this fight. Not that I would ever gamble online, but if I did, I may have already taken Evans at +160 in this one.

In order to move away from UFC news, I would like to mention that I will be attending Wrestlemania 25 on April 5th in Houston, Texas. What does this have to do with MMA you ask? Let me tell you, part of this week’s big news involved two former WWF/E champions.

MMA Weekly Roundup - UFC 100 PreviewFormer UFC Heavyweight and WWF Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock was supposed to face the former WWE US and ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley at the upcoming Roy Jones Jr.-promoted Boxing/MMA March Badness event. Well, Ken Shamrock has since been suspended for a year from fighting within the US due to testing positive for steroids. Lashley is now scheduled to face off against Clay Guidas’ bigger, not-as-talented brother Jason. Lashley has come out in the last few days saying he wouldn’t mind taking the Shamrock fight to Japan where they don’t uphold US suspensions.

My last little bit of news involves two of the most entertaining fighters in MMA.

Frank Shamrock (adoptive and estranged brother of Ken) will be facing off against perpetual menace to society Nick Diaz. For the record, I am a Frank Shamrock fan. I want to see him fight and I enjoy his spirited verbal sparring most of the time. Nick Diaz I see as a person who has no respect for the sport and the prototype of all that is wrong with meat head fans/fighters. That being said, I am super excited that Strikeforce is making this match-up happen. It could turn into the most entertaining build up to a match since Ali Foreman. As we get closer to the April 11th Showtime fight I will preview more, but for now I will just leave you with quotes from both men. These come courtesy of Cagepotato.com:

MMA Weekly Roundup - UFC 100 Preview

“Someone asked me the other day how my comeback was going so I guess I’ve come back. I love fighting. I love this art. I want to thank Nick Diaz for the opportunity and just warn him that when I punch his head and he lands in the second row he’ll need someone to catch him.” — Frank Shamrock

“Frank can talk all he wants, but I’m going to beat him up. Let’s see how much he fights back.’’ — Nick Diaz


Filed Under: Featured Column, MMA Tagged With: Bobby Lashley, brock lesnar, Dan Henderson, Dana White, Frank Mir, Frank Shamrock, Georges St-Pierre, Ken Shamrock, Lyoto Machida, March Badness, Michael Bisping, Nick Diaz, QUintin Rampage Jackson, Sugar Rashad Evans, Thiago Alves, ufc, UFC 100, UFC 98, WWE, WWF

March Madness 2009 Regional Breakdowns: West Region (Glendale)

March 14, 2009 By 3 Comments
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

——————–

2009 West Region Phoenix: Game Schedule, Time, Announcers, Spreads
(Note 3/16, 1:12 pm: March Madness is here! Each of of these regional primers will be constantly updated with the official brackets and TV schedules, my predictions, ticket resources, game point spreads and odds, plus the results as they pour in over the next two weeks. Just as we did with out conference tournament posts, this series of posts is designed for you to bookmark and come back to anytime you need information on one of the regions in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.)

2009 NCAA Tournament: West Region

Here is the pertinent meta information for the West Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

Now, let’s break down the bracket for the West Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. First, a few quick notes:

  1. This should go without saying, but for any March Madness first-timers: all games are on CBS. You’ll have to check your local listings to find out which games are on in your area. But all games can be viewed live online for free at the following link:
    Watch NCAA Tournament Games Online at March Madness On Demand
  2. If you want to view the schedule in actual bracket form, there is a link underneath the table.
  3. The table below provides the following details on a game-by-game basis: date, time, location, announcers, and the point spread.
  4. I will add/update the information as it becomes available. If any piece of information is missing and you know it, or know where it is, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it. I promise.
  5. All spreads are as of 3/16 and provided by Sportsbook.com via DocSports. Follow the links for the most current spreads. Announcer schedules courtesy of Awful Announcing.

2009 NCAA Tournament - West Region Phoenix

And now, here is the schedule breakdown for the 2009 NCAA Tournament West Region:


West Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 UConn def. #16 Chattanooga 103-47 Thu, 3/19 3:00 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UConn -20.5
2 #9 Texas A&M def. #8 BYU 79-66 Thu, 3/19 12:30 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas BYU -2
             
3 #4 Washington def. #13 Mississippi St. 71-58 Thu, 3/19 5:00 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner NL
4 #5 Purdue def. #12 Northern Iowa 61-56 Thu, 3/19 2:30 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner PU -8.5
             
5 #2 Memphis def. #15 Cal St. Northridge 81-70 Thu, 3/19 12:25 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski MEM -19
6 #10 Maryland def. #7 California 84-71 Thu, 3/19 2:55 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski CAL -1
             
7 #3 Missouri def. #14 Cornell 78-59 Fri, 3/20 3:00 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MIZZOU -13
8 #6 Marquette def. #11 Utah State 58-57 Fri, 3/20 12:30 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MARQ -4.5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 UConn def. #9 Texas A&M 92-66 Sat, 3/21 3:35 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UConn -10 1/2
10 #5 Purdue def. #4 Washington 76-74 Sat, 3/21 5:40 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner WAS -1 1/2
             
11 #2 Memphis def. #10 Maryland 89-70 Sat, 3/21 3:20 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski MEM -9 1/2
12 #3 Missouri def. #6 Marquette 83-79 Sun, 3/22 4:50 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel MIZZOU -3 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 UConn def. #5 Purdue 72-60 March 26 7:07 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas UConn -6 1/2
14 #3 Missouri def. #2 Memphis 102-91 March 26 9:37 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas MEM -4 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #1 UConn def. #3 Missouri 82-75 March 28 4:40 PM Glendale Enberg-Bilas UConn -5

Follow the link for a PDF of a printable 2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket, delivered by CollegeHoopsNet.com.
2009 NCAA Tournament - West Region Phoenix

FYI, the in-studio hosts for CBS’ coverage of the 2009 NCAA Tournament this year will be Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony, and Seth Davis. Here are the 8 announcer pairings for the first and second round games:

  • Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg (will handle Final Four)
  • Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Dick Enberg or Carter Blackburn and Jay Bilas
  • GUS JOHNSON!!! and Len Elmore
  • Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner
  • Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Tim Brando and Mike Gminski

If there is anything specific you’d like to know but don’t feel like looking up for yourself, just ask in the comments. We’re all about on-demand information here at MSF.

UPDATE 3/17: It’s time for some predictions.

Earlier today, I posted my official one-and-only NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. I actually devised what I call a subjective-objective metric-based approach to my predictions this year. For a complete explanation of the metrics I used and how the system worked, read the complete Mens Tournament Bracket Prediction post. (FYI: Some of the analysis-based verbiage below may not make complete sense without reading the explanation in the bracket prediction post.)

Here is the section specific to the West region:

West Region Predictions

First Round Picks – West Region

  • #1 UConn
  • #9 Texas A&M over #8 BYU
  • #5 Purdue over #12 Northern Iowa
  • #4 Washington over #13 Mississippi State
  • #6 Marquette over #11 Utah State
  • #3 Missouri over #14 Cornell
  • #7 California over #10 Maryland
  • #2 Memphis over #15 Cal State Northridge

No real surprises. BYU-Texas A&M was a 3-3 tie based on the metrics, but I chose Texas A&M because they have slightly more experienced guard play and played a slightly tougher schedule. Again, total toss-up, could go either way — but you have to pick one!

Second Round Picks – West Region

  • #1 UConn over #9 Texas A&M
  • #4 Washington over #5 Purdue
  • #6 Marquette over #3 Missouri
  • #7 California over #2 Memphis

The top part of the bracket goes according to seed. I actually thought Purdue would go a little farther when I first embarked on this analysis, but Washington just edges them out. The surprises come in the bottom half of the bracket.Mens NCAA Tournament Bracket Predictions and Picks - John Calipari, Memphis

Marquette defies seeding to beat Missouri, but I don’t really consider this an upset. Even without Dominic James, Marquette has vast experience in its backcourt, they don’t turn the ball over much, and they make 72% of their free throws.

Memphis losing this early surprised me a little, but I do not think they are nearly as good as they were last year. Cal actually bests Memphis in FT%, SOS, guard experience, and TO/game. I think Memphis’ inexperience and lower level of competition since January hurts them and they make an early exit. I have no qualms going with the stats and picking Cal here. (Side note: Is John Calipari screaming, crying, or yawning in that picture?)

Sweet 16 Picks – West Region

  • #1 UConn over #4 Washington
  • #6 Marquette over #7 California

UConn is very strong across the board with respect to the stats I chose, and they pretty much dominate Washington. Marquette-Cal is a relatively even matchup, but the experience and slightly better TO/game numbers give Marquette the edge.

Elite 8 Pick – West Region

  • #1 UConn over #6 Marquette

An all Big East regional final in the West would be great. The problem for Marquette is that UConn is just a little bit better at a couple more categories. UConn went 10-1 on the road this year and has an all-senior backcourt that includes the great AJ Price (who I have been a big fan of ever since he dismantled Indiana last season). Plus, while this is not really taken into account statistically, having a 7’3 big man down low in Hasheem Thabeet obviously gives UConn a dimension that most teams do not have. I am comfortable sending the Huskies to the Final Four.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, March Madness

March Madness 2009 Regional Breakdowns: East Region (Boston)

March 14, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

——————–

2009 West Region Phoenix: Game Schedule, Time, Announcers, Spreads
(Note 3/16, 1:12 pm: March Madness is here! Each of of these regional primers will be constantly updated with the official brackets and TV schedules, my predictions, ticket resources, game point spreads and odds, plus the results as they pour in over the next two weeks. Just as we did with out conference tournament posts, this series of posts is designed for you to bookmark and come back to anytime you need information on one of the regions in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.)

2009 NCAA Tournament: East Region

Here is the pertinent meta information for the East Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

Now, let’s break down the bracket for the East Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. First, a few quick notes:

  1. This should go without saying, but for any March Madness first-timers: all games are on CBS. You’ll have to check your local listings to find out which games are on in your area. But all games can be viewed live online for free at the following link:
    Watch NCAA Tournament Games Online at March Madness On Demand
  2. If you want to view the schedule in actual bracket form, there is a link underneath the table.
  3. The table below provides the following details on a game-by-game basis: date, time, location, announcers, and the point spread.
  4. I will add/update the information as it becomes available. If any piece of information is missing and you know it, or know where it is, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it. I promise.
  5. All spreads are as of 3/16 and provided by Sportsbook.com via DocSports. Follow the links for the most current spread info. Announcer schedules courtesy of Awful Announcing.

2009 NCAA Tournament - East Region Boston

And now, here is the schedule breakdown for the 2009 NCAA Tournament East Region:


East Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 Pittsburgh def. #16 E. Tenn. St. 72-62 Fri, 3/20 2:55 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery PIT -20
2 #8 Oklahoma St. def. #9 Tennessee 77-75 Fri, 3/20 12:25 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery TENN -2
             
3 #4 Xavier def. #13 Portland St. 77-59 Fri, 3/20 7:25 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel XU -11
4 #12 Wisconsin def. #5 Florida State 61-59 Fri, 3/20 9:55 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel FSU -3
             
5 #2 Duke def. #15 Binghamton 86-62 Thu, 3/19 9:40 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg DUKE -21.5
6 #7 Texas def. #10 Minnesota 76-62 Thu, 3/19 7:10 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UT -4
             
7 #3 Villanova def. #14 American U. 80-67 Thu, 3/19 7:20 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas VU -17
8 #6 UCLA def. #11 VCU 65-64 Thu, 3/19 9:50 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas UCLA -7
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 Pittsburgh def. #8 Oklahoma State 84-76 Sun, 3/22 2:50 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery PITT -8 1/2
10 #4 Xavier def. #12 Wisconsin 60-49 Sun, 3/22 2:20 PM Boise Bolerjack-Wenzel XAV -3 1/2
             
11 #2 Duke def. #7 Texas 74-69 Sat, 3/21 8:15 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg DUKE -7 1/2
12 #3 Villanova def. #6 UCLA 89-69 Sat, 3/21 1:05 PM Philadelphia Enberg/Blackburn-Bilas NOVA -2 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 Pittsburgh def. #4 Xavier 60-55 March 26 7:27 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery PITT -7 1/2
14 #3 Villanova def. #2 Duke 77-54 March 26 9:57 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery DUKE -2 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #3 Villanova def. #1 Pittsburgh 78-76 March 28 7:05 PM Boston Lundquist-Raftery PITT -2

Follow the link for a PDF of a printable 2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket, delivered by CollegeHoopsNet.com.
2009 NCAA Tournament - East Region Boston

FYI, the in-studio hosts for CBS’ coverage of the 2009 NCAA Tournament this year will be Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony, and Seth Davis. Here are the 8 announcer pairings for the first and second round games:

  • Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg (will handle Final Four)
  • Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Dick Enberg or Carter Blackburn and Jay Bilas
  • GUS JOHNSON!!! and Len Elmore
  • Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner
  • Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Tim Brando and Mike Gminski

If there is anything specific you’d like to know but don’t feel like looking up for yourself, just ask in the comments. We’re all about on-demand information here at MSF.

UPDATE 3/17: It’s time for some predictions.

Earlier today, I posted my official one-and-only NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. I actually devised what I call a subjective-objective metric-based approach to my predictions this year. For a complete explanation of the metrics I used and how the system worked, read the complete Mens Tournament Bracket Prediction post. (FYI: Some of the analysis-based verbiage below may not make complete sense without reading the explanation in the bracket prediction post.)

Here is the section specific to the Easst region:

East Region Predictions

First Round Picks – East Region

  • #1 Pittsburgh
  • #8 Oklahoma State over #9 Tennessee
  • #12 Wisconsin over #5 Florida State
  • #4 Xavier over #13 Portland State
  • #6 UCLA over #11 Virginia Commonwealth
  • #3 Villanova over #14 American U.
  • #7 Texas over #10 Minnesota
  • #2 Duke over #15 Binghamton

Oklahoma State-Tennessee was a 3-3 tie. However, one of the categories Tennessee “won” was being a 9 seed over an 8 seed. Considering the fact that OSU has more experienced guards, turns the ball over less, and shoots better from the line, I like them to win. And for goodness sakes, 9 seeds only win 3% moNCAA Tournament Picks and Predictions - Bo Ryan, Wisconsinre than 8 seeds, so it’s not like the 9 over 8 advantage should determine every one of these matchups.

Wisconsin is my #12 seed that pulls the upset. The Badgers burned me in the Big Ten Tournament (I picked them to win it) and this pick scares me a little bit considering how well Florida State played in the ACC Tournament. However, Wisconsin has more experienced guards (by class anyway) and turns the ball over a staggering 5.6 times less per game. I actually look at this game as a toss-up, but I feel comfortable going with the Badgers in the upset.

Interesting note: VCU over UCLA is a trendy first round upset pick. Led by former tournament star Eric Maynor (remember VCU’s upset of Duke a couple years ago?) a lot of people, including Jay Bilas, think VCU could/will beat UCLA. However, this was the only first round game (minus the 1/16 battles, which I did not analyze) in which one team won all six categories — and it was UCLA doing the winning. I had actually anticipated picking VCU, but based on the analysis, I now feel pretty good picking the Bruins.

Which, of course, means that VCU will still probably win. Oh well. Such is March Madness.

Second Round Picks – East Region

  • #1 Pittsburgh over #8 Oklahoma State
  • #12 Wisconsin over #4 Xavier
  • #3 Villanova over #6 UCLA
  • #2 Duke over #7 Texas

Well, here I go again banking my credibility on Bo Ryan and the Badgers. Their experience, protection of the ball, FT%, and SOS all trump Xavier. This worries me a bit because Wisconsin has been so up and down this year, but they do play the kind of basketball I respect, and have made noise in the tournament before. By no means would I be shocked to see Wisconsin lose here (or in the first round for that matter), but I’m sticking with the Badgers to move onto the Sweet 16 and help restore some cred to the Big Ten.

Sweet 16 Picks – East Region

  • #1 Pittsburgh over #12 Wisconsin
  • #3 Villanova over #2 Duke

Halelujah, Pittsburgh beats Wisconsin. I was really worried that I might have devised a system that would choose this game in a way I would have a really hard time justifying. But Pitt was better on the road and has more experience in the backcourt. It ended up a 3-3 tie, with Pitt’s tremendous seed advantage tipping the scales.

The Villanova-Duke matchup was 3-3, which should go to the higher seed. However, because it’s a 2-3 matchup, I gave myself the wiggle room to be subjective in my choice. Duke is playing well, but I love ‘Nova’s backcourt and I just don’t see this Duke team as being built for a long tourney run. ‘Nova moves on for another all Big East Regional Final.

Elite 8 Pick – East Region

  • #1 Pittsburgh over #3 Villanova

As you can tell, my subjective choices of metrics obviously prove that I am a fan of the Big East’s brand of basketball. Through three regions, I have chosen five Big East schools to make the Elite 8. Villanova is far superior at the line, but Pittsburgh faced a tougher schedule and has more experience guards that turn the ball over less. Jamie Dixon and the Panthers move on to Detroit.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, March Madness

March Madness 2009 Regional Breakdowns: South Region (Memphis)

March 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

——————–

2009 West Region Phoenix: Game Schedule, Time, Announcers, Spreads
(Note 3/16, 1:12 pm: March Madness is here! Each of of these regional primers will be constantly updated with the official brackets and TV schedules, my predictions, ticket resources, game point spreads and odds, plus the results as they pour in over the next two weeks. Just as we did with out conference tournament posts, this series of posts is designed for you to bookmark and come back to anytime you need information on one of the regions in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.)

2009 NCAA Tournament: South Region

Here is the pertinent meta information for the South Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

Now, let’s break down the bracket for the South Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. First, a few quick notes:

  1. This should go without saying, but for any March Madness first-timers: all games are on CBS. You’ll have to check your local listings to find out which games are on in your area. But all games can be viewed live online for free at the following link:
    Watch NCAA Tournament Games Online at March Madness On Demand
  2. If you want to view the schedule in actual bracket form, there is a link underneath the table.
  3. The table below provides the following details on a game-by-game basis: date, time, location, announcers, and the point spread.
  4. I will add/update the information as it becomes available. If any piece of information is missing and you know it, or know where it is, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it. I promise.
  5. All spreads are as of 3/16 and provided by Sportsbook.com via DocSports. Follow the links for the most current spread info. Announcer schedules courtesy of Awful Announcing.

2009 NCAA Tournament - South Region Memphis

And now, here is the schedule breakdown for the 2009 NCAA Tournament South Region:


South Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 North Carolina def. #16 Radford 101-58 Thu, 3/19 2:50 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UNC -27
2 #8 LSU def. #9 Butler 75-71 Thu, 3/19 12:20 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg LSU -2 1/2
             
3 #4 Gonzaga def. #13 Akron 77-64 Thu, 3/19 7:25 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner GON -11.5
4 #12 Western Kentucky def #5 Illinois 76-72 Thu, 3/19 9:55 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner ILL -4
             
5 #2 Oklahoma def. #15 Morgan St. 82-54 Thu, 3/19 9:40 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski OU -16.5
6 #10 Michigan def. #7 Clemson 62-59 Thu, 3/19 7:10 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski CLEM -5.5
             
7 #3 Syracuse def. #14 Stephen F. Austin 59-44 Fri, 3/20 12:15 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel SYR -12.5
8 #6 Arizona St. def. #11 Temple 66-57 Fri, 3/20 2:45 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel ASU -5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 North Carolina def. #8 LSU 84-70 Sat. 3/21 5:45 PM Greensboro Nantz-Kellogg UNC -11 1/2
10 #4 Gonzaga def. #12 Western Kentucky 83-81 Sat. 3/21 8:10 PM Portland Harlan-Bonner GON -10 1/2
             
11 #2 Oklahoma def. #10 Michigan 73-63 Sat. 3/21 5:50 PM Kansas City Brando-Gminski OU -6 1/2
12 #3 Syracuse def. #6 Arizona State 78-67 Sun, 3/22 12:10 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel SU -1 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 North Carolina def. #4 Gonzaga 98-77 March 27 9:57 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg UNC -8 1/2
14 #2 Oklahoma def. #3 Syracuse 84-71 March 27 7:27 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg OU -1 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #1 North Carolina def. #2 Oklahoma 72-60 March 29 5:05 PM Memphis Nantz-Kellogg UNC -6.5

Follow the link for a PDF of a printable 2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket, delivered by CollegeHoopsNet.com.
2009 NCAA Tournament - South Region Memphis

FYI, the in-studio hosts for CBS’ coverage of the 2009 NCAA Tournament this year will be Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony, and Seth Davis. Here are the 8 announcer pairings for the first and second round games:

  • Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg (will handle Final Four)
  • Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Dick Enberg or Carter Blackburn and Jay Bilas
  • GUS JOHNSON!!! and Len Elmore
  • Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner
  • Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Tim Brando and Mike Gminski

If there is anything specific you’d like to know but don’t feel like looking up for yourself, just ask in the comments. We’re all about on-demand information here at MSF.

UPDATE 3/17: It’s time for some predictions.

Earlier today, I posted my official one-and-only NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. I actually devised what I call a subjective-objective metric-based approach to my predictions this year. For a complete explanation of the metrics I used and how the system worked, read the complete Mens Tournament Bracket Prediction post. (FYI: Some of the analysis-based verbiage below may not make complete sense without reading the explanation in the bracket prediction post.)

Here is the section specific to the South region:

South Region Predictions

First Round Picks – South Region

  • #1 North Carolina
  • #9 Butler over #8 LSU
  • #5 Illinois over #12 Western Kentucky
  • #4 Gonzaga over #13 Akron
  • #6 Arizona State over #11 Temple
  • #3 Syracuse over #14 Stephen F. Austin
  • #7 Clemson over #10 Michigan
  • #2 Oklahoma over #15 Morgan State

A pretty much by-the-seed first round in the South. There are a few games I would not be surprised to see go the other way (WKU over Illinois, Michigan over Clemson, for example) but I have no issueNCAA Tournament Picks and Predictions - Bruce Webers with any of these games. Butler and LSU was close, and LSU actually has more experience and turns the ball over less, but Butler actually played a tougher schedule and was better on the road. I like rooting for the Bulldogs anyway, so I’m glad this turned out how it did.

Second Round Picks – South Region

  • #1 North Carolina over #9 Butler
  • #4 Gonzaga over #5 Illinois
  • #3 Syracuse over #6 Arizona State
  • #2 Oklahoma over #7 Clemson

Chalk reigns again as the top four seeds all advance. Illinois versus Gonzaga was very close, but I definitely would have picked Gonzaga in this one without the stats, so I feel good that it turned out this way — especially with Illinois not having Chester Frazier. Syracuse-Arizona State was won by the Orange based on their seed, but I would not be shocked to see ASU win. Syracuse turns the ball over a lot and is not good at all from the FT line. But I do love their backcourt and think Jonny Flynn is one of the ten best players in America and could lead my team anytime.

Sweet 16 Picks – South Region

  • #1 North Carolina over #4 Gonzaga
  • #2 Oklahoma over #3 Syracuse

Chalk again. And neither is really all that close. Surely Ty Lawson would be healthy (or healthy enough) by the Sweet 16, and I think UNC would need him to beat a really good Gonzaga team. Oklahoma beats Syracuse in everything but SOS. And honestly? It’s about time a Big East team did not make the Elite 8. With a healthy Blake Griffin all year, Oklahoma probably gets a #1 seed. This is not a surprise to see them advance so far.

Elite 8 Pick – South Region

  • #1 North Carolina over #2 Oklahoma

The Tar Heels actually beat Oklahoma in every category. Before looking at the stats I wondered who I would pick just based on the eyeball test. But it’s hard to argue with a system that I devised saying North Carolina is better in every category. The Tar Heels head to the Final Four.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, March Madness

Donte Stallworth Could Face Charges in Fatal Traffic Accident in Miami Beach

March 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Browns WR Donte Stallworth Involved in Fatal Traffic Accident

(Editor’s Note: No new updates as of Sunday night on the Donte Stallworth case in Miami.  After you read the post below, follow the link to our post from earlier today, in which we discuss the unfortunate litany of vehicular homicides and other legal problems involving former Tennessee players; all are black eyes for both the university and the NFL.)

Per multiple reports today, Browns WR Donte Stallworth was involved in a fatal traffic accident early this morning in Miami Beach and could face charges. Much thanks to Barry McBride at the Orange and Brown Report for the tip on the Stallworth accident.

According to a report in the Florida Sun-Sentinel, Donte Stallworth was driving his Bentley east on the McArthur Causeway (a road KVB and I know well) toward Miami Beach when he struck a 49-year old man crossing the roadway. The victim was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

More from the Sun-Sentinel on the fatal accident involving Donte Stallworth:

According to witnesses, the victim worked at a nearby shipping company as an overnight crane operator. The man had just finished his shift and was crossing the street to catch a bus when he was struck.

Charges are pending the results of the investigation and blood tests, said Sanchez. Stallworth was cooperating with authorities and has not been charged, he said.

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk is also reporting that Stallworth is being tested for whether or not he was under the influence at the time of the accident. According to PFT, this is the second traffic incident involving Donte Stallworth driving a Bentley, as he was also arrested in 2006 “after he refused to turn off his cell phone and shut off the engine after a traffic stop for driving with an expired license.”

It stands to reasons that Donte Stallworth was probably out celebrating the $4.875 million roster bonus that he received from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns had no real choice but to pay the bonus, since this portion of the contract Stallworth signed before last season was guaranteed. In 2008, Donte Stallworth was a disappointment in Cleveland as his injury troubles continued and he posted a paltry 17 receptions for 170 yards.

We will have to wait until the test results are back and whether charges are filed against Stallworth to make any further judgments. Either way, a difficult and tumultuous offseason for the Cleveland Browns continues. And as Florio points out, let’s not forget that an innocent man died as the result of a very preventable accident.

Update 3/14 3:40 PM: PFT has updated its report on the pending investigation into the fatal traffic accident in which Donte Stallworth hit a man early this morning while driving his Bentley. According to Florio, who spoke with Miami Beach Police Det. Juan Sanchez this afternoon, Stallworth is not being charged at this time and may not be for several days, pending the results of bloodwork to determine what, if any, substances might have been in Stallworth’s system. Per the PFT report, according to Det. Sanchez Stallworth has been cooperative with the investigation.

Jump over to PFT to read their full update on the Donte Stallworth investigation.

Update 3/14 6:38 PM: PFT has more on the Donte Stallworth story. While no charges are immediately imminent, PFT’s sources apparently believe that Stallworth will be charged with DUI manslaughter. Stallworth reportedly admitted to drinking last night, but took his last drink, according to PFT, at midnight. The accident did not occur until 7:00 this morning.

Lots more over at PFT, so jump over to their latest Donte Stallworth update.


Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: Cleveland Browns, donte stallworth, NFL, nfl offseason

Dewayne Hoping to Become Wise Decision in Center for Ozzie Guillen — Is He?

March 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Dewayne Wise - Chicago White Sox

Dewayne Wise - Chicago White Sox - CFLet me just say before beginning that I am not passing along the pun in the title of this post as my own. It’s not that I explicitly heard or read it somewhere else, but I cannot imagine that I’m the first person to be so lame and turdly creative.

But if Dewayne Wise ends up becoming the White Sox everyday centerfielder, you can bet that more losers bloggers like me will be trying to come up with creative puns using Dewayne’s last name. We can only hope that the puns are descriptive, and not ironic; because if Dewayne Wise is the choice in centerfield, the White Sox need it to work out.

Based on his track record, however, Dewayne Wise has not proven that he can be an everyday Major League player — let alone the leadoff man in a high-powered offense. And at 31, can we really expect a career renaissance from a player who has never had more than 162 ABs in a season?

Look, I don’t want to be the proverbial turd in the punch bowl here because Dewayne is having a great spring and I really like the value he brings to the 25-man roster. And I have gone on record numerous occasions stating that I think Ken Williams is awesome and that I wouldn’t want any other GM on the South Side. But the one critique I would offer is that Ken Williams has not filled our gaping holes in center field and at the top of the order that have been consistent over the last few years.. Last year, we overcame it to win the AL Central.

Do we want to roll the dice that we can do it again?

This spring, Dewayne Wise is competing with Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson for centerfield slot. Let’s take a look at each’s career numbers and their numbers this spring. I’m only listing a few numbers here, but you can use the links to see their full statistics.

Dewayne Wise (31 on Opening Day)

Jerry Owens (28 on Opening Day)

Brian Anderson - Chicago White Sox OFBrian Anderson (27 on Opening Day)

I have never been one to put a lot of stock in Spring Training numbers. The sample sizes are small and there are too many variables that make it hard to compare numbers between players and project in-season success for the coming year.

When I look at the battle between Dewayne Wise, Jerry Owens, and Brian Anderson, there are a few criteria that look at for who I think should be the starter in center:

  1. Who gets on base more?
  2. Who has speed to make something happen on the basepaths?
  3. Who projects as the best leadoff hitter?
  4. Who can cover the most ground in the outfield?

Who gets on base more?

Obviously Dewayne Wise’s numbers dwarf those of Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson this spring. But look at the career numbers. Wise’s .254 OBP as a Major Leaguer is not encouraging, nor is his .310 OBP in the minors. Brian Anderson actually has a .361 OBP in the minors, but that drops to .277 as a Major Leaguer. Jerry Owens, on the other hand, while not setting any records, has a .359 OBP in 1,970 minor league ABs and a .321 OBP as a Major Leaguer.

I don’t think we can expect any of these three guys to play significantly above or below their career averages, and Owens has proven himself to be the more consistent of three in getting on base, despite his struggles through 35 ABs this spring.

Who has more speed to make something happen on the basepaths?

Yes, Jerry Owens has not stolen a base this spring. And yes, he has actually been caught stealing 3 times. But Owens has a SB success rate of greater than 70% during his minor league and major league Jerry Owens - Chicago White Sox - CFcareer, and he already has a season in the majors in which he has stolen 32 bases. Dewayne Wise can steal bases, but certainly not in the quantity that Jerry Owens can. We basically have no other source of top-of-the-order speed, and Jerry Owens is one of the few players in the organization who can help us evolve from the station-to-station baseball we have been playing over the past few years.

Who projects as the best leadoff hitter?

Well, if Jerry Owens has had the most success getting on base in his career, and of he is the most prolific base stealer, I think that qualifies him as the best leadoff hitter out of Dewayne Wise and Brian Anderson. Wise and Anderson are much more suited to bottom-of-the-order spots in the lineup, but we have Josh Fields and whoever keeps 2B warm for Gordon Beckham to hit at the bottom of the order. We need someone to set the table and make things happen at the top of the order. That’s Jerry Owens.

Who can cover the most ground in the outfield?

All three of these guys are competent CFs defensively. Brian Anderson is probably the best defensive player overall, which makes him a solid bench player and late-inning defensive sub. Dewayne Wise can play some defense too, and his speed and range are comparable to that of Owens. Wise has made 4 errors in 240 major league games, while Owens has made 2 in 94 major league games. I don’t think Anderson and Wise are appreciably better than Owens in the outfield, at least not enough to overcome the offensive advantage that I think Owens provides.

At the end of the day, Dewayne Wise is having the best spring (as you can see from the links below) and Brian Anderson has the most Major League experience. And both have better power potential and higher SLG prowess than Jerry Owens.

But do we need more power and slugging in our lineup?

I don’t think so. We need more diversity and a greater variety of ways to score and put pressure on opposing pitching staffs and defenses. Jerry Owens is by no means a perfect choice to be an everyday CF and leadoff hitter, but he is the best the White Sox have right now. I do think that both Wise and Anderson should be on the Major League roster, and serve as a solid #4 and #5 OFs for purposes of depth, bats off the bench, and defensive replacements.

But the White Sox want a more dynamic offense, and one that has a chance to score runs without hitting home runs, I think Jerry Owens needs to get the first crack at CF and the leadoff spot when Opening Day rolls around.

What do you think?

Who should be the White Sox starting center fielder?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Dewayne Wise photo credit: AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

And now your roundup of White Sox links for the weekend:

Wise moving to front in center — (Joe Cowley, Sun-Times)

White Sox Friday Recap – Wise the leader at the leadoff spot — (Mark Gonzales, Tribune)

Dewayne Wise makes strides as Chicago White Sox leadoff man — (Mark Gonzales, Tribune)

White Sox searching for leadoff man — (South Side Sox)

Contreras, Colon, make me go hmmm — (Sox Machine)

Six-run fourth seals victory for White Sox — (Chisox.com)

Thursday’s White Sox Roundup — (Scott Merkin MLBlog: Being Ozzie Guillen)


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: Brian Anderson, Chicago White Sox, dewayne wise, Jerry Owens, MLB

March Madness 2009 Regional Breakdowns: Midwest Region (Indianapolis)

March 13, 2009 By 10 Comments
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

——————–

2009 West Region Phoenix: Game Schedule, Time, Announcers, Spreads
(Note 3/16, 1:12 pm: March Madness is here! Each of of these regional primers will be constantly updated with the official brackets and TV schedules, my predictions, ticket resources, game point spreads and odds, plus the results as they pour in over the next two weeks. Just as we did with out conference tournament posts, this series of posts is designed for you to bookmark and come back to anytime you need information on one of the regions in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.)

2009 NCAA Tournament: Midwest Region

Here is the pertinent meta information for the Midwest Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

Now, let’s break down the bracket for the Midwest Region of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. First, a few quick notes:

  1. This should go without saying, but for any March Madness first-timers: all games are on CBS. You’ll have to check your local listings to find out which games are on in your area. But all games can be viewed live online for free at the following link:
    Watch NCAA Tournament Games Online at March Madness On Demand
  2. If you want to view the schedule in actual bracket form, there is a link underneath the table.
  3. The table below provides the following details on a game-by-game basis: date, time, location, announcers, and the point spread.
  4. I will add/update the information as it becomes available. If any piece of information is missing and you know it, or know where it is, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll appreciate it. I promise.
  5. #1 seed Louisville will play the winner of the opening round play-in game between Alabama State and Morehead State. That game will take place Tuesday night, 3/17, at 7:30 ET. Morehead State is favored by 2.5 points.
  6. All spreads are as of 3/16 and provided by Sportsbook.com via DocSports. Follow the links for the most current spread info. Announcer schedules courtesy of Awful Announcing.

2009 NCAA Tournament - Midwest Region Indianapolis

And now, here is the schedule breakdown for the 2009 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region (all times ET):


Midwest Regional Bracket, TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers

Game Matchup Date Time Location Announcers Spread
  FIRST ROUND          
1 #1 Louisville def. #16 Morehead St 74-54 Fri, 3/20 7:10 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery LOU -20 1/2
2 #9 Siena def. #8 Ohio State 74-72 Fri, 3/20 9:40 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery OSU-3.5
             
3 #13 Cleveland St. def. #4 Wake Forest 84-69 Fri, 3/20 9:40 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel WFU -8
4 #12 Arizona def. #5 Utah 84-71 Fri, 3/20 7:10 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel AZ -1
             
5 #2 Michigan St. def. #15 Robert Morris 77-62 Fri, 3/20 9:50 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -17
6 #10 USC def. #7 Boston College Fri, 3/20 7:20 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore USC -2
             
7 #3 Kansas def. #14 N. Dakota St. 84-74 Fri, 3/20 12:30 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore KU -10
8 #11 Dayton def. #6 West Virginia 68-60 Fri, 3/20 3:00 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore WVU -8.5
             
  SECOND ROUND          
9 #1 Louisville def. #9 Siena 79-72 Sun, 3/22 5:20 PM Dayton Lundquist-Raftery UL -11 1/2
10 #12 Arizona def. #13 Cleveland State 71-57 Sun, 3/22 2:40 PM Miami Eagle-Spanarkel AZ -3 1/2
             
11 #2 Michigan State def. #10 USC 74-69 Sun, 3/22 5:00 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -4 1/2
12 #3 Kansas def. #11 Dayton 60-43 Sun, 3/22 2:30 PM Minneapolis Johnson-Elmore KU -7 1/2
             
  SWEET 16          
13 #1 Louisville def. #12 Arizona 103-64 March 27 7:07 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore UL -9 1/2
14 #2 Michigan State def. #3 Kansas 67-62 March 27 9:37 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore MSU -2 1/2
             
  ELITE 8 - REGIONAL FINAL          
15 #2 Michigan State def. #2 Louisville 64-52 March 29 2:20 PM Indianapolis Johnson-Elmore UL -7

Follow the link for a PDF of a printable 2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket, delivered by CollegeHoopsNet.com.
2009 NCAA Tournament - Midwest Region Indianapolis

FYI, the in-studio hosts for CBS’ coverage of the 2009 NCAA Tournament this year will be Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony, and Seth Davis. Here are the 8 announcer pairings for the first and second round games:

  • Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg (will handle Final Four)
  • Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Dick Enberg or Carter Blackburn and Jay Bilas
  • GUS JOHNSON!!! and Len Elmore
  • Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner
  • Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Tim Brando and Mike Gminski

If there is anything specific you’d like to know but don’t feel like looking up for yourself, just ask in the comments. We’re all about on-demand information here at MSF.

UPDATE 3/17: It’s time for some predictions.

Earlier today, I posted my official one-and-only NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. I actually devised what I call a subjective-objective metric-based approach to my predictions this year. For a complete explanation of the metrics I used and how the system worked, read the complete Mens Tournament Bracket Prediction post. (FYI: Some of the analysis-based verbiage below may not make complete sense without reading the explanation in the bracket prediction post.)

Here is the section specific to the Midwest region:

Midwest Region Predictions

First Round Picks – Midwest Region

  • #1 Louisville
  • #9 Siena over #8 Ohio State
  • #5 Utah over #12 Arizona
  • #4 Wake Forest over #13 Cleveland State
  • #6 West Virginia over #11 Dayton
  • #14 North Dakota St over #3 Kansas
  • #7 Boston College over #10 USC
  • #2 Michigan State over #15 Robert Morris

Siena and Ohio State were actually pretty evenly matched up, with Siena having a slight 3-2-1 advantage. Siena has a much better record on the road and more experienced guards, so I feel comfortable about that one. But it’s an 8/9 game so who the hell knows.NCAA Tournament Bracket Predictions and Picks - Bill Self

The one that will jump off the page is #14 North Dakota State over #3 Kansas. NDSU went 10-4 on the road this year, makes just under 74% of their free throws, has all senior guards, and only turns the ball over 11.3 times. Their Strength of Schedule is obviously not very good, but they played outstanding against their level of competition. Considering Kansas’ poor play very late in the season, and their relative youth, I am not afraid of this upset pick. If I had to bet money, I’d obviously put it on the Jayhawks, but now I won’t be at all shocked if they go down, much to the dismay of Bill Self.

Second Round Picks – Midwest Region

  • #1 Louisville over #9 Siena
  • #5 Utah over #4 Wake Forest
  • #14 North Dakota State over #6 West Virginia
  • #2 Michigan State over #7 Boston College

I like Utah over Wake Forest because of the experience factor, the fact that Utah turns the ball over more than two times per game less, and Utah’s ability to hit free throws at a 78.2% clip. Wake Forest clearly has the more talented team though; so again, this is a game where me being wrong would not be surprising at all.

And once again, you see my tourney darkhorse North Dakota State winning again. Considering the numbers I stated above, does this surprise you? West Virginia shoots less than 70% from the line, has relative inexperience at the guard position (a 2.5 score to NDSU’s 4) and turns the ball over slightly more.

Sweet 16 Picks – Midwest Region

  • #1 Louisville over #5 Utah
  • #2 Michigan State over #14 North Dakota State

Louisville beats Utah across the board, except for free throw shooting. The Michigan State-North Dakota State game was actually a tie by the categories. Michigan State wins in road record, seed, and strength of schedule, but falls short in FT shooting, guard experience, and TO/game. Non-adjacent favored seeds win out though, so NDSU’s Cinderalla story comes to an end.

Elite 8 Pick – Midwest Region

  • NCAA Tournament Bracket Picks and Predictions - Tom Izzo, Michigan State Final Four#2 Michigan State over #1 Louisville

Honestly, this surprised me a little bit. When I first sat down to look at the brackets, the Spartans were a team I looked at as potentially being ripe for an early upset. But looking deeper, many of their metrics, at least with respect to my personal basketball biases, make them a tournament-ready team. Add in the extra motivation of the Final Four being in Detroit, and I can see this happening.

The Spartans win 3-2-1, with the teams tying in guard experience and Louisville besting Michigan State in seeding and TO/game. Michigan State’s other advantages were by slim margins, which is to be expected. I think this would be a great regional final that could go either way (a refrain you will probably hear repeated as we move forward), but as a Big Ten fan I would love to see Tom Izzo and the boys make it to Detroit.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium, March Madness, Midwest Region

LOTD: Devendorf’s Oh-So-Close Release Leads to Syracuse-UConn 6 OT Instant Classic

March 13, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Jonny Flynn - Syracuse | Jeff Adrien - UConn

I have spent all morning trying to think of a better, more complete, and more compelling basketball game thanVideo: Devendorf Shot in Syracuse-UConn 6OT game what I watched last night in the Big East Tournament. Syracuse and UConn put on a show for the ages in a six overtime thriller that defies description.

I didn’t even start watching until the very end of regulation. After following the conference tournaments all day, I decided I needed a basketball break and busted out the new MLB game for the Wii. I had gotten through innings when my girlfriend texted me and told me to turn on the Syracuse-UConn game. I acquiesced, and the first images I saw where the ones displayed in the video below:

Video – Eric Devendorf Shot to End Regulation of Syracuse-UConn 6 OT Game

That has got to be the most razor thin margin for a buzzer-beater not counting that I have ever seen. I think it was Jay Bilas (or Bill Raftery…one of the two) who said later that if Devendorf had just cut his fingernails that morning, the shot would have counted. The crazy thing is, when you watch that video, it doesn’t seem like a ridiculous statement.

After getting sucked in watching whether or not they were going to count the shot, I watched every second of the 6 OTs. I get up at 5:30 every morning to get into work by 7:00, so I knew I would pay for it today — but it was definitely worth it. Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn were sensational in the overtimes. Flynn actually 67 of the 70 minutes in the game! And some of the shots that Andy Rautins hit were just amazing. Talk about a guy with impeccable fundamentals for coming off screens, squaring his shoulders, and shooting off a pass without a dribble.

Amazing.

And while Syracuse is getting tons of pub today for surviving winning the game, UConn was pretty awesome too. Their fatal flaw as far as I’m concerned was poor shot selection when they had opportunities to take the final shot in a couple of the overtimes. They settled for threes when a guy like AJ Price probably could have driven it to the hole, especially considering the weary legs of defenders on both sides.

What I can’t wait to see now is how Syracuse responds tonight. Can they possibly have any energy left to play West Virginia? We’ll see. The game is at 9:00 ET tonight, so Syracuse will have had about 19 hours to recover from playing three full halves and then another ten minutes of high intensity Big East basketball.

Wow.

I don’t know else to say.

That’s why I’ll let David Roth over at the WSJ Daily Fix take it from here. The Fix has a great breakdown of the Syracuse-UConn game, compiling the opinions and observations of sportswriters from around the country, and it is today’s Link of the Day:

LOTD: Breaking Down Syracuse’s 6OT Instant Classic — (WSJ Daily Fix)

It was already a dramatic Thursday in college basketball.

…

ll good games, all brilliant efforts from underdogs and all of them, alas, destined to be overshadowed by one of the wildest, greatest, loooongest games in hoops history. That would be Syracuse’s 127-117 upset victory over fourth-ranked UConn, which unfolded over a history-making six overtimes. Only one college game, ever, has gone longer; no Big East Tournament game has ever gone more than three.

(Note: David is also nice enough to give Midwest Sports Fans a shout-out at the bottom of the post. He links to our recent article on the passing of Dean Towey, the man responsible for bringing One Shining Moment to the NCAA Tournament. It is always exciting when our little operation here can get a blip on the radar screen of one of the titans of the sports blogosphere. We thank the Daily Fix for recognizing MSF.)

And now a few more links from around the sports blogosphere for you on what is a cold and dreary day here in Dallas…but will surely be filled with all kinds of excitement and drama later today when the conference tournaments start up again.

Oldie but a goodie: “One Thighning Moment” Video — (YouTube Video by Sharapova’s Thigh)

LeBron James pleased to hear NBA is reconsidering rules on traveling — (Cleveland.com)

Gastronomic Delights – NBA Power Rankings — (With Malice)

Updated NFL Mock Draft — (My Sports Rumors)

That’s a wrap: Hoosiers fall in opening round of Big Ten Tournament — (Inside the Hall)

Henrick Stenson and his unfortunate whitey-tighties — (BBC.co.uk)

Sorry Pacers, the answer’s no — (IndyStar)

Mark McGwire speaks! — (NY Times)

2009 Culture Tournament voting has begun — (The Big Lead)

OfftheTracks.org has a new location for its Purdue obsession — (Hammer and Rails)

It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame, let’s play two! — (Josh Q. Public)

Why I (and everyone else should) Hate Duke — (Sparty and Friends)


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: Big East basketball, CBB, March Madness

Will the Michigan Wolverines be Dancing Come Selection Sunday?

March 13, 2009 By 2 Comments
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After their impressive win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big 10 tournament, the Michigan Wolverines now have a 20-12 record with impressive wins over Duke, Illinois and UCLA on the season. They finished conference play prior to the tournament with a 9-9 record in a conference that will possibly send the most teams, eight, to the NCAA Tournament.Michigan Wolverines basketball John Beilen

Not only should thier record be taken into consideration by the selection committee, but their strength of schedule verses Division I opponents is #8 and their RPI is #43. Michigan’s win over Iowa should solidify their placement into the tournament as either a #12 or #13 seed. Michigan’s only black eye on this season was their inability to win on the road, posting a dismal 3-8 road record.

If all goes as it should this Sunday, my hat goes off to Coach John Beilein and the Athletic Director for bringing Coach Beilein in. I can’t remember the last time the Wolverines had something to look forward to in March other than the upcoming football season. Congratulations Wolverines on a great season so far and make some noise in the tournament!

Go Blue!!!

Kurt Fraschetti


Filed Under: Big Ten Basketball Tagged With: John Beilein, March Madness, Michigan Wolverines, ncaa tournament

AL Central Preview – Ranking the Outfield

March 12, 2009 By 3 Comments
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Previewing the AL Central Outfielders

White Sox – Average 3.33

Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye could be the best 1-2 outfield tandem in terms of offensive production in baseball. Chicago will really be relying on either Anderson, Owens, or Wise to step up this year to fill out that 3rd spot.

Quentin (A) – MVP type season until the injury. Quentin was able to put up 36 dingers in 130 games. Can we expect that again this year? It’s tough to say – but he’d certainly find himself in the heart of the order in any major league lineup.

Dye (A) – Consistently the toughest out in the lineup, especially against the division rival Minnesota Twins. He’s put up huge numbers year in and year out and at 35 years of age, there’s still no reason to expect a decline in average.

B. Anderson (C-) – Unfortunately, rounding out this all star cast with Brian Anderson is kind of a shame. Has a little power to his bat, but a .238 average won’t last long in the majors. The White Sox may take a look at Owens sooner rather than later.

Bench Bonus .1 (Owens, Wise) – One of Minnesota’s ‘MVP’s’ last season was certainly Dwayne Wise, I don’t think I ever saw him make solid contact with the ball against the team. Expect Owens to get some looks at the leadoff position. Anything’s got to be more productive than Wise or Anderson, right?

Tigers – Average 3.13

Granderson is absolutely key to this Detroit Tigers ballclub. Another 2007 from Granderson would be a warm welcome to the city of Detroit, they’re going to need to find every once of production in order to compete with the White Sox, Twins, and Indians this year.

Ordonez (A-) – Refound his form in 2007 and hasn’t slowed down since. His age may start to become a factor, but is still one of the best outfielders in baseball

Granderson (B) – Had an off 2008 year as the bar was set very high for him. No reason he shouldn’t be better this season. Still, he put up 22 HR while batting .280, not too shabby at all.

Guillen (C+) – Production decreased last year after some on and off health problems. Should put up better totals than his .286BA – 10HR mark last season – the Tigers will need it.

Bench Bonus .1 (Thames, Raburn, Clevlen) – Thames is a solid power hitting plug whenever needed, however he just strained a muscle during a game last week. Clevlen and Raburn are some youthful options as well.

Twins – Average 3.10

A very young, talented, and defensively focused outfield. Young, Gomez, and Span have the city excited about the future as they all are in their early 20′s. Still fairly raw and undeveloped, there is still going to be a learning curve ahead, however, the talent is undeniable and I think the team is more than willing to go accept their on and off slumps.

Young (B) – Has just about as much potential as any player out there. The former #1 overall pick plays solid defense and is expected to put up double digit home runs and possibly a .300+ average, if not, he may be wearing another jersey next season. He’s started off extremely hot in spring training.

Span (B) – Another one of Minnesota’s prototypical rangy defensive players that will do anything they can to get on base. Span only played 93 games last season, but certainly proved that he has earned his starting spot for the upcoming season. Expect a fairly solid year at the plate for the Twins’ lead off man.

Cuddyer (B-) – Coming off an injury riddled season where he never really found his form, Cuddyer hopes to show that he still deserves a spot in the Twins’ outfield. If he stays healthy he should be able to put up some decent numbers surrounded by a better cast. Still, his stats last year are still enough to scare me. Also boasts one of the best arms in baseball.

Bench Bonus .2 (Gomez, Pridie) – Expect the high octane Carlos Gomez to get plenty of playing time this season. The roof is unlimited for him as long as he can figure out where the strike zone is.

Indians – Average 3.00

Baby face Grady Sizemore is still one of the class acts of major league baseball but is going to have to improve his average if the team is going to compete in 2009. Couple Sizemore with Choo (who could have a big year) and this team has some pieces in place to attempt a run at the AL Central.

Sizemore (A) – I’d like to see a higher OBP or BA out of Sizemore if he’s going to continue to lead off – I’d love to see him make the move down the order. Sure he can steal bases, but it doesn’t help if you’re either putting the ball over the fence or popping out (solo home runs don’t win championships). Still, he’s a first tier major league outfielder.

Choo (B) – Put up great numbers for a guy who only played half a season. Still, it would be interesting to see what he could do while playing over 100 games in a season, although, reports indicate that he’s already having some minor health problems playing in the WBC.

Francisco (C-) – Never been able to steal bases like he once did in the minors at the major league level. Has some pop to his bat, but his poor average always hurts. Just an average to below average major league outfielder.

Bench Bonus .1 (Delluci, Barfield) – Delluci brings some experience and pop to the lineup but can’t hit for average at all. The Indians may give Barfield some more looks in ’09.

Royals – Average 2.9

DeJesus, Guillen, and Crisp provide nothing spectacular, but should put up acceptable major league numbers. These guys will play a key role if Kansas City truly believes it can get out of the cellar.

DeJesus (B) – Puts up decent numbers for a guy who consistenly flies under the radar. A great value player for the Royals.

J. Guillen (B-) – Inconsistent BA and HR totals over his long career (he’s really only 32?). Still has some pop to him and can certainly still play at the big league level.

Crisp (B-) – A rangy outfielder who could hit .300 this year. However, his tendancy to want to hit the long ball for a guy with minimal power will dip his average as his fly ball rate increases. Still, he can steal bases and play defense very well.

Bench Bonus .1 (Teahen, Maier, Gload) – Teahen showed some signs of life last year and can fill in very well whenever needed, beyond that Maier and Gload are fairly unproven.


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: AL Central, Chicago White Sox, cleveland indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, minnesota twins, MLB

Coaches From the Hoosier State Dominating Early Rounds of Big 12 Tournament

March 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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It’s been a great 14-hour period for basketball coaches who grew up in the heartland of basketball, Indiana.

Texas Tech, led by Bloomington-born and raised Pat Knight, scored a thrilling come-from-behind victory last night over Texas A&M to move into the second round of the Big Baylor Upsets Kansas in Big 12 Tournament - Scott Drew and Pat Knight12 Tournament. The Red Raiders’ victory featured an unbelievable performance by Mike Singletary, who scored at will in the second half.

And just a few minutes ago the Baylor Bears finished off a 71-64 upset of #1 seed Kansas. Baylor is led by Butler graduate Scott Drew, the son of legendary Valpo coach Homer Drew.

Scott Drew has engineered a remarkable turnaround at Baylor, which suffered through a scandal under Dave Bliss in the early part of this decade that rocked the foundation of the basketball program. The Bears made the NCAA Tournament last year, ultimately losing to Purdue in the first round, and were a trendy pick to be there again in this year. They fell on hard times in conference play, however, and are now fighting tooth and nail to earn the Big 12′s automatic berth.

Considering what Scott Drew started with in 2003, his 12-52 conference record over his first four years is not all that surprising. Despite their struggles this season, Baylor’s upset of Kansas today proves that the Bears’ basketball program is still on the upswing under Scott Drew.

While I predicted an IU victory over Penn State tonight, and am hoping beyond hope that the Hoosiers pull off the upset and can face Purdue in round two, our 1-17 conference record, and the injury to Devan Dumes, does not give me a whole lot of legitimate confidence. Should the Hoosiers’ season end later today, I will happily jump onto the Baylor bandwagon as long as it’s rolling — in addition to the Tech bandwagon that I’ve already been on ever since Bob Knight went there.

Congratulations Pat and Scott. Two more wins for Tech and one more for Baylor and the two will meet in the Big 12 Championship game. That is a looooonnnnnggggg way from being a reality, but hey — with Indiana suffering through the worst season in school history, a Hoosier can dream, can’t he?


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: Baylor Bears, Big 12 basketball, March Madness, Pat Knight, Scott Drew, texas tech red raiders

March Madness History: Mens and Womens Tournament MOPs

March 12, 2009 By 1 Comment
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When I was a kid, I always thought the term MOP was curious. Perhaps it was because I was so used to the term MVP, and the NCAA Tournament was the only place I ever heard the term MOP, or Most Outstanding Player, used. It makes sense, I suppose; and “valuable” and “outstanding” are relatively interchangeable within the context of a 6-game tournament.

Still, there was always something about MOP that seemed less prestigious to me than MVP. Maybe it has something to do with the unavoidable mental connection to mops, the actual physical things used to clean floors, and of course terms like “mop-up duty” or “mop-up time”. I always associated those terms with the scrubs at the end of the bench getting to play — clearly a stark contrast from what MOP is meant to symbolize.

NCAA Tournament MVP: Mens and Womens Most Outstanding Player MOP WinnersBut it what it is — and I may be the only idiot to overanalyze this in such a way — and when it comes to the NCAA Tournament, the best player is named the Most Outstanding Player. And the history of the Most Outsanding Player Award is the subject of today’s March Madness history lesson.

Before we jump into the All-Time NCAA Tournament MOP table, with both the mens and womens award winners, a quick rundown of our other recent March Madness links, and even a couple of ticket resources if you are thinking of make the (wise) decision to attend some NCAA Tournament games this year.

And now, here is the table that displays the all-time list of MOP winners for the mens and womens NCAA Tournament:


NCAA Basketball Tournament MOP Award Winners: Men and Women

Year Tournament MOP - Men School   Tournament MOP - Women School
2010 Kyle Singler Duke   Maya Moore UConn
2009 Wayne Ellington North Carolina   Tina Charles UConn
2008 Mario Chalmers Kansas   Candace Parker Tennessee
2007 Corey Brewer Florida   Candace Parker Tennessee
2006 Joakim Noah Florida   Laura Harper Maryland
2005 Sean May North Carolina   Sophia Young Baylor
2004 Emeka Okafor UConn   Diana Taurasi UConn
2003 Carmelo Anthony Syracuse   Diana Taurasi UConn
2002 Juan Dixon Maryland   Swin Cash UConn
2001 Shane Battier Duke   Ruth Riley Notre Dame
2000 Mateen Cleaves Michigan State   Shea Ralph UConn
1999 Richard Hamilton UConn   Ukari Figgs Purdue
1998 Jeff Sheppard Kentucky   Chamique Holdsclaw Tennessee
1997 Miles Simon Arizona   Chamique Holdsclaw Tennessee
1996 Tony Delk Kentucky   Michelle Marciniak Tennessee
1995 Ed O'Bannon UCLA   Rebecca Lobo UConn
1994 Corliss Williamson Arkansas   Charlotte Smith North Carolina
1993 Donald Williams North Carolina   Sheryl Swoopes Texas Tech
1992 Bobby Hurley Duke   Molly Goodenbour Stanford
1991 Christian Laettner Duke   Dawn Staley Virginia
1990 Anderson Hunt UNLV   Jennifer Azzi Stanford
1989 Glen Rice Michigan   Bridgette Gordon Tennessee
1988 Danny Manning Kansas   Erica Westbrooks Louisiana Tech
1987 Keith Smart Indiana   Tonya Edwards Tennessee
1986 Pervis Ellison Louisville   Clarissa Davis Texas
1985 Ed Pinckney Villanova   Tracy Claxton Old Dominion
1984 Patrick Ewing Georgetown   Cheryl Miller USC
1983 Hakeen Olajuwon Houston   Cheryl Miller USC
1982 James Worthy North Carolina   Janice Lawrence Louisiana Tech
1981 Isiah Thomas Indiana      
1980 Darrell Griffith Louisville      
1979 Magic Johnson Michigan State      
1978 Jack Givens Kentucky      
1977 Butch Lee Marquette      
1976 Kent Benson Indiana      
1975 Richard Washington UCLA      
1974 David Thompson NC State      
1973 Bill Walton UCLA      
1972 Bill Walton UCLA      
1971 None (Howard Porter*) (Villanova)   *later ruled ineligible  
1970 Sidney Wicks UCLA      
1969 Lew Alcindor UCLA      
1968 Lew Alcindor UCLA      
1967 Lew Alcindor UCLA      
1966 Jerry Chambers Utah      
1965 Bill Bradley Princeton      
1964 Walt Hazzard UCLA      
1963 Art Heyman Duke      
1962 Paul Hogue Cincinnati      
1961 Jerry Lucas Ohio State      
1960 Jerry Lucas Ohio State      
1959 Jerry West West Virginia      
1958 Elgin Baylor Seattle      
1957 Wilt Chamberlain Kansas      
1956 Hal Lear Temple      
1955 Bill Russell San Francisco      
1954 Tom Gola LaSalle      
1953 B. H. Born Kansas      
1952 Clyde Lovellette Kansas      
1951 Bill Spivey Kentucky      
1950 Irwin Dambrot CCNY      
1949 Alex Groza Kentucky      
1948 Alex Groza Kentucky      
1947 George Kaftan Holy Cross      
1946 Bob Kurland Oklahoma A&M*   *now Oklahoma State  
1945 Bob Kurland Oklahoma A&M*      
1944 Arnie Ferrin Utah      
1943 Ken Sailors Wyoming      
1942 Howie Dallmer Stanford      
1941 John Kotz Wisconsin      
1940 Marvin Huffman Indiana      
1939 Jimmy Hull Ohio State      

A few interesting tidbits that I noticed while putting this list together:

  • There have been 4 two-time winners of the Womens NCAA Tournament MOP Award since 1982. During that same time span, not one player on the mens side has won the award twice in a row. It did happen on the mens’ side back in the day, however, when guys like Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor, and Jerry Lucas took home multiple NCAA Tournament MOPs.
  • 2004 was a hell of a year for UConn. The mens and womens teams took home the titles, with Emeka Okafor and Diani Taurasi both winning the MOP.
  • Since 1982, only 14 different schools on the womens’ side have had MOP winners. In that same timespan, 20 different schools on the mens’ side have had MOP winners.
  • Damn, Baylor just beat Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament.

Update: Get ready for this year’s NCAA Tournament with our March Madness 2010 preview post.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB, Sports History Tagged With: CBB, March Madness, ncaa tournament

World Baseball Classic: Round Two Picture Almost Set

March 12, 2009 By 1 Comment
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World Baseball Classic 2009 Round 2And then there were eight.

The second round of the WBC odds is virtually set, as all eight berths are already determined and the only remaining first-round matchup is tonight’s Cuba-Mexico tilt, which will determine the Pool B winner and each team’s seeding in round two.

There were multiple sportsbook surprises in the first round. Few online betting experts thought Canada would fall to Italy on its home soil, and Korea and Venezuela won rematches with Japan and the U.S., respectively, after being trounced the first time around. By far the biggest shocker of round one, though, was the Netherlands’ two victories over the Dominican Republic, which knocked the odds-on favorite out of WBC betting.

Who takes over as the offshore sportsbook favorite with the powerful Dominicans gone from the tournament? Let’s look at each new group in the World Baseball Classic odds.

GROUP 1

The Cuba/Mexico game will determine the matchups here, but you have to wonder if either team wants to win tonight. Since Korea shocked Japan in the Pool-A-clinching game, the winner of tonight’s contest has to face the defending champions while the loser may get the easier matchup in Korea.

Korea looks like the Cinderella team of this group; I can’t see it pulling off another upset over any of the other teams. Even Mexico, who was probably a bigger online betting underdog than Korea a week ago, is truly on the rise as a baseball nation. Adrian Gonzalez is crushing the ball and should keep the Mexicans competitive.

Those who bet sports still have to believe Group 1 will come down to Cuba versus Japan. The Cubans will certainly offer better sportsbook value, but Japan’s pitching should propel it to the Group 1 title. Overall, bet on Cuba and Japan to win the two semifinal berths from this group.

GROUP 2

The Netherlands’ inspiring story has a March Madness betting feel to it, don’t you think? Sadly, Group 2 should be the end of the road for the Dutch. The Dominicans were vulnerable, weakened by off-field distractions and a plethora of high-profile dropouts (Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols, among many others). The Venezuelans looked highly motivated in Pool C and seem to have a passionate group of fans following them to every game. They should beat the Netherlands on Saturday and the Dutch shouldn’t stand much of a chance against the mighty U.S. and especially Puerto Rico, which already dusted them twice in the first round.

The deep American team has the best sportsbook odds win Group 2 and reach the semifinal. Undefeated Puerto Rico has to be the other favorite, but Venezuela could surprise; it gained momentum by winning Pool C and it can virtually match Puerto Rico in the pitching department. Why not take a flier and pick Venezuela to join the U.S. as a semifinalist?


Filed Under: MLB Tagged With: 2009 world baseball classic, MLB

Popular Hometown Hero Joe Jurevicius Released by Cleveland Browns

March 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Cleveland Browns release WR Joe JureviciuKeeping with their plan to purge the lifeblood of the Cleveland Browns, General Manager George Kokinis and Head Coach Eric Mangini have cut Cleveland-born wide receiver Joe Jurevicius.

The former Lake Catholic High School (Mentor, Ohio) star returned to Cleveland in 2006 to play out his career near family and friends following the tragic death of his infant son, Michael Joseph. Jurevicius pointed his finger to the sky whenever he scored a touchdown in honor of his son.

Jurevicius, 34, was one of the most prolific third down receivers in the NFL during the Browns 10-6 season of dreams in 2007, but a knee injury that year led to an infection and seven surgeries later, the wound finally healed. Jurevicius told the media his goal was to retire a Brown. He described ending his career by walking off of the field at Cleveland Browns Stadium, orange helmet in hand, his two young daughters by his side.

That is no longer possible thanks to the Mangini-Kokinis regime of stomping out anything orange and brown that is good.

As late as Dec. 18, Joe Jurevicius said, “I want to play here in Cleveland. If that doesn’t happen, then the show goes on the road. But I’m going to play football next year,” according to Tony Grossi of The Plain Dealer in today’s story about the Browns releasing Joe Jurevicius.

I will be rooting for Joe, a true team leader and class act, on whatever team lands him.

In announcing the fate of Jurevicius, George Kokinis used the usual managerial line that the two sides tried, but could not agree on terms of a new contract. But this was no multi-million dollar San Diego Chargers vs. L.T. deal.

Before Jurevicius’ contract was terminated on Wednesday, he was due to make $2.4 million in the final season of a four-year contract he signed in 2006. The Browns may have tried to bring him back at the NFL minimum salary of $845,000 for veterans of 10 or more years—the same concession made by offensive lineman Ryan Tucker, Grossi reported.

But of course this fact was neither confirmed nor denied by the Browns. If true, that kind of “offer” had to be an insult to a proud man who wanted to go out with style on his own terms.

Kokinis stated, “Joe’s done a lot. I know what he means to this team.”

Apparently not, A-hole.

In a statement issued by agent Mark Humenik, there was more than money involved in the Browns’ decision. Jurevicius’ statement said, “As a Cleveland native and lifelong Browns fan, I always hoped to finish my career in brown and orange with my family and friends in the stands, and was even willing to take a steep pay cut to keep that dream alive, which is why I have such a heavy heart today.”

Jurevicius, a Chardon native, said he will “forever cherish the three seasons that I spent here and will never forget the chills that I got whenever I stepped foot on the field on the shores of Lake Erie.”
He thanked Browns owner Randy Lerner, the coaching staff, the Browns organization and their fans “for the overwhelming support … especially the past 14 months.” Joe Jurevicius caught six touchdown passes duringJoe Jurevicius Released by Browns his time with the Browns. He says his knee now feels well enough that he hopes to play somewhere next season.

“I know there is still plenty of good football left in me, so please don’t throw any dog biscuits my way when I return to Cleveland Stadium,” he said.

My guess is, when Jurevicius plays for an opposing team at the stadium, loyal Browns fans will give Joe a standing O – and deservedly so. Jurevicius missed all of last season after a staph infection set in following a routine knee procedure in January. Complications required a total of seven surgical procedures, ravaging the knee. But after the last one, which he had done by the prestigious Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., Jurevicius was heartened that he would be able to play another season.

The Browns have tried to underplay the team’s staph infection problems. Apparently, the new treatment plan under Mangini consists of ridding the team of staph by getting rid of the infected players. Yeah, that will work. Get rid of the patients and the problem disappears.

Browns tight-end Kellen Winslow was recently dealt to Tampa Bay for a second and fifth draft picks. Winslow was hospitalized in 2008, missing several games, purportedly after his third staph infection.
He was suspended for one game after calling out former General Manager Phil Savage for trying to cover-up the problem by telling Winslow to keep silent about what was reported an “undisclosed illness.”

But it was Jurevicius’ support for the Savage-Romeo Crennel regime in December that may have sealed the wide receiver’s fate under the Mangini regime. Jurevicius blamed the Browns 4-12 season in 2008 to injuries and player immaturity, appealing to Browns owner Randy Lerner to stay the course.

A fan favorite, Joe Jurevicius played in three Super Bowls with three different teams in his career before signing with the Browns in 2006. In that off-season, he joined local products LeCharles Bentley and Bob Hallen, both centers, and punter Dave Zastudil, in using free agency to return home to play.
Three years later, only Zastudil remains. Bentley left Cleveland a bitter man after a staph infection contracted while with the Browns destroyed his football playing days.

More bad news: The Browns intend to pay a $5 million roster bonus owed quarterback Derek Anderson. The bonus is guaranteed so the Browns had no choice. Rumors have swirled around the league that the Browns were trying to trade Anderson, but no one took the bait.

If the 2009 season turns out to be another quarterback competition between Anderson and Brady Quinn, the Browns will have taken a giant step backward, further into NFL mediocrity and deeper into oblivion.

The only upside of this Nomangenius regime’s latest move is Jurevicius winds up on a team that respects his talent.

Go, Joe! Godspeed.

———-

Top picture of Joe Jurevicius photo credit: John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Second picture of Joe Jurevicius photo credit: Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer


Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: Cleveland Browns, eric mangini, george kokinis, joe jurevicius, kellen winslow, NFL, nfl offseason
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