Kentucky Trounces West Virginia, Sorry Jer
Kentucky destroys West Virginia showing why many experts are predicting they will run the table and become the first undefeated men’s NCAA basketball team since the Indiana Hoosiers accomplished the feat 39 years ago back in 1976. And do you know how much Kentucky won by last night? That’s right, 39 points. 78 to 39, actually so the # 39 was represented in that final score in more ways than one. Foreshadowing? Kentucky fans certainly hope so, but if they want the Kentucky undefeated season to come to fruition Kentucky must next get past the Irish of Notre Dame who overwelmed Wichita State with their shooting to advance. Kentucky is not going to beat Notre Dame by 39, they shoot the ball too well. Anyone who beats Kentucky is going to HAVE to shoot the ball REALLY well (not a characteristic West Virginia was known for), they are just too tough by the rim. When the tournament brackets were announced, before West Virginia advanced and became the popular upset pick, Notre Dame was being touted as the first real hurdle for Kentucky. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case. West Virginia did not turn out to be a hurdle.
In the other set of Elite 8 match-ups last night, #1 Wisconsin outlasted North Carolina and #2 Arizona outlasted Xavier.
Joel holding onto the top spot…barely
On the Radcliffe Invitational Leader Board, despite his picking West Virginia over Kentucky, somehow Joel Shilliday holds onto the lead. I know for a fact that Joel is really proud of himself. As he should be, leading the Radcliffe Invitational is no small thing at this point in the tournament, but don’t celebrate too much Joel before you have the Mystery Prize in the barn; it’s still an uphill battle to RI glory. Does Joel’s bracket have what it takes?
Nipping at Joel’s heels just one point back are Marcia Milam and Heather Carkuff who’s bracket did some climbing last night to reach the second rung. Marcia and all the Milams have their hopes pinned to the Wisconsin Badgers as they always do. They proved worthy last night, but they’ll have to string together 3 more wins if Marcia is going to have a chance. For Heather it all hinges on her Blue Devils of Duke University. Of course, if you know your NCAA history you know Duke has overcome undefeated teams before on their way to National Titles. And isn’t it interesting that the game that gets remembered from when they took down undefeated UNLV for the 1992 championship isn’t the championship game, but rather their win over Kentucky which many now tout as the greatest college basketball game of all time.
Next up on the RI leader board are Dave Kimmel and Richard Era. Then tied for 6th we have Leone Welch and Steve Makovsky. Then tied for 8th it’s Will Hagy who still remembers being in first for a brief second, another pair of Welch’s, Bruce and Harry, and Jason Dzikowicz and Gordy Dawson who’s bracket did some climbing last night to reach the top 10. Then everyone else: some still with legitimate shots to win it all, others…not so much.
Here are some folks who won’t be winning this year
Adam Grant: Love Adam’s homer pick of Maryland to win it all, but it was not to be. No worries, those of you who know the Grants know their minds are occupied with their own wild journey right now. Hugs and prayers Grants, you guys are AMAZING!
Jenna Welch:: Jenna’s chances for a 2nd RI crown went up in blue tarheel smoke last night, but those of us who know are RI history know Jenna had a BIG role in a 2nd RI championship already. And I know better than to speak ill of Jenna or she might cross check me into the boards. Jenna has been playing some professional hockey over in Europe…in other words, don’t mess with her.
Ben Marcus: – Well, Ben’s Kansas pick didn’t work out. If Ben is to become the first Marcus to win it all it won’t be this year.
Julie Trommatter: — You picked LSU to win it all Julie? Was that a pregancy brain pick? Well no RI glory for Julie, but good luck to Julie as she approaches motherhood. That’s much better than RI glory…although in the future perhaps you can make better picks and experience both.
That’s all I got. It’s 5:30 AM at present. I was up until close to midnight. There’s lot to do today. There are more games tonight. So I better get crackalackin’ with my friday which needs to start with some coffee!
You made it. It’s FRIDAY!!! Enjoy.
Quote of the Day
“For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” -Anonymous
Today’s quote is being proven true by current RI leader Joel Shilliday. #burn #allAboutJoel
Jam of the Day
This feels right for today,
More tomorrow.
Cheers,
Greg