Tennessee, Butler battle
In the battle to determine my rooting interest for the remainder of the tournament, Tennessee leads Butler, 53-49 with 7:53 left.
In the other games still ongoing, it looks like Texas, Western Kentucky and Georgetown have the edge (though I'm still hoping for a Davidson comeback in the latter game). And earlier, Villanova beat Siena. I'll post a pool update after the conclusion of all four of the games currently underway.
UPDATE: What a great bunch of games those turned out to be!! Texas survives a furious Miami comeback, Western Kentucky does the same against San Diego, Tennessee wins a thriller in overtime over a game Butler squad, and Davidson rallies to stun Georgetown! WOO!!!
I realize it's easy to second-guess the committee after the games have been played, but man, Butler is way better than a #7 seed, eh? They should have been able to reach the Sweet Sixteen without playing a team as good as Tennessee (which arguably should have been a #1 seed). But alas. Great win for the Vols. They certainly had to earn it. I'll be rooting for them from here on out -- unless they meet Davidson in the Final Four (not totally implausible) or Western Kentucky in the title game (umm, kind of implausible), in which case I'll probably revert to my usual mid-major lovefest.
Anyway, pool update coming shortly.
WOW DAVIDSON?!?!?!!
Posted by: Marty West | Mar 23, 2008 5:08:44 PM
I officially concede from this prestigious pool
Posted by: fezafou | Mar 23, 2008 5:12:31 PM
I officially concede from this prestigious pool
Posted by: fezafou | Mar 23, 2008 5:12:34 PM
That was a dandy of a game between Tennessee and Butler. I knew it would be. Butler is a fine team, and a tough matchup for the Vols. While I had hoped that the early fast start from the Vols would hold up, I pretty much realized that Butler wouldn't go gently into that good night.
Still, a good game for Tennessee to actually show some of its mettle. Glad to see some more intensity. If they can actually warm up a bit shooting, and play defense at least as solidly as they did today, then they stand a decent chance of continuing to advance.
My Memphis Tigers started out cold as ice from the floor, but have warmed up a bit, and are crashing the boards and contesting most shots, so I feel pretty good right now about the way they're playing a very game Mississippi State team.
Go Tigers Go!
Posted by: Jay Johnson | Mar 23, 2008 5:56:03 PM
How unfortunate is the Tennessee seeding? Not only are they paired with the top 1-seed, but they drew a 2nd-round matchup with a 7 seed that should have been a 4 or 5. Now they get to face a Louisville team that's obliterating Oklahoma...
Posted by: Scientizzle | Mar 23, 2008 7:37:13 PM
Brendan, please replace my selection of Georgetown with Davidson for the remaining picks (including the champion). Thank you ;-)
Posted by: David K. | Mar 23, 2008 11:25:11 PM