Off Tackle Empire - All PostsThe quintessential Big Ten smoking room.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49191/offtackle-fave.png2024-03-18T14:09:23-05:00http://www.offtackleempire.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T14:09:23-05:002024-03-18T14:09:23-05:00Bracket Breakdown: Michigan State’s Odds in the NCAA Tournament
<figure>
<img alt="Tom Izzo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oo_AWP5bts8wHLwSR3uYYfjLPkM=/0x133:1992x1461/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216058/72567835.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>A tricky first-round matchup and a 1-seed lurking after that. Should you be content with taking Sparty to the second round—and nothing more?</p> <p id="qXQuyj"><strong>Have you subscribed to our weekly newsletter yet?</strong> Why not? It’s free! Check it out <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>here</strong></a>! </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="iItouO">
<p id="Qv4PSs">I wanted to call this series 3...2...1...DRAW! but BoilerUp89 said that’s stupid.</p>
<p id="Hs6Z7y">So instead, welcome to Off Tackle Empire’s Bracket Breakdown, brought to you by some cynical fans of...well, gentlemen, how would you identify yourselves?</p>
<p id="uZpEp7"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>I was under the impression that this article would be focused on the complex grammatical differences between [square brackets], <angle brackets>, and {curly brackets}. I think I’ve come to the wrong place. Isn’t this Off Text Editing Empire? </p>
<p id="pkSEZB"><strong>MNW: </strong>Neither MaxSam (<a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>) nor BoilerUp (probably Rose-Hulman or something) chose to identify themselves, so this is where we’re at. That’s what I get for trying to do banter at the start of an article.</p>
<p id="4KTQGn">Enough of that. Onto our preview of...the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com"><strong>Michigan State Spartans</strong></a><strong>. </strong>Sparty is the 9-seed in the West Region, facing Mississippi State on Thursday morning.</p>
<h2 id="cW77mW">1. How do you feel about this seed? Too high? Too low?</h2>
<p id="30OQ7t"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>I wasn't sure they had done enough to make the field this season, let alone avoid the First Four. 9 seed isn't super far above that due to the bid thieves but still feels pretty high.</p>
<p id="4Ds1N9"><strong>MNW: </strong>Yeah, 10-seed in the First Four really would’ve felt right here. But then again, you could probably say that about Northwestern, especially after the injuries. </p>
<p id="W2f4yw">A couple weeks ago, though, I mentioned that these Spartan seeds of late really feel like Tubby Smith-era Minnesota. Grab a double-digit seed, maybe win one, and let’s all go home.</p>
<p id="AlcFts"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: I think it’s fine. For my money, teams in the 7-11 seed range should be chosen lottery style anyway. Wouldn’t it be more entertaining to have Izzo pull a ball out of a sack that says “11 seed in Arizona?” </p>
<p id="c727L0"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>This does feel a bit like a lifetime achievement award for Izzo. MSU have been (in my very uneducated view) overvalued by the advanced metrics all season. They ended the season going 2-5 with an ugly win over Northwestern and a BTT win over Minnesota as their sole victories. Doesn’t really feel like they did enough to deserve the spot. </p>
<h2 id="JRWM7Q">2. Breaking down the matchup:</h2>
<h3 id="aSgUeZ">[9] Michigan State vs. [8] Mississippi State</h3>
<h4 id="iFZPxz">Thursday, March 21 | 11:15am CT | 11:40am | truTV | Sparty -1.5 | O/U 130.5</h4>
<p id="uVd4hc"><strong>BoilerUp89</strong>: Sparty's strengths pretty well against MSU. The Bulldogs defend the three really well, Sparty doesn't like to shoot threes. The Bulldogs get to the free throw line a lot but struggle shooting the ball there and behind the three point line. Tolu Smith will be a difficult matchup in the post, but if Michigan State can keep him and the rest of Mississippi State from securing too many offensive rebounds then they should be fine as long as they don't have a cold shooting game.</p>
<p id="OhioNR"><strong>MNW: </strong>What BU89 described is exactly what the Bulldogs did to Northwestern back in November, albeit without Tolu Smith—instead, it was Josh Hubbard dropping 29 off the bench. But CLANGA held the ‘Cats to just 37% from the field and 23% from deep while staying out of foul trouble.</p>
<p id="BTIAXo">This one can and should be a regular Big Ten slugfest, and I think Sparty can get to the line just enough to win it.</p>
<p id="B6vQmb"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: I love the battle of diminutive guards in Tyson Walker against Josh Hubbard. I hope they both score 30.</p>
<p id="tv01RC"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>Both are much better defensively than offensively and both play with a reasonably slow pace. Slugfest indeed, take the under in this one. </p>
<h2 id="yofcuN">3. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracket">How far do they go? </a>
</h2>
<ul>
<li id="y5j7BV">[1] North Carolina vs. [16] Howard OR Wagner</li>
<li id="9S9p2s">[5] Saint Mary’s vs. [12] Grand Canyon</li>
<li id="hL8n7i">[4] Alabama vs. [13] Charleston</li>
<li id="rBqx6q">[6] Clemson vs. [11] New Mexico</li>
<li id="k6v4fS">[3] Baylor vs. [14] Colgate</li>
<li id="FiNAZW">[7] Dayton vs. [10] Nevada</li>
<li id="erRC3M">[2] Arizona vs. [15] Long Beach State</li>
</ul>
<p id="8OfuPw"><strong>BoilerUp89</strong>: I have MSU advancing past Mississippi State. It's definitely a toss up but feels like a good matchup for Sparty. I then have them upsetting UNC. Part of that is because I have Alabama beating whoever comes out of that 1/8/9/16 and am willing to take a risk there, but also I trust Izzo and Malik Hall to get it done against a UNC team that advanced metrics like Kenpom aren't very high on for a 1 seed. Anything past UNC would take a broken bracket or a real special performance from Michigan State.</p>
<p id="8k4EIM"><strong>MNW: </strong>I too have Bama making a run out of this bracket, but I couldn’t bring myself even to take that MSU-over-UNC game. This feels like a pretty cut-and-dry two-rounder at best, with the MSU-times-two game serving as something like a really disgusting 57-54 aperitif that I turn off at halftime.</p>
<p id="Gc8A0Y"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: I would pick North Carolina over them. Mostly because I just love Armando Bacot and it feels like he would torture all of Sparty’s centers all night. </p>
<p id="2E9j1p"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>How does Armando “Bacon” Bacot still have eligibility? I swear he’s been around since 2017. Yeah, it’s unwise to bet against MSU and Izzo in March, but I don’t see them making it past UNC, even if the Tarheels are a pretty weak #1. </p>
<div id="Hn76mv"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12282410"></div></div>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/18/24104729/should-you-pick-michigan-state-ncaa-tournament-preview-mississippi-state-time-tv-odds-line-matchupMNWildcatBoilerUp89MaximumSamAlmaOtter2024-03-18T14:02:33-05:002024-03-18T14:02:33-05:00Bracket Breakdown Central
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament - Second Round - Birmingham" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mj4k6YKb24abGrknn0lQBHbUyeE=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215924/1248557144.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All of our pre-tournament predictions and analysis, which will likely be incorrect by the weekend</p> <p id="mhsSj8">Breaking down the March Madness hoops hopes for every B1G team! Check out all of the analysis and predictions and nonsense in the articles below!</p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/18/24104995/bracket-breakdown-centralMNWildcatBoilerUp89MaximumSamAlmaOtter2024-03-18T13:58:46-05:002024-03-18T13:58:46-05:00The NIT is Everything That’s Wrong with College Basketball. Also, Here’s the Bracket.
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: DEC 07 Jimmy V Classic - Syracuse v Villanova" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oLVao3rqvCCZn24WLbFsaJN5RNU=/0x0:899x599/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214339/1237291710.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ohio State gets a high seed, Iowa is also here. And MINNESOTA?!?</p> <p id="Ti6xl2">As we look past the heartbreak of the Indiana State snub and toward the “Oh right, those games are on?” of the National Invitational Tournament, an important lesson on rhetoric, from a Seton Hall fan on Twitter:</p>
<div id="MZh87Q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">March Madness:<br><br>- “selected” aka forced against your will<br>- actually goes into April (lying)<br>- 68 teams; basically everyone gets to do it<br><br>NIT:<br>- “invited” aka your presence is a gift<br>- not tied to any month, could go on forever <br>- 32 teams; more discerning</p>— Seton Hall Student (@sacketology) <a href="https://twitter.com/sacketology/status/1769483536887697831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="SPnEEP">Multiple Big Ten teams, Off Tackle Empire can exclusively* report**, have been invited to this immense honor.</p>
<p id="IW3qfa">Of course, teams like St. John’s, Pitt, Memphis, <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com">Ole Miss</a>, Indiana, and Oklahoma, upon being snubbed from the NCAA Tournament—men’s bracket here—didn’t even wait for an invite; they turned the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a> down without so much as a call. Tom Crean was very unhappy about this on the NIT Selection Special show.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="C3ZREMU8P-1710725814.239399-thread-list-Thread_1710726968.948109"><strong>misdreavus: </strong>Penn State, of course, declined an NIT invite.</p>
<p id="YOWQbn"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>Where do you want me to put my thoughts on boycotting the NIT since they don’t give auto bids to regular season champions?</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="17mOOa">First, some NIT discourse:</h2>
<p id="zsHJ0H"><strong>BoilerUp89</strong>: The NIT is a horrible, no good, very bad tournament. In the race to the bottom, the NIT is leading the way. As college basketball fans worry about the NCAA devaluing tournament bids by adding even more spots for shitty major conference teams and continuing to squeeze out mid major bubble teams, we should all be aware that this year's NIT is a trial balloon for that garbage.</p>
<p id="UO9LkT">For the past however many years, the NIT has granted auto-bids to regular season champions that fall in their conference tournament and don't get at large bids. This year they've gone away from this concept in favor of more mediocre high major conference teams having bad years.</p>
<p id="hvKKsM">Toledo had a great season by their standards. Won the MAC regular season outright. Same for High Point! Eastern Kentucky, Little Rock, Central Connecticut, Norfolk State, Quinnipiac, Sam Houston, and Eastern Washington were all 1 seeds that didn't make it to Selection Sunday. Instead of rewarding great seasons for these programs we want to watch more LSU? Xavier? Georgia? Minnesota? SMU? Virginia Tech? Those teams were awful compared to the expectations that those programs should have.</p>
<p id="PfAviq">I'm not saying we can't have any high majors in the NIT but we should stop rewarding mediocrity in the search for more money.</p>
<p id="nb9MH9">Here then is where I plead to our regular readers and anyone that stumbles across this article. Please, if you love March Madness and watching upsets by low and mid majors, do not watch this season's NIT tournament. Do not give this awful despotic tournament your TV ratings. Even if your program is playing and you are excited to watch your new coach or just to see the Gophers in any sort of postseason, join me and the Indiana Hoosiers in avoiding the NIT this year. It's a small sacrifice and a way for you to make a stand against the enshittification of college athletics. #BoycottTheNIT</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wDXSNH">
<h2 id="M7A67J">NIT Matchups</h2>
<h3 id="WiNzLH">Seton Hall Region</h3>
<p id="VGCzqt">[1] Seton Hall Pirates vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks [3/20, 6pm: ESPN2]<br>[4] North Texas Mean Green vs. <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU Tigers</a> [3/19, 6pm: SECN/ESPN+]<br>[3] Providence Friars vs. <a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com">Boston College Eagles</a> [3/19, 6pm: ESPNU]<br>[2] Princeton Tigers vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels [3/20, 7pm: ESPN+]</p>
<h3 id="SlAsDL">Wake Forest Region</h3>
<p id="zFXLD9">[1] <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest Demon Deacons</a> vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers [3/20, 7pm: ESPN+]<br>[4] <a href="https://www.dawgsports.com">Georgia Bulldogs</a> vs. <a href="https://www.bannersontheparkway.com">Xavier Musketeers</a> [3/19, 6pm: ESPN]<br>[3] <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com">Virginia Tech Hokies</a> vs. Richmond Spiders [3/19, 8pm: ESPN2]<br><strong>[2] </strong><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a><strong> Buckeyes</strong> vs. Cornell Big Red [3/19, 6pm: ESPN2]</p>
<p id="C3ZREMU8P-1710725814.239399-thread-list-Thread_1710726600.707089"><strong>BRT: </strong>Go Big Red!</p>
<p id="lJS1oK"><strong>MNW: </strong>...that seems more than fair.</p>
<p id="VYkgiD">House money for the Buckeyes and their athletics department, who can maybe bank on excitement from the Jon Diebler hire and pack...I dunno, packing St. John’s Arena for an NIT game would be kind of fun, wouldn’t it?</p>
<div id="VboBOp"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12282176"></div></div>
<h3 id="QEPwhB">Indiana State Region</h3>
<p id="C5DSdn">[1] Indiana State Sycamores vs. SMU Cocaineponies [3/20, 6pm: ESPN+]<br>[4] Butler Bulldogs vs. <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com"><strong>Minnesota Golden Gophers</strong></a> [3/19, 8pm: ESPNU]<br>[3] Bradley Braves vs. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers [3/20, 6pm: ESPN+]<br>[2] Cincinnati Bearcats vs. San Francisco Dons [3/20pm, 8pm: ESPN+]</p>
<p id="vB8xY5"><strong>MNW: </strong>This is a <em>bangin’ </em>region. You’ve got <em>four</em> great mid-majors, and it’s really a shame that (1) Indiana State’s not in the tournament, but (2) only one of ISU, Bradley, Loyola, or San Francisco will make it out of here. The Old MVC is well-represented and likely deserved better when it’s all said and done.</p>
<p id="XpCAHw">It’s a good get for Ben Johnson’s squad—more time for Elijah Hawkins and Cam Christie to grow into their roles, something for a fanbase desperate for any trapping of success.</p>
<p id="C3ZREMU8P-1710725814.239399-thread-list-Thread_1710727142.667569"><strong>WSR: </strong>WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!</p>
<p id="77Sa8p"><strong>MNW: </strong>Case in point.</p>
<div id="KZHI7z"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12282167"></div></div>
<h3 id="JjBFxo">Villanova Region</h3>
<p id="Ekc87n">[1] <a href="https://www.vuhoops.com">Villanova Wildcats</a> vs. VCU Rams [3/20, 8pm: ESPN2]<br>[4] <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com">UCF Knights</a> vs. South Florida Bulls [3/19, 8pm: ESPN+]<br><strong>[3] </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> vs. <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com">Kansas State Wildcats</a> [3/19, 8pm: ESPN]<br>[2] Utah Utes vs. UC Irvine Anteaters [3/19, 10pm: ESPN2]</p>
<p id="Y8NFlA"><strong>MNW: </strong>WAR ON I-4 DISCOURSE AWAYYYYYYYY. That’s what the NIT is great for: regional matchups that we should get but don’t.</p>
<p id="SfQ8UD">K-State will be a foil to what Iowa likes to do—throw shit at the basket and whine when anyone touches them. The Hawkeyes stand alone in their half of this region, as both Irvine and the Yoots can size you up and defend while still playing at the pace Iowa prefers.</p>
<p id="gCDsoR">It’s a curious look for Iowa, I think, with Fran McCaffery...well, not wearing out his welcome, but...?</p>
<div id="Ntm9n5"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12282164"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Fskq95">
<p id="D2EVBS">Want more Big Ten news and takes delivered straight to your inbox? We’ve got an email newsletter where we cut through all the nonsense MNW posts and give you the best scoops from Around the Empire. <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>Subscribe here!</strong></a></p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/17/24104453/nit-bracket-games-when-do-iowa-ohio-state-minnesota-play-matchups-time-tv-watchMNWildcatBoilerUp892024-03-18T06:00:00-05:002024-03-18T06:00:00-05:00OTE NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge: Win B1G Prizes!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/STiId5zA6OsiucLF-SPE59Ez2eM=/0x209:1254x1045/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214643/ote_glass.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>You pick games! We possibly give you...things???</p> <p id="NSMQme">Want an outlet for your stupidest, homerest, B1Gliest takes?</p>
<p id="KO4YQ8">Want to possibly win something actually kind of cool (not just a FanPost of your choosing)?</p>
<p id="0KzKmC">We’ve got the bracket challenges for you, my friend. Come on in:</p>
<h2 id="8jEkg3">Men’s Bracket</h2>
<p id="l1yljD"><strong>Link here:</strong> <a href="https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=240&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=54b3e06c-eda5-381f-9b28-617b26905f9b&joinKey=c221b4a8-b9b1-3071-9d23-3c63b1295b9a">https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=240&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=54b3e06c-eda5-381f-9b28-617b26905f9b&joinKey=c221b4a8-b9b1-3071-9d23-3c63b1295b9a</a></p>
<p id="uRnmi7"><strong>Name: </strong>Off Tackle Empire<br><strong>Password: </strong>sherman</p>
<h2 id="6inCeb">Women’s Bracket</h2>
<p id="UWZnbh"><strong>Link here: </strong><a href="https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=241&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=c0cbc255-d075-3fcb-93e7-6ac7b8ad35d8&joinKey=09e093a2-df20-3597-8cfd-960244583147">https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=241&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=c0cbc255-d075-3fcb-93e7-6ac7b8ad35d8&joinKey=09e093a2-df20-3597-8cfd-960244583147</a></p>
<p id="o58gAL"><strong>Name: </strong>Off Tackle Empire<br><strong>Password: </strong>marywalker</p>
<h2 id="DTFfif">The Prizes</h2>
<p id="DsVVGv">Winner of the men’s and women’s brackets gets their pick of the OTE-branded glassware below! Yes, that’s right. These are tangible prizes that can hold any sort of beverage of your choice! Also, top three for each bracket challenge get an OTE Sherman sticker.</p>
<p id="mWWDsL">And if enough folks make their feelings known in the comments, we can set up a merch store so everyone can celebrate Big Ten sports and Civil War generalship. This is all thanks to the hard work of AlmaOtter—finally, someone who gets something done around here!</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WDGNRFrsH5jwCo0eRBRQmG3E8n8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341763/IMG_0114.jpg">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yu4V1P6pvUksymPsTzx0RDrzDhA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341764/IMG_0115.jpg">
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="tWHvQU">
<p id="pR5ep3">Want more Big Ten news and takes delivered straight to your inbox? We’ve got an email newsletter where we cut through all the nonsense MNW posts and give you the best scoops from Around the Empire. <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>Subscribe here!</strong></a></p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/18/24104450/ncaa-tournament-bracket-challenge-how-to-play-pick-teams-win-prizes-big-tenMNWildcatAlmaOtter2024-03-18T05:01:00-05:002024-03-18T05:01:00-05:002024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Bracket Revealed
<figure>
<img alt="Florida Atlantic v Charlotte" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tVP3uZIn0qLfa2VPpI3jY_LMRk8=/0x0:3202x2135/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214101/1914040652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Six Big Ten teams are dancing! Rapid reactions from OTE’s writers</p> <p id="RuSMJY">General thoughts on the bracket from your OTE writers and a look at the matchups for the Big Ten teams.</p>
<p id="wY7E4q"></p>
<p id="V89ABb"><strong>WSR:</strong> What time to the Gophers play?</p>
<p id="D3gfgE"><strong>BuffKomodo:</strong> No Indiana State is a tragedy. At least the bracket sets up for Purdue to walk into a Final Four.</p>
<p id="VHO8xU">MNW: Just pissed about Indiana State in this chat. We deserved Cream Abdul Jabbar.</p>
<p id="4jZjcE">After that? I dunno. Luster kinda came off this when the committee suit said yesterday they had 35/36 teams finalized. Took a lot of the fun out of it for me.</p>
<p id="kfQFaC">Also Sparty should be in Dayton.</p>
<p id="e4fbYV"><strong>RU in VA:</strong> Illinois has the best line IMO.</p>
<p id="ZmPNxJ">Wisconsin is absolutely screwed with JMU.</p>
<p id="urJ3wq">Northwestern should get one before Cam Spencer puts them into a grave - same for <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> but sub in some giant power forward from UNC.</p>
<p id="ciL6wE">Purdue draws Kansas and Gonzaga in the region? This shit is rigged.</p>
<p id="439JWN">Stupid Nebraska might pump Houston if they make it there. They have enough weird luck and “if they’re on” shooters that, ya know…</p>
<p id="2zBFyT"><strong>BuffKomodo: </strong>These Jayhawks and Zags aren’t what we’re use to.</p>
<p id="wOUySj"><strong>RU in VA: </strong>Agreed, but they (Kansas) do have two wins over #1 seeds this year. Just a crappy draw for Purdue to run into after this regular season.</p>
<p id="jOXFqv"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>Gonzaga closed the season well... but in general sure. Kansas dealing with injuries is a gift but they could be fully healthy by then. <a href="https://www.frogsowar.com">TCU</a> is the exact type of team that matches up well with Purdue. Want no part of Tennessee cause they are gonna hack, hack, and hack some more and I don’t trust refs (no MNW, I’m not complaining about the refs already) to call that in the tournament like they did in Maui. </p>
<p id="7JbtKJ">As a basketball fan, I would love to see Edey v Kalkbrenner but he’s one of the few in the country that can matchup straight up.</p>
<p id="A5uoyQ"><strong>BuffKomodo:</strong> But Kansas and Tennessee have faltered down the stretch. Don’t forget Tennessee is coached by Rick Barnes so there’s no guarantee they even get to the Round of 32.</p>
<p id="p6Sf4q"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>sure.. but someone has to come out of the bottom half of the bracket. Kansas was the 4 seed I wanted, so you won’t hear me complain about that. Would have preferred Marquette/Kentucky as the 2/3 over Tennessee/Creighton is all. At the end of the day, Purdue has to beat whomever. It’s not the most difficult draw ever and it doesn’t matter if they don’t get past the 16 seed.</p>
<p id="vl9NQx"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>A reminder that Rick Barnes couldn’t coach Kevin Durant and several NBA players out of the first weekend. Tennessee shouldn’t scare anyone. Illinois has a reasonable draw. The potential unstoppable force/immovable object of Illinois/Iowa State should be fun. </p>
<p id="CYb86d">Also can we talk about NC State’s DJ Burns Jr? He’s a 275 lb point center who also plays like 5 musical instruments. If they make it out of the first weekend, he’ll have his moment. </p>
<h3 id="5FgpBY"></h3>
<h3 id="xx7BT3">East Region</h3>
<p id="tnlvFG">9 <a href="https://www.insidenu.com">Northwestern Wildcats</a> v 8 Florida Atlantic Owls, Brooklyn, Thursday</p>
<p id="bSugJ3"> (2nd round opponent) 1 <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">Connecticut Huskies</a> OR 16 Stetson Hatters</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Wisconsin v Northwestern" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q6apqYcY_V4SDefnLelF-cU-C5Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341508/2086936083.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="B06e0c"><strong>MaximumSam:</strong> Boo Buie defeats UConn.</p>
<p id="2CUwld"><strong>MNW:</strong> Unless NU fell to a 10-seed and drew a more vulnerable 2, the hope was always to play two. 'Cats will have a tough one in FAU, but broadly it'll be a pro-NU crowd in Brooklyn thanks to an enthusiastic alumni base there.</p>
<p id="PwEI0p"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>Take the over in this one. Should be a shootout and then some. </p>
<p id="KMKiVC"></p>
<p id="vnEYkT">3 <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> v 14 Morehead State Eagles, Omaha, Thursday</p>
<p id="zBfCTJ"> (2nd round opponent) 6 Brigham Young Cougars OR 11 Duquesne Dukes</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: MAR 17 Big Ten Tournament -Illinois vs Wisconsin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J0to9SVPryLoBBIM-lcDFl-l0us=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341510/2084806959.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="LLqEY6"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>AlmaOtter will drop in their thoughts a little later but I absolutely love the Illini’s bracket. As someone that watched too much of the OVC this season, I don’t think Illinois will have major issues with them. <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a> has been a paper tiger all season for me and while I love Duquesne making the tournament, I’m not expecting them to make a run here.</p>
<p id="gCwVRj"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>Slightly delayed due to pup bereavement soup preparation (I make a fantastic broccoli cheddar with pretzel buns); those that follow the newsletter will have seen Ozzy the Ohio State dog a few weeks ago. He’s my father-in-law’s 13 year old spaniel. Today was his last day. I will miss him dearly. </p>
<p id="4nCq2p">Good draw for Illinois, hoping for an easy win to the R32. I am ready to get hurt again! BYU was in the Peach Basket for a few weeks this year and promptly chucked themselves out back in February. I’m not that worried about the first two rounds and god, that feels strange to write. Looking for a second weekend and a showdown of styles with Iowa State.</p>
<p id="Oi4zi4"></p>
<p id="lSdEWC"></p>
<h3 id="YKHRrY">South Region</h3>
<p id="BooydE">8 <a href="https://www.cornnation.com">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> v 9 <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M Aggies</a>, Memphis, Friday</p>
<p id="E4E2Az"> (2nd round opponent) 1 Houston Cougars OR 16 Longwood Lancers</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Penn State v Nebraska" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PuZ6f3bW8XuswLzQt9HrEdFfZUw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341511/2019021120.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="S19ByM"><strong>BRT:</strong> I don’t watch any non-B1G basketball, so I don’t know anything about A&M. Feels like it was set up for storyline reasons though. I just really want us to somehow win. This would be such a fun team to finally get the tourney W.</p>
<p id="VemEit"><strong>Dead Read:</strong> Stolen from text chain, regarding the TAMU and Nebby matchup: “Loser gets Trev.”</p>
<p id="AW8UNh">Honestly, with the inevitable Trev storyline furor and the quest for a first tourney victory, it looks like a perfect opportunity for Nebrasketball to lay an egg. I hope we do not. I want this monkey off our backs.</p>
<p id="ThYY4b">Based on vibes and virtually no basketball knowledge, it sure looks like things set up well for Creighton, though.</p>
<p id="2JfjDS"></p>
<p id="sC6gSZ">5 <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a> v 12 James Madison Dukes, Brooklyn, Friday</p>
<p id="1ODG9l"> (2nd round opponent) 4 <a href="https://www.dukebasketballreport.com">Duke Blue Devils</a> OR 13 Vermont Catamounts</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Wisconsin v Illinois" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BMUfqsU7miCWfUl_yAwVCcpLh2w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341512/2092147533.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="vD9yIE"><strong>Kind of...:</strong> JMU is obviously a tough draw for Wisconsin. JMU was #52 in the NET; UAB was 104, and they both got 12-seeds.</p>
<p id="2PzMbn">That said, doesn’t have to play on Thursday, which is a huge win given the four games-in-four days gauntlet they just ran.</p>
<p id="JuQZpj">I think the talking heads would’ve picked Grand Canyon or McNeese State to beat UW, too, so, well, whatever. See you Friday and let the chips fall.</p>
<p id="WbzTEU"><strong>MC ClapYoHandz: </strong>I am pretty content with this. I get that JMU probably could have moved up the seed line but I don’t see what immediately jumps out as favorable in the actual matchup. They have a great record and a nice win over MSU but the schedule is...weak weak. They don’t have the interior size for a Crowl or a Winter, outside shooting is solid but not lights out, score a lot but not very efficiently. Obviously not a gimme but this is their toughest game of the year and Wisconsin just played three harder ones this weekend alone. I realize I’m talking this into being a nailbiter but I would be disappointed by not advancing.</p>
<p id="BMlhDx">And then if you’re going to draw Duke early, I feel like this is the year to do it. We’ve got some big scores to settle there and I’ll take the Badger team that showed up this weekend into battle there any day. No questions on Houston at this time thank you.</p>
<p id="OHptPI"></p>
<h3 id="elvRfu">Midwest Region</h3>
<p id="LqLLOg">1 <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> v 16 TBD, Indianapolis, Friday</p>
<p id="3rcPcu"> Montana State Bobcats OR Grambling State Tigers</p>
<p id="dLzwsN"> (2nd round opponent) 8 Utah State Aggies OR 9 TCU Horned Frogs</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Michigan State v Purdue" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MkAOsY3sEt0Q0niiUXUBIzCrYfA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341514/2086636060.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="jrYp4o"><strong>BoilerUp89:</strong> Nice that the committee avoided the temptation to put St. Peter’s as Purdue’s 16 seed. Grambling State won zero games against Division 1 non-conference opponents this season. Montana State actually is a decent shooting team but their defense gambles on generating turnovers.</p>
<p id="I9C1uq">Looking ahead ever so slightly. Utah State is a good team, but I honestly feel that they are good matchup for Purdue. The Aggies aren’t a great three point shooting team (32.1%) but score a lot in the paint. On defense the Aggies defend the three point line but don’t generate turnovers and give up a lot of easier looks inside the arc. TCU on the other hand matches up a little better against Purdue. They play fast, generate turnovers, rebound well, and are going to force Purdue to make threes and play a little faster than the Boilermakers are comfortable with.</p>
<p id="qTqpCB"></p>
<p id="HBUMIP"></p>
<h3 id="7zZ4Rw">West Region</h3>
<p id="o3UyPD">9 Michigan State Spartans v 8 Mississippi State Bulldogs, Charlotte, Thursday</p>
<p id="RtjlzK"> (2nd round opponent) 1 UNC Tarheels OR 16 Howard Bison OR 16 Wagner <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Michigan State v Indiana" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jjTkArZi9CgSqwOBWWjPBY9SOZY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341516/2074285245.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="7dNyoW"><strong>BoilerUp89: </strong>Forgot that we don’t have a MSU writer for a minute there... Chris Jans’ Mississippi State team is defensive focused and they want to run opponents off the three point line (not a problem for Michigan State who likes their guards getting downhill towards the rim). Since the calendar turned to February though, Mississippi State is just 1-6 against NCAA tournament teams.</p>
<p id="u6qi7X">Out of the 1 seeds that MSU could have drawn, UNC is the one you would have wanted.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sfZPaG">
<p id="pR5ep3"><a href="https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=485c9af8-e231-11ee-ace1-b7953080dc3e&pt=campaign&t=1710513069&s=a97eaad7207d378dc48f6d6da8841ced8f3dc3dbacd979bb00b704e8dd295898"><strong>Click here</strong></a> to check out the browser version of our brand-new weekly newsletter. And if you like it (or even if you don’t), <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>subscribe here!</strong></a></p>
<p id="qFeOZz">It’s all of the B1G-centric news and stories that you know and love from us, but now straight to your inbox once a week.</p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/17/24104313/2024-ncaa-mens-basketball-bracket-revealed-rapid-reactions-big-tenBoilerUp89WhiteSpeedReceiverBuffKomodoRU in VABigRedTwiceDead ReadKind of...MC ClapYoHandzMNWildcat2024-03-17T20:15:55-05:002024-03-17T20:15:55-05:00NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket Revealed: Storylines Galore
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cy6eNOd2Q-WQb9tApiRsZM7onxo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214231/usa_today_22745186.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s a 1-seed for Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. But who lurks on the other side of the bracket?</p> <p id="zgWgQL">I imagine ESPN is still optimizing game times to get as many eyeballs on the stars as possible, but in the meantime, there were eight Big Ten teams on or around the NCAA Tournament in the women’s bracket.</p>
<p id="9eyzeZ">For the Big Ten, the one big question was whether Penn State would sneak in at the cut line—ESPN’s Charlie Creme had them as the <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30423107/ncaa-women-bracketology-2024-women-college-basketball-projections">second team out</a>, and that held pretty true. The 19-12 Lady Lions’ six-game swoon mid-season likely did them no favors, but this is REALLY harsh for a team with a 27 NET ranking and only two losses to non-tournament teams (@wisconsin, vs. Illinois).</p>
<p id="C3ZREMU8P-1710715550.812199-thread-list-Thread_1710722629.980189"><strong>misdreavus79: </strong>Almost making it is still better than what they’ve been doing the past 10 years, so I’ll take it.</p>
<p id="W7Sqdh"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>Well, Illinois wasn’t even close to the line this season after making it last year for the first time in ... I don’t know, an epoch? Hoping next year is different for the squad. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="IQ22aa">
<p id="Qn5TJe">Here are the other seven, plus their matchups and likely Round of 32 opponents.</p>
<h2 id="RFqNrn">Albany 2 Region</h2>
<h3 id="RmuS6n">Iowa City Section</h3>
<p id="b2Ufm1">[1] <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> vs. [16] Holy Cross Crusaders OR [16] Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks (Saturday, 2pm, ABC), then...<br>[8] <a href="https://www.smokingmusket.com">West Virginia Mountaineers</a> OR [9] Princeton Tigers</p>
<p id="HIbRqu"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>Well, their lone non-conference loss was to <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com">Kansas State</a>, who...is the 4-seed in Iowa’s regional (and Colorado is alive 5-seed, too). And lookie there potentially waiting in the Elite Eight: 3-seed <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>. Oh boy.</p>
<p id="ZhEvfk">Not feeling good about how thinks shook out. I don’t think anybody makes the Final Four. And if I’m feeling a bit spicy, I’m not sure anybody makes the Elite Eight, actually. We all know how good Caitlin Clark is, but Iowa has some weaknesses.</p>
<p id="CYZbbi"><strong>MNW: </strong>The Ivy champs are no joke here, bringing a 25-4 record to the table. Their only three losses?</p>
<ul>
<li id="56d1Yj">By two to Columbia (an at-large 12-seed) in Ivy League play, </li>
<li id="CueQOU">By two at Rhode Island in the non-con, </li>
<li id="IHjWaV">By nine vs. Indiana on a neutral court, and</li>
<li id="Up3Ghu">By three at UCLA.</li>
</ul>
<p id="ah1iqb">The Tigers can throw a lot at Caitlin Clark, with the 17-ranked scoring defense in the country (56 ppg), but size will be a question—if the Hawkeyes can pound it in to Hannah Steulke, that’ll free up a lot more for Clark and all Iowa’s other shooters (who already have no problem creating).</p>
<p id="Q1Fcrx">From there, it’s a <em>really</em> tantalizing bracket for Iowa: Colorado-Drake in the 5-12, offering an in-state rematch of a game Iowa won with a 113-point explosion, then <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com">Kansas State</a> at the 4-seed, a team that beat the Hawkeyes in the non-conference. The Wildcats have the <em>sheer goddamn audacity</em> to touch Caitlin Clark while playing defense, something any self-respecting Iowa fan will tell you ought to be a Flagrant 2 and result in the player’s public execution. We’ll see how the Hawkeyes handle that.</p>
<p id="u35cDI">Across the bracket, #2 UCLA and #3 <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a> lurk—and good sweet Christ, will we not be able to handle the nuclear-level takes of a Clark-Reese rematch. Go meteor. Or UCLA.</p>
<h2 id="XZXxsn">Albany 1 Region</h2>
<h3 id="ACGgXz">Columbia, SC Section</h3>
<p id="yHghcJ">[9] <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State Spartans</a> vs. [8] <a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> (Friday, 10:30am, ESPN2), then...<br>[1] South Carolina Gamecocks OR [16] Sacred Heart Pioneers OR [16] Presbyterian Blue Hose</p>
<p id="UNXzCV">Best of luck to Michigan State against North Carolina, and then enjoy thinking of England in the Round of 32.</p>
<p id="cjJFlR"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>I suppose we can find some interest in the interdenominational matchup at the 16 seed? Yeah, nah. Fodder for the SC leviathan. </p>
<h3 id="wyw8zu">Bloomington, IN Section</h3>
<p id="NnFuQ5">[4] <a href="https://www.crimsonquarry.com">Indiana Hoosiers</a> vs. [13] Fairfield...still Stags? (Saturday, 12:30pm, ESPN2), then...<br>[5] <a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com">Oklahoma Sooners</a> OR [12] Florida Gulf Coast Eagles</p>
<p id="eJfWFY">Honestly, I’m just very thrown off that Fairfield is still the Stags on the women’s side.</p>
<p id="7SJWAK">Will Mackenzie Holmes be healthy enough to lead the line for the Hoosiers in the dance? That was the reason Teri Moren held her out of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a>, starting three-point specialist Yarden Garzon at the center spot...</p>
<p id="EJJgFW">Assuming Holmes—along with Sydney Parrish, who missed time with a foot injury—is back and ready, Indiana should be a Sweet 16 threat. There, though, it’s the rough draw of the undefeated Gamecocks. Best of luck to you, IU.</p>
<p id="FFakTf"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>8-seed Sparty and 4-Indiana are in South Carolina’s half, so, um, thanks for playing. Maybe Indiana has an outside chance, but I’m not feeling it.</p>
<p id="jbXpva"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>I’m guessing that Indiana will be healthy enough for the Fairfield by Mariott Stags, but South Carolina looming does limit their potential ceiling. I’m hopeful that Holmes is back to her best after a few weeks off. </p>
<h3 id="d1VbHP">Corvallis, OR Section</h3>
<p id="z3qoUS">[6] <a href="https://www.cornnation.com">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> vs. [11] <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M Aggies</a> (Friday, 9:30pm ESPNU), then...<br>[3] <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State Beavers</a> OR [14] Eastern Washington Eagles</p>
<p id="1710720638.691499"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>Nebraska is playing Texas A&M in the opening round of the women’s tournament too, so the writers are really beating the Trev angle into the ground...</p>
<p id="1710720912.408439"><strong>Dead Read: </strong>I hate it already, and it’ll get worse.</p>
<p id="3y8Jgq"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>Nebraska beat Iowa once and probably should’ve twice, so they should beat A&M and could beat Oregon State. <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> [the 2-seed] is a taller order, but I gotta think Husker fans would consider that game house money and be thrilled with a Sweet 16 appearance.</p>
<p id="wSqWCI"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>I’m all in on the Nebraska team. Their style is fun, they shoot the lights out on their best day, and now that the men and women’s teams are both playing TAMU: IT’S PERSONAL. Go get it, Huskers. </p>
<h2 id="9hcPSe">Portland 3 Region</h2>
<h3 id="AXNQh1">Los Angeles, CA Region</h3>
<p id="UMyyN5">[9] <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com">Michigan Wolverines</a> vs. [8] <a href="https://www.rockchalktalk.com">Kansas Jayhawks</a> (Saturday, 1pm, ESPNNews), then...<br>[1] USC Trojans OR [16] Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders</p>
<p id="EyTALN">Similar to Penn State and Maryland, Michigan’s wins leave a little to be desired—I don’t know if they were really secure until a Big Ten Tournament win over Indiana. If the Wolverines can get Lauren Hansen and Jordan Hobbs rollin’ from deep, maybe they get through to putting a scare in USC.</p>
<p id="lbasJp"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>Michigan might get by Kansas, but isn’t getting by USC. What is there to say? We all know it’s better to be an 11-seed than and 8 or 9.</p>
<h3 id="eGsC53">Columbus, OH Region</h3>
<p id="KaGYIi">[2] <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> Buckeyes vs. [15] Maine Black Bears (Friday, 11am, ESPN), then...<br>[7] <a href="https://www.dukebasketballreport.com">Duke Blue Devils</a> OR [10] Richmond Spiders</p>
<p id="TIdClx">Across the bracket lurks USC, who already beat Ohio State in the season opener, and 3-seed <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>. It’s not an unkind draw for the Buckeyes, who stumbled down the stretch with a 10-point loss at Iowa and a shellacking in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament.</p>
<p id="cLZ1Z0"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>Ohio State getting a 2-seed makes sense giving body of work. However, last seen getting pile driven by 8th place Maryland in the B1G tournament, and now staring down a Sweet 16 matchup with, um, <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UConn</a>. Well, they’re gonna have to earn their way to the looks-like-a-Rose-Bowl Elite Eight showdown with 1-seed USC and frosh phenom JuJu Watkins.</p>
<p id="BxXSMd"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>I still don’t really know how OSU got completely thrashed by the Terps, but that was not promising. Hoping to see the team that took it to Iowa and the rest of the B1G. But yeah, that’s a tough draw. </p>
<h2 id="37x09o">Portland 4 Region</h2>
<h3 id="DeiTp4">Palo Alto, CA Region</h3>
<p id="Fq53Pa">[10] <a href="https://www.testudotimes.com">Maryland Terrapins</a> vs. [7] <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State Cyclones</a> (Friday, 6:30pm, ESPN2), then...<br>[2] Stanford Cardinal vs. [15] Norfolk State Spartans</p>
<p id="Wb8x5z"><strong>Kind of...: </strong>The aforementioned Terps grabbed a 10-seed. 7-seed Iowa State is playing their best ball, but it’s a winnable game. 2-seed Stanford in the second round is probably not, though.</p>
<p id="y6OWGO"><strong>MNW: </strong>It’s odd to see Maryland in this position, but a 31 NET and that aforementioned thumping of Ohio State put the Terps over the hump, as did one of the toughest strengths of schedule in the country.</p>
<p id="WU5KlM">The problem for Maryland? They didn’t <em>beat</em> any of those teams until Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament. That particularly doesn’t bode well in a Round of 32 matchup with Stanford, whose twin trees Kiki Iriafen and Cameron Brink should eat the Turtles’ lunch inside. And that’s assuming they get by Iowa State—the Cyclones heated up down the stretch, rattling off six straight, including three over ranked teams, before falling to Texas in the Big XII Tournament title game. ISU’s freshman center Audi Crooks is a <em>force</em> inside—seriously, you need to watch her play—and could cause similar headaches in the first round.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="czBQvj">
<p id="GDqKfc">See the full bracket from the NCAA <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d1/2024">here</a>, and stay tuned for our Women’s Bracket Challenge, coming tomorrow morning!</p>
<p id="pR5ep3">Want more Big Ten news and takes delivered straight to your inbox? We’ve got an email newsletter where we cut through all the nonsense MNW posts and give you the best scoops from Around the Empire. <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>Subscribe here!</strong></a></p>
<p id="W39Z5O"></p>
<p id="ghWzOv"></p>
<p id="IvYinj"></p>
<p id="5LKko2"></p>
<p id="mjXPNu"></p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/17/24104403/ncaa-womens-basketball-tournament-bracket-revealed-who-do-caitlin-clark-iowa-play-time-tv-gameMNWildcatKind of...2024-03-17T13:23:32-05:002024-03-17T13:23:32-05:00Men’s Basketball 362 to 1: Pre Selection Sunday Update
<figure>
<img alt="USC v Arizona State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u9CDM8GDrH3CtCHmZlUgPIpBkyk=/0x0:5875x3917/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213461/1947759782.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Down to 113.</p> <p id="4DdcFD">Today is Selection Sunday and with it we will whittle our field down to 68 remaining contenders for the national championship. Before the committee announces their bubble decisions, we need to pare the list down to those that are still at least partially in the conversation. We entered Friday with 137 teams left.</p>
<p id="GR7ZA7"></p>
<h2 id="ZrnY9P">Friday, March 15 Games</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Long Beach State defeats Cal State Fullerton 71-61 during a Big West Conference NCAA Basketball game." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dNBPw1LaZLDLdnveGJRDCxj5tAs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340999/1238313279.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="BHh4vk">Friday saw 36 games played. We added 20 more teams to our watchlist and saw our final ineligible program Tarleton State lose in their conference tournament. That left 15 teams that saw their national title hopes end on Friday.</p>
<p id="ic8Fs8"><strong>American - Quarterfinals</strong></p>
<p id="73GLT4">East Carolina was left on a deserted island by South Florida 59-81. The Pirates (15-18, 7-11) were mostly uncompetitive in the American this season or any season in the past 30 years. ECU has failed to make the NCAA tournament since 1993. They are 0-2 in their tournament history.</p>
<p id="yNjOBk">Wichita State’s hopes were burned up by UAB 60-72. The Shockers were the 12 seed in the American and their loss didn’t come as a huge surprise. Wichita State finishes the year with a 15-19 (5-13) losing record. The program is a long way from their 2013 Final Four (they also made the 1965 Final Four). The Shockers are just 3 years removed from the their last tournament game: a First Four loss to Drake.</p>
<p id="9sXYn1">Temple. That’s the team that ended Charlotte’s dreams of gold this season as the 49ers barely cleared 49 points and lost 54-58. Charlotte (19-12, 13-5) ends the American tournament with a NET of 106. The 49ers haven’t made the tournament since they were still in the CUSA (2005). Charlotte has advanced past the Round of 32 just once: their 1977 Final Four run.</p>
<p id="rO0YQ7">North Texas lost the other American quarterfinal but remained alive on the watchlists thanks to a respectable NET ranking.</p>
<p id="jo4sA5"><strong>Conference USA - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="NqFX1a">CUSA regular season champion Sam Houston jumped out to a huge lead in the first semifinal of the CUSA tournament. Up by 14 with 12:30 to play, the Bearkats had a tie game with 6:12 to play and soon fell 4 points behind. Trading baskets and later baskets for free throws weren’t enough and Sam Houston dropped the semifinal to UTEP 63-65. The loss left Sam Houston (21-12, 13-3) on the outside looking in due to a NET ranking of 152. The Bearkats have made the NCAA tournament twice, losing their games in 2003 and 2010.</p>
<p id="n8dFym">Middle Tennessee State was topped by WKU 54-85 after being down 19 at the half. The Blue Raiders were a surprise to make the semifinals of the CUSA tournament but pulled in upset in the quarterfinals to reach that point. MTSU ends the season with a 14-19 (7-9) record. The Blue Raiders have a 4-9 NCAA tournament record (all opening round wins) including their win over Michigan State in 2016 which made them the eighth 15 seed to win a game. They last went to the Big Dance in 2017.</p>
<p id="JPLYal"><strong>SWAC - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="U9AwQQ">Never Made the Tournament Club member Bethune-Cookman lost to fellow NMTC member Grambling 53-65 following a 19 point first half. The Wildcats (17-16, 11-7) have been Division 1 since 1980 but with a NET ranking of 304 will have to wait until at least next year to go dancing.</p>
<p id="QvaK44">Texas Southern’s NCAA tournament bids seem inevitable. On Friday they advanced to another SWAC championship game by defeated Alabama A&M 72-65. The Bulldogs dropped to 11-22 (9-9) with the loss. They have a 0-1 record in the Big Dance having lost a 2005 opening round game to Oakland.</p>
<p id="oeYFlK"><strong>MAC - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="CS01Zu">Bowling Green lost to instate rival and 8 seed in the MAC tournament Kent State 60-73. The Falcons (20-13, 10-8) end their season with a NET of 229. Bowling Green has not made the tournament since 1968. This drought is the third longest active drought and fourth longest all time. The Falcons deepest advance came in 1963 when they made the regional semifinal before losing to Illinois.</p>
<p id="0t3NUu">In our second all-Ohio semifinal, Ohio was declawed by Akron 62-65. The Bobcats led 26-16 at the half before giving up 49 points in the second half. Ohio’s 20-13 (13-5) record is coupled with a NET ranking of 136 which isn’t good enough to be in the at-large conversation. Unlike Bowling Green, it’s been just 3 seasons since Ohio made the tournament. They kicked off a 2012 Sweet 16 run by beating Michigan to avenge their 1964 Regional final loss to the Wolverines.</p>
<p id="cLBBn4"><strong>MEAC - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="fasEFt">Howard continued their one man show by defeating Norfolk State 80-74. The result upends the MEAC favorite Norfolk State’s chances at a tournament bid since the Spartans (22-11, 11-3) finish the year with a NET ranking of 210. Norfolk State is most famous for defeating 2 seed Missouri in the 2012 NCAA tournament. They’ve returned to the scene of their success in 2021 and 2022.</p>
<p id="w7ZYeo">North Carolina Central was stung by Delaware State 58-71. The Eagles (18-13, 9-5) have a dismal NET of 257 that will keep them out of the tournament. NC Central has gone dancing four times, but three of those were First Four appearances. They are 0-4 with the most recent loss coming against North Dakota State in 2019.</p>
<p id="gqKiHW"><strong>MAAC - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="MWWeu0">The polling results were off. Quinnipiac lost to St. Peter’s 60-62 following a buzzer beating game winner by the Peacocks following a late offensive rebound. The loss leaves the Bobcats (24-9, 15-5) in the NMTC for at least another year due to a NET of 158.</p>
<p id="6F7Jfy">Marist missed the front end of a 1 and 1 after being fouled down two with 6 seconds remaining. The missed free throw sealed the loss for the Red Foxes to Fairfield 61-65. With a NET of 191, Marist’s (18-13, 12-8) drought reached 37 years. The Red Foxes are 0-2 in their two tournament appearances.</p>
<p id="69fiE2"><strong>WAC - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="vMFVzD">Seattle’s return to greatness is delayed another year with a 72-80 loss to Grand Canyon. The Redhawks (19-14, 11-9) end the season with a NET of 119. Seattle were your 1958 NCAA tournament runner-up and made four other Sweet 16s in the 50s and 60s. Local financial decline in the late 1970s led to drastic cuts to Seattle University including a move for their athletic program down to NAIA in 1980. They returned to Division 1 in 2008, but haven’t been back to the tournamnet and still await their first appearance since 1964.</p>
<p id="TqDriQ">In the second WAC semifinal, ineligible Tarleton State lost a thriller to UT Arlington 84-87.</p>
<p id="GuiU6v"><strong>Big West - Semifinals</strong></p>
<p id="fYQK7B">In the first Big West semifinal, favorite UC Irvine lost to Long Beach State 79-83. With a top 100 NET ranking, the Anteaters join the watchlist but are extremely unlikely to receive an at-large bid.</p>
<p id="GHGi9i">In the second semifinal, Hawaii’s late game comeback cut the lead to 1 and saw the Rainbow Warriors with the ball and 22 seconds to work with. Unfortunately for Hawaii they missed their look and would lose to UC Davis 65-68 following a pair of late free throws by Davis. Hawaii (20-14, 11-9) made a late push for relevancy in the Big West this season and will look to build upon the late season competency next season. Hawaii has made five tournaments. Their most recent appearance in 2016 saw their only NCAA tournament victory over California following by Maryland ruining their fun in the Round of 32.</p>
<p id="GsM6Pi">All other Friday’s losers join the watchlist. Friday’s final numbers:</p>
<h3 id="I0i0BX">Teams Remaining - 122 (-15: Sam Houston State, East Carolina, Bethune-Cookman, Middle Tennessee, Wichita State, Bowling Green, Norfolk State, Quinnipiac, Ohio, NC Central, Seattle, Marist, Alabama A&M, Charlotte, Hawaii)</h3>
<h3 id="3pVazo">Field of 68 Auto Bids - 14 (+0)</h3>
<h3 id="Runx7l">Watchlist - 60 (+20: <strong>Texas Tech, Tennessee, Arizona, Baylor, Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah State, Alabama, </strong><a href="https://www.cougcenter.com/"><strong>Washington State</strong></a><strong>, </strong>Virginia*, Northwestern*, St. John’s*, Michigan State*, Pittsburgh*, Providence*, Ohio State*, Colorado State*, North Texas, UC Irvine, Indiana)</h3>
<h3 id="CBfrWP">
<small><strong>BOLD: should be in.</strong></small><small> *The bubble</small>
</h3>
<h3 id="nFzzZe">Never Made the Tournament Club Members still Alive: 2 (UMass Lowell and Grambling). Stetson has graduated!</h3>
<h3 id="MfUUJU">Bid Thieves: 1 (Atlantic 10)</h3>
<h3 id="R3Tmug">Potential Bid Thieves: Oregon (Pac 12), UAB/USF/Temple (American), <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/"><strong>NC State</strong></a> (ACC)</h3>
<p id="SrW55H"></p>
<h2 id="dfBOgW">Saturday, March 16</h2>
<p id="PS3ROh">Saturday set the stage for the committee decisions and burst several bubbles. More importantly it saw a bunch of teams clinch their bids.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: MAAC Conference Tournament Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cl3q7UiTnH1zYH8hM-N6GbeSlfY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340989/usa_today_22796842.jpg">
<cite>John Jones-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>sigh</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Ky4Qmk"><strong>America East - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="mmSO3a">Vermont outlasted UMass Lowell (22-10, 11-5) 66-61 to make another NCAA tournament. UMass Lowell’s loss will keep them in the NMTC for another season due to their NET of 142 but the River Hawks just became eligible in 2018.</p>
<p id="aVW96E"><strong>MEAC - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="WC1VI9">Howard is returning to the Big Dance following a 70-67 victory over Delaware State. For the Hornets, the loss drops their record to 15-18 (6-8). They have not been to the tournament since their only appearance in 2005 when they lost to Duke 46-57 in the Round of 64.</p>
<p id="wKcgR7"><strong>MAC - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="p6WOli">Up 1 point with 5 seconds remaining, Kent State committed a foul that sent Akron to the free throw line. Akron converted on both free throws to take the lead and end Kent State’s miracle run through the MAC tournament as the 8 seed. Kent State (17-17, 8-10) barely made the MAC tournament field, but knocked out top seed Toledo and gave Akron everything they could handle. With a NET of 172, the Golden Flashes won’t be making back to back NCAA tournaments. They do have that 2002 Elite 8 run that was cruelly ended by Indiana.</p>
<p id="nAT3Ag"><strong>MAAC - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="8IHdav">Darn it. Fairfield lost to St. Peter’s 63-68 to ensure that there will be at least one team from New Jersey in the NCAA tournament (Seton Hall is on the bubble and Princeton is on our watchlist but likely far outside the cutline). The loss drops the Stags to 22-12 (14-6) and with a NET of 158. Fairfield’s tournament drought reaches 27 years. They are 0-3 in the NCAA tournament with two of those losses coming against Big Ten teams Illinois and Indiana.</p>
<p id="SPiesr"><strong>Conference USA - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="4w9BnH">In his third season as a head coach, Steve Lutz has made it to his third NCAA tournament after Western Kentucky defeated UTEP 78-71. For UTEP (18-16, 7-9), the loss ends their season due to their NET of 179. We applaud the Miners on an entertaining CUSA tournament that saw them defeat Liberty and 1 seeded Sam Houston. UTEP (then Texas Western) were the 1966 NCAA tournament champions in one of the most important NCAA basketball games ever. 2024 marks the 14th consecutive season that ends without a NCAA tournament appearance.</p>
<p id="BBLtLv"><strong>Big West - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="iEPgoc">It’s just Beach. After informing their head coach Dan Monson that his term would end at the conclusion of Long Beach State’s postseason, Long Beach State has won the Big West tournament by defeating UC Davis 74-70. With the loss the Aggies fall to 20-13 (14-6). They have not made the NCAA tournament since 2017 and will not make it this year due to a NET of 166. The Aggies won a First Four game in their only Big Dance before losing to Kansas by 38 in the Round of 64.</p>
<p id="qltBoq"><strong>SWAC - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="OJeOWo">With only Stetson having escaped the NMTC entering Saturday, it was shaping up to potentially tie the record for the least amount of first time dancers in the NCAA tournament. Only UMass Lowell and Grambling entered Saturday still in the running and Lowell lost the America East championship before Grambling’s game tipped off. Grambling faced perennial tormentor Texas Southern. This year was different though. Grambling ran away with the game by halftime and held on to secure a 75-66 win and make their first Big Dance!</p>
<p id="TdbXoF">Don’t feel too bad for Texas Southern (16-16, 12-6). Although the Tigers won’t be making this year’s tournament (NET of 276), they’ve represented the SWAC in 7 of the previous 9 tournaments. Texas Southern is 3-11 in the NCAA tournament with all three wins coming in the First Four. Unfortunately, they couldn’t win their First Four game against Fairleigh Dickinson last season.</p>
<p id="rOLSvH"><strong>WAC - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="MnfMGR">The Grand Canyon swallowed the dreams of Texas - Arlington. UTA (20-14, 13-7) lost to the school named after a canyon 74-89. The Mavericks have been to just one NCAA tournament in 2008. They lost to Memphis in the Round of 64, but Memphis later vacated the victory.</p>
<p id="k08rXx"></p>
<p id="hfOIQN">Saturday’s games brought the countdown to...</p>
<h3 id="Vy5Mx0">Teams Remaining - 114 (-8)</h3>
<h3 id="cinoxs">Field of 68 Auto Bids - 27 (+13: Vermont, Howard, Akron, St. Peter’s, Western Kentucky, Long Beach State, Grambling, Grand Canyon, Iowa State, New Mexico, Connecticut, North Carolina State, Oregon)</h3>
<h3 id="ipuY83">Watchlist - 77^ (+15: <strong>Houston, Purdue, North Carolina, Marquette, San Diego State, Nebraska,</strong> Florida Atlantic*,<strong> </strong>Colorado*, Mississippi State*, Texas A&M*, South Florida*, Princeton*, St. Bonaventure’s, Saint Joseph’s, Cornell)</h3>
<h3 id="dQsRNo">
<small>^previously left Texas & Oklahoma off the list</small><br><small><strong>BOLD: should be in.</strong></small><small> *The bubble</small>
</h3>
<h3 id="BF31H1">Never Made the Tournament Club Graduations: 2 (Stetson & Grambling)</h3>
<h3 id="VFXg3U">Bid Thieves: 4 (North Carolina State, Oregon, UAB/Temple, Duquesne/VCU)</h3>
<p id="bOwmJj"></p>
<h2 id="7heDRH">Sunday, March 17 Games so far</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: MAR 04 Yale at Brown" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DsxEm9lg9kTSQ4CgYEhlTq1MR0s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340988/1247806521.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="Z2AmCv"><strong>Ivy League - Championship Game</strong></p>
<p id="WslSs8">Up 3 with 21 seconds, Brown went to the free throw line for 2 shots and appeared in good shape to make their first NCAA tournament since 1986, but they made just 1 of 2. A Yale three pointer narrowed the margin to 1 and then Brown missed another 2 free throws. Another two missed free throws gave Yale a chance and the Bulldogs got off a 3 foot jump shot right before the buzzer to end Brown’s season in heartbreak. The Brown Bears have made two NCAA tournaments: the very first in 1939 and 1986. They have not won a game in the Big Dance.</p>
<p id="ydb5Jp"></p>
<h3 id="xTUHYf">Teams Remaining - 113 (-1: Brown)</h3>
<h3 id="g0lquL">Field of 68 Auto Bids - 28 (+1: Yale)</h3>
<h3 id="4s1iKj">Watchlist - 77 (+0)<br><small><strong>BOLD: should be in.</strong></small><small> *The bubble</small>
</h3>
<h3 id="LOV7i1">Never Made the Tournament Club Graduations: 2 (Stetson & Grambling)</h3>
<h3 id="lMUB0C">Bid Thieves: 4 (North Carolina State, Oregon, UAB/Temple, Duquesne/VCU)</h3>
<p id="dER3r3"></p>
<p id="OPX28B">Before the committee announces their decisions, our countdown will reach 112 with the loser of the American championship game (Temple or UAB) being knocked off the list. The A10 runner-up (Duquesne/VCU) will join the watchlist with slim hopes while the SEC and Big Ten runner-ups will be in line to make the NCAA tournament.</p>
<p id="whSBu5"></p>
<p id="sQ2kJt">Of what will be 80 teams on our watchlist, only 36 of them will receive at-large bids. The consensus from guessers is that the 29 following teams are safe: Purdue, Houston, North Carolina, Tennessee, Marquette, Arizona, Baylor, Creighton, Big Ten runner-up (Illinois or Wisconsin), Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, SEC runner-up (Auburn or Florida), Alabama, BYU, San Diego State, South Carolina, Texas Tech, Utah State, Clemson, Nevada, Gonzaga, Washington State, Boise State, Dayton, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado State, and TCU.</p>
<p id="jtttLR">That leaves 7 spots for 51 teams. The 13 teams most commonly associated with those bubble spots are Northwestern, Mississippi State, Florida Atlantic, Colorado, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, St. John’s, Virginia, Seton Hall, Indiana State, Providence and Pittsburgh.</p>
<p id="7rNck7">We have seen the group think of the bracketologists be wrong before though. The other 31 teams (including Big Ten members Ohio State, Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana) probably aren’t going dancing, but won’t be considering officially eliminated by my countdown until the Committee announces their selections a little later today.</p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/17/24103976/mens-basketball-362-to-1-pre-selection-sunday-updateBoilerUp892024-03-17T10:00:00-05:002024-03-17T10:00:00-05:00Off Tackle Open Threads: Luck of the Illini
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Illinois at Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ieli3Ic-21NJHUYK_nbqoDZVwx0=/0x601:5436x4225/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213183/usa_today_22673534.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trust me Klesmit is an old Irish name | Mark Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Plus Selection Sunday!</p> <h4 id="qXQuyj">
<strong>Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter yet?</strong> Check it out <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>here</strong></a>! </h4>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="njLpoP">
<h2 id="25lCB5">Recaps</h2>
<h4 id="yU1tXQ">
<a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a> 76, <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> 75 (OT)</h4>
<p id="dhfvZ3"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Why talk when technology allows you to watch?</p>
<div id="Bt7edi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WISCONSIN UPSETS NO. 1 PURDUE IN BIG 10 SEMIFINAL <a href="https://t.co/oPtGfztxrX">pic.twitter.com/oPtGfztxrX</a></p>— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1769087078749335638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="EBIgnh"><strong>Kind of...</strong>: Besides becoming the all-time leader scorer in Purdue history (because there was no three-point line when Rick Mount played), Zach Edey also <a href="https://twitter.com/BadSportsRefs/status/1769083732101611564">drew</a> a whopping <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshReynolds24/status/1769085010357752196">15</a> fouls yesterday, as the Badgers mercilessly <a href="https://twitter.com/Blutman27/status/1769077583251968210">hacked</a> Edey to pieces. Edey, for his part, received a personal foul and technical just over two minutes into the game. However, for the remaining 43 minutes of game action, Edey reverted to his fundamentally sound, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFieldOf68/status/1769071880047055283">clean</a> style of play, not picking up another. Despite Edey’s <a href="https://twitter.com/CollegeSportsO/status/1769082400103858425">dominance</a>, the Boilers were undone by a -11 turnover margin, and Chucky Hepburn making Braden Smith his butler.*</p>
<h5 id="moDvoB">*That’s for the Northwestern fans who recognize 46-8. </h5>
<h4 id="Edfc7K">
<a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> 98, <a href="https://www.cornnation.com">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> 87</h4>
<p id="cq8qr3"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Disappointment for Nebrasketball, as they were up 15 in the second half before the game when decidedly the other way. Terrence Shannon Jr. dropped 40(!), and no Nebber was matching that. Still, should be heading to the tourney for the first time in ten years, and that ain’t bad.</p>
<h2 id="4P9OgX">Previews</h2>
<h4 id="Iot9T6">#5 Wisconsin Badgers v. #2 Illinois Fighting Illini (-3.5), 2:30 pm, CBS</h4>
<p id="MOF7e8"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: The Illini tagged the Badgers at the Kohl earlier this month, though that was while Wisconsin was in their swirl of suck. Can anyone guard Terrence Shannon? Marcus Domask scored 31 in the first meeting, better guard him too. With both of these teams heading to the tourney, no major drama on the horizon. Torvik goes Illini, 78-77.</p>
<p id="OhQZxe"><strong>AlmaOtter: </strong>Illinois lost 15 straight to Wisconsin from 2011 to 2019. The Illini have won 7 consecutive since that point. Wisconsin will be on their 4th game in 4 days. No predictions, only arbitrary stats. </p>
<h3 id="FcU9YM">Ivy League Final</h3>
<h4 id="EIWCTz">#181 Brown Bears v. #82 Yale Bulldogs (-7.5), 11 am, ESPN2</h4>
<p id="18DvNj"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Give us Brown! On February 16th, Brown was 6-17 and hopeless. They then won 6 in a row to make the Ivy League Field and then bounced conference leader Princeton. Could be a good game - these teams just played March 9th, an overtime win for the Bears. Torvik goes Yale, 72-64.</p>
<p id="zLBa1e"><strong>AlmaOtter</strong>: </p>
<div id="mJeEor"><div style="max-width: 768px;"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 76.5625%;"><iframe src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia1.tenor.com%2Fm%2FwbShlV091r0AAAAd%2Fbear-sits-down.gif&key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div>
<h3 id="mMYpHV">SEC Final</h3>
<h4 id="BHR2kN">#22 Florida Gators v. #5 Auburn Tigers (-5.5), Noon, ESPN</h4>
<p id="OwcgCp"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Notable because Greg Sankey is sort of talking about getting rid of automatic qualifiers for smaller leagues. Somehow, the NCAA created the most perfect postseason in sports and now all they can do is talk about changing it. No one watches SEC basketball anyhow.</p>
<h3 id="SSiqAZ">A-10 Final</h3>
<h4 id="bA03eO">#84 Duquesne Dukes v. #76 VCU Rams (-1.5), Noon, CBS</h4>
<p id="WiK0L6"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Maybe the most even matchup of the day. We’ve seen both of these teams, VCU previously beat Penn State and Nebraska beat Duquesne in the Cornhusker Classic final. I’m not sure Duquesne can recover from debasing themselves by playing in the Cornhusker Classic. Torvik goes Rams, 65-64.</p>
<h3 id="p3hLlT">AAC Final</h3>
<h4 id="WivOUm">#179 Temple Owls v. #113 UAB Blazers (-6.5), 2:15 pm, ESPN</h4>
<p id="hMORVu"><strong>MaximumSam</strong>: Temple bounced Florida Atlantic yesterday, which might bounce them out of the tourney. Then rumors started that OSU was going to hire Jake Diebler instead of Dusty May. Did Temple bounce May out of a job? Only Bjork knows. Torvik goes UAB, 74-69.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xkxsU8">
<p id="vZKlOZ"><strong>Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter yet?</strong> Check it out <a href="https://offtackleempire.eo.page/dc9nz"><strong>here</strong></a>! </p>
<p id="NuHZ6r"></p>
https://www.offtackleempire.com/2024/3/17/24103403/off-tackle-open-threads-st-patricks-day-basketball-wisconsin-illinois-selection-sundayMaximumSamBoilerUp89AlmaOttermisdreavus79