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March Madness 2026
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Don and special guest host Gary Cromwell talk the entire bracket all the way to the national championship game. Fair warning, it is a long show, but it is worth listening to.
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Transcript
Introduction and NCAA Report Overview
00:00:00
Speaker
This is Gateway Sports. Ladies and gentlemen, I've got a couple questions for you. Do you love college sports as much as I do? Are you always wondering where you can find the latest NCAA reports?
00:00:13
Speaker
Will you come to the right place? Welcome, sports fans, the NCAA report with Don Enron. Gee, that sounds kind of interesting.
00:00:27
Speaker
Ready to win the game.
00:00:41
Speaker
For
00:00:55
Speaker
Look at the air, look at the hang time, look at the flying motion. Look at his head above the rim.
00:01:24
Speaker
A confident young man, a superb athlete. To infinity and beyond!
Co-Host Update and March Madness Excitement
00:02:07
Speaker
Call on the field stands. Touchdown.
00:02:42
Speaker
Pay attention, son. This is for your own good. The moment you've all been waiting for, here they are, your favorite hosts, Don Glenn and Russ Robinson.
00:02:55
Speaker
Well, hello, everybody. All right. Well, ah unfortunately, my normal partner, Russ Robinson, is not with us tonight. He's ah having some health problems, so we're hopefully hopefully wishing him a speedy recovery.
00:03:11
Speaker
ah So this is the NCAA report with Don and Russ. But in Russ's chair tonight, I got a good friend of mine. I've been trying to get on the show for a while. he's I've known him almost all my life. ah He's a sports fan, a line-eye fan, so we might get along a little bit better. It might be a little more biased for Illinois tonight. You never know. ah But Gary Cromwell. Gary, welcome to the show.
00:03:33
Speaker
Thank you, Don. i appreciate you having me on. And it's a good time of the year for everybody, isn't it? It's kind of like Christmas time for all the basketball junkies. I so i have said many times, this is probably...
00:03:45
Speaker
and i And I may be overstating a little bit, but this is probably my favorite time of the year because it is just, they named it correctly when they said March Madness. Because it is.
00:03:56
Speaker
i mean, it's it's basically madness with all the the brackets and the in the ah the the shows and
NCAA Bracket Analysis: East Region
00:04:04
Speaker
the games. and it's just a it's ah It's a fun, fun time to be a college basketball fan. Absolutely sure is. And, uh, everybody's got their own opinions and, and everybody's got their own teams to root for. and sometimes you get to see teams you haven't got to see all year. And, uh, if you're not rooting for your own team, you're sometimes you're rooting for the,
00:04:26
Speaker
the The little fella yeah you know that can pull through. yeah or or if your team gets knocked out, you're rooting for your conference at that point. you know Absolutely. Unless it's Purdue or Michigan, and then all bets are off. ah So the brackets are out, ah and we're going to go over them like we normally do on this show. We're going to go over time.
00:04:49
Speaker
section of a time And we'll try, it I don't know if we'll do the entire bracket all the way out. We'll try. We'll see if we get there. But we'll go from that. And and to Gary and I will give you our thoughts. And we'll see what happens. So let's go ahead and start this off. We'll start off with the the East region.
00:05:08
Speaker
Where we have Duke is the one seed playing Siena. Ohio State is the eight playing TCU who is the nine. St. John's is the fifth seed playing the 12 seed Northern Iowa.
00:05:22
Speaker
Kansas is the fourth seed. They grabbed Cal Baptist as the 13th seed. Louisville is the sixth seed playing Southern Florida.
00:05:33
Speaker
Or no, excuse me. so yeah South Florida. South Florida, okay. ah Michigan State is the three seed. They've got North Dakota State. UCLA, the seven seed, plays University of Central Florida. And UConn, the two seed, gets Furman.
00:05:49
Speaker
and And as Russ and I have told you guys before, we don't follow every conference. So if we're a little light on some of these guys, you know just take it with a bit of grain salt.
00:06:00
Speaker
You can look it up yourself. Anyway, all right. So we got Duke-Siena. I don't see any way that there's a 16 beats one here. um The next game is the one that's interesting.
00:06:12
Speaker
Ohio State-TCU. So you do have Duke over Siena. I do have Duke over Siena. There's not a problem with Duke over Siena. Yeah. Ohio State-TCU. I really find this one interesting.
00:06:25
Speaker
ah And I'll tell you why. is is There's... one guy i usually don't root for ohio state big 10 conference uh so much football but basketball there's one guy that i just love in college basketball and it's bruce thornton of ohio state he's good i really think he could have been first team all big 10 he stayed all four years there and that's what it should be all about um Now, Ohio State goes in as a two-and-a-half-point favorite over TCU. TCU is coached by Jamie Dixon. Mm-hmm. I watched them play Kansas.
00:07:04
Speaker
ah it it's It's going to be a tough game. You got the eight nine um
00:07:14
Speaker
My heart says Ohio State. Mm-hmm. And I think that's what I would go with. But but I think it's going to be it's gonna be close. Well, I agree with you there in the sense that, you know, and I haven't i didn't see them play Kansas. I saw them play TCU, play somebody else. And they did impress me. I mean, they're they're ah they're a really solid ball club. um You know, but so like you said, so is Ohio State.
00:07:39
Speaker
I think Ohio State probably is the better shooting of the two at this point. ah But, um you know, it's – I think I'm going to echo that. I'm going to go with Ohio State on this one. um you know Just because, like again, I think I know more about Ohio State than do TCU, number one. Yes. um But, like said, you look at – And they play in Greenville, South Carolina as well, yeah as Illinois does tomorrow night.
00:08:06
Speaker
Yeah. And so this is going to be an interesting, interesting matchup. But I think Ohio State, again, that's a two-point spread – You know, I think that's probably what it's going to be. It's going to be one basket or a three-pointer one way or the other is probably going to win this game. Yep.
00:08:21
Speaker
So, excuse me. And pardon of me, folks. I'm ga dealing with a little bit of cough. I had influenza for a couple about a week there, so it's still kind of lingering on me. if i So if I cough, I apologize.
00:08:31
Speaker
I'll try and edit them out later. but It's worse for me than you folks out there. That's right. Okay, so the next one is St. John's in Northern Iowa. ah St. John's has been one of those weird teams all year.
00:08:44
Speaker
they They look great, and then they look like an eh. What was your feeling on them being a five seed after a blown-out UConn and beating them two out of three times? Now, I'm not saying UConn should have been where they're at. Right. But in some of those tournaments, as in a couple spots, teams moved up.
00:09:03
Speaker
Mm-hmm. from the conference tournament. I'm not sure where St. John's was to before the tournament, they they' the the Big East tournament started. I know, now i know like in the case of of Michigan and the Big Ten, I was listening to an interview they were doing with the with the selection committee before we had the tornado warning and de preempted the selection show. But they said, they asked him about that and they said, yes, that Purdue...
South Region Predictions and Illinois Performance
00:09:32
Speaker
And Wisconsin both were elevated, and mis and Michigan was supposed to be the second number one seed and dropped the third number one seed. Yeah, yes.
00:09:44
Speaker
Which, I mean, you're a number one seed. You're going to play a 16. Who and cares? Well, a couple teams have. Well, yeah, that's true. There have been a couple upsets lately. Purdue a couple years ago. But, yeah, I think this is a case where, like said, I don't know where they were before, but...
00:10:00
Speaker
You think you've beaten UConn twice. You take the the the conference tournament.
00:10:08
Speaker
You would have thought maybe they would have slid up to that four line somewhere. I think they could have. um Absolutely. Now, ah Northern Iowa in all 64 teams or 68. 68, whatever it was. Is the slowest team possession-wise in the country.
00:10:29
Speaker
in the tournament. 63 possessions a game. Now, what does that factor in with St. John's? I don't know. But it's just something that they may try to keep the pace down a little bit. Which could affect St. John's because I do think they are more an up-tempo team. Big East usually, with a few exceptions, like Georgetown a few years ago, does play a little bit more of an upper-tempo. I mean, not fast break run and gun. But they do play in Upper Temple, so that could throw St. John's off the game, but I don't think it's going to throw them all up to Costa. I don't either. We got St. John's going. Yeah, we got that. Kansas and Cal Baptist.
00:11:06
Speaker
Boy, would tell Kansas got a tough draw there, didn't they? ah i Is their all-star going to play all through? That's a good question. no you know He's pretty good when he plays. Yeah.
00:11:19
Speaker
Pretty darn good when he plays. Yeah. But I i would think it had to roll. Yeah. You know, this thing we didn't talk about yet is this bracket is full of, at least you know modern day in the last 25, 30 years, is the legend of coaches in this bracket, right? Oh, yeah. oh yeah i mean, there's just a bunch of them. Izzo and Patino and Shire's kind of getting on his way. You've got Bill Self there in Kansas. Yeah, this is ah this is a kind of almost, I won't say it's a who's who of coaching, but it's definitely some of the top guys from the last, like you said, in the last few years. But Macanthus should, obviously, they should have yeah i I would think. ah
00:12:02
Speaker
Louisville, South Florida. I have seen a number of experts picking South Florida in this game. Originally, my thought was Louisville.
00:12:13
Speaker
But I hear enough of these guys talking about it. You know, they've got a point on South Florida. You know, Louisville really has been that. Really, they've been unimpressive for sixth seed.
00:12:24
Speaker
Yeah, and they've they've hyped up Louisville all year. And I'm not saying anything batting but they're 23-10. And I must have watched all 10 losses. Every time I watch Louisville, they lose. So I guess if you're a Louisville fan out there, you probably don't want to watch the game. Right. But but i'm I'm with Don here. I go, South Florida seems to be a trendy pick by a lot of the experts across the country. I may have to split my boards.
00:12:51
Speaker
No way. Yeah, I may have to split my boards. You played more than two? I played three. okay for you Gary hosts ah a NCAA pool, pick'em pool, whatever you go to call it, ah that we get that I get in every year, have for, like you said, i don't know, 20 years now, I think we're going on. Anybody interested out there can get a hold of Don and contact. Let me know, and we'll get you set up. You've got just a few hours left, though. so But anyway, so it's I normally play like three boards, and then I play yeah ESPN and CBS and all these others. It's just fun. It's just a fun thing to do. All righty. So you got Louisville or South Florida. Oh, I'm sorry. yeah
00:13:30
Speaker
Boy, I tell you what.
00:13:36
Speaker
Part of me wants to go South Florida just because, like you said, it's the trendy pick. It's what everybody's saying. And like I said, the way Louisville has been so unimpressive. um But I think when it's gonna when it's push coming to shove, put a gun to my head, I'm going to take Louisville.
00:13:57
Speaker
Okay. Well, that game 1230 tomorrow. And by 1.30, I'll be saying, why in the hell did I that? Madison, Buffalo, New York. Oh, okay. So, don't know, four-and-a-half-point favorite, Louisville.
00:14:13
Speaker
You know, I'll just go South Florida. I'm going to argue with you for the first time tonight. We'll be on opposite side on this. That's fine. That's fine. I can live with that. Like said, I'll probably split my boards anyway just to cover my ass. All right, then we've got Michigan State North Dakota State. And I don't think there's any – Any discussion needed on this one? North Dakota State, um a seed going against the three. i mean, we have seen 14s win, but in this case, ah now, of course, it's also going to depend on if Jeremy Fears can quit kicking people in the groin.
00:14:45
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, that's... I'm not going to go into that on on this podcast, but I was a little surprised that... there was enough games that that happened that they haven't done with with video that somebody didn't step in, and you know, uh, either the conference or, you know, as ah as I said, he would handle it in house. And obviously maybe he did. And, and I, you know, I can't contradict that. Um, and that's fine. But I think there was enough games there that fears wasn't being picked on.
00:15:17
Speaker
There was enough video evidence that he did some stuff, but if, If he if he plays a game, he is one of the bull better, or you know, I mean, and and in driving and and and getting it to his teammates. And and he he's got some good teammates that – really aren't maybe nationally known. I mean, you know, probably around the Big Ten Conference. But, I mean, they got a couple of big guys out that shoot it from the outside. And and that Cohen Carr that can – man. He can fly. Yeah. He's that deck he's fast. as He can jump. He can shoot. I mean, i mean he's – and like said, Fierce is on his game. yeah There's probably –
00:15:56
Speaker
Not too many. Not too many guards are going to touch him. Yeah. you yeah At all. But I and think Michigan State wins it, but it's it's it's one of those games that get, you know, like any other tournament in the last 40, 50 years ago, whatever. It gets down in the final five minutes. i mean, North Dakota State, I mean, they – You know, they've they've proven themselves over past several years. I mean, they're usually in the hunt. Again, this isn't their first time in, I don't think. um No, I i think their last appearance. Let me see what we got here, what their last appearance was. But, I mean, i you know, you've got to go with with Michigan State, obviously. But this tournament every year just gets a little tighter and their last appearance was 2019. Okay. But still, that's not bad for you know for small conference like that. Usually one of the Dakota teams. Yeah.
00:16:50
Speaker
All right. So, we've got UConn and Furman. um I don't know a whole lot about Furman. We played UConn. I played UConn, so we know what they are like. Everybody's favorite coach, Danny Hurley. Yeah. We'll probably march on. Oh, yeah. I see i don't see anything stopping him going to the next round on this one.
00:17:09
Speaker
Right. so All right. So, let's move on to the south where we got Florida against who didn' up with Lehigh. That game goes tonight, right, Lehigh? Or that? the other They play the winner of the 216 games tonight, which is going on
00:17:35
Speaker
on. I don't have the dates on that one. Let's see. Let's see what the – it gives me the – Yeah, Prairie View is winning 47-41 right now with 10-27 to go in the second. So they will play the winner of that game. Yeah. And get and that's what that's another one. don't think either of those two teams really have ah have a legitimate shot at taking taking down Florida. Even though Florida, you know, Vandy. Well, they they were hot until the Vandy game. Yeah. Florida was the hottest team really in the country pretty much right there until the Vandy game in the semis. Yeah.
00:18:10
Speaker
And we'll get to Vandy in a little bit. but We will, yeah. Then we got, like I said, no no argument there. So then we got Clemson and Iowa. Clemson comes in 24-10, Iowa at 21-12. And that's our great eight versus nine seed.
Game Debates: North Carolina vs VCU and More
00:18:27
Speaker
Another one of those games. And I'll tell you what, I can go both ways.
00:18:31
Speaker
I can see Iowa winning this game. They've got a potential first-rounder in Sturtz, I think it is, right? Sturtz is he he's a heck of a player. He's a he's really, really good player. um That game plays in Tampa, Florida, and Iowa's a two-point favorite.
00:18:48
Speaker
Well, Tampa, Florida, and Clemson, that could be a kind of almost a ah regional home game for Clemson, if you will. I don't know how well Iowa travels that far. but I saw Clemson play a couple times. They're not a bad ball they're not a bad team. They're good a good group but a good group of guys that play together. Yeah.
00:19:07
Speaker
I couldn't name you a guy on the team, but, you know. Right. um Yeah, I saw them against North Carolina and and and and made a run at them after being down quite a bit. ah Iowa, of course, we know. um They, like say, Sturtz he's a hell of a player. Well, then you need to get. But, you know, they got good role players, a brand new coach this year. And, you know.
00:19:36
Speaker
it's It's another toss-up game, which usually eight versus nine games are. Always is, yeah. And I think, I mean, on this board right here, I've got Iowa, but I think any more than what I've been listening to, I may go against that pick tonight and take Clemson.
00:19:52
Speaker
yeah I don't always root for Big Ten teams with being an Illinois guy. I don't really care. I'm i'm kind of like, I never agreed with Bobby Knight too much, but he said, I don't really give a damn what the other Big Ten teams do if we lose. There you go. And, and you know, and I kind of have that deal with him. Right. um I don't.
00:20:16
Speaker
i just It's a tough one. I think I would go with Clemson. ah But, again, it's a toss-up game. It's a toss-up game. Play it at your own risk. Right. And if you play more than one board, split your pick. Yep. There you go. All right. So then we're now down to the Vandy and McNeese game.
00:20:36
Speaker
um I said they know nothing about McNeese. I don't really know anything. i've I've heard a couple things. They've got ah a pretty good couple of pretty good players, good guard. But Vanderbilt is another team that just – They've had pretty solid year. It's of like Wisconsin in the Big Ten.
00:20:55
Speaker
They're 12-point favorites. They hung around, hung around, and then all of a sudden they they showed up where the tournament showed up. Yeah. you know yeah ah so I mean, they're 26-8 and a you know really good conference, yeah really. Yeah, really, not bad.
00:21:10
Speaker
And –
00:21:12
Speaker
They got to the finals of the SEC finals before losing Arkansas. So I would go Vanderbilt here. And that's just based on their season and being a good seed. I know nothing about McNeese. I don't think there's anything to sway me on Vanderbilt there.
00:21:32
Speaker
North Carolina versus VCU. Six versus 11. And i have I've been seeing all these reels on Facebook. I have not seen one guy pick North Carolina.
00:21:47
Speaker
And originally, when I was looking at my boards, I'm like okay, yeah, North Carolina is a good a good pick for this one. i think that and And then you know I got to look, and like, well, wait a minute. North Carolina.
00:22:00
Speaker
washed them I did catch the AC there.
00:22:06
Speaker
dinner And Duke just ripped them apart. So it's kind of like, how good is this team? And and I think they're actually even hurt. Two things. I was just going to say two things about this.
00:22:17
Speaker
One is... is the game is in Greenville, South Carolina, so it's sort of in North Carolina's backyard. Right. And we know what we're going to be looking at next is the Illinois game here in a minute, which is where we're at. Right. And South Carolina fans probably aren't too happy with us after the bowl game last year. They're not happy with us at all. Neither are Duke fans, really. But if Caleb Wilson – was playing on this team. I think North Carolina would be obviously a little better than the six. And I, I think he's as good as anybody in the country. They talk about the Kansas guy and obviously the Brigham young and I would, you know, say their names, but some, I can't, but, but I think everybody knows who I'm talking about. But if Caleb will Wilson was was playing, this this would be a whole different story. But as it is, North Carolina is only a two and a half point pick and
00:23:10
Speaker
As you said, every expert, or not everyone, but yeah not the trend is a lot of people are saying you know VCU can play. they can They can hang with them at least for at least for this game.
00:23:24
Speaker
So, you know, yeah you can pick the so-called upset. It is only a two-and-a-half-point game. Yeah. There will be a lot of North Carolina fans there. Mm-hmm. Yeah, that may be their only saving grace they will have the fan base on their side. long as they, you know, tomorrow night and and if they win Saturday, they will have the big fan base. Oh, yeah. And, you know, and of course now, course, Virginia Commonwealth, um not that far away.
00:23:57
Speaker
So they might have a decent fouling being that they're playing North Carolina in that game. Yeah. So you could see a pretty much a 50-50 fan split on that one. Or maybe not 50 feet, it's 60-40 probably. VCU is 27-7. They've had a good season.
00:24:10
Speaker
They've put together a really good season. So where are you going? You know, I think I'm going to follow, be the trendy guy. I think I'm going to ahead and take VCU on this one.
00:24:21
Speaker
Okay. Well, I'll take North Carolina. Okay. All right. We've got a couple now that I've got to got i gotta to go make sure I by write down. so All right. Next one coming up. Illinois versus Penn.
00:24:35
Speaker
And... ah um And this is a three versus 14. Three versus a 14. And Fran McCaffrey, former Big Ten coach. always liked Fran. I never cared for Iowa because everybody knows from the Bruce Pearl days back in, you know, 1989, 1990. And then all the other clown shows he's done since at most the schools.
00:25:02
Speaker
And plus being on CBS. Yeah, I'm sure how. They did that. But that's another story the other day. That's another story for another podcast. So, ah yeah, I like Fran. And I watched that Penn game ah Sunday. Yeah.
00:25:17
Speaker
And it was such a great – and and they they they they probably shouldn't have won. But, you know, this the the power, the six-foot-nine guy, i mean, if he's available – and hump leaves our team this year because he's out of eligibility.
00:25:34
Speaker
I would get that guy, but I don't, but, but he had 44 on Sunday. wow. And he was their guy. Yeah. He, he, he's a great shooter. six foot nine, uh, good free throw shooter plays well. And, uh, he's out, he's out.
00:25:50
Speaker
Yeah. And, uh, but that was a great game, just a great college game. And, uh, Don't put Merkiewicz on him. i don't Well, I don't know about that. But I i think that is their – I mean, not that everybody else on that team isn't good. Right. you know, that's the one. He's the guy they build around. He's the guy. Right. And and I think Illinois – You know, they they can struggle a little bit like they want some do, but they they should they should win it. They should. I mean, with with with and this is the one thing with Illinois, and and i'm I'm actually working on a piece right now for the Champaign Room.
00:26:29
Speaker
um These last five games that we've seen with Illinois – the late game collapses against Wisconsin, i guess against UCLA. um And in the last five games that Illinois has played, they've shot just a little over 28% from three.
00:26:51
Speaker
Yeah. I mean, and in one game, UCLA game, they took 69 shots in the UCLA game. 42 were from three points. Does that surprise you? No, it it did in a sense because...
00:27:06
Speaker
you know, they had the success early in that game in the paint. It was kind of mix. were playing inside-outside, playing inside-outside, and they were having a really good success with that. And then all of a sudden, they said, to hell with the inside, we're shooting for three.
00:27:20
Speaker
And, you know, it just... And especially missing the way they did. I mean, they were just taking horrible shots. They were running down, taking up a quick shot, or they were just passing the ball around and then, oh, we got two seconds left, throw one up. Yeah, I mean, you know... out Illinois, you know, I mean, they, you know, had a good season. I mean, they're 24 and but, and you see it around here since we are in right here on the shadows of the campus, but
00:27:54
Speaker
everybody's always yelling on Facebook, you know, and they're, you know, get on Underwood's deal. And we all do. Right. And, you know, whether you play grade school basketball, high school basketball, some college, whatever, or you're just a big fan, you see stuff. Right. You know.
00:28:11
Speaker
My biggest thing about Illinois, it's not –
00:28:17
Speaker
you know They're going to shoot the threes no matter what. Right. That's what they're built for. Well, they've got the guys who can shoot the three normally. Yeah, make them. Well, but they do. But they always say we're the tallest team in the country, which we are. Yeah.
00:28:30
Speaker
But they're all 25 foot away from the basket on ah offense. Yeah. the only The only big guy that is down low is Tommy. well And we hardly ever use him down there. Use him. And and you have seen Zvonavir, Big Z. You've seen him on on that alley-oop dunk from Wagler a number of times. where he Well, a couple times. Especially on that fast break. I love those two. They work they work so well together. But the thing that hurts Illinois is very, very quick guards. And what ticks me off about most about this team, and everybody else says, well, they're soft.
00:29:07
Speaker
Well, there could be. I mean, we we are not quick. We are not quick. No. And when Boyd of Wisconsin or Fierce of Michigan State, well, when they get past Boswell or Woggler or somebody else, well, okay, you're beat. Okay, well, that happens. Right.
00:29:24
Speaker
But especially in the in those late-game failures or during the game,
00:29:31
Speaker
Fears or Boyd or whoever it is just keeps going and drives in for a layup. yeah The second wave of defense, the big guys, the help guys, have to come in and either... Knock the guy on his ass, not dirty. Knock the guy on his ass or make him stop and shoot a 10-footer. But they just they just yeah get go off to the side and let the guy lay it in. yeah i mean You can't do that. You see that every once while. Every once in while, he's down low when it happens, da Jake Davis will go up against the guy. and he don't care. He don't care. now he's you know yeah He's physical. you know he he He kind of reminds me a lot of Lucas Johnson.
00:30:05
Speaker
Just a little bit. Yeah, just doesn't doesn't care. Gives up his body. yeah But I agree with you. You know, it seems like a lot of times we we just lay it in, lay it in. You have to knock somebody on the floor or make them stop. and look at what they Look at what they do to Wagler and Stel and Soyakovich when they when they when they drive the when they drive. Somebody is is guy I mean, they may again, not dirty.
00:30:28
Speaker
No. They're going up and they're they're and they're just being physical. Wadlers or Stajakovich or Boswell's path, the lanes going, have gotten tougher over in February and March than it was in December and January. Well, and I think a lot of that's due because the success that they had. They is. So they're you know playing them out further and and hitting them early and then hitting them again as they come down. There's two or three waves of of bodies and we're not doing that. We have...
00:30:58
Speaker
We let the guards go, and, you know, it's a layup line. You made another good point, too. and we're Sorry we're getting so stuck on Illinois, but you made another good point, too. With the bigs playing so far out, if the bigs actually played in where they should, and I'm and i'm not just talking the Ivesich guys, but I'm talking Hummerkhaus.
00:31:19
Speaker
I'm talking Mirkovic. I'm talking Jake Davis. Now, Davis maybe not so much, but if they would play closer to that lane, when they are seeing that guys are having trouble, they can filter in.
00:31:30
Speaker
Those guys can make those 12, 14-foot midrange. I don't know why they're not doing that, but Hummercouse seems to want to sit outside and throw the shot. Why can't we throw it in and put Wogler on the block, put Boswell on the block? He's strong and tough. yeah Put Hump on the block.
00:31:46
Speaker
Play a little booty ball down there. That's what happens when you're up 15 or 20, but all a sudden you're in 10 seconds into the shot clock, and you're throwing up 25-foot three when you don't need to. Exactly, exactly. You know, go it in and get it inside or or drive it in. but Having all said that, yeah I think we're good I'm going to go Illinois.
00:32:07
Speaker
I'm going to agree with him for the first time tonight, Illinois. Okay. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe the second or third time. Maybe the second or third time. St. Mary's, Texas A&M. Seven versus ten. Ooh, boy.
00:32:18
Speaker
Yeah. i've seen a I've seen a few people lately wanting to go with that Texas A&M. I did get to catch a St. Mary's game. course, they were playing a nobody, but they they're scary.
00:32:32
Speaker
St. Mary's. St. Mary's can be scary. They've always been the... Kind of the bridesmaids out there with Gonzaga. With Gonzaga, yeah. You know, um they they play at their own pace.
00:32:48
Speaker
If they can dictate the game, they own the game. St. Mary's, you know, is a three-point favorite on this. I had i saw Texas A&M around –
00:32:59
Speaker
don't little bit before Christmas, after Christmas, a couple times, you know, because I like to watch, you know, well, all all the conferences. But um aye I think I go with St. Mary's here. yeah Yeah. I mean, I've got to. i mean, you know, he you look you look at it, and you mentioned it. You know, they are they they always play second fiddle against either They're twenty seven and five um You know, and you know they they made it past the first round last year in last year's tournament. They got beat Alabama, but then again, a lot of people got beat by Alabama. But they play at their own pace. Yes, they do. Even in the 30-second shot clock era, which has been around forever, they still play –
00:33:41
Speaker
it's not the four it's not It's not the stall offense. but It's not, but, you know. who with it a It ain't the run on gun and gun. It ain't the seven-second offense. It ain't the old Princeton offense. where no No, it's not that. A minute and a half later, they finally take a shot. Absolutely. ah Then you the last game of the South is Houston versus Idaho.
00:33:59
Speaker
ah Houston is the number one defense in the country. And pretty physical. And very physical. This ain't five slamma jamma. but they But they are a very rough-and-ready bunch.
00:34:13
Speaker
I don't see any way that Idaho has a shot. You're not going Idaho. I'm not going Idaho. Okay. You're going to to Idaho just to counteract me? Just for you betters out there, it's a 23-and-a-half point line. So, over-under is 138.
00:34:30
Speaker
But that's the last game tomorrow night. Yep. So, yeah. For all you late-night people, you get to watch that one. There we go. If you want we want to stay up late, you can watch that game. So, yeah so Houston, obviously,
Matchup Analysis: Duke vs St. John's and Houston vs Illinois
00:34:45
Speaker
we'll watch on. All right, so we'll go back up. we've got so By our picks, we've got Duke, Ohio State.
00:34:51
Speaker
Again, this I mean, State's a one-and-done in this tournament. Duke's a little beat up a little bit. A little bit, a little bit but i don't think it's any I don't think it's enough that that the Ohio State can can take them.
00:35:04
Speaker
i don't I don't see that. As good as as you know as as solid of the team is theio state as State is, Duke is, well, I mean, I watched i watched the Duke-Michigan game. and just to see, the they weren't, I mean, it wasn't a ah big, huge win, but they were never, to me, it just seemed like Michigan could not get close. They couldn't get they couldn't threaten them. They gave them five, six points. And that and just to lay it on, ah that is also in Greenville, South Carolina, so Duke will have a little flavor. little bit of flavor going into that one. Next door. and Yeah, so so i say I'm going to go with Duke coming out of the that matchup.
00:35:45
Speaker
St. John's, Kansas. Patino against Self. Yes. And those two have tangled before. Yeah.
00:35:57
Speaker
I don't know what they tangled each other with. I mean, this this is a game where I think i think St. John's could could pull the upset because it's 5-4 matchup, so St. John's, wood if they win, would pull the upset technically in this game.
00:36:15
Speaker
um But I think they're both evenly matched. Both got great coaches. um And, we you know, we'll see what happens. I know the the sexy pick right now is St. John's over Kansas. There's a lot of people just don't trust Self's team, especially after the showing they had in the in the Big 12 tournament.
00:36:35
Speaker
um You know, yeah so
00:36:41
Speaker
I think that took a little, I think that knocked a little luster off of them. Yeah, Kansas comes in 23-10. St. John's You count their ah st john's twenty eight na no app within you count there first round games.
00:36:56
Speaker
um Yeah. ah It's, you know, it's one of those games. It's kind like an eight, nine game. It's, it is. You, you, you make shots. Yeah.
00:37:12
Speaker
You know, you, you make them where you don't defense. And I mean, yeah, Limits your turnovers and been rebounds and all that stuff that goes into it. Turnover. I mean, just, ah I,
00:37:28
Speaker
it's it's tough. And Don, I'm, I'm going to go
00:37:37
Speaker
St. John's. Okay. right. well And that that was that was a tough one, folks. I mean, it's 50-50 here. Okay, so now we got ah ah either Louisville or South Florida. I cause think we split this one.
00:37:52
Speaker
We got Louisville or South Florida versus Michigan State. um I think if if it's South Florida, um I think Michigan State has an easier time of it.
00:38:08
Speaker
I'm not saying it'll be an easy game. um I think if Michigan State doesn't get upset by North gu north Dakota State, I think they they win this next game. Yeah, I mean, i i see them getting past Boat, either one. i think But i think probably i think probably South Florida might give them the the the tougher game. and I don't know about Louisville, whether they can hang with them or not. But we'll see.
00:38:32
Speaker
So, yeah then we got UCLA-UConn. No, UCLA, right? Yeah, UCLA and, uh, UCLA, UConn. UConn. Um, that'll be, I think that'll be a fun one. That'll be a fun game to watch.
00:38:45
Speaker
That will really be a fun game to watch. Yeah. Um, UCLA, I mean, they've got, they've got a number of guys that can hurt you. Yeah, Denton, that, uh, Bidiaco or whatever. Yeah, that guy's good. I, he, and he's, he's, uh, good and he's consistent. Yes. Um, Cronin's, I think, a good coach. Yeah. Um, I think Cronin – and a lot of this is made of – was made a few games back where one of his players was showing off after a dunk or something. Yes, yes. And he walked, pulled – said, you're out of the game. Go to the – hit the showers. You're done.
00:39:26
Speaker
a lot of A lot of hay was made on that. His car has died down now. But that just kind of gives you the idea what kind of coach he is. He's not going to put up with the crap. It's discipline, and that's what you see out of UCLA. You see a disciplined team that, you know, they they're going to go out there and they're going to give you everything they've got until the game's over.
00:39:45
Speaker
And now that game's in Philadelphia.
00:39:49
Speaker
So not really – well, it's kind of a home game for UConn almost. But – um What you got?
00:40:00
Speaker
You know, as much as much as I'd like to see the Big Ten just kind of take over a bracket, I'm going have to go UConn on this one. I really am. I hate to, but I'm going to have to go UConn.
00:40:13
Speaker
I probably got to go with UConn as well. Yeah. Yeah. oh All right. Duke kens or du St. John's. Excuse me. Yeah.
00:40:25
Speaker
You know, this one, but by this time, you know, like you said, Duke's just – they're just slightly banged up. And other there's not any major injuries going into these games, you know, then you're out of whack, right? right But, you know, but you just want to – know, couple games in how – now you've got a week between games on this, obviously. But, you know, a couple games in and how that's going to work out.
00:40:47
Speaker
Are there – are there still going to be 100%? Are there they're walking wounded going to be nicked up even more? Yeah. um Because like St. John's can be sneaky and they can come up and bite you. I think I'm going to go with Duke just because I do think they are the better team.
00:41:06
Speaker
But, you know, I could also see St. John's pulling an upset on that one. Yeah, I think that's right, too. I agree. and I've seen St. John's i mean a few times. it Obviously, it gets tougher as you go because you're you're getting into the the big boys if they clear the path in the first couple rounds. yeah ah this is This is where you start separating wheat from chaff.
00:41:32
Speaker
ah Yeah, I think go with Duke. That'll in... that'll be in Washington, D.C., that round. Yeah. So it'll be you knowll be a good get good for both. Michigan State, UConn.
00:41:50
Speaker
I think this is where Izzo ends up. um mrs is this I think this is their last game of the tournament. i I just don't – I'd like to pick them.
00:42:04
Speaker
But, again, we've we played UConn. We've seen what those guys are like. Yeah, that was really our only game that we were sort of out of. it it It got close in the final minute and a half.
00:42:16
Speaker
Yeah, ah but UConn was in control from them from the tip on. They were. Michigan State. now Now, I will say, if Michigan State can get an early lead, they've got the horses to keep it.
00:42:29
Speaker
But I just don't know they can get that early lead, a big enough early lead, I should say.
00:42:35
Speaker
You know how physical that game's going to be between those two teams? Somebody's going to get hurt. Somebody's going to get hurt. That's where fears may get. now yeah no no No, I'm just kidding, folks. I'm just kidding. Sorry. but um
00:42:51
Speaker
I'm going Michigan State. I really believe Michigan State doesn't get beaten. That's fair. If they don't get upset in the first round by North Coast, state i i I can get them to the eight. You get them to the eight?
00:43:03
Speaker
Okay, how about next? They got Duke.
00:43:07
Speaker
Well, that was quick. That was a quick turnaround. I know. Went right there, didn't it? Went right to it. Oh, my goodness. I think going to go Duke. yeah I don't see any reason not to pick Duke in the find or not duke the final four representative from from the East. All right, moving on to the South. We got our first round picks out of the way. So we got Florida versus, I think we both went Clemson on this one, if I remember correctly. Or did you go Iowa?
00:43:38
Speaker
probably about a half hour ago, wasn't it? don't know, something like that. I think Clemson. Yeah. that's fine So Florida-Clemson. I mean, this is another. Florida's my pick. I'm just going to jump in. Okay, you're going to jump in and say that? but But you let the folks out there know okay what you think and some background. Well, I mean, I think Florida's been a team that it is kind of like Louisville.
00:44:00
Speaker
like They are – They're a little bit underwhelming, but they can get the job done when they're on. When they're on, they're about as tough as you can as tough as nails as you can get. So, you know, I'm going to go with you. i'm gonna take guess I'm going to take Florida on that one as well.
00:44:17
Speaker
And we'll ah we'll move on to the next round of... Vanderbilt and – well, actually, we missed this game. How did we miss Nebraska versus Troy?
00:44:28
Speaker
I don't think any either one of us are going to pick Troy. but Well, it's your show. so I know. I kind of – I take no responsibility in that. That's fine. i Sorry, folks. well We should give Nebraska their due. Yes, we do. We should. and Because I really like Fred Holberg.
00:44:44
Speaker
I, you know, sometimes, you know, being in the Big Ten, you know you know, I'm about 100 years old, so I go through a lot of coaches, you know, through the 60s, 70s, and on. But I really like Fred Holberg. I think he's – and he's got to he's got an old team. got Yeah. He's got an old team, and they've blended together. And they can push They were ah six and six after starting – but we You know, we know the top six, seven teams the Big Ten. You start – You start beating. There were some murderous games down in the final four or five games right for all the leaders. Everybody, yeah. and and ah
00:45:25
Speaker
And I – you know, his his son plays Sam and and and those guys – and Sanford, the ex-Iowa guy. Yeah. That guy's just – that guy can shoot it. So, we apologize to any Nebraska fans out there. That's right. Because – Really like Nebraska, and we would take them over Troy. Any day of the week.
00:45:45
Speaker
and Twice on Sunday. Yeah. So got them against Vanderbilt. So we got them against Vanderbilt now. And just for the same reasons you mentioned, this is where Vandy, I think, probably will end up bowing out.
00:45:58
Speaker
I think Nebraska does move on to play Florida, um which will make it a really fun game when those two hook up, I think.
00:46:08
Speaker
And look what Nebraska's got going for it.
00:46:12
Speaker
They're the only Division I power team. That has not won an NCAA game. They're 0-8. And we've got them and we've got him making it all the way to the Elite Eight. And guess whose 1975 Lou Henson's very first win at Illinois was against on the road?
00:46:36
Speaker
Nebraska. At Nebraska. At Nebraska. That's right. 65-60.
00:46:41
Speaker
That was when Nebraska was still part of the – well, at that time, I think they were the – Big eight. Big eight at the time, yeah. That's when the conferences were pretty cool. Yeah, that's when you had good conferences. Yeah, yeah. They're not these super conferences now. So, anyway, so we got Nebraska going the first round. And so you were saying against Vanderbilt here. I'm saying against Vanderbilt they end up playing for us. I'm getting to at least the round of 16. Yeah.
00:47:10
Speaker
I think – now this game, they're in Oklahoma City. So that's – That's almost a home game. That's – That's almost home game. That's their neighbor. Right.
00:47:23
Speaker
Yeah, I like Nebraska. is I mean, i I think this is going to fun game. I really do. And that – I can't think of name. That little guard for Vanderbilt. Mm-hmm.
00:47:34
Speaker
That guy is a jet. Oh, yeah. And he's a magician. And that guy, he's a one-man fast break. And if he get now if he does get going, I don't think Nebraska's anybody can guard him. not Well, I don't think anybody anybody in the country can all really guard him too much. Maybe fears. He reminds me kind of Dee Brown. when He's a one-man fast break. Right. and and But i I like Nebraska to take this in oklahoma seti and But I think Vanderbilt's had a great year. I mean, look man, look at them guys coming up, usually buried in the SEC, and here they were great in football yeah and great in basketball. I've talked with that for the rest of my life. What are they putting into water in Vanderbilt? Yeah.
00:48:14
Speaker
that For some reason, the last couple years, they have just come on like a gangbuster. I was there that great city in Nashville for the Illinois Bowl game. It's a great, great town. I'm telling you.
00:48:24
Speaker
I want to get there myself one of these days. All right, so we got Illinois against what we're saying is VCU, right? Or we go to North Carolina. you are you We split. Yeah, you went VCU. I went North Carolina. I think Illinois can beat either one.
00:48:39
Speaker
especially with North Carolina being hurt. Yes. by the way yeah that that That's a, that's a big factor. Um, uh, it's just all going to depend on folks. if It is. I mean, if, if, if they're on lights out, because because they are still the number one offense in the country. Second. Oh, Purdue finally passed them. I know we were close right there. I thought they were still, I thought they, I thought they held onto it by a few fractions, but still top. One of the top offenses. Yeah. No, um,
00:49:09
Speaker
yeah It comes down to Illinois making shots and making making good decisions when they get leads and and and playing some sort of defense. North Carolina, see, the thing is when people against Illinois is we're tall, we can shoot, you know we we we like each other, we're a very cohesive team. I mean, they really get along.
00:49:34
Speaker
But other teams are so much more athletic. Yes. I mean, they're athletic. and that and And that's what could hurt us i mean next round up. Yes, but I i had North Carolina come into it, and if that happens, it's going to be a pro North Carolina crowd.
00:49:54
Speaker
But Illinois you know, one at Purdue. they you know they They played tough at Michigan State. I mean, they they know what life is on the road. I mean, it's I wouldn't think that would – I mean, bother them that much. i probably a little more nervous just being in the tournament as you know as you go. basically Like you said, they played on some of the bigger states. They played at the United Center. They played it in Philadelphia at that, whatever, that the vestrum.
00:50:20
Speaker
no the the si this the was a any o but yeah it is They played at Madison Square Garden. this you know This team is not unaccustomed to playing a team or playing lester the p plusster pesttra that's it yeah yeah this team's not unaccustomed to playing on a road and against big crowds. The old the old Philadelphia five yeah back into That was exactly the big day. in the 40s and 50s. All right, so then we got St. Mary's in Houston.
00:50:49
Speaker
Again, i'm I'm going to keep harping on this with Houston. Number one defense in the country. Physical. They're physical. St. Mary's is good. I don't know if Houston has the shot makers from outside. Well, now that could be a big difference. But again, it's early in the rounds. And, you know, St. Mary's, if they do advance, if we got it right on the first round, do, do I mean, I don't think Houston plays that big of a,
00:51:17
Speaker
hot up-tempo. I mean, there's games that yeah the you play. they're They're kind of like some of the Big Ten teams, you see. They're they're they're a methodical offense. They're in a lot. They got a good defense. They don't need to score that much, so they don't have to be rushing and shooting threes and all that. and They're kind of deep on the bench. Yeah, they've good bench.
00:51:40
Speaker
So, yeah I just can't pick against Houston yeah at all. Yeah, I can't either. I'm not a Kelvin Sampson fan. but but yeah So, but we'll go we'll go in reverse order then. Houston, Illinois.
00:51:54
Speaker
Now, this game will be played in Houston. Yeah. But Rice, everybody remembers Rice University, ah they are the host.
00:52:05
Speaker
They are the host. So that's why Houston can play and not really be there. Be a home game for them. But it will be a home game. But it will be a home game. technical Not technically, but yeah.
00:52:17
Speaker
But um so you've got a tough physical defense and a ah coach that has been there in Sampson. Played the national championship last year. It was fantastic.
00:52:33
Speaker
you know, minutes, seconds away from winning it against Florida. um And you've got Illinois trying to, what they all late a lead eight two years ago? yeah um Trying to make that return to that.
00:52:47
Speaker
Trying to get back there. And I think they, I put the, I think they can. But it's, as we've said before, it's going and we've said it with with the Cup, not just Illinois, with a few other teams, it's going to depend on shooting. can't There's three areas they're going to have to, create if they want to beat Houston.
00:53:07
Speaker
They're going to have super tough on the boards. They cannot allow any here or allow Houston any offensive rebounds. I mean, it's going to have to be you know under 10. like you know i don't i don't I don't think Houston can beat them from outside.
00:53:22
Speaker
and and Well, if they're off. Illinois usually boards pretty good. And what hurts Illinois lot on on the boards, and probably helps us at the other end too sometimes, is is obviously when you shoot from 25, 30 feet away, yeah ball you're going to get a long board. yeah Well, Houston doesn't really have that. So we seem to board a little better yeah on the um shorter shots, maybe inside the arc, 15 from the elbow or the you know inside the corner.
00:53:54
Speaker
so But it'll be if Illinois can hang in there and make threes. If they can hang in close and hit ah hit the hit the threes when they need them. um Like you said, boarding-wise, if Mirkovic, who is a for a guard. But they will be tougher and faster than Illinois. They are going to be, yes. you're gonna get i gonna have I'm to give you that one. um As usual, it will turnovers.
00:54:21
Speaker
if you live yeah If you limit your turnovers – Which Illinois has been very good at in limiting the turnovers. Their turnover to assist ratio is really, really good. Yeah, there's most games they haven't got too many, you know. Where where i where I have my problem with, and and and it could show up in this game, is the fast break points Illinois gives up.
00:54:42
Speaker
Because like you say, you get those teams with the fast guards that can get out after a rebound, especially like a long rebound. If Illinois shoots a three, gets a long rebound, you get a guard taken off. They're going They're going to go.
00:54:54
Speaker
Because then nobody in Illinois can catch up with them. Right. Yeah. it's If you believe Illinois going to make threes that night and and stay tough on the boards, yeah yeah they're definitely right there. My heart says Illinois. And, again, I'll probably on one or two of my boards have Illinois winning this one. But I think my logic is telling me Houston is going to take this game.
00:55:18
Speaker
Yeah, unless Illinois get that motion and then mojo going, I i think, um and they could. They could. On any game, in any of these games, you can. But you kind of got to go with trends. You kind of got to go the eye test, what you see, what you know.
00:55:39
Speaker
And I think that probably Houston wins that. But I think it will possible. <unk> i'm and And I'm not saying Illinois can't win this game.
00:55:51
Speaker
I'm just saying it's it's therere with with all the uncertainty they've had in three-point shooting and late-game collapses in the last ah three weeks or so, i just have a lot less faith than I would have earlier. If you'd asked me the same question three weeks ago, I said they'd take Houston hands down.
00:56:13
Speaker
Well, I don't know to do that, but you know one thing, and we can get off Illinois and move on. yeah well dont we we need we we don't want to spend too much We don't want to bore the folks, but the thing with Illinois, air everybody goes, well, and and and and reporters have asked this question to to Underwood, and course he's not very happy with but why how come you keep living and losing an overtime? How come you keep losing close games?
00:56:36
Speaker
And I thought that I i think it was – Maybe Tommy said that it's not so much the overtime that we're losing.
00:56:49
Speaker
We're losingning them losing them in the last five minutes when they're ahead and letting the teams get there yeah to to get them tied up. yeah well like you There's a lot of those games we were ahead.
00:57:01
Speaker
Well, you're ahead 25 at u seela they get it to six at the half but You get it back up to 15, and then and then you're fight you're fighting to tie the game at the end. Yeah, and you lose two 15-point leads to Wisconsin in both halves. In both halves, exactly. We'll move on. We'll move on. So we got then we've got ah Houston versus Florida, a rematch so somewhat. Yeah, it is. It'll be Houston. It's not the championship game, but it is a rematch. It'll be Houston. In Houston. In Houston.
00:57:32
Speaker
um And I think Houston gets it done. I mean, i've got I know this one's got Florida, but I hedged my picks. But I do think Houston will get it done on this one in in in many respects. Florida could win it.
00:57:44
Speaker
I'm not saying that they they're out of it at all. But I think Houston, and less and again, this is again, and unless they get beat up along the way. Because they do that play that physical style. And this is a lot of games in a short period of time.
00:58:01
Speaker
I think if you played this game ten times, it would be five to five. Yeah, I think so too.
00:58:07
Speaker
The game's in Houston. It's in Houston.
00:58:12
Speaker
Kelvin Sampson's been around a long, long time.
00:58:18
Speaker
Todd Golden hasn't, but that guy is ah electric. he's a That guy has fire on the sideline.
00:58:28
Speaker
Yes, he does.
00:58:32
Speaker
that's why That's what I'm making. He's not afraid of anything. Yeah. And that's what I'm making. He's not making himself a tough pick. and
00:58:42
Speaker
I'm going to go Florida. Okay. Okay. And like I said, I'm not saying Florida can't win. No. And I do think Florida has a shot at it. Yes. But I think we get to it, because I just got reminded this being in Houston, I think that's going to play big dividends. Well, I do too. But I think...
00:59:01
Speaker
I think Florida's up to Okay. Sounds good. And they both played the championship last year, so they both don't have anything to be afraid of. Okay. All right. Well, we'll get to the rest of the pics here in just a minute. Right now, I got one of you guys.
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Speaker
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Speaker
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Speaker
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01:01:59
Speaker
All right. Now that I got my business out of the way, we'll go to the West region.
West Region Insights and Predictions
01:02:05
Speaker
Yes. We'll go to the West region. Arizona versus Long Island. Now, um... have not seen Long Island. We played them.
01:02:15
Speaker
But I didn't see it. Oh, you didn't watch that game? Yeah, okay I was out. I didn't watch it either. i i couldn't get I didn't have the Big Ten Plus on at the time. No, was away. I never caught it, but I'm going to take Arizona. Yeah, I think I'm going to take Arizona on that one. Villanova, Utah State. Another 8-9 game. I've seen a few people want to go Utah State on this one. Yeah.
01:02:35
Speaker
Um... They say Utah State got underseeded little bit. That's what I've heard. and That's what I've heard. You know, I haven't caught really.
01:02:46
Speaker
Well, they're twenty eight and six and they are the Mountain West champ.
01:02:53
Speaker
And they were in the tournament bi last year, first round loss to UCLA. That game's in San Diego. Yeah, which would I would think favor Utah State to some degree.
01:03:06
Speaker
Utah State is a two-point favorite. Yeah. Yeah. And I will go with Utah State. I think I'm going to echo that. I've seen Villanova a couple times. yeah And I saw Utah State just a little bit, but not enough to help anybody out there. I think i think I'm going to agree with that. Again, um also I've seen Villanova a couple times in games here and there.
01:03:25
Speaker
ah nine It's an 8-9. It's an They don't really impress me that much. Utah State um seems to have a following, seems to have ah ah a lot of people liking them. So we I think we'll we'll take the upset there.
01:03:37
Speaker
Wisconsin versus High Point, and I have seen two guys pick High Point in this game, which I don't quite understand. but Well, you know, again. Because the way Wisconsin's been playing.
01:03:51
Speaker
It's a 10-point spread for people out there. Now, you know High Point is thirty and four and it is all the way um And it's out in Portland, Oregon. Let's see, last year, what? ah The last appearance was last year, and they lost to Purdue in the first round.
01:04:10
Speaker
So, um I'm going go Wisconsin. Yeah, I think so, too. We've seen them a lot this We've seen them too much. ah we seen We've seen them more than – I mean, and and really and Wisconsin's been putting up – Lost two overtime games. Lost two overtime. And Wisconsin's been putting up close to 90 points a game for about their last four games. Yeah, Blackwell's a win.
01:04:29
Speaker
Yeah. And then they got a couple big men they couldn't shoot. And they even had a guy on the bench that was injured. Mm-hmm. I can't think of how it And Wisconsin, I mean, they don't shoot a good amount they don't shoot a lot of threes, but they shoot it well.
01:04:44
Speaker
I mean, it's not super well. They're right around 33%, 34%. They have the right guys shooting it. they Exactly. That's that's the key. That's the key right there. And they and they don't force themselves into shots. No. They play a disciplined offense. They don't hurry. They don't hurry. They run it around and get the shot that they you know, more or less one. Like you said, you know, guess it's not the Princeton offense, but it's not the UNLV running Rebels. It's not, and it's not the old swing offense that we know in Wisconsin where it was, you up a you know, 45, 45 game. but You know, they make sure Boyd or Blackwell can either get the three or, or drive to the hoop. And, and then they got the, the taller guys out.
01:05:23
Speaker
that and you And again, like you said with Boyd and Blackwell, those couple of really, again, fast athletic guards. That can really cause teams trouble. So I think we're both going to take Wisconsin. I i don't want to speak for you, but. No, I got them. All right. Arkansas, Hawaii.
01:05:37
Speaker
um i've not I have not seen Hawaii. And actually, haven't even seen Arkansas. I've seen Arkansas a bunch. Okay. And that's my dark horse. That's your dark horse. At the tournament. Oh.
01:05:51
Speaker
We have a revelation, folks. I. I know either people either love Calipari they hate him. And ah i I think he's a good coach. i But I like the way they play. And they did win the SEC tournament. and But I, you know, SEC was, you know, kind of like the Big Ten. mean, pretty tough up top. um
01:06:21
Speaker
That is... nu Before the end of the show, I'm not sure how far I'm taking them, but I i think I would ride them for a while. Okay.
01:06:31
Speaker
Yeah, I'm going to take them in this game for sure. um So, BYU-Texas. That was two good games last night, wasn't it? Was Texas underseeded, you think?
01:06:45
Speaker
No. You don't think so? No. Because, I mean, they're – you know In the SEC, you know, had – mean, they got 10 teams in it. Right. So, I mean, yeah you got to cut off somewhere. You got to cut off. I mean, no, I think they were – Do they have enough to take out BYU?
01:07:07
Speaker
I've seen BYU a few times, and they got the –
01:07:12
Speaker
By Stanza, is it? I think so. I think it's the name, yeah. Which is thought could be the best freshman in the nation. Yeah. You know, along with, I mean. Because he put up, what, back-to-back 40-point nights, I think is what it was. Oh, to break in, Prairie View A&M did beat Lehigh Okay, so. And the two 16s. Okay, so going back to that, the South, Florida will play Prairie View.
01:07:36
Speaker
So, just a quick update. So, yeah. ah Yeah, well, like you said, is he a guard?
01:07:48
Speaker
Oh, the yeah. I mean, he's – He's kind of that swing guy. He's tall and slender. Yeah. I don't know. el hello That'll be a – That'll be a fun game to watch, I think. I mean, Texas didn't look bad last night, but they about chucked it away against NC State late, and then Texas hit the last second shot to win Well, that's another thing, too. Coming off a big emotional win like that. And you've got a game in. Texas already has a game played. You've got a game in. You're coming off a big emotional win. I mean, you know, that that could play into it. Where's this game at?
01:08:24
Speaker
Portland, Oregon. Really. I guess closer to BYU than in Texas A's. BYU is a two-and-a-half point favorite. So, again, almost, you know, yeah kind of a pick-em game almost. And, you know, depending on what kind of pool you're you may want to take a shot at this one because you can get extra points for the upset, you know, with 11 versus a six. so Yeah.
01:08:47
Speaker
I think I'd ride Texas one more game. it would but But that BYU, mean, that They're good. They are good, and they're a six for a reason. Right. And that freshman is really, really good. think I'm going to go BYU. I think I'm going to go opposite of you on this one.
01:09:05
Speaker
I'll take BYU.
01:09:08
Speaker
Gonzaga and Kennesaw. Haven't seen Kennesaw. No. 21-13. I got to go Gonzaga. I have no reason not to. I'm with you right there 100%. There's no reason to take Kennesaw on this one. Miami and Florida versus Missouri. This is a trap game for me. And that's in St. Louis. And that's going to be in St. Louis. This is a trap game for me because I do think. What's the name of this show?
01:09:35
Speaker
The NCAA Report. The Gateway. Oh, the the the my other one? Oh, yeah, the other one. Yeah, Gateway Sports. Gateway Sports, okay. so yeah So, in the shadows of the arch.
01:09:47
Speaker
um I think Missouri gets it done. I think they pull upset. I do, too. I think they pull the upset. You know, they're not the same team when Illinois played them around Christmas. No, they are definitely not. And that was one of Illinois' obviously better games the year. But I think ah Missouri is a little bit banked up. But I watched Missouri a lot.
01:10:06
Speaker
well, least a few games in February and home and away. And then a couple they won, a couple they lost. But they – that team plays hard. Yeah. That team plays hard. Yeah. And I – Well, they're an embodiment of their coach.
01:10:26
Speaker
Yeah. And and I – you know, I haven't – to be honest, haven't seen Miami floor that much. And they're they're they're the – Yeah, there's seven. Missouri's a ten, but I and i like Missouri yeah there in St. Louis. I do. I think that's that's the that's a solid one, Missouri, at at at in basically what would be a home game.
01:10:47
Speaker
I mean, let's let's face that fact right there. Then you got perue Purdue versus Queens. um There is no reason to go against Purdue in this game in my mind. I haven't seen Queens, but I can't imagine they have the firepower it would take to knock Purdue off their off there high horse.
01:11:08
Speaker
Yeah, Purdue was beat, you know, couple years ago when they were one against the 16, the second time that happened. But two against the 15. I don't get queens on my sports channel. I think it's a good play. Yeah. And Purdue got, you know, kind of obviously hot in the Big Ten tournament. they played well the Ten tournament.
01:11:27
Speaker
I think their big deal is –
01:11:33
Speaker
Cuff got the ball more down low. And when Lawyer, the off guard from Smith, right is hitting the threes, that makes that team more whole. That wasn't happening earlier. So, ah yeah, Purdue on this one. yeah Purdue on this one, easy, All right, we'll go ahead and stay with the with the West for right now. Arizona, Utah State.
01:12:00
Speaker
um I think I'm going to have to go Arizona just because, again, I haven't really seen Utah State. I've seen one game of Arizona, and they they're of a very impressive team.
01:12:14
Speaker
um So I think I will – I'll take the chalk on this one and go Arizona over Utah State. Yeah, I would go that as well. Okay. yeah That brings us to Wisconsin-Arkansas. Mm-hmm.
01:12:28
Speaker
Oh, boy. um Is that going to be a fun game to watch? Take the over. Yeah, definitely take – yes, folks, take the over, please. This is going to be a game that's – defense is going to be a premium if you can find it. Yeah. Yeah.
01:12:50
Speaker
I watched Wisconsin all year. Like said, they beat Illinois twice in overtimes, and I watched them in a bunch of other games. And they took down Michigan, they're not – No, I mean, and great guard. I really like that guy. He's one of the true gentlemen in the Big Ten coaching. And I – but I've got Arkansas on my brain, and I'm not changing it. You're not changing and but And this could go Wisconsin, you see. But I i think I've seen Arkansas play a lot, too, down the stretch. and and
01:13:29
Speaker
a
01:13:32
Speaker
these two teams are are very winning, winning programs. and and i But I ah got to Arkansas. Okay. I'm going to go Wisconsin. If nothing else, i'm um I'm going to go Big Ten and take Wisconsin in the upset. um Like I said, right now they're playing on – they are on such a roll it's not even funny. And I think that's going to carry through at least a couple games in.
01:13:56
Speaker
And we'll see how it goes after that. BYU – well, you we did we split on this one? Yes, we did. We did. I took Texas. yes So, BYU or Texas versus Gonzaga. Yeah.
01:14:10
Speaker
Again, I don't think there's any question that Gonzaga is the better team of either of those. And I don't see them losing that game. I don't think – you know who Gonzaga's got on their team? Adam Miller that started out with Illinois in 2020. He's still around? 2020, he in at Illinois.
01:14:30
Speaker
hey come in a freshman in illinois Yeah, and then he went to LSU. Yeah. And he's at Gonzaga. Well, so is one of Underwood's coaches, um Alexander.
01:14:44
Speaker
Alexander. Or no not Alexander. um Yeah. You name it. Yeah. I can't remember the guy's name. But anyway. I think whoever wins at BYU Texas, and I know alllan and i Don and I split, um And, you know, Gonzaga's pretty good. They've always ruled that conference out there. You know, it's kind of it's they're going to get in no matter what usually. And and and they're pretty good.
01:15:11
Speaker
But
01:15:15
Speaker
I think whoever wins that Texas-BYU game is going to win that. Oh, whoa. Upset special. Look out. Look out. If I had the siren, if i if I had a better system, I'd have a siren playing for that alert. yeah um Okay, well, I mean, you know, I think when you get to this part of the tournament after the first weekend, anything can happen. Sure. And usually does. Sure, sure.
01:15:37
Speaker
um All right, so now – or actually not the after the second, but in the second game of the tournament. So now we've got Miami versus Purdue. Or Missouri. Or excuse me, Missouri per for missouri person versus Purdue. I looked at the wrong team there. um you know That's going to be a physical game. It's going to be very physical. Purdue hammers you on every turn, and Missouri is just – And if Braden Smith starts feeling his oats, it's all over but shouting.
01:16:06
Speaker
I mean, you know, that that guy, he's not the most athletic. He's not the fastest. He kind of, this is going to, I'm not trying to compare him, folks.
01:16:18
Speaker
But it kind of reminds me of what people used to say about Larry Bird. He's not going outrun you. He's not necessarily going out shoot you. He's not going to be out. He's not going to out physically. He's just going to play his game and beat you every time.
01:16:36
Speaker
Yeah, he's pretty good. um and i think And I think in this instance, i think I just don't think Missouri is going to have the horses to really control all that.
01:16:48
Speaker
That game is in St. Louis as well. Yeah. This is where the St. Louis magic may end, though.
01:16:57
Speaker
I'm going go Purdue.
01:17:01
Speaker
I would play Missouri one more game. All right. Works for me. Okay, so we'll go back up top here.
Midwest Region Analysis and Team Evaluations
01:17:08
Speaker
Arizona, Wisconsin. Wisconsin could be. Or Arkansas. Or Arkansas. That's right. You took Arkansas.
01:17:17
Speaker
I think Wisconsin could be the team that could beat Arizona. And I think Arkansas is the team could beat Arizona. You think both of them could beat Arizona? Okay. Okay. right, so we're we're we're together. Whoever whoever our our our Arizona plays. We're marching on. We're marching on.
01:17:31
Speaker
All right, so Gonzaga against Purdue. Or Missouri. Or Missouri. You're taking Missouri, that's right. I think if it's against Purdue, Purdue wins. That Bonnebriest started to be a mess, didn't Yeah. If it's going to be Purdue, I think if if Gonzaga plays Purdue, they win. If they play Missouri, I think ms Gonzaga wins.
01:17:54
Speaker
So i got so i'll take I've got Purdue. I'm taking Purdue over Gonzaga. You've got Missouri. You're taking Missouri over Gonzaga? Well, I had Texas, actually. Oh, you had Texas? but I had the Texas BYU. Oh, that's right. You had the Texas BYU. So you're not playing Gonzaga. You're playing Texas-Missouri.
01:18:10
Speaker
Yeah. Or, well, that that winner of that game versus Missouri. Yeah. Yeah.
01:18:17
Speaker
I'll take the Texas-BYU winner. Okay. All right. Sounds good. All right. So that – boy, this this is really making it a quagmire here. So now that puts Wisconsin against either Purdue, Texas, BYU, or Missouri.
01:18:34
Speaker
Yep. Against Arkansas or Wisconsin. Or against Arkansas or Wisconsin. Well, I'm going Arkansas. You want to take Arkansas? Yeah. I'm going in Wisconsin.
01:18:47
Speaker
or excuse me, I'm going to go Gonzaga. I'm sorry. I'm looking at the wrong bracket here, right? You got Gonzaga Purdue. You got Gonzaga and Purdue. Okay, so I got okay so they got this. and Okay. um Yeah, so I'm going to that. Like I said, but I took Purdue in that one.
01:19:05
Speaker
So so my mine would be Purdue-Wisconsin is what I end up with with with the but with that with that matchup. And i got Arkansas going to the four. And you got Arkansas going to final four.
01:19:20
Speaker
I'm going to put the i'm goingnna put Purdue in the final four. Okay. Okay. All right. So now the last region. I know. what we're I'm sorry. i And I know this is normally longer than I go in my podcast, but hey, this has been fun.
01:19:34
Speaker
ah Michigan versus Howard. Michigan. That's easy to go. I mean, I don't i don't think there's any question about that. to beat on one. I know. i is St. Louis versus Georgia.
01:19:46
Speaker
ah So, St. Louis has Clark Kent, right? The ah the Indiana State guy. And they've been playing some really impressive – I mean, they lost, I think, in their – They did that kind of controversy thing with the –
01:20:03
Speaker
The other guys come off the bench. or with the you know But they're 28-5, and like I said, they've just been – I mean, to me, they've been – I've seen one game, don't matter who they're playing against, but they they really looked good. Looked like a well-coached, well-oiled team, so to speak.
01:20:21
Speaker
um Couldn't tell player on it. I know Russ probably could. They play in Buffalo, New York. and Yeah, well, there's the grub on that one. It's going to be in Buffalo, so neither team's going to have a fan base to to really play with.
01:20:36
Speaker
um I saw Georgia earlier. i you know It's an eight versus nine, obviously. so oh
01:20:48
Speaker
I'm taking St. Louis.
01:20:52
Speaker
Yeah, I think I will too. Okay. st Louis. All right, so St. Louis we got. Texas Tech versus Akron. Here's one of our old favorite coaches here, John Gross. Mr. Gross. Mr. Gross, former Illinois coach.
01:21:05
Speaker
um And they you know i talk about Miami of Ohio all year there, and and and they should. I mean, 31-1 and was undefeated until getting beat by UMass, which was a tough draw for them because UMass – had played Miami of Ohio twice really tough during the regular season. I mean, really too And then you get them a third time in the tournament. Yeah. It's hard to beat a team three times. Yeah. Because Illinois wouldn't know what knows all well. And Akron also survived couple games. But – so Akron – They're battle-tested.
01:21:34
Speaker
But the the the MAC from – know whether they got 10 teams, but from like the third place – or the fourth place team on, we're all 500. Mm-hmm.
01:21:44
Speaker
over I mean, not in the conference, but I mean overall. Right. And so it was not a strong conference. I mean, Miami of Ohio was like 340 strength of schedule. Something like that. I think 90th in the and the strength or the RPI. RPI, yeah. so But Akron had a you know damn good year. Yeah.
01:22:08
Speaker
And a lot of people are, you know, there's um I've been seeing a lot of, ah late lately the last couple days, I've been seeing a lot of Akron picks show up. And here's thing. My favorite player last year in the NCAA, outside of when you know Illinois getting beat out early, Kentucky, was Toppin of Texas Tech.
01:22:30
Speaker
I loved the way he played. Yeah. And he's out. You know, he's been out for a few weeks. I mean, he's... an all-american right but i mean they've survived and you know and and they still have that other good guard maybe maybe anderson i'm not um but
01:22:56
Speaker
boy i akron akron can fill it up i mean they they scored a high level now Do you go with the competition they played? you know I don't know. but um Like you said, Texas Tech, is is they're beating up.
01:23:12
Speaker
um you know I can see Akron pulling the upset in this game. Yeah. as much as i As much as I hate to give a game to John Kroos. Yeah. Texas Tech is a 7.5 point favorite, and they're playing in Tampa, Florida.
01:23:31
Speaker
so yeah so i
01:23:36
Speaker
So, can see Akron pulling an upset on this, but I'm going to go Texas Tech. just just Just to strength the schedule-wise, like you said, the MAC, you know, is not a really tough conference. And they're non-conference games. If they're not playing um the the bottom dwellers of the Sun Belt, then it's somebody they're playing somebody like Louisville or, you know, teams like that. It's five versus a 12. Texas,
01:24:06
Speaker
Texas, 7-out point, 5-1-10.
01:24:10
Speaker
I'll go Texas Tech, but I would not be surprised. You'd be surprised? Okay. Yeah, I'm the same way. all right, Alabama, Hofstra. Here we go. A lot of people were picking the upset for Hofstra.
01:24:23
Speaker
And now we have a little drug problem in Alabama. Oh, really? I haven't heard this. Yeah. Oh, breaking news. Well, it's been out a couple of days. i a hell break i Maybe hearing your neighborhood. In my neck of the woods. I mean, I've been focused on couple things. The Pony Express hadn't come across the Mississippi to deliver your mail, right? Right.
01:24:43
Speaker
um No. Really? Holloway. Holloway. Holloway. The ah second leading scorer, 16.2 a game. Yeah. Got busted the other night and has been dismissed from the team. Oh, yeah. There's a little hurt for you. Unless Nate Oates pulls some magic. um Yeah.
01:25:04
Speaker
so I mean, they might survive Hofstra without him. Going any further, you're o you're taking a leap of faith. Which, now, the game that we just picked, Texas Tech and Akron, you know, they got to be – Oh, they're looking – You know, not a way of maybe getting the next game. I could be getting the second game, whether it's Hofstra or the shorthand at Alabama.
01:25:32
Speaker
Yeah, you got you gotta to think both those guys are probably licking their chops. Yeah. Both those teams are. um But I'll –
01:25:43
Speaker
i'll i'll I'll take Alabama in the first round game just because I think they can probably get it done. It won't be won't be pretty, won't be easy, but I think they can get it done yeah without um without the big scorer, without Holloway. Yeah, I think –
01:25:58
Speaker
I'll go with Alabama just because I really don't know a lot about Hofstra. But I do know that experts across the country thought that could be an upset what's kind of anyways before that. yeah It's kind of like the VCU North Carolina.
01:26:11
Speaker
Absolutely. in same same sameine Tennessee and... Miami of Ohio. Miami of Ohio. Or SMU, which is going on right now. Oh, it's going on right now. Yep, that's the other 11 seed. Okay.
01:26:25
Speaker
this This is what I don't like about the play-in games, is you get them right before you you win or you lose, and then two days later you're playing again. So you've to play three games if you decide if you win that second that first that second game. It just kicked off. It's a 5-4 game. oh so just we We don't know yet on this one. um I think either way, I think Tennessee can win it or should win it. Although, if it's Miami of Ohio, I'm not going to bet. I hate to bet against them.
01:26:54
Speaker
I hate to bet against the Red Hawks. Yeah. I mean, I think i think Tennessee can win it against Miami of Ohio. I definitely think they can win it against SMU.
01:27:06
Speaker
um But I really am hard-pressed. I'm going to go Tennessee, but it would not surprise me if they play Miami if Miami doesn't upset them.
01:27:19
Speaker
Yeah, I – boy, that's a tough one. It is. Where's that at, by the way? That is in tomorrow's game. Right.
01:27:36
Speaker
i just I would think. Go ahead. go ahead i know could We played Tennessee earlier. And, you know, they are they're a pretty solid bunch. um But, you know, like I said, I can see i can see a Miami of Ohio. I mean, they've they've got a chip on their shoulder right now.
01:27:52
Speaker
They've got something to prove. So, that's why I say I can see Miami of Ohio win it, but I'm going
01:27:59
Speaker
Yeah, I'd go Tennessee, I think. But don't be surprised if my – Oh, yeah, don't be surprised my – Am Howell pulls off the upset here, folks. ah Virginia, Wright State.
01:28:11
Speaker
um i Virginia's been up there all year. Yeah. I mean, been playing second fiddle to Duke um in the ACC all year. But they seem to keep winning. I mean, the ACC wasn't – ah top The toughest conference. Right. And, and you know, yeah you had the top two or three guys. but And they were one of them. Right. Well, like you said, they've been in it all year.
01:28:41
Speaker
So I would probably go Virginia. I'm going to Virginia. Kentucky-Santa Clara. This game I've struggled with. I have struggled with this. i've I've gone back and forth on this so many times. i i know on this one we're looking at right now, I've got Kentucky. Yeah.
01:28:55
Speaker
I really think, looking again back at that, I really think Santa Clara can pull this off. Because I have not been... I've only seen Kentucky once, but I was not impressed at all. It's in Louis. You think Kentucky's going to fill that arena?
01:29:11
Speaker
Oh, I don't know. It could. But I agree. as Santa Clara is another one that's been in the shadow right out there. Right. I... Gonzaga and stuff. And I... They play...
01:29:27
Speaker
You know, their their tempo. they it's west coast It's West Coast basketball. It is. So...
01:29:33
Speaker
and And I just don't think Kentucky is has the athletes that Santa Clara does. They just haven't seemed on the same page all year. No. They really haven't. I mean, this is this a couple not get a couple games to get it going, and then This is not your Joby Hall, Kentucky team.
01:29:51
Speaker
and Well... Yeah. Joby Hall didn't need the NIL when – No, he didn't. He didn't need the NIL or the transfer portal. He had people at hotels oh yeah back there. Yeah, he didn't need that. ah So, yeah. so i I'm – God.
01:30:12
Speaker
You know what? I'm going to go – just second, folks. I want to look who's next because – This is why i brought him on tonight, guys. He's –
01:30:25
Speaker
I'm going Kentucky just because it's in St. Louis. I think they're going to go.
01:30:32
Speaker
You're not going be surprised if it goes the other way. Yeah,
01:30:38
Speaker
my heart's saying Santa Clara, but my brain's thinking Kentucky right now. So, yeah, let's go Kentucky. all right, you're going Kentucky. I'm going Santa Clara. All right, Iowa State, Tennessee State.
01:30:52
Speaker
ah go Iowa State. I think that's that's a no-brainer. They've been pretty strong all year, obviously. Which puts Iowa State against either Kentucky or Santa Clara. And, again, I think it's another no-brainer. I think Iowa State takes that.
01:31:03
Speaker
Yeah, whether Iowa State plays Kentucky or Santa Clara, ah I will go Iowa State yeah there. All right, so we got then Tennessee with a slight possibility Miami-Ohio versus Virginia.
01:31:25
Speaker
I think Virginia was – I don't really – I don't believe in Tennessee or Ohio getting past that second round. i So I got to go Virginia. Yeah. i think i Whether it's process of elimination or jim just being the best team.
01:31:42
Speaker
I think I'm going to be in agreement there. um Then we got Bama.
01:31:49
Speaker
Or did you go Hofstra? I went Bama. You went Bama. Okay, so Bama versus either one, Texas Tech or Akron. You know, and all of a sudden, matt that's wide open, I think. that That becomes a lot more wide open with with the with the whole drug thing. any Any four of those could be, right, sitting there at the round 32. Mm-hmm.
01:32:13
Speaker
You know, i me i you know I did on this sheet that you're looking at on my screen, um I did have Alabama those are in over a Texas Tech.
01:32:25
Speaker
But, you know, if they face Texas Tech, I think they lose the Texas Tech. They face Akron, could be a toss-up game.
01:32:37
Speaker
I'm going go Texas Tech. Okay. Yeah. I i you know i think – Otherwise, I think Alabama. If Alabama's full strength, they' say i think it's Alabama all day. But if that guard stays out. If that guard's out, it could be – I don't see it to happen. Then that puts ah St. Louis or Georgia versus Michigan.
01:33:02
Speaker
Go Michigan? Boy, it's tough one, but, you know, I think I'll probably go Michigan myself. All right, so we got Michigan and Texas Tech.
01:33:16
Speaker
You know, this bracket's probably looking better for Michigan, too. I'm telling you, Michigan's really real michigan's really thinking they're starting this year. I mean, Alabama's really athletic. Yes. mean, they really are. and And if you take them out of the mix. Well, I mean, and maybe they survive without that guy. Right. Maybe putting too much into it. Could
Final Four Predictions and Show Conclusion
01:33:33
Speaker
be. But 16 points a game. That's a lot of points to make up. And from a guard, you know, I don't – it's – And like i said, Michigan was just the way they played.
01:33:44
Speaker
Yeah. i I go Michigan. Yeah, I'm going Michigan myself. So that puts – so good that brings us to Virginia versus Iowa State.
01:33:56
Speaker
I'll go Iowa State in the bottom and probably Michigan up top. Okay. So we got Iowa State playing Virginia or Michigan. So what do we got for a final four on that one?
01:34:07
Speaker
So did you pick Iowa State or Virginia?
01:34:12
Speaker
i I actually had it. Did you have somebody else? yeah like Oh, that one game, I got Virginia. That game, I got Virginia.
01:34:22
Speaker
But then I took Alabama over Michigan, so, you know, hey.
01:34:29
Speaker
All right. So, we got Iowa State moving on to. So, you're taking Iowa State?
01:34:39
Speaker
Yeah, to the Elite Eight. To the Elite Eight? Okay. And I've got – I'm going to agree you. think I'm going to Iowa State on that one as well. So that puts Iowa State versus Michigan.
01:34:51
Speaker
Yep. For the shot at the Final Four.
01:34:57
Speaker
That's a sticky wicket, as they say in London. seeing Yeah, I've seen both of them a lot. um
01:35:07
Speaker
think I'll go – Michigan. I'm going to agree with you. So that puts our final four as Duke, Florida, Gonzaga, and Michigan, which means Michigan plays Gonzaga.
01:35:24
Speaker
I had Arkansas. You had Arkansas? Yeah. oh that's right. I'm sorry. But you, if you had somebody else, that's fine. No, you had Arkansas. So we got, we got, we got two of them. We got, uh, yeah, you got Arkansas. That's right. Um,
01:35:40
Speaker
And like said, I took Gonzaga over Wisconsin. we got Arkansas or Gonzaga versus Michigan.
01:35:50
Speaker
want Arkansas? You know, i won't go Arkansas, but I'll go Gonzaga. Okay. Because i think I think both those teams play just enough different style than michigan than Michigan that it will disrupt Michigan's game.
01:36:09
Speaker
I think that's what's going to be the factor in that one. Then we got Duke, Florida. Or no, Houston, Florida. Excuse me, Houston, Florida. Houston, Duke. Excuse me. God damn it. I'll get it right, folks. I'm sorry.
01:36:21
Speaker
it's i accept I'm not usually two hours into a podcast. ah So Duke, well Houston.
01:36:29
Speaker
So had Houston over Florida going the Final Four. Right. Okay. I'll go Duke against Arkansas. Okay. You got Duke, Arkansas. I'm going Duke. I'll i'll say Duke as well. um So I got Duke, Gonzaga. I'm going to call Duke the national champion.
01:36:50
Speaker
That's what I'm going to do. All right. So, Harry, you heard it, folks. if i will i I would go and do a recap, but we've already, like I said, we're already into hour and 45 minutes, and I don't think you want to hear us saw talk that much longer. ah so ah I'm just going to say, ah you know, it's it's been fun, Gary. um And if Russ is out next week, I may have you back. We'll we'll kind of review everything and and do this again.
01:37:14
Speaker
Good seeing you out there, everybody. And thank you, Don, for having me. Thank you, Gary. dan Appreciate you coming coming around and then hanging out. And this is the first time I actually had a my guest in studio with me.
01:37:26
Speaker
So that's a first for this show. Find me on X at TOSTBGCS. ah You can find the show's Facebook page and the Talking Sports with Uncle Don.
01:37:42
Speaker
And you can also find me on the Champagne Room. i write about Illinois sports on the Champagne Room. And I hang around Cardinal Pages as well. You can find me there. You can also see me at Gateway Sports, which...
01:37:57
Speaker
Check out Gatewaysports.com. We have a lot of ah podcasts and and guys that write articles. We've got the two for three with the moose mighty moose, mark Michael Stevenson. Then we've got the team of rivals with Ron, Pete, and Elliott, couple of Cub fans and a Cardinal fan. I don't know how that worked out that way, but that's the way Uh, we've got the stupidest sports show on earth with Rodney Cabell and Tim Van Stratton. I don't know where they came up that name, but folks, it's illegal the fun they have. I just listened to it. It's illegal. Uh, then you've got my other show, Talking Sports with Uncle Don. And of course, the often imitated, never du duplicated, Derrick King show with the one and only man himself, Derrick King. So for Gary Cromwell, this is Don Glenn. We want to say you guys thank you so much for stopping by. Hope with this wasn't too long for you. If not, listen to it and in steps. Maybe, you know, part over breakfast, part over lunch. ah
01:38:54
Speaker
But we'll see you guys later. ah As always, have fun. Stay safe. We'll talk to you again on the Instant Bay Report with Don and Russ. Good night, everybody.