March Madness Discussion (Men's Nat'l Championship Game: Mon 4/8: Purdue vs UCONN)

[___Rand___]

Ya it was a tough matchup for McCain tonight. Houston is just so physical out on the perimeter and never lets anyone breath out there.

I feel pretty good about the State matchup. Duke crushed them by 15 the first matchup (within the last month) and when they lost to State when they’ve been on this run. They only lost by 5 (was down just 2 with 20 seconds to go) and that game was that close with Roach/Proctor/McCain combining to shoot just 25% that game.

I have faith that at least one of those 3 step it up on Sunday.

The difference between ACC tournament and now is Filipowski played physical against Houston. He usually shies away from banging but this is the first time I've seen him not be intimated by physical play. I think he grew up last night. That makes Duke more formidable now.

Also, they need to run Burns off the floor. Can't they do what the NBA is doing and hunting Burns on mismatches? lol I know its easier said than done but if the 3 guards of Duke can shoot from outside, they can win it against NCState

Well obviously Duke's guards have to shoot well. Marquette showed how to beat NC state and Burns. That was the best job any team did on Burns. NC State struggled against double teams from Marquette - including their guards so that's another thing. Now that Filipowski is willing to bang inside, the whistle is gonna favor Duke.

[RookieStar]

The difference between ACC tournament and now is Filipowski played physical against Houston. He usually shies away from banging but this is the first time I've seen him not be intimated by physical play. I think he grew up last night. That makes Duke more formidable now.

Also, they need to run Burns off the floor. Can't they do what the NBA is doing and hunting Burns on mismatches? lol I know its easier said than done but if the 3 guards of Duke can shoot from outside, they can win it against NCState

Well obviously Duke's guards have to shoot well. Marquette showed how to beat NC state and Burns. That was the best job any team did on Burns. NC State struggled against double teams from Marquette - including their guards so that's another thing. Now that Filipowski is willing to bang inside, the whistle is gonna favor Duke.

Strange, last game despite HOU being known as the team that fouls a lot, Duke was whistled way more than them. So I don't think whistle will favor Flip again.

[___Rand___]

Also, they need to run Burns off the floor. Can't they do what the NBA is doing and hunting Burns on mismatches? lol I know its easier said than done but if the 3 guards of Duke can shoot from outside, they can win it against NCState

Well obviously Duke's guards have to shoot well. Marquette showed how to beat NC state and Burns. That was the best job any team did on Burns. NC State struggled against double teams from Marquette - including their guards so that's another thing. Now that Filipowski is willing to bang inside, the whistle is gonna favor Duke.

Strange, last game despite HOU being known as the team that fouls a lot, Duke was whistled way more than them. So I don't think whistle will favor Flip again.

My recollection was whistle was NOT a factor in that game (Marquette was favored by refs). And the final tally says 14-12 Duke Houston in fouls so it was pretty even, not way more. Come on man. We all know Duke gets the whistle. Just like Lakers.

[The4thHorseman]

Stan van Gundy:

"I'm amazed how much contact is allowed in college basketball"

[___Rand___]

Illini needs to double team Clingon or get a bigger body on him to have a chance. Still expect UConn to win but can they make it competitive at least?

[2weekswithpay]

Illini needs to double team Clingon or get a bigger body on him to have a chance. Still expect UConn to win but can they make it competitive at least?

No idea why they left Hawkins out there by himself.

[jkvonny]

Geez, UConn is crushin Illinois.
Game ended before it even started.

EDIT: Looks like they made a lil run (since the last time I've had checked), kinda gettin back into teh game.

[RookieStar]

Well obviously Duke's guards have to shoot well. Marquette showed how to beat NC state and Burns. That was the best job any team did on Burns. NC State struggled against double teams from Marquette - including their guards so that's another thing. Now that Filipowski is willing to bang inside, the whistle is gonna favor Duke.

Strange, last game despite HOU being known as the team that fouls a lot, Duke was whistled way more than them. So I don't think whistle will favor Flip again.

My recollection was whistle was NOT a factor in that game (Marquette was favored by refs). And the final tally says 14-12 Duke Houston in fouls so it was pretty even, not way more. Come on man. We all know Duke gets the whistle. Just like Lakers.

Yup... that was the reputation as well. Duke gets all the calls. However someone pointed out, for a team with the rep of HOUs fouling, they were called a total of 4 fouls in the entire 2nd half while Duke was called double/triple that? Don't care to check the stat cuz its over. Besides Duke won because of HOU top gun got injured.

Im just saying I don't expect FLip to get the calls against NC-state.

[___Rand___]

Illini needs to double team Clingon or get a bigger body on him to have a chance. Still expect UConn to win but can they make it competitive at least?

No idea why they left Hawkins out there by himself.

He's so undersized for a 6'10". I hope Illini coach grows a few brain cells and come up with a different offensive game plan to get Clingan on the move or out of the paint.

[AussieCeltic]

SVG calling everything a foul is getting tiresome. Most are pretty good defense.

[___Rand___]

Strange, last game despite HOU being known as the team that fouls a lot, Duke was whistled way more than them. So I don't think whistle will favor Flip again.

My recollection was whistle was NOT a factor in that game (Marquette was favored by refs). And the final tally says 14-12 Duke Houston in fouls so it was pretty even, not way more. Come on man. We all know Duke gets the whistle. Just like Lakers.

Yup... that was the reputation as well. Duke gets all the calls. However someone pointed out, for a team with the rep of HOUs fouling, they were called a total of 4 fouls in the entire 2nd half while Duke was called double/triple that? Don't care to check the stat cuz its over. Besides Duke won because of HOU top gun got injured.

Im just saying I don't expect FLip to get the calls against NC-state.

I hear you. I still expect refs to favor pretty boys of Duke. That's just how it is. Duke doesn't need help, they got enough. But refs will be refs.

[___Rand___]

Illini are still in this game? like how?

[2weekswithpay]

3rd time Shannon has challenged Clingan and the 3rd block too I believe.

[___Rand___]

UConn fans already making excuses!!!

Read on Twitter

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Read on Twitter

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Bud EVERYBODY plays with the same ball.

And don't panic! long game!

[___Rand___]

3rd time Shannon has challenged Clingan and the 3rd block too I believe.

1st time I'm gonna watch Shannon play this year. And he isn't impressing me, yet.

[___Rand___]

They should give more continuation in college.

[___Rand___]

Illini's defense has been real good. They showed it in Iowa State game and now. And somehow they're ranked 84th in defense by Kenpom? Wow WHAT a transformation!!!

[2weekswithpay]

Illini's defense has been real good. They showed it in Iowa State game and now. And somehow they're ranked 84th in defense by Kenpom? Wow WHAT a transformation!!!

The team had a pretty rough February, and couldn't get a stop that entire month.

[ItsDanger]

Ball obviously off Clingan. One of the worst calls I've ever seen. These refs are terrible.

[2weekswithpay]

Playing Ty Rodgers with Clingan on the court again. Dumb coach.