20060325

Wanna hug it out?

Today's games

The Great American
March Madness
NCAA Basketball Pool

4:40 pm - #4 LSU vs #2 Texas

7:05 - #2 UCLA vs #1 Memphis

Villanova's quest for the NCAA title withstood it's staunchest test to date as the Wildcats pulled out an exciting 60-59 overtime win over the Boston College Eagles last night. Despite BC getting out to an early 16 point lead, the game proved to be a back and forth affair after a furious Villanova rally pulled them to within 4 at the half. The play of the game though came near the end of overtime where Villanova, trailing by 1 in the final seconds, proved to be the beneficiaries of a controversial goaltending call which gave them the lead with 3 seconds to play. BC subsequently inbounded the ball and raced down the floor only to see their desperation 3 point attempt sail wide at the buzzer. Actually, to be honest, it was a legitimate goaltending call. I only used the word "controversial" in describing it in order to make BC alum Dave "The Canton Crusher" Dawson feel a little better about things. Sorry, Dave. Need a hug?

I should have pointed this out yesterday, but I didn't realize it. It is with deep regret that I have to advise you that Angela Gilbert has won her money back. Yes, midway through the Sweet 16 and she's clinched last place. Sorry, Angela. On the bright side, you don't need to worry about getting your entry fee in to me anymore.

Speaking of which, as Dog the Bounty Hunter's appearance the other day didn't generate a satisfactory number of payments from the remainder of the pool population, I have now gone to "plan b." Meet Terry Tait ... "Office Pool Linebacker":

If you haven't paid yet, please try our handy PayPal link. (If you have already paid, give it a click too ... trust me):

The Commish's daughter, Lauren, also had BC winning it all but her pain was eased by the presence of 9 of her friends for the previously alluded to "birthday sleepover party." She did not want a hug either. Because that wouldn't be cool in front of her friends ya know..

Villanova's win wasn't the only dramatic one of the night. Big East rival U Conn won the iditarod match up over the Washington Huskies in heart stopping fashion,, rallying back from a double digit second half deficit to pull out the win in OT. The pivotal play of the game coming when Rashad Anderson's desperation 3-pointer forced overtime with 1.8 left in regulation. This one ended at about 1:00 am, so I'm a tired little commissioner this morning. Next up for U Conn are the improbable George Mason Patriots. Yes, the #11 seed is still alive and kicking following a 63-55 win over Wichita State. Gene Hackman isn't coaching these guys by any chance is he?

Florida also pulled out a dramatic win, hanging on against Georgetown for a 57-53 victory.

Leader board

Entrant Pts

76
73
72
70
68
68
66
66
66
65

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Matt Stevens (3)
Chris Dennehy
Matt Stevens (1)
Tracy Robinson (3)
Chris McGurrin (2)
J. Ryan Morgan (1)
Chris Reilly (2)
Loretta Pazdan
Ron Gifford (1)
David Allard

He ain't heavy ....

I'll ing ya!

Eagles back on endangered species list following OT loss to Villanova

I told you we're putting new cover memos on the TPS reports, Ritchie!

Matt Stevens (3) and Tracy Robinson (3), who are not related, both have Duke though, so they are effectively eliminated. With the exception of Chris Reilly, who has Villanova, all others in the Top 10 have U Conn.

Lurking back there with 56 points and ready to make her move is Mrs Commish, who still has her entire Final Four intact. I will have to pull a Paul Tagliabure and retire if she ever wins this thing. I'd never hear the end of it.

The schedule for today is as follows:

"R Whale"

He's baaaaack ...

Any relation to J.P. Morgan?

After last night, the top of the leader board is still rather unaffected from yesterday: