2015 NCAA Tournament Primer
Published on Thursday, 3/19/15, at 9:55 a.m. Eastern.
—My annual Bracket Analysis column filed to VegasInsider.com.
–The latest lines over at VI.
–I’ll go with Wisconsin over Virginia in the national-title game, with Bo Ryan winning his first national championship. The Badgers will take down Kentucky in the semifinals, while UVA will go through Iowa St. in the semifinals.
–According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kenny Gaines “shot around a little” at Wednesday’s practice in Athens. Gaines (11.9 points per game) is expected to start and play vs. Michigan St. on Friday despite a sprained foot. He did not practice on Monday or Tuesday.
–Wisconsin senior guard Traevon Jackson has returned to practice this week, but he’s told the media he won’t play until he’s 100 percent. Therefore, his status for the first weekend is ‘questionable.’
BE Sports salutes Boise St.’s Derrick Marks on a brilliant collegiate career.
–I love Dayton coach Archie Miller and assistant Tom Ostrom, so congrats to the Flyers on last night’s remarkable comeback win. With that said, I’m still pissed Boise St. had to play a road game at Dayton. The Broncos appeared to be the superior team the entire game despite playing in a building where the Flyers were unbeaten in 16 regular-season games. Derrick Marks, who finished his brilliant career at BSU with a game-high 23 points, didn’t get a call on his last shot despite getting the defender in the air with a ball fake before creating contact. I’m ok with the no-call, though we see that called way more often that not in college hoops. But the Committee did an outrageous injustice to the Broncos, who deserved better and had a shot at going to the Sweet 16 if they hadn’t had to play on the road.
–Great game between BYU-Ole Miss two nights ago!
–Arkansas is looking for just its second NCAA Tournament win since firing Nolan Richardson when it takes on Wofford today.
–My Upset of the Day: Eastern Washington beats Georgetown.
–Best Potential Second-Round Game: SMU vs. Iowa St.
—Inside the emotional reaction to Anthony Grant’s dismissal at Alabama.
–From Chris Harry over at Gatorzone.com: Billy Donovan’s reflections on Florida’s first losing season since 1996-1997
