First off, we apologize for not blogging our normal amount this week. Greg landed a new job that started this week, and I have been in Denver visiting my family. We have been watching sports though, so here are some thoughts on all things sports.
- Indiana's victory at Michigan State on Tuesday was impressive. Not only does that potentially deliver the Big Ten Championship, but that all but clinches a one seed in the tournament, and gives them the inside track to the overall number one. This would give them the Midwest Region, which is played in Indianapolis.
- Speaking of regions, whoever gets the top seeds in the West Region will have to travel the farthest, but will have an advantage in lack of talent. In nearly every mock I see, the top seeds are Gonzaga, Arizona, New Mexico, etc. Don't get me wrong, those are solid teams. But if Duke or Michigan State or some other team lands out there, they won't be disappointed at all because the competition will be lighter. The other regions contain teams like Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Syracuse, Louisville, etc. These teams are much more threatening. Of course you never know what will change before Selection Sunday, and the committee could do things drastically different than the mocks.
- St. Louis is really good. After winning at Butler last night, they have won 9 straight, including a sweep of Butler and a blowout win over VCU. Looks like they won't let the newcomers take over the league after all.
- In the NBA, All-Star Weekend was boring, except for Kobe shutting down Lebron late in the actual game. Kyrie Irving is going to be very good for a long time, Harden shouldn't have been traded from OKC, and the dunk contest keeps getting worse. Lebron and Blake need to save us and sign up next year. Oh and Chris Paul is good.
- In the second half of the NBA season, I think the Pacers will be dangerous. Since nothing happened at the trade deadline, they are the team that is acquiring the best midseason talent: Granger coming back from injury. They just took over second in the East, and Granger should return this week. Look out!
- In the West, keep an eye on the Lakers. I loved Kobe's enthusiasm at the end of the All-Star Game, and then his comments this week about guaranteeing the playoffs was great. Nash and Howard backed him up, and I could see this as something that catalyzes them. At least this could get more effort from Howard, which is what they sorely need.
- Baseball started Spring Training. With all the moves in the offseason, I'm actually excited for the year. That is rare because baseball is normally not something I eagerly anticipate. I'm a Braves fan, so I do have a lot to look forward to. Greg is a Cubs fan so not as much for him.
- In hockey, the Blackhawks are rolling. 14-0-3 is the best start in the history of the NHL. I'm not much of a hockey fan, but I've always said Chicago is my favorite team because I live closest to them out of any. But that probably doesn't count does it?
- In tennis, Nadal has returned to the scene and won his first tournament. Congrats to him for battling back. I am interested in how he does against the top players, because he's yet to have played some of the elite guys. He'll get his chance soon.
- In golf, the Match Play Event has started. We made predictions on Tuesday. Go check them out. Mine suck! Rory and Tiger lost in the first round (I had Tiger winning it all), plus my other finalist (Shwartzel) and another semifinalist (Scott) lost in the first round also. Thankfully my last semifinalist (Kuchar) is alive and into the third round.
- The tourney though has been crazy. None of the 1-seeds made it into the third round. That proves the amount of parity that there is in golf right now. Last year's champion, Hunter Mahan, is looking good. Ian Poulter, who won a few years ago also (and is Greg's pick to win), is still alive too. Bubba Watson, a 2-seed, is the highest seeded player remaining. Those three would be the favorites I guess, but who knows really.
- What's on tap this weekend? Bracketbuster Saturday is normally fun, although the only big matchup is Creighton vs. St. Mary's. That's a big game for both. Memphis and Southern Miss is a big game in the C-USA. In the Mountain West, New Mexico at Colorado State is huge. In the major conferences, Georgetown and Syracuse is the biggest matchup of the day, but I also like NC State and North Carolina. Baylor and Oklahoma play in the Big 12 too. On Sunday, there are loads of good matchups: Michigan State at Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan, Pitt at St. John's, and Notre Dame vs. Cincinnati.
- Of course this weekend is also the end of the Match Play Championship. That's always exciting stuff. And that is completely unpredictable.
Enjoy your sports time!
By: Andrew
Another positive out of Lakers camp: Howard admits he has been in bad shape and it's cost them a lot of games. That is a great sign I think. They have been dealing with his poor attitude but he is softening and becoming a better team player. Look out!
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