Know your enemy (VCU edition)

No music or introductions like we normally do since this isn't concerning San Diego State. But with one of us living here in Richmond, VA we are getting besieged with questions about the Rams upcoming matchup with Butler so here we go -

Don't expect VCU to blow out Butler like they have done to previous opponents. The way the Bulldogs are built they simply will not allow that. Whereas Kansas tried multiple times to take control of the game and exert their will on VCU, Butler will simply hang with the Rams and make it a close game. This is where they are dangerous (see example one or example two). Their modus operandi is to wait for when you are the weakest and then try and kill you (see example three). You can count on luck as Duke did last year or you can attempt to make it a horse race as Butler's opponents have tried in vain to do this year.

The third option would be for VCU to play Butler's game, essentially neutralize Butler in the paint with their second (and third and fourth) chance shots. Then it comes down to who can shoot more effectively from beyond the arc, which the Rams have a slight advantage (Rams 48% to Bulldogs 27%).

So there you go. Now that you have this simple road map we Richmond folks are expecting great things. We're looking at you, coach Smart...

The game that no one cared about

Kentucky 76 - North Carolina 69

So there was Butler and Virginia Commonwealth. Two outstanding games that featured underdogs that became top dogs this weekend. The UConn/Arizona was a thrilling affair featuring two great guards (and possible POY) in Williams and Walker. There was even some controversy regarding VCU's win.

And then there was the UNC/Kentucky game. A game where we said it would not matter who wins. Outside of the fan base was there anyone who was rivited to their chairs doing their best Gus Johnson impersonation? We think not. Some folks came to the Tar Heels and Wildcats defense saying that we should love the game for the game and it's not all about the Cinderellas and these are two top programs. We tried, but we just couldn't get into it.

But here's to the UConn/Kentucky matchup. We are slightly more excited about that.

Kansas/VCU 2nd half analysis

Please. Make the pain go away.

Eight is never enough

Virginia Commonwealth 72 - Florida State 71 Overtime

This is what it's all about. Both teams were neck and neck throughout the contest with Florida tying it at the end of regulation. Then with 7 seconds left in overtime VCU hits an EASY layup to move ahead 72 to 71. There were still 7 seconds on the clock and Florida State's ball but the Rams Jamie Skeen blocked any chance the Seminoles had to win the game.

If there were ANY lingering doubts about VCU belonging in the tournament (not likely at this point but still) they have now been erased with authority. The Rams have proven that they can blow out opponents or grind out wins. Borrowing from an old joke about VCU they didn't belong in the field of 64. They belonged in the Elite Eight, although some are saying they will be a sacrificial lamb lame for Kansas. And no matter what coach Shaka Smart is a wanted man after this is all said and done.

Almost only counts in...

We have to hand it to Penn State. Beating the 18th and 22nd ranked teams in the country is impressive. Then they go up to #1 ranked Ohio State and lose 66 to 69 on a last second 3 point shot by Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger. Last night they go into 13th ranked Purdue and once again lose on a last second shot by Boilermaker forward JaJuan Johnson, 62 to 63.

If effort counted the Nittany Lions would be ranked 25th in the country!

But it doesn't.

Sad.

Let the chaos begin

And then there were none. South Carolina beats team formally known as number one 68 to 62. At this point any team in the top 10 could take it all come March.

And let the campaigning for the Jayhawks begin..



LOL SUXRZ!

This one's optimistic

For all you guys who feel like you are on the outside looking in, this one's for you. Buffalo, Morgan State, North Dakota State, VMI and Jacksonville, this could be your year to dance:

March is coming, and these five schools are either leading their conferences, or close to it. They have had their noses pressed to the NCAA tournament window for decades. Maybe this year is different.

The only one we really believe in is Virginia Military Institute which has the record and the upset wins to show (Kentucky). We would even put some money down on that if pressed.

Speaking of which...

It's college hoops March Madness time again. Get college basketball odds at BetUS - America 's best Sports Betting site.