# NCAA March Madness 2006 - Polish up that glass slipper! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 12, 2006, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068 "2006-03-12T19:46:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/41 "2006-03-16T02:11:15Z")
Fortunately, it’s Spring Break, so I will turn on CBS and watch a bunch of games featuring teams I don’t give a rat’s ass about. The REAL Sweet Sixteen started today, and my old high school won their first-round game (first state tournament game I’ve ever been to!) so they play Friday at noon, then Kentucky and Murray State play that night. I’m sort of pulling for Murray State to finish the almost-upset they had going against North Carolina years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Kid\_A\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Kid\_A\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kid_A_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/42 "2006-03-16T02:59:09Z")
I’m supposed to have class tomorrow until 12:30 and then again from 4:00-6:00. I’m ducking out and heading to the campus pub at 12:00 for lunch and I doubt I’m going to the 4:00 class. It only comes once a year so I’ve got to make the best of it. I’m really excited for the first two tips of the day. Wichita St. vs. Seton Hall and UW-M vs. Oklahoma. I want to watch this Wichita State team and after last year, UW-M will always a place in my bracket for knocking off Alabama and Boston College. Just like I said they would. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/43 "2006-03-16T17:44:47Z")
CBS has somehow determined my we, in Chicago, would prefer to watch Wichita State vs. Seton Hall instead of UW-Milwaukee vs. Oklahoma. Go figure. So far my impression is that Seton Hall has no business being in this tournament. Wichita State has all the parts they need and could threaten Tennessee in the next round. Not enough size to beat the top half of the bracket (or UNC). Their 3-point shooting makes them a potential cinderella against anyone though. ---
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/44 "2006-03-16T18:47:15Z")
UW-Milwaukee vs. Oklahoma is a barnburner, too. Oklahoma was down 10 in the first half, and is trailing by 2 about 3 minutes into the second. ---
**Author:** ![RadioMagic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/50afbb/32.png) [@RadioMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioMagic)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/45 "2006-03-16T18:53:06Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > We’re about 16 and a half hours from the opening tip and I’m getting a woody. > > Here’s a interesting exerpt from ESPN’s [Daily Quickie](http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/quickie) > > \*Originally Posted by Dan Shanoff > The Lead Item > Two Words For You: > SWEET. SIXTEEN. > > Talk about suffering Madness: I will insanely boldly go where no NCAA Tournament prognosticator has gone before. > > A 16 seed will beat a No. 1 seed. > This year. > > In the history of the men’s NCAA Tournament, it has never happened. It’s like the first rule of bracket-picking: The 16 never beats the No. 1. Period. Oh-for-history. > > But when the brackets were announced Sunday night, I had a gut reaction when I saw Friday’s pair of 1-seed Memphis and 16-seed Oral Roberts: > > Upset. (Sorry: U-P-S-E-T!!!) > > History, sanity and propriety all insist that I couldn’t be more wrong. I was too timid to put it in my original projections. But I’ve changed my mind. It will happen. I want it to happen. And so do you. > > The ultimate upset in sports. > > I don’t want it to happen because then I can say I was right (well, sort of); I want it to happen because it would be so unforgettably refreshing: > > In a tournament field that most people – fans and experts alike – think will be dominated by UConn, Duke and Nova, nothing would be as shocking or unprecedented, perhaps in all of sports, as 16 toppling 1. > > Mid-major guru Kyle Whelliston didn’t scoff at me. In fact, he gave me a couple talking points that back my pick with more than just “gut” and wishful thinking: > > \*ORU has better offensive stats in FG pct, 3PT pct, points per shot and effective FG pct – even though Memphis cruised through C-USA. > > \*ORU fouls less than Memphis does (21.6-20.4) and has better FT pct (70.8-68.4). If they can keep it close, it’s winnable at the line. > > \*ORU’s big guys are actually bigger and bulkier (avg: 6-9, 243 lbs) than Memphis’ bigs (avg: 6-8, 231 lbs). > > \*“Expect a Miracle”: That’s what it says on ORU’s home floor. Could that be any more appropriate? > > And here’s one more detail: They’re playing the game in Dallas, a short drive from from Tulsa, in front of an audience that includes Arkansas fans who hate Memphis with lust. The arena atmosphere will be favorable to ORU. > > You can dub it a “Memph-dis,” but I originally had the Tigers going out in the Sweet 16 to Kansas anyway. Memphis went from not even in the tournament last year to being a 1-seed this year; I don’t think they can handle it. I’m not alone: They’re everyone’s pick to be the No. 1 seed to fold early. > > Um, just not this early. > > In the grand scheme of my bracket picks, this kind of 16-over-1 upset call isn’t even worth that many points. But it transcends pool position.\* > > I have to admit, it’s a reasonably compelling argument. It’s at least reasonable to consider it possible and enjoy imagining watching it on TV. The game is at 2:50 ET Friday on CBS and you can bet I’ll be focusing on this one at the bar… Better watch this guy – I think he’s just looking for something interesting to write about. I’m not sure where he got the Memphis ‘big players’ at 6’8" 231. In addition, he left out some important info - I suppose because it tends not to build his case. Center is where bulk makes the biggest difference. I know that Memphis’ centers are 6’9" 265lbs (Joey Dorsey - their starter) and 6’11" 285 (Kareem Cooper - second center). But just in case - here are all of Memphis’ centers and forwards - Waki Williams 6’9 225 lbs Robert Dozier 6’9 205 lbs Shawne Williams 6’9 225lbs Rodney Carney (if you count him as a big man) 6’7 205 lbs Joey Dorsey 6’9 265 lbs Kareem Cooper 6’11 285 lbs Here are the centers and forwards for Oral Roberts - Yemi Ogunoye 6’8 Caleb Green- 6’8 Andrew Meloy- 6’5 Sylvester Spicer- 6’6 Larry Owens- 6’7 Michael Micalec- 6’11 In addition, Shanoff failed to mention that Memphis is 10th in the NCAA in scoring, 4th in scoring margin, 3rd in FG% defense, 8th in rebound margin, 5th in blocked shots, and 11th in steals. Memphis strength of schedule (SOS) was in the mid-30s and their out of conference SOS was #3. Just in case you were considering a bet on this game 😉 ---
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/46 "2006-03-16T19:12:22Z")
Wow, we’re not even 2 hours into the tournament yet and already Oklahoma is screwing me royally. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/47 "2006-03-16T19:16:58Z")
What the hell is with that screaming whenever BC is shooting freethrows? I mean, I know what it’s about, but I swear, that chick’s screech gets shriller and louder as the game goes on! Security!!! ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/48 "2006-03-16T19:22:38Z")
Per! Fect!..Brack! Et! _clap clap clap…clapclapclap_ Per! Fect!..Brack! Et! ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/49 "2006-03-16T20:15:10Z")
Perfect so far… come on, BC, I ignored my apprehensions about you because I just interviewed your coach- don’t make me look like an idiot! ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/50 "2006-03-16T20:38:32Z")
The Eagles pull away in double-OT and beat Pacific by 12! My bracket is once again safe for democracy. ---
**Author:** ![Kiros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/439d5e/32.png) [@Kiros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiros)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/51 "2006-03-16T22:24:02Z")
Shanoff is kind of a tool. He writes interesting enough stuff on a daily basis, but… I certainly wouldn’t put any actual credence into any of it. The shot that the kid just hit from the corner for Tennessee was RIDICULOUS. ---
**Author:** ![Garfield226](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Garfield226](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garfield226)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/52 "2006-03-16T22:32:10Z")
> [@Kiros](#): > > The shot that the kid just hit from the corner for Tennessee was RIDICULOUS. And he ruined my perfect bracket, too. What a finish though! Length-of-the-court toss by Withrop, hits the backboard, and the guy _almost_ makes a bankshot to tie it back up. ---
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/53 "2006-03-16T22:34:26Z")
> [@Kiros](#): > > Shanoff is kind of a tool. He writes interesting enough stuff on a daily basis, but… I certainly wouldn’t put any actual credence into any of it. > > The shot that the kid just hit from the corner for Tennessee was RIDICULOUS. Chris Lofton. Kentucky Mr. Basketball 2004. Should be wearing Kentucky blue, but NO, he’s actually talented. /so glad we wasted two scholarships on Shaggy and Scooby Woo ---
**Author:** ![Kid\_A\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Kid\_A\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kid_A_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/54 "2006-03-16T22:47:36Z")
Alabama is killing me. How many more mistakes can you make before giving the game away? ---
**Author:** ![Kiros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/439d5e/32.png) [@Kiros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiros)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/55 "2006-03-16T22:57:36Z")
Marquette got exactly the shot they wanted, and Novak just plain missed it. Montana over Nevada, which doesn’t surprise me so much. When the brackets came out, I thought, “Nevada a 5?”, and then looked at the numbers and saw that it seemed right… but it just didn’t feel especially right. The margin of victory is a little surprising, though - the game wasn’t even close. ---
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/56 "2006-03-16T23:01:08Z")
> [@Kiros](#): > > Marquette got exactly the shot they wanted, and Novak just plain missed it. > > Montana over Nevada, which doesn’t surprise me so much. When the brackets came out, I thought, “Nevada a 5?”, and then looked at the numbers and saw that it seemed right… but it just didn’t feel especially right. The margin of victory is a little surprising, though - the game wasn’t even close. I talked myself back into picking Montana at about 11:45 last night. I’d picked it originally, then convinced myself Nevada would have the home-court advantage playing in Salt Lake, then last night just thought that Montana felt right. I’m still not sure how Alabama managed to win that game. I’ve watched them in the SEC all season, and they haven’t been THAT good. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2006, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/57 "2006-03-16T23:14:22Z")
I’m still perfect through seven games in the SDMB pool, and 6/7 in the office pool. (I’m wondering why I ‘mixed things up’ in the pool that’s for money and did what I thought was right in the Dope pool. Apparently I value your respect more than my co-workers’ money.) ---
**Author:** ![Airblairxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Airblairxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airblairxxx)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/58 "2006-03-17T01:39:35Z")
> [@Kiros](#): > > No way Oakland is the weakest - Memphis, Gonzaga, Kansas, Pitt, Indiana, Marquette, hell even Alabama and Bucknell can all play with ANYONE (though the Zags haven’t had to for a few months). I’ll ignore that dig at the team you didn’t mention. Thought you’d be interested to know that UCLA won the way a #2 seed should, 78-44. Belmont led 18-12 with 6:40 to go in the first half, then UCLA went on a sick 52-12 run to make the score 64-30 by the time there was 6:12 left in the game. You underestimate my Bruins, winners of their last 8, at your own peril. ---
**Author:** ![Kiros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/439d5e/32.png) [@Kiros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiros)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/59 "2006-03-17T01:49:57Z")
There IS a fan of a Pac-10 team around here to defend 'em! 🙂 In the interest of full disclosure, the only UCLA game I’ve seen more than pieces of this year was the WVU game, and that was a long time ago. I tend to be of the opinion that UCLA is the best team on the West Coast this year… and that West Coast basketball really sucks this year. That said, it wouldn’t really shock me to see UCLA come out of that bracket, because I think ANYONE could come out of that bracket, and I do give a team that picked up regular season and tournament conference championships some credit. How about the late games so far? LSU was getting pushed for a while but they’ve opened it up to double digits… while Gonzaga and GW are both losing in their first games in months with a degree of difficulty. Mensah-Bonsu has looked pretty good, though. ---
**Author:** ![divemaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/divemaster/32/78_2.png) [@divemaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divemaster)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2006, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068/60 "2006-03-17T02:41:41Z")
With the Gonzaga win, I’m 10 for 11 so far. I expect Illinois will make it 11-12. However, 3 of the 4 late games tonight I’ve picked the underdog, so I’m not sure how long I can keep up this pace. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-march-madness-2006-polish-up-that-glass-slipper/348068.md?page=4)