The Big East is a BIG FRAUD!!!

[Bravesfan]

One "giant" just got slayed as #8 seeded Butler shocks (or maybe not) #1 seeded Pittsburgh 71-70! The end of this game needed to be seen to be believed as both teams attempted to throw the game away. Butler had a 70-69 lead with 3 seconds left, committed a terrible foul which gave Pitt a chance to win with one second left. After splitting free throws, Pitt fouled Butler, with Butler splitting their free throws for a 71-70 win.

Regardless of how they won, I think Butler proved what a FRAUD the Big East is becoming! Only 3 teams will advance to the Sweet 16, without me knowing how many more are playing tomorrow.

Not good for the "big boys"!

[SaintLouBrave22]

I think it proved that Jamie Dixon is now the new Bill Self or Marv Levy or Bobby Cox of NCAA coaches...

Real great in season but very poor in postseason!


This also proves that there are very little dominant teams this year

[Bravesfan]

I think it proved that Jamie Dixon is now the new Bill Self or Marv Levy or Bobby Cox of NCAA coaches...

Real great in season but very poor in postseason!


This also proves that there are very little dominant teams this year

And I think Butler can beat anyone, though Duke will probably be even better this year now that Kyrie Irving is back.

The only reason I did not have Butler making a long run was because they looked very ordinary during much of the Horizon season. But I have now learned that you can never count out a coach that plays a tough schedule and stresses fundamentals like Brad Stevens does (hope JG and MC are listening here!).

It goes to show you that the dominant mid-major powers are just as good if not better than the so-called big boys!

Let's hope George Mason can keep things going tomorrow!

[BUSongwriter]

Not that we need any more evidence of power conference bias in the NCAA, but imagine any power conference school finishing a shot away from the national championship in the title game one year, then coming back the following year with much of the same team, getting 23 wins, winning their conference tournament, and earning an.....

8 seed.

Way to go, Butler!!! Love it!

[SaintLouBrave22]

It goes to show you that the dominant mid-major powers are just as good if not better than the so-called big boys!

Let's hope George Mason can keep things going tomorrow!

if any more 1's lose before the Elite 8, I think Nantz may off himself in front of a live tv audience...

[Bravesfan]

Not that we need any more evidence of power conference bias in the NCAA, but imagine any power conference school finishing a shot away from the national championship in the title game one year, then coming back the following year with much of the same team, getting 23 wins, winning their conference tournament, and earning an.....

8 seed.

Way to go, Butler!!! Love it!

Well Villanova has proven 8 seeds can win it all. So go Butler!!!

[ChewaBrave2]

Indeed, this has not been a great tournament for the big east. Lots of good basketball this tournament though - even without my Cards, le sigh.

[Bravesfan]

Indeed, this has not been a great tournament for the big east. Lots of good basketball this tournament though - even without my Cards, le sigh.

Yeah, that's why I love this event. The best event in sports, at least until my Cubs win the World Series one of these years!

Welcome to the boards ChewaBrave!

[Bravesfan]

if any more 1's lose before the Elite 8, I think Nantz may off himself in front of a live tv audience...

It sounded like Verne Lundquist was in utter shock when he announced that score! And he's not even one of the know-it-all pundits that think it is a God-given right that as many BCS teams make the tourney each year!

[lefty]

Sounds like I'm in the minority here...but I still think they are awfully good...

Anything can happen in a game

[ChewaBrave2]

hehe, good ol cubs. Until yesterday actually i posted as Czechbrave, But i've moved to the southern hemisphere for awhile - So i felt as though i'd be living a lie if i stuck to my eastern european pseudonym.

I watch a great deal of big east basketball, and the way the league played this year, it was a lot of good teams, not a lot of great teams - that old cliche. My cards honestly had no business finishing 3rd (nor did they have any business losing to Morehead, but thats another issue), in a 'great conference'. There is always next year.

I haven't commented a lot on this coaching thing going on simply because I don't know anything. It could turn out great, or horrible - but what this tournament has given a lot of people is a good look at what a dedicated coach can do at a 'mid major' school. Even some of the teams that have lost out there from smaller conferences, there has been a lot of quality basketball played. It gives me a bit of confidence and optimism that this coaching change can come out positively.

[Bravesfan]

Sounds like I'm in the minority here...but I still think they are awfully good...

Anything can happen in a game

I agree. And as defending national runners-up, they still have that until someone takes it away from them.

I don't see why they can't beat Wisconsin, which I hope they do. And the great news for me is that I had Old Dominion beating Pittsburgh in this round, so no further damage to my bracket occurred. And I know a lot of people had Pitt at least making the Elite Eight! And even better, I had Utah St. beating Wisconsin, so it doesn't matter what happens in that game, or the Sweet 16 game, either.

[BradleyJD]

Sounds like I'm in the minority here...but I still think they are awfully good...

Anything can happen in a game

I agree. Big East got too many bids but just because u lose doesn't mean u shouldn't be in.

[ChewaBrave2]

I'm still very interested in how Notre Dame's run through this tourny goes. Hansborough gets so much hype, but when i watch the games, Abromitis seems like an incredible headache for opposing coaches.

I also drew Syracuse in my work pool, so, GO ORANGE.

[Bravesfan]

I agree. Big East got too many bids but just because u lose doesn't mean u shouldn't be in.

That's true too. The selection committee bases bids on regular season play. But the pundits have to stop salvating when talking about these teams and give the mid-majors some credit too!