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Sports Articles by the staff>
ROAD To Indianapolis.
February 28, 2010
by Budd Foxx.
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is almost upon us. There was some talk about going from 64 teams, ( well 65) to 96 making it, but for now, it stays at 65. To me, that is enough. At least until a number 16 seed finally beats a number one seed, I don’t see the need for another 32 teams making the tournament. On the other hand, I can see where a team like North Carolina, last year’s reigning champs who might not even make it this year, still have a better chance than a team that has to make it, which could be a Colgate or Cal State Northridge. But I guess that is what the NIT is for. One other idea that I think would be neat is if, and this might happen this year, the previous year’s champion does not get a seed, they should get the automatic 65thseed. They would probably beat the 64 seed, and then have a match up with a number one, which would definitely be interesting. I just think the road to the Final Four should go through the champs. This year’s Final Four tournament will be interesting. Kentucky I was a little unsure about early on because of some of their younger players, but they seem like they can hold their own and make a nice little run.
Butler is having a good year, ranked # 13 currently. I remember a few years back they were a number 12 seed in their division, and ended up beating a number 5, Mississippi State, back in 2003. Then a couple years ago they were a 5thseed in their division, and here they are 13thoverall. It seems lately a number 12 seed gets by a number 5, and with the way the odds are, it seems this is a pretty good bet for the money, that a 12 will get by a 5. Anything higher than that, a 13 or higher winning, is pretty risky, but of course the payout will be higher. Then again, the Saints beat the Colts, and the Giants beat the Pats a few years back in the Super bowl, so anything is possible. It would be fun to see Butler make it to the Final Four, and play a home game since each regional winner will advance to the Final Four, held on April 3 and 5 in Indianapolis, Indianat Lucas OilStadium, hosted by the Horizon Leagueand Butler University, as per the NCAA's mandate that one Final Four is held every five years in the city that houses the NCAA's headquarters.
This year’s Final Four should be very competitive. There aren't those dynasty teams like the UCLA Bruins of the 1960’s. And when Syracuse won with Carmello, and then he took off to the NBA and was successful, the one and dones seem to be gaining more popularity, which makes every year pretty open. I think Kansas is a safe bet to make it to the championship game. Duke always has a competitive team, but lately they don’t seem to have what it takes to move really far in the tournament. And with the talk of Coach K possibly going to the NBA, specifically the New Jersey Nets, that may have an impact on the Blue Devils, and I see another early exit this year. Sweet 16 at best. Purdue showed some heart with a nice win over Ohio State.
I’m looking forward to the Georgetown game at W. Virginia in a couple weeks. It will be interesting to see how the new instant replay rule will be used in the tournament, to determine flagrant fouls. I wonder how many times the refs will refer to it? In any event, my safe money is on Kansas, my "feeling lucky" money would also be on a good 12thseed vs. 5thseed match up, and my Cinderella this year would probably be on Wisconsin, I think with their experience they can make some noise. And for all you Colts fans, at least Indianapolis will see a champion crowned in your city this year, just not in football, and probably not from your state.
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