Our Daily Bears - NCAA Tournament 2014 | Baylor Season Ends in Sweet SixteenThe Decade of the Bear Continues...https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52604/odb_fav.png2014-04-07T20:00:02-05:00http://www.ourdailybears.com/rss/stream/52801192014-04-07T20:00:02-05:002014-04-07T20:00:02-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | National Championship OT
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>Just in case anybody wants to chill and watch the game.</p> <p>In case you didn't already check out SB Nation's wealth of content for this game...<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container"> <h4> <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> </h4> <div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"> <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Kentucky Wildcats blog A Sea Of Blue</a> <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Connecticut Huskies blog The UConn Blog</a> </div> </div>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/4/7/5590704/2014-ncaa-tournament-championship-game-uconn-kentucky">Kentucky vs. Connecticut: 10 things you should know - SBNation.com</a><br>Regardless of who wins Monday night, history will be made. What kind of history? Time to educate yourselves.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/4/7/5588690/ncaa-tournament-2014-uconn-huskies-championships-history">Connecticut looks to make history vs. Kentucky with 4th championship in 15 years - SBNation.com</a><br>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.theuconnblog.com/">Huskies</a> are looking to do something that hasn't been done in 40 years.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/4/7/5588186/lexington-riots-march-madness-kentucky-wildcats">In Lexington, things burn - SBNation.com</a><br>Chaos ensues as #BBN takes over the city of Lexington.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/4/7/5590724/kentucky-wildcats-andrew-aaron-harrison-national-championship-game-uconn">Sibling bond sustains Kentucky's Harrison twins through peaks and valleys - SBNation.com</a><br>As Kentucky gets set to meet UConn for the national championship, the relationship between the brothers who make up the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Wildcats</a>' starting backcourt is as strong as ever.</p>
<p>Good game, everyone?</p>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/2014/4/7/5591892/ncaa-tournament-2014-national-championship-open-threadMark C. Moore2014-03-29T11:03:25-05:002014-03-29T11:03:25-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | Lady Bears vs. Kentucky
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Lady Bears are about to tip off on ESPN in a rematch against Kentucky, and we'll have plenty of action later today from the first Elite Eight games on the men's side. </p> <p><a> </a></p>
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<img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/logo-bubble-baylor.png" height="125" width="125"><span><b>vs. </b></span><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/logo-bubble-kentucky.png" height="125" width="125">
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<span><b><span>(2) Baylor vs. (3) Kentucky<br><span>March 29, 2014 | 11:00 a.m. CT<br>Notre Dame, Ind. | Joyce Center (8,874)</span></span></b></span><span><b><span><span><br>TV: ESPN<br></span></span></b></span>
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<b></b><b style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b></b><b style="text-align: center;"><b></b></b></b></b></b><b style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/audio.gif" height="15" width="15"><b> <a href="http://ulive.cbssports.com/index-ncaa.html?media=442302">Listen</a> | <a href="http://www.baylorbears.com/gametracker/launch/gt_wbaskbl.html?event=1336782&school=bay&sport=wbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&">Live Stats</a></b><b style="text-align: center;"> | <img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/gamenotes.gif" alt="Game Notes" height="15" width="15"><b> <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/w-baskbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release_20140326aaa.pdf">Notes</a> </b>| <img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/tickets.gif" alt="Tickets" height="15" width="18"><a href="https://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WB&linkID=notre-dame&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=">Tickets</a></b>
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<p>Words words words words words words to the wordy word words words.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/032614aab.html">No. 5 WBB Faces No. 10 Kentucky in Sweet 16 - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site - BaylorBears.com</a><br>The fifth-ranked Baylor Lady <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ourdailybears.com/">Bears</a> will take on the third-seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> in Sweet 16 action and if victorious will advance to the tournament's Elite Eight for the fifth time in program history.</p>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-lady-bears-basketball/2014/3/29/5561014/ncaa-tournament-2014-lady-bears-vs-kentucky-and-elite-eight-openMark C. Moore2014-03-27T20:57:03-05:002014-03-27T20:57:03-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | Wisconsin Ends Baylor's Run
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<figcaption>Jeff Gross</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears started slow, scoring just 16 points in the first half. Things didn't really improve after that. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ourdailybears.com/">Baylor Bears</a>' 2013-2014 season is now over after a performance few expected to see in a round where few expected to play. The Bears fell tonight in relatively embarrassing fashion, getting shoved around on offense and passed around on defense by a Wisconsin team that saw Baylor's wins over Nebraska and Creighton and wasn't impressed. Led by <span>Frank Kaminsky</span>, who just schooled <span>Isaiah Austin</span> and <span>Cory Jefferson</span> on the inside, Wisconsin got up and stayed there. Every time Baylor thought it could get something going, the Badgers responded, never relinquishing control of the game for even a minute.</p>
<p>The narratives are flying pretty fast right now on twitter about how this happened, how the Bears looked so bad just days after looking so good. The prevailing negative opinion seems to be that Baylor exposed an overrated Creighton and were exposed in turn by Wisconsin. It's obviously much more nuanced than that. After a very poor start where we missed layup after layup and Wisconsin eviscerated the zone, the same things that doomed us early this season started up again. In front of family and friends, <span>Gary Franklin</span> pressed on offense early and took too many shots. Austin and Jefferson lost the battle inside against Kaminsky, repeatedly. <span>Rico Gathers</span> was a complete non-factor, as was <span>Brady Heslip</span>. The offense as a whole missed too many shots, didn't get the rebounds upon which it thrives, and ground completely to a halt. Losing is a team effort made up of a number of individual ones, and we lost those individual efforts.</p>
<p>I've seen people blaming Scott Drew for Baylor's play tonight, and on the macro level, I suppose that makes a bit of sense. Coaches get credit for wins and blame for losses all the time. I have a hard time imagining, however, what he could have done to make the absolute outcome of this game any different. He can't make shots for his guys, block out for rebounds, or play defense. Even if he had the eligibility, you don't want him out there on Kaminsky. I don't think it was scheme or preparation-- things a coach impacts directly-- that cost Baylor the game tonight. Wisconsin just played better-- significantly so-- throughout.</p>
<p>On a different, and much more positive, note, I remain extremely proud and excited by the way this team turned their season around. Knowing that Jefferson, Franklin, Brady Heslip, and probably Austin finished their Baylor careers with another Tournament run makes me personally happy. All of them have represented Baylor impeccably in their time here and will go forward, whether in the NBA or otherwise, doing the same. They will fling their green and gold afar as countless Baylor legends before them, yet they will be Bears always.</p>
<p>The next time we see the Baylor Men's Basketball team take the court, it will look like a very different group than the one that lost to Wisconsin tonight. But those that remain will no doubt be better for the experience, and we'll be there to cheer them on when they do.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400548897" target="_blank"><i>Full box from tonight's game courtesy of ESPN.</i></a></p>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-basketball/2014/3/27/5555774/ncaa-tournament-2014-wisconsin-ends-baylors-season-in-sweet-sixteenMark C. Moore2014-03-27T18:00:01-05:002014-03-27T18:00:01-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | Baylor vs. Wisconsin
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>At 6:47 PM on TBS, it's GO TIME, WISCONSIN. </p> <p><a> </a></p>
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<img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/logo-bubble-baylor.png" height="125" width="125"><span><b>vs. </b></span><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/logo-bubble-wisconsin.png">
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<td style="text-align: center;"><span><b><span><span><span><b><span>Baylor (26-11) vs. Wisconsin</span></b></span></span></span><span><span><span><b><span> (28-7)<br><span>March 27, 2014 | 6:47 p.m. CT<br>Anaheim, Calif. | Honda Center (18,336)</span></span></b></span><span><b><span><span><br>TV: TBS</span></span></b></span></span></span></b><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/misc_non_event/B12Network1-11.pdf"><br></a><b>Web Video: <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live">NCAA.com</a></b></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><span><br>Radio: Westwood One / ESPN Central Texas<br></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></td>
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<b><b style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/allaccess/camera.gif" height="8" width="12"></b></b><b></b><b><b><b><b></b></b></b></b><b><b><b></b></b></b> <b></b><b><b><img src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/audio.gif" height="15" width="15"></b><b> <a href="http://westwoodonesports.com/broadcast/west-regional-semifinal-anaheim/">National Radio</a> | </b></b><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/gtk.gif" alt="Gametracker" height="15" width="23"><b> <a>Gametracker</a></b><b style="text-align: center;"> </b><b>| <img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/tickets.gif" alt="Tickets" height="15" width="18"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2F2014-ncaa-division-i-mens-basketball-anaheim-california%2Fevent%2F090048F4DC6F7C64%3Fartistid%3D1239566%26majorcatid%3D10004%26minorcatid%3D7%26tm_link%3Dvenueartist_msg-1_090048F4DC6F7C64&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourdailybears.com%2Fbaylor-basketball%2F2014%2F3%2F27%2F5555528%2Fncaa-tournament-2014-6-baylor-bears-vs-2-wisconsin-badgers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tickets</a> <br><b><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/gamenotes.gif" alt="Tickets" height="15" width="15"></b> <a href="http://collegenetwork.cbssports.com/ot/bracket-cbs.html" target="_blank">Printable Bracket</a> | <b><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/gamenotes.gif" alt="Tickets" height="15" width="15"></b> | <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release_20140325aaa.pdf">Baylor Notes</a> | <b><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/bay/graphics/auto/gamenotes.gif" alt="Tickets" height="15" width="15"></b> <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release_20140325aaa_wis.pdf">Wisconsin Notes</a></b><b> <br></b><b>Press Conference Quotes | Locker Room Quotes | Press Conference Photos <img src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/teams/icons/media-icon-photogallery.gif"> | Practice Photos <img src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/teams/icons/media-icon-photogallery.gif"></b>
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https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-basketball/2014/3/27/5555528/ncaa-tournament-2014-6-baylor-bears-vs-2-wisconsin-badgersMark C. Moore2014-03-27T15:38:09-05:002014-03-27T15:38:09-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | Thursday Sweet 16 Schedule
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<img alt="Lookin' all kinds of creepy there, Sean Miller. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LHEnR2zedHzXjYgORJthU1-xl9Y=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30770671/20140326_kkt_usa_111.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lookin' all kinds of creepy there, Sean Miller. | Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>We're about three hours away from the tip of Baylor vs. Wisconsin (6:47 on TBS), and I'm starting to get a little antsy. So I had to post something. </p> <p>
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<h3>Thursday's game/TV schedule</h3>
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<th>REGION</th> <th>GAME</th> <th>VENUE</th> <th>TIME</th> <th>TV</th> <th>ANNOUNCERS</th>
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<td>South</td>
<td>(10) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ruleoftree.com/">Stanford Cardinal</a> vs. (11) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/dayton-flyers">Dayton Flyers</a>
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<td>FedExForum<br>Memphis, TN</td>
<td>715p</td>
<td>CBS</td>
<td>Kevin Harlan, Len Elmore, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols</td>
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<td>West</td>
<td>(2) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> vs. (6) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ourdailybears.com/">Baylor Bears</a>
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<td>Honda Center<br>Anaheim, CA</td>
<td>747p</td>
<td>TBS</td>
<td>Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager</td>
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<td>South</td>
<td>(1) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Florida Gators</a> vs. (4) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/">UCLA Bruins</a>
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<td>FedExForum<br>Memphis, TN</td>
<td>945p</td>
<td>CBS</td>
<td>Kevin Harlan, Len Elmore, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols</td>
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<td>West</td>
<td>(1) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Wildcats</a> vs. (4) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego State Aztecs</a>
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<td>Honda Center<br>Anaheim, CA</td>
<td>1017p</td>
<td>TBS</td>
<td>Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager</td>
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<p>
<iframe src="https://www.ourdailybears.com/videos/iframe?id=42839" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="42839-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
<p>That's tonight's TV schedule, which obviously includes our own game at 6:47 Central (all times listed are Eastern). Our corresponding blogmates for that game are obviously Badger fans inhabiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Bucky's 5th Quarter</a>. They've been here; we've been there; it's been a blast leading up to this game. Now I hope we destroy them.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2014/03/27/2014-03-27_dayton_vs_stanford">#10 Stanford (-3) vs. #11 Dayton</a> -- South Region</h4>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.ruleoftree.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Stanford Cardinal blog Rule Of Tree</a></div>
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<p>The other games tonight start with Stanford vs. Dayton at 6:15 Central on CBS. Why that game got CBS billing over ours is something I don't really understand, but I'm willing to bet it is related, at least in part, to the fact that one of those two teams will play either Florida or UCLA, and that's the later game on the same channel.</p>
<p>As far as I know, Dayton doesn't have a team blog on SB Nation. That's why only the Stanford blog, Rule of Tree, is represented at right. This game pits the lowest-ranked of the remaining teams by KenPom in #34 Stanford and #44 Dayton. Dayton knocked off Ohio State in the first round and Syracuse in the second to get here, while Stanford shocked #7 New Mexico and then beat a Joel Embiid-less #2 Kansas. Both have great underdog stories that everyone loves. Whoever wins tonight will probably get annihilated by Florida. But that won't be until Saturday. Tonight, I'm taking Stanford to cover. Worth noting that if Stanford wins this game and faces UCLA, that would be a rematch of a game UCLA won by 25 less than two weeks ago.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://kenpom.com/gameprep.php?g=6210">KenPom Prediction</a>: Stanford 69, Dayton 67<br>
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<h4>
<a target="_blank" href="http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2014/03/27/2014-03-27_baylor_vs_wisconsin">#2 Wisconsin (-3) vs. #6 Baylor</a> -- West Region</h4>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wisconsin Badgers blog Bucky's 5th Quarter</a></div>
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<p>You already know how these teams got here: Wisconsin demolished #15 American and then came back against #7 Oregon while Baylor strangled #11 Nebraska and obliterated #3 Creighton. This game will be on TBS, and the Game Thread here will go up at 6:00 CST so you have time to get yourself situated. Baylor is a 3-point underdog (3.5 some places) and Wisconsin is really good. But I wouldn't be doing my job here (whatever that is) unless I took Baylor to cover and win, would I? Probably, but I'm going to do it, anyway.</p>
<p>You're already on ODB, so I didn't link it.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://kenpom.com/gameprep.php?g=6215">KenPom Prediction</a>: Wisconsin 70, Baylor 68<br>
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<h4>
<a target="_blank" href="http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2014/03/27/2014-03-27_ucla_vs_florida">#1 Florida (-4.5) vs. #4 UCLA </a>-- South Region</h4>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Florida Gators blog Alligator Army</a> <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">UCLA Bruins blog Bruins Nation</a>
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<p>This is #2 vs. #11 in KenPom's latest rankings, and I'm taking Florida all the way. I don't exactly know what it is about Florida that makes me so convinced they're going to get to the Final Four; there's just something about them. They're going to, though, and the next step starts tonight. I'm taking them to cover relatively easily since I just don't think UCLA can hang. It should be noted that Florida is one of the slowest teams remaining in the Tournament (#321 in adjusted tempo), so it may not be a blowout. Also, UCLA is probably good enough on offense (#12 in AdjO) to hang with the Gators. I just don't think it'll be enough to win the game, and Florida will eventually pull away on free throws.</p>
<p>This is the only matchup on the list where space is an issue with the buttons on the right (which I just love), so I'm putting in a few sentences here of nonsense to buy myself the space needed for the format to look right. I really do think Florida will win and is probably the best team in the Tournament, KenPom's rankings notwithstanding. And it's not like he disagrees with me by a lot; Arizona is #1 and Florida #2. If I had to decide on confidence points for these games, it would probably go Florida 4, Arizona 3, Stanford 2, and Baylor (sadly) 1. Baylor is the only underdog I'm choosing to win, though, so it's not like my relative lack of confidence there is somehow nonsensical.</p>
<h5>
<a target="_blank" href="http://kenpom.com/gameprep.php?g=6214">KenPom Prediction</a>: Florida 71, UCLA 66</h5>
<h4>
<a target="_blank" href="http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2014/03/27/2014-03-27_san-diego-state_vs_arizona">#1 Arizona (-7) vs. #4 San Diego State</a> -- West Region</h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container">
<a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Arizona Wildcats blog Arizona Desert Swarm</a> <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Mountain West Connection blog Mountain West Connection</a>
</div>
</div>
<p>This game is going to be a slugfest. Both Arizona and SDSU are slow offensively (#264 and #297 in AdjT, respectively) and excellent defensively (#1 and #7 in AdjD, respectively). It will be a miracle of either one makes it to 70 points. I'm taking Arizona to win but not cover, although Baylor fans should be rooting for San Diego State since they are probably not as good of a team. That's just talking about overall team strength, not the potential matchups.</p>
<p>I have to be honest: part of the reason I'm taking Arizona to win the game is that I think we win and then lose to them, setting them up to fulfill the prophecy and win the National Championship over Florida. I know I didn't pick that way in my brackets, but that's what is going to happen. I'm already starting my preparations for the 2016 Elite Eight where we'll lose to an eventual national champion from the B1G (which will be the only major conference other than the Big 12 that hasn't had someone beat us and then win the National Championship). I'm thinking Michigan or Michigan State at this point.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h5>
<a target="_blank" href="http://kenpom.com/gameprep.php?g=6222">KenPom Prediction</a>: Arizona 61, SDSU 56</h5>
<p>So there you have my predictions for tonight's game. I'm taking 3 favorites (Stanford, Florida, and Arizona) and one underdog (Baylor) to win, and one underdog (San Diego State) to lose but cover. What do you think?</p>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-basketball/2014/3/27/5554868/ncaa-tournament-2014-sweet-sixteen-thursday-tv-schedule-and-blogMark C. Moore2014-03-27T10:00:01-05:002014-03-27T10:00:01-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | Q&A w/ Bucky's 5th Quarter
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/trMhMPL8pLCDsKTTzpXn9vQInl8=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30750867/20140326_kkt_usa_079.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In exchange for the <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2014/3/26/5544932/2014-ncaa-tournament-wisconsin-baylor" target="new">wonderful Q&A he did with them with the other day</a>, Phil Mitten of Bucky's 5th Quarter exchanged emails yesterday with Ted in preparation for tonight's game. </p> <p>Game Day for Baylor's Sweet Sixteen matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> has now arrived, and there's not much more to be said about the game. We've previewed the stats, exchanged Q&As with the opposing blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Bucky's 5th Quarter</a>, and are now all just basically wasting time before we find out this evening if Scott Drew will make his third Elite Eight in 5 years. I have to be honest: I want this for him more than I've ever wanted anything for any of our individual coaches before, not because I think he needs it but because I can't wait to nail the haters with it should it happen.</p>
<p>As our last real look at the game before tonight's Game Thread, which will go up at 6:00 Central (the game tips at 6:47), Ted conducted a Q&A with B5Q's Phil Mitten about Wisconsin and what the Bears can expect.</p>
<p align="center">*****</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Ted: 1) In the latter half of January, it seemed that at times Wisconsin could not even buy a bucket. After losing 5/6 (including a game at home against Northwestern where the Badgers did not even break the 60 point mark), what changed?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil):</b> The Northwestern game you mentioned is probably the only time this year where Wisconsin's offense completely left them for an entire game and it bit them (the only other time was against Virginia, but the Badgers won). Really, the bigger question mark from game-to-game this season has been the defense -- not something Badger fans are accustomed to. According to Ken Pomeroy's archives, this is the least efficient defensive team at Wisconsin in the Bo Ryan era.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As for specific reasons why the defense struggled during that 5-of-6 stretch, I think the Badgers let off the gas a little bit after blasting Illinois to go 16-0. Indiana straight up hit them in the mouth in mid-January and exploited a weakness in their ball screen defense. Wisconsin was a bit soft in the middle, and also I think a little tired since the exhibition season started much earlier than normal (August) for them. The losing streak forced them to dig deeper though. Part of the equation is simply effort. The team was shaken for a few games and had to tighten up a few things that took some time. But Wisconsin is better for it and now the guys know the next time they have to dig deeper, there's more there. You saw that play out in the incredible second halves UW has had in the tournament, especially last weekend when it completely shut down Oregon's transition game after halftime.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>2) The big fear circulating amongst Baylor fans going into this game is that we play zone, and Wisconsin has guys who can hit from outside at all five spots. Is this really going to be the difference in the game? Or will it more likely be the outcome of Isaiah Austin vs. Frank Kaminsky inside?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>While the Kaminsky-Austin battle inside will be an interested subplot (especially if one gets in foul trouble), ultimately two post-games storyline fit the narrative underway. The next morning we'll see headlines about either about Baylor suffocating another opponent with it's zone or about Wisconsin continuing to defy its reputation as a plodding team with an explosive offensive performance.</p>
<p>So, I'd bet it comes down to the 3-point shooting. And to that end, smart, accurate passing is going to be important for the Badgers. They've got to finding the open man as that amoeba-like zone collapses and expands. Plus UW has to maintain it usual edge in the turnover battle, which is easier said than done against a less familiar defense that features the kind of length Baylor has.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>3) Baylor just came off of a game against Creighton where all five starters scored in double figures. The only other NCAA tournament team to do that in the round of 32? The Wisconsin Badgers. What do you make of that as it relates to Wisconsin's style of play offensively?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>This just reinforces point number two about Wisconsin being well-equipped to handle a zone. Really the best thing that has resulted from that offensive balance from a neutral observer's standpoint is it allows Wisconsin to play more freely -- a little looser, a little faster. Yet the Badgers still know how to milk the clock with the best of them. The development of Frank Kaminsky into a legitimate post player has opened up the entire offense.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>4) Bo Ryan said that his wife made a comment about "packing lightly" for this weekend trip to Anaheim. What would you say is the general feeling in Wisconsin about the team's chances?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>Cautious optimism. I was literally frightened at first, after seeing the Creighton whooping and taking my first look at their roster. However, the optimism springs the overall body of work the Badgers have put together and the way they came together against Oregon. Sure, Wisconsin is playing far away from "home" now, but the Bears play at the same pace UW is comfortable playing. Plus, I think there is a bit of an confident underdog edge to the Badgers right now, believe it or not. A lot of people remember Wisconsin for several unceremonious exits at the hands of plucky, hot-shooting lower seeds from 2007-10, but a few years later, Wisconsin <i>is </i>that team. Well, except for that lower-seeded thing. It's hard to believe that with all the media aboard the Baylor bandwagon, Wisconsin is still the No. 2 and still favored slightly by Vegas.</p>
<p>I know I'm biased, but this has to be one of the best games to watch this weekend.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>5) For Baylor fans unfamiliar with the Badgers, who are the guys getting minutes and what are their roles? (you can keep this brief if you'd like)</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>Bo Ryan's rotation is a pretty strict eight players. <span>Traevon Jackson</span> is the point guard who could very well end Baylor's night with a game-winner. He's been great in the tournament so far, but has an enigmatic reputation. Guards Josh Gasser and Ben Brust are the heart and soul of the team. Gasser is the gritty, perimeter lock-down defender who also happens to shoot over 45% on threes. Brust is no <span>Brady Heslip</span>, but he is UW's version of the conscience-free gunner, making 39% from deep.</p>
<p>Up front, sophomore <span>Sam Dekker</span> has the highest ceiling of anyone on the team, but he's actually at his best running the floor and fitting into spaces to get second second-chance points. <span>Nigel Hayes</span> was the Big Ten's Sixth Man of the Year and a true revelation as a freshman. His emergence as a reliable backup (and compliment) to Frank Kaminsky cannot be understated. I think scouting reports have caught up to Hayes a bit, but his mid-range jumper and uncanny knack for drawing fouls will come in handy against Baylor. Then there is Kaminsky, Wisconsin's best player. His combination of outside shooting and patient counter moves in the post makes him one of the most efficient offensive weapons in all of college basketball.</p>
<p>Freshman Bronson Koenig and junior <span>Duje Dukan</span> are the other two off the bench. Koenig might be the best passer and ball handler on the team -- helpful against a press or spelling Jackson. Dukan doesn't look nearly 6'9 but has proven to be a decent sub on the wing and is playing a few more minutes lately.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>6) Wisconsin wins if? Baylor wins if? Actual prediction?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>Wisconsin wins if "Good Trae" shows up again -- limiting stupid mistakes and controlling the pace wisely; if Dekker continues to attack the boards and seams in the defense offensively as he did against Oregon; if at least two guys are hitting 3-pointers.</p>
<p>Baylor wins if Wisconsin misses too many free throws; if the Bears can hit mid-range jumpers or get to the rim off ball screens consistently; if Austin, Jefferson and company overwhelm Kaminsky inside.</p>
<p>My mind says Baylor, but my heart -- and more importantly my bracket -- says Wisconsin. I guess we'll find out how smart I am.</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>7) Would you rather fight a Frank Kaminsky sized duck or one hundred duck-sized <span>Frank Kaminsky's</span> in a battle to the death?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Bucky's 5th Quarter (Phil): </b>Are you calling Frank a horse now? See, this one was always an easy one for me: I'd take the 100 duck-sized anythings. I want no part of a 7-foot, Tankified duck no matter how good of a shooter those darn little Kaminskys are.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-basketball/2014/3/27/5553382/ncaa-tournament-2014-q-a-with-wisconsin-blog-buckys-5th-quarterMark C. Moore2014-03-26T19:22:04-05:002014-03-26T19:22:04-05:00CBSSports -- Scott Drew and Baylor the best-kept secret in the Tournament<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24502025/scott-drew-and-baylor-best-kept-secret-left-in-ncaa-tournament">CBSSports -- Scott Drew and Baylor the best-kept secret in the&nbsp;Tournament</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>That's pretty good press, right?</p></p></div>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/2014/3/26/5551778/cbssports-scott-drew-and-baylor-the-best-kept-secret-in-the-tournamentMark C. Moore2014-03-26T11:10:02-05:002014-03-26T11:10:02-05:00NCAA Tournament 2014 | BU vs. Wisconsin Stats
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K2fBVf2kn8PVCK_k4QglVJMptTA=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30702291/20140322_jrc_sh5_069.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tomorrow is the day ...</p> <p>So just how good is Wisconsin? Really good.</p>
<p id="paragraph3" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>OFFENSE</b></p>
<table class="sbn-data-table" border="0"><tbody>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Statistic</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Effective FG %</td>
<td>51.9</td>
<td>53.4*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Turnover %</td>
<td>18.0</td>
<td>12.6*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Offensive RB %</td>
<td>40.6*</td>
<td>28.1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>FTA/FGA</td>
<td>45.4</td>
<td>43.6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>3pt%</td>
<td>38.6*</td>
<td>37.6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>2pt%</td>
<td>48.7</td>
<td>51.5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>FT%</td>
<td>67.8</td>
<td>74.4*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Efficiency</td>
<td>119.2*</td>
<td>120.4*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Do they have <span>Rico Gathers</span>?</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>No</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph5"><b>DEFENSE</b></p>
<table class="sbn-data-table" border="0"><tbody>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Statistic</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Effective FG %</td>
<td>48.5</td>
<td>47.6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Turnover %</td>
<td>15.8</td>
<td>15.8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Offensive RB %</td>
<td>32.1</td>
<td>27.0*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>FTA/FGA</td>
<td>32.1*</td>
<td>26.7*</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>3pt%</td>
<td>35.5</td>
<td>34.4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>2pt%</td>
<td>46.1</td>
<td>46.1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>FT%</td>
<td>67.3*</td>
<td>72.3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-even">
<td>Efficiency</td>
<td>100.2</td>
<td>98.3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd">
<td>Do they have Rico Gathers?</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>No</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p id="paragraph7" class="pgh-paragraph">*Top 50</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>OBSERVATIONS</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">1) Honestly, these are two extremely similar teams where Wisconsin more often than not holds a slight edge. Here is the the thing with these stats though: they include things like Wisconsin's losing 5/6 game skid back in January, as well as our abysmal performance in that month and the next as well. What is on paper is a reflection of what we have been, fortunately, Baylor looks a lot different now.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">2) We cannot let Wisconsin get to the free throw line, they are good at doing it and are going to make 3 of every 4.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">3) For all of the talk about how Wisconsin has five guys who can shoot the three, what might be missing is that it is not exactly impossible for Baylor to counter as we shoot it at an even better rate. The TEAM is shooting at nearly 39% which is just crazy good.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">4) Wisconsin just does not turn the ball over. While Baylor has improved this over the last few weeks, that improvement must continue of we hope to take down the Badgers.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">5) Bo Ryan has his guys disciplined defensively and they rarely allow offensive rebounds. Baylor faced this against Nebraska and did not seem to have an apparent difficulty grabbing offensive boards, but Wisconsin has better height.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">6) Baylor has been starting fast lately and it has contributed to their amazing run. The longest time spent with less than 50 percent win probability during a game was four minutes against Creighton (the first four when the outside statistics were still heavily influencing the numbers). Baylor MUST continue this to see success against Wisconsin. Build a lead early and you cannot tell me that having watched what Baylor did to Creighton might not wear the Badgers out psychologically.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">7) I will leave with this: this game is probably close to 50/50 and regardless of whether or not the game is close, this is the type of match-up that would go seven games in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a>. It should be fun.</p>
https://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-basketball/2014/3/26/5549344/ncaa-tournament-2014-baylor-vs-wisconsin-statistical-previewTed Harrison