Posted on 03/18/2013 5:01:36 AM PDT by RonPaulLives
Louisville is the top seed in the NCAA tournament after a topsy-turvy season in college basketball, capped by another round of upsets over the weekend.
That other team from the Bluegrass State won't even get a chance to defend its national title.
While the Big East champion Cardinals surged to the top of the 68-team bracket released Sunday, joined by fellow No. 1 seeds Kansas, Indiana and Gonzaga, the school that won it all a year ago was left out of the field. Kentucky was hoping the committee would overlook a dismal performance in the Southeastern Conference tournament, but the Wildcats had to settle for a spot in the second-tier National Invitation Tournament.
"You've got to earn it each and every year," said Mike Bobinski, the Xavier athletic director who chaired the selection committee.
As if that's not bad enough for Kentucky fans, Louisville (29-5) gets to rub a little more salt in its rival's wounds by opening the tournament about 75 miles from campus on Kentucky's home court, Rupp Arena in Lexington. The Cardinals will face either Liberty or North Carolina State in a second-round game Thursday. Kentucky plays an NIT game Tuesday -- on the road because Rupp is taken for the NCAAs -- at Robert Morris.
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.go.com ...
This was a weak year for basketball...hence, not the interest of other years when the brackets were stronger.
Congratulations (gulp!) to your Cards. (Oh my, how difficult that is to wish congrats to a Cards fan - haha) However, my March Madness interest isn’t quite the same, as it typically each year, as my team didn’t quite make it in this year (very rare!) - as I bleed blue. My team - the #1 National Champions of 2012 - Kentucky Wildcats -didn’t even “show up” this year. (sigh) But, we’ll be back, next year - watch out!!
Ashley Judd is depressed!!
FYI..there was much speculation that UK would get in, simply because Wildcat fans travel. Attendance at some of the first round games has been pathetic recently, so some thought the committee might put them through. Personally, had they got in, they'd be in one of the first round play-in games, and that would somehow be beneath Kentucky, given their pedigree...and imagine if they actually went and LOST a play-in game?..Nope, it's better that they're out..
ABD (Anybody But Dook)
I have no problem with Louisville as #1 seed. They earned it, winning both the Big East regular season and tournament. What’s ironic is that because the committee no longer uses the “S” curve, your Cards are in what is by far the toughest bracket. They’d have been far better off getting seeded 2,3, or even 4..
I thought they put entirely too much emphasis on Noel, and the lamentations of woe at his injury. Got to be a demoralizing thing for the rest of the team.
It’s all coming off the heels of last years spectacular lineup...give ‘em some time, the n00bs will find their cohesion.
I think what they are saying is it is one of the most competitive/balanced years ever hence one of the best. The teams at the top are pretty much equal, say the first 12 or so. The drop off to between 12 and 37 is not all that much either so it looks as if any team inside the 10 seeds has a shot to take it all although history says otherwise. Upsets will come from those above the 9 too. So, with the exception of the 16 seeds, who play the 1s out of the box, any team could go to the round of 32 and not be a complete shock. Interestingly, the point production seems down this year too, so games will be closer as the focus seems to be on defense, or perhaps not many great offensive players?. Cannot wait for the shot to begin.
VEE CEE YOU! VEE CEE YOU! VEE CEE YOU!
Ok, I feel better now...
5.56mm
It would not surprise me that Louisville could end up taking it all, including winning the championship this year. At least the Big East will be able to end on a good note.
The only other team I see winning it all, and it is a “suprise” team that could do the very same is Gonzaga.
I think you are exactly right. It would have been just as good for us to get a # 2 seed this particular season. We are working on our “revenge tour” now: We avenged losses to Villanova, Notre Dame and Syracuse in the Big East tournament. Now it would be complete if we meet and defeat Duke in the elite eight round.
I actually think Louisville has one of the easier brackets. If you can get past the names on the uniforms, Duke and Michigan State have not impressed me at all. Saint Louis has been impressive lately, but I don’t know if they have enough to get past UL.
Lets Go Orange!
I would be more surprised if Duke gets that far.
I agree. There is no stand out dominate team this year. Any one of 10 teams could potentially win this year.
badly
VEE CEE YOU! VEE CEE YOU! VEE CEE YOU!
I was watching ESPN last night, and one of the analysts (Jay Bilas?) picks them for the Final Four!
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