Any UCLA basketball fans here?

[ThorsHammer]

I'm an ND fan who watched them pick us apart yesterday, and was very impressed by them. I couldn't figure out how they haven't done better this year, especially in a conference that lacks depth after UW and AZ. Were a lot of the losses growing pains with the freshmen? The sweep to Stanford and the Oregon St loss were particularly surprising, as UCLA looks like a much better team than both. IMO, they are one of the teams that could make a decent NCAA run. Playing the tough games early (BC, MSU, etc.) will help a lot, and they have a pretty balanced, athletic team as well.

[joeybee12]

1. Stop it! Don't remind me of that game!

Stop, stop, stop!

Did I mention that I want you to stop?

[ThorsHammer]

2. No worries; We'll get things going again Wednesday

Rutgers (should be at least) at home should be a good game to get our game going again. We've had a lot of trouble at their place, but should be able to take care of business at home. Pitt pretty much locked up their NCAA bid tonight as well, so they won't have as much of a sense of urgency this Saturday. I'd hate to have to play them with an NCAA spot on the line. The media is really seeming to push the BE having 8 spots, and I think it just may happen. UConn, BC, Cuse, and Nova are all locks, Pitt is in pretty good shape, and at least 2 out of GT, WVU, and ND should make it. I think GT is likely in barring a collapse, and both WVU and ND should be able to make it to 9-7 in the conference (WVU plays @SHU, ND plays RU and Pitt at home).

W/r/t UCLA, they were much better than I expected. We beat them at their place last year, but the freshmen looked very good yesterday. I think they could sneak up on some people in the tournament. They definitely have the athleticism to play with anyone.

[joeybee12]

3. I think ND needs to win a couple games in the Big East tournament

to make it in...but we'll see.

UCLA was a lot better than I expected. Phooey!

[ThorsHammer]

4. Yeah, a few wins there would make us a lock and a #6 seed

I think we're in decent shape now. We absolutely need a win Wednesday, or we are in serious trouble. I'm glad Pitt won, as they won't have as much of a sense of urgency. They're still going to be a tough out, but we should have beat them at their place (Rick C. missed a FT, and Krauser made a very good shot over tough defense). I'm hoping the committee looks at the teams and not the conferences, as IMO the Big East deserves 8 this year.

[joeybee12]

5. I'm still worried...can't recall how far the Irish got in the Big East

tourney last year, but I remember thinking it might not be enough. It wasn't.

[ThorsHammer]

7. Second round, but we don't have the horrible RPI loss this year

We beat WVU on Falls' last second shot, but lost to UConn in the next game. However, we did have a horrible loss to Central Michigan, at home, which likely kept us out. Just playing teams below a 200 RPI hurts anyone's RPI, let alone losing to them, especially at home. Our closest thing to a bad loss this year is Michigan, who is a decent team. They also had their full team back then (they've lost some people to injuries and other problems), which the committee does look at. I'd like to see us win out, and then get at least one BET win to be safe. I do think the media's push has made 7 BE teams the default, with 8 bids within reach.

[joeybee12]

8. I hope you're right...you would have thought that losing to UCONN, the

eventual NCAA champ, and who looked pretty damn impressive against Pitt in the Big East Final would have carried some weight last year...that's why I still think they need to win 2 games in the tourney. We'll see, and keep our fingers crossed. As you say, beating Pitt this weekend will be a big boost.

[joeybee12]

6. And I think I have the answer to your question. It's "NO" there are no

UCLA fans here apparently!