NBA Returns for full season

2012-2013 Preview

After last season’s holdout, the National Basketball Association returns with a full schedule for the new season. The Miami Heat will be looking to defend their crown and should be the favourites for the title again. There has been some shuffling of players with teams looking to make title runs, rid themselves of bad chemistry or to build for the future. 

Los Angeles has added point guard Steve Nash to go with Dwight Howard who has finally been shipped to LA, Brooklyn hopes the roster shuffling will help them progress, Philadelphia is still a tough win for anyone, Chicago will try to hang on and hop for a speedy recovery from Derrick Rose, San Antonio will be looking to make one more run before their core group is broken up, Indiana will be dangerous and even Oklahoma City has made a late move before the start of the season.

Ok, let’s take a brief look at the league and make a few predictions.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division:

Boston Celtics
After the departure of Ray Allen to South Beach, the Celtics picked up Jason Terry and Courtney Lee along with re-signing the healthy Jeff Green to go with draft picks Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. Melo may be somewhat of a project but with an injury to Kevin Garnett or Brandon Bass may get minutes sooner than planned, ditto for Sullinger.

Overall the Celtics will contend again but will need to keep their core group of veterans healthy.

Record: 48-34

Brooklyn Nets
Team JayZ welcomes Joe Johnson to the fold. Not the big Dwight Howard addition but tis club is a solid one. Despite off court hubbub, Kris Humphries is a steady NBA player and fits in well with Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace up front. Barring injury this group with help from Andray Blatche, Josh Childress, three point shooting newcomer Mirza Teletovis, and banger Reggie Evans should be able to play with most NBA frontlines.

In the back court, Deron Williams will once again run the show and hope to get Johnson involved in the offense often. Marshon Brooks showed flashes last season and it is hoped he can adjust to coming off the pine this season.

The Nets will be improved and should make a serious run for a playoff spot.

Record: 45-37

New York Knicks
Once again, the Knicks limp into the start of the season with Amare Stoudamire out for up to six weeks. 

After not keeping Jeremy Lin, the Knicks will use the tandem of Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd to run the show from the point guard slot. They will team with J.R. Smith in the backcourt. Carmelo Anthony may have to spend time as the team’s power forward in lieu of Stoudamire with back up from “geezers” Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas.

The Knicks may be on the outer at seasons end but may just sneak into the post season, do not expect much more than a .500 record.

Record: 43-39

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has a solid young squad and may just win the division if Boston slips. 

The addition on Andrew Bynum will give the team a new look inside and all deep threat Spencer Hawes to slide over to the power forward slot. Thad Young, Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday should all continue to improve thus leading the team to a better finish.

Record: 49-33

Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are still building but will be in the draft Lottery again this year.

Record: 31-51

Division Winner: Philadelphia 76ers

Central Division:

Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are hoping to keep the rest of their team healthy while awaiting the return of Derrick Rose. Luol Deng will have to become the team leader in his absence. Veteran Kirk Hinrich will serve as point guard and Nate Robinson will look to bring a spark from the bench.

Up front, the team will look to Carlos Boozer for more production this season.

Record: 46-36

Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are real young but have some quality amongst the youth. The team still needs to get more depth and will struggle at times this season.

Record: 33-49

Detroit Pistons
Will be better than last season but may be inconsistent. The Pistons have two solid young centres in rookie Andre Drummond and last season’s first rounder Greg Monroe and the steady Rodney Stuckey in the backcourt. Other pieces are needed and some big contracts need to be offloaded. The team may sneak into a playoff spot or just be mediocre.

Record: 39-43

Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the most balanced team in the Eastern Conference and with Chicago hurting and Boston aging; Indiana could be a serious threat to battle Miami in the conference.

Paul George will get more court time and is a matchup nightmare. Danny Granger has adjusted to being a more all-around small forward and Roy Hibbert has improved but needs to become more animated and tougher in the post at both ends of the court.

David West will be depended on for toughness inside and rebounding.

While they will not surprise many this season, Indiana will be a tough game on all schedules.

Record: 50-32

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks will be exciting at times and erratic at other times. Monta Ellis will score but the front court is aging and ailing. The development of John Henson could change the outlook of the Milwaukee crew over the course of the season.

Record: 33-49

Division Winner: Indiana Pacers

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks will be strong again with Al Horford and Josh Smith in the middle. Kyle Korver looks to be the bet to get more minutes and start on the wing where his three ball skills will come in handy. 

Devin Harris comes in to run the show and will team with Louis Williams who returns home to Atlanta and Anthony Morrow in the backcourt.

DeShawn Stevenson and Jeff Teague will provide a spark from the bench.

The Hawks should still go into the post season but may not go past the first round.

Record: 43-39

Charlotte Bobcats
Mike Dunlap will have his work cut out for him as the Bobcats go into another rebuilding phase. 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may be a bright spot and solid piece for the future. Bismack Biyombo will see increased minutes this season and Tyrus Thomas could still be a factor inside. Brendan Haywood will be a solid if not spectacular centre for the team.

The backcourt has a few possibilities but overall the team may improve as the season progresses. Expect them to be in the lottery again next spring.

Record: 21-61

Miami Heat
The defending champs may have actually solidified with the addition of veterans Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Dwayne Wade will hope to stay healthy through the season and not have to play as many minutes in order to stay fresh for the post season.

Overall, the Heat has enough bodies and brains to easily repeat as long as complacency does not set in.

Record: 61-21

Orlando Magic
There are a lot of new faces in Orlando to go with the new coach. 

The Magic will be lottery bound this season and the season will be a long one.

Record: 23-59

Washington Wizards
The Wizards also have a different look this season and may be a little tougher defensively but they are not a serious threat for the playoffs.

Record: 25-47

Division Winner: Miami Heat

Playoff Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, NY Knicks and Atlanta Hawks

Ok, that covers the Eastern Conference; back tomorrow with the Western Conference preview….enjoy the games kicking off overnight!!

Thunder, Heat set for title tilt

At the start of the season, I had the Chicago Bulls beating Oklahoma City for the title. At the start of the playoffs, I tipped San Antonio over Chicago in six games. My preseason NBA Picks and Playoff Picks are invalid…..so I will now go for broke and attempt to pick the winner of the 2011-2012 NBA title.


The Miami Heat has proven me wrong so far in the offseason and Oklahoma City has been a slight surprise. So I will say the finals will go six games. The team to win it all?? Though I have not given them much credit and jumped on the “they can’t do it” bandwagon a couple of times during the playoffs, I can’t see Miami losing the championship two years in a row so I will say Miami in six games.

NBA Playoff Time!!!

NBA playoffs are here....

We have reached the post season in the condensed 2011-2012 NBA year with several question marks over a few teams' chances. Will the Mavs survive the first round after last years title run?? Can the Bull go a step further?? Can the Hea make the final step to a championship?? Is Boston too old?? Are the Lakers done?? 

There are more scenarios to ponder but I'll jump into my picks.

Eastern Conference:

Chicago (1) vs. Philadelphia (8)

The Sixers limp into this one after a brutal second half of the season. The Philly crew looked to keep the momentum after a fast start but struggled in the new year. 

Overall ...the Bulls will be too strong in this one

Chicago 4-1

Boston (4) vs. Atlanta (5)

The Celtics are also banged up but they are the veterans of the playoffs. Kevin Garnett has had a resurgence since the All-Star break and though they will be tested, Boston should pull this one out

Boston 4-2

Indiana (3) vs. Orlando (6)

The Pacers have been going about their business relatively unnoticed and can be a difficult foe for any team in the post season. Orlando, without Dwight Howard, are not expected to go very far.

Indiana 4-2

Miami (2) vs. New York (7)

This one will bring back memories of past series' between these two clubs. The Knicks have been better since Mike Woodson took over but Miami has a point to prove and will get through this series.

Miami 4-2

Western Conference:

San Antonio (1) vs. Utah (8)

The Spurs have reinvented themselves with an injection of youth and have not lost a step...surprising many by taking the top spot in the conference. 

Utah may win one game but the Spurs will advance.

San Antonio 4-0

Memphis (4) vs. LA Clippers (5)

Many are picking Memphis as the danger team in the Western Conference again and they could well be. The match up between these two will be the closest in the first round.

Chris Paul will be the determining factor win or lose.

LA Clippers 4-3

LA Lakers (3)  vs. Denver Nuggets (6)

The Lakers are without playoff tough Metta World Peace for at least six games of the post season but may be able to get by Denver without the wily vet.  They will need consistency from Bynum and Gasol and a balanced offence.

LA Lakers 4-2

Oklahoma City (2) vs. Dallas (7)

Will Dallas be able to turn it on in the playoffs?? Might be a tough ask in this series.

Oklahoma City 4-1

Overall....I will go out on a limb and pick Chicago to face Indiana in the Eastern Conference final and San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. 

For the Championship......I will pick San Antonio over Chicago in six games!!

Looking back at my NBA preview from December....I had Orlando missing out on the post season in anticipation of a Dwight Howard trade but picked seven playoff teams correctly...Washington?? What was I thinking!!

In the West...Denver and Utah get in in place of my Portland and Golden State picks....

My preview can be read here

Title will be decided tonight!!!

Perth and New Zealand meet in the decider

After a one point 87-86 win in Perth, New Zealand and Perth will clash soon for the 2012 NBL Championship in New Zealand.

In a rarity of sorts....Perth controlled the boards against the rugged Breaker front line in Game 2.

Again due to time constraints....here are some stories from the NBL. 

Prediction wise, I think the crowd will get the Breakers home by 7.

Game Three preview here.

Redhage article here.

NBL Finals Game two up in Perth!!!

Did the Breakers bring their brooms to Perth??

Game two of the NBL Grand Final Series kicks off later tonight in Perth with New Zealand looking to sweep the Wildcats and take the crown across the Tasman again. Last week saw Perth scramble back to nearly pull the upset in Auckland but was it their best shot??

I will go with the Wildcats to extend the series to a decider in New Zealand next week.

For a few stories and previews from the NBL website click here, here, here or here.

Enjoy the action tonight!!

NBL Finals Series is on....

Aussie Basketball Finals series underway

The Australian NBL Grand Final series would have just tipped off in New Zealand with the Perth Wildcats visiting the New Zealand Breakers to start the best of three series.

In short, I predict the series will go the distance with New Zealand pulling it out in the end.

Unfortunately I do not have time to write a full preview at the moment but please have a look at the series preview from the NBL website here, the game schedule and fast facts here, or two other lead up articles here and here.

Ok, time to settle in and watch the action.

Title Time!!

NCAA Title Tilts are on!!

The 2011-2012 NCAA mens and womens championship games are set with Kansas facing Kentucky later today in New Orleans for  the mens title and Notre Dame meeting Baylor for the womens crown in Denver on Tuesday.

Kansas vs. Kentucky

Not many predicted Kansas to be here in the pre-season. Most looked at it as a rebuilding year for the Jayhawks after losing the Morris twins and others. They have hit a hot streak at the right time of year after losing to Baylor in the Big 12 tournament. 

Kentucky has lived up to the hype but several experts are saying there could still be a loss of focus by the young team. The Wilcats have been shaken not too long ago when losing the SEC championship game to Vanderbilt.

Kentucky beat Kansas on a neutral court back in November but the Jayhawks would like to think they have improved since then. This game is also a championship rematch coaching wise with Bill Self facing off against John Calipari just as they did in 2008 when Kansas topped Calapari's Memphis squad. 

There is temptation to pick the upset here. Instead I''ll go with Kentucky surviving a major scare to grab the crown.

Kentucky by 7

Notre Dame vs. Baylor

Notre Dame returns to the Women's NCAA championship game to face another Big 12 opponent this season. After losing to Texas A&M in the title game last season, the Irish face an even tougher foe in undefeated Baylor.

In November, Baylor was too strong down the stretch for Notre Dame in their win over the Irish. This time they will have to keep their composure if they want to end the season a perfect 40-0. Expect them to do it.

Baylor by 8.

Women's Final Four picks....

Ladies Night...Final Four Style!!

The 2012 NCAA Women's Final Four comes to a head on Sunday night when UConn squares off against Big East foe Notre Dame in the first game before Baylor takes the court against Stanford for the two spots in Tuesday's championship game. 

UConn vs. Notre Dame

This will be the fourth meeting of the season for these two. Notre Dame swept the home and away regular season games before losing to UConn in the Big East tourney title game.

Both teams are on familiar ground in the Final Four. Neither team has been seriously tested thus far in the post season but this one could go down to the wire. I will give it to UConn purely on pedigree.

UConn by 3.

Stanford vs. Baylor

This one also shapes up well on paper as Stanford has only a loss to UConn and Baylor comes in undefeated. 

I think Baylor is slightly above the rest of the Final Four teams and will sweep past the Cardinal in this one.

Baylor by 11.

Back tomorrow with my pick for both Championship games (Mens&Womens).

Enjoy the games.

Final Four picks!!!

Four will become two

The 2012 NCAA season has reached the Final Four in New Orleans with Louisville battling Kentucky for the right to represent their state in the Championship game and Kansas squaring off against Ohio State for the other berth.


My bracket was busted long ago and none of my picks for the Final Four made it through after North Carolina and Baylor were beaten last weekend. Oh well, there’s always time to start working on my 2012-2013 predictions!! 


Now on to this weekend’s predictions, may as well try to end on a positive note!!


Louisville vs. Kentucky


This one is bigger than the normal bragging rights tilt which Kentucky won 69-62 on New Year’s Eve.


Form is out of the window for this one, though conventional wisdom says Kentucky should win but Louisville is looking UConn-ish this season.


I have predicted their demise a few times this season so now I will probably put a curse on them by giving the nod to the Wildcats.


Kentucky by 9


Ohio State vs. Kansas


This one is another rematch with Ohio State hoping to reverse a 78-67 loss at Kansas in early December. After losing to Michigan State in the Big 10 title game the Buckeyes have picked themselves up and powered through the tourney. 


The story is the same for Kansas who have advanced after losing to Baylor in the Big 12 title affair.


This time around, the game will be closer and I will have to give the slight edge to Ohio State on a neutral court.


Ohio State by 4


I will have a quick look at the NCAA Women’s Final Four tomorrow along with preparing my pick for Monday night’s championship game.

Aussie Hoop playoffs start tonight....

Playoff time in Australia 

Australia’s National Basketball League has reached the postseason with four teams vying for the title. The semi-finals which are the best of three start later today when the New Zealand Breakers host the Townsville Crocodiles. In the other semi-final the Perth Wildcats will meet the Gold Coast Blaze.


New Zealand finished the regular season on top of the ladder with a record of 21-7, Perth went 19-9 in finishing second, Gold Coast finished 17-11 and Townsville came in at 15-13 for fourth.


New Zealand is hoping to send the retiring CJ Bruton off in style and is favourites to take the crown. Breakers Gary Wilkinson, Thomas Abercrombie, Cedric Jackson and stalwart Daryl Corletto will be integral in making that happen. Perth will continue to look to NBL MVP Kevin Lisch to lead their charge. Jesse Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage round out the major threats for the rugged Wildcats lineup. For the Queensland teams, the Gold Coast  squad of Coach Joey Wright to advance, they will need solid play from Captain Adam Gibson and forward Mark Worthington. Finally North Queenslanders Townsville  is hoping Peter Crawford and Eddie Gill can lead them to a couple of upsets on the way to the title.


Prediction wise, I will give the nod to New Zealand and Perth for a championship series.


You can read the preview from the NBL site here.


I’ll be back with my NCAA Final Four picks tomorrow.

Lesson of Perseverance

Lesson of Perseverance: CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina had every opportunity to make excuses for not reaching its 19th Final Four on Sunday. Instead, the Tar Heels focused on maneuvering around the considerable obstacles that injuries presented along the way in hopes of finding a passage to New Orleans.

Elite Eight picks...

Final Four spots available!!

I had a decent day, prediction wise yesterday with only NC State not getting through from my picks. Oh well…today I will give my picks for all four regional championship games.

Here we go:

West Region:

Florida (7) vs. Louisville (4)
Louisville is healthy and the Cardinals have shown it in this UConn like run through the Big East tourney and the NCAA field thus far. This matchup is also a teacher versus pupil game with Rick Pitino facing off against his former player Billy Donovan. 


I will give an edge to “teacher” in this one…Louisville by 8.

East Region:


Ohio State (2) vs. Syracuse (1)
This region went to form in the end with a 1 vs. 2 for the ticket to NOLA. But Syracuse may have survived as long as they can without being exposed. Ohio State has been brutal inside and has gotten good results from beyond the arc.


Ohio State by 3 in a close one…

South Region:


Baylor (3) vs. Kentucky (1)

Hmm….I will predict the end of the line for Kentucky here. 


Baylor by 5.


Midwest Region:

Kansas (2) vs. North Carolina (1)

Carolina is hurting … Kansas has overachieved…Roy Williams vs. former school … this one has a bit of everything…not to mention a few “Duke” fans I know who would love to shut me up if Carolina loses!! Well, in spite of it all. Look for the ‘Heels to roll on. 


Carolina by 7.

Back later in the week with my Final Four picks….remember I predicted Carolina over Baylor for the title!!!

Fridays Sweet 16 picks....

Sweet 16 Day 2

(Gotta be better)

Oh well….none of my picks from yesterday won so I will have to soldier on for Friday’s games….with the East and the West regionals down…we move now to the South and Midwest.


South Region:


Xavier (10) vs. Baylor (3)
Baylor should win this one but will need consistency…Baylor by 10
Indiana (4) vs. Kentucky (1)
Kentucky gets revenge by 3


Midwest Region:


Ohio (13) vs. North Carolina (1)
North Carolina by 11
NC State (11) vs. Kansas (2)
Upset here…NC State by 6


Today’s picks have to be better!! LOL!!!

Sweet 16 picks...

Bracket Sweetness (16)

We are down to the Sweet 16 in the men’s 2012 NCAA tournament with the West and East Regions in action Thursday night (Friday morning Aussie time).

East Region:

Wisconsin (4) vs. Syracuse (1)

So far…the Orangemen have survived but the end is here….Wisconsin by 6.

Cincinnati (6) vs. Ohio State (2)

Two of the four Ohio teams meet for a spot in the regional final…Cincy in an upset…by 7

West Region:

Louisville (4) vs. Michigan State (1)

Mich. St.by 9

Florida (7) vs. Marquette (3)

Marquette by 10

Back tomorrow with Friday's picks....

Sunday's NCAA predictions...

Final Sweet 16 spots up for grabs….

After going 5-3 on a Saturday where all of the favourites had wins, I am looking forward to a few of the matchups on Sunday. Will chaos ensue again?? Hmm…let’s pick ‘em!!

Midwest Region:

N.C. State (11) vs. Georgetown (3)

The Wolfpack should have been seeded higher and will get a win on Sunday by 7

Ohio (13) vs. South Florida (12)

One of these lower seeds will get into the Sweet 16….Ohio should roll on by 9

Creighton (8) vs. North Carolina (1)

Will be a good test for UNC who should win by 11

Purdue (10) vs. Kansas (2)

Kansas gets by ….by say 10 points

West Region:

St. Louis (9) vs. Michigan State (1)

Mich. State by 4

Norfolk State (15) vs. Florida (7)

Upset number 2 for Norfolk State?? Yep….Norfolk State by 3

South Region:

Lehigh (15) vs. Xavier, OH (10)

Xavier by 7

East Region:

Cincinnati (6) vs. Florida State (3)

Florida State by 3

See you later in the week when the Sweet 16 games kick off!!

Here we go....Saturday's picks...

After a day of surprises….we have 32!!

Friday was definitely “freaky” for some of the higher seeded teams in this season’s NCAA Tournament. Overall I had a relatively good 10-6 picking record that saw San Diego State, Missouri, Memphis, Duke, Michigan, St. Mary’s, Temple and Notre Dame lose to lower seeded teams.

I’m back for more so here we go with Saturday’s picks:

East Region:

Kansas State (8) vs. Syracuse (1)

Syracuse may survive one more round before crashing…they beat K-State by 7

Gonzaga (7) vs. Ohio State (2)

Ohio State by 5

Vanderbilt (5) vs. Wisconsin (4)

Vandy by 4

West Region:

Murray State (5) vs. Marquette (4)

Marquette by 8

New Mexico (5) vs. Louisville (4)

New Mexico by 2

South Region:

VCU (12) vs. Indiana (4)

Why not…VCU by 8

Iowa State (8) vs. Kentucky (1)

Not yet Kentucky but soon…Kentucky by 12

Colorado (11) vs. Baylor (3)

Baylor by 14

Ok…see you tomorrow!!

NCAA Friday games....

Round of 64…Day 2

Now the action is heavy with the full field of the 2012 NCAA Basketball tournament seeing action. After Thursday’s games I had a 12-4 record…putting me at 12-8 overall factoring in the First Four games.

Friday sees a few heavyweights in action and I am looking for a better record as my ACC teams see action.

East Region:

Texas (11) vs. Cincinnati (6)

Cincy by 5

St. Bonaventure (14) vs. Florida State (3)

FSU by 9

Midwest Region:

NC State (11) vs. San Diego State (6)

Not a big upset but NC State by 7

Alabama (9) vs. Creighton (8)

‘Bama by 4

Belmont (14) vs. Georgetown (3)

Georgetown by 12

Vermont vs. North Carolina (1)

Carolina by 21

Ohio (13) vs. Michigan (4)

Upset alert!! Ohio by 6

Purdue (10) vs. St. Mary’s (7)

St. Mary’s by 8

South Florida (12) vs. Temple (5)

Temple by 13

Detroit (15) vs. Kansas (2)

Kansas by 17

West Region:

Norfolk State (15) vs. Missouri (2)

Missouri by 15

Virginia (10) vs. Florida (7)

Mild upset…UVa by 3

St. Louis (9) vs. Memphis (8)

St. Louis by 1

LIU-Brooklyn (16) vs. Michigan State (1)

Mich. St. by 24

South Region:

Lehigh (15) vs. Duke (2)

Duke by 17

Xavier (10) vs. Notre Dame (7)

Xavier by 5

Back with more after tomorrow’s games….

NCAA dill bracket tips off!!!

NCAA 2012 Regional Games begin!!!

The 2012 NCAA tournament kicks off with regional action from the East, South and West regionals on Thursday (Friday morning Aussie time).

So far I am glad I don’t get paid per correct pick as I went 0fer in the First Four play in games!! Hopefully my luck will change now that the main bracket is set….you can see my picks for my Yahoo bracket here or my ESPN one here. They vary slightly due to the current situation with the Syracuse team. In one I have Vanderbilt joining Baylor, North Carolina and Marquette in the Final Four with Carolina beating Baylor for the title. In the other I have Florida State instead of Vandy but the same result for the final.

Ok…let’s jump in and pick ‘em!!

Thursday’s Games

West Region:

Weirdly the early games are from the West regional in Louisville Kentucky.

Colorado State (11) vs. Murray State (6)

Murray State by 12

Davidson (13) vs. Louisville (4)

First upset!! Davidson by 7

BYU (14) vs. Marquette (3)

BYU played in to get bounced out by 14

Long Beach State (12) vs. New Mexico (5)

New Mexico by 4

East Region:

Southern Miss (9) vs. Kansas State (8)

Kansas State by 3

Montana (13) vs. Wisconsin (4)

Wisconsin by 16

UNC-Asheville (16) vs. Syracuse (1)

Syracuse by 17

Harvard (12) vs. Vanderbilt (5)

Vandy by 11

West Virginia (10) vs. Gonzaga (7)

Gonzaga by 3

Loyola, MD (15) vs. Ohio State (2)

Ohio State by 22

South Region:

W. Kentucky (16) vs. Kentucky (1)

Kentucky by 30

VCU (12) vs. Wichita State (5)

VCU pulls the their firs upset this year by 6

South Dakota State (14) vs. Baylor (3)

Baylor by 22

UConn (9) vs. Iowa State (8)

UConn by 9

New Mexico State (13) vs. Indiana (4)

New Mexico State by 3 in a minor upset

Colorado (11) vs. UNLV (6)

UNLV by 10

Ok…I’m 0-4 so far….back with more tomorrow….

Day Two NCAA 2012...

First Four…Day 2

I did not start off my predictions for the 2012 NCAA Tourney with the best form, going 0-2 in the first days games. So I am looking for a better result in Wednesday’s games (Thursday AM Aussie time).

Vermont (23-11) vs. Lamar (23-11)

These two are pretty evenly matched but Lamar played a slightly tougher schedule and has a Knight at the helm….Pat Knight, son of Bobby coaches the Cardinals.

In the end I’ll tip the Cardinals for the win.

South Florida (20-13) vs. California (24-9)

Cal limps into this one after losing three of the last four while South Florida has dropped two of their last three.

I do not expect either of these teams to go far in the main bracket and as for this game….I’ll say Cal by 10-15...

Tomorrow I’ll be back with picks for the full first days of action in the main bracket….til then…get ready for some long days!!!

NCAA play in games....

Let’s Play(In) NCAA Style

The time is upon us…the 2012 NCAA tournament gets underway Tuesday (Wed AM Aussie time) when Western Kentucky tangles with Mississippi Valley State and Brigham Young faces off against Iona.

Western Kentucky (15-18) vs. Mississippi Valley State (21-12)

Western Kentucky pulled a surprise in the Sun Belt conference tourney winning it with a losing record while Miss. Valley State has won 20 of their last 21 games and swept through the SWAC regular season and tournament.

Look for the delta Devils to get a first up tourney win.

BYU (25-8) vs. Iona (25-7)

BYU’s record is deceiving, though without “Jimmer” and after downgrading to the West Coast Conference, the Cougars did not have things go their way as easily as first thought.

Iona gained an at-large bid in spite of losing the MAAC final against Fairfield and will be a tough foe for BYU.

No run for the Cougars this year, Iona in a close one.

I will be back with me first round picks tomorrow…enjoy the games….