Check it do Man, Monday morning, March seventeen though twenty twenty five. It is the Beating the Book Podcast March Madness Edition. It's Skill Alexander Live from Circa. They gave us the studio, didn't really give us the studio. We kind of took the studio for the hour and fifteen minutes. We're being granted for the most downloaded podcast episode of every year in Beating the Book the March Madness Pod On my left at Circa. Todd Wishnev, star of the Showtime docu series Action. What's happening?

Check it do Man, Monday morning, March seventeen though twenty twenty five. It is the Beating the Book Podcast March Madness Edition. It's Skill Alexander Live from Circa. They gave us the studio, didn't really give us the studio. We kind of took the studio for the hour and fifteen minutes. We're being granted for the most downloaded podcast episode of every year in Beating the Book the March Madness Pod On my left at Circa. Todd Wishnev, star of the Showtime docu series Action. What's happening?

What's up? Gilly? It's March Madness time? Who's not excited? Will Hill is completely bald and ready to go?

What's up? Gilly? It's March Madness time? Who's not excited? Will Hill is completely bald and ready to go?

And yes, Will Hill, the host of the should have Been More Podcasts who completely has shaved his head completely. What are you doing? What's wrong with you?

And yes, Will Hill, the host of the should have Been More Podcasts who completely has shaved his head completely. What are you doing? What's wrong with you?

This is not not a character for me. I've really done this, I think since college. I let it grow and then I kind of shaved it all off. You shid man hat. That's probably so jarring to you, gentlemen.

This is not not a character for me. I've really done this, I think since college. I let it grow and then I kind of shaved it all off. You shid man hat. That's probably so jarring to you, gentlemen.

Jarring. It is jarring, startling, So what it is?

Jarring. It is jarring, startling, So what it is?

Unsettling?

Unsettling?

Okay? NCAA Tournament thirty one auto thirty seven at large. That is not how it used to be, by the way, it used to be thirty two thirty six, but no PAC twelve. So now it's thirty one thirty seven. And these are the two gentlemen, by the way, who two years ago, I won't go, I won't be labored. But two years ago that was their big moment where Will called Fau to go to the final four and Todd called the final between Yukon and San Diego State. He also had Michigan State going far. And we put out the video on Twitter today just to remind folks from two years ago how Todd didn't pay heed to the advice of putting his brackets into a big national contest. And thank god, that.

Okay? NCAA Tournament thirty one auto thirty seven at large. That is not how it used to be, by the way, it used to be thirty two thirty six, but no PAC twelve. So now it's thirty one thirty seven. And these are the two gentlemen, by the way, who two years ago, I won't go, I won't be labored. But two years ago that was their big moment where Will called Fau to go to the final four and Todd called the final between Yukon and San Diego State. He also had Michigan State going far. And we put out the video on Twitter today just to remind folks from two years ago how Todd didn't pay heed to the advice of putting his brackets into a big national contest. And thank god, that.

Wasn't really what happened. What happened was, you know, I no longer used DraftKings for obvious reasons, and then I forgot that I could have just put one hundred in the for the contest at DraftKings because contests are not an issue with them, so whatever. Anyways, I forgot that. I realized that I could do that because I was used to not using DraftKings.

Wasn't really what happened. What happened was, you know, I no longer used DraftKings for obvious reasons, and then I forgot that I could have just put one hundred in the for the contest at DraftKings because contests are not an issue with them, so whatever. Anyways, I forgot that. I realized that I could do that because I was used to not using DraftKings.

But anyways, we got that clarified anyway, you also didn't listen to the advice. Both are true, so it didn't would he would have won thirty five thousand dollars because you would have finished in a tie for second with Doug Wedge, who did finish in second place. He's the guy that made us realize, oh no, you might have won this thing, and thank god you didn't win it, because it would have been a million dollars and then you would have jumped off a cliff. Yes, okay, now that we got that straight. Okay, so here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna go bracket by bracket. We're gonna talk about advancing in your brackets and also any ats opinions before we do that. I always do this on a numbers game, but rarely. I think last year was the first time I ever did the formula on the podcast. We'll just start with this. This is a tried and true formula that has existed since I've been doing this this show.

But anyways, we got that clarified anyway, you also didn't listen to the advice. Both are true, so it didn't would he would have won thirty five thousand dollars because you would have finished in a tie for second with Doug Wedge, who did finish in second place. He's the guy that made us realize, oh no, you might have won this thing, and thank god you didn't win it, because it would have been a million dollars and then you would have jumped off a cliff. Yes, okay, now that we got that straight. Okay, so here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna go bracket by bracket. We're gonna talk about advancing in your brackets and also any ats opinions before we do that. I always do this on a numbers game, but rarely. I think last year was the first time I ever did the formula on the podcast. We'll just start with this. This is a tried and true formula that has existed since I've been doing this this show.

This pot formula. By the way, it's a great formula.

This pot formula. By the way, it's a great formula.

Beating the book, beating the book podcasts before that, the Betty dor podcast, and on the numbers of game on radio. We're laughing for a reason which I won't get into. So it's six six bullet points where literally of the last two or three decades, almost without exception, it has called the group of teams from which the eventual national champion has come. So the categories. Again, the formula is last thirty four champs had more assists than turnovers. Thirty two of the last thirty four champs had a head coach with previous Sweet sixteed experience. The only exceptions to get to the Promised Land twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies coach by Kevin Ali, twenty twenty three Yukon Huskies coach by Dan Hurley. Those are the exceptions of that one. Twenty eight of the last twenty nine champs went to the tournament with at least three wins versus teams in the top ten percent of RPI, the twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies being the exception, the Shabaz Napier led Huskies, not the Kemba Walker led Huskies that was earlier. Last twenty nine champs had a top seventy five strength of schedule and then the two ken Pom categories. Twenty one of the last twenty two champs were in the top twenty and adjusted offensive efficiency at ken Pom. You guessed it, the twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies being the only exception. They were thirty ninth in adjusted offensive efficiency that year, and then twenty one of the last twenty two champs win the top twenty and adjust the defensive efficiency at Kenpom. The only exception, the only non Yukon exception to all the the twenty twenty one Baylor Bears, who are twenty second in the end in adjust the defensive efficiency. That's it for the last two or three decades. So the teams that qualified this year after selection Sunday as we head into the Big Dance, Auburn, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, and Tennessee. And the only exception, of course is Florida because Todd Golden hasn't coached a Sweet sixteen before. I have never gone into the Big Dance with as much feeling that this could be torpedoed as I do this year because of Florida's prowess and just Todd Golden being disqualified on the Sweet sixteen exception. So Auburn, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, Tennessee, Florida, the exception because of Sweet Sixteen. That's why they're disqualified. No previous head coaching Sweet sixteen experience. Shall we start with the first four? Start with the first four real quick. Curious if you guys have any plays ats wise talking about San Diego State, North Carolina, Alabama State, Saint Francis, American, Mount Saint Mary's, Texas, Xavier.

Beating the book, beating the book podcasts before that, the Betty dor podcast, and on the numbers of game on radio. We're laughing for a reason which I won't get into. So it's six six bullet points where literally of the last two or three decades, almost without exception, it has called the group of teams from which the eventual national champion has come. So the categories. Again, the formula is last thirty four champs had more assists than turnovers. Thirty two of the last thirty four champs had a head coach with previous Sweet sixteed experience. The only exceptions to get to the Promised Land twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies coach by Kevin Ali, twenty twenty three Yukon Huskies coach by Dan Hurley. Those are the exceptions of that one. Twenty eight of the last twenty nine champs went to the tournament with at least three wins versus teams in the top ten percent of RPI, the twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies being the exception, the Shabaz Napier led Huskies, not the Kemba Walker led Huskies that was earlier. Last twenty nine champs had a top seventy five strength of schedule and then the two ken Pom categories. Twenty one of the last twenty two champs were in the top twenty and adjusted offensive efficiency at ken Pom. You guessed it, the twenty fourteen Yukon Huskies being the only exception. They were thirty ninth in adjusted offensive efficiency that year, and then twenty one of the last twenty two champs win the top twenty and adjust the defensive efficiency at Kenpom. The only exception, the only non Yukon exception to all the the twenty twenty one Baylor Bears, who are twenty second in the end in adjust the defensive efficiency. That's it for the last two or three decades. So the teams that qualified this year after selection Sunday as we head into the Big Dance, Auburn, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, and Tennessee. And the only exception, of course is Florida because Todd Golden hasn't coached a Sweet sixteen before. I have never gone into the Big Dance with as much feeling that this could be torpedoed as I do this year because of Florida's prowess and just Todd Golden being disqualified on the Sweet sixteen exception. So Auburn, Duke, Houston, Iowa State, Tennessee, Florida, the exception because of Sweet Sixteen. That's why they're disqualified. No previous head coaching Sweet sixteen experience. Shall we start with the first four? Start with the first four real quick. Curious if you guys have any plays ats wise talking about San Diego State, North Carolina, Alabama State, Saint Francis, American, Mount Saint Mary's, Texas, Xavier.

I like Xavier.

I like Xavier.

You like them made, yes, you like them to win this game.

You like them made, yes, you like them to win this game.

I mean, I'm not a huge pregame better, but you know this kind of stands out to me. I mean the other day I liked Oklahoma first half on the An G Show, and they did get their first half. I kind of like Xavier here. I'm not a fan of Texas. I just think they're fraudulent the entire year, and Xavier has been getting better the whole year. Sean Miller solid coach. I think Xavier gets home only two and a half points. Give me the Xavier Musketeers.

I mean, I'm not a huge pregame better, but you know this kind of stands out to me. I mean the other day I liked Oklahoma first half on the An G Show, and they did get their first half. I kind of like Xavier here. I'm not a fan of Texas. I just think they're fraudulent the entire year, and Xavier has been getting better the whole year. Sean Miller solid coach. I think Xavier gets home only two and a half points. Give me the Xavier Musketeers.

That's Wednesday night, one of the first four. Will any of those four games you play it on?

That's Wednesday night, one of the first four. Will any of those four games you play it on?

I would agree with Xavier and also playing close to home. I think forty fifty miles it's basically a home game for a Texas team that really struggles to score away from home, and you know, it's funny, you didn't see San Diego State. We're all going to scream and y know, how is this team in the tournament? Usually those teams kind of come out, we all scream for a few days about how do they make it? And they do pretty well and they kind of I think at George Mason a VCU, there was controversy there runs about getting in. I don't know if I see it with San Diego State. I think San Diego With Carolina, I think San Diego State can slow them down, keep them out of transition, making an ugly like half court type of game. Maybe that's an under but I definitely lean towards San Diego State and with the points the more that I look at it versus Carolina.

I would agree with Xavier and also playing close to home. I think forty fifty miles it's basically a home game for a Texas team that really struggles to score away from home, and you know, it's funny, you didn't see San Diego State. We're all going to scream and y know, how is this team in the tournament? Usually those teams kind of come out, we all scream for a few days about how do they make it? And they do pretty well and they kind of I think at George Mason a VCU, there was controversy there runs about getting in. I don't know if I see it with San Diego State. I think San Diego With Carolina, I think San Diego State can slow them down, keep them out of transition, making an ugly like half court type of game. Maybe that's an under but I definitely lean towards San Diego State and with the points the more that I look at it versus Carolina.

Talking about that first four game. By the way, a first four team has reached the final four twice VCU, Shaka Smart's VCU team in twenty eleven, UCLA in twenty twenty one, the Hokes team, and then a first four team has reached the round of thirty two twelve of the last thirteen years. So a first four team has gotten past the first round, in other words, to the round of thirty two in twelve of the last thirteen years. That point you make about Carolina, right, So everybody, right, mainstream media is so outrage that they got in, and by the way, justifiably so. But we don't care about that because we're betting and it doesn't help us bet So now that they're in, I'm curious if you remember this, Todd. You're old enough to remember this as I am, from the dawn of time, from the very first time I remember the NCAA tournament. There was a before it was in sixty four teams, when it was forty eight, there was in the early eighties. You'll remember this. There was a Bradley team that got knocked that that didn't get invited to the tournament, but a Boston College team led by John Bagley that did, and everybody on mainstream they were screaming about how the Bradley coach was out there. This was a who was the star of Bradley. Percy Hawkins was the star of the of the Bradley team and John Bagley and BC like got to the sweet sixteen I think it was, and it was like this big to do then too, So it's to your point, it's like, just because people are killing a team that doesn't deserve to be in it, it's as old as you know, at least as far back as I can remember, that a team then makes a run doing this.

Talking about that first four game. By the way, a first four team has reached the final four twice VCU, Shaka Smart's VCU team in twenty eleven, UCLA in twenty twenty one, the Hokes team, and then a first four team has reached the round of thirty two twelve of the last thirteen years. So a first four team has gotten past the first round, in other words, to the round of thirty two in twelve of the last thirteen years. That point you make about Carolina, right, So everybody, right, mainstream media is so outrage that they got in, and by the way, justifiably so. But we don't care about that because we're betting and it doesn't help us bet So now that they're in, I'm curious if you remember this, Todd. You're old enough to remember this as I am, from the dawn of time, from the very first time I remember the NCAA tournament. There was a before it was in sixty four teams, when it was forty eight, there was in the early eighties. You'll remember this. There was a Bradley team that got knocked that that didn't get invited to the tournament, but a Boston College team led by John Bagley that did, and everybody on mainstream they were screaming about how the Bradley coach was out there. This was a who was the star of Bradley. Percy Hawkins was the star of the of the Bradley team and John Bagley and BC like got to the sweet sixteen I think it was, and it was like this big to do then too, So it's to your point, it's like, just because people are killing a team that doesn't deserve to be in it, it's as old as you know, at least as far back as I can remember, that a team then makes a run doing this.

The flip side of that is everyone last year was up in arms at Virginia didn't make it in by about the eight minute time out of the first half of that game. We were all just doubling down of wait a second, hold, they scored what did they scored thirty or forty points in one of the uglier games anyone who's ever watched in the history of basketball.

The flip side of that is everyone last year was up in arms at Virginia didn't make it in by about the eight minute time out of the first half of that game. We were all just doubling down of wait a second, hold, they scored what did they scored thirty or forty points in one of the uglier games anyone who's ever watched in the history of basketball.

All right, let's do this bracket by bracket. Now we'll get to the first round again, the play in games or the first four games or Tuesday and Wednesday night. Thursday, of course, is when it all starts. And we will begin in the south.

All right, let's do this bracket by bracket. Now we'll get to the first round again, the play in games or the first four games or Tuesday and Wednesday night. Thursday, of course, is when it all starts. And we will begin in the south.

Or to the south of the n right or riverside Santa Clair.

Or to the south of the n right or riverside Santa Clair.

Right, Yeah, by the way, you bet those? Do you bet those?

Right, Yeah, by the way, you bet those? Do you bet those?

Yes? I love the National Invitational, torn at the CBI, the CIT I love it.

Yes? I love the National Invitational, torn at the CBI, the CIT I love it.

All over and overfest for all of them.

All over and overfest for all of them.

I mean you have to lean over, but they actually if you like over Santa Clair of a Riverside Tuesday night. That should be a lot of points, only one hundred and fifty three. Santa Clair is like an over machine. Riverside'never machine. We don't have to go into that. I'm just saying, Riverside, I don't.

I mean you have to lean over, but they actually if you like over Santa Clair of a Riverside Tuesday night. That should be a lot of points, only one hundred and fifty three. Santa Clair is like an over machine. Riverside'never machine. We don't have to go into that. I'm just saying, Riverside, I don't.

I mean, I know we're on a limited time and we're not gonna talk too much. And it did. You see they invited South Alabama then called them back hour and a half later after they told the team, the coach told the team, Hey, we're going to the n and said, my bad way, you're actually not coming.

I mean, I know we're on a limited time and we're not gonna talk too much. And it did. You see they invited South Alabama then called them back hour and a half later after they told the team, the coach told the team, Hey, we're going to the n and said, my bad way, you're actually not coming.

Wow, thank god, that's not nice.

Wow, thank god, that's not nice.

Riverside with one of the great player names, Barrington Hargrest.

Riverside with one of the great player names, Barrington Hargrest.

Yes I called them Hardgraves on the show the other day.

Yes I called them Hardgraves on the show the other day.

He's awesome. By the way. All right to the South to the Big Dance the South Region Thursday. Auburn the overall number one seed, obviously the number one seed in the South Ken Palm number four though overall number one seed in the tournament, but the Ken Palm number four. They will take on the winner of the Alabama State Saint Francis game. I assume you're going to advance Auburn No. Matter what in the bracket, and we don't have a we don't have any spread obviously on this Alabama State out of the Swack. They won the Swack as a plus six to fifty underdog in that tournament. And then Saint Francis, PA, they were the longest shot to win their conference tournament. They won the Northeast as a fifteen to one shot. But we don't have a number on that. But you have no play on the Alabama State Saint Francis game, as we've already established. Yes, correct, no play on that.

He's awesome. By the way. All right to the South to the Big Dance the South Region Thursday. Auburn the overall number one seed, obviously the number one seed in the South Ken Palm number four though overall number one seed in the tournament, but the Ken Palm number four. They will take on the winner of the Alabama State Saint Francis game. I assume you're going to advance Auburn No. Matter what in the bracket, and we don't have a we don't have any spread obviously on this Alabama State out of the Swack. They won the Swack as a plus six to fifty underdog in that tournament. And then Saint Francis, PA, they were the longest shot to win their conference tournament. They won the Northeast as a fifteen to one shot. But we don't have a number on that. But you have no play on the Alabama State Saint Francis game, as we've already established. Yes, correct, no play on that.

Nothing, no play for me.

Nothing, no play for me.

Saint Francis known as the team that when they had fifty five points in the Wagner first half and we had under fifty eight and a half on the last possession of the first half, when when they do something called holding for one you may have heard of such a thing. Anyways, Saint Francis shoots a three and gets fouled at the end of the first half to go over fifty nine. Maybe one of the worst beats of the.

Saint Francis known as the team that when they had fifty five points in the Wagner first half and we had under fifty eight and a half on the last possession of the first half, when when they do something called holding for one you may have heard of such a thing. Anyways, Saint Francis shoots a three and gets fouled at the end of the first half to go over fifty nine. Maybe one of the worst beats of the.

That was on conference title Sunday, right that was right before.

That was on conference title Sunday, right that was right before.

No no, no, no, no no, that was a regular season yeah, yeah, remember that.

No no, no, no, no no, that was a regular season yeah, yeah, remember that.

Was what I'm saying that was in the NFL. That was the conference championship Sunday. Yes, yeah, I remember party watching the start of that game in a really really bad movie, because that beat Auburn.

Was what I'm saying that was in the NFL. That was the conference championship Sunday. Yes, yeah, I remember party watching the start of that game in a really really bad movie, because that beat Auburn.

If they get to the round of thirty two, which we're assuming they do, they would play the winner of the other game in Lexington. There in that bracket. The Louisville Creighton eight to nine game. Louisville won nineteen more games than a year ago, the largest leap in Division One. They were twenty seven and seven against Creighton out of the Big East, the ninth seed. Here in the South, they were twenty four and ten on the season. Ryan Kychbrenner Big East Player of the Year once again. Ten point nine fouls per game Creighton commits. That's the fewest in D One. Louisville and Crayton where the number on this game ISOO. Where can I fighted? Louisville is a two point favorite. Any play here? Who do you advance? Willie?

If they get to the round of thirty two, which we're assuming they do, they would play the winner of the other game in Lexington. There in that bracket. The Louisville Creighton eight to nine game. Louisville won nineteen more games than a year ago, the largest leap in Division One. They were twenty seven and seven against Creighton out of the Big East, the ninth seed. Here in the South, they were twenty four and ten on the season. Ryan Kychbrenner Big East Player of the Year once again. Ten point nine fouls per game Creighton commits. That's the fewest in D One. Louisville and Crayton where the number on this game ISOO. Where can I fighted? Louisville is a two point favorite. Any play here? Who do you advance? Willie?

I'll go Louisville playing close to homing Kentucky. I think they got Hepburn's a really good defender who can kind of eliminate Ashworth, and you can break Copbrender maybe away from the basket because they really spread you out. Louisville does, so I think whoever wins this game, he's pretty live against Auburn. This is a good eight nine matchup. I thought Louisville was very under seated at eight, but I will go with Louisville.

I'll go Louisville playing close to homing Kentucky. I think they got Hepburn's a really good defender who can kind of eliminate Ashworth, and you can break Copbrender maybe away from the basket because they really spread you out. Louisville does, so I think whoever wins this game, he's pretty live against Auburn. This is a good eight nine matchup. I thought Louisville was very under seated at eight, but I will go with Louisville.

He or Toddy the Louisville to advance in Louisville to cover the two points.

He or Toddy the Louisville to advance in Louisville to cover the two points.

I hate that this is the game because I love both these teams. I actually have them both, you know and Little you know play long shot things. But you know, I'm going to take Creighton. I don't want to take Creighton, but I don't really want to take Louisville either. I'm just forced to play. I'm not going to play the game, obviously, But you know, Creighton and Louisville are two teams that I really thought had a chance to go far. So I'm really bummed that they have him playing each other.

I hate that this is the game because I love both these teams. I actually have them both, you know and Little you know play long shot things. But you know, I'm going to take Creighton. I don't want to take Creighton, but I don't really want to take Louisville either. I'm just forced to play. I'm not going to play the game, obviously, But you know, Creighton and Louisville are two teams that I really thought had a chance to go far. So I'm really bummed that they have him playing each other.

All right, Well, futures do you have on these toddies.

All right, Well, futures do you have on these toddies.

I have like one hundred to one on Louisville and sixty six to one on Creighton, but just for a little small months.

I have like one hundred to one on Louisville and sixty six to one on Creighton, but just for a little small months.

For them to win it all. Offense is going to be mad Fest. It's going to be so much jeez.

For them to win it all. Offense is going to be mad Fest. It's going to be so much jeez.

Still on Thursday. This is also in the South, but this is a Denver and that, by the way, what I just said there, it was a theme last year on this podcast, and I bet we'll be a theme here too, which is teams you like end up either playing each other in the first round or going to have to face someone in the second round real quick, and you otherwise would have had them advancing further. Michigan UCSD might be one of those. It's the five twelve in the South, Michigan twenty five to nine. They won seventeen more games than a year ago. Danny Woolf fifteen double doubles this year, most of the Big Ten. They won the Big Ten Tournament as twelve to one, as a twelve to one shot the Twin Towers of Wolf and Golden, and then you see San Diego. The Tritons were thirty and four. They have the longest win streak in the country, fifteen in a row. They won the Big West Tournament as a minus one sixty favorite. Michigan. You see San Diego, Michigan Open is a three point favorite. It's now two and a half. But this is an example of in terms of teams, like you see San Diego, a team that folks really love. Maybe they're almost too popular of an upset pick. What do you think Will, Yeah.

Still on Thursday. This is also in the South, but this is a Denver and that, by the way, what I just said there, it was a theme last year on this podcast, and I bet we'll be a theme here too, which is teams you like end up either playing each other in the first round or going to have to face someone in the second round real quick, and you otherwise would have had them advancing further. Michigan UCSD might be one of those. It's the five twelve in the South, Michigan twenty five to nine. They won seventeen more games than a year ago. Danny Woolf fifteen double doubles this year, most of the Big Ten. They won the Big Ten Tournament as twelve to one, as a twelve to one shot the Twin Towers of Wolf and Golden, and then you see San Diego. The Tritons were thirty and four. They have the longest win streak in the country, fifteen in a row. They won the Big West Tournament as a minus one sixty favorite. Michigan. You see San Diego, Michigan Open is a three point favorite. It's now two and a half. But this is an example of in terms of teams, like you see San Diego, a team that folks really love. Maybe they're almost too popular of an upset pick. What do you think Will, Yeah.

It's funny way Buddy Omar actually had Michigan to win the Big Ten. He got sixteen to one FanDuel, so he sweated that one and got home. I think you're gonna hear all week that it's too trendy. Maybe what's too trendy is saying it's too trendy. I like you see San Diego. I think Michigan turns it over a lot. You see San Diego as a ball hawking defense that forces a lot of turnovers. You worry a little bit about the size because san Diego's guys are all in that six five to six seven sort of range, where Michigan's got the two seven footers. But do you take anything into account for the fact that Michigan played three games in three days, all at altitude. Now they got a quick turnaround playing again on Thursday. I like this. You see San Diego team Todd, I'm gonna take them to advance.

It's funny way Buddy Omar actually had Michigan to win the Big Ten. He got sixteen to one FanDuel, so he sweated that one and got home. I think you're gonna hear all week that it's too trendy. Maybe what's too trendy is saying it's too trendy. I like you see San Diego. I think Michigan turns it over a lot. You see San Diego as a ball hawking defense that forces a lot of turnovers. You worry a little bit about the size because san Diego's guys are all in that six five to six seven sort of range, where Michigan's got the two seven footers. But do you take anything into account for the fact that Michigan played three games in three days, all at altitude. Now they got a quick turnaround playing again on Thursday. I like this. You see San Diego team Todd, I'm gonna take them to advance.

Or will it's too trendy to say that it's too trendy. To say it's too trendy.

Or will it's too trendy to say that it's too trendy. To say it's too trendy.

I don't like it. I'm gonna take Michigan. I don't, you know, I don't really like Michigan. But you know, I looked at you see San Diego. I mean, who did they really play? They played San Diego State, they lost by five. They played Utah State, they were they won by two. That was a legitimate, you know win. And then they just have these Irvine games. They played a bunch of her Other than that, they played no top one hundred teams at all. Now I'm not saying they can't beat Michigan, but I just feel like, you know, it might be too much. Michigan's got a lot of talent. I'm going to take Michigan.

I don't like it. I'm gonna take Michigan. I don't, you know, I don't really like Michigan. But you know, I looked at you see San Diego. I mean, who did they really play? They played San Diego State, they lost by five. They played Utah State, they were they won by two. That was a legitimate, you know win. And then they just have these Irvine games. They played a bunch of her Other than that, they played no top one hundred teams at all. Now I'm not saying they can't beat Michigan, but I just feel like, you know, it might be too much. Michigan's got a lot of talent. I'm going to take Michigan.

That was the I made that bet on UCSD, and I immediately regretted it. Immediately regretted. By the way, there's a guy on Twitter, Eric Haslam. You sent this tweet out earlier this morning to the group chat. He does Hassla metrics, and one of the things that he puts on his Twitter is he goes to the sixteen seeds, the fifteens, the fourteens, and thirteens, and he talks about their margin of defeat or victory versus the all the top one hundred opponents. And it's really interesting to look at because if you're picking upsets, let's say in your brackets, it really does matter, like how did they do against good competition? And if you just do it at a glance, the sixteens and the fifteens, I mean, they don't look live at all, just based on this. But once you get to the thirteens and the twelves, like Yale looks great, Grand Canyon looks good. We'll get to these teams.

That was the I made that bet on UCSD, and I immediately regretted it. Immediately regretted. By the way, there's a guy on Twitter, Eric Haslam. You sent this tweet out earlier this morning to the group chat. He does Hassla metrics, and one of the things that he puts on his Twitter is he goes to the sixteen seeds, the fifteens, the fourteens, and thirteens, and he talks about their margin of defeat or victory versus the all the top one hundred opponents. And it's really interesting to look at because if you're picking upsets, let's say in your brackets, it really does matter, like how did they do against good competition? And if you just do it at a glance, the sixteens and the fifteens, I mean, they don't look live at all, just based on this. But once you get to the thirteens and the twelves, like Yale looks great, Grand Canyon looks good. We'll get to these teams.

Liberty, liberty, liberty, liberty, liberty.

Liberty, liberty, liberty, liberty, liberty.

But you see San Diego is one of them, and Doug okay, this is for the winner of the Michigan U C San Diego game. Also on Thursday is Texas A and M Yale. It's the four to thirteen. They'll play the winner of Texas A and M and Yale. Speaking of Yale, Texas A and M twenty two to ten this year, great and second chance points per game highest than D one seventeen a game. Yale back to back IVY champs for the first time. Yale was a minus one ninety favorite to win the Ivy, and they got it done in pretty good fashion there on Sunday. Yale is a seven and a half point dog. Too much, will.

But you see San Diego is one of them, and Doug okay, this is for the winner of the Michigan U C San Diego game. Also on Thursday is Texas A and M Yale. It's the four to thirteen. They'll play the winner of Texas A and M and Yale. Speaking of Yale, Texas A and M twenty two to ten this year, great and second chance points per game highest than D one seventeen a game. Yale back to back IVY champs for the first time. Yale was a minus one ninety favorite to win the Ivy, and they got it done in pretty good fashion there on Sunday. Yale is a seven and a half point dog. Too much, will.

I think it is too much. I don't remember. I don't think I had a great bracket last year, but I did take Yale over Auburn. I'm gonna go back to the well. I'm gonna take Yale to upset A and M. That Jones, he's a good coach. A and M just can't shoot. Yale's a pretty good shooting team. If Yale could just keep them off of the glass, which is easier said than done, Yale's gonna have a very good chance to win this game. I know, Tom, we were talking about this, and you just worry that A and M just has too much athleticism for them. Maybe, but when Yale get to these tournaments, they make noise. They beat Baylor, was it seven or eight years ago? They beat Auburn last year, they were competitive against Duke in that round of thirty two game in their first go round. I know San Diego State buried them last year, but I think this is a very close, tight to the best game, low scoring Toddy. I will take Yale to advance.

I think it is too much. I don't remember. I don't think I had a great bracket last year, but I did take Yale over Auburn. I'm gonna go back to the well. I'm gonna take Yale to upset A and M. That Jones, he's a good coach. A and M just can't shoot. Yale's a pretty good shooting team. If Yale could just keep them off of the glass, which is easier said than done, Yale's gonna have a very good chance to win this game. I know, Tom, we were talking about this, and you just worry that A and M just has too much athleticism for them. Maybe, but when Yale get to these tournaments, they make noise. They beat Baylor, was it seven or eight years ago? They beat Auburn last year, they were competitive against Duke in that round of thirty two game in their first go round. I know San Diego State buried them last year, but I think this is a very close, tight to the best game, low scoring Toddy. I will take Yale to advance.

I again, these are two teams that I like, and they have to have them playing each other. I hate that I have to pick against Yale, but I just think that there's going to be too much Texas A and M throwing it up there, missing the shots and getting multiple offensive rebounds. Because the Yale they do have like a big white dude inside who's pretty good on Yale, but he's just one guy and that's it. And the Texas A and M just throws flurries of people at you, just absolute flurries like a ray Letard flurries that you're looking at men. Yeah, And the thing is they're going to defend. I just like Texas A and M, and they had multiple games where they came back on the road and the sec they're gritty. You know, I talk about gritty. I might be a little bit over bearing about my love of gritty in then say tournament, but I love gritty and Texas A and M is as gritty as they come. They may not be able to make a shot the whole tournament, but they they're gonna bring the defense.

I again, these are two teams that I like, and they have to have them playing each other. I hate that I have to pick against Yale, but I just think that there's going to be too much Texas A and M throwing it up there, missing the shots and getting multiple offensive rebounds. Because the Yale they do have like a big white dude inside who's pretty good on Yale, but he's just one guy and that's it. And the Texas A and M just throws flurries of people at you, just absolute flurries like a ray Letard flurries that you're looking at men. Yeah, And the thing is they're going to defend. I just like Texas A and M, and they had multiple games where they came back on the road and the sec they're gritty. You know, I talk about gritty. I might be a little bit over bearing about my love of gritty in then say tournament, but I love gritty and Texas A and M is as gritty as they come. They may not be able to make a shot the whole tournament, but they they're gonna bring the defense.

Baby, is this the first half under Toddy?

Baby, is this the first half under Toddy?

That's a good That's now we're talking. I think I like that one a lot. You could see a lot of bricks by Texas A and M, and then Texas A and M, you know, just defending the hell out of Yale and pol Aktas. You know, the left handed you know, real skinny white guy who's trying to shoot threes on Yale with like falling backward and stuff. They're going to be up on him, you know.

That's a good That's now we're talking. I think I like that one a lot. You could see a lot of bricks by Texas A and M, and then Texas A and M, you know, just defending the hell out of Yale and pol Aktas. You know, the left handed you know, real skinny white guy who's trying to shoot threes on Yale with like falling backward and stuff. They're going to be up on him, you know.

By the way, the total in the game is one forty and a half. So what's the first half totally gonna be? What sixty eight sixty seven something like that.

By the way, the total in the game is one forty and a half. So what's the first half totally gonna be? What sixty eight sixty seven something like that.

Where do you see the line? I'm sorry, one forty and a half is the total? Sixty six sixty six?

Where do you see the line? I'm sorry, one forty and a half is the total? Sixty six sixty six?

Okay? And you still like under on it? Yeah. By the way, lowest total in the first round is no surprises in the Houston game. Highest total no surprise in the Alabama game. To the other side of the South bracket. This is on Friday, number six seated Ole Miss against number eleven San Diego State. Ole Miss ten seniors on the team. They don't turn the ball over third fewest per game in D one. San Diego State good field goal percentage defense the best, and in D one thirty seven point eight field goal percentage they hold their opponents to. Oh with San Diego State playing North Carolina, that's right, So that's that's a game that's one of the first four to get in to play Ole Miss. And you said on San Diego State North North Carolina, you're taking the points with the Aztecs.

Okay? And you still like under on it? Yeah. By the way, lowest total in the first round is no surprises in the Houston game. Highest total no surprise in the Alabama game. To the other side of the South bracket. This is on Friday, number six seated Ole Miss against number eleven San Diego State. Ole Miss ten seniors on the team. They don't turn the ball over third fewest per game in D one. San Diego State good field goal percentage defense the best, and in D one thirty seven point eight field goal percentage they hold their opponents to. Oh with San Diego State playing North Carolina, that's right, So that's that's a game that's one of the first four to get in to play Ole Miss. And you said on San Diego State North North Carolina, you're taking the points with the Aztecs.

Well, yeah, I think the four and a half is five is just too much. I think it's more of a toss up game.

Well, yeah, I think the four and a half is five is just too much. I think it's more of a toss up game.

And you have nothing on that first four game.

And you have nothing on that first four game.

I know they see those are two teams I don't like, and I can't bet against us that they put the teams that I like against you. The San Diego State I don't like this year. You know, in the past, I've been a big San Diego State fan. They just don't have enough offense. This year it's just it's it's and then New North Carolina is just fraudulent.

I know they see those are two teams I don't like, and I can't bet against us that they put the teams that I like against you. The San Diego State I don't like this year. You know, in the past, I've been a big San Diego State fan. They just don't have enough offense. This year it's just it's it's and then New North Carolina is just fraudulent.

We don't think San Diego State could slow them down though and just keep them out of transition, and then it's just an ugly sort of looking up.

We don't think San Diego State could slow them down though and just keep them out of transition, and then it's just an ugly sort of looking up.

You know, I'm not disagreeing with your with I'm just saying both of these teams I don't like. So whoever you have going to play Old Miss I'm gonna take Old Mess.

You know, I'm not disagreeing with your with I'm just saying both of these teams I don't like. So whoever you have going to play Old Miss I'm gonna take Old Mess.

Carolina one and twelve against Quad one teams. That's what everybody's up at arms about. They were eight to zero against Quad two teams and Bubba Cunningham, the selection committee chairman, I had nothing to do with it. I was outside of the room, I accused myself. Sure. Yeah. By the way, how do you feel about Old Miss? You think Old Miss could probably take down either of these teams or Shakey? You do you think they will win against I think Beard's a good coach. Yeah, all right.

Carolina one and twelve against Quad one teams. That's what everybody's up at arms about. They were eight to zero against Quad two teams and Bubba Cunningham, the selection committee chairman, I had nothing to do with it. I was outside of the room, I accused myself. Sure. Yeah. By the way, how do you feel about Old Miss? You think Old Miss could probably take down either of these teams or Shakey? You do you think they will win against I think Beard's a good coach. Yeah, all right.

Buba Cunningham got one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars for them making Yeah, that's right, pretty good.

Buba Cunningham got one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars for them making Yeah, that's right, pretty good.

Also Friday and Milwaukee. In addition that Old Miss game against the winner of San Diego State North Carolina, the three fourteen game i Aowa State and Lipscomb. The Bisons of Lipscomb second ever appearance in the nc doublea's most efficient offense in the Atlantic Sun. They won the Atlantic Sun Tournament as minus won seventy favorites there Iowa It has a problem though, Keishawn Gilbert out for the entire tournament. They started fifteen and one, they finished nine and eight. Their Ken Palm number ten, and like I said, they qualify for the formula Iowa state, how big of a favorite are they here?

Also Friday and Milwaukee. In addition that Old Miss game against the winner of San Diego State North Carolina, the three fourteen game i Aowa State and Lipscomb. The Bisons of Lipscomb second ever appearance in the nc doublea's most efficient offense in the Atlantic Sun. They won the Atlantic Sun Tournament as minus won seventy favorites there Iowa It has a problem though, Keishawn Gilbert out for the entire tournament. They started fifteen and one, they finished nine and eight. Their Ken Palm number ten, and like I said, they qualify for the formula Iowa state, how big of a favorite are they here?

Fourteen and a half?

Fourteen and a half?

Fourteen and a half? I see fourteen even what do you like here?

Fourteen and a half? I see fourteen even what do you like here?

Okay, I think it's a lot of points. I would take the points, but I do think Iowa stated advances. Lipscomb has got some things to check, some boxes. And I watched them a bit. They were obviously down ten to Queens in the semi and had to come back and win. But they take a lot of threes. They make a lot of threes. They don't turn it over, they rebound. Okay, I could see this being five six point games pretty late. I think I would state wins, but I think it's a lot of points.

Okay, I think it's a lot of points. I would take the points, but I do think Iowa stated advances. Lipscomb has got some things to check, some boxes. And I watched them a bit. They were obviously down ten to Queens in the semi and had to come back and win. But they take a lot of threes. They make a lot of threes. They don't turn it over, they rebound. Okay, I could see this being five six point games pretty late. I think I would state wins, but I think it's a lot of points.

Body, that might be one where you want to play the first half dog your number, because you know a lot of these teams are going to throw their greatest twenty minutes at these like bigger favorites, play great, hang around, they're hanging around, and then look like seven minutes to go in the game, the roof will cave in, you know, and then it'll just be That'll be the end of it. So if you like those doggies, especially a dog you like Lipskimb, you might want to play in first half.

Body, that might be one where you want to play the first half dog your number, because you know a lot of these teams are going to throw their greatest twenty minutes at these like bigger favorites, play great, hang around, they're hanging around, and then look like seven minutes to go in the game, the roof will cave in, you know, and then it'll just be That'll be the end of it. So if you like those doggies, especially a dog you like Lipskimb, you might want to play in first half.

Right, Marquette, it will go to the seven to ten game. Also in the South seven to ten game in Cleveland on Friday, Marquette in New Mexico. Marquette the seventh seed with Cam Jones as their guard, and of course New Mexico with Donovan Dent, the Mountain West player of the year, the only D one player averaging twenty points per game in five assists per game.

Right, Marquette, it will go to the seven to ten game. Also in the South seven to ten game in Cleveland on Friday, Marquette in New Mexico. Marquette the seventh seed with Cam Jones as their guard, and of course New Mexico with Donovan Dent, the Mountain West player of the year, the only D one player averaging twenty points per game in five assists per game.

Marquette is a four point favorite.

Marquette is a four point favorite.

Willly, I don't have much here, Todd. I don't love this Marquette team. I don't like backing these Mountain West teams. I guess one in doubt take the four. I guess I'll take New Mexico plus the points in I'll advance them just because. But nothing with conviction here.

Willly, I don't have much here, Todd. I don't love this Marquette team. I don't like backing these Mountain West teams. I guess one in doubt take the four. I guess I'll take New Mexico plus the points in I'll advance them just because. But nothing with conviction here.

I don't like these teams. Again, these are two teams I do not like New Mexico. I really don't like the opposite of gritty. New Mexico is the opposite of gritty. They want to run and gun and running gun and running gun, not defend. Marquette'll just get there because they have enough grittiness to get there. But again, I don't like either of these teams, but I'll take Marquette to move on.

I don't like these teams. Again, these are two teams I do not like New Mexico. I really don't like the opposite of gritty. New Mexico is the opposite of gritty. They want to run and gun and running gun and running gun, not defend. Marquette'll just get there because they have enough grittiness to get there. But again, I don't like either of these teams, but I'll take Marquette to move on.

He likes gritty, he also likes he likes buttoned up teams, and he all likes buttoned.

He likes gritty, he also likes he likes buttoned up teams, and he all likes buttoned.

Down anything with a button. I don't like zippers, you don't like button.

Down anything with a button. I don't like zippers, you don't like button.

He doesn't like unbuttoned, but he likes buttoned up then buttoned down. Winner of seven ten Marquette, New Mexico's who do you have? Advancing? There will in your bracket.

He doesn't like unbuttoned, but he likes buttoned up then buttoned down. Winner of seven ten Marquette, New Mexico's who do you have? Advancing? There will in your bracket.

Said Mark, I'll go New Mexico.

Said Mark, I'll go New Mexico.

You're going to Mexico.

You're going to Mexico.

No conviction?

No conviction?

What about you?

What about you?

I have Marquette.

I have Marquette.

Okay. By the way, with pools again, the biggest pool advice I can give people. If you're in a regular standard pool where it goes like two four six eight ten or two four eight sixteen, on and on. You know, bet in terms of the size of the pool, the smaller the pool, the more conservatively you should not you should pick. In terms of your brackets, the bigger the pool, the bigger chances you should take. But if you're an upset rewarded pool where like a thirteen beats of four and you get extra nine points thirteen minus four twelve minus five or seven, so on and so forth. You should be picking up sets up your wazoo because you should be prepared to have a lot of wrong guesses on your bracket, but those big ones count, So know the rules of your pool for sure. The winner of the seven ten game between Markette New Mexican go rounding out the South Region, takes on the winner of the two fifteen game, also in Cleveland on Friday. Michigan State twenty seven n C double appearances n C DOUBLEA appearances in a row for Izzoh for Tomzo, the coach of Michigan State. They were seven and one versus ranked Power Conference opponents this year twenty five and one win. They score seventy plus points their Ken Palm number eight against Bryant, the American of the America East champs, who have who have the fastest pace in their conference. Anyway, Michigan State is a massive favorite. Here will what do you.

Okay. By the way, with pools again, the biggest pool advice I can give people. If you're in a regular standard pool where it goes like two four six eight ten or two four eight sixteen, on and on. You know, bet in terms of the size of the pool, the smaller the pool, the more conservatively you should not you should pick. In terms of your brackets, the bigger the pool, the bigger chances you should take. But if you're an upset rewarded pool where like a thirteen beats of four and you get extra nine points thirteen minus four twelve minus five or seven, so on and so forth. You should be picking up sets up your wazoo because you should be prepared to have a lot of wrong guesses on your bracket, but those big ones count, So know the rules of your pool for sure. The winner of the seven ten game between Markette New Mexican go rounding out the South Region, takes on the winner of the two fifteen game, also in Cleveland on Friday. Michigan State twenty seven n C double appearances n C DOUBLEA appearances in a row for Izzoh for Tomzo, the coach of Michigan State. They were seven and one versus ranked Power Conference opponents this year twenty five and one win. They score seventy plus points their Ken Palm number eight against Bryant, the American of the America East champs, who have who have the fastest pace in their conference. Anyway, Michigan State is a massive favorite. Here will what do you.

Like Michigan State to advance? Would lean towards laying the point heer Todd's but nothing, I bet.

Like Michigan State to advance? Would lean towards laying the point heer Todd's but nothing, I bet.

I would like to talk about that team total that is inherent in the point spread and the total seventeen and a half and one fifty two and a half. You can kind of create team totals off of that, so one fifty two is like seventy six, and then take half of the spread, which is, you know, about nine more. So we're probably looking for a score of eighty five to sixty Does that make sense?

I would like to talk about that team total that is inherent in the point spread and the total seventeen and a half and one fifty two and a half. You can kind of create team totals off of that, so one fifty two is like seventy six, and then take half of the spread, which is, you know, about nine more. So we're probably looking for a score of eighty five to sixty Does that make sense?

Eighty five to sixty six?

Eighty five to sixty six?

No, until I'm a little off. Eighty five seventy sixty seven. Eighty five sixty seven is basically the implied score here, and I'm gonna say that they're probably gonna have the total right around eighty five for the Michigan State and I think Michigan State's gonna go over that total because I've watched a lot of Bryant basketball. It is up tempo, big time. They're gonna run, run, run, and Michigan State was not like a super running team. But if you allow them to run, and they will be able to run against Bryant, I think there could be a lot of points scored here. I wouldn't be shocked if Michigan State has over eighty.

No, until I'm a little off. Eighty five seventy sixty seven. Eighty five sixty seven is basically the implied score here, and I'm gonna say that they're probably gonna have the total right around eighty five for the Michigan State and I think Michigan State's gonna go over that total because I've watched a lot of Bryant basketball. It is up tempo, big time. They're gonna run, run, run, and Michigan State was not like a super running team. But if you allow them to run, and they will be able to run against Bryant, I think there could be a lot of points scored here. I wouldn't be shocked if Michigan State has over eighty.

Five Bryant seventy three point eight possessions per game. Bryant, They're fast to the east, we go winner of the Is it the winner of the South plays the winner of the East.

Five Bryant seventy three point eight possessions per game. Bryant, They're fast to the east, we go winner of the Is it the winner of the South plays the winner of the East.

Is that true?

Is that true?

No, it's not true. Let's let's skip over the East. Then let's go.

No, it's not true. Let's let's skip over the East. Then let's go.

To the Florida one. Yeah, it does this one.

To the Florida one. Yeah, it does this one.

Yeah. Let's go to the West, the West bracket. This is on Friday, number one, Florida. We'll take on Norfolk State. Norfolk State ill wing sixty nine point one points per game, the fewest in the MEAC. They won the MEAC tournament is plus one twenty five short shot in the MEACT. But Florida obviously ken Palm number two. They're gonna be massive favorites here and they are Florida advances. Would you have a play on the big spread here?

Yeah. Let's go to the West, the West bracket. This is on Friday, number one, Florida. We'll take on Norfolk State. Norfolk State ill wing sixty nine point one points per game, the fewest in the MEAC. They won the MEAC tournament is plus one twenty five short shot in the MEACT. But Florida obviously ken Palm number two. They're gonna be massive favorites here and they are Florida advances. Would you have a play on the big spread here?

I would look towards Land. Norfolk doesn't play enough defense to hang in this game for me, so I would want no part of the dog here.

I would look towards Land. Norfolk doesn't play enough defense to hang in this game for me, so I would want no part of the dog here.

Todd, Yeah, I mean, I have nothing to say about the spread. But Florida is just you know, that's been my juggernaut team all year.

Todd, Yeah, I mean, I have nothing to say about the spread. But Florida is just you know, that's been my juggernaut team all year.

So you know, Florida, Florida on Friday morning against Norfolk State. I'm looking for the actual twenty eight and a half. By the way, is that the biggest spread of all these? I think it is twenty eight and a half. Oh Houston is the number two.

So you know, Florida, Florida on Friday morning against Norfolk State. I'm looking for the actual twenty eight and a half. By the way, is that the biggest spread of all these? I think it is twenty eight and a half. Oh Houston is the number two.

Of them aren't up yet though, because they're playing awaiting the playing a game.

Of them aren't up yet though, because they're playing awaiting the playing a game.

That's right. Houston also a twenty eight and a half favorite over twenty and a half point favorite over SIU Edwards Bill.

That's right. Houston also a twenty eight and a half favorite over twenty and a half point favorite over SIU Edwards Bill.

Just to keep in mind, Norfolk, the best team they played in their top one hundreds was Tennessee and they lost by fifteen. They lost to Grand Canyon by eighteen, lost twenty five to Baylor, They lost by evan to Stanford, and they won by three against High Point. So maybe they hang around, but you know, I don't know.

Just to keep in mind, Norfolk, the best team they played in their top one hundreds was Tennessee and they lost by fifteen. They lost to Grand Canyon by eighteen, lost twenty five to Baylor, They lost by evan to Stanford, and they won by three against High Point. So maybe they hang around, but you know, I don't know.

Uh, Okay, winner of that game, which we assume is Florida, we'll take on the winner of the eight to nine in the West, Yukon going for a three peat against Oklahoma. Yukon twenty three and ten on the season highest block percentage of opponent shots in D one twelve percent, Oklahoma thirteen and oh a non conference play, the only SEC team with two fifteen point per game scores. Jeremiah Fears and Jalen Moore Yukon and Oklahoma. Who advances and what he got ats here? Will?

Uh, Okay, winner of that game, which we assume is Florida, we'll take on the winner of the eight to nine in the West, Yukon going for a three peat against Oklahoma. Yukon twenty three and ten on the season highest block percentage of opponent shots in D one twelve percent, Oklahoma thirteen and oh a non conference play, the only SEC team with two fifteen point per game scores. Jeremiah Fears and Jalen Moore Yukon and Oklahoma. Who advances and what he got ats here? Will?

I said this? I think it was the Chiefs Bill's AFC title game. I said, whoever you pick, if you lose, you're gonna feel like an idiot. If you go against Yukon, you lose, you say what like that Hurley and Yukon in March and vice versa, where if you pick, if you pick, you know the other way you're going to say, Man, all the signs were there with Yukon being a flawed team. I go with the latter. I think Yukon's a flawed team. I think with the four and a half, you're paying a real tax on Hurley on the brand on the uniform. With Yukon, they're not good defensively, they foul a lot, they don't turn you over. Now they're going to get their points. On the other hand, because I don't think Oklahoma is a great defensive team, so maybe an over. But I like Oklahoma. I just think you are you're really paying at tax. I remember Oklahoma was really good until they got into conference. But I think they were undefeated in non conference place and decent wings in there. So I'll go Oklahoma plus the points and to advance here.

I said this? I think it was the Chiefs Bill's AFC title game. I said, whoever you pick, if you lose, you're gonna feel like an idiot. If you go against Yukon, you lose, you say what like that Hurley and Yukon in March and vice versa, where if you pick, if you pick, you know the other way you're going to say, Man, all the signs were there with Yukon being a flawed team. I go with the latter. I think Yukon's a flawed team. I think with the four and a half, you're paying a real tax on Hurley on the brand on the uniform. With Yukon, they're not good defensively, they foul a lot, they don't turn you over. Now they're going to get their points. On the other hand, because I don't think Oklahoma is a great defensive team, so maybe an over. But I like Oklahoma. I just think you are you're really paying at tax. I remember Oklahoma was really good until they got into conference. But I think they were undefeated in non conference place and decent wings in there. So I'll go Oklahoma plus the points and to advance here.

TODDI yeah, thirteen to zero a non conference play.

TODDI yeah, thirteen to zero a non conference play.

I like Oklahoma two. I would probably play him first half to hang around because I don't want to get beat when they're down three at the end and there's a foul. But I'd probably play Oklahoma first half. I like Oklahoma. I think Connecticut is not good enough on defense this year. And while I don't like going against Bobby Hurley, Oklahoma for me has been under the radar team all you're give me Oklahoma.

I like Oklahoma two. I would probably play him first half to hang around because I don't want to get beat when they're down three at the end and there's a foul. But I'd probably play Oklahoma first half. I like Oklahoma. I think Connecticut is not good enough on defense this year. And while I don't like going against Bobby Hurley, Oklahoma for me has been under the radar team all you're give me Oklahoma.

What about going against Danny Hurley, Bobby or Danny Okay Yukon. By the way, going for a three p we probably should mention the last team of three peat, UCLA in nineteen seventy three, the seventh championship in a row for them in nineteen seventy three. Ukon. Of course, we'll have to play Florida, one would think, in round number two in a round the thirty two. This also in the West Friday in Seattle. Those games, by the way, weren't Raleigh. These are in Seattle, number five, Memphis, number twelve, Colorado State. Curious to hear your thoughts on this. Memphis won the American Athletic Penny Hardaway. The coach Tyrese Hunter was hurt in the final, didn't play versus UAB fastest pace in the nation for Memphis seventy two possessions per game. Colorado State won the Mountain West Nie Clifford. They're big Star ten game win streak after starting fifteen to nine, and Colorado State is the two point favorite here as the ten excuse me as the twelve seed?

What about going against Danny Hurley, Bobby or Danny Okay Yukon. By the way, going for a three p we probably should mention the last team of three peat, UCLA in nineteen seventy three, the seventh championship in a row for them in nineteen seventy three. Ukon. Of course, we'll have to play Florida, one would think, in round number two in a round the thirty two. This also in the West Friday in Seattle. Those games, by the way, weren't Raleigh. These are in Seattle, number five, Memphis, number twelve, Colorado State. Curious to hear your thoughts on this. Memphis won the American Athletic Penny Hardaway. The coach Tyrese Hunter was hurt in the final, didn't play versus UAB fastest pace in the nation for Memphis seventy two possessions per game. Colorado State won the Mountain West Nie Clifford. They're big Star ten game win streak after starting fifteen to nine, and Colorado State is the two point favorite here as the ten excuse me as the twelve seed?

Can I go first this time?

Can I go first this time?

Oh?

Oh?

Yeah, because we'll get to go first every year?

Yeah, because we'll get to go first every year?

Sorry?

Sorry?

Does this seem fair? Colorado State Rams? Give me the Rams. Memphis is the epitome of the opposite of what I like in the tournament. I like buttoned up, button down teams, professionalism, I like non stupidity, I like grittiness. I don't like any of those things with the Memphis Tigers. I'm not a big Anferny Hardaway coaching fan. I don't like how they play. It's to Lucy Goosey, and this Colorado State team has been playing very very well lately. Give me the Rams to go against a loosey, goosey Memphis team and get home.

Does this seem fair? Colorado State Rams? Give me the Rams. Memphis is the epitome of the opposite of what I like in the tournament. I like buttoned up, button down teams, professionalism, I like non stupidity, I like grittiness. I don't like any of those things with the Memphis Tigers. I'm not a big Anferny Hardaway coaching fan. I don't like how they play. It's to Lucy Goosey, and this Colorado State team has been playing very very well lately. Give me the Rams to go against a loosey, goosey Memphis team and get home.

I would go opposite if Memphis had their point guard Hunter. But the fact that you're gonna give me the lesser coach team without their point guard, I got it to me geez.

I would go opposite if Memphis had their point guard Hunter. But the fact that you're gonna give me the lesser coach team without their point guard, I got it to me geez.

The Rams, Willie just take They're probably right.

The Rams, Willie just take They're probably right.

You're probably right. Clifford's a tremendous player. This game is fascinating. The numbers don't like Memphis at all either, obviously by the Ken Palm. None of these projections really like them, and it's evident here by them being a two to two and a half point underdog in a lot of spots.

You're probably right. Clifford's a tremendous player. This game is fascinating. The numbers don't like Memphis at all either, obviously by the Ken Palm. None of these projections really like them, and it's evident here by them being a two to two and a half point underdog in a lot of spots.

This is very much maybe the coolest bracket of the ball, the most interesting. Memphis Memphis Colorado State winner takes on the winner of Maryland. Grand Canyon. The four thirteen also Friday and Seattle. Maryland the Crab five of Maryland. Great nickname Crab five really is it was that Queen reyes, Rice Gillespie and Miguel They have the highest scoring starting five in the nation. Freshman of the year Derek Queen. He was unbelievable against Michigan the game that Maryland lost there at the Buzzer on the tie Edney like Coast to Coast Jam, not Jam, but Lamp. They outscore their opponents by sixteen point four points per game. That's seventh best in D one. They're Ken bomb twelve Maryland, but Grand Canyon out of the Whack, which Todd and I went to see in person the other night here at at Orleans. Most points per game and highest points per game differential in the Whack. They won the Whack tournament as plus one thirty short shots did the Lopes did the Antelopes. Maryland was an eleven point favorite, then they went to a ten point favorite. Now they're back to ten and a half.

This is very much maybe the coolest bracket of the ball, the most interesting. Memphis Memphis Colorado State winner takes on the winner of Maryland. Grand Canyon. The four thirteen also Friday and Seattle. Maryland the Crab five of Maryland. Great nickname Crab five really is it was that Queen reyes, Rice Gillespie and Miguel They have the highest scoring starting five in the nation. Freshman of the year Derek Queen. He was unbelievable against Michigan the game that Maryland lost there at the Buzzer on the tie Edney like Coast to Coast Jam, not Jam, but Lamp. They outscore their opponents by sixteen point four points per game. That's seventh best in D one. They're Ken bomb twelve Maryland, but Grand Canyon out of the Whack, which Todd and I went to see in person the other night here at at Orleans. Most points per game and highest points per game differential in the Whack. They won the Whack tournament as plus one thirty short shots did the Lopes did the Antelopes. Maryland was an eleven point favorite, then they went to a ten point favorite. Now they're back to ten and a half.

Dotty, Well, here's the thing. Grand Canyon, a university at the bottom of a canyon. Very shocking, that's right anyway in the canyon. Yeah, I'm very you know, I like Maryland. But the thing is, I don't know if they're gonna be able. I think Maryland will find a way to squeak through, but this could be dangerous. This is another one of those first half doggy situations where you might want to hang around with the Lopes, you know, getting I don't know, what do you get five six points in the first half? You know, Maryland? Might you know again? I used to play pick up with Kevin Willard, the coach of Maryland. You may have heard the story. I never heard you say that before, and he was his dad was the coach at the University of Pittsburgh or Ralph Willard and anyways, coach Willard, he's not bad. But you know, I don't know. Maryland scares me sometimes. It just they have so much talent, but then there's just a certain there, you know something. I don't think Willard's a very good coach. By the way, Yeah, I don't know. If he's very I wouldn't put him elite. That's certainly true. So you know, I'm not sure. I think it's probably Maryland gets home. But I'd be a little nervous in the first half if you, you know, were laying points.

Dotty, Well, here's the thing. Grand Canyon, a university at the bottom of a canyon. Very shocking, that's right anyway in the canyon. Yeah, I'm very you know, I like Maryland. But the thing is, I don't know if they're gonna be able. I think Maryland will find a way to squeak through, but this could be dangerous. This is another one of those first half doggy situations where you might want to hang around with the Lopes, you know, getting I don't know, what do you get five six points in the first half? You know, Maryland? Might you know again? I used to play pick up with Kevin Willard, the coach of Maryland. You may have heard the story. I never heard you say that before, and he was his dad was the coach at the University of Pittsburgh or Ralph Willard and anyways, coach Willard, he's not bad. But you know, I don't know. Maryland scares me sometimes. It just they have so much talent, but then there's just a certain there, you know something. I don't think Willard's a very good coach. By the way, Yeah, I don't know. If he's very I wouldn't put him elite. That's certainly true. So you know, I'm not sure. I think it's probably Maryland gets home. But I'd be a little nervous in the first half if you, you know, were laying points.

Not that many futures I have. Maryland is one. I have like sixty one. I didn't even get the best number and I kind of jumped on the jumped on board late. What scares me from Maryland's perspective is they only play the five guys, and Grand Canyon draws a lot of fouts in your top ten in the country in fault fouls drawn rate and free throw attempts. So if you get those guys in foul trouble, then you start having a dust off guys from Maryland that don't play. That could be an issue. That being said, Grand Canyon plays fast. I don't like teams trying to pull upsets that play fast. What's the saying upsets happened in the fifties and sixties, don't happen in like the seventies of the eighties.

Not that many futures I have. Maryland is one. I have like sixty one. I didn't even get the best number and I kind of jumped on the jumped on board late. What scares me from Maryland's perspective is they only play the five guys, and Grand Canyon draws a lot of fouts in your top ten in the country in fault fouls drawn rate and free throw attempts. So if you get those guys in foul trouble, then you start having a dust off guys from Maryland that don't play. That could be an issue. That being said, Grand Canyon plays fast. I don't like teams trying to pull upsets that play fast. What's the saying upsets happened in the fifties and sixties, don't happen in like the seventies of the eighties.

Good at the point, Willy. I love that point by you, Willie, because it's easier to win the game if there's less possessions. I love that point by Willie.

Good at the point, Willy. I love that point by you, Willie, because it's easier to win the game if there's less possessions. I love that point by Willie.

And if it's one way or the other, says Peter Keating, who did the Giant Killers thing at ESPN for years. It's either you super up tempo, well not super up tempo, but you hoist a bunch of threes right to cut the variants that way, or you slow it down unbelievably. That's interesting, but neither of you were picking it out right. Upset fork. Okay.

And if it's one way or the other, says Peter Keating, who did the Giant Killers thing at ESPN for years. It's either you super up tempo, well not super up tempo, but you hoist a bunch of threes right to cut the variants that way, or you slow it down unbelievably. That's interesting, but neither of you were picking it out right. Upset fork. Okay.

Grand Canyon has the oldest player in the national NCAAA. We watched him the other day. I don't really know how old he is, but he looks about thirty five.

Grand Canyon has the oldest player in the national NCAAA. We watched him the other day. I don't really know how old he is, but he looks about thirty five.

Way to bring the facts to their full to their full extent, other side of the other side of the west. Now we go to Thursday games. These are in Wichita, number six, Missouri, number six seeded Missouri against number eleven Drake. Oh, talk about a team that slows it down. Drake, number one scoring d in the nation, fifty eight point four points allowed Missou. What can you say nice about them?

Way to bring the facts to their full to their full extent, other side of the other side of the west. Now we go to Thursday games. These are in Wichita, number six, Missouri, number six seeded Missouri against number eleven Drake. Oh, talk about a team that slows it down. Drake, number one scoring d in the nation, fifty eight point four points allowed Missou. What can you say nice about them?

Oh?

Oh?

Second best free throw percentage free throws per game, nineteen point six made per game. Missoo and Drake Missoo the Ken Palm number fifteen Toddy who's advancing here?