Rough night for Blue Devils

Posted: Friday, March 27, 2009 by Travis Cody in
15


So #2 seed Duke is out of the tournament. The game against #3 seed Villanova was a classic case of a bad match up for the Blue Devils. The Wildcats were quicker and more athletic. Duke couldn't defend against dribble penetration and they couldn't beat the Villanova guards off the bounce. The Wildcats completely frustrated the Blue Devils, never allowing Duke to get into its offense and contesting every pass and every shot.

So I'm a little sad about that, although I hadn't picked Duke to advance past last night. It's still tough when your team goes out.

I want to say congratulations, thank you, and best of luck to the Duke seniors.

Jordan Davidson
David McClure
Greg Paulus

And to junior Gerald Henderson...I hope you come back to school for what should be an outstanding senior year. But if you choose to leave school for the NBA, I wish you the best.

I can report that I picked all 4 winners last night.

West region

#1 UConn beat #5 Purdue, 72-60
#3 Missouri beat #2 Memphis, 102-91

East region

#1 Pittsburgh beat #4 Xavier, 60-55
#3 Villanova beat #2 Duke, 77-54

Tonight's action is in the Midwest and South

Midwest region

#12 Arizona vs #1 Louisville
#3 Kansas vs #2 Michigan St

South region

#4 Gonzaga vs #1 North Carolina
#3 Syracuse vs #2 Oklahoma

In case you were wondering...my picks are Louisville, Michigan St, Gonzaga, and Oklahoma. Yes, I picked the Zags in an upset. I'm not convinced that Carolina is healthy. But this is more of a wish pick than anything else. Gonzaga has a terrific team, but all the stars must align for them to upset the Tarheels.

Sorry Mimi and Lee! I gotta go with the boys from the pacific northwest, even if it is a bit of a crazy pick!

15 comments:

  1. DrillerAA says:
    27 March, 2009 04:42

    I think No. 3 Kansas beats No. 2 Michigan St. and I hope No. 2 Oklahoma beats No. 3 Syracuse. I really think Missouri will continue to be a handfull for anyone that they play. The Big 12 is making a statement about being a very good basketball conference this year. Not as good as the Big East obviously, but very good, none the less.

  1. Marsha says:
    27 March, 2009 04:54

    I so sad........but heck, they did better than we thought they were going to at the first of the year.

    Next year, we've got the top recruits!! Keep you fingers crossed!

  1. maryt/theteach says:
    27 March, 2009 06:54

    hey Travis, you know I don't follow sports but I'm scrolling down to Dancing With the Stars to see what's going on... Thanks for commenting on my right ankle which is broken and I'have to wear that d____ boot for 6-8 weeks. :(

  1. Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. says:
    27 March, 2009 07:04

    You are such a dedicated fan!

  1. Anonymous says:
    27 March, 2009 08:35

    This was the first year I got a little more excited about March Madness...Stephen F. Austin made it to a little of the dance anyway...I was bummed when they lost, but proud to see how far they made it, given it was as far as they ever had. The hubs is going with your picks...

  1. Durward Discussion says:
    27 March, 2009 10:22

    I wasn't sure whether to cry or cheer as it was divided loyalties with Villanova and Duke. Still Duke has done so well before now that letting Villanova have some more glory.

    How do you feel about Missouri?

  1. Anonymous says:
    27 March, 2009 10:57

    just popped in to say hello!! Have a great weekend.

  1. Cherie says:
    27 March, 2009 11:04

    I'm sorry about Duke, but it looks like you're in good shape for your picks. :)

  1. Akelamalu says:
    27 March, 2009 13:11

    You know I can't comment - I don't know anything about sport! :)

  1. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    27 March, 2009 14:22

    Before yesterday, my West Region was unblemished...Now, both my brackets are a total wreck...OH WELL

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    27 March, 2009 15:00

    Of course Carolina is healthy. Humphf!

  1. Jeff B says:
    27 March, 2009 16:17

    Looks like it's getting down to the nitty gritty now.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    27 March, 2009 17:43

    Drilleraa: I agree about Missouri and about the Big 12. The conference was kind of ignored this season, except for the legitimate fuss made over Blake Griffin and OU.

    Marsha: Two top big guys coming in. If Henderson stays, Duke is set up for a great year in 2009-10!

    Mary: Well, on the bright side at least you'll still be able to get around and take your great photos for all the memes!

    NNG: I am!

    Hope: SFA had a good run to get into the tournament.

    Jamie: I like Missouri's chances. They play tremendous defense for 40 minutes, and control the glass. Although I do have UConn beating them in the regional final on Saturday, I would not be surprised or disappointed if they upset the Huskies.

    Bridget: Well hi there and welcome back!

    Cherie: I'm not doing too badly.

    Akelamalu: I know and it's ok.

    V: I'm still hanging in with mine.

    Mimi: We shall see.

    Jeff: After Sunday we'll have our Final Four.

  1. DrillerAA says:
    27 March, 2009 18:36

    My OU Sooners march on by downing Syracuse. If Kansas can take Michigan State, then 7 of the elite eight will come from the Big East and Big 12. Talk about a showdown!
    Sick 'em Jayhawks!!!

  1. John Holland says:
    27 March, 2009 19:13

    I called my Mom last night and she was watching the Memphis game. I was surprised. When she was in high school she played basketball but has never really watched it on tv. Since it was Memphis she decided to watch it. Too bad they didn't win.

Post a Comment