Sweet Sixteen

Let the madness begin… again!  The NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is back tonight for the start of the sweet sixteen. The tournament started with a first round that gave us fewer upsets than are usual.  The seemingly quite weekend got a big jolt that shocked the world as defending national champions Villanova was taken out by Wisconsin.  Brackets were indeed busted as many picked Villanova to repeat as champions.  The weekend’s carnage of heavy favorites did not end there.  Before the sweet sixteen was set Duke, Louisville and Florida State would be sent back to campus with nothing but “what ifs” and disappointment. 

                                This round I think the trend of upsets will keep going.  West Virginia and their suffocating press defense should give Gonzaga a real test, one I don’t think the Bulldogs will overcome.  Purdue lead by double-double machine Caleb Swanigan takes on number one seeded Kansas.  This is an interesting one.  Before the tournament started not much was said about the Boilermakers. As the tournament played out it was clear that they belong.  Look for Purdue to keep the bracket shattering storyline going.  Michigan just might be the Cinderella story of the this year.  It’s hard to call them that because Michigan is usually a powerhouse but the didn’t have a typical year and their plane almost crashed during their conference tournament and since they have rallied together and played the best they have this season.  I think they will be too much for Michigan to handle.  To round the night up the Arizona plays big underdog Xavier.  Xavier is a team that has experience in the tournament and Arizona is known to lose earlier than expected.  I think this game will go down to the last few minutes with Arizona finding a way to hang on and advance to the elite eight. 

  

Let's Keep this in Vegas

Last night's elation turns to today's sorrow.  The USA Eagles follow up their unbelievable comeback with a performance that left the crowd wondering what happened.  USA got off to a tremendous start against heavy favorite South Africa.  Folau Niua played the wind perfectly on his restart kicks that drifted back to his team. USA scored quickly off of the opening kick off. They followed up with another textbook kick into the wind which again found it's way back to the eagles.  USA went up 12-0 and it seemed as though they would carry that momentum into halftime.  Not the case at all.  USA got sloppy and managed to squander the big lead to end the half 12-10.  The second half was back and fourth but the Eagles still had a chance to win it on a last second try.  Back in their own D zone with possession Madison Hughes took a risk by kicking it deep for Perry Baker to track down.  Unfortunately for Hughes and the Eagles the wind had different plans and the ball sailed out to touch. USA had another last chance when they stole the South Africa line out but with time expired they lost the ball and with it their chance to play in the finals.  It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles bounce back as they are set to face the New Zealand All Blacks in bronze medal match.   South Africa is on to battle defending Olympic gold medalists Fiji, who made a  comeback of their own to defeat the All Blacks in the semi finals. 

Eagles Keep Flying

WHAT A COMEBACK!  After starting off the match miserably USA found themselves down early in the second half of their quarterfinal match 19-0.  The Eagles rally was sparked by two consecutive tries by newly substituted Maka Unafe.  Captain Madison Hughes Converted the drop kick after from a tough angle despite heavy winds.  Down 19-14 Speedster Perry Baker flew past Argentina's defense to score the go ahead try right between the posts.  Hughes converted to go up 21-19 but there was still time left on the clock.  Argentina gained possession and were driving down the pitch after time expired.  With their backs against the wall the Eagles made a terrific defensive stand to seal the victory and advance to the semifinals of the Las Vegas tournament.

The question is did you watch?  I certainly hope so, it was as thrilling as any 7 minutes can be.  Rugby is a beautiful game.  A sport that in recent years has gained exposure in the States.  The Sevens variety is more popular than 15s.  Rugby puts on display a combination of brute strength complimented by some of the fastest athletes in the world. It requires physical and mental endurance along with intelligence. For those not familiar with rugby, it may seem like just athletes without a helmet or pads running into each other full speed ahead.  Though that does happen it's so much more than that.  Ask yourself this, what other sport will a referee tell a 6'5" 250 pound grown man to serve a penalty and the player's response is "Sorry Sir" before sprinting over to the sin bin?  Don't take my word for it, see for yourself tomorrow as USA plays for a chance to make the finals.  I think you'll like what you see.