NCAA March Madness 2008

[Billy Hoyle]

Alright ladies and gentleman, it's that time of year again...the time when 1 of 65 teams begins their journey to that "one shining moment" and work productivity at many jobs decreases by about 83% on opening round Thursday and Friday.

That's right. The NCAA Men's Basketball tournament is upon us. For those of you that weren't here for it last year, here is a link to the thread: http://www.retrouprising.com/index.php?topic=451.msg9031#msg9031

Let me know if there's any interest in doing this again this year. I'll create a group for us on ESPN.com unless anybody has any objections to that.

[Kugyince]

Count me in. ;DPosted on: March 13, 2008, 09:08:11 PM________________________________________________ _[b]Maybe I'll award some points to the winner, or if we have enough, a badge.

[mj23]

sweet anything with sports im in

[Billy Hoyle]

_________________________________________________[b]Maybe I'll award some points to the winner, or if we have enough, a badge.


I was going to mention something about having points or a badge at stake to get more people involved.

[sabby]

I'm in! GO BRUINS!!!!

[tanc24]

I'm in. I signed up last year but never got my picks in.

This year will be different.

[Billy Hoyle]

Alright, that makes 5. I'd like to double that and get at least 10 to participate.

If you're not much of a basketball fan or not from the U.S., March Madness is the postseason tournament that determines who the champion will be for that season in college basketball. I'm not sure when the bracket pool madness started, but I do have fond memories of entering and winning my first at the ripe age of 8 when I made my dad the least popular person at work. I mention that to illustrate that it doesn't take much knowledge of college basketball or basketball in general to be able to compete in one of these.

Filling out a bracket consists of picking the winner of each game in the 64 (actually 65 b/c of a play-in game, but I do not believe this game is included) team tournament. Whoever has the most correct picks wins. Simple. ESPN has a really easy interface and even gives you descriptions of the teams you'll be picking in the first round games. They also offer a cash prize for the overall winner. The first game is on Thursday, March 20th, so you'll have to have your picks in by then. I'll have the link to the page up sometime tomorrow...but the moral of this post is, C'MON FOLKS, JOIN!

[Kugyince]

He's right. You don't have to follow basketball at all to participate. And it only takes about 5 mins to fill out your bracket if you're just guessing.

[TNTisKING]

In that case... I'll try it

[Billy Hoyle]

I assume that it's because of the traffic on their website, but I haven't been able to sign on to the tournament challenge on ESPN to create a group. Would somebody mind seeing if they can sign in to check this out for me?

[tanc24]

It's 10pm pacific time, Sunday. The ESPN site appears to be working now.
Try again and let me know if you're still having trouble.

I'd create the group, but I dont' know your scoring system.

Thanks!

[sabby]

I assume that it's because of the traffic on their website, but I haven't been able to sign on to the tournament challenge on ESPN to create a group. Would somebody mind seeing if they can sign in to check this out for me?


I got it set up for you Billy. Here's what everyone needs after you set up your ESPN account.

Group Name: RU Tourney Challenge
Password:gamersrock

Games start on March 20th so get your picks in before then.

Good Luck everyone.

[tanc24]

Is anyone else participating in this? As of right now, all I see is Sabby and I.

And by the way, Sabby, you are going DOWN! 8)

[sabby]

Dream on buddy. Sounds like a friendly wager is in order.

And for everyone else, you have until the games start on Thursday to get your brackets in, so get a move on.

[Kugyince]

NC for the win! >:(

[bathomas28]

count me in
BOOMER SOONER!!!!

but i think UCLA will win

[mj23]

i got unc and duke with duke being an upsetting team by beating memphis

[sabby]

UCLA
UCLA

With Florida out of the mix, the Bruins can finally win one. Hence the name of the sheet "Third Times the Charm" ;D[br]Posted on: March 19, 2008, 06:12:37 AM________________________________________________ _Here's a link (http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/group?groupID=36204&entryIDFrom=620791&selGrp=36204) to the scoreboard

Only 5 people in and one of them isn't the post starter ??? Less than 24 hours to enter.

[Tails]

UCLA
UCLA

With Florida out of the mix, the Bruins can finally win one. Hence the name of the sheet "Third Times the Charm" ;D[br]Posted on: March 19, 2008, 06:12:37 AM________________________________________________ _Here's a link (http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/group?groupID=36204&entryIDFrom=620791&selGrp=36204) to the scoreboard

Only 5 people in and one of them isn't the post starter ??? Less than 24 hours to enter.
202 Accepted

Incorrect entry owner

i get that trying to view.

[sabby]

Sorry, it will only work if you have an ESPN account and entered in the contest.

[tanc24]

UCLA
UCLA

With Florida out of the mix, the Bruins can finally win one. Hence the name of the sheet "Third Times the Charm" ;D[br]Posted on: March 19, 2008, 06:12:37 AM________________________________________________ _Here's a link (http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/group?groupID=36204&entryIDFrom=620791&selGrp=36204) to the scoreboard

Only 5 people in and one of them isn't the post starter ??? Less than 24 hours to enter.


I got the same error and I'm logged in to ESPN.

Where's Billy Ho'?

[TNTisKING]

Sorry, it will only work if you have an ESPN account and entered in the contest.


How do you enter the contest?

[Tails]

Sorry, it will only work if you have an ESPN account and entered in the contest.


How do you enter the contest?
i think you need to give Sabby your e-mail.

you know mine Sabby, id like to try

[Kugyince]

Here's what everyone needs after you set up your ESPN account.

Group Name: RU Tourney Challenge
Password:gamersrock

Games start on March 20th so get your picks in before then.

Good Luck everyone.

[TNTisKING]

what do you do with that info though? I've never done anything like this before.

[Kugyince]

After you register to espn.com in the top right corner there'll be a link to the NCAA men's tournament. That will bring you to the NCAA Men's Basketball homepage. There'll be a list of links on that page, you want NCAA Men's Tournament Challenge. Click that link and search for our group on the group search feature and join it. once you join you'll be prompted to fill out a bracket, its REALLY easy to fill out.

[TNTisKING]

Ok thanks, got it.
I don't think I have a chance though, I don't know anything about college basketball.

I think Michigan State is going to win in a big upset this year, maybe?...
Ok probably not... but I have faith in them!

[Billy Hoyle]

Just got back from cloudy and cold Myrtle Beach and my picks are in...I don't expect many upsets this year, but I could be wrong.

[sabby]

Sorry, I didn't test the link, it doesn't work for me either. You have until noon EST/9 am PST to enter. Thanks Tenser for the help on how to do this, but if you need a step by step instruction, here you go:

1 - Go to http://espn.go.com
2 - Go to the Fantasy tab -> M Tourney Challenge
3 - Sometime you are going to have to sign up for an ESPN account (username, password, e-mail, etc.)
4 - Search for the group RU Tourney Challenge
5 - It will ask for a password (password is gamersrock)
6 - Click the "Create Entry" button
7 - Fill out the bracket by clicking the team you think will advance to the next round. When you get to the end it will ask for what you think your final two teams score will be in the final game.
8 - After everything is filled out, click Submit.

These may or may not be in correct order. You may have to make a bracket and then join a group, so reverse those steps if need be. If you're going to do this, you better hurry.

[Kugyince]

I'll be wearing my Tar Heels cap all day in support of the next NCAA Men's Basketball champions.

[sabby]

The UCLA sweatshirt will be on as soon as I get home.

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!!!![br]Posted on: March 20, 2008, 11:03:37 AM________________________________________________ _For those who are interested, all the games are being broadcast online for free at CBS Sports (http://cbs.sportsline.com/). I'm not sure how it works but I'm trying it out on the Gonzaga/Davidson game, I'll report later to let you know how it works out.[br]Posted on: March 21, 2008, 10:02:26 AM________________________________________________ _Halftime at the game. It's awesome!!! You can go to any game at anytime. You can watch it, or just listen, it's sweet!

[bathomas28]

look whose in the lead boys!! don't worry it wont last. ;D

the same bracket has me in 148th in my other group! :'( >:(

[Billy Hoyle]

Just got back from cloudy and cold Myrtle Beach and my picks are in...I don't expect many upsets this year, but I could be wrong.


Couldn't have been more wrong. That was amazing what happened in Tampa with all of the lower seeds winning yesterday. I picked the Western Kentucky upset, but honestly didn't think any of the other 12 or 13 seeds had a chance. Just goes to show you how much parity there is nowadays, which is a good thing.

Did you get worried a little Saturday night, Sabby? ;)

[mj23]

im doing half way descent ;D

[bathomas28]

2 rounds in the books and i am in control!! ;D ;D

[TNTisKING]

I'm in last!
:D

[Kugyince]

2 rounds in the books and i am in control!! ;D ;D


Actually it looks like dicky's in control. He's only ten points behind first place and has seven of his elite eight still standing. Sabbs is also in good standing with 7/8.

[Billy Hoyle]

So I take it that I am the only one that hasn't been able to log on to the contest page all weekend? Every time I try I recieve an error message concerning either a connection problem or the site is experiencing problems.

[mj23]

ive got 6/8 elite :-\

[sabby]

Did you get worried a little Saturday night, Sabby? ;)


I watched a good chunk of the first half and the entire second half on line. I got a little excited when they got down by 8 or so. Then the Kevin Love Block Party got into effect and then it was over, but yeah, I was sweating it a little.

[mj23]

i made a huge mistake having my top two duke-figured they would upset teams and north carolina

could really hurt me in the long run :-X

[tanc24]

Tanc24 sitting comfortably in 3rd place... 8) If I can get a Memphis v. Kansas final, I like my chances.

Can anyone tell me where I can find the scoring system for this ESPN Challenge? I've looked everywhere.
That, or just tell me how it works. ;)

Thanks!

[sabby]

10 pts. First Round wins (max. 320 pts.)
20 pts. Second Round wins (max. 320 pts.)
40 pts. Sweet 16 wins (max. 320 pts.)
80 pts. Elite 8 wins (max. 320 pts.)
120 pts. Final 4 wins (max. 240 pts.)
160 pts. Championship win

There's also a cool column PPR (Possible Points Remaining) that shows how many more points you could get if you get the rest of your bracket right.

Hope that helps.

Oh, and Tanc, I'm still gonna beat ya ;D

[bathomas28]

2 rounds in the books and i am in control!! ;D ;D


Actually it looks like dicky's in control. He's only ten points behind first place and has seven of his elite eight still standing. Sabbs is also in good standing with 7/8.
That only one more than me

But that won't matter when UCLA wins it all

[tanc24]

Sabby, let's wager all 237.43 points of yours. I could use the extra spending cash! ;D

Deal?

Thanks for the scoring info, by the way. As it is with most brackets the final four and championship games are BY FAR the most important. Basically, pick the champ and you're gonna contend. 8)

[Kugyince]

That's why I got this in the bag with NC. 8)

[sabby]

Sabby, let's wager all 237.43 points of yours. I could use the extra spending cash! ;D

Deal?


I'm thinking more along the lines of something in the other's sig stating the dominance of the winner (between us).

Maybe something to the effect of:

"He may not have beat everyone in the 2008 RU Bracket Challenge, but sabby gave me an ol' school beat down."

Let's see, and for you...

Oh let's not kid ourselves, you're not going to win. ;D

[Billy Hoyle]

Don't sleep on Rocky Top.

[tanc24]

I'm thinking more along the lines of something in the other's sig stating the dominance of the winner (between us).

Maybe something to the effect of:

"He may not have beat everyone in the 2008 RU Bracket Challenge, but sabby gave me an ol' school beat down."

Let's see, and for you...

Oh let's not kid ourselves, you're not going to win. ;D


You've got yourself a deal!

You've got yourself a deal!

[Kugyince]

For those of you interested:

Name/Current Points/Possible Points Remaining/Possible total points

1. Dickysimpkins/580/480/1,060
2. Bathomas/550/760/1,310
3. Sabby/540/840/1,380
4. Tanc/530/760/1,290
5. Tenser/500/880/1,380
6. Mj23/490/640/1,130
7. TNT/480/680/1,160

So our current leader is in the worst position. I have the most teams still in it but am hurting in current points.

[Tails]

so its

UCLA vs Xavier?

Louisville vs Tar Hells?

my mom was watching the Xavier game, but since i know nothing about basketball, i will just say go Xavier.

[Kugyince]

It'll end up being North Carolina vs. Memphis ;D

[sabby]

Your half right Tenser, NC yes, Memphis no.

[b]UCLA BRUINS ALL THE WAY

[Billy Hoyle]

Well, my hardwood insight was exposed as trash last night. Serves me right for placing all my chips on a team with too much athleticism and too little discipline.

Right now I like Kansas and UCLA. I think UNC is going to be hurt by not having a tough game until they get to Kansas, assuming they get past Louisville which I do not believe will be much of a problem for them.

This is coming from a guy who is dead in the water though, so my opinion probably doesn't mean much here. ;)

[bathomas28]

For those of you interested:

Name/Current Points/Possible Points Remaining/Possible total points

1. Dickysimpkins/580/480/1,060
2. Bathomas/550/760/1,310
3. Sabby/540/840/1,380
4. Tanc/530/760/1,290
5. Tenser/500/880/1,380
6. Mj23/490/640/1,130
7. TNT/480/680/1,160


So our current leader is in the worst position. I have the most teams still in it but am hurting in current points.
but Dickysimpkins picked Tennesee to win the championship

[br]Posted on: March 29, 2008, 11:30:06 AM________________________________________________ _Davidson is killing my bracket!! :(

[Kugyince]

For those of you interested:

Name/Current Points/Possible Points Remaining/Possible total points

1. Dickysimpkins/580/480/1,060
2. Bathomas/550/760/1,310
3. Sabby/540/840/1,380
4. Tanc/530/760/1,290
5. Tenser/500/880/1,380
6. Mj23/490/640/1,130
7. TNT/480/680/1,160


So our current leader is in the worst position. I have the most teams still in it but am hurting in current points.
but Dickysimpkins picked Tennesee to win the championship

[br]Posted on: March 29, 2008, 11:30:06 AM________________________________________________ _Davidson is killing my bracket!! :(


Try reading. :-\

[bathomas28]

so hes in first but in the worst position?

[sabby]

The middle number was how many points possible he had if all his picks were right. He could only max out at 1060, where as Tenser and myself could possibly max at 1380. But since Tennessee lost, Billy's pretty much dead in the water.

EDIT: Updated list of rankings

PlayerCurrent Pts. Remaining Pts. Possible
Billy7003601060
bathomas 6706401310
sabby6607201380
tanc246506401290
Tenser6207201340
mj235705201090
TNT480280760

But not everyone will get they're points possible because everyone picked differently. The key number is the Pts. Remaining because it lets you know if you have a shot to overtake someone.

[Billy Hoyle]

The only way I can stay ahead is if UNC loses to Louisville and Davidson wins the championship. Stranger things have happened. Just not very often.

[Tails]

UCLA just beat Xavier. Meh i wanted Xavier to win.

[Kugyince]

RNK NAME PPR TOTAL
1 Sabby 560 820
2 Tenser 560 780
2 Dicky 280 780
4 Thomas 560 750
5 Tanc24 560 730
6 MJ23 440 650
7 TNT 120 640


LETS GO MEMPHIS!

[bathomas28]

i choked down the stretch :'(

[Kugyince]

Thank you Memphis. 8)

RNK NAME PPR TOTAL
1 Tenser 400 940
2 Dicky 120 940
3 Sabby 400 900
4 Tanc24 400 890
5 Thomas 400 830
6 MJ23 280 810
7 TNT 120 640

The last three rounds are always the important ones. ;)

[tanc24]

It's a Final Four for the ages! UNC vs. Kansas, Memphis vs. UCLA.

Sabby, what could be more fitting than a Memphis/UCLA matchup? If I'm not mistaken, that game will determine the winner of our little side bet...

[sabby]

It's a Final Four for the ages! UNC vs. Kansas, Memphis vs. UCLA.

Sabby, what could be more fitting than a Memphis/UCLA matchup? If I'm not mistaken, that game will determine the winner of our little side bet...



Yep, the BRUINS could give me an early birthday present with a win this Saturday.

It has been a great tourney throughout, and not just because my bracket is doing so well. :D

I may have signed a death warrant though, I made another side bet with Tenser if it's a UCLA/NC final.

Stay tuned folks, it's going to make for a great Final Four/Championship weekend.

[tanc24]

I can't wait for these games. I'm super jealous of my Dad though. He and a buddy are flying to San Antonio on Thursday to watch the Final Four. >:(

I was invited but couldn't afford a $3,000 weekend. :'(


PS - Memphis vs. Kansas in the Finals. Lock it up.

[Billy Hoyle]

RNK NAME PPR TOTAL
1 Tenser 400 940
2 Dicky 120 940
3 Sabby 400 900
4 Tanc24 400 890
5 Thomas 400 830
6 MJ23 280 810
7 TNT 120 640

Here's the standings on the morning of Final Four Weekend. Basically, it is between Tenser, Sabby and Tanc. Only 50 points seperate the three right now. If UNC and Memphis win today, Tenser will have effectively wrapped up first place. However, if Kansas is able to beat UNC and Memphis gets by UCLA, Tanc will be in good shape. Sabby has put all his eggs in Ben Howland and UCLA's basket so we'll see if that move pays off for him. Regardless of what happens we should be given three great games.

[Kong]

How do you do this? Do you pick teams at the very beginning and if those teams win then you get points?

[mj23]

How do you do this? Do you pick teams at the very beginning and if those teams win then you get points?


basically i cant explain it but you basically have it correct

[sabby]

How do you do this? Do you pick teams at the very beginning and if those teams win then you get points?


The teams are selected by a committee, then various sports sites put the team ordering (the brackets) online and hold tournaments to see who can predict the most winners. You pick who you think is going to move on and based on the point system the sport site has in place (I posted the point values for ESPN in an earlier post). This is all done before a single game is played. Then the games are played and the delirium known as "March Madness" in underway. The trick is not to get your championship round predictions knocked out early, it's a recipe for disaster if it happens.


Sabby has put all his eggs in Ben Howland and UCLA's basket so we'll see if that move pays off for him.

I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'...

[Kugyince]

Well Memphis just shut down Sabby. ;D

[mj23]

sorry uncle sabby i was hoping that ucla would beat memphis too :'(

[sabby]

Darn and double darn. I went from high on the hog to dumpster fire in a matter of hours. Well Tenser your out now too with the UNC loss ;D, I guess it doesn't pay to wear light blue for the 2008 NCAA Championship, looks like an awesome final though.

You can now see the sad state of affairs that have come upon me. Oh and tanc, I'll have your "prize" by the middle of the week. :P

[mj23]

haha nice pic sabby

[count100]

ya, its OK sabby there is always next year.

[Tails]

O.o who is in the finals as of now?

but doe sthis mean Tanc won?

[Billy Hoyle]

Kansas and Memphis will play tomorrow night for the championship. And yes, Tanc has clinched the #1 spot by correctly picking the winners of the semifinal matchups - it doesn't matter who wins because Sabby and Tenser's championship picks were both eliminated last night.

Congratulations Tanc!

[Tails]

Congrats Tanc!

[Kugyince]

So here's what I've decided. We'll award everyone who participated with points equal to what the earned in the group.

7. TNT - 640 points
6. MJ23 - 810 points
5. Sabby - 900 points
4. Dicky - 940 points
3. Bathomas - 950 points
2. Tenser - 1,060 points
1. Tanc - 1,130 or 1,290 (if Memphis wins)

[bathomas28]

i'm a good sport, so Congratulations Tanc

[mj23]

congrats tanc and thanks ten!

[tanc24]

Thank you, thank you! 8)

In all my years of playing brackets (at least 15 years) I've never won one...
and while I am proud to have bragging rights in our RU bracket, I am on the cusp of winning nearly $1,000 in another bracket that I participate in.

If Memphis wins, I win $1,000. ;D Kansas wins, I win $0. >:(

Not bad for a $20 investment!

GO MEMPHIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sabby]

Looks like tanc's buyin' this year.;D Congrats, and your updated prize is now in my sig, until sometime in May.

[TNTisKING]

Congratulations tanc!

[mj23]

well i know it wasnt in my bracket but im pullin for memphis so good luck tanc


feel free to send me $100

[Tails]

Good Luck Tanc, im rooting for the Tarheels for ya! ;D

[mj23]

........tails the tarheels are north carolina :-\

[Kugyince]

Good Luck Tanc, im rooting for the Tarheels for ya! ;D


Rooting for the Tarheels will get you as far as its gotten me. :-\

[Tails]

and that shows i dont watch basketball.. :-[

[mj23]

and that shows i dont watch basketball.. :-[


no worries we all start learning about something by not knowing anything about it

if you understand that last line im not even sure i know what i just said :-\

seriously though no hard feelings no ones mad although it was funny ;D

seriously its cool though we all do it

[Tails]

oh its just embarrassing, i was watching the final 4 maybe a replacement for football when its off season.

[bathomas28]

there is always next year and i will win next year ;D ;D

[sabby]

Sorry tanc.

But,

WHAT A GAME!!!

That was an awesome championship game.

[oasis]

i can see why sabby likes ucla

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20080405/62180536913_10.jpg

[tanc24]

Sabby definitely has good taste in cheerleaders. Sports teams... not so much! :D

While Memphis blew it last night, I'm happy to report I didn't end up completely empty handed.
A buddy of mine called me late in the day and suggested I "hedge" my potential Memphis winnings and bet on Kansas.

After much deliberation, I put $350 on Kansas to cover the 2 point spread. Any of you who watched the game know what happened.
I would've preferred a Memphis victory, but I'll take the $350 consolation prize.

Billy Hoyle, thanks for remembering to start this thread again. This was a great NCAA tournament.
I'm already looking forward to next year.

T24

[Billy Hoyle]

Tanc, it's too bad Rose and C.D.R. couldn't pull through for you at crunch time, but at least you made some type of profit. Thanks to everybody for participating in this year's poll - hopefully we can add more participants next year. Now if we could only get those golf tournaments going again... ;)

[sabby]

Now if we could only get those golf tournaments going again... ;)


Soon Billy, very soon. ;)

[bathomas28]

next years ucla will be back in the final 4, but kansas, i doubt it