This year's NCAA championship is, unsurprisingly, going to be a fight between top teams. The lowest seed left in the tournament is Auburn, seeded 5th, and they proved formidable against second-seeded Kentucky. Crowd favorite Duke fell to the Michigan State Spartans by just one point on Sunday, ruining a number of brackets. Michigan will go on to face first-time Final Four participant Texas Tech on Saturday. The Texas Raiders took out top seed Gonzaga last weekend in a vigorous game that included 12 lead changes and neither team leading by more than six until the last minute. This
makes their match against the Spartans all the more interesting. On the heels of a surprising upset against Kentucky, the Auburn Tigers have shown their teeth and will definitely be bringing their A-game against the top-seeded Cavaliers on Saturday.
This year's Final Four is proving to be a strange occurrence. Texas and Auburn have never made it this far in the tournament before and Virginia has only been here twice; once in 1981 and again in 1984. Michigan State comes in as the veteran team, making its tenth appearance in the Final Four and has a championship under its belt from 2000. The team is still coached by Tom Izzo, who led the Spartans to their 2000 title. Texas Tech may have bested Gonzaga, but neither team had much experience at that point of the tournament. The Raiders' lack of experience may prove their downfall against Michigan, considering Coach Izzo has made 22 NCAA appearances, equal to the other three coaches combined.
Virginia and Auburn both struggled in their Elite Eight games, suggesting Saturday's game will come down to the wire. Auburn has played with a free-wheeling style throughout the tournament, scoring 49 three-pointers throughout the tournament. They are third in the country when it comes to the number of three-pointers scored per game; Virginia ranks 103rd.
The tournament started with several NBA draft prospects, yet only two of ESPN's latest list of top 20 NBA draft prospects will appear this weekend: Virginia's DeAndre Hunter (5) and Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver (6).
The SportsLine Project Model has proven effective this year, calling 14 of the Sweet 16 and predicted Auburn's defeat of Kentucky in the Elite Eight. Those betting on the tournament who followed the model are doing well.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Redskins Revel in Victory
Washington, D.C. is known for many things — being the center of the nation’s politics,
home to cherry blossoms in the spring and dozens of museums. What it isn’t known
for is drawing the nation’s best athletes, and the Washington Redskins are no exception.
But last Sunday the team shocked everyone when they defeated the Jacksonville
Jaguars 16-13.
This season has been hard on the Skins, with quarterback Alex Smith breaking his leg home to cherry blossoms in the spring and dozens of museums. What it isn’t known
for is drawing the nation’s best athletes, and the Washington Redskins are no exception.
But last Sunday the team shocked everyone when they defeated the Jacksonville
Jaguars 16-13.
on November 18, three different quarterbacks playing over the past month and a season
of seven wins and seven losses, four of which came back to back. But In the final
moments of Sunday’s game, Dustin Hopkins kicked a 36-yard field goal to win the game
causing an eruption of emotion. Coach Jay Gruden smiled and Josh Johnson, a
quarterback who had never won a game he started in his 10-year NFL career, fell to
his knees.
of seven wins and seven losses, four of which came back to back. But In the final
moments of Sunday’s game, Dustin Hopkins kicked a 36-yard field goal to win the game
causing an eruption of emotion. Coach Jay Gruden smiled and Josh Johnson, a
quarterback who had never won a game he started in his 10-year NFL career, fell to
his knees.
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| Photo from Sports Logos |
Hopkin’s kick keeps the team’s playoff hopes alive. Going into Sunday they were a
half-game out of theconference’s last wild-card spot. The Jaguars garnered a seven
point lead early on and held it until late in the fourth quarter. In the third-down at the
40-yard line, Johnson threw the ball 33 yards to wide receiver Jamison Crowder. In just
four plays, the Redskins moved the ball another 27 yards. Johnson passed to tight end
Jeremy Sprinkle, who scored a touchdown, and Hopkins made the field goal for an
extra point, tying the game.
half-game out of theconference’s last wild-card spot. The Jaguars garnered a seven
point lead early on and held it until late in the fourth quarter. In the third-down at the
40-yard line, Johnson threw the ball 33 yards to wide receiver Jamison Crowder. In just
four plays, the Redskins moved the ball another 27 yards. Johnson passed to tight end
Jeremy Sprinkle, who scored a touchdown, and Hopkins made the field goal for an
extra point, tying the game.
Fabian Moreau, Washington’s defensive back, intercepted a pass bringing Washington
back to the 45-yard line. Six plays later the Redskins were within kicking distance of victory.
They took a chance on their new long snapper, Andrew East, who signed two days before,
after their regular snapper, Nick Sundber, went into reserve to a back injury. East snapped
the ball to Tress Way who set Hopkins up for the game winning kick.
They took a chance on their new long snapper, Andrew East, who signed two days before,
after their regular snapper, Nick Sundber, went into reserve to a back injury. East snapped
the ball to Tress Way who set Hopkins up for the game winning kick.
This victory may have begun on Thursday, according to linebacker Pernell McPhee, who
said there was a change in the team’s attitude after Thursday’s practice. He spoke to the
players that afternoon about having faith in their team and their goals. The change in the
Redskins from their four game losing streak to Sunday’s win was astonishing. In the past
five games, the defense had given up at least 400 yards in four of them - on Sunday they
kept the Jaguars from gaining 200 yards. For all those who counted the Redskins out, it
may be time to reconsider their odds. We'll see how things go Saturday against the
Tennessee Titans.
said there was a change in the team’s attitude after Thursday’s practice. He spoke to the
players that afternoon about having faith in their team and their goals. The change in the
Redskins from their four game losing streak to Sunday’s win was astonishing. In the past
five games, the defense had given up at least 400 yards in four of them - on Sunday they
kept the Jaguars from gaining 200 yards. For all those who counted the Redskins out, it
may be time to reconsider their odds. We'll see how things go Saturday against the
Tennessee Titans.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Seattle Will Join the NHL in 2021
Come 2021 there will be 32 teams in the National Hockey League when Seattle’s yet unnamed team takes the ice. The team will join the Pacific Division of the Western Conference and the Arizona Coyotes will move to the Central Conference to keep numbers even. The team will be based out of the KeyArena, which it will share with the WNBA’s Seattle Storms.
ESPN has speculated thirteen names for the future team, including the Seattle Cougars, the Seattle Firebirds and the Seattle Sea Lions. Missing from the list is the Seattle Metropolitans, which isn’t surprising since in 1917 the Pacific Coast Hockey Association’s Seattle Metropolitans were the first team from the United States to win the Stanley cup, defeating the defending champions, the Montreal Canadiens. The Pacific Coast Hockey Association merged with the Western Canada Hockey League in 1924 but the league disbanded in 1926, leaving the NHL the only professional hockey league in North America.
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| Photo from Business Insider |
Last season the NHL franchise expanded with the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the first team to join the league since the 2000-2001 season. The Golden Knights joined under new expansion draft rules which allowed the team to choose one player from each team currently in the league to create their team. The draft allows teams to protect players in one of two ways - they may protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender, or a combination of eight skaters and one goaltender. Any player operating under a “No Movement” clause must be protected by the team and any first or second year professionals, and unsigned draft choices, are exempt from selection and don’t count against the teams protection list. For more information on the draft rules, visit the NHL website.
The Golden Knights made their name known when they became the first expansion team in any sport to reach the championship round since the St. Luis Blues (NHL) did it in 1968. Unlike the Golden Knights, the Blues were one of six expansion teams in 1968, which offered them better odds of making the finals. The Golden Knights were the only expansion team in 2017 and battled through 30 seasoned teams to reach the Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals.
Despite Vegas' rousing success, the league vowed to give the Seattle franchise the same opportunity as Vegas in creating their team. The Golden Knights won't expose any of their players during the Seattle draft due to the agreement they signed when joining the league. They also won't get a cut of Seattle's entry fee.
The staff roster is currently small for the future Seattle team, with no sense of urgency to hire a coach since the team won't be active for two more years. The team's CEO, Tod Leiweke, says they are taking their time and looking for the right fit. However, former Coyotes coach, Dave Tippett, joined as a senior advisor for the team over the summer.
While the Seattle Sea Lions/Firebirds/Cougars/who-knows-whats won't take the ice for nearly three years, Seattle residents are looking forward to cheering them on and Tippett is already fielding the same two questions from people.
"One, 'What's the name going to be?' and two, 'Where do I get my tickets?'" Tippett told USA Today.
Despite Vegas' rousing success, the league vowed to give the Seattle franchise the same opportunity as Vegas in creating their team. The Golden Knights won't expose any of their players during the Seattle draft due to the agreement they signed when joining the league. They also won't get a cut of Seattle's entry fee.
The staff roster is currently small for the future Seattle team, with no sense of urgency to hire a coach since the team won't be active for two more years. The team's CEO, Tod Leiweke, says they are taking their time and looking for the right fit. However, former Coyotes coach, Dave Tippett, joined as a senior advisor for the team over the summer.
While the Seattle Sea Lions/Firebirds/Cougars/who-knows-whats won't take the ice for nearly three years, Seattle residents are looking forward to cheering them on and Tippett is already fielding the same two questions from people.
"One, 'What's the name going to be?' and two, 'Where do I get my tickets?'" Tippett told USA Today.
Friday, November 16, 2018
SU Falls to Rival UConn
Thursday night was a rough one for the Syracuse Orange - they lost and clearly need to use spell check more often. Buddy Boeheim, son of Syracuse’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim, was wearing a misspelled jersey throughout the night which referred to him as “Boheim.”
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| Photo from ESPN |
"It's a perfect match,'' Connecticut guard Jalen Adams told Syracuse.com. "His personality connects perfectly with a lot of our personalities."
Hurley came to UConn from Rhode Island after taking the Rams to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Whatever his strategy is, it seems to be working. The Huskies were on the Orange from the start and didn’t let up throughout the game, ending with a score of 83-76. Time will tell if Hurley’s fierce personality and program are enough to take UConn through to March Madness.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
NCAA's and The Masters
As we all know, UNC took home the NCAA title this year. My final game score was not off by alot, I'll tell ya that!! The game alone just felt weird. People blamed the refs and what have you but look if they both came to play that wouldn't have mattered. There definitely was some foul calls that might have been questionable, probably why the game felt so weird. Anyway, UNC pulled thru in the end (even though I woulda loved a buzzer beater shot) and took home their 6th National Championship.
I do love the classiness of Roy Williams. He's been around awhile and I have to say, I don't hate him.
Gonna miss basketball for the next few months! But hey we got golf and baseball to help with our sports hangover. If you don't know I also blog over at johnzimmerebner.wordpress.com and I talk strictly baseball over there! I try and update once a week but ya know how that goes.
This past weekend was the (cue the music) The Masters! What a great weekend to watch some golf, let me tell you. I have a soft sport for Lefty - Phil Mickelson and I enjoy watching the new faces of the game - Jordan Spieth, Richie Fowler and Rory Mcilroy. It was a good win for Sergio though. He also won a sold ~2 mil... idk where I went wrong in life! I will say, I wish the game was played on Easter weekend. It's fun to have dinner and everyone be huddled around the TV seeing who's getting the green jacket. It was also a beautiful moment when they honored Arnie Palmer.
Here are a few great moments - makes me wanna fist pump right now.
Ahh too good! Well, enjoy the rest of your week. Weather is getting nicer (minus the rain). Don't forget to follow me, THE John Zimmerebner, on Twitter!
I do love the classiness of Roy Williams. He's been around awhile and I have to say, I don't hate him.
Here are just a few highlights that are too good not to watch again!THIS IS CAROLINA BASKETBALL!— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 4, 2017
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!#GetIntoIt#OneShiningMoment pic.twitter.com/PUMfEdFYBM
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 4, 2017
REDEMPTION IN THE DESERT! #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/P9RTDUDUp8— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 4, 2017
Gonna miss basketball for the next few months! But hey we got golf and baseball to help with our sports hangover. If you don't know I also blog over at johnzimmerebner.wordpress.com and I talk strictly baseball over there! I try and update once a week but ya know how that goes.
This past weekend was the (cue the music) The Masters! What a great weekend to watch some golf, let me tell you. I have a soft sport for Lefty - Phil Mickelson and I enjoy watching the new faces of the game - Jordan Spieth, Richie Fowler and Rory Mcilroy. It was a good win for Sergio though. He also won a sold ~2 mil... idk where I went wrong in life! I will say, I wish the game was played on Easter weekend. It's fun to have dinner and everyone be huddled around the TV seeing who's getting the green jacket. It was also a beautiful moment when they honored Arnie Palmer.
Here are a few great moments - makes me wanna fist pump right now.
This is just playing on repeat today. (Via @TheMasters) pic.twitter.com/Br7ECAQXsw— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 10, 2017
A Masters moment we'll never forget.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2017
Sergio Garcia wins a major championship. 🇪🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/wg6LyhGVOE
The moment @TheSergioGarcia became a Major champion 🏆🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/5mKd87dce2
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 9, 2017
Ahh too good! Well, enjoy the rest of your week. Weather is getting nicer (minus the rain). Don't forget to follow me, THE John Zimmerebner, on Twitter!
Monday, April 3, 2017
Who Will be the 2017 NCAA Basketball Champions?
Little upset with Oregon for not getting a SINGLE rebound with 40 seconds left with their defining moment on the line... And I really wish South Carolina coulda pulled it off. I really do. The women's team brought home their championship though, just an insane job this season. Shout out to them!
So tonight is the night. And I think the team taking home the NCAA basketball trophy will be -
So tonight is the night. And I think the team taking home the NCAA basketball trophy will be -
North Carolina
I'm guessing they'll win -
77-68
I really hope its a good game. Like I said last week, really each game has been down to the wire. As a basketball fan, that's what I want to watch. I want there to be 24 lead changes, people fouling out, time outs being called with 20 seconds left, the whole 9 yards!
We'll see tonight but in the meantime here are some bracket stories I have to share -
1. This 13 yr old from Nebraska has a bracket ranking 101 (out of 18 mill). He had all final 4 teams RIGHT! And now has the final 2 games right!! Read his story here!
2. And to make everyone feel better, 0.01 had the final 4 picked correctly. That's 657 brackets. (majority of which I'm sure were S. Carolina fans cause I mean who else woulda called that?!) Read more of that story here!
Good luck tonight, Gonzaga & UNC. May the best man win.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Championship Weekend!!
Ah, here we are. ~24 hours away from tip off of the Final 4. I look forward to checking out this weekends events for 2 reasons -
1. Every single game has been CLOSE. Down to the wire, buzzer beaters, foul for foul... So I expect nothing less this weekend.
2. We've got 2 number 1 seeds vs a 3 seed and a 7 seed. A 7 seed people!!! Doesn't get any better than that! I love how its not all 1 and 2 seeds and there is a mix. You know Oregon and South Carolina are coming to play.
And for the Champions...
I'm thinking...
1. Every single game has been CLOSE. Down to the wire, buzzer beaters, foul for foul... So I expect nothing less this weekend.
2. We've got 2 number 1 seeds vs a 3 seed and a 7 seed. A 7 seed people!!! Doesn't get any better than that! I love how its not all 1 and 2 seeds and there is a mix. You know Oregon and South Carolina are coming to play.
I'm really hoping for a UNC vs S. Carolina game in the finals. I mean common, who would have every called that?!! And I think it's fun they're both from the Carolina's. Just adds even more competitiveness into the mix.
Bleacher Report has many of the reporters with a UNC win in the final 4. And they obviously have the cinderella clock running our on S. Carolina. But I think they're gonna come out firing. We will see though!!
And for the Champions...
I'm thinking...
They are a good team and can make moves on and off the ball. If they can hit some long balls consistently I think it's game over.
Either way, check back here on Monday and I'll have a quick review of the weekend's games and talk about more predictions!!
Don't forget I'm on Twitter!
Monday, March 20, 2017
Upset City
It pains me to even write this. My bracket is totally shot.
I know, everyones is too but it still sucks. How many of you had Nova in the final? How many of you had Duke, at least, in the Final Four? How about the Cards? Yeah, 2 out of 4 of my Final Four teams are riding their sorry butts back home.
Don't get me wrong, I've said before how I love a good upset, but there's that little piece of you that wishes somehow your bracket will be top 10. Not this year, John!! I did get one right, Xavier. But when you get about 6 wrong, I think the one right gets cancelled out...
Villanova was the BIGGEST disappointment this weekend but lets talk about the ultimate fall of the ACC teams this year. Sheesh, they were strictly the ones messing everything up. They've been said to the be the top conference but after this weekend, people are questioning. ONE, literally one, out of 8 ACC teams remain: UNC. Obviously the Duke UNC battle is one for the ages but it delights me write UNC remains alive, instead of Duke. After the crap Grayson Allen pulled early this year (and even late into the season), I unfortunetly just can't get over the classless acts and have to root for UNC. I personally thought a 2 seed was high for them this year. They were pretty vulnerable out there this season, had a few interesting losses, but who knows what the selection team really looks at. I had them losing next round anyway so I feel good about that. But nonetheless they got their butts handed to them in the second half on Sunday's game. And you know it's bad when this happens -
Louisville is also down for the count. My other 2nd seed Final Four team... I shouldn't have counted out Michigan, though, after their huge conference tourney run. But still, you think Louisville or Michigan... I feel like 9 times outta 10 (unless you're a die hard Mich fan) you are putting Louisville on the winner line. But when you see a big upset like that happen, you can't help but root for them all the way now!
I guess to see how this all plays out now, even though we know the winners of the in-office bracket challenge will sneak away with a few hundred bucks for get a womping 20% of their bracket right....
Anyway, looking forward to this Oregon and Michigan game, the Baylor South Carolina game, and Xavier Arizona game. I have Arizona going on but I called the Xavier win so part of me is leaning towards a bracket busting Xavier win. We'll see.
I know, everyones is too but it still sucks. How many of you had Nova in the final? How many of you had Duke, at least, in the Final Four? How about the Cards? Yeah, 2 out of 4 of my Final Four teams are riding their sorry butts back home.
Don't get me wrong, I've said before how I love a good upset, but there's that little piece of you that wishes somehow your bracket will be top 10. Not this year, John!! I did get one right, Xavier. But when you get about 6 wrong, I think the one right gets cancelled out...
Villanova was the BIGGEST disappointment this weekend but lets talk about the ultimate fall of the ACC teams this year. Sheesh, they were strictly the ones messing everything up. They've been said to the be the top conference but after this weekend, people are questioning. ONE, literally one, out of 8 ACC teams remain: UNC. Obviously the Duke UNC battle is one for the ages but it delights me write UNC remains alive, instead of Duke. After the crap Grayson Allen pulled early this year (and even late into the season), I unfortunetly just can't get over the classless acts and have to root for UNC. I personally thought a 2 seed was high for them this year. They were pretty vulnerable out there this season, had a few interesting losses, but who knows what the selection team really looks at. I had them losing next round anyway so I feel good about that. But nonetheless they got their butts handed to them in the second half on Sunday's game. And you know it's bad when this happens -
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| CBS Sports Twitter |
Louisville is also down for the count. My other 2nd seed Final Four team... I shouldn't have counted out Michigan, though, after their huge conference tourney run. But still, you think Louisville or Michigan... I feel like 9 times outta 10 (unless you're a die hard Mich fan) you are putting Louisville on the winner line. But when you see a big upset like that happen, you can't help but root for them all the way now!
— Michigan Basketball (@umichbball) March 19, 2017
I guess to see how this all plays out now, even though we know the winners of the in-office bracket challenge will sneak away with a few hundred bucks for get a womping 20% of their bracket right....
Anyway, looking forward to this Oregon and Michigan game, the Baylor South Carolina game, and Xavier Arizona game. I have Arizona going on but I called the Xavier win so part of me is leaning towards a bracket busting Xavier win. We'll see.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
NCAA Bracket Guesses 2017
And here we are. March Madness is upon us! I told you I'd wait till after Selection Sunday to give my 2 cents. I was kinda shocked by a few teams who made it/didn't make it. There was a HUGE set of bubble teams this year. Syracuse didn't make it in after a few of those buzzer beater top 10 wins. Illinois State also didn't make it in this year. A 27-6 record is pretty impressive. Illinois also got snubbed this season. They had some decent wins against decent teams but apparently the NCAA selection committee doesn't settle for decent.
Early this week on Twitter, I mentioned a March Madness comeback of FGCU again! Man, they are fun to watch. I have them upsetting FSU first round, I know I know, chances are slim but I love their passion for the game.
I always have a hard time letting all top 1 seeds into my Final Four but somehow a few of them sneak in. I have Villinova going all the way. Doesn't mean I want them to win. I'd love to see an underdog, like a 3 or 5 or 5 seed make it to the championship. But on paper, I gotta do what seems right. Ha-ha this sounds like I'm writing my will.
Here are a few screen shots of my 2017 Bracket -
I gave a few teams a run at the second round... like I said already FCGU, Xavier, Seton Hall, URI, Marquette...
Looking forward to a basketball filled weekend. Hoping all the people in New England are surviving the snow and ice. There are a few games in Buff NY, hoping they are all on schedule (and everyone gets there safe).
Follow me on Twitter for more bracket news. Bring on the bracket busters baby!
And if you are not pumped enough... here is the CBS March Madness Video -
Friday, March 10, 2017
Best Sports Movies (Part 1)
Sports movies are always a classic favorite in my household. From growing up with a sports enthusiast father, sports movies just became apart our lives, especially every Friday & Saturday night. So, here is a list of my favorite sports movies!
Remember The Titans
This is a classic. Might be the favorite of them all but Denzel's performance in this is just uncontested. I hate to admit it but I get a tad emotional at the end every single time. If you've ever played a high school sport you know how close the entire team gets. Especially a team that is bringing the community together. I just love it.
Field of Dreams
Two words: Kevin Costner. This was a classic movie we watched growing up at our family friends camp every year. VHS baby. If you really think about the premise, it's very scary that he was getting 'signs' but heck he did what they said and now we have a piece of art. This also made me check every corn field I came across...
Happy Gilmore
When you're talking best sports movies, this NEEDS to be mentioned. The one liners and quotes from this movie are just a given. YOU'RE GONNA DIE CLOWN! And this move may or may not have been performed at my wedding...
Miracle
I wouldn't be lying if I told you I've seen this movie close to 25 times. It's one of the best sports movies to this day. It's based a true story that I was far to young to remember but still epic nonetheless. The performance of this entire cast was just well done. Favorite part? AGAIN.
Slap Shot
Again, remember watching this one on VHS? And getting upset your younger brother never rewound the entire VHS all the way!!!! To be honest, any comeback, underdog movie will make my top 10 always and throw some straight punches in the mix... makes for an all around winning film.
I'll leave you with those 5 for now! Part 2 will be coming soon. We've got an important sports Sunday this week. Selection Sunday, folks!!! Who's in, who's out... I mentioned before I hate to jinx anyone so I'll give my opinions come Monday! Happy Weekend.
Remember The Titans
This is a classic. Might be the favorite of them all but Denzel's performance in this is just uncontested. I hate to admit it but I get a tad emotional at the end every single time. If you've ever played a high school sport you know how close the entire team gets. Especially a team that is bringing the community together. I just love it.
Field of Dreams
Two words: Kevin Costner. This was a classic movie we watched growing up at our family friends camp every year. VHS baby. If you really think about the premise, it's very scary that he was getting 'signs' but heck he did what they said and now we have a piece of art. This also made me check every corn field I came across...
Happy Gilmore
When you're talking best sports movies, this NEEDS to be mentioned. The one liners and quotes from this movie are just a given. YOU'RE GONNA DIE CLOWN! And this move may or may not have been performed at my wedding...
Miracle
I wouldn't be lying if I told you I've seen this movie close to 25 times. It's one of the best sports movies to this day. It's based a true story that I was far to young to remember but still epic nonetheless. The performance of this entire cast was just well done. Favorite part? AGAIN.
Slap Shot
Again, remember watching this one on VHS? And getting upset your younger brother never rewound the entire VHS all the way!!!! To be honest, any comeback, underdog movie will make my top 10 always and throw some straight punches in the mix... makes for an all around winning film.
I'll leave you with those 5 for now! Part 2 will be coming soon. We've got an important sports Sunday this week. Selection Sunday, folks!!! Who's in, who's out... I mentioned before I hate to jinx anyone so I'll give my opinions come Monday! Happy Weekend.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
March Madness, Baby!
Ah, here we are. March first. One of the busiest months for sports but more importantly the start of bracket talk for the NCAA basketball teams.
My favorite part about March Madness is that people who don't really know a lick of sports get pretty into it. People in the office are talking about their hometown or college team(s). The last few games of the season feel like do or die despite being top of your league. Anything is possible! This weekend proved it.
Gonzaga, #1 seed, was UPSET by BYU! I love a good upset, I actually find myself cheering for them more times than not.
To make it even better, Gonzaga was undefeated don't forget. I just think it's near impossible to go undefeated in college basketball these days. Every team seems to be good and really anything can happen when you play at home in front of your own crowd. Just look at Duke, UNC, Syracuse, Villanova, Georgetown...
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| unsplash |
My favorite part about March Madness is that people who don't really know a lick of sports get pretty into it. People in the office are talking about their hometown or college team(s). The last few games of the season feel like do or die despite being top of your league. Anything is possible! This weekend proved it.
Gonzaga, #1 seed, was UPSET by BYU! I love a good upset, I actually find myself cheering for them more times than not.
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| (Young Kwak / Associated Press) |
Anyway, with a minute left in the game BYU scored a bucket to be up 2. Then Zaga shut down. Turned the ball over twice, Corbin Kaufusi scored for another 2 and then BYU's game star Eric Mika put in 2 foul shots to seal the deal. Love it, it really doesn't get any better!!
Mika also won player of the week this week. Kudos, bro!
Duke also lost this weekend (hard to argue with that, lol). I definitely don't see them anywhere near a number 1 seed this tourney, probably more like a 3.
I hate to make guesses on who's in, who's out so I'll wait to weigh in on the bracket once Selection Sunday happens. We still have a good week of basketball left.
To keep up with this weeks games and happenings, I'll be my twitter!
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
College Buzzer Beaters This Week
If you follow me on Twitter, you might notice how intense this years NCAA basketball season is going. Upset after upset, buzzer beater after buzzer beater. Nothing gets better than that!!! As a sports guy, you hope for a good game. Winning by 30+ in a blow out just isn't fun or intense enough. But being down by 4 with 35.7 on the game clock is a whole different story.
Last night alone there were 2 OT games. First was Louisville and Syracuse (who they seem to be on a buzzer beating steak as of late) and then Kanas and West Virginia. 2 pretty decent size games and match ups. Did you catch this Louisville slam yet?
http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18682196
With close to 2 mins left you would have thought WV had in the bag - up by over 10 points and leading for majority of the game. I mean same goes for the Syracuse's late (attempted) comeback too. Not exactly sure what they're putting in the Gatorade right now!!! The comeback juice or something! Then Kansas just pounded in 3 after 3 and won by 4, 84 -80.
There is nothing like the last 2 mins in college basketball right now. It's what makes me favorite this more than the NBA (sorry).
Last night alone there were 2 OT games. First was Louisville and Syracuse (who they seem to be on a buzzer beating steak as of late) and then Kanas and West Virginia. 2 pretty decent size games and match ups. Did you catch this Louisville slam yet?
Number 8 squad in the nation right there. Syracuse put up a fight though. Gillon is an animal and comes through clutch to tie it up at the end with a monstrous 3. Louisville chokes on foul shots (eye roll) and OT it goes. Louisville took it away in OT, though. Syracuse just couldn't get their offense together to put points on the board. All while Louisville's Ryan McMahon played the last 5 mins like it was his last. Put up 7 point and a few clutch free throws. Louisville wins by 4.Even the Syracuse bench knew this alley-oop was dirty. 💯 pic.twitter.com/Qu3IPNQ9cD— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 14, 2017
Then the later game: top ranked Kansas and West Virginia. My first comment is the Kansas crowd... holy cow. Was every student there?! Big crowd turnout always results in a fantastic game. Kansas was constantly playing catch up the whole game. You gotta check out the insane deep 3 from WV going into half time. I mean common! But here is a video recap of the insane come back!!The little guy, Ryan McMahon!! pic.twitter.com/2TorrWXxWb— Basketball Society (@BBallSociety_) February 14, 2017
http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18682196
With close to 2 mins left you would have thought WV had in the bag - up by over 10 points and leading for majority of the game. I mean same goes for the Syracuse's late (attempted) comeback too. Not exactly sure what they're putting in the Gatorade right now!!! The comeback juice or something! Then Kansas just pounded in 3 after 3 and won by 4, 84 -80.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
There is nothing like the last 2 mins in college basketball right now. It's what makes me favorite this more than the NBA (sorry).
Monday, February 6, 2017
2017 Sport So Far
2017 has already handed us some awesome sports moments. We’ll get to last nights highlights in a second but there are a few things in the last 30+ days that are worth a mention. We ended the year with the hyped up Ronda Rousey fight, that ended is 48 intense seconds. And there is still some action going on between Rousey and Nunes...
January is in the heart of the NCAA season and as we all know, no team is ever safe. Upsets and court stormings seem to be happening every weekend. By now, we know the buzz around Duke’s Grayson Allen and he once again was called for a tripping foul this past weekend. He just can’t find his way out of the controversy this season (with 2 months left). He might be giving Duke a worse reputation than they already have.
The NFL postseason might be one of the most exciting we’ve had in a few years! New Yorkers couldn’t have been any happier about their bid in but Aaron Rodgers was just an animal and quickly put that dream to rest. The Cowboys seemed like they were on track for an eventful post season but Rodgers again had different plans... He threw for 355 yards vs. the Cowboys. Long ball game. For Prescott’s first postseason, you gotta give it to him though. Amazing performance that came down to the last 30 secs (look forward to seeing the plan for Prescott next season though). But the last play from Rodgers to Cook was just top notch. And then to win on a 50+ field goal kick, classic!
Rodgers and the Packers obviously went down to the Falcons to put the Falcons in their second Superbowl of all time. Then there’s the Patriots. You hate to admit it but no one is surprised when they make it to the championship. Brady is easily the most recognized player of this generation and man did he show why last night. He threw for 466 yards when Matt Ryan only threw for 284. Ryan and the Falcons had it on lockdown going into the 4th and by that point half the Superbowl parties were clearing up and people were heading home. That last quarter was the best 15 mins of football I’ve seen in awhile. You gotta love when it comes down to a 2 point conversion. But there is no way I can talk about the ending without talking about the insanity of Julian Edelman’s catch.
Insane as it is, the Patriots came back from 20 points down. It’s unheard of. And on top of that they go into the first ever OT. People’s pool’s were in mayhem because no one knew what to do, no one knew who the 4th quarter winner was and who the final was. There was no stash of money prepared for an OT game. Anyway, my opinion on NFL OT is this: rebuttal. There should be a chance for both teams to make a play.
Either way, 2017 sports is off to quite a start. Can’t wait to see where NCAA basketball goes in the next month and half here. No predictions yet, teams are coming out of the woodwork for bids already though.
Friday, December 30, 2016
The Best Plays of 2016
As the year comes to a close, it is safe to say that there were some of the best moments in sports this year. From the Cavs winning the NBA Championship, to arguably one of the best NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship game, to the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, ESPN has chronicled it all:
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Buffalo Fires Rex Ryan
In a termination that many deemed was years coming, Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills have parted ways. Rex Ryan has been a controversial figure in New York, first being the New York Jets head coach (2009-2014), lead the team to a 46-50 record. His much shorter career in Buffalo, he was 15-16.
Many see this as a welcome change for Buffalo, who for the first time seem like a team that has very high potential. Adios, Rex. At least you are getting out of Buffalo before you get snowed in!
Many see this as a welcome change for Buffalo, who for the first time seem like a team that has very high potential. Adios, Rex. At least you are getting out of Buffalo before you get snowed in!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Can Big Papi Be Replaced?
Big Papi was a force in the baseball world, especially to the Boston Red Sox. Months have passed since Big Papi exited the baseball diamond, and the question remains: who will replace Big Papi in Boston?
Although, in our dreams, Big Papi retiring is just a joke, we have to come to the realization that we have seen the last of him on the diamond. The Red Sox now have to find someone to replace Ortiz's massive hitting. Though Edwin Encarnacion is available via free agency, the Red Sox have professed little interest on obtaining him. Listed below are some players that can replace (or try to) Ortiz:
Carlos Beltran
Beltran is a switch-hitter that fits in with Boston's righty-leaning lineup. Although he will turn 40 in April, Beltran is still a power-hitter, with 29 homers and a 0.850 OPS for the Yankees and Texas Rangers.
Mike Napoli
A former Red Sox player, Boston fans would be more than happy to welcome him back into the fold. According to ESPN, "It’s easy to see the Sox signing Napoli to rotate with Hanley Ramirez between first base and DH. Napoli, 35, also has a well-earned reputation as a clubhouse leader and would be a positive influence on still-impressionable right fielder Mookie Betts and shortstop Xander Bogaerts."
Matt Holliday
Holliday is coming off a season where he posted a career-low .782 OPS in 110 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. This right-handed hitter might be a classic buy-low candidate for a one-year contract.
Although, in our dreams, Big Papi retiring is just a joke, we have to come to the realization that we have seen the last of him on the diamond. The Red Sox now have to find someone to replace Ortiz's massive hitting. Though Edwin Encarnacion is available via free agency, the Red Sox have professed little interest on obtaining him. Listed below are some players that can replace (or try to) Ortiz:
Carlos Beltran
Beltran is a switch-hitter that fits in with Boston's righty-leaning lineup. Although he will turn 40 in April, Beltran is still a power-hitter, with 29 homers and a 0.850 OPS for the Yankees and Texas Rangers.
Mike Napoli
Matt Holliday
Holliday is coming off a season where he posted a career-low .782 OPS in 110 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. This right-handed hitter might be a classic buy-low candidate for a one-year contract.
Monday, November 21, 2016
America's Richest Sports Team Owners 2016
In order to own a sports team, you have to be rich--really rich. So today, we are going to talk about the five richest sport team owners in America. According to Forbes, “Thirty-nine members or nearly 10% of the Forbes 400 are the controlling owner or managing partner of a team in the four major U.S. sports leagues. They own 47 teams with seven people owning multiple teams. The owners are worth a combined $182 billion.”
With a net worth of $7.6 billion, Stanley Kroenke is the owner of the St. Louis Rams, Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets. Micky Arison, with a net worth of $7.7 billion, is the owner of the NBA franchise, the Miami Heat. Stepping away from basketball royalty is Philip Anschutz, who is the owner of the Los Angeles Kings. With a net worth of $10.9 billion, he also owns the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo.
The second richest owner is Paul Allen, the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, has the net worth of $17.8 billion. And last but not least, Steve Ballmer is the richest America sports owner. With a net worth of $21.6 billion, he owns the Los Angeles Clippers.
With a net worth of $7.6 billion, Stanley Kroenke is the owner of the St. Louis Rams, Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets. Micky Arison, with a net worth of $7.7 billion, is the owner of the NBA franchise, the Miami Heat. Stepping away from basketball royalty is Philip Anschutz, who is the owner of the Los Angeles Kings. With a net worth of $10.9 billion, he also owns the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo.
The second richest owner is Paul Allen, the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, has the net worth of $17.8 billion. And last but not least, Steve Ballmer is the richest America sports owner. With a net worth of $21.6 billion, he owns the Los Angeles Clippers.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
World Series Champions!!
For the first time in 108 years, the World Series Championship Trophy came home to Chicago! In one of the most thrilling series that has ever been played, the World Series went to all seven games. With the Cubs losing a 6-3 lead, the Cubs bounced back in the 10th inning with a run-scoring hit from Ben Zobrist. The Cubs climbed back from a 3-1 Series deficit to since the series, and the championship. Go Cubs Go! Fly the W!
Monday, October 31, 2016
College Basketball Rankings
College basketball is here!! Or almost, at least. The 2017 AP Top 25 poll was released, and Duke is ranked number one before the season starts. With Grayson Allen looking to join the 1,000 point club at Duke. Other top 10 teams include Kentucky, Kansas, Villanova, Oregon, North Carolina, Xavier, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Arizona.
With a season that promises to be exciting, and this year's Top 25 promises to continue to provide upsets. On the Preseason AP Top 25, there are teams that are consistently seen on the Top 25--such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas, but there are some new names as well. Rhode Island and Creighton, teams that are consistently good but not normally ranked in the preseason make an appearance on the list.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Prayers for Jose
The sports world, specifically the baseball community, were shaken this past week when Jose Fernandez passed away in a boating accident. The 24 year old left a legacy of greatness and joyfulness.
R.I.P. Jose
R.I.P. Jose
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