First #1 seed to lose

[ChicosBailBonds]

Thoughts?

[warriorstrack]

To Oregon in the second round, payback

[Eldon]

Duke! It's ACC basketball BABY!!

[Markusquette]

Going to have to pick Nova.  An off game shooting and it's over.  They don't have the bigs that the other teams do.

[brewcity77]

Can't see Wisconsin losing to Oregon. My guess is Duke in the Sweet 16.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Going to have to pick Nova.  An off game shooting and it's over.  They don't have the bigs that the other teams do.

Agree

[forgetful]

I voted UW.  I don't think any lose to the sweet 16.  I don't like UW matching up with UNC.  I could also see Nova losing in the sweet 16.

Duke and Kentucky will be solid.

[patso]

The best is that Wisconsin could never beat Kentucky

[SWARM!]

The best is that Wisconsin could never beat Kentucky

Yes, they could.

[BM1090]

Yes, they could.

Yep. UW, Arizona, Nova, Duke UVA could beat UK. Doubt it happens, but all those teams are very good

[NotAnAlum]

To Oregon in the second round, payback

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

[Groin_pull]

Yes, they could.

Unfortunately, Nova.

 Let's see....the SF Giants (a team I hate) won the World Series. The Deflatriots (a team I hate more) won the Super Bowl. You just know the Vadgers are going to win this damn thing.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Agree

I thought it's a guard's game? 

[MattyWarrior]

Badgers have had there problems in the tourny thru the years, bad shooting day,running into a hot team. They aren't
the only team that plays well together. This is the best team I've ever seen Bo have and if hes gonna win it all,its now.

[BM1090]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

I think UW is better than everyone but Duke and Kentucky, but they could lose in the 2nd round, S16, E8, F4 or they could win it all. They should have lost today, they struggled to beat Michigan 2 days ago. Also, they would meet Kentucky in the F4 if both are still alive, not the championship game.

[MuMark]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

the bracket I saw says UW would face Kentucky in semifinals not finals.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/15/2015-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket/ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket-2015/

[Tums Festival]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

If they both make it to the Final Four, Becky would play Kentucky to get to the title game.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

They should have lost today....to the Big Ten's 3rd place team who has been not up to their usual standards.  The Big Ten is the 4th rated league this year.  How often have they been challenged?  By Duke at home, and they lost. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

I thought it's a guard's game? 

Agree that Nova is the first one going out.

[BM1090]

Agree that Nova is the first one going out.

Not to speak for him, but I think he means since Nova has the best guards among the one seeds, why do you have them going out first?

[avid1010]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

1. they won't play kentucky in the final game.

2. michigan state had the game won today about three times, including a terrible missed call by the refs. 

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Not to speak for him, but I think he means since Nova has the best guards among the one seeds, why do you have them going out first?

Thank you.

[#UnleashSean]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

Except they play Kentucky in the final 4.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Not to speak for him, but I think he means since Nova has the best guards among the one seeds, why do you have them going out first?

Just a hunch.  NC State scares me a bit for them, but they should find a way to hold off the Wolfpack in a tight contest.  Louisville is the one that I think knocks them out.

[jesmu84]

Hate to say it boys but Wisconsin ain't losing until the final game and then only if its Kentucky they are playing.  They are playing too well to lose to anyone other then a completely dominant team and the only team that fits that description is Kentucky.  Wisconsin makes too few mistakes and at this point is just too tough.  Getting the 1 seed to keep them away from Kentucky pretty much puts them in the final game in my opinion.

A big portion depends on the refs. If Wis gets away with fouling like they do in B1G games, they'll be much more successful

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Duke

[wadesworld]

Quack quack.

[Wojo'sMojo]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

[WarriorFan]

A very hot NC beats WI.

[HutchwasClutch]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

Wisconsin basketball and everything Bo and Dick Bennett before him built there is dead and it's back to the Steve Yoder, Bill Cofield era once he retires?  I mean, I wish that would be true, but that's about as wishful as wishful thinking can get.

[VegasWarrior77]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

Bite your tongue!

[mattyv1908]

Think Duke sh!ts the bed against St Johns even without Opekpa.  Arizona will beat Wisconsin in the elite 8 and should've been the final #1 seed.

Kentucky is the only #1 to make the final four.

[HutchwasClutch]

Think Duke sh!ts the bed against St Johns even without Opekpa.  

Right, a St. John's team that got handled easily on their home floor (one of their home floors anyway) against Providence.  Now, they lose Obekpa.  

I gather you're not wild about Duke?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

I'd rather Wisconsin be the first 1 seed to ever lose to a 16 seed and Bo retires rather than face the shame of his defeat

[HutchwasClutch]

I'd rather Wisconsin be the first 1 seed to ever lose to a 16 seed and Bo retires rather than face the shame of his defeat

This is my dream, ooh how delicious it would be!!  Too bad it doesn't have a prayer of happening. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

They have the largest athletic budget in the Big Ten for athletics, and 2nd largest in the USA.  Sports, Inc. now over there.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/schools/finances/

[mattyv1908]

Right, a St. John's team that got handled easily on their home floor (one of their home floors anyway) against Providence.  Now, they lose Obepka.  

I gather you're not wild about Duke?

IF (and it's a big if) St John's can get out of their 8/9 game I think they're a terrible matchup for Duke.  Even without Opekpa, they're more athletic than Duke, and if the officials allow the players to play a little it could be the third time in five years that POS coach K doesn't make it out of the first weekend.

For the record, I think Arizona cuts down the nets when it's all said and done.

[HutchwasClutch]

IF (and it's a big if) St John's can get out of their 8/9 game I think they're a terrible matchup for Duke.  Even without Opekpa, they're more athletic than Duke, and if the officials allow the players to play a little it could be the third time in five years that POS coach K doesn't make it out of the first weekend.

I would love every team in the Big East to do damage, I just can't see it.  Duke already beat them on the road this year, and that was with Obekpa. So what's changed now, other than St. John's is worse than when they played Duke before?

[Groin_pull]

I think Duke is the most vulnerable right now. They look like they can contend with UK some nights, other nights look very beatable. I hope and will be rooting for Wisconsin to win it all this year. Then maybe Bo could ride off into the sunset and we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. Also, a fair amount of kids from the state on their roster.

Huh??? You want the Vadgers to win it all because maybe Bo will retire? You actually want to give Vadger fans those kind of bragging rights? No f-ing way.

[MU82]

I haven't filled my bracket yet, but my first inclination is to say Villanova. They are so dependent on the 3-ball as opposed to having any inside presence. Wiscy, Duke and others use the 3 a lot, too, but they have other options if it's not working.

I hope I'm wrong because Nova is the 1 seed I'd like to see win it all.

[mattyv1908]

I would love every team in the Big East to do damage, I just can't see it.  Duke already beat them on the road this year, and that was with Obekpa. So what's changed now, other than St. John's is worse than when they played Duke before?

Prior results have absolutely no effect on a future outcome.

[Shark]

IF (and it's a big if) St John's can get out of their 8/9 game I think they're a terrible matchup for Duke.  Even without Opekpa, they're more athletic than Duke, and if the officials allow the players to play a little it could be the third time in five years that POS coach K doesn't make it out of the first weekend.

For the record, I think Arizona cuts down the nets when it's all said and done.

Coach K is a POS? Why? He seems like a class act to me. Only think I hate about Duke is how good they are.

[muwarrior69]

Huh??? You want the Vadgers to win it all because maybe Bo will retire? You actually want to give Vadger fans those kind of bragging rights? No f-ing way.

If they earn it by wining it all they deserve those bragging rights. It's only a game.

[MUSF]

They have the largest athletic budget in the Big Ten for athletics, and 2nd largest in the USA.  Sports, Inc. now over there.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/schools/finances/

Yup, it ain't going back to the good old days in Madison anytime soon. 

It kills me how some people think that UW football/bball just got lucky with a recent run of good coaches and a good AD.  When in reality, UW as an institution made a deliberate decision to go all in on athletics.  UW won't be down in either sport for long with the amount of resources and emphasis they put into both sports.

[Anti-Dentite]

Yeah, but still...F#ck the rodents

[brewcity77]

Filled out my bracket and have Duke and Wisconsin losing in the Sweet 16. UNC just took out a Virginia team that plays similar to Wisconsin and I like Roy's odds with a week to prepare. Have Duke losing to Utah, who just might go to the Final Four. The South looks like the most wide-open bracket. If ever Gonzaga will make the Final Four, this is the year (though I think ISU beats them).

[willie warrior]

Hmmmm.....not much love for the Bitchers in this poll. Wonder if Bo is concerned? Nah.

[MarquetteDano]

Yup, it ain't going back to the good old days in Madison anytime soon. 

It kills me how some people think that UW football/bball just got lucky with a recent run of good coaches and a good AD.  When in reality, UW as an institution made a deliberate decision to go all in on athletics.  UW won't be down in either sport for long with the amount of resources and emphasis they put into both sports.

And on the opposite side it makes me laugh that Badger fans think they are the underdog who out thinks all of the big budget/big money schools when they are one of those big budget/big money schools.

[GGGG]

Yup, it ain't going back to the good old days in Madison anytime soon. 

It kills me how some people think that UW football/bball just got lucky with a recent run of good coaches and a good AD.  When in reality, UW as an institution made a deliberate decision to go all in on athletics.  UW won't be down in either sport for long with the amount of resources and emphasis they put into both sports.

Everything changed in Madison when Donna Shalala convinced Pat Richter to become Athletic Director. 

In the 70s and 80s, Elroy Hirsch was the AD.  A complete figurehead who ran things like it was still the 1960s.  Before basking in his retirement, he made two final hires.  Don Morton as football coach.  And Ade Sponberg as athletic director.  Both were complete disasters.

Shalala cleaned house and the rest is history.  Really if you would have told me back in high school what UW athletics would accomplish over the next 30 years, I would have thought you were smoking crack.

[JWags85]

Filled out my bracket and have Duke and Wisconsin losing in the Sweet 16. UNC just took out a Virginia team that plays similar to Wisconsin and I like Roy's odds with a week to prepare.

If potentially the best Badger team ever loses to UNC, with all the bashing they do of Roy and his supposed "roll the ball out" coaching, Badgermaniac might actually melt down like Chernobyl.

[MUSF]

If potentially the best Badger team ever loses to UNC, with all the bashing they do of Roy and his supposed "roll the ball out" coaching, Badgermaniac might actually melt down like Chernobyl.

UNC certainly has the talent to beat UW on any given night, but they are extremely inconsistent.  I wouldn't put a significant amount of money on this UNC team to beat any of the major conference teams in this tourney field, let alone the Badgers.  You just never know which team is going to show up for the Tar Heels.

BTW, Badger fans only bash Roy because he criticized UW bball after their final four appearance in 2000.  They may claim it's about other things now, but it all started there.

[brewcity77]

The last 8 times Roy has went to the Sweet 16, his team won. North Carolina has never lost a Sweet 16 game with him at the helm. If they play Wisconsin, I certainly wouldn't dismiss their chances.

[warriorfred]

Duke will lose first, and unfortunately, the Badgers will win it all.

[JWags85]

Duke will lose first, and unfortunately, the Badgers will win it all.

Based on what?  Just curious.  I know they are a very talented, offensively efficient team, but they don't have a great win as pointed out in the other thread.  They've been "playing well" but their best win in that recent time is over MSU, who is a 7 seed.  They lost to Maryland only a few weeks ago.  Id argue plenty of teams are just as hot as them.  Not saying they couldnt, but they are in a stacked bracket with teams that could knock them off in each round potentially.  I don't think they will lose to Oregon, but Joseph Young is a nightmare matchup for them.

[brewcity77]

Based on what?

Hearing this a lot. I just think people are afraid it will happen, so they're constantly putting the doomsday scenario out there to brace themselves if it does.

Personally, I can't see it. Badgers have a target on their back and a few very tough potential matchups just to get to the Final Four, never mind a juggernaut likely awaiting them if they get there.

Are the Badgers better than last year? Yes. But I don't think there nearly as "better" as the teams they played in their final two games are, and would likely have to beat again just to get to the Final.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Nova it is, though others could lose in this round as well to equal their feat.

[Warriors4ever]

I hate that it's a Big East team that goes down first.

[4everwarriors]

At least they gave it their all, were good sports, and represented, hey?

[Herman Cain]

The TV shot of the girl playing in the Villanova  band with tears streaming down her face  while NC State was celebrating was a classic . I give credit to the kid for hanging in there. the scene Really sums up what the NCAA is all about.

Was hoping Villanova would have gone further. NC State had great guard play and Villanova didn't today. Guard play is what wins in these games.

[ecompt]

I did smile a bit when Arcidiacomo, who couldn't miss a shot against us all season, crapped the bed tonight. Jay Wright's teams have been knocked out five straight times on the opening weekend.

[wadesworld]

The TV shot of the girl playing in the Villanova  band with tears streaming down her face  while NC State was celebrating was a classic . I give credit to the kid for hanging in there. the scene Really sums up what the NCAA is all about.

Was hoping Villanova would have gone further. NC State had great guard play and Villanova didn't today. Guard play is what wins in these games.

Yup.  Kind of lame that Deadspin (and I'm sure others) are already showing that clip.  I get it, the crying from a band member of a team that lost is a little over the top for my taste, but come on.  No need to poke fun of it on a site that gets thousands of viewers.

NC State is the dangerous type of team that can pull off some upsets.  They beat some really good teams this season.

Rough day for the BE.  4-0 day one and then if Butler can't beat ND the conference gets a total of 1 more win in the entire Tournament.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

The TV shot of the girl playing in the Villanova  band with tears streaming down her face  while NC State was celebrating was a classic . I give credit to the kid for hanging in there. the scene Really sums up what the NCAA is all about.

Was hoping Villanova would have gone further. NC State had great guard play and Villanova didn't today. Guard play is what wins in these games.

Saw that too and remarked the same to my wife with the added comment that our daughter plays flute also.