85 Expansion - A Win Is A Win
Duke has been the poster child of “a win is a win” and/or “survive and advance.” For the team that came in as the #1 ranked team in the tournament, their 3 victories have been by a total of 34 points which is the 2nd lowest margin of a #1 team in the 2000s aside from… 2019 Duke. I have never claimed to make my write ups objective, so let’s just throw out some Big East Bias here. How did Duke have as many free throws vs St. John’s (24 FTs) as their 3 NCAA tournament opponents combined (Sienna 6, TCU 10, St. John’s 8). And normally, I’m one to point out style differences in a team, such as a guard heavy team shooting 3’s naturally not drawing the same fouls as a team that plays in the paint. But St. John’s is a “Big Man” team, and the free throw disparity is one that causes some head scratches… if Yahoo Sports is posting about this that makes me feel justified in writing this. But we know that it is just barstool talk, and Duke prevented an epic Big East brawl for the final four spot to continue their dancing to Sunday.
Unsurprisingly, I’m writing about the Duke/St. John’s game, as I was tuned in from tip-off to the final buzzer. While the outcome was Duke surviving—and St. John’s fans certainly have justifiable gripes—let’s credit the Blue Devils for some high level play.
First off, the Boozer brothers did not play like freshmen. As one of my dance parents (a former college player himself) pointed out at today’s competition, those boys have been getting beaten up by their dad for years—they know how to hang in the paint. Cameron Boozer is the real deal and will rightfully be a top-three pick in the NBA Draft next year.
St. John’s shot the lights out in the first half despite very much not being a "shooting team." Going 9-of-18 from deep was insane for them. Specifically, we have to call out Ruben Prey. Despite averaging just 4.1 points per game on the season, he hit three threes in the first half and finished with 12 points. I was ready to call back to my "luck factor" write-up for the Redmen (the OGs get it); in March, whatever plans you have usually just get thrown out the window.
But Jon Scheyer is a hell of a coach and continues to show he’s the next generation’s gold standard. The key to the game, as Coach Ed noted, was going zone in the second half. It was essentially a dare to St. John’s to keep up that 50% clip from deep. Even though March defies statistics, it has its limits—the Johnnies went just 4-of-14 in the second half, and the zone neutralized their strength with the big men inside. It’s fun to hit threes when they just "happen," but there’s a massive mental difference when you are dared to keep it up.
Did I think Pitino should have left Prey in down the stretch or used different play calls? Absolutely. But much like I questioned Ben McCollum in my Coaching Matters article after the Round of 32, who am I to call out "Slick Rick"? It’s easy to coach from the sidelines; it’s hard to make those calls in the moment. ESPN even wrote about him being the best of all time. I wouldn’t give him that much credit…
Because the NCAA hates anyone who can’t directly supply them with money, I didn’t get to watch the other games (can you tell I’m bitter about the start times?). I went to bed with UConn holding a comfortable 35–27 lead at half, assuming they’d put it away. But Tom Izzo said "not so fast" and pushed the Huskies to the finish line. Even with the UConn win, you have to love Izzo’s post-game interview. When asked where he’ll be in five years, he said: "Trying to win a national championship—plain and simple." I pray to God I have that attitude at 71. Screw those young coaches claiming to be the best in the game. And as a begrudging New Jersey resident (my wife is very cute; NJ is not), I do not claim Dan Hurley.
Finally, Michigan routed Alabama 90–77, and Tennessee secured a rare #6-seed Sweet 16 win to advance over Iowa State. I’ll credit the Vols, but it looked like the injury to Joshua Jefferson finally caught up to the Cyclones. Only seven other teams have made the Elite Eight as a #6 seed since the turn of the century, and none of them advanced to the Final Four. Can Tennessee make history? They certainly seem to have the formula to do so.
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I’ll state it like it’s a bench player coming up with a 20+ point performance - Carly Fucking Miller. 7 out of 8 teams correct in the Elite 8. Holy Shit. For those attending my birthday (everyone here is invited, April 4th in Morristown, just text me. Clousers, I thought you might be a little busy…) just be prepared for her talking shit- As she damn well deserves.
Her 7 teams still only moves her to 2nd though, a 1 point difference between her and Jim. I preface that I’m fully aware Illinois beat Iowa, yet this is not accounted for in the standings yet. So… Carly Fucking Miller.
Jim and Chris represent Karl-Anthony Towns and Piscataway well, with 6 of 8 teams correct. As a stat correction, Chris grew up in Iowa, he is not an alum. That was faulty information and his lack of quick response to my email (what, you’re “teaching children how to learn?” Sort out your priorities! It’s March)
Ed, Jonathan, Rob K, and somehow Erin (?!) have 5 of the 8 teams correct to keep them at the top. Erin looks like she’ll hang on enough to talk shit in the “Maid of Honor” / “Best Man” battle with Rob D on April 4th. This has been a behind the scene bloodbath that I am very much caught in the middle of. Baby Beglane is going to grow up in a competitive environment, and know that both Beglane parents just double this mentality because we are not raising a participation trophy child here.
The bracket total is close enough that the winner will be the difference maker. I follow the ESPN scoring that picking the champion is 32 points, so truly anyone’s bracket to win still.
I’ll take my moment to brag here - if you’re looking at clips of the 10 year anniversary of Villanova and Kris Jenkins winning it all in 2016, you’re welcome. The best day of my life- the highest I’ve ever jumped in my life. Yes I’m aware I got married, yes I’m aware I have a child coming, and yes my wife is aware of my feelings on this. It was the first and only buzzer beater for the championship. She gets it.
Game to watch - yes. Watch them both. I should be able to get an update out tomorrow evening. What a March.
Rory F Beglane
Founder of the 85 Expansion Bracket Challenge - www.85expansion.com
Villanova Enthusiast
0 Time Bracket Winner
1 Time Always March Winner