LOVE our bracket

[cprh9u]

Wow, what a great draw! Nova really struggled down the stretch, and while they are clearly talented, I'm not even sure they will be there in the elite 8. Texas Tech is just ok to me... I don't see them as a 3 seed, and really don't mind that matchup as far as 2/3 goes. Wichita State, who whipped Cincy on the road and almost beat them again feels like a far better team. They will get Nova and hopefully can knock them off, although they are a tough 4. Butler/Arkansas in round 2 isn't intimidating. And the fact that we have a favorable location! Seems like when we do get a top 1 or 2 seed we go out West.

One game at a time and all that, but this is a good day and a good draw. Get health VE and let's go make some noise Boilers!

 

[*4purdue*]

Wow, what a great draw! Nova really struggled down the stretch, and while they are clearly talented, I'm not even sure they will be there in the elite 8. Texas Tech is just ok to me... I don't see them as a 3 seed, and really don't mind that matchup as far as 2/3 goes. Witchita State, who whipped Cincy on the road and almost beat them again feels like a far better team. They will get Nova and hopefully can knock them off, although they are a tough 4. Butler/Arkansas in round 2 isn't intimidating. And the fact that we have a favorable location! Seems like when we do get a top 1 or 2 seed we go out West.

One game at a time and all that, but this is a good day and a good draw. Get health VE and let's go make some noise Boilers!

A Carsen vs Brunson matchup with the final 4 on the line would be unreal.

 

[Gemini95]

I wouldn't say Nova 'struggled', let alone 'really struggled' down the stretch. I do think if Vince is healthy we should absolutely reach the elite 8.

 

[lbodel]

I wouldn't say Nova 'struggled', let alone 'really struggled' down the stretch. I do think if Vince is healthy we should absolutely reach the elite 8.

Not to mention we haven't really been "cruising" since January. Hopefully everyone's back healthy, Vince is more back in form and we get our mojo going again!

 

[FirstDownB]

Imagine being in the south region where Arizona, perhaps the most talented team in the country, is a 4 seed. And Kentucky, perhaps the 2nd most talented team in the country, is a 5 seed. Virginia and Cincy are the two best defensive teams, with Virginia being the overall #1 team.
After they announced the south region first I was just happy were in another bracket. Also not in Kansas’ homecourt region again. I’m satisfied with the draw.

 

[Roeder]

I wouldn't say Nova 'struggled', let alone 'really struggled' down the stretch. I do think if Vince is healthy we should absolutely reach the elite 8.

Totally agree. Nova just won the B1G East Tourney, and can't see how they are struggling. They were the #1 seed I wanted to avoid, as they are a tough match up for Purdue with athleticism 1-5 and bigs who shoot 3's. They showed a gear in their win at Xavier that I have not seen any team sustain for 40mins year.

Anyways, a lot must happen for this match up to happen, should be a fun couple of weeks.

 

[Cleanface]

I like our draw very much overall bc no one outside of Nova really scares me. I think we have very manageable 3, 4, 5, 6 etc etc. Much tougher 3s and 4s and 5s out there. I'm pretty satisfied.

Now let's do it...(please please PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SWEET BABY JESUS!!!)

BOILER UUUUUUUP!

 

[Abugabby]

Did Arkansas Little Rock scare anyone a couple years back? VCU before that? The Boilers have to show me something this year in order for me to drink any koolaid. I will watch the games and root for the Boilers, but my expectations are as low as they've ever been. And that's sad because I was CHUGGING the koolaid during the 19 game streak. I can't take any more shitting the bed when the lights are bright.

 

[Lionheart1]

I like Purdue’s bracket. For me it’s pretty simple if they can regain their mid season level of play and shooting they should make elite 8. If they play like they did in BIG championship they could go out in second round. Really need to come out pumped and ready to play, play loose, enjoy the game(s), but be fully aware any game can be your last and for the seniors their last together. Cannot, must not, come out flat like we’ve seen recently.

 

[tjreese]

A Carsen vs Brunson matchup with the final 4 on the line would be unreal.

Want carsen playing, but may want nojel defending brunsons inside game

 

[Hausta01]

Nova has been without starter Phil Booth for the last 8 weeks or so with a fracture in his shooting hand. He is back now and should have shaken the rust off by the time we would face them.

 

[cprh9u]

Did Arkansas Little Rock scare anyone a couple years back? VCU before that? The Boilers have to show me something this year in order for me to drink any koolaid. I will watch the games and root for the Boilers, but my expectations are as low as they've ever been. And that's sad because I was CHUGGING the koolaid during the 19 game streak. I can't take any more shitting the bed when the lights are bright.

I absolutely get this. For now, I like our draw and don't see any reason we can't be a final 4 team. Hopefully we can step up in the tournament this time.

 

[cprh9u]

I wouldn't say Nova 'struggled', let alone 'really struggled' down the stretch. I do think if Vince is healthy we should absolutely reach the elite 8.

They lost 3 out of 6 during a recent stretch in February. Struggled is relative, but I just meant they haven't been setting the college basketball world on fire.

 

[icewind7]

I like our draw too, although my ideal no 1 seed in same bracket is Xavier. Well.. nothing is perfect, this one is good enough.

 

[Knights2715]

Seth Davis says Arkansas is going to beat us in the second round. Freshman center is going to give Haas all he can handle. Time to pack up it up for the season...

 

[PurDuke0007]

Unless you listen to Dakich who has us in his Final Four

 

[purduepat1969]

Seth Davis says Arkansas is going to beat us in the second round. Freshman center is going to give Haas all he can handle. Time to pack up it up for the season...

Have we seen many centers give Haas all he can handle, let alone a freshman that weighs 230 pounds? I don’t think so. Seth Davis is an idiot.

Could Arkansas beat Purdue? Sure. But it won’t be because of a freshman center.

 

[Poprudy]

If they play their game and play like during the 19 game streak. They can play or win any game, I think they are tournament ready and honestly feel a FF is still their goal. NE will be a major factor in our games. BTFU!

 

[StickPurdue]

Have we seen many centers give Haas all he can handle, let alone a freshman that weighs 230 pounds? I don’t think so. Seth Davis is an idiot.

Could Arkansas beat Purdue? Sure. But it won’t be because of a freshman center.

I don't think Arkansas is going to get past Butler. Arkansas looked awful against Tennessee. I think they were lucky to even make the tournament. But sure... Seth Davis... I think Purdue got as good of a drawl as they could hope for in a close region. Now they just have to get it done. Got to hit open shots and Vince has to be healthy. Very favorable draw for an elite 8. Don't have to play Kansas in a home game like last year. Purdue can beat Nova, but they have to play an almost perfect game. The draw says this could be a final four year, just got to make sure they used that time to heal, rest, and get right. If they come out flat with no energy in the first round, then playing a team like Arkansas or Butler is much scarier. Butler won't come out flat and Arkansas has the athletes to take advantage of a flat team.

 

[BoilerinLouisville]

doing a quick search on their center-he is very athletic and long. 6'11/230 and can apparently jump out of the gym. Has some nice videos on youtube-reminds me alot of JJ, even looks like him when he dunks. They throw alot of oops to him

 

[tjreese]

I absolutely get this. For now, I like our draw and don't see any reason we can't be a final 4 team. Hopefully we can step up in the tournament this time.

THIS is not aimed at you and I know others know the difference as well..but the reality is we have NO draw. There is nothing random about who plays, when they play, where they play and who is in their bracket. All the games were the result of choices.

Again, this is not aimed at you because I know you know that...just hate the subconscious thinking "draw" as though there is something to this tourney outside of bias...whether intentional or not...

 

[depthcharge623]

doing a quick search on their center-he is very athletic and long. 6'11/230 and can apparently jump out of the gym. Has some nice videos on youtube-reminds me alot of JJ, even looks like him when he dunks. They throw alot of oops to him

Goal should be to get him in foul trouble ASAP so he's not on the floor to finish those ally oops.

 

[zigybean]

Well, as an update, I have completed my bracket. I have picked Purdue to win it all as I have every year they have been in it since the tournament expanded to 64 teams. My wife tells me I am nuts, but she is an Oklahoma grad so there...

I would rather finish last in the tournament pick'em than to pick against the Boilers.

I hope this is the year they make me look really smart.

 

[Root Hawg]

I don't think Arkansas is going to get past Butler. Arkansas looked awful against Tennessee. I think they were lucky to even make the tournament.

Arkansas was playing their 3rd game in 3 days and Tennessee shot 76% in the first half of that game, hit some ridiculous shots. They beat Tennessee earlier in the year.

Arkansas is pretty inconsistent so it depends on which team shows up, but it's a little silly to say they were lucky to make the tournament. Their RPI is 30 and they have 6 quadrant 1 wins.

 

[TX4GB]

OT: Does anyone have South Dakota St beating OSU? They have a good center but haven't seen them play.

 

[Cleanface]

I don't think Arkansas is going to get past Butler. Arkansas looked awful against Tennessee. I think they were lucky to even make the tournament.

Agreed 100%. Can't believe Arkansas was gifted a berth this year. Such BS. It's that ESPN/SEC bias.

In fact, IMO, they were lucky to even make the SEC tournament! Should not have been allowed to go to STL. While we're at it, they should probably kick them out of the conference. All (((imo))) of course.

 

[StickPurdue]

Arkansas was playing their 3rd game in 3 days and Tennessee shot 76% in the first half of that game, hit some ridiculous shots. They beat Tennessee earlier in the year.

Arkansas is pretty inconsistent so it depends on which team shows up, but it's a little silly to say they were lucky to make the tournament. Their RPI is 30 and they have 6 quadrant 1 wins.

They got 3 good wins. OT Tennessee at home and Auburn at home. @Alabama is their best game away from home. They also quite a few bad losses. They could get hot and hit ridiculous shots like Little Rock did, but they are going to have a tough out with Butler. If Arkansas beats Purdue if would be a huge upset.

 

[StickPurdue]

Agreed 100%. Can't believe Arkansas was gifted a berth this year. Such BS. It's that ESPN/SEC bias.

In fact, IMO, they were lucky to even make the SEC tournament! Should not have been allowed to go to STL. While we're at it, they should probably kick them out of the conference. All (((imo))) of course.

The SEC was pretty bad. Although I understand and appreciate the sarcasm, Arkansas had an unimpressive non conference schedule and the SEC was bad. I will not be surprised if they lose to Butler and I don't think a Butler win would even be an upset.

 

[Gemini95]

The SEC was pretty bad. Although I understand and appreciate the sarcasm, Arkansas had an unimpressive non conference schedule and the SEC was bad. I will not be surprised if they lose to Butler and I don't think a Butler win would even be an upset.

I think Butler opened as a 1 pt favorite.

 

[Root Hawg]

The SEC was pretty bad. Although I understand and appreciate the sarcasm, Arkansas had an unimpressive non conference schedule and the SEC was bad. I will not be surprised if they lose to Butler and I don't think a Butler win would even be an upset.

The SEC is 4th in conference RPI, ahead of the Big Ten and Pac-12, and also got the 2nd most teams in the tournament:

https://www.cbssports.com/collegeba...s-conference/2017/SEC/southeastern-conference

They also won head-to-head against the Big 12 in the Big 12-SEC Challenge. Arkansas played tournament teams Oklahoma, North Carolina, Houston and Bucknell in the non-con. Also played Oklahoma State who nearly made it.

 

[Do Dah Day]

We are such a unique team to prep for, I MUCH prefer playing Ark with them having 1.5 days of prep than Butler who has already played us. My goal is to go as far as we can without playing anyone who has played us. We are just too difficult and different to play than most other teams.

 

[rgarlitz]

I don't think Arkansas is going to get past Butler. Arkansas looked awful against Tennessee. I think they were lucky to even make the tournament. But sure... Seth Davis... I think Purdue got as good of a drawl as they could hope for in a close region. Now they just have to get it done. Got to hit open shots and Vince has to be healthy. Very favorable draw for an elite 8. Don't have to play Kansas in a home game like last year. Purdue can beat Nova, but they have to play an almost perfect game. The draw says this could be a final four year, just got to make sure they used that time to heal, rest, and get right. If they come out flat with no energy in the first round, then playing a team like Arkansas or Butler is much scarier. Butler won't come out flat and Arkansas has the athletes to take advantage of a flat team.

IMO: people underestimate Arkansas at their peril. They blasted Minnesota back in early December when the Gophers were still at full strength and in the top 15. They're also 8-3 in their last 11 games with the three losses coming to NCAA tournament teams. They also have the really athletic players that have been a problem for Purdue in recent years. I wouldn't read anything more into that loss to TN than we're prepared to read into Purdue's loss to Michigan.

I'm not anointing Arkansas or anything, I just think we shouldn't underestimate them.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

The SEC is 4th in conference RPI, ahead of the Big Ten and Pac-12, and also got the 2nd most teams in the tournament:

https://www.cbssports.com/collegeba...s-conference/2017/SEC/southeastern-conference

They also won head-to-head against the Big 12 in the Big 12-SEC Challenge. Arkansas played tournament teams Oklahoma, North Carolina, Houston and Bucknell in the non-con. Also played Oklahoma State who nearly made it.

Butler/Arkansas should be one of the more entertaining games of the first round. Don't forget Arkansas gave North Carolina all it could handle last year in the second round. Macon and Barford can play. Purdue will have its hands full with whoever prevails if the Boilers advance.

 

[StickPurdue]

The SEC is 4th in conference RPI, ahead of the Big Ten and Pac-12, and also got the 2nd most teams in the tournament:

https://www.cbssports.com/collegeba...s-conference/2017/SEC/southeastern-conference

They also won head-to-head against the Big 12 in the Big 12-SEC Challenge. Arkansas played tournament teams Oklahoma, North Carolina, Houston and Bucknell in the non-con. Also played Oklahoma State who nearly made it.

They lost to UNC and Houston. Oklahoma should not have made the tournament (6-12 to finish off the season). Bucknell dominated their conference but their noncon record was awful.

The SEC had two teams with less than 10 losses. By comparison, the Big Ten had 4. Tennessee and Kentucky (who was unranked for a while but finally found their stride) are the most poised to make a run.

It's all semantics. Both Purdue and Arkansas have to win their games to meet. If Purdue is playing well, Arkansas has no shot. If Purdue struggles, Arkansas will beat them (if they play them). But nothing about Arkansas should strike fear. Arkansas would be what... the 7th hardest team they played this year?

 

[tjreese]

We are such a unique team to prep for, I MUCH prefer playing Ark with them having 1.5 days of prep than Butler who has already played us. My goal is to go as far as we can without playing anyone who has played us. We are just too difficult and different to play than most other teams.

I think there is a lot of truth to this and know Butler will play better than they did the first game. There is probably a greater variation in play with Arkansas, but if they drop off a bit more in talent with subs the 1 1/2 days between games make take a toll. What concerns me is someone posted some data I thought on the hogs and they shot an average of 20+ Fts. I don't know how many Purdue averages, but in the downturn for Purdue they were not shooting many...

 

[tjreese]

IMO: people underestimate Arkansas at their peril. They blasted Minnesota back in early December when the Gophers were still at full strength and in the top 15. They're also 8-3 in their last 11 games with the three losses coming to NCAA tournament teams. They also have the really athletic players that have been a problem for Purdue in recent years. I wouldn't read anything more into that loss to TN than we're prepared to read into Purdue's loss to Michigan.

I'm not anointing Arkansas or anything, I just think we shouldn't underestimate them.

Believe me I don't...I don't worry about zone pressure or traps for extended periods. I do worry about in your face pressure over time and covering Dakota, PJ, Cline and a hurt Vince behind the arc...and so it would be great to punish them inside and do NOT turn the ball over making them play against set D. Arkansas has a higher ceiling against the Achilles of Purdue than Butler...but Butler has a grudge and Purdue really played solid D against Butler...maybe the best D to that point at least. Now if Arkansas is porous with the D extended...I would think Purdue experience would help a lot in attacking it

 

[Hausta01]

Arkansas is 100+ on D in KenPom. This isn't the type of team that Purdue struggles with.

 

[BoilerGal74]

Did Arkansas Little Rock scare anyone a couple years back? VCU before that? The Boilers have to show me something this year in order for me to drink any koolaid. I will watch the games and root for the Boilers, but my expectations are as low as they've ever been. And that's sad because I was CHUGGING the koolaid during the 19 game streak. I can't take any more shitting the bed when the lights are bright.

You’re tougher than that, Abugabby! Since when has anyone in your profession had a hard time drinking anything??? Come on, Buddy, jump Aboard this train....Boiler Up!!!

 

[BoilerGal74]

Well, as an update, I have completed my bracket. I have picked Purdue to win it all as I have every year they have been in it since the tournament expanded to 64 teams. My wife tells me I am nuts, but she is an Oklahoma grad so there...

I would rather finish last in the tournament pick'em than to pick against the Boilers.

I hope this is the year they make me look really smart.

A man after my own Old Gold and Black Heart Zigy!

 

[Roxko]

I love our bracket too! Once we get past Purdue we'll have another shot at the Sweet Sixteen. BTW - Our nickname is Cal State Who? or Cal State Disneyland and we are just happy to be in the Dance. But please don't overlook the Titans!!