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2019 NCAA Tourney Thread: Nation has to watch Virginia again (2 Viewers)

100% agree.  The DD should have been called.  Brutal no-call.

None of it would have mattered if the refs similarly called the shooting foul right before Jerome picked up his 4th.  It was a clear foul, and it directly led to Jerome making a dumb decision and getting his 4th foul immediately after.    That no-call was game changing.   

If you go back further, Jerome's 2nd and 3rd fouls were poor calls.  If even one of those wasn't called, the 4th wouldn't have been impactful.....because it would have been his 3rd.

So again, the DD no call was awful.  Never should have been missed.  Brutal.  But bad calls happen in games.  It's life.
So why are saints fans still bent out of shape? 

 
Entirely possible that he missed it, which unfortunately is part of the game. It sucks. They obviously missed the DD call, but I think they got the foul on Guy (not Scupper) 100% right.
Completely agree the foul on Guy was right.... however, they could have let it slide as a makeup call for missing the DD and no one other than Virginia fans would have had a problem with it being a make up call. 

 
Completely agree the foul on Guy was right.... however, they could have let it slide as a makeup call for missing the DD and no one other than Virginia fans would have had a problem with it being a make up call. 
Make up call for missing the auburn foul that would’ve sent Jerome to the line but instead resulted in him getting his 4th foul that changed the game?  Weird way to suggest making that one up. 

Oh and refs don’t do makeup calls

 
I'm at work so I can't watch much, but I just took in a 2-minute stretch and have a serious question - how the #### were 39 points scored in this game? How is it not 0-0? No one even came remotely close to scoring.

3 points may be an insurmountable deficit for MSU. That's the equivalent of like 20 in a normal game.
The Michigan -Tech was 6-6 after 10 minutes..I thought my TV had stopped working.  Tech forces you into an ugly game with their defense.

 
Politician Spock said:
Completely agree the foul on Guy was right.... however, they could have let it slide as a makeup call for missing the DD and no one other than Virginia fans would have had a problem with it being a make up call. 
:lmao:

 
I missed the games, but saw the clips of the end of the Virginia game sometime yesterday.  And I'm more convinced than ever that people watch games just to find something to complain about.  No one wants a game decided at the free throw line, but a) that was a foul and b) the missed double dribble was not egregious.  Shut up and enjoy the game.

 
Da Guru said:
The Michigan -Tech was 6-6 after 10 minutes..I thought my TV had stopped working.  Tech forces you into an ugly game with their defense.
I'm terrified tonight may be a repeat of the 11 final between UConn and Butler.  There's a huge difference between good defense (i.e. the 15 final between Duke and Wisconsin) and terrible offense.  I just hope tonight is the former and not the latter.

 
I'm terrified tonight may be a repeat of the 11 final between UConn and Butler.  There's a huge difference between good defense (i.e. the 15 final between Duke and Wisconsin) and terrible offense.  I just hope tonight is the former and not the latter.


Virginia is usually a great offensive team efficiency-wise. They're actually ranked higher on offense than defense on KenPom. They're boring because of tempo, not inefficiency.

 
Virginia is usually a great offensive team efficiency-wise. They're actually ranked higher on offense than defense on KenPom. They're boring because of tempo, not inefficiency.
They are the last 2 standing and deserving.  I appreciate all types of games.  If this is a 52-50 game as long as it is not a foul fest it will be Ok.

 
Virginia is usually a great offensive team efficiency-wise. They're actually ranked higher on offense than defense on KenPom. They're boring because of tempo, not inefficiency.
Texas Tech isn't bad in this area either, especially since February.  They also don't usually match up with defenses like they each possess.  If each team quickly gets into their offense then I think this could be a great game, even if it's of the 62-59 variety.  But if both sides consistently don't get into their offense for 15 seconds or so?  There's some bad basketball potential I hope doesn't come to fruition.

 
They are the last 2 standing and deserving.  I appreciate all types of games.  If this is a 52-50 game as long as it is not a foul fest it will be Ok.
They're definitely deserving- UVA in particular has been incredible for the last few years and more than deserves a title to commemorate this era. I know less about Texas Tech but I've been betting the hell out of them all tournament so obviously I love them to death.  Two great, deserving teams.

But I don't think there's anything wrong with admitting that some styles of play are more appealing than others. Rebounding battles are more fun than uncontested rebounds (both these teams prioritize getting back on D over battling for offensive rebounds).  Fast breaks are more fun than slowly dribbling the ball across the timeline.  More field goal attempts/game is better than less. I think most basketball fans would agree with that.

One thing that's nice about watching UVA games, though, is that there's relatively few whistles and free throws. They don't gamble much on either end so there's fewer turnovers, and because there's fewer possessions per half the teams get into the bonus much later.  I think their semifinal game actually missed the under 4 TO in the first half because there weren't any stoppages.

 
Obviously the numbers say UVA is efficient. I just can't take any joy out of watching a team dribble out the first 15 seconds of the shot clock nearly every possession. That's basically their offense....waste half the clock and then run their shooters off a bunch of screens(usually questionable screens by Salt) trying to free up an open shooter. It's just horrible to watch. 

Great team though. Thoroughly deserving of a title if they can win tonight. 

 
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I missed the games, but saw the clips of the end of the Virginia game sometime yesterday.  And I'm more convinced than ever that people watch games just to find something to complain about.  No one wants a game decided at the free throw line, but a) that was a foul and b) the missed double dribble was not egregious.  Shut up and enjoy the game.
can't remember where, it was a long time ago, but there was a story about how the majority of Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern listeners that answered a poll said they hated the show hosts and the show content. that people tuned in out of some sort of masochistic need to be angry each day.

 
can't remember where, it was a long time ago, but there was a story about how the majority of Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern listeners that answered a poll said they hated the show hosts and the show content. that people tuned in out of some sort of masochistic need to be angry each day.
I don't know if he still does, but Howard used to brag about it.  Below is a brief dialogue from Private Parts:

Researcher : The average radio listener listens for eighteen minutes. The average Howard Stern fan listens for - are you ready for this? - an hour and twenty minutes.

Pig Vomit : How can that be?

Researcher : Answer most commonly given? "I want to see what he'll say next."

Pig Vomit : Okay, fine. But what about the people who hate Stern?

Researcher : Good point. The average Stern hater listens for two and a half hours a day.

Pig Vomit : But... if they hate him, why do they listen?

Researcher : Most common answer? "I want to see what he'll say next."

 
I don't know if he still does, but Howard used to brag about it.  Below is a brief dialogue from Private Parts:

Researcher : The average radio listener listens for eighteen minutes. The average Howard Stern fan listens for - are you ready for this? - an hour and twenty minutes.

Pig Vomit : How can that be?

Researcher : Answer most commonly given? "I want to see what he'll say next."

Pig Vomit : Okay, fine. But what about the people who hate Stern?

Researcher : Good point. The average Stern hater listens for two and a half hours a day.

Pig Vomit : But... if they hate him, why do they listen?

Researcher : Most common answer? "I want to see what he'll say next."
:lmao:  never saw it.  can't stand the guy's shtick.

 
Obviously the numbers say UVA is efficient. I just can't take any joy out of watching a team dribble out the first 15 seconds of the shot clock nearly every possession. That's basically their offense....waste half the clock and then run their shooters off a bunch of screens(usually questionable screens by Salt) trying to free up an open shooter. It's just horrible to watch. 

Great team though. Thoroughly deserving of a title if they can win tonight. 
Salt has barely played in the tournament but I suspect they will need him tonight because TT has some big dudes up front.  But Kihei Clark has played very well too and I don't see them putting him back on the bench.  I'm curious if Bennett goes bigger or stays small tonight.

 
Salt has barely played in the tournament but I suspect they will need him tonight because TT has some big dudes up front.  But Kihei Clark has played very well too and I don't see them putting him back on the bench.  I'm curious if Bennett goes bigger or stays small tonight.
They've undoubtedly gotten slightly more watchable with Clark ans diakite playing more minutes instead of salt

 
I just can't take any joy out of watching a team dribble out the first 15 seconds of the shot clock nearly every possession. That's basically their offense....waste half the clock and then run their shooters off a bunch of screens(usually questionable screens by Salt) trying to free up an open shooter. It's just horrible to watch. 
This is a misrepresentation of their offense. They move the ball from side to side making the defense move. Make the defense shift to defend both sides of the court multiple times in a possession and  you will find the open spaces that creates scoring opportunities. 

 
This is a misrepresentation of their offense. They move the ball from side to side making the defense move. Make the defense shift to defend both sides of the court multiple times in a possession and  you will find the open spaces that creates scoring opportunities. 
I've watched them play a lot this year. 

Every team beyond middle school (and apparently a coach K team with RJ Barrett as the primary creator) tries to move the ball from side to side. UVA isn't unique in that. What IS unique is their pace. And it's painful to watch.

Again.... GREAT team. Deserving champ. But I refuse to give in to the idea that it is somehow elegant basketball because they can make a high percentage of their jumpers. Their goal is to make every game rock fight. I admire Bennett for building a system, recruiting to that system and having great success. But it sucks to watch. Plain and simple

 
I've watched them play a lot this year. 

Every team beyond middle school (and apparently a coach K team with RJ Barrett as the primary creator) tries to move the ball from side to side. UVA isn't unique in that. What IS unique is their pace. And it's painful to watch.

Again.... GREAT team. Deserving champ. But I refuse to give in to the idea that it is somehow elegant basketball because they can make a high percentage of their jumpers. Their goal is to make every game rock fight. I admire Bennett for building a system, recruiting to that system and having great success. But it sucks to watch. Plain and simple
I understand your frustration. It's all a matter of perspective. I lean the other way because of the teams I coached. I was blessed with a rather large front line and only one ball guard. We used to play physical punishing half court defense and slow methodical offense. Nobody wanted to play us. Got all the way to a state title game (lost in OT). Set a state record for fewest points given up in a final four game what we won 42-18. Again, a matter of perspective. I understand it's not entertaining to watch. 

 
This is the first year that I've been doing this that Vegas Futures doesn't end up being the best lazy way to set a bracket.  Vegas is only in the 74 percentile.  This year, the various metrics guys like kenpom are the best, ranging from 94-97 percentile.  NET Rankings and chalk performed decently as well at 91.  

 
This is the first year that I've been doing this that Vegas Futures doesn't end up being the best lazy way to set a bracket.  Vegas is only in the 74 percentile.  This year, the various metrics guys like kenpom are the best, ranging from 94-97 percentile.  NET Rankings and chalk performed decently as well at 91.  
74% in a super chalk year.  That is pretty bad.

 
This is the first year that I've been doing this that Vegas Futures doesn't end up being the best lazy way to set a bracket.  Vegas is only in the 74 percentile.  This year, the various metrics guys like kenpom are the best, ranging from 94-97 percentile.  NET Rankings and chalk performed decently as well at 91.  
If TT wins those will all dip considerably right? 

 
74% in a super chalk year.  That is pretty bad.
Most bracket contests are weighted pretty heavily for later games, etc. So obviously vegas futures brackets got pummeled when duke lost, gonzaga lost, and UNC lost. Kenpom would have UVA winning it all which is what kept it up there. UVA would be only final four for Kenpom bracket though.

@Scoresman what percentile was kenpom at after elite 8? 

 
Most bracket contests are weighted pretty heavily for later games, etc. So obviously vegas futures brackets got pummeled when duke lost, gonzaga lost, and UNC lost. Kenpom would have UVA winning it all which is what kept it up there. UVA would be only final four for Kenpom bracket though.

@Scoresman what percentile was kenpom at after elite 8? 
91 I believe.  Also, I think they way it works is they stand to gain even more ground if Virginia wins tongiht, but if they don't how far they drop will depend on who had TT winning it all which I assume will be a small number. Kenpom currently has 950 points with a Max possible of 1270 if Virginia wins.

Also technically, the best metrics guy this year was Eric Haslam at 97 percentile and 1010 points so far.  What's funny is that he had Virginia winning it all pre-tourney, but predicts a TT win.  

 
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I don't find UVA boring to watch.  I actually like watching them because they execute so well. 
everything they do looks purposeful and coordinated vs. most of basketball right now which is pound the dribble, one one one, terrible low percentage shot.

even their footwork on screens, or defense, or rebound positioning is clean. lots of teams just look frantic as hell... running 100 mph in to bad positions and hoisting up shots with no chance.

 
I don't find UVA boring to watch.  I actually like watching them because they execute so well. 
Me, either. The pace is slow, but it's always working towards something.

I also like watching Texas Tech. Their offense is a little funky, but they get the hell after it on D. 

 
91 I believe.  Also, I think they way it works is they stand to gain even more ground if Virginia wins tongiht, but if they don't how far they drop will depend on who had TT winning it all which I assume will be a small number. Kenpom currently has 950 points with a Max possible of 1270 if Virginia wins.

Also technically, the best metrics guy this year was Eric Haslam at 97 percentile and 1010 points so far.  What's funny is that he had Virginia winning it all pre-tourney, but predicts a TT win.  
I can buy that.  5 games over 2.5 weeks is a pretty decent sample size and TT has definitely been the better of the two teams over that stretch. That is presumably why Vegas has UVA -1 which seems low for a 1 vs 3 game that KenPom has as a 3 point UVA win.

I can't really explain why, but this one feels like a semi-comfortable UVA win to me. Anyone who's watched a bunch of ACC this year knows we haven't seen anything close to UVA's "A" game this postseason, but with a short turnaround against another slow-tempo team that's not quite at Auburn/Purdue level offensively I have a weird suspicion we might finally see the ACC regular season Hoos return tonight.

 
everything they do looks purposeful and coordinated vs. most of basketball right now which is pound the dribble, one one one, terrible low percentage shot.

even their footwork on screens, or defense, or rebound positioning is clean. lots of teams just look frantic as hell... running 100 mph in to bad positions and hoisting up shots with no chance.
I can see both sides. I think the real advantage their system has is that they can recruit for it, and they can build teams that can hang with the Dukes and Kentuckys without necessarily needing 5* recruits.

OTOH, it's like #######, at least push the ball off a miss occasionally and take a look.

 
I can see both sides. I think the real advantage their system has is that they can recruit for it, and they can build teams that can hang with the Dukes and Kentuckys without necessarily needing 5* recruits.

OTOH, it's like #######, at least push the ball off a miss occasionally and take a look.
I said that several times in the Auburn game during their half court offense.  I get being patient and making the other team work, but the guards will often not even be a threat to turn the corner when catching off a screen early in the clock.  I believe making them work on defense is more effective when you actually make them think you're going to try to score.

 
Kinda feel like UVA's had the better of it here. Clearer idea of how to attack TT's defense, whereas the other way TT doesn't look like they have any clue. That said, they still have 50% more points than UVA, so :shrug:

 

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