In order to help out any fan that has questions about their bracket, or just help making sure you know what you’re talking about at the water cooler this week, we’ll have a region by region tournament breakdown starting with the east regional.

The Favorites

Villanova- Jay Wright’s Wildcats enter the tournament as the number one overall seed after a 30-3 season as both the Big East regular season and conference tournament champions. Villanova’s greatest strength entering the tournament is big game experience, as they returned three starters and two key bench contributors from last season’s national championship team. The biggest question that the Wildcats have faced entering the tournament in recent seasons is can they escape the first weekend of the tourney, having lost three consecutive second round games as a #1 or #2 seed. Jay Wright’s club put those questions to rest last year by winning the title, and they look poised to make another deep run led by the Big East conference player of the Year Josh Hart.

Duke-  The Blue Devils had one of the more uneven seasons in college basketball, as coach K missed a chunk of Conference play due to back surgery and their preseason all-American was constantly in the news for all of the wrong reasons. However since coach K returned to the bench in February, the offense has come alive. Shooting guard Luke Kennard has been handed a larger role and he has answered in a big way, scoring over 20 ppg while shooting just below 45 percent from behind the arc. Throw in the emergence of future lottery pick Jayson Tatum and a more level-headed Grayson Allen, and now we have a Duke team entering the tournament as a #2 seed after just beating three top twenty teams to win the ACC tournament. Simply put; the Blue Devils are dangerous.

Everyone is Talking About…

SMU- The Mustangs jumped on to the college basketball scene last season, but were ineligible for the NCAA tournament due to NCAA sanctions. This season, the Mustangs played like a team hungry to prove they belong, winning 26 of their last 27 games, their only loss coming on the road by two points to an impressive Cincinnati squad. As a #6 seed in the tournament, their biggest questions seem to be that they didn’t beat enough quality opponents (only 2 top 50 RPI wins, both against Cincinnati) and lack of depth, as they only use six players in their rotation. While their thin rotation is a valid concern, it’s worth pointing out that the six players they use are all really talented basketball players that can defend multiple positions and dominate in transition. Led by 6’7 Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye, the Mustangs are balanced offensively with five double digit scorers. Any team that is that difficult to guard is a tough match up in March.

Don’t be Fooled by…

Virginia- Virginia has quietly developed into an ACC powerhouse under Tony Bennet. The last three seasons the Cavaliers have been at least a #2 seed in the tournament, but have never gotten past the elite 8. While Virginia’s offensive style has become synonymous with BORING, you can’t argue that their barrage of halfcourt sets that consistently burn 25-30 seconds of clock isn’t effective and infuriating for opposing defenses.  Experience and discipline have made Virginia a hot pick to go as far as at least the sweet 16, but I’m not optimistic about their chances. The last three seasons Virginia has had NBA caliber wings in Justin Anderson and Malcolm Brogdon that could make plays if their sets broke down, this year their best playmaker is senior point guard London Perrantes. Perrantes doesn’t have nearly enough size or speed to separate from defenders off the dribble consistently enough to bail out the Cavaliers the way Brogdon or Anderson could. For that reason Virginia will probably need more than a few lucky breaks to advance past the first weekend.

If the Slipper Fits…

UNC Wilmington- The Colonial Athletic Association champs drew Virginia in the first round after winning 29 games this season. I just highlighted Virginia’s faults at length, and UNC Wilmington can exploit those faults if they can control the tempo. They are second in the country in turnover rate and 10th in the country in scoring, with four players averaging over 12 ppg. The numbers line up, UNC Wilmington has the best chance of any double digit seed in this region of pulling off an upset or two.

Five Players to Watch

SO PG Jalen Bronson, Villanova- Brunson is calm, cool and collected. He’s proven that no lights are too bright for him, expect him to bring his A game.

SR C Amile Jefferson, Duke- With Jayson Tatum playing more at the four, more has been asked out of Jefferson as rim protector. He’s responded nicely by averaging 1.7 blocks and over 8 rebounds a game, the Blue Devils need him to keep playing at high level down low.

JR F Johnathan Motley, Baylor- Motley is the leading man for the Bears, averaging nearly a double-double. His size and athleticism on both ends is a major reason that the #3 seed is as successful as they are in transition and with their press.

JR F Semi Ojeleye, SMU- With the Mustangs using such a small rotation, their legs will give quicker then the other contenders in the region. They need an all tournament type performance from Ojeleye to advance to Phoenix.

SR PG Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin- Many people were surprised to see the Badgers down at the #8 seed, but they shouldn’t be. They don’t have many offensive options, and most of their options are one dimensional. If the decorated senior wants to make one last run into late March, he has to be their go-to option, not Nigel Hayes.

Predictions

Despite their lack of numbers, SMU doesn’t lack talent. They should have no problem with a play-in game winner and they should be able to take advantage of Baylor’s major turnover issues with an efficient transition game. The #4 seed Florida might not have to play a team seeded lower than #12 in the first two rounds, which gives them an advantageous first weekend schedule that I expect them to take advantage of. However, the bottom line in this regional is that Duke and Villanova are so talented that its too hard for me to believe anyone is knocking them out before the elite eight. In what could possibly the most important game of the tournament, many are expecting the red hot Blue Devils to win the region. However, despite Duke’s offensive firepower, they are vulnerable defensively especially off the dribble. Brunson and Hart are so skilled and decisive off the dribble, and I think that will be enough to give the Wildcats the edge in this one considering how tough they are defensively. Villanova will be heading back to their second straight final four.

The post NCAA Tournament Breakdown:East Region appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Allegations of drug abuse, academic cheating and sexual assault has ravaged Baylor university and they wholeheartedly deserve the “Death Penalty” sanction from the NCAA. Here’s why.

Not only were multiple players accused of these allegations allowed to continue to play football but some barely received a slap on the wrist.

The Baylor University Board Of Regents released an official statement titled “Findings Of Fact” that did not include any scrap of evidence of incriminating text messages from Art Briles, Ian McCaw or Colin Shillinglaw who are now all former employees of Baylor University.

A Baylor football player who was receiving a massage on  when he engaged in inappropriate behavior with the masseuse. Assistant Colin Shillinglaw texted Briles on September 13, 2013 : “supposedly exposed himself and asked for favors. She [masseuse][ed. Note] has a lawyer but wants us to handle with discipline and counseling.” Briles responded “What kind of discipline…She a stripper?”

The lack of accountability within Baylor’s football program, from its coaching staff to the university’s leadership, is a glaring example of how institutions can fail to protect victims and instead prioritize their own interests.

When universities, corporations, or individuals neglect their responsibility and allow misconduct to fester, those affected often feel powerless in the face of deep-rooted systems designed to shield the guilty. This is where experienced legal representation becomes critical.

Trusted legal attorneys like Matthew Minskey understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to ensure that survivors of abuse, negligence, and institutional failures get the justice they deserve. Beyond just legal action, they provide comprehensive support, connecting clients with medical professionals and essential services to aid in their recovery, ensuring that justice is pursued on all fronts.

When powerful institutions fail to act, having a relentless advocate on your side can make all the difference in holding them accountable.

The lack of seriousness displayed in Briles’ response regarding the situation is not only alarming but disgusting in itself. This incident is just the beginning of the pile of hot garbage Briles help build during his tenure at Baylor.

A Baylor football player was put under arrest for attacking another student along with threatening to kill them. Following that incident on September 20th, 2013 an unnamed official a part of Baylor’s football operations staff went forth and attempted to convince the victim not to press criminal charges.

The blatant disregard for justice in this situation underscores a deeply ingrained culture of protecting reputations over holding individuals accountable. The attempt to silence victims and manipulate the legal process reflects a larger issue within institutions that prioritize their own interests rather than upholding the law.

In cases like this, where power dynamics and influence threaten to overshadow the truth, strong legal representation becomes crucial. Bryan Alfaro Law understands the gravity of criminal defense cases, particularly when individuals face accusations that could impact their entire future. Whether it’s a wrongful charge, a complex legal battle, or the need for an aggressive defense, having a skilled attorney can mean the difference between a fair trial and a manipulated outcome.

With a system that often favors those in power, legal expertise is essential in ensuring that every individual receives due process, regardless of the forces working against them.

While that was going on Briles was in talks with the Baylor Athletics Director, Ian McCaw, sending him a text saying “Just talked to [ed. Note][the player] he said Waco PD was there – said they were going to keep it quiet – Wasn’t a set up deal…I’’’ get shill [Ed. note][Shillinglaw] to ck on Sibley. [ed. note][attorney Michael Lamonsoff]”

Then-Baylor AD Ian McCaw responded “That would be great if they kept it quiet!”

How much more blatant can you be when it comes to covering something up?

An unnamed player had to meet with the Vice President of student life at Baylor, Kevin Jackson, in October of 2013 because he was suspended for multiple drug infractions. When discussing how to defuse the situation Shillinglaw texted Briles “Bottomline, he has to meet with Jackson tomorrow morning. If Jackson does not reinstate President will.”

Let’s fast forward a couple years. It only gets worse.

One of Briles players was put under arrest for possession of marijuana in August of 2015, after that incident Briles shot a text to an assistant coach saying “Shit – how about that – he’s gonna b in the system now – let me know what you think we should do…I can get shill [ed. note][Shillinglaw] to call Sibley or we can…Do we know who complained?”

After Briles found out that the complaint came from a superintendent of that player’s housing complex he texted back “We need to know who supervisor is and get him to alert us first.”

Talk about handling things in-house. When I say in-house you would think I mean specifically within the Baylor football program and the athletic department. This type of heinous behavior is too tame for the Baylor Bears though, nope this goes all the way to the top.

Baylor player, Tevin Elliot, was guilty of plagiarism which happened to be his second violation of the school’s honor code. Instead of striking out and being released from the team Briles implored former Baylor president, Ken Starr, to terminate Elliots suspension completely. Not only was that successful but Starr decided to not let judicial affairs handle this situation and placed Elliot under “probationary watch” of the school’s athletic department.

Trouble did not stop for Elliot there as he was later accused of sexual assault on April 15th. Per usual Briles took his now normal route of complete ignorance and did not report this incident to judicial affairs until the Waco Tribune-Herald came out with news regarding the police investigation.

Elliot was later found guilty of two acts of sexual assault and sent to prison on the maximum of 20 years.

According to Baylor Officials, multiple Baylor football players engaged in both physical and sexual assaults of 17 women that begun in 2011 while Briles was the team’s head coach.

Multiple people within the Baylor Athletic Department, the football program and the administration itself handled these incidents in an unbelievably scandalous manner that negatively affected numerous victims over the course of four years. Ian McCaw, Ken Starr, Art Briles and Colin Shillinglaw have all either been terminated or have resigned from employment at Baylor University.

The NCAA “Death Penalty” has come down on eight different programs in history and if the NCAA conducts their investigation regarding Baylor thoroughly they wholeheartedly deserve the “Death Penalty” sanction.  
Seeing that Baylor promotes themselves as a religious based school and are a private baptist university it is truly incredible that they have not self-imposed this ban on themselves already due to the morals as well as values they claim to stand by.

In case of recovering damages from a wrongful death claim then you can contact experienced Wrongful death lawyer in Miami for legal advice.

The post Baylor Deserves The Death Penalty- Here’s Why appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The Associated Press released its poll of the top 25 men’s college basketball teams in the nation (http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll).

No changes to the top two sports as Villanova and Kansas hold their positions from last week. Virginia comes into the top five as the number three team in the nation after previously being ranked seven. Oklahoma remains number three due to the fact that they tied Virginia in points based off of how the writers voted. The Xavier Musketeers are at the five spot to round out the top five.

Michigan State moves up from their eight spot to six.

Your Hawkeyes slide down to eight after the loss to Penn State, their only game on the schedule for their entire week.

The Terrapins, coming off of a loss to Minnesota, drop down to the tenth spot to round out the top ten.

The Hoosiers and the Boilermakers of Purdue are the next two teams from the Big Ten in the top 25 coming in at 18 and 20, respectively.

Highest Movers: Louisville Up seven spots to 18, Duke up five spots to 15.

BIG GAMES AHEAD- ALL TIMES EASTERN

Saturday February 27, 2016

9 Arizona (22-5, 10-4) v.s. 22 Utah (21-7, 10-5)- 2:00

7 North Carolina (22-5, 11-3) v.s. 3 Virginia (21-5, 10-4)- 6:30

(http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/scoreboard)

College basketball fans salivate. Another week of outstanding matchups that will be nothing short of greatness.

The Hawkeyes faceoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes at 3:00 on Sunday trying to get back on track after the loss to wisconsin last night.

The post Week 16 Rankings and A Look Ahead appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Each year college football is filled with upsets, dark horses, front runners and thrillers, and his season is no different. With a little over half of the season played, we have seen the mighty fall, teams climb their way up the polls, and unknowns become household names in just a matter of weeks. Now anyone who even pays the slightest attention to college football knows the traditional powerhouses, we know Alabama, Ohio State, and Florida State are good teams. But I want to focus on those we had low, to absolutely zero expectations for coming into this season.

Missouri:

–          Easily the biggest shocker so far this year. Mizzou has not been ranked in the top 5 since the Chase Daniel days nearly five years ago. It’s hard to believe they are only a year removed from a 5-7 season. The Tigers are off to a 7-0 start, the best since moving to the SEC three years ago. After Quarterback James Franklin went down two weeks ago in their victory over Georgia, many figured that was it for the Tigers as they had a tough test against Florida the next week. Obviously this message never got to backup quarterback Maty Mauk as he lead Mizzou past a very stout Gators defense. This week will be another tough test as they host Jadaveon Clowney and the South Carolina Gamecocks. But if they can keep this high powered offense going (and win a shootout against Texas A&M) they may give Alabama a run for the money in the SEC championship.

Texas Tech

–          This team has snuck under the radar this year under new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, but the Red Raiders have given Lubbock something to cheer about again as they are off to a 7-0 start. Typical of Texas Tech, their team is led by a dynamic air raid attack, currently ranked second in the nation in passing yards with an average of 416.4 per game. Kingsbury and his new all-Tech staff have this young team fired up, which they will need as they head into the toughest part of their schedule. The Red Raiders have matchups against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and fellow offensive juggernaut Baylor.

Baylor

–          Okay I know their offense has been good the past few years, but I had no idea they were this good. As of today they are ranked first in total points with 64.7 per game, third in passing yards with 414, and seventh in rushing yards with a 300.3. These are video game numbers. I mean, I am a stud at NCAA Football and I don’t think I could put these numbers up. And these are thanks to their two Heisman candidates quarterback Bryce Petty, and running back Lache Seastrunk.

(all stats as of 10/24/13)

Related articles

• Stewart Mandel: Kliff Kingsbury’s reputation growing with Texas Tech’s hot start
• Kingsbury Reputaion Growing

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