Appreciate the support, dude. It’s okay though, I can take it. But good point on the Venmo thing though
Well, where to start … with the fact that this year’s tournament keeps raining upsets down upon us like it’s monsoon season? Or that your beloved Commish has now extended his losing streak to 28 consecutive tournaments?
The Commish’s pick to win the whole thing, #1 Illinois, got absolutely shellacked by their in-state rival, #8 Loyola-Chicago and their 101 year old mascot, Sister Jean, by a score of 71-58, as the 2018 Final Four participants jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. I’m just glad it happened early enough in the day so that the sting had worn off so that I didn’t have to cry myself to sleep. Again.
Yeah, I think we can all agree on that one, Roman.
In retrospect, it looks like the Big 10 may have been just a bunch of frauds this year with #1 Illinois, #2 Ohio State, and #4 Purdue already sent packing.
As for Loyola-Chicago, the Ramblers are now off to the Sweet 16 where they’ll face #12 Oregon State, who were 80-70 winners over #4 Oklahoma State. Joining them from that part of the bracket will be #2 Houston and #11 Syracuse, who defeated #3 West Virginia. So to recap, the Midwest Region’s four remaining teams are a #2, #8, #11, and a #12. Right. Got it.
Indeed.
In terms of twists though, the West Region wasn’t too far behind as their Sweet 16 match-ups include #15 Oral freaking Roberts vs #3 Arkansas, who barely survived their game vs #6 Texas Tech, and #1 Baylor vs #5 Villanova.
Checking the GAMM standings, we find Chelsie Jackson (one of Assistant Commish Lauren Dennehy’s co-workers at Alba Salon & Spa aka “The Best Salon in Cincinnati”) in a 1st place tie with Jordan Smith, whose other bracket is in 5th place. Chelsie’s reign at the top of the standings is likely short-lived though, given her selection of St. Bonaventure to win it all.
I’d like to thank the following individuals for including a little “something something” extra for The Commish’s beer fund when they Venmo’d me their entry fees this year :
- Mike Althouse
- Sheryl Hemphill (former Assistant Commish)
- Evan Althouse
- Chris Daniels
- Rob Mulcahy
- Brian Suth
- Chris Gilmore
- Mary Bruggeman
- Emily Chapple
- Dominick Peraino (was actually a bribe so I that wouldn’t take Michigan)
- Joe Walsh
- Lucas Sagraves (granted, he only included a $0.01 tip, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Or maybe he just fat-fingered it? Idk. Either way, it’s fine.)
Gratuities .. never expected, always appreciated!
With the whacky schedule of this year’s tourney, we now find ourselves with a full slate of games today, so here’s today’s TV schedule:
- 12:10 pm – (7) Oregon vs. (2) Iowa (CBS)
- 2:40 pm – (8) Oklahoma vs. (1) Gonzaga (CBS)
- 5:15 pm – (14) Abilene Christian vs. (11) UCLA (TBS)
- 6:10 pm – (13) Ohio vs. (5) Creighton (TNT)
- 7:10 pm – (8) LSU vs. (1) Michigan (CBS)
- 7:45 pm – (5) Colorado vs. (4) Florida State (TBS)
- 8:45 pm – (10) Maryland vs. (2) Alabama (TNT)
- 9:40 pm – (6) USC vs. (3) Kansas (CBS)
The Commish
PS – There’s still roughly 35 outstanding entry fees, folks. Let’s get ’em in.
