What we feared for St. John’s did in fact play out. Away from BE refs, they got called for 20 fouls to 13 for Duke and were outscored by 11 from the FT line. That was the difference. Despite the fact that they shot 41% from 3 and outscored Duke by 6 from the floor, it wasn’t enough with the disparity in FTs, 24-8.

(03-27-2026 09:08 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  What we feared for St. John’s did in fact play out. Away from BE refs, they got called for 20 fouls to 13 for Duke and were outscored by 11 from the FT line. That was the difference. Despite the fact that they shot 41% from 3 and outscored Duke by 6 from the floor, it wasn’t enough with the disparity in FTs, 24-8.

When they went up 10 I thought they were in really good shape. Duke wiped that lead out real quick.

Credit to Foster for gutting it out on the surgically repaired foot.

UConn looking good despite letting MSU back in the game

UConn prevails as Karaban and Reed deliver at the FAt line.

(03-27-2026 11:19 PM)Nukem2 Wrote:  UConn prevails as Karaban and Reed deliver at the FAt line.

That was much closer than it needed to be. Sorry to all for how much I have complained about officiating this season. But I cannot, for the life of me, understand how a team playing tough physical defense the way MSU was isn't called for a foul until under the 9 minute mark of a half. Even if a team is playing cleanly and the officials are letting them play, mistakes are made. I thought it was ridiculous there were no whistles on some plays.

I also thought that over the back foul on Reed at the end when MSU missed a 3 while down 3 to keep the game alive was BS. I'm not shocked it was Breeding who made the call. The man seems to hate us.

Regardless we would have won more comfortably had we not missed some easy bunnies and a lot of free throws in the first half. Survive and advance. We will need to play the way we did the first 13 or so minutes of the game for the full 40 against Duke to win. But we can get it done.

First, congrats to UConn. A quality win over a strong team. The UConn vs. Duke game should be a good one. UConn can beat Duke — but it will be a challenge.

Second, congrats to Saint John's for an outstanding season. Nothing to be ashamed of. After a slow start, the Red Storm played like one of the nation's 10 best teams the remainder of the year.

As to last night's game ... Duke is outstanding, one of the three best teams in the nation (with Zona and Michigan). When fully healthy (which Duke still is not apparently, though Caleb Foster looked very good) ... Duke beats SJU seven and maybe even eight times out of 10. Saint John's is strong. But Duke is elite.

My top three hopes for a title (and of the Sweet 16) were Tennessee, Saint John's and Houston. It's down to the Vols. And UT will need a near-miracle to beat Michigan.

(03-28-2026 07:30 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  First, congrats to UConn. A quality win over a strong team. The UConn vs. Duke game should be a good one. UConn can beat Duke — but it will be a challenge.

Second, congrats to Saint John's for an outstanding season. Nothing to be ashamed of. After a slow start, the Red Storm played like one of the nation's 10 best teams the remainder of the year.

As to last night's game ... Duke is outstanding, one of the three best teams in the nation (with Zona and Michigan). When fully healthy (which Duke still is not apparently, though Caleb Foster looked very good) ... Duke beats SJU seven and maybe even eight times out of 10. Saint John's is strong. But Duke is elite.

My top three hopes for a title (and of the Sweet 16) were Tennessee, Saint John's and Houston. It's down to the Vols. And UT will need a near-miracle to beat Michigan.

They just crapped on Iowa State so I wouldn't say they need a miracle. Though I do understand your sentiment.

Best of luck to the Vols.

(03-28-2026 09:28 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-28-2026 07:30 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  First, congrats to UConn. A quality win over a strong team. The UConn vs. Duke game should be a good one. UConn can beat Duke — but it will be a challenge.

Second, congrats to Saint John's for an outstanding season. Nothing to be ashamed of. After a slow start, the Red Storm played like one of the nation's 10 best teams the remainder of the year.

As to last night's game ... Duke is outstanding, one of the three best teams in the nation (with Zona and Michigan). When fully healthy (which Duke still is not apparently, though Caleb Foster looked very good) ... Duke beats SJU seven and maybe even eight times out of 10. Saint John's is strong. But Duke is elite.

My top three hopes for a title (and of the Sweet 16) were Tennessee, Saint John's and Houston. It's down to the Vols. And UT will need a near-miracle to beat Michigan.

They just crapped on Iowa State so I wouldn't say they need a miracle. Though I do understand your sentiment.

Best of luck to the Vols.

Just seeing the well-wishes for Tennessee. Mighty kind of you, NLess.

Your Huskies are headed to Indy. Should be a great game with Illinois. Good luck!