Happy Saturday to you and yours! It may not be a workday, but pour yourself a cup of coffee and read up anyway, because whether you’re brunching, watching t-ball or standing in the lift line, you’re sure to face a conversational lull today that you can fill will a random piece of college basketball knowledge. But first, a few lessons in geography made possible by readers like you.
Yesterday morning, reader Parker reminded BRST brass that Oakland University (of Jack Gohlke fame) is in Oakland County, Michigan and not Oakland, California. This means Jack and the Grizzlies are not the Bay Area’s Finest, but rather the Base of the Thumb’s Finest. Apologies to our Michigan readers.
Additionally, reader Chris brought to our attention an incredible fact highlighted by X.com user Jay Cuda. Apparently all five teams located in the 33°N line of latitude that played first round games on Thursday lost.
The trend continued Friday when (12) Alabama at Birmingham lost to (5) San Diego State, but then (4) Alabama and (12) Grand Canyon were able to overcome the lack of latitudinal luck and beat (13) Charleston and (5) Saint Mary’s, respectively. So all told, the 33°N line of latitude went 2-6 in the first round.
There is no shortage of universities and locations to learn about in a tournament featuring 68 schools. As one more example, it’s a shame that (16) Stetson lost yesterday to (1) UConn, 91-52. Another few days discussing a school eponymous with the western hat maker, John B. Stetson, would have been rather fun. If you’re wondering where Stetson is located, by the way, it’s in DeLand, Florida, just west of DeOcean.
Alright, here we go…
1. Later Gators
With a 94-81 lead and 4:30 left on the clock, it appeared that (10) Colorado had a win secured against (7) Florida, but the Gators had other ideas. Guard Walter Clayton Jr. proceeded to score 16 points for Florida, including a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to knot the score at 100-100.
Colorado got the last laugh, however, as KJ Simpson made a game-winning shot with just over a second left on the clock to squeak out a 102-100 win for the Buffaloes.
Say something like: “Wait a second, I thought Walter Clayton was my dad’s favorite running back1?”
2. Edey Money
UConn wasn’t the only top seed to win big on Friday. It took a half to really get going, but the Boilermakers of (1) Purdue steamrolled (16) Grambling, 78-50, behind a huge performance from 7’4” senior center Zach Edey. The reigning National Player of the Year (he’s likely to win again this year) tallied 30 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks in the win. Edey became just the second player since 1976 to record 30+ points and 20+ rebounds in a tournament game.
(1) Houston made it a clean sweep in the first round for the one-seeds by cruising to an 86-46 win over (16) Longwood. All-American guard Jamal Shead paced the Cougars with 11 points and nine assists.
Say something like: “I’m glad we get at least one more game of Zach Edey, but I still don’t trust Purdue2.”
3. Starting Their Runs
A trio of top title contenders on the Women’s side began tournament play yesterday as well.
Undefeated (1) South Carolina made quick work of (16) Presbyterian, jumping out to a 48-25 halftime lead and winning by a final score of 91-39. Coach Dawn Staley’s balanced group was led by 6’2” sophomore forward Chloe Kitts who scored 21 points off the bench.
Elsewhere, (1) Texas two-stepped their way past (16) Drexel, 82-42, on the heels of a 21 points from senior guard Shalyee Gonzales, who made five of her six three-point attempts.
Out west, (2) Stanford picked up an easy win over (15) Norfolk State as Pac-12 Player of the Year Cameron Brink recorded 17 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks to lead the Cardinal in a 79-50 victory.
Say something like: “Dominant wins are cool, but did you see Middle Tennessee come back from 18 points down to knock off Louisville?”
Followed by: “Eighteen point comebacks are neat, but Audi Crooks scored 40 points to lead Iowa State to a win after trailing Maryland by 20.”
4. Mad Men
The Dukes of (12) James Madison were looking for their 14th straight win when they took the floor against (5) Wisconsin Friday night, and they got it, earning a 72-61 victory over the Badgers. Six players scored at least eight points for James Madison, led by guard Terrence Edwards Jr. who finished with 14.
A second round matchup Sunday against (4) Duke is next after the Blue Devils won their opening game against (13) Vermont, 64-47.
Say something like: “James Madison is now 32-3 on the season. There’s a reason I picked them to go to the Final Four!3”
5. Y Not?
John Poulakidas poured in 28 points to lead (13) Yale to a 78-76 upset victory over (4) Auburn, marking the second NCAA Tournament win in school history. Yale trailed by 10 points with 7:35 remaining, but battled back and took the lead for good on a Poulakidas three-pointer with 2:11 left to play.
Say something like: “John Poulakidas is about to be the most popular Yale student since Rory Gilmore.”
Close! That’s Walter Payton.
Purdue was a one-seed last year but lost in the opening round to Fairleigh Dickinson, a very real university in New Jersey
Even if you didn’t, people will think you’re a genius when they beat Duke.
One more geographic note:
Wisconsin was always destined to lose to JMU. University of Wisconsin is located where? Madison. Named after James Madison himself. They never stood a chance.