2012 NCAA Sweet Sixteen & Elite Eight Recap

The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight were just as crazy as the first 3 rounds. There were 4 upsets in the 12 games played. This Final Four is sure to be exciting. I will also give my opinion on the All-Regional teams and Regional MOPs.

South Region - Atlanta, Georgia: 

In the first Sweet Sixteen, #1 seed Kentucky faced #4 seed Indiana looking for revenge after Kentucky went to Indiana earlier in the year and lost by 1 on a game winning shot by Cody Zeller at the buzzer. In this game Indiana led earlier 43-39, but Kentucky rallied to led 50 to 47 at half. Kentucky then toke over in the second to win 102 to 90. With that win Kentucky advance to their 34th Elite Eight in school history and 3rd straight since 2010. In the 2nd Sweet Sixteen, #3 seed Baylor toke on #10 seed Xavier. Baylor basically was in control the entire game. They started this game leading 22 to 4 in the first 7 and a half minutes in. Xavier battled back to be down 29 to 36. Baylor pushed it out to 62 to 52. Xavier kept it close but ended up losing 75 to 70. Baylor advanced to their 4th Elite Eight in school and first time since 2010. In the Elite Eight, Kentucky and Baylor faced faced off for the right to play in New Orleans in the Final Four. Baylor jumped out to a 10 to 5 lead. Kentucky then scored 16 straight points to lead 21 to 10. Kentucky then pushed it out to a 38 to 17 lead. Kentucky led 42 to 22 at half. Kentucky continue to led 52 to 33. Baylor closed it a little to end the game but Kentucky was too good. Kentucky won the game 82 to 70 and advance to the Final Four in New Orleans. This is Kentucky's 15th Final Four. 

The five players in the South Region team were Quincy Acy from Baylor, Christan Ward from Indiana and Doron Lamb, Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Acy averaged 13.3 PPG and 9 RPG in the 4 Tournament games and was the the main reason with Perry Jones III that Baylor advanced to the Elite Eight. Acy also recorded a double-double in the Sweet Sixteen game vs. Xavier. Christian Watford averaged 19.0 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 3 tournament games. He and Cody Zeller were the major reasons Indiana advance to the Sixteen Sixteen and he had a big 27 points vs. Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen game. Doron Lamb, Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with Terrence Jones are the main reason Kentucky is in the Final Four. Doron Lamb averaged 16.8 PPG and 2.3 RPG in 4 Tournament games. Anthony Davis the Player of the Year in college basketball also had a great 4 games but didn't win South Region MOP Michael Kidd-Gilchrist did instead. Davis averaged 14.5 PPG, 11 RPG and 4.5 BPG in 4 Tournament games and had 3 double-doubles. Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 13.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG in 4 Tournament games. Kidd-Gilchrist also had a double-double vs. Indiana in the Sweet Sixteen. I thought Anthony Davis should have been the MOP.           

 

West Region - Phoenix, Arizona:

In the first Sweet Sixteen #4 seed Louisville toke on #1 seed Michigan State. The game was close for the first 13 minutes Louisville leading 14 to 11. The game stayed close and Louisville led 23 to 18 at half. Louisville was able to push the lead out to 35 to 25 with 13 minutes to go in the game. Louisville able to keep Michigan State from coming back they ended up winning 57 to 44. With that win Louisville advanced to their 12th Elite Eight in school history and first since 2009. In the second Sweet Sixteen #7 seed Florida battled #3 seed Marquette for the spot in the Elite Eight. Marquette jumped out to a early 9 to 5 lead in the first 5 minutes. Florida battled back to tie the game at 17 to 17 at the half way point of the 1st half. Florida was able to grab a 36 to 30 lead at half. Florida was able to extend the lead to 48 to 38 with 12 minutes to go in the game. Marquette closed the game to 58 to 52 with 3 minutes to go in the game. Florida was able to hold on to win 68 to 58. Florida advance to the Elite Eight for the 6th time in school history and 2nd straight since 2011. Louisville and Florida were set to take on each other for the right to advance to the Final Four. Florida jumped out to a quick 7 to 2 lead but just as quick Louisville had the lead winning 8 to 7. It stayed close they were tied 19 to 19 with 7 minutes to go in the first half. Florida toke control of the rest of the half and led 41 to 33 at half. Louisville battled back to get the score to 45 to 40 with Florida still in the lead. Florida stayed in control pushing the lead to 65 to 54 with 8 minutes left in the game. Louisville was then able to take the lead at 69 to 68 with 17 seconds to go and won the game 72 to 68 with the game on a 18 to 3 run to win. With the win Louisville advanced to their 9th Final Four in school history and first since 2005.

The All-West Region players were Bradley Beal from Florida, Draymond Green from Michigan State and Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva and Chane Behanan all from Louisville. Chane Behanan was awared the West Region MOP. Bradley Beal was a major contributor to Florida helping them advance to the Elite Eight. He averaged 15.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 3.0 APG in 4 Tournament games. He also had a double-double in the 2nd Round game vs. Virginia. Draymond Green was the major reason Michigan State was able to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. In 3 Tournament games, Draymond Green averaged 17.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG and 6.0 APG. He also recorded a Triple-Double in Michigan State's game vs. LIU Brooklyn and had double-doubles in every Tournament game. Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva and Chane Behanan all helped Louisville shock most people and advance to the Final Four after winning the Big East Tournament. Gorgui Dieng only averaged 7.0 PPG but had did averaged 8.0 RPG and 3.3 BPG in 4 Tournament games. Peyton Siva he only averaged 9.0 PPG but did averaged 7.0 APG in 4 Tournament games. He also had a double-double in the 2nd Round vs. Davidson. Chane Behanan was the West Region MOP averaging 14.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG. I agree with Behanan winning the West Region MOP.       

East Region - Boston, Massachusetts:

In the first Sweet Sixteen, #2 seed Ohio State played instate rival #6 seed Cincinnati in an all Ohio Sweet Sixteen. He was close for the first 10 minutes with Ohio State leading 17 to 13. Ohio State then toke control for the last part of the 1st half leading 37 to 25 at halftime. Cincinnati was able to come back and tie it at 41 to 41 with 15 minutes left in the game. Cincinnati then led 49 to 45 with 12 minutes left in the game. Ohio State toke control back and was leading 65 to 53 with 5 minutes left in the game. Ohio State continued to push the lead out and ended up winning by 15 points winning 81 to 66. With the win Ohio State advanced to their 14th Elite Eight in school history and first since 2007. In the 2nd Sweet Sixteen game #1 Syracuse played #4 seed Wisconsin. The entire game was close. The first 5 minutes it was tied 7 to 7. Wisconsin was able to grab a 15 to 9 lead but not for long because then Syracuse came back and toke a 18 to 17 lead. After the score was flip flopping for a while Syracuse toke a 30 to 23 lead, but Wisconsin cut to down to 33 to 27 Syracuse lead at half. Wisconsin came back and tied it at 40 with 16 minutes left in the game. Syracuse toke a 48 to 41 lead but now for long because Wisconsin scored 6 in a row to make it 48 to 47. Wisconsin gained the lead winning 56 to 53 with 8 minutes to go in the game. Syracuse toke a 62 to 59 lead and a 64 to 61 lead. Wisconsin got within 1 point but Jordan Taylor missed a shot with 3 seconds left to seal a 64 to 63 Syracuse win. Syracuse advanced to their 8th Elite Eight in school history and first since 2003. The Elite Eight was set to face Ohio State vs. Syracuse for the right to play in the Final Four in New Orleans. In the Elite Eight game Ohio State jumped out to a early 9 to 2 lead. Syracuse then battled back to take a 23 to 21 lead with 8 minutes left in the half. The game stayed close for the rest of the half the score was 29 to 29 at half time. Ohio State came out strong taking a 45 to 36 lead with 14 minutes left in the game. Syracuse again made it close but were still down 52 to 51 with 8 minutes left in the game. Ohio State then pushed the lead back out to lead 62 to 55 with 3 minutes left in the game. Ohio State was able to hold on winning 77 to 70 to advance to the Final Four. Ohio State advanced to their 11th Final Four in school history and first since 2007.

The All-East Region team included Scoop Jardine from Syracuse, Jordan Taylor from Wisconsin and Lenzelle Smith, Jr., Deshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger from Ohio State. Jared Sullinger won the East Region MOP. Scoop Jardine was a big help to Syracuse helping them advance to the Elite Eight. He averaged 13.8 PPG and 6.3 APG in 4 Tournament games. Jordan Taylor was the major reason Wisconsin made the Sweet Sixteen, he averaged 16.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 5.0 APG in 3 Tournament games. Lenzelle Smith, Jr., Deshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger are the major reasons Ohio State is in the Final Four. Lenzelle Smith, Jr. averaged 11.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG in 4 Tournament games. Deshaun Thomas averaged 21.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 1.3 BPG in 4 Tournament games. Also had had a double-double vs. Loyola (MD) in the 2nd Round with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Jared Sullinger averaged 18.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 1.5 BPG. He also had 2 double-doubles in the 2nd Round and in the Sweet Sixteen. I agree that he was the East Region MOP.              

Midwest Region - St. Louis, Missouri:

In the first Sweet Sixteen game #2 seed Kansas face #11 seed North Carolina State. North Carolina State jump out early leading 13 to 3 in the first 6 minutes. Kansas battled all the way back to tie the game at 17 with 9 minutes left in the half. Kansas lead 23 to 19 with 6 minutes to go in the half but North Carolina State lead by 1 point at half winning 33 to 32. Kansas started the 2nd half strong taking a 44 to 35 lead with 15 and half minutes to go in the game. North Carolina State closed the Kansas' lead to 56 to 50 with 5 minutes left in the game. Kansas held on it win 60 to 57 and advance to the Elite Eight. Kansas advance to their 21st Elite Eight in school history and second straight time since 2011. In the 2nd Sweet Sixteen game, #1 seed North Carolina toke on huge Cinderella #13 seed Ohio. North Carolina toke a early 12 to 4 lead. North Carolina still was look great leading 22 to 8 with 8 and half minutes left in the game. Ohio got it close but were still down 29 to 22 at half. North Carolina extended their lead to 37 to 27 with 17 minutes left in the game. Ohio rallied to close North Carolina's lead to 39 to 38 with 12 minutes left in the game. Ohio toke a 1 point lead with 6 and half minutes left in the game winning 51 to 50. They was stayed very close on ended regulation tied at 63 to 63. In overtime North Carolina dominated only allowing 2 points and winning the game 73 to 65 in overtime. With the win North Carolina advance to their 26th Elite Eight and 2nd straight since 2011. In the Elite Eight game Kansas and North Carolina faced off for the last spot in the Final Four. It was a shout out early with the score 23 to 23 with only 9 minutes gone by. The game was still tied at 31 to 31 with 7 and half minutes to go in the game. Kansas toke a lead 40 to 35 but North Carolina was able to tie it at 47 at half time. Kansas again toke the lead at 58 to 53 with 14 minutes left in the game. North Carolina then tied it at 61 with 12 minutes left in the game. Kansas again toke another lead this time a 68 to 67 lead with 4 minutes to go in the game. Kansas scored 12 straight points to win the game 80 to 67. Kansas advanced to the Final Four for the 14th time in school history and first time since 2008.
The All-Midwest Region players were Walter Offutt from Ohio, Tyler Zeller from North Carolina and Tyshawn Taylor, Jeff Withey and Thomas Robinson from Kansas. Thomas Robinson won the Midwest Region MOP. Walter Offutt with the help of D.J. Cooper helped Ohio advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 48 years. Offutt averaged 19.3 PPG and 3.3 RPG in 3 Tournament games. He had a big 26 point game vs. North Carolina. Tyler Zeller was big help to the North Carolina team this year that advanced to the Elite Eight. He averaged 15.0, 12.3 RPG and 3.3 BPG in 4 Tournament games. He also had 2 double-doubles and had a double-double-double with 20 points and 22 rebounds vs. Ohio in the Sweet Sixteen. Tyshawn Taylor, Jeff Withey and Thomas Robinson all were huge help to Kansas who advance to the Final Four. Tyshawn Taylor averaged 12.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 3.8 APG in 4 Tournament games. Jeff Withey only averaged 8.5 PPG but averaged 6.0 RPG and 5.0 BPG in 4 Tournament games. He had a crazy game with 10 blocks vs. North Carolina State. Thomas Robinson averaged 15.8 PPG and 12.5 RPG in 4 Tournament games. He also had 3 double-doubles in the first 3 games of the Tournament and was 1 rebound short off for a 4th one in the Elite Eight. I agree with him being the Midwest Region MOP.         

2012 MLB Season Predictions

2012 MLB Regular Season Standings:

American League:

AL East:

1. New York Yankees 96-66 y

2. Tampa Bay Rays 91-71 w2

3. Boston Red Sox 90-72 x

4. Toronto Blue Jays 85-77 x

5. Baltimore Orioles 68-94 x

AL Central:

1. Detroit Tigers 94-68 y
2. Kansas City Royals 82-80 x

3. Cleveland Indians 80-82 x

4. Minnesota Twins 72-90 x

5. Chicago White Sox 67-95 x

AL West:

1. Los Angeles Angels 100-62 z

2. Texas Rangers 93-67 w1

3. Oakland Athletics 72-90 x

4. Seattle Mariners 65-97 x

z = Best Record in League and Division Champion

y = Division Champions

w1 = Wild Card #1

w2 = Wild Card  #2

x = DNQ for playoffs

  

National League:

NL East:

1. Philadelphia Phillies 99-63 z

2. Miami Marlins 87-75 w2

3. Atlanta Braves 83-79 x

4. Washington Nationals 81-81x

5. New York Mets 66-96 x

NL Central:

1. Cincinnati Reds 90-72 y  
2. St. Louis Cardinals 85-77 x

3. Milwaukee Brewers 83-79 x

4. Pittsburgh Pirates 67-95 x

5. Chicago Cubs 64-98 x

6. Houston Astros 59-103 x

NL West:

1. San Francisco Giants 93-69 y

2. Arizona Diamondbacks 88-74 w1

3. Los Angeles Dodgers 82-80 x  

4. Colorado Rockies 78-94 x

5. San Diego Padres 70-92 x

z = Best Record in League and Division Champion

y = Division Champions

w1 = Wild Card #1

w2 = Wild Card  #2

x = DNQ for playoffs

2012 MLB Playoffs:

Wild Card    LDS   LCS   World Series

AL:

1 LAA

                 } LAA 3

BYE

                                  } LAA 4

4 TEX 1

                 } TEX 1

5 TB 0                                     

                                                   }  LAA 2
2 NYY

                 } NYY 3

BYE                                  

                                  } DET 2
3 DET

                 } DET 2

BYE

NL:                                                                    } PHI

1 PHI      

                 } PHI 3

BYE

                                  } PHI 4

4 ARI 1

                 } ARI 1

5 MIA 0                                              

                                                   } PHI 4                                     

2 SF
                 } SF 3

BYE                                   
                                  } SF 1

3 CIN
                 } CIN 1

BYE

Game by Game Results:

American League Playoffs:

2012 AL Wild Card Playoff:

#4 Texas Rangers vs. #5 Tampa Bay Rays:

Game 1: TB @ TEX; TEX 5, TB 3; TEX wins the series 1-0.

2012 ALDS:

#1 Los Angeles Angels vs. #4 Texas Rangers:

Game 1: LAA @ TEX; LAA 5, TEX 3; LAA leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: LAA @ TEX; TEX 3, LAA 1; Series tied at 1-1.

Game 3: TEX @ LAA; LAA 8, TEX 6; LAA leads the series 2-1. 

Game 4: TEX @ LAA; LAA 6, TEX 5, 10 Innings; LAA wins the series 3-1.

#2 New York Yankees vs. #3 Detroit Tigers:

Game 1: NYY @ DET; DET 3, NYY 0; DET leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: NYY @ DET; NYY 3, DET 2; Series tied at 1-1. 

Game 3: DET @ NYY; NYY 5, DET 2; NYY leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: DET @ NYY; DET 4, NYY 2; Series tied at 2-2. 

Game 5: DET @ NYY; DET 5, NYY 1; DET wins the series 3-2.

2012 ALCS: 

#1 Los Angeles Angels vs. #3 Detroit Tigers:

Game 1: DET @ LAA; LAA 4, DET 2; LAA leads the series 1-0. 

Game 2: DET @ LAA; LAA 6, DET 3; LAA leads the series 2-0.

Game 3: LAA @ DET; DET 8, LAA 7; LAA leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: LAA @ DET; DET 6, LAA 2; Series tied at 2-2.

Game 5: LAA @ DET; LAA 4, DET 1; LAA leads the series 3-2. 

Game 6: DET @ LAA; LAA 2, DET 0; LAA wins the series 4-2.

Los Angeles Angels are the 2012 American League Champions.

Albert Pujols is the 2012 ALCS MVP. He hit .428 BA (9 for 21), 4 HRs and 7 RBIs.

National League Playoffs:

2012 NL Wild Card Playoff:

#4 Texas Rangers vs. #5 Tampa Bay Rays:

Game 1: MIA @ ARI; ARI 4, MIA 1; MIA wins the series 1-0.

2012 NLDS:

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs. #4 Arizona Diamondbacks:

Game 1: PHI @ ARI; PHI 5, ARI 1; PHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: PHI @ ARI; ARI 4, PHI 2; Series tied at 1-1.

Game 3: ARI @ PHI; PHI 7, ARI 5; PHI leads the series 2-1. 

Game 4: ARI @ PHI; PHI 3, ARI 2; PHI wins the series 3-1.

#2 San Fransisco Giants vs. #3 Cincinnati Reds:

Game 1: SF @ CIN; SF 5, CIN 2; SF leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: SF @ CIN; CIN 1, SF 0, 11 Innings; Series tied at 1-1.

Game 3: CIN @ SF; SF 2, CIN 1; SF leads the series 2-1. 

Game 4: CIN @ SF; SF 3, CIN 0; SF wins the series 3-1.

2012 NLCS: 

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs. #2 San Francisco Giants:

Game 1: SF @ PHI; PHI 4, SF 3; PHI leads the series 1-0. 

Game 1: SF @ PHI; PHI 5, SF 1; PHI leads the series 2-0.

Game 3: PHI@ SF; SF 5, PHI 4, 10 Innings; PHI leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: PHI @ SF; PHI 2, SF 1; PHI leads the series 3-1.

Game 5: PHI@ SF; SF 5, PHI 2; PHI leads the series 3-2. 

Game 6: SF @ PHI; PHI 6, SF 1; PHI wins the series 4-2.

Philadelphia Phillies are the 2012 National League Champions.

Cliff Lee is the 2012 NLCS MVP. He was 2-0, 1.08 ERA and 17 Strikeouts.

2012 World Series:

AL #1 Los Angeles Angels vs. NL #1 Philadelphia Phillies:

Game 1: PHI @ LAA; LAA 2, PHI 1; LAA leads the series 1-0. 

Game 2: PHI @ LAA; PHI 6, LAA 4; Series tied at 1-1.

Game 3: LAA @ PHI; PHI 2, LAA 0; PHI leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: LAA @ PHI; LAA 4, PHI 3; Series tied at 2-2.

Game 5: LAA @ PHI; PHI 5, LAA 4, 11 Innings; PHI leads the series 3-2. 

Game 6: PHI @ LAA; PHI 6, LAA 5; PHI wins the series 4-2.

Philadelphia Phillies are 2012 World Series Champions.

Hunter Pence is 2012 World Series MVP. He hit .455 (8 for 22), 2 HRs and 9 RBIs.

2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City, MO:   

National League vs. American League:

AL Starters:

C: Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers.

1B: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels.

2B: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees.

SS: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees.

3B: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays.

OF: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays.

OF: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees.

OF: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers.

P: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers.

DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox.

Manger: Ron Washington, Texas Rangers.

NL:

C: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals.

1B: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds.

2B: Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers.

SS: Jose Reyes, Miami Marlins.

3B: Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies.

OF: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers.

OF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers.

OF: Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies.

P: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies.

Manger: Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals

Final Score: American League 5, National League 3.

2012 MLB All-Star Game MVP is Jose Bautista, 3 for 5, 1 HR and 4 RBIs.

2012 MLB Awards:

2012 World Series MVP: Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies.

2012 NLCS MVP: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies.

2012 ALCS MVP: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels.

2012 NL MVP: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds. 34 HRs, 117 RBIs and .314 BA.

2012 AL MVP: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels. 36 HRs, 119 RBIs and .321 BA.

2012 NL Cy Young: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies. 20-7, 2.88 ERA and 209 Strikeouts.

2012 AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers. 21-8, 2.67 ERA and 228 Strikeouts.

2012 NL Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso, San Diego Padres. 23 HRs, 87 RBIs and .285 BA.

2012 AL Rookie of the Year: Yu Parvish, Texas Rangers. 15-11, 3.16 ERA and 178 Strikeouts.

2012 NL Manger of the Year: Dustin Baker, Cincinnati Reds.

2012 AL Manger of the Year: Mike Scioscia, Los Angeles Angels.

2012 MLB Delivery Man of the Year: Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies. 41 Saves, 1.80 ERA and 78 Strikeouts.  

2012 NL Sliver Sluggers:

C: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals.

1B: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds.

2B: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds.

SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies.

3B: Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies.

OF: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers.

OF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers.

OF: Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies.

P: Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks.

2012 AL Sliver Sluggers:

C: Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers.

1B: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels.

2B: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees.

SS: Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians.

3B: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays.

OF: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays.

OF: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees.

OF: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers.

DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox.

2012 NL Gold Gloves:

C: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals.

1B: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds.

2B: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds.

SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies.

3B: Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies.

OF: Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves.

OF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers.

OF: Cameron Maybin, San Diego Padres.

P: Mark Buehrle, Miami Marlins.

2012 AL Gold Gloves:

C: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles.

1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox.

2B: Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays.

SS: Brendan Ryan, Seattle Mariners.

3B: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays.

OF: Brett Gardner, New York Yankees.

OF: Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers.

OF: Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians.

P: Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays.

2012 NCAA Basketball Tournament Sweet Sixteen Predictions

This is the first follow up post about my revised picks for the Sweet Sixteen to the National Championship. Again I will give the bracket and the game by scores for each game.

South Regional:

Bracket:

Sweet 16      Elite 8         Final Four

1 UK                                                                

                   } UK

4 IND

                                      } UK

3 BAY

                   } BAY

10 XAV 

Game by Game Scores:
Sweet Sixteen of South Region in Atlanta, GA on March 23:

#1 Kentucky vs. #4 Indiana; UK 79, IND 71. 

#3 Baylor vs. #10 Xavier; BAY 84, XAV 65.  

Elite Eight of South Region in Atlanta, GA on March 25:

#1 Kentucky vs. #3 Baylor; UK 78, BAY 74. OT

West Regional:

Bracket:

Sweet 16      Elite 8         Final Four

1 MSU                                                               

                   } MSU  

4 LOU

                                      } MSU

3 MARQ

                   } MARQ

7 FLA

Game by Game Scores:

Sweet Sixteen of West Region in Phoenix, AZ on March 22:

#1 Michigan State vs. #4 Louisville; MSU 68, LOU 62.

#3 Marquette vs. #7 Florida; MARQ 78, FLA70.   

Elite Eight of West Region in Phoenix, AZ on March 24:

#1 Michigan State vs. #3 Marquette; MSU 76, MARQ 73.

East Regional:

Bracket:

Sweet 16      Elite 8         Final Four

1 SYR                                                              

                   } SYR  

4 WIS

                                      } OSU

2 OSU

                   } OSU
6 CIN

Game by Game Scores: 

Sweet Sixteen of East Region in Boston, MA on March 22:

#1 Syracuse vs. #4 Wisconsin; SYR 75, WIS 72.

#2 Ohio State vs. #6 Cincinnati; OSU 84, CIN 74.

Elite Eight of East Region in Boston, MA on March 24:

#1 Syracuse vs. #2 Ohio State; OSU 80, SYR 76.OT

Midwest Regional:

Bracket:

Sweet 16      Elite 8         Final Four

1 UNC                                                              

                   } UNC   

13 OHIO

                                      } KU

2 KU

                   } KU
11 NCST

                                     

Game by Game Scores: 

Sweet Sixteen of Midwest Region in St. Louis, MO on March 23:

#1 North Carolina vs. #13 Ohio; UNC 72, OHIO 62.

#2 Kansas vs. #11 North Carolina State; KU 68, NCST 65. 

Elite Eight of Midwest Region in St. Louis, MO on March 25:

#1 North Carolina vs. #2 Kansas; KU 85, UNC 83. 2OT

Final Four:

Bracket:

Final Four   Championship  Champion


1 UK
                   } UK
1 MSU
                                      } UK
2 KU
                   } OSU
2 OSU

Game by Game Scores:

National Semi-Finals (Final Four) in New Orleans, LA on March 31:
#1 Kentucky vs. #1 Michigan State; UK 81, MSU 78. OT
#2 Kansas vs. #2 Ohio State; OSU 73, KU 72.
National Championship Game in New Orleans, LA on April 2:
#1 Kentucky vs. #2 Ohio State; UK 79, OSU 68.
2012 National Champions:
Kentucky Wildcats are 2012 National Champions.
2012 NCAA Tournament MOP: 
Anthony Davis, Kentucky is the 2012 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
 

2012 NCAA Basketball Tournament Rounds 1-3 Recap

The first 3 rounds of this year's tournament might have been the craziest of all time. Not counting the First Four there was 48 games and in 13 games the high seed won. 

First Four:

Vermont beat Lamar 71 to 59 and South Florida beat California 65 to 54 but nothing happened special there, but in the other 2 games it was a lot more interesting. Mississippi Valley State lead by 16 with 4:51 left in the game, Western Kentucky then stormed all the way back to win 59 to 58 in regulation. That set the NCAA Tournament record for largest comeback in the last 5 minutes last held by Illinois who came back from 15 down to beat Arizona to win in the 2005 Elite Eight. In the other game BYU was down 25 to Iona but BYU went on run to win 78 to 72 in regulation to set the record for the largest comeback in the NCAA Tournament. The previous record was held by Duke they came from 22 down to beat Arizona in the 2001 Final Four.

South Region - Louisville, Kentucky - 1, 8, 9, 16 Pod: 

Kentucky won this pod with out problem. They beat Western Kentucky by 15 and Iowa State by 16. They wasn't any upset in this pod. I was surprised though that Iowa State beat Connecticut the defending champions in the 2nd Round by 13 points. Kentucky advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 43rd time in school history. This is their third straight appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 2010.
South Region - Portland, Oregon - 4, 5, 12, 13 Pod:

Indiana won this pod with little surprise. They beat New Mexico State by 13 points. In the other 2nd round game 12th seeded VCU upset 5th seeded Wichita State by 3 points. In the 3rd round game VCU was leading late in the game but Indiana came back to win 63 to 61. Indiana advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 21st time in school history. It is their first time since 2002.
South Region - Albuquerque, New Mexico - 3, 6, 11, 14 Pod:

Baylor won this pod with little surprise. They beat South Dakota State by 8 in the 2nd round and UNLV was upset by Colorado by 4 points in the other 2nd round game. Baylor toke care of Colorado by 17 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. This is only Baylor's 4th time in the Sweet Sixteen in school history. It is their first time since 2010 and second time since 1950.
South Region - Greensboro, North Carolina - 2, 7, 10, 15 Pod: 

Xavier won this pod with great surprise. I thought Duke would win this pod. Also this pod was full of upsets. Xavier beat Notre Dame by 4 points in the 2nd round and Lehigh beat Duke by 5 to become the sixth 15th seed to beat the 2nd seed. In the 3rd round Lehigh was up 15 at one point and Xavier came back to win by 12. This is Xavier's 6th time in the Sweet Sixteen in school history, 1st time since 2010 and 4th time since 2008.


West Region - Columbus, Ohio - 1, 8, 9, 16 Pod: 

Michigan State won this pod without problem. Michigan State beat Long Island by 22. Saint Louis beat Memphis by 7 which I was a little surprised. Michigan beat Saint Louis by 4 points in the 3rd round. Michigan State advanced to their 16th Sweet Sixteen in school history. This is their first time since 2010 and fourth time since 2008.
West Region - Portland, Oregon - 4, 5, 12, 13 Pod:

Louisville won this pod with a little surprise. They beat Davidson by 7 points and New Mexico beat Long Beach State by 7 points in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round Louisville beat New Mexico by 3 points. This is Louisville's 24th time in the Sweet Sixteen in school history. It is also their first time since 2009 and third time since 2008.
West Region - Louisville, Kentucky - 3, 6, 11, 14 Pod:

Marquette won this pod with a little surprise. I thought Murray State would win this pod. Marquette won 20 and Murray State won by 17 in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round Marquette won by 9 points. Marquette advanced to their 15th Sweet Sixteen in school history and second straight time since 2011.
West Region - Omaha, Nebraska - 2, 7, 10, 15 Pod: 

Florida won this pod with some surprise. I thought that Missouri would win this pod pretty easy. Missouri was upset in the 2nd round by Norfolk State by 2 points. Norfolk became only fifth #15 seed to beat a #2 seed. Florida toke care of business in both games winning by 26 vs. Virginia and by 24 points vs. Norfolk State in the 3rd round. This is only Florida's 8th time Sweet Sixteen in school history, 2nd straight since 2011 and 4th time since 2006.
East Region - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 1, 8, 9, 16 Pod: 

Syracuse won this pod with very little surprise. Syracuse struggled vs. UNC Asheville in the 2nd round but they won by 7. In the other Kansas State beat Southern Mississippi by 6. Syracuse toke care of Kansas State winning by 16 points in the 3rd round. Syracuse advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 20th time school history, it is their first time since 2010 and 3rd time since 2009.
East Region - Albuquerque, New Mexico - 4, 5, 12, 13 Pod:

Wisconsin won this pod with little surprise. I thought Vanderbilt would win this pod. Wisconsin beat Montana by 24 and Vanderbilt beat Harvard by 9 in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round game Wisconsin beat Vanderbilt by 3. This is Wisconsin's 6th Sweet Sixteen in school history, it also their 2nd straight and all six times have come since 2000.
East Region - Nashville, Tennessee - 3, 6, 11, 14 Pod:

Cincinnati won this pod with some surprise. I thought Florida State was going to win this pod. Cincinnati beat Texas by 6 and Florida State had a hard time vs. Saint Bonaventure only winning by 3. Cincinnati upset Florida State in the 3rd round winning 62 to 56. It was tied 50 to 50 at 1:40 and then Cincinnati went on a 12 to 6 run to finish the game. Cincinnati advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 11th time in school history and first time since 2001.
East Region - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 2, 7, 10, 15 Pod: 

Ohio State won this pod with very little surprise. Ohio State beat Loyola (MD) by 19 and Gonzaga beat West Virginia by 22 in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round Ohio State struggled a little vs. Gonzaga but Ohio State won by 7. This is Ohio State's 14th time in the Sweet Sixteen, also their third straight since 2010 and fourth time since 2007.
Midwest Region - Greensboro, North Carolina - 1, 8, 9, 16 Pod: 

North Carolina was this pod with very little surprise. North Carolina toke care Vermont by 19 and Creighton beat Alabama by 1 point in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round North Carolina won pretty easy beating Creighton by 14. This is North Carolina's 32nd time in the Sweet Sixteen in school history, this also their 2nd straight since 2011 and 5th time since 2007.
Midwest Region - Nashville, Tennessee - 4, 5, 12, 13 Pod:

Ohio won this pod with great surprise. I thought that Michigan would win this pod. Both South Florida and Ohio won in a upset in the 2nd round. South Florida beat Temple by 14 and Ohio beat Michigan by 5 points. Ohio then also "upset" South Florida by 6 points in the 3rd round. Ohio advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the 3rd time in school history and it is the first time since 1964.
Midwest Region - Columbus, Ohio - 3, 6, 11, 14 Pod:

North Carolina State won this pod with great surprise. I thought Belmont was going to win this pod. North Carolina State upset San Diego State by 14 and Georgetown toke care of Belmont by 15 points in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round North Carolina State upset Georgetown winning by 3 points. North Carolina State made to the Sweet Sixteen for the 11th time in school history and 1st time since 2005.
Midwest Region - Omaha, Nebraska - 2, 7, 10, 15 Pod: 

Kansas was this pod with very little surprise. Kansas beat Detroit by 15 and Purdue upset St. Mary's by 3 in the 2nd round. Kansas beat Purdue by 3 points in the 3rd round. Kansas made it to the Sweet Sixteen for the 29th time in school history, it also the second straight since 2011 and 5th time since 2007.


Two fun facts from the first 3rd rounds are:


All four teams from the state of Ohio (Ohio State, Ohio, Cincinnati, and Xavier) made it to the Sweet 16, marking the first time in tournament history any state has been represented by four teams in the sweet sixteen.


The #15 seeds were 4-104 vs. #2 seeds going into this year. This year the #15 seed went 2-2 with Lehigh beat Duke and Norfolk State beating Missouri. Before this year only Richmond who beat Syracuse in 1991, Santa Clara who beat Arizona in 1993, Coppin State who beat South Carolina in 1997 and Hampton who beat Iowa State in 2001.