The Smoking Musket

The Shotgun/Throwdown: St. Patrick's Day (3/17/10) Edition

2010-03-17T13:16:36Z

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Jameson Irish Whiskey, in honor of St. Patrick's Day and today's Miss Throwdown. You can go ahead and drink your green beer, I'll have a drink of Jameson and chase it with a Smithwick's.

Top 'o the mornin' to ya!!! It's St. Patrick's Day...the one day of the year that it's acceptable for WVU fans to wear green. Lot's of bracket breakdowns and several videos inside. We even have some travel guides for anyone making the trip to Buffalo this weekend. I thank my lucky stars for tips, suggestions and requests. Also, don't forget to vote!! Jump on over the 4 leaf clover and come on in...Slainte!!

ACC's Reputation Goes on Trial on Buffalo Court - NCAABB FanHouse
"Six teams have a chance to revive the ACC's reputation, and a third of them will try to do it on one court Friday."

Syracuse needs to "Shut it Down" in the NCAA Tournament - Post Standard

Villanova very familiar with Robert Morris - The Nova Blog

Oakland to attack Pitt this time - PPG
Anyone else find it completely ironic they're playing Oakland first?

Jerry Smith will play against California - Card Chronicle

Cal, Louisville guards have proved point - Courier-Journal

Seton Hall Law dean Patrick Hobbs has 'a number of concerns' about Pirates basketball program - Star Ledger
Is the Law Dean kind of like a Law Dog from the movie Tombstone? He's acting as the AD either way. SH dropped their first round game of the NIT last night to Texas Tech 87 - 69.

Tough ending to solid season for South Florida - Tampa Tribune
58 - 57 loss to NC State

Cincinnati Bearcats prepare for Weber State in NIT - Cincinnati Enquirer

Greg Schiano eager for spring challenge youthful Rutgers football team presents - Star Ledger

What's On Tap:

Sorry, I missed the play-in game yesterday...here's the results:

Smith's 14 points extend Golden Lions' improbable run - ESPN
Ark. Pine Bluff over Winthrop 61 - 44, Duke up next. Anyone else of the opinion that the play-in game winner should play the overall #1? Since they've gone to 65, I don't think they ever have.

Videos of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

God Bless you Jimmy Traina for posting this one yesterday:

...and now a word from our sponsor. Slainte!!!!

St. Patrick's Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a wee Irish lass (she's only 5'2") who's graced the pages of the UK tabloid, Page 3. Here's Claire Tully. (despite the URL text, the gallery is SFW)

via premuzov.files.wordpress.com

Jameson image via visioncompanies.com

clover image via www.freewebs.com

More Reasons John Flowers Loves West Virginia Fans

2010-03-17T13:10:37Z

More photos » Don Wright - AP

John Flowers (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Browse more photos »

Yesterday we brought you the start of John Flowers' tweet-athon about why he loves West Virginia fans. They were good but are nothing compared to his tweets last night. Buckle up, its going to be a fun ride.

#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all do bear bongs at da football games! Lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all say good game no matter what! Lol I could only play 1 min wit 3 turn overs and y'all still gona say it lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz the girls are spegettiiii!!! Hahaha don't ask if u don't no pleez! (I have no clue what that means, if anyone knows please fill me in)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz they wear suspenders and boots and a Wv baseball cap! (So Flowers knows Charley West)
Hahaha #IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz at the Marshall games I b like.."what's the word!?!?!..and y'all b like.. (FUCK THE HERD...oopps)

More after the jump....

#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all make me feel important!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans that don't leave the games early! They sit through the whole thing! Not wit 2 mom left! The whole thing! Lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans that try 2 coach us and tell us what we need 2 do haha so funny (Don't hate on me, I played basketball in middle school, I know what's up)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz wen I get dunked on..y'all don't laugh at me lol I don't think...hmmm! Lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans that cum 2 every game..not jus the big 1s...I no who u r! I love y'all! (so that would be about 5 students???)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz wen I'm walkin they scream from the cars "j flooooo! So icey!" haha I love it! (It took a long time but we get the second SO ICEY of the day, if you took the under, you're looking pretty good)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz they try 2 get me wasted
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz they met us in the hotel lobby after every big east game!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz they met us at the coliseum wen we got back from winning the big east championship!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz if I'm at a football game and b like "Woooooooo!" I'm Gona get sum type of response from 1 of the maniacs
Oh oh oh #IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz they wear shirts with a giant middle finger that says "west F***ing Virginia" (Don't encourage them John. Those shirts are so not icey)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all cuss at the refs wen the make a bad call (I would never do such a thing)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz wen I get the ball and I'm wide open y'all try 2 get me in trouble by sayin "shoot it!" lol (Don't listen to them. Pass it, get the rebound and dunk it.)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans hahaha becuz u teach ur kids 2 hate Pitt! (If I have to teach my kid to hate Pitt, I have done something horribly wrong. That little guy better come out chanting EAT SHIT PITT)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz of y'all accents...sooooooo funny sumtimes especially wen y'all r drunk haha
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz....y'all really......................burn......couches!!!WTF! Lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all can drink from sun up 2 sun down..2 sun back up.....2sun back down.........2sun back up!... Lol u get it
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz at da football games y'all paint y'all bodys in freezin weather!

Thanks John, that was.....SO ICEY!!

WVU vs. Marshall Friday Sept. 10 on ESPN

2010-03-16T19:09:44Z

WVU vs. Marshall Friday Sept. 10 on ESPN

Marshall will do absolutely anything to get on TV, including screwing high school football in West Virginia.

WVU has refused time after time to play on a non-holiday Friday night in West Virginia. This is yet another horrible decision from an athletic department that is completely clueless about the state.

The Official Smoking Musket Bracket Challenge

2010-03-16T17:57:27Z

WVUIE97's Hump Day bracket may have more T&A (which I wholeheartedly endorse, nay, encourage), but TSM's Official Bracket Challenge is back. Last year, we had 19 competitors step up to the challenge, with Brandon Goode winning in dramatic fashion (let it be known, once again, that 5th Year Senior finished dead last). This year, we'd like to crush that number, or at least get past 20.

Now, this is a free bracket, and because of that, we don't have fancy prizes. But, in the absence of an official prize, we will try our best at TSM to make it worth your while (Hump Day privileges, 5YS will mow your grass, an Eastern European mail-order bride, etc.).

So, please, sign up immediately over at:

http://smokingmusket.mayhem.cbssports.com/

Password: humpday

Results will be tracked throughout the tournament, and trash talk is mandatory. Good luck.

NOTE: If the site informs you that you need an invite, e-mail me at charleywest@gmail.com and I will get it done.

John Flowers Loves West Virginia Fans

2010-03-16T14:04:08Z

More photos » David Smith - AP

John Flowers is not happy about Jim Burr telling him he is not icey. (AP Photo/David Smith)

Browse more photos »

From everything I have seen, John Flowers is the best entertainer on WVU's basketball team. He started the season by winning the slam dunk contest at Mountaineer Madness, trademarked the catchphrase "So icey!!" and has gotten nothing but 10's for his pregame dances. He is an endless source of laughs.

He seemingly capped it all off with his Irish jig in front of the Notre Dame pep band but once again, he has outdone himself. Today, John Flowers is tweeting all the reason he loves Mountaineer fans. If you want to see the tweets live, follow him @jflow41. If you don't have twitter, just check back here all day for all the reason John Flowers loves West Virginia fans.

My comments about Flowers tweets are in italics.

I love west Virginia fans bcuz they love us
I love west Virginia fans bcuz y'all r so spirited!
I love west Virginia fans bcuz if a fight broke out y'all would rush the court lol
I love west Virginia fans bcuz there's millions of y'all

Updates after the jump... [Updated 3:00 pm]

Sittin in class..teacher gave me and @Truckbryant25 a shoutout lol
I love west Virginia fans bcuz y'all get wasted! Lol
I love west Virginia fans bcuz y'all wana b so icey! (Over/Under on use of "So Icey" today 14)
Soo #IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz y'all don't boo us 4 missin wide open lay ups lol shout out 2 Killa Cam (#IloveWestVirginiaFans, is used because he wants to start a "trend" on twitter)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz y'all drink moonshine! Haha
Yup #IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all camp out in front of the coliseum b4 games!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all responded well 2 hurricane mazzula! @Jmazzulla21 hahahaha
#IloveWestVirginiaFans bcuz y'all stand behind us no matter what!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz I feel like if we went 5-30 y'all would still b behind us! (obviously he doesn't read stories about the football team)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all show us maaaadd love at the football tailgates (only high fives)
One of the mane reasons #IloveWestVirginiaFans is becuuuzzzz y'all literally ..BURN COUCHES! Hahahaha I need a couch!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz y'all are unruly! Lol I love it
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz y'all hit dude wit a penny! Gangstas! (do not agree)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans becuz y'all are not traders!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz at the games y'all always cheer 4 the YMCA man! Hahaha I love that guy! Saw him drivin a Bus the Otha day! Lol (That guy is embarrassing)
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all listen 2 coach huggins wen he got on the mic and said "it's stupid!" lol
#IloveWestVirginiaFans if we had a game on the moon! Sum1 lol one of yall would try 2 sneak on da spaceship! Or build their own lol

#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all talk as much shit as We do on the court lol
Sooo Ima try 2 get at a youngin And b like.."aye! Yo baby waz ya name!" (Trey songs voice)lol y'all think she gona b feelin me?
Man my phone bout 2 die...WTF I been tweetin that much! Lol (so not icey)
Hahaha RT @Eskins21: @jflow41 if/when yall see UK..what's the over/under on cam and d.cousins gettin in a fight? lmao
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all sing country roads at da end of every game!
I think west va band should change it up..play sum stuff off drum line lol..James brown!
Hahaha #IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all fight other fans lol (not something to be proud of unless they started it which they normally do)
I would LMAO and dance if our band played "shake ya ass" by mystical hahahaha

#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz y'all waz cheerin 4 @campayne20 2 get in the the last home game.
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz if my house blew up..sum1 would b crazy enough 2 let ne stay in there basement!
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz wen my dog ran away y'all returned him and didn't shoot him thinkin he waz a dear lol
Bout 2 shoot

UPDATE 3:00

#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuz the chant "eat shit pit!" haha
#IloveWestVirginiaFans cuzmy freshman year y'all welcomed me and my twin Will Thomas wit open arms! Smh man I miss my dawwwgg!

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Tuesday (3/16/10) Edition

2010-03-16T13:25:42Z

Now the women know their destination and path. And they got royally screwed. Yes, even worse than the men. There's plenty of tournament analysis and predictions today. All the news is inside. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. See you after the jump...

What You May Have Missed:

Big East Has Staying Power on Way to Final - The Quad Blog - NY Times
I like the way this guy thinks. Thanks to WVUDDS08.

WVU to Open With Lamar - MSNsportsNET.Com
They get a 3 seed, but will likely have to play lower seed Texas on their home floor in the second round....in other words screwed again (same thing happened against New Mexico 2 yrs ago)

Women's Basketball: Ticket Information - MSNsportsNET.Com

Women's Basketball: NCAA Selection Quotes - MSNsportsNET.Com

65 Reasons To Be Excited For the 2010 NCAA Tournament - Aaron Torres Sports
See #12 and #28

NCAA Basketball Polls - ESPN
#6 AP & #5 Coaches....I don't understand OSU ranked ahead of us in the AP, we have 1 less loss and beat them head to head.

NCAA Women's College Basketball Polls - ESPN
#10 in both polls

2010 Hoops & Helmets Rankings - Scout.com
#3

College Hoops - MSG.com
We may have lost the fan poll to GT, but we obviously won the one that mattered. We are leading the latest poll......by FARRRRRR.

Street fires cause no major damage in Morgantown - Martinsburg Journal (AP)

Mountaineer hangs up her musket - Charleston Daily Mail

News of Note:

NCAA tournament: Andy Katz breaks down the East - ESPN

5 Things to Love/Hate - ESPN

Bottom line: Committee failed on No. 2s - ESPN

FanHouse Roundtable: Breaking Down the 2010 NCAA Tournament Bracket -- NCAABB FanHouse

East: Kentucky's Best, but Watch Out for the Rest -- NCAABB FanHouse

Big East pair's NCAA tournament seeds yield doubt - Campus Rivalry - USA Today

Luck or destiny, WVU's on a great run - Charleston Gazette

Marching forward - Times West Virginian
Joe Mazzulla is profiled.

From Sidekick to Hero - WVIllustrated.com

Da'Sean Butler: What A Week - WVMetroNews
Video

Devin Ebanks: Back In The Tournament - WVMetroNews
Video

Truck Bryant: 6 Wins = National Championship - WVMetroNews
Video

WVU seed well-earned - Charleston Daily Mail

The Meaning of the Mountaineer Victory - WVMetroNews
Hoppy's Commentary

Cutting Down the Nets - WVIllustrated.com
Photo Gallery

The Time Is Now for WVU - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

John Wall will carry Kentucky out of East Regional to Final Four - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
Mandel is back on the ignorant slut list.

Big East Tournament does not have major impact on teams in NCAA tournament - NY Post

Conference Tournaments Are Unwelcome Exhibitions -- NCAABB FanHouse

There's Plenty Of Reaction To Possible Expansion - NCAABB FanHouse

In women's NCAA Tournament, can anyone stop UConn? - Star Ledger

Mountaineer women in a tough spot - Charleston Daily Mail

WVU coach Carey unhappy with placement - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
He thinks they should have been placed in Pittsburgh.

Carey not pleased with team’s bracket - Times West Virginian

Stewart clarifies conference remarks - ESPN

Locklier touts Mountaineer Athletic Club - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Time for Madness to begin - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Recruiting:

Logan’s Cottrill named West Virginia boys player of year - Logan Banner
...and he'll face my alma mater in the first round tomorrow night

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big East Conference to remain in Providence - SI.com

Let the UConn invitational begin - The UConn Blog
I wish I could say something to refute this headline....but he's probably right.

Patience on offense could aid Pitt's run - PPG

Jay Wright on The FAN - The Nova Blog

For Wes Johnson, the first NCAA dance - Post Standard

Cardinals ready for California's ‘organized chaos' - Courier-Journal

Bulls want win, respect from NIT appearance - Tampa Tribune

Cincinnati basketball coach Mick Cronin undecided on Rashad Bishop's status - Cincinnati Enquirer

Rutgers will be on hook for $1.5 million if men's basketball coach Fred Hill is gone by April 5 - Star Ledger

Filling Out an NCAA Bracket in Michigan? That's a $1000 Fine and One Year in Jail - With Leather

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

I'm not sure which is more disturbing, yet intriguing...this display or the contest itself:

Pool Gallery of the Week:

Since everyone is filling out Brackets for Pools everywhere...(it's a stretch for a connection, but give me a break)

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a Former Playmate from Hungary. Please welcome Bódi Sylvi.

via www.sminfo.ro

Dreher image via www.beerme.com

Kentucky Has No Clue What Is About To Happen

2010-03-15T17:37:04Z

Charley West was in Lexington, KY today for "work." He took time out of his busy schedule to snap this picture. Is that all he did, or is this the start of a diabolical plan to help WVU defeat UK?

Stay tuned...

It's hard to get people to come to Blacksburg and play home-and-home. West Virginia, they wanted us...

2010-03-15T16:54:28Z

It's hard to get people to come to Blacksburg and play home-and-home. West Virginia, they wanted us to play in D.C. and then we'd play in Charleston, W.Va. Well, Charleston, W.Va., is a home game for West Virginia. Washington, D.C. ... is not a [Tech] home game.

Seth "The Bald Baby" Greenberg from Roanoke Times

I almost felt sorry for VT.

Six More Wins To the National Championship

2010-03-15T15:32:25Z

More photos » Frank Franklin II - AP

They know the ultimate goal can be reached with only six more wins. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Browse more photos »

After an 11 point loss at UConn on February 22, things were looking down and I for one, did not think a deep run in the either the Big East or NCAA Tournaments were possible. Then Huggs gave his team an impassioned post game speech about the possibility of being special. The speech changed everything for this team. (6:45 mark)

Since that speech, WVU has looked like a different team, winning six straight games. Granted, the speech did not improve our inconsistency on offense but it definitely made usstep-up our intensity at both ends of the floor. Our guys have been diving on the floor, straining a little extra for rebounds and getting to every 50/50 loose ball.

During this run, I can't remember any of our players taking a possession off. They cut and set screens with a purpose and pressure the ball with a ferocity that has never been seen at WVU. This team is already special to WVU fans but they can take it to a different level with six more wins.

I have a great feeling about our chances. Let's Go Mountaineers!

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Big East Champions (3/15/10) Edition

2010-03-15T13:39:38Z

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions; Now nationally recognized! We're being brought to you today by Moët et Chandon, in honor of a certain Big East Tournament Championship.

[AP Photo/Frank Franklin II via cdn2.sbnation.com]

"If I can make it there, I'll make it...anywhere." Well, this team made it there. I guess we can make it anywhere. We won this one, but we ain't done yet. "I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps and find I'm a number one, top of the list, king of the hill, A Number One." OK, so we got "A Number 2" for the Big Dance. Lot's of BET Championship coverage to clean out and a look ahead to the big one. No time to rest on our laurels of this championship. There are bigger fish to fry. Beware the Ides of March, people. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. See you inside...

BET Redux:

SC Highlight Of The Night - ESPN Video - ESPN

Here’s every buzzer-beater Da’Sean Butler has made this season - College Hoops Journal
I have to give the guys over at Casual Hoya props for this find.

The Butler Did It! - MSNsportsNET.Com

It's been a redemptive road for the West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
I saw where Columbus linked to this, just after my brother mentioned it to me. Great, great article.

Final: West Virginia 60, Georgetown 58 - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN
"Da'Sean Butler will never buy a drink or a meal again in West Virginia."

Butler's latest game-winner gives West Virginia first Big East tournament crown - ESPN
Recap, video and stats

WVU wins first Big East Tournament title - Charleston Daily Mail

Big East tourney run caps bizarre week for WVU - Charleston Gazette

Da'Sean does it again - Charleston Gazette

Butler's layup gains WVU 1st Big East title - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

WVU captures 1st Big East title with 60-58 win - PPG

WVU's title awfully sweet - PPG

Jarrod West relives shot through Butler - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Quote Lines III - BGN
Here's what the coaches and players were saying after West Virginia's 60-58 win over Georgetown for the Big East championship

If They Can Make It Here... - BGN
I swear I started this theme before seeing this article.

Photo Galleries - WVIllustrated.com

Photo Gallery II: West Virginia - Georgetown - BGN

Photo Gallery III: WVU - Georgetown - BGN

PoG: WVU - Georgetown - BGN
Da definitely deserves it, but you could make a strong case for Wells, too.

Post-Game Celebration and Awards Ceremony - BIGEAST.tv
Video...Country Roads has never sounded sweeter!

West Virginia and coach Bob Huggins earn proud moment with first Big East title - NY Daily News

Late Drive Gives West Virginia Its First Big East Title - NY Times

Mountaineers Rule in the Garden - WVIllustrated.com

West Virginia Wins Big East With Another Dramatic Finish -- NCAABB FanHouse

WVU Press Conference - WVIllustrated.com

Shouldering the Burden - MSNsportsNET.Com

Post-Game Celebration - MSNsportsNET.Com

Big East Championship Celebration - BGN
Video Link

Cutting Them Down - BGN
Another Video link

Team Arrival at Coliseum - MSNsportsNET.Com
Video

Morgantown's Warm Welcome - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video Link

The Mountaineers Arrive - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Audio Link

Fans welcome Mountaineers home - Charleston Daily Mail

Winning Big East was longtime goal for WVU - Charleston Daily Mail

Tourney provides lifetime of memories - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Looking Forward to the Big Dance:

WVU Learns Path to NCAA Title - WVIllustrated.com

East: Kentucky's Best, but Watch Out for the Rest -- NCAABB FanHouse

WVU placing NCAA tickets on sale today - Charleston Gazette
Good luck getting them through the University.

Bracket Musings: Selection Sunday Edition – SI.com

West Virginia draws Morgan State in NCAA opener - Register-Herald (AP)
Bob Huggins has led West Virginia to its highest-ever seeding in the NCAA tournament.

Mountaineers land No. 2 seed - Charleston Daily Mail

Mountaineers voices frustration over 2 seed - PPG

No. 2 seed disappoints WVU - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Matchups could have been better - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Bob Huggins: "We Were A One Seed" - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video Link

Forde Minutes: Big Dance edition - ESPN

WVU none too happy with No. 2 - Charleston Gazette

Mountaineer Report: A Number Two Seed? - WVMetroNews
Video

West Virginia to Battle Morgan State - MSNsportsNET.Com

Men's Basketball: Devin Ebanks - MSNsportsNET.Com
Video

Kevin Jones: Playing The Draw - WVMetroNews
Video

Wellington Smith: Morgan Who? - WVMetroNews
Video

Ebanks' decision on hold - Martinsburg Journal
Mickey's Column

WVU women hopeful for today's NCAA bracket - Charleston Daily Mail
Women are hoping for a 2 as well

Football:

Pitt, WVU and Penn State using practices to groom new starting quarterbacks - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big East may consider tourney changes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The Big East may be waving goodbye to the double bye for its conference tournament.

NCAA caves to TV pressure by going easy on Duke - Kansas City Star
I normally takes Whitlock's comments with a grain of salt, but he may have something here.

NCAA does no favors for tourney favorite Kansas - Stewart Mandel - SI.com

A knee-jerk take on the NCAA Tournament: Mid-major schools emerge as Big Dance regulars bow out - Star Ledger

Syracuse Just Kidding, AO Totally Not A-OK - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Done in an effort to keep the #1 seed, no doubt, ala the Kenyon Martin scenario

Louisville Cardinals face California; No. 1 Duke could loom in 2nd round - Courier-Journal

Pitt Basketball: Seed, site, foe pleasing to Dixon - PPG

Cincinnati gets Weber State in NIT - Cincinnati Enquirer

USF's breakthrough season capped with NIT trip - Tampa Tribune
Some are actually happy with the NIT bid.

Seton Hall forward Robert Mitchell removed from team hours before Selection Sunday - Star Ledger

Videos of Interest:

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

Thank you New York, we love you!!! See ya next year!!

Pi Day (3.14 yesterday, get it?) Gallery of the Week:

via www.gunaxin.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a model and actress who had stints as the St. Pauli Girl and Playboy Playmate of the Month in 1999. She could also be seen in the Baywatch spoof, Son of the Beach. Here's Jaime Bergman.

via images.dailyradar.com

Moët et Chandon image via www.bottledandboxed.com

BIG EAST CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-14T04:49:26Z

Thank you Huggs!!!! Thank you to the whole team!!!

[logo courtesy of bigeast.org and screenshot via ESPN.com]

Game Thread: Big East Finals, Hoyas vs. Mountaineers

2010-03-14T00:29:10Z

The New York mission is almost complete. The Hoyas seem to be peaking at just the right time, but will their 4th game in 4 days finally catch up with them? Can we control Greg Monroe? We did the first time around. Is he capable of back to back monster games? Can Da` do it again? Our defense has been stifling, can we do it one more night in New York and make a huge case for that #1 tournament seed? We will all find out shortly. Let's do this again and prevent Georgetown from adding to their record seven BET titles and grab our first.

As always (and forever)...

John Flowers Shows Irish How To Dance A Jig -- SO ICEY

2010-03-13T21:32:09Z

John Flowers Shows Irish How To Dance A Jig -- SO ICEY

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Big East Finals (3/13/10) Edition

2010-03-13T16:32:22Z

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions; Now nationally recognized! We're being brought to you today by New Amsterdam Black and Tan, in honor of today's Big East Finals.

"Big lights will inspire you, hear it for New York." I keep telling myself that we need to enjoy this while we can, but damn, this team is going to give me an ulcer...or worse. Big East Finals baby!!!! And perhaps a #1 seed at stake. If that doesn't inspire you...check your pulse. Enjoy the game and have a great weekend!!!! Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. (Updated 11:45 am, added video) New York: It's a state of mind...

Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What You May Have Missed:

Mountaineers edge Notre Dame, eye first Big East tournament title - ESPN
Recap, photos, highlights, stats, etc.

CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL: West Virginia Slips Past Notre Dame to Advance to Men's Basketball Championship Title Game - BIG EAST Conference Athletics

WVU Presser: WVU vs Notre Dame - WVIllustrated.com
3 Post-game videos

Big East tournament: West Virginia gets by Notre Dame, 53-51 - PPG

West Virginia Keeps Making its Case - SI.com
"There’s only one thing left that matters at the Big East tournament: Whether West Virginia can distinguish itself enough to win a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday."

Quote Lines II - BGN
"Here's what the coaches and players were saying after West Virginia's 53-51 win over Notre Dame in the semifinals of the Big East men's basketball tournament."

West Virginia Vs Georgetown For Big East -- Ncaabasketball FanHouse

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN

Broadcaster Bill Raftery prepares for his 28th NCAA tournament - SI.com
SEND IT IN JEROME!!!!

News of Note:

West Virginia moving forward - ESPN
"There isn't a whole lot of pretense to Bob Huggins. He is honest, sometimes cuttingly so. He can be gruff. He can be rough."

WVU survives itself, Notre Dame - Charleston Daily Mail

Bring on the Hoyas - Charleston Gazette

(Title) Game Effort - BGN

Mountaineers Advance to Big East Finals! - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Article and audio link

No Luck for the Irish, WVU Advances - WVIllustrated.com

Another Heart-Stopper - MSNsportsNET.Com

Irish Fall Off Mountaineers: West Virginia, Georgetown in Big East Title Game -- NCAABB FanHouse

Winning ugly working for Mountaineers - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Consistent Jones makes big contributions for WVU - Charleston Gazette

Newark native Da'Sean Butler leads No. 7 West Virginia to 53-51 victory over Notre Dame in Big East Tournament semifinals - Star Ledger

Five biggest Big East spring questions - ESPN

Stewart sees a future with no Big East - Charleston Daily Mail

Around the League (and Beyond):

Revenge Tour 2010 Rolls On: Georgetown Stomps Marquette 80-57 - Casual Hoya

Georgetown advances to Big East Tournament final with 80-57 victory over Marquette - Star Ledger

AO Is A-OK - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Seeding Critical for the Cats - The Nova Blog

Wildcats are running out of chances - Philadelphia Inquirer

NIT likely next for Cincinnati Bearcats - Cincinnati Enquirer

What's On Tap:

Big East Tournament Finals from Madison Square Garden in New York City on ESPN

#8 Georgetown Hoyas vs. #3 West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
9 pm tonight. Mountaineers are giving 2.

Videos of Interest:

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

I don't want to jinx it, so...

This Sunday marks the start of the HBO mini-series covering WWII in the Pacific. From what I've read, think Band of Brothers, but MORE realistic.

SXSW Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is British actress making her first real waves in the US in the new movie She's Out of Your League. Here's Alice Eve.

via images.starpulse.com

New Amsterdam Black and Tan image via www.bruguru.com

There has been no strategy on the part of West Virginia University with regard to contact with any...

2010-03-13T15:44:12Z

There has been no strategy on the part of West Virginia University with regard to contact with any other conference. Let me re-emphasize: W.V.U. is committed to the Big East.

Ed Pastilong quote from NY Times

Game Thread: BET Semis - WVU vs. Notre Dame

2010-03-13T01:15:43Z

Can the Mounties keep the NY magic alive tonight? Which wins, WVU D or ND O? Does Wells rebound from his tough game last night? Can Da keep up the heroics? Notre Dame has been on a roll lately. But then again, so have we, if you haven't noticed. Let's keep Luke in his place and secure our place in the BE Finals.

As always...

Bill Stewart Interview with Parkersburg's WTAP

2010-03-12T21:46:25Z

Bill Stewart Interview with Parkersburg's WTAP

I hate to break up all the fun basketball news, but this is too important to completely ignore. In the interview, HCBS spoke on a variety of subjects, but the most interesting revelations came when the interviewer asked about the possibility of the BE being raided (around the 7:20 mark). ESPN's BE Blogger, Brian Bennett has a nice summary/recap HERE. He almost seems to be talking as if it's a done deal and refers the Big East in the past tense. Yet, he does catch himself and says that it's a few years off.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: BET Semi-Finals (3/12/10) Edition

2010-03-12T14:46:40Z

"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do..." Song lyrics have never rung truer for Mountaineers today. I'm still so damned psyched up...WOW!!! Lot's of recaps inside. A WVU win tonight could go a long way into securing a #1 seed. It'll definitley secure another S/T edition tomorrow morning. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming (and don't forget your Hump Day bracket submissions). And here...we...go...

Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Henny Ray Abrams/Associated Press via www.post-gazette.com]

What You May Have Missed:

Friday's Gold And Blue Report - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Butler's buzzer-beater sinks Cincy, moves West Virginia into Big East semis - ESPN
54 - 51, recap, box-score, highlights, photos, etc.

SC Highlight Of The Night - ESPN
Was there any doubt this would be it?

Quote Lines - BGN
"Quotes from WVU head coach Bob Huggins, Da'Sean Butler and Kevin Jones follwoing the Mountaineers' 54-51 win over Cincinnati in the quarterfinals of the Big East conference tournament"

WVU/Cincinnati Photo Gallery - Cincinnati Enquirer

WVU Basketball Photos - WVIllustrated.com

Former President Bill Clinton steals spotlight at Big East Tournament - Star Ledger
...until Butler banked it

CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL: Butler's Buzzer-Beater Beats Cincinnati - BIG EAST Conference Athletics

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN
"Didn't play on Thursday? Congratulations! You're the day's big winner!"

Talley and Carlen Considered For Hall Of Fame - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Pitt looks to dethrone Cincinnati, more Big East spring stories - SI.com

News of Note:

Take it to the Bank - MSNsportsNET.Com

Butler's lifts West Virginia past Cincinnati - PPG (AP)

Cincinnati Bearcats lose to West Virginia at buzzer in Big East tournament - Cincinnati Enquirer

West Virginia was right to 'bank' its hopes on Butler - Stewart Mandel - SI.com

Butler beats the buzzer - Charleston Gazette

West Virginia's Butler did it - ESPN

Butler's shot saves WVU again - Charleston Daily Mail

Butler Beats Bearcats at the Buzzer! - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Buzzer-beater lifts WVU at Big East Tourney - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Butler Sends WVU to Semifinals - WVIllustrated.com

Butler's Last Second Heroics Save WVU -- NCAABB FanHouse

Huggins, Wooden take different paths to victory No. 664 - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Huggins: Butler a ‘special’ player - Register-Herald
Mickey's Column

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big East titans sent home early - Charleston Daily Mail

The BIG EAST Tournament So Far - WVIllustrated.com

Big East's double bye bye - ESPN

Georgetown exploit's SU's 2-3 zone for 91 points - Post Standard

Chipotle'd: Georgetown 91, Syracuse 84 - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Those burritos are delicious. Don't blame the burrito!!!

Orange Crush: Georgetown Defeats Syracuse 91-84 in a Classic - Casual Hoya

Onuaku's injury overshadows SU's loss to Hoyas - WSTM NBC3

Pitt loses to Notre Dame - PPG
I like that headline, simple, yet effective.....50 - 45

Villanova gets out-worked by Marquette? Yes, Marquette. - The Nova Blog
80 - 76....and extend a hearty welcome into the SB Nation family to The Nova Blog

Buzz and the Buddha: Living in the Present - SI.com

Cardinals' next move: back to drawing board - Courier-Journal

UConn coach Jim Calhoun signs extension with Connecticut Huskies - ESPN

St. John's Coach Norm Roberts to lose job - Fan Nation

State NIT foe likely for Bulls - Tampa Tribune

Add more games to NCAA tourney, not more teams - FOX Sports

What's On Tap:

Big East Semi-Finals tonight from the "Most Famous Arena in the World" on the "World Wide Leader."

#8 Georgetown Hoyas vs. #5 Marquette Golden Eagles - ESPN
The 7 pm game tonight. Hoyas are giving 3.5.

#7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. #3 West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
The night-cap at 9 pm (probably closer to 9:30, though). No line at the moment.

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Staying with the Billy Joel theme I started yesterday, I thought this was appropriate also:

This has been described by many (males) as the best game show ever.

Spring Break Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is Canadian native who recently got to carry the Olympic torch. She can carry my torch anytime. Here's country songstress Shania Twain.

via www.sportressofblogitude.com

The next song is ~eh, not bad, but not great, but the video...WOW!

Big Shot image via www.beerme.com

"When you bank one in from the top … sometimes at the park that doesn’t even count," Cronin said. "T...

2010-03-12T13:52:04Z

"When you bank one in from the top … sometimes at the park that doesn’t even count," Cronin said. "They make you call it. "

But Butler did, according to Stephenson.

"He said, ‘bank,’" Stephenson said. "and I said, ‘what? ’ Then I turned around and watched it go in. I was all over him. I couldn’t do anything different. I actually fouled him."

Lance Stephenson, in a very game-recognize-game moment.

The Butler Did It, But Is The Strangling Necessary?

2010-03-12T05:11:26Z

More photos » Henny Ray Abrams - AP

Browse more photos »

WOOOOOOOOOOOoooooOOOoooooooooooooOOOOOOOidiufkjfjkdfkjdfbkjfjdfbOOOOOOOOO!

Note: I don't have the energy or sobriety to write anything tonight. Just enjoy it, drink lots of water, and we'll do the whole thing again tomorrow.