The Smoking Musket

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.

Game Thread: WVU vs. Cincinnati

2010-03-12T00:51:16Z

So far, the double-bye has been a curse in the BET. Is it because of too much rest or does it show that the Big East is the toughest conference in the nation? Either way, I hope we do not fall victim to the curse.

As always...

The Madness Has Begun

2010-03-11T20:01:07Z

More photos » David Smith - AP

Bob Huggins calmly asks, "Can I get a technical for what I think?" Ref, "No." Huggins, "Good, I think you blew that call. (AP Photo/David Smith)

Browse more photos »

The upset bug could be spreading in Madison Square Garden today, as Syracuse has already been knocked off by Georgetown. I was not nervous before that game but I am starting to sweat and think a little bit about tonight's game.

Here are my keys to the game:

#1 Truck Bryant cannot go all "New York."

Any time Truck plays near New York or against other New York players, he tries to do too much with the ball. He over penetrates, makes risky and lazy passes and generally sucks. He needs to attempt to be poised and distribute the ball to our scorers.

More keys after the jump...

#2 We must win the battle on the glass.

West Virginia's second-half run was spurned on by winning the battle on the glass. Ten of West Virginia's 26 boards were on the offensive glass and lead to 15 points. If WVU can control the boards, Cincy will not be able to shoot a high enough percentage from the field to win.

#3 Make Lance Stephenson play like a freshman.

While Cincy's size may prevent Truck and Joe from playing at the same time, Joe could really frustrate Stephenson with his defense. Stephenson is an emotional freshman that is easily forced into bad decisions. If we play good D, he will turn the ball over.

#4 Score more points than the Bearcats.

I hope we win tonight.

Ebanks & Butler Both Projected In 1st Round

2010-03-11T16:11:32Z

Ebanks & Butler Both Projected In 1st Round

Boy, would I like to see both vastly improve their draft stock in the next few weeks. With Ebanks, however, I think he could even better improve his positioning within the lottery by staying one more year.

I would like to think that's not just the WVU homer in me talking, too.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: BET Quarterfinals (3/11/10) Edition

2010-03-11T14:08:37Z

So...welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends, we're so glad you could attend. Come inside, come inside... It's finally here: BET game-day. And yes, we have to wait some more as the Mounties aren't scheduled to tip until after 9 pm, and it'll probably be closer to 9:30-9:45. The quarterfinal action gets underway at noon. I really wish I could skip work this afternoon. Hmmm... Maybe I will. It's a music heavy edition inside. Country Roads was reading my mind the other day. I hope you all enjoy. Tips, suggestions and requests make my life easier. Come and see the show...

Let's GOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's On Tap:

All games are at MSG and covered by ESPN

#8 Georgetown Hoyas vs. #1 Syracuse Orange - ESPN
Noon today. Cuse is giving 5.5.

#5 Marquette Golden Eagles vs. #4 Villanova Wildcats - ESPN
2 pm today. Nova is giving 5.

#7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. #2 Pittsburgh Panthers - ESPN
7 pm tonight. Line is off.

#11 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. # 3 West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
9 pm tonight. No line.

Video of Interest:

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

I never really watched the show, but this is too well done to not feature here.

I've always loved this song and it's appropriate today, I think.

Christina Hendricks Gallery of the Week:

via unrealitymag.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is an absolute talent and gorgeous to boot. Here's a gallery of New York native, Alicia Keys and TSM's BET theme song.

via www2.msg.com

Rap's not my cup of tea, that's why I prefer this version a bit:

Sixpoint image via profile.ak.fbcdn.net

Screw It, I Love The New Big East Tournament

2010-03-10T19:25:18Z

For most of my formative life, I have been a proponent of less teams making whatever playoffs or tournament is in question. My reasoning was that the regular season should be more important. When more than half of the NBA makes the playoffs, how much does the regular season really matter?

Like I said, that was a belief that I held up until recently, when the Big East Tournament went from 12 teams to allowing all members to participate, regardless of record. Usually, this is something that I would absolutely hate, and I was all set to hate the shit out of this new format. And I did, right up until I realized there was going to be Big East and Madison Square Garden basketball in the afternoon for three straight days. Then I got drunk.

Really, after yesterday's games and the first part of today, I am hopelessly in love with the new tournament format. I think the real reason is that I try to find any excuse to watch sports in the middle of the work day, but the good games so far this tournament certainly haven't hurt.

So, I may be smitten, but that doesn't mean you are; in the comments, give us your thoughts on the new(er) Big East format...

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Wednesday (3/10/10) Edition

2010-03-10T14:26:49Z

Great run by the women. This UConn team is just too good. I think they'll make a nice NCAA run as well. Have we ever seen both BB teams ranked this high at the same time? Enjoy it people. Don't take it for granted. The BET in NY is well under way now. Almost there. Yes, we still have to wait until tomorrow. There's plenty of coverage inside to keep you sated until tomorrow. Note: All Bracketology and Bubble Watch links will be updated as of the previous days games. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. See you after the jump...

What You May Have Missed:

The Big East tournament primer - ESPN

Interactive Bracket - BIG EAST Conference Athletics
Updated Bracket

Huskies rout No. 8 Mountaineers for 16th Big East championship - ESPN
60 - 32

2010 NCAA Women's Basketball Rankings (Mar. 8) - ESPN
#9 AP & #8 Coaches

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN

Bracketology - ESPN

Bubble Watch - SI.com

Bracket Watch - SI.com
Still a #1 here

Butler Collecting Awards - MSNsportsNET.Com

WVU's Carrier Earns Regional Honor - MSNsportsNET.Com

Forde Minutes: Minute Men Awards - ESPN

New York Bowl Gets Date, Title Sponsor - BGN

News of Note:

Connecticut routs West Virginia - PPG

West Virginia Falls in Finals - MSNsportsNET.Com

No. 1 UConn tops WVU women, 60-32 - Times West Virginian

David Can't Slay Goliath - WVIllustrated.com

The Magic of Title IX - BGN

WVU's double bye: rest or rust? - Charleston Gazette

Big East's top player eyed spot with WVU - Charleston Daily Mail

Syracuse takes Big East Awards - Times West Virginian

WVU playing waiting game - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Pulling the cord on WVU's AD search engine - Charleston Gazette

On the Receiving End - WVIllustrated.com

Recruiting:

Scout TV: Miles Shuler - Scout.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

UConn quits, gets run off the court by St. John's - The UConn Blog
73 - 51

UConn Lets Season End Without a Fight -- NCAABB FanHouse

USF tops DePaul, advances in Big East tourney - Tampa Tribune
58 - 49

Bearcats are born again - Cincinnati Enquirer

Rutgers' season ends with 69-68 loss to Cincinnati in Big East tournament - Star Ledger

Seton Hall holds on for 109-106 win over Providence to advance to second round of Big East tournament - Star Ledger

Keeping sharp is key for Pitt - PPG

Jerry Smith's thumb the only bummer for Louisville heading into Big East Tournament - Courier-Journal

Syracuse's Wes Johnson is Big East player of the year, Jim Boeheim is coach of the year - Post Standard

Big East’s Big Spenders? Just Check the Standings. - NY Times

Best in the Nation? Big 12 Thinks NCAA Field Will Prove Case -- NCAABB FanHouse

96 Reasons Not To Expand NCAAs (Part I) – LostLettermen.com

NCAA: No decision made on tourney expansion - ESPN

Salaries spike for college football assistants, successful coaches - USA TODAY

What's On Tap:

#9 South Florida Bulls vs. #8 Georgetown Hoyas - ESPN
Noon today on ESPN. Hoyas are giving 7.

#13 St. John's Red Storm vs. #5 Marquette Golden Eagles - ESPN
2 pm today on ESPN. Johnnie's are getting 4.

#10 Seton Hall Pirates vs. #7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish - ESPN
7 pm tonight on ESPN. Line is off.

#11 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. #6 Louisville Cardinals - ESPN
9 pm tonight on ESPN. Line is off here too.

Video of Interest:

The case for a #1

Video of (Dis)Interest:

For you Lost fans out there. You'll probably have this song in your head the rest of the day. You can thank me later.

Public Servant Gallery of the Week:

And we thank them for all they do.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a Polish model who made a name for herself via the British tabloids. Here's Eva Wyrwal.

via www.celebrity-pictures.ca

Łomża image via www.seeklogo.com

Notre Dame Could Be Forced To Join A Conference

2010-03-09T19:33:36Z

Notre Dame Could Be Forced To Join A Conference

Swarbrick told reporters Tuesday morning: "You can each come up with a scenario that would force our hand."

Could that scenario be Big 11 expansion grabbing Rutgers and then the Big East finally saying, "Get in, or get out."

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Tuesday (3/9/10) Edition

2010-03-09T14:40:54Z

We have a big day today: the women are in the finals tonight and the men's tourney gets underway at noon. Carey's women face a seemingly insurmountable task tonight, but David's been known to cut down Goliath before. We just gotta keep the faith. Huggs and the guys will have/get to wait until Thursday for their first test. Until then, plenty of tournament previews to keep you satisfied. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. It's all inside after the jump. I've always tried to remember this next part for the men's games, but I've never done it for the women, so...

Let's GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

What You May Have Missed:

Miles lifts No. 9 WVU into Big East tourney final - ESPN
56 - 49 over Rutgers

WVU Postgame Press Conference - BIGEAST.tv

Interest in WVU basketball is at peak pitch - Times West Virginian
Mickey's Column

NCAA College Basketball Polls - ESPN
#7 AP & #6 Coaches

Bracketology - ESPN
#2 East

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN

Bracket Watch - SI.com
West Virginia nabs final No. 1 seed [ed. West] over Duke and Ohio State

Bubble Watch - SI.com

NCAA Tourney Projections: Final March -- NCAABB FanHouse

Bland Named Athlete of the Week - MSNsportsNET.Com
and varsity sports reports

Big East Poll 2010 - MSG.com
We've made it to the Final Four....keep voting

This was on the front page of SI this morning:

via i.cdn.turner.com

BB News of Note:

WVU tops Rutgers to reach title game - PPG

Are Huskies too good? - SI.com

West Virginia the pick to emerge from Big East crucible - NY Post

WVU coach says team sometimes 'like geese' - Charleston Daily Mail

Appreciating Good Things and Greatness - BGN

Da'Sean wants to keep hunter mentality - Charleston Gazette

Mountaineers play the waiting game at Big East tournament - Register-Herald

WVU Team Report 3/9/10 - WVIllustrated.com

Player Interviews - WVIllustrated.com
Videos of the three sophomores

Devin Ebanks - MSNsportsNET.Com
Video Interview

Bob Huggins: To The Garden - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video link

Truck Bryant: A Possible Number One - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video link

Big East will get eight NCAA bids - Charleston Daily Mail

Big East men's basketball tournament preview - Star Ledger

2010 Big East Conference Tournament Preview - The Sports Network

Big East Tournament starts today; here's a look at the matchups - Post Standard

Big East tourney is big mystery - Courier-Journal

FB News of Note:

Football: Lonnie Galloway - MSNsportsNET.Com
Video interview

Spring superlatives: West Virginia - ESPN

Notre Dame to 'host' Maryland at FedEx Field - ESPN
What a crock of S@#$. Sad thing is, even in their own back yard (literally) ND will have more fans there than the Turtles.

Recruiting:

Scout TV: Clifton Richardson - Scout.com

Scout TV: Marco Jones - Scout.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

Cronin: Bearcats need to relax - Cincinnati Enquirer

Pieces in place for Bulls as Big East tourney opens - Tampa Tribune

Pitt's Gibbs named most improved in Big East - PPG

Seton Hall's John Garcia hoping for a second trip to the NCAAs - Star Ledger

Will Tuesday's game be the last for Rutgers coach Fred Hill, Jr.? - Star Ledger

The Sporting News names Syracuse's Jim Boeheim as Coach of the Year - Post Standard

Big East has tough act to follow, itself - Post Standard (AP)

Andy Katz: Championship Week primer - ESPN

Big 12 has emerged as nation's best basketball conference - Dallas Morning News
Dude is on crack.

Postseason Swag Disappearing in Some College Conferences - Sporting Blog - Sporting News
We all knew it happened at the Bowls, but I never knew it happened at the Conf. Tourneys.

What's On Tap:

#2 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. #1 Connecticut Huskies - ESPN
7 pm tonight, BE Tournament Finals from the XLC in Hartford on ESPN. Huskies are giving 29.

#16 DePaul Blue Demons vs. #9 South Florida Bulls - ESPN
Noon today from MSG on ESPN2. Bulls are giving 7.5

#13 St. John's Red Storm vs. #12 Connecticut Huskies - ESPN
2 pm today from MSG on ESPN2. Huskies are giving 4.5.

#15 Providence Friars vs. #10 Seton Hall Pirates - ESPN
7 pm tonight from MSG on ESPNU. Hall is giving 5.5.

#14 Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. #11 Cincinnati Bearcats - ESPN
9 pm tonight from MSG on ESPNU. Manbearpigs are giving 7.5.

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

There's always content for the guys on here (ahem...see next item...and the one after that) and I know we have a few female readers out there. So, here's a little sorta-something for the ladies. You all will probably laugh at it though (I hope). It's a bit long, but worth it. Thanks to Jimmy T over at Hot Clicks.

Wet T-Shirt Gallery of the Week:

6 pages strong...

via www.gunaxin.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a model from the Lone Star State. Here's Brooke Banx.

via www.p2pforum.it

Shiner Bock image via www.halodist.com

Latwan Anderson or [sic] a media whore, and want all of the attention you can get. To be truthful I...

2010-03-09T14:38:28Z

Latwan Anderson or [sic] a media whore, and want all of the attention you can get. To be truthful I don't want your thug ass at WVU. Travis Bell is better than you and Q Forte, I DON'T WANT YOU AT WVU. Fucking Drama Queen, Media Whore.....good luck on a average Miami team, you should fit nicely on the bench there!I guess this is Wat they see

Latwan Anderson's latest Facebook post.

To those that think your idiotic rants on message boards and this blog do not have an impact on recruits and players, think again. He would've been a difference maker in our already great secondary.

Michigan State: Owing WVU Since 2007

2010-03-09T02:11:54Z

Michigan State: Owing WVU Since 2007

I can't embed the photo, so this will have to do.

WVU No. 2 Seed In Latest Bracketology

2010-03-08T19:44:28Z

WVU No. 2 Seed In Latest Bracketology

We are stuck in Kentucky's bracket but at least we get to play close to home. Yes, Buffalo is as close as it gets.

WVU on Bubble Watch?

2010-03-08T18:01:19Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

The first Kevin Jones smile of the season. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

I sometimes find myself looking at Joe Lunardi's "Bracketology", wondering if WVU is going to make the 65 team field. I search the 7, 8, 9 and 10 seeds but WVU is nowhere to be found. I start to get nervous and check the "Last 4 In" and "Last 4 Out." Nowhere to be found again.

What the hell is going on? We have had an up and down season but we should be in the tournament. Then I remember, despite our team's troubles and our constant bitching about how they could be better, we are a top 10 team poised to make a deep run in the BET and NCAA tournament.

Wins over Georgetown and Villanova should guarantee WVU at least a number 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. So we are a bubble team to receive a No 1 seed. So I ask you...

Poll

What seed will WVU receive in the NCAA tournament?

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Monday (3/8/10) Edition

2010-03-08T14:43:41Z

Great weekend for the Mountaineers. The men got a ~~big~~ HUGE win at 'Nova on Saturday and the women are into the BE Semis by virtue of their win over DePaul last night. Let's see if we can keep both rolling. Tips, suggestions and requests as well as Hump Day Bracket nominations can be submitted here. Jump in and see what happens...

What You May Have Missed:

No. 7 West Virginia 47, DePaul 41 - ESPN

2010 Men's Basketball Championship Central Presented by Travelodge - BIG EAST Conference Athletics
Includes interactive bracket

Printable Bracket - Big East

BIG EAST Tournament Travel Guide - WVIllustrated.com

Bowden Returns - MSNsportsNET.Com
Some good stories in here.

MSG.com - Sports - College Hoops - NCAA Basketball
I just really like the current banner picture.

Women's News of Note:

Strong defensive effort paces Mountaineers - PPG

Mountaineers Advance to Semifinals - MSNsportsNET.Com

Women's Interactive Bracket - BIG EAST Conference Athletics

WVU women win with defense - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Though Unlikely, Connecticut Women Still Can Lose -- NCAABB FanHouse
I think unlikely is putting it mildly.

Men's News of Note:

All's well at end for Wells - Charleston Gazette

Same script, different feel - Charleston Gazette

No. 1 seed in NCAAs within reach for WVU - Charleston Gazette

WVU needed to defeat Villanova - Charleston Daily Mail

For Huggins, double-bye is no reward - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Huggins has done a great coaching job - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Boneheaded Mountaineers - WVIllustrated.com

Keeping with the Trend - WVIllustrated.com

Butler caps big week with big honor - Charleston Gazette

W.Va.'s Butler earns Big East honor - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Player of the week also.

Big East all-league teams have big New Jersey presence, led by West Virginia's Da'Sean Butler and Seton Hall's Jeremy Hazell - Star Ledger

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN

The Seeding Game - WVIllustrated.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

Well, that's all finished: South Florida 75, UConn 68 - The UConn Blog

Bulls shooting even higher after UConn upset - Tampa Tribune

Vegas Always Knows: Louisville 78, Syracuse 68 - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

No. 17 Pittsburgh routs Rutgers men, 83-54 - Star Ledger

Cincinnati Bearcats fold in second half in loss to Georgetown - Cincinnati Enquirer
74 - 47...maybe they were just short term dyslexic?

Seton Hall’s Bobby Gonzalez Is a Divisive Figure in the Big East - NY Times

Can the NCAA Tournament exist without UConn, North Carolina, and UCLA? - Star Ledger

What's On Tap:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies - ESPN
BE Semis, 6 pm tonight from the XLC on ESPN360 and ESPNU.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
BE Semis, 8 pm tonight from the XLC on ESPN360 and ESPNU.

Videos of Interest:

Video of (Dis) Interest:

And the Oscar goes to...

AIW Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is an American actress who hails from Massachusetts. She's been seen in The New Guy, Bring it On and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (among others), as well as the recently canceled TV series Dollhouse. Here's Eliza Dushku. For bonus gallery, click HERE.

via www.photopost.com

Sam Adams Double Bock image via www.stogiereview.com

Game Thread: WVU vs. Villanova

2010-03-06T15:26:53Z

It's the last game of the regular season. Does it mean much? It depends on your point of view. The double-bye is already secured, and with that, will the guys take this game for granted? Huggs won't, that's for sure. As of now, we have the 4th seed, based on current tiebreakers (the guys over at Card Chronicle have it broken down quite nicely) and we can move up as high as the #2 depending on how the games play out today. Are we playing for seeding? Revenge for the earlier loss? Pride? Momentum? Or all of the above? Of course, we're all hoping for the "all of the above" answer. The latest line has 'Nova giving 3. Leave your thoughts below (before, during and after today's game):

You know what's next...

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (3/5/10) Edition

2010-03-05T14:29:05Z

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 Bavaria beer, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown. Yes, another Brazilian. I know what you're thinking: "How do you keep doing it?" Well, some people just have certain talents and this is just one of mine. And I'm really enjoying doing what I do!

It's the final weekend of pool play in the Big East. There is an absolute full slate of BE games starting tonight and running through Saturday night. The men have a big one against 'Nova tomorrow. If we can win that we'll have the exact same record (both conference and overall). We'd be assured of a #3 seed and I'm not sure how the tie breakers work, but maybe we can squeeze a #2 finish out of this. The women get back in action this weekend as they begin their BE Tournament on Sunday evening at 6 on ESPNU. Tips, suggestions and requests make the best day brighter. Have a great weekend everybody!!!! Come inside and see what the fuss is all about...

Let's GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

What You May Have Missed:

Manchin, Clements disagree on AD move - Charleston Daily Mail
"West Virginia University President Jim Clements and Gov. Joe Manchin don't appear to see eye-to-eye on the impending exit of the university's long-time athletic director." - Thank God!!! I think this means he won't let us be strong armed into another Marshall series, either.

Mountaineers Garner All-BIG EAST Accolades - MSNsportsNET.Com
"Four members of the nationally ranked West Virginia University women’s basketball team garnered all-BIG EAST honors, the league announced today [ed. yesterday]."

NCAA College Basketball Power Rankings - ESPN
#9

Power Rankings - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
#10

Bracketology - ESPN
#3 West

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN

UConn, Florida, Mississippi St. in trouble as NCAA bubble tightens - SI.com

Charlie Creme's women's Bracketology video update - ESPN
"Florida State has moved past West Virginia and Xavier as the final No. 2 seed in Charlie Creme's women's Bracketology video update."

Big East Women's Tournament: Does any team other than Connecticut have a chance? - Star Ledger

News of Note:

WVU women hope to rebound in tournament - Charleston Daily Mail

WVU’s Miles Big East Defensive Player of Year - Times West Virginian

Mountaineers’ Carey deserves coach of the year awards - Register-Herald
Mickey's Column

Big East Tournament: Double Bye or Not? -- NCAABB FanHouse

Point guards drive ways of Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail

Analysts don’t impress Huggins with knowledge - Times West Virginian

WVU Team Report 3/4/10 - WVIllustrated.com

A Must See Event - MSNsportsNET.Com
Caridi has a list of why he ~~likes~~ loves the BE Tourney more than the Big Dance.

Smith questionable, Heastie missing for WVU - ESPN

Eu won’t do much in spring practice - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza

Coley is the Man... For Now - WVIllustrated.com

Bowden becomes honorary West Virginian - Charleston Gazette

WVU's second female mascot says she had to overcome gender bias - WVPubcast.org
Not that I thought she should have faced it, but who, in their right mind, thought she wouldn't?

Recruiting:

Tremayne McNair Has WVU Offer - WVIllustrated.com

Scout TV: Desmon Peoples - Scout.com

Scout TV: Caleb Taylor - Scout.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big East could place eight teams in NCAA Tournament - Fan Nation

The Big East's post-season awards: And the winners are ... - Post Standard

Intense play, heated postgame exchanges mark Seton Hall's 85-74 victory over Rutgers - Star Ledger

Gibbs leads Pitt to win against Providence - PPG
73 -71, with a 3 at the buzzer

Pitt Panthers guard Jermaine Dixon counts his blessings despite what he lost - ESPN

Freedom Hall Memories - Card Chronicle

The Mourning After: Will Austin Freeman Play? - Casual Hoya

Tough year? It's relatively easy - Courier-Journal

Mick Cronin: Criticism hasn't been easy - Cincinnati Enquirer

Syracuse basketball notes as the Orange prepares for Louisville - Post Standard

In or out?: The quest to save face, Part V - The UConn Blog

No legal action against ex-coach Jim Leavitt, Bulls player says - Tampa Tribune

Greg Paulus' Passion Is Passionate - SB Nation

Not everyone in Big Ten on board with expansion - SI.com

Porn Star Samantha Ryan Given Floor Seats by Kansas Assistant Coach -- NCAABB FanHouse

Team-oriented Butler will be a tough out in NCAA tournament - SI.com

What's On Tap:

St. John's Red Storm vs. DePaul Blue Demons - ESPN
Tonight at 8:30 from Allstate Arena on ESPN360, SNY and MASN.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Villanova Wildcats - ESPN
Noon Saturday from the Wachovia Center on CBS.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Georgetown Hoyas - ESPN
Noon Saturday from the Phone Booth on ESPN360. Never thought I'd see the day when a ranked Hoya team wasn't covered this late in the season by local TV at least.

Syracuse Orange vs. Louisville Cardinals - ESPN
It's the last game at Freedom Hall (assuming no NIT). Saturday at 2 pm on ESPN.

Connecticut Huskies vs. South Florida Bulls - ESPN
2 pm Saturday from the Sun Dome on ESPN360, MASN and SNY.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Marquette Golden Eagles - ESPN
2 pm Saturday from the Bradley Center on ESPN360.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Pittsburgh Panthers - ESPN
4:30 pm Saturday from the Pete on ESPN360, MASN, and Fox Sports Pittsburgh.

Seton Hall Pirates vs. Providence Friars - ESPN
7 pm Saturday from the Dunkin' Donuts Center on ESPN360.

#2 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. # 7 DePaul - Big East
6 pm Sunday from the XLC in Connecticut in Big East Quarterfinal action on ESPNU.

Videos of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

And now, a word from our sponsor...

Used Cans Gallery of the Week:

25 awesome uses for your old cans.

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Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is, yes, another Brazilian (I can here the groans from here). One day, I'll make it down there. She's a SI Swimsuit veteran. Please make welcome...Daniella Sarahyba.

via i.cdn.turner.com

Bavaria image via bavariaclassica.com.br