The Boston Red Sox started the Major League Baseball season on April 5, 2012. Over it's first fourteen games the team had four wins and ten losses. The Red Sox played against five teams in those first fourteen games who have a combined record of 60 and 43. Since the difficult schedule to start the season the Red Sox have improved in the face of a brutal local media and new team Manager.
The team ERA is 5.59. That includes Mark Melancons' 49.50 ERA. Without Melancon the team ERA is 5.00.
Over the last six games the Red Sox are averaging 7.5 runs per game. Over the first fouteen games the team averaged 5 runs per game.
Over the last six games the Red Sox are undefeated. Over the last six games the Red Sox team record has improved to 10-10.
The season started with a new Manager, a difficult schedule, and several injuries. Now the Red Sox record .500.
The season re-starts today.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Bobby Valentine
The Boston Red Sox were defeated by the New York Yankees on Saturday April 21, 2012. The loss was not a surprise for the Red Sox this season. The circumstances around the deafeat and Fenway Park crowd reaction to the Red Sox manager, Bobby Valentine, were a surprise.
The Red Sox got another "quality start" from left handed pitcher Felix Dubront. Dubront has no decisions this season with a 3.94 ERA. The start was 6 innings and was beyond "quality" it was GREAT. Dubront did not start the sixth inning however, when he left the game the Red Sox had a 9-1 lead. In the seventh inning the Red Sox allowed seven runs. In the eighth inning the Red Sox gave up seven runs. The Red Sox ended up losing 15-9. This was reminiscent of the 2004 ALCS blowout loses the Red Sox had against the Gotham City Yankees. However, this loss was brutal because of the beating the Red Sox administered during the first six innings and the clubbing the Red Sox received in the last three innings. It was brutal for another reason as well.
Bobby Valentine was blasted by Red Sox fans each time he came in to replace a failing relief pitcher. Red Sox fans are characterized as being some of the most knowledgeable in Major League Baseball. Booing Bobby Valentine for the players failure to perform, UPPER managements failure to construct a good bullpen and releasing fan favorite Terry Francona, and major injuries to Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Bailey is completely ridiculous. It diminshes the fanbase. If you don't like the teams record boo them. If you don't like management decisions turn toward the owners boxes and boo them. If Bobby does something boo him. Do not boo Bobby for the failure of others.
Bobby Valentine made unnecessary comments about Kevin Youkilis(who is injured)but were actually a compliment if interpreted correctly. Even with the Youkilis comments taken into account Bobby Valentine should not be held accountable for the players not performing on the field.
The Red Sox manager could be seen on FOX Televisions national broadcast mouthing what appeared to be the words "WOW" in regards to the fan reaction when he replaced pitchers. Red Sox upper management and Red Sox players should be saying "Thank you" to Bobby Valentine "for taking one for the team" on Saturday.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
State of the Nation
The Red Sox are getting clobbered in the local media for their 4-8 record to start the season. Sports radio personalities are calling for Bobby Valentine to resign and rumors are spreading that there is a possibility that he gets replaced mid-season. Boston Globe writers are saying that the Manager is not working well with his players and that the players should be held accountable for the .333 winning percentage through 7 percent of the season. As a result, people are going nuclear and nobody seems to have a rational perspective. Here is a rational perspective on the State of the Nation(I liked it better when we were called Red Sox FANS).
The Red Sox have played the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, the Tampa Bay Devils Rays, and the Texas Rangers(The Yankees start a series in Fenway tomorrow). These teams have a 31-16 record so far this season and not one of the teams has a losing record. After the Yankees series the Red Sox play 22 games against Minnesota, Oakland, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Chicago - South Side. The Red Sox should be at or above a .500 record after this string of games. If not Jason Varitek may be the manager.
The franchise has a missing Owner, a team President that is working without a contract, a new General Manager, and a new team Manager. Real quick. The Owner, John Henry, is in Liverpool England galavanting around as the new owner of the Liverpool F.C. Reds English Premier League Soccer team. The team President, Larry Lucchino does not have a contract for next season and has been out selling the 100 Year Anniversary game tomorrow. The General Manager Ben Cherrington, who sounds exactly like Theo Epstein, is working with a small budget this year and a manager that was thrust upon him(vey UNLIKE Epstein). The new Manager Bobby Valentine, did not go the Terry Franchona school of Public Relations. He probably did not realize that the Boston media could be as rabble-rouserish as it has been. He managed in NYC and Japan previously and the Boston media is the one poised to take him down.
Now we get to the team. The tight budget THIS YEAR has left the team with an average short stop and a weak bullpen. Marco Scutaro was making $7 million dollars a year and doing a good job with the Red Sox. He was replaced by Mike Avillas who is making $1 million. Avillas is comparable in talent. I think the team could have kept both player and used one a trade bait. The relief pitcher Mark Melancon has a 49.50 era and was demoted to AAA Pawtucket today. The new closer Andrew Bailey got hurt and will be out for months after thumb surgery. If we had Scutaro now we could trade him for a relief pitcher(or an outfielder the team is now missing Ellsbury and Carl Crawford).
The manager is being skewered for leaving his pitchers in the game to long. Daniel Bard,in his most recent start, is the focal point of the under-current. Bard asked to stay in the game aginst TB. There have a couple similar situations with other pitchers. My thoughts, Bobby is giving the pitchers leeway early in the season to see if they can fight their way out of trouble. Whether the outcome is postive and the pitcher gets out of trouble or the outcome is negative and the pitcher gets shelled, Bobby wins. Here is why: 1)the positive outcome shows that Bobby has good judgement and that the pitcher has fortitude and 2) the negative outcome ingratiates Bobby with the pitching staff since he kept them in(which he needs after the Beckett, Lackey, Lester, Bucholz fried chicken beer problems)and it gives Bobby leverage in relation to the pitchers who now have to respect him when he asks them to come out of the game. It basically puts all the pressure and onus on the pitcher.
There is alot going on with the Red Sox beyond the X's and O's of baseball.
Rationally speaking, the State of the Nation is disarray.
The Red Sox have played the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, the Tampa Bay Devils Rays, and the Texas Rangers(The Yankees start a series in Fenway tomorrow). These teams have a 31-16 record so far this season and not one of the teams has a losing record. After the Yankees series the Red Sox play 22 games against Minnesota, Oakland, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Chicago - South Side. The Red Sox should be at or above a .500 record after this string of games. If not Jason Varitek may be the manager.
The franchise has a missing Owner, a team President that is working without a contract, a new General Manager, and a new team Manager. Real quick. The Owner, John Henry, is in Liverpool England galavanting around as the new owner of the Liverpool F.C. Reds English Premier League Soccer team. The team President, Larry Lucchino does not have a contract for next season and has been out selling the 100 Year Anniversary game tomorrow. The General Manager Ben Cherrington, who sounds exactly like Theo Epstein, is working with a small budget this year and a manager that was thrust upon him(vey UNLIKE Epstein). The new Manager Bobby Valentine, did not go the Terry Franchona school of Public Relations. He probably did not realize that the Boston media could be as rabble-rouserish as it has been. He managed in NYC and Japan previously and the Boston media is the one poised to take him down.
Now we get to the team. The tight budget THIS YEAR has left the team with an average short stop and a weak bullpen. Marco Scutaro was making $7 million dollars a year and doing a good job with the Red Sox. He was replaced by Mike Avillas who is making $1 million. Avillas is comparable in talent. I think the team could have kept both player and used one a trade bait. The relief pitcher Mark Melancon has a 49.50 era and was demoted to AAA Pawtucket today. The new closer Andrew Bailey got hurt and will be out for months after thumb surgery. If we had Scutaro now we could trade him for a relief pitcher(or an outfielder the team is now missing Ellsbury and Carl Crawford).
The manager is being skewered for leaving his pitchers in the game to long. Daniel Bard,in his most recent start, is the focal point of the under-current. Bard asked to stay in the game aginst TB. There have a couple similar situations with other pitchers. My thoughts, Bobby is giving the pitchers leeway early in the season to see if they can fight their way out of trouble. Whether the outcome is postive and the pitcher gets out of trouble or the outcome is negative and the pitcher gets shelled, Bobby wins. Here is why: 1)the positive outcome shows that Bobby has good judgement and that the pitcher has fortitude and 2) the negative outcome ingratiates Bobby with the pitching staff since he kept them in(which he needs after the Beckett, Lackey, Lester, Bucholz fried chicken beer problems)and it gives Bobby leverage in relation to the pitchers who now have to respect him when he asks them to come out of the game. It basically puts all the pressure and onus on the pitcher.
There is alot going on with the Red Sox beyond the X's and O's of baseball.
Rationally speaking, the State of the Nation is disarray.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
NHL Playoffs: Western Conference Predicitons
These are my thoughts on the opening round of the NHL Playoffs for the Western Conference. Tell me what you think.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Canucks won the Presidents Trophy for most points in the regular season. The Kings won two of the four games against the Canucks during the regular season. The Canucks have alot of talent. The Kings can play with the Canucks since they are a tough team. However, the Kings best player Richardson had an emergency appendectomy yesterday. He will probably miss the series. The Canucks win 4 games to 1.
Richardson is playing. The Canucks in 7.
Boston College Influence:
Corey Schneider is the best back-up goaling in the NHL. Tuukka Raask may not agree. He will probably not play much in the playoffs. He will probably be traded in the offseason. The Canucks signed another Hockey East phenom goalie Joe Cannatta from Merrimack College. So Schneider is expendable. Rob Scuderi of the Kings played for Boston College in the late 90's. He is an experienced Defenseman who won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh.
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St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks
St. Louis won all four games against the Sharks in the regular season. The Blues have a tough experienced team with Langhenbrunner, Backes, Jackman, and Oshie. They have a superior goalie in Halak. The Sharks are not close to as tough or as talented in the net. The St. Louis Blues win in 5 games.
Boston College Influence:
Minimal. The Sharks have Benn Ferriero who has not played since March. The Blues have no former Eagles.
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Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Phoenix won three of the four games against Chicago in the regular season. The Blackhawks are my favorite team, besides the Bruins. Blackhawks win in seven games.
Boston College Influence:
The Hawks have Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes. Smith was in AHL Rockford for the season. Hayes played in 31 NHL games however, I am not sure he is on the playoff roster.
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Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Redwings
Nashville won three of the six regular season games that these two teams played. Detroit has the pedigree. Detroit wins in seven games.
Boston College Influence:
Nashville has no Eagles. Detroit has Patrick Eaves on the roster but he is out of the playoffs injured.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Canucks won the Presidents Trophy for most points in the regular season. The Kings won two of the four games against the Canucks during the regular season. The Canucks have alot of talent. The Kings can play with the Canucks since they are a tough team. However, the Kings best player Richardson had an emergency appendectomy yesterday. He will probably miss the series. The Canucks win 4 games to 1.
Richardson is playing. The Canucks in 7.
Boston College Influence:
Corey Schneider is the best back-up goaling in the NHL. Tuukka Raask may not agree. He will probably not play much in the playoffs. He will probably be traded in the offseason. The Canucks signed another Hockey East phenom goalie Joe Cannatta from Merrimack College. So Schneider is expendable. Rob Scuderi of the Kings played for Boston College in the late 90's. He is an experienced Defenseman who won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh.
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St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks
St. Louis won all four games against the Sharks in the regular season. The Blues have a tough experienced team with Langhenbrunner, Backes, Jackman, and Oshie. They have a superior goalie in Halak. The Sharks are not close to as tough or as talented in the net. The St. Louis Blues win in 5 games.
Boston College Influence:
Minimal. The Sharks have Benn Ferriero who has not played since March. The Blues have no former Eagles.
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Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Phoenix won three of the four games against Chicago in the regular season. The Blackhawks are my favorite team, besides the Bruins. Blackhawks win in seven games.
Boston College Influence:
The Hawks have Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes. Smith was in AHL Rockford for the season. Hayes played in 31 NHL games however, I am not sure he is on the playoff roster.
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Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Redwings
Nashville won three of the six regular season games that these two teams played. Detroit has the pedigree. Detroit wins in seven games.
Boston College Influence:
Nashville has no Eagles. Detroit has Patrick Eaves on the roster but he is out of the playoffs injured.
Monday, April 9, 2012
NHL Playoffs: Eastern Conference First Round Predictions
These are my thoughts on the 2012 NHL Eastern Conference playoffs. The Western Conference predictions are forthcoming.
New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators
The Rangers had a 1-3 record against the Senators in the regular season. The Rangers do not have alot of playoff experience. The difference in this series will be Henrik Lundqvist. He has been great during the regular season. Rangers win the series 4 games to 2 games.
Boston College Influence:
The Rangers forward Brian Boyle is a consistent contributor.
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Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
The Boston Bruins had a 1-3 record against the Capitals in the regular season. Ovechkin and Backstrom have the ability to win games. The Bruins Defense and Goaltending are better than the Capitals. The Bruins offense is consistent and spread evenly amongst all four lines. The Bruins win 4 games to 2.
Boston College Influence:
Who knows? Maybe Barry Amedia gets put on the Capitals playoff roster.
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Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils
These teams have a 2-2 record in the regular season. The teams are evenly matched. This series will go seven games. The difference in the series will be Martin Brodeur. He will play well. The New Jersey Devils will win 4 games to 3.
Boston College Influence:
Minimal. Scott Clemmemsen an all-time great BC goaltender is a successful veteran backup goaltender for the Panthers. He deserves a playoff start after going 14-6-6 in the regular season. Steve Gionta scored a game winning goal in the Devils last game of the season. Not sure if he is on the playoff roster.
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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh was 1-4 against the Flyers in the regular season. "Game on" in this series. Physical play during the regular season should lead to physical play in this playoff series. On paper Pittsburgh has a better team however Philadelphia has dominated in terms of head-to-head wins. Crosby will be the difference. If he can antagonize the Flyers, score goals, and make it through the series in good health then Pittsburgh wins the series. Otherwise the series goes seven games and either team can win. Personally, I am not a fan of either team and I hope that they brutlize each other. This should be the best opening round series of the playoffs. Pittsburgh in 7 games.
Boston College Influence:
Brooks Orpik is the only stand up old-school hockey player on the Pittsburgh roster. He will play defense, check, and defend his teammates (even though it is difficult to stand up for players like Crosby and Matt Cook).
New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators
The Rangers had a 1-3 record against the Senators in the regular season. The Rangers do not have alot of playoff experience. The difference in this series will be Henrik Lundqvist. He has been great during the regular season. Rangers win the series 4 games to 2 games.
Boston College Influence:
The Rangers forward Brian Boyle is a consistent contributor.
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Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
The Boston Bruins had a 1-3 record against the Capitals in the regular season. Ovechkin and Backstrom have the ability to win games. The Bruins Defense and Goaltending are better than the Capitals. The Bruins offense is consistent and spread evenly amongst all four lines. The Bruins win 4 games to 2.
Boston College Influence:
Who knows? Maybe Barry Amedia gets put on the Capitals playoff roster.
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Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils
These teams have a 2-2 record in the regular season. The teams are evenly matched. This series will go seven games. The difference in the series will be Martin Brodeur. He will play well. The New Jersey Devils will win 4 games to 3.
Boston College Influence:
Minimal. Scott Clemmemsen an all-time great BC goaltender is a successful veteran backup goaltender for the Panthers. He deserves a playoff start after going 14-6-6 in the regular season. Steve Gionta scored a game winning goal in the Devils last game of the season. Not sure if he is on the playoff roster.
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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh was 1-4 against the Flyers in the regular season. "Game on" in this series. Physical play during the regular season should lead to physical play in this playoff series. On paper Pittsburgh has a better team however Philadelphia has dominated in terms of head-to-head wins. Crosby will be the difference. If he can antagonize the Flyers, score goals, and make it through the series in good health then Pittsburgh wins the series. Otherwise the series goes seven games and either team can win. Personally, I am not a fan of either team and I hope that they brutlize each other. This should be the best opening round series of the playoffs. Pittsburgh in 7 games.
Boston College Influence:
Brooks Orpik is the only stand up old-school hockey player on the Pittsburgh roster. He will play defense, check, and defend his teammates (even though it is difficult to stand up for players like Crosby and Matt Cook).
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2012 Masters Breakdown
The 78th Masters Tournament is scheduled to start on Thursday morning. The weather is predicted to be stormy on Thursday and Friday. The weather is scheduled to be sunny on Saturday and Sunday. Similar to the weather for the tournament the predictions for who will win this year are scattered.
Contenders
1) Tiger Woods - Tiger won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. It was his first win in years. Tiger has finished well at the Masters over the last couple years even with his physical and personal issues. Tiger is the favorite to win the tournament.
2)Rory McElroy - McElroy has played in three tournaments in the United States this year. Tiger played in all three tournaments. McElroy has finished in first, second, and third. He did not play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
3)Phil Mickelson - Phil has won the Masters three times. The Masters is his best chance to win a Major tournament. The course is long and fairways are wide which allows Phil to "bomb" his tee shots.
4)Hunter Mahan - Hunter is the PGA Tour Money leader this year. He has won the Shell Houston Open last week and the WCG Match Play earlier in the year. Mahan finished in the Top 10 at the Masters in 2010 and 2009. Hunter drives the ball in the middle of the fairway, hits consistent iron shots, and is putting better than ever. It is time for a younger American player to win a Major.
Sleepers
1) Bubba Watson - Bubba can drive the ball far. If he putts in the top 20 then he can win.
2) Fred Couples - Fred has finished 15th in 2010 and 6th in 2009. Boom Boom played well in Houston. He finished first in the Champions Tour Event las week in Mississippi.
Prediction
Rory McElroy will win. He proved after losing the 2011 Masters on the back Nine on Sunday that he had the fortitude to play well in Major Championships. McElroy dominated and won the U.S Open months later. He is playing as well as anyone and must have the desire to make-up for falling apart in the Augusta sun last year.
Contenders
1) Tiger Woods - Tiger won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. It was his first win in years. Tiger has finished well at the Masters over the last couple years even with his physical and personal issues. Tiger is the favorite to win the tournament.
2)Rory McElroy - McElroy has played in three tournaments in the United States this year. Tiger played in all three tournaments. McElroy has finished in first, second, and third. He did not play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
3)Phil Mickelson - Phil has won the Masters three times. The Masters is his best chance to win a Major tournament. The course is long and fairways are wide which allows Phil to "bomb" his tee shots.
4)Hunter Mahan - Hunter is the PGA Tour Money leader this year. He has won the Shell Houston Open last week and the WCG Match Play earlier in the year. Mahan finished in the Top 10 at the Masters in 2010 and 2009. Hunter drives the ball in the middle of the fairway, hits consistent iron shots, and is putting better than ever. It is time for a younger American player to win a Major.
Sleepers
1) Bubba Watson - Bubba can drive the ball far. If he putts in the top 20 then he can win.
2) Fred Couples - Fred has finished 15th in 2010 and 6th in 2009. Boom Boom played well in Houston. He finished first in the Champions Tour Event las week in Mississippi.
Prediction
Rory McElroy will win. He proved after losing the 2011 Masters on the back Nine on Sunday that he had the fortitude to play well in Major Championships. McElroy dominated and won the U.S Open months later. He is playing as well as anyone and must have the desire to make-up for falling apart in the Augusta sun last year.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Boston College Spring Football Recap
The Jay McGillis Spring Football Game was won fittingly on a Hail Mary thrown by Dan Mascovetra on the last play.
Positives:
- Rolandan Finch ran very well behind the starting offensive line.
- Paul Maglio ran the ball consistently. He is the Danny Woodhead of Boston College.
- The Offensive line is bigger, stronger, and nastier than last year.
- Boston College has produced some high level Tigh Ends like Pete Mitchell and Mark Chumera. This team has four TE's that can play. Pantale, Naples, Miller, and Darmstatter. I would like to seem them all used.
- Duggan is the next Keuchly. He was all over the field defensively and is all business.
- Appiah was playing well on the defensive line.
- McGovern was coaching the hell out of the defense.
Negatives:
- Rettig, Bordner, and Mascovertra looked average. Suntrup did not have a grasp of the offense at all.
Everyone is griping that the weather was dreary, the game was earlier than usual, and the program is in Neutral. The negatives aside the team was enthsiatic and being in Alumni Stadium to watch football is always inspiring.
Positives:
- Rolandan Finch ran very well behind the starting offensive line.
- Paul Maglio ran the ball consistently. He is the Danny Woodhead of Boston College.
- The Offensive line is bigger, stronger, and nastier than last year.
- Boston College has produced some high level Tigh Ends like Pete Mitchell and Mark Chumera. This team has four TE's that can play. Pantale, Naples, Miller, and Darmstatter. I would like to seem them all used.
- Duggan is the next Keuchly. He was all over the field defensively and is all business.
- Appiah was playing well on the defensive line.
- McGovern was coaching the hell out of the defense.
Negatives:
- Rettig, Bordner, and Mascovertra looked average. Suntrup did not have a grasp of the offense at all.
Everyone is griping that the weather was dreary, the game was earlier than usual, and the program is in Neutral. The negatives aside the team was enthsiatic and being in Alumni Stadium to watch football is always inspiring.
Finals Prediction
John Calipari won the Mafia matchup with Rick Petino. Bill Self won the midwest matchup with Thad Motta. As a result, this Monday evening the University of Kentucky will play the University of Kansas for the 2012 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship.
Kentucky and Kansas are the winningest men's basketball programs in NCAA history. Kentucky is loaded with talented individual players who have learned quickly how to play as a team. Kansas is a traditional team where the players have specific roles.
Below are the major aspects of the game and my thoughts on who has the advantage.
Coaching- This is a toss-up.
Calipari and Self are both great recruiters who rely on the players to win the game. Neither is focused on set plays.
Offense - Kentucky
Kentucky has several NBA level players. Kansas has two NBA level players. One is strictly as shot blocker. Kentucky will score but it will not be easy.
Defense- This is a toss up.
Both teams have great athletes. Both teams play good man to man defense. Both teams have NBA level defensive players who can protect the basket. Davis for Kentucky and Whitney for Kansas as the two best shot blockers in the NCAA.
Free throw shooting - Kentucky
Kentucky attempted 897 freethrows and made 72% of them.
Kansas attempted 834 freethrows and made 69% of them.
Intangibles - Kansas
Kansas has won several close games in the tournament. Kansas played in the Big 12 which is a tougher conference than the SEC. Kansas has a "go-to" player in Robinson who can score in the clutch. Kentucky has not been in a close game in the final 2 minutes of the tournament. I am not sure who the "go to" offensive player is for Kentucky.
Prediction - Kentucky(I want Kansas to win).
Final Score: 70-67
Kentucky and Kansas are the winningest men's basketball programs in NCAA history. Kentucky is loaded with talented individual players who have learned quickly how to play as a team. Kansas is a traditional team where the players have specific roles.
Below are the major aspects of the game and my thoughts on who has the advantage.
Coaching- This is a toss-up.
Calipari and Self are both great recruiters who rely on the players to win the game. Neither is focused on set plays.
Offense - Kentucky
Kentucky has several NBA level players. Kansas has two NBA level players. One is strictly as shot blocker. Kentucky will score but it will not be easy.
Defense- This is a toss up.
Both teams have great athletes. Both teams play good man to man defense. Both teams have NBA level defensive players who can protect the basket. Davis for Kentucky and Whitney for Kansas as the two best shot blockers in the NCAA.
Free throw shooting - Kentucky
Kentucky attempted 897 freethrows and made 72% of them.
Kansas attempted 834 freethrows and made 69% of them.
Intangibles - Kansas
Kansas has won several close games in the tournament. Kansas played in the Big 12 which is a tougher conference than the SEC. Kansas has a "go-to" player in Robinson who can score in the clutch. Kentucky has not been in a close game in the final 2 minutes of the tournament. I am not sure who the "go to" offensive player is for Kentucky.
Prediction - Kentucky(I want Kansas to win).
Final Score: 70-67
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