2012 Champions - Kentucky

They were the number one seed overall and they proved it tonight. Hopefully you watched the game, as it was a dandy from start to finish. Sure, Kentucky had the lead and kept it throughout the game, however, Kansas made a push at the end to keep it close. Kansas really was struggling with their offense, or at least when they tried to set up their offense and run a play. The only plays that were working was the fast break, grab the rebound, run like mad down the court and score. If they let Kentucky get in front of them, their defense would stop them. I'm not sure what the final blocked shot count was, but I last saw a graphic that it was 10 blocked shots and a new tournament record. Though I did count three or four more.

In summary, the first ten minutes of the game was all about the fast break, the middle was Kentucky playing their offensive game, and the last ten was Kansas trying to chip away and make another come back, like they did with Ohio State. Oh, and there was one nasty looking rolled ankle. I had to turn away on the replay it was that bad. But he did play the remainder of the game.

Which brings us to the close of the 2012 Office Pool. Our winner this year is new to the pool, Sam Schmillen. Scored a total of 181 points, a 73% pick percentage. Correctly picked 11 of 16 final team, and selected both teams in the final game. Second place will go to Jessie Forga with 165 points, correctly picked eight of the final sixteen teams and a 65% pick percentage. While third place will go to Chad Redmann, who also scored 165 points, also picked eight of the final sixteen teams, but only had a 60% pick percentage. [The first tie breaker is is the most teams correct in the Sweet Sixteen, the second tie breaker is pick percentage]

Finally, last place and a free pick sheet in 2013 goes to Paul Woolson and his 49% pick percentage, plus correctly picking eight of the final sixteen teams.

And Then There Were Two

Kentucky versus Kansas

From our Pool, 49 people have Kentucky making to the final two teams, 22 people selected Kansas. Should be an exciting match up and yes, the Championship game is on Monday if your're still playing attention.

So that leaves us with two scenarios for this years office pool.

If Kentucky Wins: Results
If Kansas wins: Results

There are six different people who can place in the top three this year.

Tip off of the final game is 8:23 CMT.

Updated Standings After The Weekend

I hope you got your fill of basketball, as there was plenty of it. We lost two #2 seeds, Missouri and Duke. Thankfully for you all, I had Missouri as my champion on one of my two brackets, so we can throw that one away. However, there was two brackets that correctly picked Florida advancing to the Sweet 16, versus Missouri instead of Norfolk State. Kudos to Jennifer and Mitchell.

I am curious about how many people are having second thoughts on Syracuse, specifically those who changed their brackets, because of the academic issues for one of their players.... Let's take a look at the current standings and our top 5 pick sheets: Steve Mason
Sam Schmillen
Elizabeth Crawford
Anne Quinlan
Mitchell Hahn

Two of the current top five have already lost their champion team, ouch and I feel your pain. The top three are sitting in favorable spot, one only one, Steve M, having all four Final Four teams.

Now Sam Schmillen, I must tell you, this is his first year participating in the bracket contest. Sam is only eight! He's become a fan of ESPN over Christmas break and was excited to be in the pool this year. For the record, he did do all of the picks himself.

What else, Player Scenarios are now posted. They show your best and worst possible finish and whom you need to root for.

I don't have the final payouts yet as I've been a bit swamped and wont get to it until Thursday at the earliest.

2012 Office Pool Contest Is Live

Deadline: Tip-Off, March 15 @ 12:30 PM [EST]
Entry Fee: $10.00

Enter Your Picks Here

Make sure you hit the SUBMIT PICKS button at the bottom of the page or your picks will not be entered into the pool.

NOTE: When entering multiple times, please place a number after your name to make it unique [or it will over write you last submitted picks] For example: Timmy 1, Timmy 2, Timmy 3

Once again, the NCAA has expanded the tournament field from 65 teams (with 1 play-in game) to 68 teams (with 4 play-in games). These 4 games will be handled very similar to how the current play-in game was handled. You'll see two teams listed for the play-in games on the tournament bracket, no points will be awarded for winning. We'll continue to use the same round numbers as in the past tournaments. The deadline for entering the contest, as always, starts on tipoff Thursday morning.

2012 Tournament Schedule

Key Tournament Dates courtesy of NCAA Sports

Pre-Tournament Events
March 11 - Selection Sunday @ 5:00 CST on CBS

First Week Of Games
March 13-14: 4 Play-In Games
March 15-16: Round One Games
March 17-18: Round Two Games

Second Weekend Of Games
March 22-23: Round Three Games
March 24-25: Round Four Games

Final Weekend Of Games
March 31: Round Five, Semi-Finals
April 2: Round Six, Championship Game