First Week ANALYSIS

As our first two weekends of playoffs basketball is officially come to a end. There were some stand out games that can not be ignored. This playoffs has already come at a shocking cost, the number one seeds of both conferences struggle closing out the series against their opponents, number eight seeds.
The headline game for the number one seed, of the Eastern Conference, the INDIANA PACERS over the past two weekends was game number one, in the series between the ATLANTA HAWKS . The Pacers were coming into the series having a shaky ending to the season, but nevertheless they were the number one seed. In the first quarter the hawks came out very strong and set the tone early for this match-up. Even though they were the lower seed it was clear that they weren't doubted on there heart and there ability. The hawks would out score the pacers in the first quarter 28-22. Second quarter the pacers would start to look more like themselves and the worthiness of a number one seed. The pacers would bounce back, out scoring the the hawks in the second 28-22. Second half the hawks would come out of the half ready to play. They would out score the pacers 30-16 in the third. Something that had happened at half time had clearly gotten to this pacers team, frustration was beginning to build as they were down by 20 points going into the fourth. Fourth quarter the pacers would bounce back, out scoring the hawks 27-21. Leading scorers for the pacers were Paul George who went 6/18 from the field, scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 ast. and Lance Stephenson who went 8/18 from the field scoring 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 ast. Leading scorer for the hawks were Demarre Carroll who went 4/7 from the field, scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 ast. and Jeff Teague who went 9/19 from the field, scoring 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 ast. The Atlanta Hawks would go on to take game one in the series and set the tone very early in this series 101-93. Currently the hawks have a 3-2 edge over the pacers in this series and play game six at home on Thursday.

The next headline game of these first round series's was the number one seed from the Western Conference the SAN ANTONIO SPURS vs the number eight seeded DALLAS MAVERICKS . The spurs came into this series closing out the series in a dominating fashion and clinching the number one seed far in advantage. The mavericks had a shaky end to the season as they were initially seeded as a number seven seed but slowly dropped down to a number eight seed.  In game one the mavericks would look like the stronger and better team early, but as the game came to a close they would give it away to the spurs. They would be down 1-0 in the series going into game two. The game that set the tone early in this series, for both teams was game two.In the first quarter both teams came out strong both holding there own, but the mavericks would  take the edge, out scoring the spurs 24-23 in the first. Second quarter the the mavericks would continue to push forward out scoring the spurs in the second 32-28, leaving the spurs down by five at the half. Second half it would be all Dallas, the mavericks would continue to dominate, out scoring the spurs in the third 32-24. Fourth quarter, the mavericks would put the game away, out scoring the spurs 25-17. Leading scorers for the spurs were Manu Ginobili who went 9/12 from the field, scoring 27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 ast. and Tim Duncan who went 4/5 from the field, scoring 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 ast. Leading scorer for the mavericks were Monta Ellis who went 8/20 from the field, scoring 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 ast. and Dirk Nowitzski who went 7/19 from the field, scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 ast. The mavericks would go on two take game number two 113-92. The series is currently tied at 2 games a piece. Game five will be played on Wednesday.

The Come Back

Throughout these playoffs we have witnessed some nail bitters and buzzer beaters  as we enter weekend two. Last night was no different as two of the away teams would steal a game on the home teams court. The HOUSTON ROCKETS in desperation last night was no different as they beat the PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS in a nail bitter to the end, in over time 121-116. This rockets team has been anything but dominate in this serious so far as peedicted. The rockets and trail blazers came into this series, both with a tied regular season record of 54-28, which made for a evenly matched series. The rockets would get the tie breaker over the trail blazers coming into the playoffs because of their winning percentage over the trailblazers during the regular season. They would take two wins off of the trial blazers floor which would give them the edge .Since the series has began the rememeberence off LeMarcus Aldridge effiency and capabilities has turned into the full face of this Portland team. LeMarcus Aldridge wasn't absent during the regular season but wasn't as consistant and productive during the regular season, he has shown his  capabilities night after night in the playoffs thus far, dropping 46 points in game one and 42 points in game two. This made for a interesting series on both ends of the floor as rockets star forward James Harden showed his dominance in game three , putting up 37 points and 9 rebounds. Last night also showed desperation for a CHICAGO BULLS team that hasn't looked like their normal selves lately. Going into last nights game the bulls were anywhere then expected, as they were down 2-0 in the series against the WASHINGTON WIZARDS. The wizards through out this series have opened a lot of eyes and have put their team on the map over the past few games in the series. Bradley Beal was a noted player before the NBA playoffs began but has since elevated him self and his team to another pedigree  as he has put up consistent numbers. It was no different in game three Friday, as he would go 8-18 scoring 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 ast. Other key players that have shown there allstar pedigree status is John Wall. John Wall was a Allstar this season but has elevate his all star status since the ending of the regular season. He like Beal have produced on a night in and night out bases and it was no different in the lost in game three against the bulls, as he would go 7-14 scoring 23 points,2 rebounds, and seven assist. This has made it tough for the Bulls , in the way that these two guards are unmatch able, and there a miss match for this bulls team.  The Chicago Bulls Heinrich and Butler showed there capabilities in the win on Friday night as they desperately didn't want to go down in the series 3-0. There effort was shown in a big way as they would put up 15 points and 4 points to assist the bulls in the win.WHat will happen in these series? Will the home team be able to get take game four putting the series at 3-1 or will the away team snatch game four to even the series out!? Stay tuned ....! 

Troublesome Times are coming at a FAST PACE

Over the past few games the INDIANA PACERS have shown their team flaws. The team currently is facing a difficult time as they have fallin to the Hawks for the second game in their NBA playoff first round series. Considering this team had championship aspirations this season, the rode to the NBA finals isn't looking to bright for this Pacers teams. Frustration is beginning to build along the players and coaches and there seems to be no end to the teams troublesome times. In game two of their opening series against the ATLANTA HAWKS , the team managed to come away with the win in a commanding fashion, 101-85. This showed a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel but after the blowout lost thursday, in game three of the opening series against the Hawks uncertainty was put back into the question of ,"Do, the Pacers have enough to make it to the NBA Finals?" In game number four in Atlanta, will the Indiana Pacers be able to come up with the win or will they fall 3-1 in the series.

NBA SEASON FINALE

The  NBA regular season has officially come to a close. The season finale came with some game upsets ,but the NBA first round is officially set in stone. In the Western Conference the sixth, seventh, and eighth place seeds were officially set in stone Wednesday night. Over the past week teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns were battling for the last three seeds in the Western Conference, as they would all be separated by one game. There were four teams but only three spots. Over the last two games of the season teams have shown their vulnerability and mental toughness as the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks would all make the cut. Showing that they weren't defined by the record the most were the Memphis grizzlies as there last two season games would end with wins. The grizzlies started off the season as one of the worst teams in the Western Conference but have found a way over the past month to put together a string of wins to result in making the playoffs this season. With all of changes in their front office and changes at the head coach position, it was shocking to see this Grizzlie team make the playoffs this season and getting the seventh place seed. In the Eastern Conference it has been anything, but a race to the finish line as a few teams have flew under the radar to try to doge potential Conference Championship Contenders. The Miami heat were the clear Eastern Conference Champion favorite this season as they have the current best player in the League on their roster, being Lebron James. Because of their roster, the heat have been the clear favorite to win the Eastern Conference, and after the Indiana Pacers troubles over the past week it has solidified the crown even more. Although the heat aren't out of the woods yet, they too have lost a few of the more important games down the stretch,  and the Indiana Pacers team  too has lost games in a concerning manner. With all of their starters frustrated with each other on the bench and Frank Vogul is just the middle man as they head into the playoffs. Although the heat are the clear favorite to win the title, critics have wondered if they are" tanking " during the end of the season because they don't want the number one seed. The winner of the number one and number eight seed match-up will play the winner of the number four and number five match-up, which could have equated in the heat playing the bulls in the second round. The heat knew what that would have meant as last season they went up to six games to beat the bulls, which might have been apart of the teams strategy. What ever the result or case might be, this is heating up to be  fun field road to the finals.

THE LAST DASH TO THE FINISH LINE (NBA)

It is officially, in less than a week NBA regular season will be coming to a close. "The dash to the finish line" is more then important for various teams. Whether its for home court advantages through the playoffs or just to get into the playoffs. This post season will be one to remember as we see rising stars emerge.
 Teams that are currently in the seventh, eighth and ninth place seeds in the Western Conference are Dallas Mavericks (49-32),Phoenix Suns (47-33), and the Memphis Grizzlies (47-32). Teams in the Eastern Conference that are currently in the lime light as well being in seventh, Eigth , and ninth place are Charlotte Bobcats (41-39), Atlanta Hawks (37-43), and the New York  Knicks (34-45). The Western Conference is on different terms then that of the Eastern Conference because the race the finish line is a little tougher as all teams are with in a game or two of each other. The New York Knicks on the other hand of the Eastern Conference as the nine seed heading into the final week have been eliminated currently from the playoffs.

The Western Conference teams have shown that through it all they have been able to conquer and have shown that they are the clear favorite to win the NBA Championship this season. We will seed as this week come to a close what teams will be in the running for the quest for the crown and the NBA 2013-2014  Championship.

NCAA FINAL FOUR (Final) RECAP

Monday night was the night. Only two teams were standing! The UCONN HUSKIES and the KENTUCKY WILDCATS . This was a familiar script, as we saw these two teams go for the national championship in the 2011 Final four final. This year it was a shock that these two teams made it this far in the tournament as they would be a number 7 and 8 seed in there respective regions. The wildcats have defied all odds this season making it all the way to the final four and the final game with a all freshman starting line up. The huskies different then the wildcats have a similar to the team they had in the 2011 National Title game as there guards would be on that same team from 2011. This was a suprise that they made it all the way back to the final four but not completely shocking. There team was a very seniored team, versus this kentucky team because of some of there previous experience and championship capabilities. First half the huskies came out very strong, different then their semi final game saturday and the wildcats would go down early as they would find themselves in the middle of the first half down 17-8. By the end of the half the wildcats had cut the lead to 4 as they would only be down 31-35. Second half the wildcats were ready to take center stage as they were known as the "second half team" , but they would run into a major obstacle as there opponent would be very similar to them as they were also known as a "second half team". The huskies would out score the wildcats 25-23. Leading scorers for the huskies were Shabazz Napier who would go 8/16 scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 ast. and Ryan Boatright who would go 5/6 scoring 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 ast. Leading scorers for the wildcats were James Young who would go 5/13 scoring 20 points and 7 rebounds and Julius Randle who would go 3/7 scoring 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 ast. The huskies would go on to win it 60-54.

NCAA FINAL FOUR (FINAL) PREDICTION

And then there were two. The clock is ticking until tip off Monday night where the KENTUCKY WILDCATS and the UCONN HUSKIES will battle to determine who wins the crown. These two schools are all two familiar with being in this position. As both teams would meet again in the final four final. Something like 2011 in Houston, Texas where the Huskies would take the win over the Wildcats in the title game. Their back in Texas just this time North Texas but same goal. A National Championship. The wildcats are coming into this meeting Monday with a impressive resume so far in the tournament taking out the number one seed in their region, number four seed in their region and number one over all rival, and the number two seed in their region. Wichita State, Louisville, and Michigan were highly regarded teams to make the final four at the beginning of the tournament but a team such as the wildcats came completely from left field . The wildcats start 5 freshman and were the number eight seed overall in their region. Surprising much? This doesn't come as a surprise that they were necessarily in the tournament because they were a preseason number one team in the country. Unlike the wildcats the huskies were not a preseason top team number one. They weren't even looked upon as making the tournament at the beginning of the season because of their performance last year and them failing to make the tournament. Since last season the huskies have put UCONN back on the map for mens basketball. Similar to the wildcats, coming into the tournament the huskies were flying under everyone's radar until recently. When they beat Michigan State, who was a high regarded favorite to win the entire tournament, even though they weren't the over all number one seed. The huskies continued to build their resume, as they would go on to beat the over all number one seed of the tournament, Florida by 10 points Saturday. I believe based on both of these teams resumes this is a hard decision to make. If UCONN can gain a big enough lead on the wildcats early and with stand the lead to the very end of the game they have a chance to win. If not then the wildcats will win. You can't bet against Kentucky in a close game because of what they can create on offence, not discrediting UCONN but they would have to play the game of their lives and withstand it all 40 minutes. It will be which team out scores the other and has a big enough lead within the last minutes of the game. I believe because of the result of the final four game of 2011, although this is a different Kentucky roster from 2011, coach Caliper knows this situation and feeling all to well and won't let the game slip away. I believe this year is Kentucky's year and I believe they will win this game.

NCAA WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR RECAP

Today was another great day on the women's end of the tournament as we saw four great teams battle to enter the final round of the tournament. While only two teams stand this tournament has had a few shockers. MARYLAND has made it all the way to the final four and they sat as a number four seed in their region. Maryland struggled sunday  when they entered the semi final round of the final four but the experience for Maryland was anything but sadness as they would fall in the first round to NOTRE DAME. The fact that Maryland finally made it this far in the tournament was something they had been so close to in previous years but never had the chance to get their. Notre Dame new this experience all to well as they have been to the final four consecutive years. Notre Dame new that this year was their year and showed it with their current season record leading up to this game as they would be 36-0. The fighting irish would continue that winning streak sunday night making it back to the final game improving their record 37-0. This would be the best record in school history for the Irish. Notre Dame would go on to win this meeting 87-61.

The second game of the evening both teams were in a familiar position. STANDFORD CARDINALS vs UCONN HUSKIES . Both of these teams have made it to the final four for consecutive years and the huskies were the raining champion. The cardinals came into this game having not as great of a season in years past as they would be placed as a number two seed this season in their region. The huskies came into this game, the raining champion and wanted to defend their title tonight in the semi final round. Both teams would play strong in the first half but the huskies would gain a 28-24 lead on the cardinals by the end of the half. The second half the huskies would pull away, out scoring the cardinals 47-32. The huskies would go on to win it 75-56 earning their way back to the title game, to defend their crown.

NCAA FINAL FOUR SEMIFINAL RECAP

The semi final four game for the mens NCAA final four is officially in the books. There were some highs and lows Saturday as both teams took the court and also in the mix was buzzer beater action and all four teams took center stage. The first game began with the UCONN HUSKIES vs FLORIDA GATORS. The huskies, unlike the gators came into this game as a seven seed in the final four semi final round, defieing all odds and would bring even more light to their team as they would beat the over all seed the Florida gators. The best team that played Saturday won this game. The gators unlike the huskies had a lot of pressure to live up to Saturday they were the number one over all seed. The gators showed Saturday, being the over all number one seed doesn't mean anything, its about how you play for the entire 40 minutes. The gators had previous issues with this huskie team back in December when they would fall to the huskies, but that would be the last game they would lose for the season until Saturday night. The first half both teams would equally give their all but the huskies would come out on top, out scoring the gators 25-22. The second half the huskies would show why they had won the last meeting they had with the gators. as they would out score them 38-31.  Leading scorer for the gators were Patric Young  who would go 5/8 from the field scoring 19 points and 5 rebounds. Leading scorer for the huskies were DeAndre Daniels who would go 9/14 from the field scoring 20 points 10 rebounds, and 1 ast. and Shabazz Napier  who would go 3/6 from the field scoring 12 points, 3 rebounds and 6 ast.  The huskies would go on to beat the over all number one seed in the NCAA tournament 63-53.

The second game of the evening was the much anticipated meeting between the WISCONSIN BADGERS and the KENTUCKY WILDCATS. The Wisconsin badgers unlike the Kentucky wildcats were a highly ranked team in the tournament and were the number 2 seeded team in their region. The wildcats were the preseason favorite over all number one team in the country but didn't fulfill the expectation during the regular season. In result, they were dropped to a number 8 seed in their region of the tournament. Once they beat number one seed Wichita State all eyes turned back to the wildcats and the title of "the year of the freshman" was put into context. The Kentucky starting line up, unlike the Wisconsin line up was all freshman, which made for a interesting tournament run for the wildcats. In the first half the badgers would take the lead, out scoring the huskies 40-36. But with the come backs that the wildcats have shown all tournament long the second half would be anything but pleasant for the badgers as they would go back and forth on the board and scoring. The wildcats would go on to out score the badgers in the second half 38-33. Leading scorer for the badgers were Sam Dekker would go 3/4 from the field scoring 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 ast. and Ben Burst would go 3/9 from the field scoring 15 points and 4 rebounds. Leading scorers for the wildcats were Julius Randle would go 6/10 from the field 16 points and 5 rebounds and James Young would go 5/11 from the field scoring 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 ast. The game winning three point shot for the wildcats was scored by their most clutch player Aaron Harrison who would go 4/14 scoring 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 ast. The wildcats would go on to win by a thread 74-73.

NCAA women's final four Predictions

Today is the day ! The women will take the floor today in Nashville Tennessee for the women's Final Four. The first game today is MARYLAND vs NOTRE DAME. Maryland came into this game winning their region as a number 4 seed. Making to the final four was a huge accomplishment for Maryland as they would be so close in previous years.Notre Dame different from Maryland came into the final four fulfilling all expectations as they would be the number one seed in their region. Notre Dame also would be undefeated this season as they are currently 36-0. The fighting Irish are hopeing Sunday they can continue their journey of making it to the final four championship game and win there schools second national championship. Even though Maryland is the underdog in this game I believe they will play a hard faught game playing strong on the offensive end of the floor and strong on the defensive end of the floor. I believe that this game will be closer then expected, as it looks as if Notre Dame will blow out Maryland I don't think so I believe that Maryland will play and tough game against Notre Dame but Notre Dame will come our with the win. The second game of the evening are the STANDFORD CARDINALS vs UCONN HUSKIES. The cardinals are coming into the final four, different in years past as this year they were a number two seed in their region versus a number one seed like they had been in years past. There dominance hasn't changed and there ability to be one of the best teams in the tournament hasn't either. The huskies also know this final four stage all to well as they are the raining 2013 NCAA champion. They have proven time and time again they can defend their crown as their record this season will show it 38-0. I believe that because if UCONN's ability to score on both ends of the floor I believe they will take the win over the cardinals; but I believe the game will come down to a one possession game and that  UCONN will have their work cut out for them defending the cardinals offensive capabilities.

NCAA final four predictions

It is the day ! The final four begins! The Kentucky wildcats will take on the Wisconsin badgers and the UCONN Huskies will take on the Flordia Gators! Are you ready ?! Starting with the first match up with two power house teams in the tournament the number two seed Badgers vs the number 8 seed Wildcats. Both of these teams have defied all odds to make it to the final four and it's their time to shine. The wildcats unlike any team in the final four have defied the most of people expectations. Although this team was ranked preseason number one, they have had there struggles through out the season as starting team makes were forced to find there role in the team. All starters for the wildcats are freshman and were All Americans coming out if high school last year. This has made for the great foundation for them in the tournament as they have fulfilled the term 'the year of the freshman'. This team offensively can produce on the boards and point guard position and will be a hard team to beat as the badgers will take them on today. The badgers also have there miss matches as well as they have two brothers that aren't your typical post players. It will be the wildcats job to fulfill the miss match. I believe becasue of there offensive abilities of the Kentucky wildcats and their last minutes productivity they  will come up with the win. The UCONN huskies similar to the wildcats have defied all odds to make it to the final four as well, as they would be number 7 in there region. The huskies have guards that are hard to block on the block and will give the gators a hard time on offense and defense. Luckily the gators are similar to this UCONN team as they would also have a guard that is hard to block on the block as well and causes havoc on defense. The key to both teams today is to guard on defense and to out score your opponent ! Which ever guard gets out to a rhythm offensively early, they will take the win today . I am going with the UCONN Huskies and the Kentucky wildcats.