A/N: For those wondering about this, yes I am deciding to bring this back albeit a little bit late (with the blessing of psav2005). And yes the Suite Life characters are involved. There will be a blitz of chapters here to start as I am doing a full PBB thing for this year. So I get to do Selection Sunday, games for the first weekend and then I do the recap of weekend one.
A/N 2: Nothing is mine, except Melissa Blanks.
Chapter 3 – First Weekend Reactions
Thursday, March 20
Late Morning
Reefside High School
Reefside, CA
"A slow start for Wisconsin but they're eventually too much for American, 75-35 the Badgers win it."
It was appropriate that Melissa's pick Wisconsin had wrapped up their win right as she was getting ready to go do spring volleyball drills with her team.
With that, she fired off a couple of texts to Green and Yellow Records, to let her two compatriots for this tournament know of the good news.
Green and Yellow Records, same time
"Great start to the day, Wisconsin wins by 40," Zack Taylor said as he came up to Adam.
"Yeah, got the text from Melissa," Adam said. "Wisconsin plays like a bunch of robots, but damn they can ball."
"Yeah and next up is a big battle…with someone," Zack said.
Two hours later
The Juice Bar
Angel Grove, CA
"Syracuse is too much for Western Michigan. The final in this one, Syracuse 77, Western Michigan 53."
"So it's Dayton next, huh?" Ernie said as he texted Bulk with the result; Bulk had also picked Syracuse to win the whole thing.
Anaheim, CA, same time
"Oregon pulls away in this one, as they defeat the BYU Cougars 87-68 and set up a second round matchup with the Badgers."
"Tough end to the season, Lindsey," Cassie said.
"Yeah, BYU has had some issues winning tourney games since Jimmer left," Lindsey said. "I'm just glad I didn't pick them to win."
"We didn't pick Oregon to win either," Cassie said. "UVA all the way."
"Virginia?" Lindsey said. "Aren't you like the only one to pick them."
"Trini did too actually, and yeah, but it's better than picking a Pac-12 school like Carlos did," Cassie said.
"You went with a Pac-12 school?" Justin said. "C'mon, man!"
"I'm sorry but I just think Arizona's too good and there's no way I'm picking Florida with you know who around," Carlos said. "I won't be upset if Bear Down loses, but I think they're the best team this year."
"Yeah, I agree, I think they've been the best team from the get-go. They'd be unstoppable with Brandon Ashley in there," Lindsey said.
"I suppose that's understandable," Justin said. "But I'm sticking with my pick. Iowa State all the way, baby."
"Now you ARE the only one to pick them," Lindsey said. "You almost did it a few years ago with Villanova. Maybe you catch lightning in a bottle again."
"Well, Cassie, now that Wisconsin is upon us, it's time for some texts to the ones who picked Wisconsin," Carlos said.
"You know it," Cassie said. "I'll handle Melissa, you get the two at Green and Yellow Records."
Green and Yellow Records
Los Angeles, CA, same time
"Florida got all it wanted from the Great Danes of Albany, but they fall just short. The final today, 67-55 Gators."
"Damn, I was hoping for it," Tanya said. "It was fun for a while."
"Sorry guys, fun's over. Survive and advance, that's what it's about," Kim said. "Now we get to crush a bunch of Panthers."
"Not if they play like they did today they won't," Adam called as Kim went to attend to some business.
"To make matters worse now we're getting texts from the Ducks fans because we took Wisconsin," Zack Taylor said.
"Yeah, reminding me why Ducks fans in general are morons…aside from the two we know of course," Adam said. "Wisconsin's not gonna lose in Milwaukee and then it's on to Anaheim."
"Michigan all the way, baby," Tanya said. "It's Beilein time, boys. Remember that Michigan was the last team to beat you know who in the tournament."
"Ha, that was the best moment of the tournament aside from Dunk City's run," Adam said. "Stauskas hitting six threes and the way Kim was all the next week…priceless."
"I heard that!" Kim called from the next room.
Some Time Later
AAZK Clothing Store
Inglewood, CA
"After a close game for a while, Michigan State eventually pulls away for the easy win over the Delaware Blue Hens, 93-78."
"Like we said," Ashley said as she turned to Andros, "It's Izzo time."
"Yeah and next up is Harvard," Andros said. "Bailey and Cody will surely be for MSU in that game."
"Agree, hope the game is in the afternoon."
That Night
Hayley's Cyberspace
Reefside, CA
"A great comeback win by the Connecticut Huskies; they rally late and then win it in overtime. The final in this one, UConn 89, St. Joseph's 81."
The four UConn students who had come to Cyberspace to watch the game were going bonkers; the Huskies had trailed most of the game but had rallied and tied it late thanks to an Amidah Brimah three point play then won the game in overtime.
"Now THAT was a ballgame," Maya said. "Hope Villanova wins too so it's an all former Big East matchup."
"Yeah plus London and Marcus picked them," Woody said. "I'm all in, baby, I think we can do it."
"You damn right we can," Zack Martin said. "Beating Villanova will be extra sweet because London and Marcus picked them."
"Skull too I think, but it will be much more fun with London and Marcus involved," Maya said.
The Johnson House
Reefside, CA, same time
"Michigan struggles for awhile, but eventually defeats Wofford 57-40."
"One down and five to go, baby," Crystal said. "Just win, that's all that matters."
"Sorry babe but you picked the wrong Michigan school," TJ said. "March is Tom Izzo's month."
"We'll see, remember Michigan was a finalist last year," Crystal said.
"They won't be if they look like ass, like they did tonight," TJ said. "And remind me who won the Big 10 tournament final?"
Crystal shut up and TJ said, "That's what I thought."
With that, Crystal fired off a text to Tanya and went back to grading papers.
The Cyberspace, same time
"History has been made, here in Spokane, the Bison have done it! Their first NCAA tournament win, as they defeat Oklahoma 80-75 in overtime!"
Hayley sighed, she knew Oklahoma wasn't going to win it all but at least was hoping for a matchup against Cassidy and Devin's San Diego State team; Cassidy and Devin were in Spokane right now, but she had still been hoping for it.
"Oh well at least I still have MSU," Hayley said as she went back to work.
Later that night
St. John's University
Jamaica, NY
"After struggling for a while, the Villanova Wildcats grab a 20 point win over the Milwaukee Panthers; the final tonight, 73-53."
"Yay us," London Tipton said as she watched the game with Marcus. "The one tournament a year where we both can pick a former old Big East team."
"Yeah and in this case it's Villanova because no way were we picking Syracuse," Marcus said. "That game Saturday night is going to have a Big East feel to it."
"Yep, UConn and you know what that means," London said.
Angel Grove Juice Bar
Angel Grove, CA
"Holmes goes for three and the win and misses, the rebound to Ridley. And the follow…IS GOOD AT THE BUZZER! They're going to look at it but it appears the shot will count and Texas has defeated Arizona State 87-85 at the buzzer!"
As soon as the shot went in, Stone grimaced while Wes and Eric, who were also there, did a high five as Arizona's rivals from Tempe had gone down.
"I'm not going to lie, I'm not upset they lost either," Adam said. "No offense, Stone. Arizona State was flopping all game and I don't particularly care for floppers."
"Tough loss, no doubt about it," Stone said. "It was a great game but at least I didn't pick ASU to win it all."
Before Wes or Eric could say anything, Stone added, "I didn't pick U of A either. Louisville all the way."
"Didn't Conner pick them too?" Adam said. "You may be jinxed."
"Yeah that's not exactly something to be proud of, we'll see what happens," Stone said.
Spokane, WA, later that night
"And so once again, the final, it was a scare but the Aztecs survive, 73-69 in overtime and will take on North Dakota State in the next round. For Cassidy Cornell, this is Devin Del Valle, for KVWN-TV San Diego, good night everybody."
"Man, I wish we'd have gotten Oklahoma. Would have been fun to trade texts with Hayley," Cassidy said.
"Yeah but it is what it is," Devin said. "North Dakota State is next and they'll be tough."
Long Beach, CA
"Louisville was pushed by Manhattan but the defending champions live to see another day. 71-64 your final score."
"Man, talk about heart attack on day one," Conner said.
"See, that's why they're not going to make it and Wichita State will, baby," Chelsea said as she kissed Conner. "Just you wait and see."
"Not if Kentucky has anything to say about it," Conner said ominously.
Reefside, CA the next morning
"Another team has its first NCAA tournament win! Mercer knocks off Duke 78-71!"
Conner sighed as he'd been watching the game on his break period…like he'd said Sunday it wasn't a surprise to him that Duke lost. As he well knew, these were not the Duke teams of old and that was the biggest reason he didn't pick them to win.
"Christian Laettner and the rest of the teams that were dominant in the early 90s have to be frowning right now. It's a tough time being a Duke fan; hope we'll be back some day."
Meanwhile…
"Baylor is moving on to the next round and keeps Nebraska winless in its NCAA tournament history, 74-60 the final today in San Antonio."
Right as that happened, Melissa was called into Tommy's office for some reason. When she got to his office and shut the door, Tommy said, "I have some things I need your help with. Before we get started, I saw bits and pieces of that Baylor/Nebraska game; that refereeing was atrocious. You guys got jammed."
"Yeah it's not the only reason we lost as we couldn't hit the side of the basket much less the basket; the refereeing sucked though," Melissa said dejectedly. "Karl Hess, the dude who refereed that game, will not be welcome in Lincoln any time soon that is for sure. Now, what do you need help with?"
Bulkmeier's, Angel Grove, CA
Later that day
"And it's Stanford moving on as they defeat the Lobos 58-53."
As the Stanford four who had gathered at Bulkmeier's to watch the game celebrated, the owner came over and said, "Tough loss but we'll be back. Congrats and good luck in the next round."
"You guys had a really good season; no doubt New Mexico will be back," Billy said. "But now we have to worry about beating Kansas."
"But at least we didn't pick Stanford, did we now guys?" Ethan said.
"Right, at least we didn't. Florida's going to win it all," Billy said.
"Oh my God, you did not just say that!" Bulk said as he overheard the conversation. "Tell me you did not just say that!"
"I did and I mean it," Billy said. "I hate it too but I think they're the best team…unless it's Arizona. I hate it too but I have to go with what I think."
"Cuse all the way baby," Bulk said.
"Go Iowa State," Justin said.
"Kansas," Ethan and Kat said.
"Oh my God did you two just say Kansas?" Justin said.
"Yeah; but I didn't figure Stanford would win today," Ethan said.
"Me either," Kat said.
"It seems that we have a rare confluence of events; for one of the first times in history if not the first, for Ethan and Kat our school collides with our pick," Billy said.
"Then I hope our pick gets eliminated," Kat said. Ethan nodded in agreement.
Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
Later that day
"Final score, Arizona 68, Weber State 59 as the Wildcats now move on to the round of 32."
"One down, five more to go," Wes said.
"Yeah and what's better about it is Sparky boy Stone was talking trash when Weber State got up 10-2 early," Eric said.
"You guys have a good team," Crystal said as she walked over to them, "just don't get too cocky about things."
"We aren't, and we know every game is a battle," Wes said. "If any group of fans isn't cocky it's Arizona because we've seen the Cats squander games early in the tourney many times."
Hayley's Cyberspace
Reefside, later
"They had a battle but they find a way to win and advance; Kansas 80, Eastern Kentucky 69."
"Man, that game was way too close for my comfort level," Bailey said. "I hope you didn't pick Kansas because the way this team is playing and without Joel Embiid, they could lose as soon as next game."
"Yeah I took your advice on Florida," Cody said. "I know some of the rest of the guys won't want to hear it but they're the best team this year. What is it now, 26 or 27 in a row?"
"27 actually, and yeah they have a good team. I just can't pick them to win ever because of you know who," Hayley said. "Bailey, you guys have a good team too and they can do things to hurt Stanford real bad."
"Yeah but it's a game to game thing with this team," Bailey said. "I can't remember the last time we played a good game…probably the OU game on Big Monday at home."
"I'm sticking with Kansas though. Better let Tommy know they won," Aisha said; she had the day off from work, so she was with the group watching the games. "I can't pick UCLA to beat Florida as I promised myself I would never do it but I have to pick someone who can beat them."
"I fear you may regret it," Bailey said ominously.
Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
Same Time
"Oklahoma State's comeback falls short as the Zags hold on and advance to play Arizona, 85-77 the final score."
"Well, looks like we'll be meeting back here Sunday night," Wes said to Crystal as they looked at each other.
All Crystal did was the 'just bring it' sign, to which Eric just said, "Consider it brought."
"We'd better get out of here before the UCLA contingent takes over the arena," Wes said. "I don't want to be around when the contingent of Bruins fans show up."
Eric and Crystal nodded their agreement and all three left the building.
The Cyberspace
Later that night
"Wichita State continues its undefeated season; they defeat Cal-Poly easily and will now meet the winner of Kentucky-K-State in the next game."
"Remind me why all of you picked the Shockers again?" Hayley said.
"It's real simple," Elsa said as she pointed to Anton, Chelsea, Jen, Kira and Trent. "Call us team small school because all of us went to schools that don't get as much recognition. Much the same as Wichita State is getting. Win or lose, as solidarity and out of respect to the season they've had we are picking the Shockers."
"I see what you're saying, and it's a nice thing to do. It may not win the bracket but I like the idea," Hayley said. "I kind of hope they do win that bracket; the NCAA did them no favors."
"Beware of Kentucky," Kim said as she walked up to that group. "They had us beat last Sunday; that is no 8 seed. I hate those jerks but the Shockers will have their hands full."
"Yeah I agree too," Kim's manager Phil Savitt said as he walked up beside her. "Kentucky's arrogance has returned somewhat. I hope the Shockers can shut them down but I have my doubts."
Later that night
Burbank, CA
"Virginia did not have an easy battle with Coastal Carolina but they finally dispatch of the Chanticleers. Virginia 70, Coastal Carolina 59 and they move on."
"Remind me why you picked Virginia again?" Zack Taylor said.
"They aren't getting enough recognition that's why," Trini said. "ACC regular season AND tournament champs and somehow they get overlooked. Everybody including some in this group are picking Michigan State but they will be in for a rude awakening in the Garden…if they get past Harvard."
Anaheim, CA, same time
"Despite the loss of Georges Niang, the Iowa State Cyclones move on and will face North Carolina. The final today, 93-75 the Cyclones win it."
"I have to admit, that was a shrewd pick going with ISU even though your bracket got busted probably. You had the right idea," Lindsey said. "Niang being out, that's a bad blow."
"Yeah he's a big reason for their success," Justin said. "They're not a deep team but every one of their players they have buy into the system. I love Hoiberg too but I think my bracket just got busted. Too bad."
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Hayley's Cyberspace
Reefside, CA
"It's no contest, the Gators win their 28th straight game as they dispatch of Pittsburgh, 61-45."
All was quiet in the bar except for the ones who had picked Florida to win…including Kimberly. The ones who had come so desperately hoping for the Gators to lose had left long ago, disappointed.
"Am I alone in thinking it's scary that about five or six of us are picking Florida?" Kim said. "Wasn't too long ago I was the only person in the group that picked Florida most years."
"Yeah now even Billy's doing it," Phil said. "Besides, there's about six or seven people in the group picking Arizona too."
"Yeah they're getting mouthy. If we get to Dallas we'll shut them up," Kim said as she turned to Tommy. "Who'd you pick, handsome?"
"Kansas, believe it or not," Tommy said. "Because I can't pick UCLA to beat Florida till it happens, but I need to pick someone to beat them."
Bailey's head dropped like a rock…she knew what had been just said.
"They'll lose for sure now," Cody said, reading her face clear as day. "Tommy we love you, but you are the ultimate jinx."
"I still have faith they'll turn it around once they win tomorrow and get Embiid back," Tommy said. "My man Embiid is the ultimate difference maker. And yes, the Arizona fans are getting mouthy. They haven't been running their mouths this much, not since Lute Olson was coaching there."
As they were speaking, they noticed Stone and Conner filing in for the Louisville game.
Approx. two hours later
"Louisville plays more like the defending champs this game and easily dispatches of Saint Louis; the final in this one, 66-51."
"That's more the team I expected to see," Conner said. "Much improved from the first game."
"You know what this means if the Shockers win right?" Kim said.
"Yeah, I know, my girl and some of the others picked the Shockers," Conner said. "Like you said, they may not beat Kentucky tomorrow."
"That should be a good game; either way, Louisville will be waiting and is playing well," Stone said.
Several hours later
Angel Grove Juice Bar
"For the second year in a row, the Michigan Wolverines are headed back to the Sweet 16 as they beat the Texas Longhorns 79-65."
"Beilein ball baby," Tanya said as she high fived Crystal. "Moving on the sweet 16."
"I loved that too," Melissa said as she had come with the group to specifically see the Milwaukee games. "I HATE Texas along with most Nebraska fans; there were things that happened with them in our old conference that I'd rather not talk about. Great to see a Big 10 team put them away."
"Yeah but watch out, Carlos and Cassie are coming and they'll be here in a few minutes," Tanya said.
"Don't worry I've got Adam and Zack coming for that Wisconsin game. Go Big 10, and my pick, baby," Melissa said.
Approx 6:10 Pacific Time
Spokane, WA
"Party on, San Diego, as your Aztecs are headed back to Southern California and the Sweet 16; once again the final, the Aztecs 63, and the Bison of North Dakota State 44," Cassidy said. "For Devin Del Valle, I'm Cassidy Cornell; good night from Spokane."
"Man it's good to know we're in Spokane and not in the middle of the Pac-12 garbage that's flying around right now," Devin said.
"Yeah but if Arizona wins, which they will, we'll be right in the middle of it on Thursday," Cassidy said.
Later that night
Bulkmeier's
Angel Grove
"Ennis puts the shot up for the win, OFF THE RIM! Dayton has won it! And they are advancing to the Sweet 16 as they beat Syracuse 55-53."
As the final buzzer sounded, Ernie had a dejected look on his face.
"Tough deal," he said to Bulk who had also picked Syracuse (one of Ernie's assistants was running the Juice Bar that night in his place). "Dayton is a good team."
"I think Kansas' road just got a little bit easier," Bulk said.
"Yeah, I agree," Ernie said. "Tommy's picks always seem to be a jinx but he may at least see Kansas get to the final 8."
The Juice Bar
"And Wisconsin survives and they are headed to Anaheim and the Sweet 16, 85-77 they win it over Oregon."
Carlos and Cassie sat there shocked, the Ducks had played a great first half and had taken a sizeable lead, but just hadn't been able to hold it and thanks to their execution and crowd, the Badgers had come back and had advanced.
Meanwhile, Melissa, Adam and Zack high fived; the Badgers were headed to Southern California.
"Man, the Honda Center's gonna be hopping next Thursday and we're gonna be there," Melissa said.
"Yeah, too bad we'll have to be around Arizona fans too once they win," Zack said.
"You are so lucky that Wes and Eric did not hear you say that," Tanya said as she giggled.
"No worries. Wisconsin will take care of those loudmouths before they get to the Final Four," Adam said.
A little while later
Inglewood, CA
"A great effort by Harvard but it is Michigan State moving on; 80-73, the Spartans win it and move to the Sweet 16."
"Man, thank God for heart medicine," Andros said. "MSU just about gave me a heart attack and UNLV isn't even playing."
"I hear you," Ashley said. "But it's Izzo's time of year and they'll learn from this going to the Garden."
Hayley's Cyberspace
"Thank heavens Harvard lost; man, Sparty made it hard on themselves though," Cody said.
"You're telling me. I thought I was going to have a coronary when Harvard took the lead," TJ said, having to talk loudly at times because of the UConn four cheering loudly. "But they won and Harvard lost and that's what matters."
"That's right," Hayley said. "They'll be better for it next game."
A little later
"This battle of the old Big East goes to UConn, as they beat Villanova 77-65 and advance back to the Sweet 16 after a three year absence."
"U-C-O-N-N!" the Connecticut four shouted, hooting and hollering as they celebrated their team's return to the Sweet 16.
"And the best part is," Woody said, "that we'll be in the Garden Friday night."
"Yes, this team is peaking at the right time and Napier is playing a very high level," Zack said. "Now we just have to wait and see who we're going to play on Friday."
"Send any texts to London and Marcus yet?" Addison said. "They did pick Villanova you know."
"Already done," Zack said. "All they said was 'screw you.'"
The entire group got a great hearty laugh out of it as they headed out of Cyberspace.
Sunday, March 29, 2014
Hayley's Cyberspace
Reefside, CA
"That shot…is NO GOOD, and Stanford has done it! They will meet Dayton in the Sweet 16 Thursday in Memphis as they defeat Kansas, 60-57!"
The Stanford five who had come to see the game hooted and hollered like crazy, even Ethan and Kat who had picked the team that Stanford had just eliminated.
Meanwhile, Bailey barely batted an eye and walked up to the group.
"I'm getting ready to head to the airport to go back to school, but congrats on the win. Another tough loss for Kansas in the tournament," Bailey said.
"You were right but I feel for you, I really do," Justin said. "It has to stink out loud knowing your team is about to get caught with its pants down and there's nothing you can do."
"I'm sorry too," Aisha said as the veterinarian and the aspiring vet shared a hug. "I should have listened to you but I wanted someone who could beat Florida and since my Bruins won't do it…"
"And since…THIS guy was the one that picked Kansas, he gets to be the one to take Bailey, Zack and Cody to the airport!" Kim said pointing the finger at Tommy who shot her a death glare.
"Tommy you have to admit, your jinx is pretty real my man," Jason said. "And you heard her; get going. We'll meet up later in San Diego for the game."
Tommy shot them all a murderous look which said, 'I'm going to get you all back, some day.'
A couple of hours later
"VanVleet puts up the shot for the win, OFF THE RIM! Wichita State is perfect no more, and Kentucky advances to the Sweet 16, 78-76!"
The Shocker Six, as they were known for this tournament, fell silent; their brackets dashed and Wichita State's perfect season gone as well.
"I have to head to San Diego for the UCLA game, but don't hang your heads in shame, guys," Jason said. "That's a really good team that just got a horrible draw."
"Yeah, the committee has never been too bright but I'm not sure whose idea it was to have Kentucky as an 8, much less put them against the Shockers," Kim said. "Wichita State is a good team with a really good coach, just fell short today."
4:30 Pacific Time
Anaheim, CA
"DeAndre Kane…all the way up…AND SCORES!"
Justin flew off his couch and jumped up as his pick Iowa State had just taken a two point lead over North Carolina, 85-83; and then when the clock ran out on North Carolina several minutes later, the celebration could begin.
"Man, I'm telling you, you had the right idea. Iowa State just caught a bad break with Niang," Lindsey said. "They showed heart and character today."
"Yes and now it's on to the Garden and the UConn four," Justin said, referring to the four who were as he was speaking on a plane heading back to Connecticut to resume school.
Viejas Arena
San Diego, California
"And Steve Alford's UCLA Bruins are headed back to the Sweet 16 as they dispatch of upstart Stephen F. Austin 77-60."
"Finally, the game we've all been waiting for," Jason said. "It's going to happen this time."
"Don't start, Jase, don't get my hopes up," Tommy said. "You know how it goes."
"Not everything lasts forever, bro," Jason said. "We've got them this time, trust me."
"Against a team that's won 28 in a row, yeah I call BS on that," Aisha said. "I'm with Tommy; I'm not picking us to beat Florida till it actually happens."
"It's like that ugly three headed snake once told us, Sha," Rocky said, referring to the now deceased (thanks to them) Master Vile. "Things happen when you least expect it. We have a better chance than you think; don't dismiss it."
"I guess it would be just like UCLA to finally get over on Florida when I don't expect it to happen," Tommy said. "I'm still not getting my hopes up though."
Zack and Trini's home
Burbank, CA
"It will be Virginia and Michigan State in the sweet 16 as the Cavaliers dispose of Memphis 78-60."
"Yes and now bring on the overhyped Michigan State team," Trini said as she texted Cassie. "Didn't they almost lose to Harvard anyways?"
"Yeah they did but you know they'll be ready the next time out," Zack Taylor said.
"Yeah but so will Virginia," Trini said as she fired off a text to Cassie.
Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
"The second overall seed, Arizona, easily advances; the final score 84-61 over Gonzaga."
"That's a whale of a team you guys have there; you guys overwhelmed us," Crystal said.
"Best defensive team the school's probably ever had," Wes said. "Zags will be back next year but as you said this year we had too many weapons."
"Yeah and now it's on to San Diego State," Eric said, "the game that Cassidy and Devin have been waiting on for months."
"Yeah and we'll crush their little hopes again like we did in San Diego in December," Wes said. "Need to text the others who picked us."
"I know Lindsey will be at the Honda Center, I wonder if Zhane and Karone will show up too," Eric said.
One thing was for sure, everything was still up for grabs going into the Sweet 16….
TBC…