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. This is weekend two.

A/N 2: Nothing is mine, except Melissa Blanks.

Chapter 4 – Second Weekend Reactions

Thursday, March 27

Honda Center

Anaheim, CA

On this night, the Honda Center was hopping with PBB action. Even in the first game, three people had quite a bit at stake as their championship pick, Wisconsin, was taking on Baylor who had just swept both major Nebraska schools on its way to Anaheim. Arizona would meet San Diego State later.

"You know rooting for Wisconsin to win is worthless, don't you?" Eric said with a big grin on his face as he tried to do the old intimidation act on Melissa, who was the newcomer on the block. "No one is stopping Arizona on the way to Dallas."

"Don't listen to them, girl," Zack Taylor said. "Those two are mouthy but they won't be this mouthy Saturday after Wisconsin wins tonight and then beats them."

"Or unless San Diego State beats them also," Adam said with a smirk.

"Yeah right," Wes said, "remember your picks have always fallen flat. Nothing is stopping us, just accept it."

Lindsey who was also in attendance as per usual when the tournament came to Anaheim, just shook her head.

"I picked Arizona to win the whole thing, but I'm sorry about their antics," she told Melissa. "Like I said, don't listen to them."

"It's OK, I've been told a lot worse on student road trips when I was in college," Melissa said. "Some of the fans in the old Big 12 were truly vile. This is NOTHING compared to that although the U of A fans I've seen have been pretty mouthy."

"I picked them to win, but those two are gonna get a whole lot of shit from us if they lose," Zhane said, and Karone nodded. "That's all we've been hearing from them since the start of the season."

Two hours later

"For the first time since 2005 and for only the second time in Bo Ryan's tenure, the Badgers advance to the Elite 8! Wisconsin 69, Baylor 52!"

"No contest, baby," Adam said, feeling good about his pick for the first time in many a year. "They can do this thing."

"Still gotta get by us, baby," Wes said. "Once we knock off SDSU again, then we're coming for Wisconsin and it will be an easy win."

"They think San Diego State will be easy, huh?" Melissa said. "I'd like to see them tell that to Cassidy and Devin."

"Oh believe me, they've said that many times to them this week," Adam said. "It's pretty funny actually. It'd be kind of funny to see them lose that game."

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside

"One Cinderella moves on and one goes home...and it's Dayton that will move on to the Elite 8. The final score in this one, Dayton wins it over Stanford 83-73."

"Tough end to this one, but I'm proud of what Stanford accomplished this year," Hayley said as she got up to go back behind the counter. She, Ethan, Jen, Kat and Billy had decided to come watch the games at the Cyberspace while Justin was with Lindsey at the Pond in Anaheim for the other games.

"Yeah, it was a good run though," Billy said. "We made the Sweet 16 in a year where I didn't think we'd do it."

"Yeah, Coach Dawkins did a good job this year," Kat said. "I didn't even expect them to beat New Mexico, much less Kansas."

There was a sudden commotion and Billy said, "Oh no. Here comes trouble."

What he was referring to was the four UCLA fans who had just entered, ready for what they hoped would be the end of their misery against Florida although Tommy and Aisha were a bit more subdued.

"It ends TONIGHT, baby!" Rocky said. "Florida is FINALLY going down!"

"That's right, baby," Jason said. "It's going to happen at some point and it may as well be tonight."

"And this is the point where we leave the premises," Kat said as three of the four Stanford fans in attendance (Justin was in Anaheim with Lindsey) quickly exited the building with Hayley staying behind to continue to run the Cyberspace. It wasn't long after that when Kim entered the Cyberspace with her manager Phil right behind her and gave Jason and Rocky a look that could kill.

Two hours later

Honda Center

Anaheim

"San Diego State puts up a gallant fight, but in the end Arizona survives, 70-64 and will play Wisconsin for a berth in the Final Four."

Cassidy and Devin could only sit in shock as the Aztecs' dreams of an upset win, which were very real until very late in the game, went up in smoke.

"Good effort, little ones, but no one can stop Nick Johnson this year," Eric said.

As Cassidy and Devin trudged off to do their live reports for Channel 4 in San Diego, Eric and Wes continued to party on as the others in attendance looked at them in amusement.

"They better HOPE the win the whole thing," Melissa said. "I was told the UCLA four were the most obnoxious of the group."

"Normally they are, but Tommy and Aisha aren't as crazy about their chances as they normally are, and I'm a USC fan," Adam said. "Arizona has taken their spot as the most obnoxious of the group. Won't matter when Wisconsin beats them Saturday."

"Wisconsin, seriously? They're a one player team!" Wes said, scoffing as he did so. "We are going to make an example of them!"

"So bad," Carlos said as he shook his head. "I'm almost regretting picking UA now even though they have the goods to win this thing."

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside

"After being played even for 30 minutes, the Gators pull away in the final 10 minutes and advance to the Elite Eight! Your final tonight, Florida 79, UCLA 68."

As Kim, clad in Gator orange and blue, smiled in celebration, Jason punched his fist in frustration.

"How could this happen AGAIN? Unbelievable," Jason said. "We had them BEAT!"

"This is why I don't pick us to beat Florida, Jase," Tommy said in exasperation. "Every time we get close we just can't get over that hump. She's been trying to get me all jacked up this week and I said many times I'm not buying it until we beat them."

"I guess as much as I hate to say it, I feel like old radiator face when it comes to Florida and UCLA," Rocky said. "We always give ourselves a chance but we can't seem to beat them."

"Face it boys, 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2014," Kim said as she and Phil left the building, Tommy trudging out in dejection behind them.

"It's going to turn some day and we're going to give you the business when it does," Jason called.

New Haven, CT

"Man, I can only imagine what's going on back in California after that game," Bailey said.

"Probably more ownage," Cody said. "I haven't seen a Florida/UCLA game with those guys so obviously we wouldn't know."

"Man, Florida had a fight on their hands till the last 10 minutes though," Bailey said.

"Yeah but it's all about survive and advance," Cody said. "One more win and they'll be off to the final 4 where they will be the favorite to win it all."

Friday, March 28

Green and Yellow Records

Los Angeles

"And Michigan survives a late Tennessee rally and advances back to the Elite Eight for the second straight year, 73-71 over Tennessee."

"As much as I hate to say it, Michigan got lucky," Tanya said. "That was not an offensive foul."

"Yeah, the refs were controversial for both sides in that one," Adam said. "Michigan can't play like that in the next round."

"I hear you," Tanya said as she texted Crystal, making plans for Sunday's regional final.

Madison Square Garden

Manhattan, NY

"And UConn's run continues...they defeat Iowa State 81-76 and advance to the Elite Eight."

The crowd at the Garden, which was predominantly UConn fans, began the celebration, and in particular four people were celebrating like crazy.

"Three down and three to go baby!" Maya said. "Tough break for Iowa State without their big guy Niang though."

"Yeah but on we go," Zack Martin said.

"Yeah and bring on whoever wins the next game," Woody said. "Be it Michigan State or Virginia it doesn't matter."

"I'd kind of like to see Virginia win that game," Zack said. "Simply so I can play the cookie dough eating weenies rant by Colin Cowherd before Sunday."

"Oh that is hilarious," Maya said. "Even though that rant is for football it's still funny."

Anaheim, CA

"Tough end for the Cyclones," Justin said.

"Yeah, but you had the right idea," Lindsey said. "They may have advanced past this game with Niang in the lineup."

"Oh I know they would have," Justin said. "I'd sort of like to see Virginia win that other game, Michigan State is way overhyped."

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside

On this Friday night, the Cyberspace was rocking as those who had come, had come to see two huge late games.

This included what some felt would be the game of the tournament; it was the battle of the Kentucky Commonwealth, between Kentucky and Louisville. None of the group had picked UK, in fact most were rooting for anyone except Kentucky but for two in particlar, Conner and Lt. Stone, they had their pick on the line.

Two hours later

"And after being down 18-5, Kentucky rallies and pulls another shocker as they take down their rival! The final, Kentucky 74, Louisville 69!"

Conne rand Lt. Stone just sat there shocked; Louisville had a great start, but it had all fallen apart as the game went along.

"I can't even believe it," Stone said.

"Tough break," Hayley said. "I thought Louisville had it wrapped up about five minutes in."

"Yeah, I was looking forward to trading jabs with Crystal and Tanya," Conner said. "That game will come down to the wire with Kentucky and Michigan."

A short time later

Burbank, CA

"Virginia throws it up from three quarter court...NO GOOD! And the Spartans advance to the Elite 8 by barely advancing past the Cavaliers 61-59."

"Man the Spartans got so lucky," Trini said to Cassie who had come to Burbank to watch the game with her. "That was a clear push-off with a minute left and they didn't call it!"

"Yeah that sucked," Cassie said.

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside

"Man they barely escaped," TJ said.

"Yeah that was really close," Crystal said. "Now who picked the wrong Michigan school?"

"Yeah we'll see, but that was not an inspiring performance," TJ said. "Now they're going to have to deal with a hot UConn squad."

"Yeah I wasn't inspired by them watching that either," Hayley said. "I'm getting texts from the UConn four and they are really excited for Sunday."

"I can imagine, they were a 7 seed and now they're a game away from another Final Four," Andros said. "And it's in the Garden."

Saturday, March 29

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside

Usually for a regional final, the place would be packed, but today only Kimberly, Tommy and Hayley were there; Hayley working and Tommy and Kim watching the Florida game. Most of the others were at the Honda Center for the second matchup.

"I'm surprised," Kim said to Tommy. "Usually we'd have more people here."

"Well the second game is the better game and it's at Anaheim so naturally most of us would be there," Tommy said. "I'd think your Gators should roll."

"Yeah, should, but never take anyone lightly," Kim said. "Dayton's beaten some good teams to get here, so they won't be afraid of us."

Two hours later

"For the first time since 2007, the Gators are on their way to the Final Four as Dayton's Cinderella run ends. Florida wins it 62-52; they are going on to North Texas."

Tommy nodded; no doubt he was hoping Florida would lose but knew it wouldn't happen.

"Too many weapons, that simple," Tommy said.

"Yeah, this is by far the best Gator team since 2007 when we last won it," Kim said. "Team is pretty strong in all aspects and we play defense."

"Thoughts on the second game?" Tommy said.

"Arizona is the favorite but I'd love to see them shut up for once," Kim said. "That's all I've been hearing is Arizona this and Arizona that."

"Yeah I'm no Florida fan but at least you guys have proven it," Tommy said. "Arizona has been largely irrelevant since they won it all in 1997."

Honda Center

The Honda Center, formerly known as the Arrowhead Pond, had seen its fair share of great moments; the 1999 Royal Rumble when Vince McMahon eliminated Stone Cold Steve Austin, tw WrestleManias, two Stanley Cup Finals visits including a Cup in 2007.

But this night was a special atmosphere; a very loud, vocal Arizona fanbase, and the Wisconsin contingent that had come in was pretty loud as well.

The large group that had come tried to stand out from all the red that was in the building sat at about center court wearing a various amount of colors.

"Some atmosphere, isn't it?" Lindsey said. "Have to admit, though I picked Arizona I would not be totally upset to see them lose."

"Yeah I'm a Duck so I have no love for Bear Down," Carlos said.

"Agree, the Arizona fans that come into AAZK always seem to be running their mouths," Karone said. "Not all of them are like that I'm sure but they're some of the loudest."

"Well you know I'm rooting for Wisconsin; Big 10 and all plus they were my pick," Melissa said. "The Arizona fans do bother me a bit, not so much the UCLA and USC fans. I was at the Rose Bowl stadium when Nebraska played them in football and they were great."

"Yeah most of them aren't so bad but they're a conference rival so I don't like em; same goes for Arizona," Zack Taylor said. "Plus like you I picked Wisconsin so I hope they get it done."

Two hours later

"Johnson shoots...AND IT WON'T COUNT! He did not get it off! And Wisconsin is going to the Final Four! In overtime, the Badgers prevail 64-63!"

Wes and Eric sat there in a state of shock, their dreams of winning their first national title since 1997 shattered.

"Damn, that FOUL called on Nick Johnson was AWFUL!" Eric said as they and the other hordes of Arizona fans they were sitting in just stared in a state of agony. "We got JAMMED!"

"Damn straight we did. The refereeing has been awful this entire tournament and cost us a freaking national championship!" Wes said. "We'd have had Florida beat and we'd have shut up Kim for good."

On the other side of the floor, there was a mixed reaction. On the one hand Melissa, Adam and Zack Taylor were celebrating.

"Finally I get a pick that goes deep!" Adam said. "Two wins away potentially!"

"And I've got a potential national champ in my first time in this thing," Melissa said. "This is so exciting."

"And Arizona gets beat finally," Zack said. "Now they can shut up along with the rest of the Pac-12 fans."

"USC, USC, USC," Zack and Adam said as the rest of the group laughed at their silliness.

"I have to admit, even though I kind of wanted them to lose, that was a bad call," Karone said.

"Yeah the refs have been awful all tournament long. It's really put a damper on what's been a great tournament," Melissa said. "Baylor outshot Nebraska 48-16 from the line when they played; college basketball and the NBA need an overhaul in referees."

"I can agree on that," Lindsey said. "I sort of wanted Arizona to lose as well even though I picked them, but that was an awful call."

Sunday, March 30

Madison Square Garden

Manhattan, NY

"Just think guys, 20 more minutes and it's another Final Four," Zack Martin said. "The best part is no one thought we could do it but us."

"They weren't paying attention when we beat Florida in December," Maya said. "And no, the best part is we're going to do it against overhyped Michigan State. I'm so sick of hearing about that team it's unreal. They haven't seen Shabazz Napier yet."

"Speaking of Florida," Woody said. "Do we go after you know who after we win this game?"

"Absolutely," Zack Martin said. "We don't wait for her...we take it TO her. We remind her of who was the last team to beat them."

"U-C-O-N-N! UConn, UConn, UConn!" the four Husky fans shouted in unison.

Two hours later

"And for the fifth time, the UConn Huskies are on their way to the Final Four! The final score, 60-54, and the Huskies will meet Florida in North Texas!"

As well as the rest of the majority UConn crowd at Madison Square Garden, Maya, Zack, Addison and Woody were jumping up and down screaming.

"Final Four baby!" Maya said. "Bring on the Gators!"

"What are we waiting for?" Woody said. "Let's go get her!"

"Right," Zack said. Immediately the exchange began.

A short time later they all said to each other as they filed out of the Garden and prepared to head back to Connecticut, "And the response was?"

Maya spoke for them all when she said, "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it."

Reefside

TJ and Hayley just sat there in a state of shock; Michigan State, one of the heaviest favorites to win the NCAA title, was out of the tournament.

"I can't even believe it," TJ said. "How could the Spartans let things slip away?"

"They had it won, I agree. Up nine in the second half and they gagged," Hayley said. "Nothing more you can say about that."

"Yeah and now the UConn fans are all excited," Kim said.

"Oh you guys do play them next, yeah," Hayley said. "And they said?"

"We're coming for you, we beat you last time, yada yada yada," Kim said rolling her eyes.

"And your response was?" Tommy said.

"Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it."

At that point, Crystal and Tanya walked in, ready for the last regional final which involved their pick, Michigan, against Kentucky.

"So who picked the wrong Michigan school again?" Crystal teased TJ.

"Better hope Michigan doesn't lose to Kentucky," TJ warned.

Inglewood, CA

Andros and Ashley, too, were in a state of shock as they watched the events unfold from their home.

"Man, they just made too many mistakes," Ashley said.

"Yeah, that isn't like an Izzo coached team at all," Andros said.

"Does UConn have any chance at all against Florida?" Ashley said.

"Probably not but I sure as hell hope they do it," Andros said. "I'm sure the texts are already flying."

Two hours later

Hayley's Cyberspace

"Aaron Harrison puts up the three for the LEAD, GOOD! He hit it with a man in his face! Kentucky leads 75-72 with two seconds to play!"

Then shortly after that...

"Stauskas with a last heave, NO GOOD! And Kentucky's quest for their ninth title continues! For the 16th time the Wildcats are headed back to the Final Four as they beat Michigan 75-72!"

Tanya and Crystal sat there in shock, their bracket winning dreams dashed by a single shot.

"No reason to be upset there," Hayley said. "That was a great game; too bad someone had to lose."

"Yeah and to add to that, it was great defense but Harrison just made the shot," Tommy said. "That was a great game, just wish UCLA was involved in more of those."

"So it's Kentucky and Wisconsin, huh?" Melissa said. "Talented team, but I hope Wisconsin can pull it out."

"So do I, obviously, as I hate Kentucky," Phil said, disgust marring his face. Like I've said, nothing good ever comes out of Kentucky basketball winning. Might as well hand the title to Florida."

Everyone in the room groaned at Phil saying that, but it was a statement that could very well wind up being true.

TBC...