March Madness....Get in the game!

[NeedfulKings]

For those interested, we'll be creating our own DT.org group at ESPN. Fill out your brackets and have a chance to win.

The grand (and only prize) thus far will be a $25 donation to the Haven Foundation and a snazzy trophy.

If you don't have an ESPN profile, you may want to get one. This is the ONLY way to qualify to win.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/

Selections for the tourney is March 13 and the tourney starts later that week, so as soon as the brackets are released, I'll get the group formed and instructions to you all! As with all years, it will be a short turnaround.

Thanks!

Edited to add the link: http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/group?groupID=25117&entryID=258070

password: roland

[Merlin1958]

I'm in!!!!!! Brackets, Brackets, Brackets!!!!!!!


:panic::panic::panic:

[Bethany]

Tee hee hee! I've been doing this for many years with a bunch of friends and I piss them off to no end referring to it as "the basketball thingie."

[Ben Staad]

Can't wait. I'm down for another bracket! :dance:

[BedOfRoses]

I'm in! :)

[Merlin1958]

Bill, Question. Will the brackets have that "Point Weighing" like with the Bowl games? If so, I vote we go with straight picks to keep it simple. Anyone else?

[NeedfulKings]

If it's like last year, you will completely fill in your bracket and it will be locked prior to the start. You are then awarded the same amount of points each round. As the tourney evolves, you get more points per game, so it's critical to try and predict the final four, champion game and ultimate winner.

Example:

First round, you get 1 point per winner picked (32 possible points)
Second round, 2 points per winner picked (32 possible points)
Final four, 8 points per winner picked
Ultimate winner, 32 points.

Does that make sense? The only thing I don't know yet is whether they will include the 4 play-in games. I suspect not, thus the actual brackets will start the first full weekend.

[Merlin1958]

If it's like last year, you will completely fill in your bracket and it will be locked prior to the start. You are then awarded the same amount of points each round. As the tourney evolves, you get more points per game, so it's critical to try and predict the final four, champion game and ultimate winner.

Example:

First round, you get 1 point per winner picked (32 possible points)
Second round, 2 points per winner picked (32 possible points)
Final four, 8 points per winner picked
Ultimate winner, 32 points.

Does that make sense? The only thing I don't know yet is whether they will include the 4 play-in games. I suspect not, thus the actual brackets will start the first full weekend.

I did'nt play last year, but that sounds cool!!!! Can't wait!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Yes, and it's wickedly ugly if one of your final 4 teams goes down early! Once you see how it's played, you'll have fun. And they do all the math!!! :borg::wtf:

[SpaceMaN]

The play in games don't count for this thing. They (ESPN.com) also have a round by round pick em, a women's bracket challenge, and some thing where you actually pick players. Like I said before, I play all the ESPN.com mini-games, so I'll join this too. Only question I have is are we putting all 10 entries into our DT group?

[NeedfulKings]

I'd like to just do the complete bracket entry in our group. 1 entry per player. If I can lock in that method only, I will. If you all want to play other modes, feel free.

[ELazansky]

I'm in as well!

[Bethany]

I'm in.

[Brice]

I am almost completely ignorant of the game.

[SpaceMaN]

Not sure if you can put just one entry into a group, but I'm ok with that.

[doh]

You have my sword!

[NeedfulKings]

Awesome! Once the bracket is released, I'll see how ESPN handles things. I seem to remember last year being in a "group" (that I will develop). We will only allow one qualifying entry in that group. If there's a problem controlling access or brackets, we'll come up with a plan B.

Cheers all!

[Merlin1958]

I am almost completely ignorant of the game.

Awesome!!!! Then you have an excellent chance of winning the whole shebang!!!!!! Seriously!!!!! I've seen Ladies who picked based on "color" win the office pool!!!!

[Brice]

I don't even know the team's colors. :wtf:

[RUBE]

Count me in.

[NeedfulKings]

Cool! The more we get, the more that Haven gets.

*get your ESPN profile ready!*

[Merlin1958]

Championship Week!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Brackets have not been released yet, but I was able to create OUR GROUP! http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/group?groupID=25117&entryID=258070

After clicking the link, look for the "My Groups" tab. Select "Join a Group." Search for "DarkTowerJunkies" and enter the password, "roland."

1. You can have only one entry in our group. The brackets will be locked by ESPN when the second round begins (this year, the first round is the 4 play-in games).
2. Please Edit your entry name to coincide with your Dark Tower name. That option is just above the 4 tabs titled FrontPage, My Entries, Leaderboard, My Groups (look for "Edit Entry Info"). If you choose not to edit your name, let me know who you are from the DT board.
3. ESPN is the only way you can enter this contest. You can have additional entries in other groups at ESPN, but only one in ours.
4. I won't even try to explain the scoring. Just be sure that you pick your best teams to make the Final Four. It's virtually impossible to win if you have no teams in the final four (better yet, the final game!).

I'll update things as we go and we'll figure things out together. If you have any questions or concerns, let me know. Have fun and good luck!

Thanks!

[ELazansky]

I tried keying in the password Roland and I get an error

[NeedfulKings]

try all lower case. See if that works. I'll change it in my post.

[ELazansky]

roland in lowercase worked - thanks!

[Ben Staad]

I will wait a little bit to sign up.....for whatever reason ESPN is not letting me use the search to find you.

Update: Ok found you...Had to restart computer for the ESPN search to work.

[NeedfulKings]

Hey, we're growing! Good job, everyone. I can't wait to get into my own brand of bracketology. If you're wondering, my brand sucks, lol!

[Jean]

I am so sad I can't play this year

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearmood_sad.gif

[Merlin1958]

Ok, I'm in and Bracket filled out:


Go Dukies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Yes, the brackets are in! We will not be able to see each others brackets until they are locked, so good luck all!!!

THE CONTEST WILL BE LOCKED WHEN THE SECOND ROUND STARTS ON THURSDAY, the 17TH!!! Get IN the game now!!!

[NeedfulKings]

The link:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/group?groupID=25117&entryID=258070

[Randall Flagg]

I think i am in.

[Merlin1958]

Cool!!!!! El Jefe has joined!!!!! What a bonus!!!!!


Good Luck, El Jefe!!!!!!!


:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[NeedfulKings]

Looking good! 11 so far!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/dt_com/dtmadness.jpg

NeedfulKings
BedOfRoses
ELazansky
bethany
Ben Staad
doh
Merlin1958
Randall Flagg
SpaceMan
CRinVA
gersto

Let's get more!!! Games start Thursday!!!!

[doh]

Woo hoo! I'm in first place!!


OK, I am also in my accustomed last place, but still.

[Merlin1958]

C'mon Folks!!!!! We only need "9" more players to double the Haven Contribution!!!!!!!

Just sign-Up!!!!!!! No loss/No Foul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Bethany]

I suck. That is all. :D

[NeedfulKings]

Just a few hours before the games begin!!!! Good luck all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bethany]

I'm still so disgusted at my UAB Blazers for getting my hopes up.

[RUBE]

At least that game doesn't hurt your standing in the contest. Just trying to find the bright side for you.

On a related note, I picked my own favorite team to lose in the first round. You can't accuse me of being a homer.

[Bethany]

Thanks :D

[Erin]

I just joined! I had already filled out an ESPN bracket for my office's tournament so I had one already nice and filled out. I'm EKelley1220.

[Merlin1958]

Oh Man, Loiseville went down!!!!!!!!


This is not starting out well!!!!


:cry:

[NeedfulKings]

*shreds bracket*

I'm out! :angry:

Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but my epic Louisville/Vandy matchup ain't happening!

[ELazansky]

It's early still - lots can happen. I got one game back picking Richmond...

[Merlin1958]

Lets start a Big 'Ol Bonfire and use my brackets as kindling!!!!!!!!!


LOL

[Bethany]

*shreds bracket*

I'm out! :angry:

Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but my epic Louisville/Vandy matchup ain't happening!

Stupid, stupid Vandy. :angry::pullhair:

[RUBE]

At least the games have been exciting.

[CRinVA]

Well Bill seems you are still in 1st place even though Louisville Vande is not happening - I also had that pair picked! :-)
I also thought Penn State would beat temple! Not!!!!

[RUBE]

I picked one too many upsets yesterday. Unfortunately, I think it will be worse today.

[ELazansky]

You gotta pick some upsets if you hope to win - at least in the first round.

[Merlin1958]

I actually Follow this shit if you can believe it!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE College B-Ball, but almost HATE the Tournament!!!!! lol lol lol

[Bethany]

At least you're in good company in the basement :P

Man, my Yahoo bracket makes me want to vomit and say really bad words.

[NeedfulKings]

THIS is where the madness is! Ugh!

I typically don't follow college baseball, except the tourney. It's all good....as long as I win some games!!! I was on top this morning, but back in the middle now. Go FSU!

[ELazansky]

Yes, my alma mater FSU gives me a big win!

[evilash]

Go Duke!!!!!!

[Merlin1958]

Go Duke!!!!!!

LOL "EvilAsh", Look, there's something on your face!!!! LOL LOL


Go Duke!!!!!

[RUBE]

Don't worry guys. This is just the first round. You are only really in trouble if a lot of your elite eight teams have been eliminated already.

I can't believe how VCU is whipping Georgetown. That is going to cost me some points next round because I thought Georgetown would upset Purdue. Guess I am going for VCU Sunday.

[RUBE]

Yes, my alma mater FSU gives me a big win!

Good win. They shut down my Aggies. I feel a little bad that I picked against them even though I was right.

[ELazansky]

Well, the first two days are done. I have 14 out of 16 chances for the Sweet Sixteen, so not bad so far.

[NeedfulKings]

Here are the standings after the 2nd Round. Don't expect these to remain the same over the next couple of days! :excited:

1. RUBE
1. gersto
3. NeedfulKings
3. Ben Staad
3. ELazansky
3. doh
3. SpaceMan
3. Erin
9. CRinVA
9. Randall Flagg
11. BedOfRoses
11. Merlin1958
13. SkippyD023
13. Bethany

[Bethany]

You just had to post it, didn't you? :weeps:

[NeedfulKings]

Things will change. As sure as I'm sitting here. :unsure:

[ELazansky]

Absolutely...I'll know more where I stand after Sunday.

[NeedfulKings]

f***ing Pitt! What a way to win and then lose a game!!!

[Merlin1958]

Alas, I am now reduced to just rooting for my Dukies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ben Staad]

O snap Merlin....I gotta say "GO BLUE!"...I have followed UM for a very long time....Although the Blue Devils should beat up on my boys I hope it is a good game.

[RUBE]

Well I am dropping fast. I picked the right upsets in round two (what I still think of as round one) but not today.

[RUBE]

...and now I am really going down in flames.

[Merlin1958]

Well, Duke won, for now!!!!!

Man, my brackets ain't even good enough for a fire!!!!!!!

[RUBE]

F

[Erin]

Go UK! I'm not even a big basketball fan and that was one exciting game.

[RUBE]

Well since UK beat OSU, I need UK to pull another upset to stay in this.

[ELazansky]

I'm totally out of it - I'd like to see VCU win it all :-)

[harrison ryan]

Yesterday, a coworker gave me fifty dollars to switch shifts with him so he could watch the UK game at 5 today. I'm putting it in my Rage fund. I live in Lexington, so people lose their minds a little this time of year. Madness indeed!

[Erin]

Hey Harrison! I live in Richmond! :D

[NeedfulKings]

I can't seem to follow the math so will just wait to see what happens!

[NeedfulKings]

Wow! No sense waiting--we're all done in our little group! CONGRATULATIONS RUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/dt_com/final_MM.jpg

What an amazing (and f**king frustrating) end to our little Dance here at DT.org. :wtf:

If I had to put money on it, I'd say Kentucky's got this one. But, you never know!!

[ELazansky]

Thank heavens that's over :-)

Congrats go to Rube!

[Merlin1958]

Can we all just pretend the Tournament was cancelled this year????? Maybe due to a Tsunami or something??????


:unsure::unsure::unsure:

[Merlin1958]

At this point, ya just gotta be rooting for VCU. First Four to Final Four!!!!!!!


NCAA version of "Hoosiers"!!!!!!!!!!

[RUBE]

Well its crazy that this thing is over before the final four even starts. With everyone's final four picks getting upset, I didn't so much win as just manage to survive. I thought for sure I was done when Ohio State lost because I needed everything to go my way after that to win.

[Merlin1958]

Well its crazy that this thing is over before the final four even starts. With everyone's final four picks getting upset, I didn't so much win as just manage to survive. I thought for sure I was done when Ohio State lost because I needed everything to go my way after that to win.

Well I guess the $25 Haven Fund donation and Trophy go to you Rube!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!


:clap:


Gotta LOVE VCU though, right? Cinderella thy name is VCU!!!!!!!!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Rube, you did what you needed--won early and those games got you the win when the rest of us fell. I agree that VCU might as well keep up their run as giant killers!!!

[Erin]

I'm pissed I didn't just fill out my bracket as I wanted to. I would have put UK going all the way as I do every year, since I'm from KY, but I decided to ask my sports loving husband for advice this year and went with his recommendations.

I'd so be winning the office competition if I'd just gone with my gut.

[CRinVA]

it was upsettign that VCU downed Kansas. Frustrating actually as my daughter is a VCU alumni (got her masters there) and I am a Jayhawk - for those that don't know, it means I gto my BS at Kansas! Many Many years ago - in fact 29 years ago!!!!! :-) So now I am rooting for VCU to go all the way!

[Ben Staad]

Congrats Rube and go VCU!

[NeedfulKings]

From ESPN:


Thanks to a Final Four with no No. 1 or 2 seeds, plus an 8-seed in Butler and an 11-seed in VCU, just two out of 5.9 million-plus brackets in Tournament Challenge correctly predicted the entire Final Four. In fact, only 6.9 percent of brackets picked those four teams to win in the "second" round (the former first round).

Only 1,093 brackets had three of the Final Four correct, while 2.1 percent had two right. A total of 27.6 percent had one Final Four team, and 70.3 percent had no Final Four teams correct.

There's more, but that pretty much explains why my bracket is currently lining the cat's litter box. :arg:

[CRinVA]

so 1 in 3 million figure out the final four!!!!! Geesh - how are ya supposed to predict that ????

[ELazansky]

Well, some of these people probably filled out hundreds of different brackets with all different combinations. I don't think many people with only ONE bracket would actually have picked what went on this year.

[Merlin1958]

Well.........Baseball season starts the day after tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!


LOL LOL LOL

:orely: Who should I root for? :orely:

[NeedfulKings]

Well.........Baseball season starts the day after tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!


LOL LOL LOL

:orely: Who should I root for? :orely:

Cheers. Here's to the Mariner's schoolin' your Bombers every time. :P or most likely not! :cry:

[Merlin1958]

Well.........Baseball season starts the day after tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!


LOL LOL LOL

:orely: Who should I root for? :orely:

Cheers. Here's to the Mariner's schoolin' your Bombers every time. :P or most likely not! :cry:

You know, I was tempted to give you a "Rep" for this post, but then you didn't endorse the Yanks, so Fail!!!!!! LOL J/K

Good Luck for the season!!!!!

[RUBE]

This is slightly off topic but it is still college basketball...


Gig 'em Aggies!
Way to make your first Final Four!
WHOOP!

(In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, the Texas A&M women just upset the number one seed Baylor to make the women's final four.)

[SpaceMaN]

Erin has a husband?

Damn.

Good job RUBE!

Go Butler!

Go Notre Dame!

[Erin]

:lol: Aaron. Yep, I got married 6 months ago. :)

Go Cats! We're having a cookout for the game tonight, can't wait!

[Merlin1958]

UCONN Vs Butler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:thumbsup:

[RUBE]

Aggie women are in the final!

[Ben Staad]

Congrats to the winner! Great game although the worst shooting night I've ever seen.

[NeedfulKings]

Wow...what an under-impressive final game. We will not be seeing that on ESPN Classics. Congrats to the Huskies.

[Merlin1958]

I figured UCONN all the way once the Final was determined. Really up & down tournament, had your "David's" and a Goliath!!!


Congrats to the winner!!!!!!!!!

[RUBE]

Aggies Win!

The women's championship was a much better game than the men's and I am not saying it because my team won. Both teams played defense AND hit shots.

[Merlin1958]

Aggies Win!

The women's championship was a much better game than the men's and I am not saying it because my team won. Both teams played defense AND hit shots.

Congrats!!!!! No small feat winning the Women's Title, UCONN & Tenn usually OWN it!!!! Great Job!!!!!


At least the "Men" brought one home for UCONN!!!!!!!!!!!!


lol

[RUBE]

I got my trophy today and it is awesome. Thanks so much. I guess I am going to have to put up a picture of it with my football trophies.

[Merlin1958]

Congrats Rube, as I recall a donation was also made in your name to the Haven Fund Raiser!!!!! Way to go!!!! You should be "in" the Grand Prize drawing as well!!!!


:clap:

[NeedfulKings]

I got my trophy today and it is awesome. Thanks so much. I guess I am going to have to put up a picture of it with my football trophies.

Dude, please take a picture! In all our excitement (and the busyness of life), I didn't take a picture of the trophy to entice future Madness participants!! And congrats on the donation as well. I can see a tradition growing, right along with the pick 'em contest!!!!

[Merlin1958]

It's all good except, I didn't win as planned!!!!! LOL LOL

Congrats on the trophy and the donation entries, Rube!!!!!!!


:clap::clap::clap:

[RUBE]

Sorry, I have been busy and haven't been on here very much. I will post a pic later this week.

[RUBE]

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy147/candycoe/Jeremy/June2011005.jpg

Sorry it is two months late but here is the trophy. Thanks again NK.

[Ben Staad]

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy147/candycoe/Jeremy/June2011005.jpg

Sorry it is two months late but here is the trophy. Thanks again NK.

Sweet trophy....:clap::thumbsup:

[The Road Virus]

I was not part of this site when this went down but that is a very nice trophy. I did have UCONN winning it all in my bracket though :ninja:

[Merlin1958]

I was not part of this site when this went down but that is a very nice trophy. I did have UCONN winning it all in my bracket though :ninja:

By June, just about everyone had UCONN ias their Champ!! LOL LOL LOL


Nice Trophy, Rube. I Hope to get one next year.

[NeedfulKings]

Awesome picture! You all need to be back here next March!!!! Congrats Jeremy!