Final Four Update

Ahoy, Hoopsters:

Our championship game is set, and we have a few scenarios (involving three players) for who will win this year’s “Jabin’s March Madness Charity Pool.”  Let’s cut to the chase – Aunt Holly and The Reverend are tied for first place with 78 points, and they both have Purdue winning the national championship. A Purdue win would give them each 84 points and come down to the tie-breaker. Aunt Holly has 140 points for the total points on Monday night, and The Reverend has 144 points. (Remember, it’s closest to the total points, no penalty for going over, etc.). On the off chance that the teams total exactly 142 points on Monday night, we’ll split the purse between two charities.

However, if UConn wins Monday night, Gus The Bus will win the pool with 83 points. Gus is currently at 77 points,  just ahead of Roy Kent (76 points), Laughing Jay (76), and Oma Barbara (75), all of whom also have UConn beating Purdue in the championship game. Unbelievable, and fantastic picking by all of them. Head to the site for complete standings entering Monday’s championship game.

Purdue makes first championship game since we landed on the moon

Purdue was just too much for NC State, and the Wolfpack’s run came to an end. Zach Edey was a beast on offense AND defense, and the Boilermakers played with a lead the entire game. NC State stayed close, but a late run by Purdue made it a double-digit win. State’s two DJ’s were kept pretty much in control, and DJ Burns, Jr. was held to just 8 points and 1 rebound, mostly by Edey’s presence. It is Purdue’s first appearance in the championship game since 1969. For you math majors out there, that’s like 55 years. Wow!

UConn late surge turns (away) the Tide

I hate sports cliches, and one of the most odious is “the final score was not indicative of how competitive the game was.”  My response – “yes it was, that’s why they call it the FINAL SCORE!” But make no mistake, UConn was tested Saturday night for the first time in the tournament. This game was close throughout, but some stifling defense and key shots stretched the lead at the end to give the Huskies a 14-point win. I guess what I’m trying to say is “the final score was not indicative of …” oh nevermind.

Record year for charity donation!!!

Do me a favor. Lift your arm over your head, bend it backwards, and give yourself a big pat on the back. Why?  Because you (all of you) have made this a record year for our charitable donation. We topped out last year with a $2,500 donation to the Wounded Warriors Project, which was pretty sweet. However, I am proud to announce this year that we have crossed the $3,000 threshold. I will still annoy you with another plea, once our charity is selected, if you’d like to add more to the pot. However, as it stands now we are making a record donation to the winning charity.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, especially those of you who went way above the $5 minimum (you know who you are, and you are awesome!).

OK, that’s it after a great Saturday night of hoops. I’ll be back to you Monday after the championship game, when our winner will be either Aunt Holly, The Reverend, or Gus the Bus.

Yours in hoops,

Jabin