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College Basketball

Why Do Arizona Wildcats Say/Sing “Bear Down”?

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You might have heard a lot of Arizona Wildcats, their fans and alumni saying "Bear Down" this March Madness. Which is weird because what do Wildcats have to do with Bears? It's not like the Arizona Wildcats are based in a place like Russia (the bear is the nation's international symbol) or California (which has a bear on the state flag). There is even a schgool fight song, … [Read more...] about Why Do Arizona Wildcats Say/Sing “Bear Down”?

Tennesseee Debuts Smokey XII, New Rocky Top Tradition (SmokeyDawg98) Grows

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Without a doubt, the Tennessee Volunteers have two of the best traditions in all of college sports in the playing of "Rocky Top" and their mascot, a Bluetick Coonhound named Smokey. "Rocky Top," first recorded by the Osborne Brothers, was released on Christmas Day in 1967. In 1982 it became one of the state of Tennessee's official songs. Written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, … [Read more...] about Tennesseee Debuts Smokey XII, New Rocky Top Tradition (SmokeyDawg98) Grows

The Five-Man Fiasco: Inside Nebraska’s Sweet 16 Miscommunication Meltdown

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Nebraska didn’t just reach the Sweet 16—they arrived with momentum, identification, and a valid perception they might push even further. For an application long removed from countrywide relevance, this wasn’t presupposed to be the end of the tale. But March doesn’t continually praise the higher narrative. Sometimes, it punishes the smallest lapse with disproportionate … [Read more...] about The Five-Man Fiasco: Inside Nebraska’s Sweet 16 Miscommunication Meltdown

Brad Underwood Makes Good on Orange Jump Suit Promise from September

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It's time to re-post this article from September, now that the Illini are back in the Final Four, for the first time in 21 years. Back at the media opportunity during the football season opener, I asked Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood about recruiting the Balkans. In his response, he mentioned that an orange jump suit could be in the future. Today, Underwood delivered … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood Makes Good on Orange Jump Suit Promise from September

Michigan Forward Morez Johnson Set for Second Homecoming Tournament

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Michigan power forward Morez Johnson is coming home, again. A native of suburban Riverdale, IL Johnson attended St. Rita, on the south side of the city, before transferring and then graduating from Thornton high school- where his coach was former NFL wide receiver and high school basketball star Tai Streets. After his high school career came to an end, he went to the … [Read more...] about Michigan Forward Morez Johnson Set for Second Homecoming Tournament

Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood

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At this point, I don't think anyone really believes all the lip service that the NCAA Tournament broadcast partners gives to metrics, numbers and stats when it comes to how the bracket is constructed. Sure, things like Quad 1 wins, records versus the top teams and the NET standings do matter, but you know what trumps all that? Ratings. And you know how you get additional boosts … [Read more...] about Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood

Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials

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Thursday night sees the Illinois Fighting Illini making their 36th overall NCAA Tournament appearance, and sixth in a row. The Illini own an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 46-36. As a Xennial, (neither Gen-X nor millenial) generation member, my Illini fandom experience begins in 1991, a few years before I enrolled at the school. On this March Madness eve, let's stroll … [Read more...] about Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials

Is Mick Cronin Actually Trying to Get Fired by the UCLA Bruins?

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Editor's note: this Mick Cronin article originally ran on Feb. 20, but is now updated with the reporting conducted after UCLA's Big Ten Tournament elimination.  From the outside looking in, if UCLA and their head Men's Basketball Coach, Mick Cronin, parted ways, perhaps most of those involved would be happier. We know that Cronin seemingly hates the media as much as any … [Read more...] about Is Mick Cronin Actually Trying to Get Fired by the UCLA Bruins?

Northwestern Must Replace Program Great for Third Season in a Row

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On Thursday night, Nick Martinelli played his final collegiate game. The Northwestern forward was subbed out early, as a badge of honor that he truly deserved, in his team's blowout loss to Purdue. The #7 seed Boilermakers knocked the #15 seed Wildcats out of the Big Ten Tournament, on the competition's third day, by a very window-dressed 81-68 score. Martinelli scored 25 … [Read more...] about Northwestern Must Replace Program Great for Third Season in a Row