Can Enes Kanter help save the Thunder with Kevin Durant out?

The Turkish center is proving he can produce at a high level on offense but his defensive shortcomings limit his impact.

Enes Kanter was not happy in Utah. With no one to mask his flaws and Rudy Gobert looming as a potential replacement, he asked for a trade and the Jazz obliged. Since arriving at Oklahoma City he's showing why he was the third pick in the 2011 draft, displaying his offensive talent and helping the Thunder's playoffs hopes stay afloat. Yet a closer look to his performance suggests he still has a lot of growing to do as a player despite his gaudy numbers.

Kanter is averaging 16.5 points and 10.4 rebounds in his new team and is scoring efficiently now that he has abandoned his jumper. The Jazz wanted him to be able to stretch the floor, since he was sharing the court with another inside scorer in Derrick Favors and Kanter didn't project to be a rim protector. As a result, he was forced to float around the perimeter instead of playing to his strengths. In his time with the Jazz, only 52.6 of his shot attempts came within the restricted area. With the Thunder, that number has climbed to 73.7 percent, which explains the jump in his field goal percentage since the trade.

Playing closer to the rim has resulted in an increase in the number of offensive rebounds and free throws Kanter gets. Kanter is also posting up more and excelling, ranking in the 87th percentile in the league since joining the Thunder. To put it in simple terms, all he needed to unleash his potential as an offensive player was the opportunity to play like a traditional big man. Oklahoma City is reaping the benefits, scoring 109.7 points per 100 possessions with Kanter on the court, over five more than the team's average.

Defensively is where Kanter still hasn't found his bearings. The Thunder only outscore opponents by .6 points with Kanter playing because everything he does for the team on offense, they give back on defense when he's on the court. Opponents know he's not a rim protector (he allows 52.4 percent on shots he defends at the rim), so they go into attack mode, taking almost four percent more close shots when he's on the court as opposed to off, according to the league's media stats site. That's the area in which the Thunder will miss Kendrick Perkins, the player they traded for Kanter, now that Serge Ibaka is injured.

It's not uncommon for young big men to struggle defensively and Kanter is too big to continue averaging under a block per game for much longer. He simply needs to adjust to a new role after having Derrick Favors behind him in Utah and accept the responsibility that comes with being a defensive anchor. Ideally, that would have happened over time as Ibaka and Steven Adams handled the role, but Oklahoma City needs him to step up right now. So far the results have not been encouraging -- any pairing of Kanter and another big allows more points than the team does on average.

Kanter is showing that he is a gifted offensive player who can be efficient on a large role and offer a post presence on a good team. The next step -- and what could end up determining whether he stays in Oklahoma City after this season -- will be to improve enough on defense to not actively hurt his team on that end. Kanter is just 22 years old, but the sooner it happens, the better the Thunder's chances will be to get to the playoffs and make some noise.

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/3/21/8270115/enes-kanter-oklahoma-city-thunder

Continue Reading ..

Spring Equinox 2015: 3 Things To Know About The Pagan Ostara Festival

The vernal equinox falls on March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the change of seasons and the time when many pagans celebrate Ostara. The spring festival might not be as well known as other pagan celebrations like Samhain or Beltane, but it is nonetheless an important part of the calendar as one of the eight sabbats, or holidays, pagans celebrate throughout the year.

While the beginning of spring has been seen as a time of renewal by cultures around the world throughout history, modern celebrations of Ostara actively incorporate rituals and symbols that honor fertility and rebirth.

Historical Roots

Unlike many other pagan holidays, Ostara does not have its roots in Celtic tradition, rather in ancient Anglo-Saxon beliefs. The holiday is thought to have derived its name from the fertility goddess Eostre, whose own name comes from the Germanic word for east. The goddess is typically depicted as a young woman surrounded by light and budding trees and flowers, symbolizing her association with dawn and the coming of light of the spring season, according to Beliefnet. Symbols like eggs, rabbits and spring flowers are also associated with the goddess, speaking to the fertility and renewed life she is believed to bring.

Relation to Easter

Its no coincidence that Ostara and Easter sound alike, share similar symbols and typically fall around the same time. The Christian holiday gets its English name from the Saxon goddess Eostre, and early Christianity adopted many of the rituals and symbols associated with the equinox festival because of their popularity.

Eggs, bunnies, candy, Easter baskets, new clothes, all these traditions have their origin in practices which may have little or nothing to do with the Christian holiday, said Peg Aloi, in a commentary for the religion site Patheos. The traditional coloring and giving of eggs at Easter has very pagan associations. For eggs are clearly one of the most potent symbols of fertility, and spring is the season when animals begin to mate and flowers and trees pollinate and reproduce.

Modern Celebrations

Pagans celebrate Ostara with various rituals focused on themes of renewal and rebirth. Planting seedlings and cultivating gardens is one of the most traditional celebrations of the holiday, though any engagement with nature, whether lying in grass or hiking through a forest, can be used as an opportunity to meditate on the change of seasons, according to paganism expert Patti Wigington. Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature. ... As you do so, observe all the new things beginning around you -- plants, flowers, insects, birds.

Many pagans also celebrate by eating fresh greens like sprouts and other vegetables, while others choose to fast in order to purge their bodies of toxins to clear their minds for the new season.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/spring-equinox-2015-3-things-know-about-pagan-ostara-festival-1853196

Continue Reading ..

Veronica Roth addresses controversial 'Insurgent' book-to-film changes

Divergent author says shes seen Insurgent and is relieved to find that the book-to-film changes only benefit the movie.

In light of recent chatter in the Divergent fandom about changes theyre making to the second installment in the trilogy such as the mystery box depicted above, which has appeared in numerous previews Roth took to her Tumblr on Friday to relieve concerns.

I know that some of you are probably apprehensive because as the trailers have revealed, there are a few clear differences between the book and the movie, she wrote. I shared that apprehension walking into the screening room, but I walked out of the movie relieved and excited.

Roth explained that some things in her book would not have translated well to the big screen, so the changes were necessary. Insurgent, the book, has a complicated plota lot of moving parts, a lot of ups and downs. That sort of thing can work in a book, but if its translated directly to the screen, it makes for a messy, confusing movie. The changes that were made streamline the story so it makes sense for this new format; in other words, they work.

We wonder why Roth (and possibly Summit/Lionsgate) felt the need for this blog post, and particularly the above paragraph, to exist. Are they bracing us for bigger changes that weve yet to see?

Roths remarks may suggest were in store for even more book-to-film changes were still unaware of, but we trust Roth is truly happy with the final product.

Insurgent is great and fun to watch. It is a tense, action-packed adventure of a movie, she wrote. At certain points, my muscles were so clenched I felt like I had just done a series of push-ups. When I left, I immediately wanted to go back in and see it again. (I still do!), she wrote.

Insurgent hits theaters on March 20. This morning we shared the first two clips from the movie. Watch the films trailer to learn a little more about the aforementioned mystery box:

Source: http://www.hypable.com/veronica-roth-insurgent-review/

Continue Reading ..

'Insurgent' Rises To $21M Friday; Unlikely To Conquer 'Divergent's Bow � Late ...

This afternoon some rival trades had their machetes out, incorrectly calling LionsgatesInsurgents weekend off 20% from Divergents $54.6M opening. Distrib estimates even saw Insurgentwith a first Friday as low as $17M, 25% off from Divergents $22.78M first day. What a difference a night makes.

As we forecasted, the under 25ers on spring break who repped 47% of the crowd showed up toInsurgentlater in the day than sooner. As such, the sequelsfirst Friday isnt looking so bad with an estimated $21M at 3,875 theaters, which is just 8% off fromDivergents. The sequels estimated weekend is now looking like $49.6M per industry estimates. Yes, thats belowDivergents first weekend by 9% and its below the $57M projection per early tracking, but theres no need to throw a pity party. Working greatly in Insurgents favor is its A- CinemaScore tonight, not far fromDivergents A. On average, A- pics typically final with a cume that is 3.5x a titles opening.Divergents final domestic of $150.9Mwas 2.76x its bow. Hence, the anticipation is thatInsurgentwill leg out and emulate Divergents trajectory. The audience isnt bound to shrink in the long run for the feature adaptation of Veronica Roths second novel (it just didnt expand this weekend). From the onset, we knew thatTheDivergent SerieswasntThe Hunger Games in terms of its mass following.

Speaking to Deadline,one non-Lionsgate distrib source observed how similar the exit polls were betweenInsurgenttoDivergent. Abitmore females turned up this time to Insurgentat 60% versusDivergents 59%.More folks under the age of 34 gave it an A or an A-, while the middle-aged and senior citizens gave it a B+. While folks came out for stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James last time, they showed a stronger interest in the duo this time around. However, industry exit polls showed that the subject matter was the prevailing reason why crowds shelled out for Insurgent.

The reported production cost forDivergentwas just under $90M andInsurgentcarries a price tag that is a reported $110M-$120M.Divergentranked No. 17 in terms of profit in Deadlines Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament with a studio net profit of $71.87M.

Similar to how Lionsgate banged the drum for itsHunger Gamesinstallments, the mini-major ran a thorough marketing campaign, fueling the fanbase at specific intervals over the last year. Eight 3D characters posters were dropped online for fans in October. TV spots began eight weeks out running during such events as the Super Bowl pre-game, the Oscars red carpet, the Grammys, NBA games, andThe Walking Deadpremiere. While most of the headliners dont have personal social media profiles, Lionsgate trotted the cast out with Facebook and Twitter chats, as well as a Google Hangout with Woodley and James. Per RelishMix,Facebook video views for the sequel have past 20M with a constant stream of fresh materials over the last 3 weeks.AnInsurgent Snapchatfilm campaign included a first-ever exclusive trailer debut on the social media platform as well as apartnership with top social TV property Pretty Little Liarswhich included an exclusive clip reveal to their massive following. ThePLL Snapcap sponsorship, Snapchat influencer campaign with 15 pieces of original content was shared to a total of 5M Snapchat daily views.

In her second frame,Cinderella is looking at a Friday of $9.69M. The Walt Disney film will cross the $100M mark on Saturday and by Sunday its 3-day cume should stand at $35.78M, off 47% with a 10-day stateside cume of $123.8M. Social Media monitor RelishMix reports thatCinderellasocial activity is outstrippingInsurgent by 60% a day. Recentdaily views for Insurgent are mostly below 25k per video while Cindy hasover 100k views per day.Insurgent rankssecond this month in total YouTube views with 77.7M behind Cindys 100.5M.

The Gunmanwith Sean Pennwhat happened here? Pic is looking to arrive below its FSS estimate of $8M with $5.45M. Theres no skin off Open Roads nose as theyre merely the distributor here with Canal Plus footing the production bill (except domestic P&A). Gunmanwith its storyabout a secret agent sniper who is forced to go on the lam is Sean Penn doing Liam Neeson; and thats not a role that moviegoers typically equate with the two-time Oscar-winning actor. Furthmore, theyve had their fair share of Neeson of late with Warner Bros. A- CinemaScore ratedRun All Nightset to decline 58% this weekend with $4.65M and a 10-day cume of $19.4M. One distribution insider thought the R-rated film should have been sold for its action versus Penn (who takes center stage in the one sheets). If thats not enough, Gunmanis fighting against the surplus of R-rated action films at the multiplex.Auds trippedGunmanwith a B- CinemaScore, and critics werent nicer shooting out the pics knee caps with a 13% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its unfortunate that this film isnt clicking as Penn wears the genre well. Not only are the action scenes wild, but Penn is in tip-top beefcake shape, much like Sylvester Stallone was forRambo: First Blood Part II. Whats likely turning audiences off is the films convoluted set-up against a Congo political backdrop. Once you get past the first half hour, Gunmanis a fun ride.

Pure Flixs Christian dramaDo You Believe?is also flying below its initial $5.5M projections with a FSS of $3.7M. Im told much like the production labels previous indie success Gods Not Dead($9.2M opening, $60.8M total cume),there was a grass roots social media push for DYB.While the filmtook over the oldGods Not Dead URL, its social media has been muted compared to the Harold Cronk-helmed title. DYBstarMira Sorvino has been tweeting her support of the film to her 16,900 Twitter followers. Sean Astin, who counts 139K Twitter followers,has reserved his social media promotion for his Boston Marathon charity run. DYBsTwitter account has 942 followers versusGods Not Deads solid 31K. Pure Flix held about 200 DYBpreview screenings in advance, comprised of 80 influencer previews and 120 pastor screenings.

Elsewhere, RADiUSIt Followscontinues to be a horror arthouse wonder with a projected $90K Friday and 286K weekend thats a 75% hike over the same frame a week ago. By Sunday, Weinstein Co.s Oscar winnerThe Imitation Gameis expected to cross $90M.

Below are the top 10 films per industry estimates for the weekend of March 20-22:

1).Insurgent(LG), 3,875 theaters /$21M*Fri. / 3-Day: $49.6M / Wk 1

2).Cinderella(DIS), 3,848 theaters (+3)/$9.69MFri. (-58%) / 3-Day: $35.78M (-47%)/Total Cume: $123.8M/Wk 2

3).The Gunman(OR), 2,816 theaters /$1.8M*Fri./ 3-Day: $5.45M /Wk 1

4).Kingsman: The Secret Service(FOX), 2,233 theaters (-402)/$1.28MFri. (-23%)/ 3-Day: $4.68M (-25%)/ Total Cume: $114.6M/ Wk 6

5).Run All Night(WB), 3,171 theaters /$1.38MFri. (-64%)/ 3-Day: $4.65M (-58%)/Total Cume: $19.4M/Wk 2

6).Do You Believe? (PF), 1,320 theaters /$1.15MFri. / 3-Day: $3.7M / Wk 1

7).The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel(FSL), 2,016 theaters (-6)/$936KFri. (-43%)/ 3-Day: $3.28M (-42%)/Total Cume: $24M/Wk 3

8).Focus(WB), 2,055 theaters (-800)/$900KFri. (-47%)/ 3-Day: $3.1M (-46%)/Total Cume: $49.1M /Wk 4

9).TheSpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water(PAR), 1,980 theaters (-679) /$612KFri. (-35%)/ 3-Day: $2.69M (-33%)/Total Cume: $159.1M/ Wk 7

10).Chappie(Sony), 2,429 theaters (-772)/$685KFri. (-56%)/ 3-Day: $2.54M (-55%)/ Total Cume: $28.1M /Wk 3

Notables:

American Sniper(WB), 1,456 theaters (-545) /$423KFri. (-44%)/ 3-Day: $1.6M (-43%) /Total Cume: $344M /Wk 13

Fifty Shades Of Grey(UNI/Focus), 1,168 theaters (-871)/$384KFri. (-59%) / 3-Day: $1.19M (-59%)/Total Cume: $163.7M/ Wk 6

The Imitation Game(TWC), 337 theaters (-188)/$87KFri. (-52%) /3-Day: $317K (-52%)/Total Cume: $90.9M/Wk 17

It Follows(RAD), 32 theaters (+28)/$90KFri. (+75%) /3-Day PSA: $8,944/3-Day: $286K (+75%)/Total cume: $510K/Wk 2

Limited releases:

Danny Collins(BST), 5 theaters /$17KFri. /3-Day PSA: $11K/3-Day: $55K / Wk 1

Source: http://deadline.com/2015/03/insurgent-weekend-box-office-divergent-shailene-woodley-the-gunman-1201396216/

Continue Reading ..

Unbeaten Cats need last year's NCAA edge back

After ho-hum NCAA opener, undefeated Kentucky basketball needs 2014 tournament edge back

Subscribe today for full access on your desktop, tablet, and mobile device.

Subscribe Now

6

Share This Story!

Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about

Unbeaten Cats need last year's NCAA edge back

After ho-hum NCAA opener, undefeated Kentucky basketball needs 2014 tournament edge back

Try Another

Audio CAPTCHA

Image CAPTCHA

Help

{# #}

CancelSend

Sent!

A link has been sent to your friend's email address.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's John Calipari previews Cincinnati | 20:53

Kentucky's John Calipari talks about playing Cincinnati Saturday in the Louisville NCAA Regional. Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

1 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Cincinnati's Larry Davis Previews Kentucky | 15:54

Cincinnati's Larry Davis says John Calipari has done great job of coaching the All-American talents of his players. Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

2 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Willie Cauley-Stein on playing at Kentucky | 01:00

Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein on playing at Kentucky

3 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part I | 08:37

Video | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part I

4 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part II | 08:34

Video | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part II

5 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK talks about win over Hampton in NCAA tournament opener | 14:43

Kentucky talks about win over Hampton in NCAA tournament at Louisville Regional Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

6 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Kyle Tucker breaks down UK's 79-56 win over Hampton | 02:34

The Courier-Journal's Kyle Tucker talks about Kentucky easy win over Hampton and their upcoming matchup against Cincinnati.

7 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Aaron Harrison says UK needs urgency | 01:52

Video | Aaron Harrison says UK needs urgency Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

8 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Devin Booker on continued cold streak | 01:24

Video | Devin Booker on continued cold streak Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

9 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Hampton Coach talks about loss to Kentucky | 11:07

Hampton Coach talks about loss to Kentucky Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

10 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Andrew Harrison on UK's NCAA-opening win | 02:54

Video | Andrew Harrison on UK's NCAA-opening win Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

11 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Cauley-Stein on ho-hum NCAA opener | 04:51

Video | UK's Cauley-Stein on ho-hum NCAA opener

12 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Towns on strong NCAA debut | 04:20

Video | UK's Towns on strong NCAA debut

13 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK Pep Rally | 01:43

University of Kentucky fans hold a pep rally before the game against Hampton. Marty Pearl/Special to The Courier-Journal

14 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTNCAA Quick Takes l There's a certain song Karl-Anthony Towns wants to hear | 01:30

Towns, Aaron Harrison, Willie Cauley-Stein and a jovial Dakari Johnson talk hoops, music, and teammates Wednesday at Louisville Regional. Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

15 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Like UK, Dominique Hawkins' beard is undefeated | 01:27

Like the University of Kentucky, Dominique Hawkins' beard is undefeated.

16 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Hampton talks about playing Kentucky...and Jesus | 11:13

Watch as Hampton talks about playing Kentucky...and Jesus

17 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns makes a half-court shot | 00:10

Video | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns makes a half-court shot

18 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns does a through-the-legs dunk | 00:18

Video | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns does a through-the-legs dunk

19 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | Thousands of UK fans flood KFC Yum! Center to watch the Cats practice. | 01:22

Kentucky was greeted by thousands of their fans as they participated in the open practice for the NCAA tournament.

20 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Aaron Harrison: America vs. Cats is "fun" | 02:55

Video | UK's Aaron Harrison: America vs. Cats is "fun"

21 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Cauley-Stein previews NCAA opener | 05:49

Video | UK's Cauley-Stein previews NCAA opener

22 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTVideo | UK's Andrew Harrison on flipping a switch | 02:45

Video | UK's Andrew Harrison on flipping a switch

23 of 24

VIDEOS | UK BASKETBALL IN THE 2015 NCAA TOURNAMENTFormer UK and U of L greats on Christian Laettner | 01:29

Former U of L players Milt Wagner and Derwin Webb, and former UK Wildcat Rick Robey on Christian Laettner. Eric Burse, The C-J

24 of 24

Last VideoNext Video

• Video | UK's John Calipari previews Cincinnati

• Video | Cincinnati's Larry Davis Previews Kentucky

• Video | UK's Willie Cauley-Stein on playing at Kentucky

• Video | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part I

• Video | UK's Cauley-Stein holds court, Part II

• Video | UK talks about win over Hampton in NCAA tournament opener

• Video | Kyle Tucker breaks down UK's 79-56 win over Hampton

• Video | Aaron Harrison says UK needs urgency

• Video | Devin Booker on continued cold streak

• Video | Hampton Coach talks about loss to Kentucky

• Video | Andrew Harrison on UK's NCAA-opening win

• Video | UK's Cauley-Stein on ho-hum NCAA opener

• Video | UK's Towns on strong NCAA debut

• Video | UK Pep Rally

• NCAA Quick Takes l There's a certain song Karl-Anthony Towns wants to hear

• Video | Like UK, Dominique Hawkins' beard is undefeated

• Video | Hampton talks about playing Kentucky...and Jesus

• Video | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns makes a half-court shot

• Video | Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns does a through-the-legs dunk

• Video | Thousands of UK fans flood KFC Yum! Center to watch the Cats practice.

• Video | UK's Aaron Harrison: America vs. Cats is "fun"

• Video | UK's Cauley-Stein previews NCAA opener

• Video | UK's Andrew Harrison on flipping a switch

• Former UK and U of L greats on Christian Laettner

Kentucky head coach John Calipari was not too happy with his team's play at the start of the first half against Hampton at the NCAA Louisville Regional. By Scott Utterback, The Courier-Journal March 19, 2015(Photo: Matt Stone/The C_-J)

The locker room was quiet, somber even. Top-seeded Kentucky had led its NCAA Tournament opener by 35 points and won without breaking much of a sweat, but maybe that was the problem. This was not the Wildcats' finest effort.

They knew it, too, so the players sat stoically at their stalls inside the KFC Yum! Center late Thursday night, after a wholly unsatisfying 79-56 victory over 16th-seeded Hampton, unsurprised by the "we expected more" tone of postgame interviews.

"We should expect that out of ourselves," said freshman guard Devin Booker, who made just 1 of 6 shots he took. "Coach expects that out of us. He came in here and told us we didn't play our best game and if we keep playing like that, it's going to be trouble."

A much better Cincinnati team awaits in Saturday afternoon's Round of 32. The eighth-seeded Bearcats (23-10) staged a furious comeback to beat Purdue in the game before Kentucky-Hampton. Depending on when they got back out to the court to see the Wildcats, they're either very impressed or totally underwhelmed.

In one 18-minute span in the middle of the game, UK shot 63 percent, held the Pirates to 17.2 percent and outscored them 49-18. The ugliness was in those other 22 minutes the first 12 and last 10 during which the Cats shot 32.3 percent and were outscored 38-30.

Cincinnati has "guys that aren't going to be afraid of us," Kentucky coach John Calipari said, and if they watched the beginning or the end of Thursday's game, "they probably have in their mind, 'We can beat these guys.' "

The Wildcats (35-0) know what that's like to be the underdog who believes it can pull the upset. That was UK a year ago, an eighth seed who knocked off 35-0 Wichita State in the Round of 32. Those Cats had an edge about them in postseason, and these Cats need to rediscover that.

"Last year, it was a different mindset, definitely, because we were an eight seed. We were just fighting for our lives, really," said sophomore shooting guard Aaron Harrison, who missed all five shots he attempted, "and I think we need that mindset this year as well. It's kind of tough to do that when you're undefeated."

That has always been the question, the danger, as Kentucky kept piling up wins without experiencing a single sting of defeat. Would the Wildcats inevitably succumb to complacency? They say no, that Thursday's lackluster performance and the subsequent shredding by their coaching, served as a sufficient wakeup call.

The Courier-Journal's Kyle Tucker talks about Kentucky easy win over Hampton and their upcoming matchup against Cincinnati.

"A lot of guys didn't play well individually, so we're just going to come out the next game and do the opposite," said point guard Tyler Ulis, who had a season-high four turnovers against the Pirates. "We're going to come out with something to prove to ourselves and to Coach because last game we came out flat."

After 12 minutes against Hampton, which lost more games than it won this season, UK led by just four points and had made only 7 of 21 shots.

"You can't start games like this," Calipari said. "You can't do things that we talk about every day and you choose to do something else. You can't do things on your terms in this tournament, because what happens is you'll have a 12-point lead and then you'll turn around and it will be a two-point game. What just happened?"

Lucky for the Cats, in this case it was a 35-point lead that shriveled to 23. But the point remains.

"You've got to follow the script," Calipari said. "Here's how we play. This is what we do. Here's the energy we play with."

Freshman forward Trey Lyles, despite 10 points and six rebounds, was "pretty disappointed" by what he called a lackadaisical tournament opener for Kentucky.

"We gotta start out with our foot on the gas," he said, "and we can't look back at any point."

In the final 10 minutes against the Pirates, the Cats made just 4 of 13 shots, turned it over seven times and got outscored 24-12. The horde of Kentucky fans that have taken over downtown Louisville for the week grew restless. As did the coach and, by the end, the players.

Video | Aaron Harrison says UK needs urgency Video by Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

Everyone involved knows the simple truth: play like this again and the season could be over early.

"That's basically what we pulled away from here, is we were fortunate that we were able to get the lead high enough, but if we're playing a big-time school then you can't make those mistakes," said junior 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein, who shot 1 for 5. "We're not really worried about what we did; we just gotta take what we did and turn it into something better.

"Me and Book were talking like, 'I wish we played tomorrow. I wish we played now.' Because (it's like) you lost a game. So guys are ready to play again just to redeem themselves."

Kyle Tucker can be reached at (502) 582-4361. Follow him on Twitter @KyleTucker_CJ.

Video | UK's Cauley-Stein on ho-hum NCAA opener

Read or Share this story: http://cjky.it/1C4SO9T

0) { %>

0) { %>

0) { %>

Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/03/20/unbeaten-cats-need-last-years-ncaa-edge-back/25073529/

Continue Reading ..

March Madness 2015: What channel are Friday's NCAA Tournament games on ...

A pair of 14-seeds upsetting Big 12 powers. A controversial goaltending call to decide an outcome in the final 10 seconds. A few overtime thrillers. And a March Madness record for games decided by one point in a single day.

If you thought the initial full-slate of NCAA Tournament games was great, just imagine what Friday's other second-round schedule has to offer.

"Sometimes the first day of the tournament is chalk, and then the upsets start the second day,'' St. John's coach Steve Lavin said. "This appears to be one of those tournaments where the upsets begin right out of the gate. I think the advantage for teams that play on Friday is that you quickly gain a sense of March Madness and how difficult it is to move forward in the brackets, independent of the numbers that are next to your name. A No. 3 or a No. 14 doesn't mean much if a team does not bring the necessary level of effort and execution that gives a team the opportunity to be successful. When you get to the tournament, there are no guarantees.''

Lavin will be hoping his ninth-seeded Red Storm (21-11) can get by San Diego State in the nightcap of the Charlotte, N.C., quadruple-header. The game will tip off approximately 30 minutes after top-seeded Duke's 7:10 p.m. meeting with 16th-seeded Robert Morris.

"I think there's pressure and excitement for everybody,'' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said during a press conference Thursday. "Everybody is zero-and-zero. It's a new season, it's a great season and it's a one-and-done season. So you either feel pressure, or excitement. Hopefully you feel something, and then you respond to whatever you're feeling in a positive manner. But the seed doesn't make a difference. It's your matchup, and your ability to focus on who you're playing in that moment. And hopefully you get a chance to play another moment after that game.''

Here is the full schedule, with game times, TV coverage and announcers:

MORE MARCH MADNESS: Full coverage of 2015 NCAA Tournament

Afternoon action:

(15) New Mexico St. vs. (2) KansasTime: 12:15 p.m.Site: Omaha, Neb.TV: CBS.Announcers: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Len Elmore.

(10) Georgia vs. (7) Michigan St.Time: 12:40 p.m.Site: Charlotte, N.C.TV: truTVAnnouncers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill.

(12) Wyoming vs. (5) Northern IowaTime: 1:40 p.m.Site: Seattle.TV: TBSAnnouncers: Spero Dedes, Mike Gminski.

(12) Buffalo vs. (5) West VirginiaTime: 2:10 p.m.Site: Columbus, Ohio.TV: TNT.Announcers: Ian Eagle, Doug Gottlieb.

How Bobby Hurley fired up his Buffalo team before NCAA Tournament

(10) Indiana vs (7) Wichita StTime: 2:45 p.m.Site: Omaha, Neb.TV: CBS.Announcers: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Len Elmore.

(15) Belmont vs. (2) VirginiaTime: 3:10 pm.Site: Charlotte, N.C.TV: truTV.Announcers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill

(13) UC Irvine vs. (4) LouisvilleTime: 4:10 p.m.Site: Seattle.TV: TBSAnnouncers: Spero Dedes, Mike Gminski.

(13) Valparaiso vs. (4) MarylandTime: 4:40 p.m.Site: Columbus, Ohio.TV: TNT.Announcers: Ian Eagle, Doug Gottlieb.

Evening action:

(9) Oklahoma St. vs. (8) OregonTime: 6:50 p.m.Site: Omaha, Neb.TV: TBS.Announcers: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Len Elmore.

(16) Robert Morris vs (1) DukeTime: 7:10 p.m.Site: Charlotte, N.C.TV: CBS.Announcers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill

(10) Davidson vs. (7) IowaTime: 7:20 p.m.Site: Seattle.TV: TNT.Announcers: Spero Dedes, Mike Gminski.

(14) Albany vs. (3) OklahomaTime: 7:27 p.m.Site: Columbus, Ohio.TV: truTV.Announcers: Ian Eagle, Doug Gottlieb.

(16) Coastal Carolina vs. (1) WisconsinTime: 9:20 p.m.Site: Omaha, Neb.TV: TBS.Announcers: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Len Elmore.

(9) St. John's vs. (8) San DiegoTime: 9:40 p.m.Site: Charlotte, N.C.TV: CBSAnnouncers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill.

(15) North Dakota St. vs. (2) GonzagaTime: 9:50 p.m.Site: Seattle.TV: TNTAnnouncers: Spero Dedes, Mike Gminski.

(11) Dayton vs. (6) ProvidenceTime: 9:57 p.m.Site: Columbus, Ohio.TV: truTVAnnouncers: Ian Eagle, Doug Gottlieb.

BRACKET BOY'S PICKS: See his complete bracket.

Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KSargeantNJ. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.

Source: http://www.nj.com/rutgersbasketball/index.ssf/2015/03/march_madness_2015_what_channel_are_fridays_ncaa_t.html

Continue Reading ..

March Madness Schedule 2015: TV Info and Sleeper Teams for NCAA ...

Joe Raymond/Associated Press

March wouldn't be mad without sleepers.

The NCAA tournament is defined by the underdogs who come from nowhere to start their Cinderella stories at the Big Dance. Unfortunately, many sleepers often ruin brackets in the process. But it's a small price to pay to watch great basketball and appreciate the squad everyone slept on.

There are few things quite like watching an upset in progressespecially ones that happen in the round of 64. Double-digit seeds aren't supposed to beat single-digit seeds. But they do. And it's great.

Below are three sleeper teams who you should be on the lookout for in the NCAA tournament.

All Your Bracket Essentials

TV Info

2015 NCAA Tournament Dates March 17-18 First Round (Dayton, Ohio) TruTV March 19 & 21 Second and Third Round (Jacksonville, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon) CBS, TBS, TNT March 20 & 22 Second and Third Round (Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; Seattle, Washington) CBS, TBS, TNT March 26 Sweet 16 (Midwest and West Regions) CBS, TBS, TNT March 27 Sweet 16 (South and East Regions) CBS, TBS, TNT March 28 Elite Eight (Midwest and West Regions) TBS March 29 Elite Eight (South and East Regions) CBS April 4 Final Four (Indianapolis, Indiana) CBS April 6 National Championship Game (Indianapolis, Indiana) CBS

NCAA.com

Sleepers

Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin, a No. 12 seed, is set to upset Utah, a No. 5 seed, in the round of 64. Simply put, the Utes were overseeded and the Lumberjacks were underseeded.

Finishing the season 28-1, the Lumberjacks absolutely destroyed most of the opponents on their schedule. The Utes, on the other hand, limped to the finish line, winning just three of their final seven contests. This is an upset according to seeding, but honestly not much of an upset at all.

Sam Vecenieof CBSSports.comdescribes the Lumberjacks as a"meticulous buzzsawof offensive efficiency." That's because they led the nation with 17.8 assists per game, which shows a clear willingness to move the ball around until an open shooter is found. It's this unselfish trust in each other that allowed the team to score 79.5 points per game and shoot 49.1 percent from the floor.

Led by Thomas Walkup and Jacob Parker, this offense truly is efficient. Six players shot at least 45 percent from the field, and five players dropped at least 8.4 points per game.

The Lumberjacks don't receive a ton of national attention coming out of the Southland Conference. That'll happen to a mid-major who didn't play a single ranked opponent all season long. But that doesn't mean this team should be overlooked.

Given the streaks each team ended their seasons on, Stephen F. Austin should walk all over Utah in Round 2. That would set up a matchup against either Georgetown or Eastern Washington, both of whom are beatable.

Stephen F. Austin could easily advance to the Sweet 16.

Dayton

Dayton drew the short straw this year. There's absolutely no reason why the Flyers should have played a First Four game against Boise State. Sure, the Broncos gave them a good fight, but Dayton is head and shoulders above most of the lower-ranked teams.

Yahoo Sports' Jeff Eisenbergdescribes just how slighted Dayton was despite a dominant regular season:

The Flyers finished a game out of first place in the Atlantic 10 despite playing the entire conference season with six scholarship players and none taller than 6'6" as a result of the December dismissal of their two top big men. They won 25 games, defeated seven RPI top 100 opponents and only suffered one mediocre loss all season, yet the selection committee relegated them to the First Four behind a handful of teams with lesser resumes.

Dayton went on a miraculous run to the Elite Eight last season, and most of those same players returned for the 2014-15 season. Many would argue that this team is even better this time around, especially with big-game experience under its belt.

Providence is beatable in the round of 64, and so are both Oklahoma and Albany, who are Dayton's potential opponents in the round of 32. The Flyers have beaten better teams this season.

Dyshawn Pierre is the key for Dayton. He's very difficult to guard given how well he can play down low and on the perimeter. He averaged 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season, and Providence will have its hands full trying to contain him. A walking double-double, Pierre could very well become one of the early stars of this tournament.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso isn't the most well known school in the country, but its brand of basketball is now at a point where it can pose a threat to some of the bigger teams in the tournament. Take Maryland, for instance.

The Crusaders are considered underdogs in terms of seeding, yet there's still a strong chance they'll take down the Terrapins, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The Horizon League certainly isn't deep, so it's no surprise that some have been quick to write off Valpo. But sophomore forward Alec Peters is a bright young talent, and he can take over against any opponent. He dropped 16.7 points and pulled down 6.8 boards per game during the regular season, leading the team in both categories.

Defensively, Vashil Fernandez is an absolute beast. He blocked 3.0 shots per game, making the 6'10" senior perhaps one of the most difficult players to drive into the lane against in this tournament. Maryland must be careful when taking the ball down low. He'll swat anything out of the way that he can reach.

It's both the offensive and defensive threats that make Valpo a candidate to win in the round of 64.

"This group is good enough to win one, former Crusaders point guard Greg Tonagel told Paul Oren of NWI.com. "The program is at a point now where getting to the tournament should be expected and now its time to take that next step. Theyll separate themselves if they can do that."

Either West Virginia or Buffalo would await them in the round of 32, another game that could easily be won by the Crusaders.

Kenny DeJohn is a Breaking News Team Featured Columnist. Follow him on Twitter.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2401744-march-madness-schedule-2015-tv-info-and-sleeper-teams-for-ncaa-tournament

Continue Reading ..