Mark Rich

Rich has covered all levels of sport since graduating from Michigan State University in 1992. Prior to joining Basketball News in 1997, he wrote for such publications as Football News, Basketball Weekly and Spartan magazine.

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CHAT

Mark Rich

nino from [166.90.233.245], at 5:07pm ET
Do you think Duke will go all the way without Boozer and Williams coming off an injury

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Mark Rich at 5:09pm ET
Honestly, Nino, even if Boozer and Williams weren't going to play at all in this tournament, I'd give the Blue Devils a fighting chance of making the Elite Eight. But Coach K said that Williams is probably going to be able to play in the first round against Monmouth -- not that he's needed -- and Boozer could be around for games next week "if we make it that far." I think everyone would be absolutely shocked if Duke didn't make it that far, and assuming Williams is back by this weekend, I have the Blue Devils as the eventual champ.

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Matt Frusti from [12.76.115.188], at 5:10pm ET
I would like someone's unbiased opinion on how they think Michigan State will do. Also, I would likes someone's opinion on why many people think Arizona has a really good chance of winning the NCAA Championship.

Thanks,
Matt

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Mark Rich at 5:12pm ET
Well Matt, some might question if I have an unbiased opinion about Michigan State, being a graduate of the school, but I'm not quite as high on the Spartans as some other experts. Having seen Friday's loss to Penn State in person, I know how MSU can hurt itself with missed free throws and turnovers. I think the Spartans will have a tough time getting to the Final Four, but I do think they'll make it there. But my bracket has the Spartans losing to Arizona in the national semifinals.
Which leads to your next question. Arizona has a good chance of winning the title because the Wildcats could be the most talented team in the nation. And coming off a win at Stanford last week, the Wildcats seem to be putting their game together at just the right time. With Gilbert Arenas and Michael Wright playing well offensively, and the entire Arizona squad toughening up defensively, Lute Olson's squad is going to be a tough out in this tourney.

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Chris Nahlik from [134.126.217.120], at 5:13pm ET
What do you think of the UVA and Gonzaga matchup? Do you think the Cavs just have too much firepower, or do you believe that Calvary and Dickau are enough for Gonzaga to come out with the victory?

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CU_Cinderella from [134.48.193.119], at 5:15pm ET
Do you think Creighton Bluejays could beat Iowa in the first round and Kentucky in the second round to meet another Jesuit University (B.C.)in the Sweet 16 like Valpo did a couple of years back? Thanks and GO JAYS!!!

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Mark Rich at 5:20pm ET
seem to be having a little trouble getting my answers posted, but i'm still here...

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Mark Rich at 5:21pm ET
Chris, I love the Virginia-Gonzaga matchup. It's probably the best of the first round. The Cavaliers have tons of firepower, like you said, but they have been very inconsistent, beating teams like Tennessee and Duke but losing to teams they shouldn't be losing to. Gonzaga has thrived in the underdog role the past two years, so they don't fear anyone. I think it's key for Virginia to get off to a fast start or a little doubt will creep into the Cavaliers' heads and Gonzaga will get more and more confidence that it can pull the upset.

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Mark Rich at 5:24pm ET
And CU_Cinderella, I think the Bluejays can definitely upset Iowa in the first round. Their run through the Big Ten tournament aside, the Hawkeyes have struggled since losing Luke Recker to injury. Creighton definitely can play with the Hawkeyes if the Bluejays can hold their own inside.
As far as beating Kentucky ... well, I wouldn't get your hopes up. The Wildcats are one of the hottest teams in the country right now, and with Kentucky's tournament experience, I wouldn't want to be any team taking on the 'Cats right now.

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Jon from [216.233.139.106], at 5:24pm ET
Do you think BC has a chance to come out of the east? I know it's stocked with talent but BC can play with anyone. What do you think?

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Mark Rich at 5:25pm ET
BC definitely has a chance, but the Eagles will have to make a big turnaround if they're going to win a rematch against Duke. The question with BC is the lack of tournament experience. How well will the Eagles handle tournament pressure? I think it's critical for Troy Bell to be playing at his best if the Eagles are going to make a run at the Blue Devils.

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Vangelis from Greece from [194.219.104.158], at 5:26pm ET
What are the chances for a Duke-Arizona final,and what are your predictions if so?

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Mark Rich at 5:28pm ET
That's the final I'm predicting Vangelis, and I think the outcome will depend on Carlos Boozer's health. Against the Wildcats, the Blue Devils will need all the front line people they can get, so Boozer will be a big key. Loren Woods, Michael Wright and Gene Edgerson love to get physical inside, so Duke can't afford to get into foul trouble in that matchup. The Blue Devils would probably try to go a little up-tempo and small to see if they can get some easy baskets against the Cats, but with Gilbert Arenas and Richard Jefferson, Arizona might have the athletes to run with the Devils in that case.

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Chad from [64.5.99.132], at 5:29pm ET
Does Illinois have a chance in hell to make it past the second round? Who will they likley see in that second round match up?

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Mark Rich at 5:31pm ET
Of the four No. 1 seeds, Illinois seems to be getting the most questions asked about it. But the Illini have played a tough schedule all year long and they should be prepared for their second-round matchup against either Charlotte or Tennessee -- I'm saying it'll be the Vols. When Illinois plays its game, it's one of the top teams in the country. Remember, they played Duke down to the wire and beat Michigan State. I'd be surprised if Bill Self's squad wasn't in the Sweet 16.

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Ross from [208.129.51.250], at 5:32pm ET
Why do you think Stanford got to play in San Diego anf then if they win the first 2 games they play in Anaheim. Isn't that a little unfair for a homevourt advantage. It happened last year for Michiagan state against Iowa State. I mean why cant they make it a little more fair?

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Mark Rich at 5:34pm ET
I'm not sure who you want it to be fairer for, Ross. Stanford lost just two games this season, so they're being rewarded by being the top seed in the West and playing in their home state. It's not like the Cardinal are playing at their home. That's why No. 1 seeds are so coveted, because top seeds usually get to play close to home. One exception to that this year is Michigan State, which is a No. 1 but will be playing in Memphis and Atlanta, not exactly a short commute. Top seeds get rewarded for their regular-season performance by getting choice locations to play in.

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Brian from [152.163.201.72], at 5:35pm ET
How far do you think Maryland will make it in the tournament

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Mark Rich at 5:36pm ET
I like the Terrapins a lot, especially in a region with Iowa State as the No. 2 seed. Maryland has loads of talent and has played Duke tough in all three of its matchups, winning one. In my bracket, I have the Terrapins playing Stanford in the West final, with the Cardinal coming out on top, but just barely.

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Beau from [208.247.12.202], at 5:37pm ET
What do you think of Indiana State's chances against Oklahoma? I have them picked as the Cinderella of 2001, yet no one with the exception of Rick Majerus has mentioned them.....After they dismantled Creighton in the Mo Valley Tournament I would have thought they would get more notice......

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Mark Rich at 5:39pm ET
Just like I'm wary of Iowa as a favorite just because it won the Big Ten tournament, I have a little trouble giving Indiana State a lot of credence simply because it got hot for three days at the MVC tournament. The Sycamores were fifth in the Missouri Valley in the regular season, so it's hard to imagine that their hot streak in the conference tournament -- already more than a week old -- is going to carry on against a Sooners team that is always a tough tournament squad.

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iwahawks from [63.231.179.189], at 5:40pm ET
Mark, why did the NCAA committe decide to pick 2 of the lower conferences to play the play-in game. Why not have the 2 best teams on the bubble..i.e. Alabama, U-conn or Richmond play then sed the winner accordingly?

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Mark Rich at 5:42pm ET
I've heard that idea before and I agree whole-heartedly. Two automatic bid teams don't deserve to be in the play-in game, with the loser not even a part of all that goes into the Field of 64. I like the thought of two bubble teams having to prove themselves to get into the tournament. Have two possible No. 11 seeds that weren't automatic qualifiers - say Oklahoma State and Xavier this year - battle it out to get into the tournament. You'd certainly have more viewers and interest in that game that you will for tonight's contest.

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Ross from [208.129.51.250], at 5:44pm ET
What teams do you think have been over rated in their seedings and which teams have been under seeded?

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Mark Rich at 5:46pm ET
I definitely think Indiana got a little too much credit in the seeding, rating as a No. 4 seed while Ohio State - which finished ahead of the Hoosiers in the Big Ten standings - getting a No. 5. I thought North Carolina deserved a No. 1 seed over either Michigan State or Illinois, especially after the Tar Heels got to the championship game of their tournament while neither the Illini or Spartans got to the title game in theirs. And I was very surprised that St. Joseph's was relegated to a No. 9 seed, earning them a very tough game with Georgia Tech in the first round.

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Prime Time Playa! from [216.170.61.16], at 5:48pm ET
What player will we all hear about that we never have heard before the tourney started?

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Mark Rich at 5:51pm ET
You've probably heard of Gilbert Arenas before, but I think he's on the verge of major stardom in this tournament. Arenas has been overshadowed a bit in Arizona's talented lineup, but he's the guy that determines whether or not the Wildcats are going to go far in this tournament. When Arenas is hitting from outside and getting out on the break, the Wildcats can be very tough to stop.

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FriarFan from [152.163.206.204], at 5:53pm ET
Hey Mark does Xavier have a chance to pull an uspet and beat Notre Dame?

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Mark Rich at 5:55pm ET
Definitely. In fact, I've picked the Musketeers to upset the Irish in that first-round matchup. Xavier was really a tough team all year long, beating Cincinnati in the early season and playing very well in the Atlantic 10. The Irish haven't been playing their best in recent weeks, and I wonder how much just getting to the NCAAs will satisfy the Irish players.

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Big Mess from [207.159.92.12], at 5:56pm ET
There seem to be a lot of "upsets" people think are likely, but I'd like to know what you think about the chances of these teams: BYU, Ga State, Hawaii, Temple.

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Mark Rich at 5:58pm ET
Honestly, of those four teams, I like Georgia State the most. The Panthers have an outstanding record and Lefty Driesell has a pair of outstanding guards, which is important in the tournament. Wisconsin has struggled and could have a lot of problems scoring against the tight defense that the Panthers employ. If you want an upset special of those four games, that would be my pick.

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Mark Rich at 6:00pm ET
Hey, it's been a lot of fun, but I have to get going. Thanks for all the questions. Come back next week for another Basketball News Chat Show, and check out our extensive NCAA tournament coverage on www.basketballnews.com. Thanks and enjoy the games.

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