Blame it on Reno

Reno - hoops

By Albert Neri II

The Blame it on Reno (BIOR) usual stance is to stay far, far away from action on pro basketball and NHL hockey.  Maybe, there's an exception with the CSKA team in EuroLeague or a once in a blue moon play on the NBA. On the other hand, March Madness is ready for the taking. Be careful, my friends, as they say, you must "stay thirsty."

After witnessing the biggest collapse in NCAA tournament history when Iona blew a 25-point lead over BYU, the Blame it on Reno crew took stock and have held their own on the official Day One of the tourney. Winners were Baylor, Marquette, Vandy and Kansas State.

Blue Horseshoe liked Blue Star but BIOR likes Tom Crean and Indiana.

First Round or First Four:

Most of the Sharpies stay clear of the new first round. BIOR tends to agree, allowing a little more time to figure the trends and stay abreast of the possible nagging injuries from the conference tourneys.  Bad match-ups, with size/strength and pro bodies vs. small conference and barely Div. I players is a tell-tale sign. 

The match-up that stands out, in terms of different styles of play is BYU vs. Iona, NY  While Iona was being trashed by national media as a team that shouldn't have been in the 68-team tournament, the average Joe will turn to the better known BYU squad, a team inconsistent at best.  Iona getting 2+.  Take the points and play as many as 5 garden apartment units.

More to come.