Duke makes it look easy, to play for title Monday
By Ken Tysiac
ktysiac@charlotteoberver.com
Posted: Sunday, Apr. 04, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS -- One of Duke's coaches shouted to guard Nolan Smith as the shot clock wound down with West Virginia desperately needing to stop the Blue Devils to get back in the game.
"Six, five."
Smith dribbled right, turned the corner at the free throw line and drove for a gorgeous right-handed layup with 7 minutes, 7 seconds remaining.
Too easy. In what was supposed to be a defensive duel, West Virginia never found a way to stop Smith, Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer as Duke rolled to a 78-57 win Saturday night in the NCAA semifinals in front of a crowd of 71,298 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Blue Devils used excellent 3-point shooting and tenacious rebounding by center Brian Zoubek to advance to the NCAA championship game for the first time since they won the 2001 NCAA title.
Duke (34-5), the No. 1 seed out of the South Region, will play No. 5 regional seed Butler (33-4) at 9:21 p.m. Monday in the NCAA championship game.
This season's Duke team crashed its way into the Final Four by depending largely on physical half-court defense. On Saturday, though, Duke's half-court offense cranked into high gear.
Scheyer scored 23 points, Singler 21 and Smith 19 Duke shot 29-for-55 from the field, including 13-for-25 from 3-point range.
"Can't we guard?" exasperated West Virginia coach Bob Huggins pleaded with his team early in the second half.
They couldn't, and Zoubek added to the offense as he crashed the boards hard with his 7-foot-1 frame to grab 10 rebounds. He added three assists, many of them on kick-out passes to 3-point shooters after offensive rebounds.
It wasn't a perfect night for Duke, by any means. West Virginia (31-7), the No. 2 seed from the East Regional, demonstrated on offense in the first half why it had won the Big East tournament and upset top-seeded Kentucky in the regional final.
The Mountaineers shot 13-for-26 from the field in the first half, but West Virginia's defense never found an answer for Duke.
After a week of questions from reporters about how Duke would handle West Virginia's 1-3-1 zone defense, the Mountaineers opened in a man-to-man.
Regardless of the defense used, junior forward Singler was ready after shooting an abysmal 0-for-10 from the field in the Blue Devils' regional final win over Baylor.
The Blue Devils immediately got the ball to Singler in the low post on a set play. The shot was blocked, but Singler bounced back quickly. Coach Mike Krzyzewski clapped his hands hard after Singler scored early on a driving layup.
By halftime, Singler had 14 points on 6-for-12 from the field as Duke was on target from 3-point range. Smith made three 3-pointers and Singler and Scheyer two apiece as Duke led by as many as 11 points in the first half and held a 39-31 advantage at halftime.
West Virginia tried its zone just once before halftime. Smith immediately sank a 3-pointer to take the Mountaineers out of it.
The only negative point for the Blue Devils in the first half was that Smith committed three fouls and spent the final 2:54 of the half on the bench.
Although West Virginia closed the gap to six points early in the second half, Scheyer immediately answered with a 3-pointer from the wing with 15:28 remaining, and Duke began to pull away to a lead that reached 15 points.
ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com or 919-829-8942
Easter Sunday 2010
I went on an Easter Sunday journey. One that I never knew would be so fruitful. It took me to Downtown Los Angeles, East L.A., Pasadena, Little Tokyo, the Rose Bowl and Angels Flight.
Part 1: Mass. I went to the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, and I was a bit sleepy, but energized. Actually, my mom didn't even wake me up. I dreamt I was in the middle of a swimming pool, ablw to swim from one end to the other without drowning. And once I rose up, I suddenly looked at the time.
3:45 AM!? The first bus already left Del Amo Station! Actually, I missed two more trains heading northbound. Now I had to transfer to a special shuttle because of road work on Pico/Chick Hearn Station. You see, the new Expo Line is being built. Therefore, some roadwork had to be done.
Once I got to the Cathedral (I transferred via Civic Center), I see that the gates are closed. Well this will give to eat breakfast. So I think that I head off at McDonald's. Instead, the place is occupied by a Famima!!. Drat. So I decided, ah well. Four hash browns, two curry buns and a hatful of tea shouldn't be too much to ask, right?
So after I eat breakfast, I go back on the train, get off at Civic Center...lo and behold, the place is open. Divine intervention, maybe?
The pastor of this church is a clergyman by the name of Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. He talked about the trip with his company of clergy to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and of the local Franciscan Friar who asked why they traveled 8,000 miles to come here. Now I don't know if a Friar would logically be so rude as to turn someone away after they traveled so long out of a labor of love to come to a sacred spot as this. Doesn't make any sense, you know?
I didn't say this at the mass, but now that I thik about it...it was just a clever cover-up to hide the real issue, which is the scandal that all you blogging minds have been inundated with and chose to inundate other vigin blogging souls with. Yes, you know what I'm talking about.
But we'll save that for another time.
Anyway, the place is swell. The masses here are a little longer, a little more elaborate, and the architecture is different from the churches you see elsewhere. Now, I understand the anger some parishioners had regarding the design, but let's be honest. This was made in 2002, not 1902. There is a difference. A 1902 design would be consistent with the other churches not affected by the Northridge quake. Heck, if the Big One of 1994 never happened, this Church would never have been constructed, and we would've been stuck with St. Vibiana's Cathedral (which is a now degenerated into an mere events hosting venue). And this draws over 1,000,000 churchgoers a year. So if whoever decries the architecture still goes to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for mass, the Bedlam will right now lay the gauntlet and declare the said person to be a hypocrite and a fool.
Part 2: The Angels Flight. I learned about Angels Flight a few days ago. This was a little, unassuming, historical railroad that only returned to business a few weeks ago. Now Angels Flight, with its two cars of Sinai and Olivet moving up and down the track, shut down in 2001 after the death of an elderly couple riding it. The operator of that train fled to Mexico to avoid being extradited. Ouch.
So it took nine years-NINE YEARS!-before Angels Flight was ready for takeoff. To celebrate, I brought the plush version of the band minus Azusa (she is still being shipped and won't arrive until mid-April), to sit down and ride the train. It was beautiful to ride something as old as this-and the band is riding it, too. Magical.
Part 3: Atlantic. So now, I decided to tour the Eastside Extension of the Gold Line for the first time. Just a few months ago, the Eastside Extension to Atlantic Station opened. It included an abandoned subway originally intended for the Red Line. That is now part of the Gold Line. I took a few shots here and there of the station...and one of the popular eateries nearby. I think this should be familiar to you, if you are a citizen of a country on this planet.
Part 4: Sierra Madre Villa. Okay, so I've already gone to the southern terminus, why not the northern terminus? Oooh. Northern terminus. Let's see....hmmmm, that has to be...Oh! I got it! Sierra Madre Villa Station!
I am such a genius.
And so I took the Gold Line all the way to Pasadena. This was the first time I entered the city since the Tournament of Roses on January 1. So it's been more than three months. Couldn't resist. So I went to the northern terminus and took some shots.
Part 5: The Rose Bowl. My feet were hurting like heck when I went to the Rose Bowl. But I did go. This is the plan.
- Get off at Memorial Park
- Walk up Fair Oaks north to Mountain St.
- Turn left at Mountain St.
- Follow Mountain St. until it becomes Seco St. Keep going.
- Stadium is at your right.
Part 6: St. Andrew's Church. The main church in the heart of Pasadena is the oldest. I love the campanile that's there. I couldn't locate the city hall because I was short on time, but I decided, I'll just take some photos of this instead.
Part 9: A Sikh Festival!? Now this wasn't what I was expecting. I head up the stairs to try to get to the shuttle on 7th and Hope, and I find that I am stuck in Slumdog Millionaire...without being blown up by some uncultured female suicide bomber. Aren't I lucky. Non merde.
And would you believe it, the car is dedicated to my favorite Long Beach suburb: Lakewood.
BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Aquamarine Match Day 7
Expect high turnouts for this one.
ARENA 01: [Louise Vallière] Fukuji Mihoko by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 02: Furude Hanyū [Hirasawa Ui] by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 03: Senjōgahara Hitagi [Hirasawa Yui] by <=800
Over/Under: 5600
Under
ARENA 04: [Misaka Mikoto] Aisaka Taiga by <=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Over
ARENA 05: Furude Rika [C.C.] by >=400
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 06: [Fate Testarossa] Holo by >700
Over/Under: 5200
Over
ARENA 07: Tōsaka Rin [Sakagami Tomoyo] by <=800
Over/Under: 5600
Under
ARENA 08: [Asahina Mikuru] Maria by >600
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 09: [Furukawa Nagisa] Saginomiya Isumi by <800
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 10: Nymph [Sunohara Mei] by >=700
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 11: Nagato Yuki [Akiyama Mio] by <=700
Over/Under: 5400
Over
ARENA 12: Fujibayashi Kyō [Katsura Hinagiku] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 13: Haramura Nodoka [Saten Ruiko] by >=1100
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 14: Shiina Mafuyu [Nakano Azusa] by >=800
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 15: [Akaba Chizuru] Kushieda Minori by >500
Over/Under: 4950
Under
ARENA 16: Izumi Konata [Suzumiya Haruhi] by <=800
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 17: Ibuki Fūko [Takamachi Nanoha] by <=700
Over/Under: 5200
Over
ARENA 18: [Konjiki no Yami] Ikaros by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 19: Saber [Shana] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 20: [Hiiragi Tsukasa] Fujibayashi Ryō by <600
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 21: [Okazaki Ushio] Minami Chiaki by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 22: [Kawashima Ami] Shiina Minatsu by <=800
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 23: Ichinose Kotomi [Illyasviel von Einzbern] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Hiiragi Kagami [Sengoku Nadeko] by >=800
Over/Under: 5000
ARENA 25: [Sakurano Kurimu] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=500
Over/Under: 5500
Under
ARENA 26: [Yuffie Kisaragi] KOS-MOS by >=100
Over/Under: 4500
Under
ARENA 01: [Louise Vallière] Fukuji Mihoko by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 02: Furude Hanyū [Hirasawa Ui] by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 03: Senjōgahara Hitagi [Hirasawa Yui] by <=800
Over/Under: 5600
Under
ARENA 04: [Misaka Mikoto] Aisaka Taiga by <=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Over
ARENA 05: Furude Rika [C.C.] by >=400
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 06: [Fate Testarossa] Holo by >700
Over/Under: 5200
Over
ARENA 07: Tōsaka Rin [Sakagami Tomoyo] by <=800
Over/Under: 5600
Under
ARENA 08: [Asahina Mikuru] Maria by >600
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 09: [Furukawa Nagisa] Saginomiya Isumi by <800
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 10: Nymph [Sunohara Mei] by >=700
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 11: Nagato Yuki [Akiyama Mio] by <=700
Over/Under: 5400
Over
ARENA 12: Fujibayashi Kyō [Katsura Hinagiku] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 13: Haramura Nodoka [Saten Ruiko] by >=1100
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 14: Shiina Mafuyu [Nakano Azusa] by >=800
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 15: [Akaba Chizuru] Kushieda Minori by >500
Over/Under: 4950
Under
ARENA 16: Izumi Konata [Suzumiya Haruhi] by <=800
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 17: Ibuki Fūko [Takamachi Nanoha] by <=700
Over/Under: 5200
Over
ARENA 18: [Konjiki no Yami] Ikaros by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 19: Saber [Shana] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 20: [Hiiragi Tsukasa] Fujibayashi Ryō by <600
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 21: [Okazaki Ushio] Minami Chiaki by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 22: [Kawashima Ami] Shiina Minatsu by <=800
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 23: Ichinose Kotomi [Illyasviel von Einzbern] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Hiiragi Kagami [Sengoku Nadeko] by >=800
Over/Under: 5000
ARENA 25: [Sakurano Kurimu] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=500
Over/Under: 5500
Under
ARENA 26: [Yuffie Kisaragi] KOS-MOS by >=100
Over/Under: 4500
Under
Butler 52, Michigan State 50
Butler Bulldogs will play for national title with 52-50 win over Michigan State
By Steve Yanda
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 4, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS -- Playing in its first Final Four in school history, Butler struggled to shoot, but it did not struggle to handle the spotlight of performing on college basketball's grandest stage in front of a hometown crowd. The Bulldogs held off Michigan State for a 52-50 win and advanced to play in Monday night's national title game.
Led by junior forward Gordon Hayward, who tallied 19 points and eight rebounds, Butler shot just 30.6 percent but made up for it with stingy defense. The Bulldogs registered 12 steals and forced 16 Michigan State turnovers.
With 56.3 seconds remaining in the game, Michigan State forward Draymond Green made a pair of free throws to pull the Spartans within one point. Butler guard Ronald Nored missed a short-range shot attempt on the Bulldogs' ensuing possession, and the Spartans grabbed the rebound.
After a Michigan State timeout with 23 seconds to play, the Spartans inbounded the ball and found Green in the lane. He missed a turnaround jumper and Nored grabbed the rebound with 6.1 seconds left. Nored was fouled immediately and made both of his free throws at the other end, pushing Butler's lead to three.
Throughout the month of March, the Bulldogs have insisted to anyone who would listen that they are not the Cinderella that their conference affiliation would suggest. Yes, Butler plays in the Horizon League, and yes, technically, Butler is a mid-major program.
But Cinderella? The Bulldogs -- who were ranked in the top 10 at the season's outset and who carried a 24-game winning streak into Saturday's game -- will stick to sneakers instead of glass slippers, thank you.
Butler took the lead with just more than 18 minutes remaining in the second half and steadily built it from there. The Bulldogs -- not the Spartans, who were competing in their second Final Four in as many seasons -- played as though they were the experienced bunch that had played on this stage before.
With just more than 12 minutes to play, Butler forward Willie Veasley stole the ball from Michigan State point guard Korie Lucious and surged downcourt for a fast-break dunk to push the Bulldogs' lead to seven.
However, Butler would not record another made field goal for more than 10 minutes. The shooting of Lucious, Green and Durrell Summers kept Michigan State in contention. The Spartan trio shot a combined 13 for 27 from the field. Summers led the Spartans with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Hampering Michigan State's cause was the fact that senior forward Raymar Morgan -- one of the Spartans' leading scorers -- got into early foul trouble and never found his rhythm. Morgan picked up three fouls in the first 10 minutes of the game and played only eight minutes in the first half. He drew his fourth foul with 12 minutes 38 seconds remaining in the game and was benched immediately.
Butler had several opportunities to extend its lead and perhaps put the game away, but the Bulldogs struggled to find their shooting touch all night long. And it eluded them down the stretch, as well.
But Butler's defense continued to come through on a night when the shots did not often fall. With 2:27 to play, Nored stole the ball from Green and fed Veasley, who was fouled. Veasley made one of his two ensuing free throws to push Butler's lead to four.
Butler is not known for possessing a fluid and efficient transition offense. In fact, the Bulldogs make up for their lack of front-court size by frequently sending all five players to the defensive glass. They're not usually the most prolific bunch when it comes to forcing turnovers, either.
But against Michigan State, Butler played at a quicker tempo than usual. With 35 seconds remaining in the first half, Bulldogs guard Shawn Vanzant stole the ball from Lucious. Vanzant fed the ball to Shelvin Mack, who pulled up for a quick three-pointer before the Spartans' defense had a chance to get set. The shot was true, and the score was knotted up, 28-28, at halftime.
Made baskets came at a premium before the intermission, which shouldn't have come as much surprise considering the track records of each participant. Butler had not allowed an opponent to score as many as 60 points during its NCAA tournament run, and Michigan State's foes averaged 64.1 points per game on the season.
On Saturday, neither squad made more than 10 baskets before the break. During a stretch that lasted 4:39 during the latter part of the first half, the two teams registered three points -- combined.
Mack and Hayward shouldered the scoring load for Butler in the first half, combining to tally 25 of the Bulldogs' 28 points.
By Steve Yanda
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 4, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS -- Playing in its first Final Four in school history, Butler struggled to shoot, but it did not struggle to handle the spotlight of performing on college basketball's grandest stage in front of a hometown crowd. The Bulldogs held off Michigan State for a 52-50 win and advanced to play in Monday night's national title game.
Led by junior forward Gordon Hayward, who tallied 19 points and eight rebounds, Butler shot just 30.6 percent but made up for it with stingy defense. The Bulldogs registered 12 steals and forced 16 Michigan State turnovers.
With 56.3 seconds remaining in the game, Michigan State forward Draymond Green made a pair of free throws to pull the Spartans within one point. Butler guard Ronald Nored missed a short-range shot attempt on the Bulldogs' ensuing possession, and the Spartans grabbed the rebound.
After a Michigan State timeout with 23 seconds to play, the Spartans inbounded the ball and found Green in the lane. He missed a turnaround jumper and Nored grabbed the rebound with 6.1 seconds left. Nored was fouled immediately and made both of his free throws at the other end, pushing Butler's lead to three.
Throughout the month of March, the Bulldogs have insisted to anyone who would listen that they are not the Cinderella that their conference affiliation would suggest. Yes, Butler plays in the Horizon League, and yes, technically, Butler is a mid-major program.
But Cinderella? The Bulldogs -- who were ranked in the top 10 at the season's outset and who carried a 24-game winning streak into Saturday's game -- will stick to sneakers instead of glass slippers, thank you.
Butler took the lead with just more than 18 minutes remaining in the second half and steadily built it from there. The Bulldogs -- not the Spartans, who were competing in their second Final Four in as many seasons -- played as though they were the experienced bunch that had played on this stage before.
With just more than 12 minutes to play, Butler forward Willie Veasley stole the ball from Michigan State point guard Korie Lucious and surged downcourt for a fast-break dunk to push the Bulldogs' lead to seven.
However, Butler would not record another made field goal for more than 10 minutes. The shooting of Lucious, Green and Durrell Summers kept Michigan State in contention. The Spartan trio shot a combined 13 for 27 from the field. Summers led the Spartans with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Hampering Michigan State's cause was the fact that senior forward Raymar Morgan -- one of the Spartans' leading scorers -- got into early foul trouble and never found his rhythm. Morgan picked up three fouls in the first 10 minutes of the game and played only eight minutes in the first half. He drew his fourth foul with 12 minutes 38 seconds remaining in the game and was benched immediately.
Butler had several opportunities to extend its lead and perhaps put the game away, but the Bulldogs struggled to find their shooting touch all night long. And it eluded them down the stretch, as well.
But Butler's defense continued to come through on a night when the shots did not often fall. With 2:27 to play, Nored stole the ball from Green and fed Veasley, who was fouled. Veasley made one of his two ensuing free throws to push Butler's lead to four.
Butler is not known for possessing a fluid and efficient transition offense. In fact, the Bulldogs make up for their lack of front-court size by frequently sending all five players to the defensive glass. They're not usually the most prolific bunch when it comes to forcing turnovers, either.
But against Michigan State, Butler played at a quicker tempo than usual. With 35 seconds remaining in the first half, Bulldogs guard Shawn Vanzant stole the ball from Lucious. Vanzant fed the ball to Shelvin Mack, who pulled up for a quick three-pointer before the Spartans' defense had a chance to get set. The shot was true, and the score was knotted up, 28-28, at halftime.
Made baskets came at a premium before the intermission, which shouldn't have come as much surprise considering the track records of each participant. Butler had not allowed an opponent to score as many as 60 points during its NCAA tournament run, and Michigan State's foes averaged 64.1 points per game on the season.
On Saturday, neither squad made more than 10 baskets before the break. During a stretch that lasted 4:39 during the latter part of the first half, the two teams registered three points -- combined.
Mack and Hayward shouldered the scoring load for Butler in the first half, combining to tally 25 of the Bulldogs' 28 points.
ISML 2010: Railgun on the doorstep
ISML 2010: Railgun on the doorstep
April 2, 2010
The 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine Phase continued with Match Day 6, and Mikoto Misaka is now one victory away from securing the Aquamarine necklace. She crushed Nagisa Furukawa 3001-2093 on Holy Thursday.
"The job's not done yet for this one," Misaka said. "And even if I were to win on Sunday, it will still boil down to the numbers. I don't know who I'm facing, but Mio Akiyama can still jump past me if I don't win emphatically enough. So nothing should be left to chance."
Misaka will be wrapping up the Aquamarine against Taiga Aisaka. A win will certainly seal the deal for either one. Aisaka scored a businesslike 3101-1887 decision over Chizuru AKaba.
Akiyama herself will have more to gain from her match against Yuki Nagato on Match Day 7 after a 3157-1934 dismantling of Kotomi Ichinose. Nagato scored a 3126-2015 win over C.C. A victory for the main protagonist from "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya" would inject new faith in the well-established SOS Brigade.
"The voters will be itching for a change," Akiyama said. "I think I can do the spearheading honors."
Hinagiku Katsura shouldn't overlook Kyou Fujibayashi, who took down Mikuru Asahina 2913-2116. But the student council president of the Hakuoh Academy argues that it isn't anything unmanageable.
"If you look at my recent match today, I dismantled Maria 3558-1151," the denfending ISML champion said after her contest. "Not only am I capable of putting up a good fight against Kyou, but I am capable of winning it handily."
In spite of the ambitious intentions, there is a chance that Katsura will be on the outside looking in even if she goes perfect because Saber and Shana are also unbeaten heading into Showdown Sunday, where they will be facing each other in what will be an exciting swordfight.
Saber, known also as Arthuria Pendragon, tore past Nanoha Takamachi 2932-1992 while Shana burned Minatsu Shiina 3411-1676.
Other exciting matches to look out for on Easter Sunday include Fate Testarossa vs. Holo, Yui Hirasawa vs. Hitagi Senjougahara, Nagi Sanzen'in vs. Kurimu Sakurano, Kagami Hiiragi vs. Nadeko Sengoku, Rika Furude vs. C.C. and Rin Tosaka vs. Tomoyo Sakagami.
In other Match Day 6 action...Isumi Saginomiya defeated MInori Kushieda 2448-2390, Yui Hirasawa rolled past Hanyuu Furude 3096-1799, Holo chomped Mei Sunohara 2951-1915, Kagami Hiiragi cruised past Nodoka Haramura 3476-1157, Sengoku was all business against Ruiko Saten 2837-1930 and Haruhi Suzumiya was never out of it against Chiaki Minami in a 3345-1606 thumping.
Azusa Nakano knocked down Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2955-1969, Sakurano defeated Tsukasa Hiiragi 2705-2022, Sanzen'in scored a easy 3152-1793 victory over Ui Hirasawa, Testarossa put Ryou Fujibayashi to bed 2851-1861, Senjougahara was all over Nymph 2839-1769 and Mafuyu Shiina chalked up a 3323-1012 landslide victory over Mihoko Fukuji.
Finally, Tosaka whipped past Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 2812-1919, Sakagami slammed the door shut on Ikaros 2995-1780, Illyasviel von Einzbern rocked Fuuko Ibuki 2672-2120 and Konata Izumi laid the law on Ushio Okazaki 2758-1992.
In the special match, a different Suzumiya (not related to Haruhi) came out a big winner. Akana Suzumiya from Runbling Hearts defeated Kaleido Star's Sora Naegino 1784-1291.
Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com on April 4. The Topaz phase gets underway the following Sunday, April 11, 2010.
BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Aquamarine Match Day 6
ARENA 01: Saginomiya Isumi [Kushieda Minori] >=1000
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 02: [Katsura Hinagiku] Maria by >=1000
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 03: [Nagato Yuki] C.C. by <=1400
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 04: Ichinose Kotomi [Akiyama Mio] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 05: [Hirasawa Yui] Furude Hanyū by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 06: [Holo] Sunohara Mei by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 07: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Asahina Mikuru by >=800
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 08: [Hiiragi Kagami] Haramura Nodoka by >=1300
Over/Under: 4000
Over
ARENA 09: [Sengoku Nadeko] Saten Ruiko by <=1200
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 10: Furukawa Nagisa [Misaka Mikoto] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 11: Shiina Minatsu [Shana] by >=800
Over/Under: 4600
Over
ARENA 12: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Minami Chiaki by <=1300
Over/Under: 4300
Over
ARENA 13: [Nakano Azusa] Louise Vallière by >=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 14: [Sakurano Kurimu] Hiiragi Tsukasa by <=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 15: [Sanzen'in Nagi] Hirasawa Ui by >=700
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 16: [Fate Testarossa] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=1000
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 17: Nymph [Senjōgahara Hitagi] by >=900
Over/Under: 4800
Under
ARENA 18: [Shiina Mafuyu] Fukuji Mihoko by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Under
ARENA 19: [Kawashima Ami] Furude Rika by >=750
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 20: Konjiki no Yami [Tōsaka Rin] by >=1100
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 21: [Aisaka Taiga] Akaba Chizuru by <=1200
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 22: Ikaros [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=1200
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 23: [Takamachi Nanoha] Saber by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Illyasviel von Einzbern [Ibuki Fūko] by >=900
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 25: [Izumi Konata] Okazaki Ushio by >=700
Over/Under: 5000
Under
Special Match
ARENA 26: [Naegino Sora] Suzumiya Akane by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Over
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 02: [Katsura Hinagiku] Maria by >=1000
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 03: [Nagato Yuki] C.C. by <=1400
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 04: Ichinose Kotomi [Akiyama Mio] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 05: [Hirasawa Yui] Furude Hanyū by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 06: [Holo] Sunohara Mei by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 07: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Asahina Mikuru by >=800
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 08: [Hiiragi Kagami] Haramura Nodoka by >=1300
Over/Under: 4000
Over
ARENA 09: [Sengoku Nadeko] Saten Ruiko by <=1200
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 10: Furukawa Nagisa [Misaka Mikoto] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 11: Shiina Minatsu [Shana] by >=800
Over/Under: 4600
Over
ARENA 12: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Minami Chiaki by <=1300
Over/Under: 4300
Over
ARENA 13: [Nakano Azusa] Louise Vallière by >=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 14: [Sakurano Kurimu] Hiiragi Tsukasa by <=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 15: [Sanzen'in Nagi] Hirasawa Ui by >=700
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 16: [Fate Testarossa] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=1000
Over/Under: 4200
Over
ARENA 17: Nymph [Senjōgahara Hitagi] by >=900
Over/Under: 4800
Under
ARENA 18: [Shiina Mafuyu] Fukuji Mihoko by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Under
ARENA 19: [Kawashima Ami] Furude Rika by >=750
Over/Under: 4500
Over
ARENA 20: Konjiki no Yami [Tōsaka Rin] by >=1100
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 21: [Aisaka Taiga] Akaba Chizuru by <=1200
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 22: Ikaros [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=1200
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 23: [Takamachi Nanoha] Saber by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Illyasviel von Einzbern [Ibuki Fūko] by >=900
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 25: [Izumi Konata] Okazaki Ushio by >=700
Over/Under: 5000
Under
Special Match
ARENA 26: [Naegino Sora] Suzumiya Akane by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Over
ISML 2010: Mio chases Mikoto to the top after Aquamarine 5
ISML 2010: Mio chases Mikoto to the top after Aquamarine 5
March 30, 2010
The chase for the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine necklace continued on Match Day 5, and Mikoto Misaka stayed at the top of the table once again. The Railgun blasted her way to a 2855-1262 blowout of Minori Kushieda.
Chasing her at the top is Mio Akiyama. Known around Sakuragaoka High School as the "Dangerous Queen" for her long black hair and slanted eyebrows that imply a mysterious countenance, she slashed Illyasviel von Einzbern 2717-1547 to move up to second on the table.
Yuki Nagato remained third with a decisive 2800-1345 trouncing of Rika Furude. Fourth-place Taiga Aisaka kept her spot with an easy 2676-1456 walkover of Isumi Saginomiya. Saber kept her fifth-place spot with a 2575-1584 slashing of Fuuko Ibuki.
Others with an outside chance of winning the necklace include defending champion Hinagiku Katsura and Shana. Katsura was all over Mikuru Asahina, storming the gates 2764-1495 while Shana torched an overmatched Ami Kawashima 3067-1223.
The news of the seven remaining in the hunt sparked massive debate in the campus squads, co-ops classrooms and halls on who deserves the "Necklace that Controls the Oceans" across Hakuoh Academy in Nerima, Nishinomiya's East Senior High, Sakuragaoka and Tokiwadai Junior High in Academy City.
"I never thought that Mio-chan was going to be this serious of a contender for the necklace," said a beaming Yui Hirasawa, a few hours removed from a routine 2558-1511 domination of Nymph. "But it's looking real good. This is exciting!"
"I would think," Haruhi Suzumiya said after her 2653-1464 pounding of Ushio Okazaki, "that Mikoto has more to lose from the next two matches than anyone else in this tournament. But when Nagato has an outside shot, the ball will always be in her court."
It was made painfully clear that Saki was not going to get the love it earned from its Japanese voting constituents last year. Azusa Nakano destroyed Mihoko Fukuji 3052-922 while Nadeko Sengoku made cream puffs out of Nodoka Haramura 2815-911.
In other action, Rin Tosaka laid the whooping stick on Ikaros 2404-1638, Kyou Fujibayashi defeated Maria 2419-1765, Fate Testarossa cruised by Mei Sunohara 2444-1578, Nanoha Takamachi won a 2063-1976 classic against C.C. and the Shiina sisters chalked up victories: MInatsu with a 2051-1917 upset of Kotomi Ichinose and Mafuyu with a 2310-1682 thumping of Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere.
Nagi Sanzen'in did a demolition job on Hanyuu Furude 2655-1383, Nagisa Furukawa prevailed over Chizuru Akaba 2137-1850, Konata Izumi crushed Chiaki Minami 2358-1553, Horo chomped up Ui Hirasawa 2300-1809 and Tomoyo Sakagami delivered a 2518-1495 beatdown on Konjiki no Yami.
In the special match, Maetel of Galaxy Empress 999 defeated Nausicaä 1413-1080.
Aquamarine Match Day 6 (and this is no joke) will take place on April Fools Day, April 1, 2010. Vote for your favorite candidates online at InternationalSaimoe.com.
March 30, 2010
The chase for the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine necklace continued on Match Day 5, and Mikoto Misaka stayed at the top of the table once again. The Railgun blasted her way to a 2855-1262 blowout of Minori Kushieda.
Chasing her at the top is Mio Akiyama. Known around Sakuragaoka High School as the "Dangerous Queen" for her long black hair and slanted eyebrows that imply a mysterious countenance, she slashed Illyasviel von Einzbern 2717-1547 to move up to second on the table.
Yuki Nagato remained third with a decisive 2800-1345 trouncing of Rika Furude. Fourth-place Taiga Aisaka kept her spot with an easy 2676-1456 walkover of Isumi Saginomiya. Saber kept her fifth-place spot with a 2575-1584 slashing of Fuuko Ibuki.
Others with an outside chance of winning the necklace include defending champion Hinagiku Katsura and Shana. Katsura was all over Mikuru Asahina, storming the gates 2764-1495 while Shana torched an overmatched Ami Kawashima 3067-1223.
The news of the seven remaining in the hunt sparked massive debate in the campus squads, co-ops classrooms and halls on who deserves the "Necklace that Controls the Oceans" across Hakuoh Academy in Nerima, Nishinomiya's East Senior High, Sakuragaoka and Tokiwadai Junior High in Academy City.
"I never thought that Mio-chan was going to be this serious of a contender for the necklace," said a beaming Yui Hirasawa, a few hours removed from a routine 2558-1511 domination of Nymph. "But it's looking real good. This is exciting!"
"I would think," Haruhi Suzumiya said after her 2653-1464 pounding of Ushio Okazaki, "that Mikoto has more to lose from the next two matches than anyone else in this tournament. But when Nagato has an outside shot, the ball will always be in her court."
It was made painfully clear that Saki was not going to get the love it earned from its Japanese voting constituents last year. Azusa Nakano destroyed Mihoko Fukuji 3052-922 while Nadeko Sengoku made cream puffs out of Nodoka Haramura 2815-911.
In other action, Rin Tosaka laid the whooping stick on Ikaros 2404-1638, Kyou Fujibayashi defeated Maria 2419-1765, Fate Testarossa cruised by Mei Sunohara 2444-1578, Nanoha Takamachi won a 2063-1976 classic against C.C. and the Shiina sisters chalked up victories: MInatsu with a 2051-1917 upset of Kotomi Ichinose and Mafuyu with a 2310-1682 thumping of Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere.
Nagi Sanzen'in did a demolition job on Hanyuu Furude 2655-1383, Nagisa Furukawa prevailed over Chizuru Akaba 2137-1850, Konata Izumi crushed Chiaki Minami 2358-1553, Horo chomped up Ui Hirasawa 2300-1809 and Tomoyo Sakagami delivered a 2518-1495 beatdown on Konjiki no Yami.
In the special match, Maetel of Galaxy Empress 999 defeated Nausicaä 1413-1080.
Aquamarine Match Day 6 (and this is no joke) will take place on April Fools Day, April 1, 2010. Vote for your favorite candidates online at InternationalSaimoe.com.
BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Aquamarine Match Day 5
ARENA 01: [Tōsaka Rin] Ikaros by >=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 02: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Maria by >=500
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 03: [Sakurano Kurimu] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 04: Sunohara Mei [Fate Testarossa] by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 05: Fukuji Mihoko [Nakano Azusa] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 06: [Takamachi Nanoha] C.C. by <=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 07: Furude Rika [Nagato Yuki] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 08: [Hiiragi Kagami] Saten Ruiko by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 09: Louise Vallière [Shiina Mafuyu] by >=700
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 10: Shiina Minatsu [Ichinose Kotomi] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 11: [Senjōgahara Hitagi] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=700
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 12: [Sanzen'in Nagi] Furude Hanyū by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 13: [Akaba Chizuru] Furukawa Nagisa by >=750
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 14: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Okazaki Ushio by >=1100
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 15: [Aisaka Taiga] Saginomiya Isumi by >=900
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 16: [Shana] Kawashima Ami >=950
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 17: Asahina Mikuru [Katsura Hinagiku] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 18: Ibuki Fūko [Saber] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 19: [Sengoku Nadeko] Haramura Nodoka by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 20: [Misaka Mikoto] Kushieda Minori by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 21: Minami Chiaki [Izumi Konata] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 22: Hirasawa Ui [Holo] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 23: [Akiyama Mio] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=1050
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Konjiki no Yami [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=800
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 25: [Hirasawa Yui] Nymph by >=1200
Over/Under: 5100
Over
Special Matchj:
ARENA 26: [Maetel] Nausicaä by <=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 02: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Maria by >=500
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 03: [Sakurano Kurimu] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 04: Sunohara Mei [Fate Testarossa] by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 05: Fukuji Mihoko [Nakano Azusa] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 06: [Takamachi Nanoha] C.C. by <=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 07: Furude Rika [Nagato Yuki] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 08: [Hiiragi Kagami] Saten Ruiko by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 09: Louise Vallière [Shiina Mafuyu] by >=700
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 10: Shiina Minatsu [Ichinose Kotomi] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 11: [Senjōgahara Hitagi] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=700
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 12: [Sanzen'in Nagi] Furude Hanyū by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 13: [Akaba Chizuru] Furukawa Nagisa by >=750
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 14: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Okazaki Ushio by >=1100
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 15: [Aisaka Taiga] Saginomiya Isumi by >=900
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 16: [Shana] Kawashima Ami >=950
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 17: Asahina Mikuru [Katsura Hinagiku] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 18: Ibuki Fūko [Saber] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 19: [Sengoku Nadeko] Haramura Nodoka by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 20: [Misaka Mikoto] Kushieda Minori by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 21: Minami Chiaki [Izumi Konata] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 22: Hirasawa Ui [Holo] by >=800
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 23: [Akiyama Mio] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=1050
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 24: Konjiki no Yami [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=800
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 25: [Hirasawa Yui] Nymph by >=1200
Over/Under: 5100
Over
Special Matchj:
ARENA 26: [Maetel] Nausicaä by <=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ISML 2010: All the right moves for Mikoto Misaka in Aquamarine
ISML 2010: All the right moves for Mikoto Misaka in Aquamarine
March 29, 2010
The song "All The Right Moves" by the band OneRepublic may be seen as defeatist by those who acknowledge it. Or it can be seen the acknowledgement of a true necklace contender.
If you were to ask Mikoto Misaka, you wouldn't exactly get a clear answer. In fact, she probably would not be obliged to give you one.
"I keep my emotions to myself when it's battle time," said Misaka after her 3191-1945 victory over Konata Izumi in the fourth match day of the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine phase. "When I keep my emotions to myself, I can perform and let fate chart its course. Whether or not I win a necklace has nothing to do with the intention to win. I can go perfect and not win a necklace. We have seen this many times. A necklace is just something on the side for me."
Chasing her are six others still in the hunt for the necklace. Taiga Aisaka kept her dominance over Azusa Nakano going with a 2912-2231 victory to stay in second. Yuki Nagato was never tested much by Kurimu Sakurano, winning 3146-1917 to stay in third.
In a battle of first-time entrants, Mio Akiyama stayed in the hunt for the Aquamarine with a 2910-2194 victory over Nadeko Sengoku. Her compatriot, Yui Hirasawa, was not as successful, falling 2797-2451 to Saber, who is in fifth place.
Defending champion Hinagiku Katsura remains unbeaten with a 3070-1985 decision over Rin Tosaka, while Shana rounds out the unbeatens with a 3120-2109 rout of Holo.
The first special match to draw a significant turnout of voters came on Aquamarine 4. Hecate defeated Charlotte Helene Tabitha D'Orleans 2819-1650.
"To think that I am the only new face that has yet to suffer a defeat, that has to say a lot of things," said Akiyama. "I plan to ride this wave as far as it will go."
"Misaka is going to be a problem for anyone she faces, even myself," said Aisaka after her win. "She is still recovering from not getting the respect she deserved last season and she is making a lot of people pay dearly. Anyone who stops her, I'm going to stop anoint them now as legit."
"We have to be very cautious about jumping to any conclusions," said Nagato. "However, I look forward to evaluating Ms. Misaka's fighting ability myself."
In a battle between mother and daughter, Ushio Okazaki chose to let Nagisa Furukawa win the contest. "I think Mama will do better than me," she said. "But when it's someone else, I want to win." While it was a mere formality, the vote count read, 3004-1205 in favor of Furukawa.
In other ISML action...Mikuru Asahina kept Ikaros winless with a 2867-2135 thumping, C.C. bounced back with a 2718-2267 win over Tsukasa Hiiragi, Maria scored a 2587-2157 decision over Konjiki no Yami, Mihoko Fukuji was shut out 3043-1386 by Izumi Saginomiya, Haruhi Suzumiya cruised to a 2763-2389 win over Fate Testarossa and Tomoyo Sakagami prevailed yet again over KYou Fujibayashi, this time by the score of 2280-2093.
Nanoha Takamachi scored a nailbiting 2420-2335 thriller over Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, Minatsu Shiina got on the win column with a 2670-1957 blowout over Mei Sunohara, Kagami Hiiragi just got past Nagi Sanzen'in 2548-2467, Ami Kawashima punched out Chiaki Minami 2488-2169, Hitagi Senjougahara chalked up a 2491-2313 victory over Mafuyu Shiina and Kotomi Ichinose was all business in a 2726-1866 beatdown of Hanyuu Furude.
Minori Kushieda annihilated Nodoka Haramura 3083-1380, Rika Furude skated by Ryou Fujibayashi 2325-2267, Illyasviel von Einzbern dusted off Ui Hirasawa 2745-2299, Chizuru Akaba prevailed over Ruiko Saten 2430-2330 and Fuuko Ibuki trounced Nymph 2524-2062.
Aquamarine Match day 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, MAtch 30, 2010. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.
March 29, 2010
The song "All The Right Moves" by the band OneRepublic may be seen as defeatist by those who acknowledge it. Or it can be seen the acknowledgement of a true necklace contender.
If you were to ask Mikoto Misaka, you wouldn't exactly get a clear answer. In fact, she probably would not be obliged to give you one.
"I keep my emotions to myself when it's battle time," said Misaka after her 3191-1945 victory over Konata Izumi in the fourth match day of the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine phase. "When I keep my emotions to myself, I can perform and let fate chart its course. Whether or not I win a necklace has nothing to do with the intention to win. I can go perfect and not win a necklace. We have seen this many times. A necklace is just something on the side for me."
Chasing her are six others still in the hunt for the necklace. Taiga Aisaka kept her dominance over Azusa Nakano going with a 2912-2231 victory to stay in second. Yuki Nagato was never tested much by Kurimu Sakurano, winning 3146-1917 to stay in third.
In a battle of first-time entrants, Mio Akiyama stayed in the hunt for the Aquamarine with a 2910-2194 victory over Nadeko Sengoku. Her compatriot, Yui Hirasawa, was not as successful, falling 2797-2451 to Saber, who is in fifth place.
Defending champion Hinagiku Katsura remains unbeaten with a 3070-1985 decision over Rin Tosaka, while Shana rounds out the unbeatens with a 3120-2109 rout of Holo.
The first special match to draw a significant turnout of voters came on Aquamarine 4. Hecate defeated Charlotte Helene Tabitha D'Orleans 2819-1650.
"To think that I am the only new face that has yet to suffer a defeat, that has to say a lot of things," said Akiyama. "I plan to ride this wave as far as it will go."
"Misaka is going to be a problem for anyone she faces, even myself," said Aisaka after her win. "She is still recovering from not getting the respect she deserved last season and she is making a lot of people pay dearly. Anyone who stops her, I'm going to stop anoint them now as legit."
"We have to be very cautious about jumping to any conclusions," said Nagato. "However, I look forward to evaluating Ms. Misaka's fighting ability myself."
In a battle between mother and daughter, Ushio Okazaki chose to let Nagisa Furukawa win the contest. "I think Mama will do better than me," she said. "But when it's someone else, I want to win." While it was a mere formality, the vote count read, 3004-1205 in favor of Furukawa.
In other ISML action...Mikuru Asahina kept Ikaros winless with a 2867-2135 thumping, C.C. bounced back with a 2718-2267 win over Tsukasa Hiiragi, Maria scored a 2587-2157 decision over Konjiki no Yami, Mihoko Fukuji was shut out 3043-1386 by Izumi Saginomiya, Haruhi Suzumiya cruised to a 2763-2389 win over Fate Testarossa and Tomoyo Sakagami prevailed yet again over KYou Fujibayashi, this time by the score of 2280-2093.
Nanoha Takamachi scored a nailbiting 2420-2335 thriller over Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, Minatsu Shiina got on the win column with a 2670-1957 blowout over Mei Sunohara, Kagami Hiiragi just got past Nagi Sanzen'in 2548-2467, Ami Kawashima punched out Chiaki Minami 2488-2169, Hitagi Senjougahara chalked up a 2491-2313 victory over Mafuyu Shiina and Kotomi Ichinose was all business in a 2726-1866 beatdown of Hanyuu Furude.
Minori Kushieda annihilated Nodoka Haramura 3083-1380, Rika Furude skated by Ryou Fujibayashi 2325-2267, Illyasviel von Einzbern dusted off Ui Hirasawa 2745-2299, Chizuru Akaba prevailed over Ruiko Saten 2430-2330 and Fuuko Ibuki trounced Nymph 2524-2062.
Aquamarine Match day 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, MAtch 30, 2010. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.
Duke 78, Baylor 71
Duke punches another Final Four ticket
By Ken Tysiac
ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Mar. 28, 2010
HOUSTON -- Duke senior guard Jon Scheyer fiddled absently Sunday evening with the loop he'd cut from the net at Reliant Stadium that represented a lifetime goal fulfilled.
A baseball cap that proclaimed Duke regional champions sat on Scheyer's left knee as the last few reporters hung around the locker room. Scheyer and junior backcourt partner Nolan Smith had just shredded Baylor's zone defense, combining for 49 points to lift Duke to a 78-71 win in the NCAA tournament's South Regional final.
The win propelled top-seeded Duke (33-5) into its first Final Four in six years. The Blue Devils will meet West Virginia, the No. 2 seed out of the East Regional, at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the NCAA semifinals in Indianapolis.
"It's a dream come true," Scheyer said. "It just is. To get that win, we had to work our butts off for it, and it felt great."
Smith and Scheyer carried the Blue Devils, combining for nine of Duke's 11 3-pointers against a Baylor zone defense that held Duke to 11-for-38 shooting from two-point range.
With a career-high 29 points, Smith kept talented, No. 3 seed Baylor (28-8) from running away with the win early. He also put Duke ahead to stay after going to the free throw line with the Bears leading by a point with 3 minutes, 36 seconds remaining.
Smith made the first free throw to tie the game, but missed the second. Teammate Lance Thomas tipped the rebound free and dug the ball off the floor. He passed quickly to Kyle Singler, who found Smith open in front of the Duke bench.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski immediately yelled for Smith to shoot it. He did, sinking a 3-pointer that gave Duke the lead, and then shot Krzyzewski a smile.
On Duke's next possession, Brian Zoubek passed out to Scheyer in the short corner opposite the Blue Devils' bench. Scheyer, who's struggled with his shooting for most of the postseason, drilled a 3-pointer and ran back down the court pumping his fist.
Duke led 67-61 with 2:38 remaining, and Indianapolis was coming into focus.
"That kind of took the wind out of them a little bit," Zoubek said. ". . .I think it was a little bit of a dagger."
For much of the game it appeared that Baylor might put the dagger into Duke because of Blue Devil forward Singler's struggles. Singler was held to five points – all on free throws – as he missed all 10 of his field goal attempts.
He spent much of the game chasing around shooting guard LaceDarius Dunn, who led Baylor with 22 points but missed six of his eight 3-point attempts against Singler, who's 6-foot-8.
But Singler, who usually scores easily inside against smaller defenders, couldn't get a shot to fall against a defense that started players measuring 7-foot, 6-10 and 6-10.
"It was frustrating," Singler said. "But the good sign for our team was we played through it. . . .It didn't bother us at all. We were able to keep playing, and it shows the closeness of our group."
Krzyzewski, too, mentioned the closeness and character of Duke's players as a factor that helped a good team that's not a great team get to the Final Four.
This will be Krzyzewski's 11th Final Four trip in 30 seasons at Duke. It comes after four years of steady improvement in Duke's won-loss record and NCAA tournament results over the careers of seniors Scheyer, Zoubek and Thomas.
"It's as close a team as I've had," Krzyzewski said. "You want great things to happen for people who are great with us. I mean, they've been spectacular to coach. . . .I'm ecstatic about it."
As the buzzer sounded, Krzyzewski walked immediately over to Baylor coach Scott Drew to shake his hand. Duke's players jumped in the air, bumped chests and met at halfcourt, their shouting piercing the quiet of the mostly pro-Baylor crowd of 47,492 exiting into the Texas evening.
For Scheyer it was the culmination of a steady climb over four years. For Smith, it's a chance to return to the site of the 1980 Final Four, where his father, the late Derek Smith, won the NCAA title with Louisville.
Now it's Nolan's turn, and he can't wait.
"This team from the beginning of this tournament has been living in the moment, really enjoying every single game, and you know, just playing hard," Smith said. "And it just feels great right now."
ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com or 919-829-8942
By Ken Tysiac
ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Mar. 28, 2010
HOUSTON -- Duke senior guard Jon Scheyer fiddled absently Sunday evening with the loop he'd cut from the net at Reliant Stadium that represented a lifetime goal fulfilled.
A baseball cap that proclaimed Duke regional champions sat on Scheyer's left knee as the last few reporters hung around the locker room. Scheyer and junior backcourt partner Nolan Smith had just shredded Baylor's zone defense, combining for 49 points to lift Duke to a 78-71 win in the NCAA tournament's South Regional final.
The win propelled top-seeded Duke (33-5) into its first Final Four in six years. The Blue Devils will meet West Virginia, the No. 2 seed out of the East Regional, at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the NCAA semifinals in Indianapolis.
"It's a dream come true," Scheyer said. "It just is. To get that win, we had to work our butts off for it, and it felt great."
Smith and Scheyer carried the Blue Devils, combining for nine of Duke's 11 3-pointers against a Baylor zone defense that held Duke to 11-for-38 shooting from two-point range.
With a career-high 29 points, Smith kept talented, No. 3 seed Baylor (28-8) from running away with the win early. He also put Duke ahead to stay after going to the free throw line with the Bears leading by a point with 3 minutes, 36 seconds remaining.
Smith made the first free throw to tie the game, but missed the second. Teammate Lance Thomas tipped the rebound free and dug the ball off the floor. He passed quickly to Kyle Singler, who found Smith open in front of the Duke bench.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski immediately yelled for Smith to shoot it. He did, sinking a 3-pointer that gave Duke the lead, and then shot Krzyzewski a smile.
On Duke's next possession, Brian Zoubek passed out to Scheyer in the short corner opposite the Blue Devils' bench. Scheyer, who's struggled with his shooting for most of the postseason, drilled a 3-pointer and ran back down the court pumping his fist.
Duke led 67-61 with 2:38 remaining, and Indianapolis was coming into focus.
"That kind of took the wind out of them a little bit," Zoubek said. ". . .I think it was a little bit of a dagger."
For much of the game it appeared that Baylor might put the dagger into Duke because of Blue Devil forward Singler's struggles. Singler was held to five points – all on free throws – as he missed all 10 of his field goal attempts.
He spent much of the game chasing around shooting guard LaceDarius Dunn, who led Baylor with 22 points but missed six of his eight 3-point attempts against Singler, who's 6-foot-8.
But Singler, who usually scores easily inside against smaller defenders, couldn't get a shot to fall against a defense that started players measuring 7-foot, 6-10 and 6-10.
"It was frustrating," Singler said. "But the good sign for our team was we played through it. . . .It didn't bother us at all. We were able to keep playing, and it shows the closeness of our group."
Krzyzewski, too, mentioned the closeness and character of Duke's players as a factor that helped a good team that's not a great team get to the Final Four.
This will be Krzyzewski's 11th Final Four trip in 30 seasons at Duke. It comes after four years of steady improvement in Duke's won-loss record and NCAA tournament results over the careers of seniors Scheyer, Zoubek and Thomas.
"It's as close a team as I've had," Krzyzewski said. "You want great things to happen for people who are great with us. I mean, they've been spectacular to coach. . . .I'm ecstatic about it."
As the buzzer sounded, Krzyzewski walked immediately over to Baylor coach Scott Drew to shake his hand. Duke's players jumped in the air, bumped chests and met at halfcourt, their shouting piercing the quiet of the mostly pro-Baylor crowd of 47,492 exiting into the Texas evening.
For Scheyer it was the culmination of a steady climb over four years. For Smith, it's a chance to return to the site of the 1980 Final Four, where his father, the late Derek Smith, won the NCAA title with Louisville.
Now it's Nolan's turn, and he can't wait.
"This team from the beginning of this tournament has been living in the moment, really enjoying every single game, and you know, just playing hard," Smith said. "And it just feels great right now."
ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com or 919-829-8942
Michigan State 70, Tennessee 69
Michigan State returns to Final Four...again
By NANCY ARMOUR (AP) – 25 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS — Don't bet against Tom Izzo and Michigan State this time of year.
Raymar Morgan's free throw with less than 2 seconds left gave the Spartans a 70-69 victory over Tennessee in the Midwest Regional final Sunday, sending Michigan State to its sixth Final Four in 12 years and second in a row.
No team in the country — not North Carolina, not Kentucky, not UCLA — has done it better during that span. And all six trips have come under Izzo, the hard-nosed coach who preaches defense, rebounding and physical play.
"I like it more than I used to," Izzo said of playing in March. "It's even better than I thought."
Oh, and how's this for some symmetry? This happens to be the 10th anniversary of the "Flintstones," the team that gave Michigan State its second national title. Highlights from that run were included in the video montage of past championships that played on the Edward Jones Dome's massive Jumbotron during halftime.
The fifth-seeded Spartans, last year's national runner-up, will be looking for championship No. 3 next weekend in Indianapolis. They play Butler, also a No. 5 seed and sure to be the hometown favorite, in the semifinals Saturday night.
The Spartans (28-8) led by as many as eight in the second half, but Brian Williams pulled sixth-seeded Tennessee (28-9) within 69-68 on a putback with 2:10 left. Korie Lucious, who took over as point guard after 2009 Big Ten player of the year Kalin Lucas ruptured his Achilles' tendon last weekend, missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 29 seconds left and Scotty Hopson got the rebound.
Hopson was fouled at the other end, and made the first. But after a Michigan State timeout, he missed the second and Lucious — generously listed at 5-foot-11 — ended up with the rebound.
Draymond Green fed the ball inside to Morgan, who got hacked by J.P. Prince with 1.8 seconds left. Morgan made the first and, after timeouts by both teams, missed the second — on purpose. Williams came up with the rebound but Prince fumbled the inbounds pass and had to heave up a prayer just before the buzzer.
"It's just tough, 1 second," Prince said. "You want to shoot it perfect but you've got to rush. You don't want it to come down to a half-court shot, but that's what it came down to."
Prince wasn't even close, and Michigan State and its fans — led by Spartan-in-chief Magic Johnson — began what's become a traditional postgame celebration.
"I'm not surprised," Johnson said. "Tom Izzo does his best in the NCAA tournament."
Hard to argue with that.
Izzo, who took over from longtime mentor Jud Heathcote for the 1995-96 season, is 6-1 in the regional finals. The only loss was to top-seeded Texas in 2003.
Michigan State is the only team from last year's Final Four to make it back. Heck, North Carolina, which demolished the Spartans in the title game, didn't even make the NCAA tournament. Neither did Connecticut, and Villanova was knocked out in the second round.
"There is nothing greater than going to a Final Four that I know of," Izzo said, "except winning it."
And while it's hard to beat that title in 2000, this might be the finest coaching job Izzo has done. In addition to losing Lucas, Delvon Roe is playing on a torn meniscus and Chris Allen has an aching foot. The Spartans have been forced to go to an offense-by-committee, led by Durrell Summers.
Summers, who played just 9 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble, finished with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Morgan and Green added 13 each, and Morgan also had 10 rebounds.
Tennessee, meanwhile, will have to take comfort in knowing it got further than any other Volunteers team. This was their first appearance in the regional finals, and there is no question they belonged. They made their first six shots of the game — going 4 for 4 from 3-point range, shot 51 percent overall and had four players in double figures, led by senior Wayne Chism's 13 points.
Prince finished with 12 on 5-of-5 shooting, and Williams had 11.
Tennessee has long been a basketball powerhouse — in women's hoops. But coach Bruce Pearl has energized the men's program, as evidenced by the orange-hued dome and the Vols' first appearance in the regional final. Few would have thought the Tennessee men would last longer than the top-seeded women, who were beaten by No. 4 Baylor on Saturday in the regional semifinals.
"We came to St. Louis expecting to win two games and we played pretty well both nights," Pearl said. "We saw all that orange out there. This isn't close to home, either. They got in their car and they drove here. I think they enjoyed this group tremendously."
Though they were going against a program that oozes experience — "Final Fours are a big thing in this program," Green said Saturday — the Vols came in with swagger and strut.
Chism's 3-pointer put them up 50-45 with 15:46 left and prompted another roar from the thousands of Tennessee fans who had made the trek north. But come tournament time, the Spartans simply find a way to get it done. Cranking up the in-your-jersey defense that makes Big Ten opponents shudder, they held the Vols without a field goal for the next 7 1/2 minutes while ripping off a 14-1 run.
Chris Allen made a 3, and Summers converted a three-point play after being fouled on a jumper just inside the line. After Williams' free throw, Morgan scored on a layup and Lucious hit a 3-pointer to put the Spartans up 56-51 with 12:25 to play.
As a timeout was called, Lucious held up his right hand toward the Michigan State section as if to say, "Bring it on."
Green then converted another three-point play, giving the Spartans a 59-51 lead, the largest of the game, with 11:42 to play.
But the Volunteers had one more run in them. Bobby Maze scored on a layup — Tennessee's first field goal since 15:46 — and Williams followed with two jumpers to put the Vols back on top, 62-61, setting up the frenetic finish.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By NANCY ARMOUR (AP) – 25 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS — Don't bet against Tom Izzo and Michigan State this time of year.
Raymar Morgan's free throw with less than 2 seconds left gave the Spartans a 70-69 victory over Tennessee in the Midwest Regional final Sunday, sending Michigan State to its sixth Final Four in 12 years and second in a row.
No team in the country — not North Carolina, not Kentucky, not UCLA — has done it better during that span. And all six trips have come under Izzo, the hard-nosed coach who preaches defense, rebounding and physical play.
"I like it more than I used to," Izzo said of playing in March. "It's even better than I thought."
Oh, and how's this for some symmetry? This happens to be the 10th anniversary of the "Flintstones," the team that gave Michigan State its second national title. Highlights from that run were included in the video montage of past championships that played on the Edward Jones Dome's massive Jumbotron during halftime.
The fifth-seeded Spartans, last year's national runner-up, will be looking for championship No. 3 next weekend in Indianapolis. They play Butler, also a No. 5 seed and sure to be the hometown favorite, in the semifinals Saturday night.
The Spartans (28-8) led by as many as eight in the second half, but Brian Williams pulled sixth-seeded Tennessee (28-9) within 69-68 on a putback with 2:10 left. Korie Lucious, who took over as point guard after 2009 Big Ten player of the year Kalin Lucas ruptured his Achilles' tendon last weekend, missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 29 seconds left and Scotty Hopson got the rebound.
Hopson was fouled at the other end, and made the first. But after a Michigan State timeout, he missed the second and Lucious — generously listed at 5-foot-11 — ended up with the rebound.
Draymond Green fed the ball inside to Morgan, who got hacked by J.P. Prince with 1.8 seconds left. Morgan made the first and, after timeouts by both teams, missed the second — on purpose. Williams came up with the rebound but Prince fumbled the inbounds pass and had to heave up a prayer just before the buzzer.
"It's just tough, 1 second," Prince said. "You want to shoot it perfect but you've got to rush. You don't want it to come down to a half-court shot, but that's what it came down to."
Prince wasn't even close, and Michigan State and its fans — led by Spartan-in-chief Magic Johnson — began what's become a traditional postgame celebration.
"I'm not surprised," Johnson said. "Tom Izzo does his best in the NCAA tournament."
Hard to argue with that.
Izzo, who took over from longtime mentor Jud Heathcote for the 1995-96 season, is 6-1 in the regional finals. The only loss was to top-seeded Texas in 2003.
Michigan State is the only team from last year's Final Four to make it back. Heck, North Carolina, which demolished the Spartans in the title game, didn't even make the NCAA tournament. Neither did Connecticut, and Villanova was knocked out in the second round.
"There is nothing greater than going to a Final Four that I know of," Izzo said, "except winning it."
And while it's hard to beat that title in 2000, this might be the finest coaching job Izzo has done. In addition to losing Lucas, Delvon Roe is playing on a torn meniscus and Chris Allen has an aching foot. The Spartans have been forced to go to an offense-by-committee, led by Durrell Summers.
Summers, who played just 9 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble, finished with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Morgan and Green added 13 each, and Morgan also had 10 rebounds.
Tennessee, meanwhile, will have to take comfort in knowing it got further than any other Volunteers team. This was their first appearance in the regional finals, and there is no question they belonged. They made their first six shots of the game — going 4 for 4 from 3-point range, shot 51 percent overall and had four players in double figures, led by senior Wayne Chism's 13 points.
Prince finished with 12 on 5-of-5 shooting, and Williams had 11.
Tennessee has long been a basketball powerhouse — in women's hoops. But coach Bruce Pearl has energized the men's program, as evidenced by the orange-hued dome and the Vols' first appearance in the regional final. Few would have thought the Tennessee men would last longer than the top-seeded women, who were beaten by No. 4 Baylor on Saturday in the regional semifinals.
"We came to St. Louis expecting to win two games and we played pretty well both nights," Pearl said. "We saw all that orange out there. This isn't close to home, either. They got in their car and they drove here. I think they enjoyed this group tremendously."
Though they were going against a program that oozes experience — "Final Fours are a big thing in this program," Green said Saturday — the Vols came in with swagger and strut.
Chism's 3-pointer put them up 50-45 with 15:46 left and prompted another roar from the thousands of Tennessee fans who had made the trek north. But come tournament time, the Spartans simply find a way to get it done. Cranking up the in-your-jersey defense that makes Big Ten opponents shudder, they held the Vols without a field goal for the next 7 1/2 minutes while ripping off a 14-1 run.
Chris Allen made a 3, and Summers converted a three-point play after being fouled on a jumper just inside the line. After Williams' free throw, Morgan scored on a layup and Lucious hit a 3-pointer to put the Spartans up 56-51 with 12:25 to play.
As a timeout was called, Lucious held up his right hand toward the Michigan State section as if to say, "Bring it on."
Green then converted another three-point play, giving the Spartans a 59-51 lead, the largest of the game, with 11:42 to play.
But the Volunteers had one more run in them. Bobby Maze scored on a layup — Tennessee's first field goal since 15:46 — and Williams followed with two jumpers to put the Vols back on top, 62-61, setting up the frenetic finish.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Aquamarine Match Day 4
ARENA 01: [Asahina Mikuru] Ikaros by >= 700
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 02: [Hirasawa Yui] Saber by <= 800
Over/Under: 5500
Under
ARENA 03: [C.C.] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=600
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 04: [Furukawa Nagisa] Okazaki Ushio by >=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 05: [Aisaka Taiga] Nakano Azusa by >=800
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 06: [Akiyama Mio] Sengoku Nadeko by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 07: Holo [Shana] by >=900
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 08: [Maria] Konjiki no Yami by >=900
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 09: Fukuji Mihoko [Saginomiya Isumi] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 10: [Nagato Yuki] Sakurano Kurimu by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 11: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Fate Testarossa by >=700
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 12: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Sakagami Tomoyo by <=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 13: Louise Vallière [Takamachi Nanoha] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 14: [Hiiragi Kagami] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=900
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 15: [Sunohara Mei] Shiina Minatsu by >=800
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 16: [Senjōgahara Hitagi] Shiina Mafuyu by >=900
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 17: [Kawashima Ami] Minami Chiaki by >=800
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 18: [Ichinose Kotomi] Furude Hanyū by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 19: Tōsaka Rin [Katsura Hinagiku] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 20: Haramura Nodoka [Kushieda Minori] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 21: [Furude Rika] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=900
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 22: [Hirasawa Ui] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 23: Akaba Chizuru [Saten Ruiko] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 24: [Ibuki Fūko] Nymph by >=700
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 25: [Misaka Mikoto] Izumi Konata by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
Special Match
ARENA 26: Tabitha [Hecate] by <=500
Over/Under: 3500
Under
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 02: [Hirasawa Yui] Saber by <= 800
Over/Under: 5500
Under
ARENA 03: [C.C.] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=600
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 04: [Furukawa Nagisa] Okazaki Ushio by >=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 05: [Aisaka Taiga] Nakano Azusa by >=800
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 06: [Akiyama Mio] Sengoku Nadeko by <=900
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 07: Holo [Shana] by >=900
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 08: [Maria] Konjiki no Yami by >=900
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 09: Fukuji Mihoko [Saginomiya Isumi] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 10: [Nagato Yuki] Sakurano Kurimu by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 11: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Fate Testarossa by >=700
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 12: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Sakagami Tomoyo by <=800
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 13: Louise Vallière [Takamachi Nanoha] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 14: [Hiiragi Kagami] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=900
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 15: [Sunohara Mei] Shiina Minatsu by >=800
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 16: [Senjōgahara Hitagi] Shiina Mafuyu by >=900
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 17: [Kawashima Ami] Minami Chiaki by >=800
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 18: [Ichinose Kotomi] Furude Hanyū by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 19: Tōsaka Rin [Katsura Hinagiku] by <=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 20: Haramura Nodoka [Kushieda Minori] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 21: [Furude Rika] Fujibayashi Ryō by <=900
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 22: [Hirasawa Ui] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 23: Akaba Chizuru [Saten Ruiko] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Under
ARENA 24: [Ibuki Fūko] Nymph by >=700
Over/Under: 5100
Over
ARENA 25: [Misaka Mikoto] Izumi Konata by >=1000
Over/Under: 5000
Over
Special Match
ARENA 26: Tabitha [Hecate] by <=500
Over/Under: 3500
Under
West Virginia 73, Kentucky 66
WVU headed to Final Four
Mountaineers methodically conquer Kentucky, 73-66
by Mike Casazza
Daily Mail sports writer
The Associated Press
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - West Virginia's basketball players were ready for biggest game of their still young lives Saturday night when they began the short jog from the tunnel inside the Carrier Dome to the floor. The pep band played their song. The fans sprang suddenly to their feet and cheered. Jonnie West was first to squeak his sneakers across the floor. Then came Cam Payne.
And that was it.
"Once we saw Jonnie and Cam go out there, we stopped to see how far they'd go before they noticed," said point guard Joe Mazzulla, who with teammate Cam Thoroughman orchestrated this Elite Eight prank.
West and Payne eventually realized it and Mazzulla and Thoroughman led the rest of the laughing Mountaineers toward tipoff against Kentucky.
"That wasn't very nice," West would say later, "but that shows who we are. We're loose. Everyone stays loose before the game and even during it, but when we get in the games, we have a killer mentality and it's going to wear you down."
After wondering for most of the season if they'd ever figure out who they are, the Mountaineers have for the entire month mastered their identity, cemented an approach and insisted their way would cut it.
And now they're cutting down nets.
In the only matchup of a region's top two seeds in this NCAA Tournament, No. 2 seed WVU defeated No. 1 seed Kentucky, 73-66, before a crowd of 22,497. The Mountaineers advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1959 when West's father, Jerry, was a junior.
WVU (31-6) plays the winner of the South Region championship game between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 3 Seed Baylor Saturday in Indianapolis.
"We win games because of our tempo," senior Da'Sean Butler said. "We don't do well going up and down the court with other people. We're not a fast break team. If we control the tempo, nine times out of 10 we win that game."
Ten times in the past 10 games, WVU been funny before and then ferocious within and won each with discipline on offense and determination on defense. Noted for man-to-man throughout the season, the Mountaineers played a 1-3-1 zone for the majority of the game. The Wildcats (35-3) shot 34.3 percent for the game, missed their first 20 3-point attempts on the way to 4-for-32 shooting and had 16 turnovers that led to 19 WVU points.
"It was pretty tough," said Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall. "They're a long, athletic team. They did a great job denying us getting to the wings and we weren't making shots. I think if we would have made shots, it would have spread them out. Hats off for them. Their defense did a great job on us."
Wall was 7-for-18 and banked in a 3-pointer after missing four others. He added five assists, but also five turnovers and five fouls in what is likely his last college game. Shooting guard Eric Bledsoe, who was 8-for-9 from 3-point range in the first round, was 0-for-5 and had seven points. Guard Darnell Dodson was 2-for-9 from 3-point range.
WVU caused problems inside, too, and center DeMarcus Cousins had 15 points and eight rebounds, but also five turnovers. He was often made to deal with Mazzulla at the bottom of the zone.
"At one point he looked and me and said, 'Are you serious?'" Mazzulla said. "I said, 'Yeah, I'm serious. You're going to have to punch me in the face to get me off you.'"
The Mountaineers turned a two-point halftime lead into a nine-point advantage early in the second half and built it to 11 points when Mazzulla drove for an open layup when Cousins walked back up the court on defense. The margin grew to be as large as 16 points and WVU felt they had the Wildcats, who start three freshmen and a sophomore and have two sophomores and a freshman in their rotation.
"They outplayed us," Kentucky Coach John Calipari said. "I think there were times that the inexperience hurt us. Understanding you're not going to catch it all at once. Knowing that this is the guy we have to stop and then you lose him. There were things that happened. And I think their veterans - especially Mazzulla - were good. He got some layups that were back-breaking. He just played so well and ran their team."
Mazzulla played a season-high 30 minutes and scored a career-high 17 points. He also made his first 3-pointer since Nov. 28, 2008. Butler had 18 points and made four 3-pointers. Kevin Jones added 13 points and eight rebounds and Devin Ebanks had 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Mountaineers were 10-for-23 from 3-point range and 8-for-15 in the first half. They were also 0-for-16 from 2-point range and outrebounded 29-16. WVU shot 57.1 percent in the second half and outrebounded the Wildcats by one.
"We're not as good in the first half as we are in the second because people get tired of chasing it," said Coach Bob Huggins, who returns to the Final Four after appearing there in 1992. "They get tired of chasing it. They get tired of being screened. They get tired of chasing those curls. We got nothing at the rim in the first half. We got a lot of things at the rim in the second half."
The game unfolded not only in the fashion predicted by the Mountaineers, who believed their grinding style could trump Kentucky's talent, but also by Cornell Coach Steve Donahue.
"I think there are a lot of positives about Kentucky," Donahue said after Thursday's Sweet Sixteen loss to the Wildcats. "My concern is that I don't necessarily think for 40 minutes that they may be able to handle this against a team like us that's a little more longer and athletic with experience the next game. West Virginia is terrific."
The Mountaineers were in their third regional final and first since 2005, when they lost in overtime to Louisville. The team has broken every huddle in practice and before games this season by reminding one another they want to be national champs. Not since WVU lost to Cal 71-70 in the final in 1959 has the school been as close. The team that's 8-0 in this state this year will play Saturday in Hoosier State, where WVU is 0-2 with losses to Purdue and Notre Dame.
"The first day I was there I told them I came back to win a national championship," Huggins said. "I came back to win it for the university, having played there and for the great people in our state. And it's going to take a lot of work. And I said this many times, the wonderful thing about these guys is they never doubt. They never ask why. They never kind of bucked it. They just said, 'OK, that's what we have to do. We're going to go do it.' And they've done it and done with it great enthusiasm and great vigor. And they deserve all the credit for it. They're really good guys."
Mountaineers methodically conquer Kentucky, 73-66
by Mike Casazza
Daily Mail sports writer
The Associated Press
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - West Virginia's basketball players were ready for biggest game of their still young lives Saturday night when they began the short jog from the tunnel inside the Carrier Dome to the floor. The pep band played their song. The fans sprang suddenly to their feet and cheered. Jonnie West was first to squeak his sneakers across the floor. Then came Cam Payne.
And that was it.
"Once we saw Jonnie and Cam go out there, we stopped to see how far they'd go before they noticed," said point guard Joe Mazzulla, who with teammate Cam Thoroughman orchestrated this Elite Eight prank.
West and Payne eventually realized it and Mazzulla and Thoroughman led the rest of the laughing Mountaineers toward tipoff against Kentucky.
"That wasn't very nice," West would say later, "but that shows who we are. We're loose. Everyone stays loose before the game and even during it, but when we get in the games, we have a killer mentality and it's going to wear you down."
After wondering for most of the season if they'd ever figure out who they are, the Mountaineers have for the entire month mastered their identity, cemented an approach and insisted their way would cut it.
And now they're cutting down nets.
In the only matchup of a region's top two seeds in this NCAA Tournament, No. 2 seed WVU defeated No. 1 seed Kentucky, 73-66, before a crowd of 22,497. The Mountaineers advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1959 when West's father, Jerry, was a junior.
WVU (31-6) plays the winner of the South Region championship game between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 3 Seed Baylor Saturday in Indianapolis.
"We win games because of our tempo," senior Da'Sean Butler said. "We don't do well going up and down the court with other people. We're not a fast break team. If we control the tempo, nine times out of 10 we win that game."
Ten times in the past 10 games, WVU been funny before and then ferocious within and won each with discipline on offense and determination on defense. Noted for man-to-man throughout the season, the Mountaineers played a 1-3-1 zone for the majority of the game. The Wildcats (35-3) shot 34.3 percent for the game, missed their first 20 3-point attempts on the way to 4-for-32 shooting and had 16 turnovers that led to 19 WVU points.
"It was pretty tough," said Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall. "They're a long, athletic team. They did a great job denying us getting to the wings and we weren't making shots. I think if we would have made shots, it would have spread them out. Hats off for them. Their defense did a great job on us."
Wall was 7-for-18 and banked in a 3-pointer after missing four others. He added five assists, but also five turnovers and five fouls in what is likely his last college game. Shooting guard Eric Bledsoe, who was 8-for-9 from 3-point range in the first round, was 0-for-5 and had seven points. Guard Darnell Dodson was 2-for-9 from 3-point range.
WVU caused problems inside, too, and center DeMarcus Cousins had 15 points and eight rebounds, but also five turnovers. He was often made to deal with Mazzulla at the bottom of the zone.
"At one point he looked and me and said, 'Are you serious?'" Mazzulla said. "I said, 'Yeah, I'm serious. You're going to have to punch me in the face to get me off you.'"
The Mountaineers turned a two-point halftime lead into a nine-point advantage early in the second half and built it to 11 points when Mazzulla drove for an open layup when Cousins walked back up the court on defense. The margin grew to be as large as 16 points and WVU felt they had the Wildcats, who start three freshmen and a sophomore and have two sophomores and a freshman in their rotation.
"They outplayed us," Kentucky Coach John Calipari said. "I think there were times that the inexperience hurt us. Understanding you're not going to catch it all at once. Knowing that this is the guy we have to stop and then you lose him. There were things that happened. And I think their veterans - especially Mazzulla - were good. He got some layups that were back-breaking. He just played so well and ran their team."
Mazzulla played a season-high 30 minutes and scored a career-high 17 points. He also made his first 3-pointer since Nov. 28, 2008. Butler had 18 points and made four 3-pointers. Kevin Jones added 13 points and eight rebounds and Devin Ebanks had 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Mountaineers were 10-for-23 from 3-point range and 8-for-15 in the first half. They were also 0-for-16 from 2-point range and outrebounded 29-16. WVU shot 57.1 percent in the second half and outrebounded the Wildcats by one.
"We're not as good in the first half as we are in the second because people get tired of chasing it," said Coach Bob Huggins, who returns to the Final Four after appearing there in 1992. "They get tired of chasing it. They get tired of being screened. They get tired of chasing those curls. We got nothing at the rim in the first half. We got a lot of things at the rim in the second half."
The game unfolded not only in the fashion predicted by the Mountaineers, who believed their grinding style could trump Kentucky's talent, but also by Cornell Coach Steve Donahue.
"I think there are a lot of positives about Kentucky," Donahue said after Thursday's Sweet Sixteen loss to the Wildcats. "My concern is that I don't necessarily think for 40 minutes that they may be able to handle this against a team like us that's a little more longer and athletic with experience the next game. West Virginia is terrific."
The Mountaineers were in their third regional final and first since 2005, when they lost in overtime to Louisville. The team has broken every huddle in practice and before games this season by reminding one another they want to be national champs. Not since WVU lost to Cal 71-70 in the final in 1959 has the school been as close. The team that's 8-0 in this state this year will play Saturday in Hoosier State, where WVU is 0-2 with losses to Purdue and Notre Dame.
"The first day I was there I told them I came back to win a national championship," Huggins said. "I came back to win it for the university, having played there and for the great people in our state. And it's going to take a lot of work. And I said this many times, the wonderful thing about these guys is they never doubt. They never ask why. They never kind of bucked it. They just said, 'OK, that's what we have to do. We're going to go do it.' And they've done it and done with it great enthusiasm and great vigor. And they deserve all the credit for it. They're really good guys."
Butler 63, Kansas State 56
THE ROAD WINDS HOME
Bulldogs shock Kansas State as their miracle run continues
By David Woods, Indianapolis Star
Posted: March 28, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY -- Restrained and corporate-looking as he is, Brad Stevens finally let his guard down.
On the bus ride home from the airport a week ago, Butler's basketball team passed Lucas Oil Stadium. Wouldn't it be something, the coach told wife Tracy, if the Bulldogs played there in the Final Four?
"That hit a little bit," he said. "That was the first time I even thought about it."
Now, that's almost all anyone in Indianapolis will be thinking about. Home-grown Gordon Hayward, who led Brownsburg High School to a state title, has taken his act to a larger stage.
Hayward scored eight of his 22 points in the closing six minutes, and Butler knocked off Kansas State 63-56 Saturday in the NCAA West Regional final.
No. 5 seed Butler (32-4) will play in a national semifinal next Saturday against the winner of today's Midwest Regional final between Michigan State and Tennessee at St. Louis.
In running its winning streak to 24 and going farther in the NCAA Tournament than ever before, Butler became the smallest school (enrollment: 4,200) in the Final Four since seeding was introduced in 1979. Butler will be the first team to play in a Final Four in its home city since champion UCLA in 1972.
By the way, Butler is 15-0 in Indy.
"Our dreams definitely didn't stop at getting to the Final Four," said Hayward, voted outstanding player of the West Regional. "We want to win the whole thing."
The Bulldogs' defense was so suffocating that they held No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 seed Kansas State (29-8) to season lows and a collective 46 points under their averages. Butler is 19-0 when holding opponents under 60 points, and Kansas State fell to 2-5 when scoring fewer than 70.
Wildcat guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen, who totaled 53 points in a Thursday's double-overtime win over Xavier, were limited to 32 on 11-of-30 shooting. Pullen, shadowed by an omnipresent Ronald Nored, scored 14 points -- 12 under his tourney average.
Hayward's nine rebounds led the outsized Bulldogs to a 41-29 edge in that category, compensating for 20 turnovers. Butler's Shelvin Mack scored 16 points and joined Hayward on the all-regional team.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Restrained and corporate-looking as he is, Brad Stevens finally let his guard down.
On the bus ride home from the airport a week ago, Butler's basketball team passed Lucas Oil Stadium. Wouldn't it be something, the coach told wife Tracy, if the Bulldogs played there in the Final Four?
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"That hit a little bit," he said. "That was the first time I even thought about it."
Now, that's almost all anyone in Indianapolis will be thinking about. Home-grown Gordon Hayward, who led Brownsburg High School to a state title, has taken his act to a larger stage.
Hayward scored eight of his 22 points in the closing six minutes, and Butler knocked off Kansas State 63-56 Saturday in the NCAA West Regional final.
No. 5 seed Butler (32-4) will play in a national semifinal next Saturday against the winner of today's Midwest Regional final between Michigan State and Tennessee at St. Louis.
In running its winning streak to 24 and going farther in the NCAA Tournament than ever before, Butler became the smallest school (enrollment: 4,200) in the Final Four since seeding was introduced in 1979. Butler will be the first team to play in a Final Four in its home city since champion UCLA in 1972.
By the way, Butler is 15-0 in Indy.
"Our dreams definitely didn't stop at getting to the Final Four," said Hayward, voted outstanding player of the West Regional. "We want to win the whole thing."
The Bulldogs' defense was so suffocating that they held No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 seed Kansas State (29-8) to season lows and a collective 46 points under their averages. Butler is 19-0 when holding opponents under 60 points, and Kansas State fell to 2-5 when scoring fewer than 70.
Wildcat guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen, who totaled 53 points in a Thursday's double-overtime win over Xavier, were limited to 32 on 11-of-30 shooting. Pullen, shadowed by an omnipresent Ronald Nored, scored 14 points -- 12 under his tourney average.
Hayward's nine rebounds led the outsized Bulldogs to a 41-29 edge in that category, compensating for 20 turnovers. Butler's Shelvin Mack scored 16 points and joined Hayward on the all-regional team.
Although Butler often has been compared to the small-town Milan team that inspired the movie "Hoosiers," the Bulldogs have instead resembled the gritty racehorse from "Seabiscuit." In three tournament games, the Bulldogs lost leads in the closing minutes, only to thunder down the homestretch to finish first.
After leading by 11 points in the first half and 10 in the second, the Bulldogs fell behind 52-51 with less than five minutes left. They trailed for all of 35 seconds.
Clemente scored on a runner to tie it at 54. Then the Bulldogs secured the victory with a 9-0 run beginning with Hayward's layup off Nored's lob. Nored drove for a left-handed layup to make it 58-54 with 2:04 left, and Hayward's drive extended that to 60-54 with 62 seconds on the clock.
Kansas State coach Frank Martin said the Bulldogs "kicked our tails" and "annihilated us" on the glass.
"It's hard to be happy for someone when you lose," Martin said. "But I've got to think it's going to be a great, great week for Butler people and people in the city of Indianapolis to have one of their own in the Final Four."
One of the Bulldogs' unusual features is that three sophomores -- Hayward, Mack and Nored -- are starters and they lack the experience supposedly necessary for a mid-major to make a lengthy tourney run.
Yet national championships have been won by Butler before -- in an AAU Tournament in 1924 and a mythical one from 1929. There are banners at Hinkle Fieldhouse commemorating those titles.
It's a big place, though. There's plenty of room left to hang another.
If you don't believe it, Stevens said, you can't achieve it.
"This is a very special moment in our life," Mack said. "We all believed in each other."
Bulldogs shock Kansas State as their miracle run continues
By David Woods, Indianapolis Star
Posted: March 28, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY -- Restrained and corporate-looking as he is, Brad Stevens finally let his guard down.
On the bus ride home from the airport a week ago, Butler's basketball team passed Lucas Oil Stadium. Wouldn't it be something, the coach told wife Tracy, if the Bulldogs played there in the Final Four?
"That hit a little bit," he said. "That was the first time I even thought about it."
Now, that's almost all anyone in Indianapolis will be thinking about. Home-grown Gordon Hayward, who led Brownsburg High School to a state title, has taken his act to a larger stage.
Hayward scored eight of his 22 points in the closing six minutes, and Butler knocked off Kansas State 63-56 Saturday in the NCAA West Regional final.
No. 5 seed Butler (32-4) will play in a national semifinal next Saturday against the winner of today's Midwest Regional final between Michigan State and Tennessee at St. Louis.
In running its winning streak to 24 and going farther in the NCAA Tournament than ever before, Butler became the smallest school (enrollment: 4,200) in the Final Four since seeding was introduced in 1979. Butler will be the first team to play in a Final Four in its home city since champion UCLA in 1972.
By the way, Butler is 15-0 in Indy.
"Our dreams definitely didn't stop at getting to the Final Four," said Hayward, voted outstanding player of the West Regional. "We want to win the whole thing."
The Bulldogs' defense was so suffocating that they held No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 seed Kansas State (29-8) to season lows and a collective 46 points under their averages. Butler is 19-0 when holding opponents under 60 points, and Kansas State fell to 2-5 when scoring fewer than 70.
Wildcat guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen, who totaled 53 points in a Thursday's double-overtime win over Xavier, were limited to 32 on 11-of-30 shooting. Pullen, shadowed by an omnipresent Ronald Nored, scored 14 points -- 12 under his tourney average.
Hayward's nine rebounds led the outsized Bulldogs to a 41-29 edge in that category, compensating for 20 turnovers. Butler's Shelvin Mack scored 16 points and joined Hayward on the all-regional team.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Restrained and corporate-looking as he is, Brad Stevens finally let his guard down.
On the bus ride home from the airport a week ago, Butler's basketball team passed Lucas Oil Stadium. Wouldn't it be something, the coach told wife Tracy, if the Bulldogs played there in the Final Four?
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"That hit a little bit," he said. "That was the first time I even thought about it."
Now, that's almost all anyone in Indianapolis will be thinking about. Home-grown Gordon Hayward, who led Brownsburg High School to a state title, has taken his act to a larger stage.
Hayward scored eight of his 22 points in the closing six minutes, and Butler knocked off Kansas State 63-56 Saturday in the NCAA West Regional final.
No. 5 seed Butler (32-4) will play in a national semifinal next Saturday against the winner of today's Midwest Regional final between Michigan State and Tennessee at St. Louis.
In running its winning streak to 24 and going farther in the NCAA Tournament than ever before, Butler became the smallest school (enrollment: 4,200) in the Final Four since seeding was introduced in 1979. Butler will be the first team to play in a Final Four in its home city since champion UCLA in 1972.
By the way, Butler is 15-0 in Indy.
"Our dreams definitely didn't stop at getting to the Final Four," said Hayward, voted outstanding player of the West Regional. "We want to win the whole thing."
The Bulldogs' defense was so suffocating that they held No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 seed Kansas State (29-8) to season lows and a collective 46 points under their averages. Butler is 19-0 when holding opponents under 60 points, and Kansas State fell to 2-5 when scoring fewer than 70.
Wildcat guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen, who totaled 53 points in a Thursday's double-overtime win over Xavier, were limited to 32 on 11-of-30 shooting. Pullen, shadowed by an omnipresent Ronald Nored, scored 14 points -- 12 under his tourney average.
Hayward's nine rebounds led the outsized Bulldogs to a 41-29 edge in that category, compensating for 20 turnovers. Butler's Shelvin Mack scored 16 points and joined Hayward on the all-regional team.
Although Butler often has been compared to the small-town Milan team that inspired the movie "Hoosiers," the Bulldogs have instead resembled the gritty racehorse from "Seabiscuit." In three tournament games, the Bulldogs lost leads in the closing minutes, only to thunder down the homestretch to finish first.
After leading by 11 points in the first half and 10 in the second, the Bulldogs fell behind 52-51 with less than five minutes left. They trailed for all of 35 seconds.
Clemente scored on a runner to tie it at 54. Then the Bulldogs secured the victory with a 9-0 run beginning with Hayward's layup off Nored's lob. Nored drove for a left-handed layup to make it 58-54 with 2:04 left, and Hayward's drive extended that to 60-54 with 62 seconds on the clock.
Kansas State coach Frank Martin said the Bulldogs "kicked our tails" and "annihilated us" on the glass.
"It's hard to be happy for someone when you lose," Martin said. "But I've got to think it's going to be a great, great week for Butler people and people in the city of Indianapolis to have one of their own in the Final Four."
One of the Bulldogs' unusual features is that three sophomores -- Hayward, Mack and Nored -- are starters and they lack the experience supposedly necessary for a mid-major to make a lengthy tourney run.
Yet national championships have been won by Butler before -- in an AAU Tournament in 1924 and a mythical one from 1929. There are banners at Hinkle Fieldhouse commemorating those titles.
It's a big place, though. There's plenty of room left to hang another.
If you don't believe it, Stevens said, you can't achieve it.
"This is a very special moment in our life," Mack said. "We all believed in each other."
ISML 2010: Misaka still first; Aisaka, Nagato, seven others give chase
ISML 2010: Misaka still first; Aisaka, Nagato, seven others give chase
March 26, 2010
Mikoto Misaka is known as the Railgun in Academy City for one major reason: her namesake attack that involves a silver coin and a large shot of electricity powerful enough to shut down a district or two.
Today, she electrocuted Chiaki Minami 3609-1530 in Match Day 3 of the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine Phase to stay in first.
Among those giving chase, Taiga Aisaka pummeled Mihoko Fukuji 4009-1184 to stay in second. Yuki Nagato kept pace with a 3680-1641 annihilation of Ryou Fujibayashi to move up to third in the standings.
"It's too early in the season to make conclusions," said Mio Akiyama, who scored a 3991-949 walkover of Ui Hirasawa. "But now we have an idea of who's in contention for the first prize of this tournament."
Others in contention for the Aquamarine include Nadeko Sengoku, Azusa Nakano, Saber, defending champion Hinagiku Katsura, Kyou Fujibayashi and Shana.
Sengoku defeated Minori Kushieda 3046-2026, Saber easily dominated Nymph 3515-1662, Nakano cruised past Isumi Saginomiya 3158-2048, Kyou rocked Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 3020-2004, Katsura torched Ikaros 3421-1703, and Shana scored a 4186-1160 walkover of Nodoka Haramura.
In other ISML action... Ruiko Saten defeated Mei Sunohara 2744-24146, Holo chomped up Ami Kawashima 3041-2078, Rin Tosaka prevailed over Mikuru Asahina 2865-2519, Illyasviel von Einzbern knocked Konata Izumi from Aquamarine contention with a 2665-2641 thriller, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeated Tsukasa Hiiragi 2632-2493 and Nagi Sanzen'in stomped Kotomi Ichinose 2848-2363.
Once again, the first-timers made some huge gains. Yui Hirasawa rocked Fuuko Ibuki 2938-2197, Ushio Okazaki prevailed over Hanyuu Furude 2397-2297, Hitagi Senjougahara stunned Nanoha Takamachi 2729-2400, Kurimu Sakurano trounced Rika Furude 2757-2190 and Mafuyu Shiina defeated C.C. 2782-2464.
Finally, in other action from today...Kagami Hiiragi cruised past Chizuru Akaba 2889-2307, Fate Testarossa delivered a 2716-2317 defeat to Minatsu Shiina and in a clash of regulars, Haruhi Suzumiya had the upper hand over Nagisa Furukawa, 2893-2376.
In a special match, Niche defeated Excel 1725-1641.
Aquamarine Match Day 4 is scheduled for Sunday, March 28, 2010. As always, you make the call. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.
March 26, 2010
Mikoto Misaka is known as the Railgun in Academy City for one major reason: her namesake attack that involves a silver coin and a large shot of electricity powerful enough to shut down a district or two.
Today, she electrocuted Chiaki Minami 3609-1530 in Match Day 3 of the 2010 International Saimoe League Aquamarine Phase to stay in first.
Among those giving chase, Taiga Aisaka pummeled Mihoko Fukuji 4009-1184 to stay in second. Yuki Nagato kept pace with a 3680-1641 annihilation of Ryou Fujibayashi to move up to third in the standings.
"It's too early in the season to make conclusions," said Mio Akiyama, who scored a 3991-949 walkover of Ui Hirasawa. "But now we have an idea of who's in contention for the first prize of this tournament."
Others in contention for the Aquamarine include Nadeko Sengoku, Azusa Nakano, Saber, defending champion Hinagiku Katsura, Kyou Fujibayashi and Shana.
Sengoku defeated Minori Kushieda 3046-2026, Saber easily dominated Nymph 3515-1662, Nakano cruised past Isumi Saginomiya 3158-2048, Kyou rocked Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 3020-2004, Katsura torched Ikaros 3421-1703, and Shana scored a 4186-1160 walkover of Nodoka Haramura.
In other ISML action... Ruiko Saten defeated Mei Sunohara 2744-24146, Holo chomped up Ami Kawashima 3041-2078, Rin Tosaka prevailed over Mikuru Asahina 2865-2519, Illyasviel von Einzbern knocked Konata Izumi from Aquamarine contention with a 2665-2641 thriller, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeated Tsukasa Hiiragi 2632-2493 and Nagi Sanzen'in stomped Kotomi Ichinose 2848-2363.
Once again, the first-timers made some huge gains. Yui Hirasawa rocked Fuuko Ibuki 2938-2197, Ushio Okazaki prevailed over Hanyuu Furude 2397-2297, Hitagi Senjougahara stunned Nanoha Takamachi 2729-2400, Kurimu Sakurano trounced Rika Furude 2757-2190 and Mafuyu Shiina defeated C.C. 2782-2464.
Finally, in other action from today...Kagami Hiiragi cruised past Chizuru Akaba 2889-2307, Fate Testarossa delivered a 2716-2317 defeat to Minatsu Shiina and in a clash of regulars, Haruhi Suzumiya had the upper hand over Nagisa Furukawa, 2893-2376.
In a special match, Niche defeated Excel 1725-1641.
Aquamarine Match Day 4 is scheduled for Sunday, March 28, 2010. As always, you make the call. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.
BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Aquamarine Match Day 3
ARENA 01: Sunohara Mei [Saten Ruiko] by >=500
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 02: Fukuji Mihoko [Aisaka Taiga] by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 03: Maria [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=500
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 04: Haramura Nodoka [Shana] by >=600
Over/Under: 4600
Over
ARENA 05: [Kawashima Ami] Holo by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 06: Tōsaka Rin [Asahina Mikuru] by <=300
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 07: [Nagato Yuki] Fujibayashi Ryō by >=400
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 08: [Izumi Konata] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=500
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 09: [Sengoku Nadeko] Kushieda Minori by >=400
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 10: [Saber] Nymph by >=500
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 11: [Hiiragi Tsukasa] Louise Vallière by <=600
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 12: [Ichinose Kotomi] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=600
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 13: Saginomiya Isumi [Nakano Azusa] by >=400
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 14: Minami Chiaki [Misaka Mikoto] by >=500
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 15: [Hirasawa Yui] Ibuki Fūko by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 16: [Akiyama Mio] Hirasawa Ui by >=600
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 17: Ikaros [Katsura Hinagiku] by >=500
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 18: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Konjiki no Yami by >=300
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 19: [Furude Hanyū] Okazaki Ushio by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 20: [Takamachi Nanoha] Senjōgahara Hitagi by >=300
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 21: Furude Rika [Sakurano Kurimu] by <=500
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 22: Shiina Mafuyu [C.C.] by >=200
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 23: [Hiiragi Kagami] Akaba Chizuru by >=400
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 24: [Fate Testarossa] Shiina Minatsu by >=500
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 25: Furukawa Nagisa [Suzumiya Haruhi] by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
Special Match:
ARENA 26: Excel [Niche] by by <=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under
Over/Under: 4900
Under
ARENA 02: Fukuji Mihoko [Aisaka Taiga] by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 03: Maria [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=500
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 04: Haramura Nodoka [Shana] by >=600
Over/Under: 4600
Over
ARENA 05: [Kawashima Ami] Holo by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 06: Tōsaka Rin [Asahina Mikuru] by <=300
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 07: [Nagato Yuki] Fujibayashi Ryō by >=400
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 08: [Izumi Konata] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=500
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 09: [Sengoku Nadeko] Kushieda Minori by >=400
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 10: [Saber] Nymph by >=500
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 11: [Hiiragi Tsukasa] Louise Vallière by <=600
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 12: [Ichinose Kotomi] Sanzen'in Nagi by <=600
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 13: Saginomiya Isumi [Nakano Azusa] by >=400
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 14: Minami Chiaki [Misaka Mikoto] by >=500
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 15: [Hirasawa Yui] Ibuki Fūko by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
ARENA 16: [Akiyama Mio] Hirasawa Ui by >=600
Over/Under: 5300
Under
ARENA 17: Ikaros [Katsura Hinagiku] by >=500
Over/Under: 5200
Under
ARENA 18: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Konjiki no Yami by >=300
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 19: [Furude Hanyū] Okazaki Ushio by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Over
ARENA 20: [Takamachi Nanoha] Senjōgahara Hitagi by >=300
Over/Under: 4900
Over
ARENA 21: Furude Rika [Sakurano Kurimu] by <=500
Over/Under: 5000
Under
ARENA 22: Shiina Mafuyu [C.C.] by >=200
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 23: [Hiiragi Kagami] Akaba Chizuru by >=400
Over/Under: 5000
Over
ARENA 24: [Fate Testarossa] Shiina Minatsu by >=500
Over/Under: 5100
Under
ARENA 25: Furukawa Nagisa [Suzumiya Haruhi] by >=300
Over/Under: 4800
Over
Special Match:
ARENA 26: Excel [Niche] by by <=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under
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