Although I'm exhausted from a busy day of sports. I'm going to give you some quick thoughts on what I saw today before I hit the sack.

-Upsets galore in Tampa Bay kept me entertained all day. I love march madness!
-The biggest surprise to me was how Sienna beat Vanderbilt. I did not see that coming, especially in the way that it happened.
-I was so impressed with Tyrone Brazelton's intelligent play under pressure. Not only did he turn in a great game with 33 points, but I was most impressed by how he got the ball up the floor quickly and made the smart pass back to the inbound man for the buzzerbeater. I felt bad for Drake. They had a dream season this year. But after seeing that I didn't even mind my bracket being busted!
-Sir Alexander Ovechkin is a really good player. It is still amazing to me how a team can be so bad that they have a player score 60 goals in one year and still be fighting for the 8th and final playoff spot in the NHL.
- I love the WKU Hilltopper mascot (The Red dot)

This is day 2 of our bowl predictions. Enjoy...

Humanitarian BowlGeorgia Tech vs. Fresno St.
TSF's Take: Two words: Tashard Choice
Sun Bowl
South Florida vs. Oregon
TSF's Take: Oregon hasn't been the same since the loss of Dennis Dixon and the Bulls have some impressive recent wins.
Music City BowlKentucky vs. Florida St.

This week I'm in charge of the weekend preview. I'll do it a little differently than Stefan, but it'll look a lot like what you are accustomed to.

(21) Wisconsin at (1) Ohio St.I like the Buckeyes in this one. OSU has really surprised me this season. I thought they were a much more talent team last year. However, they've done nothing thus far to tell me they won't beat Wisconsin by double digits on Saturday.The Pick: Ohio St.
(24) Wake Forest at (23) VirginiaThis is going to be a great game. I like Virginia because they're at home and despite last week's close loss, I feel like they're relatively hot coming in. I like the Cavaliers in a close one.The Pick: Virginia

The NCAA Tournament is about a month away and I absolutely cannot wait. Here's our current projections of the top 4 seeds and conference winners.

1 Seeds
Memphis- Should easily be a 1 seed with the C-USA schedule
UNC- I think they'll prevail, once Lawson is back and to full strength they should just about win out and win the ACC Tourney
UCLA- they will win the Pac 10 tourney which should secure the 1 seed
Tennessee- the SEC is down this year and no one is really posing that much of a threat to them

2 Seeds
Kansas- should be a 1 seed, but Texas or A&M could easily knock them off in the Big XII tourney
Duke- I see them losing to UNC and possibly in the ACC Tourney
Georgetown- still have to play Louisville, Marquette, and UConn but two of them are at home. I see them at least making the Big East Tourney Final
Texas- playing as good as anyone now but tough schedule coming up

3 Seeds
Butler- Could easily win out but being a mid-major and easy schedule won't get them a 2 seed

Tired of relying on experts picks or your own knowledge? Well I have my own strategy at trying to pick some of the NCAA Tournament games myself. Now I will reveal my own strategy and you can decide for yourself if it's useful or not...

Picking a National Champion
Before filling out a single game, pick your national champion first. It just works out better that way, in my opinion. There are a few characteristics a national championship team should have; Here are some qualities you should look for in a champion (In no particular order):

1. Guard Play
A title team needs to have floor generals and an experienced PG who lead the team. The teams who lack an efficient floor general will be more susceptible to turnovers and shooting woes.

2. Defense
Defense is probably the biggest factor for a national championship team. A team with a stellar defense can dictate the flow of the game and force their own tempo usually prevails.

3. Experience
You gotta have experience in order to win it all. The players who have played in these big games and have gotten their teams there before usually have the upper hand. The teams that are battle-tested and get their teams through adversity usually come out on top.

4. Post Play

O.J Mayo and Michael Beasley are two of the best freshman playing college basketball this season. Both players are averaging over 20 points per contest, and both decided not to go to the elite basketball programs like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas or Indiana. Despite how much game these future NBA All-Stars have, both Mayo and Beasley are having a hard time getting to the big dance next month. They both are seeing that basketball is a team game, and neither of these guys have the supporting cast to carry them into the field of 65. So they have to carry their teams themselves. Beasley looked like his Wildcats had all but wrapped up an at large bid. However they are back on the bubble again after losing four out of the last five games including losses to Nebraska and Texas Tech. USC has won two straight since losing at home to arch rival UCLA, but still is looking for another good win to put on their resume. They beat UCLA at UCLA earlier in January, but that is their only good win. Losses to Mercer and California are the only real blemishes on their resume.

1. LSU- PR- 2
LSU had an impressive comeback win over Florida Saturday night. They are the clear number one right now, but looks like the Tigers will have another down to the wire match up at Kentucky this week.
2. California- PR- 3
Cal had a week off but they move up to the 2 spot with USC losing. Cal looks like the favorite right now in the Pac 10. If they can continue to put up points like they've been doing they should win out. I can't wait for their match up with USC on Nov. 10.
3. Ohio St.- PR- 5With the way OSU has been playing they're definitely one of the top teams in the country. An impressive win over Purdue boosts them even more. Easy game vs. Kent St. before they play Michigan St.
4. South Florida- PR- 6

This is day one of 2 for TSF's Bowl predictions. Being there are 32 bowl games, we'll divide them up with two posts.

Poinsettia Bowl Utah vs. Navy

TSF's Take: Navy has a stellar rushing game and Utah's Defense is vulnerable but Utah is far more athletic and I have a feeling Utah will play like they did in their 44-6 win over UCLA.

New Orleans Bowl
Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic

TSF's Take: Memphis just has more depth and talent

Papajohns.com Bowl

Milt Schmidt
Boston Bruins 1937-1955

After doing some deep thinking, here's The Sports Flow's Top 5 game of 2007.

5. Ohio St. vs. Xavier- 2nd Round- NCAA Tournament
I specifically remember watching this game with some buddies and it was one hell of a game. It was back and forth, superstar playmaking game, with the the top players on each team stepping up big time. The best of the 2007 NCAA Tournament in my opinion and one of the best of 2007. It looked like Xavier was going to pull away late in the 2nd half, but Mike Conley Jr. and Ron Lewis had something else in mind...

Just ignore the first part, after about 20 seconds it will show the highlights.

LSU at Kentucky
We possibly have an upset alert here. With the way this season has been you can no longer look past anyone. Kentucky has the offense to stay with LSU. Andre Woodson and Co. will need to bring their best game so far if they want any piece of the Tigers.

The Pick: LSU

Texas A&M at Texas Tech
The two Texas rivals will square in what is basically an elimination game for a Big XII Title berth. Stephen McGee looks to lead A&M with his arm and legs, while the Red Raiders' high-powered offense will try to make the Aggies keep with the tempo.

Calgary plays host to the inaugural world women's under 18 hockey championships, an eight team tournament leading up to the championship final on Saturday, January 12.

We'll follow the games from this page and list some of the items that we find about it below.

East

Louisville Cardinals
They are a little under the radar right now; they're healthy and they have great guard play. Their guard depth will prevail, plus David Padgett is one of the best big men in the country and if he gets into foul trouble, they still have Derrick Caracter.

Midwest

Georgetown Hoyas
The Hoyas have nearly everyone back from a team that lost in the Final Four last season. They have the guards to play with anyone and the best big man in the country in Roy Hibbert. Plus, they have one of the best defenses in the country. They'll make you play their game, they'll wear you down, plus they have depth.

South

Memphis Tigers
The Tigers have been to the Elite 8 the past two seasons and this is finally the year they get over the hump and into the Final Four. They're so talented and deep. I think they'll make enough free throws to help them win some games.

Canada seeks out their fourth straight gold medal as Team Canada begins play at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic.
We'll follow the games from this page and list other information that we come across as well during the two weeks of the always high tempo hockey.

Dit Clapper
Boston Bruins 1927-1947
Legends of Hockey home page
.....Other sites of interest:

In my haste to get to the post yesterday I forgot to put in a little shameless plug for myself. I also do a little blogging over at Complete Sports, and you guys should check it out. Although you should check it out to read Jon's work and just skim mine. If you liked the preview yesterday, read on to see my picks for every NCAA tournament game.

East Region-Albany, New York

(1) Michigan over (4) Niagara

This weekend TSF will be experiencing a reunion on the campus of the Universiy of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. Here we will be celebrating a belated 1 year anniversary/birthday of the blog that you know and love.

Also, this weekend I will be spending considerable time at the Ralph Engelstadt Arena watching both the North Dakota State Hockey Tournament and my University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team riding the nation's longest unbeaten streak against the Bemidji State Beavers. The Sioux are ranked #2 in the nation (NCAA D1) and look to remain the hottest team in the land and extend their unbeaten streak from 11 games to 13 with a sweep this weekend. It's going to be a fun-filled hockey weekend.

here are some UND Fighting Sioux Hockey videos for you to feast your eyes on.

Evan Trupp Beats the Golden Chokers in OT (SC #1 Top Play)

It's time for our first rankings of the season for College Hoops.
1.(Tie) Memphis & Kansas
It is still tough to tell who is the clear-cut number one. Both Memphis and KU are very similar in many ways. They both play the same type of game, fast paced and rely on their speed and athleticism. Both have some great wins with Memphis beating Georgetown, USC, Arizona, and Gonzaga and KU topping Arizona and USC. Memphis may have a few bigger wins but the Big XII schedule evens it out for Kansas. We may not know who is the "true" number one until one of these team loses or maybe not until they meet in the NCAA Tournament.

3. North Carolina

EXPANDED CONTENT AT: www.thesportsflow.com --> Register for the Forum!

By Stefan Ming

The conference battles have been won and now all that remain are two, we archive the results from the final round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Saturday, May 31-- Detroit at Pittsburgh
Wednesday, May 28-- PITTSBURGH 3, Detroit 2
Monday, May 26-- DETROIT 3, Pittsburgh 0
Saturday, May 24-- DETROIT 4, Pittsburgh 0

Expanded Content at: http://www.thesportsflow.com --> Become a registered member and talk sports in the Forum!

By Stefan Ming

Predicted Order of Finish:

Gilbert Perreault

Buffalo Sabres 1970-1987

Legends of Hockey home page

Other sites of interest:

Joe Mullen

St. Louis Blues 1979-1986
Calgary Flames 1986-1990
Pittsburgh Penguins 1990-1995 1996-1997
Boston Bruins 1995-1996

Legends of Hockey home page
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Other sites of interest:

Auburn at LSU
Just imagine if Auburn knocked off LSU here and took the SEC West lead. Auburn has been playing pretty well lately, but LSU is looking to avenge their loss against Kentucky from last week. LSU's Defense should give fits to Brandon Cox and Auburn's Offense.
The Pick: LSU

Oregon at Washington
This may be a tough game for the Ducks. Washington usually plays pretty well at home and can match up individually with Oregon. The secondary could give Dennis Dixon some trouble as well.

The Pick: Washington

Texas Tech at Missouri
This is a big game for both teams as each is vying for a Big XII Championship appearance. Texas Tech's Offense can score no doubt on Mizzou but can their defense slow down Chase Daniel and the rest of the Tigers' Offense? Expect a game in the 40's.

Father David Bauer

Hockey Canada 1960's, 70's, 80's

Legends of Hockey home page

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Other sites of interest:

Even though the College Hoops season has already started we would like to do a little preview of our Final Four Picks and such. Like Complete Sports, we never finished our conference predictions so we will scrap those as well, Sorry for the inconvenience.

Final Four Predictions
Stefan Ming's Picks:
North Carolina
Memphis
Louisville
UCLA

2008 National Champion:
Memphis Tigers

Clint Benedict

Ottawa Senators 1912-1924
Montreal Maroons 1924-1930

Legends of Hockey home page

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Sorry this is a little late but I still wanted to get an NBA Playoff post in. Here's some brief playoff predictions.

Western Conference

LA Lakers over Denver Nuggets in 7
Too much Kobe and Gasol down low
Houston Rockets over Utah Jazz in 6
Rockets play great defense and Luis Scola has filled in great for Yao Ming

San Antonio Spurs over Phoenix Suns in 6
It's tough to beat the Spurs in a 7 game series. Too much defense, team play, and Duncan and Parker for the Suns.

New Orleans Hornets over Dallas Mavs in 7
The Hornets are for real and Chris Paul won't let their chances slip away.
2nd Round
LA Lakers over Houston Rockets in 6
Kobe will keep Tracy McGrady in check

San Antonio Spurs over New Orleans Hornets in 6
I'll take Duncan and Parker over Paul and West