Boomo Bugg Show 031726

[0:00] Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice. The Boomo Bugg Show. New exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. Now your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Good afternoon and welcome in to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us free ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome in where we now know a little bit more of why Auburn fans, especially basketball fans, are as upset as they are. The latest on will he or will he not play at Alabama? And of course, maybe the big news, happy St. Paddy's Day to you. Do you have your green on? How are you?

I don't have your green on, but happy Tuesday to you and the listeners. The NCAA basketball tournament begins tonight with Texas participating in the play-in games. Las Vegas insider Bruce Marshall will preview the SEC and the NCAA tournament. And the multi-talented Roger Hoover is here right now to talk about some Alabama basketball, baseball, and softball. The man who always has a ball is Roger Hoover. He comes out of your radio every time Alabama plays just about any ball game across the board. And also a nice enough guy to take time out and join us today.

Roger Hoover from the Crimson Tide Sports Network. Welcome in and how are you? Boomo Bugg. I'm doing really well. I am 162 miles away from Mobile. Look forward to being there tonight for Alabama baseball against South Alabama in the most anticipated sporting event in the state coming up tonight. Can we say that? What a night for South Alabama, Roger. Just in case we're checking in from Pluto. South Alabama is going to have a shot at both the big boys tonight, are they not? Over on the basketball side, Auburn.

Number one seed, by the way, in the NIT will be taking on South Alabama there. And Alabama baseball taking on South Alabama in baseball. So what a night. Your thoughts before we get into the obvious, since you brought it up, Roger. Obviously, Kentucky, pretty doggone good team if you look at the rankings. Your thoughts about Alabama baseball, a lot of the shoots with SEC play. Yeah, it was a tough weekend for us in Lexington. It took a while for the pass to get going in each and every game against some pretty good, solid starting pitching for Kentucky.

And the Wildcats, a team not known for hitting many home runs. Of course, they take us on, and they're all of a sudden hitting home runs left and right each and every game, fueling their offensive attack. So definitely a tough weekend. But I was encouraged, you know, no moral victories or anything like that. But I was encouraged Alabama made every single one of those ballgames a game in the ninth inning. Headed to the tying run, the plates are on base, go ahead, run on base. So I think we saw a lot of the fight from Alabama, and it's going to be a tough league.

I mean, the SEC is always going to be tough. It's kind of amazing. Alabama is not getting swept in a series at all last season. So, you know, these things do pop up from time to time. And, unfortunately, for Alabama, it happened this week. So that's why I think it's a good South Alabama team, a chance to get a little momentum back before you welcome in the South Florida Gators to Tuscaloosa over the weekend. Roger, I was going to say, all those games were close. Sunday, 6-4, and then 7-4, 8-7.

A key hit here or there. Maybe a little bit better job as far as the bullpen. Again, the Florida Gators are coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend, and we know they're one of the best teams in the country. But I think if Alabama continues, but to get some clutch hits, the pitching can improve a little bit. This is a good baseball team. Yeah, it really is. And it's a baseball team that I think has a lot of talent up and down the lineup. John Lamb really showed what he can do over the weekend with a couple of towering home runs against the Kentucky Wildcats, a catcher from Australia.

He started his career at Southern Illinois, transfers to Alabama, and his power has certainly translated to SEC pitching. So, get him going. Hopefully, Justin LeBron is going to continue to play well. He went out on Saturday's game with an ankle injury, but was able to come back on Sunday for the Crimson Dive. The Superstar short is off. So, Alabama needs him going, needs him healthy in order to be the kind of team they want to be this season. So, that's one of the things to keep an eye on as well for tonight's ballgame against South Alabama.

How does Justin LeBron play and some good momentum again come in this weekend when they don't be able to go to Florida? Roger Hoover in the huddle with us. Speaking of this weekend, Alabama with a Friday afternoon date with Hofstra. And I'm checking the record books. I don't see many ballgames, no matter what the sport is over the years, between the tide and the pride. It's one of those games, Roger, when you look at it, people are going to say, well, it's Alabama. They're the Goliath and Hofstra's the David.

[5:17] Not so fast, my friend. Hofstra, they love the half-court game. Alabama loves to speed it up. The problem is they're now missing one of their speedsters in Holloway. We comment as much as you'd like to about that. But also, they got a kid named, was it Cruz Davis? He's as good as anybody anywhere. This kid's good. He's at Hofstra. It's easy to overlook him. Your thoughts about the matchup, on paper anyway, should favor Alabama. But that's what they said last time against Ole Miss. Yeah, that's probably one of the toughest starting matchups that Alabama's had in the NCAA tournament since NATO's been there, to be quite honest, because of the contrast in styles.

Usually teams that like to play fast and shoot a lot of three-pointers, a very similar system to when NATO likes to run. Usually Alabama's pretty prepared for that because defensively they work against that practice all the time. And again, that just kind of fits Alabama's game. These are the type of teams that historically have slowed down the Crimson Tide and make them play in the half-court, as you mentioned. A lot of good sides at the post, but then really good guard play as well. Hofstra has always been known for producing good guards, and Alabama was a beneficiary of that a few years ago when they got to Aaron Estrada in the transfer portal.

He comes to Alabama, and I believe is part of that Final Four team or SEC Championship team right around then. But Alabama certainly has the full attention of its coaching staff, players about Hofstra, knowing how good they can be, and knowing that it's a very tricky matchup. It probably will be a trendy, upset pick by a lot of potential teams as well, especially considering it's a hollow, like you mentioned, just an unfortunate situation all the way around that the Natives and the Athletic Department and the University are handling very seriously.

So with that, you hope that somebody like LeBaron Spylon and Latrell Wright will shoot more than maybe they have been shooting from the floor and get A to Shirell and fall a little bit more and allow a player like Amari Allen to step up his role in the board we've seen. So Alabama played without Holloway for a few games this year and offensively had good games when that happened. That's going to have to be the case throughout the rest of the N-state tournament. Ron Dron's going to say, I've been asked the same question, how does Alabama compensate for the loss of Holloway?

It's very simple. Other players have got to step up. Jaleel Bethea with a lot of potential. Houston Millett. Reitzel, Amari Allen, and Millett combined from one for 12 outside shooting against Ole Miss. I don't think that's going to happen again. And Taylor Bo Bowen played one of his better games this year against Ole Miss. I thought Noah Williamson played one of the better games. I do think when you get in a situation like this, sometimes it galvanizes teams. And I agree with you. I think some of these guys are going to step up.

Yeah, I agree as well, especially those post players, like you mentioned. I think they have to play well coming up in this game against Hofstra. And then we kind of saw the reverse of this for a few games when LeBaron Pylon, who's injured Nate Holloway, really took up a more volume shooting than what he had done before in the absence of LeBaron Pylon and played extremely well. I think Pylon's capable of the same thing. I think it's probably a better thing for LeBaron Pylon to take an extra five to hit shots now than maybe otherwise he would have given to Holloway.

Alabama is in going to be in great shape for LeBaron Pylon taking more shots during these ballgames ahead. So, again, it's an unfortunate situation all the way around. But for this team moving forward, I think you could see some of these Alabama guards play with more freedom. And we know they have to be counted on for some scoring down the stretch. Roger Hoover, Crimson Tide Sports Network. You know the rest of the world is going to be rooting against the SEC, whether it's men's or women.

How about this? Ten from the SEC making it with the men. Ten from the SEC making it with the women, including the pride of Alabama, Carly Weathers out of Loretta. Your thoughts about Alabama's women in the NCAA tournament. Yeah, it's really exciting, especially for all of our fans from Loretta. It's not hard at all to get to Louisville, Kentucky for this weekend's game. Saturday game against Rhode Island. And then hopefully we pick up the win on Saturday and can play on Monday night against most likely the Louisville Cardinals, which should be a great atmosphere and a fantastic, beautiful arena, the KFC Young Center right on the river in Louisville.

I really can't wait to get up there later on this weekend. Alabama's going to take on the reigning Atlantic 10 champions who, I believe, won 28 games in Rhode Island. Anytime they're going up against a team like that, they know how to win. But the same can be said for Alabama, especially Alabama's got wins against some of the best teams in college basketball in the SEC. So it's exciting that this group has been able to hit the reset button a little bit after the good week in Greenville going 2-1, losing to Texas, but getting wins before that against Tennessee and Missouri.

And I think you're going to see a healthy Crimson side basketball team and one that is highly motivated. Louisville has lost five games at their arena this season. Alabama will go into this one with some confidence. And I think this might end up being a better draw for the Crimson side in women's basketball than what we've seen the last few years when Alabama's had to go to Texas, lost to them at around the 32. Had that thrilling game in two overtime last year against Maryland and, unfortunately, could not get it done.

[10:34] I think Alabama feels confident. They get past Rhode Island on Saturday. There's going to be a great opportunity to get a marquee upset on Monday and advance to the first that we've received as cool as that since 1999. Roger, a tip of the count to Patrick Murphy and the softball team. Man, 26-1 overall, 5-1 after winning the series over the number-eight ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. Alabama is number four. Listen, the offense has been clicking this year. Pitching has been dominant. Patrick Murphy's got quite a team this year.

Yeah, he knows what he's doing. I trust Patrick Murphy as much as anybody on our campus right now. I mean, he really loaded that roster with some really good talent. And the pitching has been solid. Jocelyn Prisky, who I have as an interview guest, they're coming up today on Crimson Drive. Tripped by now at 2 o'clock on all of our social media platforms. She's performing like an All-American right now. She's turning into that new Montana Fouls that I think a lot of people hoped she would become after she did so well helping lead Alabama to a college-world series as a freshman.

So it's an exciting group. I don't get to see many of their games, but I was tuned in as much as I could be while we were up in Kentucky. Love seeing the scores roll in. I love just seeing the fans enjoying the great weather we had in Tuscaloosa. If you guys tell me, how did we go from 80 degrees on Saturday and Sunday to all of a sudden I was walking into Bryant-Denny Stadium for some interviews yesterday in the snow. How'd that happen in 24 hours? Welcome to Alabama, Roger.

Let me circle in March, by the way. Let me circle you back to baseball. Justin LeBron gave Alabama fans a scare at Kentucky. What's the latest? I know you know what I'm referring to. It looks like he had a little issue there at second base. Is he okay? What's the latest with LeBron? Yeah, he hit his ankle hard, his foot hard, and then ankle as a result on the bag on Saturday, I believe, in the second inning on a fly out in the center field. Stayed in the game, played defensively in the bottom of the second at shortstop, and then after that was taken out for precautionary measures.

And the good thing was, he was able to return. I think they had a great game of the play on Sunday when he was back, but defensively made every play at shortstop. Kind of looked fine. No heavy ankle tapings or anything like that that we could see. So it'll be interesting to see if he does play that night here against South Alabama. I imagine he will. I don't think this is going to be a serious injury. So hopefully he is good to go, because Alabama really meets his badge.

It's a team that's kind of searching a little bit for some offense, and he's the guy that we know can consistently deliver. Well, listen, we'll let you get on to Mobile. Thank you so much for coming on with us, spending a few minutes. Ace Alston of that Alabama women's basketball team, another guest that you've got, I believe, today on Crimson Drive. I know, again, you're in Mobile tonight. The Florida Gators with Kevin O'Sullivan and that crew come in this weekend. Alabama basketball Friday, women this weekend.

A lot of things going on. Quote during spring break. Roger, where can we get online to get all the great stuff? Yeah, just follow us at the Crimson Tide Sports Network, UA underscore CTSN, any social media platform, especially just subscribe on YouTube. That way you can get all of our shows right to you. As you mentioned, Jocelyn Bristie, Ace Austin, coming up on today's Crimson Drive. We'll have Latrell Wright Jr. for the men's basketball team on Thursdays at 2 o'clock along with Tyler Fay from Alabama baseball.

And some guy named Richard Hendricks, we're going to get his thoughts about basketball. He's actually going to be on the call for that NIC game tonight between South Alabama and Auburn. So he's going to break down all the tournament games for us for Alabama men's women's basketball on Thursdays. And then I just keep that radio on. We're going to be very, very busy with all the baseball and the basketball coming up this weekend. I'll be headed to Louisville, so I'll wave as I drive past you guys.

I'll be here to stay coming up a little later this week. But I'm looking forward to what should be a very winning week of Alabama athletics. The man with more hats and M&M's got colors in the bags there. Roger, safe travels to and from, and thanks so much for your time today. Thank you, guys. Roll tight. Thank you, man. Roger Hoover, Crimson Ties, Sports Network. What better name to welcome to town during St. Paddy's week than O'Sullivan, my friend, O'Danny Boy. Coming up, what do you say we go to the other color bluegrass country?

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[20:53] Welcome in. How's life in Kentucky today? So cold. It's killing me. So cold. What's going on, Larry? Is this global warming or what? How do you define global warming? 80 degrees and folks down here were mowing the grass over the weekend. And then everything else was shivering on Monday morning. It had snow on the ground. Is life the same up in Kentucky? Yeah, I was out on Sunday afternoon with 76 here, I think, mowing grass. And this morning when I got up, it's 22. Well, you mowed it on the weekend and got killed on Monday.

So I guess if you hate mowing grass, that might be a welcome sight. But, Larry, be that, maybe that means the madness in March has a meaning now. How is March Madness Fever going this year in your backyard of Kentucky? I think it's one that nobody really knows exactly what they think it's going to be like up here because, at times, Kentucky's been really good. And other times, they've been really bad. Really bad. So I think if you could see them lose to Santa Clara, or you could see them beat Santa Clara, beat Iowa State, go to Sweet 16, I don't think anybody would be shocked with either outcome up here because they've just been such an unpredictable season for Kentucky men's basketball.

Kind of like, well, it wasn't quite that unpredictable last year, but they've lost 25 games over the last two years. And that's a lot for Kentucky basketball to lose. Let me ask you this, Larry. I'm looking at some of the numbers here and take it with a grain of salt, how much of it's believable and how much of it is not. Kentucky at one time was thought to have the biggest, can you believe this, in 2026 payroll for basketball. I'm looking at this number, and actually, they're filth in the SEC behind Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas.

Kentucky's only spending 20, Tennessee's spent over $23 million. Auburn fans, basically, Auburn spent the same as Kentucky. So if you want to know why Auburn fans are upset, that might be one reason right there. Alabama, by comparison, a mere $15 million plus. The point I'm trying to make, Larry, at what point do we come up and say, this is crazy. We're spending all this money, and this is what we're getting as far as a return on our investment. I would hope we're already saying that, but apparently we're not.

Because people just keep spending and spending, and I don't really see what's going to stop. The football numbers are just spiraling out of control. Also, I think I heard a story the other day about where there might be a loophole where you can give an athlete a signing bonus if they do sign with you now. And before, while they're still leaving in high school. I don't know if that's true or not, but at least I know there's a couple of schools exploring that maybe it's not legal, but maybe it's not illegal yet either.

But we will see, but it just takes a lot of the fun out of watching. And when you credit, I mean, when players are making a million, $2 million, $800,000, then yeah, if you want to criticize them, I have a little bit more sympathy for fans. Because those are professional athletes now. If they go out and don't get much of an effort, they're getting that kind of salary. If you're getting up and going to work the next day and working a whole lot longer, a lot harder, and not making that, I can see how you get upset.

Well, here's the deal, Larry. A lot of these kids in high school have already made more than a lot of the parents made in a lifetime. That kind of puts your perspective right there. And you wonder why they have attitudes coming out. They got all this money, but they don't have a lot of experience in life. And you know they're going to have, quote, friends in parentheses. Is there anything that can be done legally? Because the reason, you can't blame the kids. The money's there. They're going to take it.

You get that. But is there anything that we've learned that we can go and get a bunch of these smart lawyers together and say, okay, this is the pay. But if you do this, this, and this, like get in trouble with drugs or whatever, then this is what's going to happen as far as taking money away. What about performance incentives? You can make $10 million, Larry, if you help us win a national championship. If you don't, you get 50 cents and a Big Mac. Is there anything that we can do to sit here and kind of say, the money's there, but you've got to earn it with also some accountability?

I don't think so. Because if we give a coach a $5 million or $6 million contract, then if he wins X number of games, he gets a bonus. Or he gets you to the tournament or the playoff, you get a bonus. Well, why the h*** are you giving him $5 million or $6 million to start with? That's not what you're expecting. I mean, that's the part I don't understand either. Yeah. Then you set them a buyout where if they don't do the job, even if they're athletic directors, give them a buyout.

So it's just crazy. All of us not working that, we're gifted athletically. We just missed out. Larry, Kentucky is one of the few teams in the league who have actually been competitive playing Florida. All of their games have really been by single digits. They lost 71-63 in the first game Friday. They were rebounded by 21, 50-29 in the offensive boards, 18-8. Santa Clara and probably number two seed Iowa State, as you mentioned. You've got to shoot the basketball, but can Kentucky, and look, Florida's front line is 6'9 to 6'11.

[26:10] I mean, they're going to do that to everybody, but as far as getting on the boards, getting the 50-50 balls more than what they've done at some times, can they rebound and stay in both of these games? Can they? Yes. Will they? Remain to be seen. That's the problem. They can when they want to or have shown they can at times. They can even be physical enough at times, and at other times they're not very physical at all. I mean, Brandon Garrison, sometimes he's brilliant. Sometimes he's not so set with us.

And it's just hard to figure. And then also what you said to start out with, that Kentucky's played Florida close three times. That's what I try with Kentucky basketball now. That's why Kentucky basketball is clinging to. They played Florida close three times. Never had a lead in any of the three games, but they were close at the end. So, by God, let's celebrate. Let's don't criticize them. We played on close. That's what's wrong right now. I mean, that's the part that I don't get. And like Mark Pope on Sunday night didn't have a watch party and invite the media like what he usually does.

And that's okay. But the reason was they needed some alone time because they hadn't had any alone time all season. I don't know what they've been doing, but they hadn't been with the media 24-7 all season long. So, I mean, for an old person like me, that just gets tiring and the lack of media access and you want to blame the media. You know, we're sitting here with 13 losses because we spent too much time with the media. Come on now, Mark. For a guy that wasn't going to make excuses, let's don't be using that one.

Yeah, Larry, they need a hug, man. They just need to step back and give them a big old giant hug. What are Kentucky fans saying about the SEC tourney champs? And I think his name is Calipari. What an irony, Larry. Yeah. You just want to rub salt in the wound for a guy that always said he didn't care about winning a title. When he was at Kentucky, he didn't make any difference. All he wanted to do is get ready for the big dance. He goes to Arkansas and wins.

I thought he was going to cry. He was so happy. Yeah, you talk about just really poking the cat up here. That has really, really poked the cat. And I tell you, it wouldn't stun me to see Calipari's team make a pretty nice run in this tournament. I know. Yeah. I agree with you. The Hollings are pretty good. I think Will Stein had his first media opportunity last Tuesday. Spring practice. The spring game is April the 18th. Larry, I know a lot of people are optimistic about Will Stein breathing some life into this Kentucky offense, and particularly, what have you learned in the last week since Kentucky football started?

Well, they can't hurt the offense. I know that. That's one positive he's got going for us. They can't be any worse as a team. I think that's a good player, but they can't be any worse as a team than what they've been the last couple of years. But I think, and again, it's kind of hard to tell because it's like this with every coach. When they first come in, they're very enthusiastic and energetic. But again, practices are closed. You can't see. Nobody's going to come out and say, man, I suck.

I shouldn't have came here. These guys aren't as good as I thought. We're going to be awful. Nobody is going to say that. But it does seem like right now there's a really good energy, a really good vibe. Will's doing a pretty good job communicating with fans, his players. I mean, on paper, everything looks okay. But on the other hand, I could argue, if I wanted to, that the transfer portal class Kentucky had last year looked as good or maybe even better on paper than what this one does.

It's all going to come down to where if Kenny Minchie, the transfer quarterback from Notre Dame, is really good, the Kentucky will be better. If he's not really good, they won't be better. I mean, that's where all Will's eggs are in that one basket right there. If Minchie's the guy, because he let Cutter Bowley, a homegrown guy, or a hometown guy who started a quarterback, let him go. He's now out at Arizona State where they're saying great things about him. You've got somebody that's only played in 10 games and thrown 30 passes in his career, but now you're going to turn the offense over to.

So if that works, it'll be great. If it doesn't, it's going to be a long year. Very well, it's for you, Larry. Before you jump off, why is Kentucky baseball beating up on Alabama like that? Larry, Larry. Well, just because it's okay to do that every day. I said, Alabama had to win every week. Kentucky can't beat them in football, can't beat them in basketball anymore. We can get them in volleyball and baseball, though. Can't get them in softball, but we've got them in volleyball and baseball.

Larry, Lakeston is known for its hospitality, but when you sweep Alabama baseball 6-4, 7-4, and 8-7, Alabama fans didn't appreciate that, Larry. No, but Kentucky fans sure did. And they're hoping they're going to have a really solid baseball season, and I wouldn't point out that they did that without their best player even playing until they still swept Alabama. We wouldn't want – that wouldn't make it seem way worse for Alabama fans, I'm sure. But Kentucky kind of rebuilt that roster, and I think Nick's done a pretty good job over there.

[31:35] I think they've got the kind of team that might win 12-11, or they could turn around the next day and win 2-1. They seem to have, at different times, the right pieces to be able to do that, which in college baseball anymore you've got to have, because a lot of teams can really hit. So some days you're just going to have to outscore people, but they do have better overall pitching than what they had last year. So they're pretty optimistic. We'll see how they do these next two weeks on the road in the SEC.

But two years ago they started off, and I believe they either swept Alabama or Georgia to start their conference play. They ended up in the World Series. Where can we get online and get your 30-something platforms? And I saw again yesterday, and I confirmed this for me, Kentucky's last Final Four appearance was 11 years ago in 2015. Is that correct? That is correct. I mean, they were in the SEC tournament semifinals eight years ago. I mean, it can't be that bad, right? Just eight years ago. Oh, man.

Yeah. I mean, it's been a long stretch, but it was 12 years ago. I was probably on my way to St. Louis about right now. Kentucky was an eighth seed, and I remember telling my wife that they might win one. I wouldn't count on it. But if they do, that Wichita State team, the number one seed unbeaten, they'll get them in that next one. I don't want to worry about going anywhere after that. And then Aaron Harrison went on that streak where he hit all those last-minute shots.

They ended up playing the national title game. So do I think that could happen this time? Absolutely not. But I didn't think it could happen 12 years ago, so I guess you never know. I also never thought my Twitter account could get hacked, and my old account would be sending messages and harassing people the way it is. So where you don't want to follow me is on X, at VoxFuse. Just don't go to at VoxFuse 26, because that other account is hacked, and I can't get it deleted.

I can't do anything. So if anybody's listening to me, they've got some kind of weird, I apologize. I wish there was something I could do about it, but I can't. There you go. Well, Kentucky basketball fans are hacked off with this season. Maybe things are going to get rid of some of your snowballs and replace them with winning basketballs. Larry, listen, man, safe travels up there, and thank you so much for your time today, okay? All right, guys. Appreciate you having me. Thank you, buddy. Larry Valt, that's his views from the Bluegrass Country.

Time to head out west to Las Vegas Country and Bruce Marshall on deck. Stay with us. Shows drop everything. This is not a drill. Las Pizza Company Shows is running the full-court press. The full-court press Cuban sandwich, inspired by Coach Tony Pujol. This sandwich brings championship flavor, and it's only available at Las Pizza Company Shows. And coming off the bench hot, our brand-new buffalo chicken dip. Creamy, spicy, straight-up MVP material. Run the full-court press at Las Pizza Company Shows, where every bite beats the buzzer. Imagine a bank where you feel at home.

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Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score. Mitch basketball action tonight. Auburn will host South Alabama the first round of the NIT. The winner advances to play their Seattle U or St. Thomas in the second round. Troy Trojans will play in the NCAA tournament's first round on Thursday against Nebraska and Oklahoma City. Trojans are the number 13 seed in the tournament. Winner plays either McNeese or Vanderbilt in round two. Alabama will play on Friday in Tampa. And the Crimson Tide take on Hofstra.

The winner advances to play their Texas Tech or Akron in round number two. In college baseball action today, fifth-ranked Auburn will host number three Georgia Tech. Auburn 17-2. And Alabama's on the road at South Alabama. Crimson Tide 15-6. Jaguars 13-7. Bundle auto and home. Renters or condo and save with Progressive. I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash presented by Progressive on 93.9 The Score. The tournament is here and Total Wine and More is your Slim Dunk headquarters. Whether you're cheering courtside from your couch with crisp craft beers, smooth cabs or refreshing seltzers, we've got the perfect lineup to keep your watch party winning.

And just like your bracket, we've got a lineup full of contenders. Whether you're picking favorites or going for bold upsets, our friendly guides will help you find amazing drinks for every matchup. With the lowest prices for over 30 years, you'll always find what you love and love what you find. Only at Total Wine and More. Drink responsibly, B-21. Meet Morgan Jones. Morgan is about to step into a world unknown to most thanks to Progressive's renter's insurance, a place of fresh linens and turndown service. You see, Morgan temporarily vacated her apartment and has gone to a hotel because a pipe burst in her apartment.

A pipe that made her sense of reality and apartment ceiling all come crashing down. Luckily, Morgan checked into Progressive's protection zone. Get a quote at Progressive.com. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company affiliates and third-party insurers. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. The Score. Welcome back in. He is busy. In a place called Las Vegas. Bruce Marshall. Busy there at Las Vegas Insider. And we're happy to report, in case you missed it last week, back with a goal sheet slash wager. Talk to tails pending.

Also, at BounceSports.net. Winners and whiners. Picks and parlays. Bet Rivers. And Vegas Insider. Bruce Marshall. Welcome in. How are you? Hey, I'm doing pretty good. It's, uh, we're finally here. We're new at the tournament. Yeah. Yeah. Is this the best? Bear with me for a second. And the best two weeks, certainly, for college basketball. I say, I know the tournament's going to last longer than that. But the intrigue this week and next week, that's where it is, especially this week. Your thoughts from a Vegas perspective, Bruce, about March Madness.

Yeah, it is big. And, you know, it sort of builds up there for at least a month beforehand, Harold. I mean, we're talking about the, uh, you know, bracketology and the bubble and everything. And it just, everything sort of ramps up to, uh, selection Sunday. Um, you know, I, I like to tease, you know, Joe and Artie's got a job like a Christmas tree salesman. He gets to work one week, one month a year. And then, uh, but it does, it builds up, but it's worth noting.

I mean, yeah, I mean, there's still plenty of basketball to go, but they start whittling this thing down pretty quick. And, uh, we still got all these teams there, but once we get to Sunday night, we're down to just 16 and then it whittles down pretty quick. So it is very exciting. And this week in, uh, Las Vegas, pretty exciting, uh, too, because we've got games. So, yeah, I mean, if you count the NIT, that starts tonight and the first four in Dayton, and then it'll Thursday and Friday are two of the best days of the year.

They really are. I agree. Lee, but before we jump into some talk, talking chalk, your thoughts about Auburn, they want to be the number one seed and they are, but it's in the NIT. Did the committee get it right? And your, your take on Bruce, I mean, everybody's going to sit here and throw darts at him, but he's, he's just doing what dads do. But if you're going to be in that position, a lot of folks said, Bruce, we understand, but what, what's your take on the situation on the planes?

[42:09] Yeah, I know. I think the committee got it right. I mean, Auburn, I, I, I, I joked, I wrote about the South Alabama game tonight and I said, and we haven't heard this much talk about a team of 16 losses. And so the Cleveland Browns in 2017, and that's only because they went on 16. Um, but it, you've had a whole season's worth of playing games and I know the SEC and the competition is tough there and all, but I mean, you're, you're under 500 in that league and you're 17 and 16.

You've, you've had a chance all year against, you know, tournament caliber teams and you just haven't done enough. Uh, so I, I think they got it right. I mean, it's, listen, the tournament, it's not for, if it was for, if it was actually for the 68 best teams in the country, then yeah, Auburn would probably be in there, but, uh, that's not the way it's set up. We've got all these, uh, the other, the other conferences in there and I think we've got to spread it out a little bit.

In Auburn's case, um, I think we saw a lot, you know, down the stretch, they did have that one point win over Kentucky, which was very erratic really, uh, this season, but the last night, you know, a month and a half, the only other wins they had in the SEC were, uh, LSU and Mississippi state right at the bottom of the league. Defense allowed about 80 points per game. I think that's what ended up hurting them a lot this year. Uh, so they're, uh, you know, they're where they should be in the NIT.

And by the way, I don't think that's going to be an easy game tonight. Um, so South Alabama is, uh, kind of dangerous and they were in that photo finish in the Sun Belt and they got knocked out of the tournament pretty quick. That might try to be a blessing for South Alabama. And I give Richie Riley a lot of credit. He found some of these transfers. He uncovered some guys under rocks there. One guy, one kid's from Canada. He's got a couple of NAIA kids and they, they turned out to be a pretty good team.

And they're uncertain. Sure. They're very fired up to face Auburn. And I, so that's a big price. I might think South Alabama stays. And then that's about 17 point spread. That looks too high to me. Uh, you knew this question was coming sooner or later, but the upsets, everybody wants to know. I've had two people text me this week. Now, when you get Bruce on, ask him about his upset pigs. Well, let me ask you about three involving the SEC. Uh, we just got through talking to Larry Vaught of Vaught's views.

He's been following, he's been following Kentucky for about 50 years. We asked him about the, uh, clash again with Santa Clara, 26 and 80. He said, I'll be honest with you. I don't know which one of these teams going to show up. They're playing fame. This year has been playing Florida close. And that sticks in, uh, Kentucky fans, uh, crawl, uh, Santa Clara's played Gonzaga close three times. Christian Hammond is really good. McNeese at Vandy. I thought Vandy had a great run in the SEC tournament. McNeese, 29 and five.

And the Red Hawks, Miami of Ohio in Tennessee. Tennessee could go deep in this tournament if they quit having these scoring droughts. Miami of Ohio, as you know, ranked second in the NCAA with 90 points. Yeah. I mean, this, these are all interesting. I think, I think Kentucky's got its hands for here. Uh, Santa Clara is really good. And, uh, you know, they did beat St. Mary's twice. And, uh, uh, you mentioned Christian Hammond, but he's, he, and he's, he's very, very adept at getting into the key and doing some things.

And they've got a lot of length. Alan Graves, six, eight, uh, uh, he's a post player, but he goes out and shoots threes. And they are deep and they can shoot. I think Kentucky, you know, has got its, uh, hands full of their, um, I don't think Vandy is going to lose to McNeese State. I actually saw McNeese State play, um, back in November against Santa Clara, believe it or not. And, uh, I give Bill Armstrong, the first year coach, real credit for picking up where Will Wade left off.

And I took some, took some kids with him up to NC State. But he found his freshman, Larry Johnson, really good. They might, they will, I think, stay, uh, within that spread against, uh, Vanderbilt, but not win. And, you know, we'll see about, uh, you know, what Tennessee, what they're going to, you know, have here with the, uh, Miami or SMU winner. I, I, I mean, listen, I think Miami, I can, I think I can say this about Miami. You know, I think they deserve to be in the tournament.

Um, but I don't think they're going to win this game against SMU. Um, SMU gets back, um, Edwards, one of its top three guards, although that's a three with, uh, Ruby Miller and Pierre and, and, uh, Edwards. That's a really good three-pronged perimeter when they're all healthy and Edwards is back. But, I mean, they've been playing Clemson and Duke and NC, you know, North Carolina and Miami and Louisville, uh, beat Texas A&M. I mean, they, um, they've, this, this is a real team, SMU. And I think they're going to, that's going to probably be Tennessee's matchup.

[47:27] And that might be a scary one for Tennessee. And they need Amen to be in the lineup and they need him producing. But, uh, SMU is one of these teams, I think, of these first four. Uh, that's the one I think actually might be able to do some business. And they were the last team in the field, SMU. So they got something to prove as well. Bruce Marshall, amongst other places, the gold star, uh, Bruce, the obvious question relative to this zip code, Alabama will play.

Well, uh, Mr. Holloway got some off the court issues. Your thoughts about that, especially when they like to ramp it up, their opponent, Hofstra likes to slow it down. The half court game, they got Mr. Davis, a star. How good is he? What do you see when Alabama takes on, when the tide takes on the pride from Hofstra Friday? I'd be a little leery of this game. Cruz Davis is one of the, probably the best guard in the coastal, uh, this year. He really put up some big numbers for speedy Claxton.

Uh, so there, uh, you know, as far as the mid majors go, I think there's some ones a little more dangerous than Hofstra, but on their night, they could be a factor. I just don't know that I trust Alabama to, uh, extend a margin here. You've got the distractions now with the suspension, uh, which is probably not a positive. Um, but I, my thought on Alabama, the whole way here is this, uh, reliance on three point shooting, you know, it's back to Charles Barkley's old line, you know, live by the three, you die by it.

And at some point in the next two weeks, that's going to, it's going to hit, uh, Nate. And, uh, this might, it might not be against Hofstra, but you know, I'd be kind of surprised if they get any further sweet 16. I think it's about as far as Alabama can get high risk offensive run and they got the, the ceiling is high, but the floor is lower with them. So those sorts of teams, it's, you know, they hit that high ceiling five, six times in a row.

It's pretty tough. We'll see. If Alabama wins, uh, Friday against Hofstra, they would play the winner of Akron, who is 28, five in Texas tech, uh, John gross or grossy, uh, four time in five seasons, Akron has been in the tournament and the, I always look for this, Akron's top five scores or seniors. Uh, that's what you get with so many of these teams in the NCAA tournament. They're, they're wily veterans who've been doing this for a long time. And again, we know Texas tech's pretty good too.

Uh, Akron takes his take. Yeah. I think Akron's got a shot here. You mentioned that. And I, I, I do look at that too. Uh, Brett, I mean, you like these older teams like this and nowadays it's rare. First of all, it's rare for a mid-major to keep guys together like that these days when they're good. Uh, but second, it's generally only mid-majors that have, you know, all senior sort of lineup unless it's just, you know, all from the portal, um, for some of these other teams.

But yeah, they have been together. They have won a lot. Great comeback win against Toledo in the, uh, Mac tournament to very Johnson, one of the best guards, maybe the best guard in the Mac. Very, very good. And you mentioned John, John Gross has won a lot of games and he has won, you know, a lot of, uh, he's won tournament games too. I wonder, you know, Christian Anderson got hurt in the big 12 tournament. Now they say he's okay. Uh, and, and he's a real streak shooter and he is, he is really good.

But, uh, since JT Toppin went down, they are without their top score. And I just think Texas tech is really hard for us to do what they did last year, which was get to the elite eight. Um, this, again, Texas tech, uh, could lose. I mean, I think Ackman's got a shot here and I would be very leery of them going forward because they're well coached and they're like you said, very experienced. The mighty zips, you know, you can't get away, Bruce, without the Bruce Marshall under the radar special.

Well, you know, there are several here, you know, that I think could fit, uh, the bill. I'm not sure how, how much some of these would be upsets like, uh, you know, is, would VCU beating North Carolina being upset? I'm not sure. I'll tell you one that I would look at, and this is, uh, tomorrow. Also, the early game in Oklahoma city and it's Nebraska hosting Troy, uh, Scott cross. You guys know about Troy. Uh, they won that photo finish in the Sunbelt and I think they were the best team all year.

They proved it in the tournament. Uh, a lot of guys are going to shoot threes. Those two brothers can shoot threes and they've got, um, you know, I, I saw them out, uh, in the West, you know, win at San Diego state and double overtime and should have beat USC, which at that point was a tournament caliber team back in November. Um, there's a bet. I joke the right up in this game, you know, we're still waiting to cash on this bet. Uh, you know, will the Seattle Mariners get in the world series first or Nebraska win an NC two, a tournament game for 50 years and there's no answer to that.

[52:38] So maybe Hoiberg will do it, but I will, this is another test of, you know, late season, you know, teams, you know, lose a lot of momentum and do they gain it back? Uh, Nebraska was 20 and 0 at one point. They're like 500 the last 12 games. I thought they tailed off really big late in the season. I think Troy's got a shot in this game. It was 14 and a half. That's my best bet of the Thursday and the upset chance. That might be it. I think you're right about that.

Uh, isn't it interesting to watch basketball coaching royalty, all of the guys in the East region, um, uh, Rick Pitino at St. John's, Bill Self at Kansas, Dan Hurley at UConn, Tom Inzo at Michigan state. I know a lot of people think that's going to be Duke, Michigan state, uh, down the road. Uh, we'll see where that goes. Great stuff. I know this is a, a fun, fun week for you and the cohorts. Tell us where we can get on and get the absolute latest. I know you've got it.

You're going to have a perfect bracket coming up this week. Again, tell us about the gold sheet and everything else. Yeah. I think the, by the way, mentioned Pitino, somebody in the selection community must not like him because to put them at a five seat and send them out to San Diego after they won the big, big East tournament. I mean, I don't know. I thought St. John's was the one that had a complaint about selection Sunday. Anyway, you can get all my stuff now and you can go up to wager talk.com.

You click that gold sheet.com and that's on the write-ups. I got write-ups back up there again now. And, uh, um, and we got NIT this week and we'll have, uh, I guess the only other tournament is the crown that'll be coming up next week, but the whole college basketball, we'll cover the NBA. That's all up there. Wager talk.com and click that gold sheet.com icon. Bruce Marshall, enjoy yourself some March Madness and thanks so much for your time today. Okay. Enjoy the games boys.

Thank you, buddy. Bruce Marshall, who's going to be with us amongst other places, the Vegas Insider. Coming up the next hour, we're going to be taking again, going coast to coast with Matt Merchel, Joe Cox focusing, laser beam focused on the SEC and Ben Thomas, everything else. It's all straight ahead. Stay with us. Hop in a John Deere Gator XUV for a day's work. Let's see what's on the to-do list. Here goes the tree and the fence. Not a problem because you've got a cargo box filled with solutions up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity and you're ready to roll.

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You know, I actually bought these on eBay. Wait, are you, Kitty, sell stuff from Brooklyn? Okay, quiet, please. Find what you love. Sell what you don't. eBay. Things people love. Why'd I go to the doctor? Working on the farm, my heart kept skipping a beat. I didn't think much of it, but my daughters made me get checked out. Turns out I have atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke about five times. Symptoms like irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or lightheadedness can come and go.

[57:50] But if it's AFib, the risk of stroke remains. If you have symptoms, contact a doctor. I'm so glad I did. LinkedIn is pretty amazing at helping you grow your small business. We cannot stop your new clients from emailing you at 3 a.m. We can help you sell, market, and hire in one place. We cannot help you be in three places at once. And while we can't help you organize your calendar, LinkedIn can help you land more clients so you have a calendar to organize. Grow your small business on LinkedIn.

Learn more at linkedin.com slash smallbusiness. 18-19 News. A player on the Crimson Tide men's basketball team was arrested this past Monday by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. Aiden Holloway is alleged to have been in possession of a pound of marijuana. Bond for Holloway was set at $5,000. Holloway is the junior guard and second-leading scorer for the Crimson Tide. That team is headed to the first NCAA tournament game against Hofstra this coming Friday. The University of Alabama has not yet released a statement on this incident with Holloway.

I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this. Brian Dawson here, CEO of 1819 News. I'm also the host of 1819 News, the podcast, and we'd love for you to join us by listening to our weekly show on all the top podcast apps, both in audio and video format. At 1819 News, the podcast, we are in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama. Every week, we're having important conversations with guests from across this great state, all with the goal of equipping Alabamians to be in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama with us.

New episodes are released weekly. I hope you'll join us. A judge has ruled in favor of the City Council of Lipscomb after the City Council launched a lawsuit against the mayor, Robin Sims. The judge ruled that the City Council does have the authority to appoint a city attorney, police chief, and city clerk. The mayor had refused to recognize these appointed positions and obstructed those who were seeking to perform their duties in these jobs. Sims responded to the judge's ruling, saying he will comply, and said that his actions were only done to ensure that the city acted in a legal manner regarding these appointments.

A Muscle Shoals firefighter, Wesley Sharpston, was honored this past Monday night for saving a man's life while Sharpston was out dining with his family in Florence. Sharpston began CPR on another diner who had collapsed at that restaurant and no longer had a pulse. Sharpston was given the Emergency Medical Services Lifesaving Award for his actions. I'm Andrea Tice. For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com. And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter. Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shore. Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.

Lanier in transition, hits the three, and a sign of life from Knoxville. Playing, driving right. Lobb for Brazil with a two-hand slam. Six on the clock. Now with five, he drives on Maddox. Right elbow with three. Spins to the foul. Eye jumper up and it rattles in and the buzzer. Don't miss any of this year's action on the road to the Final Four with Westwood One's exclusive coverage of the men's NCAA tournaments. Tonight is coverage of the first four live from Dayton, Ohio. Airtime is 530 here on 93.9, The Score.

Brought to you locally by Lost Pizza, Alabama Health Guidance, Carter Oil, and CB&S Bank. It's a new season and a new fight. Atlanta, it's time to rise. And your 2026 Atlanta Braves are ready. Swung on, drilled. Chop house bound. That baby is on the roof. Opening day is Friday, March 27th against the Kansas City Royals. Here on 93.9, The Score. 93.9, The Score weather. Today's sunny with a high around 45. Windchill values between 18 and 28. A freeze warning is in effect. Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low near 30. Tomorrow, partly sunny with possible gusty winds and a high around 60.

Tomorrow night, mostly clear with a low near 40. And for Thursday, sunny with a high around 70. Your weather from 93.9, The Score. Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of northwest Alabama and southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice. The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9, The Score. Welcome back in our tour of the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg, alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us a free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

What a way to chip off this second hour. And by saying hello to BT, Ben Thomas, he's got everything covered there at AL.com. Ben, welcome in. How are you? A little chilly down here in the Gulf Coast. What about you guys up there up north? Very. Finally, we have something in common with you. Let's just hang in there. The sunshine is coming back. So, let's just hang in there, Ben. In the meantime, since the last time we talked, is it true that Alabama loses the chicken since the last time we talked?

[1:03:17] What's the manifesting on the manifesting on his chicken girl, if you will, decommits from Alabama? Yeah, Javarius, the Vigar standout, who's still got another year left to play. He's kind of been on our radar for two or three years now. He's got some early offers in his career. He's a big, lengthy edge player who's been committed to Alabama for a while. It's kind of surprising, this move. I think he's won the last two 5A line of the year awards. Wow. His sack total and tackle for a loss total is unbelievable.

You know, it's hard to take a guess at what leads to this in the era of NIL. You know, if he wanted money elsewhere, if Alabama wanted to make a move there. But somebody will get a good player, whether it's Alabama or whoever. He's top of the line. He's one of the top players in the state, for sure. BT, the Alabama High School Athletic Association's Central Board of Control, released the classifications last week for winter and spring sports. I don't think there were a lot of shocks there.

It was back in January, and particularly when they decided to separate the public and private schools for the championships. Again, they could play during the course of the regular season. Your thoughts, did anything stand out there as far as schools maybe being questioned about, you know, putting this area or that area. The two things that caught my eye that you had in your article. In April, they are going to, well, they're going to study and vote on the implementation of a possible shot clock for high school basketball.

I've been hearing about this for five years, and I know costs have something to do with that, and also implementing what one of them called the mercy rule in that Winona-Silicaga 101-40 game comes to mind. And then in football, and I hope this never happens again in the state of Alabama, when Williamson beat Murphy 100-0 and led 73-0 at halftime. BT, your thoughts on any teams may have raised eyebrows, but particularly the shot clock and the mercy rule? Well, let me kind of separate that if I can.

There was no huge, real surprising news, I don't think, on Friday. You know, they did release the winter and spring reclass. We already knew the private schools were going to be divided, separated, or as Coach Harmon says, restructuring of championship pathways. And that was the case. The one small surprise, I'd heard a lot of, especially larger school coaches in basketball, hopeful that they might go to region or district play instead of area play. In other words, much like football, you would have larger regions, 7 or 18, nine-team regions, and you would play those teams twice versus, you know, currently we have four or five teams, basically, areas.

But that did not happen, at least not right now. So I think, I know there were some coaches, statewide boys basketball coaches I know that I've talked to that were disappointed in that. Now, I'm not convinced we still might not see some tinkering with this before we get around to the fall and actually start. But that was, I guess that was really the main surprise. I know some of the people I've talked to, there's still some, large questions about the private school situation. I've talked to one administrator in particular who's really concerned about the girls wrestling in the private schools.

I think there's only eight or nine teams that wrestle, and some of those don't have full teams. So, you know, just like in football, you're kind of, you're worried there is, well, this is, is this going to be a true champion if we're limited to, you know, just a certain number of teams and a certain number of wrestlers? So I think in some regards, we're just going to have to go through this once and maybe help iron out the details of it all. But I still think there's some big details to iron out.

As you mentioned, the big things that came out of it, this meeting, were not the reclass, but what should be to come at the next board meeting, like you mentioned. Yeah, exactly. The shot clock, we haven't heard about that for a long time. I'd like to see it. You know, the question is expense, I think. And also, you know, you're going to have to pay it, I would think, you're going to have to pay an official to run that. I mean, you don't want hometown Joe running the shot clock.

No, no, why not? So, that's going to be a question. And I don't know, like, I wouldn't mind like a 40-second shot clock. Like, I don't want people to be able to run. Remember, we used to, we haven't had one of these in a while, but there was a time back in the day when we used to have like a 6-4 game in some of those bigger Bermans. Absolutely. You know, I mean, who wants to see that? I mean, you ought to get money back if you pay to see that.

[1:08:28] So, I'm not against it, but it just needs to be. And the concern there is not the upper, bigger schools, it's the smaller schools and whether they can afford it or not. So, we'll see. But the other things we still, we also still haven't decided is we haven't announced what the private school playoffs are going to look like, really, in any sport. Now, we're obviously particularly interested in football. How many teams are going to make it in each of those two private school classifications and what's the format going to be.

But in every sport, we need to, we got to figure that out. And also, particularly of concern to me down here in Mobile is the Super 7 or whatever we're going to call it, the Great 9 or whatever we're going to call it coming to Mobile in December. They've already approved that it's going to be a five-day model Tuesday through Saturday, I assume. But who's going to play when? Yeah. You know, they haven't released that. I would assume that you're going to have four flag football games and two private school games.

And my guess is those are going to be some combination of Tuesday-Wednesday because I don't think there'll be enough private school teams in the playoffs to have to play every round. But there will be in the largest class now. So, they won't play on Wednesday anymore. So, I'm interested in that. You know, the basketball, I think we talked a little bit about last week about basketball. You know, are we going to have to add another day or two to the final four? And how's that going to work out?

So, man, just a lot of, I was writing about this today in our newsletter that comes out on Thursday. I just still think there's a lot of details that they're going to have to cross the T's and dot the I's to get around to. Ben Thomas to AL.com. Ben, shock, shock, we live in an era with all kinds of stories out there. One of our favorites over the last few days, Thompson High School has a plane. We know there's Superman. They don't, it's a plane, it's a bird.

No, it's Superman. Can you confirm or deny those social media stories that Thompson has a plane, a train, or other things? Yeah, I mean, I got a little grief on social media. I bet you did. But, you know, I mean, people were, my bosses were, now look, I looked at it and I'm like, this ain't real. I knew, but apparently some people didn't. And in our news chat at AL.com, they were like, do they really have a plane? Is this real? And it did, you know, that's the, that's the danger of AI right now.

Yeah. You can't really tell. I mean, it did look, if you just looked at it and thought, well, it could be their plane. I mean, you know, who knows if they have a booster. But, no, they clearly do not have a plane. And Mark Freeman has just kept on with it. He's got a plane, he's got a helicopter, he's got a rocket, a boat, you know, all those things. And they're, you know, I think they're, what they were trying to insinuate is a lot of people have been on social media accusing people of things, including them.

And they're trying, their statement was, don't believe everything you see on social media. So, I don't know if that was the right way to approach that or not, but that's what they did. Let me, let me go back to the mercy rule. This will be discussed in April. And, again, sportsmanship is a lot, is a big deal in high school sports. Do you think they will actually do something about 61-point wins and 100-point wins in football? Yeah, I kind of do. I mean, you know, already we have a mercy rule in regular season basketball.

I think it's 30 points or something like that. They keep the clock running. But they don't do that in championship play. So, yeah, they ought to have at least that. I mean, at least if it gets to be that large of an advantage in the fourth quarter, let's run the clock and get the game over with. You know, and we have that in football as well. You know, the thing about what you alluded to, the Williams and Murphy game, got too far out of hand. I mean, I think it was like 67-0-and-a-half or something like that.

But then the Murphy coach, Sherman Williams, former Alabama player, turned down, did not want the running clock, told the officials he didn't want the running clock. And I think that kind of upset Antonio Coleman, who's the Williams and coach, former Auburn player. Now, they didn't have their starters in. They had their youngest people, you know, the bottom or the youngest people on the bench. But I don't think they were running up the middle every time either. So, yeah, you've got to get away from that. I mean, like I said, I mean, kids, this is a sport for high school student-athletes on both sides.

I mean, you know, you want to win, but you also don't want to set a bad precedent or do something that would hurt the other team. So, I don't see any hurt that could be done for that. In fact, our newsletter poll last week, if you get our newsletter, was it was about the Winona game. And the question was, you know, whose responsibility is it? Should the winning coach not score that much? Should the losing coach just stop? And it was basically dead even, 36% to 36%. And then we had one other option was, you know, blame the winning coach or blame the losing coach.

[1:13:42] But, you know, 101 to 40, there's just not – let's not do that. Let's get out of here and pay some price. I'm not good with math, but that's kind of lopsided. A shout-out to the perfect Falcons, Florence, number one in the soccer Super Bowl 7A this week. Yeah, I love what they do. That's the coaches' bowl that they put out. We have it on AL.com every Monday. And we're trying to actually increase our soccer coverage a little bit. Obviously, on Monday, we had all the soccer alignments, the new classifications there.

So, we're trying to do a little more coverage. And, of course, we cover all the finals since we're in Huntsville. But Florence is playing well. I mean, you know, and that's another sport. I mean, the private schools have kind of dominated soccer. What's that going to look like, you know, when we divide them next year? And, by the way, good for you. You're a committee member for the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Award. That has been going on for many, many years, I believe, in mid-April at the Sheraton.

They're going to announce the winners in each class. A lot of compelling stories there. I've read some of that, and you talked about that being a humbling experience. And I know it really is. What else have you got on town? Baseball, softball, ball, kind of in the background this week with March Madness. What else is going on this week? And where can we read it? Yeah, I appreciate that, Brett. That Bryant-Jordan, April 13th is the date for that. And I'm blessed to be on that committee.

It's really inspiring. Some of these young people that have been through more than you should go through at any time in your life. But certainly at a young age and just continue to navigate through it, and they deserve to be. And I just want to say I wrote my column because we still only have about 50% of the schools in the state, I think, that nominate people. Every school in the state should nominate somebody for that. You can't tell me that every school doesn't have some student-athlete who's been through a circumstance, and they've overcome it.

Yep. And I would just remind folks up there that that happens in December, I think, so just be looking for it. But what we've got going on, we're voting on All-State basketball this week. That's tentatively scheduled to come out on Saturday morning. That's the Sportswriters Association. So we're having that. We're going to start our AL.com Player of the Year voting next week, early next week. It'll be like the NCAA bracket. We'll have 16 seeds, girls and boys, fighting it out to get the prestigious trophy and the title of AL.com Player of the Year.

And also we'll have the Sportswriters Association. We'll have baseball and softball rankings for the first time. Those will come out early Thursday morning. So a lot still going on on AL.com. Ben's always good to hook up with you. Come see us on your plane when you get one, okay? Mine might take the rocket up there, Harold, but I'll get it. There you go. With AI, anything is possible. Stay as warm as you can down here, and thanks so much for your time today, Ben. All right.

Y'all have a good week. You too, Ben. AT Express, BenThomasAL.com. Coming up, 10 teams for the men, 10 teams for the women. It's called the SEC. Let's call on Joe Cox for his perspective next. Stay with us. This is the story of the one. As a maintenance tech at a university, he knows ordering from multiple suppliers takes time away from keeping their arena up and running. That's why he counts on Grainger to get everything he needs, from lighting and HVAC parts to plumbing supplies, all in one place.

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It's a daily update on Bama Sports and it's brought to you by Vector Security Champions Lane. The best pregame fan fest in college football. For more information, visit ChampionsLane.com. Hello again, everybody. I'm Roger Hoover. Here are thoughts from men's basketball head coach Nate Oates after learning Alabama's draw for the NCAA tournament. Great to be in the tournament again. Obviously, we are not happy with our performance up in Nashville, but that's past. It's gone. We can't change it. We can learn from it, which hopefully we have.

You know, I thought a good day with the guys today. We just got some shots up, some skill work, not knowing who we're going to play until tonight. We didn't want to have a full out practice until we had a day opponent and all that. So, love the, you know, Friday in Tampa draw. Hofstra's good. You know, I can't say. Love the draw. I think, you know, obviously, very good guards. Tide fans, are you ready for game day in Tuscaloosa? Don't miss the ultimate pregame experience this season at Vector Security Champions Lane, opening four hours before each home game.

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We come back in. You better call him today, because starting tomorrow, he's probably going to give you the busy signal. Joe Cox got it all figured out there. It's sending it down south when it comes to the SEC in his book. It's called A Fine Team Man. Joe Cox, welcome in. Happy pre-NCAA tournament. Big tip-off, anyway. How are you? Oh, doing fine. Doing fine. Big week. Always a fun one. And, yeah, trying to get the to-do list as far peered down as I can ahead of Thursday.

Let's get rocking and rolling on Thursday. Vanderbilt, McNeese State. Your thoughts about that one. And to me, the interesting, if you will, story, and certainly back story, is Arkansas and Hawaii. We talked earlier with some of our Kentucky fans. You're from Kentucky. Your thoughts about that Arkansas coach and where they got seated. Who did John make mad besides the folks here in Lexington, Joe? Well, so here's the rub on this. If there is a good side to Mark Pope being the coach of Kentucky, it's that John Calipari isn't because the selection committee loves to put Calipari's teams, you know, playing on the surface of Mars at a 2 a.m. game or something similar, and they did it again.

I noticed in his social media, he'd say, well, it'll be a long trip. In other words, yeah, they sent me way out west to play a strange, strange team. But that's business as usual. I've always suspected that part of the reason the NCAA does that to him is because he tends to produce pretty well when you put his back to the wall. But certainly an odd situation. Overall, I felt like the SEC tournament really didn't do anything to pretty much any of the SEC teams in terms of seating.

[1:24:13] It didn't really help or hurt anybody very much. And that's unfortunate because I think there were some things to learn there. Yeah, there were some scuttlebutt about Vandy should have been a little bit higher seed. Joe, the Sweet 16 for the SEC. Ten teams in, the most of any conference. But when you look at this, I said Vandy and Arkansas advance. Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida can advance. How many teams do Joe Cox think will be in the SEC come Sunday, the Sweet 16 come Sunday night? You know, I admit I'm not looking at the filled-up bracket here, but off the top of my head, what you say sounds pretty close.

Obviously, I think everybody feels good about Florida. And notwithstanding their meltdown to Vanderbilt, they look about as safe as anybody. Tennessee-Virginia game potentially could be a big one. And, of course, they didn't do the balls any favors by possibly sticking them there with Miami of Ohio, which has just got everything in the world to prove in that game. So that's going to be a tough one. That Arkansas-Hawaii game is so strange. I'm reluctant to jump on the hog bandwagon too much. I do think Vandy's got a pretty decent draw.

I think they've got a pretty good chance. Alabama, if they can keep people from being knuckleheads, I think they'll be in pretty good shape. Easier said than done, I know. But I like them pretty well. You know, you want to talk about a team that could wreak some havoc here. How about Texas A&M? I mean, they have certainly struggled heading into this. But a potential matchup with Houston in the second round, and that could be really interesting if you want to circle one as a, you know, let's take a flyer on an SEC team nobody's talking about.

That could be one worth doing. But, yeah, I think five-ish would be a pretty good guess. But, you know, with the exception of Florida, nobody, of course, has got that easy, clear path ahead of them. So it's going to be entertaining. Joe Cox, Saturday down south. Joe, you know where we are. If you could expand on Alabama. Obviously, after the game with Ole Miss, everybody said, okay, it's a tournament. Maybe you're not focused, blah, blah, blah. So you refocus, you rest up, and all that stuff.

And then, of course, as you mentioned, the off-the-field issues there will hollow away your second-leading scorer. The question is, we know that when you lose somebody like that, you lose chemistry. These guys have played a whole season. They kind of know each other's nuances and everything else, where they're going to break and feed and all that stuff. So all of a sudden, you've got to fill in that piece against a team that likes to play just the opposite of you. They like the half-court team in Hofstra.

They've got some specs on that team that are pretty good, especially with Davis. And I'm saying all that to say this. What do you expect with Alabama and how they adjust without Mr. Holloway? You know, it is a difficult time to have to make adjustments. And then that's kind of been the story with Alabama all year. It's been kind of one unceasing adjustment. Betty Ock goes in. No, he's out. So now Holloway's out. You know, the talent is there, certainly, to make that Sweet 16 run. I think Michigan would be a tough out for anybody at that point.

So if you do anything beyond that, I think you really did something worth speaking about. But, you know, the challenge all year long for this team has been consistency. And the challenge, once again, is going to be, you know, you have players who are capable of doing enough things to go to the Sweet 16. But can they do it well enough, consistently enough? And, you know, anybody's guess at this point, you know, I liked them last week. I thought they stacked up pretty well. And obviously the bracket opened up in Nashville for Arkansas really nicely as it ended up.

But, you know, it's still, it's there for Alabama, but it's just, we're kind of down to Elvis' time here. It's now or never. So let's listen to it. And the other Elvis song is he does it his way, and Nate Oates does. He's going to live or die with a three. When they're hot, nobody can stop them. When they're not, and that means just everybody's got a fighting chance. For the crowd who says, Nate, why don't you adjust? Can they just give it up? Nate's going to sit here and say we're going to live or die with a three.

Yeah, and I mean, percentage-wise, the numbers bear that out, that that is the approach. It almost feels funny to me now when I see a game of basketball with two teams that don't shoot a lot of three-pointers because it's just become, in really quick order, it's become such a matter of a common part of the culture. And I give Oates a lot of credit for being kind of at the forefront with that and being careful to take, you know, quote-unquote good shots. But, you know, if the game changes a little bit come NCAA tournament time, and in the recent years, he's done a pretty good job of keeping up with that.

I'm not going to bury Alabama just yet. I think they've got that sweet 16 run in them. Now, again, more than that, I would be surprised. Yeah. Joe, I think Arkansas has got a Final Four run in them. They beat Vandy on Sunday. Really impressed with Vandy in Arkansas' run. I know you and your son went to Nashville twice. A lot of kudos to Ole Miss and Oklahoma for getting there, but Brazil won that game against Vandy. 16 points, blocked shots. He was everywhere. Richmond, 18, D.J. Wagner, 11, Malik Thomas.

[1:29:52] And, oh, by the way, that other guy, Darius Acuff, scored 30 again. This is a very talented Arkansas team. You know, when they get those big guys playing well, and you mentioned Brazil, Ewan in that semifinal game. He came up big. He kept making big plays. I know he had a double-double. If you can get those guys to play at that level, yeah, a Final Four is not out of the question. Arizona, you know, I've always been leery. It's just West Coast basketball doesn't always translate to March really well, and a lot of teams that have fared well out on that end of the country when they meet, you know, somebody who's going to play physical, who's going to make them earn every point, they struggle with that.

And, yeah, I like that matchup for Arkansas as a potential upset. But, of course, the issue for Arkansas is you've got to get past Wisconsin, who could be dangerous for them. I mean, I think that might be a harder challenge, actually, for Arkansas than Arizona, of all things. I think that might be more the issue for them. But, yeah, Acuff is obviously the real deal. I was really impressed with Thomas. His shot is just so soft and pretty. If you can get those big guys to play well, they are dangerous to everybody.

But that's going to be the question mark. Can Brazil and UN show up like they did in Nashville? If so, yeah, your final four thought might be right on point. Absolutely. And, Joel, that was a great tournament. I always enjoyed it. We were there Friday. I know you went twice. Certainly advocate if you ever get a chance to go. It is a fun, and particularly Friday when you've got the four top seeds. Glad you and your son had a great time in Nashville. Joe, where can we get your baseball?

Power rankings coming out later this week. And all the other good stuff, previewing March Madness. Going to be coming down the pipeline on Saturday down south. And, yeah, enjoyed it. It was two fun days. Unfortunately, it makes it hard then to settle back into the couch for a few days. But I think I'll be up to the task. Hang in here, Joe. Listen, man, let's do it again soon. Thanks so much. And fall out up there, okay? All right, you guys take care. Thank you, bud.

Joe Cox, busy there at Saturday down south. Finally, hopefully it's warmer down that state of Florida. We'll take you there next. With Matt and Michelle, stay with us. It's not March Madness. It's Mad Marchness at Sam's Sports Grill in Florence. Every game, every bracket buster, every unbelievable buzzer beater, all on wall-to-wall TVs. Fuel your picks with quality food, ice-cold drinks, and game-day energy that hits harder than a full-court press. From crave-worthy favorites to unbeatable drink specials, Sam's is where Florence comes to watch, cheer, and win.

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Grow your small business on LinkedIn. Learn more at linkedin.com slash smallbusiness. Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score. In women's basketball action this week, Alabama is set to play Saturday afternoon in the NCAA tournament in Louisville against Rhode Island. The winner will advance to play either Louisville or Vermont in the second round. Troy will play Thursday in the WBIT at Kansas. The winner plays either Rice or Louisiana Tech in the second round. South Alabama will host Alcorn State in the first round of the WNIT.

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They're in Orlando with Matt Merchelle. He's busy there as a college insider with the Orlando Sentinel. And his podcast is called Gridiron 365. Matt, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing well. How are you guys doing? Hey, Benny. Trying to confirm a rumor here, Matt. Are you, can it be said on your way to pick up the home of the chili cheesesteak? Can you confirm or deny that you're going to be in Philly cheesesteak heaven over the next few days? I will be at some point later this week.

I'm headed out to Philadelphia to cover the first round of the first and second round of the NCAA tournament games there with UCF getting a 10th seed and facing UCLA on Thursday or Friday. Well, be careful up there. Remember, this is the fan base in Philly that they booed Mike Schmidt and Santa Claus. So be careful up there, Matt. But your thoughts about that matchup, for the folks who are young, do they realize what you just said? UCF and UCLA. My, oh, my, was there ever a dynasty like UCLA?

And to me, this is still an interesting program when it comes to basketball. Yeah, very much so. I mean, you think about these two programs. I mean, polar opposites in a lot of ways. UCF's a very young school, a very young basketball program, making only their sixth appearance in the NCAA tournament, you know, and they've never been able to get past the second round. And UCLA, this is their 54th appearance in the NCAA tournament in the 107-year history of Bruins basketball. You know, they've been to the Sweet 16, 37 times, you know, and won 11 national championships.

And when you think of UCLA basketball, you think of, you know, those traditional basketball blue blends. You think of John Wooden. You think of Lou Uffender. You think of, you know, some of the biggest names in college basketball. Bill Walton. Bill Walton being there. So these are two polar opposites in a sense of programs, you know, where they've come and where they've been at. So it's a little bit of a, you know, feeling, I'm sure, for UCF that, you know, being these newcomers and trying to figure out how to, you know, handle everything and be able to handle the situation, you know, but also not to get intimidated.

[1:40:17] I've talked to Johnny Dawkins, UCF coach, many times about this, and he's always used the phrase that I think coaches are familiar with, which is that you don't play, you don't get scared by the name on the front of the jersey. You know, you don't look at that name and let that influence you. You've got to just basically play as if every opponent is different. Man, I think this is the first time since 2018-19 UCF has been back in the tournament. Mick Cronin is the coach at UCLA, but he was at Cincinnati, and I believe Dawkins and Cronin coached against each other on six occasions in the American Conference.

These two coaches know each other well. Boy, you're talking about, again, Cronin has come in. He's had some interesting rants on Twitter and some of his press conferences, but the guy knows how to coach. He's been successful pretty much everywhere, but I know the UCF program is excited. This tournament is marketed better than any sports event in the world as far as March Madness is concerned, and I know Dawkins and UCF supporters are delighted to be back in the tournament. Oh, for sure. You know, they were ecstatic when they found out on Sunday night.

You know, it took a little bit, you know, to get there, and I think there was a little bit of nerves going on, obviously, with the way UCF kind of finished the regular season, losing three games straight. You know, but they won one of the games in the Big 12 Conference tournament, and I think that helped them out as well. These two coaches can be polar opposites of each other, guys. I mean, Johnny Dawkins is laid back, reserved. I think I saw him get a technical foul this season.

It was the first time since 2019 he's gotten a technical foul. You know, Mick Cronin is, you know, boisterous, you know, gets into it with officials, has been teed up many times, gets in it with reporters, gets in the faces of basically everybody. He's all players. And, you know, these two guys are polar opposites, but they have faced each other. You know, six times previously, I think Mick's got the slight advantage, the two to four. But, you know, again, this is, these are, but Johnny's also got a long history of being in the NCAA tournament.

You know, looking back, he was a player, all-American at, you know, all-American point guard at Duke and led the Blue Devils to three state appearances, you know, in the 80s. He also took them to the NCAA, also went to the NCAA tournament with UCF back in 2018 and 19 and with Stanford. So he's got, you know, experience as a player and a coach. So I don't think this experience is going to be anything that he hasn't dealt with before. Now, can he translate that to those maybe nerves of players?

That's going to be the question is, can you get players not to get caught up in all the hooplets around there? Matt Merchell is in basketball heaven, UCF. Let's talk about UL, the University of Florida, one of 10 teams in the SEC. Your thoughts about the Gators, they're at the head of the class and 10 teams from the SEC with a chance to bring home and cut down some nets. Yeah, you know, I think for Florida, I think Florida's got a chip on their shoulder, if you can believe that.

I think not getting to the SEC championship game was a disappointment for them and for Todd Golden. I think he felt like they had a good chance to make that run. They didn't do it, you know, now that, but they still got the number one seed, you know, so now they got a chance. You know, they've got to avoid any sort of Cinderella situation with the 16. But you get past that, and then you've got Clemson and the winner of Clemson and Iowa, and then, you know, maybe a possible chance down the road to face Vanderbilt, you know, I mean, which they've faced before.

So, you know, there's obviously going to be some interesting lineups there. I thought that, you know, the SEC, again, you know, got teams in where they wanted to be at. There were some good matchups. You know, I think there's going to be some interesting matchups. And I think, for me, it all comes down to is which one of these teams really can kind of start playing its best basketball or continue playing its best basketball. Arkansas has played really well, obviously. You know, I mean, they get a good matchup, you know, with Hawaii, and then they're probably more likely to face Wisconsin.

And then, who knows, maybe you get that Arizona game down the road. Arizona's playing some of its best basketball in the country. You know, I mean, it just seems like every regional you've got some really great matchups, and I think the SEC's done a great job of getting their teams in there. Man, you mentioned John Wooden a little bit earlier. There is some basketball coaching royalty. We talked about this a little bit earlier. In the East Region, Rick Pitino, who has done an incredible job with St. John's.

Several people said the committee may have gotten mad at him and sent him west. Bill Self at Kansas, Dan Hurley at UConn, Tom Izzo at Michigan State. A lot of people think this is going to be due Michigan State to get to the Final Four. But, boy, you're talking about royalty and coaching. It's in the East Region. Yeah, it really is. And, you know, the thing about it is, too, you've got some guys here that, you know, enjoy him right now because we don't know what's going to happen in their future.

[1:45:29] You know, Rick Pitino, obviously, you know, could just be around for another couple years, but you never know. And then Bill Self, there's been rumors that Bill Self might step down, you know, might retire, you know, with some of the health issues he's had lately. You know, I mean, I think, you know, Tom Izzo's been that active. But, I mean, you know, you've got to start to wonder, okay, how long does Tom Izzo want to be, you know, continuing to do this? So, yeah, there is some royalty there, but there are guys who are probably, you know, this may be the last few times we get a chance to see them, you know what I mean?

And they get a chance to play some really good teams. I think that regional is, to me, or that region is probably one of the best out there, you know, when I look at this bracket. I mean, there's some good, strong matchups elsewhere, but I just think when you look at some of the coaching in it, I think you've got some of the best out there. Matt, let's talk about that matchup that's not too far down the road from you there in a place called Tampa.

It's Alabama and Hofstra. Yeah, I think when most non-casual or casual fans of basketball saw this, they said, okay, who's next for Alabama? I think that's what they said at the SEC tournament that we're now still going to be playing Ole Miss. Your thoughts, we know what the paper game says, but Matt, what's your take on Alabama and Hofstra Friday, again, down the road from you there in Tampa? Well, I think Alabama is just, you know, we've talked about this many times. I think they've just got to get their head on us, you know what I mean?

Thank you. I think that sometimes they get, you know, I don't know what's distracted or if they get… Zoned out, man. Yeah, and then all of a sudden things get away from them, you know what I mean? If they keep themselves, you know, focused, they should have no problem. But, you know, this is the tournament where, you know, you get some of these match-ups where you think it's going to be… You look at the numbers and you think 4-13 and you think, well, Alabama can roll with this.

Well, then Hofstra comes in and plays really well and all of a sudden Alabama's struggling. I mean, Alabama's got some off-the-court issues that they're dealing with right now. You know, that's going to be a distraction. And so you're dealing with that when you're going into practice and stuff. But they've got to find a way to get through that. I mean, listen, it's not going to be easy. If they get past Hofstra, you know, you're going to face more than likely probably a Texas Tech team. You know, if Akron can come off the upset.

But Texas Tech has played really well over the last few weeks. You know what I mean? It's another challenging team that really wants to run up and down the court. So for me, in my mind, when it comes to Alabama, it's just, you know, quit. You know, get the focus back. Quit trying to lose that focus and start to wander away. Because I think that's a little bit of what Alabama's been doing there. Who are some of your upsets? You know, that's so trendy this time of year.

Everybody wants to look at that. 5-12, 6-11, et cetera. You mentioned Akron, the Texas Tech. We talked about them earlier. Their top five scorers are seniors. So many of these major teams, they're so experienced. Mamie of Ohio playing SMU in the play-in game. The winner of that gets Tennessee, I'm sorry. McNeese against Vandy. McNeese has only won 10 consecutive games. Vandy gets to the championship game in Nashville and lose to a very good Arkansas team. You may not have a break in front of you, but who are some potential upsets for Matt Mischel?

Well, I'm going to give you one that's probably not going to make FTC fans happy. But I think Santa Clara could upset Kentucky. You know, Kentucky hasn't played well. They've had their issues with ups and downs. And, you know, that's all it takes is to get in the tournament. And you need a team that's really, you know, desperate to, you know, to try to make its bones and go out there and showcase itself. And I think Santa Clara is one of those teams. They played really well this season.

I think another SEC team that could be struggling is Texas A&M and St. Mary's. Another situation where St. Mary's is an experienced team, the program that's been in the NCAA tournament year in, year out, it seems like. And they always play really tough. And I think Texas A&M is going to have a challenge there as well. I'm not sure if there's a massive upset. You know, the 8-9s are not really, I don't think of those really as upsets because they're so close. I think St. Louis and Georgia is going to be a tight one.

And VCU and against North Carolina. You know, VCU has played really well again. You know, making a good run at the end. You know, they need to find a way to get past the name on the front of the jersey, as I said earlier. You get past the North Carolina, you know, maybe you've got a chance to make a run there and do something special. So those are kind of a little bit of my early on looks to some of the teams that maybe could maybe upset them.

Yeah, VCU and North Carolina, Caleb Wilson being out for North Carolina would certainly be a factor there. VCU is only 27-7. Some of these teams are really good. Listen, safe travels to Philly. Hopefully, it'll be a little bit of extended stay for you. But, yeah, it's going to be a fascinating game with UCF and UCLA. Matt, where can we get online and get the good stuff? You can go to OrlandoCentral.com to check out the latest or follow me on social media at OSMattMarchelle. And send us a genuine Philly cheesesteak sandwich once you land up there, okay?

[1:50:33] I'll throw it in the mailbox as soon as I get it. You're making room for it right now. Safe travels, Matt. Matt Marchelle with the Orlando Sentinel BB. It's time for March Madness tonight here on 93.9 The Score at 5.30. Howard taking on. You ready for this? UMBC. And what does that stand for? It's not a TV network. It's the University of Maryland at Baltimore County. And, B.B., you know what they say when Howard and UMBC gets together, do you not? Open the window and throw out those records.

There you go and find out how it starts tonight, 5.30 here on 93.9 The Score. It's going to take care of beds for now. On behalf of B.B., Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here. Harold Bogg, thank you so much for your time today. Let's do it again tomorrow, noon to two for the Bimbo and Buck Show. Back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 The Score.