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 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.

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 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.

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 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?

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 I don't have your green on, but happy Tuesday to you and the listeners.

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 The NCAA basketball tournament begins tonight with Texas participating in the play-in games.

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 Las Vegas insider Bruce Marshall will preview the SEC and the NCAA tournament.

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 And the multi-talented Roger Hoover is here right now to talk about some Alabama basketball, baseball, and softball.

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 The man who always has a ball is Roger Hoover.

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 He comes out of your radio every time Alabama plays just about any ball game across the board.

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 And also a nice enough guy to take time out and join us today.

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 Roger Hoover from the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

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 Welcome in and how are you?

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 Boomo Bugg. I'm doing really well.

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 I am 162 miles away from Mobile.

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 Look forward to being there tonight for Alabama baseball against South Alabama in the most anticipated sporting event in the state coming up tonight.

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 Can we say that?

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 What a night for South Alabama, Roger.

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 Just in case we're checking in from Pluto.

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 South Alabama is going to have a shot at both the big boys tonight, are they not?

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 Over on the basketball side, Auburn.

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 Number one seed, by the way, in the NIT will be taking on South Alabama there.

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 And Alabama baseball taking on South Alabama in baseball.

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 So what a night.

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 Your thoughts before we get into the obvious, since you brought it up, Roger.

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 Obviously, Kentucky, pretty doggone good team if you look at the rankings.

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 Your thoughts about Alabama baseball, a lot of the shoots with SEC play.

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 Yeah, it was a tough weekend for us in Lexington.

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 It took a while for the pass to get going in each and every game against some pretty good, solid starting pitching for Kentucky.

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 And the Wildcats, a team not known for hitting many home runs.

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 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.

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 So definitely a tough weekend.

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 But I was encouraged, you know, no moral victories or anything like that.

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 But I was encouraged Alabama made every single one of those ballgames a game in the ninth inning.

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 Headed to the tying run, the plates are on base, go ahead, run on base.

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 So I think we saw a lot of the fight from Alabama, and it's going to be a tough league.

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 I mean, the SEC is always going to be tough.

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 It's kind of amazing.

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 Alabama is not getting swept in a series at all last season.

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 So, you know, these things do pop up from time to time.

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 And, unfortunately, for Alabama, it happened this week.

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 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.

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 Roger, I was going to say, all those games were close.

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 Sunday, 6-4, and then 7-4, 8-7.

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 A key hit here or there.

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 Maybe a little bit better job as far as the bullpen.

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 Again, the Florida Gators are coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend, and we know they're one of the best teams in the country.

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 But I think if Alabama continues, but to get some clutch hits, the pitching can improve a little bit.

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 This is a good baseball team.

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 Yeah, it really is.

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 And it's a baseball team that I think has a lot of talent up and down the lineup.

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 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.

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 He started his career at Southern Illinois, transfers to Alabama, and his power has certainly translated to SEC pitching.

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 So, get him going.

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 Hopefully, Justin LeBron is going to continue to play well.

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 He went out on Saturday's game with an ankle injury, but was able to come back on Sunday for the Crimson Dive.

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 The Superstar short is off.

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 So, Alabama needs him going, needs him healthy in order to be the kind of team they want to be this season.

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 So, that's one of the things to keep an eye on as well for tonight's ballgame against South Alabama.

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 How does Justin LeBron play and some good momentum again come in this weekend when they don't be able to go to Florida?

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 Roger Hoover in the huddle with us.

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 Speaking of this weekend, Alabama with a Friday afternoon date with Hofstra.

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 And I'm checking the record books.

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 I don't see many ballgames, no matter what the sport is over the years, between the tide and the pride.

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 It's one of those games, Roger, when you look at it, people are going to say, well, it's Alabama.

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 They're the Goliath and Hofstra's the David.

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 Not so fast, my friend.

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 Hofstra, they love the half-court game.

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 Alabama loves to speed it up.

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 The problem is they're now missing one of their speedsters in Holloway.

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 We comment as much as you'd like to about that.

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 But also, they got a kid named, was it Cruz Davis?

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 He's as good as anybody anywhere.

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 This kid's good.

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 He's at Hofstra.

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 It's easy to overlook him.

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 Your thoughts about the matchup, on paper anyway, should favor Alabama.

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 But that's what they said last time against Ole Miss.

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 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.

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 Usually teams that like to play fast and shoot a lot of three-pointers, a very similar system to when NATO likes to run.

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 Usually Alabama's pretty prepared for that because defensively they work against that practice all the time.

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 And again, that just kind of fits Alabama's game.

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 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.

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 A lot of good sides at the post, but then really good guard play as well.

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 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.

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 He comes to Alabama, and I believe is part of that Final Four team or SEC Championship team right around then.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 So Alabama played without Holloway for a few games this year and offensively had good games when that happened.

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 That's going to have to be the case throughout the rest of the N-state tournament.

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 Ron Dron's going to say, I've been asked the same question, how does Alabama compensate for the loss of Holloway?

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 It's very simple.

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 Other players have got to step up.

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 Jaleel Bethea with a lot of potential.

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 Houston Millett.

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 Reitzel, Amari Allen, and Millett combined from one for 12 outside shooting against Ole Miss.

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 I don't think that's going to happen again.

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 And Taylor Bo Bowen played one of his better games this year against Ole Miss.

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 I thought Noah Williamson played one of the better games.

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 I do think when you get in a situation like this, sometimes it galvanizes teams.

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 And I agree with you.

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 I think some of these guys are going to step up.

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 Yeah, I agree as well, especially those post players, like you mentioned.

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 I think they have to play well coming up in this game against Hofstra.

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 And then we kind of saw the reverse of this for a few games when LeBaron Pylon, who's injured Nate Holloway,

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 really took up a more volume shooting than what he had done before in the absence of LeBaron Pylon and played extremely well.

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 I think Pylon's capable of the same thing.

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 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.

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 Alabama is in going to be in great shape for LeBaron Pylon taking more shots during these ballgames ahead.

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 So, again, it's an unfortunate situation all the way around.

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 But for this team moving forward, I think you could see some of these Alabama guards play with more freedom.

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 And we know they have to be counted on for some scoring down the stretch.

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 Roger Hoover, Crimson Tide Sports Network.

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 You know the rest of the world is going to be rooting against the SEC, whether it's men's or women.

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 How about this?

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 Ten from the SEC making it with the men.

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 Ten from the SEC making it with the women, including the pride of Alabama, Carly Weathers out of Loretta.

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 Your thoughts about Alabama's women in the NCAA tournament.

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 Yeah, it's really exciting, especially for all of our fans from Loretta.

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 It's not hard at all to get to Louisville, Kentucky for this weekend's game.

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 Saturday game against Rhode Island.

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 And then hopefully we pick up the win on Saturday and can play on Monday night against most likely the Louisville Cardinals,

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 which should be a great atmosphere and a fantastic, beautiful arena, the KFC Young Center right on the river in Louisville.

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 I really can't wait to get up there later on this weekend.

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 Alabama's going to take on the reigning Atlantic 10 champions who, I believe, won 28 games in Rhode Island.

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 Anytime they're going up against a team like that, they know how to win.

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 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.

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 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,

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 losing to Texas, but getting wins before that against Tennessee and Missouri.

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 And I think you're going to see a healthy Crimson side basketball team and one that is highly motivated.

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 Louisville has lost five games at their arena this season.

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 Alabama will go into this one with some confidence.

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 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

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 when Alabama's had to go to Texas, lost to them at around the 32.

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 Had that thrilling game in two overtime last year against Maryland and, unfortunately, could not get it done.

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 I think Alabama feels confident.

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 They get past Rhode Island on Saturday.

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 There's going to be a great opportunity to get a marquee upset on Monday

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 and advance to the first that we've received as cool as that since 1999.

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 Roger, a tip of the count to Patrick Murphy and the softball team.

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 Man, 26-1 overall, 5-1 after winning the series over the number-eight ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.

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 Alabama is number four.

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 Listen, the offense has been clicking this year.

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 Pitching has been dominant.

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 Patrick Murphy's got quite a team this year.

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 Yeah, he knows what he's doing.

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 I trust Patrick Murphy as much as anybody on our campus right now.

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 I mean, he really loaded that roster with some really good talent.

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 And the pitching has been solid.

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 Jocelyn Prisky, who I have as an interview guest, they're coming up today on Crimson Drive.

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 Tripped by now at 2 o'clock on all of our social media platforms.

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 She's performing like an All-American right now.

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 She's turning into that new Montana Fouls that I think a lot of people hoped she would become

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 after she did so well helping lead Alabama to a college-world series as a freshman.

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 So it's an exciting group.

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 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.

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 Love seeing the scores roll in.

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 I love just seeing the fans enjoying the great weather we had in Tuscaloosa.

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 If you guys tell me, how did we go from 80 degrees on Saturday and Sunday to all of a sudden

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 I was walking into Bryant-Denny Stadium for some interviews yesterday in the snow.

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 How'd that happen in 24 hours?

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 Welcome to Alabama, Roger.

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 Let me circle in March, by the way.

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 Let me circle you back to baseball.

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 Justin LeBron gave Alabama fans a scare at Kentucky.

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 What's the latest?

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 I know you know what I'm referring to.

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 It looks like he had a little issue there at second base.

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 Is he okay?

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 What's the latest with LeBron?

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 Yeah, he hit his ankle hard, his foot hard, and then ankle as a result on the bag on Saturday,

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 I believe, in the second inning on a fly out in the center field.

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 Stayed in the game, played defensively in the bottom of the second at shortstop,

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 and then after that was taken out for precautionary measures.

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 And the good thing was, he was able to return.

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 I think they had a great game of the play on Sunday when he was back,

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 but defensively made every play at shortstop.

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 Kind of looked fine.

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 No heavy ankle tapings or anything like that that we could see.

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 So it'll be interesting to see if he does play that night here against South Alabama.

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 I imagine he will.

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 I don't think this is going to be a serious injury.

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 So hopefully he is good to go, because Alabama really meets his badge.

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 It's a team that's kind of searching a little bit for some offense,

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 and he's the guy that we know can consistently deliver.

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 Well, listen, we'll let you get on to Mobile.

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 Thank you so much for coming on with us, spending a few minutes.

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 Ace Alston of that Alabama women's basketball team,

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 another guest that you've got, I believe, today on Crimson Drive.

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 I know, again, you're in Mobile tonight.

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 The Florida Gators with Kevin O'Sullivan and that crew come in this weekend.

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 Alabama basketball Friday, women this weekend.

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 A lot of things going on.

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 Quote during spring break.

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 Roger, where can we get online to get all the great stuff?

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 Yeah, just follow us at the Crimson Tide Sports Network, UA underscore CTSN,

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 any social media platform, especially just subscribe on YouTube.

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 That way you can get all of our shows right to you.

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 As you mentioned, Jocelyn Bristie, Ace Austin, coming up on today's Crimson Drive.

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 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.

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 And some guy named Richard Hendricks, we're going to get his thoughts about basketball.

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 He's actually going to be on the call for that NIC game tonight between South Alabama and Auburn.

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 So he's going to break down all the tournament games for us for Alabama men's women's basketball on Thursdays.

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 And then I just keep that radio on.

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 We're going to be very, very busy with all the baseball and the basketball coming up this weekend.

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 I'll be headed to Louisville, so I'll wave as I drive past you guys.

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 I'll be here to stay coming up a little later this week.

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 But I'm looking forward to what should be a very winning week of Alabama athletics.

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 The man with more hats and M&M's got colors in the bags there.

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 Roger, safe travels to and from, and thanks so much for your time today.

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 Thank you, guys. Roll tight.

212
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213
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214
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 Check in with Larry Volk on deck to us.

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310
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311
00:20:35,240 --> 00:20:35,820
 Welcome back in.

312
00:20:35,840 --> 00:20:40,500
 It is an absolute pleasure for us to welcome in the busiest man in the bluegrass state, Larry Vaught.

313
00:20:40,620 --> 00:20:41,980
 Busy there with Vaught's Views.

314
00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:46,700
 Find columnist for 30 paper-slash-websites on WPBK-FM.

315
00:20:47,060 --> 00:20:53,740
 Also busy there with Edge Media, WLAP, and feature writer for Topps Magazine, Larry Vaught.

316
00:20:53,880 --> 00:20:54,440
 Welcome in.

317
00:20:54,500 --> 00:20:56,380
 How's life in Kentucky today?

318
00:20:58,260 --> 00:20:59,120
 So cold.

319
00:20:59,200 --> 00:20:59,920
 It's killing me.

320
00:21:00,140 --> 00:21:00,940
 So cold.

321
00:21:02,200 --> 00:21:03,360
 What's going on, Larry?

322
00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:04,980
 Is this global warming or what?

323
00:21:05,060 --> 00:21:06,280
 How do you define global warming?

324
00:21:06,520 --> 00:21:10,400
 80 degrees and folks down here were mowing the grass over the weekend.

325
00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:13,500
 And then everything else was shivering on Monday morning.

326
00:21:13,620 --> 00:21:14,500
 It had snow on the ground.

327
00:21:14,660 --> 00:21:16,420
 Is life the same up in Kentucky?

328
00:21:17,480 --> 00:21:21,780
 Yeah, I was out on Sunday afternoon with 76 here, I think, mowing grass.

329
00:21:21,860 --> 00:21:23,440
 And this morning when I got up, it's 22.

330
00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:27,220
 Well, you mowed it on the weekend and got killed on Monday.

331
00:21:27,340 --> 00:21:30,380
 So I guess if you hate mowing grass, that might be a welcome sight.

332
00:21:30,500 --> 00:21:34,900
 But, Larry, be that, maybe that means the madness in March has a meaning now.

333
00:21:34,980 --> 00:21:39,140
 How is March Madness Fever going this year in your backyard of Kentucky?

334
00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:46,220
 I think it's one that nobody really knows exactly what they think it's going to be like up here

335
00:21:46,220 --> 00:21:49,620
 because, at times, Kentucky's been really good.

336
00:21:50,220 --> 00:21:52,360
 And other times, they've been really bad.

337
00:21:52,440 --> 00:21:52,840
 Really bad.

338
00:21:53,480 --> 00:21:59,940
 So I think if you could see them lose to Santa Clara, or you could see them beat Santa Clara,

339
00:22:00,040 --> 00:22:05,840
 beat Iowa State, go to Sweet 16, I don't think anybody would be shocked with either outcome up here

340
00:22:05,840 --> 00:22:10,360
 because they've just been such an unpredictable season for Kentucky men's basketball.

341
00:22:10,700 --> 00:22:16,540
 Kind of like, well, it wasn't quite that unpredictable last year, but they've lost 25 games over the last two years.

342
00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:19,280
 And that's a lot for Kentucky basketball to lose.

343
00:22:20,240 --> 00:22:21,500
 Let me ask you this, Larry.

344
00:22:21,980 --> 00:22:27,360
 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.

345
00:22:27,460 --> 00:22:33,400
 Kentucky at one time was thought to have the biggest, can you believe this, in 2026 payroll for basketball.

346
00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:39,620
 I'm looking at this number, and actually, they're filth in the SEC behind Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas.

347
00:22:40,460 --> 00:22:43,980
 Kentucky's only spending 20, Tennessee's spent over $23 million.

348
00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:49,100
 Auburn fans, basically, Auburn spent the same as Kentucky.

349
00:22:49,500 --> 00:22:53,200
 So if you want to know why Auburn fans are upset, that might be one reason right there.

350
00:22:53,260 --> 00:22:56,180
 Alabama, by comparison, a mere $15 million plus.

351
00:22:56,580 --> 00:23:01,740
 The point I'm trying to make, Larry, at what point do we come up and say, this is crazy.

352
00:23:01,740 --> 00:23:06,180
 We're spending all this money, and this is what we're getting as far as a return on our investment.

353
00:23:07,540 --> 00:23:10,400
 I would hope we're already saying that, but apparently we're not.

354
00:23:10,460 --> 00:23:15,140
 Because people just keep spending and spending, and I don't really see what's going to stop.

355
00:23:15,240 --> 00:23:18,100
 The football numbers are just spiraling out of control.

356
00:23:18,820 --> 00:23:27,220
 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.

357
00:23:27,700 --> 00:23:29,740
 And before, while they're still leaving in high school.

358
00:23:29,740 --> 00:23:38,240
 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.

359
00:23:38,660 --> 00:23:43,520
 But we will see, but it just takes a lot of the fun out of watching.

360
00:23:44,220 --> 00:23:53,720
 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.

361
00:23:53,720 --> 00:23:57,380
 Because those are professional athletes now.

362
00:23:57,640 --> 00:24:00,360
 If they go out and don't get much of an effort, they're getting that kind of salary.

363
00:24:00,820 --> 00:24:07,000
 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.

364
00:24:07,860 --> 00:24:08,880
 Well, here's the deal, Larry.

365
00:24:08,940 --> 00:24:12,720
 A lot of these kids in high school have already made more than a lot of the parents made in a lifetime.

366
00:24:12,980 --> 00:24:14,760
 That kind of puts your perspective right there.

367
00:24:14,920 --> 00:24:17,440
 And you wonder why they have attitudes coming out.

368
00:24:17,500 --> 00:24:20,680
 They got all this money, but they don't have a lot of experience in life.

369
00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:22,720
 And you know they're going to have, quote, friends in parentheses.

370
00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:25,180
 Is there anything that can be done legally?

371
00:24:25,280 --> 00:24:27,660
 Because the reason, you can't blame the kids.

372
00:24:27,740 --> 00:24:28,340
 The money's there.

373
00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:29,060
 They're going to take it.

374
00:24:29,080 --> 00:24:29,620
 You get that.

375
00:24:29,960 --> 00:24:37,580
 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.

376
00:24:37,660 --> 00:24:43,480
 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.

377
00:24:44,380 --> 00:24:45,860
 What about performance incentives?

378
00:24:46,500 --> 00:24:50,160
 You can make $10 million, Larry, if you help us win a national championship.

379
00:24:50,500 --> 00:24:52,860
 If you don't, you get 50 cents and a Big Mac.

380
00:24:53,080 --> 00:24:59,480
 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?

381
00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:01,900
 I don't think so.

382
00:25:01,980 --> 00:25:08,680
 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.

383
00:25:09,100 --> 00:25:12,200
 Or he gets you to the tournament or the playoff, you get a bonus.

384
00:25:12,500 --> 00:25:14,980
 Well, why the h*** are you giving him $5 million or $6 million to start with?

385
00:25:15,100 --> 00:25:16,720
 That's not what you're expecting.

386
00:25:16,840 --> 00:25:19,060
 I mean, that's the part I don't understand either.

387
00:25:19,360 --> 00:25:19,500
 Yeah.

388
00:25:19,500 --> 00:25:25,520
 Then you set them a buyout where if they don't do the job, even if they're athletic directors, give them a buyout.

389
00:25:25,900 --> 00:25:27,740
 So it's just crazy.

390
00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:31,280
 All of us not working that, we're gifted athletically.

391
00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:32,460
 We just missed out.

392
00:25:34,260 --> 00:25:40,000
 Larry, Kentucky is one of the few teams in the league who have actually been competitive playing Florida.

393
00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:43,780
 All of their games have really been by single digits.

394
00:25:44,140 --> 00:25:47,620
 They lost 71-63 in the first game Friday.

395
00:25:48,360 --> 00:25:56,740
 They were rebounded by 21, 50-29 in the offensive boards, 18-8.

396
00:25:57,280 --> 00:26:01,320
 Santa Clara and probably number two seed Iowa State, as you mentioned.

397
00:26:02,180 --> 00:26:10,020
 You've got to shoot the basketball, but can Kentucky, and look, Florida's front line is 6'9 to 6'11.

398
00:26:10,160 --> 00:26:19,520
 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,

399
00:26:20,520 --> 00:26:25,400
 can they rebound and stay in both of these games?

400
00:26:26,780 --> 00:26:27,520
 Can they?

401
00:26:27,740 --> 00:26:28,180
 Yes.

402
00:26:28,660 --> 00:26:29,240
 Will they?

403
00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:30,460
 Remain to be seen.

404
00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:31,820
 That's the problem.

405
00:26:32,140 --> 00:26:36,760
 They can when they want to or have shown they can at times.

406
00:26:36,840 --> 00:26:41,600
 They can even be physical enough at times, and at other times they're not very physical at all.

407
00:26:41,680 --> 00:26:44,340
 I mean, Brandon Garrison, sometimes he's brilliant.

408
00:26:44,620 --> 00:26:46,400
 Sometimes he's not so set with us.

409
00:26:47,460 --> 00:26:49,960
 And it's just hard to figure.

410
00:26:50,380 --> 00:26:54,780
 And then also what you said to start out with, that Kentucky's played Florida close three times.

411
00:26:54,780 --> 00:26:56,620
 That's what I try with Kentucky basketball now.

412
00:26:56,940 --> 00:26:58,920
 That's why Kentucky basketball is clinging to.

413
00:26:59,140 --> 00:27:00,940
 They played Florida close three times.

414
00:27:03,060 --> 00:27:06,280
 Never had a lead in any of the three games, but they were close at the end.

415
00:27:06,360 --> 00:27:07,600
 So, by God, let's celebrate.

416
00:27:07,980 --> 00:27:09,840
 Let's don't criticize them.

417
00:27:09,860 --> 00:27:10,740
 We played on close.

418
00:27:11,140 --> 00:27:12,620
 That's what's wrong right now.

419
00:27:12,760 --> 00:27:15,380
 I mean, that's the part that I don't get.

420
00:27:15,460 --> 00:27:22,500
 And like Mark Pope on Sunday night didn't have a watch party and invite the media like what he usually does.

421
00:27:22,500 --> 00:27:23,620
 And that's okay.

422
00:27:23,680 --> 00:27:28,380
 But the reason was they needed some alone time because they hadn't had any alone time all season.

423
00:27:28,580 --> 00:27:33,320
 I don't know what they've been doing, but they hadn't been with the media 24-7 all season long.

424
00:27:33,320 --> 00:27:40,640
 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.

425
00:27:41,120 --> 00:27:44,400
 You know, we're sitting here with 13 losses because we spent too much time with the media.

426
00:27:44,820 --> 00:27:45,480
 Come on now, Mark.

427
00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:49,380
 For a guy that wasn't going to make excuses, let's don't be using that one.

428
00:27:50,160 --> 00:27:51,740
 Yeah, Larry, they need a hug, man.

429
00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:54,360
 They just need to step back and give them a big old giant hug.

430
00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:59,680
 What are Kentucky fans saying about the SEC tourney champs?

431
00:27:59,760 --> 00:28:01,140
 And I think his name is Calipari.

432
00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:02,640
 What an irony, Larry.

433
00:28:03,900 --> 00:28:04,260
 Yeah.

434
00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:08,640
 You just want to rub salt in the wound for a guy that always said he didn't care about winning a title.

435
00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:11,080
 When he was at Kentucky, he didn't make any difference.

436
00:28:11,160 --> 00:28:13,020
 All he wanted to do is get ready for the big dance.

437
00:28:13,080 --> 00:28:14,740
 He goes to Arkansas and wins.

438
00:28:14,820 --> 00:28:15,680
 I thought he was going to cry.

439
00:28:15,780 --> 00:28:16,400
 He was so happy.

440
00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:22,580
 Yeah, you talk about just really poking the cat up here.

441
00:28:22,760 --> 00:28:25,020
 That has really, really poked the cat.

442
00:28:25,440 --> 00:28:29,780
 And I tell you, it wouldn't stun me to see Calipari's team make a pretty nice run in this tournament.

443
00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:30,160
 I know.

444
00:28:30,420 --> 00:28:30,640
 Yeah.

445
00:28:31,540 --> 00:28:32,500
 I agree with you.

446
00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:34,240
 The Hollings are pretty good.

447
00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:39,760
 I think Will Stein had his first media opportunity last Tuesday.

448
00:28:40,560 --> 00:28:41,520
 Spring practice.

449
00:28:41,780 --> 00:28:44,120
 The spring game is April the 18th.

450
00:28:44,300 --> 00:28:49,560
 Larry, I know a lot of people are optimistic about Will Stein breathing some life into this

451
00:28:49,560 --> 00:28:54,480
 Kentucky offense, and particularly, what have you learned in the last week since Kentucky

452
00:28:54,480 --> 00:28:55,500
 football started?

453
00:28:56,440 --> 00:28:58,020
 Well, they can't hurt the offense.

454
00:28:58,220 --> 00:28:58,980
 I know that.

455
00:28:59,560 --> 00:29:01,680
 That's one positive he's got going for us.

456
00:29:02,700 --> 00:29:05,460
 They can't be any worse as a team.

457
00:29:05,640 --> 00:29:09,340
 I think that's a good player, but they can't be any worse as a team than what they've been

458
00:29:09,340 --> 00:29:10,300
 the last couple of years.

459
00:29:10,300 --> 00:29:14,940
 But I think, and again, it's kind of hard to tell because it's like this with every coach.

460
00:29:15,140 --> 00:29:18,420
 When they first come in, they're very enthusiastic and energetic.

461
00:29:19,120 --> 00:29:20,720
 But again, practices are closed.

462
00:29:21,080 --> 00:29:21,920
 You can't see.

463
00:29:22,300 --> 00:29:24,720
 Nobody's going to come out and say, man, I suck.

464
00:29:24,820 --> 00:29:25,520
 I shouldn't have came here.

465
00:29:25,580 --> 00:29:27,180
 These guys aren't as good as I thought.

466
00:29:27,400 --> 00:29:28,340
 We're going to be awful.

467
00:29:28,660 --> 00:29:30,000
 Nobody is going to say that.

468
00:29:30,060 --> 00:29:33,760
 But it does seem like right now there's a really good energy, a really good vibe.

469
00:29:34,220 --> 00:29:38,140
 Will's doing a pretty good job communicating with fans, his players.

470
00:29:38,700 --> 00:29:42,000
 I mean, on paper, everything looks okay.

471
00:29:42,580 --> 00:29:48,200
 But on the other hand, I could argue, if I wanted to, that the transfer portal class

472
00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:54,160
 Kentucky had last year looked as good or maybe even better on paper than what this one does.

473
00:29:54,160 --> 00:29:58,360
 It's all going to come down to where if Kenny Minchie, the transfer quarterback from Notre

474
00:29:58,360 --> 00:30:01,600
 Dame, is really good, the Kentucky will be better.

475
00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:04,580
 If he's not really good, they won't be better.

476
00:30:04,780 --> 00:30:08,080
 I mean, that's where all Will's eggs are in that one basket right there.

477
00:30:08,480 --> 00:30:13,840
 If Minchie's the guy, because he let Cutter Bowley, a homegrown guy, or a hometown guy who

478
00:30:13,840 --> 00:30:15,820
 started a quarterback, let him go.

479
00:30:15,940 --> 00:30:20,040
 He's now out at Arizona State where they're saying great things about him.

480
00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:25,260
 You've got somebody that's only played in 10 games and thrown 30 passes in his career,

481
00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:27,520
 but now you're going to turn the offense over to.

482
00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:29,960
 So if that works, it'll be great.

483
00:30:30,160 --> 00:30:32,440
 If it doesn't, it's going to be a long year.

484
00:30:33,680 --> 00:30:35,320
 Very well, it's for you, Larry.

485
00:30:35,760 --> 00:30:39,920
 Before you jump off, why is Kentucky baseball beating up on Alabama like that?

486
00:30:40,060 --> 00:30:41,020
 Larry, Larry.

487
00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:46,100
 Well, just because it's okay to do that every day.

488
00:30:46,100 --> 00:30:47,840
 I said, Alabama had to win every week.

489
00:30:49,580 --> 00:30:52,800
 Kentucky can't beat them in football, can't beat them in basketball anymore.

490
00:30:53,420 --> 00:30:55,900
 We can get them in volleyball and baseball, though.

491
00:30:56,160 --> 00:30:59,200
 Can't get them in softball, but we've got them in volleyball and baseball.

492
00:31:03,300 --> 00:31:12,400
 Larry, Lakeston is known for its hospitality, but when you sweep Alabama baseball 6-4, 7-4,

493
00:31:12,460 --> 00:31:15,600
 and 8-7, Alabama fans didn't appreciate that, Larry.

494
00:31:16,740 --> 00:31:18,380
 No, but Kentucky fans sure did.

495
00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:22,160
 And they're hoping they're going to have a really solid baseball season,

496
00:31:22,520 --> 00:31:26,660
 and I wouldn't point out that they did that without their best player even playing until they still swept Alabama.

497
00:31:26,880 --> 00:31:30,400
 We wouldn't want – that wouldn't make it seem way worse for Alabama fans, I'm sure.

498
00:31:30,740 --> 00:31:35,840
 But Kentucky kind of rebuilt that roster, and I think Nick's done a pretty good job over there.

499
00:31:35,920 --> 00:31:38,680
 I think they've got the kind of team that might win 12-11,

500
00:31:38,880 --> 00:31:40,780
 or they could turn around the next day and win 2-1.

501
00:31:41,160 --> 00:31:44,620
 They seem to have, at different times, the right pieces to be able to do that,

502
00:31:44,960 --> 00:31:49,260
 which in college baseball anymore you've got to have, because a lot of teams can really hit.

503
00:31:49,600 --> 00:31:51,520
 So some days you're just going to have to outscore people,

504
00:31:51,820 --> 00:31:55,420
 but they do have better overall pitching than what they had last year.

505
00:31:55,560 --> 00:31:56,880
 So they're pretty optimistic.

506
00:31:56,980 --> 00:31:59,260
 We'll see how they do these next two weeks on the road in the SEC.

507
00:31:59,900 --> 00:32:04,320
 But two years ago they started off, and I believe they either swept Alabama or Georgia

508
00:32:04,320 --> 00:32:06,040
 to start their conference play.

509
00:32:06,200 --> 00:32:07,200
 They ended up in the World Series.

510
00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:13,580
 Where can we get online and get your 30-something platforms?

511
00:32:14,340 --> 00:32:19,080
 And I saw again yesterday, and I confirmed this for me,

512
00:32:19,120 --> 00:32:25,260
 Kentucky's last Final Four appearance was 11 years ago in 2015.

513
00:32:25,580 --> 00:32:26,280
 Is that correct?

514
00:32:27,580 --> 00:32:28,540
 That is correct.

515
00:32:28,540 --> 00:32:32,380
 I mean, they were in the SEC tournament semifinals eight years ago.

516
00:32:32,680 --> 00:32:34,640
 I mean, it can't be that bad, right?

517
00:32:35,880 --> 00:32:37,000
 Just eight years ago.

518
00:32:37,140 --> 00:32:37,700
 Oh, man.

519
00:32:37,800 --> 00:32:38,020
 Yeah.

520
00:32:38,520 --> 00:32:43,860
 I mean, it's been a long stretch, but it was 12 years ago.

521
00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:46,260
 I was probably on my way to St. Louis about right now.

522
00:32:46,340 --> 00:32:52,500
 Kentucky was an eighth seed, and I remember telling my wife that they might win one.

523
00:32:52,680 --> 00:32:53,740
 I wouldn't count on it.

524
00:32:53,740 --> 00:32:57,420
 But if they do, that Wichita State team, the number one seed unbeaten,

525
00:32:57,760 --> 00:32:58,940
 they'll get them in that next one.

526
00:32:59,020 --> 00:33:00,560
 I don't want to worry about going anywhere after that.

527
00:33:01,080 --> 00:33:04,820
 And then Aaron Harrison went on that streak where he hit all those last-minute shots.

528
00:33:05,280 --> 00:33:07,040
 They ended up playing the national title game.

529
00:33:07,360 --> 00:33:09,540
 So do I think that could happen this time?

530
00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:10,840
 Absolutely not.

531
00:33:11,180 --> 00:33:14,100
 But I didn't think it could happen 12 years ago, so I guess you never know.

532
00:33:14,100 --> 00:33:22,480
 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.

533
00:33:22,720 --> 00:33:27,480
 So where you don't want to follow me is on X, at VoxFuse.

534
00:33:27,480 --> 00:33:36,200
 Just don't go to at VoxFuse 26, because that other account is hacked, and I can't get it deleted.

535
00:33:36,340 --> 00:33:37,000
 I can't do anything.

536
00:33:37,360 --> 00:33:42,000
 So if anybody's listening to me, they've got some kind of weird, I apologize.

537
00:33:42,260 --> 00:33:44,420
 I wish there was something I could do about it, but I can't.

538
00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:45,920
 There you go.

539
00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:49,460
 Well, Kentucky basketball fans are hacked off with this season.

540
00:33:49,640 --> 00:33:54,740
 Maybe things are going to get rid of some of your snowballs and replace them with winning basketballs.

541
00:33:54,820 --> 00:33:58,220
 Larry, listen, man, safe travels up there, and thank you so much for your time today, okay?

542
00:33:58,900 --> 00:33:59,360
 All right, guys.

543
00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:00,180
 Appreciate you having me.

544
00:34:00,300 --> 00:34:00,900
 Thank you, buddy.

545
00:34:00,900 --> 00:34:04,100
 Larry Valt, that's his views from the Bluegrass Country.

546
00:34:04,240 --> 00:34:08,060
 Time to head out west to Las Vegas Country and Bruce Marshall on deck.

547
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548
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578
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586
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587
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588
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589
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601
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 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score.

602
00:37:51,700 --> 00:37:53,140
 Mitch basketball action tonight.

603
00:37:53,260 --> 00:37:56,180
 Auburn will host South Alabama the first round of the NIT.

604
00:37:56,380 --> 00:38:00,300
 The winner advances to play their Seattle U or St. Thomas in the second round.

605
00:38:00,720 --> 00:38:06,240
 Troy Trojans will play in the NCAA tournament's first round on Thursday against Nebraska and Oklahoma City.

606
00:38:06,700 --> 00:38:08,920
 Trojans are the number 13 seed in the tournament.

607
00:38:09,100 --> 00:38:12,060
 Winner plays either McNeese or Vanderbilt in round two.

608
00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:14,360
 Alabama will play on Friday in Tampa.

609
00:38:14,480 --> 00:38:16,160
 And the Crimson Tide take on Hofstra.

610
00:38:16,520 --> 00:38:20,720
 The winner advances to play their Texas Tech or Akron in round number two.

611
00:38:20,720 --> 00:38:26,280
 In college baseball action today, fifth-ranked Auburn will host number three Georgia Tech.

612
00:38:26,340 --> 00:38:27,600
 Auburn 17-2.

613
00:38:28,060 --> 00:38:30,520
 And Alabama's on the road at South Alabama.

614
00:38:30,820 --> 00:38:32,280
 Crimson Tide 15-6.

615
00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:33,780
 Jaguars 13-7.

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 The Score.

636
00:39:49,900 --> 00:39:54,680
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

637
00:39:54,940 --> 00:39:55,500
 The Score.

638
00:39:55,760 --> 00:39:56,540
 Welcome back in.

639
00:39:56,600 --> 00:39:58,660
 He is busy.

640
00:39:59,020 --> 00:40:00,440
 In a place called Las Vegas.

641
00:40:00,580 --> 00:40:01,240
 Bruce Marshall.

642
00:40:01,340 --> 00:40:02,880
 Busy there at Las Vegas Insider.

643
00:40:03,020 --> 00:40:08,600
 And we're happy to report, in case you missed it last week, back with a goal sheet slash wager.

644
00:40:08,760 --> 00:40:09,820
 Talk to tails pending.

645
00:40:10,300 --> 00:40:11,880
 Also, at BounceSports.net.

646
00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:12,940
 Winners and whiners.

647
00:40:13,160 --> 00:40:14,180
 Picks and parlays.

648
00:40:14,660 --> 00:40:15,160
 Bet Rivers.

649
00:40:15,440 --> 00:40:16,820
 And Vegas Insider.

650
00:40:16,940 --> 00:40:17,800
 Bruce Marshall.

651
00:40:17,980 --> 00:40:18,600
 Welcome in.

652
00:40:18,680 --> 00:40:19,500
 How are you?

653
00:40:20,000 --> 00:40:21,680
 Hey, I'm doing pretty good.

654
00:40:21,860 --> 00:40:23,680
 It's, uh, we're finally here.

655
00:40:23,880 --> 00:40:25,240
 We're new at the tournament.

656
00:40:25,620 --> 00:40:25,880
 Yeah.

657
00:40:26,660 --> 00:40:27,040
 Yeah.

658
00:40:27,160 --> 00:40:28,440
 Is this the best?

659
00:40:29,100 --> 00:40:30,360
 Bear with me for a second.

660
00:40:30,360 --> 00:40:33,040
 And the best two weeks, certainly, for college basketball.

661
00:40:33,240 --> 00:40:35,400
 I say, I know the tournament's going to last longer than that.

662
00:40:35,880 --> 00:40:39,780
 But the intrigue this week and next week, that's where it is, especially this week.

663
00:40:39,900 --> 00:40:44,200
 Your thoughts from a Vegas perspective, Bruce, about March Madness.

664
00:40:45,040 --> 00:40:46,400
 Yeah, it is big.

665
00:40:46,580 --> 00:40:54,500
 And, you know, it sort of builds up there for at least a month beforehand, Harold.

666
00:40:54,500 --> 00:40:59,680
 I mean, we're talking about the, uh, you know, bracketology and the bubble and everything.

667
00:40:59,880 --> 00:41:03,340
 And it just, everything sort of ramps up to, uh, selection Sunday.

668
00:41:03,680 --> 00:41:08,880
 Um, you know, I, I like to tease, you know, Joe and Artie's got a job like a Christmas tree

669
00:41:08,880 --> 00:41:09,360
 salesman.

670
00:41:09,420 --> 00:41:11,180
 He gets to work one week, one month a year.

671
00:41:11,340 --> 00:41:18,960
 And then, uh, but it does, it builds up, but it's worth noting.

672
00:41:19,100 --> 00:41:22,340
 I mean, yeah, I mean, there's still plenty of basketball to go, but they start whittling

673
00:41:22,340 --> 00:41:23,660
 this thing down pretty quick.

674
00:41:23,880 --> 00:41:27,740
 And, uh, we still got all these teams there, but once we get to Sunday night, we're down

675
00:41:27,740 --> 00:41:30,960
 to just 16 and then it whittles down pretty quick.

676
00:41:30,960 --> 00:41:32,500
 So it is very exciting.

677
00:41:32,500 --> 00:41:37,380
 And this week in, uh, Las Vegas, pretty exciting, uh, too, because we've got games.

678
00:41:37,380 --> 00:41:42,520
 So, yeah, I mean, if you count the NIT, that starts tonight and the first four in Dayton,

679
00:41:42,600 --> 00:41:45,360
 and then it'll Thursday and Friday are two of the best days of the year.

680
00:41:45,440 --> 00:41:46,000
 They really are.

681
00:41:46,340 --> 00:41:46,900
 I agree.

682
00:41:47,000 --> 00:41:51,480
 Lee, but before we jump into some talk, talking chalk, your thoughts about Auburn, they want

683
00:41:51,480 --> 00:41:54,560
 to be the number one seed and they are, but it's in the NIT.

684
00:41:55,320 --> 00:41:56,880
 Did the committee get it right?

685
00:41:56,960 --> 00:42:00,280
 And your, your take on Bruce, I mean, everybody's going to sit here and throw darts at him, but

686
00:42:00,280 --> 00:42:02,280
 he's, he's just doing what dads do.

687
00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:06,420
 But if you're going to be in that position, a lot of folks said, Bruce, we understand, but

688
00:42:06,420 --> 00:42:09,020
 what, what's your take on the situation on the planes?

689
00:42:09,680 --> 00:42:10,500
 Yeah, I know.

690
00:42:10,560 --> 00:42:12,100
 I think the committee got it right.

691
00:42:12,100 --> 00:42:16,940
 I mean, Auburn, I, I, I, I joked, I wrote about the South Alabama game tonight and I

692
00:42:16,940 --> 00:42:21,000
 said, and we haven't heard this much talk about a team of 16 losses.

693
00:42:21,000 --> 00:42:25,040
 And so the Cleveland Browns in 2017, and that's only because they went on 16.

694
00:42:25,760 --> 00:42:31,660
 Um, but it, you've had a whole season's worth of playing games and I know the SEC and the

695
00:42:31,660 --> 00:42:36,180
 competition is tough there and all, but I mean, you're, you're under 500 in that league

696
00:42:36,180 --> 00:42:37,520
 and you're 17 and 16.

697
00:42:37,700 --> 00:42:42,220
 You've, you've had a chance all year against, you know, tournament caliber teams and you just

698
00:42:42,220 --> 00:42:43,980
 haven't done enough.

699
00:42:44,080 --> 00:42:46,220
 Uh, so I, I think they got it right.

700
00:42:46,320 --> 00:42:52,120
 I mean, it's, listen, the tournament, it's not for, if it was for, if it was actually for

701
00:42:52,120 --> 00:42:57,920
 the 68 best teams in the country, then yeah, Auburn would probably be in there, but, uh, that's

702
00:42:57,920 --> 00:42:58,780
 not the way it's set up.

703
00:42:58,820 --> 00:43:01,600
 We've got all these, uh, the other, the other conferences in there and I think we've

704
00:43:01,600 --> 00:43:03,260
 got to spread it out a little bit.

705
00:43:03,260 --> 00:43:09,420
 In Auburn's case, um, I think we saw a lot, you know, down the stretch, they did have that

706
00:43:09,420 --> 00:43:15,260
 one point win over Kentucky, which was very erratic really, uh, this season, but the last

707
00:43:15,260 --> 00:43:19,520
 night, you know, a month and a half, the only other wins they had in the SEC were, uh, LSU

708
00:43:19,520 --> 00:43:21,340
 and Mississippi state right at the bottom of the league.

709
00:43:22,180 --> 00:43:24,060
 Defense allowed about 80 points per game.

710
00:43:24,120 --> 00:43:26,280
 I think that's what ended up hurting them a lot this year.

711
00:43:26,960 --> 00:43:30,200
 Uh, so they're, uh, you know, they're where they should be in the NIT.

712
00:43:30,380 --> 00:43:33,740
 And by the way, I don't think that's going to be an easy game tonight.

713
00:43:33,740 --> 00:43:39,640
 Um, so South Alabama is, uh, kind of dangerous and they were in that photo finish in the Sun

714
00:43:39,640 --> 00:43:42,620
 Belt and they got knocked out of the tournament pretty quick.

715
00:43:43,100 --> 00:43:45,540
 That might try to be a blessing for South Alabama.

716
00:43:46,040 --> 00:43:48,080
 And I give Richie Riley a lot of credit.

717
00:43:48,160 --> 00:43:50,460
 He found some of these transfers.

718
00:43:51,120 --> 00:43:54,200
 He uncovered some guys under rocks there.

719
00:43:54,280 --> 00:43:55,620
 One guy, one kid's from Canada.

720
00:43:55,620 --> 00:43:58,880
 He's got a couple of NAIA kids and they, they turned out to be a pretty good team.

721
00:43:59,200 --> 00:44:00,380
 And they're uncertain.

722
00:44:00,520 --> 00:44:00,920
 Sure.

723
00:44:00,980 --> 00:44:02,920
 They're very fired up to face Auburn.

724
00:44:03,020 --> 00:44:04,040
 And I, so that's a big price.

725
00:44:04,140 --> 00:44:05,520
 I might think South Alabama stays.

726
00:44:05,660 --> 00:44:07,180
 And then that's about 17 point spread.

727
00:44:07,280 --> 00:44:08,100
 That looks too high to me.

728
00:44:09,100 --> 00:44:14,640
 Uh, you knew this question was coming sooner or later, but the upsets, everybody wants to

729
00:44:14,640 --> 00:44:14,940
 know.

730
00:44:14,980 --> 00:44:17,340
 I've had two people text me this week.

731
00:44:17,340 --> 00:44:21,140
 Now, when you get Bruce on, ask him about his upset pigs.

732
00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:24,900
 Well, let me ask you about three involving the SEC.

733
00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:28,860
 Uh, we just got through talking to Larry Vaught of Vaught's views.

734
00:44:29,040 --> 00:44:32,420
 He's been following, he's been following Kentucky for about 50 years.

735
00:44:32,720 --> 00:44:37,900
 We asked him about the, uh, clash again with Santa Clara, 26 and 80.

736
00:44:38,060 --> 00:44:39,200
 He said, I'll be honest with you.

737
00:44:39,280 --> 00:44:41,440
 I don't know which one of these teams going to show up.

738
00:44:41,900 --> 00:44:42,860
 They're playing fame.

739
00:44:42,940 --> 00:44:45,020
 This year has been playing Florida close.

740
00:44:45,280 --> 00:44:53,620
 And that sticks in, uh, Kentucky fans, uh, crawl, uh, Santa Clara's played Gonzaga close three

741
00:44:53,620 --> 00:44:54,160
 times.

742
00:44:54,320 --> 00:44:56,140
 Christian Hammond is really good.

743
00:44:57,000 --> 00:44:58,100
 McNeese at Vandy.

744
00:44:58,260 --> 00:45:01,180
 I thought Vandy had a great run in the SEC tournament.

745
00:45:01,600 --> 00:45:03,800
 McNeese, 29 and five.

746
00:45:04,220 --> 00:45:07,760
 And the Red Hawks, Miami of Ohio in Tennessee.

747
00:45:08,420 --> 00:45:13,160
 Tennessee could go deep in this tournament if they quit having these scoring droughts.

748
00:45:13,660 --> 00:45:19,940
 Miami of Ohio, as you know, ranked second in the NCAA with 90 points.

749
00:45:23,080 --> 00:45:23,560
 Yeah.

750
00:45:23,780 --> 00:45:26,020
 I mean, this, these are all interesting.

751
00:45:26,200 --> 00:45:29,780
 I think, I think Kentucky's got its hands for here.

752
00:45:29,780 --> 00:45:32,480
 Uh, Santa Clara is really good.

753
00:45:33,040 --> 00:45:36,140
 And, uh, you know, they did beat St. Mary's twice.

754
00:45:36,840 --> 00:45:43,220
 And, uh, uh, you mentioned Christian Hammond, but he's, he, and he's,

755
00:45:43,220 --> 00:45:47,240
 he's very, very adept at getting into the key and doing some things.

756
00:45:47,240 --> 00:45:48,320
 And they've got a lot of length.

757
00:45:48,840 --> 00:45:54,760
 Alan Graves, six, eight, uh, uh, he's a post player, but he goes out and shoots threes.

758
00:45:54,880 --> 00:45:57,180
 And they are deep and they can shoot.

759
00:45:57,860 --> 00:46:05,620
 I think Kentucky, you know, has got its, uh, hands full of their, um, I don't think Vandy

760
00:46:05,620 --> 00:46:07,800
 is going to lose to McNeese State.

761
00:46:08,160 --> 00:46:14,380
 I actually saw McNeese State play, um, back in November against Santa Clara, believe it or not.

762
00:46:14,860 --> 00:46:20,080
 And, uh, I give Bill Armstrong, the first year coach, real credit for picking up where

763
00:46:20,080 --> 00:46:21,220
 Will Wade left off.

764
00:46:21,680 --> 00:46:24,900
 And I took some, took some kids with him up to NC State.

765
00:46:25,020 --> 00:46:27,480
 But he found his freshman, Larry Johnson, really good.

766
00:46:28,240 --> 00:46:34,680
 They might, they will, I think, stay, uh, within that spread against, uh, Vanderbilt, but not win.

767
00:46:35,120 --> 00:46:39,260
 And, you know, we'll see about, uh, you know, what Tennessee, what they're going to, you know,

768
00:46:39,260 --> 00:46:42,640
 have here with the, uh, Miami or SMU winner.

769
00:46:43,240 --> 00:46:47,580
 I, I, I mean, listen, I think Miami, I can, I think I can say this about Miami.

770
00:46:47,700 --> 00:46:49,980
 You know, I think they deserve to be in the tournament.

771
00:46:50,840 --> 00:46:54,580
 Um, but I don't think they're going to win this game against SMU.

772
00:46:54,960 --> 00:47:02,300
 Um, SMU gets back, um, Edwards, one of its top three guards, although that's a three with, uh,

773
00:47:03,300 --> 00:47:06,700
 Ruby Miller and Pierre and, and, uh, Edwards.

774
00:47:06,880 --> 00:47:10,820
 That's a really good three-pronged perimeter when they're all healthy and Edwards is back.

775
00:47:11,180 --> 00:47:15,740
 But, I mean, they've been playing Clemson and Duke and NC, you know, North Carolina and

776
00:47:15,740 --> 00:47:19,160
 Miami and Louisville, uh, beat Texas A&M.

777
00:47:19,280 --> 00:47:24,000
 I mean, they, um, they've, this, this is a real team, SMU.

778
00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:27,160
 And I think they're going to, that's going to probably be Tennessee's matchup.

779
00:47:27,180 --> 00:47:28,900
 And that might be a scary one for Tennessee.

780
00:47:29,340 --> 00:47:32,100
 And they need Amen to be in the lineup and they need him producing.

781
00:47:32,320 --> 00:47:36,180
 But, uh, SMU is one of these teams, I think, of these first four.

782
00:47:36,600 --> 00:47:40,260
 Uh, that's the one I think actually might be able to do some business.

783
00:47:40,260 --> 00:47:42,740
 And they were the last team in the field, SMU.

784
00:47:42,780 --> 00:47:44,080
 So they got something to prove as well.

785
00:47:44,920 --> 00:47:49,840
 Bruce Marshall, amongst other places, the gold star, uh, Bruce, the obvious question

786
00:47:49,840 --> 00:47:53,000
 relative to this zip code, Alabama will play.

787
00:47:53,240 --> 00:47:56,340
 Well, uh, Mr. Holloway got some off the court issues.

788
00:47:56,660 --> 00:48:00,340
 Your thoughts about that, especially when they like to ramp it up, their opponent,

789
00:48:00,460 --> 00:48:01,680
 Hofstra likes to slow it down.

790
00:48:01,740 --> 00:48:04,320
 The half court game, they got Mr. Davis, a star.

791
00:48:04,400 --> 00:48:05,200
 How good is he?

792
00:48:05,700 --> 00:48:10,180
 What do you see when Alabama takes on, when the tide takes on the pride from Hofstra Friday?

793
00:48:11,700 --> 00:48:13,540
 I'd be a little leery of this game.

794
00:48:13,680 --> 00:48:18,600
 Cruz Davis is one of the, probably the best guard in the coastal, uh, this year.

795
00:48:18,660 --> 00:48:21,720
 He really put up some big numbers for speedy Claxton.

796
00:48:21,720 --> 00:48:27,060
 Uh, so there, uh, you know, as far as the mid majors go, I think there's some ones a little

797
00:48:27,060 --> 00:48:30,500
 more dangerous than Hofstra, but on their night, they could be a factor.

798
00:48:30,500 --> 00:48:38,540
 I just don't know that I trust Alabama to, uh, extend a margin here.

799
00:48:38,540 --> 00:48:44,500
 You've got the distractions now with the suspension, uh, which is probably not a positive.

800
00:48:44,860 --> 00:48:52,300
 Um, but I, my thought on Alabama, the whole way here is this, uh, reliance on three point

801
00:48:52,300 --> 00:48:57,060
 shooting, you know, it's back to Charles Barkley's old line, you know, live by the three, you die

802
00:48:57,060 --> 00:48:57,440
 by it.

803
00:48:57,500 --> 00:49:02,040
 And at some point in the next two weeks, that's going to, it's going to hit, uh, Nate.

804
00:49:02,520 --> 00:49:08,300
 And, uh, this might, it might not be against Hofstra, but you know, I'd be kind of surprised

805
00:49:08,300 --> 00:49:10,740
 if they get any further sweet 16.

806
00:49:10,860 --> 00:49:16,040
 I think it's about as far as Alabama can get high risk offensive run and they got the, the

807
00:49:16,040 --> 00:49:18,820
 ceiling is high, but the floor is lower with them.

808
00:49:18,820 --> 00:49:23,660
 So those sorts of teams, it's, you know, they hit that high ceiling five, six times in a

809
00:49:23,660 --> 00:49:23,800
 row.

810
00:49:23,860 --> 00:49:24,560
 It's pretty tough.

811
00:49:24,660 --> 00:49:25,040
 We'll see.

812
00:49:25,800 --> 00:49:32,460
 If Alabama wins, uh, Friday against Hofstra, they would play the winner of Akron, who

813
00:49:32,460 --> 00:49:42,060
 is 28, five in Texas tech, uh, John gross or grossy, uh, four time in five seasons, Akron

814
00:49:42,060 --> 00:49:49,680
 has been in the tournament and the, I always look for this, Akron's top five scores or seniors.

815
00:49:50,200 --> 00:49:54,140
 Uh, that's what you get with so many of these teams in the NCAA tournament.

816
00:49:54,140 --> 00:49:59,200
 They're, they're wily veterans who've been doing this for a long time.

817
00:49:59,200 --> 00:50:01,860
 And again, we know Texas tech's pretty good too.

818
00:50:02,400 --> 00:50:04,180
 Uh, Akron takes his take.

819
00:50:04,700 --> 00:50:05,140
 Yeah.

820
00:50:05,140 --> 00:50:06,740
 I think Akron's got a shot here.

821
00:50:06,760 --> 00:50:07,420
 You mentioned that.

822
00:50:07,420 --> 00:50:09,160
 And I, I, I do look at that too.

823
00:50:09,760 --> 00:50:14,680
 Uh, Brett, I mean, you like these older teams like this and nowadays it's rare.

824
00:50:15,620 --> 00:50:20,280
 First of all, it's rare for a mid-major to keep guys together like that these days when

825
00:50:20,280 --> 00:50:20,780
 they're good.

826
00:50:21,320 --> 00:50:26,500
 Uh, but second, it's generally only mid-majors that have, you know, all senior sort of lineup

827
00:50:26,500 --> 00:50:30,900
 unless it's just, you know, all from the portal, um, for some of these other teams.

828
00:50:30,900 --> 00:50:31,960
 But yeah, they have been together.

829
00:50:32,020 --> 00:50:32,980
 They have won a lot.

830
00:50:33,440 --> 00:50:37,840
 Great comeback win against Toledo in the, uh, Mac tournament to very Johnson, one of the

831
00:50:37,840 --> 00:50:40,400
 best guards, maybe the best guard in the Mac.

832
00:50:40,960 --> 00:50:41,820
 Very, very good.

833
00:50:41,860 --> 00:50:46,520
 And you mentioned John, John Gross has won a lot of games and he has won, you know, a

834
00:50:46,520 --> 00:50:48,420
 lot of, uh, he's won tournament games too.

835
00:50:49,100 --> 00:50:52,060
 I wonder, you know, Christian Anderson got hurt in the big 12 tournament.

836
00:50:52,200 --> 00:50:53,100
 Now they say he's okay.

837
00:50:53,780 --> 00:50:57,760
 Uh, and, and he's a real streak shooter and he is, he is really good.

838
00:50:57,760 --> 00:51:02,720
 But, uh, since JT Toppin went down, they are without their top score.

839
00:51:02,720 --> 00:51:07,400
 And I just think Texas tech is really hard for us to do what they did last year, which

840
00:51:07,400 --> 00:51:08,460
 was get to the elite eight.

841
00:51:09,060 --> 00:51:12,640
 Um, this, again, Texas tech, uh, could lose.

842
00:51:12,840 --> 00:51:17,600
 I mean, I think Ackman's got a shot here and I would be very leery of them going forward

843
00:51:17,600 --> 00:51:20,560
 because they're well coached and they're like you said, very experienced.

844
00:51:21,180 --> 00:51:25,800
 The mighty zips, you know, you can't get away, Bruce, without the Bruce Marshall under

845
00:51:25,800 --> 00:51:27,000
 the radar special.

846
00:51:28,580 --> 00:51:34,640
 Well, you know, there are several here, you know, that I think could fit, uh, the bill.

847
00:51:34,940 --> 00:51:39,780
 I'm not sure how, how much some of these would be upsets like, uh, you know, is, would

848
00:51:39,780 --> 00:51:42,580
 VCU beating North Carolina being upset?

849
00:51:42,720 --> 00:51:43,440
 I'm not sure.

850
00:51:43,640 --> 00:51:47,500
 I'll tell you one that I would look at, and this is, uh, tomorrow.

851
00:51:47,600 --> 00:51:56,740
 Also, the early game in Oklahoma city and it's Nebraska hosting Troy, uh, Scott cross.

852
00:51:56,740 --> 00:51:58,100
 You guys know about Troy.

853
00:51:58,500 --> 00:52:02,280
 Uh, they won that photo finish in the Sunbelt and I think they were the best team all year.

854
00:52:02,360 --> 00:52:03,480
 They proved it in the tournament.

855
00:52:04,240 --> 00:52:06,220
 Uh, a lot of guys are going to shoot threes.

856
00:52:06,460 --> 00:52:12,240
 Those two brothers can shoot threes and they've got, um, you know, I, I saw them out, uh, in

857
00:52:12,240 --> 00:52:17,240
 the West, you know, win at San Diego state and double overtime and should have beat USC, which

858
00:52:17,240 --> 00:52:20,700
 at that point was a tournament caliber team back in November.

859
00:52:21,440 --> 00:52:23,560
 Um, there's a bet.

860
00:52:23,800 --> 00:52:27,820
 I joke the right up in this game, you know, we're still waiting to cash on this bet.

861
00:52:28,380 --> 00:52:33,840
 Uh, you know, will the Seattle Mariners get in the world series first or Nebraska win an

862
00:52:33,840 --> 00:52:37,840
 NC two, a tournament game for 50 years and there's no answer to that.

863
00:52:38,380 --> 00:52:45,540
 So maybe Hoiberg will do it, but I will, this is another test of, you know, late season, you

864
00:52:45,540 --> 00:52:50,300
 know, teams, you know, lose a lot of momentum and do they gain it back?

865
00:52:50,580 --> 00:52:52,740
 Uh, Nebraska was 20 and 0 at one point.

866
00:52:52,820 --> 00:52:55,160
 They're like 500 the last 12 games.

867
00:52:55,260 --> 00:52:58,860
 I thought they tailed off really big late in the season.

868
00:52:59,160 --> 00:53:01,180
 I think Troy's got a shot in this game.

869
00:53:01,340 --> 00:53:02,520
 It was 14 and a half.

870
00:53:02,640 --> 00:53:05,940
 That's my best bet of the Thursday and the upset chance.

871
00:53:05,940 --> 00:53:06,840
 That might be it.

872
00:53:08,100 --> 00:53:09,700
 I think you're right about that.

873
00:53:09,700 --> 00:53:16,920
 Uh, isn't it interesting to watch basketball coaching royalty, all of the guys in the East

874
00:53:16,920 --> 00:53:26,460
 region, um, uh, Rick Pitino at St. John's, Bill Self at Kansas, Dan Hurley at UConn, Tom

875
00:53:26,460 --> 00:53:27,700
 Inzo at Michigan state.

876
00:53:27,800 --> 00:53:32,760
 I know a lot of people think that's going to be Duke, Michigan state, uh, down the road.

877
00:53:32,920 --> 00:53:34,800
 Uh, we'll see where that goes.

878
00:53:35,000 --> 00:53:35,940
 Great stuff.

879
00:53:35,940 --> 00:53:40,180
 I know this is a, a fun, fun week for you and the cohorts.

880
00:53:40,660 --> 00:53:44,600
 Tell us where we can get on and get the absolute latest.

881
00:53:44,760 --> 00:53:45,800
 I know you've got it.

882
00:53:45,800 --> 00:53:49,380
 You're going to have a perfect bracket coming up this week.

883
00:53:49,480 --> 00:53:52,720
 Again, tell us about the gold sheet and everything else.

884
00:53:53,020 --> 00:53:53,420
 Yeah.

885
00:53:53,580 --> 00:53:57,280
 I think the, by the way, mentioned Pitino, somebody in the selection community must not

886
00:53:57,280 --> 00:54:02,060
 like him because to put them at a five seat and send them out to San Diego after they

887
00:54:02,060 --> 00:54:03,640
 won the big, big East tournament.

888
00:54:03,640 --> 00:54:05,180
 I mean, I don't know.

889
00:54:05,180 --> 00:54:09,240
 I thought St. John's was the one that had a complaint about selection Sunday.

890
00:54:09,240 --> 00:54:14,100
 Anyway, you can get all my stuff now and you can go up to wager talk.com.

891
00:54:14,100 --> 00:54:18,260
 You click that gold sheet.com and that's on the write-ups.

892
00:54:18,340 --> 00:54:19,760
 I got write-ups back up there again now.

893
00:54:19,760 --> 00:54:25,420
 And, uh, um, and we got NIT this week and we'll have, uh, I guess the only other tournament

894
00:54:25,420 --> 00:54:28,660
 is the crown that'll be coming up next week, but the whole college basketball, we'll cover

895
00:54:28,660 --> 00:54:29,100
 the NBA.

896
00:54:29,260 --> 00:54:30,040
 That's all up there.

897
00:54:30,100 --> 00:54:33,760
 Wager talk.com and click that gold sheet.com icon.

898
00:54:35,040 --> 00:54:39,260
 Bruce Marshall, enjoy yourself some March Madness and thanks so much for your time today.

899
00:54:39,900 --> 00:54:40,300
 Okay.

900
00:54:40,460 --> 00:54:41,280
 Enjoy the games boys.

901
00:54:41,760 --> 00:54:42,200
 Thank you, buddy.

902
00:54:42,640 --> 00:54:46,260
 Bruce Marshall, who's going to be with us amongst other places, the Vegas Insider.

903
00:54:46,380 --> 00:54:49,760
 Coming up the next hour, we're going to be taking again, going coast to coast with Matt

904
00:54:49,760 --> 00:54:55,460
 Merchel, Joe Cox focusing, laser beam focused on the SEC and Ben Thomas, everything else.

905
00:54:55,520 --> 00:54:56,260
 It's all straight ahead.

906
00:54:56,340 --> 00:54:56,880
 Stay with us.

907
00:55:01,180 --> 00:55:04,180
 Hop in a John Deere Gator XUV for a day's work.

908
00:55:04,180 --> 00:55:05,780
 Let's see what's on the to-do list.

909
00:55:06,420 --> 00:55:09,960
 Here goes the tree and the fence.

910
00:55:10,860 --> 00:55:16,780
 Not a problem because you've got a cargo box filled with solutions up to 4,000 pounds of

911
00:55:16,780 --> 00:55:18,860
 towing capacity and you're ready to roll.

912
00:55:19,040 --> 00:55:20,080
 The power's out.

913
00:55:20,260 --> 00:55:21,320
 Here we go again.

914
00:55:23,400 --> 00:55:26,360
 The Gator XUV built for every kind of work day.

915
00:55:26,840 --> 00:55:29,260
 Learn more at JohnDeere.com slash Gator XUV.

916
00:55:29,680 --> 00:55:31,200
 Nothing runs like a deer.

917
00:55:31,600 --> 00:55:32,500
 Why'd I go to the doctor?

918
00:55:32,880 --> 00:55:35,160
 Working on the farm, my heart kept skipping a beat.

919
00:55:35,520 --> 00:55:38,460
 I didn't think much of it, but my daughters made me get checked out.

920
00:55:38,800 --> 00:55:43,460
 Turns out I have atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke about five times.

921
00:55:44,080 --> 00:55:48,840
 Symptoms like irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or

922
00:55:48,840 --> 00:55:50,180
 lightheadedness can come and go.

923
00:55:50,440 --> 00:55:52,420
 But if it's AFib, the risk of stroke remains.

924
00:55:52,660 --> 00:55:54,880
 If you have symptoms, contact a doctor.

925
00:55:55,440 --> 00:55:56,520
 I'm so glad I did.

926
00:55:57,280 --> 00:55:59,040
 Visit NotimeToWait.com.

927
00:55:59,360 --> 00:56:01,260
 Sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

928
00:56:01,580 --> 00:56:02,700
 I'm Boomer Esiason.

929
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 My mom died from cancer.

930
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 She was only 37 years old.

931
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 She didn't have life insurance and that was devastating for my family.

932
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933
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934
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935
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 You can get up to $3 million in coverage with no medical exam.

936
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 Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play.

937
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 That's ethos.com slash play.

938
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939
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940
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941
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 A golf course quality lawn is easier and more affordable than you think with True Green.

942
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 They're the official lawn care treatment provider of the PGA Tour.

943
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944
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 Plus, they have a price match guarantee.

945
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946
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947
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 Don't wait.

948
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 Visit TrueGreen.com today to lock in 75% off and let the pros handle your lawn while you enjoy the results.

949
00:56:59,160 --> 00:56:59,740
 Limited time offer.

950
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 Restrictions apply.

951
00:57:00,540 --> 00:57:01,260
 See site for details.

952
00:57:02,280 --> 00:57:03,280
 Okay, class.

953
00:57:03,380 --> 00:57:03,860
 Let's begin.

954
00:57:04,260 --> 00:57:04,620
 Psst.

955
00:57:04,840 --> 00:57:05,880
 Love your boots.

956
00:57:06,060 --> 00:57:07,700
 I just sold a pair like that on eBay.

957
00:57:08,160 --> 00:57:08,660
 Oh, really?

958
00:57:08,960 --> 00:57:09,220
 I actually...

959
00:57:09,220 --> 00:57:12,780
 Yeah, it took like two seconds to list and they sold almost immediately.

960
00:57:12,780 --> 00:57:14,440
 I've been selling everything lately.

961
00:57:14,640 --> 00:57:20,420
 Some chunky boots, a faux fur coat I never wore, and a vintage chair that was more of an expensive clothing rack.

962
00:57:20,960 --> 00:57:22,760
 You know, I actually bought these on eBay.

963
00:57:23,220 --> 00:57:25,360
 Wait, are you, Kitty, sell stuff from Brooklyn?

964
00:57:25,460 --> 00:57:26,860
 Okay, quiet, please.

965
00:57:27,060 --> 00:57:27,900
 Find what you love.

966
00:57:28,180 --> 00:57:28,920
 Sell what you don't.

967
00:57:29,120 --> 00:57:29,380
 eBay.

968
00:57:29,700 --> 00:57:30,960
 Things people love.

969
00:57:31,460 --> 00:57:32,580
 Why'd I go to the doctor?

970
00:57:32,960 --> 00:57:35,240
 Working on the farm, my heart kept skipping a beat.

971
00:57:35,660 --> 00:57:38,560
 I didn't think much of it, but my daughters made me get checked out.

972
00:57:38,880 --> 00:57:43,560
 Turns out I have atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke about five times.

973
00:57:44,160 --> 00:57:50,280
 Symptoms like irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or lightheadedness can come and go.

974
00:57:50,520 --> 00:57:52,520
 But if it's AFib, the risk of stroke remains.

975
00:57:53,000 --> 00:57:54,940
 If you have symptoms, contact a doctor.

976
00:57:55,500 --> 00:57:56,600
 I'm so glad I did.

977
00:57:57,740 --> 00:58:04,980
 LinkedIn is pretty amazing at helping you grow your small business.

978
00:58:05,440 --> 00:58:08,900
 We cannot stop your new clients from emailing you at 3 a.m.

979
00:58:10,720 --> 00:58:14,260
 We can help you sell, market, and hire in one place.

980
00:58:14,620 --> 00:58:17,380
 We cannot help you be in three places at once.

981
00:58:18,180 --> 00:58:26,060
 And while we can't help you organize your calendar, LinkedIn can help you land more clients so you have a calendar to organize.

982
00:58:26,520 --> 00:58:28,260
 Grow your small business on LinkedIn.

983
00:58:28,260 --> 00:58:31,260
 Learn more at linkedin.com slash smallbusiness.

984
00:58:32,620 --> 00:58:34,480
 18-19 News.

985
00:58:34,720 --> 00:58:41,560
 A player on the Crimson Tide men's basketball team was arrested this past Monday by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force.

986
00:58:41,820 --> 00:58:45,260
 Aiden Holloway is alleged to have been in possession of a pound of marijuana.

987
00:58:45,640 --> 00:58:47,360
 Bond for Holloway was set at $5,000.

988
00:58:47,900 --> 00:58:52,320
 Holloway is the junior guard and second-leading scorer for the Crimson Tide.

989
00:58:52,320 --> 00:58:57,640
 That team is headed to the first NCAA tournament game against Hofstra this coming Friday.

990
00:58:58,100 --> 00:59:01,840
 The University of Alabama has not yet released a statement on this incident with Holloway.

991
00:59:02,140 --> 00:59:04,860
 I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this.

992
00:59:05,060 --> 00:59:07,440
 Brian Dawson here, CEO of 1819 News.

993
00:59:07,560 --> 00:59:17,040
 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.

994
00:59:17,600 --> 00:59:21,680
 At 1819 News, the podcast, we are in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama.

995
00:59:22,340 --> 00:59:31,080
 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.

996
00:59:31,380 --> 00:59:32,680
 New episodes are released weekly.

997
00:59:32,820 --> 00:59:34,000
 I hope you'll join us.

998
00:59:34,000 --> 00:59:40,660
 A judge has ruled in favor of the City Council of Lipscomb after the City Council launched a lawsuit against the mayor, Robin Sims.

999
00:59:41,120 --> 00:59:46,980
 The judge ruled that the City Council does have the authority to appoint a city attorney, police chief, and city clerk.

1000
00:59:47,260 --> 00:59:53,860
 The mayor had refused to recognize these appointed positions and obstructed those who were seeking to perform their duties in these jobs.

1001
00:59:54,200 --> 01:00:02,560
 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.

1002
01:00:03,360 --> 01:00:11,460
 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.

1003
01:00:11,920 --> 01:00:16,920
 Sharpston began CPR on another diner who had collapsed at that restaurant and no longer had a pulse.

1004
01:00:17,240 --> 01:00:20,940
 Sharpston was given the Emergency Medical Services Lifesaving Award for his actions.

1005
01:00:21,480 --> 01:00:22,220
 I'm Andrea Tice.

1006
01:00:22,220 --> 01:00:26,860
 For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com.

1007
01:00:27,060 --> 01:00:29,900
 And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter.

1008
01:00:32,860 --> 01:00:38,280
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shore.

1009
01:00:38,580 --> 01:00:40,820
 Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.

1010
01:00:41,940 --> 01:00:46,300
 Lanier in transition, hits the three, and a sign of life from Knoxville.

1011
01:00:46,500 --> 01:00:47,500
 Playing, driving right.

1012
01:00:47,820 --> 01:00:50,040
 Lobb for Brazil with a two-hand slam.

1013
01:00:50,040 --> 01:00:51,200
 Six on the clock.

1014
01:00:51,660 --> 01:00:53,420
 Now with five, he drives on Maddox.

1015
01:00:53,520 --> 01:00:54,380
 Right elbow with three.

1016
01:00:54,500 --> 01:00:55,120
 Spins to the foul.

1017
01:00:55,180 --> 01:00:57,580
 Eye jumper up and it rattles in and the buzzer.

1018
01:00:57,880 --> 01:01:04,820
 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.

1019
01:01:05,420 --> 01:01:08,060
 Tonight is coverage of the first four live from Dayton, Ohio.

1020
01:01:08,460 --> 01:01:10,840
 Airtime is 530 here on 93.9, The Score.

1021
01:01:10,840 --> 01:01:16,520
 Brought to you locally by Lost Pizza, Alabama Health Guidance, Carter Oil, and CB&S Bank.

1022
01:01:17,260 --> 01:01:20,460
 It's a new season and a new fight.

1023
01:01:20,880 --> 01:01:23,220
 Atlanta, it's time to rise.

1024
01:01:23,480 --> 01:01:26,940
 And your 2026 Atlanta Braves are ready.

1025
01:01:26,940 --> 01:01:28,500
 Swung on, drilled.

1026
01:01:29,020 --> 01:01:30,000
 Chop house bound.

1027
01:01:30,160 --> 01:01:31,720
 That baby is on the roof.

1028
01:01:31,900 --> 01:01:35,500
 Opening day is Friday, March 27th against the Kansas City Royals.

1029
01:01:35,620 --> 01:01:37,200
 Here on 93.9, The Score.

1030
01:01:39,200 --> 01:01:41,380
 93.9, The Score weather.

1031
01:01:41,980 --> 01:01:43,740
 Today's sunny with a high around 45.

1032
01:01:44,120 --> 01:01:46,220
 Windchill values between 18 and 28.

1033
01:01:46,420 --> 01:01:47,540
 A freeze warning is in effect.

1034
01:01:48,100 --> 01:01:49,940
 Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low near 30.

1035
01:01:50,600 --> 01:01:53,840
 Tomorrow, partly sunny with possible gusty winds and a high around 60.

1036
01:01:54,600 --> 01:01:56,580
 Tomorrow night, mostly clear with a low near 40.

1037
01:01:57,240 --> 01:01:59,620
 And for Thursday, sunny with a high around 70.

1038
01:02:00,100 --> 01:02:02,760
 Your weather from 93.9, The Score.

1039
01:02:02,760 --> 01:02:16,680
 Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of northwest Alabama and southern Tennessee.

1040
01:02:17,280 --> 01:02:20,680
 It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

1041
01:02:23,640 --> 01:02:26,160
 The Boomo Bugg Show.

1042
01:02:26,160 --> 01:02:31,740
 Your exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC.

1043
01:02:32,560 --> 01:02:37,980
 Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9, The Score.

1044
01:02:38,940 --> 01:02:40,920
 Welcome back in our tour of the Boomo Bugg Show.

1045
01:02:41,040 --> 01:02:42,680
 I'm Harold Bugg, alongside Brett Beaird.

1046
01:02:42,780 --> 01:02:45,740
 Thank you so much for giving us a free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

1047
01:02:45,880 --> 01:02:48,180
 What a way to chip off this second hour.

1048
01:02:48,660 --> 01:02:53,600
 And by saying hello to BT, Ben Thomas, he's got everything covered there at AL.com.

1049
01:02:53,660 --> 01:02:54,360
 Ben, welcome in.

1050
01:02:54,400 --> 01:02:54,960
 How are you?

1051
01:02:55,860 --> 01:02:58,160
 A little chilly down here in the Gulf Coast.

1052
01:02:58,320 --> 01:02:59,720
 What about you guys up there up north?

1053
01:03:00,280 --> 01:03:00,600
 Very.

1054
01:03:01,180 --> 01:03:03,340
 Finally, we have something in common with you.

1055
01:03:03,660 --> 01:03:04,920
 Let's just hang in there.

1056
01:03:05,200 --> 01:03:07,120
 The sunshine is coming back.

1057
01:03:07,200 --> 01:03:09,100
 So, let's just hang in there, Ben.

1058
01:03:09,740 --> 01:03:17,720
 In the meantime, since the last time we talked, is it true that Alabama loses the chicken since the last time we talked?

1059
01:03:17,720 --> 01:03:22,560
 What's the manifesting on the manifesting on his chicken girl, if you will, decommits from Alabama?

1060
01:03:23,780 --> 01:03:28,500
 Yeah, Javarius, the Vigar standout, who's still got another year left to play.

1061
01:03:28,740 --> 01:03:31,900
 He's kind of been on our radar for two or three years now.

1062
01:03:32,100 --> 01:03:34,960
 He's got some early offers in his career.

1063
01:03:35,160 --> 01:03:39,920
 He's a big, lengthy edge player who's been committed to Alabama for a while.

1064
01:03:40,420 --> 01:03:42,960
 It's kind of surprising, this move.

1065
01:03:42,960 --> 01:03:48,440
 I think he's won the last two 5A line of the year awards.

1066
01:03:48,940 --> 01:03:49,280
 Wow.

1067
01:03:49,280 --> 01:03:53,240
 His sack total and tackle for a loss total is unbelievable.

1068
01:03:53,800 --> 01:04:00,260
 You know, it's hard to take a guess at what leads to this in the era of NIL.

1069
01:04:00,640 --> 01:04:06,960
 You know, if he wanted money elsewhere, if Alabama wanted to make a move there.

1070
01:04:07,140 --> 01:04:11,640
 But somebody will get a good player, whether it's Alabama or whoever.

1071
01:04:12,240 --> 01:04:13,600
 He's top of the line.

1072
01:04:13,660 --> 01:04:15,340
 He's one of the top players in the state, for sure.

1073
01:04:16,620 --> 01:04:22,940
 BT, the Alabama High School Athletic Association's Central Board of Control,

1074
01:04:23,800 --> 01:04:29,680
 released the classifications last week for winter and spring sports.

1075
01:04:30,280 --> 01:04:32,560
 I don't think there were a lot of shocks there.

1076
01:04:32,740 --> 01:04:38,040
 It was back in January, and particularly when they decided to separate the public and

1077
01:04:38,040 --> 01:04:41,140
 private schools for the championships.

1078
01:04:41,440 --> 01:04:44,100
 Again, they could play during the course of the regular season.

1079
01:04:45,120 --> 01:04:50,880
 Your thoughts, did anything stand out there as far as schools

1080
01:04:52,100 --> 01:04:57,400
 maybe being questioned about, you know, putting this area or that area.

1081
01:04:58,060 --> 01:05:01,360
 The two things that caught my eye that you had in your article.

1082
01:05:02,260 --> 01:05:08,180
 In April, they are going to, well, they're going to study and vote

1083
01:05:08,180 --> 01:05:14,980
 on the implementation of a possible shot clock for high school basketball.

1084
01:05:14,980 --> 01:05:21,420
 I've been hearing about this for five years, and I know costs have something to do with that,

1085
01:05:21,420 --> 01:05:29,360
 and also implementing what one of them called the mercy rule in that Winona-Silicaga

1086
01:05:29,360 --> 01:05:32,140
 101-40 game comes to mind.

1087
01:05:33,000 --> 01:05:37,300
 And then in football, and I hope this never happens again in the state of Alabama,

1088
01:05:38,000 --> 01:05:43,540
 when Williamson beat Murphy 100-0 and led 73-0 at halftime.

1089
01:05:43,660 --> 01:05:51,360
 BT, your thoughts on any teams may have raised eyebrows, but particularly the shot clock and

1090
01:05:51,360 --> 01:05:52,220
 the mercy rule?

1091
01:05:53,760 --> 01:05:56,400
 Well, let me kind of separate that if I can.

1092
01:05:57,060 --> 01:06:00,740
 There was no huge, real surprising news, I don't think, on Friday.

1093
01:06:01,740 --> 01:06:04,920
 You know, they did release the winter and spring reclass.

1094
01:06:05,020 --> 01:06:09,000
 We already knew the private schools were going to be divided, separated,

1095
01:06:09,000 --> 01:06:13,560
 or as Coach Harmon says, restructuring of championship pathways.

1096
01:06:14,460 --> 01:06:15,820
 And that was the case.

1097
01:06:15,960 --> 01:06:21,340
 The one small surprise, I'd heard a lot of, especially larger school coaches in basketball,

1098
01:06:21,640 --> 01:06:26,460
 hopeful that they might go to region or district play instead of area play.

1099
01:06:26,560 --> 01:06:31,480
 In other words, much like football, you would have larger regions, 7 or 18,

1100
01:06:31,680 --> 01:06:35,440
 nine-team regions, and you would play those teams twice versus, you know,

1101
01:06:35,480 --> 01:06:39,160
 currently we have four or five teams, basically, areas.

1102
01:06:39,920 --> 01:06:42,160
 But that did not happen, at least not right now.

1103
01:06:42,260 --> 01:06:46,200
 So I think, I know there were some coaches, statewide boys basketball coaches I know

1104
01:06:46,200 --> 01:06:48,380
 that I've talked to that were disappointed in that.

1105
01:06:48,540 --> 01:06:53,520
 Now, I'm not convinced we still might not see some tinkering with this before we get

1106
01:06:53,520 --> 01:06:55,320
 around to the fall and actually start.

1107
01:06:55,320 --> 01:06:57,820
 But that was, I guess that was really the main surprise.

1108
01:06:58,080 --> 01:07:01,100
 I know some of the people I've talked to, there's still some,

1109
01:07:01,620 --> 01:07:04,020
 large questions about the private school situation.

1110
01:07:04,020 --> 01:07:08,840
 I've talked to one administrator in particular who's really concerned about the girls wrestling

1111
01:07:08,840 --> 01:07:10,700
 in the private schools.

1112
01:07:10,700 --> 01:07:15,200
 I think there's only eight or nine teams that wrestle, and some of those don't have full teams.

1113
01:07:15,500 --> 01:07:19,120
 So, you know, just like in football, you're kind of, you're worried there is, well,

1114
01:07:19,140 --> 01:07:22,740
 this is, is this going to be a true champion if we're limited to, you know,

1115
01:07:22,740 --> 01:07:25,440
 just a certain number of teams and a certain number of wrestlers?

1116
01:07:25,440 --> 01:07:34,380
 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.

1117
01:07:34,460 --> 01:07:37,380
 But I still think there's some big details to iron out.

1118
01:07:37,440 --> 01:07:43,040
 As you mentioned, the big things that came out of it, this meeting, were not the reclass,

1119
01:07:43,180 --> 01:07:46,260
 but what should be to come at the next board meeting, like you mentioned.

1120
01:07:46,480 --> 01:07:47,380
 Yeah, exactly.

1121
01:07:47,880 --> 01:07:50,880
 The shot clock, we haven't heard about that for a long time.

1122
01:07:52,000 --> 01:07:53,100
 I'd like to see it.

1123
01:07:54,300 --> 01:07:56,400
 You know, the question is expense, I think.

1124
01:07:56,480 --> 01:08:00,860
 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.

1125
01:08:00,980 --> 01:08:03,840
 I mean, you don't want hometown Joe running the shot clock.

1126
01:08:04,440 --> 01:08:05,800
 No, no, why not?

1127
01:08:07,040 --> 01:08:09,660
 So, that's going to be a question.

1128
01:08:09,880 --> 01:08:12,580
 And I don't know, like, I wouldn't mind like a 40-second shot clock.

1129
01:08:12,680 --> 01:08:14,000
 Like, I don't want people to be able to run.

1130
01:08:14,060 --> 01:08:16,060
 Remember, we used to, we haven't had one of these in a while,

1131
01:08:16,160 --> 01:08:21,800
 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.

1132
01:08:21,800 --> 01:08:22,040
 Absolutely.

1133
01:08:22,920 --> 01:08:24,920
 You know, I mean, who wants to see that?

1134
01:08:25,060 --> 01:08:28,000
 I mean, you ought to get money back if you pay to see that.

1135
01:08:28,180 --> 01:08:31,040
 So, I'm not against it, but it just needs to be.

1136
01:08:31,040 --> 01:08:37,840
 And the concern there is not the upper, bigger schools, it's the smaller schools and whether they can afford it or not.

1137
01:08:38,440 --> 01:08:39,140
 So, we'll see.

1138
01:08:39,200 --> 01:08:47,740
 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.

1139
01:08:49,000 --> 01:08:51,840
 Now, we're obviously particularly interested in football.

1140
01:08:52,320 --> 01:08:57,820
 How many teams are going to make it in each of those two private school classifications and what's the format going to be.

1141
01:08:58,420 --> 01:09:01,880
 But in every sport, we need to, we got to figure that out.

1142
01:09:02,460 --> 01:09:09,100
 And also, particularly of concern to me down here in Mobile is the Super 7 or whatever we're going to call it,

1143
01:09:09,220 --> 01:09:14,740
 the Great 9 or whatever we're going to call it coming to Mobile in December.

1144
01:09:14,740 --> 01:09:20,380
 They've already approved that it's going to be a five-day model Tuesday through Saturday, I assume.

1145
01:09:20,540 --> 01:09:21,680
 But who's going to play when?

1146
01:09:22,620 --> 01:09:22,860
 Yeah.

1147
01:09:22,960 --> 01:09:24,320
 You know, they haven't released that.

1148
01:09:24,480 --> 01:09:29,540
 I would assume that you're going to have four flag football games and two private school games.

1149
01:09:29,620 --> 01:09:39,140
 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.

1150
01:09:39,140 --> 01:09:41,580
 But there will be in the largest class now.

1151
01:09:41,700 --> 01:09:43,280
 So, they won't play on Wednesday anymore.

1152
01:09:43,440 --> 01:09:44,980
 So, I'm interested in that.

1153
01:09:45,100 --> 01:09:48,340
 You know, the basketball, I think we talked a little bit about last week about basketball.

1154
01:09:49,840 --> 01:09:53,860
 You know, are we going to have to add another day or two to the final four?

1155
01:09:54,500 --> 01:09:55,560
 And how's that going to work out?

1156
01:09:55,700 --> 01:09:59,780
 So, man, just a lot of, I was writing about this today in our newsletter that comes out on Thursday.

1157
01:09:59,780 --> 01:10:05,340
 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.

1158
01:10:06,660 --> 01:10:08,560
 Ben Thomas to AL.com.

1159
01:10:08,680 --> 01:10:12,520
 Ben, shock, shock, we live in an era with all kinds of stories out there.

1160
01:10:12,560 --> 01:10:17,000
 One of our favorites over the last few days, Thompson High School has a plane.

1161
01:10:17,700 --> 01:10:18,840
 We know there's Superman.

1162
01:10:19,220 --> 01:10:20,900
 They don't, it's a plane, it's a bird.

1163
01:10:20,980 --> 01:10:21,960
 No, it's Superman.

1164
01:10:21,960 --> 01:10:31,220
 Can you confirm or deny those social media stories that Thompson has a plane, a train, or other things?

1165
01:10:31,780 --> 01:10:34,480
 Yeah, I mean, I got a little grief on social media.

1166
01:10:34,660 --> 01:10:35,280
 I bet you did.

1167
01:10:35,660 --> 01:10:41,460
 But, you know, I mean, people were, my bosses were, now look, I looked at it and I'm like, this ain't real.

1168
01:10:41,460 --> 01:10:45,300
 I knew, but apparently some people didn't.

1169
01:10:45,420 --> 01:10:49,180
 And in our news chat at AL.com, they were like, do they really have a plane?

1170
01:10:49,280 --> 01:10:49,720
 Is this real?

1171
01:10:49,860 --> 01:10:54,500
 And it did, you know, that's the, that's the danger of AI right now.

1172
01:10:54,500 --> 01:10:54,820
 Yeah.

1173
01:10:54,820 --> 01:10:55,740
 You can't really tell.

1174
01:10:55,980 --> 01:10:59,400
 I mean, it did look, if you just looked at it and thought, well, it could be their plane.

1175
01:10:59,500 --> 01:11:01,400
 I mean, you know, who knows if they have a booster.

1176
01:11:01,720 --> 01:11:04,280
 But, no, they clearly do not have a plane.

1177
01:11:04,380 --> 01:11:06,080
 And Mark Freeman has just kept on with it.

1178
01:11:06,100 --> 01:11:11,140
 He's got a plane, he's got a helicopter, he's got a rocket, a boat, you know, all those things.

1179
01:11:11,140 --> 01:11:18,080
 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

1180
01:11:18,080 --> 01:11:21,440
 accusing people of things, including them.

1181
01:11:21,440 --> 01:11:26,300
 And they're trying, their statement was, don't believe everything you see on social media.

1182
01:11:26,520 --> 01:11:31,720
 So, I don't know if that was the right way to approach that or not, but that's what they did.

1183
01:11:32,600 --> 01:11:35,360
 Let me, let me go back to the mercy rule.

1184
01:11:35,720 --> 01:11:37,740
 This will be discussed in April.

1185
01:11:38,480 --> 01:11:43,940
 And, again, sportsmanship is a lot, is a big deal in high school sports.

1186
01:11:45,220 --> 01:11:52,440
 Do you think they will actually do something about 61-point wins and 100-point wins in football?

1187
01:11:55,380 --> 01:11:56,960
 Yeah, I kind of do.

1188
01:11:57,120 --> 01:12:01,080
 I mean, you know, already we have a mercy rule in regular season basketball.

1189
01:12:01,080 --> 01:12:03,140
 I think it's 30 points or something like that.

1190
01:12:03,180 --> 01:12:04,280
 They keep the clock running.

1191
01:12:05,220 --> 01:12:07,660
 But they don't do that in championship play.

1192
01:12:07,760 --> 01:12:09,960
 So, yeah, they ought to have at least that.

1193
01:12:10,100 --> 01:12:15,920
 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.

1194
01:12:16,680 --> 01:12:18,900
 You know, and we have that in football as well.

1195
01:12:19,020 --> 01:12:24,180
 You know, the thing about what you alluded to, the Williams and Murphy game, got too far out of hand.

1196
01:12:24,180 --> 01:12:27,440
 I mean, I think it was like 67-0-and-a-half or something like that.

1197
01:12:28,080 --> 01:12:36,680
 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.

1198
01:12:36,840 --> 01:12:42,320
 And I think that kind of upset Antonio Coleman, who's the Williams and coach, former Auburn player.

1199
01:12:42,320 --> 01:12:45,520
 Now, they didn't have their starters in.

1200
01:12:45,600 --> 01:12:50,120
 They had their youngest people, you know, the bottom or the youngest people on the bench.

1201
01:12:50,240 --> 01:12:52,920
 But I don't think they were running up the middle every time either.

1202
01:12:53,160 --> 01:12:55,120
 So, yeah, you've got to get away from that.

1203
01:12:55,220 --> 01:13:03,840
 I mean, like I said, I mean, kids, this is a sport for high school student-athletes on both sides.

1204
01:13:03,840 --> 01:13:11,520
 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.

1205
01:13:11,640 --> 01:13:16,820
 So, I don't see any hurt that could be done for that.

1206
01:13:16,920 --> 01:13:22,900
 In fact, our newsletter poll last week, if you get our newsletter, was it was about the Winona game.

1207
01:13:23,080 --> 01:13:26,660
 And the question was, you know, whose responsibility is it?

1208
01:13:26,760 --> 01:13:29,220
 Should the winning coach not score that much?

1209
01:13:29,240 --> 01:13:30,620
 Should the losing coach just stop?

1210
01:13:30,660 --> 01:13:37,200
 And it was basically dead even, 36% to 36%.

1211
01:13:37,200 --> 01:13:42,420
 And then we had one other option was, you know, blame the winning coach or blame the losing coach.

1212
01:13:42,420 --> 01:13:46,600
 But, you know, 101 to 40, there's just not – let's not do that.

1213
01:13:46,700 --> 01:13:48,180
 Let's get out of here and pay some price.

1214
01:13:48,900 --> 01:13:51,140
 I'm not good with math, but that's kind of lopsided.

1215
01:13:51,320 --> 01:13:58,920
 A shout-out to the perfect Falcons, Florence, number one in the soccer Super Bowl 7A this week.

1216
01:14:00,460 --> 01:14:01,480
 Yeah, I love what they do.

1217
01:14:01,580 --> 01:14:03,240
 That's the coaches' bowl that they put out.

1218
01:14:03,340 --> 01:14:06,060
 We have it on AL.com every Monday.

1219
01:14:07,440 --> 01:14:10,380
 And we're trying to actually increase our soccer coverage a little bit.

1220
01:14:10,460 --> 01:14:16,540
 Obviously, on Monday, we had all the soccer alignments, the new classifications there.

1221
01:14:16,920 --> 01:14:19,160
 So, we're trying to do a little more coverage.

1222
01:14:19,320 --> 01:14:22,140
 And, of course, we cover all the finals since we're in Huntsville.

1223
01:14:22,960 --> 01:14:25,100
 But Florence is playing well.

1224
01:14:25,260 --> 01:14:27,300
 I mean, you know, and that's another sport.

1225
01:14:27,440 --> 01:14:29,640
 I mean, the private schools have kind of dominated soccer.

1226
01:14:30,000 --> 01:14:33,640
 What's that going to look like, you know, when we divide them next year?

1227
01:14:35,040 --> 01:14:36,540
 And, by the way, good for you.

1228
01:14:36,660 --> 01:14:42,060
 You're a committee member for the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Award.

1229
01:14:42,160 --> 01:14:47,620
 That has been going on for many, many years, I believe, in mid-April at the Sheraton.

1230
01:14:47,760 --> 01:14:51,720
 They're going to announce the winners in each class.

1231
01:14:52,180 --> 01:14:53,920
 A lot of compelling stories there.

1232
01:14:53,920 --> 01:14:59,400
 I've read some of that, and you talked about that being a humbling experience.

1233
01:14:59,680 --> 01:15:01,120
 And I know it really is.

1234
01:15:01,720 --> 01:15:03,200
 What else have you got on town?

1235
01:15:03,560 --> 01:15:08,100
 Baseball, softball, ball, kind of in the background this week with March Madness.

1236
01:15:08,320 --> 01:15:10,140
 What else is going on this week?

1237
01:15:10,240 --> 01:15:11,840
 And where can we read it?

1238
01:15:12,620 --> 01:15:14,340
 Yeah, I appreciate that, Brett.

1239
01:15:14,420 --> 01:15:17,080
 That Bryant-Jordan, April 13th is the date for that.

1240
01:15:17,220 --> 01:15:19,000
 And I'm blessed to be on that committee.

1241
01:15:19,120 --> 01:15:19,980
 It's really inspiring.

1242
01:15:20,080 --> 01:15:24,940
 Some of these young people that have been through more than you should go through at any time in your life.

1243
01:15:24,940 --> 01:15:31,420
 But certainly at a young age and just continue to navigate through it, and they deserve to be.

1244
01:15:31,580 --> 01:15:38,460
 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.

1245
01:15:38,600 --> 01:15:40,900
 Every school in the state should nominate somebody for that.

1246
01:15:40,900 --> 01:15:48,520
 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.

1247
01:15:49,180 --> 01:15:49,320
 Yep.

1248
01:15:49,940 --> 01:15:56,120
 And I would just remind folks up there that that happens in December, I think, so just be looking for it.

1249
01:15:56,300 --> 01:16:01,320
 But what we've got going on, we're voting on All-State basketball this week.

1250
01:16:01,380 --> 01:16:03,960
 That's tentatively scheduled to come out on Saturday morning.

1251
01:16:04,580 --> 01:16:06,340
 That's the Sportswriters Association.

1252
01:16:07,620 --> 01:16:08,700
 So we're having that.

1253
01:16:08,760 --> 01:16:13,120
 We're going to start our AL.com Player of the Year voting next week, early next week.

1254
01:16:13,120 --> 01:16:15,140
 It'll be like the NCAA bracket.

1255
01:16:15,340 --> 01:16:25,220
 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.

1256
01:16:25,820 --> 01:16:28,620
 And also we'll have the Sportswriters Association.

1257
01:16:28,620 --> 01:16:31,340
 We'll have baseball and softball rankings for the first time.

1258
01:16:31,400 --> 01:16:33,200
 Those will come out early Thursday morning.

1259
01:16:33,200 --> 01:16:36,660
 So a lot still going on on AL.com.

1260
01:16:37,860 --> 01:16:39,420
 Ben's always good to hook up with you.

1261
01:16:39,480 --> 01:16:41,420
 Come see us on your plane when you get one, okay?

1262
01:16:42,200 --> 01:16:44,620
 Mine might take the rocket up there, Harold, but I'll get it.

1263
01:16:44,620 --> 01:16:45,000
 There you go.

1264
01:16:46,680 --> 01:16:48,420
 With AI, anything is possible.

1265
01:16:48,800 --> 01:16:51,940
 Stay as warm as you can down here, and thanks so much for your time today, Ben.

1266
01:16:52,360 --> 01:16:52,740
 All right.

1267
01:16:52,780 --> 01:16:53,580
 Y'all have a good week.

1268
01:16:54,020 --> 01:16:54,540
 You too, Ben.

1269
01:16:54,760 --> 01:16:57,320
 AT Express, BenThomasAL.com.

1270
01:16:57,400 --> 01:17:00,900
 Coming up, 10 teams for the men, 10 teams for the women.

1271
01:17:01,020 --> 01:17:01,880
 It's called the SEC.

1272
01:17:02,840 --> 01:17:05,060
 Let's call on Joe Cox for his perspective next.

1273
01:17:05,140 --> 01:17:05,580
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 It's a daily update on Bama Sports and it's brought to you by Vector Security Champions Lane.

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1337
01:20:43,220 --> 01:20:43,880
 Hello again, everybody.

1338
01:20:44,060 --> 01:20:44,840
 I'm Roger Hoover.

1339
01:20:45,220 --> 01:20:50,900
 Here are thoughts from men's basketball head coach Nate Oates after learning Alabama's draw for the NCAA tournament.

1340
01:20:51,300 --> 01:20:52,600
 Great to be in the tournament again.

1341
01:20:52,780 --> 01:20:58,960
 Obviously, we are not happy with our performance up in Nashville, but that's past.

1342
01:20:59,040 --> 01:20:59,380
 It's gone.

1343
01:20:59,480 --> 01:21:00,300
 We can't change it.

1344
01:21:00,300 --> 01:21:05,060
 We can learn from it, which hopefully we have.

1345
01:21:05,760 --> 01:21:09,340
 You know, I thought a good day with the guys today.

1346
01:21:09,440 --> 01:21:14,580
 We just got some shots up, some skill work, not knowing who we're going to play until tonight.

1347
01:21:15,020 --> 01:21:23,340
 We didn't want to have a full out practice until we had a day opponent and all that.

1348
01:21:23,340 --> 01:21:29,400
 So, love the, you know, Friday in Tampa draw.

1349
01:21:29,940 --> 01:21:30,780
 Hofstra's good.

1350
01:21:31,080 --> 01:21:32,040
 You know, I can't say.

1351
01:21:32,640 --> 01:21:33,400
 Love the draw.

1352
01:21:34,560 --> 01:21:38,480
 I think, you know, obviously, very good guards.

1353
01:21:38,980 --> 01:21:41,980
 Tide fans, are you ready for game day in Tuscaloosa?

1354
01:21:42,340 --> 01:21:49,100
 Don't miss the ultimate pregame experience this season at Vector Security Champions Lane, opening four hours before each home game.

1355
01:21:49,380 --> 01:21:52,140
 This fan fest has everything you need to get pumped for kickoff.

1356
01:21:52,460 --> 01:21:58,800
 Located next to the Walk of Champions, you'll enjoy live music, player autographs, the best food trucks from all over Alabama,

1357
01:21:59,160 --> 01:22:03,700
 and ice cold beer in our Legends Lounge beer garden, where there's never a cover charge.

1358
01:22:04,020 --> 01:22:07,180
 Check out ChampionsLane.com each week for the latest updates.

1359
01:22:07,180 --> 01:22:08,000
 Roll Tide.

1360
01:22:08,980 --> 01:22:12,320
 Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by Vector Security Champions Lane.

1361
01:22:12,720 --> 01:22:16,480
 Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield.

1362
01:22:17,360 --> 01:22:18,360
 The Score.

1363
01:22:18,800 --> 01:22:23,580
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1364
01:22:24,120 --> 01:22:25,140
 We come back in.

1365
01:22:25,220 --> 01:22:29,820
 You better call him today, because starting tomorrow, he's probably going to give you the busy signal.

1366
01:22:29,960 --> 01:22:31,560
 Joe Cox got it all figured out there.

1367
01:22:31,700 --> 01:22:34,880
 It's sending it down south when it comes to the SEC in his book.

1368
01:22:35,420 --> 01:22:36,660
 It's called A Fine Team Man.

1369
01:22:36,660 --> 01:22:37,980
 Joe Cox, welcome in.

1370
01:22:38,280 --> 01:22:41,040
 Happy pre-NCAA tournament.

1371
01:22:41,220 --> 01:22:42,240
 Big tip-off, anyway.

1372
01:22:42,380 --> 01:22:42,920
 How are you?

1373
01:22:43,580 --> 01:22:44,540
 Oh, doing fine.

1374
01:22:44,620 --> 01:22:45,120
 Doing fine.

1375
01:22:45,200 --> 01:22:45,780
 Big week.

1376
01:22:45,880 --> 01:22:47,200
 Always a fun one.

1377
01:22:47,520 --> 01:22:53,420
 And, yeah, trying to get the to-do list as far peered down as I can ahead of Thursday.

1378
01:22:54,620 --> 01:22:57,380
 Let's get rocking and rolling on Thursday.

1379
01:22:57,380 --> 01:22:59,540
 Vanderbilt, McNeese State.

1380
01:22:59,620 --> 01:23:00,820
 Your thoughts about that one.

1381
01:23:00,880 --> 01:23:06,560
 And to me, the interesting, if you will, story, and certainly back story, is Arkansas and Hawaii.

1382
01:23:07,400 --> 01:23:09,940
 We talked earlier with some of our Kentucky fans.

1383
01:23:10,000 --> 01:23:10,760
 You're from Kentucky.

1384
01:23:10,840 --> 01:23:15,360
 Your thoughts about that Arkansas coach and where they got seated.

1385
01:23:15,360 --> 01:23:19,980
 Who did John make mad besides the folks here in Lexington, Joe?

1386
01:23:20,700 --> 01:23:23,020
 Well, so here's the rub on this.

1387
01:23:23,220 --> 01:23:28,180
 If there is a good side to Mark Pope being the coach of Kentucky, it's that John Calipari

1388
01:23:28,180 --> 01:23:35,440
 isn't because the selection committee loves to put Calipari's teams, you know, playing on

1389
01:23:35,440 --> 01:23:41,660
 the surface of Mars at a 2 a.m. game or something similar, and they did it again.

1390
01:23:41,820 --> 01:23:46,120
 I noticed in his social media, he'd say, well, it'll be a long trip.

1391
01:23:46,240 --> 01:23:51,480
 In other words, yeah, they sent me way out west to play a strange, strange team.

1392
01:23:52,120 --> 01:23:54,640
 But that's business as usual.

1393
01:23:54,840 --> 01:23:58,860
 I've always suspected that part of the reason the NCAA does that to him is because he tends

1394
01:23:58,860 --> 01:24:02,140
 to produce pretty well when you put his back to the wall.

1395
01:24:02,140 --> 01:24:05,240
 But certainly an odd situation.

1396
01:24:05,460 --> 01:24:11,640
 Overall, I felt like the SEC tournament really didn't do anything to pretty much any of the

1397
01:24:11,640 --> 01:24:13,440
 SEC teams in terms of seating.

1398
01:24:13,700 --> 01:24:17,100
 It didn't really help or hurt anybody very much.

1399
01:24:17,320 --> 01:24:20,460
 And that's unfortunate because I think there were some things to learn there.

1400
01:24:21,580 --> 01:24:27,460
 Yeah, there were some scuttlebutt about Vandy should have been a little bit higher seed.

1401
01:24:28,060 --> 01:24:31,200
 Joe, the Sweet 16 for the SEC.

1402
01:24:32,140 --> 01:24:34,620
 Ten teams in, the most of any conference.

1403
01:24:35,380 --> 01:24:40,960
 But when you look at this, I said Vandy and Arkansas advance.

1404
01:24:42,560 --> 01:24:46,240
 Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida can advance.

1405
01:24:46,400 --> 01:24:54,220
 How many teams do Joe Cox think will be in the SEC come Sunday, the Sweet 16 come Sunday night?

1406
01:24:54,700 --> 01:24:59,900
 You know, I admit I'm not looking at the filled-up bracket here, but off the top of my head, what

1407
01:24:59,900 --> 01:25:01,460
 you say sounds pretty close.

1408
01:25:01,540 --> 01:25:05,360
 Obviously, I think everybody feels good about Florida.

1409
01:25:05,700 --> 01:25:11,120
 And notwithstanding their meltdown to Vanderbilt, they look about as safe as anybody.

1410
01:25:12,120 --> 01:25:15,960
 Tennessee-Virginia game potentially could be a big one.

1411
01:25:16,020 --> 01:25:20,500
 And, of course, they didn't do the balls any favors by possibly sticking them there with

1412
01:25:20,500 --> 01:25:25,520
 Miami of Ohio, which has just got everything in the world to prove in that game.

1413
01:25:25,720 --> 01:25:27,860
 So that's going to be a tough one.

1414
01:25:28,400 --> 01:25:31,500
 That Arkansas-Hawaii game is so strange.

1415
01:25:32,260 --> 01:25:35,940
 I'm reluctant to jump on the hog bandwagon too much.

1416
01:25:36,160 --> 01:25:38,380
 I do think Vandy's got a pretty decent draw.

1417
01:25:38,480 --> 01:25:39,780
 I think they've got a pretty good chance.

1418
01:25:40,520 --> 01:25:45,400
 Alabama, if they can keep people from being knuckleheads, I think they'll be in pretty good shape.

1419
01:25:46,340 --> 01:25:48,000
 Easier said than done, I know.

1420
01:25:48,160 --> 01:25:50,040
 But I like them pretty well.

1421
01:25:50,840 --> 01:25:53,920
 You know, you want to talk about a team that could wreak some havoc here.

1422
01:25:53,980 --> 01:25:55,320
 How about Texas A&M?

1423
01:25:55,440 --> 01:25:58,880
 I mean, they have certainly struggled heading into this.

1424
01:25:59,420 --> 01:26:04,620
 But a potential matchup with Houston in the second round, and that could be really interesting

1425
01:26:04,620 --> 01:26:10,100
 if you want to circle one as a, you know, let's take a flyer on an SEC team nobody's talking about.

1426
01:26:10,200 --> 01:26:11,720
 That could be one worth doing.

1427
01:26:11,860 --> 01:26:15,720
 But, yeah, I think five-ish would be a pretty good guess.

1428
01:26:15,940 --> 01:26:21,860
 But, you know, with the exception of Florida, nobody, of course, has got that easy, clear path ahead of them.

1429
01:26:21,960 --> 01:26:23,180
 So it's going to be entertaining.

1430
01:26:24,180 --> 01:26:25,780
 Joe Cox, Saturday down south.

1431
01:26:25,860 --> 01:26:26,820
 Joe, you know where we are.

1432
01:26:26,860 --> 01:26:28,520
 If you could expand on Alabama.

1433
01:26:28,700 --> 01:26:32,740
 Obviously, after the game with Ole Miss, everybody said, okay, it's a tournament.

1434
01:26:32,740 --> 01:26:34,360
 Maybe you're not focused, blah, blah, blah.

1435
01:26:34,480 --> 01:26:36,660
 So you refocus, you rest up, and all that stuff.

1436
01:26:37,460 --> 01:26:42,260
 And then, of course, as you mentioned, the off-the-field issues there will hollow away your second-leading scorer.

1437
01:26:42,380 --> 01:26:46,720
 The question is, we know that when you lose somebody like that, you lose chemistry.

1438
01:26:46,920 --> 01:26:48,200
 These guys have played a whole season.

1439
01:26:48,320 --> 01:26:52,400
 They kind of know each other's nuances and everything else, where they're going to break and feed and all that stuff.

1440
01:26:52,820 --> 01:26:57,580
 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.

1441
01:26:57,660 --> 01:26:59,940
 They like the half-court team in Hofstra.

1442
01:26:59,940 --> 01:27:03,000
 They've got some specs on that team that are pretty good, especially with Davis.

1443
01:27:04,340 --> 01:27:05,780
 And I'm saying all that to say this.

1444
01:27:05,880 --> 01:27:10,500
 What do you expect with Alabama and how they adjust without Mr. Holloway?

1445
01:27:11,220 --> 01:27:15,240
 You know, it is a difficult time to have to make adjustments.

1446
01:27:15,460 --> 01:27:17,920
 And then that's kind of been the story with Alabama all year.

1447
01:27:18,000 --> 01:27:20,540
 It's been kind of one unceasing adjustment.

1448
01:27:20,740 --> 01:27:22,080
 Betty Ock goes in.

1449
01:27:22,200 --> 01:27:23,140
 No, he's out.

1450
01:27:23,640 --> 01:27:25,060
 So now Holloway's out.

1451
01:27:25,060 --> 01:27:29,700
 You know, the talent is there, certainly, to make that Sweet 16 run.

1452
01:27:29,860 --> 01:27:33,880
 I think Michigan would be a tough out for anybody at that point.

1453
01:27:34,280 --> 01:27:40,240
 So if you do anything beyond that, I think you really did something worth speaking about.

1454
01:27:40,480 --> 01:27:44,220
 But, you know, the challenge all year long for this team has been consistency.

1455
01:27:44,220 --> 01:27:51,380
 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.

1456
01:27:51,380 --> 01:27:54,780
 But can they do it well enough, consistently enough?

1457
01:27:54,980 --> 01:28:00,780
 And, you know, anybody's guess at this point, you know, I liked them last week.

1458
01:28:00,840 --> 01:28:02,940
 I thought they stacked up pretty well.

1459
01:28:03,120 --> 01:28:08,360
 And obviously the bracket opened up in Nashville for Arkansas really nicely as it ended up.

1460
01:28:08,580 --> 01:28:15,240
 But, you know, it's still, it's there for Alabama, but it's just, we're kind of down to Elvis' time here.

1461
01:28:15,320 --> 01:28:16,320
 It's now or never.

1462
01:28:16,920 --> 01:28:17,840
 So let's listen to it.

1463
01:28:18,720 --> 01:28:22,240
 And the other Elvis song is he does it his way, and Nate Oates does.

1464
01:28:22,340 --> 01:28:23,960
 He's going to live or die with a three.

1465
01:28:24,100 --> 01:28:25,780
 When they're hot, nobody can stop them.

1466
01:28:25,800 --> 01:28:28,900
 When they're not, and that means just everybody's got a fighting chance.

1467
01:28:29,580 --> 01:28:31,720
 For the crowd who says, Nate, why don't you adjust?

1468
01:28:32,060 --> 01:28:32,920
 Can they just give it up?

1469
01:28:33,040 --> 01:28:35,400
 Nate's going to sit here and say we're going to live or die with a three.

1470
01:28:36,540 --> 01:28:42,540
 Yeah, and I mean, percentage-wise, the numbers bear that out, that that is the approach.

1471
01:28:43,240 --> 01:28:48,800
 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

1472
01:28:48,800 --> 01:28:55,340
 because it's just become, in really quick order, it's become such a matter of a common part of the culture.

1473
01:28:56,020 --> 01:28:59,840
 And I give Oates a lot of credit for being kind of at the forefront with that

1474
01:28:59,840 --> 01:29:02,920
 and being careful to take, you know, quote-unquote good shots.

1475
01:29:02,920 --> 01:29:07,400
 But, you know, if the game changes a little bit come NCAA tournament time,

1476
01:29:07,400 --> 01:29:11,020
 and in the recent years, he's done a pretty good job of keeping up with that.

1477
01:29:11,500 --> 01:29:13,520
 I'm not going to bury Alabama just yet.

1478
01:29:13,600 --> 01:29:16,280
 I think they've got that sweet 16 run in them.

1479
01:29:16,380 --> 01:29:18,720
 Now, again, more than that, I would be surprised.

1480
01:29:19,400 --> 01:29:19,560
 Yeah.

1481
01:29:19,960 --> 01:29:24,360
 Joe, I think Arkansas has got a Final Four run in them.

1482
01:29:24,560 --> 01:29:26,840
 They beat Vandy on Sunday.

1483
01:29:27,740 --> 01:29:31,120
 Really impressed with Vandy in Arkansas' run.

1484
01:29:31,540 --> 01:29:34,420
 I know you and your son went to Nashville twice.

1485
01:29:34,860 --> 01:29:40,120
 A lot of kudos to Ole Miss and Oklahoma for getting there,

1486
01:29:40,320 --> 01:29:43,580
 but Brazil won that game against Vandy.

1487
01:29:43,740 --> 01:29:46,160
 16 points, blocked shots.

1488
01:29:46,280 --> 01:29:47,080
 He was everywhere.

1489
01:29:47,340 --> 01:29:51,640
 Richmond, 18, D.J. Wagner, 11, Malik Thomas.

1490
01:29:52,300 --> 01:29:56,180
 And, oh, by the way, that other guy, Darius Acuff, scored 30 again.

1491
01:29:56,660 --> 01:29:59,260
 This is a very talented Arkansas team.

1492
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:02,820
 You know, when they get those big guys playing well,

1493
01:30:03,260 --> 01:30:06,340
 and you mentioned Brazil, Ewan in that semifinal game.

1494
01:30:06,460 --> 01:30:07,320
 He came up big.

1495
01:30:07,400 --> 01:30:08,780
 He kept making big plays.

1496
01:30:08,920 --> 01:30:09,960
 I know he had a double-double.

1497
01:30:10,340 --> 01:30:12,760
 If you can get those guys to play at that level,

1498
01:30:13,000 --> 01:30:14,760
 yeah, a Final Four is not out of the question.

1499
01:30:14,760 --> 01:30:18,220
 Arizona, you know, I've always been leery.

1500
01:30:18,980 --> 01:30:24,720
 It's just West Coast basketball doesn't always translate to March really well,

1501
01:30:24,800 --> 01:30:28,760
 and a lot of teams that have fared well out on that end of the country

1502
01:30:28,760 --> 01:30:32,580
 when they meet, you know, somebody who's going to play physical,

1503
01:30:32,860 --> 01:30:37,200
 who's going to make them earn every point, they struggle with that.

1504
01:30:37,400 --> 01:30:41,120
 And, yeah, I like that matchup for Arkansas as a potential upset.

1505
01:30:41,120 --> 01:30:45,200
 But, of course, the issue for Arkansas is you've got to get past Wisconsin,

1506
01:30:45,440 --> 01:30:46,980
 who could be dangerous for them.

1507
01:30:47,240 --> 01:30:50,300
 I mean, I think that might be a harder challenge, actually,

1508
01:30:50,480 --> 01:30:52,380
 for Arkansas than Arizona, of all things.

1509
01:30:52,480 --> 01:30:56,540
 I think that might be more the issue for them.

1510
01:30:56,800 --> 01:30:59,300
 But, yeah, Acuff is obviously the real deal.

1511
01:30:59,380 --> 01:31:00,820
 I was really impressed with Thomas.

1512
01:31:01,120 --> 01:31:03,600
 His shot is just so soft and pretty.

1513
01:31:04,120 --> 01:31:08,180
 If you can get those big guys to play well, they are dangerous to everybody.

1514
01:31:08,180 --> 01:31:10,600
 But that's going to be the question mark.

1515
01:31:10,880 --> 01:31:13,500
 Can Brazil and UN show up like they did in Nashville?

1516
01:31:13,700 --> 01:31:16,480
 If so, yeah, your final four thought might be right on point.

1517
01:31:18,140 --> 01:31:18,540
 Absolutely.

1518
01:31:20,360 --> 01:31:22,740
 And, Joel, that was a great tournament.

1519
01:31:22,920 --> 01:31:23,800
 I always enjoyed it.

1520
01:31:23,800 --> 01:31:24,720
 We were there Friday.

1521
01:31:24,880 --> 01:31:26,140
 I know you went twice.

1522
01:31:26,620 --> 01:31:29,120
 Certainly advocate if you ever get a chance to go.

1523
01:31:29,240 --> 01:31:33,760
 It is a fun, and particularly Friday when you've got the four top seeds.

1524
01:31:34,200 --> 01:31:36,660
 Glad you and your son had a great time in Nashville.

1525
01:31:36,820 --> 01:31:39,180
 Joe, where can we get your baseball?

1526
01:31:39,420 --> 01:31:41,900
 Power rankings coming out later this week.

1527
01:31:42,360 --> 01:31:45,280
 And all the other good stuff, previewing March Madness.

1528
01:31:45,800 --> 01:31:49,020
 Going to be coming down the pipeline on Saturday down south.

1529
01:31:49,340 --> 01:31:51,080
 And, yeah, enjoyed it.

1530
01:31:51,160 --> 01:31:52,740
 It was two fun days.

1531
01:31:53,300 --> 01:31:57,400
 Unfortunately, it makes it hard then to settle back into the couch for a few days.

1532
01:31:57,440 --> 01:31:59,220
 But I think I'll be up to the task.

1533
01:32:00,860 --> 01:32:01,740
 Hang in here, Joe.

1534
01:32:01,800 --> 01:32:02,920
 Listen, man, let's do it again soon.

1535
01:32:03,040 --> 01:32:03,680
 Thanks so much.

1536
01:32:03,760 --> 01:32:04,960
 And fall out up there, okay?

1537
01:32:05,620 --> 01:32:06,760
 All right, you guys take care.

1538
01:32:07,360 --> 01:32:07,920
 Thank you, bud.

1539
01:32:07,920 --> 01:32:11,040
 Joe Cox, busy there at Saturday down south.

1540
01:32:11,180 --> 01:32:14,020
 Finally, hopefully it's warmer down that state of Florida.

1541
01:32:14,180 --> 01:32:14,980
 We'll take you there next.

1542
01:32:15,040 --> 01:32:16,240
 With Matt and Michelle, stay with us.

1543
01:32:20,360 --> 01:32:21,940
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1544
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1545
01:32:25,660 --> 01:32:31,080
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1546
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1547
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1548
01:32:43,940 --> 01:32:48,900
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1549
01:32:49,080 --> 01:32:50,620
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1550
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1551
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 We all do.

1552
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 That's why Allstate just lowered the price of car insurance.

1553
01:32:59,160 --> 01:33:00,880
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1554
01:33:01,240 --> 01:33:01,500
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1555
01:33:01,920 --> 01:33:02,720
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1556
01:33:02,900 --> 01:33:09,660
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1557
01:33:10,160 --> 01:33:11,760
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1558
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1559
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1560
01:33:17,540 --> 01:33:18,280
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1561
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1562
01:33:21,680 --> 01:33:24,520
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1563
01:33:24,720 --> 01:33:26,820
 Like a staff accountant at the height of tax season.

1564
01:33:28,760 --> 01:33:29,200
 Congrats.

1565
01:33:29,300 --> 01:33:32,400
 Looks like the company owes, huh, 50 bucks in taxes.

1566
01:33:32,400 --> 01:33:34,120
 How about that?

1567
01:33:34,480 --> 01:33:35,900
 Uh, that seems low.

1568
01:33:36,240 --> 01:33:37,360
 Why only 50?

1569
01:33:37,720 --> 01:33:38,700
 Why do you care so much?

1570
01:33:38,980 --> 01:33:39,780
 It's not your money.

1571
01:33:40,160 --> 01:33:42,260
 This is a job for sponsored jobs.

1572
01:33:42,560 --> 01:33:44,720
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1573
01:33:45,020 --> 01:33:47,680
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1574
01:33:48,240 --> 01:33:50,920
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1575
01:33:51,320 --> 01:33:52,440
 I'm Boomer Esiason.

1576
01:33:52,680 --> 01:33:54,000
 My mom died from cancer.

1577
01:33:54,280 --> 01:33:55,960
 She was only 37 years old.

1578
01:33:56,240 --> 01:33:59,580
 She didn't have life insurance, and that was devastating for my family.

1579
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1619
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 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score.

1620
01:35:55,500 --> 01:35:57,300
 In women's basketball action this week,

1621
01:35:57,300 --> 01:36:02,320
 Alabama is set to play Saturday afternoon in the NCAA tournament in Louisville against Rhode Island.

1622
01:36:02,500 --> 01:36:06,820
 The winner will advance to play either Louisville or Vermont in the second round.

1623
01:36:07,340 --> 01:36:10,560
 Troy will play Thursday in the WBIT at Kansas.

1624
01:36:10,780 --> 01:36:13,820
 The winner plays either Rice or Louisiana Tech in the second round.

1625
01:36:14,300 --> 01:36:17,920
 South Alabama will host Alcorn State in the first round of the WNIT.

1626
01:36:18,520 --> 01:36:22,480
 Winner will play Purdue-Fort Wayne in the second round.

1627
01:36:22,880 --> 01:36:26,460
 World Baseball Classic has entered the championship day.

1628
01:36:26,460 --> 01:36:27,200
 That's tonight.

1629
01:36:27,200 --> 01:36:35,460
 Team USA will take on Venezuela after Venezuela yesterday defeated Italy in the second semifinal.

1630
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1659
01:37:54,240 --> 01:37:58,860
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1660
01:37:59,380 --> 01:37:59,640
 The Score.

1661
01:37:59,640 --> 01:38:00,340
 We'll get back in.

1662
01:38:00,400 --> 01:38:03,020
 Well, you said, what's it going to take for us to warm up?

1663
01:38:03,080 --> 01:38:04,900
 How about a trip down to the states?

1664
01:38:05,120 --> 01:38:07,080
 That's known in the Sunshine State, Florida.

1665
01:38:07,200 --> 01:38:08,740
 They're in Orlando with Matt Merchelle.

1666
01:38:08,820 --> 01:38:12,060
 He's busy there as a college insider with the Orlando Sentinel.

1667
01:38:12,060 --> 01:38:14,920
 And his podcast is called Gridiron 365.

1668
01:38:15,460 --> 01:38:16,160
 Matt, welcome in.

1669
01:38:16,220 --> 01:38:16,740
 How are you?

1670
01:38:17,540 --> 01:38:18,340
 I'm doing well.

1671
01:38:18,380 --> 01:38:19,080
 How are you guys doing?

1672
01:38:19,340 --> 01:38:19,660
 Hey, Benny.

1673
01:38:20,040 --> 01:38:21,900
 Trying to confirm a rumor here, Matt.

1674
01:38:22,660 --> 01:38:27,800
 Are you, can it be said on your way to pick up the home of the chili cheesesteak?

1675
01:38:27,980 --> 01:38:32,820
 Can you confirm or deny that you're going to be in Philly cheesesteak heaven over the next few days?

1676
01:38:33,720 --> 01:38:35,900
 I will be at some point later this week.

1677
01:38:35,900 --> 01:38:49,140
 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.

1678
01:38:50,740 --> 01:38:52,300
 Well, be careful up there.

1679
01:38:52,460 --> 01:38:57,020
 Remember, this is the fan base in Philly that they booed Mike Schmidt and Santa Claus.

1680
01:38:57,180 --> 01:38:59,000
 So be careful up there, Matt.

1681
01:38:59,120 --> 01:39:04,640
 But your thoughts about that matchup, for the folks who are young, do they realize what you just said?

1682
01:39:05,440 --> 01:39:07,120
 UCF and UCLA.

1683
01:39:08,080 --> 01:39:10,960
 My, oh, my, was there ever a dynasty like UCLA?

1684
01:39:12,000 --> 01:39:15,440
 And to me, this is still an interesting program when it comes to basketball.

1685
01:39:16,740 --> 01:39:17,840
 Yeah, very much so.

1686
01:39:17,880 --> 01:39:19,940
 I mean, you think about these two programs.

1687
01:39:20,060 --> 01:39:22,080
 I mean, polar opposites in a lot of ways.

1688
01:39:22,080 --> 01:39:31,800
 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.

1689
01:39:32,040 --> 01:39:40,360
 And UCLA, this is their 54th appearance in the NCAA tournament in the 107-year history of Bruins basketball.

1690
01:39:40,700 --> 01:39:45,360
 You know, they've been to the Sweet 16, 37 times, you know, and won 11 national championships.

1691
01:39:45,360 --> 01:39:50,240
 And when you think of UCLA basketball, you think of, you know, those traditional basketball blue blends.

1692
01:39:50,360 --> 01:39:51,800
 You think of John Wooden.

1693
01:39:51,880 --> 01:39:52,920
 You think of Lou Uffender.

1694
01:39:53,100 --> 01:39:56,760
 You think of, you know, some of the biggest names in college basketball.

1695
01:39:57,000 --> 01:39:57,480
 Bill Walton.

1696
01:39:57,700 --> 01:39:57,980
 Bill Walton being there.

1697
01:39:58,440 --> 01:40:03,840
 So these are two polar opposites in a sense of programs, you know, where they've come and where they've been at.

1698
01:40:04,000 --> 01:40:17,000
 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.

1699
01:40:17,000 --> 01:40:27,820
 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.

1700
01:40:28,100 --> 01:40:31,180
 You know, you don't look at that name and let that influence you.

1701
01:40:31,500 --> 01:40:34,000
 You've got to just basically play as if every opponent is different.

1702
01:40:35,340 --> 01:40:42,700
 Man, I think this is the first time since 2018-19 UCF has been back in the tournament.

1703
01:40:42,700 --> 01:40:59,160
 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.

1704
01:40:59,300 --> 01:41:01,520
 These two coaches know each other well.

1705
01:41:02,080 --> 01:41:05,480
 Boy, you're talking about, again, Cronin has come in.

1706
01:41:06,460 --> 01:41:14,140
 He's had some interesting rants on Twitter and some of his press conferences, but the guy knows how to coach.

1707
01:41:14,220 --> 01:41:21,220
 He's been successful pretty much everywhere, but I know the UCF program is excited.

1708
01:41:21,220 --> 01:41:34,480
 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.

1709
01:41:35,320 --> 01:41:36,020
 Oh, for sure.

1710
01:41:36,180 --> 01:41:38,900
 You know, they were ecstatic when they found out on Sunday night.

1711
01:41:39,000 --> 01:41:47,820
 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.

1712
01:41:48,360 --> 01:41:53,880
 You know, but they won one of the games in the Big 12 Conference tournament, and I think that helped them out as well.

1713
01:41:54,080 --> 01:41:57,000
 These two coaches can be polar opposites of each other, guys.

1714
01:41:57,120 --> 01:42:00,820
 I mean, Johnny Dawkins is laid back, reserved.

1715
01:42:01,660 --> 01:42:04,080
 I think I saw him get a technical foul this season.

1716
01:42:04,160 --> 01:42:07,660
 It was the first time since 2019 he's gotten a technical foul.

1717
01:42:08,700 --> 01:42:22,680
 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.

1718
01:42:22,800 --> 01:42:23,380
 He's all players.

1719
01:42:23,960 --> 01:42:27,320
 And, you know, these two guys are polar opposites, but they have faced each other.

1720
01:42:27,320 --> 01:42:32,560
 You know, six times previously, I think Mick's got the slight advantage, the two to four.

1721
01:42:32,880 --> 01:42:37,840
 But, you know, again, this is, these are, but Johnny's also got a long history of being in the NCAA tournament.

1722
01:42:38,060 --> 01:42:46,040
 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.

1723
01:42:46,600 --> 01:42:52,960
 He also took them to the NCAA, also went to the NCAA tournament with UCF back in 2018 and 19 and with Stanford.

1724
01:42:53,180 --> 01:42:56,060
 So he's got, you know, experience as a player and a coach.

1725
01:42:56,060 --> 01:42:59,940
 So I don't think this experience is going to be anything that he hasn't dealt with before.

1726
01:43:00,060 --> 01:43:03,880
 Now, can he translate that to those maybe nerves of players?

1727
01:43:04,060 --> 01:43:08,440
 That's going to be the question is, can you get players not to get caught up in all the hooplets around there?

1728
01:43:09,600 --> 01:43:13,820
 Matt Merchell is in basketball heaven, UCF.

1729
01:43:13,900 --> 01:43:18,440
 Let's talk about UL, the University of Florida, one of 10 teams in the SEC.

1730
01:43:19,300 --> 01:43:27,340
 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.

1731
01:43:28,200 --> 01:43:31,900
 Yeah, you know, I think for Florida, I think Florida's got a chip on their shoulder, if you can believe that.

1732
01:43:32,000 --> 01:43:37,060
 I think not getting to the SEC championship game was a disappointment for them and for Todd Golden.

1733
01:43:37,180 --> 01:43:40,480
 I think he felt like they had a good chance to make that run.

1734
01:43:40,820 --> 01:43:45,300
 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.

1735
01:43:45,800 --> 01:43:49,540
 You know, they've got to avoid any sort of Cinderella situation with the 16.

1736
01:43:50,180 --> 01:44:00,220
 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.

1737
01:44:00,460 --> 01:44:04,940
 So, you know, there's obviously going to be some interesting lineups there.

1738
01:44:05,000 --> 01:44:09,820
 I thought that, you know, the SEC, again, you know, got teams in where they wanted to be at.

1739
01:44:09,880 --> 01:44:11,540
 There were some good matchups.

1740
01:44:11,740 --> 01:44:13,680
 You know, I think there's going to be some interesting matchups.

1741
01:44:14,300 --> 01:44:21,660
 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.

1742
01:44:21,840 --> 01:44:23,900
 Arkansas has played really well, obviously.

1743
01:44:24,420 --> 01:44:29,820
 You know, I mean, they get a good matchup, you know, with Hawaii, and then they're probably more likely to face Wisconsin.

1744
01:44:29,980 --> 01:44:32,840
 And then, who knows, maybe you get that Arizona game down the road.

1745
01:44:32,940 --> 01:44:35,740
 Arizona's playing some of its best basketball in the country.

1746
01:44:36,180 --> 01:44:42,820
 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.

1747
01:44:43,840 --> 01:44:48,760
 Man, you mentioned John Wooden a little bit earlier.

1748
01:44:49,020 --> 01:44:51,300
 There is some basketball coaching royalty.

1749
01:44:51,500 --> 01:44:53,300
 We talked about this a little bit earlier.

1750
01:44:53,980 --> 01:44:59,760
 In the East Region, Rick Pitino, who has done an incredible job with St. John's.

1751
01:45:00,800 --> 01:45:04,640
 Several people said the committee may have gotten mad at him and sent him west.

1752
01:45:05,360 --> 01:45:11,400
 Bill Self at Kansas, Dan Hurley at UConn, Tom Izzo at Michigan State.

1753
01:45:11,400 --> 01:45:16,360
 A lot of people think this is going to be due Michigan State to get to the Final Four.

1754
01:45:16,640 --> 01:45:19,380
 But, boy, you're talking about royalty and coaching.

1755
01:45:19,560 --> 01:45:20,720
 It's in the East Region.

1756
01:45:21,780 --> 01:45:22,820
 Yeah, it really is.

1757
01:45:22,960 --> 01:45:29,420
 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.

1758
01:45:29,580 --> 01:45:34,260
 You know, Rick Pitino, obviously, you know, could just be around for another couple years, but you never know.

1759
01:45:34,360 --> 01:45:40,700
 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.

1760
01:45:40,860 --> 01:45:44,680
 You know, I mean, I think, you know, Tom Izzo's been that active.

1761
01:45:44,840 --> 01:45:49,760
 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?

1762
01:45:49,960 --> 01:45:56,740
 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?

1763
01:45:56,800 --> 01:45:59,540
 And they get a chance to play some really good teams.

1764
01:45:59,660 --> 01:46:05,200
 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.

1765
01:46:05,200 --> 01:46:12,200
 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.

1766
01:46:13,420 --> 01:46:18,720
 Matt, let's talk about that matchup that's not too far down the road from you there in a place called Tampa.

1767
01:46:19,000 --> 01:46:21,140
 It's Alabama and Hofstra.

1768
01:46:21,820 --> 01:46:27,220
 Yeah, I think when most non-casual or casual fans of basketball saw this, they said, okay, who's next for Alabama?

1769
01:46:27,700 --> 01:46:31,920
 I think that's what they said at the SEC tournament that we're now still going to be playing Ole Miss.

1770
01:46:32,480 --> 01:46:39,860
 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?

1771
01:46:40,700 --> 01:46:43,640
 Well, I think Alabama is just, you know, we've talked about this many times.

1772
01:46:43,760 --> 01:46:46,180
 I think they've just got to get their head on us, you know what I mean?

1773
01:46:46,260 --> 01:46:46,660
 Thank you.

1774
01:46:46,720 --> 01:46:51,180
 I think that sometimes they get, you know, I don't know what's distracted or if they get...

1775
01:46:51,180 --> 01:46:51,820
 Zoned out, man.

1776
01:46:52,480 --> 01:46:56,000
 Yeah, and then all of a sudden things get away from them, you know what I mean?

1777
01:46:56,000 --> 01:47:00,000
 If they keep themselves, you know, focused, they should have no problem.

1778
01:47:00,180 --> 01:47:06,020
 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...

1779
01:47:06,020 --> 01:47:10,440
 You look at the numbers and you think 4-13 and you think, well, Alabama can roll with this.

1780
01:47:10,620 --> 01:47:14,080
 Well, then Hofstra comes in and plays really well and all of a sudden Alabama's struggling.

1781
01:47:14,300 --> 01:47:18,440
 I mean, Alabama's got some off-the-court issues that they're dealing with right now.

1782
01:47:18,640 --> 01:47:20,060
 You know, that's going to be a distraction.

1783
01:47:20,300 --> 01:47:23,620
 And so you're dealing with that when you're going into practice and stuff.

1784
01:47:23,620 --> 01:47:26,320
 But they've got to find a way to get through that.

1785
01:47:26,420 --> 01:47:27,680
 I mean, listen, it's not going to be easy.

1786
01:47:28,020 --> 01:47:32,300
 If they get past Hofstra, you know, you're going to face more than likely probably a Texas Tech team.

1787
01:47:32,440 --> 01:47:34,320
 You know, if Akron can come off the upset.

1788
01:47:34,600 --> 01:47:37,460
 But Texas Tech has played really well over the last few weeks.

1789
01:47:37,900 --> 01:47:38,300
 You know what I mean?

1790
01:47:38,300 --> 01:47:40,700
 It's another challenging team that really wants to run up and down the court.

1791
01:47:40,840 --> 01:47:44,720
 So for me, in my mind, when it comes to Alabama, it's just, you know, quit.

1792
01:47:45,080 --> 01:47:46,580
 You know, get the focus back.

1793
01:47:46,740 --> 01:47:50,420
 Quit trying to lose that focus and start to wander away.

1794
01:47:50,420 --> 01:47:52,860
 Because I think that's a little bit of what Alabama's been doing there.

1795
01:47:53,980 --> 01:47:56,680
 Who are some of your upsets?

1796
01:47:56,820 --> 01:47:58,800
 You know, that's so trendy this time of year.

1797
01:47:58,880 --> 01:48:00,320
 Everybody wants to look at that.

1798
01:48:00,460 --> 01:48:02,600
 5-12, 6-11, et cetera.

1799
01:48:04,160 --> 01:48:06,400
 You mentioned Akron, the Texas Tech.

1800
01:48:06,500 --> 01:48:07,920
 We talked about them earlier.

1801
01:48:08,580 --> 01:48:10,920
 Their top five scorers are seniors.

1802
01:48:11,500 --> 01:48:15,420
 So many of these major teams, they're so experienced.

1803
01:48:15,960 --> 01:48:18,920
 Mamie of Ohio playing SMU in the play-in game.

1804
01:48:19,040 --> 01:48:22,540
 The winner of that gets Tennessee, I'm sorry.

1805
01:48:23,260 --> 01:48:24,780
 McNeese against Vandy.

1806
01:48:25,880 --> 01:48:28,400
 McNeese has only won 10 consecutive games.

1807
01:48:28,620 --> 01:48:34,740
 Vandy gets to the championship game in Nashville and lose to a very good Arkansas team.

1808
01:48:35,160 --> 01:48:40,220
 You may not have a break in front of you, but who are some potential upsets for Matt Mischel?

1809
01:48:41,100 --> 01:48:44,140
 Well, I'm going to give you one that's probably not going to make FTC fans happy.

1810
01:48:44,140 --> 01:48:46,520
 But I think Santa Clara could upset Kentucky.

1811
01:48:46,860 --> 01:48:49,520
 You know, Kentucky hasn't played well.

1812
01:48:50,200 --> 01:48:51,880
 They've had their issues with ups and downs.

1813
01:48:52,100 --> 01:48:54,360
 And, you know, that's all it takes is to get in the tournament.

1814
01:48:54,600 --> 01:49:00,980
 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.

1815
01:49:01,020 --> 01:49:02,460
 And I think Santa Clara is one of those teams.

1816
01:49:02,520 --> 01:49:04,340
 They played really well this season.

1817
01:49:04,600 --> 01:49:08,840
 I think another SEC team that could be struggling is Texas A&M and St. Mary's.

1818
01:49:08,840 --> 01:49:14,820
 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.

1819
01:49:15,160 --> 01:49:16,540
 And they always play really tough.

1820
01:49:16,580 --> 01:49:19,660
 And I think Texas A&M is going to have a challenge there as well.

1821
01:49:19,740 --> 01:49:22,440
 I'm not sure if there's a massive upset.

1822
01:49:23,080 --> 01:49:28,660
 You know, the 8-9s are not really, I don't think of those really as upsets because they're so close.

1823
01:49:29,060 --> 01:49:32,080
 I think St. Louis and Georgia is going to be a tight one.

1824
01:49:32,500 --> 01:49:34,580
 And VCU and against North Carolina.

1825
01:49:34,980 --> 01:49:36,860
 You know, VCU has played really well again.

1826
01:49:37,260 --> 01:49:39,340
 You know, making a good run at the end.

1827
01:49:39,760 --> 01:49:43,940
 You know, they need to find a way to get past the name on the front of the jersey, as I said earlier.

1828
01:49:43,940 --> 01:49:49,600
 You get past the North Carolina, you know, maybe you've got a chance to make a run there and do something special.

1829
01:49:49,860 --> 01:49:55,220
 So those are kind of a little bit of my early on looks to some of the teams that maybe could maybe upset them.

1830
01:49:56,220 --> 01:50:02,220
 Yeah, VCU and North Carolina, Caleb Wilson being out for North Carolina would certainly be a factor there.

1831
01:50:02,860 --> 01:50:04,800
 VCU is only 27-7.

1832
01:50:04,980 --> 01:50:06,440
 Some of these teams are really good.

1833
01:50:06,980 --> 01:50:09,020
 Listen, safe travels to Philly.

1834
01:50:09,620 --> 01:50:12,620
 Hopefully, it'll be a little bit of extended stay for you.

1835
01:50:12,620 --> 01:50:16,860
 But, yeah, it's going to be a fascinating game with UCF and UCLA.

1836
01:50:17,160 --> 01:50:19,680
 Matt, where can we get online and get the good stuff?

1837
01:50:20,520 --> 01:50:26,820
 You can go to OrlandoCentral.com to check out the latest or follow me on social media at OSMattMarchelle.

1838
01:50:27,640 --> 01:50:32,500
 And send us a genuine Philly cheesesteak sandwich once you land up there, okay?

1839
01:50:33,620 --> 01:50:36,220
 I'll throw it in the mailbox as soon as I get it.

1840
01:50:36,220 --> 01:50:37,860
 You're making room for it right now.

1841
01:50:38,080 --> 01:50:38,920
 Safe travels, Matt.

1842
01:50:38,920 --> 01:50:41,240
 Matt Marchelle with the Orlando Sentinel BB.

1843
01:50:41,640 --> 01:50:46,920
 It's time for March Madness tonight here on 93.9 The Score at 5.30.

1844
01:50:47,180 --> 01:50:48,200
 Howard taking on.

1845
01:50:48,240 --> 01:50:48,940
 You ready for this?

1846
01:50:50,140 --> 01:50:50,500
 UMBC.

1847
01:50:50,720 --> 01:50:51,660
 And what does that stand for?

1848
01:50:51,740 --> 01:50:52,580
 It's not a TV network.

1849
01:50:52,800 --> 01:50:55,340
 It's the University of Maryland at Baltimore County.

1850
01:50:55,980 --> 01:50:59,560
 And, B.B., you know what they say when Howard and UMBC gets together, do you not?

1851
01:50:59,700 --> 01:51:01,840
 Open the window and throw out those records.

1852
01:51:01,840 --> 01:51:06,040
 There you go and find out how it starts tonight, 5.30 here on 93.9 The Score.

1853
01:51:06,140 --> 01:51:07,160
 It's going to take care of beds for now.

1854
01:51:07,240 --> 01:51:09,860
 On behalf of B.B., Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here.

1855
01:51:10,200 --> 01:51:12,160
 Harold Bogg, thank you so much for your time today.

1856
01:51:12,220 --> 01:51:14,760
 Let's do it again tomorrow, noon to two for the Bimbo and Buck Show.

1857
01:51:15,120 --> 01:51:17,400
 Back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 The Score.