Pulling the highlights from the live-chat between Bill Simmons and Chuck Klosterman at ESPN.com. ("CK" indicates Klosterman. "BS" indicates Simmons.) Away we go, in chronological order of delivery:
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Today, I need Texas and Xavier to win. I'm basically just rooting for the letter "X." CK
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When you're looking at a 2 seed vs. a 15 seed, it's not like analysis is really required. The 12th man at Kansas is going to the best player at Wofford. It's not like they need to watch 15 games to know this. / But they DO understand the *game* of basketball, and they have good on-screen chemistry. So I do not see why this is an issue. CK
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The NCAA should have thought of ways to torture Bruce Pearl beyond his suspension - little things like, "during the tournament, you can't wear a suit, you have to wear jeans and a tight t-shirt." BS
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I have a lot of inside information about the Notre Dame-Akron game for potential gamblers.
For example: According to my friend at Time Traveler, a record store in nearby Cuyuhugga Falls, the Akron players are not asking about the new Strokes record. Factor that in. CK
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Nantz is announcing this Michigan game with an "I'm tired of this Gus Johnson lovefest - you want exciting, I WILL GIVE YOU EXCITING!!!!!" edge. BS
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I don't know why more college teams don't adopt a Syracuse-style defensive philosophy. Jump shooting is the only element of basketball that is regressing. CK
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I think teams overlook the value of employing a bunch of players who are all roughly the same size and having them all wear identical headbands. I mean, when you're playing basketball, you often say things like, "I'll take the kid with the headband." Multiple headbands = missed assignments. CK
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ND by 10 early. Something tells me the BuzzerBeater Gods shot their wad yesterday. BS
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Marv Albert sounds bored - like he might just start doing random calls from his career like "Ohhhhhhhhhhh! A spec-tacular move by Jordan!" to keep himself interested. BS
Marv is a complicated man. Do not even attempt to speculate on what is happening inside his skull. CK
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It will be pretty shocking if Obama's speech is mostly about the first-day success of his tournament bracket. CK
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Good news for Zips fans: despite this 8-point deficit, there are plenty of fine activities scheduled at the Akron Public Library. Contact Bob Ethington for details. CK
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I feel like Princeton almost pulls an upset once every two or three years, but none of them actually happen. CK
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Interesting how cocky Hanbrough is, considering how his more talented brother always seemed vaguely nervous when he played. CK
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Apparently Michigan fans are chanting "Fire Tressel" in the stands. Basketball's relationship to football is like Fuse's relationship with MTV. CK
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LeBron was going to root for hometown Akron today, but it violated his rule of only supporting bandwagon juggernaut teams. BS
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Chuck - these games suck and I blame you. BS
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Here is the real reason teams keep fouling at the end of games. This was true in high school, and it remains true at every level: Everyone wants one more chance to take a deep three than no one can question.CK
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