StraightShooter

The margin will depend on when the doggies are called off. Just don't see this under 25-30 point margin unless MSU miraculously is red-hot from the field. I think the Cards will get a bunch of easy baskets.

Louisville is peaking. Definitely earned a #1 seed. Have what it takes to win it all.

Holmes is a defensive-minded team. EC is an offensive-minded team. Holmes would force EC into some longer possessions than they are used to. Holmes would alter a lot more shots than EC is used to. EC would definitely force tempo but I don't see the game getting out of the 60's. I think Holmes would prevail by 5-6 points but would not be surprised if EC won. If EC hits over 45% from the field, they win.

LSU is in. KY must play their way in. Wildcats pull the upset.

Congrats and best wishes to Jordan. The Bucks are getting a good one. And, you won't be reading about him in the papers for OFF-the field antics.

Both teams come from weak regions this year. EC will prevail and could win big if they shoot well from 3-ville. I don't see a particularly close game here.

If Corbin wins, it will be by the very narrowest of margins at or near the buzzer. Eastern could win in a blowout. I'll take Eastern.

Not a factor in the game. They let both teams hack, push and hold and made some interesting calls both ways. We got used to it. No big deal in my opinion.

Here's a good strategy question: IF IF IF the short shot went in with 11 seconds to play and Boone goes up 31-30 with only four fouls, what would you have done if you were Coach Henley? Coach McQueary? Always trying to learn for the future.

Congrats to Holmes. WOW! What a defensive battle - I mean battle. Holmes plays the best defense in the state and Boone is not too far behind. I really thought the Rebs would win by 3, but, hey, that's why they play the games. I hope that Andrew holds his head high and realizes how well he played in the tourney. Everyone misses bunnies and short putts some times. The 3 main contributing seniors will definitely be missed - Steven, Andrew and Cory played their hearts out like every player that took the floor for both teams. Best wishes to the Holmes Bulldogs. You have what it takes to win at Rupp and I hope that everyone in the 9th region climbs on your wagon. The naysayers don't realize just how these 9th region teams get after it on defense. Great defense combined with refs who let both teams hammer each other all night long led to what would have to be an all-time low-scoring championship game up here, maybe in the whole state.

For Holmes' 3rd straight regional game, we see lots of blowout predictions. The blowouts have not occurred. Tonight will be no exception. It will be a great defensive battle. Gabbard vs. Riley will be a key matchup. I'll continue to say Rebels win region. Holmes may win the dunk contest (although Cotton can jam with the best of them), but all that matters is the final score. I usually don't do a score but tonight I'll say 49-46.

If it's not close, then Mason will prevail. Mason has had two cakewalks so they should have fresher legs. GRC is beat up but you can bet they will play very well. I'll take Mason by 7.

If the final margin is inside of 30, I'll be surprised. Good luck to all Lions in this battle.

LC just needs to make sure they do not letup mentally with the very unfortunate injury to a great player. You can bet that Scott will play with that "win it for Richie" intensity. I continue to pick LC.

GRC had all kinds of adversity this year and still beats a good Scott team 3 times. Best wishes to all Scott seniors. Congrats to GRC and good luck vs. Mason, I assume.

I think the Cats resurrect and win the opener by 5 over the Rebs.

What a difference a season makes. Can you imagine talking in football season about T pulling a huge upset over Eastern? As for hoops, E is the favorite but I'm not sure it would be a huge upset for T to win. I'll take E by 6. Good luck to both teams.

Boone may win by 5+ but I cannot say that Boone wants it more. To me, both teams want to go to State big-time badly. I hope lots of bb fans will fill the BOK to see two teams play their tails off and hearts out.

Agreed. The Riley-Gabbard matchup will be the key to this game. They are both very good.

'Tis better to be humble, my friend. Boone was the better team in February. Noone knows who the better team will be Tuesday night. These are two top 10 teams in KY IMO and either could win. I look for the Rebels to win - character in the clutch!

GRC was not at an emotional high for the St. Pat's game. You can be sure they know Scott is good and they will come in with a different attitude. GRC is more athletic and will make the big plays when needed to pull this one out. Will be close. I'll say GRC by 5.

Both teams will play with the best intensity of the year. Whoever can relax on the offensive end and hit key shots and FT's will win the game. It's not life or death and you have to take time to smile during even the biggest of games. Seriously, good luck to both teams (maybe a little more to the team in Blue) and I really look for a fantastic game in front of a big crowd. GO REBELS!

Congrats to the Birds on a successful season. The refs were let's just say - interesting - both ways and in NO way were a determining factor in the outcome. I think you could map out some fine calls that went against both teams. Boone has been lights out from the FT line at crunch time in the tournaments. This will be needed again Tuesday night. Good to get rid of that sick feeling from the worst game of the year at Highlands during the regular season. Boone and Holmes are the two best teams in the 9th and that's great to see them get to pair off in the finals.

SO, are these two BGP'ers not allowed to take a stab? It could happen. Holmes could win by 10 or 12. It could happen. But, let's not criticize another's opinion. Whoever wins is the best team in the 9th region. Go Rebels! Upset the Dawgs AGAIN!

Well, let's see, Holmes beat Ryle by 7, NCC by 9 so I guess they beat Boone by 11. NOT! Boone is much better than Ryle and NCC. This will be a barnburner with the Rebs pulling the upset by 2 in the closing moments. Who knows - perhaps OT?