NationStates

This is the opening cutoff for the conference finals!

Edith June Connolly

JOONGYEONG, JOONGYEONG - Here we go! College basketball will be heading to the Emerald City. The Carleton School and Mount Ester men's teams, as well as Keewatinook and Queen's College, will be meeting on the two-game slam in Garigal, Acadiana, to kick off their respective 2060-61 QIS regular season. All four schools, and the QIS, have made their announcement this morning.

In a two-game series known as the 'NextGen Slam at Emerald City', there will be two matches played at the Garigal National Exhibition Centre (G-NEC) in Garigal, capital of western Esportivan nation. There will be a women's match at noon and men's six in the evening in what will be the first QIS regular-season basketball game to be played outside of the traditional Quebecois realms.

Why is this significant?

It's significant, not only because it's first overseas game played outside the immediate realms. For decades the Quebecois collegiate basketball, aided by consistently strong performances of senior national teams, competitive rivalries with fellow Commonwealth nation Banija, and also the abundance of international competitions such as IUBC, AOBC and the CommonwealthBasket, have been guaranteed success. Both financially and athletically the Quebecois collegiate basketball programs have performed well, and there's a decent possibility that at least a couple of programs qualify - with The Carleton School already clinching a spot - for the Ultra 64 of this July's NSCAA Tournament.

It is probable that the crowd in Garigal, long familiar to high-level of basketball played there, is going to welcome the news. The nation of 28 million people has a 12-team Acadianan Basketball League, which is consistently regarded as third-to-fifth best league in the Quebecois Commonwealth, and sees high attendance figures in five-thousands. Internationally they remain competitive as well. BAcadianan men and women have been considered to be part of the traditional 'Big Four' - Quebec, Banija, Acadiana and Novopetrograd (some might remember last one as the largest constituent nation of the Gatchingerrak Union). In the men's CommonwealthBasket they have recently pulled off a couple of upsets, against all three nonetheless, to win the title, while the women have placed second in the competition behind the Quebecois.

The Match-up

Both matches are going to bring a lot of questions but also exclamation marks on board. With the women's basketball teams, for example, this is going to be the return of last March's QIS Women's Championship Game held in Dongnae-Halifax County, where after a tight contest, the Huskies prevailed 70-68. It is also expected to be a preview to the nationals, and possibly the West Regional leading up to the eight-team tournament.

Both teams have strong benches, even if they see two starters and a pair of backups, all playing major roles graduate into the pros and outside basketball. For both sides, expect Queen's College's all-Quebecois, graduate centre Diana McIntosh and Keewatinook's junior guard Kelsey Gutang to be at the centrepiece of the matchup. Both Olivia Neubaerova and Joanna Youngblood-Parker are coaches who prioritise using benches whenever possible, and aren't shy in applying various combinations. That said, considering the high-profile nature of the matchup, and how early in the season this will be, there exists a decent chance that we will see their starting lineups being used more.

For the men's game, we expect defence and depth to be a big flashpoint for both squad. Both the Ravens and the Lancers have a young squad that have performed decently at the NSCAA circuit, with former making the Woodlands Conference Championship Game yesterday and latter placing in the Quarterfinals of Eternal Conference tournament. The Ravens only graudate two players with starting small forward Ethan Woo and sixth man point guard Coriolan Biggio moving on, while Mount Ester will be featuring a team with three freshmen (two true, one redshirt) and three sophomores, making both teams ridiculously young and green ahead of the showdown. With the Ravens having a relatively difficult few years due to rest of nation starting to catch up with them, Mount Ester and Yoseo-Montevicio (whose shocking form have led into their struggles in both the regionals and QFs at the nationals), this definitely will raise some good questions.

Coaches' comments

Arnaud Lebedev-Park, 40 (Year 5, The Carleton School): 'It is an absolute pleasure to play abroad, in Acadiana of all places, with this outstanding group of men we have on board. As we all know, the standard of Quebecois men's basketball has been led by the Ravens on not only the collegiate level but across the board as well.

Jane Greiner, 71 (Year 23, Mount Ester): 'What can we say? Once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that nobody will refuse. Because it's going to be that good. It definitely sets up for an outstanding start to what we should look to be a historic season of Quebecois basketball in six years' time, even more so with us entering the 145th season of the QIS's sponsorship of basketball. Let's make the next six-year cycle worth it by starting it big, and in Garigal? Let's do it!'

Joanna Youngblood-Parker, 33 (Year 7, Queen's College): 'We never refuse an invitation like that. Playing Keewatinook, a side that we always aim to beat, whether on regular season or the nationals, in Garigal is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everybody. Let's get to it.'

Olivia Neuberova, 29 (Year 2, Keewatinook): 'Phenomenal. Just phenomenal to receive this opportunity that would be once in a lifetime for not only our team, but also those of the Quebecois and Acadianan international basketball community. Women's basketball has always been on the strength here, and we believe that by fully utilising this opportunity, we will be able to help grow the game further abroad as well. Let's ball.'

It was silent on the plane ride home. Nobody was talking. Everyone either staring at their phones, eating, or both. It was me who finally broke the silence, "Why are we flying home?"
Coach looked up at me, "Because we got knocked out. There's no shot we're making the Ultra 64 with our 12-18 record and only conference semi finish."
"There's a DCIT for teams who don't make it," I told him.
"Oh crap, there is?" Coach sounded shocked, which is a rarity for him. He's always calm. He wasn't even upset when Linus Venås hit a game-winning 3 to eliminate us. That was a great shot though, and even though I'm upset we lost, I respect Venås and I hope he does good.
"Meh, we're probably not making it anyways," Dimas said. He's a very downcast guy, and after his 25-4-11 game yesterday, he's upset that nobody could capitalize off his double-double. All four of those assists were to me, by the way.
"Don't say that!" I told Dimas. "You need to cheer up more, have hope that something good will happen. Hopefully we get voted into one of the tournaments, if not then we go home as the most accomplished Kharakian team this year."
"Whatever," He turned away and continued eating his steak. I've never seen Dimas eating anything other than meat. I swear he's a carnivore.

When we landed there was a welcome party for us with the players from all the other schools who made the tournament. First I saw Plistel, then Brusnia State, then Ikswat, then Kharakia City, then Yutak, our rivals, then the University of Brusnia, and finally Hoteel State. They all started congratulating us, even Yutak. Our coach seemed surprised, which I thought was weird. Twice in one day? Has never happened before. Something strange is happening, and at least I've figured it out.

The team bus is smelly, rusty, and creaky, probably from it not being used for a long time while we were in Banija playing out the conference stage. It's a place of memories of victory and defeat for me, probably for all of us. I remember riding on this bus and celebrating with champagne and beer kegs after winning the EYC, and Coach yelling at us after losing in the First Round of the nationwide tournament. This time, it's a mix of both. The bus is a huge step down from the RTC busses we had in Banija, but I heard that our University President was planning on applying for a RTC university bus system, for which we would use the money from the NSCAA. Hopefully it happens, because we deserve a reward besides just a welcome party from all of our fellow schools that were in the NSCAA 14. Whatever we get, I'm sure it'll be good.

Predicting the NSCAA Ultra 64

It’s almost time – a long season has brought us to the point every basketball team is trying to reach. The NSCAA Ultra 64 playoffs. Twenty teams, including (shockingly) the Red Elephants, have already clinched their spots, with the remaining 44 slots and seeding to be decided behind closed doors. Let’s examine what teams could make it, and how things might ultimately look like in the Ultra 64.

Our highly unscientific approach for ranking teams ends up with 64 teams from a dozen different nations. Powerhouse nations like Banija, Shima Bas, the NASCAR Cup Series, Valanora and Drawkland all have all eight schools getting in. Ranoria has all their seven teams making it, and both of the South Newlandian ones get in – Cassadaigua, meanwhile, only gets seven of eight, with the Victoriaville Medical Institute falling short after a 15-15 record and second-round exit. TJUN-ia gets five teams, while Quebec is reduced to only Jolbonopolis and The Carlton School. The last school of the field is the sole representative of Cardenao, with Alexandria University and their highly impressive 21-9 record.

Right on the bubble, we have two TJUN-ian teams, with 18-12 Hongxai People's University in and 17-13 University of the Caribbean At Port Town the first one out; meanwhile. One school proves to be a clear outlier, with 15-15 South Caddonia sneaking in thanks to their Auto-bid after winning the Shango Conference Tournament, actually pushing them ahead of one other school from Valanora (17-13 Rinaldi).
At the very top, the best team in College Baseball, we have Hangaza Tech, thanks to a 28-2 record, Woodlands tournament win, and dominant point differential while doing it. They are joined at the one-seed slots by fellow Banijan colleges Kitara and Loyala-Istria, as well as Penske College.
The best team without an auto-slot is Auto Club Technical Institute, whose impressive 26-4 in the Pink 16 was only enough for second.

The South Newlandian schools soar surprisingly high thanks to this dubious home-cooking, with EVU a shocking two-seed and the Egrets grabbing a five. In this simulation, EVU gets rewarded with this with an extremely difficult matchup against South Caddonia, who are riding the wave, while the Egrets play their first playoff game against The University of Dietrich.

Full Ultra 64 Field Simulation: (to be clear, this isn’t the real thing)

SEEDING
Seeding was initially determined by a formula that took wins, point differential, conference placement, conference tournament results, rudimentary conference strength, and nation-related bonuses. The resulting points from this formula were used to create an initial seeding for each team. These points will be used for scorination.

Like the previous two years, I wanted to prevent any "friendly fire" (two schools from the same nation playing each other) until the Elite Eight. Because of this, some schools were shifted around in the bracket to prevent these matchups. I have checked, and I believe that no nations have any of their teams potentially meeting before the Elite 8. Though your schools' seeding may have shifted a bit, no school was shifted more than five seeds up or down. As mentioned before, the point value used to determine the initial seedings will be used in the actual scorination, so a school's seed in this bracket may not be representative of their actual rank among the sixty-four teams.

IC'ly the seedings are exactly how the selection committee assigned them. TL;DR: some schools were shifted around to prevent nations knocking out their own teams too early, but otherwise everything is business as usual.

BRACKET CHALLENGE
Thanks to the power of Challonge, there will be a bracket challenge for the NSCAA 14 championship, similar to March Madness bracket challenges IRL. To submit a bracket prediction, simply view the bracket on Challonge and click the link to put together a prediction. I would request that you put your nation name or some other identifier so we can tell whose prediction is whose.

The winner of the bracket challenge will win absolutely nothing. Maybe some bragging rights, but I'm not sure I've ever seen somebody brag about winning the NSCAA bracket challenge before. Oh well, it's there if you're interested! It could also be fun to easily find some tasty potential matchups later on in the tournament.

VENUES
We only received one recognized bid for the Final Four. See here:
NASCAR Cup Series
With no competition this time, Daytona Superdome in Daytona, NASCAR Cup Series will host the NSCAA 14 Final Four and championship. Commiserations to the other bidders, don't let this discourage you from bidding in future cycles.

The rest of the bracket is being split into four "regionals", each of which will be hosted in a specific NS region. The hosts for each region will be selected from the nations that hosted conferences this edition. Listed below are the venue assignments for each region of the bracket. The match numbers listed here correspond to the match numbers listed on Challonge.

Region 1: Atlantian Oceania
Lagnthanian Arena, Raynor City, Valanora (22,000): Round 1 (1, 2, 3, 4), Round 2 (33, 34)
Shango Airlines Arena, Askatasuna, Banija (17,700): Round 1 (5, 6, 7, 8), Round 2 (35, 36)
Caribou Arena, Istria, Banija (18,200): Sweet 16 (49, 50), Elite 8 (57)

Region 2: Rushmore
RTC Arena, Brattleboro, Cassadaigua (19,000): Round 1 (9, 10, 11, 12), Round 2 (37, 38)
Stephanie H. Wiseman Arena, New Lakeland, Cassadaigua (21,300): Round 1 (13, 14, 15, 16), Round 2 (39, 40)
Dagan Airways Arena, Concord Heights, Cassadaigua (24,000): Sweet 16 (51, 52), Elite 8 (58)

Region 3: Independent (Sonnel)
Bunsen, Inc. Arena, Corinth City, Drawkland (44,500): Round 1 (17, 18, 19, 20), Round 2 (41, 42)
sNAX Arena, Raikennax, Drawkland (48,480): Round 1 (21, 22, 23, 24), Round 2 (43, 44)
Sentinel Indoor Stadium, Drawk City, Drawkland (51,000): Sweet 16 (53, 54), Elite 8 (59)

Region 4: Anaia
Ryu-Kweon Pavilion at the Letourneau-Jourdenay Centre, South Bend, Quebec & Shingoryeo (11,450): Round 1 (25, 26, 27, 28), Round 2 (45, 46)
Montevicio Veteran Coliseum, Montevicio, Quebec & Shingoryeo (15,640): Round 1 (29, 30, 31, 32), Round 2 (47, 48)
l'Arc-en-Ciel, Joongyeong, Quebec & Shingoryeo (21,500): Sweet 16 (55, 56), Elite 8 (60)

HOSTING
As noted earlier in the season, Chromatika will be scorinating the entire Ultra 64 tournament. He volunteered to do so as a third-party scorinator since he has no teams in the competition. This is convenient, since unlike previous seasons, we don't have to organize different hosts for different games, try to avoid giving people matchups with their own nations in it, or coordinate cutoffs.

Chromatika's cutoff time will be between 9pm-10pm Pacific Time, which is midnight Eastern Time, which is 4am (of the next day) in UTC. The first round will be scorinated on Friday and each cutoff will come every 48 hours, similar to the conference stage.

NSCAA 14   Ultra 64 Schedule
April 21 - Ultra 64 Round 1
April 23 - Ultra 64 Round 2
April 25 - Ultra 64 Sweet Sixteen
April 27 - Ultra 64 Elite Eight
April 29 - Ultra 64 Final Four
May    1 - Ultra 64 Championship

OOC Note: This is an extremely opinionated writer with extremely biased opinions. As the writer is a graduate of the University of Moravica, he is particularly biased towards the University of Moravica, and particularly biased against Northern Moravica.



Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I'm a U of M grad, aren't I? The University of Moravica are the dictionary definition of a basketball school, especially these days. 32-2, conference champions, two championship game appearances in the past, and the tournament's #1 overall seed. Fun times, right? All 8 Banijan schools are in the NSCAA tournament, and it's going to be a blast. Three #1 seeds(including U of M baby LET"S FUCKING GO!!), three more #2 seeds, a #4 seed, and a #6 seed. We're winning it all- obviously. Everyone else is there as just an addendum to the great story of the Golden Bears

Of course, at this point in the NSCAAs, this is when Banijans get some national pride and all start rooting for one another. It's hard to do when it comes to college sports in this country- these collegiate rivalries run hard and deep. But, after spending an entire season all shit talking each other, they'll now root for each other for the greater good. Mostly.

Some rivalries simply run too deep. You'll see me try to fight a Farf kraken before you see me root for NMU basketball, for example. And so I'm here to give our foreign readers the rooting chart. Which groups of Banijans are rooting against certain Banijan schools? Where does bragging rights matter more than national pride? And, of course, a miniature tournament preview for each team.

You'll see- right here.



Northern Moravica University Cougars
Final Record: 30-4
Berth: Big Seven Nine Regular Season Champions
Silverware: Big Seven Nine Regular Season Champions
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Independent Region; #7 Overall Seed
First Round Opponent: University of Raikennax(DRK),
Fanbases rooting against NMU: Loyola-Istria, University of Moravica (as well as Elephant Valley, Richardson U, Cold Hill, and Ratzupalfu)

Some things change, some stay the same. And that's certainly true for NMU. A hell of season gets them the exact same tournament berth as last time out- #2 seed in the Independent Region, and the #7 overall ranked team for the tournament, as the team flies out to Drawkland. 30-4, B79 regular season conference champions- a hell of a season. Elephant Valley beat them in the conference tournament title, otherwise this team had a legitimate shot of being a #1 seed. Still, they're sitting pretty, with confidence. "We truly believe that we've got a lot to prove. People have said a lot about NMU basketball over the years- the tournament is a chance to shut our haters all the way up." Said their head coach.

But the path is a brutal one. NMU is playing Raikennax- in their city. Suckers. Hope the home crowd intimidates them and they lose by 50 so the entire country can root against them. The path to winning this thing is absolutely brutal, and it starts poorly. "Starting the tournament with a virtual road game is not exactly the greatest reward from the Committee for going 30-4." Said a TV analyst about the Cougars. "They're going to have to prove themselves early and often. Raikennax will have all the energy with none of the pressure- if you want to put a game on upset watch, for any of the Banijan teams in the first round- that's absolutely the game to pick." They're a team smarting after an early, first round KO out of the conference tournament, so expect NMU's opponents to come out swinging.

As one would expect, U of M fans, as well as ULI fans, are out here rooting hard against the Cougars. I mentioned their foreign haters as well, because why the heck not? All the homies hate on NMU. There's a reason why they've never won shit in this tournament- they don't have the clutch gene. In any sport. You did see them go down 30-0 at half in a NSCF quarterfinal, at home, right?? They're gonna have early exits to lower seeds from this tournament every year until the Second Coming.

Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder
Final Record: 30-4
Berth: Flying Drawk Conference Champion
Silverware: Flying Drawk Regular Season Conference Champion; Flying Drawk Conference Tournament champion
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Independents Region; #2 Overall Seed
First Round Opponent: Drawk Corps University(DRK)
Fanbases rooting against the Blue Thunder: Loyola-Jinja, Loyola-Busukuma, Northern Moravica, University of Moravica (as well as Richardson, Cold HIll, and RUoN)

Hell of a season, unfortunately, for Blue Thunder basketball. The highest ranked Banijan team in this tournament- #2 overall. Top seeded team in the Independents Region. This is extremely unlikely(mostly because of the NMU tendency to choke out at the biggest moments), but there's technically potential for a Loyola-Istria v. Northern Moravica Elite 8 matchup- which would surely be the game to end all games(at least on the hardwood between these two schools). While any idiot knows that there's 0 chance NMU gets there, Loyola-Istria actually is a team that can win this damn thing.

Obviously, consistency. Plus resiliency- winning in OT against an archrival, to be conference tournament champion, it shows heart. It shows strength. It shows the power of bonding. They can blow anybody out. But they can do much more than that. They can win close games. They can win high scoring, low scoring, pacey, slow, any kind of game. But of course, a program as historically successful has them has all sorts of haters. Some of them, naturally, are obvious. The Loyola campuses have huge rivalries with each other. I don't even need to go into the North v. South Showdown.

You might ask then, a bunch of gridiron rivalries, same uni rivalries... Why is U of Moravica on here? Simple- NSCAA 13. Any U of Moravica fan will tell you that we should have been the first Banijan school to win this tournament. Two NSCAA championship games, actually a basketball school, etc... To see ULI not only do it, but to beat our #1 overall seed Golden Bears last time out... Just too much to handle. They're not as bad as NMU- nobody is- but if they go back to back? Then I'm giving this shit up and not coming back.

University of Moravica Golden Bears
Final Record: 30-4
Berth: Salamantica Regular Season Conference Champions
Silverware: Salamantica Regular Season Conference Champions
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Anaia Region; #3 Overall Seed
First Round Opponent: Sabinal State(VAL)
Fanbases rooting against the University of Moravica: Northern Moravica

Everybody likes us, eh? But for the second straight season, we've secured a #1 seed- this time, in the Anaia Region. So we're off to Quebec. We probably had an inside track on not only a #1 seed, but THE #1 overall seed, until the conference tournament title game. Then, Mar Sara Tech simply sonned us- a 56 point beatdown that was probably the worst experience I've ever had watching Golden Bears Athletics. Of any kind. But we had 33 other games to throw on our resume, and simply could not be ignored- the Committee ensured that we were still on the #1 seed line, which is ultimately what matters the most.

Nothing easy though. Since when did these bottom seeded teams get so good? All from blue blood nations. Playing a Valanora school in the first round isn't exactly what I had in mind, so we'll have to be ready. This is not your normal 1v16 matchup- this is what we have to consider as a blue blood v. blue blood matchup. We gotta go the whole 9 yards if we want to take down a team like this. As for rooting against us, everybody likes us! U of M is the most likeable university in Banija- ask Richardson. Of course, NMU fans will root against us, but honestly, who gives a flying ()#)! what they think?? Get to an Elite 8 before they talk.

Bunyoro A&M Waterbucks
Final Record: 27-7
Berth: Eternal Conference Regular Season Champions
Silverware: Eternal Conference Regular Season Champions
Seeding: #6 seed in the Atlantian Oceania Region; #24 overall team
First Round Opponent: Crimson Royal(SHM)
Fanbases rooting against A&M: Sankt Adelheid, University of Bunyoro

It's the Waterbucks! Of NSCAA 12 fame. They've been to a Final Four- and a buzzer beater from an opponent away from playing for a NSCAA Championship. It's tough- four Banijan schools have been to a NSCAA Final Four all-time, and they are one of them. But all that history did not mean a ton. They had to slog to a conference title, although they did it. The Eternal Conference was deep. They couldn't exactly put together a glittering resume like the other Banijan schools- 24-6, while good enough to win the Eternal, was not as good as the other conference champs, and put them behind the 8 ball.

And of course, losing by 19 in your conference tournament title game doesn't help things either. But look at where the Waterbucks. They are the lowest seeded team in Banija- a 6 seed, ranked just #24 overall by the Committee. They've been the butt of jokes in the country for that reason. "Look- everyone wants to talk about the Waterbucks, about how we're not 'up to scruff' or some twisted BS." Said the team's HC. "But this team is one of the best in the competition, helped by playing in what was by far the deepest conference of the competition." While some may disagree, A&M is maintaining their confidence. Plus, of course, a fun note- they open in Banija.

That's right. The lowest seeded Banijan team- gets to play a minimum of two, and up to four, rounds of this tournament on home soil. Expect A&M fans to pack Shango Airlines Arena, and then Caribou if it comes to that. Now, let's think of the haters. SAU makes sense- their archrival. But A&M isn't rivals of U of Bunyoro. But this makes perfect sense too- jealousy. U of Bunyoro has never played in the NSCAAs, but yet, the poorer, more rural school in Bunyoro is an internationally known basketball success story? They're fuming. They would want nothing more than for A&M to faceplant in the first round.

Kizza I College Cubs
Final Record: 28-5
Berth: Pink 16 Regular Season Conference Champions
Silverware: Pink 16 Regular Season Conference Champions
Seeding: #4 Seed in Atlantian Oceania; #16 Overall seed
First Round Opponent: University of Rouyoutte(RAN)
Fanbases rooting against Banijan Star and Crescent: Loyola-Busukuma, University of Ankole

Of course, a fascinating trend continues. The two lowest ranked Banijan teams are the two who got assigned to play in the AO Region- where we are hosting the regionals. A coincidence, right? Let's start with the relatively short list of haters for the Cubs. Their two main rivals, basically. Loyola-Busukuma is obvious- the two historic schools in Banija's capitol have rarely gotten along sports wise, so it's no surprise that Crusaders fans would hate on the Cubs. Of course, that rivalry is about as one sided as they come. Much more interesting, is U of Ankole. Remember, they've played in the NSCAAs twice before- furthest Ankole's ever gone is the Sweet 16. Kizza I College has been to a Final Four.

Of course, the path back is not easy. Rouyoutte is extremely talented- just ask Bunyoro A&M, whom they just beat by 19 for the conference tournament autobid. But it's a short flight to Valanora. Expect Kizza I College fans to take over Raynor City, as they go on to root for their team. But the road is brutal. If they beat Rouyouatte(and that game is a tossup at best!), then they'd have to take on the winner of Hondo v. Sadeg State- both schools who sit here as former NSCAA champions. "It's rare to get a first round matchup of former champs in this tournament- yet here they are." Said a TV analyst. "The Cubs got no business looking ahead to round 2, however- they've gotta get there first."

Hangaza Tech River Rats
Final Record: 32-2
Berth: Woodlands Conference Champions
Silverware: Woodlands Regular Season Conference Champions, Woodlands Conference Tournament Chammpions
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #5 Overall seed
First Round Opponent: Rinaldi Naval Academy(VAL)
Fanbases rooting against Mamari: University of Bunyoro, University of Hangaza

The team that came the closest to going undefeated this year probably can legitimately feel they've been hard done by the committee. They started 27-0, and then, of course, lost 2 of their last three to 'fall' to 28-2. But they recovered from that- dominant in their conference tournament, blowing the doors off of their Woodlands Conference mates to earn, what many thought, or assumed, would be one of the four #1 seeds- potentially even the #1 overall seed. While not getting the #1 overall seed won't really hurt, not getting any #1 seed at all, has to bring frustration to River Rats fans- especially after seeing Loyola and Moravica both get 1 seeds.

"Once again, there's bias in favor of the big brands. Sky is blue, water is wet." Said the Hangaza Tech Athletic Director after the Selection Show released their bracket. "To say, after the season we've had, being double conference champions, being one of only two teams in the entire competition to win 32 games, and to say that we aren't a top 4 team... Well, it's ridiculous. But don't worry- we'll show 'em on the court exactly what River Rats basketball is made out of." It's the exact same seeding they got last time out. But like the other Banijan schools, there is no kind path for them simply because they got a high seed- they've got Rinaldi Naval Academy directly in front of them, who are dreaming of an upset.

Now, of course, who are their haters? We don't have to look further than their rivals. Hangaza v. Tech- a legendary in-state rivalry, the two major schools of the country's second biggest state. And then, of course, there's the University of Bunyoro. Geography dictates that these two are rivals, even if they are in different states- there's not that many miles between the campuses. It's tough to be a Bunyoro fan right now. A&M is killing the game in the NSCAAs, Tech is killing the game in the NSCAAs... And you're at home. Watching on the couch. Pour one out, eh?

Zakuta State Crocodiles
Final Record: 28-6
Berth: Calania Conference Tournament Champions
Silverware: Calania Conference Tournament Champions
Seeding: #2 seed in the Anaia Region; #6 overall seed
First Round Opponent: Brattleboro U(CDG)
Fanbases rooting against Loyola-Jinja: University of Ankole, Ankole Tech

Zakuta State was the only Banijan school to not win their regular season conference title- but clearly, it did not hurt them in the eyes of the committee. They stormed through and won their conference tournament anyways, and were rewarded. Sometimes, it's not about how you start- it's about how you finish. And Zakuta State has had a ridiculously strong finish to the season. Despite finishing 'just' third in their conference, they won 13 of their last 14, including all four conference tournament games, to end their season. The Committee clearly sees that talent in them- rewarding them with a #2 seed.

They've got that strong belief that they are capable of a run, and are intent on making one. The other big Ankole schools really do not like them- and naturally, are jealous. But the Crocs could care less. It's a great time to be a Zakuta State fan right now- huge hopes for the Ultra 64, reaching the national semifinals in gridiron, etc... Everybody seems to be doing well at the same damn time. Their fans are going to flood to Quebec to watch their team. They're playing another blue blood team, however, in Brattleboro U. None of these first round games are easy for these Banijan fans- and the Crocs have no exception.

University of Kitara Hippogriffs
Final Record: 31-3
Berth: Five Star Conference Champions
Silverware: Five Star Regular Season Conference Champion, Five Star Conference Tournament Champion
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #4 Overall seed
First Round Opponent: University of Wisdom-Wollongmatta Bay (TJU)
Fanbases rooting against KItara: Mamari U

They're double conference champions- so unlike their friends at Hangaza Tech, they are a #1 seed, and believe that they are the best team placed in the Rushmore Region. It's tough out there- but this is a team that went on a ridiculous run to end the season, winning something like 24 of their last 25, including a 19 game winning streak during the season. It's an elite team with big-time title dreams. A lot of Banijan teams feel that way- and obviously, quite a few are going to be left disappointed. But it's already tough enough to be a #1 seed in your first year in this competition- to then reach the FInal Four? Near impossible.

Near. Mamari U had a great run last season, and yet, did not get anywhere near the final four. So Kitara desperately want to outdo their local archrivals. It would be a huge talking point, wouldn't it? The Hippogriffs, low-key, might be the Banijan school best positioned to win a title. They're playing out of their minds at the moment, they've got elite playmakers all over the board, defenders, shooters, etc.. A well-balanced roster, with veterans who are huge in crunch time, that is seemingly purpose built for tournament basketball.

Welp, that's everyone! Everyone's got haters this year- you know who's hating who. As always, go Golden Bears! And down with NMU!

OOC Final Four Information: As promised in the bid, there will be three events held during FInal Four weekend - Dunkerella (Celebrating the Cinderella stories of the NSCAA Tournament/Ultra 64), the Skills Competition and the All-Star Tournament. In order to provide enough information to "flesh out" all 3 events, I am requesting all NSCAA Tournament/Ultra 64 participating schools (Via their nations in RPs) to put in which players they'd like to send to each event if they qualify.

Dunkerella is limited to teams seeded from 33rd to 64th overall (Teams seeded 33rd to 48th overall will only have their players in if their team reaches the Sweet 16, while teams seeded from 49th to 64th overall will have their players in if they get to the second round.

The Skills Competition requires two players to participate, and the teams (Outside of NCS) who make the Final Four will have their players entered. After the Final Four teams are set, the top 4 NCS teams in the NSCAA Tournament/Ultra 64 who didn't make the Final Four will join in as well.

The All-Star Tournament is limited to one player per team, like Dunkerella. All Sweet 16 teams who didn't make the Final Four will have their players put onto the regional all-star teams (AO, Rushmore, Sonnel and Anaia), with the two best players from each regional who didn't make the Sweet 16 also taking part to round out each team.

An example of an entry forum for each competition is listed below. This entry is valid for NASCAR Cup Series only.

NSCAA 14 Final Four Events - NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)

Dunkerella
#38 College of Ware - Fisher Tate
#39 University of Talladega - Goodwin Dodge
#50 Universitade Eldora - Owen Emmett

Skills Competition
Auto Club Technical Institute - Edric Disney, Brodie Harlan
College of Ware - Leighton Banister, Brant Morriss
Hendrick State University - Kiaran Derricks, Kellan Clarke
Penske College - Corntotter Langford, Al Huxley
Richmond Racing School - Stafford London, Travers Davis
The Legacy Institute - Sanford Spalding, Cavan Snelling
Universitade Eldora - St. John Devin, Jamey Roberts
University of Talladega - Goodwin Dodge, Gerald Nash

All-Star Tournament
AO Regional
The Legacy Institute - Sanford Spalding (C)
Richmond Racing School - Kip Howland (SG)
Rushmore Regional
Auto Club Technical Institute - Brodie Harlan (PG)
Hendrick State University - Kellan Clarke (PF)
Sonnel Regional
Universitade Eldora - Leighton Banister (SG)
University of Talladega - Gerald Nash (SG)
Anaia Regional
College of Ware - St. John Devin (SF)
Penske College -  Corntoter Langford (SF)

In addition, for the Final Four, you can submit a song that will be used during their team introductions. Please refrain from doing this until the Sweet 16 or Elite 8.

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Do-dodo-do-do-do-do-do-doooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo....

Daytona. Okay, it isn't exactly the packed house that is Millennium Arena in Centivar County, Drawkland, but it's a change of pace regardless for the Final Four of the NSCAA Tournament. The tournament, often known as the Ultra 64, is the showcase of college basketball that everybody knows and loves from the 13 previous editions of the Tournament... Even if the first 2 seasons of NSCAA ball were JUST the NSCAA Tournament. From this point going forward, it's win or go home - EVERY team feels the same way that the low conference seeds felt during the conference tournaments. So who are the teams to watch for this tournament?

Let's start with the #1 overall seed, and you thought that it would be Hangaza Tech or Penske College at this spot as both teams went into the last third of the regular season still unbeaten, with the River Rats once 27-0 in the Woodlands. But you would be wrong. This time it's the little school from Level Cross that could - Shango Conference regular season winners and conference tournament finalists The Legacy Institute. The first Cup Series team not only to get a 1 seed but the number 1 overall seed, the Kings head into Raynor City with previous #1 overall luck on their side - Hondo won it all in NSCAA 12 as the #1 overall seed, while Northern Moravica were 1 win away from Drawkland, losing to eventual champions Loyola-Istria in the Elite Eight. Even though they didn't have the best record in the entire NSCAA, they were pushed to the brink against the likes of CH Beauty and MPI in the regular season, Crown's College in the conference semifinals and would've done a double if it wasn't for South Caddonia winning it at the death in the title game.

The last time TLI were in the NSCAA Tournament? Last go around, edition 13, when they were known as Petty University of Entrepreneurship. The "Petty Blue" Kings were the 7 seed within the Anaia regional and, as every single person in Schima Bas who follows NSCAA basketball may tell you, were aided by the Border Baptist Collies producing the upset of the tournament against Banijan Star and Crescent to get to the second week. But as we previously went over, the #1 overall seed has had a history of going far in the NSCAA Tournament. Apart from the last 2 editions, Frostvale in NSCAA 11 and Ducentu State in NSCAA 10 reached the Elite Eight. You have to go to NSCAA 9 to find the last time a #1 overall seed failed to make even the second week, where Mount Ester fell in the Round of 32 to Pocono City Tech! If that's anything to go by, we could be in for Spalding and company charging up and knocking on the door to Daytona.

Speaking of the River Rats, Hangaza Tech were placed as the #2 seed within the Rushmore Regional. Yes, a regional #2 seed - And the #5 seed overall - is what the best record in the NSCAA gets you. The Selection Committee were ruthless in their bracket selection with Kitara being the #1 Rushmore seed that will likely be the most difficult team Jikita Karbeh's squad can face on the road to the Final Four. But there's still a tricky path even to get there in Cassadaigua - In New Lakeland they face either Hendrick State or Southern Cross should they get past Rinaldi, and if they make the second week in Concord Heights, they'll likely face Old Mountain or Eastern Starksville in the Sweet 16. Some of the other challengers they could face from the Rushmore regional include an energizing Border Baptist team that made the Calania final, South Cadonia, and one 4 seeded Auto Club Technical Institute.

Yes, as sad as it is, the NSCAA Tournament will be the curtain call for the Club. Fontana's school is leaving their basketball program, who last season were the closest team to making it 2 16 v 1 upsets in 2 editions, out to dry. Whilst the school that will replace them isn't known (Experts still point to the University of Daytona as the likely option, especially if the Final Four goes well), what is clear is that Brodie Harlan and company will have to go their separate ways when their team gets dumped out. As such, their mission statement has been clear - Show the college basketball world what they will miss. Watch out for this team, as they could make a fairytale, movie-like run to Daytona.

As for upsets to look out for, let me utter out those six letters that every hater of the Gladiators loves to say - CAVSUX. Enough to be a 14 seed in the Anaia Regional with their first round opponents being Corntoter Langford's Penske freaking College. Weren't they 25-0 in the regular season? Didn't they straight up win the Shining Sun tournament? Yes and yes. BUT this is Corntoter Langford's first ever NSCAA Tournament appearance. Penske's first NSCAA Tournament appearance as well. Coming off a 15-15 regular season record and an uneventful DCIT run last season. There's bound to be some cold feet in the Dueces roster as they suit up for South Bend. If Cavsar are really a good basketball team, they have to prove it and not be the equivalent of a moving chicane in front of a packed house and a Drawkian board that can dump them out of NSCAA competition at any moment. The million dollar question that will be answered - Is CAVSUX real? Bet on it not being real for at least one round. They should probably make this the official Cavsar fight song.

So, as they say, it begins here. 63 matches of high pressure college basketball that even the IBC rarely produces are all that stands between us and the nets being cut down inside the Daytona Superdome... Inside the Daytona National Motor Speedway. Get your brackets ready. Prepare for your favorite to lose before the second week. Maybe during the first game. We have seen throughout the history of the Tournament, from Joe Gibbs to Loyola, champions can come out of nowhere. Hell if I know, Sargaara Technical Institute might as well win it all.

Only 3 words left to mutter.

No. Turning. Back.

This NSCAA season has mostly sustained an unprecedented increase in the level of skill from athletes across the multiverse. In previous seasons, you could count the number of contending nations on one hand, and their schools dominate the bracket. To fill out the standard field of 64, it sometimes feels like scraping from the bottom of the barrel for those lower schools. For the last couple editions, we encountered the opposite problem. For the first time, the Ultra 64 seemed too small. Several good schools from storied nations were left out, despite the fact that in other seasons they'd be good enough to be a midtier seed in the Ultra 64. Those schools deserved to have a postseason, in our opinion. This is why we unveiled the Drawkian Collegiate Invitational Tournament, otherwise known as the DCIT.

Since we had a comparable level of participation level this year (not as much as the last couple years but still decent), we've decided to bring the DCIT back.

FORMAT
This event is being run by DISC, the Drawkian International Sporting Council. It is technically unaffiliated with the NSCAA, and its "title" will be considered inferior to the NSCAA Ultra 64 title. Being an invitational tournament, entry is not requested nor is it voted on. DISC will unilaterally decide which schools will play in the DCIT, though if a school declines to participate they will be replaced. Which schools are invited will be decided by an inexact process, though the following requirements will be in place:

1. Schools that qualify for the Ultra 64 are ineligible.
2. Schools listed on At-Large votes who fall short of the Ultra 64 will be prioritized in selection.
3. Schools with a losing record are ineligible, EXCEPT
4. Schools which made their conference semifinal round, despite a losing record, are eligible.
5. Schools with better media coverage are more likely to be selected.

Like the Ultra 64, the bracket is single-elimination, culminating in a championship. Cutoffs will be every 48 hours, and set to alternate days with the actual NSCAA tournament. Results will be posted on the NSCAA 14 Results thread, and any RPs written in the NSCAA 14 RP thread will be counted for the DCIT, if applicable.

BRACKET REVEAL
Based on the criteria set above, 16 schools have been selected to participate in this tournament. Ten of these schools were those listed on At-Large votes which did not land on the right side of the bubble, while the remaining were selected by DISC to bring us to a 16-team bracket. The bracket is linked below in Challonge, and the selected teams listed in the spoiler beneath. As with the Ultra 64, the bracket challenge is enabled (if, for some reason, you'd want to do that).


SEEDING
The seedings were determined via the same method used for the Ultra 64, however, teams were shuffled around to prevent some first- and second-round "friendly fire" matchups, similar to the Ultra 64. Every nation shouldn't have any friendly fire until at least the quarterfinals, if not the semis. As with the Ultra 64, the raw points used for the initial seedings will be used for scorination, regardless of what the seeding is listed as in the bracket.

VENUES
The entirety of this tournament will be hosted in Sadeg, Drawkland. Sadeg has two high-level basketball venues, those being the home courts of the Sadeg Spartans (Sadeg's DBO professional team), and Sadeg State University. They will each host one side of the bracket, and Cliffside Court will host the championship. This is both for simplicity's sake, as well as cutting down on travel costs for teams which obviously don't want to spend a lot of money on a consolation tournament. The match numbers below are the ones from the Challonge bracket.

Cliffside Court (49,000): Play-In (1, 2, 3), Round of 16 (9, 7, 10, 11), Quarterfinal (15, 16), Semifinal (19), Championship
Skyhawk Valley Arena (42,000): Play-In (4, 5, 6), Round of 16 (12, 8, 13, 14), Quarterfinal (17, 18), Semifinal (20)

HOSTING
Since I am the creator of this tournament, and to not put too much work on Chromatika, Drawkland will be scorinating the entirety of the DCIT. This is even easier since all my schools made the Ultra 64, so no third-party scorination will be necessary.

My cutoff time will be the same as it was in the conference stage: approximately Midnight Eastern Time, but probably later in the event I have work on a scorination day. The first round will be scorinated on Monday, the day between the Ultra 64 Second Round and Sweet 16, and cutoffs will be every 48 hours from there. This means that the Ultra 64 and DCIT will have alternating scorination, with the DCIT championship being scorinated the night before the true NSCAA champion is crowned.

NSCAA 14   DCIT Schedule
April 24 - DCIT Round of 16
April 26 - DCIT Quarterfinals
April 28 - DCIT Semifinals
April 30 - DCIT Final

Edith June Connolly

RAYNOR CITY, VALANORA - The entire Board of Governors at the Quebecois Intercollegiate Sports (QIS), including the President Alexis Goyette, Vice President High Performance Souleimane Diop and Vice President-International Goh Yeong-Heui, have resigned yesterday. The regulatory board of collegiate athletics in Quebec & Shingoryeo, and neighbouring Erielhonan Free State, are set to replace Goyette with Sir. Dexter Ahn and Frances Patry-Poulin set to replace Goyette and Goh.

The collective resignation, which sets an extraordinary precedence not seen in the organisation's 144 years of history, comes after the QIS institutions suffered a catastrophic performance at the NSCAA basketball, where most schools played well below the standards expected during the regular season. Poor regular season and conference tournament results, which have been played in the courts across the Multiverse, have undoubtedly played a significant part, with only two schools - UC Jolbonopolis and The Carleton School - invited to the 64-school tournament.

With the Quebecois schools' presence suffering a low not seen in almost three decades (Quebec & Shingoryeo did not participate in the NSCAA 11), the release of full, 64-team field last week has immediately raised calls for the resignation of the QIS Board, as well as those related at the Basketball Quebec.

A QIS statement regarding the resignation read: 'The QIS Board of Governors, in the immediate hours following the humiliation of Quebecois collegiate basketball on the international stage, agrees and deems it in the best interest of Quebecois collegiate sports for the Board to resign at immediate notice. With this in mind, it is recommended that the QIS appoint and adopt a new Board of Governors at earliest moments possible to address the immediate fallouts of a catastrophe, and to avoid the mistakes in the future years, especially with the 15th NSCAA tournament set to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Quebecois collegiate basketball, which shares history with the QIS itself.'

Alongside Goyette, Vice Presidents Diop, Goh and Helene Italiano had offered resignation. Secretary-General Mickael Soh has offered to resign as well, but has since agreed to remain in his position until the Board of Governors is appointed to help out with the transition.

Board Members Graeme Greenough, Luca Grenier, Hadir Bennouna, Eo Yeong-Cheol, Kim Hye-In, Courtney Meyer-Heywood, Amelie Shainberg have also resigned.

The QIS also confirmed yesterday morning that Hall of Fame quarterback Sir. Dexter Ahn will replace Goyette.

'As a longtime Commissioner of the NationStates College Football, and a longtime patron of Quebecois collegiate sports, [Sir. Dexter] has perfect amount of experience, expertise and dedication needed for the operations of the organisation and its future,' a separate statement, one that introduces Ahn to the leadership, said. 'We are confident that Sir. Dexter will be able to lead the organisation into the future, one where our schools will remain competitive, dedicated and in a good standing for the student-athletes and the programs' futures.'

The QIS has also confirmed that Sir. Dexter, a 5-time Imperial Bowl-winning Quarterback with Joongyeong Voyageurs and Attawapiskat Broncos, will be resigning from his longtime position as the NSCF Commissioner. The organisation is set to hold interviews for the remaining governorships over the next month. Once the processes are complete, the QIS are expected to hold a Board of Governors meeting, set to be livestreamed for the first time in the organisation's 144 years of history.

The standings of QIS basketball programs in both men and women's divisions have dropped to a low not seen in the contemporary era. Recent years of high school athletes preferring to declare early for the QBL Drafts, combined with a number of traditional powerhouses struggling to break the grounds, have led into uncharted territories where five QIS programs, in a regretful and shameful situation, ended up at the 16-team DCIT tournament in Sadeg, Drawkland.

Said catastrophe, one that had drawn many attention across Quebec, has caused significant social media controversy. Most had stayed on course with their criticism towards both the QIS and the individual programs, citing that their spring season preparation, combined with their inability to perform on conference championship tournaments as atonement, suggest no less of the travesty.

Most famously, however, is the remark of the Basketball Quebec President, Alain Kimmirut, who points out that this news brings no joy. Kimmirut, who has been in charge of the Basketball Quebec since 2052, was no short of his discontentment with the ongoing situation, having suggested in past that the Quebecois programs are losing touch with the professional ranks and their collegiate equivalents abroad.

'We live in a time of disgrace where five sides end up having to battle for sixth-fifth place,' Kimmirut said. 'Yes, that is a shame, a true fucking shame, but one that you, and I mean as in those at the QIS and the programs, have to accept. There is no pride to be won with winning a trophy for being mid, but you ended up there because you failed to complete basic tasks that those six and twelve years ago had done so with relative ease.

'In these times of shame I hope that QIS programs, and the organisation itself, have learned their lesson. I hope they really do. It's a telling sign when the national team has announced two years ago, after the IBC, that they would like to bring back the entire squad instead of bringing newer talent, and while we are still a couple of months away from the IBC later in the Summer, we cannot ignore basic facts that this younger group of players have fucking sucked.

'So I'd advise the programs, and more importantly the QIS as organisation, to stop playing like shit while blaming the high schoolers for declaring early to the pros, and that they are better prepared in six years' time.'

The NSCF House in Joongyeong has not replied to our enquiry about future steps regarding the next Commissioner. It is rumoured that Ian Lautner, recently-retired Quarterback of Voyageurs and Broncos fame, is a frontrunner for the position.

Let's face the facts. Drawkland is not winning the NSCAA this year. Even when the eight school slate is balling out across the board in recent cycles, none of them have been able to overcome the dominance of the blue bloods from Banija and Valanora. Thus, in a down year, who could expect them to do any better? Of course we thank our lucky stars that all eight managed to scrape into the bracket, but given that our best seed is Old Mountain University at #21, it's not exactly an indicator of great things to come.

Alright, let's quit the pity party now. Obviously there's no shot that any of these teams do something worth a damn ... until there is. The finale of a college basketball season is known for Madness across the multiverse, and you never know when a team will pop out of nowhere, slaying giants, putting on their Cinderella shoes, and losing in the semifinals rather than the second round as expected. Oftentimes, it's thanks to one or two absolutely exceptional players on the roster picking the right time to ball out of their minds. Let's look at all 8 Drawkian schools and see which player on their roster is most likely to put the team on their back and bust a bracket or two.

#63 - Drawk Corps University
Potential GOAT: Tristan Rey, C (Senior)
It's been a disappointing season for Corps U, who barely escaped the "dishonor" of playing in the DCIT. It might have saved the Corps one more chance at the NSCAA, but you have to think that DISC's patience with the traditional blue blood school is wearing thin. A shock deep run is unlikely given their stature at the bottom of the barrel, but maybe they pull an upset against Loyola-Istria in the first round. HAHAHAHA, yeah right. The senior center, Tristan Rey, has been the only thing keeping this squad together. His skills in the paint on both sides of the ball are something to fear, even if the rest of the team around him can't shoot for shit. If Loyola can hit shots on the perimeter it's probably curtains for the Corps, but you never know.

#58 - University of Raikennax
Potential GOAT: Catalina Daywasson, PG (Senior)
Raikennax looked like a hot pick last cycle, but they've cooled off considerably this season. To stay in the NSCAA slate, you have to either have a big reputation or good results in the competition. UofR has a decent rep, but they haven't yet had that signature run. Ducentu State appeared on the chopping block, but then they busted into the final (and lost like a bunch of scrubs). Raikennax needs a run like that, but I doubt it's coming out of the 58-hole. As always, the Catalina Daywasson & Natalie Endgard partnership is what the Red Knights rely on. They've only hit their stride a couple times this season, so a breakout in the Ultra 64 is unlikely. But if that duo gets hot ... look out. Despite Daywasson's diminutive size (for a Drawkian), she's lethal thanks to her accurate shooting, especially from downtown. Northern Moravica knows that, though, so their perimeter defense will likely be airtight.

#57 - Ducentu State University
Potential GOAT: Jasmine Long, PF (Senior)
The chances of a Ducentu State repeat are very slim. Of course, with such a long time between cycles, it's not like any of the good starting players from the Final Four run last cycle would still be on the roster to help guide the squad to greatness, but still! Oscar Asher was there, but he hasn't progressed the way you'd hope an upperclassmen would. At this point, Jasmine Long's versatility in defense and shooting in the midrange is the largest upside. State has a slightly "easier" draw, getting to play a Ranorian school in the first round rather than some Banijan swamp monsters, but do you really think they'll pull it out given their performance thus far?

#51 - Cavsar University
Potential GOAT: Delta Adams, SF (Senior)
If I told you last cycle that Cavsar University would be facing a NASCAR Cup Series school in the first round of the NSCAA 14 tournament, you'd assume that the Gladiators were poised to pull off another Final Four run. It's kind of funny how much things can change in just three (or four, or whatever fluid time bullsh-) years. To the relief of all Drawkland outside of hicktown Cavsar, the Gladiators are not going to go far in this tournament. Delta Adams was the sixth man in Cavsar's decent run last cycle, and now he's the focal point of this squad. He can defend and shoot all over the court, but he's surrounded with questionable talent. If Penske College shuts him down, it's over for the Gladiators. CAVSUX baby!

#48 - Sadeg State University
Potential GOAT: Meredith Lockwood, SF (Senior)
It's definitely a down year for Sadeg State. You can tell, because all their fans on the internet are shitting on Cavsar for being a lower seed, rather than bragging about being in position for another title run. It's actually really disappointing. This team was filled with upperclassmen with some serious skill. Half this starting line is expected to be drafted next year, and yet they outdueled absolutely nobody. The worst part? They're playing former champions University of Hondo in the FIRST ROUND. Nothing says "wasted year" like that. Meredith Lockwood is probably the least underachieving of this group, so she gets the nod as this team's last hope.

#45 - Elmanden District University
Potential GOAT: Emmy Todd, PG (Senior)
Will the Mechanors pull out some magic again? They've been known to make some deep runs in the tournament, hallmarked by their championship win in NSCAA 8. A little mickey mouse thanks to the fact they were playing against a Drawkian school in the final, but whatever. They went to the Final Four in NSCAA 10 as well, but couldn't seal the deal. Since then it's been pretty hit or miss (mostly miss), and this cycle is no exception. Emmy Todd has been balling out lately, raining threes on opponents. Unfortunately team defense as a whole has been quite leaky, so it probably won't matter. They're facing South Caddonia University in the first round, which is a definite opportunity. SCU was bolstered by winning the tournament in a tough Shango conference in spite of their mediocre regular season. There's definite upset material here ... but can the Mechanors capitalize? Probably not.

#27 - Cemmendy Tech
Potential GOAT: Tommie Temple, PG (Sophomore)
The meme of Cemmendy Tech always losing in the first round of the Ultra 64 is finally dead thanks to their Elite 8 run last cycle. They did lose to the eventual champions Loyola, but whatever. Is this the cycle they make it to the Final Four? No. At least this time they're one of Drawkland's better teams, but that's not saying much. A first round date with College of Ware is sure to be a testy one. Sophomore Tommie Temple has been the best man on this team, already part of the reason they've made it this far in the season. If he can't get it going under the lights, though, it's going to be yet another first round dump by the Cyberpunks. They better hope it isn't, because this could be their last appearance in the NSCAA if so.

#21 - Old Mountain University
Potential GOAT: Ethel Denman, Coach
Now this is a bit of a surprise! OMU has been trying to assert themselves as one of Drawkland's best basketball schools, rather than just a flash-in-the-pan cinderella school. The near-championship run in NSCAA 8 cemented their spot in the slate of eight for a few cycles longer, and they've backed it up with a few solid performances since (including the domestic season). This year hasn't been great by objective standards, but they've certainly outpaced the rest of the Drawkian scrubs. This is the final season for longtime coach Ethel Denman, who is surely going to be at the forefront of this Ultra 64 run (if they even win more than one game). You probably expected me to say the legendary Ruth Cookson would be the one to lead this squad to victory if it happens, but I believe if the Northerners are going to make a deep run, it'll be thanks to the genius gameplanning of Denman. After all, everybody knows OMU cooks through Cookson. It'll be up to Ethel to scheme Ruth some space to make the magic happen.

Overall, it's pretty clear that this is set up to be an embarrassing showing reminiscent of NSCAA 9 (but at least it's better than cycle 11). It's likely that the best Drawkian school (whoever it ends up being) will fall in the Elite Eight, with at least half the slate (if not all of it) losing in the first round. That's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Let's hope the losses are at least fun to watch, rather than humiliating blowouts! See you all next cycle.

Ultra 64 to begin,
by Rachel McInnis, Concord Heights Times

Conference play and conference tournaments have reached their conclusion, and the selection committee decided on the eventual Ultra 64 bracket. Now, only one question remains: Which Banijan school will capture all the glory? The University of Loyola-Istra was awarded a number two seed for the tournament, and as a reward for their dominant campaign up to this point, they will have easy first round fodder in the form of Drawk Corps University. Naturally, that is just who Loyola-Istra really wanted to see in the first round. Of course, despite this being an even numbered edition of the NSCAA, the Drawkish schools have not been impressive, so we should not have high expectations for Drawk Corps. Still, that is not who a #2 seed wants to see in the first round, given their pedigree.

Of course, you want me to talk about the Cassadagan schools don't you? It will be great to see so many of them playing in the first couple rounds, so here is a look at where they are seeded and when they would run into their first Banijan opponent:

#9- Concord Heights Beauty School- Everything seemed to go right for them and for the first time, they have managed a top-10 seed overall in the competition. That would create a lot of excitement, but unfortunately, if they got past the first round, they have #24 Bunyoro A & M University likely awaiting in the second round. Sure, that might not be one of the stronger Banijan schools, but they are right on the doorstep of the Beauty School in this bracket.

#12- Eastern Starksville College- In their first ever NSCAA Tournament, Eastern Starksville has made quite an impression and stands as the second best Cassadagan team in the Ultra 64. Kudos to the selection committee for thinking so well of them with this seeding. Should they make it out of the first round, Old Mountain, from Drawkland is potentially sitting here in the second round They would not see a Banijan opponent until the sweet sixteen, if they made it there.

#30- New Lakeland University- Seemed destined for a better seed in this tournament, but they crapped out in the conference tournament. Still, I don't think #30 is all that bad, and it should be a good first round game between them and Ranoria State for the right to lose to University of Moravica in the second round.

#31- Grande Mountain University- The first round matchup between them and College of Portside (TJUN-ia) may be the game of the day. The winner of this game plays the Loyola-Istra-Drawk Corps game. So, not only does the #2 seed draw the Drawk Corps, they could have a potential NSCAA champion in Grande Mountain awaiting them in the second round.

#42- Brattleboro Technical Institute- It was a bit of a ho-hum campaign for the Brats, a school that is more known for an excellent conference session, getting a good seed, and then getting upset. They will be in the different role this year, but I just don't think they are playing well enough to make any significant push. Everlin University, their first round opponent, should take care of business, but should the Brats pull off a couple of a surprises, their first Banijan opponent would be in the sweet sixteen.

#52- University of Concord Heights- A slow start doomed these guys, but they played well enough to get into the tournament and meet up with Auto Club Technical Institute, a team that is shutting down after this year. That is presumed to be temporary with some sort of restructuring. They would not see their first Banijan opponent until the sweet sixteen, but it would take a reversal of form to get there.

#59- Brattleboro University- Congratulations on making the Ultra 64 in you're first try! The reward: Banija's Zakuta State. Hey, at least you made the tournament!

Hello dear readers, today is Round 1 of the prestigious Ultra 64 college basketball elimination tournament. That’s right folks, it’s crunch time in the collegiate bball scene and Cardenao has two schools representing our Blue and Gold flag, the Sargaara Technical Institute Penetrators and the Alexandria University Eagles who will face off against the best of the best in Round 1. For the 64th and lowest seeded STI Penetrators, the opponent is the number one seeded The Legacy Institute while the 56th seeded AU Eagles go against the #9 Concord Heights Beauty School, both games will be massive challenges and the Cardenaoan sides will need every miracle possible should they hope to emerge victorious. For the Penetrators, they will need every bit of skill from star center Dragan Stoikchev while the Eagles will rely on the quality of the team as a whole to push them forward. Let’s get into it.

The key to the game for the Sargaara Technical Institute Penetrators is, of course, Dragan Stoikchev. The 7’ center from East Cardenao has been absolutely dominant for his team, orchestrating play like a seasoned veteran. He’s not a ‘move constantly before overpowering his opponent and slamming down a dunk’ type player no, Dragan Stoikchev is more of a ‘run the PNR, fake a bounce pass to the roller before spinning around his defender to elegantly lay the ball in’ type of player. Hardly an athletic threat, Dragan plays the game at his own pace, letting him read the defense and plan the best course of action. The 22 year old recorded 20.8 points while shooting 56.6% from the field, scoring in a variety of ways that shows his expertise in the simple aspects of the game. Stoikchev can finish up close and in the paint while also developing his ability to score jumpers from mid-range and beyond the three point line, but that’s only a small part of what makes Dragan Stoikchev such an interesting player.

Stoikchev plays the game with an incredibly high level of basketball IQ, seemingly always aware of his surroundings and having a great feel for how the play is developing, which lends itself perfectly to the playmaker role and Stoikchev fills it perfectly to the tune of 5.1 assists per game over the collegiate season. He has a wide variety of passing techniques and can be quite devious with fake-outs and no-look dimes to his teammates, or using the threat of his passing to open up a scoring opportunity for himself. Dragan is certainly the team’s primary playmaker and the whole offense flows through him.

At 7’ 267lbs, he is quite the Tall Boy and this is unsurprisingly advantageous when fighting for rebounds, and Dragan pulls down a fair few of them. 10.0 per game as a matter of fact, that’s a solid rate. Sure, he does get bullied a bit by high-level athletes in the rebound game, but his general IQ and craftiness means he has developed quite the boxing-out skillset.

Defense is a little rougher for Dragan Stoikchev. His bottom-tier athleticism does not match up favorably against more quick and agile athletic talents and his inability to stay in front of his opponent or consistently protect the rim will be concerning as the STI Trojans go up against the #1 seed in The Legacy Institute. In the context of this single game, sure it matters but in the context of his career ahead of him and he does decide to go pro? Not the biggest issue in the world, there are plenty of unathletic big men out there who enhance their team’s offense by playing with their brain and using great footwork.

20.8/10.0/5.1 splits on 56.6% shooting really shows Stoikchev’s ability to both produce in a collegiate basketball context but also shows his potential for future growth in the professional game. Sure, you might not expect too much out of a slow-moving, athletically-challenged player but you can’t underestimate a player with good instincts and intelligence. Of course he won’t be thinking about any of that in the build-up to this game, no, Dragan Stoikchev only has winning on his mind.

Now let’s take a look at Alexandria University. Unlike the STI Penetrators, the AU Eagles don’t have a single star player like Dragan Stoikchev who the offensive flows through, no they have a well balanced team that head coach Raymond Louis has done well to assemble. Running the point is Dwayne Chen, a slightly built player who is incredibly agile and generally very crafty with his play. Seriously, the sophomore routinely pulls off some of the trickiest passes I’ve ever seen, and despite his slim build he can dance his way to the hoop where he converts more than you would think. Dwayne’s jump shot is absolutely broken, with the shooting movement starting at his hips and his release time taking what feels like an hour, so he is not really a shooting threat if the defender plays close defense, but that’s when he uses his craftiness and agility to open up a scoring opportunity for one of his teammates.

While Dwayne is the point guard on paper, the real primary ball handler for the team is burly shooting guard Mike Schoufler. The 6’5 God fearing junior is great with the ball in his hands, a very capable dribbler though not a flashy one as he prefers using his big build to carve out a lane for him to finish in style around the rim but he’s got a reliable mid-range jumpshot and he’s more likely to get hot from 3 than to go cold. He’s a good dimer too, capable of throwing accurate passes but he’s certainly looking to get his own points first and foremost. Mr. Schoufler is fantastic when the Eagles are coming back from a deficit and he’s the definition of Mr. Clutch in the dying minutes of games. Pair him with a pass-first point guard like Dwayne Chen and you’ve got a fun backcourt.

Starting at the three is Alejandro Liulia, a strongly built senior with a never ending energy source as he busters up and down the court. He’s a tenacious player who plays his heart out on defense, dogging his mark without rest and being good enough for a block and a steal or two per game. Offensively he can score in a variety of manners with his preferred method to use his considerable muscle to bulldoze his way to the basket though sometimes he shows a bit of refinement with a nice eurostep. Alejandro is no stranger to the 3 point shot, shooting several per game at a 31.3% clip which is not that great and therein lies his biggest flaw because for Alejandro Liulia he always has the green light to take a shot. No matter if it was a heavily contested 3 point or an off balanced fadeaway with a hand in his face or some other sort of ridiculous shot attempt, no matter because the light is always green.

The team’s power forward is Troy Vazquez, a lanky lad who stands tall at 6’10 and is a defensive machine averaging four blocks and three steals per game, which really says it all. The man is a beast on defense and is the team’s anchor with his great reading of the game and he pairs it well with his offensive talent. Troy is capable of scoring from all three levels, though his go-to’s are staring his defender in the eyes before nailing a three point shot or going to work in the post and banging his way to the hoop where he finishes extremely well. He’s got a fiery spark in him, loving to talk shit and grind and bump around and play real basketball dammit.

And finally, filling up the center position, is Tom Parliamance. He is tall, which is good for a center, he is strong, which is good for a center, he’s a good defender, which is good for a center, and he’s an absolute weapon on the offensive and defensive glass, which is good for a center. Tommy P isn’t the most gifted scorer of basketball and that’s okay, he doesn’t have to be that on this team. He needs to be tall and strong while being a good defender and a weapon on the glass, which he is. He fits the game plan perfectly in that way, though bumping his scoring up from 7.7 points per game would surely be appreciated in this grand tournament.

They have a solid team……for Cardenao standards. In terms of international competition? Well here’s the Eagle’s shot. Good luck against the Concord Heights Beauty school lads!

Valanora Times
Shall We Dance?

The Ultra 64 is upon us and all those who have made their way to the tournament now await with baited breath for the opening tip off that will start a three week process that looks to crown a champion in this edition of the NSCAA. Thanks to some rather strong performance in the conference tournament schedule, what seemed unlikely entering into championship week has become a reality and all eight teams representing the Empire have found their way into the tournament. The largest outside of course was South Caddonia who had just a five hundred record during the regular season, but they were able to put everything together that had not been working during the regular season and refine the things that had been working to storm away with the tournament win and the automatic berth that was given with it. Also on the fence was Sabinal State, although their performance in a rather strong conference and a decent if not great showing in their own conference tournament was enough for the selection committee to give them a chance to dance in this edition of the Ultra 64.

Now comes the difficult and trying part, for although the Vanorian schools for the most part had more than a respectable record and did well in their conference tournament, with three conference tournament champions in the form of South Caddonia, Mar Sara Tech, and Everlin, it was not impressive enough. Apart from perhaps Mar Sara, there could be an argument that every Vanorian school is at least one seed lower than where they might have believed their performances ought to have been, with even Mar Sara struggling to have a three seed despite a third place finish in their conference and then a thorough beat down of their Banijan opposition, the University of Moravica, in the conference title game one hundred eighteen to sixty-two. Despite some me foreign media claiming that the Vanorian schools are blue bloods in this sport, those back in the Empire would find the seeding that the selection committee has handed to the Vanorian teams en masse as evidence that such a status is far from being concrete and schools from the Empire still being viewed as a tier below the true blue bloods of the competition and sport.

There is no time for pity parties though, as the tournament is ready, willing, and able to chew you up and spit you out if you are not ready from the word go, especially in this edition of the tournament where there are no easy matches to be found for the Vanorian schools at all. Let's start with the very same Mar Sara Tech team that absolutely gave it to one of the first seeds to win that game, they then get the best performing Quebecois school who nearly won their own conference as a reward for finishing third in one of the most stacked conferences this season. The Carleton School is perhaps the best school that Quebec has on tap and they performed decently during the regular season but really shone in the conference tournament, at least until the championship game where they were given the difficult task of trying to oust one of the Banija powers, which they were unsuccessful at doing. This is by no means an easy matchup and as the highest seeded Vanorian school, it starts to shine a light on just how difficult this first round is going to be for all parties involved if this is their reward for a conference title.

Hondo University, the one team among the Vanorian schools who could really lay claim to being a blue blood and had an automatic berth into the tournament with their second place finish in the Flying Drawk, are a five seed. They are joined at the five seed by Turbani Tech and South Caddonia, which is just completely confusing for different reasons. Turbani probably thought their poor performance in the conference tournament would have dropped their seed but they seemed to have either stayed the same or maybe even risen while South Caddonia was not even expecting to make the tournament and when they won their tournament, they were expecting a seed of eight or lower, not fifth. Hondo will have their hands full though as they will have to contend with former champions Sadeg State, as the the Drawkland school makes it a battle of former champions in the first round. The Skyhawks are a dangerous team and they will definitely be looking to try and spring the upset on Hondo, while Hondo is hoping to try and make it a third straight trip to the Final Four. South Caddonia also has Drawkland opposition, the fourth placed side out of the Eternal Conference and quite the physical difference between the two teams as is ever the case when Vanorians take on Drawkland teams. Turbani perhaps has the most winnable game in an already difficult game against Jasper Technical from Schima Bas, whose schools have performed more than admirably in their maiden voyage.

Raynor will feel the most hard done by, with a ten seed despite finishing third in the Shining Sun Conference and as runners up by a single point in the conference championship game. Twenty three wins in the regular season and getting to the Final and nearly winning their conference seems to have been of no consequence to the committee and their path to any sort of success seems to be blocked before it can even truly begin. Their opponents are Richmond Racing School from the absolutely stacked Salamantica Conference, where they finished fifth despite a twenty win record. The Rockets have played well this season but this is a very difficult opponent to begin the tournament with and the seeding is a crying shame for how well they have played. Continuing the theme of poor seeding for conference champions, Everlin find themselves at a six seed and get Dagan powerhouses Brattleboro Technical Institute. The Brats were a bit down on their luck with a sixth place finish in the Eternal but they did make the semifinals. If Everlin's defense can hold, this could be the game that has the best chance of going in favor of Vanorian triumph, though even that seems dodgy. Rinaldi Navel Academy was basically given their marching orders though, with Hangaza Tech from Banija who thoroughly crushed the Woodlands both in conference play and in the tournament. At least they made the dance, it would seem, much the same with Sabinal State and the University of Moravica. Truly, this is just a Banija playground and we're all just here to watch.

This week kicks off the Ultra 64 tournament, and this year, there's seven teams in the big dance. Only Morissland A&M didn't get a nod. With seven chances at making it deep in the tournament, here's how the citizens of Schima Bas think things will shake out.

Support for the "Big Three" remains highest in the country, with those schools accounting for just under 40% of total support. However, the gap appears to be closing since the country entered into NSCAA basketball last season. Border Baptist has been the biggest recipient of that growing support, jumping two positions from last year, where they had just under 6% support.

University of the Southern Coast (14% National Support)
Crimson Royal (12% National Support)
Crown's College (12% National Support)
Border Baptist (10% National Support)
National College (10% National Support)
Blue Crescent (8% National Support)
Jasper Technical (7% National Support)

27% of the nation is left, and after the 4% that said they aren't supporting any specific team, here's the most supported foreign schools in Schima Bas:

5% Bunyoro A&M University (BNJ)
4% University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)
4% University of Hondo (VAL)
3% New Lakeland University (CDG)
3% Richardson University (RAN)
2% Brattleboro Technical Institute (CDG)
1% Elephant Valley University (SNL)
1% Hangaza Tech (BNJ)

The growth in interest in basketball outside of Basian shores is also new. Before the country's involvement in NSCAA, less than 5% of the country watched foreign basketball, including college and professional levels. Now, that number sits around 15-20% depending on region.

“There’s a lot more teams now. We’re a land of immigrants, so I don’t think it’s crazy to think that there’s supporters of every college in the tournament here,” said Ourelasia basketball fan Lula Daeni, who was clad in New Lakeland gear.

Some fans said that they wanted to support other nations' teams because they had followed them for longer than domestic schools.

“Some places don’t have schools with big basketball programs,” said Morissland native Ken Marsh, who’s hitching his horses to Banija’s Bunyoro A&M. “Sure, we’ve got the campmen, but it’s a helluva drive, and most people here ignore Barbone and all that craziness. So I guess it was easier to cheer for a team that I’ve never seen in person.”

Because of the intense gender divide in the country, women’s organizations around the nation have been organizing viewing parties of the tournament, but get this: none of them are watching Basian schools. Instead, the schools out of Cassadaigua have their attention, primarily New Lakeland University and Brattleboro Tech.

“Why would we watch the men?” said one woman, who rushed off into the 8:30 female-only train before the reporter could catch her name. “You must not be from here if you’re asking questions like that!”

Carlee Bryant Blasts Media,
By Rachel McInnis, Concord Heights Times

With 3.2 seconds remaining in the contest against Valanora's Everlin University, Carlee Bryant hit a jumper that proved to be a game winner to lift Brat Tech (Brattleboro Technical Institute) to a 74-73 win. In her post game interviews, Carlee did not hold back when talking to the media about the shot, "Yeah, I don't know why I did that. What is the point of playing this game?" Bryant said to a group of confused looking reporters, which included myself. Fortunately, she went on without the need to be asked what she meant with her statement, "Even before this bracket was decided, you all had it as a foregone conclusion that there are going to four Banijan schools in the Championship Four, and perhaps places from Nascarland can give them a fight, but everyone else in the Ultra 64 are just here to play a supporting role to the Banijan dominance. So, I don't know why you all bother to cover this game, go jump on a bandwagon of someone from Banija and cover them." After fairly pointing out how we have been reporting on this tournament, Bryant did go on to talk about her teammates and how much of a great experience this is for them. But then, she also went on to say, "In the end, we are doing this for Brat Tech, our students, our alumni, and all of our fans who have been on our side throughout the year. Any Cassadagan fans who have supported us during this tournament, we thank you for that. It's an incredible experience to be here, but we have not gotten the memo that we are supposed to roll over and play dead."

Has there been too much of a bias towards the Banijan schools in our publications, or is it just reflecting on the realities of this tournament? I appreciate the passion of Carlee Bryant, and that is exactly how I want her to be approaching these games. Deep down, yes, we hope that one of the now three remaining Cassadagan schools can go on a run, but it is not our job in the media to be fans. Fact is, all eight of the Banijan schools in the tournament won their first round games, and six of them won by double digits. Only Brattleboro University (against Zakuta State) and Rinaldi Naval Academy (against Hangaza Tech) lost by less than ten points, and even each of them lost by eight. Of the three Cassadagan schools remaining in the Ultra 64, two of them are looking at Banijan opposition in the next round. Only Brat Tech isn't, and perhaps that's why you have someone like Carlee Bryant not getting all worked up over the Banijan dominance quite yet.

Maybe the Brats can be a Cinderella, as after all, they are the #42 seed, and were not expected to defeat Everlin. They're looking at Crown's College in the next round, and that opponent will be favored, but if Bryant has the team fired up in the locker room, I would not rule the Brats out from picking up the "W". Northern Moravica is lurking in the sweet 16 for whoever wins this game, and Bryant was asked about that opponent if they defeated Crown's. "Don't they have to beat Richardson first?" Bryant said, and she declined to otherwise answer the question besides asking that they were only focused on Crown's.

The other two schools remaining are Concord Heights Beauty School, who is the #9 seed and should be favored over Bunyoro A & M, but I'd venture to guess that at least 75% of the brackets out there have predicted the Beauticians to lose. Grande Mountain also remained, and takes on Loyola-Istra in the second round. Back to the Beauty School, when I asked coach Cate Hesson about the team being considered an underdog despite their top ten seeding, she reported back that, "It is obviously true that once you get the Ultra 64, the seeding doesn't matter. Our team always does a great job in their preparation for a game, and I am not just talking about the hour or so in the locker room working on their physical appearances. Playing this game in Banija has us in enemy territory in a way, but maybe these locals have a rivalry with Bunyoro, and would rather see them lose than to win. Either way, we're going to worry about our own execution above everything else."

It may very well be that we are shut out after this round, but the action should still be good on the court.

OOC Dunkerella Information: As it stands, the following teams are qualified or are close to qualifying for Dunkerella:

Qualified
#53 The University of Dietrich (RAN)
#50 Universitade Eldora (NCS)

Will qualify if they reach Sweet 16
#33 Central State University (TJU)
#35 Ranoria State University (RAN)
#38 College of Ware (NCS)
#42 Brattleboro Technical Institute (CDG)
#48 Sadeg State University (DRK)

The University of Dietrich has the #1 seed for Dunkerella.

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Let me put this up on the table for you. Teams from Banija and the Cup Series make up almost half of the entire remaining field in the NSCAA Tournament. And it's only the Round of 32. Banija has been clearly circled as the best nation in the history of the NSCAA Tournament that could pull off a mythical 8/8 in the Elite Eight, something never done before, but whoever would have to play the role of the Ultra 64's second in command when it came to team survival was up in the air. Apart from Banija and the NCS, Valanora and Drawkland, two blue blooded basketball powers, also sent 8 teams to the NSCAA Tournament. While yes, half the field came from 4 and only 4 nations, there was still plenty of discussion to see who would have the most teams in the next round apart from the dominant Banijans. When all was set and done, it was the Cup Series who left the fewest teams behind in the first round, and it was only one this goaround.

That unlucky duckling was none other than the #10 Sonnel seed University of Talladega Big Ones. Let's be honest here, Richardson are no stranger to win or go home situations. Anybody remember last season, where the Governors won their conference tournament as the 9 seed? That was perhaps the only way that they could go so far as MAKE the NSCAA Tournament. This season, they just so happened to be in the same conference as Dega. Despite the Big Ones being the 4 seed and Richardson being the 6 seed when conference tournament time came along, Richardson proved everyone that yeah, they were just built different come the conference tourneys. 4 points away in overtime from the Flying Drawk title against Loyola built different. So much more built different that, even though Dega beat them in Richardson Arena and the Superfieldhouse, Raikennax turned out to give them the bleeding edge to keep them alive in a win or go home game. Rudy West was completely shut down throughout the game, as Franklin Jones gave the Governors the shove to the Big Ones they needed for their opponents to crash in turn 1.

Penske College offered the only overtime game of the first round of the NSCAA Tournament, as the pressures of the big dance got on the heels of one Corntoter Langford. The Dueces superstar said that the atmosphere at the Ryu-Kweon Pavilion in South Bend, the location for the 4 seeded team's clash against the 13 seeded Cavsar Gladiators, to be "More intense than any other atmosphere I have played in." Cavsar, the Drawkian school that made back to back Final Fours in the last 2 seasons, were down bad compared to their runs to Centivar County, but their experience put up a fight against a school who appeared in their first NSCAA Tournament game. Al Huxley, however, hit a clutch buzzer-beating 3 pointer at the end of the second half to send the game into a Drawkland approved 77-77 overtime, before, with just 3 seconds left in the overtime period, he passed the ball to Corntotter, putting up a critical layup that was enough for them to win 87–85. Cavsar going from two straight Final Fours to an Ultra 64 exit? Now THAT'S CAVSUX.

Even though Rushmore #14 seed Dietrich pulled off the upset of the tournament against Eastern Starksville College, the Sonnel #13 seed Universitade Eldora were placed into the same situation Cavsar found themselves in. Eldora partook in the previous NSCAA Tournament as the Sonnel 9 seed, losing to none other than the 1 seeded Gladiators in the Round of 32, but their team had regressed from those highs to become the 5th best team in the Eternal Conference, even if they ended up making the tournament Semis. Elephant Valley University, on the other hand, were one of only two teams in South Newlandia, a historical baseball nation, to not only make the NSCAA Tournament, but also to participate in the NSCAA itself. The Red Elephants spent their very first NSCAA season not only finishing 2nd in the Big 7 9 regular season, but also winning the Big 7 9 tournament in Metropolon against Northern Moravica. That was enough for them to earn the 4 seed in the Sonnel region, but their inexperience showed against the Mudslingers.

Eldora shooting guard Leighton Banister said that the school, which was mainly made up of international recruits from Chromatika, Banija and Hannasea, were, for a lack of a better term, different. "Whenever you think of recruiting from abroad, you mainly think of college football. I get that South Newlandia isn't a basketball nation, but I don't think this team will gel when things get really tough. I get that they had the Big 7 9 Tournament, but the NSCAA Tournament is different." Turns out that he was right. With 15 seconds left in the game, with EVU up by one, Banister ended up in a tangle with Danny Burns, but managed to get a shot off in time AND in the basket for an and-1, which he easily converted to put Eldora two points up. The Red Elephants then proceeded to miss both a 3 point shot and a layup to end their season on the wrong foot.

Apart from Penske and Eldora, the #1 overall seeded TLI took down last-team-in Sargaara Tech in Raynor City, with Sanford Spalding clutching up 28 points in a 78–62 victory. Richmond Racing School, who two seasons ago beat Sadeg State to become the latest 16 seed to beat a 1 in the Ultra 64 before making the Sweet 16 in the same tournament, beat another blue-blood in Raynor to let the 7 seed move on to a date with MPI. Auto Club kept their entire existence alive with a crucial 4 v 13 win against Concord Heights, while Hendrick State beat Southern Coast to set up a monumental Round of 32 clash in the Rushmore regional against Hangaza Tech. Oh yeah and 10 seeded College of Ware beat Semmedy Tech. Can't forget about that! Either way, 7 out of 8 in the second round isn't too shaby.

[quote="Banija";p="40531329"]OOC Note: This is an extremely opinionated writer with extremely biased opinions. As the writer is a graduate of the University of Moravica, he is particularly biased towards the University of Moravica, and particularly biased against Northern Moravica.



Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I'm a U of M grad, aren't I? The University of Moravica are the dictionary definition of a basketball school, especially these days. 32-2, conference champions, two championship game appearances in the past, and the tournament's #1 overall seed. Fun times, right? All 8 Banijan schools are in the Ultra 64, and after one round, all 8 remain- an impressive opening round for the Banijan schools.

We'll dive straight into that. What we saw in round 1, what that means for round 2, and what round 2 for these schools will look like.



Northern Moravica University Cougars
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Independent Region; #7 Overall Seed
First Round Result: Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 79–63 University of Raikennax (DRK)
Second Round Opponent: Richardson University(RAN)

Many NMU fans were worried about this first round matchup. Earning a #2 overall seed, yet playing against Raikennax at their own home arena. A true road crowd for what would function as a true road game during the Ultra 64- even if the deep pocketed, and large, NMU fanbase did show up in decent numbers. But fortunately, there was not a ton to be worried about from a NMU perspective. While this game was close for a long time, a 10-0 run into halftime by the Cougars gave them a 6 point lead at the break, by a score of 42-36. And in the second half, the Cougars broke it wide open- using excellent shooting to open up, at one point, a 21 point lead, although they won by 16 in the end.

It was an impressive win by the Cougars. Masamba Bala led all scorers with 17 points, with 13 of those coming in the first half. "An excellent win to start this tournament- we had to show the NSCAAverse at-large, that we were ready for this level of competition, and we did just that." Said the senior captain, Jubal Ojuok. "We'll be ready for round 2 of the Ultra 64." It'll be an interesting matchup in round 2- They'll take on Richardson University. Expect a bunch of anti-Loyola chants echoing throughout the arena during their matchup. The Governors are a challenging matchup, but the Cougars should be favorites- they'd be disappointed if they did anything but sew their spot in the Sweet 16.

Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Independents Region; #2 Overall Seed
First Round Result: University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 95–59 Drawk Corps University (DRK)
Second Round Opponent: Grande Mountain University (CDG)

Loyola-Istria did what one would expect of a #1 seed in the first round of the Ultra 64- blow their opponents off of the floor. They started their run at a potential repeat in emphatic fashion, cruising against an overmatched Drawk Corps side by 36 points. There was nothing they couldn't do- the three pointers were falling, the defense was forcing turnovers, they were running on the fastbreak- absolutely everything. The game was over by halftime, with the Blue Thunder up by a shocking 55-28 at the break. 55 first half points in college is almost insane, and it was reflected in an absolutely unreal 62% shooting percentage from the field by the team(including 55% from 3!) for the entirety of the half- as well as shooting 8/8 from the line in the first half, as a squad.

Is it a first half offensive performance that one can replicate? Probably not. But it's the Ultra 64- you're just out here to win games. The path will not be easy from here. Grande Mountain is a blue blood school in this competition- one of those rare moments when you have two former champions going at it in the Round of 64(Grande Mountain won NSCAA 3). Madi Jata, the Blue Thunder head coach, was excited for the matchup. "It's big team v. big team, champion v. champion- it should be one for the ages. I think it'll be the game to watch of the second round. We're excited and prepared for a bare knuckles matchup against Grande Mountain, one that can absolutely go down to the final moments."

University of Moravica Golden Bears
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Anaia Region; #3 Overall Seed
First Round Result: University of Moravica (BNJ) 96–64 Sabinal State (VAL)
Second Round Opponent: Ranoria State(RAN)

Of course, this is the school we're here to read about, right? The only school anybody cares about. Like Loyola, we did what 1 seeds should be doing in round 1 of the Ultra 64- taking care of business. We blew the doors off of Sabinal State in Quebec, with the 32 point victory allowing the Golden Bears to move on, with very little complications, to round 2. This was one of those games that, realistically, was much closer for a much longer time. But in the second half, Sabinal State went cold. We led, 47-40 at halftime- absolutely a close game. But then, we started the second half on an 18-0 run- Sabinal State missed their first 14 shots of the second half from the field. Hitting that 12 minute media timeout, and seeing your team down 65-40, in a game that was just 47-40 a few minutes ago- well, sometimes, this sport is a game of runs.

That's what makes our team the best. We can hit 'em and go on a run against anybody. Hopefully, we can get back to the NSCAA Championship Game- and this time, win the damn thing. In round 2, we'll get Ranoria State. It should be an interesting matchup. They've got a huge fanbase, and expect success in basically every sporting endeavor that they've ever done. But there's a reason that we sit here as a #1 seed. Is there any more experienced head coach than George Lampda? He'll have the Golden Bears ready, and we should cruise past Ranoria State into the Sweet 16.

Bunyoro A&M Waterbucks
Regular Season Record: 27-7
Seeding: #6 seed in the Atlantian Oceania Region; #24 overall team
First Round Result: Bunyoro A&M University (BNJ) 76–62 Crimson Royal University (SHM)
Second Round Opponent: Concord Heights Beauty School(CDG)

The Waterbucks are absolutely the Banijan team with the biggest chip on their shoulder. Why? They are the lowest seeded team out of the 8 Banijan schools in this tournament. As a #6 seed, that 6v11 is a prime upset matchup- where the Madness really kicks in. But despite playing nearly all the way across the country in Askatasuna, the Waterbucks faithful came in huge numbers, and completely flooded into Askatasuna- the opportunity watch them play in the Ultra 64, in Banija, one that they simply could not pass up. They rode that quasi-home crowd to a 76-62 victory, leading by at least 5 for the entirety of the second half. Not a blowout, for sure- but the Waterbucks remained in control. Simply could not allow Crimson Royal to break, or really get any momentum. Every single time they punched- the Waterbucks punched back, and were too strong and deep down the stretch to be handled.

So that puts the Waterbucks into the second round. And an interesting position- the only Banijan school to be the seeding underdog in round 2, as they'll throw on the dark jerseys to take on Concord Heights Beauty School, out of Cassadaigua. It should be another raucous crowd up north in Askatasuna, against the Beauty School. Can the Waterbucks win that though? They will live and die with their stars- Bane Jevnik(MYT) and Humza Muani. If those guys can have a good game, they can go toe to toe against anyone. But if either falter, especially Jevnik? Well, it could be a longgggg offseason if A&M finds themselves as the first Banijan school eliminated from the Ultra 64..

Kizza I College Cubs
Regular Season Record: 28-5
Seeding: #4 Seed in Atlantian Oceania; #16 Overall seed
First Round Result: Kizza I College (BNJ) 97–66 University of Rouyoutte (RAN)
Second Round Opponent: Sadeg State University (DRK)

The Cubs, in their return to the Ultra 64, coasted against Rouyoutte out of Ranoria- with a 97-66 win showing the power and talent of their offensive players. Scoring basically at will, getting to 97 points in front of a very friendly near home crowd, in Valanora. The watch parties back home in Busukuma were strong. This is a school that is bitter they didn't play for a national title in gridiron, and now they are pining all their hopes onto basketball. Fortunately, they looked impressive in this opening win. You watched them play, and could only think one thought- surely, this is a team that can get back to the Final Four, right? They made it three cycles ago- why not this time too?

They will draw a former tournament champion, Sadeg State, in the second round of the tournament. "Look- it's exciting to play a school with the history of Sadeg State." Said the team's head coach, Musaazi Kaba. "And think- if we win this game, we'll get to go home to Banija, and play in front of our fans in Istria. The fans are ready to see this team succeed, they believe in our mission. Cubs nation is united- we must show it against Sadeg State!"

Hangaza Tech River Rats
Regular Season Record: 32-2
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #5 Overall seed
First Round Result: Hangaza Tech (BNJ) 91–83 Rinaldi Naval Academy (VAL)
Second Round Opponent: Hendrick State University(NCS)

A team like the River Rats show you exactly how hard it is to win a tournament as deep as this one. They go 32-2, and somehow sit as a #2 seed. And then- Rinaldi Naval Academy almost pull off what would have surely been an incredible upset. It was an 8 point game, yes- but it was much closer than that. With 1:22 left, Rinaldi Naval had made a three pointer that had given the Vanorian school an 83-80 lead. Tech's season, on the verge of being compleletely obliterated in just the first round, by a 15 seed. But the River Rats answered the ball. They came down the floor with pace, after that 3, and Natanael Asaelsson was able to spin to the basket for a quick 2. 83-82.

Then, talk about the defense forcing turnovers. A fullcourt press after the Natanael Asaelsson basket worked- with SG Jebel Mih interception an errant pass from the Rinaldi PG. He immediately found a wide open Jikita Karbeh in the corner, and the small forward hit a 3. Therefore, with a minute left, they led, 85-83. And then, another turnover. Yet another fullcourt press caused them to throw the ball away, as an errant pass went high and into the 3rd row. At the end of the ensuing shot clock, Busogan PG Halifa Suware hit a floater with just under 30 seconds left, to make it 87-83. And the River Rats hit 4 free throws down the stretch to survive, 91-83.

Not the most impressive win- but a win is a win. That's all that matters at this point. But that points them in upset alert against Hendrick State in round 2. Can that seven seed end the River Rats season? Or is Tech still on a quest to prove that they are, indeed, the best team in this tournament?

Zakuta State Crocodiles
Regular Season Record: 28-6
Seeding: #2 seed in the Anaia Region; #6 overall seed
First Round Result: Zakuta State University (BNJ) 86–78 Brattleboro University (CDG)
Second Round Opponent: College of Ware (NCS)

The Crocs continue to look good- winning 86-78 against a Brattleboro U team that could not keep up with the Crocs depth. It was a fair result in the end, of course. Not super tight at the end, but not a true blowout either- both teams played well in this game. But it would be the Crocs that would move on. But it doesn't get easier for them in Quebec, facing a 10th seeded College of Ware side from the NCS. The #10 seed was very impressive in a first round upset win, and they could truly prove themselves to be a Dunkerella candidate if they took down the Crocs. Can Zakuta State win what will undeniably be a tight game? Or will the Crocs falter at the first sign of pressure?

University of Kitara Hippogriffs
Regular Season Record: 31-3
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #4 Overall seed
First Round Result: University of Kitara (BNJ) 87–65 University of Wisdom-Wollongmatta Bay (TJU)
Second Round Opponent: Border Baptist(SHM)

Like the tournament's other #1 seed, the Hippogriffs were dominant in the first round- with a 22 point victory over UW-WB. Things are not always straightforward in the first round of the Ultra 64, but at least for this day it was, as the Hippogriffs earned their first NSCAA Ultra 64 win in school history. Taking care of business is not always easy, but the double conference champions did just that. They jumped out to a 14-2 lead early, and never really looked back, with the closest the game got was just 6 points for the rest of the way. They never really had to get into that second gear, and therefore, they didn't.

Border Baptist is certainly a challenging opponent in Round 2. A blue blood opponent- they've been here before. Talented team, seen it all, done it all. The Hippogriffs are young and hungry though- and they will certainly be feeling confident that they can punch their ticket to the next round, here in Cassadaigua.

Drawkland basketball is dying.

Okay, let's be a little more realistic. When you compare the best Drawkian basketball players and teams to their peers from other top-level nations in basketball, the advantage consistently points to the opponent. It's not that Drawkian basketballers are bad, it's just that they're not good enough to do the things we've come to expect from years past. The NSCAA has been proof enough that this young generation doesn't have the stuff. The IBC is a different beast, yet still plagued by a similar issue.

The answer doesn't seem apparent. Changing up the Net Corps didn't do much. Throwing the Elite Eleven into the mix wasn't that big of a jolt, and removing them (halfway) was an equally futile exercise. Maybe those teams just need a little more time to build chemistry ... except fans are tired of seeing the same roster of retreads wearing black and red every cycle. Turnover is necessary. New blood is required. Still, it seems that throwing more "pretty good" players into the fire isn't going to fix something. We need a hero.

For a long time, Drawkland has been searching for that transcendant star. Most generations have that One Man who changes the debate from "who is the best player right now?" to "is THIS player the best of all time?" Drawkland hasn't had that for almost 30 years. There's plenty of superstars in the game, but none are The Man (or woman). For decades, Drawkians have longed for the one who was undoubtedly born to play basketball.

Now, midway through the NSCAA 14 season, an intriguing message was received from an retired talent scout in the mostly rural southeast peninsula, that being the territory of Ellzidan. Things are a little strange out there. Much of Drawkland is known to be a developed, futuristic society, but the Ellzidanet territory is filled with small communities and many people who choose a simpler lifestyle. Talent scouts rarely come this way, especially for basketball. Hard court gyms down there are generally tiny, humid boxes uncomfortable to inhabit, and the average level of play is nothing impressive. Sometimes football and especially soccer scouts will come by where the grass is natural and the air is clear to find diamonds in the rough, but not basketball.

Willis Doyle was a scout for thirty years for various organizations in the DBO. He choosed to live his life out in the aforementioned sticks, a quieter existence which he enjoyed. Still, he often attended local basketball games, as his love for the sport never diminished. He attended a seemingly innocuous season opener between his local high school and Reese County High School, a institution which boasted a whopping 367 students that year. It was there that Willis's eyes were opened, for Reese County was the home of a budding star.

The next hour was one of the greatest in Willis's life as a scout, even though he'd retired years ago. He pulled a scrap of paper from his wallet and began writing furiously. When he got home, he immediately penned this note, which he sent to a friend at the Shire-Port Tribune (arguably the biggest news publication in the territory). The next day, this note was found and shared among the sporting community like wildfire.

Rejoice, my friends, for I bring you tidings of great joy.
For many years, we have searched in vain for our savior, he or she who shall bring Drawkland basketball into the light once again.
I have come to tell you that this savior has been born. He lives and shoots among us.
Today he is merely a boy, but he will soon be a man. Whoever puts their faith in him will be rewarded with success.

This past night I witnessed him ply his trade on the hard wood in the jungles of Ellzidan.
He is strong, yet agile.
He is quick, yet powerful.
He is as accurate from 40 feet as he is from 4.
He invites contact, yet he avoids foul trouble.
He has unbreakable concentration, and a sixth sense for defense.
He fears no opponent.
He is a motor with infinite fuel.
He is an animal bred for this game.
For him, the ball is not equipment, but an extension of himself.
And thus I sing the praises of him.

Basil Thorne, from Reese County.

According the legend, these unforgiving lands were the birthplace of modern man, a new era in history.
Now this ground will be known as the birthplace of another era, the era of Thorne.
One day he shall take his throne, and every knee shall bow to his greatness.
Now, my only wish is to see this glorious day in Drawkian history before I return to dust.

With the divine as my witness,
Willis Doyle.

Obviously the tone of the message is what got so many people's attention. Within hours, professional and collegiate scouts had looked up the schedule of Reese County, and found that they had a game scheduled against Earldon High, a school in the Yokare Lake area. That was an Actual City that was Close To An Airport, so several scouts went there to see if the hype was real.

It was. Basil Thorne scored 50 points in three quarters, and proceeded to spend the last quarter of the game whittling a chunk of wood he had taken off a dead tree in his yard that morning. One scout attempted to interview him before the Reese County team left.

"You're Basil Thorne, right? Has anybody ever talked to you about a future playing basketball?"

"Coach sez I'm purdy gud," Basil responded nonchalantly in the most disgustingly deep country accent ever heard. "I wasn't plannin' on it, quite frankleh. Got plenty ta do at the ol' homestead once I finish mah schoolin'."

"Mr. Thorne, you may be one of the best basketball players I've ever seen at this level, and I've been doing this for 20 years. I would like to talk to you again, if you'd be alright with that. Can I ask for your phone number?"

"Don't have any a' that 'round my place. Pa unplugged tha phone years ago."

"Um ... do you get mail? What's your address?"

"I suppose so. I do enjoy receivin letters now an' again. Here."

Within a week, Basil had already received a dozen scholarship offers from schools across the territory. It took him awhile to read through them, and he was quite disappointed with the boring letters. Very little conversation, and they were only asking him one question which he had little care to answer. No reason to write back ... but at least he had more material for his tinder box! It needed refilling anyhow.

Basil shall return ...

Poor seeding, bad luck, and in a few cases opponents that were either clearly better of wanted it more. The Vanorian representation in the Ultra 64 was cut in over half in the first round and there is a feeling of dread among the fans of the universities who did manage to survive the Vanorian slaughter of the first round that the second round is as far as any team shall go. Even the mighty University of Hondo that made the Final Four of the last edition and were champions two editions ago were not able to escape this terrible fate that befell the Vanorian entries in this edition of the championship tournament, a fact that further compounds the overall negative feel that seems to be haunting the three surviving teams like an unwelcomed spectre. Whther the rage and outcry that some Vanorians have over perceived unjust seeding and terrible matchups as well as regional placement for the schools of the Empire are valid or not, it does not matter when the teams were unable to overcome those difficulties or even show up in some cases to try and provide victories in the face of adversity.

In a plethora of poor performances and outcomes that strike deep at the heart of Vanorian pride that threatens to topple the strides in the sport that many thought have been earned as of late, there is at least one star that is refusing to let their light be drowned out by the surrounding darkness. That is the the surprise entry into the Ultra 64 in the form of South Caddonia, whose miraculous story has lived to see the light of another day. To think that this time was so mired in inconsistent performances during the regular season but has seen itself rise to such an elite level since the conference tournaments have begun and onward here into the Ultra 64 is nothing short of amazing. In a track meet of a game that was back and forth for the entirety of the game, with fifteen lead changes, it would be junior point guard Lahuen Villagómez who would shine the brightest. Ten points, eleven assists, and two steals for the guard was the sort of performance one might expect in a 92 to 90 victory, but it was a defensive rebound with two seconds to go by the undersized guard that sealed the game. Playing against giants, the 5'8" guard would not be expecting to grab a rebound, but they did and it sealed a momentous victory for the team who seem to be content on playing with house money.

Turbani Tech and Mar Sara Tech were the two other survivors of the monstrous first round and both of them blew out their respective opposition in short order, although their dominant victories could do little to erase the sting of Hondo, Raynor, and Everlin all losing games that they would have believed to be winnable. Those at Raynor will be incensed for quite some time by their seeding and this outcome with the record and performance that the team had during the regular season and the conference tournament to be paired up with one of the favorites. Of the three teams that have advanced, it is the Raiders who in theory have the best chance of pulling through to a Sweet Sixteen appearance, as they have Vricksinburg State University out of Ranoria. Ranoria has had a good showing this edition of the tournament as a whole and this is a difficult matchup and that is on paper the easiest says a lot about the tournament as a whole. Turbani and South Caddonia both have matchups against teams from NCS and are like as not going to be bounced, with NCS being the only contender to Banija's dominance over this edition of the tournament. While you should never say die, sometimes being real with ones self can help lessen the sting of what might feel like inevitable disappointment.

OOC Note: This is an extremely opinionated writer with extremely biased opinions. As the writer is a graduate of the University of Moravica, he is particularly biased towards the University of Moravica, and particularly biased against Northern Moravica.



Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I'm a U of M grad, aren't I? The University of Moravica are the dictionary definition of a basketball school, especially these days. 32-2, conference champions, two championship game appearances in the past, and the tournament's #1 overall seed. Fun times, right? 6/8 Banijan schools have reached the Ultra 64's Sweet 16- an excellent showing so far.

Let's dive into it! We're only going to cover the 6 teams that are still alive- biggest apologies to Zakuta State & Bunyoro A&M!



Northern Moravica University Cougars
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Independent Region; #7 Overall Seed
First Round Result: Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 79–63 University of Raikennax (DRK)
Second Round Result: Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 76–63 Richardson University (RAN)
Sweet 16 Opponent: Crown's College (SHM)

Nothing's easy when it comes to the second round of the Ultra 64. You've usually gotten rid of your pretenders, your filler schools, and you've got schools left who are good enough to beat anybody. Does that mean 32 schools legitimatley you'd expect to win a title? Probably not, but at least all of these schools could beat anybody on any given day. With each round, the intensity increases, and with NMU taking on a familiar opponent, Richardson, the intensity continued to be ratcheted up a notch. While the game was competitive against the Governors, ultimately, NMU were the stronger and the deeper team.

Bench points- that's a good definition of depth. NMU's bench outscored RU's bench 27-5 in this game, which was the difference, and then some, against a Governors team that wore down late. Masamba Bala got into quick foul trouble- only 6 first half minutes for their best player, as he committed two fouls in the first 3 minutes, and then a third when he came back in later in the half. You needed other guys to step up, and the Cougars got that. Aba Baya- 12 points off the bench, all in the first half. True freshman PF Holgeir Eronsson led all scorers with 21, the youngster stepping up. A fantastic all-around team effort.

Next up is Crown College, out of Schima Bas. Only 16 teams left now- and now, it moves to Drawk City. NMU fans are flooding the city, with a potential North v. South Showdown on the horizon in the Elite 8. Can those fans create a home court advantage, all the way out in Drawkland, to drive NMU onwards? We'll see- but they should be favorites to advance.

Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Independents Region; #2 Overall Seed
First Round Result: University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 95–59 Drawk Corps University (DRK)
Second Round Result: University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 80–56 Grande Mountain University (CDG)
Sweet 16 Opponent: Turbani Tech (VAL)

There is absolutely no doubt about this fact- Loyola-Istria is on fire. They're the defending champs, and playing like it- just eviscerating teams, even at the Ultra 64. To do so in the first round is expected, surely, but in the second round? It's a statement of intent. Their defense is ferocious, as they allowed just 22 first half points, with Grande Mountain shooting just 24% from the field for the first 20 minutes. Loyola took a 39-22 lead into halftime, and the Blue Thunder never let up, winning in the end by a final score of 80-56. "Make no mistake about it- we're certainly the best team in Banija." Said Okot Jow, one of a trio of players who was on the Blue Thunder's NSCAA 13 championship team. "We want to show we're the best team in the multiverse, again- nobody messes with Loyola."

A hell of a time to be a Loyola sports fan. Gridiron team is back, the All-Loyola All-Stars are raking in South Newlandia, and the Blue Thunder are delivering the business on the hardwood. They're acting like favorites, and playing like favorites- that's an attitude that gives them a huge chance to win a championship. But in their way, is a very talented Turbani Tech side from Valanora. This is not a team that is going to get beat like Loyola's first two opponents. They're fundamentally sound, they're small, they're quick- and yet, Dennis Elver, who's 6'9 (absolutely massive for a Vanorian), can match up with anyone in the paint.

"This is gong to be a game that's decided by the last couple of possesions- I've no doubt about that." Said Loyola's star Mytanar power forward, Bosko Bilic. "We're in the meat of this now- everyone knows we're capable of throwing haymakers, and we've got to show we're capable of absorbing them to. We're all stoked for this matchup."

University of Moravica Golden Bears
Regular Season Record: 30-4
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Anaia Region; #3 Overall Seed
First Round Result: University of Moravica (BNJ) 96–64 Sabinal State (VAL)
Second Round Result: University of Moravica (BNJ) 71–65 Ranoria State University (RAN)
Sweet 16 Opponent: Penske College(NCS)

My alma mater- hell yeah brother! This game truly was close. It came down to the final moments, the Golden Bears v. Ranoria State. Let's go into the final minute? Malkom Yrisuéniho, our star PG, fouls out- a charge being his fifth foul. So now, we're digging into our bench, with a minute left in a tie game- our season on the line. Gotta rely on the ol' reliable 2-3 zone. But we were not fazed. George Lampda might be the best coach in this competition- he's racked up all sorts of Ultra 64 wins. But this is a blueblood v. blueblood matchup. Ranoria State won 2 of the last 3 national championships in Ranoria, while Moravica has the most national championships of any Banijan school. Expectations are high- it was why the matchup was so spectacular.

But with Wolfhounds true freshman SG Tom Mueller driving downhill, towards the rim, our defense stepped up. A massive, left handed block by Kanjura Dubore sent the ball into the hands of Lazarus Lugaya, who raced down the floor. He threw an alley-oop to SF Boto Jasli for the transition bucket, who was fouled on the lob. He hit the and-1 free throw- making it 68-65. Ranoria State had 2 shots to tie it, but the Moravica defense was too strong- absolutely no space to get off a 3 pointer. A three pointer tipped, and then a second one airballed, as the Golden Bears were all over them. We hit free throws down the end- ended up pulling one out, 71-65.

"These are the type of games you have to win if you want to win a title." George Lampda said after the game. "Full credit to the Wolfhounds- but our guys battled this out, and earned it. We know the bracket is only going to get more difficult from here." Moravica, despite being a #1 seed, probably enter the Sweet 16 as an underdog. Penske College started 24-0, and finished 31-2. Cruising through the first two rounds, they're one of only 2 teams with 2 losses or less, the other being Hangaza Tech. "We'll embrace the underdog role- but there's a reason we're a #1 seed." He told reporters. "Our game against Penske will probably be the game of the round. They're so good at everything- it'll be won on the finest margins."

Kizza I College Cubs
Regular Season Record: 28-5
Seeding: #4 Seed in Atlantian Oceania; #16 Overall seed
First Round Result: Kizza I College (BNJ) 97–66 University of Rouyoutte (RAN)
Second Round Result: Kizza I College (BNJ) 68–68 Sadeg State University (DRK) (85–77 OT)
Sweet 16 Opponent: The Legacy Institute (NCS) vs. Kizza I College (BNJ)

With A&M falling, there's only one Banijan team making the trip to Istria for the Sweet 16- and that is Kizza I College. And boy, did the Cubs have to earn that. A buzzer-beating, game-tying three pointer by Skyhawks guard, Marcas Hilton, forced overtime in stunning fashion. Many teams, especially young teams, in that situation would simply fold. No momentum to ride of any sort. But the Cubs are a team that is possibly experienced beyond their years- beyond the fact that they're starting a trio of freshmen. They did not come here to get rattled- they came to advance. And even if they needed an extra 5 minutes, they would do that.

They jumped out to a quick, 6 point lead in the extra period, with both Ilman Kaba & Ochola Kaba hitting three pointers in the first 30 seconds of the extra period, to give the Cubs a quick 74-68 lead. But that's not how these things end, everybody knows. Sadeg State was able to get a quick mid-range 2, then on the other end, Jemussu Jarata split a pair of free throws from the line. But when Marcas Hilton had a successful three point play, with about 2:15 left, it was extremely tight again- Cubs 75, Skyhawks 73. But the Cubs would not get rattled. Playing almost beyond their years. Kizza Kaba going straight to the rim against these giants, and having a three poitn play of his own- huge. 78-73.

The Skyhawks got it down to 78-76 with 1:30 left, after a key three by their point guard, but the Cubs were able to pull away. A fadeaway jumper by Kizza Kaba made it 80-76, and then a three pointer by the same player made it 83-76, with just 24 seconds remaining. That was the dagger- the final score ended up being 85-77. "These 4-5 matchups, they really take it all out of you." Kizza Kaba told reporters. "I love that we won- I'm exhausted. But hell yeah. I'm excited to go with the best damn fans in the land, and take over Istria!"

The Cubs will be underdogs when they face the region's top seed, The Legacy Institute, for a berth in the Elite 8.

Hangaza Tech River Rats
Regular Season Record: 32-2
Seeding: #2 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #5 Overall seed
First Round Result: Hangaza Tech (BNJ) 91–83 Rinaldi Naval Academy (VAL)
Second Round Result: Hangaza Tech (BNJ) 61–58 Hendrick State University (NCS)
Sweet 16 Opponent: Old Mountain University (DRK)

Let's just look at the radio call of the game's final play, shall we?

Hangaza Tech Radio Announcer wrote:Wow, wow, what a game that we've been having! The River Rats have just called a timeout, in what is now a tie game, 58-58. The most shocking turn of events. We were up by 6 points literally 5 game seconds ago! But Jim Beverly, of Hendrick State, hit a 3, stole the inbounds pass, and then passed the ball to Kiaran Derricks in the corner, who hit the biggest shot of his life, fading away, being closed out by a near 7 footer. The clutch gene on those racing boys- strong. 6.2 seconds left in the game. It's college, we can't advance the ball with a timeout, so we'll have to in-bound from under the basket. But being after a score, we can run the baseline.

We're going to run the baseline. It's the true freshman who's going to in-bound, Halifa Suware. He's the PG, but he's pretty small- but since he can move down the baseline, it doesn't matter as much. The referee blows his whistle, he's moving, and he hits Jikita Karbeh, who's moving perfectly, and towards the rim. He flies down teh court, as he gets a screen to free him at halfcourt. He looks as if he's barreling towards the rim, as the defense collapses. He dishes to the Græntfjaller, Natanael Asaelsson, in the corner. He launches a three just before the buzzer sounds, it's good if it goes... AND IT GOES! PERFECT SWISH! ASAELSSON WINS IT FOR TECH AS THE RIVER RATS POUR ON TOP OF HIM! HE DEFINITELY GOT IT OFF- RIVER RATS WIN! RIVER RATS WIN!

Why we all love the Ultra 64, right? What a win. Next up is Old Mountain University, of Drawkland. They've played two close ones so far- is another nailbiter in stock for the River Rats?

University of Kitara Hippogriffs
Regular Season Record: 31-3
Seeding: #1 Seed in the Rushmore Region; #4 Overall seed
First Round Result: University of Kitara (BNJ) 87–65 University of Wisdom-Wollongmatta Bay (TJU)
Second Round Result: University of Kitara (BNJ) 71–67 Border Baptist (SHM)
Sweet 16 Opponent: Auto Club Technical Institute (NCS)

All four #1 seeds have reached the Sweet 16! Gotta give kudos to the committee- that's a rarity these days in the tournament. When was the last time that happened- maybe NSCAA 11? Usually at least, probably 2, one seeds go out in the first two rounds. And although Kitara was the last of them to play, they played a barnstormer of a game against Border Baptist. For much of the game, it seemed as if they were going to go out- they went down 11-1 early, and had to slowly comeback. Kitara did not take their first lead of the game until there was 50 seconds left. But this is a team with 5 upperclassmen starters, four of them seniors- maybe not a bunch of dudes who will win the IBCs, but that's a squad that's built to advance in a tournament like this.

At what point did they take their first lead of the game? Let's go back when it was 67-64. A Keylon Nash corner 3 tying up the game, as he pounded his chest and roared, jogging back down the court. Then, a defensive stop, and a rebound by the same Hannasean, as they came down the court in a 67-67 game. But Kitara, famously, is a team built basically void of superstars. But who's taking the shots in these crucial moments? It was Latjor Didja who would step up- hitting a running flaoter to give them their first lead of the game. Obviously, Border Baptist would try to go 2 for one- another miss, however, got the Hippogriffs the ball back with a 7 second shot clock/game clock differential.

They showed that they could all take those end of game shots. Sajo Jabayo drilled the mid-range J with 6 seconds left, to put the game on ice. 71-67, final score. Hell of a game. They've got Auto Club Tech next- a brutal opponent. But they're here, in the Sweet 16. Kitara. Of all schools. Can the dream season continue?

OOC Update: After the Round of 32, the Dunkerella bracket has been finalized.

Semi-Final
#50 Universitade Eldora (NCS) vs #38 College of Ware (NCS)

Final
#53 The University of Dietrich (RAN) vs Winner of Universitade Eldora vs College of Ware

The tournament will be scorinated after the Elite Eight along with the Skills Competition, as part of the Final Four festivities, with the event ICily being held on Friday. Here is the updated IC Final Four week schedule:

TUESDAY
12:00 PM Daytona Standard Time - Final Four Week Opening Ceremony

WEDNESDAY
1:00 PM DST - Final Four First Practice (Each team given one hour on the court)

THURSDAY
10:00 AM DST - Final Four Second Practice (Each team given 45 minutes on the court)

FRIDAY
10:00 AM DST - Final Four Final Practice (Each team given 30 minutes on the court)
1:00 PM DST - Final Four Skills Competition
3:00 PM DST - Dunkerella Semi-Final
3:30 PM DST - Dunkerella Championship

SATURDAY
4:00 PM DST - Daytona Superdome gates open for Final Four
6:00 PM DST - Final Four Game 1 team introductions
6:20 PM DST - NSCAA Final Four Game 1
9:20 PM DST - Final Four Game 2 team introductions
9:40 PM DST - NSCAA Final Four Game 2
12:00 AM DST - Fans asked to leave Daytona Superdome

SUNDAY
2:00 PM DST - NSCAA All-Star Semi-Finals
5:00 PM DST - NSCAA All-Star Final
8:00 PM DST - NSCAA Awards Gala

MONDAY
11:30 AM DST - Coaches Gala
4:00 PM DST - NSCAA Championship Pre-game Concert at the Daytona Fanzone
5:30 PM DST - Daytona Superdome gates open for NSCAA Championship
8:00 PM DST - NSCAA Championship team introductions
8:20 PM DST - The NSCAA College Basketball Championship at the Daytona Superdome
10:50 PM DST - Cutting of the Nets and Trophy presentation
11:50 PM DST - Fans asked to leave Daytona Superdome

Sunday's All-Star Tournament will be scorinated after the Final Four.

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Hendrick State's star forward Kellan Clarke could only watch his last second heave miss the basket entirely. Round of 32, 7 seed vs 2 seeded Hangaza Tech in the Rushmore Regional. To think that they were this close to ending up as the 6th team from the Cup Series in the Sweet 16, taking the most teams lead from Banija after defeating one of their schools, was unheard of. Hendrick State. They missed the Sweet 16. They missed a date with Old Mountain, the only Drawkian team left. They were 3 points and an overtime period away. Yes, they played up to the competition expected from the River Rats, but at the end of the day, Banija reigned supreme.

College of Ware's star forward St. John Devin could only celebrate with his teammates after a flat out dominating run towards the end the second half. Round of 32, 10 seed vs 2 seeded Zakuta State in the Anaia Regional. They weren't even close to feeling like they would squander their dominating lead, becoming the 5th team from the Cup Series in the Sweet 16, 1 team behind Banija in the most schools column. They made the Sweet 16. They made a date with Vricksinburg State, the only Ranorian team left. They won by 11 points. They outplayed the competition expected from the Crocodiles, and the Cup Series reigned supreme.

If you think that these two paragraphs were cut from the same cloth, then you are right. We have reached the "Tale of 2 Nations" part of the NSCAA Tournament. Approaching the 2nd weekend of college basketball action with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, a total of 11 teams from two nations - Banija and the NASCAR Cup Series - are up against a collective of 5 nations, each one of them with only one horse left in the game. To even get to 11 teams last season you had to add up the sums of 3 nations - Drawkland with 6, Banija with 3, Valanora with 2. That season's championship game pretty much has been the passing of the torch when it comes to the most dominant nation, or nations, in the NSCAA. With their win, the Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder seemingly seeded control of the NSCAA to Banijan hands, and the little nation that could in the Cup Series was the one lucky enough to share that torch with the AO powerhouses. The two nations have begun to form a college basketball duopoly that will likely mean that the Championship will be a Banijan school vs a NCS school at Daytona.

From the one lone team in the 12th NSCAA Tournament (Ultimate Underdogs Richmond Racing) and the 13th (PUoE, now The Legacy Institute), the Cup Series now boasts 5 schools in the Sweet 16. TLI made their second straight Sweet 16 appearance after sweeping aside Central State, whilst Richmond returned to the second weekend after being absent last season as the First Team Out, knocking out MPI by 10 points. Joining the Sweet 16 veterans are a cast of newcomers - Auto Club in the only Sweet 16 appearance they will revel in since they will disband at the end of their run, Corntoter Langford's Penske College and 10 seeded College of Ware, the highest seed left in the Tournament. The Mooresville outfit in Penske had a ball in their Round of 32 match, taking down Ratzupalfu University of Nature by 29 points, the biggest blowout of the round. Rafe Bond offered an apology to the Egrets, but mainly due to "Us, the Deuces, not scoring enough against you."

With TLI and Richmond at Istria, Auto Club at Concord Heights (Hey that's familiar) and Penske and Ware at Joongyeong, it's completely possible that 3 out of the 4 Final Four participants would hail from the Cup Series. But in every team's path eventually, the Banijans will strike in an attempt to take the glory for themselves. #1 overall seed TLI will have to face the Kizza I Cubs in the Sweet 16, whilst Auto Club take on the Kitara Hippogriffs and Penske take on the Moravica Golden Bears. Other than those three, Rushmore 2 seed Hangaza Tech will likely be the Club's Elite Eight opponent if they beat Kitara, and with no NCS teams left in the Sonnel regional, it's almost guaranteed that a Banijan side, whether it is 1 seed defending NSCAA champions Loyola or Northern Moravica, will come face to face with Penske or Ware in the FInal Four at Daytona should either school get there.

If you hate duopolies or monopolies, this is your worst nightmare. 11 teams from 2 nations in the Sweet 16 of the NSCAA Tournament. Such dominance has never been seen here in a good while, but we all think we know how the story goes. They'll brush aside their remaining competition. They'll face each other in the Elite Eight. The Final Four. The title game for all we know. Nobody else, none of the other "only hopes" like Crown's College, Vricksinburg State and Old Mountain will be safe. We're in a NCS-Banijan world.

Boogity, boogity, boogity.

Concord Heights, Cassadaigua
NSCAA 14 Sweet 16

It's amazing how far your mindset can swing in such a short period of time. Mere days ago, the attitude of Old Mountain University's basketball team was that of satisfaction. They'd proven themselves as the best (or least bad) Drawkian school for this cycle by earning the best seed of the bunch, and thus it was time to just enjoy the moment and come away with a win against a softer opponent. There are no free wins, especially at this level, but the Northerners put on an offensive show and held a comfortable lead for most of the game against University College Jolbonopolis.

Then, as expected, the massacre came through the first round and wiped out three quarters of the Drawkian slate. Again, this was entirely expected given the shoddy performances across the board. Still, the pressure turned on a little bit more. There was only Sadeg State left alongside Old Mountain, the two lonely schools now facing an increasingly scary bracket going forward. Sadeg State was lucky to get through their first round game against Hondo, this luck would not last long enough to get them through overtime with Kizza I College in the second round. They fell 85-77 after a 68-68 tie in regulation. Old Mountain, however, managed a similar "get to early lead and cruise through the game by a few scores up" type run against The University of Dietrich.

Now, the eyes of Drawkland all turned to Old Mountain. The odds are against them, both in rank and with the pressure mounting. Of course, the Northerners have been much further than the Sweet 16, coming as close as second place when they faced against fellow Drawkians in Elmanden District for the championship. Since then, their best run was an Elite 8 appearance in NSCAA 13. Not only does OMU have the expectations of the fanbase and themselves to reach what they did last cycle and try to exceed it, but now the expectations of all Drawkian college basketball fans. To be the last out is both an honor and a curse. You have the props of being the best in the cycle by your nation's standards, but unless you win it all, you have no way to hide your disappointment from the loss.

The issue here? The Northerners now face a much tougher caliber of opponent in the Sweet 16. They were favored (21 seed vs 44 seed) against Jolbonopolis, and Dietrich was a 53 seed who popped a first round upset and didn't have enough gas to keep the magic rolling. Now Old Mountain faces ... #5 Hangaza Tech, one of the best schools in the tournament. The road isn't any easier from there, but it doesn't make this task any less daunting. More than likely, OMU is going to get a bitch slap to the face to start the game and never recover, especially since they didn't face very tough adversity for half their previous two games.

Of course, Ethel Denman has done an excellent job of coaching her team to success with Ruth Cookson at the helm on the court. Ruth has been every bit as good as advertised. Her shooting accuracy and confidence has been the biggest contributor to Old Mountain winning their first two games. You can't rely on stars forever though, especially as you get deeper and deeper into the final tournament. The rest of the lineup has been adequate so far ... but they'll have to be excellent from here on out to stand up to the likely all-Banijan gauntlet awaiting them further in the bracket.

No pressure, guys. Regardless of the result, Drawkland stands behind Old Mountain. Good luck to the Northerners!