NationStates

Empryea University, seeded 8th in the Civil Citizenry region; jumped out to an 23-6 lead and never lloked back, blowing out #8 Porter College 89-68 in the first round. Porter College's Curt Gemmer was held to only 5 points on 2-16 shooting and only 5 assists.

The Lakemen are losing Gemmer and Desmond Roddam, and are getting the #1 recruit in Qazox; SG Mike Sherlock from Graverville High. While this season was a struggle at times; don't count out this team next year.

BOX SCORE

9 EU 47-42--89
8 PC 31-37--68

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Gothika State at one point had a 20 point ead in the 1st half (31-11); but Lycrabon War College just kept chipping away and with Dean Mell and Hector Weick in foul trouble for most of the 2nd half, the Warriors just couldn't stop LWC's comeback.

Gothika State is losing almost everyone to graduation, and they did not have a good recruiting class, so do not expect to see this team be very goodnext year.

BOX SCORE

14 LWC  28-48--76
 3 GSU  38-34--72

____

Qazox-Las Vitas took a 34-9 lead early int eh 1st half, and cruised to a 101-64 win; becoming the only team to crack 100 in the first round. The Wolves 3-guard attack just ran 7th seed Jackson State of the court, shooting 58.4% from the floor. Chris Irvin lead the way with 37 points, 11 assists and 8 steals. UQLV will face #15 seed Laufston Town, who upset Southport Naval 71-66.

BOX SCORE

10 UQLV 59-42--101
 7 JSU  30-34--64

And with that RP, the 2nd round for the Qazox regional is cutoff.

Will the upsets continue?

Yep.

CIVIL CITIZENRY/QAZOX - Lycrabon's fourth squad won their opening game two nights ago in Civil Citizenry, as Lycrabon War College snuck by Gothika State 76-72 to advance to round two. They will next face sixth-seeded New Lakeland Business School. The two squads in Qazox had mixed results in their respective second-round games. Saltville State had their run end at the hands of Sibirsky's Silveredge 97-84. Northern Dinagat State surprised Milita 81-65 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in Saugeais. The Panthers (19-16) will face second-seeded Centralia Empire (29-6), as the burgeoning rivalry between Newmanistan and Lycrabon will write a new chapter.

SPIRITS PUNISHING POCONO CITY?

Delaclava- Sixteen seeds never beat one seeds. Just like teams in baseball never come back from three-games-to-none to win a best of seven series. Until now. While no disrespect is intended towards Ramusok Capital University of Cosumar, and certainly the Dragons made the selection committee look very smart by including them in the NSCAA tournament despite a 15-16 record in the Woodland Conference, this loss just seemed strange. There was another upset, though it didn’t capture everyone’s attention quite as much, because 13-seeds beating 4-seeds will happen. But that Newmanistanian 4-seed that lost? Pock City Tech, out in Qazox. So there you have it; the two Pocono City based schools that advanced to the tournament are curiously out after the first round.

If the Spirits of the Proving Grounds didn’t care if Pocono City was represented in the final four, they wouldn’t have been so obvious about it. If Emperor Justin was beaten in the third round, or Pock City in the second (by a 5 seed), nothing would have seen that awry and they would have not been able to get their message across. But they are smart; they know that these kind of results will get the Empire raising an eyebrow. Trying to break down how Ramusok defeated Emperor Justin shows that the EJU really did nothing out of character. They started by trying to control the pace of the game, and seemed to have good looks at the basket on many occasions. It was the result they just did not get: shots clanging off the rim, or circling the rim, and the rebounds falling into the hands of the Dragons on what was a 3:1 ratio in the first half. On the other end, RCU was lights out. To their credit, they didn’t back down and absolutely did not look like a team that had a losing record, but as one that should have been a top-10 in the world nation themselves. If it were just a bad night, EJU would have at least come back and made more of a game of it, but they were never able to. The skill level of both teams out there did look like a 1-16 matchup, but if EJU were the sixteen and RCU the one. It’s the kind of loss that gets your attention, but if it were an isolated incident, then you just attribute it to a horrible day. But it was not an isolated incident. Out in Qazox, Pock City Tech was also upset in the first round, this a six-point loss to Silveredge University of Sibirsky. Though this was a little more competitive, PCT also suffered from terrible first half shooting, at one time finding themselves down by 17. In fact, they eventual 6-point margin was the closest they would ever get.

Why would the Spirits want to make a statement against Pocono City? Well, really, this is only a question that our foreign readers would probably wonder, but we know The Rocket Report is read all over the world, so we’ll give a little background. They could have several agendas, but the first one points to them being upset with Emperor Michael IV over something. We can’t really put a handle on it as things have been pretty peaceful within the Empire lately, and if they wanted to take a stand against the annexation of Secristani land in 2100 (the year is 2102 in Newmanistan) then they would have wanted to punish Jessicaville Law School too, right? When Newmanistan left the World Cup scene after World Cup 51, it was reported that the Emperor made this decision to appease the spirits, and then prior to returning for World Cup 54, he had their blessing to do so. If the Spirits did not agree with that decision, then how would the Rockets have made that Cinderella run to actually qualifying for the World Cup? Some conspiracy theorists point to the fact that the curious loss by Emperor Justin University happened in Delaclava on the same day that Delaclava was awarded hosting rights (with Aguazul) for World Cup 55. The role of the Pock City in Qazox? Well, who was also bidding to host the World Cup? According to these conspiracy theorists, these losses were not about college basketball as much as they were possibly about the Spirits wanting to send a message to Emperor Michael IV, in Pocono City, that there is still unfinished business if he is to be back in their good graces. After all, when Newmanistan signed up for World Cup 55, they did so with no fanfare and no asking for the blessing the same that was done before World Cup 54. Maybe that was the Emperor’s mistake. Maybe the Spirits were ok with the return to a World Cup that was going to be on One Big Island, but not necessarily as ok with going to a World Cup that would not be?

There’s even more, here. What about the stunning loss of the #2-seeded Southport Naval Academy to 15th-seeded Loufston Town of Virabia (or the nation that recently co-hosted the Cup of Harmony)? Even though it’s an entirely different city, the Naval Academy does indeed take their orders from the Emperor and Pocono City, do they not? That’s not really a stretch to have to make either. Certainly the Spirits are rattled by something that comes out of the Palace right now, and they let everyone know by these results. The Newmanistanian schools that advanced have no reason to be punished, except possibly for Fairfield City University to the potential academic sanctions facing the school, but FCU isn’t really one of the Empire’s top guns. They can go quietly in the second round and everyone will have expected the result.

So while the basketball community enjoys the tournament, and the world is especially stunned over what happened in Delaclava, here in Newmanistan, we have our suspicions. Fortunately, even with the loss of three good schools in the early stages, the Empire still has some good weapons moving on. They’re just not from Pocono City.

DELACLAVA - Ramusok Capital University ruined thousands of fans' brackets around the world last night when they disposed of Newmanistan's Emperor Justin I University in the first round of competition. EJU was an early favorite to win the entire tourney, at csbn.cos 39% of NSCAA Pick 'em brackets saw Emperor Justin U taking home the NSCAA Title. But instead, EJU took an early exit from competition when the nearly impossible happened: a 16 seed upset a 1 seed.

But for RCU fans, this is a familiar scene. Just a year ago, the Dragons' football team shocked #1 ranked Colden University in the first round of the NSCF playoffs and went on the semifinals before they were defeated by St. John's Island. To many, RCU's first round triumph is the greatest upset in NSCAA history, but the team itself isn't surprised at all.

"All the so-called 'experts' gave us no chance" Montrell Carter said in the post-game interview. "But we know what kind of team we are, we know that we can beat anybody in league. We came out and played Dragon basketball and it was good enough to get the win."

But how did they do it? How did a team with a losing record in Woodland Conference play manage to rout the Cosumar Regional's #1 seed by 21 points? We're still recovering from shock, so we're not quite sure. It just seems that RCU was incredibly motivated and managed to have their best game of the season at the perfect time - when EJU was having an off game.

The Newmanistanian squad couldn't hit the broad side of the barn in the first half - shooting only 15% from the floor. Julian Heston got his guys great looks, but nothing was falling for them. But everything was falling for RCU. Sharpshooter Jason Redd piled up 21 points in the first half alone, including three 3-pointers.

The Dragons were also able to out-rebound their competition for most of the game. At one time, the Dragons had 18 rebounds compared to EJU's 6. Big man Byron Barton (7"1) was driving force of RCU's rebounding effort and seemed that Newmanistan's Brian Connors was a great mismatch for him. As a whole, every Dragon had their best of the season, and RCU looked like the #1 team themselves.

"I'm extremely proud of the team and what they were able to do today in Delaclava" Coach Mick Augustine said. "Unitor, Barton, Sweeney, Carter, Redd, the bench, they all played a phenomenal game. Hats off to Emperor Justin I University, they had a great season and put forth a great effort tonight. This was a great win for our school, but it's not time to celebrate yet. We may be a 16 seed, but we feel like we could go all the way."

Next, the Dragons will be pitted against Delaclava's University of Catherina, an 8 seed. Catherina will have home-court advantage and is coming off a strong win against Ba'natu. This will be a tough contest for the Dragons, but it isn't one they can't win.

In other Cosumarite NSCAA news; Kaldukosk, Western Isles, Crawford, and Slivelle were all eliminated today in the first round. No such magic was in stock for these teams and all were quickly disposed of. Cosumar's crown jewel, #3 ranked Crisalus Fief breezed past Youngstown State and into the Second Round, where they will take on #11 Arana State of Delaclava.

While 4 of Cosumar's 6 schools were knocked out early, it appears that the two remaining chance have a great shot at going far in the tournament.

Thanks for reading The Cosumarite Courier,

Stan Kui
Staff Writer

RP cutoff! Will the ultimate upset winners stretch their stay to Saugeais? Will Saugeais' players be returning home to play or to golf? Will Delaclava's players be leaving the country or staying behind? And can the other top seeds avoid falling to the madness? Find out soon!

Cosumar regional RP Cutoff!

Gila-Iguana and Rutland traded the lead back-and-forth like a hot potato. Niether team lead by more than 5 points all game, but UGI's one weakness, Free throw shooting came back to haunt them, as they went 3-11 in the final 4 minutes. Rutland went 6-8 over the same stretch and emerged with a 79-74 win in Delaclava.

The Scorpions return most of the team, losing only the backend of the bench. With the #2 recruiting class, including local HS star, 6' 10" Center Jose Obendeo, Gila-Iguana might be a NSCAA contender next season.

BOX SCORE

6 UGI 40-34--74
3 UR  42-37--79

____

South Qazox twice rallied from double-digit deficits against a very tough Fairfield City University, 79-77. FCU had a chance at a game winner, but their desperation 3 clanked off the front iron as time expired. Jamie Demartino lead the way with 24 points and a carrer high 19 rebounds. Mathew Nowacki was held in check for most of the night, finishing with 11 points and only 6 rebounds. South Qazox will face #3 Seed University of Rutland, who defeated University of Gila-Iguana in the early game tonight. As the highest remaining seed in the Delaclava region, South Qazox will have a large target on their backs in Saugeais.

BOX SCORE

7 FCU 39-38--77
2 USQ 31-48--79

Saint Nash fell behind 15-2 and couldn't recover as Loudon Empire University rolled to a 79-67 victory. The Crusader's Dennis Farber injured his ankle early in the 2nd half, and despite a carrer-high 16 points from his back-up Victor Martz; the 2-seed went down as many other favorites this NSCAA tourney.

Dennis Farber's carrer is over, as is most of Saint Nash's starters. The Crusader's bench, while deep is inexperienced. A good recruting class, ranked 6th in Qazox; might help, but don't expect a season like this one next year for Saint Nash.

BOX SCORE

7 LEU 41-38--79
2 SNU 30-37--67

RP cutoff for the second round of the Civil Citizenry regional.

Of the 8 teams Qazox got into the NSCAA's, Qazox-Las Vitas was the lowest seeded and universially panned to the the first one out. The Wolves, after a 71-65 win over 15th seed Laufston Town are one of 2 Qazox teams to mke the trip to Saugeais fot the Sweet Sixteen. Led by 27 points from Tony Coe; the usually more speedy UQLV slowed the pace against Laufston Town and never trailed in the game. Although the lead never got larger than 9 points; (52-43, with 11:43 in the 2nd half) The Wolves looked in control throughout.

Up next for UQLV is 6th seeded New Lakeland Business School, 94-72 winners over Lycrabon War College earlier today.

BOX SCORE

15  LT  31-34--65
10 UQLV 38-33--71

SWEET SIXTEEN PREVIEW:

Qazox Regional:
#1 Marlborough School of Medicine (29-6) vs. #13 Silveredge University (20-14)
#2 Centralia Empire University (29-6) vs. #14 Northern Dinagat State (19-16)

2 double-digit seeded Cinderella's along with the top 2 seeds advanced out of Qazox. While NDState's 7 game run (including 5 in the post-season) has been impressive, Centralia Empire will shatter their glass slipper. Marlborough School of Medicine will have a tough fight from Silveredge, the seeding will hold true here. In the Regional final, expect a classic game, with the winner (MSM) becoming the favorite to cut down the nets at the Proving Grounds.

Delaclava Regional:
#8 University of Catherina (22-12) vs. #4 Grande Mountain University (25-11)
#3 University of Rutland (28-8) vs. #2 University of South Qazox (27-8)

Two Cassadaigan teams are in this regional semifinals, and odds are one, if not both, will reach the Elite Eight. South Qazox has played very strong down the stretch, as has Rutland; but USQ has enough firepower to eke out an OT win here. Catherina took advantage of Ramusok Capital University's stunner over Emperor Justin the I to get to Saugeais, but their luck will run out against GMU. In the regional final, USQ's slightly tougher road will pay dividends as they reach their first Final Four.

Cosumar Regional:
#1 Jessicaville Law School (32-4) vs. #5 University of Battleboro (24-10)
#3 Crisalus Fief University (25-9) vs. #7 Loudon Empire University (22-12)

The only real qustion in the Cosumar region is, can anyone stop Jessicaville? Yes. But will Loudon Empire be able to get past Crisalus Fief first? Unfortunatly, CFU will use their good quick defense to slow the LEU attack and reach their 1st Elite Eight. Brattleboro will keep it close versus JLS, but the #1 seed will advance here. In the regional final, Crisalus' type of defence plays right into Jessicaville's offense as Newmanistan gets a team to the Final 4 for the 3rd year in a row.

Civil Citizenry Regional:
#1 University of Brattleboro-Tech Institute (31-3) vs. #4 Brighton College (24-11)
#6 New Lakeland Business School (24-11) vs. #10 University of Qazox-Las Vitas (20-14)

It's all set up for UBT to take this region, as the #2 and #3 seeds (Southport Naval Academy and Gothika State) were bounced in the 1st round. But don't count out Brighton College just yet. They've dominated their first two opponents, winning by 37 points combined, with neithe opponent getting closer than 11 in the 2nd half. Expect that game to go down to the wire, with BC getting the upset. In the other match-up, NLBS, who should have gotten a 4 seed; faces Qazox Las-Vitas, whose luck will run out in the Sweet Sixteen. In the regional final, Brighton College will survive against New Lakeland, giving Newmanistan two Final Four squads.

UPDATED FINAL FOUR: (with predicted records)
#1 Marlborough School of Medicine (31-6) vs. #1 Jessicaville Law School (34-4)
#2 University of South Qazox (29-8) vs. #4 Brighton College (26-11)

(ooc: I will have the NSCAA 3 Tourney page up tonight, and will work on the Conferences this week. Working Midshift (1pm-9:30pm) wreaks havok with wiki-input time))

Sweet Sixteen in Saugeais! RP cutoff is now.

Qazox-Las Vitas' NSCAA run is over, as #6 seed New Lakeland Business School rolled to a 93-73 win in Saugeais. The Wolves shot only 31.4% from the floor in the 1st half (compared to 48.6% for NBLS). While in the second half it was a back-and-forth affair, UQLV just couldn't get closer than 13 at any point.

UQLV will lose all 3 starting guards, and with the sanctions earned last year due to improper recruiting practices, the Wolves will lose a scholarship next year. The incoming class is decent (ranked 5th), but only having 11 players all season long will probably drop them down a notch.

BOX SCORE

10 UQLV 26-47--73
 6 NLBS 48-45--93

South Qazox is in the Elite Eight afte staving off Rutland 89-83. Led by 28 points and 14 rebounds from Mathew Nowacki, who is looking like a regional MVP so far. For a team that started 0-3, and was predicted to finish in the middle o the pack in the Goldsoul Conference; being one of 8 teams left is an achievement. Do the Hurricanes have 3 more wins in them to take home the title?

BOX SCORE

2 UR  44-39--83
2 USQ 46-43--89

One win away

Northern Dinagat continued its run in the NSCAA tournament, defeating Centralia Empire 77-61 in Saugeais. The win puts them one win from the final four in Newmanistan. The scoring was completely balanced, as no player scored more than 18. In the final four minutes, the Panther student secion started a chant of "Just Like State!", in reference to Centralia State in Lycrabon. They will now face the Marlborough School of Medicine from Cassadaigua with a berth in the world semifinals on the line. As it turns out, the ladies in pink couldhave all four squads in the final four - if all win.

CEU 34 27 - 61
NDSU 42 35 - 77

PANTHERS SCORING:
Starting C 16
Starting PG 17
Starting SG 15
Starting PF 9
Starting SF 12
Reserve A 8

Elite Eight Cutoff! Who's gonna make it to the Final Four in Newmanistan? Will Northern Dinagat State continue their Cinderella run?

The Hurricane were rocked by Grande Mountain University 75 to 58 to end their season. Mathew Nowacki's final game was statistically a good one for him 28 points (11-15 FG, 6-6 FT) and 15 rebounds, but when the rest of the team shoots just 18% for the game, it showed that USQ needs some depth.

They will get that depth, with 6 incoming freshmen, to counter the 3 leaving players and 2 transfers (Nowacki, Lance Papas, Max Reiley, Fernando Bergan graduate; Clatyon Hoar is transfering to University of North Qazox and Hugh Clara's transfering to Pika State University); the Hurricanes will be younger, but still have 4 returning starters. Next year this will be one of the early favorites to reach the Final Four.

BOX SCORE

4 GMU 38-37--75
2 USQ 28-30--58

Cutoff for the semis!
Results

Cutoff for the championship game!

The winner is.....