Happy April Fool's Day

No, I didn't come up with an April Fool's Day prank, I've been too lazy today. I was in the mood to do nothing again, since I haven't had many "do nothing" days lately.

Andre Agassi went down to Roger Federer for the 7th straight time, losing 6-4, 6-3. The A-Train actually played really well, but Federer was his usual brilliant self. Of all the tennis I've ever watched, he by far has the best forehand I've ever seen. He comes with the big serve when he needs to, like Pete Sampras, and he has the court savvy of a Stefan Edberg. He's simply untouchable when he's on his game.

Ok, tomorrow is Semifinal Saturday, and it should be a good one, let's preview it:

• Louisville vs. Illinois. Louisville is the team playing the best basketball of the 4 currently; Illinois simply refuses to lose. When either team makes 3s, they are unstoppable. Louisville doesn't need to shoot the 3 as well as Illinois does though to be successful. Louisville's trio of perimeter players can fall back on their respective mid-range games whereas Illinois's trio can't. The 3 ball opens up the offense for Illinois, allowing Augustine, Powell, and Ingram open 15 foot jump shots or layups off the pick and roll. Both teams play intense perimeter defense, so it will be interesting who will get more open and better looks from the outside. If it comes down to inside play, the advantage goes to Louisville. The Cardinals may not have the size, but they have the toughness that can give Illinois fits. Palacios, Miles, and George will send messages to the Illinois frontcourt early and often, saying "Come strong or don't come at all." Louisville is probably the more talented team, but there's something about this Illinois team. The Dome will be made up of predominantly Illinois supporters, which as we saw in Chicago, will push them on and not allow them to lose. How can you pick against a team who has only lost one game, that coming on an NBA 3 with time running out? The difference could be Illinois's big men scoring off the pick and roll, either on jumpers or slipping the screen, which they do really well. By slipping the screen, I mean as, say Augustine comes out to set the screen, before he sets himself, he "slips" to the basket, taking advantage of the defender playing behind him, waiting for the guard to use the screen so the defender can hedge and trap him. Louisville's big men were terrible defending West Virginia's guys on the perimeter, giving them open looks. They'll have to be really on their toes against Illinois's big people.
  
• Illinois 74 Louisville 68
• Michigan St. vs. North Carolina. These maybe the 2 most athletic teams in college basketball. Carolina may have the most talent, but the Spartans have more overall Tournament experience. This game will come down to who wants it more inside. After being a mediocre rebounding team all year, MSU has been very solid on the boards in March. Now, can they rebound with Sean May, Jawad and Marvin Williams and Rashard McCants inside? This question is specifically directed to Paul Davis, who needs to play with the same degree of toughness he showed in Austin. If Davis can hold his own against May, the game will be close throughout. The other matchup will be at point guard. Who will play more under control, Drew Neitzel or Raymond Felton, and if left open, can Chris Hill knock down some shots for MSU??? You've got to believe Roy Williams and his staff will let Hill shoot until the cows come home, while playing Maurice Ager and Shannon Brown tight on the perimeter. Another question is, can the Tar Heels play a 40 minute game and avoid the mental lapses they exhibit during games??? I think as the stage gets bigger, they will play better. I think May & Co. will be too much for MSU inside. The Spartans will make outside shots, but too many 2nd chance points and free throws will be the downfall of Tom Izzo's team
• N. Carolina 82 Michigan St. 75

In other news, it appears the Pope's health has taken a turn for the worse. His organs are starting to fail him and he is reportedly unconscious. This is obviously sad for us Catholics, but I will say I haven't agreed with some of the stances he's taken on some issues in recent years. While I think he's done a lot of good for the Church, I think it's time for some new blood.