He’s Grrrreat!
How sports books lost their butts with Tiger’s win, the Boston Marathon is today and fireworks in San Fran.
It’s the comeback everyone is talking about. And no, we don’t mean the fact that it’s Monday again.
It’s so much better than that,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PGA (Professional Golfers Association)
Until recently, no one would’ve ever thought of Tiger Woods as an underdog. But after some distractions in his personal life and back problems that left him unable to walk, he was not even close to being the favorite to win at the Masters. Then he went and proved them all wrong. Tiger showed why he still deserves to be at the top by winning the Masters yesterday. This was his fifth Masters win and first since 2005. TIGER FOR THE WIN
Overtime
The Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants (MLB – Major League Baseball) played an 18-inning game on Friday night, the equivalent of two games in one. The Giants promised Friday night fireworks so when the game was over (the Giants won), they proceeded with their fireworks show. The only problem is that it was after 1 am. Needless to say, their neighbors were fired up. DARE YOU TO CALL THE COPS
Sideline stat
Overshadowed by the star power and success of his own team, the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry, 31, set the record for three-pointers made in the NBA (National Basketball Association) postseason. (The playoffs started on Saturday and the Warriors are again the favorite to win it all). NBD JUST SETTING RECORDS OVER HERE
Coaches’ corner
With his win, Tiger became the second oldest golfer to win the Masters. Nike celebrated by dropping an incredible commercial directly after his win. Not celebrating? The sports books. Because he was such an underdog, online betting company FanDuel said his win cost them over $2 million. An executive with William Hill (another online sports betting company) summed it up perfectly by saying, “It’s great to see Tiger back. It’s a painful day for William Hill – our biggest golf loss ever – but a great day for golf.” WIN SOME, LOSE A LOT
What to watch
The Boston Marathon is today. Keep an eye on seven-time NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) champion Jimmie Johnson who will be pounding the pavement in today’s race. IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST
5 Things You Need To Know About the Masters
Break out the argyle, the greatest game on grass starts tomorrow.
Break out the argyle, the greatest game on grass starts tomorrow.
Tee it up,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Five Things You Need To Know About the Masters
1. The Masters security team has a list of banned sayings and if any spectator shouts one of them, they’ll be removed immediately from the course. One of the banned phrases? Dilly Dilly. Bud Light had a stellar response to the ban of their fan favorite phrase.
2. Despite the prestige of the course, the food is cheap with everything under $3 and beer for $5. We’ll drink to that. The most famous item on the menu? The pimento cheese sandwich. In case you want to make one at home while watching the tourney, here’s the recipe.
3. The Tiger Woods factor is strong in this year’s tournament. The four-time winner is back and according to Vegas oddsmakers, is the favorite to win (although many in the golf world disagree with this). Since his return this season, TV ratings have been up and there’s an additional buzz around the sport. He may have an uphill challenge to win, but he’s certainly bringing additional fanfare to the game.
4. Whether you’re a journalist or a patron, there is a strict no cell phone policy at Augusta National, the home of the Masters. Don’t even try it as getting caught will land you a lifetime ban from the tournament.
5. The famed green jacket became a tradition in 1949. Members of the club decided on green so fans in attendance at the tournament could spot them in case they had questions. Last year’s winner, Sergio Garcia, took advantage of owning the esteemed jacket, wearing it to his wedding, Wimbledon and the New York Stock Exchange. (He also named his newborn daughter Azalea after the famed flowers at Augusta).
Have more questions about the Masters? FAQ
That’s not all folks
We’re not all golf. Here are the top three things everyone is talking about today including the World Series rings you have to see, Shaq’s new gig and athletes who fail drug tests and lie about it. MORE
The Talk Of The Town
It’s undoubtedly the talk of the town and we’re not talking about the latest celebrity gossip.
It’s undoubtedly the talk of the town and we’re not talking about the latest celebrity gossip.
Let the bracket bonanza begin,
The Last Night’s Game Team
College Basketball
When nothing is as good as the original. The big Selection Sunday show that announced which men’s teams made it into the March Madness tournament took a different turn this year. The network announced all of the teams in the first 15 mins in alphabetical order instead of the previous format where the teams and their rankings were slowly announced throughout the show. Fans were not happy, including the Lawrence, Kansas Police Department that tweeted, “Please do not call 911 to complain about the format of the NCAA tournament selection show. We can’t do anything about it, no matter how bad it is.”
PS- The women’s bracket will be announced tonight.
When you have nothing to lose. Over 70 million people filled out brackets for last year’s tournament, so why not join in on the fun? Play in our bracket challenge for a chance to win prizes (there are even prizes for last place). Questions are encouraged and novices are welcome. No pressure - pick by team color, mascot or use the random button and let the computer pick for you. Expect lots of upsets, which means your guess is as good as anyone’s. Here’s the bracket link. (password: sportscurious)
Have more questions? Check out our March Madness 101 or send us a note.
Overtime
When you have a Bridesmaids moment in the middle of a soccer game. Captain of both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos, ran off the field in haste during his team’s win yesterday. When asked about Ramos’ immediate departure in a postgame press conference, his manager so delicately answered “He sh-- himself.” Well that's a crappy excuse.
Sideline stat
Tiger Woods is back, finishing in second place in the Valspar Open this weekend. He may be looking a little older but he’s playing like a young Woods and the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) is loving it as their ratings and fan engagement soar.
Coaches’ corner
The March Madness tournament starts tomorrow with the two play-in games. What is a play-in game? They are two pre-tournament games where four teams that almost made it to the tournement play and the winners get into the actual tournament. The games for all other teams start on Thursday.
What to watch
Serena Williams continues her comeback, facing her sister Venus in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA today.