Luck Of The Irish

The March Madness tournament is underway and there have been heartbreaking losses but the Cinderella teams live on.

Forget the lucky glass slippers, they’re in Air Jordans,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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College Basketball

When no one saw it coming. The Buffalo Bulls (No. 13) routed bracket favorite University of Arizona (No. 4) last night. It was a good old fashion beat down that even basketball fan, former President Obama didn’t predict in his bracket. That loss probably cleared some people out of your office pool. For that, this Buffalo player says "sorry, not sorry." RESULTS

If you’re “nun” the wiser. Loyola Chicago (No. 11) upset Miami (No. 6) in the first round yesterday but the biggest star of the game wasn’t anyone on the court. Loyola’s 98-year-old chaplain, Sister Jean, stole the spotlight with her excitement. She prays with the team before games and also sends them emails with positive messages, and sometimes constructive criticism, between games. Sister Jean is clearly the fan favorite.

How’s your bracket doing? Check it here.

 

Overtime

The saying “don’t quit your day job” is around for a reason. Actor Susan Sarandon is a longtime New York Rangers fan (NHL - National Hockey League) and because of her celebrity status she was given the rare opportunity to be a guest commentator on TV for a game. It went over like a juice bar at a tailgate party. According to Twitter, fans everywhere turned off their TVs after Sarandon called one of the players “sexy.” Maybe she needs a little Last Night’s Game in her life?

Sideline stat

Team U.S.A. continues to dominate in the Paralympics, leading the medal count. The Men's U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team beat Italy 10-1 in the semifinals and will face Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday. The U.S. Team is seeking its third-straight Paralympic gold medal.

Coaches’ corner

Butler opens their March Madness tournament today against Arkansas but a key member of their team will be missing. Their team spirit and mascot, bulldog Butler Blue III aka Trip, will not be at the game because the NCAA (the governing body for college sports) does not allow live mascots in the arena for the opening round of the tournament due to space constraints. Trip may have had some FOMO when posting on social media but he continued to spread cheer outside the arena. You can’t keep a good (bull)dog down.

No More FOMO

Whether you like it or not, sports are going to come up this weekend so why not be a part of the conversation?

If you can’t beat them, join them,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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NFL (National Football League)

When the HR department exists for a reason. The NFL Combine took place last week. That’s where prospective NFL players show off their athletic and mental skills. Teams are known for asking intrusive questions during the interview sessions but it's come to light that some may have crossed the line this year asking players about their sexuality. As Salt-N-Pepa said, “none of your business.”

Tennis

When it's back to the grind again. Serena Williams made her return to tennis yesterday, winning in straight sets in the first round in Indian Wells, CA. You may recall this is the tournament site where her husband put up the billboards proclaiming her as the Greatest Momma Of All Time.

Overtime

One NASCAR (National Association For Stock Car Auto Racing) driver has found a brilliant way to connect with fans – digital autograph sessions. Fans tweet him photos of items they want autographed (and yes some of them are weird), he digitally signs them and tweets the photo back at them. It’s brilliant – he can connect with fans and he doesn’t even have to put on pants.

Sideline stat

Tom Brady’s illustrious locks are no longer. He and thousands of others shaved their heads for charity. Their combined efforts raised over $7 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Brady didn't go all in, he ended up with a buzz cut but not the Mr. Clean look.

Coaches’ corner

March Madness begins on Sunday with Selection Sunday. This is where they announce which men's teams that are playing in the big college basketball tournament. The women's teams will be announced on Monday. A few terms to have you in your pocket for the weekend are:

• Automatic bid – these are the 32 teams that won their conference tournament and are automatically in the tournament.

• At large – these are the teams that did not win their tournament and will have to get in based on their season record. Those 36 teams will be sweating it out on Sunday until they hear their team name called.

Soar Into The Weekend

Take off into your Friday. Sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend ahead.

Wheels up,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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Winter Olympics

If you’ve been staying up too late to watch sports you didn’t even know you cared about. The Winter Olympics are coming to an end with the closing ceremony on Sunday. In the ceremony, a united Korea will hand the Olympic torch off to the site of the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tokyo. Also, keep an eye out for Ivanka Trump in attendance and the dynamic duo of former Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir in the broadcast booth.

Overtime

It’s been a great week for American gold medal snowboarder Chloe Kim. She’s on the cover of Sports Illustrated alongside her dog and she photobombed tourists with Jimmy Fallon. Then she learned that her real dream had come true. Kim will be featured on the front of Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes.

Sideline stat

Normally when a player’s jersey number is retired, it’s never to be worn again by anyone else on the team. That is until your kin comes along. Larry Nance Jr. was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA – National Basketball Association) where his father’s #22 jersey is retired. After initially declining to wear the same number as his dad, he has decided that he will in fact wear the family jewel - the #22 jersey.

Coaches’ corner

In the “yes this really happened file,” we bring you American skier representing Hungary, Elizabeth Swaney. She attempted exactly zero tricks on her halfpipe run - a run that many are calling a mockery of the sport. She made the Hungary Olympic team simply because she didn't fall during her qualifier. She's known for seeking the spotlight, having run against Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor as a college student. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video will leave you speechless.

What to watch

The men’s curling gold medal match between USA and Sweden begins at 3am Saturday morning EST and there’s still plenty of speed skating left to watch. Also, MLB (Major League Baseball) spring training games start tomorrow. Batter up!