Western Kentucky Gets Past Illinois 76-72

Western Kentucky has a superb team. To me they are the sleeper in this NCAA tournament. Western has an up tempo game with shooters who are solid. They also play in your face defense and they are quick. The have one player Mendez-Valdez who can literally light it up from downtown. They are not shy about putting up the “trey” and they are currently giving Illinois all they can handle in the first round of the South regional.

This is not entirely a surprise as Western took Louisville to the woodshed early in the season and handed the Cardinals an embarrassing defeat. From the looks of things with 3:39 left in the first half, Western may give Illinois unexpected defeat. At the half Western led Illinois 37-28.

In the end Western Kentucky won the game 76-72

Louisville Wins The Big East Tournament

Rick Pitino’s mission was to win the Big East Tournament Championship when the Cardinals joined the Big East in 2004-2005 season. It was a lofty goal for the Cards and Pitino who had just left Conference USA. It was also a step up. The Cards made the lift finally in the fourth year of conference affiliation in the Big East. Not only did they win the regular season championship, but they also won the Big East Championship last night. Now the cards are on the verge of accomplishing still another milestone; a number on seed in the NCAA Championship. Even though many of the older Big East members do not think they deserve it, but the Cards in fact deserve it and earned it by winning both the regular season championship and the Big East Tournament Championship. Look for the Cards to make a strong run at the Final Four and if they get there possibly a national championship.

Sponsorships are the Key to Growth

Colleges and universities are exploring new possiblities for sponsorships as an incremental revenue stream. Because of the faltering economy and the need to create new revenue streams this is seen as  a new opportunity for many in the athletic arena of higher education. College Athletics have long been a cash cow, but to continue to top year over year revenue is becoming increasingly difficult.