Few underdogs advance to intramural playoff semifinals

As Tufts intramural sports head towards the finals in soccer and basketball, fans and players alike have been enraptured with the games and have had little time to reflect on the nearly completed season. Last week, I asked people to think about what has transpired over the past two months. Their thoughts are inserted randomly throughout the article and generally have little or nothing to do with actual game action.

First, a little information. The basketball bracket has generally held true to form as all but one of the number one seeds has advanced to the Final Four. Illest, JAP Funk All Stars, and Tappa Kegga rolled through the regular season with a combined record of 18-0. Their dominance continued this past week as they all won each of their two games with very little difficulty.

(I just wanted to give a shout out to the Idaho Intimidator and ask where he was the last three games. --Senior Jeff Malbasa)

DU has been the anomaly to the Final Four, since they are the only second seed in the tournament to make it that far. Its first game provided little contest against Team Doubletree, as the frat brothers went on to win 71-37. DU then faced Team Norton, a number one seed who went 6-0 in the regular season. Team Norton was no match for the overpowering DU forwards, as DU took the game and advanced to this weekend's match against Tappa Kegga.

(I wanted to say thanks to my great RAs who allowed us to drink heavily before each of our games. Without him, Team Alkie would never have lived up to its name. --freshman Dave Donatelli)

The soccer tournament has proven to be much more interesting with upsets being the norm. Team South and the Beers, both of whom were undefeated during the regular season, experienced early playoff exits. In a thrilling first round game, Da Gooses, who snuck into the Sweet Sixteen with a 3-2-1 season, defeated Team South 5-2. The Beers did make it to the second round before losing to Zeta Psi. Zeta Psi has played extremely well in its two games. Along with its upset of the Beers, Zeta Psi also shut out Lokomotiv Europa 5-0.

(Alex Turner's decision to put down the Kleenex and join us in a game this past weekend is truly inspirational to all who are lonely. --sophomore Mike Schrimpf)

Tappa Kegga and I-House have reached the semifinals, but not without stiff competition. I-House, sporting a 6-0 record and a number one seed, were tested mightily by underdog Schmuckers. With a packed house watching, I-House scored a goal sometime during the match, sending the crowd into jubilation and sending the Schmuckers packing. Then they played upstart Da Gooses in the second round and won again. Tappa Kegga narrowly beat Quicksilver 2-1 in their opening match.

Then in the "Game of the Week," they took on Team Hot Sauce, another undefeated team. While the score of the match was not available, it was probably a hard fought contest that was decided in the waning seconds. Tappa Kegga and I-House now face each other in the Final Four.

(Fraser, thank you so much for providing an interesting and informative article. You are the best writer on the staff, incredibly hot, and I want to marry you. --senior Lisa Kane)

Not to be forgotten is the B-bracket of intramural soccer, which pins second tier teams against each other. Although less promoted, the games have proven to be just as interesting. Well, actually only two games have been played with the Slackers beating Miller Mafia 8-3 and Rich's Team defeating the Lady Jumbos 4-1. Other games this week should provide some hot action. Analysts believe that Juice will win the B-title crown.

The finals for basketball are Tuesday evening in the main gym at 7:30 p.m. The soccer final for the A-bracket will follow this match, with kickoff at 9:30 p.m. Both games are expected to sell out, so fans are being encouraged to buy their tickets now.