Ian Halpern, Author at The Juice Online

Breaking down Syracuse’s competition in the East and potential Cinderellas

March 14, 2012 Ian Halpern

That said, there’s plenty of talent in the East region, including a few seven-footers that the Orange may be ill-equipped to handle without Melo.

Harvard, Long Beach among dangerous mid-majors

December 28, 2011 Ian Halpern

I’m here to keep you grounded and enlighten you regarding some high-quality mid-major basketball that is taking place at a handful of schools that may have slipped under your radar.

Why VCU will win the title

April 1, 2011 Ian Halpern

Less than three weeks ago, I was using this space to preach about the injustice of including Virginia Commonwealth in this 68-team tournament when there were other worthier teams with better resumes. How fortunate that the NCAA expanded the field by three teams this year because if only 65 teams had been chosen, we would have been denied one of the great Cinderella stories of all time.

Why Connecticut will win the title

March 29, 2011 Ian Halpern

The Huskies face a huge test against the streaking Kentucky Wildcats in their national semifinal matchup. Here are the top three reasons why UConn will emerge victorious against Kentucky and then take the national title back to Storrs, Conn. in the championship.

Two second-round matchups to watch

March 15, 2011 Ian Halpern

This year, though, I am struggling to make my picks. In fact, I can’t even get past the first round. There are too many intriguing games and, while bad for my bracket, that’s great news for Gus Johnson and the heart-wrenching drama that makes March Madness the best few weeks of the year. Let’s take a look at two of the best first round matchups.

Virginia Tech, Colorado among NCAA tournament snubs

March 14, 2011 Ian Halpern

UAB, it seems, was included primarily because of their impressive (though inflated) computer numbers and a Conference USA regular season title. But any good college basketball fan knows that the RPI is not a reliable tool and can be manipulated by savvy scheduling. How can one justify rewarding UAB for its 12-4 Conference USA record and first place finish in conference play, while leaving out Alabama, who finished first in its division in the SEC with that same 12-4 mark?

Richmond faces Temple in battle of Atlantic 10’s elite

February 17, 2011 Ian Halpern

Here in college basketball limbo, where Xavier has been to three straight Sweet 16s and St. Bonaventure hasn’t had a winning season since 2001-2002, is where we find two bubble contenders in what may be Thursday’s most intriguing match-up: Richmond at Temple.

Metrics help explain Big East standings

January 19, 2011 Ian Halpern

Ken Pomeroy is one of college basketball’s most respected statisticians. His metrics can be helpful tools in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of any Division-I basketball team.

A look at the Ivy League

December 14, 2010 Ian Halpern

With the first month of play now in the books, let’s take a look at this year’s frontrunners for the Ivy League crown.

Maui Invitational Recap

November 27, 2010 Ian Halpern

At the beginning of each college basketball season, fans and critics get a taste of tournament basketball in November. For most teams, this opportunity provides an early checkpoint to see not only how far a team has progressed since the dog days of summer lifting, but more importantly, in what areas they need to improve before conference play commences.