Sports Then and Now

Double-digit seeds usually have a short stay in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In fact, only five double- digit seeds have ever reached the Final Four since 1979 when the selection committee began seeding teams. While the intrigue, drama, and excitement of this event is largely built on these lower seeds knocking off their favored counterparts, they typically have been eliminated during the first weekend of play after a win or two if you include the First Four which started in 2011. Not if you are Syracuse.

The Orange have defied the odds. Syracuse has advanced to the Sweet 16 in three of the last five NCAA tournaments as a double-digit seed. The Orange are there this year as a No. 11 seed and will meet No. 2 Houston in the Midwest regional semifinals tonight. Tip-off is set for 9:55 pm EST.

While this success is a credit to the coaching of hall-of-fame head coach Jim Boeheim and his heavily capable assistants, it is also Syracuse’s fabled 2-3 zone defense that is a major factor in befuddling opponents as they are not used to it. A proven winner and an elite coach, Boeheim and his assistants do a masterful job of getting the most out of their players and improving during the season. While the Orange have finished anywhere between sixth and 10^th in the final ACC regular season standings over the last six seasons, Syracuse is typically on the upswing the last week of the regular season as they head into March.

Maxbet, formerly known as IBCBet, is the leading online gambling provider in Asian markets. Since its establishment in 2008, Maxbet has grown exponentially in popularity among not just Asian bettors, but among European players as well. Maxbet has remained a front runner in the online gambling industry due to its commitment to innovative and intuitive design with a focus on enhancing user experience. Maxbet also currently holds a leading position among the best betting websites in the world for live betting. With more than 6000 live matches available for wagering in a single month, this Philippines-based provider processes millions of pounds in bets every month.

8 Reasons Why I Chose MaxBet

Right from low margins to a wide variety of games, here are some of the reasons why Maxbet is the best website for sports betting:

1. Low margins, high betting limits

Due to high demand, Maxbet operates on relatively low margins. Thus, making it an extremely convenient option for players on any budget. Maxbet also seems to offer much higher odds and limits on almost all sporting events in comparison to its European counterparts. These high betting limits are what attract high rollers to the site. With several options available for VIP players, never miss the chance to take advantage of these high stakes.

2. Wide variety of games and odds

The wide range of odds and betting options extend to several sporting events around the globe. Users of the services have the freedom to browse through odds for sports such as soccer, tennis, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, golf, baseball, athletics, snooker, swimming, horse racing, motorsports and so much more. Maxbet even goes the extra mile to broadcast results from several minor leagues and regional events. Some of these events include college basketball and Muay Thai leagues, dog racing, etc. that serve the interests of a much broader demographic of gamers and gamblers. 

3. Option for parlay bets 

For those adventurous players that are willing to combine different sports such as soccer, basketball and hockey on a single betting slip, have the option of doing so with Maxbet. Placing parlay bet combines the odds to monumentally increase your final payout. This proves to be a very lucrative opportunity for those high stakes players that closely follow multiple sports and can identify an excellent opportunity when it comes along. 

Syracuse reached The Final Four in men’s basketball in 2016. Since then, the Orange have lived on the bubble annually in determining their NCAA Tournament fate. This year was no different as Syracuse had to sweat it out again on selection sunday. A collective sigh of relief for the players, coaches, and all of Orange Nation was released on Sunday March 14 when Syracuse drew the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region where they will meet No. 6 seed San Diego State on Friday March 19 at 9:40 pm in Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Orange are 16-9 overall and 9-7 in the ACC where they finished eighth. San Diego State won the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship as the top seed and is 23-4 overall, 14-3 in the MWC.

Like recent seasons, Syracuse did just enough to garner an NCAA bid. This narrative was made more difficult in college basketball this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused games to be cancelled or shuffled around due to positive tests within programs. Not all the cancelled games were able to be rescheduled. Depending on who the cancelled games were against, some teams missed out on competing for quad one wins. Although Louisville did not make the NCAA field, the Orange missed two games against the Cardinals (13-7, 8-5) and its’ only game against Florida State (16-6, 11-4) this season. Both those schools stood above Syracuse in the ACC standings throughout the season and Florida State reached the ACC Tournament Championship game. That put pressure on the Orange late in the season. After losing at Georgia Tech on Feb. 27, Syracuse ended the regular season with two straight wins over North Carolina and Clemson, both of which made the field of 68 and finished ahead of the Orange in the final ACC standings. Syracuse added on a solid win over North Carolina State in the second round of the ACC Tournament before a 3-pointer at the buzzer ended their chance to upset top-seeded Virginia in the quarterfinals. The Orange had to wait it out over three days and ultimately got in.

Naturalists and outdoor lovers are continually looking for new ways to explore nature and spend more time outside. If you’ve tried canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing and jet skiing, now’s the time to try kayaking.

This sometimes thrilling but often serene water sport will give you a stellar workout and let you explore places you’ve never been before. Paddle through bayous, down streams and across lakes as you observe nature from a new perspective. You can even hop in your kayak mid-winter to brave the icy waves and appreciate your snowy surroundings.

Does this kind of adventure sound like something you’d enjoy? Get kayaking with a few helpful tips and tricks that will make your time on the water more comfortable and enjoyable.

1. Pick the Right Kayak

Most people know what a kayak it is, but many are unaware there are many different types. From inflatable yaks to whitewater yaks, there’s something for everyone. However, sit-on-top kayaks are probably the most beginner-friendly.This type of kayak is wider, offering more stability to paddlers. It’s also easier to enter and exit since it doesn’t have an enclosed seat.

2. Gather Your Gear

The only things you truly need in your kayak are a life vest — which you’ll be wearing — and a paddle. However, as a beginner, you may want to bring some extra clothing, sunglasses, water, snacks and sunscreen.

Rashguards can also come in handy if your life vest is a little snug. If you want to bring a phone or camera, keep them in an inflatable dry bag just in case you tip over or accidentally splash yourself.

3. Practice Getting In

If you don’t mind getting a little wet, the best place to enter your kayak is in shallow water. Straddle the kayak over the seat and sit down quickly, pulling your feet in last to keep your center of gravity low.

Once you have this method down, you can try entering from a dock feet first. Find one with a kayak launch docking system to make the entire process easier and more efficient.

4. Paddle Properly

Learning how to paddle will be a huge help once you’re out on the water. Study a few techniques and practice paddling forward and backward.

Learning how to stop, turn and move side to side can also come in handy if you run into any obstacles during your adventures. Focus on maintaining good posture to paddle more efficiently and put less strain on your body.

5. Start Small

A mile might not seem very far on land but, once your paddling, a mile can seem endless. Depending on your kayak, your paddling abilities, weather conditions and route, kayaking a mile may take 30 minutes or longer.

Therefore, it’s best to start small and choose a short route for your first few trips. Pick waterways with few obstacles or stay near the shoreline. Fine-tune your enter, exit and paddling techniques in shallow water, too, in case you tip.

6. Take It Easy

From winds and waves to currents and rain, there are many factors to consider before launching your yak. Take it easy the first few times by choosing good kayaking conditions. Study the weather forecast and projected tide, wind speed and wave height before booking your adventure.

Then, plan to head out in the morning when the water is calmer and paddle against the current during the first half of your trip. When you tire, you can simply turn around and ride the waves back if you please. 

7. Ask Lots of Questions

If you’re still unsure about hopping in a yak all by yourself, consider taking a class or going on a tour. There, you’ll build a foundation, learn proper technique and gain confidence on the water.

Ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect — and messing up is simply part of the journey.

Kayak Responsibly

Kayaking offers adventure and new experiences at every turn. During your time on the water, you may get up close and personal with wildlife, enjoy breathtaking views and fall in love with paddling.

Just remember to respect nature during each trip. Yak responsibly by refusing to litter or engage in dangerous activities. As long as you keep yourself and mother nature safe, you’re sure to have a great time.

Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous football clubs boasting more silverware than any other club in the United Kingdom and over history one of Europe’s elite teams, alongside only Barcelona FC, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Whether you love them or hate them, week in week out they capture a large amount of viewers. With their never say die attitude (well, at least over Sir Alex Fergusons’ 25 years in charge) and high tempo football it’s been a very intense and exciting roller coaster ride for us all! 

Why are slots similar to watching Manchester United?

Watching Manchester United gets the heart beating, a buzz that you may find similar to that in playing slots. They are both built on the same fundamentals. A long, sometimes controversial history. Both were created at very similar times. Manchester United were founded in 1878 and were formally known as Newton Heath L&YR Football Club. The original slot machine was made in New York by Sittman and Pitt in 1891, although very different to the slot machines you find nowadays especially to slots available in an online casino but the concept was the same. Manchester United and slots, although both dont always win, at some stage eventually they will. 

Have you always wanted to play online casino games, but you don’t know which one to choose? Maybe you started playing selected games and gave up after finding them challenging and losing a lot of money on bets. 

Whichever the case, there are easy games that you can pick and start playing right away without getting frustrated. 

But which are these games? There are many types, but two of them stand out as the simplest and most exciting for beginners looking for fun and a chance to make money.