CHRIS FUSCO - CHAMPION AGAIN

2015 Champ

The seemingly impossible happened.  Going into the final four, Kentucky was an even money favorite in Vegas to win two games and take home the title.  In their previous 38 games, they were unblemished.  While they survived a few close calls, they were still batting 1.000.

Naturally, Chris beats me in almost every sporting competition we have, be it physical, professional or fantasy.  He's 3-time defending champ in our fantasy football league.  I've watched his Giants win two Super Bowls.  I've seen his Yankees win numerous World Series, one against the Phils.  I've seen his NY Rangers completely own the Flyers in previous years.  Thank goodness he's not Jewish; it's the only thing that allows me win the occasional beer pong game against Cro and Cutter.  What do kids do when a kid at school constantly picks on them, takes their money, and makes them feel inferior?  They get their mom and dad involved.  Well, I did exactly that this year.  Tasked with teaching Chris a lesson to be nicer to his friends, Dennis and Kathy Atallian went into the final four as the only two who could defeat Chris.  All they needed was their champ to win.  Not Duke.  Not Sparty.  Unfortunately, they would have to decide between themselves who was going to the ultimate bad cop here, as one of Wisconsin or Kentucky would be eliminated going into the championship.  In the end, it was Dennis who lacked the killer instinct.  He cracked under the pressure.

Let's face it.  He has picked Duke every year in recent memory, with the exception of two.  2010 and 2015.  Duke would go on to win both years.  No matter how bad he wanted Wisconsin to win last night, I'm sure there was a piece of him rooting for Duke.  You can't win titles unless you're fully committed to the cause.  Also, having Cro root for you doesn't help matters either.

Below are the final standings for the 2015 Anyone But Cro Invitational.  It must be noted that the top 4 had Duke as their national champ.  Shelby Riff also predicted Duke correctly, but early struggles prevented her from finishing higher.

Nico Tennant also had a late run to the top of the standings.  He was the only bracket to correctly pit Wisconsin against Duke in the championship.  He usually struggles early in the tournament, but he historically preforms well later in the tournament.

Also congrats to Matt Ellner on his third place finish and recent engagement.  Had his East region been a little bit cleaner, he would have had a legit chance at higher finish.  Nonetheless, his bracket was good enough to be in the top 10% and earn his entry fee back.

I hope everyone enjoyed this years Invitational.  It was a crazy 3 weeks with upsets, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding showers, Easter, Passover.  All while trying to manage a full time job.  After all that, we ended up with a champ that virtually nobody wanted.  Duke and Chris Fusco.  I eagerly look forward to the 2016 edition.

Name	Total
Chris Fusco	151
Nico Tennant	149
Matt Ellner	135
Jenna Fusco	132
Kathy Atallian	124
Boston Strong	116
Joe Fadule	113
Shelby Riff	113
Tom Moffa	111
Michelle Liller	103
UJ	103
KC Bomber	102
Dosh Whye	102
Kyle Bennett	99
Steve Henderson	99
Chris Woody	94
Sue Henderson	93
Rachael Weissman	88
BG	87
EEB	84
Patrick Henderson	84
Boy Pierce	84
Lauren Zuckerman	84
Pat Shields	83
Drew Fenzel	83
Ben Lobitz	80
Andrew Comenzo	80
Cro	75
Big Meech	74
Rebecca Anzaha	73
Adam Tatz	73
Jim Dallas	71
Ashley Judd Clone	67
BTK	58
AC Billz IV	57
David Weissman	53

Take care everyone,
Matt