Normally, I would be able to give a comprehensive review of what happened in the first day of March Madness. But being in DC, I only saw three and then raced home to see the last session of the day. George Mason’s game was a terrible disapointment, but did anyone realistically think they had a chance? I think in theory, a lot of people did, but this year’s version clearly had nothing on the 2006 team. The bummer in yesterday was not getting scores on the huge big screen at the Verizon Center (we had to rely on occasional updates and cell phones), but that’s a small quibble to what was a fun day. There weren’t really many games, it would appear, that were compelling. Vegas Watch does a nice recap; check them out:
http://vegaswatch.net/2008/03/why-i-picked-duke.html and http://vegaswatch.net/2008/03/2008-tourney-roundup-day-1.html
For a change, sadly perhaps, there were no major surprises. Unless of course you count the almost shocker of a generation in the Duke-Belmont game. I won 10 bucks on this (see previous post), but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sporting event in person that was as exciting as the Duke game. The Georgia-Xavier game was very exciting and intense as well. Kansas State’s win was probably an upset in terms of seeding, but not really what I would consider a shocker. Higher seeds were 14-2 yesterday. Could this be a sign that Friday’s session could be a chock full of upsets?? We shall see…
The important question is: how well did the bracket go? 12-4 after day one. Not bad, but I lost the Winthrop game in thinking that would be my biggest upset. Shows you what I know..
Now on to Friday. I will be home all day to watch the games, so look for live updates all day long. What games do I look at as key games?
-Oklahoma vs. St. Joseph’s. I thought St. Joe’s was kinda iffy to be in, but now that they are, they could surprise. My pick is Oklahoma, but I’m nervous about this one.
-Butler vs. South Alabama. One of three of what I consider Mid Major matchups. Butler got jobbed in the seeding and I think they prove to the Committe that they were under-seeded. Could be a classic.
-Clemson vs. Villanova. Cat fights are always interesting. Villanova was very iffy to be in as well and they could also surprise. I took Clemson here, but this could be a tight game as well. Is Villanova the 12 that does it?
-Davidson vs. Gonzaga. This could be one the tow or best games of the tournament. People are calling Davidson this year’s George Mason. I picked Davidson today, but no Final Four for them.
-Miami vs. St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s would be an upset in seeding, but not surprising in actuality. St. Mary’s is my pick here.
-Drake vs. Western Kentucky. Here’s my #12 upset. Which means I’ll probably be wrong. It would be nice to see Drake move on, but it is not 1969.
Since I don’t have my bracket posted, here are the rest of my picks for today:
UNC, Indiana, Louisville, Tennessee (I Volunteer to be un American, even for just one day), Vanderbilt (although look out for Siena in this one), Georgetown, Memphis, Mississippi State, Texas,UConn.
Which high seeded team will most likely have trouble? Vanderbilt. I could repeat Thursday’s bet with my wife and say vanderbilt will win by less than 10 points.
Enjoy another day! If you’re looking at this at work, please don’t blame me if you get busted. You should have used personal, sick or vacation time- that’s what it’s there for!
One last note: Got into an interesting conversation about the CSI, L&O CI or whatever that new post season tournament is. My friend Mckie Toney (you better be reading this Mckie!!!) did point out that his University Of Virginia team is still playing, while my PSU Nittany Joe Pa’s are not. Good point, but if you’re NotInvitedTo the Big Dance or to the NIT, is it really an accomplishment that you’re the #1 seed of the CBI???? Just wondering…...
