My Take on the first week of the NCAA Tournament

My Take on the first week of the NCAA Tournament

            It all started Tuesday Night in Dayton, Ohio as the BYU Cougars blew a big 17 point lead in the second half of a “First Four” Matchup against The Ole Miss Rebels. A big disappointment for Cougar fans looking for a deep tourney run, The Dayton Flyers had the obvious advantage in their matchup against Boise State. What was it you ask? They got to play on their home floor, where they are undefeated this year. Credit Dayton though, after skimming past Boise State by 1 point in the “First Four” they made a statement against Providence, winning by 13 Points and advancing to the “Round of 32”. Where they lost by six in a near upset against a rolling Oklahoma Sooners team.

The first day was one for the ages! An NCAA Tournament record 5 games decided by one point was truly Madness. Brackets were definitely broken on that day, the majority thanks to Georgia State and the Hunter Family. As well as Baylor for making bonehead plays down the stretch. Definitely the story of the weekend as Coach Hunter celebrated his sons Buzzer beating three, cracking his cast that was put on a week prior after their Conference Championship celebration because he tore his Achilles. Kevin Ware was making his return to the NCAA tournament after that gruesome injury a couple years ago against Duke, and showed us he can still play ball at a high level.

As for myself, and many others UAB was my bracket buster… Where did they come from? Taking down 3 seed and Big 12 Tournament Champs Iowa State in a 1-point upset, who I had going to the “Sweet 16”. UCLA won two games after most people said they didn’t belong there. Now not to be rude but I’m still not impressed. The Ref’s bailed them out in the second round with a goaltending call that was wide right. And then they matched up against that UAB team that came out of nowhere to beat Iowa State.

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans are once again in the “Sweet 16” after upsetting the 2 seed Virginia Cavaliers in the third round. That makes it 7 of the last 8 seasons by the way! An impressive run for Michigan State, proving to be one of the most consistent programs over the last decade, and now the favorites in the East thanks to NC State’s upset of the 1 seed Villanova Wildcats on Saturday!

The Utah Utes survived a trendy upset pick in round two against Stephen F. Austin. And proceeded to take care of business against Georgetown in the round of 32. Getting their first “Sweet 16” birth sense 2005. They will square off against Coach K. and the Duke Blue Devils. Okafor and Poeltl will battle in the post, as Delon Wright and Justice Winslow will go at it on the perimeter.

 

The Kentucky Wildcats continued their quest for perfection this weekend. They didn’t look as dominate as many had hoped they would, but they are in the “Sweet 16” for the second year in a row. And are looking for their second straight “Final Four” and a chance at the National Championship. Who do you got???