Three Pointers and Slam Dunks 03.19.08: NCAA Tournament Preview

Posted by Jared Marcus on 03.19.2008

Everything you need to know about the NCAA Tournament. We give you the coaches, lineups and stats for all 64 teams still in the tourney, as well as my predictions for all the games. Plus we list the can't miss games for the first round and the top potential match ups down the road. Don't miss it!!!!

Hello and welcome to the 2008 NCAA Tournament Preview. There is no sporting event in the world that is as much fun as the NCAA Tourney. Over the next few weeks we will be treated to countless great games, buzzer beaters and star performances, as well as a ton of gambling and drinking, how could anyone not think this is the greatest sporting event that has ever been? Few things are as much fun as getting to the bar at 11:00 for the first Thurs. afternoon slot and just boozing and watching hoops for 12 straight hours. Unfortunatley, I myself will not be partaking in any of that this year and I am pretty broken up over it. Due to the fact that I am going to Orlando next week for Wrestlemania and then on to Miami for the Mets and Marlins, I am just not able to take off from work for these two days. It will be the first opening Thurs. and Fri. of the Tournament that I have missed since 1996. I am not happy about it. But enough of my sob story, we have a lot to get to today, so I think we should jump right in…………..


FIRST ROUND

(Note: The lineups that are listed below are not necessarily the team's starting five. They are in the five best players on each team and the five players that figure to receive the most playing time in the tournament)

(Also Note: The bold player listed for each team is my choice as the key player for that team in the tournament)

East Region

North Carolina Tar Heels (1) vs. Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (16)
Coaches: Roy Williams (UNC) and Milan Brown (Mt. St. Mary's)
UNC Lineup: Tyler Hansbrough (Jr., 6-9, 23.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg), Deon Thompson (So., 6-8, 8.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Danny Green (Jr., 6-5, 11.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), Wayne Ellington (So., 6-4, 16.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.1 apg), Ty Lawson (So., 5-11, 13.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.6 apg)
Mt. St. Mary's Lineup: Markus Mitchell (Jr., 6-7, 5.5 ppg, 5.9 rpb), Sam Atupem (Jr., 6-7, 8.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Will Holland (So., 6-4, 8.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Chris Vann (Sr., 6-0, 14.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Jeremy Goode (So., 5-9, 14.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.5 apg)
Prediction: The nice thing about the play-in game is it gives one lower tier team a taste of victory in the Big Dance. Congrats to Mt. St. Mary's for their moment, but now their run is over. UNC is the #1 ranked team in the country and the second highest scoring team in the land, this one will be over at the 10 minute mark of the first half. The only question is whether or not UNC will be able to double the Mountaineers point total. UNC 102 – Mt. St. Mary's 54

Indiana Hoosiers (8) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (9)
Coaches: Dan Dakich (Indiana) and John Pelphrey (Arkansas)
Indiana Lineup: D.J. White (Sr., 6-9, 17.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg), Jamarcus Ellis (Jr., 6-5, 7.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.6 apg), Jordan Crawford (Fr., 6-4, 10.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.3 apg), Eric Gordon (Fr., 6-4, 21.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg), Armon Bassett (So., 6-1, 11.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Arkansas Lineup: Darian Townes (Sr., 6-10, 11.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Charles Thomas (Sr., 6-8, 8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Sonny Weems (Sr., 6-6, 15.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), Patrick Beverley (So., 6-1, 11.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.5 apg), Gary Ervin (Sr., 6-0, 9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Prediction: Arkansas is a pesky team and they have a very deep starting five. But Indiana is just a better team. They only received an 8 seed because they have struggled at times since the Kelvim Sampson fiasco. If that had never gone down they would easily have been a 4 or 5 seed. I have to take Indiana, but it will be closer than you'd think.Indiana 76 – Arkansas 72

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5) vs. George Mason Patriots (12)
Coaches: Mike Brey (Notre Dame) and Jim Larranaga (George Mason)
Notre Dame Lineup: Rob Kurz (Sr., 6-9, 12.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.1 apg), Luke Harangody (So., 6-8, 21.1 ppg, 10.5 rpg), Ryan Ayers (Jr., 6-8, 8.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Kyle McAlarney (Jr., 6-0, 15.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.6 apg), Tory Jackson (So., 5-11, 8.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 6.0 apg)
George Mason Lineup: Will Thomas (Sr., 6-7, 16.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.0 apg), Louis Birdsong (So., 6-6, 6.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Folarin Campbell (Sr., 6-4, 15.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.4 apg), John Vaughan (Jr., 6-3, 13.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg), Dre Smith (Jr., 6-0, 8.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
Prediction: I absolutely love this Notre Dame team, they can run and score with anybody. But George Mason has to be given a decent chance to pull the upset due to the strength of their defensive play and their tournament experience (four of their starters were on the 2006 Final Four team). But in the end I will take N.D. for their superior athleticism and for the fact that they have one of the best players in the country in Harangody. Notre Dame 81 – George Mason 72

Washington St. Cougars (4) vs. Winthrop Eagles (13)
Coaches: Tony Bennett (Washington St.) and Randy Peele (Winthrop)
Washington St. Lineup: Aron Baynes (Jr., 6-10, 10.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Robbie Cowgill (Sr., 6-10, 7.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Kyle Weaver (Sr., 6-5, 11.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.3 apg), Derrick Low (Sr., 6-1, 13.8 ppg), Taylor Rochestie (Jr., 6-1, 10.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.6 apg)
Winthrop Lineup: Taj McCullough (Sr., 6-7, 11.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Charles Corbin (Fr., 6-6, 6.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Mantoris Robinson (So., 6-5, 6.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Michael Jenkins (Sr., 6-3, 14.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.5 apg), Chris Gaynor (Sr., 5-10, 9.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Prediction: If you like scoring, this isn't the game for you. These are two of the top 10 defensive teams in the country and they will play this game at a slow, methodical pace. Winthrop has a chance to win, but they are not nearly as good as they were a year ago and Washington St. is just too big and strong inside for them to really compete with them. Washington St. 64 – Winthrop 54

Louisville Cardinals (3) vs. Boise St. Broncos (14)
Coaches: Rick Pitino (Louisville) and Greg Graham (Boise St.)
Louisville Lineup: David Padgett (Sr., 6-11, 11.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Terrence Williams (Jr., 6-6, 11.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.6 apg), Earl Clark (So., 6-9, 10.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Jerry Smith (So., 6-1, 10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Edgar Sosa (So., 6-1, 8.2ppg)
Boise St. Lineup: Matt Nelson (Sr., 6-9, 15.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), Reggie Larry (Sr., 6-6, 19.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Tyler Tiedeman (Sr., 6-7, 14.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.1 apg), Matt Bauscher (Sr., 6-3, 9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.2 apg), Anthony Thomas (So., 6-0, 8.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Prediction: You never really know which Louisville squad is going to show up, as it varies greatly as does the play of their stars, most notably David Padgett who can look like an All-American one minute and like Frederic Weis the next. Regardless, even if the C team shows up, Louisville will dispatch Boise St. Louisville 77 – Boise St. 63

Oklahoma Sooners (6) vs. St. Joseph's Hawks (11)
Coaches: Jeff Capel III (Oklahoma) and Phil Martelli (St. Joe's)
Louisville Lineup: Longar Longar (Sr., 6-11, 11.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Blake Griffin (Fr., 6-10, 15.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.0 apg), Tony Crocker (So., 6-6, 11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), David Gobhold (Sr., 6-5, 7.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Austin Johnson (Jr., 6-3, 8.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg)
St. Joe's Lineup: Pat Calathes (Sr., 6-10, 17.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.8 apg), Ahmad Nivins (Jr., 6-9, 14.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Rob Ferguson (Sr., 6-8, 11.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Tasheed Carr (Jr., 6-4, 108 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.8 apg), Darrin Govens (So., 6-1, 10.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.3 apg)
Prediction: This is one of those rare games (not counting 7-10 and 8-9 matchups), where the lower seed actually feels like the favorite. Very few people are picking Oklahoma or even giving them a shot to win. The problem with that is that Oklahoma is battle tested in the Big 12 all season long and they have the best player on the floor in Blake Griffin. So, I am going with…..St. Joe's. LOL….yup, all the logic in the world can't displace a feeling, and this one feels like a win for the Hawks. St. Joe's 74 – Oklahoma 73

Butler Bulldogs (7) vs. South Alabama Jaguars (10)
Coaches: Brad Stevens (Butler) and Ronnie Arrow (S. Alabama)
Butler Lineup: Matt Howard (Fr., 6-8, 12.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Pete Campbell (Sr., 6-7, 11.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Julian Betko (Sr., 6-6, 5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg), A.J. Graves (Sr., 6-1, 13.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.1 apg), Mike Green (Sr., 6-1, 14.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.1 apg)
S. Alabama Lineup: DeAndre Coleman (Jr., 6-7, 7.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 4.7 apg), Brandon Davis (Jr., 6-6, 10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Demetric Bennett (Sr., 6-4, 19.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.6 apg), Domonic Tilford (Jr., 5-10, 13.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg), Doan Merritt (Sr., 5-8, 11.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.5 apg)
Prediction: I am very excited for this game. There are no star players, no great players, neither team is particularly great on offense nor on defense, but it just feels like it is going to be a battle. It could go either way, but I will take Butler based on the experience factor. Butler 63 – S. Alabama 60

Tennessee Volunteers (2) vs. American University Eagles (15)
Coaches: Bruce Pearl (Tennessee) and Jeff Jones (American)
Tennessee Lineup: Wayne Chism (So., 6-9, 9.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Tyler Smith (So., 6-7, 13.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.6 apg), JaJuan Smith (Sr., 6-2, 13.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.3 apg), Chris Lofton (Sr., 6-2, 15.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Ramar Smith (So., 6-2, 8.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.2 apg)
American Lineup: Brian Gilmore (Jr., 6-8, 8.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Bryce Simon (Jr., 6-6, 7.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg), Travis Lay (Sr., 6-5, 6.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Garrison Carr (Jr., 5-11, 18.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Derrick Mercer (Jr., 5-9, 12.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.1 apg)
Prediction: American is an excellent defensive team, but they haven't played anyone with the NBA type offense that Tennessee has all season long. Simply put, Tennessee will run the Eagles out of the gym early. Tennessee 91 – American 67


Midweast Region

(Edit: Thanks to reader A.D. for pointing out the error)

Kansas Jayhawks (1) vs. Portland St. Vikings (16)
Coaches: Bill Self (Kansas) and Ken Bone (Portland St.)
Kansas Lineup: Darrell Arthur (So., 6-9, 13.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Darnell Jackson (Sr., 6-8, 12.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Brandon Rush (Jr., 6-6, 12.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.2 apg), Mario Chalmers (Jr., 6-1, 12.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.7 apg), Russell Robinson (Sr., 6-1, 7.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Portland St. Lineup: Scott Morrison (Sr., 6-11, 10.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Kyle Coston (So., 6-8, 5.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Deonte Huff (Sr., 6-4, 13.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.7 apg), Andre Murray (Jr., 6-2, 9.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Jeremiah Dominquez (Jr., 5-6, 14.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.1 apg)
Prediction: Thanks for playing Portland St., Vanna, show them their lovely parting gifts. Kansas 99 – Portland St. 57

UNLV Runnin' Rebels (8) vs. Kent St. Golden Flashes (9)
Coaches: Lon Kruger (UNLV) and Jim Christian (Kent St.)
UNLV Lineup: Matt Shaw (So., 6-8, 6.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Joe Darger (Jr., 6-7, 11.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Rene Rougeau (Jr., 6-6, 8.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Curtis Terry (Sr., 6-5, 10.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.9 apg), Jo'Van "Wink" Adams (Jr., 6-0, 16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Kent St. Lineup: Haminn Quaintance (Sr., 6-8, 9.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.1 apg), Mike Scott (Sr., 6-7, 13.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Chris Singletary (So., 6-4 10.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Rodriguez Sherman (So., 6-2, 5.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Al Fisher (Jr., 6-1, 14.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Prediction: Both teams are entering the tournament on a role having won their conference tourneys and both teams are very good defensively. In the end, despite the presence of "Wink" Adams, I like Kent St.'s offense a tad bit more. Kent St. 68 – UNLV 65

Clemson Tigers (5) vs. Villanova Wildcats (12)
Coaches: Oliver Purnell (Clemson) and Jay Wright (Villanova)
Clemson Lineup: Trevor Booker (So., 6-7, 11.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg), James Mays (Sr., 6-9, 10.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.1 apg), K.C. Rivers (Jr., 6-6, 15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Terrence Oglesby (Fr., 6-2, 10.5 ppg), Cliff Hammonds (Sr., 6-3, 11.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.9 apg)
Villanova Lineup: Dante Cunningham (Jr., 6-8, 10.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Antonio Pena (Fr., 6-8, 6.8 ppg,. 4.3 rpg), Shane Clark (Jr., 6-7, 6.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Scottie Reynolds (So., 6-2, 15.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), Corey Fisher (Fr., 6-1, 10.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Prediction: There won't be a lot of defense here, no this one will be an old fashioned shootout. And though Nova has more experience, not many teams are playing better ball entering the tourney than Clemson, and they have a few more bullets in the gun. Clemson 84 – Villanova 80

Vanderbilt Commodores (4) vs. Siena Saints (13)
Coaches: Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt) and Fran McCaffery (Siena)
Vanderbilt Lineup: A.J. Ogilvy (Fr., 6-11, 16.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Ross Neltner (Sr., 6-9, 8.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Shan Foster (Sr., 6-6, 19.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Jermaine Beal (So., 6-3, 7.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 4.7 apg), Alex Gordon (Sr., 5-11, 10.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Siena Lineup: Josh Duell (Jr., 6-7, 5.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Edwin Ubiles (So., 6-6, 17.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Alex Franklin (So., 6-5, 15.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Kenny Hasbrouck (Jr., 6-3, 15.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg), Ronald Moore (So., 6-0, 8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 5.3 apg)
Prediction: This should be another shootout that will be fun to watch. Again there won't be much defense here and the pace of this game will be very quick. Siena will hang with the Commodores for a while, but eventually Shan Foster and company will just be too much. Vanderbilt 87 – Siena 75

Wisconsin Badgers (3) vs. Cal St. Fullerton Titans (14)
Coaches: Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) and Bob Burton (Cal St. Fullerton)
Washington St. Lineup: Brian Butch (Sr., 6-11, 12.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Marcus Landry (Jr., 6-7, 11.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Joe Krabbenhoft (Jr., 6-7, 7.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.8 apg), Michael Flowers (Sr., 6-2, 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.4 apg), Trevon Hughes (So,. 6-0, 12.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.6 apg)
Cal St. Fullerton Lineup: Scott Cutley (Sr., 6-5, 14.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.9 apg), Marcus Morgan (Sr., 6-5, 5.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Frank Robinson (Sr., 6-4, 16.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.5 apg), Josh Akognon (Jr., 5-11, 19.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Marcus Crenshaw (Jr., 5-10, 8.9 ppg, 2.2 apg)
Prediction: There are few more boring teams to watch come tournament time than Wisconsin because they play such a slow, physical game. Of course that also adds up to the best defense in the nation. On that note, what makes this particular game interesting is the Cal St. Fullerton is one of the top 10 offensive teams in the country. You have a team who averages 83+ points per game against a team that allows fewer than 54. Fullerton could surprise, but expect the Badgers defense to win out over the Titans offense. However, given those two facts, it is almost impossible to imagine that this game won't be really, really close. Wisconsin 67 – Cal St. Fullerton 65

USC Trojans (6) vs. Kansas St. Wildcats (11)
Coaches: Tim Floyd (USC) and Frank Martin (Kansas St.)
USC Lineup: Taj Gibson (So., 6-9, 10.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Davon Jefferson (Fr., 6-8, 12.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Dwight Lewis (So., 6-5, 10.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg), O.J. Mayo (Fr., 6-5, 20.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.0 apg), Daniel Hackett (So., 6-5, 9.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Kansas St. Lineup: Michael Beasley (Fr., 6-10, 26.9 ppg, 12.6 rpg), Bill Walker (Fr., 6-6, 16.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Clent Stewart (Sr., 6-5, 7.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.2 apg), Blake Young (Sr., 6-2, 6.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.0 apg), Jacob Pullen (Fr., 6-1, 9.8 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Prediction: Easily the most interesting and exciting game of round one. Two of the nation's best freshmen (and the top two most hyped), Michael Beasley and O.J. Mayo going up against each other. Now, they play two incredibly different roles and positions so they won't be interacting much on the court, but the idea of it is fun nonetheless. As for the game itself, I have to take USC on the fact that Kansas St. is playing is worst ball of the year entering the tourney and USC is playing it's absolute best. USC 81 – Kansas St. 75

Gonzaga Zags (7) vs. Davidson Wildcats (10)
Coaches: Mark Few (Gonzaga) and Bob McKillop (Davidson)
Gonzaga Lineup: Josh Heytvelt (Jr., 6-11, 10.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Austin Daye (Fr., 6-10, 11.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), David Pendergraft (Sr., 6-6, 9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Matt Bouldin (So., 6-5, 13.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg), Jeremy Pargo (Jr., 6-2, 11.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.2 apg)
Davidson Lineup: Boris Meno (Sr., 6-8, 7.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Thomas Sander (Sr., 6-8, 8.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Andrew Lovedale (Jr., 6-8, 6.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Stephen Curry (So., 6-0, 25.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.9 apg), Jason Richards (Sr., 6-2, 12.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 8.0 apg)
Prediction: We all know that Davidson can score behind NCAA leader Stephen Curry, but they can also get very cold too. And if they aren't knocking down threes and jumpers, this team is in trouble. Gonzaga on the other hand has a very well rounded team and aside from a small misstep in the WCC tourney, have been playing great basketball for the past month. Gonzaga 77 – Davidson 70

Georgetown Hoyas (2) vs. Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers
Coaches: John Thompson III (Georgetown) and Randy Monroe (UMBC)
Georgetown Lineup: Roy Hibbert (Sr., 7-2, 13.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg), DaJuan Summers (So., 6-8, 11.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Austin Freeman (Fr., 6-4, 9.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Jessie Sapp (Jr., 6-3, 9.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.3 apg), Jonathan Wallace (Sr., 6-1, 10.4 ppg, 2.6 apg)
UMBC Lineup: Cavell Johnson (Sr., 6-8, 13.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Darryl Proctor (Jr., 6-4, 15.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Brian Hodges (Sr., 6-3, 14.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Ray Barbosa (Sr., 6-2, 16.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.1 apg), Jay Greene (Jr., 5-8, 8.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 7.3 apg)
Prediction: While not as good as they were a year ago at this time, G'Town is still one of the best defensive teams in the country and if they do have any flaws, UMBC certainly won't be able to expose them. Georgetown 79 – UMBC 46


South Region

Memphis Tigers (1) vs. UT-Arlington Mavericks (16)
Coaches: John Calipari (Memphis) and Scott Cross (UT-Arlington)
Memphis Lineup: Joey Dorsey (Sr., 6-9, 6.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg), Robert Dozier (Jr., 6-9, 9.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Antonio Anderson (Jr., 6-6, 7.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.4 apg), Chris Douglas Roberts (Jr., 6-6, 17.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Derrick Rose (Fr., 6-3, 14.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.5 apg) UT-Arlington Lineup: Jermaine Griffin (Sr., 6-9, 12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Anthony Vereen (Jr., 6-7, 13.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Larry Posey (Sr., 6-5, 8.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Rod Epps (Sr., 6-2, 8.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.6 apg), Rog'er Guigard (So., 5-11, 12.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg)
Prediction: I am not sure what the record for most points scored in an NCAA tournament game by one team is, but look for Memphis to take a crack at it in this game whatever it is. Memphis 112 – UT-Arlington 66

Mississippi St. Bulldogs (8) vs. Oregon Ducks (9)
Coaches: Rick Stansbury (Miss. St.) and Ernie Kent (Oregon)
Miss. St. Lineup: Jarvis Varnado (So., 6-9, 7.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Charles Rhodes (Sr., 6-8, 16.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg), Jamont Gordon (Jr., 6-4, 17.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.8 apg), Ben Hansbrough (So., 6-3, 10.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg), Barry Stewart (So., 6-2, 12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg)
Oregon Lineup: Maarty Leunen (Sr., 6-9, 15.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.8 apg), Joevan Catron (So., 6-6, 9.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), Malik Hairston (Sr., 6-6, 16.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.3 apg), Bryce Taylor (Sr., 6-4, 13.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Tajuan Porter (So., 5-6, 13.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.5 apg)
Prediction: Oregon has had a very disappointing season after returning 4 starters from a team that was asthree seed one year ago. Miss. St. on the other hand has had a very surprising season and few could have seen their SEC West regular season title coming. However, at this time of year, when there is a close game like this one, I always take the team that was supposed to be better at the beginning of the season because they are the one that usually seems to come through. Simplistic method I know, but Oregon is the pick. Oregon 78 – Miss. St. 68

Michigan St. Spartans (5) vs. Temple Owls (12)
Coaches: Tom Izzo (Michigan St.) and Fran Dunphy (Temple)
Michigan St. Lineup: Goran Suton (Jr., 6-10, 8.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Raymar Morgan (So., 6-7, 15.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Travis Walton (Jr., 6-2, 3.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 4.6 apg), Kalin Lucas (Fr., 6-0, 10.2 ppg, 3.9 apg), Drew Neitzel (Sr., 6-0, 13.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Temple Lineup: Sergio Olmos (Jr., 7-0, 5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Lavoy Allen (Fr., 6-9, 8.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Dionte Christmas (Jr., 6-5, 20.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 apg), Ryan Brooks (So., 6-4, 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Mark Tyndale (Sr., 6-5, 16.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.0 apg)
Prediction: Interesting game here with two contrasting styles. Michigan St. is big and physical, while Temple is quick and plays more of an outside game. Temple had a very good run to get into the tourney, but the run will most likely end here. Michigan St. is just too talented and deep for Temple to compete with. But look for Dionte Christmas to make a name for himself on the way out. Michigan St. 72 – Temple 63

Pittsburgh Panthers (4) vs. Oral Roberts Eagles (13)
Coaches: Jamie Dixon (Pitt) and Scott Sutton (Oral Roberts)
Pitt Lineup: DaJuan Blair (Fr., 6-7, 12.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Sam Young (Jr., 6-6, 18.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Keith Benjamin (Sr., 6-2, 9.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Ronald Ramon (Sr., 6-1, 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.8 apg), Levance Fields (Jr., 5-10, 11.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.2 apg)
Oral Roberts Lineup: Shawn King (Sr., 6-10, 9.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Marcus Lewis (Jr., 6-8, 8.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Moses Ehambe (Sr., 6-6, 11.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Adam Liberty (Sr., 6-2, 9.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.3 apg), Robert Jarvis (Jr., 5-11, 16.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg)
Prediction: Pitt is such a frustrating team because they always play down to their level of competition. They lack that killer instinct and always start playing like the Harlem Globetrotters the minute they go up by a few possession lead. Not to say that Oral Roberts should be discounted anyway, because they shouldn't, they are a top defensive team and are no slouch offensively either. But Pitt is on a roll coming off a Big East Championship and when push comes to shove they will do what it takes to win. But this one will be close because Pitt will allow it to be. Pitt 75 – Oral Roberts 68

Stanford Cardinal (3) vs. Cornell Big Red (14)
Coaches: Trent Johnson (Stanford) and Steve Donahue (Cornell)
Stanford Lineup: Brook Lopez (So., 7-0, 19.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Robin Lopez (So., 7-0, 9.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Lawrence Hill (Jr., 6-8, 9.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Anthony Goods (Jr., 6-3, 11.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Mitch Johnson (Jr., 6-1, 6.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.8 apg)
Cornell Lineup: Jeff Foote (Jr., 7-0, 8.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Alex Tyler (So., 6-7, 7.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Ryan Wittman (So., 6-6, 15.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), Adam Gore (Jr., 6-0, 9.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 5.3 apg), Louis Dale (So., 5-11, 13.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.0 apg)
Prediction: Cornell is coming off an incredibly Ivy league season and are probably one of the best Ivy league teams since Princeton in '94. And unlike most Ivy league champions, the Big Red can really score, averaging over 77 points per game. The bad news is that Stanford is one of the nation's best defensive teams and Cornell is not going to be able to match the Lopez twins in any way, shape or form. Stanford 75 – Cornell 62

Marquette Golden Eagles (6) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (11)
Coaches: Tom Crean (Marquette) and Billy Gillespie (Kentucky)
Marquette Lineup: Ousmane Barro (Sr., 6-10, 5.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Lazaar Haywood (So., 6-6, 13.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Wesley Matthews (Jr., 6-5, 11.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Jerel McNeal (Jr., 6-3, 13.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.9 apg), Dominic James (Jr., 5-10, 13.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.3 apg)
Kentucky Lineup: Perry Stevenson (So., 6-9, 5.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Ramon Harris (So., 6-6, 3.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Joe Crawford (Sr., 6-5, 16.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg), Derrick Jasper (So., 6-6, 3.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.3 apg), Ramel Bradley (Sr., 6-2, 15.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.3 apg)
Prediction: You can debate whether or not Kentucky really belongs at an 11 seed, or in the tournament at all, but here they are and now we have this great first round matchup to look forward to. Obviously the Wildcats are not the same team without Patrick Patterson, though the combo of Crawford and Bradley is still enough for them to win. The bigger problem will be fatigue as they have shown a tendency to have a problem with, and with Marquette running them non-stop for 40 minutes, odds are it will become a factor at the end of the game. Look for the Cats to run out of steam before they run out of clock. Marquette 79– Kentucky 74

Miami Hurricanes (7) vs. St. Mary's Gaels (10)
Coaches: Frank Haith (Miami) and Randy Bennett (St. Mary's)
Miami Lineup: Anthony King (Sr., 6-9, 7.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg), Dwayne Collins (So., 6-8, 9.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Brian Asbury (Jr., 6-7, 9.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), James Dews (So., 6-3, 10.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Jack McClinton (Jr., 6-1, 17.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.7 apg)
St. Mary's Lineup: Omar Samhan (So., 6-11, 10.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg), Diamon Simpson (Jr., 6-7, 13.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg),, Ian O'Leary (Jr., 6-7, 7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Tron Smith (Sr., 6-3, 7.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Patrick Mills (Fr., 5-11, 14.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Prediction: To me this is probably the least interesting of all the first round matchups, mainly because I don't really care who wins. Neither one will surprise me and neither one will really matter in the grand scheme as either one will be shredded by Texas in round two. I will go with St. Mary's though on the strength of their regular season and the fact that they have the better offense. St. Mary's 76 – Miami 71

Texas Longhorns (2) vs. Austin Peay Governors (15)
Coaches: Rick Barnes (Texas) and Dave Loos (Austin Peay)
Texas Lineup: Connor Atchley (Jr., 6-10, 9.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Damion Jones (So., 6-7, 12.9 ppg, 10.5 rpg), Justin Mason (So., 6-2, 6.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg), A.J. Abrams (Jr., 5-11, 16.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg), D.J. Augustin (So., 6-0, 19.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 5.8 apg) Austin Peay Lineup: Drake Reed (Jr., 6-5, 14.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg), Fernandez Lockett (Sr., 6-4, 10.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Todd Babington (Sr., 6-5, 11.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Wes Channels (So., 6-3, 11.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg), Derek Wright (Sr., 5-9, 11.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.8 apg)
Prediction: Good Day Governors (imagine that with an English accent, or even better as the main Manchester United fan in Euro Trip…"pretty good lads….pretty f'n good"). Not sure what that had to do with anything, but I had to write something here other than Austin Peay will get crushed. Actually Austin Peay's offense is nothing to sneeze at, but Texas is just playing too well right now as they have finally found their Kevin Durant-less rhythm over the past two months. Texas 88 – Austin Peay 71


West Region

UCLA Bruins (1) vs. Mississippi Valley St. Delta Devils (16)
Coaches: Ben Howland (UCLA) and James Green (Miss. Valley St.)
UCLA Lineup: Kevin Love (Fr., 6-10, 17.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Jr., 6-8, 8.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Josh Shipp (Jr., 6-5, 13.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg), Russell Westbrook (So., 6-3, 12.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.6 apg), Darren Collison (Jr., 6-1, 14.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.1 apg)
Miss. Valley St. Lineup: Larry Cox (Sr., 6-10, 12.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Chris Watson (Sr., 6-6, 8.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Carl Lucas (Sr., 6-5, 12.7 ppg, 5.5 apg), Michael Clark (Jr., 6-2, 8.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Stanford Speech (Sr., 6-3, 10.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.6 apg)
Prediction: This one was a toss up so I flipped a coin, it came up UCLA, I guess I'll go with that. UCLA 95 – Miss. Valley St. 47

BYU Cougars (8) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (9)
Coaches: Dave Rose (BYU) and Mark Turgeon (A&M)
BYU Lineup: Trent Plaisted (Jr., 6-11, 15.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Jonathan Tavernari (So., 6-6, 13.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Lee Cummard (Jr., 6-7, 15.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 apg), Sam Burgess (Sr., 6-3, 8.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Ben Murdock (Sr., 6-2, 4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.9 apg)
A&M Lineup: DeAndre Jordan (Fr., 7-0, 9.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Joseph Jones (Sr., 6-9, 10.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Josh Carter (Jr., 6-7, 12.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Dominique Kirk (Sr., 6-4, 7.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg), Donald Sloan (So., 6-3, 9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Prediction: This one really was a toss up as both teams are actually much better than 8 and 9 seeds respectively. Up until about a month ago A&M was actually a top 15 team and that was right where they were expected to be when the season began. But then they struggled mightily for the better part of February. BYU rolled along in February but stalled a but early this month while A&M seems to be coming back. It could go either way, but I have to take A&M based on the better team theory. Either way, Plaisted versus Jordan should be one of the top individual matchups of the first round. Texas A&M 72 – BYU 70

Drake Bulldogs (5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (12)
Coaches: Keno Davis (Butler) and Darrin Horn (W. Kentucky)
Butler Lineup: Jonathan Cox (Jr., 6-8, 11.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg), Klayton Korver (Sr., 6-5, 10.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Leonard Houston (Sr., 6-3, 14.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Josh Young (So., 6-1, 15.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Adam Emmenecker (Sr., 6-1, 8.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.2 apg)
W. Kentucky Lineup: Jeremy Evans (So., 6-9, 5.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Courtney Lee (Sr., 6-5, 20.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.2 apg), Ty Rogers (Sr., 6-3, 6.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg), A.J. Slaughter (So., 6-3, 7.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Tyrone Brazelton (Sr., 6-0, 13.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.7 apg)
Prediction: The bad thing about the rise of the mid-majors is the negative impact it has on Cinderella stories. A few years ago Drake would have received a double digit seed, despite their incredible regular season and ended up being a strong choice to make some noise over some big time names in the tourney. Now they are a top seed and a big time name themselves and they have to fend off other potential Cinderellas like Western Kentucky. I would like the Hilltoppers over some of the other number fives, but I can't take them over Drake, who is one of the top five shooting teams in the tournament. Drake 70 – W. Kentucky 65

Connecticut Huskies (4) vs. San Diego Toreros (13)
Coaches: Jim Calhoun (UConn) and Bill Grier (San Diego)
UConn Lineup: Hasheem Thabeet (So., 7-3, 10.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Stanley Robinson (So., 6-9, 10.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 apg), Jeff Adrien (Jr., 6-7, 15.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Jerome Dyson (So., 6-4, 13.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg), A.J. Price (Jr., 6-2, 15.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.0 apg)
San Diego Lineup: Gyno Pomare (Jr., 6-8, 13.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg), Rob Jones (Fr., 6-6, 8.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Trumaine Johnson (Fr., 6-2, 5.5 ppg, 2.8 apg), De'Jon Jackson (So., 6-1, 7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg), Brandon Johnson (Jr., 6-0, 16.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Prediction: Great WCC title run for San Diego and this UConn team is hardly unstoppable, but the Toreros are just overmatched here. However, UConn still could be primed to be upset later on. UConn 74 – San Diego 60

Xavier Muskateers (3) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (14)
Coaches: Sean Miller (Xavier) and Dennis Felton (Georgia)
Xavier Lineup: Josh Duncan (Sr., 6-9, 11.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Derrick Brown (So., 6-8, 10.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg), C.J. Anderson (Jr., 6-6, 10.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Stanley Burrell (Sr., 6-3, 9.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.8 apg), Drew Lavender (Sr., 5-7, 10.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.4 apg)
Georgia Lineup: Dave Bliss (Sr., 6-10, 7.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Jeremy Price (Fr., 6-8, 8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Terrance Woodbury (Jr., 6-7, 10.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Billy Humphrey (Jr., 6-2, 12.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Sundiata Gaines (Sr., 6-1, 14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.1 apg)
Prediction:Georgia's run through the SEC tournament, winning three games in the final two days after a tornado rocked the Georgia Dome is one of the greatest stories in Championship Week history. But that was their moment, now it's back to reality and it's a case where getting to Dance was an honor in itself. Xavier moves on fairly easily. Xavier 76 – Georgia 63

Purdue Boilermakers (6) vs. Baylor Bears (11)
Coaches: Matt Painter (Purdue) and Scott Drew (Baylor)
Purdue Lineup: Robbie Hummel (Fr., 6-8, 11.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.6 apg), Scott Martin (Fr., 6-8, 8.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Keaton Grant (So., 6-4, 10.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), E'Twaun Moore (Fr., 6-3, 12.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.6 apg), Chris Kramer (So., 6-3, 6.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg)
Baylor Lineup: Kevin Rogers (Jr., 6-9, 12.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg), LaceDarius Dunn (Fr., 6-4, 12.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Curtis Jerrells (Jr., 6-1, 15.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.7 apg), Henry Dugat (Jr., 6-0, 12.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Tweety Carter (So., 5-10, 9.2 ppg, 3.0 apg)
Prediction: Purdue is a team that I didn't believe at all until I had a chance to see them play a few times in the last month. They are the real deal and probably deserved better than a 6 seed. They are tenacious on defense and relentless on offense, able to score inside and from downtown with equal success. Plus, Robbie Hummel is a star in the making and should use this tournament as his coming out party. Purdue 70– Baylor 62

West Virginia Mountaineers (7) vs. Arizona Wildcats (10)
Coaches: Bob Huggins (W. Virginia) and Kevin O'Neill (Arizona)
W. Virginia Lineup: Joe Alexander (Jr., 6-8, 15.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.4 apg), Da'Sean Butler (So., 6-7, 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Wellington Smith (So., 6-7, 5.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Alex Ruoff (Jr., 6-6, 14.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.0 apg), Darris Nichols (Sr., 6-3, 11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Arizona Lineup: Jordan Hill (So., 6-10, 12.9 ppg, 8.0 apg), Chase Budinger (So., 6-7, 17.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.9 apg), Jawann McClellan (Sr., 6-4, 8.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg), Jerryd Bayless (Fr., 6-3, 20.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.3 apg), Nic Wise (So., 5-9, 8.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 4.0 apg)
Prediction: This is my pick for what is likely to be the best game of the first round. Both of these teams have had their stumbles, particularly Arizona, who many argue shouldn't even be in the field, but both are really very good teams when they are at their best. This really could be a second or third round matchup if all had gone right for these teams. Arizona had a lot of it's struggles due to injury and the loss of Jerryd Bayless, who just may be the best freshman in the country. Well now he is back and the Cats are ready to make a run. Of course it's hard to give them the benefit of the doubt when they have become perennial tournament underachievers in recent years. Its alos hard to pick them considering that the Mountaineers are solid all around and have a great coach in Bob Huggins. This is by far the hardest game for me to pick in the first round, especially since I think whoever wins it will beat Duke in round 2, but I have to go with the team with the best player on the court, and in this case it's Arizona and Bayless. Arizona 86 – West Virginia 84 OT

Duke Blue Devils (2) vs. Belmont Bruins (15)
Coaches: Mike Kryzyzewski (Duke) and Rick Byrd (Belmont)
Duke Lineup: Kyle Singler (Fr., 6-8 14.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Gerald Henderson (So., 6-4, 12.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Jon Scheyer (So., 6-5, 11.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg), DeMarcus Nelson (Sr., 6-4, 15.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.0 apg), Greg Paulus (Jr., 6-1, 10.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.5 apg) Belmont Lineup: Matthew Dotson (Jr., 6-8, 11.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Shane Dansby (Jr., 6-4, 13.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Alex Renfroe (Jr., 6-2, 8.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 apg), Justin Hare (Sr., 6-2, 14.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.9 apg), Andy Wicke (Jr., 6-2, 9.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.0 apg)
Prediction: The Devils in a laugher. Duke 88 – Belmont 65


That will do it for round one and the in depth analysis, now let's move on to the lighting round as we breeze through the rest of the bracket. I am hesitant to do this since I am in a 411 bracket pool and I hate to have others see my results (Not that I am arrogant enough to think people would actually copy my picks……wait, yes, yes I am). Seriously though, obviously none of the other writers care who I pick, but I will say this, I am GUARANTEEING VICTORY in that pool. GUARAN-DAMN-TEEING!!!!


SECOND ROUND

East Region
UNC (1) over Indiana (8)
Notre Dame (5) over Washington St. (4)
Louisville (3) over St. Joe's (11)
Tennessee (2) over Butler (7)

Midwest Region
Kansas (1) over Kent St. (9)
Clemson (5) over Vanderbilt (4)
USC (6) over Wisconsin (3)
Georgetown (2) over Gonzaga (7)

South Region
Memphis (1) over Oregon (9)
Michigan St. (5) over Pitt (4)
Stanford (3) over Marquette (6)
Texas (2) over St. Mary's (10)

West Region
UCLA (1) over Texas A&M (9)
Drake (5) over UConn (4)
Xavier (3) over Purdue (6)
Arizona (10) over Duke (2)


SWEET SIXTEEN
UNC (1) over Notre Dame (5)
Tennessee (2) over Louisville (3)
Kansas (1) over Clemson (5)
USC (6) over Georgetown (2)
Memphis (1) over Michigan St. (5)
Texas (2) over Stanford (3)
UCLA (1) over Drake (5)
Arizona (10) over Xavier (3)


ELITE EIGHT
Tennessee (2) over UNC (1)
Kansas (1) over USC (6)
Memphis (1) over Texas (2)
UCLA (1) over Arizona (10)

All East Regional Team – Chris Lofton, Tyler Smith, Ramar Smith, Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson
All Midwest Regional Team – Brandon Rush, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, O.J. Mayo, Taj Gibson
All South Regional Team – Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez
All West Regional Team – Kevin Love, Darren Collison, Russell Westbrook, Jerryd Bayless, Chase Budinger


FINAL FOUR
Tennessee (2) over Kansas (1)
UCLA (1) over Memphis (1)


NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

UCLA BRUINS OVER TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS


Alright, that will do it for the 2008 Big Dance, all 63 remaining games covered and predicted. Let's see how I do…….I know what you are thinking, that I won't do well, and I agree, history would tell you that. However, I always do pretty well with the NCAA Tournament so you might be surprised. On the other hand, since I have posted all my picks in this column I will obviously fall flat on my face…LOL!!!! Yes, I am fake laughing…..only the tears are real.

Before we go let's take a look at some of the can't miss games that we will and may see over the next three weeks………..

Top 5 First Round Games
1) USC (6) vs. Kansas St. (11)
2) West Virginia (7) vs. Arizona (10)
3) Gonzaga (7) vs. Davidson (10)
4) Butler (7) vs. South Alabama (10)
5) Marquette (6) vs. Kentucky (11)

Top 5 Potential Second Round Games
1) UNC (1) vs. Indiana (8)
2) Duke (2) vs. West Virginia (7) or Arizona (10)
3) Pitt (4) vs. Michigan St. (5)
4) UConn (4) vs. Drake (5)
5) Tennessee (2) vs. Butler (7)

Top 5 Potential Sweet 16 and Beyond Games
1) Final Four – Memphis (1) vs. UCLA (1)…..In my opinion, the top two teams in the country
2) East Regional Final – UNC (1) vs. Tennessee (2)
3) Final Four – UNC (1) vs. Kansas (1)
4) East Sweet 16 – UNC (1) vs. Notre Dame (5)
5) Midwest Sweet 16 – Kansas (1) vs. Clemson (5)


That will do it for the Tournament Preview, now it's onto the greatest time of year with the tournament itself. As you can tell from all this, I absolutely love the tournament and it is easily my favorite sporting event in the world. I can only assume that if you actually got through all of the monotony above and are actually reading these words, that you feel the same way that I do. So for all my fellow NCAA diehards, have fun over the next few weeks, enjoy the basketball, the brackets, the drinking and whatever else you may have planned, I know I will. To all my regular readers, I will of course be back next week with "Curveballs and Sliders" on its regular day, Tuesday, and it will be a jam packed column. It will be the full 2008 MLB Season Preview, full of all of my predictions, as well as last's weeks feedback, the 411mania fantasy draft (which took place last week and by the way…I CRUSHED) and the continuation of "The Greatest" lineups and rotations for each MLB franchise. Until then…………………………….


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