March Madness Continued

The first round has provided some of the same and some big punches. The big names moved on and the handful of double digit seeds pulled the upset including a 12 over a 5. In terms of my picks I was wrong with the opening game and went 23-9 with the first round.

(1) Kansas v (9) Northern Iowa: Kansas came out the gate strong, but face a dangerous #9 seed. Northern Iowa knocked off UNLV and have a few free shooters who are playing with house money. Kansas has a much stronger squad though and that should be enough. PICK: KANSAS

(1) Kentucky v (9) Wake Forest: Kentucky might have been the most impressive #1 seed in their opening game. They have a lot of young talent that just puts points on the board. Wake Forest survived an up and down Longhorns team, but they don't have enough to keep it going against a much better team. PICK: KENTUCKY

(2) Kansas State v (7) Brigham Young: This one could get interesting as both teams are capable of making runs and feature a couple of the top players. Kansas State though has a little more balance and Pullen will do enough to put them over the top. PICK: KANSAS STATE

(2) Villanova v (10) Saint Mary's: It's a balanced and veteran squad in Nova versus a one man team with role players. Can Samhan do enough to put St. Mary's over the top? Nova did not play very well against Robert Morris and can be vulnerable, but should have enough to survive a possible threat. PICK: VILLANOVA

(3) New Mexico v (11) Washington: New Mexico played against better teams and have a better record. They are one of the small schools who can make a deep run if they play well. Washington might be a tough out. PICK: NEW MEXICO

(3) Baylor v (11) Old Dominion: Old Dominion did enough to edge by Notre Dame, but now they face a tougher challenge. Baylor has more than one player that can shoot well and put this one away. Old Dominion will keep it close, but they don't have enough. PICK: BAYLOR

(5) Butler v (13) Murray State: Murray State got off a late shot to upset Vanderbilt, but they face probably the best #5 seed this year and a team that plays better than most mid majors. Butler does more than enough. PICK: BUTLER

(6) Tennessee v (14) Ohio: Ohio probably pulled off the biggest upset of the first round not only because they beat Georgetown after they barely got in, but they blew the Hoyas out. Tennessee will present a better challenge and a team that has played much more consistent. They should have little trouble winning. PICK: TENNESSEE

(1) Duke v (8) California: Duke had everything going in their opening round game and probably matchup better against Cal then Louisville. California has a good team, but no where as deep as the Blue Devils. PICK: DUKE

(1) Syracuse v (8) Gonzaga: Syracuse has size and speed and too much talent for Gonzaga. PICK: SYRACUSE

(2) West Virginia v (10) Missouri: West Virginia continues to play very well and should be too much for Missouri, who played very well against Clemson. PICK: WEST VIRGINIA

(2) Ohio State v (10) Georgia Tech: Ohio State and Evan Turner will be too much for what Georgia Tech throws their way. PICK: OHIO STATE

(3) Pittsburgh v (6) Xavier: Xavier looks about as good as most years, but do they have enough to put away a game Pitt team. This one will be close and possibly decided on a last shot. PICK: PITTSBURGH

(4) Purdue v (5) Texas A&M: Both teams are pretty even, but Purdue has played better over the whole year and have a lot of versatility. PICK: PURDUE

(4) Maryland v (5) Michigan State: This one has thriller written all over it. Both feature a couple of good players who can change the game. Experience is my deciding factor. PICK: MICHIGAN STATE

(4) Wisconsin v (12) Cornell: Cornell surprised many with their victory of Temple in the manner they did. Wisconsin is not the best offensive team and could be vulnerable against a better than usual Ivy League team. PICK: CORNELL

Will upsets occur or will chalk sort itself out again this year? This year has been too unpredictable to follow at times. Here is to more surprises and possible madness! Expect more of the same though.