NCAA Tournament: Weekend 1 Reaction

The first weekend of the NCAA tournament is in the books.  Here are some thoughts:

-  Well, it seems odd to me, but my Syracuse Orange are in the Sweet 16.  I don't see us getting past a solid and deep Indiana squad, but making it this far was nice.

-  Georgetown might win the "Biggest Disappointment" award.  They didn't show up at all, and got sent packing.  This could hurt Otto Porter's draft stock, recruiting, and maybe even effect JTIII's job security if they continue to struggle so much in the NCAAs.

-  The team that beat the Hoyas, of course, was Florida Gulf Coast.  They have the honor of being this year's Cinderella.  Sure, La Salle is still there, and Wichita State beat Gonzaga.  Yet a 15-seed has never advanced to the Sweet 16.  Add in that this is the team's second year playing in Division 1-A, and first NCAA Tournament appearance, and you have one of the better Cinderella stories in recent memory.

-  The Big 10 (12, soon to be 14) is representing itself very well, with four of their top teams making the second weekend.  These four (Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State) have looked very good so far, but not unbeatable.  It will be interesting to see if one or all of them is able to make it to Atlanta and the Final Four.

-  There's been a ton of talk on ESPN about how questionable some of the officiating has been.  I think that the officials have been fine, but the rules (like the Flagrant 1 rule) are a bit iffy.  Its not worth yelling that much about.

-  Not as many buzzer beaters and close games as I would want.  Also, not as many dominating performances from the big stars we have gotten to learn about over the season.  Its a bit odd.



Looking ahead to Weekend #2, have have some solid matchups.  The East regional is the only one where all 4 top seeds advanced.  I'll be at the Verizon Center here in DC to watch Miami/Marquette and Indiana vs my Orange.

The West regional is total chaos, and should be Ohio State's for the taking.  The Wichita State/La Salle game should be a lot of fun, and knowing one of those teams will be in the Elite Eight is nice.

Kanasa/Michigan highlights the South region, though all eyes will be on the FGCU Eagles against the Gators.

Then, the blue blood matchup in the Midwest of Michigan State vs Duke reminds us all that the traditional powers are still playing.  Louisville's ugly new uniforms will take on Oregon, who have had very nice traditional unis so far... which is fairly amazing.



Enjoy the basketball!