Oh how Sweet it is

The most memorable moment of the first couple rounds is Ali Farokhmanesh taking the most nuts shot ever and the fact that it went in, followed by the Kansas player (was it Collins?) crying on the court for 10 minutes later. What was he doing the last 40 minutes? Another great mement was the thrilling end of the Maryland/Michigan State game. Other highlights include Georgetown, Villanova, Pitt, Marquette, Louisville, and Notre Dame, all from the Big Bad East, not showing up for their games. All four of the MWC representatives are now at home.

1. Michigan State vs. Northern Iowa. Northern Iowa shows us one example of the Selection Committee doing a terrible job with seeding. The Panthers were a nationally top team all year, winning 30 games including their conference tourney. They dominated Kansas, now I'm a believer. I don't think Michigan State will be able to recover from losing their most important player. Northern Iowa

2. Kentucky vs. Cornell. This is the most compelling cultural matchup in the tournament: a powerhouse team from an athletics-focused school led by by 4 freshman versus an Ivy-League team with no athletic scholarships led by a bunch of seniors. Cornell can shoot, we know that, but after Kansas got embarrassed by UNI, there is no way Kentucky loses this game. And Kentucky will go on to win it all. Kentucky

3. Ohio State vs. Tennessee. I think this will be the best game of the third round. Buckeyes in the Final Four. Ohio State

4. Kansas State vs. Xavier. Xavier makes their third straight Sweet 16, but I really like K-State to make the Final Four, but this is a good matchup. Kansas State

5. West Virginia vs. Washington. Everybody loved the Mountaineers after they won the Big East tourney, but now we can see how overrated that actually was. I also think they are in trouble after losing their starting point guard. Washington

6. Baylor vs. St Marys. Baylor has played Sam Houston State and Old Dominion. St Marys isn't your household name either, but they are an outstanding team that thrives on fundamentals, good shooting, strong post-up play, and great guard play. St Marys will make the Final Four. St Marys

7. Syracuse vs. Butler. Syracuse has received a lot of attention with their 2-3 zone defense and being without their star center. Butler has a good shot to figure them out and beat them and I picked them last round. I think they will play the part of Northern Iowa. Butler, but not a lot of confidence

8. Duke vs. Purdue. The Boilermakers seem to have surprised everybody by making it this far. They aren't getting by Duke. Duke