One of the great things about March Madness is that there are so many small-name teams that you have never heard of playing on the big stage. What makes this so great is that with 314 possible contestants, we are bound to have a handful of interesting nickname/mascot combinations in the tournament year in and year out.
After all, isn't that what you look forward to the most? Spending Thursday afternoon watching The same old plain-Jane blue-and-white Kentucky Wildcats battle The silver-green-and-red Highlanders of East Western Poly Tech State?
It is common knowledge that we here at BIAH are the leaders in unnecessary college basketball information. Since we have this 64-team bracket in-front of us, we decided to try and determine the best mascot in March Madness.
Each day we will reveal a new portion of our bracket, leading up to the Championship game on April 5th, when we determine the best mascot in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Round of 32 (East and South)
East Bracket
#9 Texas Longhorns vs. #16 East Tennessee State Buccaneers
This battle features a drastic difference in fighting styles. Bucs are dominant swash-bucklers and have a solid rob-to-plunder ratio. Longhorns are slow but powerful, and their horns have a high damage rate. What this comes down to is simple: Desire. Cattle enjoy grazing aimlessly in pastures for hours. Buccaneers on the otherhand are merciless thieves who never turn down a chance to collect some booty. Late in the game, ETSU "cow-tips" Dexter Pittman and he is unable to get up.
Winner - #16 East Tennessee State Buccaneers
#4 Wisconsin Badgers vs. #5 Temple Owls
Badgers and owls never get the respect they deserve. Owls are assassins of the night, preying on any creatures wandering across the forest floor. Badgers are ruthless hunters, and can find food buried well below ground. It would seem unlikely that these two animals would ever actually cross paths. I'm going to give Temple the edge because of pop-culture references. They've got Hooters and "Mr. owl" from the Tootsie Pop commercials. The only things we get from Badgers are a reference on "The Simpsons" and that really stupid youtube video.
Winner - #5 Temple Owls
#3 New Mexico Lobos vs. #11 Washington Huskies
These two teams are very similar despite the seeding difference. Lobos are wolves, and wolves are a type of canine. Huskies are also a type of canine. New Mexico is the home of the western omelet and chipotle spices. Washington has Starbucks, the most addictive fast-food chain in the country. Both states are also well-known for their music. Seattle is home to legendary bands Pearl Jam and Nirvana. The New Mexican frontier is inspiration for more than a number of famous folk songs. The advantage in this match up goes to the Lobos only because their nickname is more unique. Maybe if we all weren't sick of hearing about the UConn huskies, we would be more accepting. But we aren't, and the Lobos advance in a triple-overtime thriller. Gus Johnson's call is legendary: "THE WOLVES....ARE LIVIN' LA VIDA...LOBO!!"
Winner - #3 New Mexico Lobos
#2 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. #7 Missouri Tigers
The Mountaineers just might have the easiest path to the Final Four in the entire bracket. But give the mountaineer credit. Afterall it is such a well-rounded mascot. They carry firearms, so most predators don't stand a chance. Mountaineers are also good at tracking prey, not to mention surviving in various conditions and terrain. Finally, mountaineers are very resourceful. They get all the potential resources out of their prey before continuing on. It is going to take a powerful powerful beast to stop these wilderness warriors. Allot more than anything a midwestern tiger has to offer.
Winner - #2 West Virginia Mountaineers
South Bracket
#8 California Golden Bears vs. #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
This is a clash between the world's most ultimate super-animals. This is easily the biggest super fight in the history of the Animal Kingdom. It would be a bigger draw than Maywether/Pacquiao or Epic Beard man/Amberlamps Guy II. Lions are much quicker than bears and would post a better 40yd-dash time. But in a long-distance race I would take the bears over the lions. This is another closely contested battle which will be decided by just one thing. APB sports one of/if not the most ferocious-looking logos in all collegiate sports and Cal-Berkly's mascot is probably the most pathetic-looking mascot in the country.
Winner - #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
#4 Purdue Boilermakers vs. #12 Utah State Aggies
I envision modern-day Boilermakers as your "Joe Everyman" type who drives an American full-cab pickup truck, drinks Bud Heavy religiously, and hasn't missed an opening day of whitetail/trout season since the Big Dog era. Aggies from Utah State could not be more diametrically-opposite if they tried. I see nothing but hybrid-driving, Kings of Leon-loving Scientologists.
Winner - #4 Purdue Boilermakers
#3 Baylor Bears vs. #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
I feel like Monarchs are allowed to do whatever they want. It is true that bears are the Brock Lesnars of the animal kingdom, but I don't think it would be be unheard of for the Grand Duke of Virginia to banish all bears from the territory. Or at the least, make bear season year-long. Plus, I mean, have you seen their logo? it's pretty bad ass. I just don't think Baylor has anything to offer in this one. Monarchy Rules.
Winner - #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
#7 Richmond Spiders vs. #15 Robert Morris Colonials
You would think that the Colonials squash the bugs and advance to the Sweet Sixteen, right? Wrong. You forget that most historical figure mascots have week immune systems due to their rudimentary medical knowledge. One spider bite is all it takes to wipe out the colony of New Pittsburgh.
Winner - #7 Richmond Spiders
Next Round: Sweet Sixteen
Midwest Bracket
#4 Maryland Terrapins vs. #9 UNLV Runnin' Rebels
#11 San Diego State Aztecs vs. #15 UC-Santa Barbara Gauchos
West Bracket
#4 Vanderbilt Commodores vs. #16 Vermont Catamounts
#14 Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. #15 North Texas Mean Green
East Bracket
#5 Temple Owls vs. #16 East Tennessee State Buccanneers
#2 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. #3 New Mexico Lobos
South Bracket
#4 Purdue Boilermakers vs. #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
#7 Richmond Spiders vs. #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
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Thursday, April 1, 2010
Mascot Madness: Round of 32 (East and South) |
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Mascot Madness: Round of 64 (South) |
One of the great things about March Madness is that there are so many small-name teams that you have never heard of playing on the big stage. What makes this so great is that with 314 possible contestants, we are bound to have a handful of interesting nickname/mascot combinations in the tournament year in and year out.
after all, isn't that what you look forward to the most? Spending Thursday afternoon watching The same old plain-Jane blue-and-white Kentucky Wildcats battle The silver-green-and-red Highlanders of East Western Poly Tech State?
It is common knowledge that we here at BIAH are the leaders in unnecessary college basketball information. Since we have this 64-team bracket in-front of us, we decided to try and determine the best mascot in March Madness.
Each day we will reveal a new portion of our bracket, leading up to the Championship game on April 5th, when we determine the best mascot in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Round of 64 (West)
#1 Duke Blue Devils vs. #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Didn't a golden lion save Narnia in that bad-ass children's movie? I'm pretty sure he did. In fact, I'm pretty sure he was killed, then came back to life and destroyed all the forces of evil. What was the last cool thing a blue devil did? Surf on-top of band members during a TV timeout? Every mascot does that. Hell, I'd give the Cameron Crazies better odds of defeating Golden Lions than the actual blue devil.
Winner - #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
#8 California Golden Bears vs. #9 Louisville Cardinals
The only "golden bear" that these cardinals could stand a chance against is Jack Nickalaus, (the original golden bear) and I'd still not want to wager any money on it. The 80+ year-old duffer could KO a cardinal from 130 yards out with a pitching wedge. This fact makes the Louisville the weakest mascot in the field by far. It's all Cal in this one. Golden Bears are still picking cardinal feathers out of their paws.
Winner - #8 California Golden Bears
#5 Texas A&M Aggies vs. #12 Utah State Aggies
We've got the Texas nerds up against the Utah nerds. I'm gonna go out on a limb and pick the aggies in this one. The Utah Aggies that is. The nicknames might be the same, but Utah State's mascot is scary-looking. I will look past the fact that it has no correlation to agricultural sciences whatsoever.
Winner - #12 Utah State Aggies
#4 Purdue Boilermakers vs. #13 Siena Saints
Siena calls themselves the saints, but fail to mention that "saints" is short for "saint bernard". I like dogs, but I don't like liars. I'll take the sledgehammer-wielding railroad workers in this one.
Winner - #4 Purdue Boilermakers
#6 Notre Dame Fightin' Irish vs. #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
I think this one already took place. It was a couple hundred years ago. I think Mel Gibson was there, right? No? well you get the point anyways. I feel like I should never bet against an irishman in a fight, but monarchs are in-charge of entire kingdoms, so....yea. Plus, nobody actually enjoys South Bend, Indiana, not even "Touchdown Jesus". The Monarchs win, take over the irish countryside and ship the losers off to the New World.
Winner - #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
#3 Baylor Bears vs. #14 Sam Houston State Bearkats
Sorry SHSU, but you can't make up your own animal and hope to get away with it. Your mascot is neither bear, nor cat. Nor did your university make an attempt to spell it correctly. Strikes 1, 2 and 3. But for you who actually care about animal science, you will be happy to know that the bearcat is most closely-related to the binturong, a nearly-endangered species of badger-esque civet located in Southeast Asia. The scent of Binturong musk is often compared to that of warm buttered popcorn and cornbread. The best part is that I didn't make that up at all. Unfortunately, SHSU decided to be cute and spell "bearkat" with a "k".
Winner - #3 Baylor Bears
#7 Richmond Spiders vs. #10 St. Marys Gaels
This might be one of the best match-ups of the first round. I'm terrified of spiders but they make for a unique mascot. Gaels are a small group of scotch-irish people from the mideivel times (no, not that medeivel times). The irish were good at getting rid of snakes, not spiders. Plus, there is a significant ammount of letdown from the fact that I thought "gaels" refered to a strong gust of wind. That would have won it for them. They also would have been better off being called "the Fightin' Samhans". Richmond wins, which makes UFC middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva very very happy.
Winner - #7 Richmond Spiders
#2 Villanova Wildcats vs. #15 Robert Morris Colonials
If you've been following along this entire time, you've realized that Wildcats don't stand a chance in this tournament. Colonials are amongst one of the weakest human mascots in this field. But, fortunately for them, they take on the weakest overall mascot in the tournament. Bobby Mo turns all former wildcat territory into "New Pittsburgh". It makes the lost colony of Roanoke look like Manhattan.
Winner - #15 Robert Morris Colonials
Next Round:
#8 California Golden Bears vs. #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Grizzlies
#4 Purdue Boilermakers vs. #12 Utah State Aggies
#3 Baylor Bears vs. #11 Old Dominion Monarchs
#7 Richmond Spiders vs. #15 Robert Morris Colonials
Up Next:
Round of 32 (Midwest and West)
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2010 NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown: South Region |
You know how every year, there is one region that throws a wrench into everyone's bracket? One region where upsets happen, surprises abound, and the lucky few that happen to guess right win the bracket because of that particular region? Well, that's the south this season. Duke got a gift with this bracket. It has the lowest two, the lowest three, and the four seed that is missing their most important player.
This region, in all likelihood, is going to be a mess. And probably the most exciting.
So with that in mind, here is your South Region breakdown:
Final Four Favorite: Duke Blue Devils
Duke probably has to be considered the favorite in this region. Nothing against the Blue Devils, as they are a very talented team. I don't care how mediocre the ACC is, winning a conference regular season and tournament title is commendable. The Blue Devils have as good of a big three as anyone in the country, with Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, and Nolan Smith. Their front court is as big and as athletic as it has been in years. Brian Zoubek has all of a sudden become a rebounding force. Kenpom says they're the best team in the country. Who am I to argue. That said, Duke has struggled away from Cameron this season. And this group has struggled in March since they have been in Durham. I've said this over and over again -- you have to learn how to win. Has Duke done that yet?
And if they lose?: Baylor Bears
Baylor is actually my pick to make the Final Four out of this bracket. I love their back court of Tweety Carter and Lace Dunn. I love their length and athleticism. I love Ekpe Udoh. I love how aggressively they go to the offensive glass. What does concern me, however, is that both Duke and Villanova have talented guards that can penetrate and they can shoot threes. That is how you beat the Baylor zone.
Sweet 16 Sleeper (10 or lower): Siena Saints (UPDATE: Apparently, Clarence Jackson rolled his ankle in practice on Saturday and was on crutches during the selection show Sunday night.)
There are a number of teams that can be picked here (Utah State, Old Dominon, St. Mary's), but I think the Saints have the best chance. Siena isn't sneaking up on anyone this year, not after winning a game the last two tournaments. But that doesn't mean Siena isn't a good team. There are two things I like about this Siena team -- experience and balance. All the guys on this team have been through the tournament before; the Saints aren't going to be blinded by the lights. The Saints are also the only team this season to have four players average more than 13 ppg. I really like how well Edwin Ubiles and Alex Franklin match up with major conference players. But the key to this team is point guard Ronald Moore, who doesn't get enough national recognition. The kid led the country in assists this year, is fantastic in the open floor, and has made clutch shots. Moore, and Siena has a whole, doesn't rattle easy, meaning Moore shouldn't be affected by the tough defense he will face against Texas A&M and Purdue. One last Siena note - keep in mind, when talking about the losses the Saints had to quality out of conference opponents, that all of those games were on the road.
Final Four Sleeper (5 or lower): Texas A&M Aggies
I was going to pick Richmond, but I will be getting to them in a minute, so I went with the Aggies here. A&M is a tough team, not just physically, but mentally as well. How many teams would have dealt with a catastrophic injury to their emotional leader (Derrick Roland's broken leg) like A&M did? This is a team that likes to control the tempo and plays defense. Donald Sloan is there star, but Brian Davis and David Loubeau are solid up front as well. The Aggies fate may rest on the health of Dash Harris.
Seeded too high: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Slo-tre Dame has been very good playing under this new system, but don't let this new style make you forget about the how poorly the Irish played before this stretch. Just a month ago, Notre Dame was considered completely out of the tournament conversation. The last time we saw a run like this out of the Big East, Gerry McNamara led Syracuse through the Big East Tournament and from the bubble to a five seed. They lost in the first round. I'm just sayin'.
Seeded too low: Richmond Spiders
Richmond is a very good basketball team. They beat Mississippi State, Missouri, Old Dominion, and Florida out of conference. They won 13 games in league play, finishing second in the A-10 regular season, and made the tournament finals. They finished 22nd in the RPI. How did they end up as a seven seed? Richmond loves to spread the floor. They have a big man that is a competent passer out of the high post. They have one of the best back courts in the country with David Gonzalvez and Kevin Anderson. Think of their offense as a cross between Georgetown and Marquette. Like I said, this is a very good basketball team, and Villanova should be concerned.
Player to Watch (8 and up): David Gonzalvez and Kevin Anderson, Richmond, and Ekpe Udoh, Baylor
Like I said, Richmond's back court is as good as any in the country; there aren't 10 back courts I would rather have. Gonzalvez is bigger and a better shooter, while Anderson is a crafty scorer that is difficult to keep out of the lane. They play well together, and both have shown an ability to hit big shots. Ekpe Udoh has made an amazing improvement this season. After sitting the year out per transfer requirements, Udoh has returned as a much, much better player offensively and a guy that anchors Baylor inside defensively.
Player to Watch (9 and lower): Omar Samhan, St. Mary's
Samhan is a big, fiery center that can score on the block, rebound the ball, and was named WCC defensive player of the year. He's a legitimate 20-10 guy. St. Mary's gets Richmond and Villanova in the first two rounds, two teams that lack a big man in the post. St. Mary's has a couple talented guards in Mickey McConnell and Matthew Dellevedova, but neither of those two are known as good defenders. SMC has a chance to make the Sweet 16, but it is going to take a big weekend from Samhan. He's capable of it.
Best Matchup -- 1st Round: #7 Richmond vs. #10 St. Mary's
Two of the best mid-majors in the country. Richmond is a team based on their guard play, as we mentioned already. St. Mary's relies on Samhan inside and the open threes he creates on the perimeter. Richmond has a big guy inside in Dan Geriot, but the former all-conference player has struggled since coming back from a torn acl. McConnell and Dellavedova will have their hands full trying to stop the Richmond back court. Who's going to step up defensively?
Notre Dame has been so good since slowing down their attack. They execute flawlessly in the half court and have ramped up their defensive intensity. That said, they are coming off of a loss to a West Virginia team that is similar to Old Dominion. Big, athletic, aggressive on the glass, tough defensively. Notre Dame did not look good against West Virginia, and may struggle against the equally slowed-down Monarchs. Expect this game to finish in the 50's.
Best Potential Matchup: #3 Baylor vs. #2 Villanova
Man, would this be an entertaining game to watch. Villanova struggles against big, athletic teams, which is Baylor to a T. But Baylor struggles against teams with dynamic, penetrating guards and three point shooters, which is Villanova to a T. Villanova's biggest weakness is on the defensive end. They foul too much and they will struggle on the glass against the Bears. But Villanova has guys that are proven winners and deep tournament experience. Baylor doesn't.
Upset Alert!!!: Old Dominion, Siena, St. Mary's/Richmond
We've talked about Siena beating Purdue, and we've also talked about Old Dominion's matchup with Notre Dame. But I think that both the Gaels and the Spiders will matchup well with Villanova. The Wildcats don't have answer inside for Omar Samhan, who may go to the line 30 times if these two meet up. I'm also not sure if Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher will be able to stay in front of Anderson and Gonzalvez. Villanova better come ready to play.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2009 NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown: South Region |
North Carolina looks like they have the easiest path to the Final Four of all the #1 seeds. Oklahoma, Syracuse, and Gonzaga, the 2, 3, and 4 seeds, are all talented teams that, for one reason or another, have been streaky during the season. Gonzaga hit a lull in the middle of non-conference play, Syracuse struggled through the gauntlet that was the Big East schedule, and Oklahoma ended the season on a sour note, losing four of their last six games.
The issue for Carolina, obviously, is the health of Ty Lawson's toe. If you are or have ever been an athlete, then you know how damaging a toe injury can be. Think about it. Any movement an athlete makes - running, jumping, cutting - is finished by pushing off with your toes. If you have a bum toe, then you won't be as quick, you won't get as much lift on your jump shot, you won't be getting up the floor as quickly, etc. That can really have an effect on your game, especially if you are a guy that relies on your quickness like Lawson does.
But there is more to the South than just Ty Lawson, so without further ado, let's take a look at the South Region.
Final Four Favorite: North Carolina
This should be no surprise to anyone. The Tar Heels were overwhelming favorites in the preseason, and while they struggled through some defensive issues and injuries (Hansbrough, Lawson, Zeller, Ginyard), the Heels are still a favorite to win their second national title under Roy Williams. They do it with offensive firepower - getting out and running the floor, beating their opponent down the court for easy baskets. But all of that hinges on the toe of their floor general. There may not be a more valuable player in the country (DeJuan Blair, Hasheem Thabeet, and Blake Griffin come to mind) than Lawson, and not just because he is the engine that keeps the Carolina offense moving. He has also become their best scoring threat when the Heels are stuck in the half court offense. During the season's stretch run, there were a number of games that he simply took over (at Duke comes to mind, as does at Miami).
And If They Lose: Oklahoma
You have to give the Sooners some respect here, simply because they have Blake Griffin. The big fella is the player of the year in college hoops, and is capable of putting the team on his back and carrying OU to a Final Four. As good as Griffin is, the play of his teammates is much more important. When Willie Warren, Austin Johnson, and Tony Crocker are scoring threats and are knocking down three's, the Sooners are very difficult to beat. When they aren't, then teams can just collapse on Griffin in the paint. One huge issue for this team is attitudes. Both Warren and Juan Patillo were punished late in the season (Warren for his attitude, Patillo for skipping class). For Warren, it seems a bit like he has been reading his news clippings. His struggles seem to have come at the same time as people starting mentioning him as a lottery pick. One last thing for the Sooners - GET THE BALL TO THE BIG MAN. He is the best player in the country, and he took nine shots in a post season game (Big XII tourney loss to OK State). I know that the Cowboys were really collapsing on him, but that is unacceptable.
Sweet 16 Sleeper (10 or lower): Michigan
You know, to be honest I don't really like anyone from this region. Western Kentucky did it last year, but they lost Courtney Lee and Tyrone Brazelton. Temple has beaten Xavier and Tennessee this year, but I don't see them getting past Arizona State, let alone the Orange. I'll go with Michigan because they play a unique style and John Beilein has a proven track record of winning in March. And the Wolverines are talented - Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims get slept on, but both are extremely talented players. I think if they get by Clemson, then they have a shot against the Sooners as long as they pack in that 1-3-1 and hope that Johnson, Warren, and Crocker are missing.
Final Four Sleeper (5 or lower): Arizona State
I would have picked Butler if they were matched up with anyone other than North Carolina. I love the Bulldogs. They shoot it, they defend, and they are tough as nails. But I just don't think they have the athletes to play with the Heels. So I'm going to go with Arizona State. Yes, they have James Harden, but they also have big man in James Pendergraph, an underrated point guard in Derek Glasser, and some decent scorers/shooters on the wing (Ty Abbott, Rihard Kuksiks).
Seeded Too High: Gonzaga
The 'Zags were not very impressive to me this season. They never really seemed to learn how to play together. Their roster is loaded with talent and potential draft picks, but they still managed to disappoint during the regular season. Winning the Old Spice Classic was nice, as was beating Tennessee in Tennessee. But the first half of their season was pretty mediocre, as they lost to UConn, Portland State, a so-so Arizona team, and an overrated Utah team. Yes, they won 17 or 18 games to close out the season, but 16 of those games were against conference teams. Outside of St. Mary's, the WCC is not good. Yes, they beat St. Mary's three times, but both regular season wins were against their JV team without Patty Mills playing, and the win in the WCC Finals was Mills' second game back. That said, I think that the 'Zags have a shot at knocking off UNC in the Sweet 16. The Heels struggle against guards that can take over a game, and Pargo has that ability.
Seeded Too Low: No one
The committee actually did a pretty good job here. I'll say this - I think that both Butler and LSU are better than the 8-9 game (although, they don't necessarily deserve to be seeded higher). Before the brackets came out, they were two of the teams I thought had a shot of making a run through the first weekend. Not if they are playing UNC.
Player To Watch (8 and up): Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
I'm sure everyone is aware of what happened during the Big East tournament (6 OT's, Cuse in the finals, etc). The one thing that tournament proved to me, more than anything about any of the teams, was that you can ride Jonny Flynn. He is good enough that he can carry your team. He absolutely gave everything he had in those four days, and he came close to actually pulling it off and taking home the title. In each of the four games, anytime the Orange needed a basket, they put the ball into Flynn's hands. I don't think there is one player in the country that can truly stay in front of Flynn when the PG wants to get to the rim. I've talked about this in depth before (and will again at the bottom), but both UNC and Oklahoma have a tendency to struggle against PG's that can take over. If the Cuse are lucky enough the get to the Sweet 16, they will have a great chance at getting to the Final Four.
Player To Watch (9 and down): Dionte Christmas, Temple
I could go through a whole ramble about how Tennessee has some good wins this year (Penn State, Xavier) and that they had a pretty successful A-10 season despite the fact that Christmas struggled a bit with his shot at times. I could do that. Instead, I'm going to post a video of when he dropped 30 in the second half in a 16 point win over Tennessee. I watched this game live, and it was one of the most impressive displays I have seen:
Best Match-up, First Round: #7 Clemson vs. #10 Michigan
You can't get two styles that contrast much more than these two. Clemson loves to press, play at a fast pace, and get up in you defensively with a tough man-to-man. Michigan slows the ball down and sits back in a tricky 1-3-1 zone. For Michigan to win, they will need big games out of both Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims (Clemson can put up a lot of points), and will need to avoid turnovers in the back court. Clemson is going to need to knock down their three's in this one because they are going to get a lot of looks from deep.
Best Match-up, Potential: #1 UNC vs. #3 Syracuse
I know the one that the world wide leader wants - Oklahoma and UNC so they can wax poetic about Tyler Hansbrough vs. Blake Griffin yada, yada, yada. For me, there is nothing better than watching two great point guards go head-to-head. And there may not be two in the country better than Lawson and Flynn. Don't be surprised if the winner of this match-up (Flynn/Lawson) is the Regional MVP.
Upset Alert!!!: UNC and Oklahoma
As I mentioned earlier, both of these teams really struggle defending against scoring point guards (wrote about it a few weeks back here). If seeds hold, then the Sooners will get Jonny Flynn in the second round, while UNC gets Jeremy Pargo. Beyond that, the only real upset I can see happening in the first round is Western Kentucky over Illinois, simply because Illinois will be without Chester Frazier, who broke his hand Wednesday in practice.
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