Saturday, March 17, 2007

Bracket Recovery? [J. Mark English]

Finally I'm getting a break today in my bracket picks. Butler escaped with a win against Maryland. Here's a quick recap from ESPN:

Butler can shed the mid-major label. A.J. Graves and company proved the Bulldogs can play with anyone -- including Maryland.

Graves scored 19 points, including a clutch 3-point basket with 2:09 remaining to lift the Bulldogs to a 62-59 win over Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday.

Butler (29-6), the No. 5 seed in the Midwest Regional, advances to the round of 16 for the second time in school history. The Bulldogs did it previously in their last tournament appearance in 2003.

So Butler survives, which is good for me since I had them going to the Final Four. I also had Ohio State, as did most other people. The number one seed was given the battle of their lives today against Xavier.

Once again ESPN offers up a recap:

Hold the questions about Greg Oden's future. Ohio State isn't finished in the NCAA Tournament.

Ron Lewis revived the Buckeyes' national championship hopes with a long 3-pointer with two seconds left to force overtime, then Mike Conley Jr. dominated the extra period for a 78-71 victory over Xavier in a second-round South Regional game Saturday.

The Buckeyes' rally from an 11-point deficit in regulation ensured the Oden era will last at least one more game.

Oden, the most coveted player to enter college in years, figures to be the first pick in the NBA whenever he decides to go pro. A decision on where the freshman intends to play next winter isn't expected until after the season ends.

Other games today so far today have Texas A&M, and Pittsburgh advancing to the Sweet 16. At least one Big East team will be playing next week. The Big East has been getting slaughtered so far in the tournament.

VCU had a chance to be this year's version of George Mason, but failed to advance after losing in heartbreaking fashion to Pittsburgh.

Right now Georgetown is taking on Boston College. Its been a close game through out. I'm pulling for Georgetown for two reasons. The first is that they are one of my final four teams, and the second is that they are playing BC who left the Big East to join the ACC. Anytime a Big East team can get the better of an ACC, I look at that as a good thing.

Enjoy the games, and don't drink too much tonight folks.

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