I don’t like Duke. There I said it. I’m annoyed by their team and their history. Granted, I’m no fan of their chief rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, but there’s just something about the Blue Devils that ultimately annoys me. Now, the Blue Devils are the only No. 1 that remains in the NCAA tournament and the presumptive favourite to take it all. In fact, getting this few high seeds in the Final Four is a rarity. This is the lowest combination of seeds since 2006, another wacky tournament. The weirdest part about this is that the two highest seeds will now meet, with Duke meeting No. 2 West Virginia and two No. 5s meeting on the other half of the bracket.
With their triumph over Kentucky, WVU has made it to the Final Four for the first time since 1959. The Mountaineers made it look easy against John Wall and his band of future lottery picks. Defeats are what happen when a team can’t hit threes; Kentucky missed their first 20 attempts. Really, I’m amazed to know that they only lost by seven after seeing a stat like that.
Tennessee and Michigan State played one hell of a game. Back and forth all game long with only few mistakes and a great pace. It was really two good coaches dueling with two talented teams. I can’t say that I’m optimistic about MSU’s chances in their next game. Tom Izzo is a great coach, but beating a seemingly destined Baylor squad in their home town is a huge order.
Then there’s the Butler Bulldogs, who essentially secured a home game next round. It might not actually be on their home court, but it’s only six miles away from their home gym. Hometown advantage played a big role for MSU last year and it should help an already sound Butler squad now. I wouldn’t be betting too much against them on Saturday.
Finally, my suicide pool dies. All it took was eight days of madness and sidestepping some of the big upsets. Of course, the one time I did take the underdog, Baylor, it bit me in the ass. I can almost guarantee I won’t make it this far next year.
Go Butler !