Oklahoma City 92, Charlotte 100: Some week for the Bobcats – beat the Magic in Orlando, lose to the Pacers on the road, and overwhelm the Thunder in the third quarter to rally to victory. And again, they were without Gerald Wallace. Stephen Graham, who went undrafted out of Oklahoma State, had his straight productive game in place of Wallace – 19 points and stellar defense on Kevin Durant (9-for-26).

Atlanta 105, Toronto 106: The five-game skid is over thanks to Chris Bosh’s jumper with 2.1 seconds left. The Hawks were without Joe Johnson (Achilles tendon) but Mo Evans played well (16 points) and Jamal Crawford had another monster game off the bench (33 points). Bad time to wonder what the Knicks would be like this season if they still had Zach Randolph and Crawford?

San Antonio 84, Orlando 110: The Magic blew open a 10-point game at the break to run away from the weary Spurs, who beat the Heat Tuesday. These old bats playing back-to-backs? Shiiiit. Just another reason not to have much faith in these guys in the postseason.

New Orleans 121, Golden State 131: Steph Curry didn’t play (ankle). Golden State trailed by 21 in the third and then rallied behind former D-Leaguer Reggie Williams (18 in the third) in yet another March track meet for the lottery-bound Warriors. Darren Collison had 20 points and 14 assists, but also eight turnovers.

Chicago 106, Dallas 113: Two teams, opposite directions – Mavs’ have won 14 of 15 and are tied with Denver as the No. 2 seed in the West; the injury-ridden Bulls have lost nine in a row and will soon be eliminated from playoff contention. There was a moment a few weeks back when we thought maybe the Lakers would struggle and perhaps lose in the playoffs if they had to face the Thunder, then Mavericks, then Nuggets, but that doesn’t appear to be the path they’ll have to take. As it stands now – Blazers, Thunder/Jazz, Mavericks/Nuggets. Challenging, but much easier.

Reference point: Use this link for a bracket, or just Google it to find one yourself if you haven’t memorized the joint yet.

Reference point II: If you’re wondering about my bracket-picking history, I won pools in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006; because of an affinity for Georgia Tech in 2004, I won my main pool, bought a 27-inch TV, and also beat my then-girlfriend’s dad in their family pool. Notice I said “then”-girlfriend.

The Midwest: Tough, Yes, But Still Kansas

A lot of people talked up the whole “Duke got the South handed to them, but Kansas was the No. 1 overall and got the toughest run!” It’s a legit storyline, but it’s mostly a storyline because people need something to talk about in the four days leading up to Greg Gumbel at noon tomorrow.

Look, as tough as the Midwest is, Kansas is still going to win it. Kansas has a solid team: they’ve got a senior PG who can hit daggers, rebounders, a dominating presence in the middle, wings who can score, bench guys who can defend, etc. Bill Self used to be kind of a joke (remember the Bucknell upset?) but now he has a ring, and a ring changes everything. (Just ask the annoying, shrieking “Woo!” girls at your local bar.)

Kansas will plow Lehigh, then get NIU and beat them. Below that line, Michigan State plays Houston – Gary Williams chokes on a big stage – and beats them, setting up KU vs. MSU in the Sweet 16. KU avenges last year.

Bottom half of that bracket: Georgetown over Ohio, Tennessee over SDSU (don’t buy that as an upset), OSU over whoever the fuck they’re playing, and Georgia Tech lets Paul Hewitt play out the string a little bit and beats Okie State. Tennessee tops Georgetown in the second-best game of Round II (more later on what’s the best), OSU tops Georgia Tech. Next weekend in STL, OSU tops Tennessee in a three-point game; Evan Turner has 26.

This sets up KU vs. OSU in the Regional Final. Kansas simply has too much. Send ‘em to Indy.

The West: Few Finally Does It, Then Bolts

There’s a reason people are down on ‘Cuse. They’re good, but they’re not nearly as good as people think they are and the right combination of ballers, ball movement and luck can beat them, especially sans center. Drawing Vermont in the first round, six years after Coppenrath and Sorrentine stunned ‘em, is just helping people focus on these facts.

‘Cuse won’t lose to Vermont, but it may be within 15. Gonzaga will beat FSU. In the third-best game of the second round, Gonzaga will beat Syracuse, ascending Mark Few to another throne and putting Matt Bouldin on a John Stockton-esque pedestal. Bottom half of the top: Butler takes UTEP, Murray State stuns Vandy (remember Siena two years ago?) Butler takes Murray State. This gives up a classic “Oh fuck (if you’re a network exec) / Oh cool (if you’re a basketball purist)” Sweet 16 game of Butler vs. ‘Zaga. ‘Zaga wins.

Bottom half: Minnesota stuns Xavier, Pittsburgh rolls, BYU chumps Florida, K-State makes Frank Martin’s contract look legit. Pittsburgh crushes Minnesota, BYU hangs a one-point win on K-State, and BYU vs. Pittsburgh is the other regional. Jimmer Fredette hangs 32, and BYU hits the Elite Eight.

Yes, I am calling the West Regional as BYU vs. Gonzaga, which is probably already making Jim Nantz’s ex-wife feel sorry for him somewhere (and that’s a tall order). ‘Zaga wins by neutralizing Fredette. Mark Few finally does it — and in a few weeks, he replaces Ernie Kent at Oregon. (NIKE money speaks.)

The East: Da Butler … did it.

Here are the main things you need to know here: UK will roll in Round 1, then beat Texas by a mere three points in Round II; the Horns will finally wake up in beating Wake and roar out of the gate against Wall and Cousins, but eventually UK’s talent will overwhelm Rick Barnes’ “I’m scared shitless” face. UK will go to the Sweet 16 against Temple, who will win a plodding, interesting-if-you-like-the-Spurs game against Wisconsin.

In the bottom half of the East, Washington will knock off Marquette (Pondexter will go ape), New Mexico will win, Missouri will overwhelm Clemson, and WVU will roll. Mizzou vs. WVU will be closer than you think — Missouri forces people into mistakes left and right — but WVU’s talent will win out. New Mexico vs. Washington will be close for a while, but Hobson and company will pull out. In New Mexico vs. WVU, Huggins’ talent wins out and the Mountaineers go to the Elite Eight.

Back to the top half of that bracket: in a game reminiscent of UNC vs. Villanova 2005 — when a scrappy ‘Nova team almost beat eventual champion UNC — Temple will play close with UK all the way, then beat them when the young Cats make one too many mistakes late. Fran Dunphy used to coach at Penn. They avoid mistakes.

Temple vs. WVU Regional Final. WVU rolls by about 9 to 14.

The South: Something, Something, Something… Duke-side

Calling it right now: the best game — the absolute best game — of the second round will be Louisville vs. Duke, on Sunday afternoon. Louisville is going to win . Edgar Sosa — who made Gus Johnson scream out “EL TIGRE!!” in a hard-to-fathom-a-human-can-make-that-sound way a few years back vs. Texas A&M (El Tigre is Sosa’s nickname in the Bronx) — is going to have the game of his career, and Louisville’s overall athleticism will frustrate Duke’s generally uncoordinated batch of white guys. Louisville by one, with a lead most of the way.

Rest of the south is a joke: St. Mary’s and Sanham will drop ‘Nova in Round II, ND is a team you wanna think can get far but they can’t, Siena might be the first 13/4 game where a 13 is favored in Vegas, and the entire Regional is mostly teams you hope don’t make the Final Four at all. So out of this entire mess, I’m coming correct with Texas A&M: Donald Sloan, Derrick Roland, and a career arc upswing for Mark Turgeron. Never been to College Station, but I’ve heard a few rumors there’s only one main liquor store in town. Give these kids something to live for.

If You’re Wondering

I’ve got Kansas over WVU in the finals in this hypothetical situation, with Xavier Henry as the MVP.

Played it safe in not picking too many upsets, which ensures that the first round will be full of them. Most of the 1st round upsets that were picked came with this logic: Since I’d have Michigan State beating Maryland in round two anyway, why not pick Houston to beat Maryland in round 1? Hence the following picks: Siena over Purdue and Murray State over Vandy. [And both hardly count as "upsets," as they are trendy picks themselves.]

Upsets I wanted to pick, but didn’t have the onions:

10 Georgia Tech over 2 Ohio State – Don’t like OSU’s lack of size against the Jackets’ mini towers.
7 Richmond over 2 Villanova – The Spiders’ backcourt is woefully underrated. Big problem? St. Mary’s might beat Richmond.
5 Temple over 1 Kentucky – Heck, Texas will give Kentucky a run in the 2nd round. The Wildcats always seem to play close games, and a defensive-minded team like Temple (or Wisconsin) might take ‘em down.

Notes:

Hate the South region. Have little or no faith in anyone. Baylor? Last in turnover ratio in the Big 12. Everytime we see them, we think of Tennessee – a mess in the halfcourt because it’s all undisciplined 1-on-1. Excellent in the open floor, though with great athletes. Villanova? Much weaker than last year’s team inside. Both Baylor and Villanova have better athletes than Duke, though. The safe pick for us was the Blue Devils.

Really concerned about Syracuse. FSU and Gonzaga worry us more than UTEP, Butler or Vandy. Even though we have the ‘Cuse in the Final Four, if we had to pick a No. 1 seed that would fall first, it’d be the Orange slightly over Kentucky.

Absolutely cannot wait for Jason Clark of Georgetown vs. Evan Turner of Ohio State in a regional semifinal. Love Clark as a lockdown defender who has a penchant for scoring binges.

Additionally:
* Other previews can be found here
* Got UTEP and Derrick Caracter going to the Sweet 16
* Yes, we can see Duke getting back to the Final 4 for the first time in six years
* Mastering the Art of Upsetology
* Wacky bet to get to the Final Four: BYU 8:1 (yup, took it)

Despite entering five or more brackets, we’ll sink or swim with this one.

Minnesota 114, Phoenix 152: Can you believe Corey Brewer is responsible for two of the three nastiest dunks in the NBA this season? His career consists of inconsistent shooting on terrible Minnesota teams … and two memorable, thunderous, dunks. His annihilation of Derek Fisher earlier this season is after the jump.

San Antonio 88, Miami 76: The Spurs opened up a 25-point lead in the third quarter and held on for the win. Manu Ginobili had 22. A bit surprised the Spurs haven’t caved since Tony Parker broke is hand – they’re 4-1 without him.

Chicago 97, Memphis 104: When the Bulls take the court tonight in Dallas, Mark Cuban should have the PA cue up Tom Petty’s Free Fallin. With everyone hurt and the Bulls chasing a playoff spot, they trotted out Acie Law and Jannero Pargo in the backcourt last night. Rookie Taj Gibson and Flip Murray started up front. Chicago’s lost eight in a row, and things are so bad, Joe Alexander got on the court for six seconds.

LA Lakers 106, Sacramento 99: Kobe Bryant was one rebound away from giving the Lakers three players with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. The last time that happened was in 1984 when Jabbar, Worthy and Magic did it. The Lakers have righted the ship after that recent 3-game skid – Pau Gasol credited a Derek Fisher halftime speech as the turning point. Next week there’s an interesting 5-game road stretch against three playoff teams (Spurs, Thunder, Hawks). Tyreke Evans – 25 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists – can’t wait for help to arrive.

Cleveland 113, Detroit 101: LeBron messed around and got a triple double – 29 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists. This block is from the other night, yet still impressive.

Tim Tebow’s pro-day is upon us! Go see him for free! [Gainesville Sun]

Obama’s Final Four: Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky and Villanova. His Elite 8: Georgetown, Syracuse, West Virginia, Duke. [TV]

Women’s hoops need men to care? Good luck with that. [Enquirer]

Blogger congratulations day! Sports by Brooks and 700 Level, two excellent blogs, have both been scooped up.

Albert Pujols doesn’t seem thrilled about the trade report talk of him for Ryan Howard. [Post-Dispatch]

Chris Cooley’s movie debut – straight-to-DVD. [Realiable Sources]

You’ll want to avoid Ben Sheets in your fantasy draft: 10 runs, no outs in his last start. [Chronicle]

Agreed: Jeff Van Gundy is improving as an NBA analyst. [Sentinel]

The Ovechkin-dirty player talk continues. [WP]

Mayor McCourt? “Jamie McCourt was interested in public office, estranged husband says.” [LA Times]

Last night on Real Sports with Bryant Gumble, Mooch and Izzo put rest to rumors that they were gay lovers. [Freep]

Can’t believe there are 65 Phillies blogs. [The Phield]

Paul Krugman really thinks we have China bent over a barrel? [NYT]

Chat Roulette, anyone? [The Next Web]

Darvin Ham made a name for himself by shattering this backboard in the NCAA tournament.

Seton Hall’s Herb Pope was ejected from last night’s game against Texas Tech for delivering (twice!) an uppercut to Darko Cohadarevic’s prized Gobstoppers. Now before everyone jumps all over Pope, keep in mind he was playing in the NIT. That tournament does awful things to people. And as blatantly wrong as a swinging fist to the nuts might be, I’m sure Pope will prefer to be known for this incident rather than the Reggie Evans realm of ball tactics.

1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: I realize the pull of Bradford, and I realize that could easily be the pick. I just keep going back to Kiper’s “among the best in 32 years” comment. If you’re a franchise that has won six games in three years, how do you pass that up? Rams fans have taken to the boards hoping for this pick and Colt McCoy at No. 33.

2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma: Seems like a good fit. Young, developing defense. Can Stafford/Smith/Johnson become a poor man’s Triplets on offense? Bonus: hopefully McCoy is a wine fan, because Jim Schwartz may be a wino in waiting.

3. Tampa Bay Bucs: Eric Berry, Tennessee: Raheem Morris has a DB background. He can squarely look up at his friend Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh and, while telling Josh Freeman not to channel Big Ben, he can see the value a guy like Polamalu has had on that D (and a guy like Ed Reed has had against that offense). Berry’s a solid pick here.

4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma: Shanahan won’t be able to pass this up here. Side note: Odd that two OU guys would go top 4 a year after maybe their worst season under Stoops, no? (I do realize Bradford was injured, it’s just funny.)

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: Man, if Bradford had played last year and Dez Bryant hadn’t been suspended, the amount of pro-level talent on the field at the Bedlam game woulda been flat-out filthy.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame: A USC dude coaching a ND QB. Why the hell not? Clausen showed up at his college announcement in a limo, so in a way he’s like a man after Carroll’s own heart.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, Florida: The 40-time is an issue, for sure. Holmgren knows (should know) it doesn’t mean shit.

8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, Maryland: Easiest pick in the top 10 to handicap. He’s a workout warrior. They love that. Let’s hope he doesn’t devolve into Robert Gallery II.

9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams, Oklahoma: If Clausen is here (he could be, given the Seahawks’ other picks), he might go in this slot. Otherwise, they need fundamental building blocks in a competitive division. Williams would be that.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas, Texas: The Kampman signing = they could still go Jason Pierre Paul or Derrick Morgan here, but it’s more likely they get some safety help. Thomas seems a good fit.

11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State: Both Kiper and McShay agree on this one. Dez would fit in with Denver: bunch of high-talent guys who ultimately let ya down.

12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida : Move him from Tampa down south. Pierre-Paul can help the Fins crash the pockets of Brady, Sanchez and … Clausen?

13. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Iupati, Idaho: Another piece along the O-line would be good here, although Trent Williams makes more sense (he’s a RT, which is their biggest need). Iupati can play center or guard and is a baller. Bonus: would immediately become a bigger deal than Jon Friesz, the last big deal to play for Idaho and then in the NFL.

14. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, Clemson: Too high? Maybe. (Pick No. 13 was too high as well.) Spiller’s got legit burst. Carroll loves playmakers of that nature. He could be for Seattle what Knowshon was for Denver this year.

15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, Alabama: Definitely should be someone on defense, and after Pierce’s departure, the heart and soul of the collegiate champs seems like a good idea.

16. Tennessee Titans: Sergio Kindle, Texas: Bit of a sleeper here. Could slot into their system well and be a third-down guy with KVB gone.

17. San Francisco 49ers: Carlos Dunlap, Florida: A little ridiculous I’m at No. 17 and I haven’t moved Derrick Morgan off the board yet, no? I’m a ridiculous human being. Dunlap is a beast with maturity issues and a few film issues, but he’s a beast. Singletary played on the ‘85 Bears defense. He can recognize beasts. He’ll want this one.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Davis, Rutgers: Another guy to watch Big Ben’s back – or Dennis Dixon’s.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech: The big fella doesn’t even have to move, although let’s hope he gets a nicer pad for the ladies’ sake.

20. Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson, Boise State: Earl Thomas works here if he slides, but with Dunta Robinson gone to Atlanta, the Texans need a CB here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays, USC: They need help at safety. He’s a freak. He comes from a winning program (ignore last year). Rey is on that defense too, and Carson’s the QB. Good overall fit.

22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, Michigan: They need help at those slots, and they’ve done well with Michigan men in the past decade or so. Dude seems like a hard worker who will buy into Belichick’s system — and seems like he desperately wants to be associated with a winner after the last two years in Ann Arbor.

23. Green Bay Packers: Bryan Bulaga, Iowa: Cornfed dude stays in a cornfed area. Love it when a plan comes together.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Price, UCLA : Keep adding young studs to this defense, in the hope that in 2-3 years, the offense and defense both have a bunch of guys (Kolb, DeSean) reaching their peak.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma: They’ve got an elite QB, an elite RB, a possibly-elite WR… go get a TE to spell Heap.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes, TCU: The team that lost almost everything can get back some of it, adding an explosive pass rusher here.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Mount Cody, Alabama: Really put him here because I want to see him get the turkey leg from FOX next Thanksgiving, that loony fat fuck.

28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Matthews, Fresno State : The new LT can be a combo of Sproles and Matthews. Philip Rivers may never sniff a Super Bowl.

29. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, Rutgers : Keep a dude local, and give Revis Island a few more spelling options not named Asomugha.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Jared Odrick, Penn State : More pocket crashers on a team full of ‘em.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Maurkice Pouncey, Florida : Jeff Saturday’s eventual replacement. This will look even more interesting when the Colts jack Tebow later in the draft. Ha! Could happen… I mean, theoretically.

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri : Crazy underrated LB who can help with the Fujita void.

Other pairings to note: Verne and Raftery could have two great Saturday games (Villanova vs. Richmond; Georgetown vs. Tennessee) and Gus Johnson will have top-seeded Syracuse, which we’re feeling increasingly uneasy about. The only announcer on the list we’ve never heard of is Spero Dedes, who joined the network last year. In addition to the announcer lists, here’s a valuable coverage map that will help you figure out what games CBS will be airing in your area.

Providence: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
12:30 pm: #2 Villanova vs. #15 Robert Morris
2:50 pm: #7 Richmond vs. #10 St. Mary’s
7:25 pm: #3 Georgetown vs. #14 Ohio
9:45 pm: #6 Tennessee vs. #11 San Diego State

New Orleans: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas
12:25 pm: #6 Notre Dame vs. #11 Old Dominion
2:45 pm: #3 Baylor vs. #14 Sam Houston State
7:15 pm: #1 Kentucky vs. #16 ETSU
9:35 pm: #8 Texas vs. #9 Wake Forest

Oklahoma City: Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner
12:20 pm: #7 BYU vs. #10 Florida
2:40 pm: #2 Kansas State vs. #15 North Texas
7:10 pm: #8 Northern Iowa vs. #9 UNLV
9:30 pm: #1 Kansas vs. #16 Lehigh

San Jose: Spero Dedes and Bob Wenzel
2:30 pm: #4 Vanderbilt vs. #13 Murray State
4:45 pm: #5 Butler vs. #12 UTEP
7:20 pm: #6 Marquette vs. #11 Washington
9:40 pm: #3 New Mexico vs. #14 Montana

FRIDAY

Jacksonville: Jim Nantz and Clark Kellog
12:30 pm: #5 Temple vs. #12 Cornell
2:50 pm: #4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Wofford
7:25 pm: #1 Duke vs. #16 Arkansas Pine Bluff/Winthrop
9:45 pm: #8 California vs. #9 Louisville

Buffalo: Gus Johnson and Len Elmore
12:15 pm: #2 West Virginia vs. #15 Morgan State
2:35 pm: #7 Clemson vs. #10 Missouri
7:10 pm: #8 Gonzaga vs. #9 Florida State
9:30 pm: #1 Syracuse vs. #16 Vermont

Milwaukee: Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
12:25 pm: #6 Xavier vs. #11 Minnesota
2:45 pm: # 3 Pittsburgh vs. #14 Oakland
7:15 pm: #7 Oklahoma State vs. #10 Georgia Tech
9:35 pm: #2 Ohio State vs. #15 UC Santa Barbara

Spokane: Tim Brando and Mike Gminski
2:30 pm: #4 Purdue vs. #13 Siena
4:45 pm: #5 Texas A&M vs. #12 Utah State
7:30 pm: #5 Michigan State vs. #12 New Mexico State
9:40 pm: #4 Maryland vs. #13 Houston

LA Lakers 124, Golden State 121: A Monta Ellis three-pointer fell off the rim at the buzzer and the Lakers survived. These things canceled each other out for the Lakers – 24 turnovers (nine by Kobe) and a 56-25 rebounding advantage – and Golden State fought back behind the wizardry of Stephen Curry (29 points, nine assists, zero turnovers). Here’s a nice exchange Curry and Kobe had in the 4th quarter. Interesting stat at the end of that video above: the Lakers are 21-4 when Kobe attempts fewer than 20 shots.

Denver 123, Houston 125: The Nuggets let an 11-point fourth quarter lead slip away, and Aaron Brooks hit the game-winner for the Rockets’ third victory in a row. ‘Melo had 45 for the Nuggets, who had won six in a row. The number Denver fans have to be concerned with here: 57. That’s the percentage offensive-challenged Houston shot from the field.

New York 94, Philadelphia 84: The Knicks have won two in a row (on the road!) which would hurt their chances in the lottery … except they don’t have a pick. It’ll be Utah’s. If you look at all the lottery teams, only two might not take Kentucky’s John Wall – Utah and New Orleans. Would both go with Evan Turner to play SG or SF? Florida State’s Toney Douglas has had three good games in a row at point for the Knicks (20 points last night), so naturally, he’s being touted as their point guard for next season.

Washington 89, Utah 112: The Jazz held the Wizards to three baskets in the third quarter and extended the lead to 30, and as a result were able to rest their starters for the final 12 minutes. So Evan Turner on the Jazz? Deadly. When fully healthy … Deron and Turner, with AK-47 (contract year), Millsap and Okur up front. They let Boozer go elsewhere, and their first three off the bench are Wes Matthews (what a find), CJ Miles, and maybe Koufos is ready to contribute up front. They’ll lack a post player with polished moves, but have a great distributor in Williams and an all-around talent like Turner to create for everyone.

New Orleans 108, LA Clippers 100: Remember when Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning were stars on the Hornets? Those jerseys were popular in the early 1990s. Good times. DeAndre Jordan, the former Texas A&M center, had 11 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes for LA – he had to produce because Emeka Okafor shut down Chris Kaman (3-for-15). Jordan could be a valuable reserve next season when the Clippers – with Blake Griffin and a lottery pick (Damion James?) – make a run at the playoffs. After they round out the roster, of course – there are plenty of slots to fill.