Showdown in the Alamo Dome

Aggies Blow Their Shot:
You know, as much as I was actually routing for the aggies, I still get somewhat amused when they lose. I did have them in the final four in one of my brackets so a bit upset about that (I think I'm officially out of the hunt in my pools, but I could be wrong). But what's most surprising is the fashion in which they lost. Who would have ever thought that Acie Law missing a layup, and for him, an easy layup, that would have iced the game? That and they pulled a Texas and let Memphis get 3-4 consecutive offensive rebounds while they stood around and watched them. Memphis got real lucky. REAL lucky in that game. They played well, but they should have lost, no question there.

It will be interesting to see how Gillespie will be able to reload after losing 3/5 of his starting five to graduation. And that's assuming Gillespie doesn't make the move to Kentucky, which is a real possibility (why wouldn't ANYONE leave College Station for Lexington). More on that in a second.

Kansas Survives:
That Kansas Southern Illinois game was a perfect of example of a team winning on superior athletic ability alone. No doubt SIU is a good team and hung tough with arguably the most talented/deepest team in the tournament. But Kansas should not have let that game remain that close down the stretch. I suspect they may have been looking ahead a bit to UCLA - even though UCLA had not even played yet. Funny.

UCLA Continues Methodical Role:
I'll admit, I got to see very little of this game, but what I did see was methodical, consistent basketball. These guys may not be as flashy as the Jayhawks, but they can are just as good a team as Kansas. Can't wait for this one.

Oh Those Buckeyes (and Oh Man Those Vols):
Many folks may argue whether or not Tenn blew that game or did OSU have a monumental rally. I think a little bit of both. As the game progressed you certainly started to see more and more panic set in with the Vols players - I was VERY surprised at that. This is a team that strolled into Columbus earlier this year and damn near won the game. They shut it down pretty early in my mind - specifically jacking up 3s when it wasn't at all necessary (sound familiar Texas fans?). With Oden plagued by fouls all night, Ron Lewis stepped up and played a HUGE game - which seems to be the norm for him in March I guess. I still say OSU is the weakest of the #1s, but let's be honest, it really doesn't matter as long as you keep winning. The beauty of March Madness is a win is a win - and that's how it should be treated, especially at this stage of the tournament. Should be an interesting game between Memphis and OSU - I have absolutely no clue in that one.

Looking Ahead:
- I think the all of the teams favored tonight will win (UNC, Florida, Oregon and Georgetown).

- I think Saturday's UCLA/Kansas game may be one of the best tournament games in a while. Can you imagine if Afflalo actually hits his shots?

- One of these days (Saturday or next weekend) OSU is going to face a top-tier team that will know how to better handle a lead - and that will be too much. I've seen writers/talking heads ragging on the Bruins and Florida for not playing complete games - OSU has played 1 complete game. They will not make it to the championship game.

- Kudos to Tubby Smith for bolting Kentucky - had he stayed (and they kept him) it would have been a long and painful year for him. NOW, let the circus begin. No clue who they are looking at most seriously, but I have to imagine Billy Gillespie is up there as is Billy Donovan and even our own Rick Barnes. I think Gillespie ends up there before it's all said and done.

I'll keep updating throughout the weekend - stay tuned...