Welcome to March, the most wonderful month of the year. The snow is melting, the birds are chirping and the NCAA basketball tournament is in full swing. Although most years seem to tell the same story, 2015 in particular has proven to be the year of the Cinderellas. The Kentucky powerhouse hasn't fallen yet, but at this rate, its only loss of the season may come sooner than you think.
Going into the Round of 64, sportscasters and spectators alike were in agreement that the top seeds from each region were solid on both ends of the floor. These teams would be hard to beat and were a guaranteed win into the second round. However, the tears of bracketologists across the country started flowing early when 3-seeds Iowa State and Baylor lost much earlier than expected. These were two red flags that things would not be going according to plan. Five first round games were determined by just one point, seven more determined by less than five points. The underdogs are playing hard and not giving in to those teams who are heavily favored. All I have to say is foul shots, foul shots, foul shots.
As we cruise through the Round of 32 and look forward to Thursday's beginning of the Sweet 16, we have watched the first 1-seed fall. Although ESPN stated that there was an 83% chance of a team named the Wildcats winning the National Championship, we now know that those Wildcats will not come from Villanova. Other giants such as Virginia and Georgetown fell victim to underachievement, crushing the bracket dreams of those who had faith in their postseason capabilities. Some Cinderellas to keep an eye on would be the NC State Wolfpack, the Michigan State Spartans and the Wichita State Shockers. After taking down Nova and UVA, NC State and Michigan State are both gaining momentum and confidence going into their next games. As for Wichita State, they have the opportunity to face their in-state rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks, and give them a run for their money.
Will Duke overcome their tournament curse placed upon them over the past few years? Will UCLA survive into the Elite Eight as the only remaining double-digit seed? And to address the elephant in the room, will Kentucky follow suit as the next 1-seed to lose early on? Or will they live up to America's (and President Obama's) high expectations and go undefeated with an astounding record of 40-0? Only time will tell. But if anyone is to beat the Wildcats, it will be Notre Dame. I believe in the luck of the Irish.
