unbelievable, exciting first day of the NCAA tournament ever. The early games were decided by a total of 12 points. Altogether. Everyone’s bracket has officially blown up, and some of the biggest boys in college basketball are on a plane back home. So, what have we learned from day 1? Well, we have learned that there really is very little difference between a #6 and a #11 seed, right Notre Dame? Old Dominion had your number today. There’s also not much advantage to being a #4 seed playing a #13. Do you hear me, Vanderbilt? There apparently isn’t a hairs-breadth of difference between a #3 seed and a #14 seed (come ON, Georgetown). Part of that is the parity in the college game. When you are a player at a Division I college, you are GOOD, whether you play in a power conference or not. The higher seeds – the perennial favorites in college basketball – better watch out. When these Davids come out to play Goliaths, they are bringing their best game. If you sit back and watch for a couple of minutes, you’ll be 10 points down in a hurry.
We also learned that the Big Least – er, Big East – did not come prepared to play. Early exits for Notre Dame and Georgetown, and a really, REALLY serious scare for Villanova (Overtime? Are you kidding me?) showed us that the strongest conference throughout the entire season can struggle just like everybody else. Likely, the shaking up that Villanova got today is the best thing that could have happened to them. They aren’t going to take anyone else lightly.
The third thing we learned is there is nothing like college basketball. From those of us who have always been spectators instead of players, and from those of us who root for the underdog – no matter what the obstacles – thank you Murray State and Ohio University. Enjoy your moment in the sun.
