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NCAA Tournament: Sunday's Predictions

In my second round NCAA bracket, I broke two of my own rules.  The first being in the UCLA/Florida game in which I broke rule 3: Don't pick an upset unless there is probable cause.  I explained yesterday that there was no logical reason to pick the Bruins when the deck was stacked against them.  But I did...And they lost. 

The second rule I broke was probably the most important; Rule 5:  Don't go with your heart.  I went with my heart and picked Temple upsetting San Diego St.  Despite an exciting double overtime battle, the Owls lost and so did I.

Why am I breaking my own rules?  If I followed the plan I would have ended the day 7-1 as opposed to 5-3.  (I did not see the Butler upset coming.  I blame the fact that I missed last year's entire tournament while residing in Estonia.  When I watched the first game on CBS they showed Gordon Hayward's half court shot which almost won them a National Championship.  This reminded me that they are probably not a push-over.  If I experienced Butler-Mania last year I probably would not have had them bow out in the first round.)

Last night I was asked for an upset in one of today's games.  I told him, gun to my head I would say Washington beats UNC.  This is based strictly on the fact that UNC is a younger team.  However for today's picks I am adhering strictly to the rules.

Since Friday was a bit of a disaster for my bracket I had to readjust some of my predictions.  I will be doing so in the same quick format I used yesterday.

No. 2 North Carolina vs. No. 7 Washington

UNC/ Zeller

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 8 Michigan

Duke/ Fab Five Documentary Backlash

No. 1 Ohio St. vs. No. 8 George Mason

Ohio St./ Sullinger

No. 4 Texas vs. No. 5 Arizona

Texas/ Physical

No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 11 VCU

Purdue/ Defense

No. 3 Syracuse vs. No. 11 Marquette

Syracuse/ Familiarity

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 9 Illinois

Kansas/ Twins

No. 2 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Florida St.

ND/ Hansbrough