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