What We've All Been Waiting For

By Ali Karimi - March 20, 2008

NCAA Tournament First Round

12:20 PM ET
(14) Georgia (17-16, 4-12 SEC)
(3) Xavier (27-6, 14-2 A 10)

Notes: Georgia isn't your typical 14 seed. Tornadoes and magical SEC championship runs have a way of catching people's attention. I had yet to see them play this year and watched them beat Arkansas in the SEC title game. I was impressed with the starting five for the Bulldogs. If I didn't know about their sub-par conference record, I would have thought they were a top-level SEC team. How much gas is left in the Bulldog tank? Their season is already a success, anything more would just be icing on the cake. After jumping out to an early lead on the Razorbacks in the SEC title game, the Bulldogs had some prolonged periods of sloppy play, bad passing and let Arkansas rally. I think Xavier is going to have their hands full and may even be down at half before they storm back. Georgia becomes its own worst enemy with turnovers and a scoring drought to end the game. A win could make the Bulldogs the tournament's first Cinderella.

12:30 PM ET
(12) Temple (21-12, 11-5 A 10)
(5) Michigan State (25-8, 12-6 Big Ten)

Notes: When George Mason went on their 2006 final four run, the first team they beat was Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans. Could the Spartans fall again to another mid major on a magical run? The Owls have been hot recently. They are on a seven-game winning streak culminating with an A-10 championship. A win could setup a potential showdown with in-state rival Pittsburgh with state bragging rights on the line and a sweet sixteen berth to boot. This game will be decided in the trenches. Whoever plays more physically and controls the boards, will win.

2:55 PM ET
(9) Kent State (28-6, 13-3 MAC)
(8) UNLV (26-7, 12-4 MWC)

Notes: Lon Kruger's Rebels have really over achieved this year as they return to the big dance. Kent State has some talented athletes and I don't think UNLV will keep up. The Flashes have a great shot to upset Kansas in the second round. That could be one of the tourneys best games. Well, I was wrong, flat out wrong. This wasn't the same Kent State team that showed up today. So many unforced turnovers early, not many teams could dig out of that hole. If UNLV wants to play with Kansas they can't turn the ball over.

5:00 PM ET
(14) Cornell (22-5, 14-0 Ivy)
(3) Stanford (26-7, 13-5 Pac-10)

Notes: This was the worst draw the Big Red could have pulled. A 14 seed is too low for Cornell and getting a team like Stanford negates the size the Big Red has. It will take a great rebounding and three point shooting effort to down the Cardinal. I just don't see it happening. But it has potential.

7:10 PM ET
(11) Kansas State (20-11, 10-6 Big 12)
(6) USC (21-11, 11-7 Pac-10)

Notes: Can the Wildcats with freshman sensation Michael Beasley be considered a Cindy as an 11 seed? This was the second best draw for K-state as only WVU and Bob Huggins could have the Cats more motivated. The game is in K-state's backyard, Omaha, Neb. I find it hard to believe there will be a lot of people rooting for the Trojans. Mayo was Bill Walkers high school teammate, Mayo was suppose to play at K-state, Walker should be pumped up to play him. With Walker as a scoring threat it could alleviate pressure on Beasley and open up shooting for either Pullen or Stewart. This is the game everybody is talking about. They should pass out bibs to the scouts before the game.

7:20 PM ET
(13) Winthrop (22-11, 10-4 B. South)
(4) Washington State (24-8, 11-7 Pac-10)

Notes: I am going to go out on a limb and say the Eagles have a good shot to gut out a victory over the Cougars. They're experienced, they play good defense and they can score. Washington State may have a hard time scoring and will need a big game from their front court to win this one. If WSU controls the boards they should win the game. A Winthrop win could setup a rematch of last years thrilling Eagle win over Notre Dame in the second round. That could be a dandy of a game.

7:25 PM ET
(9) Texas A&M (24-10, 8-8 Big 12)
(8) Brigham Young (27-7, 14-2 MWC)

Notes: I don't think A&M can keep up with BYU. The Cougs have too much scoring punch. A second round game against UCLA most likely awaits the winner. This one should be close the whole way.

9:50 PM ET
(12) George Mason (23-10, 12-6 CAA)
(5) Notre Dame (24-7, 14-4 Big East)

Notes: The Irish won't get bounced in the first round this year. Mason doesn't have the guns to keep pace with Notre Dame. The Irish will win by 8-10. If Winthrop can deliver their end of the bargain, I'm sure the Irish would love a rematch.

3:00 PM ET
(13) Oral Roberts (24-8, 16-2 Summit)
(4) Pittsburgh (26-9, 10-8 Big East)

Notes: Pitt will win this game but it will be a battle at times. The Panthers are just playing too well right now to fall victim to a first round upset. Coach Sutton may be a hot commodity on the coach market in the offseason. Could this be his last game as coach of Oral Roberts?