Gambling, while frowned upon by most major religions, is officially recognized in the newly-formed cult of Tubby Smith. To celebrate the Festival of 65, the most important holiday in Smith-ianity, (followed only by the Feast of God Shammgod), we are allowing people to peek at our award-winning bracket. If you do happen to win money off these picks, half the contributions have to go to the Mike Sweetney for All-American fund.
Midwest Region
- First Round Winners: Kentucky, Oregon, Weber St., Tulsa, So. Illinois, Marquette, Indiana and Pitt.
- Second Round Winners: Kentucky, Tulsa, Southern Illinois and Pitt.
- Sweet 16 Winners: Kentucky and Pitt.
- Elite Eight Winner: Kentucky
Comments: Kentucky and Pitt are far ahead of the rest of the teams in this top-heavy bracket; Marquette, Dayton, Wisconsin and Missouri are all overrated. For the second straight year, the Southern Illinois Salukis will make the Sweet 16, which is not only a coup for mid-majors, but also for those who think it’s cool to write “So Ill” in a bracket repeatedly.
West Region
- First Round Winners: Arizona, Gonzaga, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Illinois, Central Michigan, Duke, Arizona St. and Kansas.
- Second Round Winners: Arizona, Illinois, Duke and Kansas.
- Sweet 16 Winners: Arizona and Duke.
- Elite Eight Winner: Arizona
Comments: The West is by far the strongest bracket. It’s a shame that four teams that would make the Final Four in almost every other bracket have to beat up on each other first. It’s also a shame that Notre Dame made the NCAA Tournament over more deserving teams in the Big East like Seton Hall and Boston College. The Irish have lost four out of their last five games and the only team they beat was … well, you know who they beat. They will be eradicated in the first round.
South Region
- First Round Winners: Texas, LSU, UConn, Stanford, Maryland, Xavier, Michigan St. and Florida.
- Second Round Winners: Texas, UConn, Maryland and Michigan St.
- Sweet 16 Winners: UConn and Maryland.
- Elite Eight Winner: Maryland.
Comments: This bracket is pathetic. Texas is the worst No. 1, Florida is the worst No. 2, Xavier is the worst No. 3 and Stanford is the worst No. 4. Fortunately, Maryland has the experience to make a bid for its second straight championship.
East Region
- First Round Winners: Oklahoma, North Carolina St., Butler, Louisville, Oklahoma St., Syracuse, St. Joseph’s, Wake Forest.
- Second Round Winners: Oklahoma, Louisville, Oklahoma St. and Wake Forest.
- Sweet 16 Winners: Oklahoma and Oklahoma St.
- Elite Eight Winner: Oklahoma
Comments: They play basketball well in Oklahoma. So well that both teams from the state will make the Elite Eight. Oklahoma will beat State because Hollis Price should be Player of theYear.
Final Four
- Kentucky (Midwest) vs. Arizona (West): Kentucky
- Maryland (South) vs. Oklahoma (East): Oklahoma
National Championship
- Kentucky vs. Oklahoma: Kentucky
Comments: The Wildcats are sick. An undefeated season in the SEC, a stud guard in Keith Bogans and a soon-to-be icon in Tubby makes them the obvious choice. Now to wait for Shammgod’s ascension.
