Jackassalope

March Madness!

I fully plan on getting last in my office pool this year. I was close to the bottom last year, but I think the competition for sucking the most is getting weaker, like this year's at-large teams. Why will I fail once again in NCAA Tourney Pick 'ems?

1. When Duke is ranked, I always put them in the Final Four. Every year I tell myself not to, but my loyalty outweighs my intelligence. This is why I never take my bets to Vegas.

2. I don't trust Kentucky - too young. They'll probably be in the Championship game, but I'm saying Texas will best them early.

3. Notre Dame is really good and really inconstant. But I've grown attached, so I have them getting bounced by Duke. I should be so lucky.

4. I put too much emphasis on a team's performance in the conference tournaments. UNC got beat in last year's ACC tourney, so I didn't give them enough credit to make it to the Final Four. That and I hate UNC. Regardless, the best team doesn't always win their conference tourney. And when they don't, they get more rest leading into the big dance.

5. Which leads me to the fact that I pick with my heart and not my head. Will Duke really beat Kansas? No. They're too skinny, rely too much on the 3-ball, and their inside play, although improved from years past, still isn't strong enough.

So my winner is...Duke!

See what I mean. Oh well. There's always next year.

Oh, and is there really a women's NCAA tournament going on at the same time? I hear rumors of such a thing but am yet to see evidence that women actually play ball. Sorry ladies.