The Sports Watercooler

Sorry I had to skip this wonderful feature yesterday. Its a pain when your real job gets in the way of your fake job.

As for the sporting world, there is a lot of excitement this time of year. With 16 teams left in the tournament, we are down to the point where every game should be a good game (read: every game but the UCLA and Western Kentucky game). You want to hear my predictions? Too bad, here they are for tonight's games, keeping in mind that I have no more authority to make predictions than the lady sitting next to you on the subway:

West Virginia against Xavier will be close. I think both of these teams are better than people think. This Xavier team had the most wins in school history this year. But I feel that West Virginia is on too much of a roll right now to be stopped.

Washington State versus North Carolina. Although UNC has been steamrolling people this tournament, Washington State will give them a run for their money. Wazzu has held opponents to 40 and 41 points (single tear). Sure, UNC could probably get that combined, but I expect the Heels to win in a closer than you think battle.

Western Kentucky plays UCLA. Now that UCLA has won games on terrible calls for the third game in their last 5, I don't think they will have to pull that card tonight. Western Kentucky already has that "just glad to be here" feeling, and won't put up much of a fight.

Louisville battles Tennessee. If gambling were legal, one might say that I have placed money on Louisville for this game. I happened to have some extra "points" left in my bodog account after getting the Superbowl right (I bet the under on points, never thought the Giants had a chance), and liked Louisville's odds (and/or team). Plus with reports that Bruce Pearl is entertaining thoughts of taking the Indiana job, you can beat the team will be less than focused.

Of course, I am usually wrong about most of this stuff.

There is more than basketball to be excited about this time of year though. The NBA season is winding down and teams are vying for playoff spots. Dallas is falling! Celtics are rising! Spurs have refound their old form!

Then there is baseball season to get you excited! It starts this weekend (and/or 2 days ago). Everybody not living in San Francisco or Baltimore feels a sense of excitement. This could be the year we win it all! Finally show improvement! Win my fantasy league! Opening weekend in baseball is always a treat. And one of the final signs that summer is right around the corner.