Tournament action continues this evening with play in the West (Anaheim) and Midwest (Minneapolis). Interesting that each region features 1v5 and 2v3.

In the Midwest, the Badgers face the juggernaut Wildcats. I, for one, think that Kentucky could face a surprising struggle this evening. Wisconsin won the Big Ten, and played very solid ball in doing so. Their defense could slow down the Wildcats and make a game of it. One of the Wildcats' three losses came to Michigan State -- another defense-oriented, physical basketball team.

Marquette tries to continue its amazingly hot shooting to sink the hopes of Pitt. I think that Pitt's defense may make the difference in this game. Mizzou had trouble defending the perimeter last Saturday and paid the price with an OT loss. However, Marquette is an amzingly talented team.

Out West, we have what may be a bit of a mismatch with Zona and Notre Dame. ND played a great game last weekend against the Illini and played great basketball for 3/4 of the season. But they looked vulnerable for most of the last 2-3 weeks of the season, and their confidence may still be lagging. I think Zona will come out and feel like they have a new life after escaping the Zags.

Then the heavyweight fight of the night. The Dukies travel all the way across the country to take on the Jayhawks. I have to confess that I would probably never root for the Jayhawks, so my cheers will be for the Devils. However, this could be an amazingly good game. Two solid teams that can shoot outside or work in the paint. Execution will be so critical. Whoever forces their game plan on the matchup should come through.

Well, Wisconsin gave Kentucky a great game. Keeping the Kentucky players to such a low score made it possible to pull the upset. Too bad they did not pull it off.

Zona did what I expected and came out with something to prove. An easy cruise by ND.

The nightcaps are just getting underway.

Go Warriors! Hopefully my Badgers roughed up those KY Mildcats enough last night so that Marquette can whip 'em and head to their first Final Four since the 1977 championship. "We ARE Marquette!"

Definitely proud of Wisconsin last night -- 12 point underdogs, they were down only by one point with 1:30 to go. Good to see the Badger and Marquette fans in droves in the Minny Apple -- cheering for each other's team.

Well, the nightcaps were far closer games than the Zona opener. Marquette looked very sharp and may give Kentucky fits if the hot hands keep at it. Duke looked like they wanted to win, but Nick Collison took over the game and was awesome. KU and Zona should be a nice rematch tomorrow.

Tonight's games are all kind of interesting. Butler gets to prove (or not) it belongs against top seeded Oklahoma. You would think the Sooners may break the glass slipper tonight, but I thought that about Louisville as well.

Texas gets a UConn team that has looked outstanding at times, and not so good at others. The Big East took two hits last night, and has two more chances tonight. I am not sure this one is their best bet.

Syracuse has looked good throughout the season, and they would seem to have an easier game against Auburn. I am sure that Wake thought that as well. Syracuse is probably a little more talented than Wake, and should come through.

And then my Spartans try and continue their run in the bracket. Maryland needed a prayer to get through round one, and then looked a little better in round two. They have great play at the point, which MSU lacks. However, MSU played amazing basketball in the first two rounds. If they repeat the same level of effort tonight, they will make their regional semifinal record 8-3 all-time. (And not to be nit-picky, but two of those losses led to new NCAA rules. 1986 and the infamous Kemper Arena clock against KU. 1990 and the awful end-of-regulation call against Ga Tech. MSU should be 9-1 in regional semis if not for the officiating errors in both games.)

I'm an Oklahoma State Cowboy, but always root for my home state team, OU vs. Butler! Game starts in one hour. Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner...

Man oh man!!! My Spartans are going to drive me to the high blood pressure medicine. Ahead by 14 and then suddenly behind by a basket. Paul Davis (a very talented freshman) saves the day with two clutch plays in the final 90 seconds. I was hardly able to sit my butt on the couch to watch.

Texas has looked vulnerable, and could have bit it tonight against UConn. Timely foul shooting pulled them through. MSU needs to play a whole lot sharper Sunday, but they could sneak through if they play more like they did in rounds 1 and 2.

Auburn turned up the heat too late in their contest. Syracuse led the whole way, and two late 3s closed the gap for the Tigers. Oklahoma is up next, and I think the Sooners will get back to the Final Four.

Some exciting basketball, even if not the highest quality tonight.