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Well folks, we are now onto the most intense rounds of March Madness where only 16 teams remain alive. Unfortunately, the Cincinnati Bearcats fell to Lonzo Ball and the high powered offense at UCLA on Sunday night. The Bearcats season was still a success and a lot of fun to watch but they just couldn’t get the job done. Nonetheless, the tournament keeps on rolling with four games on Thursday evening, where I will let you know who I am pulling for. Feel free to follow suit.
No. 7 Michigan vs. No. 3 Oregon
Region/Location: Midwest/Sprint Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Time/Channel: 7:09 p.m./CBS
Line: Michigan -1
Who to root For: Now typically, I am a huge hater of the University of Michigan, especially in football, but after there plane accident the Wolverines kind of feel like a team of destiny. This goes against almost every part of my being, but I'm pulling for Michigan because of this cool underdog story.
No. 4 West Virginia vs. No. 1 Gonzaga
Region/Location: West/SAP Center, San Jose, California
Time/Channel: 7:39 p.m./TBS
Line: Gonzaga -3
Who to root For: There are a couple of things I am keeping an eye on in this game, but first and foremost is Bob Huggins. From when I could actually comprehend and love the game of basketball, Huggins was the first coach of the Bearcats and he will always hold a special place in my heart for that, so that is reason the first reason I am pulling for West Virginia. My second reason is purely because I love to see No. 1 seeds lose, so go Mountaineers.
No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 1 Kansas
Region/Location: Midwest/Sprint Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Time/Channel: 9:39 p.m./CBS
Line: Kansas -5
Who To root For: Now I am going to contradict myself here where I said I like No. 1 seeds losing, because I really like Kansas. I love watching Frank Mason III play and I believe Bill Self is one of the best coaches in the country. I know underdogs are fun, but I'm riding with Kansas.
No. 11 Xavier vs. No. 2 Arizona
Region/Location: West/SAP Center, San Jose, California
Time/ Channel: 10:09 p.m./TBS
Line: Arizona -7.5
Who to root For: Now I'm sure there a lot of UC fans out there hoping that XU makes a nice run so it makes UC look a little stronger and makes our city a little more welcoming, but I am here to tell you that those fans are wrong. (Editor’s note: I was a little worried there.) I hope Arizona beats the Musketeers 100 to 0 and shuts down the Muskateer basketball program for good.