Hump Day Headlines: Thursday Edition

I realize this week's Hump Day Headlines didn't come on Wednesday. Sorry, I was working. Sue me if you don't like it.

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, since it's late, we present the schedule of tournament watching so that those of you who are getting ready to watch games, (like I am) know when and where your team will be playing.

Early Games:

(8) L.S.U vs (9) Butler (Greensboro, NC) 12:20 p.m. ET
Comment: This is one of those classic first round match-ups for people who hate small conference teams and are hoping that the S.E.C's Tigers of Louisiana State win just to prove a point. I picked L.S.U. to win, because I like Tasmin Mitchell.

(2) Memphis vs (15) C.S. Northridge (Kansas City, MO) 12:25 p.m. ET
Comment: I don't know anything about C.S. Northridge. All I know is if Memphis loses, I'm screwed. So obviously I picked Memphis. And for the record? If there's a rare 15 over 2 upset, I don't think it'll be this one.

(8) B.Y.U. vs (9) Texas A&M (Philadelphia, PA) 12:30 p.m. ET
Comment: B.Y.U. can usually pick up a win in the tournament every year. They're always a solid choice. However I took the "upset" with A&M. Speaking of which, how dumb is it when the experts say that a 9 over an 8 is an upset?

Mid-Afternoon Games:

(5) Purdue vs (12) Northern Iowa (Portland,OR) 2:30 p.m. ET
Comment: If you're looking for the 5-12 upset, you likely won't find it here. With a healthy Robbie Hummel, Purdue is a very good squad. And he is healthy now.

(1) North Carolina vs (16) Radford (Greensboro, NC) 2:50 p.m. ET
Comment: Ty Lawson isn't playing, but does it really matter? It's a home game for Carolina against freaking Radford.

(7) California vs (10) Maryland (Kansas City, MO) 2:55 p.m. ET
Comment: Cal is playing the "no one respects us" card because everyone is picking Maryland. They're from the ACC, they beat Carolina, Scott Van Pelt has been propogating love for them on ESPN...so maybe Cal wins? I still took the Terps.

(1) Connecticut vs (16) Chattanooga (Philadelphia, PA) 3:00 p.m. ET
Comment: Jimmy Fallon started a Chattanooga cheering section on his brutal new late night show on NBC. UConn was going to win anyways, but since Fallon is behind Chattanooga the team has a worse chance of winning now.

Early Evening Games:

(4) Washington vs (13) Mississippi State (Portland, OR) 4:55 p.m. ET
Comment: I know that there's a love fest now for Mississippi State because they shocked everyone by winning the automatic bid with an S.E.C. title victory. But this is basically a home game for the Huskies. Adios, M. State.

Evening Games:

(7) Texas vs (10) Minnesota (Greensboro, NC) 7:10 p.m. ET
Comment: This should be a really good game if you get this in your area. Both teams had great starts and fizzled toward the end, but they're both talented clubs. I had a lot of trouble picking this game in my brackets, and I think I made a selection for who wins this one in each.

(7) Clemson vs (10) Michigan (Kansas City, MO) 7:10 p.m. ET
Comment: Michigan's 11-year tournament drought is over thanks to new coach John Beilein. Scott loves the Wolverines, but I'm feeling Oliver Purnell getting his Tigers to their first tourney win under his watch.

(3) Villanova vs (14) American (Philadelphia, PA) 7:20 p.m. ET
Comment: This literally is a home game for Villanova. They play all there big games on this very court at the Wachovia Center. Sorry American, but you were dealt the most unfair draw in the tournament. Nova will roll, or they're a disgrace.

(4) Gonzaga vs (13) Akron (Portland, OR) 7:25 p.m. ET
Comment: This has nothing to do with the game, but I'm still pissed that Syracuse football lost to Akron's Zips back in the 2nd week of the football season. Therefore, I hope the Zags win by 50. By the way, anyone notice this is a meeting between the Zips and the Zags?

Late Games:

(2) Duke vs (15) Binghamton (Greensboro, NC) 9:4o p.m. ET
Comment: I forgot about this one, probably because even though Tony Kornheiser's alma-mater is making its first ever NCAA tournament appearance, the Dukies are playing a game close to home and are motivated by previous tournament flops not to let it happen again early this year.

(6) U.C.L.A. vs (11) V.C.U. (Philadelphia, PA) 9:50 p.m. ET
Comment: U.C.L.A. hasn't been very impressive as of late, losing in big spots when they needed victories late to wrap up the Pac-10 regular season and then tournament crowns. I have a feeling V.C.U. which beat Duke in the tournament not too long ago, adds this upset win to its resume.

(5) Illinois vs (12) Western Kentucky (Portland, OR) 9:55 p.m. ET
Comment: It is en-vogue to pick against Illinois in this game, as many figure this to be the 5-12 upset. If Chester Frazier doesn't play, the Illini probably lose. If he does play though, Illinois can play defense, and the lack of respect card as motivation to win and prove the doubters wrong.

Enjoy the games!