And exhale ...

We might have gotten off to a slow start on Thursday, but the Friday upsets, Saturday's overtime thriller, and that 45 minute stretch Sunday afternoon where three games were all within three points certainly made up for it. A breather is greatly needed.

Star Even without Western Kentucky and Villanova, Stephen Curry would be making this tournament by itself. Cinderella's are more fun when they are undersized, overlooked small school variety. The Matt Santangello's, the Richie Framm's. Curry is right there with them, appearing like he's the star of an 8th grad basketball team. What I've enjoyed most is that he's having a hard time keeping a smile off his face. It's like any one of us were thrown out there - and given an absurd shooting touch and basketball IQ. Despite shows a Suns-like affinity for defense, and his small frame, you really wonder why more big schools didn't go after him.

Michael Flowers has shut down some great guards so far this season, but may have his toughest matchup all year against Curry. The best defender in the Big Ten holds the key to this Sweet 16 showdown.

No Gusto I'm afraid we don't have a signature Gus Johnson sound bite to draw from this year. I would've been less disappointed if Michigan State had lost Saturday night. OK, maybe not.

Congratulations to UCLA and Kansas on their Final Four berths Western Kentucky is a nice story, but Thursday night's game against the Bruins should finish right around midnight ET. Facing Xavier or West Virginia is nothing to be concerned about. Kansas's draw may have opened up even more. As someone who picked these two in the Finals, I'm feeling much better about that selection this morning.

Are we overlooking Washington St.? North Carolina has played so well, but that might bring some overconfidence against the Cougars whose defense could bump them off their constant fast break, or so it seems.

Best Games 1) Stanford vs Texas 2) Memphis vs Michigan State. I hate to give officials this much credit, but both will be decided on how close they call the games. The Lopez twins and Joey Dorsey could eliminate both front courts with a touchy whistle.