(9:45) Early game picks

First of all, quote of the day from Ron Washington, manager of the Texas Rangers who tested positive for cocaine yesterday:

"The Rangers love Ron Washington...and I love Ron Washington." Rickey Henderson would be so proud. Again, Im sure a 55 year old guy tried cocaine just one time.

Lines based on Sportsbetting.com

(10) Florida +5.5 over (7) BYU
This was a late change to my bracket, so Ill take Florida getting five and a half points. They have some nice wins against Michigan State and Tennessee, but lose against teams they have to beat. Im very surprised they got seeded higher than the Gophers because I didnt think they would even get in.

BYU hasnt beaten a ranked opponent this year, and lost to a great New Mexico team by 2.. Jimmer Fredette is the guy to watch, basically the only person scoring points in their conference tournament games. I dont know much about BYU, so I will take them to win but not cover.

(11) Old Dominion +3 over (6) Notre Dame
I dont know anything about Old Dominion, and I guess Im surprised they are an 11 seed, but this is a game Vegas wants you to take Notre Dame because they know Old Dominion is going to win or at least cover. The Irish have Harangody back and are looking really good right now, but lets face it.. Yesterday was St. Patricks Day...Several players on Notre Dame are Irish (Im assuming). And the NCAA awards them with the early game the day after St. Patricks Day.. B-R-U-T-A-L, Brutal. Stick in Vegas, Im not getting suckered in by your 3 point line.. Old Dominion to cover, Notre Dame to win.

Old Dominion has beaten an 11th ranked Georgetown team and lost to a ranked Northern Iowa team...On paper, it looks like a defensive team, giving up 57 points per game.. Notre Dame scores 76 per game.. What does that mean? Probably Notre Dame scores 67 (now thats quick math!)

(2) Villanova -18 over (15) Robert Morris

I was drinking the Nova Kool-Aid all year.. I love Scottie Reynolds. I thought they would get a 1 seed half way through the year, but they really struggled down the stretch. This team was 22-2 at one point, and ended 24-7, losing to four tournament teams in a row.. Thats not really a whole lot of confidence.

Robert Morris sounds more like a cigarette company than a Division-1 basketball school. I guess their signature win would be against Ohio (sorry Brent). Looking at their stat, one guy averages 13, then five guys averaging anywhere from 7 to 10. This isnt going to get it done, and Villanova covers easy.