Best Stuff of the Week

If you weren't feeling March Madness already, Sunday's slate of championship games had to flip your switch to "on."

When we weren't watching Kentucky fall to Vandy, we were treated to Florida State sticking it to UNC.

As we geared up for the "Selection Sunday" announcements, we were treated to the awesome appetizer of Michigan State versus Ohio State for the Big Ten tourney title. 

What a weekend; what a way to get psyched-up for the NCAA tournament. 

Oh, not to mention Lakers-Celtics and NASCAR taking on Vegas.

In all, it adds up to the best stuff we had the pleasure of cheering for this week. 

Lakers Clip Celtics

Shocker! Kobe comes up big in the clutch.

Aside from the fact I discovered this awesome commercial with him this weekend, he buried the shot above to lead the Lakers over the Celtics in a rivalry that never seems to disappoint. 

So while many of us were spending our time examining bubble teams and watching the college boys battle it out, Kobe once again proved why he's the man in this 97-94 victory in Los Angeles. 

Upset Central

Come on, who saw these story lines coming?

• Kentucky—No. 1 in the country, one loss, scariest lineup in the NCAA Kentucky—losing to the "Stanford of the South" in the SEC Tourney title game?
• North Carolina losing to a football school in the ACC title tilt?

Yet, there was Vanderbilt dispatching the Wildcats 71-64 in stunning fashion.

And there was Florida State, taking the Tar Heels down a few proverbial pegs with an 85-82 upending in Atlanta. 

What a great Sunday all around.

If you're a Vandy or Seminoles fan, you're ecstatic.

If you're a UNC or Kentucky fan, it didn't exactly matter all that much, as you'll see later. 

Big Ten Battle

Michigan State vs. Ohio State—this basketball battle sure doesn't disappoint.

Last Sunday, were were treated to an absolute shootout with a Buckeyes-helping dagger at the last second. 

This time around, Sparty got its revenge, and reaped a huge reward for doing so.

Not only did MSU clinch the Big Ten tournament title for the first time since 2000 (which, you may remember, was a rather good year for the program), but they're dancing with a No. 1 overall seed. 

If the Buckeyes ended up on top, there's a good chance they would be at the top of the bracket you'll be filling out this week. 

Stewart Wins Big in Vegas

The good times are continuing for Tony Stewart.

After winning the 2011 Sprint Cup title, "Smoke" is showing the field that he and his team (which he owns) are going to be taking it to the Hendricks' and Joe Gibbs' of the NASCAR world for a long time to come. 

Just look at what he did on Sunday. 

It may be only the third race of the year, but Stewart is showing he has what it takes for a repeat. 

Bracket Time

You know it's March when the best sporting event of the weekend was Greg Gumbel sitting behind a desk reading off a list of 68 teams. 

No need for dunks or alley-oops or 900 horsepower cars, because Selection Sunday provides plenty of excitement as we gear up for the NCAA tournament. 

First, we learned that Kentucky losing didn't matter at all, as they (deservedly) took the No. 1 overall seed, with Michigan State, Syracuse and UNC also coming out on top.

As for the rest? Check it out here, and best of luck figuring out what 12-over-5 upset you want.