Let the Madness Begin!

What a championship week!

So far five of the potential six teams vying for a No. 1 seed have lost in the early rounds of their respective conference tournaments. A few shoo-in No. 2 seeds have lost as well.

It all got started on Thursday when Pitt and UConn were both dispatched in the second round of the Big East tournament.

The six-OT thriller that sent UConn packing was the Huskies' third loss in its last six games. A fact that might relegate UConn to a No. 2-seed when Sunday's pairings are announced.

Pitt is still firmly a No. 1 seed. That lopsided loss to West Virginia probably did nothing to change that fact. But with the Panthers penchant for choking in the tournament they cannot be considered the overwhelming favorite.

Semi-Final Saturday saw Michigan State blow their chance at a No. 1-seed.

In the ACC, UNC lost to Florida State, possibly ending the 'Heels shot at the No. 1-overall seed.

Among the potential No. 2-seeds losing this week were Kansas, Washington, and Oklahoma.

The Sooners were in the No. 1-seed discussions all season long until they lost four of their last five games to end the regular season.  

So to sum it all up here are my predictions for the top four seeds in each region:

No. 1-Seeds

South: Louisville

East: North Carolina

Midwest: Pittsburgh - No. 1 Overall Seed

West: Memphis

No. 2-Seeds

South: Duke

East: UConn

Midwest: Michigan State

West: Oklahoma

No. 3-Seeds

South: Missouri

East: Villanova

Midwest: Wake Forest

West: Kansas

No. 4-Seeds

South: Syracuse

East: Washington

Midwest: Florida State

West: Gonzaga

Yes, I realize that these predictions will be shot if Louisville loses to Syracuse in tonight's Big East championship game, but I would be willing to bet against that.

The Cardinals are the hottest team in the country right now, and as well all know, NOW is the time to be hot.

Maybe this is a bit of foreshadowing into my thoughts on who will win it all. Maybe it isn't. One way for you to find out will be to check back on Monday evening for my in-depth breakdown of the tournament.

March is only going to madder from here on out.