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NCAA Brackets: <b>Our Hits and Misses</b>

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Story Created: May 20, 2009

Story Updated: May 20, 2009

NCAA Brackets: Our Hits and Misses

By TMJ4 Sports Staff

Last updated Monday, March 19: Every Monday we mark off the brackets and re-post them here. Click on the bracket snapshots to see the full bracket, including green x's over the incorrect answers.

UPDATE: Only half of Jessie’s Elite 8 are still alive, but three of her Final Four picks are still valid. Jessie was 11-of-16 in her Sweet Sixteen.

I picked Marquette to lose in the first round because of the apparent loss of Jerel McNeal and because of the difficulty of facing a mentor.

I picked Wisconsin to go to the Elite 8. I think the loss against Ohio State will actually be a motivator, but I think their magic runs out against Florida, especially with Brian Butch out.

I think Florida is good enough to repeat as champion.

Louisville is a 6 seed, but I really like them (plus they have one of the best coaches) so I took them to the Elite 8.

I like Texas and Pitt because I think they're unpredictable and you can't have all 1 seeds in the Final Four.

UPDATE: Two of David’s Final Four picks, Texas and Wisconsin, have already dropped out. David was 11-of-16 for his third round picks.

Picked Texas to go to the Final Four because we’ve seen that great star players like Carmelo Anthony and D-Wade can lift their teams to a higher level. Kevin Durant is that kind of player for the Longhorns.

*Yes, I like the Badgers to go to the Final 4, but in the end, I think Ohio State is the best team in the country, and they seem to prove it just about every chance they get.

UPDATE: Lance is 11-of-16 in third round picks, with only six of his Elite 8 still left in the tournament after Wisconsin and Louisville bowed out.

I really like North Carolina’s talent to win it all….they’re deep, and and they come at you in waves….

Florida will likely go deep again…but I just get the sense they aren’t going to win it all….

Yes, I am a Wisconsin alum…but they’re not clicking on all cylinders…so I think they’ll win 3 and lose to Florida in the Elite 8

No Jerel McNeal means Marquette could beat Michigan St, then not have enough against the Tar Heels

And Creighton over Nevada is my upset special! I also think Illinois could shock the world too…

RICK RIETBROCK - TMJ4 Sports Director

UPDATE: Despite being only 10-of-16 in his third-round picks, all of Rick's Elite 8 selections still stand.

No system. No special theories. RPI’s are not considered. I look at the matchup and make a quick pick on “feel”. That might explain why you can usually scan through more than half the names on any scoreboard before coming across my sad tally.

I usually pick too many early upsets and have one of my Final Four teams end up on the wrong end of the “One Shining Moment” video – losing to Western Upstart Tech. There, you’ve been warned. While you’re mocking the picks – at least hear me out on my thought process. Then continue with the mockery.

Marquette-MSU is a great, great first-round matchup. I think MU can nullify Neitzel and move on. I wish I could say they’d survive the weekend, but I don’t see it. Jerel McNeal at 100 percent would have made it pretty interesting.

The Badgers aren’t exactly wowing anyone at this point, but while most of the big-time squawkers see them as an early upset possibility, I think they’ll make it to next week. That’s where trouble looms.

I like Texas – maybe just because they’ve been in some of the most exciting games of the season – but I like the way Georgetown is playing even more. So the Hoyas go to Atlanta.

I love Texas A&M to knock off Ohio State (who I can’t see getting to the Final Four). The problem is, I think Louisville has the makings of a very deep run as well so picking the Aggies over Louisville was even tougher. Hmmm… I smell trouble with this pick, but it’s too late to look back now.

I’ll say UCLA recovers from a bumpy end of the season, and knocks off defending champion Florida on the way to the title.

How do they beat Florida, who seems to have everything back in place for a repeat?

Like I said, it’s a feel thing. Whenever a team wins a title and brings everyone back for what should be an even better season, it never seems to work out that way.

If you’re looking for a better explanation, you’re checking the wrong bracket. See what Lance has to say instead.

MIKE RYAN - TMJ4 Sports Producer

UPDATE: Play-it-safe Mike has all 1- and 2-seeds in his Elite 8, making Wisconsin his only incorrect guess in his top 8. Mike is 12-for-16 in his Sweet 16 selections.

It's always nice to see what my beloved co-workers select for their picks. Now it's time for the lowly producer to get his punches in.

I don't like picking many upsets in the first round. They ALWAYS happen, but picking them is very tough. The first major upset will happen on Sunday when #7 Nevada knocks off #2 Memphis. Tell Michael Greene that Memphis doesn't belong because they are in a weak conference.

I didn't pick many upsets but don't be surprised if Oral Roberts knocks off Tony Bennet's WAZOO Cougars. Many think the Marquette Warriors....wait..so sorry..the Golden Eagles will fall to Michigan St. in the opener. Yes, the loss of Jerel McNeal will hurt, but I think the guys will get it done, but will fall to North Carolina on Saturday.

As for the Badgers, playing in Chicago will help quite a bit. I just hope they survive the first round...I know...Corpus Crispy? Are you kidding. You know how you beat Corpus Christi? Pick up the tempo...Something the Badgers would prefer to stay away from. Bucky will get to the 2nd weekend, but will fall to Florida in the Elite 8. Look for Jason Bohannon to be Wisconsin's wild card.

Now, as far as getting to the Final Four, you need experience, guard play, a strong inside game and a little luck of the Irish never hurts. No team has more experience than Florida. UCLA has the best point guard in the country. Georgetown has the inside presence, and as far as lady luck, look out for Texas A&M! When the dust clears, Florida will cut down the nets. Many people got down on Florida for their poor finish. Well, the same team had a poor finish last year and won it all. As long as the Gators are hungry enough, they will repeat.

Lastly, Rick Rietbrock says to look to Lance's sheet for explanations. That is one sheet I would stay away from. He has Creighton over Nevada? How can that happen if Nevada is going to the Sweet 16??? Stick to Nascar Lance!

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