Take it or leave it - the Maniac's second edition of Bracketeering for 08-09
FINAL FOUR:
1. UNC - Thrashings of Notre Dame and Kentucky looked routine. Is there any doubt they do the same thing to Michigan St. this Tuesday?
2. UCONN - Wins over Miami and Wisconsin. UConn will have some competition for certain, but appears to be ready to tangle with a tough Big East.
3. Duke - We'll find out how tough Duke is this week against Purdue. My guess? Tough enough.
4. Oklahoma - Played a tough Davidson squad last week in what had the feel of a "third round" tourney game. Took care of Purdue this week in a "Regional Final."
ELITE EIGHT:
5. Gonzaga - This is written before their tilt with #12 Tennessee. I think the Zags win it, and gear up for the Duke tilt later this month.
6. Notre Dame - Yes, Carolina had their way with them, but they are going to make a lot of good teams look very pedestrian. Notre Dame's win over Texas and steady play in 08 are enough to erase the memory of the Ty Lawson track meet in Maui.
7. Pitt- OK, I give in. This is one of a small handful of the best teams in the country. For now.8. Xavier - Originally an admitted homer pick, but with every team around them taking losses or ducking competition, the Muskies hang on to the 8th slot for another week. Upcoming games against Butler, Cincinnati, Auburn, Virginia and Duke will settle whether they belong.
Sweet and lurking: The next tier
Texas, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Davidson, Tennessee, Baylor, LSU, Louisville, Michigan St, Villanova
Bracket Busts: Some early season disappointments
Lousiville, USC, Marquette, Southern Illinois
Half Court Heaves: Long shots worth keeping an eye on
Dayton, Seton Hall, Minnesota, Cincinnati, St. Mary's, Air Force, Kentucky (forget the VMI game, this will be a tourney team) and Western Kentucky (bad 28-pt. loss to Murray St last week, but gets a temporary nod after dismantling the 'Ville in Freedom Hall)
Not as big as last year's tourney run, but a nice win for the 'Toppers in Louisville. 
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