Dave Thurman (8:10 PM)

It wasn't a pretty weekend for Ohio State but it was effective.  Evan Turner was a turnover waiting to happen during for a big part of the first and second round games, but the Buckeyes advanced and head to St. Louis.  They will need to take their game to a higher level as they face a Tennessee team that defeated Kansas and Kentucky this year among others. 

Notables from the first weekend of the Big Dance:

- Once again we saw why this is they ultimate event in sports.  While I prefer football any day of the year, there is nothing that can compare with the excitement of 48 games played during one extended weekend, many of which went down to the wire. 

- The Big Ten acquitted itself quite nicely.  With three teams headed to the Sweet Sixteen, the conference looked much better than the more ballyhooed Big (L)East and Big Twelve. 

- Ohio teams played very well.  Not only did the Buckeyes advance, but so, too, did Xavier.  Meanwhile, the Ohio Bobcats of John Groce (former OSU assistant) had one of the highlight moments of the first weekend, when they upset Georgetown, before succumbing in round two to Tennessee.  I happen to be friends with John's parents, and wish to congratulate him on a fine year of coaching. 

- Kentucky looks like the team to beat in spite of their youth, and some are predicting a repeat of the '96 Championship game betgween UK and Syracuse. 

Anyway, congrats to the Buckeye roundballers, and good luck in St. Louis!