I don't know about you, but there's actually something sort of freeing in knowing that this season is actually over now (unless the athletic department decides it wants to buy its way into the CBI, which I find highly unlikely seems to be a possibility -- h/t crimson and gray). I've been so wrapped up in the Cougs, that I haven't been able to fully appreciate the drama going on around the country. Now I can.
In case you all actually want to still talk basketball -- and I most definitely do, although I'm not sure how much I'll be able to chat -- here's a thread for the two afternoon games. We'll have another thread up this evening for what figures to be the two most important games of the day.
If I was to predict today's winners, I'd actually take the chalk. However, if I was looking for one team to lay a complete egg and screw itself in giving up an upset, I honestly would pick Washington. Yes, I know they've absolutely killed that 1-3-1 all year, but something tells me Craig Robinson will have a wrinkle up his sleeve, and these Huskies have been known to overlook an opponent or two this season.
Thursday, March 11 - Quarterfinals
#4 Arizona vs. #5 UCLA, Noon
#1 Cal vs. #8 Oregon, 2:30 p.m.
#2 Arizona State vs. #7 Stanford, 6 p.m.
#3 Washington vs. #6 Oregon State, 8:30 p.m.