The NCAA tournament has now reached the third round and, as always, it has not disappointed; the action has been exciting and the players passionate. True there has not been a Cinderella team like George Mason or Seton Hall to break through and reach the Sweet Sixteen. However, the skill displayed by powerhouse programs like Florida, Ohio State, UCLA and Kansas has more than compensated for the lack of an upset. And still a Final Four with Butler or UNLV would be surprising enough to satisfy our thirst for an underdog story.

Even if you are not a roundball fan, if you have any interest in sport (or the human experience), you cannot help but get swept up in the month-long process to crown a national college basketball champion. With the stands filled with screaming students decked out in team colors, and players weeping for joy or heartbreak at the end of each game, there is enough spectacle to capture the imagination of even the most casual sports fan.

So on April 2, when the net is being cut down in celebration by one team, when the other team is sobbing on the sidelines watching, be thankful for the NCAA having given us a sports fix in between the Superbowl and baseball’s opening day and the Stanley Cup.

Sports Illustrated NCAA Coverage
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/specials/ncaa_tourney/2007/

Fox Sports NCAA Coverage
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/tournament