How Sweet it Is

I realize we’re coming down to the wire (within 20 minutes to game time, I believe), but to be completely honest, I was hesitant to write a follow up on my Secretary V. Official Bracket Challenge. I didn’t know how to feel when I looked over the results after the first two rounds. Flat out, I didn’t know who I’d rather disappoint: mom or dad. But, for the love of my loyal reader(s?), I will be true to my word and follow up as we wait for the Sweet 16 to kick off tonight.

I am pained to say that my hope for my Secretary Bracket is all but dead. We’re not talking something as simple as a coma here. We’re looking at minimal brainwaves. First and foremost I would like to extend a hand of gratitude to Mr. Kevin “I wish I tried Harder” Durant as Texas bowed out to OJ Mayo-recruit USC. I will say that, though I was lukewarm on Durant leading the Longhorns to a Championship, I truly believed the Elite 8 was a possibility. May your orange rest in peace, Durant, whether or not your parents decide on the NBA for you.

That being said, my Final Four of the Secretary Bracket looked like this:

Midwest: Wisconsin
West: Indiana
East: Texas
South: Tennessee

You’re not reading that incorrectly. I have one team left in the Final Four, with Texas originally facing off against Wisconsin for the Championship.

Mom, I’m sorry. Just one more disappointment to add to the list.

But, Dad, you’d be proud of your little girl!

My Sweet 16 is looking pretty sweet indeed (in fact, probably better than my Dad’s) Though I had Maryland instead of Butler, Wisconsin over UNLV and Texas over UNC, I’ve still got three of my Final Four in place:

Midwest: Florida
West: Kansas
East: Texas (boo, freakin hoo)
South: Ohio State

With my Secretary Bracket belly-up, I’m focusing most of my energy on my Official Bracket.
This round’s match up that’ll be watched with a bottle of Jack at my side: Ohio State and Tennessee. Bruce Pearl and his band of misfits scare me a bit, having lost to Ohio by only 2 points earlier this season and forcing 20 turnovers. On the other side, Thad Matta’s currently going through his pregame rituals that seem to have helped Ohio thus far.

Regardless, I apologize to my mother, brag to my father, let the memory of Texas fade away and pray for Ohio State to come away with this one. I need the money for my new spring wardrobe.

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