Alternate title: Oh shit, Louisville lost? Well fuck me.

Tier 1: The also-also rans

Jesse, 91 possible points
Jim, 97 possible points
Dr. Greg, PhD, 99 possible points

I was actually eliminated from contention before the weekend started.  Jim and I had the same final pairing, but Jim had more points than me, so there was no way for me to pass. 2nd was still a distinct possibility, IF Louisville beat Villanova in the final game.  But Louisville lost in embarrassing fashion to Michigan State, ending any hopes of a respectable finish for these three brackets.  So, uh, to you guys, and anybody else who took my advice about Louisville as the big winner... sorry about that.

Tier 2: A whiff of respectability

Suzi, 116 possible points
Rose, 118 possible points
Randy, 123 possible points

None of these players can win, but at least their projected champion made it into the Final Four in Detroit.  Hmm.  Is it possible that Louisville threw that game just do avoid a trip to Detroit? Something to consider. 

Tier 3: Still working on their thesis

Daytrader, 134 possible points
Darrell, 147 possible points

The only two players who can still win, and earn their PhD in Bracketology.  Here's how it breaks down:

DT is currently in the lead by six points.  However, Darrell has more paths to victory. 

If Michigan State beats Connecticut in the semi-finals or North Carolina wins the championship, then Darrell wins.

If Connecticut wins the championship, or Villanova wins the championship AND Michigan State loses to Connecticut, then DT wins.

ObscureCraft prediction updates:

"Therefore, Louisville should be inked in as your champion to start any bracket."

Oops, my bad.

"Pitt and UConn both had the top ranking during the regular season, only to choke it away almost immediately against inferior competition.  Look for both to lose early (I like them for the second weekend but no further)."

After an incredibly shaky first three games, Pitt finally lost to Villanova in thrilling fashion.  When Villanova hit the layup that won the game with 0.5 seconds left, Suzi and I both started shouting/cheering, I jumped off the couch, which frightened the cat, so the cat started running into the other room, which caused the dog to run after her, except the dog slipped on the floor and crashed into the dining room table, knocking over a chair.  Pandemonium here at ObscureCraft HQ.

UConn, on the other hand, continues to dominate. Oops.

"Duke is also, predictably, overrated - expect an early exit."

So-so on this prediction.  Early exit means first weekend, they made it one game further.

"Villanova basically has home games for the first two rounds in Philadelphia, and should win handily. I expect them to ride that momentum as far as they can (maybe even to Detroit)."

Ah, Villanova.  The one bright spot in what has otherwise been a dark, dismal March here at the Center for Bracketological Studies.