Matchup: Pitt vs. UCLA

In looking back at the first four days of the tournament, Saturday was scintillating, with competitive games everywhere and three games that went to overtime. It was March Madness in full bloom, and my alma mater's come-from-behind overtime victory over Xavier was perhaps the most dramatic game of the tournament thus far.

The other three days of the tournament were rather pedestrian. So it is when no double-digit seeds advance to the Round of 16. VCU and Winthrop, both 11 seeds, were the only such teams to even each the second round, and VCU took Pittsburgh to overtime before being eliminated by the Panthers. For both teams, winning a first-round tournament game was strong validation for impressive regular seasons.

Some might be lamenting the lack of a "Cinderella" story so far in this year's tournament, and I can understand the sentiment. I too enjoy the underdog story when it surprisingly surfaces. There is a charm and an excitement engendered by the underdog that is appealing to most fans, but especially the casual fan. And it's fun when it happens.

But I also appreciate what is on tap for Thursday and Friday with 12 of the top 16 seeds still playing, and the possibilities that reality offers for the regional finals. There could be some blockbuster games this weekend if the tournament continues on the course of last week. But I must not get ahead of myself.

Some observations from the first weekend of March Madness:

1. I thought Kansas and USC were the most impressive-looking teams over the weekend. Kansas is relentless. Bill Self's team is always on the attack and comes at you in waves. The Jayhawks' defensive ball pressure is excellent and they excel in transition. In a half-court game they never seem to tire. Improved perimeter shooting and post players that can pass make them a very explosive team.

2. USC is a bit more methodical than Kansas and not quite as deep, but just as effective. With harassing ball pressure, the shot blocking and rebounding presence of Taj Gibson, easy shots don't come often against the Trojans. And on offense they spread you out and attack with fervor off the dribble. All of the primary scorers -- Nick Young, Gabe Pruitt, Gibson, Lodrick Stewart and Daniel Hackett -- can handle the ball and make the midrange jumpshot while being closely guarded. That makes them very difficult to defend.

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