The Raleigh Natty Regional

Whether you'll be catching all the action in person at the RBC Center PNC Arena on Sunday, or at home (or at a sports bar) glued to your TV . . . if you aren't excited about tomorrow's games in Raleigh, the BCs respectfully suggest that you check your pulse.

First of all, this is the Sweet Sixteen we're talking about. Pause for a moment and think about that. Out of the more than 300 NCAA Division I teams in the country, there are only 16 still playing this weekend . . . and one of them is Maryland. Sweet. This is a major accomplishment!

Second, the Terps are in pretty darn good company down in Raleigh. Of the four teams in the Raleigh Regional, three of them (our stat department assures us that's 75%!) have won National Championships, all with their current coaches, all in this century. No other Regional has that many Natty winners. And each of those winning schools won its Natty in a close, exciting, down to the wire (and then some) game. There are some serious competitors in this Raleigh draw!

So what are we expecting (and looking forward to) tomorrow in Raleigh? Possibly a close, exciting, down to the wire (and maybe then some) game . . . between our favorite, the Region's #2 seed, Maryland (obviously one of those Natty winners), and the Region's #3 seed, Texas A&M . . . who just happen to be the defending National Champions! Tip-off is at 12 Noon at the PNC Arena (and on ESPN). This should be exciting!

Following Maryland's game, the third Natty winner in Raleigh -- the Region's #1 seed, Notre Dame -- will face #5 seed St. Bonaventure in the Catholic Bowl at 2:30 PM. No offense to the Bonnies, but we think the Fighting Irish are a heavy favorite. (Sorry, Father Mike.)

We can't wait for tomorrow!

Go Terps . . . Beat the Aggies!