We are about 2.5 hours from tip-off over at the Spokane Arena....and, the more I think about it, I'm really not too hot on Oregon's chances today. It's a feeling that I've had for the past 24 hours or so. Winthrop is the 11-seed....with it's only losses this season coming to tournament teams N.Carolina, Maryland, Texas A&M, and Wisconsin. Those are a 1, 2, 3 and 4 seed (not in that order).
Ironically, as I'm typing this, Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis just said they like Winthrop today too.

I thought that Oregon was mentally focused before the Miami U game. They admitted their were butterflies, but were able to still post the win. With the Golden Eagles, I'm convinced that they are the team of destiny--at least here in Spokane. I see them advancing today....in a contest that could be decided at the free-throw line.
Craig Bradshaw is gonna be load for the Ducks. And that could spell foul trouble for Maarty Leunen...who is a decent defender. But the 6-10 Kiwi is as athletic a player in this tourney. I believe Maarty is going to be in over his head. I certainly hope I'm wrong....because I like what the Ducks have been able to do just to get here.

I'll fire up the "blog machine" once again just before tip-off and keep you posted throughout the contest. Off to the arena I go.....GO DUCKS!