Over the next three days we’ll do a little series breaking down every 1st round game in the tournament. Hopefully this helps you with your brackets a little bit.

1 North Carolina vs. 16 Play in team - Is there any question here. No need to really discuss this. Tarheels roll.

8 Indiana vs. 9 Arkansas - What a game this should be. Indiana, led by DJ White and stud freshman Eric Gordon has not played well of late. Losing to Minnesota in the Big Ten tourney. While Arkansas is playing their best ball reaching the SEC championship and losing to a hot Georgia team. Look for Indiana to start off slow but to heat up in the 2nd half. Hoosiers win this by 7.

5 Notre Dame vs. 12 George Mason - Notre Dame has struggled in the Big East against some top teams. George Mason is far from a top team, but they do have postseason experience which is huge. A nice core is back from their 2006 Final Four team so look for them to make this game interesting and not go down easily. In fact, it’s our first upset. George Mason wins!

4 Washington St. vs. Winthrop - I’ve seen Washington St. play a few times this year and they are an impressive group with a “never die” attitude. Winthrop making their 8th tourney in 10 years has some great leadership. This should be a barn burner but we are taking Washington St.

6 Oklahoma vs. 11 St. Josephs - This is a nasty game. Oklahoma is banged up. St. Josephs just isn’t that good. Neither team in the top 25. If you force me to pick I’ll take the Sooners just because of their conference.

3 Louisville vs. 14 Boise St. - Louisville has lost 2 straight coming into the tourney but that shouldn’t stop them here. They destroy Boise St. who is a surprise being in the tourney. Louisville rolls on.

7 Butler vs. 10 South Alabama - One of the most intriguing games in the East bracket. Butler is 10th in the nation, yet 7th in their region? Hmmm… South Alabama has an impressive record but have yet to face a Top 25 team. Butlers guard play and experience should outshoot and outplay this S. Alabama team. Butler wins by 10.

2 Tennesse vs. American - Not going to be the 1st 16 over 1 seed here. Tennessee is solid.