They say you can count on two things — death and taxes.

I would argue there are at least three things you can count on. My third item would be the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament delivering dramatic finishes, thrilling upsets and more emotion packed into 40 minutes than most people can handle.

The tournament delivered once again on its opening weekend and I expect more of the same this weekend when the field whittles itself down to four teams.

Heck, the tournament didn’t even get past its first game this season before there was an upset.

When the Ohio State Buckeyes fell to “little brother” Dayton, I knew this was going to be a magic tournament once again.

I always go into the tournament expecting the upsets and the fantastic finishes.

But you also had to wonder if this is the year that everything falls the way it is supposed to and all the big dogs get to the Final Four?

I didn’t have to wait long for my answer.

And it continued to deliver game-after-game. This year’s tournament has been better than ever and I don’t see that changing with some of the match-ups we have on tap.

It was nice to see the Big Ten flex its muscles and advance three teams to the “Sweet 16.”

Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin could all end up in the Final Four.

But there are still a lot good teams out there and there are still more upsets yet to come.

So buckle up everyone. It’s time for the regional round of the NCAA tournament.

Hopefully, your favorite team is still alive. If not, jump on the bandwagon of one of the underdogs and have some fun.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com.