Let’s take a minute to applaud the work put in today by the Colgate Raiders, who took a talented UT team to the wire. An incredible effort from the team from the Chenango Valley.

Now to the lowbrow commentary on the rest of the tournament…

Lots of close calls at the top, but most of the upsets have been of the 12/5 and 13/4 variety, setting up the improbable Irvine Oregon matchup in the second round for example.

What does this mean for all of us? Nothing yet, mostly because UVA managed to avoid another first round upset. If they had succumbed to Gardner-Webb, the 23 Luwakateers who had them winning it all would have been crying into their Cheerios. The 49 who have Duke being crowned the NCAA champion are feeling pretty good right now after watching the Blue Devils win big against North Dakota State.

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS
UMBC isn’t messing around. They own the top three spots in the individual standings and for those who ride the mathematical struggle bus, this also means that they own the top place in the team standings as well. They’re led by appropriately-named Jim Lord, who earned 28 of a possible 32 points in Round 1.

The field behind Jim is crowded and a bit of a mixed bag in terms of teams. Hamilton’s Wilfred “The Jammer” Jackson and Vandy’s Crafty Connie Harris and Boomin’ Brittney Mmutle, so keep an eye on the Commodores to make a run in Round 2.

TEAM STANDINGS
As noted, UMBC owns the top spot but the field is so even at this point, it’s not that much of a lead … so don’t go filling the ceiling with balloons just yet, Fritz. Hamilton, Amherst, and Vandy are right on your tail. It’s anyone’s game at this point. Well, maybe not Denison’s but let’s not put Cinderella in her carriage just yet.

On to Round 2!